MSK stated:
So, is there a way to "simplify" for laymen, some interesting topics, not necessarily obscure topics, that might generate some discussion. At the same time, maybe I was being too optimistic about some topics being useful for general discussions. I can understand why the merits of "The Golden Mean" in architectural layouts, may not be of interest to the general public.
Here is what we are going to do. We'll have some discussions. Periodically I'll pick a topic (suggestions can be given in the comments here) to discuss in "laymen" terms. By that I mean that the discussion will be generated in discussion of terms that we all understand. I won't give the 7 syllable word names of different views or aspire to quote the leading holders of those views. Instead, we'll cover what comes up in conversation.
The Format:
I'll post a brief overview of a topic to discuss. I'll follow that with some questions that someone might want to think about as they begin to discuss the topic. The discussions will then take their own form, but will try to always adhere to the interest of the general public and not deviate into minutia discussions of tangents that disclude the interest of the majority.
I'll refrain from any kind of opinionizing in the actual post to the best of my ability, and will instead wait for discussion to start from outside of me before weighing in.
The Blog Resources:
Because I try to blog everyday, I don't want these discussion to get lost simply because they are 6 days old. I'll maintain a link section on the right side of the page which can quickly get you to a discussion topic blog. I would also suggest that when commenting, you check the box that has replies sent to you when more comments are added so that you know if someone addresses a question directly to you.
Discussion 1 can be found below, and takes place on the ever controversial topic of creation.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
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1 comments:
OK, I asked for it so I'll start responses to see who else comments. I also realize, the answers are more complex than I'll probably be able to answer adequately here:
Must people who believe that God created the world have a disdain for the views of evolution? I don't think so. Who says we understand all the ways of God and that our perceived understanding is right or correct? We have human frailties, pride, ego, etc. To believe we know how God works, as opposed to that God works in His own ways is pretty arrogant on our part.
Must people who believe that God created the world believe it happened in a literal 7 days? Similar to the above response, I don't think so. Just because we have identified days and nights, must we believe they are the same to God who is eternal? Are there days and nights in heaven?
What was the author's purpose in his telling of the creation stories (there are two different accounts given in Genesis 1 and Genesis 2)?
Without reviewing the text, as I should, I would suggest that Genesis shows both God's greatness, and omnipotent power as well as human failings and separation from God. That's a quick and dirty response that deserves more time and effort.
What might the audience have thought when they heard these creation accounts? I have hard enough time sometimes understanding what my previous generation (my father's generation) thought about such things as the development of automobiles, flight, television, etc., to realize that I can't fathom what the initial recipients of the old testament (especially when transmitted verbally) thought and understood when hearing it. I assume it was primarily distributed and spread verbally with only a few able to read actual texts. To hear of God's powers, when nature was the center of daily life (finding water, shelter, food, fire, etc.) must have been awe inspiring and "would it have been understandable"?
What was life like then (at the time of writing) that might give us an understanding into why these accounts are presented as they are? SEE MY PREVIOUS COMMENTS (I'm not yelling, just highlighting my response) (were there similar stories, a need for the people to hear, was it a hot button issue... etc.) I really have some difficulty imagining this time frame, relating to daily life, and understanding how hearing Genesis would impact and be understood given the prevalence of other idol/god worship at the time.
Do these accounts have a scientific understanding of the world in mind? For the time written, maybe, it's hard to say. Science was as much mystery and illusion (even in the middle ages) as anything else. I'm not even sure the concept of "science) existed at the time.
What do others think?
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