The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom

[Beagle1]

the church does not teach that you must choose either the Bible or the theory of evolution. Both can be true. Genesis is not taken as literally as some believe it is

Evolution describes a gradual change from non-human to human over millions of years.The soul, in Catholic and most Protestant theology, is immaterial, eternal, and unique to humans.

Evolution and souls are an interesting mix. If humanity emerged gradually, there’s no clear point when the first human appeared, you’d have to draw an arbitrary line. So at some point in evolutionary history, God chose two anatomically modern humans and infused them with rational souls, Adam and Eve. This makes them biologically part of a larger population but spiritually separate, which means did they interbreed with soulless humans. If so, when did their offspring get souls? Did God keep popping in to add souls. These are just some of the problems you run into trying to join evolution and Christian theology in a coherent way.

 

[Beagle1]

Let’s leave politics out of this.

Yes if politics gets a foothold in this discussion it will get nasty and go off the rails very very quickly. I hope the moderators nip this in the bud quickly. There are lots of other sites to visit where that is allowed.

 

[Billinsd]

That sounds nice and comfy but it’s not actually the full picture. Christianity doesn’t just say “Jesus meets you where you are”, it also says that unless you accept him before you die, you don’t get…

Calling that “not earning salvation” is not accurate you’ve still got to do something specific to qualify.

So, you think “believing and accepting Jesus as our Savior who died for our sins” is earning salvation? Interesting….. Do you “earn” money at your job by believing in something at work like your boss or owner?

 

[Billinsd]

God says we are to trust Him in every aspect of our lives. What better way to show we fully trust Him than to give what He commands of us. He does not offer prosperity or blessings or an easy life in return, He simply offers a life of "you will be provided for" and that should be enough for us....but sadly it isn’t.

I disagree that God says to trust him with every aspect of our like, I take it in general terms. Yes, God doesn’t offer prosperity or an easy life. God does offer us his blessings and he’s always “there” for us. Christians being provided for does not specifically mean, food, clothing, and shelter. It means spiritually provided for.

 

[Beagle1]

Sorry, but wrong again. When satan took Jesus out in the mountains to tempt him, Jesus answered satan with scripture. This was Jesus himself quoting scripture, because it's the truth, and not opinion. Satan was baffled by this, as are many here who get an answer quoting scripture. If it's good enough for Jesus, it's good enough, period.

If quoting the Bible counts as proof, then I guess The Lord of the Rings proves hobbits exist.

 

[Billinsd]

Evolution describes a gradual change from non-human to human over millions of years.

Evolution is the theory of how plants and animals have evolved and continue to evolve over the eons, billions of years. There is lots of scientific evidence of evolution, however there isn’t any scientific evidence linking non humans to humans.

 

[Beagle1]

So, you think “believing and accepting Jesus as our Savior who died for our sins” is earning salvation? Interesting….. Do you “earn” money at your job by believing in something at work like your boss or owner?

So is salvation is like getting paid at work except your paycheck isn’t based on doing the job well, showing up on time, or helping your coworkers It’s entirely about whether you believe the boss exists. And if you get it wrong, you’re fired forever, even if you were the best employee in the company.

 

[Billinsd]

If quoting the Bible counts as proof, then I guess The Lord of the Rings proves hobbits exist.

Not exactly, “The Lord of the Rings” is a fictional book. The Bible is a book of faith. Faith is not proof and fiction is by definition not true.

 

[Beagle1]

Evolution is the theory of how plants and animals have evolved and continue to evolve over the eons, billions of years. There is lots of scientific evidence of evolution, however there isn’t any scientific evidence linking non humans to humans.

Your position reflects a common creationist talking point but isn’t accurate in terms of mainstream science.

 

[Beagle1]

Not exactly, “The Lord of the Rings” is a fictional book. The Bible is a book of faith. Faith is not proof and fiction is by definition not true.

So the Bible is a book of faith, not proof yet you treat it as proof. Got it. That’s like saying my neighbor’s diary is evidence of UFOs because she sincerely believes she was abducted. Faith can be deeply meaningful, but it’s not the same as evidence. If belief alone were proof, then the Quran would prove Islam, the Bhagavad Gita would prove Hinduism, and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ would be a travel guide.

 

[Billinsd]

So is salvation is like getting paid at work except your paycheck isn’t based on doing the job well, showing up on time, or helping your coworkers It’s entirely about whether you believe the boss exists. And if you get it wrong, you’re fired forever, even if you were the best employee in the company.

Salvation “to me” is believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior. “Because”, I believe in Jesus I follow the Ten Commandments, be a good Christian and often fail, because I’m a sinner. That’s the very basics for me.

 

[Billinsd]

So the Bible is a book of faith, not proof yet you treat it as proof. Got it.

No, I do not treat the writings and teachings of the Bible as proof. I believe and have faith in the Bible.

 

[Beagle1]

Salvation “to me” is believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior. “Because”, I believe in Jesus I follow the Ten Commandments, be a good Christian and often fail, because I’m a sinner. That’s the very basics for me.

There are lots of prior posts discussing this topic.
Most evangelical and conservative Protestant denominations say it’s the basics for everyone, everywhere. In their teaching, salvation isn’t a personal definition, it’s a universal requirement.

 

[Billinsd]

Your position reflects a common creationist talking point but isn’t accurate in terms of mainstream science.

My position reflects my education in zoology, paleontology while studying to get a Bachelor of Science in Geology.

 

[Beagle1]

No, I do not treat the writings and teachings of the Bible as proof. I believe and have faith in the Bible.

That’s fine for your faith but under your view that means the claims in the Bible carry no more weight than the claims in any other religion’s sacred text. If the truth is meant for all, you need to show why the Bible should be trusted as evidence beyond simply your believing it.

 

[Billinsd]

That’s fine for your faith but under your view that means the claims in the Bible carry no more weight than the claims in any other religion’s sacred text.

Exactly

 

[Beagle1]

My position reflects my education in zoology, paleontology while studying to get a Bachelor of Science in Geology.

With that educational background should be aware of mainstream scientific support for evolution in the fossil record, genetics, anatomy and embryology.

 

[Beagle1]

Exactly

If that faith works for you individually I have no dog in that fight.

 

[Billinsd]

If the truth is meant for all, you need to show why the Bible should be trusted as evidence beyond simply your believing it.

No, not at all!!! Christians are not commanded to “show” why the Bible should be “trusted”, we are taught to “spread” the word. Christianity is a belief.

 

[Billinsd]

If that faith works for you individually I have no dog in that fight.

It works for millions and millions over the world