RE: Too Intellectual for God? (Full Version)

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BibleL7 -> RE: Too Intellectual for God? (4/24/2008 4:17:56 AM)

The reasons for more people not believing these days is a combination of several things. Yet is not new. To the OP you were fortunate to have parents who took you to church and taught you their beliefs when you were young. I am a couple years older than you and when I was raised my parents did not teach me about Christ nor did they take me to church they were mixed beliefs and wanted to let us kids decide for ourselves. The teachers at school I went to taught the theory of evolution as true and I was to learn from teachers. Also there were not bibles in schools nor could they be taught about. We were taught that there was no real truth and that things were relative. And with a liberal church or the catholic church as the only examples of so-called Christianity. There was absolutely no reason for me to believe in a God.

Of course I had to laugh when the one poster said that there was evidence for evolution I mean even when I was still Atheist I did not believe evolution after setting it to logic tests. No proof of any evolution happening and nothing of what they said was good reasoning passed sound logic test. Of course for so-called intellects that have blind belief in evolution cause they don't want to loose their position I feel very sorry for them. But the so-called higher educators that worship evolution are one of the main contributing factors.

Another problem is that many who claim to be Christian have no clue as to what the Bible teaches nor do they have any answers to non-believers. In my experience prior to believing, most Christians were judgemental and against sex, music, and dancing saying it was wrong and about the only part of the Bible I could get was all the begats which told me that there was a lot of sex in the Bible why were Churches so against it. And those that were not judgemental, which were very few, they could not explain why they believed the Bible and could give me no good reason to believe.

Then comes the factor that all of a sudden abortion was acceptable, single moms were acceptable, living together was acceptable, divorce was made easier, homosexuality slowly became acceptable, No morals to go by.

As to the comments on what the catholic church said about condoms and so forth AIDs and all sexually transmitted diseases would only be lessened by abstaining till marriage and only having one partner for life, Marriage as defined by God.

The factor of technology making things easier and making people lazy is very true. As for the church not teaching to be separate and not teaching the truth of God as in the Bible that is a huge part. If so-called Christians dont believe what they say they do is no reason for anyone else to. They also rarely explain original sin very well and want to go into areas which dont have anything to do with it. OH and for the one that questioned man being inherently evil guess you never raised children or had much experience with one and two year olds. We have to be taught to share to be honest to care about anything except self.

So most obvious reasons are parents, school, government liberals. Parents not raising their children to believe, schools teaching to not believe, and government liberals saying the schools are right and need more money to teach sin and tolerance of it to all the children.

Just the opinion of a small town preacher



Narcil -> RE: Too Intellectual for God? (4/24/2008 5:15:32 PM)

Bluestone,

I appreciate and agree with your other comments on this thread, but I have to disagree with your claim that the widespread resistance within the scientific community to new ideas is most often related to money. Far more often, the resistance to scientific change comes down to an almost religious belief in ones own theories, and a desire not to see the work of years come to nothing. In addition, this resistance often occurs because the scientists themselves are so resistant to the implications of the new theory/law.

For example: When Einstein published his equations of general relativity astronomer Willem de Sitter found a solution for them that predicted an expanding universe (of this eventually was discovered to be true). That the universe is expanding clearly comes with the implication that the universe must have had a beginning. Such an implication greatly "irritated" Einstein, by his own account, bothering him to the point of creating a new "antigravity" force and inserting a "cosmological constant" into his equation to remove that prediction. He later admitted that this new constant was the biggest mistake of his life.

Regarding the implication of the Big Bang from Einstein's work, here are some quotes by other scientists of the time (from Robert Jastrow's book "God and the Astronomers"):
Astronomer Arthur Eddington: Called the idea "preposterous," "incredible," and "repugnant."
MIT Physicist Philip Morrison: "I find it hard to accept the Big Bang theory. I would like to reject it."
Carnegie Laboratories Allan Sandage: "[The Big Bang is] such a strange conclusion...it cannot really be true."

The Limitations of Scientific Truth, by Dr. Nigel Brush (Doctor of Scientific Anthropology), highlights many more examples of scientists resistant to new ideas due, not to money, but to their own philosophies and preconceptions; a few going so far as to actually commit suicide when they could no longer maintain their objections to new scientific paradigms (although these examples are very few, they do demonstrate the power of a belief system).



SavedByGraceMD -> RE: Too Intellectual for God? (4/24/2008 5:38:04 PM)

I don't want to point fingers at TV, hollywood, public schools, science in general, divorce, and so many other reasons that turn children away from God.

You talked about trust, and I think that a lot of kids these days come from broken homes, and it is hard for them to trust. They wound up in front of the Tv, or playing video games like you said and have half the supervision they need.

They learn in school about evolution, but not about God. They want to start teaching 1st graders about homosexuality, but not about abstinence. They have learned from lenient parents who didn't want to discipline their kids, that it is all about them. Me me me. They grow up watching MTV, which is totally different now, than when I was a kid. Parents don't take the time to teach their kids about God. So they don't see a need for him, unless they come from a true Christian home. Add to that, that Christians get a bad rap in this country, sometimes deservingly, and are deemed intolerant, so children don't want to be different.

A lot of the great things that have come out of science and medicine, have been used as tools of Satan. So many children today are diagnosed with this or that and drugged from adolescence, that we don't even know or care what this is doing to their ability to think on their own.

I don't have kids, but have 2 young nephews and am fearful for the world they will grow up in.

We need to change , and we need to change now. Too much talking and not enough doing on our parts, including myself.



bcredwagon -> RE: Too Intellectual for God? (4/25/2008 7:33:47 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SavedByGraceMD


We need to change , and we need to change now. Too much talking and not enough doing on our parts, including myself.


I agree. It really comes down to personal responsibility. If we don't live a sold-out walk with God like we are called to, the world won't see the difference God can make in a person's life. If we continue to blend in with everyone else, then why would anyone want to be a Christian?

I had a girlfriend for most of my highschool years. She wasn't a Christian and I so much wanted her to give her life to the Lord. Looking back on those years, I can see so much inconsistency in my walk with the Lord that it's no wonder she never accepted Christ as her savior. Why should she when I was no different than she was!?

Even today, I try to live a Godly life, but I can still see so many things in my life that don't honor God. The tv shows I watch, the movies I go to see, etc. I wonder how others see me. Does anyone want to be a Christian because of what they see in me?

If nothing else, this post and all of the responses, have shown me how important it is for me to live my life totally sold-out for God. If I keep my focus on Him and Him alone, my life will be a reflection of the wonderful and fantastic life that can be obtained by trusting in Jesus. Maybe then, people who have never wanted to have a relationship with God, will give it a chance and see all of the great things God can do for them too.



BibleL7 -> RE: Too Intellectual for God? (4/26/2008 5:51:52 AM)

Though it is true that many scientists have had problems with being challenged lately there is also a matter of fear and need for money combined as there have been many reports lately of those in science and higher education that have come to believe in Creation and yes some even the Bible and Jesus they are indeed losing their jobs for questioning evolution. It comes as no surprise that attending college would lead you away from the Lord and belief as those in charge of higher education have accepted evolution and believe in that religion for they dont want to have to answer to a God for the sins they love. Denying God they believe they will escape judgement. Really a shame when you consider that most of the colleges and universities were started for the purpose of learning about God and theology. In fact the public school system was meant to teach children to read so they would not be ignorant of the Bible and the teachings of Christ. Now there are problems of mentioning the name of Jesus or reading the Bible or even having one in your possession at a public school. Oh and just to clarify one point Christianity is not a religion like the others for it is based on having a right relationship with the one true and living God, through Jesus not about doing things to please an unknowable god. And I would not point to the pope or Vatican as what Christians believe or are about, there is a reason for the reformation of the 1500s. Compare if you will according to laws of sound logic the theory of evolution to the first chapter of Genesis. Then see which makes more sense. For the one that said evolution made more sense logically Science will tend to prove the Bible true yet most will not attribute that possibility seeing as it goes against their religion of evolution. For an example I will point to the foremost expert in DNA who stated on public television that DNA proves that all men came from the same tribe in Africa but said that only that tribe evolved into humans he could not give an answer as to why and would not state that this supports the Bible in that all humans are from common parentage. He was not willing to allow for the possibility that evolution was thus flawed in its assumptions.

Just the opinion of a small town preacher



SavedByGraceMD -> RE: Too Intellectual for God? (4/27/2008 9:30:44 PM)

I would also like to add, that even though evolution was not actually Darwins idea to begin with, he did bring it to the forefront. And, after doing some homework on the subject, it appears that Darwin himself criticized his own theory.

Even though this may be an urban legend, or should we say little white chapel legend, supposedly Darwin recanted of his position, and said it was all lies when he was on his deathbed.

So all in all, a man who may have lead millions away from Christ, knew his theory was full of bologna and yet it is still taught in our great public school system. What a wonderful world.



Ganthet -> RE: Too Intellectual for God? (4/29/2008 12:50:36 PM)

I am more apt to blame the church for the lack of someone's ability to know that there is a God, and trust the Lord Jesus to be saved.

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35 (New International Version)

Unfortunately, we don't love our brothers and sisters in the Lord as we should. We have a strong tendency to treat them as our "church friends" rather than family. An example that springs to mind is when we had a missionary speak at the church I attend, a book table had been set up in the back. I noticed that a brother was looking at purchasing one of the books, but did not have money on him at the time, so I handed the woman the money for his book and mine. He was quite taken aback that I had done this. I don't know who was shocked more: him that a brother would simply give him money that he needed, or me for his being shocked. And this was only over $5. Scripture tells me that I should lay my life down for the brothers. (1John) Why should anything less be a surprise?

Imagine how unbelievers would react to a church where we really treated each other like family (the good parts, not the bad parts ;-)), in this cold world, would they really have any trouble believing that God is truly among us?

Just my opinion.



SavedByGraceMD -> RE: Too Intellectual for God? (4/29/2008 12:53:19 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ganthet

I am more apt to blame the church for the lack of someone's ability to know that there is a God, and trust the Lord Jesus to be saved.

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35 (New International Version)

Unfortunately, we don't love our brothers and sisters in the Lord as we should. We have a strong tendency to treat them as our "church friends" rather than family. An example that springs to mind is when we had a missionary speak at the church I attend, a book table had been set up in the back. I noticed that a brother was looking at purchasing one of the books, but did not have money on him at the time, so I handed the woman the money for his book and mine. He was quite taken aback that I had done this. I don't know who was shocked more: him that a brother would simply give him money that he needed, or me for his being shocked. And this was only over $5. Scripture tells me that I should lay my life down for the brothers. (1John) Why should anything less be a surprise?

Imagine how unbelievers would react to a church where we really treated each other like family (the good parts, not the bad parts ;-)), in this cold world, would they really have any trouble believing that God is truly among us?

Just my opinion.

I agree with you, this is all very true. Those of us willing to set the example that our Lord gave us, need to do so. So you keep on doing what you do.



HisCovenant -> RE: Too Intellectual for God? (4/29/2008 1:22:43 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ganthet
We have a strong tendency to treat them as our "church friends" rather than family.

Thank you for this and the example you gave. It's very convicting to me.



jmjphe -> RE: Too Intellectual for God? (4/29/2008 3:13:24 PM)

My thoughts on this subject are that young adults in the current generation are undergoing a storm of horrible domestication processes, music, media, schools, everything. There is so much more to worry about in these times than when say my parents were growing up. A huge reason being becuase God has been ripped out of so many major institutions, such as shools, and government in general. Even several authors on this topic who to my knowledge, arent biblically basing there work, prove a strong point. These current generations are extremely self pre-occupied and in a whole mess of mental dialogues. There is a book titled "Generation: Look at me" about how todays young adults are more miserable than ever becuase simply they are so self centered and self pre-occupied. Christ talks about be a blessing to others everyday, kind of like the saying "serve of suffer". The meaning of life has been put on the individual instead of knowing God. So when the creator's intentions for life are being domesticated out of people, I'd say the result is a lack of compassion, order, joy, forgiveness, trust etc.



bcredwagon -> RE: Too Intellectual for God? (5/1/2008 10:34:01 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: jmjphe

My thoughts on this subject are that young adults in the current generation are undergoing a storm of horrible domestication processes, music, media, schools, everything. There is so much more to worry about in these times than when say my parents were growing up.


My wife and I never had children, so it's hard for us to know and understand the pressure kids face today. I would love it if someone could educate me on all the things kids have to worry about today and why things are so much different than what I had to face growing up. The more I understand, the more I can pray and the more I will be able to minister to young people.



SavedByGraceMD -> RE: Too Intellectual for God? (5/1/2008 11:40:55 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: bcredwagon

quote:

ORIGINAL: jmjphe

My thoughts on this subject are that young adults in the current generation are undergoing a storm of horrible domestication processes, music, media, schools, everything. There is so much more to worry about in these times than when say my parents were growing up.


My wife and I never had children, so it's hard for us to know and understand the pressure kids face today. I would love it if someone could educate me on all the things kids have to worry about today and why things are so much different than what I had to face growing up. The more I understand, the more I can pray and the more I will be able to minister to young people.

For some particular things you can go to silencingchristians.com, it outlines we as Christians in general are facing here i America, and has a few examples of what children are going through.

Like how in California, in the public schools they are making the students learn about Islam, make them dress like Muslims, and pray to Allah, but yet don't even have the freedom to say the name of Jesus.

I think every1 should check out that sight.



Ephesians4_32 -> RE: Too Intellectual for God? (5/2/2008 10:52:28 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: mvic

I suspect many will disagree with me on this.

As we get more and more educated we become arrogant and feel superior to the previous generations who, by implication, knew less than us. Today's technologically advanced world has provided many benefits to mankind in the fields of medicine, science, communications etc ... etc ... etc ...

As a result, it is not surprising if mankind (including the young) feels it does not need the help, guidance or even the belief in a superior omnipotent God.

Over the years we have encouraged youngsters "to think for themselves". We've become lax in the teachings of Christianity in our schools. Christianity is mocked in literature, TV, the cinema etc ... Respect for someone else's beliefs and faith has been eroded.

Need I go on? As you put it: youngster have a hard time trusting anyone, let alone God. So why should they believe in Him, and be mocked by their peers and/or even their elders?

I'm sorry to paint such a sad picture. But I do have hope that things will work out for the best. God does exist and He can take the odd knock from our modern society.


Amen!



Ephesians4_32 -> RE: Too Intellectual for God? (5/2/2008 10:57:04 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ganthet

I am more apt to blame the church for the lack of someone's ability to know that there is a God, and trust the Lord Jesus to be saved.

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35 (New International Version)

Unfortunately, we don't love our brothers and sisters in the Lord as we should. We have a strong tendency to treat them as our "church friends" rather than family. An example that springs to mind is when we had a missionary speak at the church I attend, a book table had been set up in the back. I noticed that a brother was looking at purchasing one of the books, but did not have money on him at the time, so I handed the woman the money for his book and mine. He was quite taken aback that I had done this. I don't know who was shocked more: him that a brother would simply give him money that he needed, or me for his being shocked. And this was only over $5. Scripture tells me that I should lay my life down for the brothers. (1John) Why should anything less be a surprise?

Imagine how unbelievers would react to a church where we really treated each other like family (the good parts, not the bad parts ;-)), in this cold world, would they really have any trouble believing that God is truly among us?

Just my opinion.


"Unfortunately, we don't love our brothers and sisters in the Lord as we should."

So true! My husband and I visited a church with our blind grandson who had his white cane with him. No one said, "Hello." Not one single person spoke to us before or after the service!



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