(August 17, 2016 at 11:28 am)mlmooney89 Wrote:(August 14, 2016 at 9:29 pm)RoadRunner79 Wrote: Hi Torin,
As with anything, it comes down to the reasons, that it is believed, and how good they are. Being born into a culture that believes a certain thing, being conquered by those who believe differently, or your teacher or mentor believing something is not a solid foundation on which to build. The question is why (do they have good reason for what they believe)? Also, truth is not up for a vote, or about what the majority believe. This is a fallacy (argumentum ad populum). Also, just because mistakes have been made in the past, or there are a number of choices, in which people believe, it doesn't mean that none of them are correct, or closer to the truth.
There are a number of reasons, why people believe in the theistic position, both philosophical and scientific. And you will find people who refer to experience and those who have an emotional (or feeling) reason, to believe (I think this can be evidence, but you also have to be wary, and I highly recommend collaborating evidence to go with it). Your question, was to the Christian Faith however, and for this, I believe that you will find most of the evidence to be historic. While the Scripture certainly contains teachings, and guidance, much of it is a historic narrative, of God's interaction with man. They involve people, places and times, and if you read them, you will find, they often refer back to that history (sometimes reminding people of what they experienced, and other times, referring to those who where witness to the events. Much of what the Bible contains wasn't done in isolation (in a cave, or out in the woods somewhere) where to people of the time, could not refute or validate it. Also, you will find, that these are not isolated stories within history, that pop out of no where. There is a history prior to, and after, that connects them.
I am just curious on a Christian's theory for this, no hostility at all. Why are almost all the Christian holidays on documented pagan holidays? It seems like they are trying to over shadow those holidays on purpose to make people forget about them.
I think that some things certainly have been adopted. And I think that it is understandable that it is simpler to replace a culturally ingrained tradition, rather than to eliminate it. Some things may be coincidence, though as well. For instance Christmas is often charged with adopting the pagan holidays, however in reality it is a little after, and distinct from the practices for which this is claimed. There is also an ancient Jewish superstition, which claims that great men lived for whole years. When you calculate back form Jesus's death, then this would place his birth at the end of December. This also accounts for some Orthodox traditions, which celebrate Christmas in early January based on a different day for Christ's death.
