Discussion Topics

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.

Discussion 1 - Creation

There isn't a much earlier place in the Bible to find controversial discussion than the story of creation. So lets start there.

Brief Overviews:

Many people believe that creation by God and evolution are opposed opinions and must always be viewed as such. You either believe in the creation tactics shown by science, such as evolution and the big bang, or you believe in creation by God, over seven days, whether taken as a literal or symbolic seven days.

I'd like to discuss this topic.

Must people who believe that God created the world have a disdain for the views of evolution?

Must people who believe that God created the world believe it happened in a literal 7 days?

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)?

What might the audience have thought when they heard these creation accounts?

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? (were there similar stories, a need for the people to hear, was it a hot button issue... etc.)

Do these accounts have a scientific understanding of the world in mind?