Hi, Vernon.
I would like to see some serious code analyses, using exactly the same
methodologies, of Douglas Adams *The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy*.
The man was truly inspired.
In fact, I would like to see the methodologies formalized into ANSI
compatible C++, or even just C, source code, so that I could analyze
the formal logic, independently of any human being, and apply it,
independently of any human being, to whatever text I chose to input to
the analyzing process. Now that would be wonderfully ideal.
Regards,
Todd S. Greene
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Thebes/7755/
###### Vernon Jenkins, 6/24/01 8:34 PM ######
George,
Thanks for your further observations. If this must be the last word, I
will take it.
> Vernon - I have not responded on behalf of Michael or anyone else. My
> point was to show the conclusions to which your claim of
> "self-evident" truth must lead. I'm sorry that you don't follow the
> argument. I don't get the impression that you've tried to very hard.
I think I follow the argument well enough. What troubles me is that
neither you nor Michael seems prepared to countenance God moving in some
spectacular way in our day. As I see it, you are determined to close
your eyes and ears to such a possibility. Is this the result of a divine
promise you find written into the scriptures, or simply wishful thinking
on your part? I am unaware of any such a promise, and it therefore
follows that you are wrong to make this a foundation stone of your
Christian faith. My understanding is that God is sovereign, and can do
as and what he likes when he likes. Further, his actions are hardly to
be determined by what 'the clay' considers appropriate and respectable
behaviour for the 'potter'.
> The logical flaw in your arguments is obvious. Scripture is inspired
> but the numerical values which people assigned to the letters of
> the Hebrew and Greek alphabets isn't.
How can you pretend to speak with such authority? You will find
Revelation 13:18 strongly suggests otherwise.
> Much less is there any reason to consider the formula you use, X =
> [(product of letters x) # (of letters)]/[(product of words) x (# of
> words)], to have any significance. It's mildly interesting that you
> can find pi and e from it...
The formula, though arbitrary, is simple, as I think you must agree. It
produces pi and e from textually parallel verses (each foundational for
the Christian, and each occupying strategic positions in the biblical
text); in addition, these verses display significant geometrical links
accompanied by powerful symbolism. I think any reasonable observer
acquainted with the facts would regard your comment, "mildly
interesting", as a big joke! Do you really seriously regard a 1 in 10
billion longshot to be a safe bet?!! Surely you must agree that with
chance and human contrivance out of the running the only show in town is
supernatural agency! Come, now, you must bend and admit this to be an
example of divine and purposeful design.
> The theological error is more serious. I'm sure you don't intend
> this, but the type of argument you present obscures the Christian
> message by implying that there is a higher type of knowledge than that
> of the gospel.
Nothing of the kind. The words and the numbers are all in the same
package, are they not? What we are witnessing is the emergence of
additional information that is complementary to the Gospel.
> I am not "worried" by your claims. I would be if I thought that
> anyone would take them seriously but that's unlikely. I do think it's
> unfortunate that you wasting so much time pursuing these illusions.
How can you still regard these empirical data as illusions? I suggest
they are far more solid than any so-called 'proof' of evolution that
Michael and yourself so readily accept without question. At the root of
your objections there is, I believe, some fear concerning where all this
may take us. The late Carl Sagan in his TV series 'Cosmos' once famously
remarked, "We will follow the truth - no matter where it leads." To be
strictly honest, of course, he should have added, "...provided it leads
in the right direction."
Would that be a fair summary of your own sentiments?
Shalom,
Vernon
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