(June 2, 2016 at 4:30 pm)mh.brewer Wrote:(June 2, 2016 at 3:35 pm)SteveII Wrote: Continual invention implies adding new things. I do not think that is the case.
Couple of reasons some doctrines might have changed over the past 2000 years:There are some doctrines that cannot be changed lest Christianity ceases to be Christianity (for example the doctrine of Salvation). The one under scrutiny in this thread probably hasn't changed much other than to fill in what it means and/or to articulate it in more sophisticated language.
- Advances in philosophy in general and philosophy of religion specifically.
- Advances in natural theology and its importance.
- Advances in our understanding of the universe and our place in it.
- Decentralization of theological thought. Now we have many more sects and denominations that bring out variations in thought and prompt reexamination of ideas.
These all sound like advancements from man, not of religion or new input from god. So as man advances, the belief(s) is skewed more and more, therefore the "many more sects and denominations" schisms.
From my outside position the "many beliefs" seems to create more problems for man than it solves. Have not wars, exterminations and genocide occurred because of schism (diversity and diversion) in the one god belief? If not out and out killing then a creation of a system of classes where one is held up as the most correct and that class inflicts pain and degradation on the lower classes due to their diversity in belief?
Can you explain why an all powerful creator would remain silent and allow this to occur? Why has there been nothing in the 2000 years addressing this? (your parameter, I don't think there was ever anything, apparently the thought is that there was something before) Is this some strange god test to see who gets it right? Or maybe the one that out last the rest is the correct one? (don't forget there is still killing in gods name all across the earth to this day) Or could it be that this is just a man made fantasy? A fantasy used for manipulation?
I don't think the fact that people fight over religious beliefs is reason to discredit God belief in general. People can have a tendency to fight over things that they are passionate about. The human condition is not perfect, and if we're not fighting over religion, it's over land, politics, race, culture, etc. Our country was built on these types of wars.
I would argue that "the creator" has not remained silent. Jesus taught us a lot about humility and peace. Most Christian denominations believe that wars are wrong unless they are necessary to save more lives (like a defensive type war), as that is what aligns with the teachings of Christ. The fact that many people have failed many times, and I'm sure will continue to fail, is entirely on people. We do not believe God is a micromanager who intervenes on that level.
"Of course, everyone will claim they respect someone who tries to speak the truth, but in reality, this is a rare quality. Most respect those who speak truths they agree with, and their respect for the speaking only extends as far as their realm of personal agreement. It is less common, almost to the point of becoming a saintly virtue, that someone truly respects and loves the truth seeker, even when their conclusions differ wildly."
-walsh
-walsh