Bob:
Thanks for the encouragement. I am encouraged in my convictions, but cannot return the favor.
I really don't see the randomness you mention. You mention the preciousness of this life; imagine for a moment, if this life were a "warm-up" for all eternity - that death in the here and now becomes an entry to eternal life in the presence of the creator and sustainer of the universe. Some believe that eternal life will mean taking on tasks in worlds created by our creator. Life now and eternally is indeed precious and I guess that is why I am opposed to abortion. Abortion is the ending of a life by humans that the divine creator allowed to commence. Doing good to me is about living a life that brings glory and honor to my creator. My objective is not tasks but seeking to live a life that honors God and brings honor to him often expressed in tasks. And oh yes, I seek to live a life that doesn't really expect moment by moment bail outs from God. Having said that, I believe that there are times that he has sovereignly protected me and kept me from myself - so I believe that God for my sake has taken up the slack when I least expect it and often when I am not even aware. I guess the only explanation of this approach is faith. Faith is: forsaking all, I take Him. I believe what you called randomness, along with passages from the Holy Bible, have driven me to faith. In a way, your belief in the "random[ness] of the universe" requires faith. (No doubt, I would need to redefine faith for this instance.) So, in a way we have faith in common. Perhaps I can say that being a skeptic requires faith. Oh, I am looking a beautiful sunrise, hm..random..No!
--
Bill Hardin


---- Bob <[address removed]> wrote: 
> Lol - you keep on believing Bill...nothing wrong with that!
> 
> Me, I'll keep on not believing.  I need no such artifice on which to 
> base my enjoyment of the day, of life, or of wonderfulness in general.  
> To me, life is a much more wondrous thing once I realize just how random 
> the universe is.  Life is much more precious when I understand that this 
> one life is all I get.  The necessity to "do good" is more immediate 
> when I know there is nothing else watching out to take up the slack 
> should I falter.
> 
> But, I can understand the opposing viewpoint.
> 
> Happy Monday,
> 
> Bob Johnson
> Hillsborough, NC
> 
> 
> 
> Bill Hardin wrote:
> > I find it rather humorous.
> > One person will say that they believe in God or a higher power as the first cause and the absolute truth that impacts all other truth. Then another person who does not believe in God or a higher power will proclaim that there is no such thing as absolute truth! - to which those listening - ask: What about that statement?
> >
> > For me, today was a beautiful day and I have a hard time believing that the air I breathe, the sunsets I enjoy, the change of the seasosn and so many other specifics are the result of time and chance. So, I accept God as the creator and sustainer of the universe and humanity. I can't even toss a coin and get it to come up 8 heads out 10 tosses. Granted I don't keep trying - I am unwilling to put in the time. 
> > --
> > Bill Hardin
> >[masked]
> >
> > ---- Bob <[address removed]> wrote: 
> >   
> >> I have to wonder what this absolute truth is.  I don't think society, in 
> >> general, is any more inclined to ignore scientific fact than it was a 
> >> generation or two ago; in fact, I suspect its getting marginally 
> >> better.  Sure, the woo claimants may be more vocal, or may be easier to 
> >> find (or for them to find us) because of 21st century communications, 
> >> but overall I believe society is better educated and more able to think 
> >> critically than in the past.
> >>
> >> At least the high school kids I meet these days are far more skilled at 
> >> critical thinking and far less woo-prone than those I met when I was in 
> >> high school 25 years ago!
> >>
> >> Bob Johnson
> >> Hillsborough, NC
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Bill Hardin wrote:
> >>     
> >>> What percent of my skepticism is attributable to truth decay? Truth decay is our culture?s move away from absolute truth. Perhaps my truth decay has allowed me to establish ?my own truth? and this stance has allowed me to justify my continued skepticism.
> >>>
> >>> Bill Hardin
> >>>[masked]­
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
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> >
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