You're misusing the term theory here as it applies to science. Don't feel bad, it's a common error. A "theory" like this, in science, is not some sort of guess or hypothesis, the way we commonly use the term in conversation. In science, a "theory" like the theory of evolution is an explanation for a collection of facts. This serves for people who don't have the time or inclination to read the thousands and thousands of studies from various fields which the theory ties together. I'm not sure what you mean when you talk about one species changing into another. Species can have a common ancestor. For example the Mustelids have a common ancestor, but a mink does not change into an otter. Likewise we and the other primates have a common ancestor, but chimpanzees did not turn into humans. All us primates have a common ancestor and all mammals have a common ancestor dating back to when the dinosaurs were stomping around. Then again, mammals and dinosaurs also have a common ancestor going back even further. Now you may choose not to accept all this in favor of the Genesis story, and that's okay. But that's how the process works for those of us who do accept it. I think one should understand the process if one is going to discuss it, even if one chooses to reject the concept. May The Sheep Be With You
That's the pope. He's the head of the Roman Catholic Church. We don't worship him. We respect him, but we don't worship him. We only worship God.
It appears your misusing the term science. Very common mistake, espeically with those younger folks not even working the field yet. Don't feel bad. You can observe things, and call it history, but if you cannot measure it, repeat it, you have deviated from the scientific method.
So, How about that theory of gravity? ... Oh wait, it's just called gravity. Mainly because we can prove it. "theory" is a term people use when they believe something to be true but can't completely prove it.
Thank you Vito. But really, I just like talking about this stuff because I struggle with everyday. I'm just a 30 year-old punk that is trying to figure out what following Jesus looks like. I'm actually quite new to this, so please take every opinion of mine with a grain of salt. I'm sure what I spit out is as much "weeds" as "truth"! Wow. I'm not sure the best way to go after these questions, so here's the plan. Allow me to get on my soap box for a sec, then I'll circle back and try and cover the bases... I think one of our biggest problems is the word "love". Some languages have upwards of 20 different words for love. we have... love. I Love my wife. I Love my brother. I love my parents. I Loved my dog. I Love my nieces & Nephew.... Now throw in the fact that most people are lazy with word choice and I now: Love bowhunting, Love Beer, Love music, Love whitetails, Love debate, Love Love.... I also don't believe that love (like faith) is a switch. It's not on or off. It's not Static! I love my parents, but not the same way I loved them when I was 5. Or 16, or 21, or 29... Same with my wife. I loved her the day that I proposed. I loved her the day we got married. I love her today. But that love has changed. I can be angry with my wife, but still Love her. I can disagree with my brother, and still love him. I can question GOD, and still Love him. Point two. I don't see God as this grey haired dude, up in the clouds typing away and his "world timeline" program making things happen, or not happen. I see him more like... Jackie Chan. Yeah, engaged in a never ending battle. One second he here trying to knock the gun out of this guys hand with a bottle of water, the next he's using a step ladder as a weapon to fend off some other guy. Look out here comes the guy on a motorcycle. Ha! You weren't expecting Jackie to use the fire hose were you?! God is in a constant state of Jackie Chan-ness. Using what ever is available to help his fight. I grew up in Martial Arts. I studied Ryukyu Kempo. Tiaka Oyata was a man from Okinawa that trained with a number of Masters throughout his life. He Came to American in the 70's I believe, and started teaching. To watch him fight, or perform kata, or teach grappling was amazing. He always seemed in 'Control", but he wasn't. He could act & react. He understood how the the body worked, both his and yours. If you were tall, he could adapt. If you were strong, he could adapt. I loved it when I was his uki, the person that he'd use to demonstrate a technique. You would attack, then in the blink of an eye, you were on your back twisted like a pretzel. The power and grace of the then 70 year old man was astonishing. That's how I see God working. He doesn't make someone believe or not believe like a predestined program. It's a battle and he has many enemies, including me quite often. Now that I've totally confused even myself, how about your questions. I'll try and keep this part short....ish. What if you get to know him and don't love him? Keep trying to both love and know him. Please keep trying. Have you loved everyone you have ever met? Certainly not. But now, because of Jesus, I'm trying. What if you have differences you can't overcome? I think there are few differences that cannot be worked out. But it's very hard, and sometimes you just have to agree to disagree for the time being. It sounds like arranged marriage, does it not? I didn't choose my family, but I can still work to Love them. I know they have to work at Loving me. Since I have had the opportunity to get to know God, and choose not to believe, am I a product of the devil? No & Yes. We grow up in a broken world. Broken families. Broken nations. Broken values. I think we all have some evil in us (good too), but the evil was there before we are ever given the opportunity to believe or not. Why am I doomed? I don't think you are. Did I ever have a chance? Always has been a chance, always will be a chance. The trick is to put yourself in an environment that gives you the best chance. That environment is not the same for everyone. But, if I'm looking for a big buck my chances are not good in a shopping mall. There is a chance, just not as good. Did God put me here to test those with faith? I dunno? You force me to think in ways that others don't. I can only hope I do the same. Maybe that is my sacrifice, and when I die and go to heaven, he explains the whole mission to me. Maybe I am just a pawn. I can't wait to get the debriefing Just once I'd like God to use me to knock Satan on his ass... like I'm his improvised weapon of choice for just one second. I'll have a beer with you guys anytime! I just hope it's not under those circumstances... and please, not warm Miller.
Umm....No. It's called the Theory of Gravitation. This really smart guy named Albert Einstein finished what Sir Isaac Newton started.
Good freakin grief people. Gravity is a scientific law. I can't believe no one on here knows the difference.
You're not Catholic are you? I am Catholic and I can assure you that we don't worship the pope. Like I said, we respect him, but we don't worship him. We don't worship the saints either. We honor them but we don't worship them. We only worship God.
It's not possible to debate someone who prefers to use his own definitions for the subjects of debate. Educate yourself. Look up the definition of science in a dictionary. Mine says: "1- systematized knowledge derived from observation, study, etc. 2- a branch of knowledge, esp. one that systematizes facts, principles, and methods." Now you can win any debate you want by making up your own definitions, but you don't impress anyone but yourself.
No m'am I am not. Kissing a guys ring and bowing before him while he wears gold laced garments and rides on chariots looks a little like worshiping someone to me.
Wikipedia has a pretty good grasp on it surprisingly. Science (from the Latin scientia, meaning "knowledge") is an enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the world. Testable being the made point. Like I said its completely understandable for someone like yourself, who has never worked in the field or broke new ground in any sciences. Unless you have? A scientific method seeks to explain the events of nature in a reproducible way, and to use these findings to make useful predictions.
Ok, I apologize. Our best current theory of gravitation is the General Theory of Relativity. How's that? Better? Believe me I know the difference.
Ok, if you believe this, give a scientific explanation of where dinosaurs came from, and where that came from, and where that came from. Science has no proof of how anything started in creation. I bet scientists all over the world are still trying to figure it out. Like "man if I could just get a little of nothing in my hand, I could probably make something out of it." And another thing, if Jesus died for us, why do people still look to a man to have their sins forgiven? Can we not ask Jesus to forgive us on our own? Just does not make a bit of sense to me.
If there is a God, I surely hope my life was lived according to his plan for me. I'll hold out hope that I'm here to question believers. To give them opportunities to spread his word, such as these threads. If not, I guess I'm screwed. I certainly would enjoy this conversation better over a beer or two. And I don't prefer warm Miller Lite either, or ML at any temperature for that matter. I guess there aren't many options in hell though. Its all up to this guy --> . Look at that grin...you can bet he enjoys serving warm beer.
x2 I often wonder what jesus would think of Vatican city and all the golden wonder's of the popes treasures...Talk about koolaid for the masses and dont forget to tip on your way out. The sins of the catholic church from the inquisitions,to the churches involvement of wwll all the way to todays child molestations that get covered up on a daily bases with the popes knowledge and blessings. (side note)good news pope has forgiven the jews for crucifying Jesus.. just in time. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110118/ap_on_re_eu/eu_ireland_catholic_abuse
WOW!!! Yes, you are right. I should have gone a step further and clarified that it is actually called the "LAW" of gravity (or gravitation if you prefer). Now kids, do we need to explain the difference between a theory and a law? Where is my sarcasm button?? These discussions are fun!!
X3 .... I came OUT of that mess ... most Catholics dont even know what they are supposed to believe ...
Bingo !!!! We have a winner. When you can ask 2 priests and the Bishop the same question and get 3 different answers... it really does wonders for your faith in church. Tim
