In this blog, I will be focusing on another omni attribute of the Christian God. Mainly, I will be explaining why God's omniscience does not violate our free will.
Why does God being all knowing and having the ability to know your choices, and future violate free will? The reason why I don't think it does, is because free will is simply the ability to make free choices. It doesn't matter if God knows those choices or not. We still have the free choice, to do whatever we desire.
Now, God knowing the future and knows the choice you will make is where some like to make there case on how there is a logical problem. They think it is as if God had predestined that even to happen. God being all knowing, knew you would do a certain thing before you would do it, so it's like it had to happen to matter what. But this is not the case. God being all knowing does indeed know our choice before we make it. But still, that doesn't stop us from making that free choice!
If Adam and Eve chose not to eat the forbidden fruit, then they wouldn't of, and this world would still probably be perfect. But they just so happen to eat the fruit instead. Of course God knew it would happen, simply because, it happened! The sin really was committed, and the reason why God knew about it is because Adam and Eve would eventually sin. It wasn't necessarily predestined. It could of been, but I only used this as an example.
Conclusion: God simply knowing what would happen does not mean we are unable to make free choices. Because truly, we do make free choices all day everyday.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The justification of Atheism
One thing I have noticed time and time again while engaging in debates with Atheists is that most of them say they do not need to justify there Atheism. But, I want to know why this is. Who said they are special to be allowed not to? I mean, Atheism is an intellectual position, right? What reasons do Atheists have for holding that position? Are Atheists reasons based upon logic, and/or the lack of evidence? If this is the case, then is there any reason or evidence for Atheists to hold the position that they defend?
Is there any good reason to even be an Atheist, is what I am basically asking. In order for a position to be held or to be considered rational, it needs to have good, rational reasons to believe in it or to hold that position. Or at least rational arguments for it. But unfortunately, I have failed to see Atheists producing any of this.
If an Atheist were to say that Atheism needs no evidence or reason, then are they holding a position that has no evidence or rational basis? If so, then isn’t that simply faith? If an Atheist were to say that Atheism is supported by the lack of evidence for God, then it is only that Atheist's opinion that there is no evidence. Simply because they cannot or do not know all the reasons, arguments or evidences for God. And remember, the absence of evidence is not always evidence of absence. If there was no evidence the butler killed the maid that still doesn't mean the butler didn't kill the maid.
So, allow me to ask once more. What are the benefits of Atheism? Why should one be an Atheist?
Atheism needs to be justified like any other position here on Earth. It really isn't much different.
Is there any good reason to even be an Atheist, is what I am basically asking. In order for a position to be held or to be considered rational, it needs to have good, rational reasons to believe in it or to hold that position. Or at least rational arguments for it. But unfortunately, I have failed to see Atheists producing any of this.
If an Atheist were to say that Atheism needs no evidence or reason, then are they holding a position that has no evidence or rational basis? If so, then isn’t that simply faith? If an Atheist were to say that Atheism is supported by the lack of evidence for God, then it is only that Atheist's opinion that there is no evidence. Simply because they cannot or do not know all the reasons, arguments or evidences for God. And remember, the absence of evidence is not always evidence of absence. If there was no evidence the butler killed the maid that still doesn't mean the butler didn't kill the maid.
So, allow me to ask once more. What are the benefits of Atheism? Why should one be an Atheist?
Atheism needs to be justified like any other position here on Earth. It really isn't much different.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?
This is kind of a silly question, but it is meant to provoke intellectual thought. So, I figured it is worth typing a blog over because I myself have studied a bit of angelology and this question has been brought to my attention before.
So, how many angels can dance on the head of a pin? I don't think there is necessarily a limit. I guess in order to answer this question we must define what an angel is and if an angel even consists of physical properties. If angels do a specific size to them. Then it would be easy to answer this question. If angels were all 6 feet tall and looked close to humans. Or if angels were small enough for there to be a number of them that could dance on the head of a pin. Then I think it would be much easier to answer this question. But if they are immaterial beings, then it is possible an unlimited number of angels can dance on the head of a pin. And if that is true, then asking an amount of immaterial beings would be pointless to begin with.
The Bible does speak about angels though. I have typed a blog about angels and demons before. Angels usually appear was men or the angels themselves could be men. The Greek and Hebrew word used for angel both mean "messenger". So a human could be a messenger, or in that sense, an "angel". But not a spiritual angel that the Bible also talks about. Both Ezekiel and Isaiah describe angels in there visions in detail. Describing them with wings and such. I'm sure they were having a hard time trying to describe the things they were seeing. But it seems to me they saw literal, physical beings either way. Now, are they like that in this natural world, or are they only like that in the spiritual world? I do not know.
But I would have to say ultimately, whether they have a size or not, no angels can dance on the head of a pin.
So, how many angels can dance on the head of a pin? I don't think there is necessarily a limit. I guess in order to answer this question we must define what an angel is and if an angel even consists of physical properties. If angels do a specific size to them. Then it would be easy to answer this question. If angels were all 6 feet tall and looked close to humans. Or if angels were small enough for there to be a number of them that could dance on the head of a pin. Then I think it would be much easier to answer this question. But if they are immaterial beings, then it is possible an unlimited number of angels can dance on the head of a pin. And if that is true, then asking an amount of immaterial beings would be pointless to begin with.
The Bible does speak about angels though. I have typed a blog about angels and demons before. Angels usually appear was men or the angels themselves could be men. The Greek and Hebrew word used for angel both mean "messenger". So a human could be a messenger, or in that sense, an "angel". But not a spiritual angel that the Bible also talks about. Both Ezekiel and Isaiah describe angels in there visions in detail. Describing them with wings and such. I'm sure they were having a hard time trying to describe the things they were seeing. But it seems to me they saw literal, physical beings either way. Now, are they like that in this natural world, or are they only like that in the spiritual world? I do not know.
But I would have to say ultimately, whether they have a size or not, no angels can dance on the head of a pin.
Why go to church?
So, why go to church? Is it necessary? If so, then why is it necessary?
Well, I think it is for a few simple reasons, which I am going to share in this blog.
Church is a great place to not only learn and hear about the word of God. But it is also a great time and place to fellowship with like minded Christians, who are also learning and hearing the word of God. Perhaps you can do Bible studies together. Or pray for one another. Maybe to share you testimony and listen to others so that you may grow and learn from it. Christ said "when two or more gather in my name, I am in the mists of them". So worshiping and praying with two or more people, Christ will be in our mists. We will have access to Him and His glory.
Also, church nowadays is involved in many great programs that have to deal with charity work and spreading the gospel at the same time. Like missionary trips. I think God most certainly will use these things to His advantage in order to spread His gospel around.
So from all of this. I think the Bible does indeed encourage Christians to gather and worship. It shows obedience towards God and it is a great time and place to learn, fellowship and worship. We see this in Biblical stores, found in places like the book of Acts.
God bless.
Well, I think it is for a few simple reasons, which I am going to share in this blog.
Church is a great place to not only learn and hear about the word of God. But it is also a great time and place to fellowship with like minded Christians, who are also learning and hearing the word of God. Perhaps you can do Bible studies together. Or pray for one another. Maybe to share you testimony and listen to others so that you may grow and learn from it. Christ said "when two or more gather in my name, I am in the mists of them". So worshiping and praying with two or more people, Christ will be in our mists. We will have access to Him and His glory.
Also, church nowadays is involved in many great programs that have to deal with charity work and spreading the gospel at the same time. Like missionary trips. I think God most certainly will use these things to His advantage in order to spread His gospel around.
So from all of this. I think the Bible does indeed encourage Christians to gather and worship. It shows obedience towards God and it is a great time and place to learn, fellowship and worship. We see this in Biblical stores, found in places like the book of Acts.
God bless.
Friday, July 17, 2009
How can God be all loving and all just at the same time?
This is a supposed logical problem of the Christian concept of God. So in this blog, I will be addressing it and showing you how there is no logical problem.
Let's look at the cross for example. Both God's love and justice meet here. On one hand, we see the justice of God being fulfilled as God's wrath is poured out upon Christ a man who has the sins of the world on his shoulders. And on the other hand, we see God's love at the cross. Because this is a way for us to obtain salvation through Jesus Christ, the lamb of God, who's blood washes away the sins of the world.
So in order for both of these attributes to be true, they must coexist with each other and not rule each other out. And here at the cross. We see God's love and justice meeting. God's will and standard for justice being served was fulfilled when Christ, a perfect sacrifice met up to His standards and bore the sins of this world. All of this was fulfilled when God's wrath was poured out upon Him.
Let's look at the cross for example. Both God's love and justice meet here. On one hand, we see the justice of God being fulfilled as God's wrath is poured out upon Christ a man who has the sins of the world on his shoulders. And on the other hand, we see God's love at the cross. Because this is a way for us to obtain salvation through Jesus Christ, the lamb of God, who's blood washes away the sins of the world.
So in order for both of these attributes to be true, they must coexist with each other and not rule each other out. And here at the cross. We see God's love and justice meeting. God's will and standard for justice being served was fulfilled when Christ, a perfect sacrifice met up to His standards and bore the sins of this world. All of this was fulfilled when God's wrath was poured out upon Him.
How come God can't just forgive everyone's sins?
I think there are not only theological problems with this question. But also logical problems, which I am going to be going over in this blog.
But first, a question.
Why should God forgive anyone's sins?
One might say it is because He is all loving. But they have completely misunderstood God's nature and love. Let's not forget that God is more than just loving. He is also holy, just and righteous. So, should a holy, just and righteous God just forgive a sinner? Should a judge just forgive a criminal because that judge is all loving and all forgiving? The answer is no, because that judge has to his or her job. A criminal deserves to be punished by a fair, just and righteous judge. Just like a sinner does by God.
Now don't get me wrong. God is very loving and His mercy is very rich. But that does not imply that God should just forgive everyone or anyone at that. That would rule out his righteousness and justice, making him not God. One attribute would have to substitute the other. But in order for God to exist. He must exist logically.
That was the logical problems. So, what about the theological problems? Well, Hebrews 9:22 says this "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" This is clarified by 1 John 5:7, Revelation 1:5 and Ephesians 1:7.
There is no forgiveness of sin without the precious blood of the lamb, Jesus Christ.
We must put our faith and trust into Him, and believe, as the Bible teaches.
But first, a question.
Why should God forgive anyone's sins?
One might say it is because He is all loving. But they have completely misunderstood God's nature and love. Let's not forget that God is more than just loving. He is also holy, just and righteous. So, should a holy, just and righteous God just forgive a sinner? Should a judge just forgive a criminal because that judge is all loving and all forgiving? The answer is no, because that judge has to his or her job. A criminal deserves to be punished by a fair, just and righteous judge. Just like a sinner does by God.
Now don't get me wrong. God is very loving and His mercy is very rich. But that does not imply that God should just forgive everyone or anyone at that. That would rule out his righteousness and justice, making him not God. One attribute would have to substitute the other. But in order for God to exist. He must exist logically.
That was the logical problems. So, what about the theological problems? Well, Hebrews 9:22 says this "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" This is clarified by 1 John 5:7, Revelation 1:5 and Ephesians 1:7.
There is no forgiveness of sin without the precious blood of the lamb, Jesus Christ.
We must put our faith and trust into Him, and believe, as the Bible teaches.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
