Do I Have to Believe Evolution?

[Elderman]

Well,For 116 years it graced the halls of the National Museum of Wales at Cardiff—the fossilised skeleton of a 200m[illion]-year-old predator that once cruised the Jurassic seas,” says Britain’s newspaper The Guardian. “Then curators at Cardiff decided the remains of the ocean-going carnivore ichthyosaurus needed a brush up—and realised that they had been taken in.” “When we stripped off five layers of paint we found it was an elaborate forgery,” said conservator Caroline Buttler. “It was an amalgam of two types of ichthyosaurus plus a clever attempt at fake parts.” Instead of disposing of it, the museum will put it on display as an example of a fake fossil.

[WaldoMcFroog]

Elderman's belief appears to come down to "I want it to be true, therefore God". I'm not terribly convinced by the wishful thinking line myself.

[naomi24]

Elderman, if you are so convinced that you are right in your convictions, why do you so desperately need others to endorse them?

[sandyRoe]

When people are saved by God's Grace they often feel the need to proselytise.

[bibblebub]

proselytising happens when people join cults, no matter how old the cult

[sandyRoe]

I say, calling Eichmann an old cult isn't very nice.

[jomifl]

You will let us know what god's grace is won't you Sandy..

[Elderman]

In the lead was a man, probably a servant, who ran with a bag of provisions slung over his shoulder. He was followed by two boys, one about four years old, the other five, running hand in hand. The others followed—panic-stricken, struggling, stumbling, desperately seeking escape. They tried to breathe, but instead of air, they inhaled moist ash. One by one, all 13 fell and lay motionless and were finally entombed by the falling ash. Their pathetic remains would lay hidden until archaeologists uncovered them almost 2,000 years later and deciphered the sad details of their last moments.
What happened in Pompeii nearly 2,000 years ago may be ancient history. But in many ways it parallels the situation facing the entire human race today. A global sign, far more ominous than the thunderings of Mount Vesuvius, is serving notice that this present world order is facing imminent destruction. To survive, we must act immediately. Delay is deadly. Just what that sign is and how we can wisely respond to it. (Proverbs 19:21)

[venator]

(yawns) again and again

[jomifl]

Elderman ..you couldn't try to be a little more succinct could you. If we had had to rely on you to write 'The Origin of Species' the publisher would still be waiting for the first draught.

[sandyRoe]

I know that the atheists here in AB are, as the Jesuits might put it, 'invincibly ignorant'. To try and explain the nature of God's Grace and its beneficial effects on those who are fortunate to receive it would be a waste of time.
But, as I've said many times before, I continue to pray for you all that you will come to see the error of your ways.

[EDDIE51]

Genesis 1 . 20
<Go forth and mulitply.>
Seems we have taken that a bit too far with 7 billion people on Earth !

[jomifl]

Sandy, It is surely your duty to your lord to explain 'god's grace' to us poor devils blighted by ignorance and doomed to hell. Saying it would be a 'waste of time' is a cop out as your lord will give you all the time you need to fulfil his wishes to be known to all mankind and glorifiied.

[Ankou]

"I continue to pray for you all that you will come to see the error of your ways."

but sandy, we know prayer doesn't work. have you got a plan b ?

[sandyRoe]

Who's to say that prayer doesn't work? No need for a Plan B.
Some happy day when Naomi, Ratter, Ankou, and Jomif are to be found in the High Streets of our cities, joyfully proclaiming that they are saved through grace, I'll be modestly able to say 'My prayers brought them to this.'

[Ankou]

lol

i will also be happy at your lifes dedication to my cause whilst i amble gracefully through life unaware.

[jomifl]

Come on Sandy ..that was not an answer , that was another cop out, admit it you don't really know what god's grace is and neither does the pope. It is just something you say to sound learned and holy.

[Elderman]

During World War II it was said, “There are no atheists on life rafts.” When the airplane was down in the sea, the radio was dead, land was a thousand miles away, provisions were almost gone, and no help was in sight—when all other sources of aid had been exhausted—then men raised their eyes and prayed.
But is that what prayer is all about? Is prayer a last resort, to be dug up from the back of the mind after all else has failed?

[bibblebub]

who said that?

[sandyRoe]

Jomifl, even though I say it myself, I am both learned & holy. God's grace is a blessing that enables one to see past the humdrum logic of everyday life and catch a glimpse of the ineffable.

[naomi24]

Elderman, I have no desire to share your perceived glorious future - none whatsoever - so I've certainly no intention of spending my life quaking in my boots at your gloomy predictions. I accept that when I die, I will be dead. That's fine. You are clearly anxious for others to sanction your ideas, but I doubt anyone here will oblige you by putting your mind at ease.