Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Monday, October 14, 2013
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Lessons In Apologetics #10: Naturalism & The Supernatural
In the chapter "Naturalism & The Supernatural", Geisler examines the argument against acts of God classified as miracles. The basic argument, presented in its textbook form by David Hume, is stated in the following manner: "(1) A miracle by definition is a violation of (or exception to) a law of nature. (2) But the laws of nature are built upon the highest degree of probability. (3) Hence, a miracle by definition (as an exception) is based on the lowest degree of probability. (4) Now the wise man should always base his belief on the highest degree of probability. (5) Therefore, the wise man should never believe in miracles (266)."
The variations of this argument that have been developed over the decades and centuries since the time of Hume share a number of assumptions. The first is the assumption that the universe operates in accord with repeatable norms which we refer to as natural law. The Christian also shares this belief as God has chosen these to imbue the physical creation with what we perceive as order and what causes events contradicting these principles to stand out as events worthy of special attention.
However, it is beyond this point that the Christian and those that believe God does not intervene in the creation must part company. The naturalist essentially pursues two lines of reasoning that the Christian cannot endorse.
One principle basically eliminates miracles by definition. This is accomplished by postulating that whatever occurs in the natural world is a natural event. We as finite individuals might not be able to explain or understand why something happened in the way it did, but that does not mean there is not some kind of reason within a closed system to account for the phenomena in question without having to appeal to an interdiction by an outside higher source.
The other major assumption underlying arguments against the miraculous is that miracles do not occur because such events would be a violation of the probabilities natural laws are derived from. While natural laws are descriptions of what transpire in most instances, the sincere researcher aspiring to the distinction of scientist must study the events that actually take place and not sweep away those that do not conform to preconceived notions as to what is and is not possible. It is only by carefully scrutinizing these instances out of the ordinary that the researcher is able to uncover either explanations that fit within the normal operation of natural systems or rather the intervention of an intelligence beyond that which mortal minds are not generally accustomed to interacting with.
Even though the Christian must accept and defend the notion that natural laws as we understand them are not so inviolable, neither should the Christian go to the other extreme and herald every unexplainable occurrence as an undeniably direct intervention by the hand of God. As Geisler deliberately points out, there is a set of criteria an event should be evaluated by before the Christian accepts it as a miracle (280-282).
Foremost, the investigator seeking to determine the nature of an event contradicting normality must ascertain if its origin is possibly Satanic. Scripture warns that in later times there will be deceitful signs and wonders that would deceive the very elect if that were possible. The Christian must always let God’s revealed message rather than experience be the final court of arbitration.
Secondly, the Christian must be careful to distinguish between miracles and anomalies. For example, if someone appears to die on the operating table, is hauled off to the morgue, and seemingly comes back to life several hours later, though there would be reason to rejoice and look to this as a gift from God, there still might not be sufficient grounds to declare this a miracle. This is because such an occurrence could very well be an anomaly firstly because the event may have a cause which may be naturally explainable but at the time beyond the boundaries of our scientific understanding. And secondly, there is not necessarily any moral or theological claims connected to the unexpected healing.
To help the believer through this confusion, Geisler provides a number of guidelines an alleged miracle must measure up to in order to be categorized as such: (1) A miracle must be an exception to the normal pattern of events. (2) A miracle involves some kind of theological truth claim as an act of God would not contradict what God has revealed about Himself. (3) A miracle must also have good moral impact as God would not violate his standards. (4) And lastly, miracles suspend normal patterns rather than violate natural processes (282).
by Frederick Meekins
I should probably look at it this way. The women that by their own uncoerced choice that go into marriages that are going to have the Bible beaten over their heads about headcoverings and pants are probably getting exactly what they deserve and want. The ones to feel sorry for are the children (especially the girls) born into such situations that have no say in the matter.
Wednesday, October 09, 2013
In the October 2013 edition of “Perspectives On History”, a National Park Service historian is profiled in the “What I Do: Historians Talk About Their Work” segment. Part of her duties included interviewing longtime employees about their service and careers. What guarantee do these bureaucratic functionaries have that the information gathered about them won't be used to manipulate them out of their retirements?
It is claimed that retirement is not a Biblical concept. Neither is really anything other than grueling physical labor mentioned in the pages of Scripture either. However, those insisting the elderly remain in the workforce until they literally drop have hardly soiled their hands in this fashion a day in their life.
Just Because Early Christian Martyrs Had No Time For Sex Doesn't Mean We Can't
While that may be historically accurate, it does not follow that the sum total of the Christian's interest need to be circumscribed by the concerns of those living during that era of history.
Granted, the last thing the church needs is a pastor making love to his wife on a webcam as was to have been attempted at one particular megachurch a few years back.
However, it is constantly pounded into our heads that either Christ is Lord of all or that He is not Lord at all. Was He not the one that decreed that reproduction and certain emotions to be shared between husband and wife were to be expressed in a manner the parties involved found pleasurable to a certain extent?
It could be argued that the tendency to sweep this aspect of existent behind a closed door as if it is something to be a shamed of even within its proper sanctioned context in favor of a spirituality of disincarnation is one of the psychological pathologies that set the ball rolling to the point where much of the culture is now characterized by an overwhelming debauchery.
By Frederick Meekins
Obamacare Websites Gathering Intelligence For Various Law Enforcement Agencies
Frau Obama Lets Move Campaign Actually Wants Children To Remain Perfectly Still
Tuesday, October 08, 2013
Will Meat Share Tobacco's Fate?
The point of the article is that, with declining meat consumption, producers are exporting to markets overseas.
The assumption is that Americans are preferring more plant-based meal options.
But is that because of personal preference or because fewer can afford it?
Because who in their right mind after a long day at work looks forward to vegetables at dinner; carbs, maybe in terms of pasta or desert, but not vegetables.
But the more important question to ask is the following.
If medical establishment propaganda is casting meat in the negative light once reserved for tobacco, how long until rules, laws and polices once applied to tobacco will be applied to meat?
For example, will it one day be illegal to eat meat in front of children in a confined space where they will be exposed to the aroma as it is now illegal in some states to smoke while children are in an automobile?
Will supervisors be allowed to deny employment to job applicants to that consume meat?
Will commercials for meat products and the purveyors of such delights one day be banned from the nation's airwaves?
by Frederick Meekins
Thought Police Demand Uniformity Of Expression In Referencing The Glorious Leader
Isn't it Hitlerian to dictate someone cannot be referred to as Hitlerian? Click On The Headline
Chicken Nuggets Still Probably Healthier Than Locally Grown Organic Hippy Slop
Monday, October 07, 2013
Under the kinds of medical insurance reforms advocated by fanatic leftists, “gender reassignment” would be covered. However, prostate cancer likely wouldn't since it is usually a condition that afflicts the elderly. So since many prostate therapies and procedures rob the individual of the joys of possessing a masculine organ beyond the passage through which liquid waste exits the body, perhaps those suffering this disease should just go ahead and get a sex change operation. And when it's all over with, such individuals can also be lavished with the benefits, approval, and applause now being lavished upon same sex couples these days.
Under the Obama regime, jackboots have removed an elderly couple living in a privately owned home located on public land. With nowhere else to go, the couple has sought shelter in their ice cream shop. How long until in the name of the couple’s health and safety the ice cream shop is burned to the ground with the couple in it?
Americorps & Leftist Presbyterians Form Alliance To Subvert The US Food Supply
Will Priests Be Jailed For Doing The Lord's Work Without Herr Obama's Blessing?
Pentagon Weighs In On SEAL Vs. Ninja Debate
Should start a wagering pool how long it takes for liberals to get jacked out of shape about being better at blowing things up being said positively
Click On The Headline
