IndyBuff
Well-known member
ClintonHammond said:They HAVE to believe... cause if they don't believe that ONE story, it calls into question all the other stories in their book.... and if they have to question the stories in their book, they might have to start thinking for themselves...
I've read over this thread for a matter of days and now I'd briefly like to share my thoughts. First off, no one is forced to believe anything. God created all of us with free will and the ability to choose not only what we do but what we believe and how we feel as well. I believe the Bible because, simply put, that's what I believe. My parents, the pastor at church, friends, etc. didn't make up my mind for me. They were big influences on me, of course, but I made up my own mind about the Bible and what it says. I don't have to believe anything: I choose to. Some people only believe parts of the Bible, others think all or none of it to be true. Opinions will probably always vary on this topic, espeically when it comes to a book like The Holy Bible.
Second, I can't prove that Noah's Ark or the Great Flood occured. However, there is also no sound evidence to prove that it didn't happen either. I think we live in an age and culture where everything must be seen or touched to be believed and I'm amazed at how some people think of belief as a sign of denial or ignorance. Since I think that a story like Noah's Ark is true, I must be some sad, close-minded individual who takes everything literally and never listens to the other side of the argument. I have listened to the other side; it's just that they've failed to come up with anything to make me change my mind.
I'm not trying to come down on anyone's beliefs or opinions here. I just think there are some things we have to take on faith and trust that they happened. Personally, I believe every word of the Bible to be true (I'm sure I'm in for some heavy-duty flaming here but so be it) because that's simply how I feel and what I believe and, while I've heard all the arguments against it many times, it's not enough to make me think otherwise.