Humanism And Creation
A theory is a conjecture regarding a possible explanation of some phenomena. It serves as a basis of contention to support a supposition.
Conversely, a fact is a truth known to be proven by actual experience and/or observation.
In science for something to be considered a fact it must be based on what has been observed and is repeatable. Follow that line of thought and consider if creation is a fact or theory?
From a scientific point of view it is a theory. No one was there to observe the emergence of the universe and the appearance of diverse life forms. No one has ever repeated the process.
Keep tracking on the difference in a theory and a fact. Is evolution a fact or theory? No one has ever observed the emergence of a universe from nothing. After all, creation means to produce something from nothing. No one has ever demonstrably created a universe from nothing and shown the process to other observers. For it to be a fact such would have to be true.
In 1961, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Humanism was among nontheistic religions that would pass muster as a valid religion.
In 1976 the House of Representatives passed an amendment against secular humanism as a formal religion that should not be “taught” in public education.
The “Humanist Manifesto I” first appeared in 1933 and II in 1973. Edwin H. Wilson joined 34 other Unitarian ministers and professors in drafting it. There are a lot of distinguished individuals who embrace humanism. Many of them would offer various definitions of the movement. A myriad are candid in stating it is a climate of opinion that omits God, the supernatural, and substitutes self, science, and the progress of mankind.
“Humanist Manifesto I” states: “Religious humanist regard the universe as self-existing and not created.” It further sates: “Humanism asserts that nature of the universe depicted by modern science makes unacceptable any supernatural or cosmic guarantees of human values.”
“The Humanist Manifesto II” states, “As non-theists, we begin with humans, not God, nature not deity….”
Evolution is the explanation of origins advocated by humanism. Based on their Manifestos the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it is a religion and the House of Representatives said it should not be taught in public schools. This coupled with the definition of a theory shows evolution is a religious theory not a scientific fact.
Pollster George Gallup found 44 percent of Americans poled, a fourth of them college grads, hold to the Genesis account of creation. Of the rest, 38 percent believe God directed the development of mankind. 9 percent believe in evolution, and 9 per cent said they didn’t know. Those figures vary from pole to pole.
Both evolution and creation are theories espoused by religious bodies. Which theory do you accept by faith? My minor in biology in college led me to accept creation.
How To Interpret Political Language
Do you ever marvel at people who are adept at never giving a direct answer to a question when being interviewed? Some public figures are masters of the craft.
Consider this model interview. Katie leans forward and holding up a red rose asks in sincere tones, “Is this a red rose?” There it is in living color, a red rose. A simple yes or no will answer the question with clarity and transparency.
The interviewee responds, “When I was a child my mother grew red roses. If I’m elected, I’ll see that every mother gets appropriate subsidies in growing red roses. Red roses are uplifting for mothers as well as children. They are good for the economy and I am a proponent of a good economy. Mothers can expect my support in their efforts to grow red roses.”
Dummy, is the rose in question red? Elusive answers more extreme that this are given daily. The practice of evasiveness is so obvious there must be a conspiracy. Well, there is.
In William Safire’s book, “Leadership,” he quotes Robert L. Woodrum who gives advice to people planning to hold a press conference.
His diverse clients include such persons as the new president of an organization, a candidate for office, the executive of a company involved in a legal matter, a pastor speaking out on a controversial issue, a lawyer defending a client, and others. Here is his advice:
“Prepare/rehearse. You set the agenda. Before meeting with the
press, you determine your objectives. Write down the two or three
main points you want to make and stick to them during the interview.
Anticipate the tough questions and practice your answers with your
staff.
“When asked a question by a reporter remember ‘Answer the
question you wish you had been asked.’ Make the points you
want to make and stick to your agenda.”
Now we know. The crafty art is actually taught news makers. They are tutored to be evasive, non-responsive, and diversionary. Listeners need to understand what those who have mastered the craft well are doing.
A second thing a listener needs to keep in mind is that skill should not be equated with intellect. Singers, athletes, actors and actresses, authors and their genre are often interviewed as “authorities.” The IQ of some is slightly below the January temperature in Nome, Alaska. They have no reason to be interviewed on many subjects other than their skill in a rather limited field. It is their persona not their proficiency related to the subject that gets them the interview.
These two factors involving news makers results in the public being overly informed though not well informed.
The sage wisdom lifted from the pages of the New Testament would change news. It simply states, “Let your “Yes be Yes,” and your “No,’ “No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”
This is not an admonition to use only these words in responding but to be clear, cursory, and correct. With that in mind: “That’s all folks.”
Homosexual Marriage
Many people form their beliefs on the basis of sociology rather than theology. Thus saith the majority,” rather than, “Thus saith the Lord.” As an increasingly secular society these two often conflict.
A second challenge is many of us Christians was a chapter and verse in the Bible in which the Lord says, “Thou shalt….,” or “Thou shalt not…” do a thing.
Often He gives us the guidelines and expect us to use or rational to draw the conclusion.
For example the Bible doesn’t say homosexuals should not marry. It does make it very clear it is between one man and one woman. “He shall cling to his wife….” Conclusion: two persons of the same sex should not “marry.”
The idea that government can’t legislate morals is absurd. Every law they pass has a moral implication. Think of the many passed and ruled on in recent years that are opposed to Biblical principles. They legislated morals regarding gambling. When they legalized abortion they legislated morality. If they legalize homosexual marriage they will be legislating morality.
The idea that government can legislate morals is absurd. Every law they pass has a moral implication. Think of the many passed and ruled on in recent years that are opposed to Biblical principles. They legislated morals regarding gambling. When they legalized abortion they legislated morality. If they legalize homosexual marriage they will be legislating morality.
The Holy Spirit
Jesus Christ said, “I will pray the Father, and He will give
you another Helper (Comforter), and He may abide with you forever” (John 14:16).
Also read John 16:13, 14.
When then do I get this wonderful gift?
When Christ’s righteousness is imputed to the believer, the Holy Spirit is imparted.
The Holy Spirit is not given because of our attainment but Christ’s atonement.
“Did you not receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” (Acts 19:2)
“If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His” (Romans 8:9).
Before the ascension Christ did the baptizing and the Holy Spirit was the sphere (Matt. 3:11).
The Holy Spirit was His ascension gift (John 16:7).
After the ascension, the Holy Spirit does the baptizing and the spiritual body of Christ is the sphere (I Cor. 13:12).
”For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (I Cor. 12:13).
“Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18).
When filled, the life produces the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5: 22, 23).
A Christian is either “filled” or grieving (Eph 4:30) or quenching (I Thess. 5:19).
Heaping Coals of Fire
“If your enemy hungers, feed him, If he thirsts, give him drink; For in doing so you will heap coals of fire on his head” (Romans 12:20).
In conversation with a wife who was embroiled in a domestic conflict I asked if she had ever tried heaping coals of fire on his head. She confessed she had not but that she tried throwing boiling water on him once.
What does it mean?
The two opening statements in this verse obviously teach we are to do more than is required to help those in need.
In the biblical ere fire was a valuable commodity. Often a person would go to a neighbor and ask for a coal with which to start his fire. This expression means don’t just give him the basic essential. Instead give him so many coals they are so heavy he has to carry them on his head as was the custom with heavy loads. Thus, we are taught a lesson in helpful generosity.