Just because something works many repeatable times does not mean it will necessarily work the next time. However with this said, I have no problem dropping the requirement of absolute proof from knowledge and saying that in order for something to be knowledge it simply must be a very repeatable experience. This is the basis of our world and most of the knowledge we have.
However there is another kind of knowledge too. Historical knowledge. In historical knowledge we take the word of an authority, either someone that was there or extensively studied the subject. This kind of knowledge more than any other requires faith in the authority. In fact, the knowledge of the afterlife would most closely be tied in with this kind of knowledge.
Christians trust Jesus and books written by people close to Jesus and they believe that Jesus said that there was a heaven and a hell. Jesus is there authority, just like my history teacher and books written by other history teachers form the basis of my historical knowledge. In historical knowledge it is all about having faith in others and taking their words for something that we are never going to get to experience first hand.
Belief in an afterlife is alot like believing that an English King was excommunicated from the catholic church. We weren't there to see it happen. We will never experience that first hand. But, we still believe it is true. Why?
Yes, you make some good points. However, the very nature of an afterlife is very different from that of an excommunication or a presidential election or an assassination or an earthquake. An afterlife can only be "known" by hearing or reading accounts of it by people who themselves claimed to have experienced it (which cannot be corroborated by anyone else) or who claim to have gotten a revelation from some kind of supernatural source. Both cases can be accepted by others or rejected by others.
But once you accept that there can be supernatural means of "knowing" things, you have a predicament: which claims do you believe? I submit that you have no basis for choosing, other than personal preference. Either that, or you must claim supernatural ability yourself, which Christians do -- they "have the Holy Spirit" to guide them in the truth. And it never seems to bother them much that the Holy Spirit apparently guides different people into very different truths. Oh well, it's a mere trifle, I'm sure.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Perfect recipe for a Cult, where they bow to lies and the control of those who "Think" they know, but they don't!
So, you are saying the bible is simply cult-based and breed nothing better than cults, and nothing more?
Do you have FAITH in what someone says to you when they present no evidence? Do you trust anyone? If so, ....CULTIST! lol
__________________ ...MY THOUGHTS, ANYWAY.
"Many Christians do not try to understand what was written in a verse in the Bible. Instead they approach the passage to prove what they already believe."
To say that a demand for faith is cult-bait, then the question remains, is there not genuine faith to be had from the bible even when it requires faith?
__________________ ...MY THOUGHTS, ANYWAY.
"Many Christians do not try to understand what was written in a verse in the Bible. Instead they approach the passage to prove what they already believe."
So, you are saying the bible is simply cult-based and breed nothing better than cults, and nothing more?
Do you have FAITH in what someone says to you when they present no evidence? Do you trust anyone? If so, ....CULTIST! lol
The alternative is that there is one and only one correct view of what the Bible instructs you to believe. And in your case, that would be your view, and everyone else is wrong.
But why are there so many people who are wrong about the Bible? Why is it apparently so easy to get it wrong? I, for one, believe that God would have done a better job of it, if he really did want everyone to be saved. (And assuming there is something to be saved from. )
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
The alternative is that there is one and only one correct view of what the Bible instructs you to believe. And in your case, that would be your view, and everyone else is wrong.
Not so quick, T.
Because one view is correct, by pure logic, then one ought to always pray that God correct oneself. Deception is when we think we are right and we are not. That can be dealt with by this sincere prayer.
And then.... have FAITH that God will answer.
Quote:
But why are there so many people who are wrong about the Bible? Why is it apparently so easy to get it wrong? I, for one, believe that God would have done a better job of it, if he really did want everyone to be saved. (And assuming there is something to be saved from. )
Think about what I just said above.
__________________ ...MY THOUGHTS, ANYWAY.
"Many Christians do not try to understand what was written in a verse in the Bible. Instead they approach the passage to prove what they already believe."
To say that a demand for faith is cult-bait, then the question remains, is there not genuine faith to be had from the bible even when it requires faith?
your implication about needing faith means that you will not have faith in anything anyone says without proof. Your wife says she went to the store and paid a bill... you refuse to believe unless you see the receipt. If not, then do not paint everyone all faith with the same cult brush. lol
__________________ ...MY THOUGHTS, ANYWAY.
"Many Christians do not try to understand what was written in a verse in the Bible. Instead they approach the passage to prove what they already believe."
Whether one accepts it or not, it is ridiculous to say that faith is a bad thing. Without faith, try have a good relationship WITH ANYONE.
__________________ ...MY THOUGHTS, ANYWAY.
"Many Christians do not try to understand what was written in a verse in the Bible. Instead they approach the passage to prove what they already believe."
Because one view is correct, by pure logic, then one ought to always pray that God correct oneself. Deception is when we think we are right and we are not. That can be dealt with by this sincere prayer.
And then.... have FAITH that God will answer.
Think about what I just said above.
Sure, you could be right. You, I presume, have made that sincere prayer, and you can therefore be certain that you are right. Others who claim to have made that sincere prayer, but got a different result, are obviously lying about that prayer.
Right?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
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