Originally Posted by bluebottle
So you see, it wasn't I who demanded proof, I merely pointed out the falsity of his assertions.
I apologise if I offended anyone, that wasn't my intention.
I took no offense at all, bluebottle. I too, do not judge anyone for their beliefs (or lack, thereof). I would, however, not classify what I said as false assertions. My assertions are no less supported than yours.
1. Historical references, from a secular perspective, refer to Jesus as having been a Jewish rabbi in Israel who stirred an uprising by claiming to have been a diety during Caesar's Roman Empire.
2. Science does SUPPORT Christianity. I did not at all imply that it PROVES it, or can be used to prove it. That WOULD be presumptuous.
- Carbon dating, for example, has been proven very inaccurate. Most, if not all, of the scientific community has acknowledged this. As it turns out, science cannot accurately date the world (at this point) any further back than about 4-5 thousand years. This means that Christians who believe in creationism vs evolution still have an argument. It's believed that biblical references go back approximately 2000 years BC. It doesnt mean the world is definitely no older than 4-5 thousand years, it just means we cant prove it was around for millions of years like we once thought.
- In the Old Testament, it is written that God tells his people what was acceptable or 'clean' food -- fish without scales, shellfish, and pork, for example were to be avoided. Marine biologists have learned that shellfish and other bottom dwellers are the 'filters' of the ocean. They contain toxins and waste that we probably shouldnt ingest. We also know shellfish tend to be high in cholesterol.
- Modern scientists have not been able to discredit the markings on the Shroud of Turin. They have been able to prove that the shroud did come from around Jesus' day, and that the markings are not of any kind of paint, manmade material, or other known discoloration, and that it is the proper dimensions. The placement of the stains on the shroud also support the biblical references to how Jesus was wounded. This does not at all prove anything, but the lack of proof otherwise SUPPORTS the claims.