There must be a stopping point somewhere at some initial cause, though. You believe that the initial cause was God, others believe it was the universe itself.
I'm not quite understanding the way you've worded this Linear...a stopping point? (perhaps my health is interferring with my comprehension).
Since everything (as I've repeated) are all run by laws and time and are gradually winding down/ageing, it would indicate that there was a beginning/starting point, as everything we observe has a starting point and of course, winds down. The same with all things. I have repeated, how the universe itself must have been designed, since all that exist in it are perfectly aligned mathematically in just the right distance, revolving at just the right speed, reflecting the unfathomable mind behind it. Without such a mind, no amount of elements can in themselves get together, plan, cooperate and construct such intriciate mathematical design and outcome.
A fusion explosion results in helium from hydrogen. Helium is a gas which doesn't react with other elements easily. It is more ordered than hydrogen.
What has helium or any other element we have, got to do with creating a universe, earth and other planets in perfect alignment? And can be considered responsible for it?
That which is "common sense" is not necessarily true. You wouldn't say that someone sacrificing his son for your misdeeds is "common sense", would you?
No, but it's a good idea to use it on occassion. God does always makes perfect sense to us, considering God does not think as men think. However, He gave us common sense for a reason also. Probably better not to throw it completely out the window.
Even if we decide that it must be the result of purpose, that does not eliminate evolution and lots of time as candidates for the method by which that purpose was/is to be accomplished.
It doesn't require it either. Although God could well have done it that way had He chose to do so. But there is no observation of such, neither now or in history....I see no reason to consider it happened in any other way than what God has already revealed. His explanation suffices and more than explains the world around me.
Is it not?
There are documented changes to the Bible since the time of Jesus.
Tom Sawyer, Mien Kampf, and the Bhagavad Gita have remained constant since they were written. Should we also believe that they have the answers?
I'm not knocking the Bible down to the level of Tom Sawyer. However, you are saying that we should trust the Bible because it has not changed. You need to supply a better reason than that for trusting the Bible about science.
Sure, scientific theories change....because knowledge increases. Do you think it shouldn't change? Why?
The bible has been dissected, studied, scrutinised, meditated on, almost more than any other book . The fathers of the church/scholars etc, have studied it extensively. This book has remained loyal to the original scrolls, varying only slightly in "some" language interpretation.
Perhaps you might find this link interesting in regards to study/origins etc.
http://www.allaboutgod.com/is-the-bible-true.htmThe bible is inspired by truth (Holy Spirit),an ancient book surviving thousands of years. The story books you mention are not comparable with the inspiration of the holy spirit of our history. Though yes, those stories you mention too remain the same, because they are self evident for what they are and do not require ongoing changes.
The bible, also doesn't need to alter it's basic foundation, because it's the truth, self evident/constant and not requiring to change as more "scientific" evidence comes to light. God already knew these things and can easily survive men's "scutiny". Prophecies included. Or do you suppose He can't?
If it was a bunch of stories hailed as truth, it would not have survived such scrutiny, nor would the prophecies have ever come to fruition, including Christ Himself or the conversions that are occuring around the world as a result. THe healings in His name, the miracles etc, would also not exist (nor defy medical explanation/science).
Nothing wrong with scientific theories changing Linear as new "evidence" comes to light, but it indicates our limitations and ongoing search for answers. God Himself gave us a mind to think/comprehend and study with. God cannot possibly be threatened by science, since we require it to further comprehend His creation. God has not required to keep "updating" His word because He is "all knowing". The bible would have been torn to shreds easily long ago if it were a mere story book or the people in there were not inspired by the Holy Spirit, but rather relying on their own "intellect".
We've had enough people give it a darned good shot though. They usually don't get too far for those with a good foundation in biblical scripture and grounding in Christ. To those more ignorant or with lofty ideas and problems with pride, they may well convince them. Misinterpreting or re-interpreting scripture with their own antibiblical twists is a popular tactic. We've enough of that within my own church. The wolves in sheep's clothing! The worst of the lot. At least the obvious enemies are spotted, but the ones within the church are the worst.
