I think evolution is the best explanation for our existence, and the existence of life in general.
I personally disagree with this because I feel it shows no deep connection between man and God versus any other creature, but that is just my opinion.
I question your assumption that other creatures are not deeply connected with God. I think it's very likely that they are, and that our evolutionary ancestors were, in their way. Just because they can't tell us about it, and just because we don't see the connection, doesn't mean it isn't there.
I also question the idea that we humans are somehow "better" than other animals, either because of our connection to God or because of our intelligence. Certainly, I know of no animals that wage war on each other the way humans do, or any that are as adept at destroying their environment.
I don't see that it matters how many humans God created and when He created them. We are all unique, regardless.
I definetly don't believe in Adam and Eve at all. They didn't exist, and there is no such thing as Original Sin. I refuse to be held responsible or to feel guilty for something I didn't do and could not have prevented. Nor do I see having free will as a bad thing-rather it allows us to choose to do good rather than bad. If we had no choice, then what we choose doesn't matter.
The reason I feel that a strict evolution has no connection with God is because if it were true, I think things would fall apart. The creator would not have desired to share our love with us, would not see any need to send us redemption later on. Why would he want to do this for a species that essentially won the natural selection lottery? I also base our important connection with God versus other life on the lines of the Gospel where Jesus flat-out says we're more important than the lilies of the field or the birds of the air. Jesus does acknowledge that God provides for them, most definitely.
But I definitely don't disagree with what you say about Adam and Eve. It is way more important to realize that we are all sinners in some way and that we need to care for each other and seek Christ.
The creator would not have desired to share our love with us, would not see any need to send us redemption later on.
Hmmm. Not sure I agree with this, but it's an interesting point.
I also base our important connection with God versus other life on the lines of the Gospel where Jesus flat-out says we're more important than the lilies of the field or the birds of the air.
But doesn't this line of thinking encourage an exploitive mentality? That the earth and the animals are there for us to use, so it doesn't matter if we destroy the earth or abuse the animals? Not that you necessarily think that way, but you see what I'm getting at, right?
It could be said that we (human beings) are better prepared to receive the messages of God and Jesus, but I do think animals have some sort of spiritual connection to God as well.
Jesus does acknowledge that God provides for them, most definitely.
*nod* He is truly a great and wondrous God.
It is way more important to realize that we are all sinners in some way and that we need to care for each other and seek Christ.
Well said! That's one of the things I like about my church-we do a lot of social justice work, which is caring for each other, as you described.
I personally disagree with this because I feel it shows no deep connection between man and God versus any other creature, but that is just my opinion.
I question your assumption that other creatures are not deeply connected with God. I think it's very likely that they are, and that our evolutionary ancestors were, in their way. Just because they can't tell us about it, and just because we don't see the connection, doesn't mean it isn't there.
I also question the idea that we humans are somehow "better" than other animals, either because of our connection to God or because of our intelligence. Certainly, I know of no animals that wage war on each other the way humans do, or any that are as adept at destroying their environment.
I don't see that it matters how many humans God created and when He created them. We are all unique, regardless.
I definetly don't believe in Adam and Eve at all. They didn't exist, and there is no such thing as Original Sin. I refuse to be held responsible or to feel guilty for something I didn't do and could not have prevented. Nor do I see having free will as a bad thing-rather it allows us to choose to do good rather than bad. If we had no choice, then what we choose doesn't matter.
Good question!
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The reason I feel that a strict evolution has no connection with God is because if it were true, I think things would fall apart. The creator would not have desired to share our love with us, would not see any need to send us redemption later on. Why would he want to do this for a species that essentially won the natural selection lottery? I also base our important connection with God versus other life on the lines of the Gospel where Jesus flat-out says we're more important than the lilies of the field or the birds of the air. Jesus does acknowledge that God provides for them, most definitely.
But I definitely don't disagree with what you say about Adam and Eve. It is way more important to realize that we are all sinners in some way and that we need to care for each other and seek Christ.
Reply
Thanks for your input.
You're most welcome! :)
The creator would not have desired to share our love with us, would not see any need to send us redemption later on.
Hmmm. Not sure I agree with this, but it's an interesting point.
I also base our important connection with God versus other life on the lines of the Gospel where Jesus flat-out says we're more important than the lilies of the field or the birds of the air.
But doesn't this line of thinking encourage an exploitive mentality? That the earth and the animals are there for us to use, so it doesn't matter if we destroy the earth or abuse the animals? Not that you necessarily think that way, but you see what I'm getting at, right?
It could be said that we (human beings) are better prepared to receive the messages of God and Jesus, but I do think animals have some sort of spiritual connection to God as well.
Jesus does acknowledge that God provides for them, most definitely.
*nod* He is truly a great and wondrous God.
It is way more important to realize that we are all sinners in some way and that we need to care for each other and seek Christ.
Well said! That's one of the things I like about my church-we do a lot of social justice work, which is caring for each other, as you described.
Reply
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