Concerning the recent exchanges regarding the true nature of the Noahic
Deluge, I believe it appropriate that I set out a background for my
belief that - notwithstanding scientific evidence (real or imagined) to
the contrary - the event devastated the whole Earth.
As a Christian, I am aware of the following:
(1) As defined by the Lord himself, a servant of Christ is one who
loves truth (Jn.18:37). Further, we are given to understand that such a
person is required to 'bear his cross' and follow him (Lk.14:27). This,
surely, implies suffering or conflict. The Apostle Paul puts his finger
on its true nature when he informs us of the inevitable spiritual battle
waged between the redeemed soul and the Satanic forces that are ranged
against it (Eph.6:11,12).
Few rational observers of the world scene would disagree that it
currently rests on a knife edge. The conditions, therefore, appear ripe
for the Lord's return. Thus, superimposed on the 'daily warfare'
experience of every Christian will be further powerful temptations to
'believe a lie' (2Th.2:3-11) - backed up by a series of 'lying wonders'
(Rv.13:8-14). These matters - prophesied by God's servants - are to take
place shortly before the Lord returns to claim his own. Clearly, it
would be inexcusable for lovers of truth to ignore these clear warnings.
(2) Science does not recognise the supernatural. On the other hand,
Christians will know that our earthly existence has a supernatural
dimension - indeed, they can personally testify to encountering the
'spiritual warfare' on a daily basis. Is it reasonable, then, that in
what nowadays appears to have become something of a reflex reaction,
Christians should always 'bend the knee' to science? - allow it to
become the principal arbiter in deciding matters of fundamental truth?
Can 'science' ever equate with 'reality'? Should we expect God to honour
the 'Laws of Nature' and 'scientific observation' when these today are
being used by so many to question His Being, His Sovereignty, and His
interest in, and involvement with His creation - man, in particular? I
regard it as significant that He has promised to 'destroy the wisdom of
the wise' (Is.29:14), and 'to have them in derision'(Ps.2:4).
(3) Something real and common to the human condition (and specified by
the Scriptures!) is the phenomenon of 'cognitive dissonance' ('CD'
hereafter). This results when a person is confronted by ideas or facts
that are at odds with his pre-existing notions; psychologists recognise
it has the power to distort or even block perception. As an example, in
the film "2001 - A SPACE ODYSSEY", the discovery of a large, smooth,
domino-shaped slab with perfect right-angles suggests to the viewing
audience that the universe contains intelligent life other than man.
People agreed unanimously that this was conclusive proof of
intelligence, for the intelligence that was implied was not God. No CD
here! At the end of the film, a human embryo fills the screen -
something at the opposite end of the spectrum compared to the level of
design present in a domino-shaped slab! Were it not for CD God's
existence should be intuitively obvious.
I have met the problem of CD at first hand as a reaction to my drawing
attention to the 'standing miracle' of Genesis 1:1. To my intense
surprise, even Christians are unable to accept that God would (or
could!) do such a thing. Yet He has. All lovers of truth who ignore the
matter are missing out on some extremely remarkable evidence for His
Being and Sovereignty! Something which should lift and convince all who
love the Lord Jesus, and which should now form an essential backcloth to
the ongoing debate re origins, is being allowed to languish. Does this
make any sense in a community which prizes reason and the relentless
pursuit of truth?
Finally, regarding the matter of the Flood, I see little point in
reiterating my understanding of its global nature. Bearing in mind its
stated purpose (viz a 'biological clean out', to be followed by a
restocking of planet Earth), none of the 'devices' suggested for
avoiding these clear intentions carry any real weight or conviction -
and they shouldn't satisfy those who love truth!
Vernon
http://homepage.virgin.net/vernon.jenkins/index.htm
http://www.compulink.co.uk/~indexer/miracla1.htm