It's Your Fault People Are Homosexual

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I don't believe we have to know anything about genetics. But I do find it fascinating when scientists "discover" something about us that was technically a concept taught from Scripture for nearly 2,000 years.

I have no problem with that. But, then how is that shedding light on scripture? That is what I have a problem with.

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by Aquila

While I believe the Bible contains all that man needs regarding salvation, I do not see any reason why science can't help us understand various biblical subjects.

It cannot help us understand the bible. It may CONFIRM the bible, but not help us understand it.

Archeology is a science. And it has shed much light on the Bible.

How? It can only confirm, brother. Not shed light. How does it shed light?

So, Bro. Blume, since you don't seek to reconcile any science with Scripture... what is your take on epigenetics?

I totally disagree with epigenetics, but reconciling science with scripture is a far cry from science shedding light on scripture.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I don't believe we have to know anything about genetics. But I do find it fascinating when scientists "discover" something about us that was technically a concept taught from Scripture for nearly 2,000 years.

If a scientist told you that green leprechauns live up your nose. Would you agree or disagree?

[madras]

Originally Posted by mfblume

It cannot help us understand the bible. It may CONFIRM the bible, but not help us understand it.



How? It can only confirm, brother. Not shed light. How does it shed light?



I totally disagree with epigenetics, but reconciling science with scripture is a far cry from science shedding light on scripture.

You are correct, sir. Science, archeology, and history confirm that the Bible is true.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by mfblume

I have no problem with that. But, then how is that shedding light on scripture? That is what I have a problem with.

It doesn't shed light on Scripture for our sakes, but for the sakes of others.

For example, I know people who have consistently berated the Bible on it's notion that we're fallen by nature. That we have all been condemned for Adam's sin.

However, I can now explain that even science can prove that we carry innate proclivities that are classified as "sin". In addition, we indeed carry the "tags" in our genetics that reflect the experiences and choices of our ancestors.

I've already used it to open the door to deeper discussion with a coworker.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by mfblume

I totally disagree with epigenetics,

How do you explain subsequent generations of mice having an aversion to the scent of cherry blossoms?

[Aquila]

Consider the Christian debate over nature.

Some Christians believe that we are born with a clean slate. We have no innate fallen nature that can be passed down from our ancestors, going all the way back to Adam. Our nature isn't predisposed to sin and bears no inherent sinful proclivities. They believe that knowledge of sin is purely environmental and guilt is in accordance to choice. Given the proper rearing and environment, children will never sin. In addition, as adults, given the proper training, environment, and exertion of will, we can chose to never sin again. Sin is overcome through choosing to never sin again as one aligns their will with the Scriptures. Sin is only ever present if one chooses to sin again.

Some Christians believe that we are born with a sinful nature. This nature is an innate fallen nature that was passed down to us through our ancestors going all the way back to Adam. Our nature is predisposed to sin and bears an inherent predisposition to sinful proclivities. The one who chooses to do rightly will discover that the very nature of their flesh is contrary. Sin is inherent in our nature and even in a perfect environment, our sin nature will manifest itself and thereby prove that we are sinners by nature. No amount of training, control of environmental conditions, or exertion of will, can ensure that we will never sin again. Sin is overcome through grace, an imparted new nature, and aligning one's mind with the Scriptures. The sinful nature of the flesh remains and must be overcome throughout one's life as it beckons to be satisfied.

Both positions will draw their favorite proof-texts from the very same Bible to "prove" their position correct. This debate is over a thousand years old.

Since we're dealing with the "nature" of man.... what does science say???

Might science shed some insight on what it has discovered about our nature and help us to answer this theological debate?

[Esaias]

Epigenetics. You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Epigenetics. You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

Epigenetics does mean far more than the narrow focus I've drawn. However, it is the implications of epigenetics that I've been considering.

How do you explain subsequent generations of mice responding to stimuli they've never experienced in a manner consistent with their parents, grandparents, etc.?

Fearful Experiences Passed On In Mouse Families
http://www.livescience.com/41717-mic...nts-genes.html

[Aquila]

The possibility that epigenetics can explain what appears to be a predisposition to various sexual proclivities that run in families, such as homosexuality, isn't something I'm making up.

Can Epigenetics Explain Homosexuality?
http://www.the-scientist.com/?articl...omosexuality-/