Debate reopened. Thanks for the patience.
I have been challenged by a member here to air my views on the subject which I declined to do at first on this particular website, but have since changed my mind. So first response below.
Roughly speaking I agree with those 5 points. I would phrase them slightly differently as they are not what I accurately believe, but the gist is there. So by some I may be termed a fundamentalist. This I don't mind if it means I am strict or traditional. That was what the word originally meant. Unfortunately now it has evolved to be associated with those individuals who do criminal acts (often involved in killing) and because of this association I distance myself away from it. As a comparison The word gay means happy, but none of us would describe ourselves or wished to be described so if we are happy (unless we happen to be gay of course!). I digress, however.
So how would I react to these claims which was the question. Well, to be honest, it depends who I talk to. In this situation I will give some notes on the following.
1 Everything was made in 6 days by God who then rested on the 7th day
According to the Genesis account, that is correct. Some people claim that this does not mean literal days. Some, as Rom suggests, think they could be billions of years. Giving the stance in the Bible on years (not necessarily meaning such) that is up for argument. I take the years literally simply because the whole book is meant to be taken literally.
To the unbeliever, there is no solid scientific proof that the earth was created in this space of time.
2 They feel insulted when scientists say that people evolved from other life forms, but you have no problem with the Biblical claim that we were created from dirt.
I have met sscientists (university lecturers) who believe the "Biblical claim" and they don't get insulted at all, plus many people with knowledge and expertise in various scientific fields. To say they object to the belief is true. Science is still looking for the elusive missing link to prove the human-ape connection. The theory of evolution is still that; a theory. It still hasn't been proved. It's mans best efforts to giving the alternative to a religious one.
3 They are quite happy to believe that the universe is only a few thousand years old and that Darwins Theory of Evolution is a load of rubbish.
This is connected with the above. Some Christians, like Rom, believe otherwise. It varies, but the age of the earth is hardly of great importance anyway.
4 They believe that the entire population of this planet with the exception of those who share your beliefs -- though excluding those in all rival sects - will spend Eternity in an infinite Hell of Suffering. And yet consider their religion the most "tolerant" and "loving."
They do, but providing they treat those people the same as they treat those in their own sects, groups or whatever then that is fine. I treat everyone alike. I have mostly atheists in my family and many friends at uni too. Some of those friends are also of different religions. We all get on fine. As an example I spend part of my spare time in the Red Cross (a voluntary organisation). I help those in need. On the 31 of this month I will be looking after drunks all evening and late into the night, dealing with every wound and even abuse you can imagine on a big street party. I may believe in hell, but it doesn't affect how I view and look after my fellow human beings.
5 That Homosexuals "choose their Lifestyle" and it is an abomination against their God.
I think that it can come naturally to them, though some choose the lifestyle. I think it's a pity they do and I hope they change as many do to being straight. Most churches welcome these people and hope they change their ways.
Anyway I'm desperately needing to get back to my studies. Happy discussing and see you around the forums.
War does not determine who is right, war determines who is left.
