Pwcca, thank you. I could be more cordial, but when is creation/evolution debates ever that nice?

Hmmm, I don't think I called evolution a religion this time? I called it a belief, but kept the word "religion" out due to the lack of "deities"...but I do not believe it is science no. Sorry if I called it a religion, I did not mean to offend your sensibilities <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Evolution need not equal atheism, it can lead to atheism for sure. As creation can lead to "christianity" or another faith. Flew was both atheist/evolutionist, which is why I used both terms for him. We have plenty of theistic evolutionists in my church believe it or not and creationists.

To label people being Christians because they have "emotional reasons" is a strange thing to say. I actually find my emotions are deadened and have been for years. I've come to this faith through I believe a call / infusion from the Holy spirit. I honestly believe that there is no other way one can come to God unless they are open and called . I've been involved heavily into all kinds of occultism, God wasn't really on my radar. I had a vague belief in Him, but much more than that happened to take that further! Russ himself has pointed his reasons out for becoming a Christian. If you wish to discount that and scoff because he admits it was not for emotional reasons, then so be it. His experience is his, as mine is mine. Occultism actually had more emotional appeal to me than God, because it tantalised my curiosities and flesh, yet gave me no answers. I don't see why a door needs to be slammed in the face of intelligent design because it might lead someone to "Christianity".

Another one that is used to describe why we believe in God is "it's a crutch"........when I've never seen so many wounded sick people on here with all kinds of crutches they're using to stand "upright"....does that make the "Crutches" invalid? or "unscientific?", not necessarily, especially if they heal. I don't see how those excuses can be used to describe why people become Christians. In fact, it's FAR deeper than this.

I think I am getting the message loud and clear how you feel about Christianity and have seen it on many posts that I've read on this thread and certainly in my own life, emotions couldn't possibly come into it, I come from a secular country. Faith is a gift and a battle!

Anyway, I've just used up all this to defend once again my faith which is a great opportunity, but in you wanting these religious arguments kept out of it, doesn't yield much validility in the face of you continuing to use patrosning comments in an attempt to explain it away....contradiction in terms.

By the way Linda, Russ has provided you a smorgus board of links, youtubes, pics throughout this thread to such a degree, that I'm astounded! I have worked my way through this thread and seen what he's provided and you asking for more..... And is it even worth trying? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I think the only people who will benefit from the work he's given here are those searching for answers and wish to hear the creation account. And that's rewarding in itself. I do not believe Linda that I or anybody else can possibly do much better than what has already been provided personally. But I'll address your post after this one.

Sosick, yes I am a young earth creationist. I do most definitely believe in the time scale from the bible, tracing back through the generations. I'm not saying everybody else has to believe this, Im not saying "my view" is absolute, but that's where Im at right now. I'm open to consider a longer time for sure.