I am imperfect and a sinner.
Okay, everyone that knows me even in passing actually knows this poorly kept secret. The only thing I can say in my defense is that I seem to be in good company with the rest of the world. What is often apparent these days though is that not everybody realizes that they too are imperfect creatures made and sustained by a divine and perfect Creator. Not that this is a great credit to me, but I am painfully aware of the many transgressions I make on a daily basis and how often I fail to do what God wants. I am not a very good Christian far too much of the time.
Sadly, in this day and age of post-Christian modernity, it seems that those that still do believe in God and are thus trying to live their lives accordingly are seen as superstitious rubes and fools by most people in society. The biggest growing religious affiliation group today is the “nones”; that is those folks having no religious affiliation or belief. Far too many of the remaining people that still “believe” in God have redefined him so that their “god” agrees with their thoughts, beliefs and world view, rather than conforming their own beliefs to what God has taught us. This is almost a new kind of atheism. “There is a god, BUT he thinks just like ME!”
Most people have subjected God to either agreeing with them or simply denying his very existing altogether. And why not? For most of us, It is hard to live by God’s rules in this fallen world today. It is far easier for us to change what God thinks so as to align with our own thoughts, or failing that, to simply no longer acknowledge his very existence. After all, if God doesn’t exist, then I can think and do as I see fit. I am no longer constrained by an informed conscience that is guided by a divine loving creator God. I am free! I am not shackled by any authority greater than my own needs, wants, and desires. My ego is now the supreme authority over my actions in this great cosmic lie.
Bishop Robert Barron succinctly states,
“All of us sinners have, to one degree or another, bought into the lie. At the heart of the lie—and we can see it in the Genesis account—is the deification of the ego. I become the center of the universe, I with my needs and my fears and my demands.
And when the puny ‘I’ is the center of the cosmos, the tie that binds all things to one another is lost. The basic reality now becomes rivalry, competition, violence, and mistrust.”
Indeed, if everyone does precisely what their own ego and its desires dictate, of course we are going to run into conflict with our families, friendships, and society. We no longer are governed by God’s commandment to do unto others as we would have them do unto us, or if we do treat others well, it often is because we expect something in return. Nothing is ever done simply out of a loving heart with no expectation of reciprocation these days. The result of all of this self-centeredness untethered from a higher purpose (God) are broken relationships, broken families, increased rates of drug use and suicide, meaningless and empty promiscuity, abuse, and violence.
Yes, these things have always been with us as part of the fallen human condition, but for all of our societal advances, we seem to have an increase in these things rather than having mitigated them.
I have seen too many friends, acquaintances, and even family members choose to go down this path of denying the existence of God, seemingly so as to not have to justify their actions that God has clearly spoken out against. From supporting sexual conduct outside of marriage to championing the redefinition of marriage itself to accommodate homosexual marriage or plural marriage, I have witnessed the chaos and self-destruction that inevitably comes when we intentionally turn our backs on God’s plan for us. This is especially true when it comes to those championing the killing of innocent newborns and then justifying it under the more tender euphemism of “pro-choice”.
Our society has increasingly turned away from God and an abiding belief in him and his desires for us to be happy and TRULY free by cooperating with his plan for each of us. The results have been disastrous and sorely evident throughout or “enlightened” society. From comparatively lesser problems like nearly half of marriages ending in divorce, if one no longer acknowledges the commitment, let alone the sacred nature of marriage, then any reason one chooses can be a valid excuse for dumping your spouse.
Today, often times because people no longer understand or respect the sacrament of marriage, many couples just choose to live together as an unmarried couple. This “temporary” arrangement without a true sense of commitment usually fosters insecurity and a decidedly unharmonious life together often times. With few exceptions, I have not seen this work out well for more than a few years at best.
I have also witnessed a good-hearted young woman agree to be a surrogate mother for two “married” men and then suffer emotionally at giving up the baby she carried for nine months. Let alone that common sense and psychology used to tell us that children do far better in a stable home with a married mother and father, now we can put the best needs of the child aside because two men who can not procreate together as per God’s design have selfishly decided that they want to “have a child”.
Then there is the matter of abortion. God tells us that murder is wrong and a grave sin. Pope Francis recently reiterated unambiguously once again that abortion is murder, and yet this issue today is one that is highly contentious in America. Let that sink in for a moment. It is a CONTENTIOUS ISSUE that tens of millions of Americans support killing an unborn child. Over 62 million unborn babies have been killed in the United States alone since the passing of Roe v. Wade in 1973. Nothing can justify the intentional taking of an innocent life, but the problem is especially egregious when the deification of one’s ego justifies this act for matters of convenience or financial reasons.
Now this is not to say that all atheists or agnostics are bad people, anymore than it is to say that all self-professed Christians are good people. Neither is obviously the case. Personally, I have known and do know many atheists that live very moral lives and actually care about others for the sake of the others. Having once been an atheist myself, I can understand what I consider to be the false religious doctrines of atheism. Even here on my own blog, some of my favorite interlocuters have been atheists such as John Myste, Heathen Republican, and Jerry. All of these gentlemen are obviously exceptionally bright and seemingly very good people. They make the world a better place for their parts in it.
Unfortunately, far more of the quasi-Christians, agnostics, and atheists are only in this world for themselves. Nothing greater is in control of their lives and actions than what their egos tell them. Life is meaningless in all things except to get whatever one can out of it. If others can help in that goal, then great, otherwise to hell with most others. It is a sad existence. I know. I once lived it too.
Regrettably, I forget where I came across this quotation, but it seems particularly relevant to this topic regarding our human nature and history as God’s creatures.
“It is a history of creatures attempting to make their Creator into their own image and likeness. But the most the creature can do is turn away from what truly is and live in a world of his own imagination.
If insanity is measured by the degree to which what one believes corresponds to what truly is, the story of mankind’s revolt against reality is really the story of mankind’s descent into insanity.
Sanity produces the opposite. When you see things as they truly are (and live accordingly), good things result. Sanity invariably leads to human flourishing, whereas its opposite alienates us from ourselves and from all that is around us—to regression, human misery, and destruction.”
In Vatican II’s words, “when God is forgotten . . . the
creature itself grows unintelligible,” seem prophetic in retrospect.
20 comments:
Well stated, but of course, I have to take issue with some of your assertions.
You speak strongly from a Christian, or Catholic position. There are many different religious sects in the world all of whom claim their own and different "God". How many supreme beings are there? Do you deny the righteousness of their "Gods"? Do you believe their "Gods" are false? The Jews don't believe Jesus was the son of God, yet Catholics believe Jesus and God are the same. The Holy Trinity is not something the Jews believe, but the Jewish religion has been around long before Catholics came along. Who is correct. Whose religion is most righteous?
When you speak I assume you are talking about the God of the King James bible. A book, by the way, that describes its own God as murdering people and eventually killing all the people on Earth except one family. Is that a loving being no matter what the explanation was for those atrocities?
You made a comment implying I might have turned away from God because of something a pastor did to me. That was a misunderstanding. First, that wasn't against me, but someone I knew. Second, I haven't believed in God ever, even when I was a little boy. Third, I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic schools from kindergarten through college. I know the Catholic religion very well and have studied other religions also. I saw more sinning by the members of that (Catholic) religious institution than all the "civilians" I have ever known. Please don't cite my closeness to that Catholic institution for turning away from God. There was no turning away.
I'm glad to see you acknowledge some don't need the morals of a God to live a good, moral life. They have developed their own good conscience without the help of, or rules of a God.
I take many issues with the Bible and its religious dogma. For one, I don't believe we are unique and only life created by this God. There are trillions of stars in the universe with trillions of more planets orbiting those stars. I simply don't believe there is no other life out there.
I agree with you that people adjust their God to have acceptance for their behavior. At the same time the church has adjusted its beliefs to match the scientific evidence we have now that was not available thousands of years ago.
I've explained before how I feel about mixing religious morals with government, or making laws based on religion.
I could go on but it would take pages and pages. Ask me anything you like.
Jerry, first let me say thank you very much for your well-reasoned and thoughtful comment.
As for Judaism and other faiths, my Catholic faith informs me through the teaching of the magisterium of the church, that most faiths have elements of truth and righteousness within them; however, the church that Christ himself founded on the rock of St. Peter has been given the fullness of God's deposit of the faith to us. Indeed, as far as Christianity goes, until 1517 when Martin Luther came along, to be a Christian was essentially to be Catholic. Aside from the Orthodox Church which believes nearly all of the same dogmatic and doctrinal issues as Catholicism does, the church Christ set up on earth was the only true Christian church for a millennium and a half. Nowadays there are literally over 30,000 different Christian denominations, all based on some HUMAN's interpretation of scripture that diverts from what Christ's church first and finally taught.
As for the Jews, well having been educated in Catholic institutions, you know that without Judaism, there would be no Christianity. Christ, a Jew himself, is the fulfillment of the Jewish Old Testament prophecies and laws. While I have great respect and admiration for Jews, I simply think they are mistaken as they still wait for the messiah in the fulfillment of those Old Testament prophecies. I respectfully submit that they have missed that this has already been fulfilled completely in Christ.
Next, I appreciate your clarification regarding the pastor's despicable behavior not being directed specifically at you. I would hope that all clergy, regardless of denomination, that act in any egregious way contrary to Christ's teachings would be punished to the fullest extent of the law. I further believe, that they will have to answer for their actions before a far greater judge one day.
As for Catholics being some of the worst of sinners... I agree. Sadly. Unfortunately, any institution comprised of humans will always have it sinful detractors. The Catholic Church is not immune from this. The church is not some museum for saints, but rather is a hospital for sinners. It upsets me greatly when it is the clergy that abuse their positions for sinful reasons though. This undermines the credibility of all of the good done through God and his church.
Indeed, I have known orders of magnitude more people of faith that have done good and helped others than I have known people that have intentionally sinned in harming others, especially among my fellow Catholics. I don't excuse those that have sinned in harming others any more than I excuse my own sinful behavior though.
Of course atheists can live a good moral life, as you yourself have proven. Despite your unbelief, do you think having been raised in Catholic institutions that this informed your personal morality, even if you deem it unattached to God? I ask this in all sincerity and not in snarkiness, my friend.
I have sadly seen far too many atheists that do not acknowledge God's or even society's morality and choose to do only what they want regardless of the harm it may cause another or themselves. Yes, so-called Christians are sometimes guilty of this too, but the numbers are a lot fewer in my experience.
Next, I do agree that the odds of there being other life on other planets in our vast universe is exceptionally likely. That does not disprove God to me. Indeed, it was a study of science and the intricate and finally tuned design of the cosmos that brought me back to belief that there must be a "designer"... a creator... of this miraculous universe. See my thoughts on this here, if you care: https://savingcommonsense.blogspot.com/2011/02/duality-of-god-and-science-in-creation.html
Like you, Jerry, I do not want a theocracy. The possibility of unscrupulous people running such a government frightens me. Besides, I think God gave us free will for a reason. If government insists that we "must" believe a certain faith, then that coercion results in a false belief. We can no more dictate how someone must believe in a faith any more than we can enforce someone to fall in love with someone they simply don't love.
That said, our western civilization is predicated on Judeo-Christian morality in our laws and many of our institutions. I think using that good morality for such a basis has served societies well for millennia. When we base our morality on human institutions or governments, that can easily go astray eventually. History is replete with such examples of this, particularly when those said governments enforce a societal disbelief in God, such as the Soviet Union and its satellite nations did. All sorts of atrocities can and have occurred when mere men have the final say on what is right and just.
Thanks again for your excellent comment, Jerry!
Thank you for a considered response.
There we go. Changing a religious dogma to fit the newly known scientific evidence. For thousands of years the Church was adamant that God only created life on this planet. We were unique. Now that we know differently religions change their basic belief to fit the truth. Whenever new arguments come up to conflict what the religion has believed for millennia the Church merely states God created it that way. An easy excuse except for thousands of years that's not what the Church insisted was the truth.
Saying the Jews are mistaken is exactly the problem I was trying to express. Whose truth is truth. Maybe it's the Christians who are mistaken. There is no way such important beliefs like the Holy Trinity can be explained away by sect diversity over the centuries. It is either true, or it is not. I find it egotistical to declare one is truth and one is not, because there is no way to know something like that. How can you declare one religion is mistaken, but your religion is the truth? Only faith can explain that kind of statement and faith can be as faulty as any motivation.
The Jews set their religion by their relationship with God (the Old Testament). The Christians set their religion by the word of Christ (the New Testament).
If God is all knowing and gave us free will, then he must have intended for humans to develop the mess we have now and I agree with your description, humanity is a mess. Humanity is off the track, but then, God knew this would happen.
If God is the father then Christ must take second place. The only way to escape that reality is to create the Holy Trinity concept which was created centuries after the beginning of their religion. Again, changing dogma to fit reality.
I will be surprised to find that their is a God, but not as surprised as the billions who believe would be to find out there is no God.
I certainly don't believe in multiple supreme beings and unless you are willing to deny all religions but yours, then the answer is not as simple as saying they are mistaken.
Then there is the question as to why God would inject himself into the lives of humans so directly as described in the Old Testament, yet, we have not had any direct communication with God ever since. If the sin of Jews being enslaved was enough to have God murder Egyptians then why did God not murder Nazis?
Why did God select the Jews as his chosen children thus setting up the age old conflict that has racked the Earth?
The actions described in the Old Testament describes a mean, vengeful, and murderous God. What kind of loving being is that?
The Bible is a good book, but it contradicts itself with every page you turn.
People find solace in their worship and praying to God, but they might as well be praying and worshiping the Great Pumpkin because they would get the same result. Personal satisfaction, but no intervention. Millions pray to God to avert disaster, but God has never stopped a disaster by his personal intervention.
Nothing with so many open questions can be assured and that includes the existence of a God, or many Gods.
One can say abortion is murder, but the scientific evidence of that truth did not exist when Row/Wade was decided. That's why I say Row/Wade will be revoked. Just present the scientific evidence. Don't base law on God's morals, but the proven scientific truth.
Man must reason his way out of his problems, that is the way God created man. We cannot rely on God's guidance, God is relying on our ability to find our own way.
I am imperfect and a sinner. Join the club, so am I. I understand the T part of TULIP applies 100% to me, IE:
T - Stands for Total Depravity
The belief in total depravity takes the view that sinfulness pervades all areas of life and human existence. Through the Fall of Man, humanity is stained by sin in every aspect: heart, emotions, will, mind, and body. This means people cannot independently choose God. They cannot save themselves. God must intervene to save people.
Calvinism insists that God must do all the work, from choosing those who will be saved to sanctifying them throughout their lives until they die and go to heaven. Calvinists cite numerous Scripture verses supporting humanity's fallen and sinful nature, such as Mark 7:21-23, Romans 6:20, and 1 Corinthians 2:14.
"For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."
Re the "human condition"...
The TRUE human condition or world we live in is about 2 pink elephants in the room and has never been on clearer display than with the deliberate global Covid Scam atrocity — study (not briefly scan) “The 2 Married Pink Elephants In The Historical Room –The Holocaustal Covid-19 Coronavirus Madness: A Sociological Perspective & Historical Assessment Of The Covid “Phenomenon”” at w w w d o t CovidTruthBeKnown d o t c o m
“[…] when you do things to people against their will and force them it destroys their spirit, it destroys the integrity of their body. […]. Being an adult is meaningless if you cannot even protect the integrity of your own body.” -- Jennifer Daniels, MD, MBA, Holistic Doctor
Didn't Jesus die on the cross for all our sins? Seems the New Testament is about redemption for humans if we change our ways and come to God. As Darrell says humans are getting farther and farther away from that goal.
Jerry, again I appreciate your comment. Let me begin by saying, that the Catholic Church has never dogmatically or doctrinally declared that there is no life beyond that on earth. I am sure that this was the thought of many during centuries past, just as most people once held to the pre-Copernicus theory that the earth was the center of the universe around which the sun rotated. I know this may seem like semantics and a triviality to non-Catholics, but bishops, priests and other clergy all have their own opinions on various issues that typically align with the known sciences of their days. Unless the magisterium of the church or the pope, guided by the Holy Spirit, infallibly declares something as dogma/doctrine, then it is always subject to be revised based on revelations of science, philosophy, and our understandings of God’s creation. Indeed, I am not obligated to believe all that Pope Francis says today, and I certainly do not, on some political or social issues; however, if he does declare something as church doctrine, then I am indeed obligated to do whatever is necessary to come to an understanding and belief in that proclamation. In the two thousand years of the Church, there have sadly been some unscrupulous and flat-out bad popes; however, as Christ promised, his Church has been protected such that no erroneous dogma has been proclaimed even by self-serving evil leaders of the Church.
See this interesting link on Catholicism and life on other planets, if you care:
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/beyond-the-boundaries-of-science
As for each religion differing in their esoteric beliefs, like I said, all of those that seek the Truth in their faith will find elements of it in their various religions. It is Catholic belief that the fullness of that Truth has been revealed in the full deposit of faith to this church which Christ himself established, while all other churches were established by humans.
And yes, God transcending and living outside of time and matter did indeed know that this “mess” would happen; however, if God removed our free will and did not give us the ability to choose right from wrong, then we also would not be able to choose to love him. If he coerced us to love him by removing our free will, then that really is not love. It is a logical fallacy and incompatible with God.
Next, the entire concept of the Holy Trinity is complex and a mystery. Indeed, if someone says they have a perfect understanding of it, they are in error and do not. There are many instances in the New Testament where Christ equates himself with God the Father. His forgiveness of others sins is a good example, as only God can do such a thing. Indeed, did Christ not say that if you have seen me, you have seen the father? And did he not promise to send an “advocate” for us in the Holy Spirit to guide us and protect his church? Yes, the concept of the Trinity occurred centuries after the establishment of the Jewish faith. How could it be otherwise, until the fulfillment of the Jewish scriptures with the arrival of Christ the Messiah?
Continuing, while even the catechism of the Catholic Church states that the last public revelation from God ceased with the death of the last apostle, that does not preclude private revelation and personal involvement with God for each of us today. I have read of and even seen miracles occur in my own lifetime. Indeed, my own devout atheist and former racist brother-in-law spent nearly forty years of his existence living a lawless life and residing in prison for a vast majority of that time, only to be released, offend, and then sent back to incarceration. He finally attempted to kill himself in prison and in that moment realized his faults… his sins. When he was last released seven years ago, he devoted his life to Christ. He has not strayed and has not been back to prison since. Further, he is about to become an ordained minister and works with the homeless and other ex-cons to help change their lives for the better. To see this transformation after forty years of lawless behavior… that, my friend, is nothing shy of a miracle! I doubt the great pumpkin would have been able to affect the same miraculous change.
Lastly regarding your thought filled comment, I can see the seeming disparity between God of the Old and New Testaments. In fact, this was something that was a stumbling block for me for a long time too. Let’s take the example of God telling Joshua to kill all of the Canaanites… men, women, children, and even the oxen. On the surface, this seems very contrary to the actions of a loving God. But when we dig deeper and in context, we find that there is not the seeming inconsistency we first imagined.
Is it okay for an ambulance or firetruck to run a red light when responding to an emergency? Yes, they have that authority for a greater good. Can a professor cancel his class even though a student cannot? Yes, as it is his class, he has that authority. Under the same logic, can the author and creator of all life decide when a life is forfeit to him? Yes.
Second, in historical context, the Canaanites were an evil people that had persisted in their evil for hundreds of years as they used to do things such as sacrifice their babies to their god Molech. God, was using his chosen people as an instrument of his justice in driving the Canaanites from the land.
Next, God does not make mistakes and His judgement is perfect, so we can rightly assume that His protection would fall on those whom he did not want slain.
Lastly, rather than a literal command, this could have simply been the divinely inspired author’s writing of literal warfare rhetoric of the time. Much like a coach may tell his team we are going to stomp the enemy into ground and kill them, this may very well be what that means too. Indeed, not everything in the Bible is meant to be taken literally. Context is very important. Indeed, Jesus tells us to “cut off our hand” or “pluck out our eye” if it causes us to sin. Does He mean this literally? As God, Christ knows that it is our hearts… our consciences that cause us to sin. Not our hand or our eye. I hope this at least helps in responding to your comments, Jerry.
JTF, I am admittedly not very adept on Calvinist doctrine and I certainly don’t mean to offend you or anybody else that is honestly looking to honor God by living by His commandments. With that said, I honestly do not understand that if God has given us free will, and he has indeed, then how can we not independently choose or not choose to love God? If we are pre-ordained to invincibly live in sin and thus cut ourselves off from God’s grace, then why would God create such a being without a choice? Yes, I agree that God must intervene to save all people, and I would submit to you that he has done so via Jesus Christ. In all sincerity and not trying to be snarky, can you explain why God would choose those he wants to save and those he wants to condemn? Again, doesn’t this go against the concept of Him giving us free will to choose Him and love Him? Please explain what I am missing, sir. I honestly would like to understand this better.
Anonymous, yes indeed we all should have dominion over the integrity of our own bodies. This goes for COVID vaccinations or subjecting ourselves to performing procedures on other’s bodies which violate our own consciences and God’s commands.
It certainly was for centuries the position of the Church that we are unique creations by God. Unique meaning that he did not create life anywhere else in the universe. This was not just an opinion by clergy.
Christ told Peter and the other disciples to build the Church. It was not Christ himself who would do that.
The Church did believe the Earth was the center and banned any other teaching.
Declarations of the Church cannot simply be changed by a new understanding of science, or philosophy. They can only be changed by the Pope.
Christ wasn't the only "divine one" to start his own Church.
Jews do not believe Christ was the messiah, or the literal son of God.
Anecdotal evidence (like your relative) is no real evidence of a miracle. A real miracle would have no definitive evidence but God, which can not be proven.
A personal relationship with God is no evidence. Anyone can pray, or have a relationship wit God. I'm talking about God's literal injection with humans as described in the Old Testament. I'm talking about murderous actions God himself took, not some inspiration people thought were sent to them by God. God created the flood which killed all the people of the world. God created the plagues which killed the Egyptians. The examples go on and on.
The Romans (who kept detailed journals) whom we have learned much of history from, never mention Christ, the crucifixion, or anything about Christ being seen after his death. In other words, there is no evidence of the stories of the New Testament except the word of the apostles. Why would the Romans detail life in their time before and after Christ without mentioning Christ? Why is there no evidence of the Jews living in Egypt? And finally, I do not accept explaining the unexplained as simply being the will of God and his will is to not be questioned.
First, as I said, the church may have taught that in conjunction with the scientific understanding of the times; however, as I said, it was not stated infallibly as doctrine.
Next, Jesus did found the Christian Church. Mathew 16:18 says, "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hell will not overpower it."
Many Jews did believe that Christ was the messiah and thus became the first Christians. There are many Jews that did not and still have not accepted Christ as such though. Indeed, Mathew's gospel was more directed towards the Jewish people in order to spread the word, while Luke's gospel was directed more towards the gentiles.
As for miracles, they still occur everyday, aside from my brother-in-law. Indeed if you care to check into it more, Jerry, there is ample evidence documented to this day of miracles that have occurred. Even the relatively late Mother Theresa was canonized in our lifetimes. This can only be done when miracles are attributed to her prayerful intercessions to Christ on behalf of someone else that science and all human understanding cannot explain.
The process for canonization of a saint is very stringent and the "devil's advocate" whom is a skeptic that argues against the "miracle" is given every opportunity to explain it away through non-miraculous means. It is only if there is no humanly rational explanation for the occurrence that it is then deemed a miracle.
Also, there is plenty of evidence for the historical evidence of Christ outside of the apostles and other Christians, sir. See here for some of those "hostile" Romans that do acknowledge His historicity.
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/looking-for-the-historical-jesus-again
I may be very busy for a few days, so I may not be able to immediately respond to further comments. Rest assured I will do so when I can, sir. I appreciate your dialogue and hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Jerry!
Religious discussions can go on forever and never be resolved because believers talk from faith and rightfully others require more to believe such super natural stories.
Two people can know the same facts and come to a different conclusion. Two people can read the same line and understand it differently. I would read that line as Christ charging Peter to build his Church and in fact Peter did build the Church.
I'm glad you have found something you can believe totally in based on pure faith, but that is not how my mind works, which explains why I have not been a believer since I was a child as my mind formed.
Many of my friends became believers in all sorts of cults in the 1960's and I could never understand that either. You (and I) may call them false Gods, but they believed in those Gods just as strongly with their faith as you believe in your God. Faith is what the mind has convinced itself is true, no proof needed.
And I'm afraid you are wrong. The uniqueness of life being only on this planet has been basic dogma since before the Christian Church as expressed in Genesis in the Old Testament.
I am curious just how literal you take the bible and which sect of the Christian Church you belong to?
Darrell, I believe the last humans with free will were Adam and Eve and they screwed it up. After them all of mankind was born with their original sin and can do nothing but sin (Romans 5:12). The punishment for sin is death & separation from God. Man can not work his way to heaven, can not be good enough. (I believe Jesus had free will, as he was without sin he had the choice to sin, but chose not to)
So, as we read in John 3:16, God sent his Son to die for our sins. I suggest if you haven't done so, you read Romans. You ask me to "explain why God would choose those he wants to save and those he wants to condemn?" Great question! I would direct you to Romans 8:28–30. And to, oddly enough, Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predestination
https://carm.org/dictionary/calvinism/
https://carm.org/about-theology/what-is-calvinism/
for a better answers to your question than I could ever offer.
BTW, I do not condenser your question snarky nor am I offended by it.
Hope your Thanksgiving was a blessed one.
Jerry and JTF, sorry for the delayed response. Life has been busy.
Jerry, let me start by saying that my belief in Christ is not based on "pure faith" alone, sir. I look at the historicity, the metaphysical and philosophical arguments, and the science that inevitably points to a creator of the universe to come up with an informed faith in what I believe.
As for the bible, as per most learned Roman Catholics and the teaching of the magisterium of the church, not all of the bible is to be taken literally. Some books are allegorical, some are history, some are prophetic, and some are pure wisdom. Even Christ often taught in parables rather than literal sense at times. Yes, some texts are very much to be taken literally; others aren't.
JTF, I greatly appreciate the links you sent, my friend. I am afraid I do not agree with all of the tenets of Calvinism as some of the doctrines appear to be contrary to scripture itself. Once saved, always saved is a good example to my limited mind. I do agree that we can not "work" our way into heaven with our good deeds. Nothing we can do on earth merits our salvation. It is a grace given by God. That said, scripture tells us that faith without works is a dead faith.
I hope you both had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I am aware of no science that points to, or proves a single creator of the universe. Please explain.
Please read these for starters, Jerry:
https://savingcommonsense.blogspot.com/2012/07/an-argument-for-god-world-as.html
https://savingcommonsense.blogspot.com/2011/02/duality-of-god-and-science-in-creation.html
Thank you for your reply, but I find no evidence of proof of a God. In one article you say,
"Let me begin by saying as to the premise of this posting, even as a theist, I cannot say with absolute certainty that God exists any more than any atheist can prove with certainty that He doesn't."
Of course Science is compatible with God, all you have to do is say God made it that way.
The other article was talking about the physics of matter. The point being that the interaction cannot be random, thus a creator is responsible. I don't agree with that. There are many things our science cannot explain that doesn't mean we can just attribute it to a God.
When Einstein was searching for his Unified Gravitational (which he never finished) he was discussing the physics of the universe and how matter and gravity interacted. We still have no scientific evidence of that and your cited article is just a theory, not fact. Obviously you believe that theory because it backs up your God belief. Interesting to note, Einstein believed in science, but he also believed in God and claimed any science that proved the origins of creation still would not disprove the existence of God. He also believed whatever the scientific answer, it could be said God made it that way.
You have convinced me of your depth of your belief, you have not convinced me of scientific proof of God.
Science has not proven there is no God.
Given the miraculous claims of religion and its God based on nothing but faith, it's not up to science to disprove God. The burden is on religion to prove its claims it makes about God. Those claims are super natural in nature and are open for questioning and ridicule.
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