Why Can't Science and Christianity Both Be Right?

I love science. I truly do. It explains a lot of things that myths and stories were once used to explain. And due to science, we have the capability to treat health problems, predict when a storm is coming so we can be better prepared, and c'mon, face it... without science, I wouldn't be able to spend way too much of my time on a computer, communicating with people I would otherwise have never met.

I also believe in God. I do believe God created everything. I have faith in this higher being, the Father of all. I believe He sent His Son to Earth, who was crucified, and rose again. And I believe the Holy Spirit dwells within me, guiding me.

The Bible:

I also believe in the Bible. However, I do not believe that God is the author of the text. For that to be true, all books would read in the same style/tone/language. All the authors had a different style and approach. Paul wrote longer sentences; Mark's were shorter; and John's view of the life of Christ was from a different point of view than Luke. David wrote poetic cries of hardship in his Psalms. Other writers wrote praises. Still others wrote historical books, some were scholarly, some were letters to Church leaders, written from a personal and passionate standpoint. We see these differences daily in our lives as Christian bloggers. Every author, has his/her own style and tone, and their own set of circumstances. 

If God was the author, these differences wouldn't appear. Instead, I believe God put the precise thought into the mind of the writer (i.e. He inspired the writer)... but then that person was the author, and wrote that thought in his own words and style, with his own personality showing through, and the context of his own culture and understanding showing through. 

So, when the creation was being written about in the Bible, Moses was going off God's inspiration of what to write, but also his own limited understanding. God created the world in 6 days. Were these 24 hour periods of time? Granted, God could do it all in 6 24-hour periods. But, He could also have done it in 1. And, in looking at what we believe scientifically, the time from Big Bang to man took more than 6 literal days. Perhaps it was 6 "periods of time". To be truthful, we don't know. But does it truly matter?

Christianity vs. Science:

So now, consider the ever-constant debate about whether science is right, or whether Christianity is right. I just don't understand why they can't both be right. Yes, science says the universe started with a Big Bang. Who created that? All those empires and cities listed in the Bible? Science (archaeology) has proven many of them exist. The Great Flood? Science has made strives through underwater archaeology in determining that it did happen. In fact, this isn't a story reserved for Christianity. Many of the old mythologies have accounts of a flood... perhaps the same one (which, I actually believe.. but I also believe that many religions/mythologies are all the same. But, that's a story for another time and place). The crucifixion of Christ? Even most scientific scholars agree this happened. 

If you take the Bible as a completely literal account of everything that happened, then I can see where people may not believe in it. It tends to leave more questions than answers in regards to events that occurred. Science is much better prepared to answer such questions. However, there are some things even science cannot explain. Miracles do happen. Someone who's determined dead suddenly having their heart start again; a storm that destroys everything in its path except for one child; a permanently blind person suddenly able to see again for no medical reason whatsoever. Things happen that even the most educated and experienced scientist will admit he cannot answer. 

There is a place for both Christianity and science to live. As Christians, we cannot turn a blind eye to what science has proven. But, in the same respect, those who believe solely in science must be willing to recognize that there are Biblical events and places which science has proven existed, and that there are some things even science cannot explain. What one may call luck, or a coincidence, Christians consider to be God's work. 

So, quit fighting but keep discussing openly and be understanding that we can coexist quite happily, learning from each other and growing together. 

Where is God and the Guardian Angels?

I've decided this is what my guardian angel looks like... and it does explain why I keep ending up in scrapes...

But seriously...

Every now and then I realize that I truly am one of the lucky ones. I realize that God truly has been watching over me. True, I often forget this, and true, I have been through a lot. I have been molested and raped and beaten. I have suffered many forms of abuse from many different people - people who were supposed to love and care for me. And during these times (and times when I am feeling sorry for myself for what I went through), I often found myself asking if there really is a God. Is God and His angels just up there drinking beer and watching sports? Or perhaps they're playing chess... and I'm merely a pawn. Yes, I often thought these things.

Throughout the media lately, more and more stories come out that sicken me.... and make me realize that what I've gone through has been a party compared to what some suffer. A 4 month old who is raped to death by her mother's boyfriend - at the mother's request. A 7 year old sold into slavery and raped by dozens of men almost daily. Parents who hang colored curtains on their windows to let passers-by know if they have a boy or a girl under the age of 10 whose services are for sale. Parents who lock their child in a cage, feeding him from a dog dish, beating him with sticks. Teenagers forcing their girlfriends to provide sexual services to their friends. Boys opening fire on school children. Gangs of girls tormenting and torturing the girl who just doesn't quite fit in, beating her on camera just to make a cool YouTube video.

I could go on for days. But, I'm depressing myself and probably everyone else.

And just as I used to question God's existence when I went through torment and abuse, I am often confronted now by certain people with the question "How can you believe in God when things like this happen?" And, I can't answer with anything other than, "I just do."

Yes, there are still times when I think God must be on a coffee break. There are times when I seriously doubt there are guardian angels watching out for us (still really not sure where I stand on this topic anyway... ?). But I just can't help but believe that God is there. And He is watching out for us. Why do bad things happen? Why are babies killed and children raped and people tortured and tormented for no good reason? I don't know.

Perhaps God really does have a plan (although, I find a God who uses the rape of a baby as part of a "plan" to be a very cruel God indeed and not one I want to follow).

Perhaps God simply isn't that concerned with what happens on earth. He isn't tormenting us intentionally; He is simply more focused on our lives when we leave this earth. '

Perhaps the earth really is Satan's world, and we won't get a reprieve from the pain until we're in heaven (all the more reason to shape up and turn to God now).

I don't know. I don't have the answers. I only know that this world sometimes sucks, but I still believe in God and love Him.

God bless!

Selfish, Unforgiving, Or Just Weak-minded?

I'd like to begin this post with an apology - I should have the patience to actually look up verses rather than refer to "that one verse"... but I'm angry and trying to hammer out these words...

I have read many posts recently which talk about avoiding people. We should not hang out with those who do not believe as we do. We should not be married or stay married to someone who does not follow Christ. We should abandon friends who do not believe the same as we do about marriage, friendship, Christianity, etc.

These people quote the Bible. And yes, this is where I will be lazy and not put in the Bible verses they use. But yes... they do quote the Bible. These verses say we should not hang out with those who sin because hey, we're all to freaking weak to make our own decisions. We're all too weak to say, "hey, I realize you think it is ok to sleep with the football team... but that's not what God teaches us."

Yes, there are verses which say we should not associate with "bad people." But, aren't we all "bad people"? Do we simply accept these verses and completely ignore the fact that a) we're supposed to love everyone, b) we're supposed to share God's love and message with everyone, and c) there's even some place in 1 Corinthians that talks about being an example to a non-believing spouse.

True, if you have that one person who is trying to get you to sin.. that one person who encourages bad behavior on your part, then avoid them. But only after trying to witness to them. Don't just say "oh, you're a bad influence, I refuse to speak to you anymore." Are you really so much a lemming that you can't stand up to sin? You have to completely ditch a person rather than try to be a good influence because you're too afraid of the other person being a bad influence?

Maybe this is what is wrong with the world. We're too busy either turning our backs on people, or preaching rather than being a loving example of Christ. We're too busy being selfish and not wanting to actually have to stand up and be strong in Christ. It's easier to get rid of bad influences than to try to be a good influence. It's easier to turn our back on a potential follower of Christ, than to help lead that person to Christ.

We're just too selfish, unforgiving, and/or weak-minded to be the witnesses God has asked us to be.

What Matters Most

Every night there's a new discussion... a new debate... a new argument... happening on Facebook and Google+ regarding Christianity. "My faith is better than your faith" is what they all amount to - which is actually quite ridiculous since we all worship the same God. And yet, I take part in these. And many I know take part in these. But honestly, does it matter if we believe baptism is by immersion or sprinkling? Does it matter if we believe the Lord's Supper is literal or figurative? Does it matter if we believe this verse means this, or that?

No. It does not matter.

How can I say such a thing? How can I know this?

First... allow me to describe something that I don't know if I even can describe...

Nearly a year ago, a friend of mine (who happens to be a pastor) drug me (figuratively) to the baptismal font in his church. I was not a member there. I'd been a rare church-goer at all. But there I stood with him, my heart heavy. My soul heavy. I felt as if God had abandoned me. My eyes brimmed with tears that I refused to let fall as I stood beside a man I refused to trust in the building of a God I believed could never love me.

He had me dip my hands into the water; let me feel the water flow between my fingers. I could feel a slow peace beginning to overcome me, but I tried to ignore it. And then he dipped his own fingers into the water, and moved his hand to my head. With his thumb, he made the sign of the cross on my forehead, stating with no uncertainty that I am a beloved child of God.

The tears fell. My knees trembled, barely able to hold my weight. I shook. I couldn't seem to find my voice. And what happened inside me? I can never come up with words adequate enough to explain. I suddenly knew... I knew God was there with me. I knew He did love me. I knew I was one of his beloved. My heart that had been closed off for 30-some years was suddenly opened. I trusted. My whole being was suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit. And I felt peace. And I felt loved.

------

So, how do I know that all the "little" things we argue and fight about really don't matter that much?

Easy... if it does matter, than the my faith must be the only correct faith. Why? Because the Holy Spirit is in me... and I am saved... and I am a beloved child of God. And I know this without a doubt. And, at the time I became aware of this, I was a faithful attender of the Lutheran church, and was in the process of switching my membership to that church. So, if all these things matter... than what I believe must be the correct belief... which means everyone must convert to Lutheranism. That's the only answer...

Unless, of course, these things really just aren't as important as the Grace and Love of God - a grace and love so immense that He gave his only Son, our Lord, to die for us.

This is what matters most.

Personal Interpretation

Have you ever taken an ink blot test? You look at a blob of ink on a piece of card stock and tell the therapist, psychologist, or other insane person showing this card what it reminds you of. There is no right answer. There is no wrong answer. It's an ink blot. 

Have you ever been accused of treating the Bible like an ink blot test?

I have been. I've been accused of wrongful personal interpretation of the Bible. I've been warned about interpreting the Bible on my own. I've been informed that because I am not Catholic, I do not and can not understand the truths within the Bible.

And, I must admit, being accused of essentially treating God's Word like a splattering of ink is something I take great offense to. Why? Because this is something completely against everything I believe. The Bible is not something to be treated so callously. It's God's Word.

Yes, my beliefs on what the Bible says regarding certain topics does not match what some others may believe. But these are not my personal interpretations. These are not based on my own study. Yes, I do study the Bible. I also study commentaries on various viewpoints. But this does not form my personal interpretation.

My personal interpretation is actually God's truth as God shows it to me. It doesn't come from false prophets. It doesn't come from only my own reading. It doesn't come from study. It comes from God.

I pray before reading, and after reading. When I read the Bible, I read it with the Holy Spirit active within me. I don't read it with the teachings of the Catholic church (or any other church) screaming inside me. I read it with God inside me. This is how I believe the Bible should be read.

This doesn't make the Bible an inkblot. It makes the Bible real and alive. It isn't a personal interpretation. It's God speaking.

Who Are We to Say Who is Saved?

Isaiah 40:13 - ¹³ Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord or instruct the Lord as his counselor?

 Lately I've heard many discussions on what is required to be saved. Every denomination has a different theory. Some say you must believe in Christ. Some say you must confess out loud your salvation through Christ. Some insist we're all saved. Some say it is by grace alone... some say it's by works as well. 

I say - who are we to say? Every different theory has Bible verses to support it. No one theory is necessarily wrong. No one theory is necessarily correct. Only God knows. For us to presume we know who will be saved and who will not? This would be us thinking we can make these decisions for God. And we can't. This would be us thinking we know as much as God, and know His will. And we don't. 

Personally, I do believe I am saved. For which of these theories, I cannot say. I do believe in Christ and that He died for me (us). I do believe in God's grace and that He gave us this great gift. I also try to do good works, not to get into Heaven, but because it's just the right thing to do. I have entertained each of these theories at one point or another... until I realized that I do not know God. I do not know who He will save.  Yes, I know I think I will be saved. But only God knows what God is going to do, and to presume I know as much as He? That just would not be right.

This said, allow me to post just some of the different theories on salvation, and some verses in support of such theories....

Saved by Grace:

Ephesians 2:8-9

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.

Romans 11:6

⁶ And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Acts 15:11

No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

Saved by Works:

James 2:17-20

¹⁷ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. ¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

Titus 3:8

⁸ This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

1 Peter 2:12

¹² Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Saved by Belief in Christ:

John 3:17-18

¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

John 20:30-31

³⁰ Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. ³¹ But these are written that you may believe^[a] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Acts 16:31

³¹ They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

John 1:12

¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

Saved by Belief in Salvation through Christ:

John 8:24

²⁴ I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”

Galatians 2:20

²⁰ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

¹⁵ Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. ² By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

³ For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance^[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Saved by Belief and Confession of that Belief and Salvation:

Romans 10:9-10

⁹ If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Saved by Baptism:

Mark 16:16

¹⁶ Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Romans 6:3

³ Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

Acts 2:38

³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Saved by Repentance:

Isaiah 30:15

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.

Ezekiel 18: 32

For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

Luke 13:3

³ I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.

Saved Already:

1 Timothy 4:10

¹⁰ That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

Ephesians 1:7

⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

1 John 2:2

² He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Deuteronomy 1:39

³⁹ And the little ones that you said would be taken captive, your children who do not yet know good from bad—they will enter the land. I will give it to them and they will take possession of it.

Saved Already, unless Denying Christ:

Matthew 2:33

³³ But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.

2 Peter 2:21

²¹ It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.