News Flash: New Perspectives on Faith is sponsoring a seminar at College Mennonite Church on Saturday, November 10, 2012, with the theme “If the Church were Christian” featuring Philip Gulley, a Quaker pastor, author and speaker from Danville, Indiana. Gulley has written recently, “The Evolution of Faith.” Down seminar flyer here.
A political word: Sojourners Magazine notes Galatians 3:29 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” and urges that votes be cast in the direction of reversal of social and ethic disparieties in education and incarceration. Stop dumping hazardous waste in poor and minority communities. Create sustainable-energy jobs for low-income and minority people. “Speak out. Judge righteously. Defend the poor.” Proverbs 31:9.
Fallen twig
The Old Fool continues to respond to James Ranck’s comment. The Old Fool is not a scientist. But when The Old Fool overhears scientists discuss evolution they admit that Jim is correct in his observation that evolution is an unproven theory. They do not use the word proof. They insist, however, that the evolutionary theory is based on evidence, and equally, that there is no evidence supporting the data in Genesis 1 and 2.
So there is plenty of room for the God of Hebrews 11:3, provided we acknowledge that it is a faith statement, a faith for which there is no evidence. Here is The Old Fool’s understanding. Faith is not believing what isn’t so. Faith is believing that for which there is no evidence. If there is evidence we may begin to add know to our vocabulary
Stalactite, salt and pepper shaker, a young owl
Jim and The Old Fool may settle for belief without evidence. The Old Fool contends, however, that it is folly not to honor the findings of scientists who are diligently collecting, testing and following evidence that leads them toward the unknown beginning. He considers them to be men and women of faith who pursue evidence relentlessly.
A lone leaf
The Old Fool is well aware of what Jesus said about causing little ones to stumble. He remembers sadly the little ones who tripped over the stones he placed on the way to church membership, discipleship and maturity. He thought he was doing right, but now he realizes how deeply wrong he was.
The bible should not be read as a history book or a science book. It is a witness to the Truth.
The Old Fool invites further comments. His word is not the last word.
