Modern Day Revelation: A Discussion

Welcome to Christian AnarchySomeone who follows Christ as their only authority—rejecting institutional control over their spiritual life., where today we delve into a stimulating question from my friend Bradley: "Why can you no longer receive modern-day revelation?" This is particularly for members of the LDS community. Let's have Sean lead this discussion.

Modern-Day Revelation: Can It Occur?

I believe you can absolutely receive modern-day revelation. The question then becomes, what do we mean by modern-day revelation? I think God communicates with all His children daily.

Modern-Day Prophets: Are They Real?

Do I believe in modern-day prophets? In the sense that someone receives revelation or insight into the future, I suppose it's possible, though I've never met one. A prophet like a biblical figure would be God speaking directly. So, I agree that we receive modern-day revelations from God, but I don't believe in modern-day prophets.

The Biblical Perspective

According to Hebrews 1, God used to speak through prophets, but in these last days, He speaks to us through His Son. With Jesus as our Lord and Savior and the Holy Spirit dwelling in believers, who writes His laws on our hearts and minds, I see no need for another person to declare themselves a prophet for everyone.

Personal Revelation: A Subjective Experience

Now, being that God inscribes His laws upon our minds and hearts, are we allowed to receive personal revelation? Absolutely. I think God reveals things to us continually. For instance, when you're reading the Bible and a verse suddenly makes perfect sense, that's God revealing something to you.

Caveats of Personal Revelation

I believe in personal revelation but maintain caution due to its subjective and potentially dangerous nature. How do we lead a congregation based on personal revelations? By testing them through the Scriptures. You cannot base your beliefs on a revelation that contradicts Scripture or the fruit of the Spirit, like love, peace, joy, and patience.

Conclusion

In sum, personal revelation is a real and meaningful experience, yet it must be handled with care and validated by Scripture. It should never contradict the essential teachings and values that constitute the foundation of Christian faith.

Understanding How God Speaks to Us

Introduction

In our previous discussions, we explored the concept of how God communicates with us, particularly through signs. Some may refer to these signs differently, but we have talked about this before.

Personal Revelation and Modern-Day Guidance

A friend of mine brought up a question regarding personal revelation and modern-day guidance, especially concerning decisions not explicitly covered in the Bible, such as deciding whether to purchase a house. In such cases, both Steve and I agree that God does indeed guide us through our situations. If He isn't guiding us, then that raises questions about the nature of His assistance.

I believe that God's guidance is a form of modern-day revelation. The challenge, however, lies in discerning what is truly from God. To achieve this, one must refer to the scriptures and, equally importantly, to love. Using scriptures alone can sometimes lead to justifying a lot of things, similar to how the Mormons have justified practices like polygamy through scripture. Therefore, scriptural guidance must be combined with agape loveSelfless love marked by patience, mercy, and humility—central to living in spiritual liberty. to determine whether one's personal revelation is valid.

It's worth noting that this isn't a disagreement but an understanding that the fruit of the Spirit, as described in the New Testament, contributes to this discernment.

The Interaction of Science and Faith

Are Science and Faith Separate?

Another topic we've touched on is the relationship between science and faith. Some argue that they are completely separate, with science concerning the natural study of the world and faith rooted in religious belief and historical texts.

The Role of Faith in Scientific Thought

Despite seeming differences, many scientists rely on a form of faith in their work, whether they acknowledge it or not—particularly when dealing with theories that cannot be entirely proven. This isn't necessarily faith in God or religion, but a reliance on the scientific method and an acceptance of the limits of current understanding.

Faith as a Support for Science

I propose using the Biblical definition of faith as a support for science. For example, gravity is an unseen force, yet science identifies its effects—similar to faith being the evidence of things not seen. In this way, science and faith can indeed work together, although our understanding may not be as complete as God's.

Conclusion

While science is often seen as ever-changing, it's essential to recognize that it can complement, rather than contradict, religious beliefs. Ultimately, faith and science, though perceived as two different entities, can harmoniously coexist and enhance one another.

Science, Faith, and the Separation of Church and State

One of the questions that often arises when discussing science and faith is the relationship between church and state. Are they completely separate entities? The answer is a resounding yes—they should be kept completely separate. This is something I agree with wholeheartedly, aligning with libertarian views that the state and church should not mix. Each entity should function independently, and people should be free to form their own communities without federal government interference.

What Makes You a Christian?

A thought-provoking question often asked is whether being a Christian is about more than just believing in Christ. The simple answer is no—believing in Christ is the core requirement. If you genuinely believe in Christ with all your heart, this belief brings about a change in your heart, making you a Christian. It doesn't matter what denomination you belong to or which church you attend; it's all about your heart's belief.

The Role of Love and Belief

While the act of believing in Christ is fundamental, there is a caveat. Genuine belief leads to a heart transformation accompanied by love. This synergy of love and belief is essential. When you accept Christ, love follows. This is reflected in the idea that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. The gospel outlines that Christ lived, died, and resurrected, signifying God's power in salvation.

Redefining Belief

Even the devils believe and tremble, as scripture states. Therefore, belief needs to be defined as a transformational change of the heart and life. It is possible for people to say they believe and still act contrary to Christ's teachings. However, true belief, which changes the heart, will lead to a change in life, facilitated by the Holy Spirit.

Acceptance and Heart Change

To further define belief, it involves a genuine acceptance of Christ. It's not about merely saying the words. Instead, you acknowledge that you are a sinner and need Christ's blood for redemption. When this acceptance happens, the Holy Spirit transforms your heart, thus making you a Christian. The transformation inclines you towards love, as these two—belief and love—work hand in hand.

In conclusion, while belief in Christ is the primary foundation of being a Christian, it is the resulting heart change that proves the authenticity of that belief. This heart change manifests as love, guided by the Holy Spirit, completing the essence of what it means to be a Christian.

Evidence of God: Exploring Perspectives

The Discussion Begins

"Have time for one more? Let's do it. Is it you?"
"Yes, little old me."

This unexpected exchange sets the stage for a fascinating discussion on spirituality: Evidence of God. "I would like to hear your guys' views on that. Your opinions."

The conversation dives into deep philosophical and scientific realms about the universe's existence and the possibility of a higher power.

An Atheist Perspective

For my atheist brothers and sisters, let's take a rational approach. Look around at the universe today. Utilize logical reasoning as a simplified adaptation of the teleological argument, a favorite among apologists.

Consider the structure of DNA in your cells. Inside each nucleus, you can fit two thousand nuclei on a pinhead. Within each nucleus lies a DNA strand six feet long. It's mind-boggling to think about how minor changes, just a few letters among billions, can trigger genetic mutations. In these processes, DNA is replicated and synthesized into proteins, although DNA itself is created by proteins.

Thus, the question arises: When life began, what came first, DNA or protein, since both coexist? Reflect on how a single DNA strand stretched across your entire body would span the solar system's diameter. Can we honestly say that random chaos from an ancient primordial pool generated this?

I believe in evolution, but accepting this randomness requires more faith than acknowledging a design in life and the universe.

Design and Probability

Consideration of design and probability doesn't stop there. The extraordinary circumstances required for our existence lead me to conclude that there is some kind of design at play.

You suggest, "It was designed just for us in this part of the universe?" But we're not necessarily special in comparison to the cosmos. However, when you look at a DNA code's complexity, there's often a presumption of a coder. For the universe to exist is a stroke of luck—the mathematical odds of its existence are mind-blowing.

Take, for instance, the expansion rate of the Big Bang. If it had been different, we either would have collapsed, or chaos would have reigned. The anthropic principle posits that events unfolded as they did because we are alive, suggesting necessity.

Alternative Explanations

"Some people would argue against design given our small, seemingly insignificant place in the universe," you note. "Why would we be in this lone spot on the outskirts instead of the center?"

Pause to consider the entire universe, with its estimated 400 billion galaxies, before forming conclusions about our place within it.

As this spirited dialogue illustrates, the evidence of God's existence is a complex web of science, philosophy, and personal belief. Every perspective offers valuable insights into one of humanity's most profound questions.

The Universe: A Philosophical Perspective

The Mysteries of Space, Matter, and Time

How did space, matter, and time come into existence? This is a perplexing question often raised in discussions about the origins of our universe. Over 13.5 billion years ago, matter, space, and time were unified at a single point, expanding ever since into the galaxies we observe today. These three entities are intricately linked, unable to exist without the others. Therefore, the question of their origin becomes even more intriguing. How could these dimensions possibly create themselves?

The Question of Existence

This question leads us to ponder what came before this cosmic beginning. Since time itself did not exist prior, it becomes logically challenging to deny a higher existence or deity. Space, matter, and time define the very fabric of our philosophy and existence, posing profound questions about the nature of reality and our place in it.

Divinity in Everyday Life

As I've grown older, my perception of divinity has broadened. I see the presence of a higher power in everything—both in moments we deem good and in those we term bad. I observe it in the progression and regression of human history, in the miracle of a child's birth, in the vastness of nature from oceans to mountains, and even in the cosmos. This universal presence is evident when considering how we breathe, live our lives, and accumulate memories. Despite how this might appear simplistic to some, particularly atheists, I find it deeply comforting and powerful.

The Simulation Argument

Interestingly, some argue we might be living in a simulation, which introduces another layer to this philosophical dialogue. It's an entertaining notion that aligns, in part, with the belief in a predestined course for the universe.

The Spectacle of the Cosmos

Reflecting further, I recall a visit to Great Basin National Park, one of the finest stargazing locations in the United States. Under a canopy of stars, one can't help but marvel at the Earth's rotation at 2,000 miles an hour and the impossibility of life if this speed varied even slightly. Our planet's orbit and its spinning molten core—creating a magnetic field without which solar storms would obliterate life—are testaments to perfect cosmic conditions. These celestial observations echo the declaration in the heavens of divine glory and creation.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, evidence of a grand design surrounds us. As discussions on physics and new theories progress, questions about our existence will continue to captivate and challenge our understanding of the universe.

Exploring Concepts of God and Science

I often find myself considering different theories with God in mind. It's a personal exercise to see if everything makes sense when viewed from this perspective. This isn't about scientific validation but rather something I enjoy doing.

The Mystery of Dark Matter

Take, for instance, the concept of dark matter. We understand that around 80% of matter is dark matter, and only a small portion is the matter we can directly see and interact with. Scientists know dark matter exists, but they can't fully observe or measure it. I ponder these mysteries and wonder if it's a way for God to show us that there's much beyond our understanding and that we're just small in comparison.

The Design of Life

Looking at life itself, I often feel that it must be designed. While this might sound cliché, especially to an atheist, I believe it's a viewpoint worth considering. If I wanted to, I could delve into more sophisticated arguments, but for now, I'll keep it simple. I also hold the belief that we ultimately don't know everything about God; He is beyond the full scope of our understanding. We try to explain Him, but I don't think that's entirely possible.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, the upcoming topic for next week is both challenging and profound: children with incurable diseases. After discussing the glory of God and His presence, this topic brings a stark contrast. It presents a tough question for reflection and discussion. Join us next time on our journey through these complex subjects.