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Old 01-15-2003, 03:47 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally posted by CyberPretzel
But is there a theoretical limit to rationalization for Christian fundamentalism? Could such a xtian rationalize Revelations if aliens abducted them and then destroyed Earth? I'm just wondering at what point do you have to reinterpret every single word in the text that it becomes unbelievable to any human.
No, there is no limit. If one wants to take a few days and listen to Xtian radio they will find out that the fundies believe that every prophecy in the Bible has undoubtedly come to pass, and that those that haven't will soon.

Second. Just about every verse in the Bible has been reinterpreted many times over in the last thousand + years and the vast amounts of denominations show that.

Oh yeah, if aliens showed up, depending on their temperament, they would be cast thusly; if malevolent, they would be Satan's minions-demons if you will-----if benevolent, they would be angels sent by God to redeem humanity.
The fallout either way could easily be handled by Xtians. Evil Aliens=God's punishment for our sins. Good Aliens=Gods personal salvation touring group.
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Old 01-15-2003, 04:46 PM   #12
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Originally posted by CyberPretzel
How far have they gone?
This far: |---|

Pretty far, huh?

I certainly would not say that one can rationalize anything - there are limits, but I do not think that they have been 'measured' in any way, shape, or form.

Really though, it just depends on the individual. Some would be convinced that Revelations 'might' be false if the Temple Mount is blown away, but I would expect far worse than that to shake most people's belief in Revelation. Also keep in mind that most modern, or 'new' Christians are very moderate, so they do not necessarily consider the entire Bible to be good, trustworthy, etc.
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Old 01-16-2003, 06:51 AM   #13
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Originally posted by Thieving Magpie
This far: |---|

Pretty far, huh?
Maybe. I don't know what I'm comparing it to. What units is that in? :P
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Old 01-16-2003, 07:24 AM   #14
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I remember Jim Mitchell's final post on these forums.

I had been asking him for some time to explain his presuppositionalist argument that the evidence we perceive is determined by our religious beliefs. In particular, if a paleontologist plotted the positions of a sequence of fossils in the fossil record, and then underwent religious conversion or deconversion, would he find that the fossils have moved, as he was strongly implying?

He kept refusing to answer, and I kept repeating the question. Eventually he stated categorically that it was not possible for the fossil record to contradict Genesis. It was a stupid hypothetical question, like asking what would happen if we found the body of Jesus.

I assured him that the fossil record DID contradict Genesis, and that therefore (metaphorically) we HAD discovered the body of Jesus.

He never replied, and never returned to this forum.
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Old 01-16-2003, 10:52 AM   #15
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Originally posted by Lamma

Oh yeah, if aliens showed up, depending on their temperament, they would be cast thusly; if malevolent, they would be Satan's minions-demons if you will-----if benevolent, they would be angels sent by God to redeem humanity.
The fallout either way could easily be handled by Xtians. Evil Aliens=God's punishment for our sins. Good Aliens=Gods personal salvation touring group.
I can see it now.

ALIENS: People of Earth! We bring you peace and goodwill. We will cure your diseases and save your planet -

CHRISTIANS: The Angels of God! Bless us! Bless us all!

ALIENS: Before I was so rudely interupted, I was going to say, 'save your planet from superstition and religion.'
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Old 01-16-2003, 01:09 PM   #16
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Originally posted by CyberPretzel
Maybe. I don't know what I'm comparing it to. What units is that in? :P
En dashes, obviously.
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Old 01-16-2003, 02:30 PM   #17
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En dashes, obviously.
Yeah, obviously. (I think it is 'as yet' unmeasured to any realistic or dependable degree.)
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Old 01-16-2003, 06:17 PM   #18
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Originally posted by Thieving Magpie
Yeah, obviously. (I think it is 'as yet' unmeasured to any realistic or dependable degree.)
Not at all. It's clearly three en dashes long.
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Old 01-16-2003, 06:37 PM   #19
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Not at all. It's clearly three en dashes long.
(insert jovial rejoinder here)
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Old 01-16-2003, 06:40 PM   #20
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Originally posted by Thieving Magpie
(insert jovial rejoinder here)
Ho, ho, ho (he replied).
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