Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: papertyger
The first chapter of Romans refers more to the practices of polytheistic idolaters than to what we see with an agnostic like Darwin (a mild-mannered person, if I recall correctly, who had once wanted to be a clergyman). I agree, though, that it seems to say that God's existence and qualities are "manifest" but because people defy him anyway, he causes them to disbelieve.

I don't attach as much importance to that passage as you do, but rather than explain why, I'll refer you to what I said at greater length in another thread (in posts 44, 47, and 48).

104 posted on 05/23/2012 7:16:08 AM PDT by GJones2 (Darwin mad at God?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 102 | View Replies ]


To: GJones2
The first chapter of Romans refers more to the practices of polytheistic idolaters than to what we see with an agnostic like Darwin (a mild-mannered person, if I recall correctly, who had once wanted to be a clergyman)

Honestly, I find your addition of qualifiers to the cited passage a bit disingenuous. I don't know how much more general the apostle could have been than "...the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness...," as he goes on to pen what is universally acknowledged to be the most comprehensive statement of Christian doctrine in the entirety of the New Testament. Nor do I see any justification for said qualifier unless you are prepared to defend arguing in reverse from the specific to the general (not that there aren't appropriate places for that) with every contextual indicator pointing in the exact opposite direction.

Further, it should be clear to any observer not blinkered by cliches' that being mild of manner tells one nothing of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

That you do not recognize the importance of Paul's statements here is tragic in that the whole of the Christian rationale for God's judgement of those who have never heard of Judeo-Christianity rests on it. Without this rationale, there is no biblical justification for the twin claims of God's justice, and God's judgement of all mankind.

Finally, that you are still hung on the "why does God allow" question, as demonstrated by the posts you referred me to, indicates an orientation of one trying to fit God into his own world instead of one trying to fit into God's world. As long as God is in the dock, instead of you, you can expect no insight into the nature of our existence: only learning.

108 posted on 05/23/2012 9:03:59 AM PDT by papertyger ("And how we burned in the camps later, thinking: What would things have been like if..."))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 104 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson