there's something which ought to be put on the public record. here is as good a place as any:
I do not consider myself a Christian, as I have no belief I can find within me that a fellow named Yeshua died for my sins. I don't reject the idea, but I'll need
hrmn....
I'm being false, or so my gut tells me.
I'll have to think on this.
I believe I can state that I cannot *espouse* belief in such.
However, I do believe in an entity who can fairly be described as God, with attributes science cannot deal with.
I believe as a result of empiricism, yes - but the data set is entirely personal and cannot be reviewed, tested, verified in any systematic manner or to any satisfactory degree of completion.
As such, I cannot use my personal experience as basis for evangelism or "witnessing" - the best I can do is be what I am called to be, allowing others to see and draw what lessons they may.
What belief I have is not in any way in conflict with natural science, cosmology, or evolution. Those mundane (and, afaik, factual) details have no impact on what is important, so far as I can see.
hrmn....
Yes.... a fellow named Thomas DID make a statement to this effect!
NIV John 20:24-29
24. Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
25. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
26. A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"
27. Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
28. Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
29. Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."