Do the Bible and Science, Do they Agree?

Most scoff at the idea that the Bible and Science agree.  To the scoffers it is like asking, can the left and right leaning politicians agree?
The left only believe what can only be found in a test tube in a sterile labratory.  Where the right won't accept science and they stand firm only in the Bible.
I truly believe as I have grown older that both agree and each prove the validity of the other.  A millenial ago writing a thesis on this topic would be labelled heresy and the author a heretic.
I believe in what Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, 'study to show yourself approved rightly dividing the Word of God'.
Over the passing centuries church goers were taught not to question the conventional thinking of organized religion.
Martin Luther came along questioning the theory of salvation of works.  He believed it was salvation by grace.  Eventually he broke away from the church of Rome.  Now we have a group named after him known as The Lutheran Church.
How many things would we not be able to enjoy if scientists and inventors did not challenge the accepted thoughts of their day.
We have light because of Edison, flight the reward from the hard work of the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawke.
The staunch creationists believe the earth is approximately six thousand years old.  Science declares it is at least five billion years of age.  So, which is right?
I don't have the answers about dinosaurs, but I have to accept the evidence of the fossils found.  Somehow they did exist, they lived and roamed on earth.
My theory is that they existed before man.  During their time something major took place that started their extinction.
I feel it was a time before the period that we read about in the book of Genesis.  This is a theory that answers both science and creationists.
At times we have to challenge conventional thought.  This is my reason why I started this blog.
During the three years of his' ministry, Christ challenged the accepted organised religion of his' day, both Jewish and Roman.
The Jewish heirarchy called him a heretic, a false prophet.  They didn't believe what his' followers were saying.  The followers thought of him as messiah, the King to the throne of David.  Christ asked his' disciples, 'who do men say that I am?'  One of the answers was 'the Son of God'.
The more I learn, the more I discover that every  thought of theory has a counter-thought of theory.
Science has proof that the earth went through an ice age.  They also know there has been some type of flood, because of finding fossils of ocean species in places for which there is no logical explanation.
In Genesis we read of a man, Noah, who was told to build an ark because, God was going to flood the earth.  For God was displeased with man.
Yes, I believe that science and the Bible agree.  It just takes putting all of the facts into evidence.

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2015, Back to the 1930's

Former president FDR made this statement during his' inauguration, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself".

In the Bible Job said this as he was going through his trials, "(Job 3:25 MSG)  The worst of my fears has come true, what I've dreaded most has happened."

Our parents did teach us when we were children something I would like to call, 'good fear'.  It was for our benefit and that was to keep us safe.  Things like to look both ways before crossing the street, and many more things.

Mankind is a compilation of feelings.  Not everyone fears the same things.  One may have a dreadful fear of water, while someone else fears spiders.

Many would present the argument about Nature vs. Nurture.

I was once told that if a baby does not feel love during its infancy it will not be able to show love to others.  It also has been theorized that if a baby is left alone and not receive any type of affection for a length of time, it will become sickly and die.

All of mankind has a deep need of love and acceptance.

A proven theory is that a person who has been abused will more than likely to become the abuser.

So, I lean towards the idea of nurture instead of nature.  It may be the fact that mankind is sentient being.  The idea of nature most likely applies to all other species on the earth.

So, we have a choice about which emotions we give into.  Receive love, show love, receive fear, show fear.

The voice of fear that is sounding around the world, but is very prevalent and strong in the USA.  This voice that is condemning a whole people of the Muslim faith and also refugees and immigrants is basically the same voice as the fear during the 1930's and the presidency of FDR.  The only real difference is back then it was not Muslims, but the Jewish community.

This voice is condemning ninety-nine percent for the evil that only one percent of extremists and radicals are causing.

Yes, it is true that those who forget history and doom to repeat it.

Christ gave us a commandment to Love our neighbors as  ourselves.

I would rather choose Love instead of fear!

More Clues, More Understanding

"You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They'll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd." (John 10:16 MESSAGE VERSION)


Years ago if you were to ask me questions on certain ideas of the Bible I would have given you a very unbending answer.  Today, not so rigid in my theories.
I remember when I was in high school there was a part of science that I was steadfast about, the theory about creation.  As I have said in my last post I was raised evangelical.  The science class though, was teaching that the earth was created differently.  The theory of Darwin was to me total non- sense.  Dinosaurs was something that someone was hoaxing scientists.  I was a pure creationist, dead stop.  Well, it was final exam time and there was part of the exam that dealt with Darwin, and I refused to answer what the teacher wanted.  Of course I failed, but I stuck to my belief.  I wasn't shamed into believing otherwise.  Some of the other students did join me in this, and others did not.


As I have grown older I have developed a keen interest in science and I watch many shows that deal with many areas of science.  I find it quite interesting how man has created telescopes that are orbiting in space and also probes that have been sent to explore planets and other stars.  These were things that in my childhood were only thought of in sci-fi shows.  The amazing part is that things that were once considered science fiction are now science fact.


I now there are some, no matter what, are like I was, un-yielding in their beliefs.  They have not grown in when it comes to understanding.  I am probably sure that if Davince were alive today and I could see and hear what science has discovered would think it was fantastical if he were just using the understanding of the time he lived in.


Many know the saying about not judging someone until you walk a mile in their shoes.  The more I learn the less I realize I know.


I cannot understand my neighbour until I really know and understand my neighbour.  What are his' likes, what does he believe.  My mother told me something before I was ever a parent that the hardest thing for a parent to go through would be the loss of a child.  I now have a daughter and grand children.  When I hear of someone losing a child I can only imagine the extreme terrible grief and pain they are going through.  I think of what I might feel like if I were to lose my daughter or grand child, and I cannot conceive that type of loss.


Today the world is experiencing a type of fear that is all gripping.  It leading some to make judgements against one whole segment of humanity just because the extreme radicals among that group.  Ask yourself if  could I spot a person's faith just by looking at them if they were in a large group.  The answer that should come back to you is 'No' .  The color of skin is not a criteria either in judging the person's faith, nor is the country they live in.


In history we have seem this type of fear grip countries before, when Jewish people were emigrating to the U.S.A., some were preaching fear about them.  The jewish community was trying to escape the horrors happening in Germany under a dictator trying to wipe them from planet earth.  The men that created the huge movie studios in Hollywood actually changed their names to hide the fact that they were of the Jewish faith, just so they would not be persecuted.


Today it is no different.  The Muslim community is experiencing persecution because of a small segment of people are extreme radicals who have bastadize the name 'Islam'.


In the community where I live, I can tell you that I know several people of the Muslim community.  They are fine outstanding people who are doing great things for all those in the community. 


So, let's not be so quick to offer judgement on things we don't understand or know.  Let's take time to get to know and understand our neighbour.


When you hear someone making broad strokes against a whole culture, speak up and tell them they need to keep quiet and stop showing their ignorance.


End of discussion!

Re-Thinking Scriptural History

In the past several months I have been studying various forms of religious information.  Different Bible Translations, the background of cultural societies in the Bible.

Also, I have been studying the history of what was happening in the known world when authors in the Bible were experiencing at the time of the writings.  I came across a thought that was mentioned in a documentary on the History Channel.  The younger me wouldn’t have given it the time of day and would have dismissed it as heresy.  It was the study of the books in the Bible found in the Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner Revision, which is books like the Macabees, etc.,  Also the Catholic Bible.  These books were not included in the accepted King James Version which most Protestant churches use.

I believe that a person who wants to grow needs to be always opened to new thoughts and to explore these thoughts.

I have written in the past that we need to use every available tool, whether it be the tradition hard copy, or the 21st century internet and computers.

I hope that anyone who reads this will have the courage to look at the Scriptures with a new zeal and an openness.

A point of interest; I was raised as an evangelical, but now I can see things that do not align with scriptures and with history.

When I Study, Which Bible Version Should I Use?

I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won't sin myself bankrupt.
(Psalms 119:11 MSG)

Since the invention of the printing press man began to have access to facts, stories, and of course the printed Word.  The Bible is still the most sold book in the world.

Well man began to study looking at different reference materials to get a better understanding of the Holy Scriptures.  They would compile what they had researched and began offering varying translations of the Bible.  These translations would soon become within the price range of the average working person.

A debate began and it is still ongoing, which is the best version of the Bible is best.

Most found themselves choosing one version, The King James Bible, sanctioned to be created by King James of England around the year 1611.

Before the advent of the computer and the internet it was difficult for a person to house many translations in their book shelves.  To have at least 2 versions many would purchase a parallel Bible.  Two versions side by side on the page.  Also, many would have cross-references and footnotes.  One Study Bible rose to the top of people’s favourites, The Thompson Chain Reference Bible.

Now everyone can have as many multiple Bible versions right on their computer.  There are two free Bible software that I use constantly.  E-Sword.  The other is The Word.Both have lots of free modules that can be installed into the programs.  I would encourage you to try both.  Also try various Bible versions.  You soon will find your favourites.  There are also many other help modules, like Commentaries, Dictionaries, etc…

So, we no longer have any excuses to any road blocks to studying the Bible.

Finally, most books of the Bible have been transcribed from original texts.  No one Bible is the definitive version, no set rule.

Find your computer, boot it up, install the software and start your many long years of enriched studying.

What Would Jesus Do?

You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They'll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd.
(John 10:16 MSG)

As I write this the attacks in Paris is still being covered by news media everywhere.

As I am watching the news I am wondering one thing, what would Jesus do?  When I ask myself that question I remember the story of the good Samaritan.  A man had been beaten and robbed and left for dead on the side of the road.  One man went by and basically ignored the man.  Another also went by, he said yes I see your needs and kept going on his’ way.  Yet another man came upon the man, he saw the needs and instead of going on his’ way he stopped and attended to the man’s wounds and the rest of the needs.

There is a certain segment of people in the west who are playing a game of fear about the security and safety of their own.  They are wanting to close their doors to the refugees.  Like the story of the man on the side of the road they are walking by, seeing and knowing the refugees needs but do not want to stop and offer help.

Of everything I know about the true faith of Muslim People they are a peaceful people.

The group called ISIS is not a true Islam.  They are some radical bunch of hateful, murderous, and divisive people.

Are you the reader, going to be a follower of the crowd or are you going to be inclusive of people of the Muslim Faith.

I believe if Jesus were here on earth, he would be offering a hand up to the many who are hurting and running from terror in their homeland.

I realise that writing this post that it could invoke some controversy but I am willing to take that risk.

Let’s all love our brother and sisters even if they do not look like or speak like us.

Studying in these times

Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
(2 Timothy 2:15 AMP)

From the time we start school there is one theme that we are taught all throughout our school years, to get good grades we must study.  Yes, most of us complain how hard it is to study and how difficult it is to finish an exam on what we have studied.

We finally reach the end of grade twelve and we are now graduating and the next chapter of our learning starts with post – secondary education.  Then after all the hard work we leave with a degree, masters, etc.,

Somehow we have the impression that our study life is now over only to become aware that as we go through life we learn from life’s every aspect.  First job, marriage, then children.

The continuation of learning from life starts a new phase.  Retirement, children’s marriage, and the arrival of grand – children.

It is the same with our walk with God.  All through the scripture we are told to study.  The ten commandments, proverbs, sermon on the mount and the writings of the apostles,  Sometimes we ask how relevant is all these things.  We may not see the purpose immediately but somewhere down the path that the things we have learned become useful.

I am in my fifties and I am still learning new things as I study and read.  It is like the new day, fresh and vibrant.  Each time causing me to forge ahead to study and learn more.

I hope you will continue your studies in the scriptures it will bring about great dividends.