In my last letter on Halloween, some wrote about science and the Bible – David O. is one of them, I would like to reply to him and others like him.
David you fail to make a distinction between truth and science. I understand that in a materialistic mindset that the secular world can only observe, and therefore believe only what science can dictate. Often my son and I go around on the changeableness of science – I accept the changeableness of science, but I also see a supernatural world that is governed by the Lord God Almighty, and He has revealed Himself via His Son’s incarnation, and by giving to us the Holy Scriptures by the work of God Holy Spirit.
When it comes to the spiritual, supernatural, miracles, etc. science has a blind eye, I accept that, but David the Bible long ago declared that the earth was round, but religion and yes even science said – “no the earth is flat”. The Bible is a scientifically sound revelation. Of course one might argue the point of creation vs. evolution, but evolution is a theory, same as Darwinism. Don’t try to redefine the word “theory” – I majored in science, mathematics, in the college I have taken, and I was a HVAC technician, appliance repair, furnaces, etc. as a trade before I became a pastor, so I know something about the scientific method – a theory is not absolute. Big difference between what real science calls a theory and a law.
And by the way where are all the missing links in Darwin’s theory? The transiental fossils? Just one – reptile/bird one? I like the tadpole myself! Can’t science come up with more than that? Modern science sees through their observations that Darwin’s theory can not hold up to what they are discovering in God’s world. How unreliable is many, if not all the dating techniques today? And shall we discuss the change from global warming to climate change? It takes more blind faith to believe some of the stuff science comes up with and passes off as fact – the truth, absolutes then it does to simple believe in an Almighty, loving God, who is well able to create a world that appears to be old. Like NASA finding a planet just like earth, and how many billions of light years is this supposed planet from us – hogwash. Science has limitations, or don’t you believe that? The oracle of science never lies!
Data, observations can be twisted to say anything the science community wants it to say that is politically correct in order to fund their pet projects. One scientist says this, and another says this, and another, and another… These scientists have more credentials than they know what to do with them, and yet, they fail to agree. While each one cries – “I have the truth”. Where are the honest scientists today anyway? The Bible’s track record on it being scientifically sound has never been disproven otherwise, but the Bible is not an exhaustive science book; it is a divine revelation from our Creator, who has purposed to communicate to His creatures what is the absolute truth, that does not change, because God does not change. How can you scientifically determine what is right from wrong? Is the Bible reliable when comes to archaeology? How about its history facts? Say all you want about science David, but don’t call it truth, or pretend that it is absolute!
Pastor Tom Newton, Calvary Baptist Church
(Comments and opinions of Editorials, Letters to the Editor, and comments from readers are purely their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of the owners of this site, their staff, or sponsors.)
Yes, the universe and everything in it was created in six twenty-four hour days about five thousand years ago.
That truth should be obvious to all!
No?
Furtz, the ironic thing is that, that is NOT what the oldest known Genesis tablets say, written in a language that no longer exists today, as a spoken language. It stands to reason, if what we were taught as children is true, that God is an infinite being Who “always was, always will be”, a being with all of infinity at His beckon call, then what a “day” was from His point of view nobody really knows, so why should anyone assume that He worked 24/7, a concept of day/night He created for us, not Himself. The oldest known texts, in their original languages, do not talk about a 24 hour “day”. If the most advanced scholars in biblical languages, biblical history, biblical archaeology etc. tell us that, with numerous graduate and post-graduate degrees, then who are we going to believe? A one or two year technical college graduate in HVAC.? Newton will say they are liars, and will continue promoting his 19th. century translation of the bible. It’s like comparing the application of a band-aid to a heart transplant. More to come.
@ Roger. As I said before, I get all my bible teaching from Mr. Newton. He says that the universe and everything in it was created in six twenty-four hour days about five thousand years ago, so it must be true. I’m still not sure about the talking snake in the garden of Edan, so as Jules says, I still have a lot of learning to do.
Faith or religion is a personal choice, however, when one looks back at all that was said and taught at a young age, one comes to find out that not all was true especially where the church commandments are concerned.
Because of that, many were disappointed when seeking answers. It was like a let down and troubling.
I believe that one can have a tremendous amount of faith and spirituality without a being involved with a specific religion.
There are so many controversial issues and interpretations that it becomes more of a challenge when reading the bible. It leaves one with too many unanswered questions.
.
Roger – “what the oldest known Genesis tablets say”. Do you have a link, reference to these tablets? And the English KJV is not a 19th century translation. This is the same basic translation from the 15th, that has been used in all Protestant churches. Updated editions to change archaic words, but still the Authorized Versions based upon the Masoretic Hebrew text and the Received Tradition text for the Greek.
The 19th century Critical text, which most modern versions are based upon, is corrupted and translated by liberal minded apostates. Such apostates in their higher criticism would declare the same lies about a “day” not being a literal 24 hour day, as the Hebrew word is used else where in the Scriptures. Links to read that support a 24 hour day in the Masoretic Hebrew text- http://creation.com/how-long-were-the-days-of-genesis-1
http://creation.com/creation-days-and-orthodox-jewish-tradition
Stella…”It leaves one with too many unanswered questions”. That is why the Bible says you must be “Born again”. Without the indwelling Holy Spirit as the Resident Bible teacher, a person has not the ability to interpret, understand the Word of God. Now that does not mean only the educated understands it, that is not true. There are many who are educated and say they have the right meaning of this or that, but unless it is by the Spirit’s illumination, a sinner, like you and I, remains in the dark. The Scriptures are written in a way that is clear and understandable, but even to a very well educated man name Nicodemus, in John 3, was told he needed to be saved and submit to the leading and teaching of the Holy Spirit via the inspired Scriptures. Religious leaders want to say they are the only ones that can interpret the Bible, that is not true. God never puts a premium on ignorance, or blind faith – study, pray, ask God to open your eyes. Seek legitimate study helps too.
Also the Scriptures declare that the “god of this world (Satan)” has blinded the minds that believe not. False religion abounds because Satan is the author of all false religions that leave out the exalted Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Scriptures – the Bible. So if Satan can get you to believe in yourself, or in some anti-christ way of thinking, he has you in darkness, and there is no way out humanly speaking. “If the Son therefore sets you free, ye shall be free indeed…”.
@ Stella. Save yourself a bunch of confusion and head-scratching re spiritual matters by accepting and embracing the teachings and beliefs of Mr. Newton. He has it all figured out and knows The Truth. If you don’t, his god will toss you into a fiery lake to burn for eternity, and nobody wants that!
One thing that becomes very clear in Mr. Newton’s ramblings is the high degree of disdain that he has for scholarly credentials of ANY kind, but particularly for science and scientists. His comment on NASA probably indicates he does not believe man walked on the moon either, and he probably discounts any information that he can’t find in his bible. He relies on Sun Media also for his knowledge of “global warming” which he claims has “changed to climate change”. Read the words for God’s sake, they are one and the same thing. The words air pollution might help to understand? As for disagreement among scientists, those who study this problem are at least 95% in agreement, and there’s all kinds of photographic evidence available from the Arctic and other areas. It’s a dead issue That’s very well documented as well unless of course you rely on the media instead of scientific journals for your info. His insistence on a 15th century translation of the bible is way out of date and conflicts even with the theologians of his own faith, which leads me to believe he never took any formal training in theology or biblical history before appointing himself a “pastor” or a “bishop”. I’ve never heard that the bible first claimed that the world was round, and I’ve read it cover to cover many times. Otherwise why were the scientists who first made that claim persecuted for heresy using the bible as evidence? Why were scientists Like Galileo as only one example, and the first medical researchers also persecuted using the bible? Of course there probably weren’t any “independent Baptists” around to set things straight at the time, or I’m sure everything would have been different.The bible was never intended as a science book. The bible in fact was never intended to be used in the way it is to-day, and it was written in a literary style that again, people have misunderstood. Some people would have difficulty even with the English of the 15th. century, or even Shakespeare, never mind the English of 4000B.C. I can see it coming! As for Aramaic or other records of parts of the bible, I have no “links” to hand out, because I don’t use links unless it’s something specific I want to save to my favorites when I’m doing research. I prefer to use words, combinations or questions in my browser. Obsessions are what they are. They’re always dangerous.
Pastor Tom Newton would you be able to clarify something for all to read? You stated that the scriptures are written in a way that is clear and understandable. Were you referring to the original scriptures written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek (not classical) or a translated interpretation of the scriptures into a language such as English or perhaps French ?
Pastor Tom Newton you stated that Religious leaders do not have exclusive rights on being able to interpret the bible. On that we can definitely agree. You are supplying the basic reason why we all do not believe the same thing or why there are subtle differences or down right dramatic ones. This is, as you no doubt understand better than most, the situation that simply occurs as a direct result of the simple truth that one language does not translate literally into another language. You as a result of your belief in this matter of interpretation of the bible are also in part explaining the need for different religions allowing people who share a similar interpretation of the bible to flock together, so to speak.
Stellarbystarlight I thought your previous post was honest. I respect you thoughts on the power of individual and independent spirituality.
Roger …personally I cannot say that I have ever really known anyone that did not believe that the translation or interpretation of the term days was simply a human term placed upon an action of God or simply an incorrect translation. If you substitute the human concept of days with the simpler concept of time periods than it becomes acceptable in as much as the time periods are not limited and neither is God.
I can be respective of Pastor Toms take on Christianity however I find it difficult to say the least to be tolerant of his seeming intolerance of people who do not share his narrow perspective. He states on one hand that the bible is open to interpretation by all and then condemns to a fiery hell those who do not agree with his interpretation.
Roger writes in reply to a request of mine – “what the oldest known Genesis tablets say”. Do you have a link, reference to these tablets?
Roger writes -“I have no “links” to hand out, because I don’t use links unless it’s something specific I want to save to my favorites when I’m doing research. I prefer to use words, combinations or questions in my browser. Obsessions are what they are. They’re always dangerous”. No links, no credible references, just his own opinion of things. Wow, don’t need a degree for what Roger is espousing.
Roger writes again “His insistence on a 15th century translation of the bible is way out of date and conflicts even with the theologians of his own faith…” Name a few of your theologians if you don’t mind. The prophetic Scriptures speaks of the times of the last days before the 2nd Coming of Christ – “2Ti 4:2-4 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables”.
One of the main “fables” in our day that many liberal “theologians” embrace is that the book of Genesis is a myth. To these learned men and women, the book of Genesis is full of fair tales, like creation, the flood, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (only to name a few), but these false,apostate teachers fail to realize that the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son substantiated each one of these historical accounts more than once in the accounts of the Gospel. Should I give Scripture reference of such? God does not lie, nor does the Son of Man, but these modern theologians, well, they like to espouse a lot of misinformation based on so called scientific findings, just like Roger here, but I will stay on God’s inerrant, preserved Word.
David writes – “If you substitute the human concept of days with the simpler concept of time periods than it becomes acceptable in as much as the time periods are not limited and neither is God”. David this is what is called theistic evolution. It is where liberal minded apostates bow down to the god of science, hoping for a compromise that science and the inspired Word can live with. Some Christians hate being called stupid, and un-scientific, so they came up with this devilish compromise. Such is totally rejected by the Scriptures, and by conservative Christians that love and know the Truth as revealed in God’s Holy Bible. I know Roger doesn’t like giving out links but I do – http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v5/n3/fundamental-compromise
Long story short… Mr. Newton interprets the book of fairy tales his way. All who disagree with him will burn in hell. The end.
You can find your own links for anything you want. You can even find one that tries to prove the earth is flat, another that denies the Holocaust and links that disprove every one that you’ve provided. I don’t have the time to do what you should have done yourself in theology or divinity school. That’s where real ministers acquire the necessary credentials to become a genuine pastor. Now I know why you avoid any real points that your critics bring up. As for your credentials, you stated you “majored in science, mathematics in the college I have taken”. There’s no such thing as a “science, mathematics” major in a technical college to become an HVAC technician. Maybe that’s why your statement is so vague. What-ever it means, that does not qualify you to claim yourself to be a minister. Do you know what that makes you Tom (besides an HVAC technician)? A fraud, an imposter. I believe Fred Phelps of Westboro Baptist Church went to law school and worked as a lawyer before he proclaimed himself a minister, excuse me a “pastor”. His congregation was his own family. Some people will believe anything you tell them but some day it catches up to them. It’s caught up to you too. But I guess you feel it’s Satan who drives people away from religion.
Furtz – it is not my interpretation. If it was just my interpretation, then it would be my opinion, just like yours. But I don’t have to interpret the Scriptures, they declare with authority by themselves – John 8:24 “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins”.
John 3:36 “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him”.
John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”.
Yes, Mr. Newton, I understand what you’re saying. It’s your god that will be tossing us all into the fiery lake. Not you.
Gotta run… The Flying Spaghetti Monster is telling me to add oregano to the sauce.
Carry on.
A book I found interesting to read written by Deepak Chopra was “The Third Jesus”
It brings to life a fresh and profound way to experience the teachings of Jesus. Thought provoking indeed.
Oh jebers, Stella. Now you’re gonna get a lecture about Deepak Chopra being an incarnation of Satan himself!
Wait for it.
@Furtz……The Pastor may change his tune after reading it……who knows it may enlighten him **smile**.
Too funny, Stella! And maybe my cats will become vegans once they’ve done a little reading.
There is only one “Lord Jesus”. Three? Something like the Apostle Paul wrote to a church – 2Cor. 11:3-4 “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him”.
“For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus…” – not the Jesus of the Holy Scriptures, but a Jesus who is long hair, effeminate, and a sodomite, and yes, smokes dope – “ye might well bear with him”
Unfortunate that you avoid the opportunity for clarification Pastor Tom Newton. No drama. Perhaps when you get more comfortable with the good book you could enlighten us all with an informed answer to a simple question. Or not, ball is in your court.
David writes -“You stated that the scriptures are written in a way that is clear and understandable”. That is right David! How so?
The orthodox Christian faith has always taught that God so moved on the prophets and apostles of old to produce an inspired, inerrant record of the message God gave to His creatures – technically it is called verbal, plenary inspiration. Such a message was written in the common language of the people of their day – Old Testament times Hebrew, and New Testament Times Greek. Here and there a few verses in Aramaic i.e. parts of Daniel, and a few verses translated for us into the Greek in the New. The conservative type of inspiration is neither dictation, nor was the recipient in a trance, but God Holy Spirit so moved and directed these men and women to speak (word for word inspiration), and eventually record a inerrant, infallible message(plenary – complete, entire) with unique personal characteristics(education, mannerisms, etc.).
Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures by the inspired writers in the original languages is considered a miracle. The gifts of inspiration has ceased with the death of the last apostle – the Apostle John. The next step in transmission of this inspired message is preservation. Preservation of the Scriptures is not considered a miracle, but a working of God’s singular care in providence. The whole process of preservation is quite involved and space does not allow me to expand, but as God has promised to keep His Word intact for future generations, He has done just that via copies of originals, early Bible translations, textual criticism, and by depositing the Scriptures into the hands of faithful Christians – which includes what is called canonization. Any good book on the doctrine of the Bible will have more to say about all this then what I can write for now. One such book – http://www.christianbook.com/general-introduction-the-bible-revised-expanded/norman-geisler/9780802429162/pd/2916X?product_redirect=1&Ntt=2916X&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP
There is an active effort by the Devil and fallen humanity to destroy this preserved, inspired record, but God in His Sovereign oversight has not allowed His Word to perish – thus as He promised, so it shall be: Luke 16:17 “And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail”. John 10:35 “If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken”. History is full of proofs of His providential care in keeping the Bible intact.
As to the clearness and understandability of the Scriptures: God, who created us in His own image, communicates by words. This ability to speak, to communicate, to reason as free rational souls is one of the jewels in the crown of being made in God’s image and likeness. The Scriptures speaks of the Divine Logos’ incarnation – “the Word became flesh…”. So God is all about communicating with us!
As way of illustration, consider whenever we buy an appliance. What comes with it? An operational manual [except for VCR’s]. Do you not think that God can faithfully give unto His creatures His own operational manual? The Bible! I say the Bible in the exclusion of other uninspired writings i.e. the Qur’an, all the Eastern religions, book of Mormons, etc. No other writings have been substantiated by the Lord Jesus Christ, and certified by His resurrection. A step further – the Authorized Version, K.J.V., which has been used in the churches for over 400 years, was written on a 4th grade level. It is used in schools world wide to teach the fundamentals of reading so that such may come to know how to speak proper English. Why is this? The Bible is a master piece of English literature! Why can’t the average person of today read it and understand it? First of all, it is because of the failure of our education system on the whole. If students can’t read the morning paper, and know where the St. Lawrence Sea Way is on a map, well, our education system has failed miserably. So that is why the Bible companies are cranking out so many new versions – plus it is a multimillion dollar business. So the average person is able to read, to comprehend, and learn from the Bible. It is simple as that!
Secondly, the Bible declares that each one of us are spiritually blind in two ways: 1st – naturally, inwardly, depraved, as fallen and spiritual dead in Adam, and 2ndly – Satan blinds each one of us to the knowledge of the Truth as it is revealed in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. This spiritual blindness is displayed in the inability to comprehend and know God in a saving way (1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 4:17-19). This blindness is also displayed in an overall hatred for God, His Saviour, and His Word. As sinners we are in rebellion against the authority and rule of God, therefore whatever the Bible has to say, we out right will reject it every time. That is why, for example, scientists are so opposed to special revelation, divine miracles, and the intervention of God into daily affairs of time – birth of Christ, and the preservation of the Holy Scriptures. Secular humanism in all its forms is nothing more than man worshipping his reason – “he shall be as gods” declares Satan.
Sinners are not educated into the kingdom of God, but translated – spiritually, by the experience of the “Rebirth”. In the “Rebirth” the eyes of our understanding is open to know God, and all that He has given to us, in the way of communication, i.e. Truth, as written in the Holy Bible. This Truth is never, I say never separated from the person and work of God’s Son in His redemptive work on the cross. One must believe the sacred record in order to be saved – by faith alone. It is God Holy Spirit – the resident Bible teacher, that indwells every true believer, which opens up our understanding to all what the Holy Scriptures has to say to us. Now the Holy Spirit does not by pass our cognitive skills and abilities, but uses them to understand, to apply Scriptures in a saving way, and that all to the glory of His grace. When I speak of cognitive skills, there is a right way to read, to interpret the Bible – literal, grammatical, historical method of interpretation. There are many books out there that are good to use on how to read, and interrupt my Bible – study helps, dictionaries, language helps, and sound Bible commentaries too. And yes, let us not forget many local Christian churches! If we are ignorant of God and His requirements, and His saving grace, it is because we choose to remain in the darkness. It is not because the Bible is unclear, but remember, the Bible is a closed book until one is born of God, simple as that. Unless God opens the eyes of your understanding in His grace and mercy, you will justly remain in your sins, and dying thus, you will be eternally separated from God in Hell.
Again, long story short… Mr. Newton’s god is good. The devil is bad. The universe is five thousand years old.
The end.
Sorry… I left out the part where those who disagree will burn in hell for eternity.
What happen David, Roger, did you run out of arguments? Still looking for the link Roger about your tablets?
@ Mr. Newton. I’m guessing that anyone with a functioning brain has something better to do with their time.
God Bless and all that.
I’ll just leave this here…
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/07/0712_ethiopianbones.html
@ I Love Pastor Tom. It’s all lies. Science is the work of Satan!
“6 million years ago” – right
What scientific reliable dating system did they use? Or is there really a reliable scientific dating system today?
@ Mr. Newton. Agreed. How could those remains be six million years old when the universe and everything in it are proven to be only about six thousand years old? It makes no sense. Those evil scientists sure come up with some nose-stretchers!
Ever hear of carbon dating ?
I realize that your narrow path does not promote divergence of thought Pastor Tom Newton. Acknowledging that I accept the inevitability that you would not be able to tell me of which branch of science it is that you refer to. Should you wish to confirm I would be able to understand better what you are attempting to communicate.
Your letter which omits this vital piece of information makes no sense at all as a result. Clarify, if you will.
Here is some food for thought Pastor Tom Newton. SIX DAYS ? God concept or Man concept ? Here comes the main course… days or call it a reference to one Earth cycle would be of man’s perspective and therefore more likely to be of man’s creation to separate the six events if you will of the creation of all that there is and will be. You might note that my belief system supports the concept of God the creator Pastor Tom and you might also note that there are branches of science and then there is my ability to reason, God’s second greatest gift to me.
I think we need to organize a big Christmas party right in front of Pastor Tom’s house/church and just love the nastiness out of him. We could organize a big event, have bands, speakers, refreshments and raise money for some awesome charity while we’re at it. Oh let’s support a homosexual charity! I mean personally all that “in your face” LGBTQ (XYZ? 1578? Call it whatever silly name you want, people are just people to me…) stuff makes me a little uncomfortable, but being judged/persecuted for just being you is never right so I’m at a bit of a crossroads in regards to that subject. I just wish our society practiced a little more modesty and class overall. Though I digress…
I mean c’mon everyone can’t stand him, but it’d be a really good opportunity to remind us that we can’t be like him and that a true Christian community comes together to be positive even in the face of adversity, spite, ignorance and well I can think of a ton of other words to describe Pastor Tom.
He does have a pretty cool beard though. BURY THE LOVE ON PASTOR TOM, CHRISTMAS BASH 2013.
@ I Just Can’t Stop Loving Pastor Tom. There’s a government-registered Christian charity in Toronto called “Living Waters”. Their mission is cure homosexuals and convert them to heterosexuality. It’s a totally legitimate charity, so all donations can be deducted for income tax purposes. Perhaps this would be a good organization to support from the proceeds of your “Save The Preacher” Christmas street party.
What happened to the lesbians ? What happened to equality of representation ? Will there be a dress code at the Christmas Bash 2013 ?