(March 7, 2017 at 4:16 pm)Harry Nevis Wrote:(March 7, 2017 at 11:32 am)SteveII Wrote: No, I think belief in God may have irrational components (those beliefs that are entirely faith-based) but overall is rationale. This is further evidenced by a systematic theology that makes sure that everything (within the religious framework and in the natural world) in the belief system is coherent.
Here is an example: Jesus forgives the crippled man of his sins. The pharisees grumble. Jesus said, "what is easier, to say to a man your sins are forgiven or to tell him to take up his bed and walk?" When the man gets up and walks, it is perfectly reasonable to infer a supernatural power is at work. Further it is rational to believe the explanation of that supernatural power given my the person doing it (especially in the context of multiple miracles and the overall ministry of Jesus).
But it's not perfectly reasonable to believe that it actually happened only from a 2000 year old book.
Why not? The events surrounding Jesus' life and teaching are the most attested to in ancient history (if you don't think so, name another). Why would't I believe the content of the NT? Do you have information as to why it would not contain what really happened? Why should I doubt the authors that describe Jesus performing a miracle?
