In the new version of me, I permit previously unimagineable thoughts, I ask forbidden questions, I assume every previous tenet an imposter. I experience joy witnessing selfless acts of kindness, I find reassurance from pre historic evidence that our ancient ancestors developed communities, nurtured dependent young and designed literally monumental ways to potentially reveal their understanding of life, it’s passing and possibly their interpretation of it’s meaning. Mankind has searched for purpose, happiness and knowledge previously, today and will continue into the future. Life will continue on the blue planet with or without homo sapiens, because life adapts and evolves, as do we emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, etc.
Does mankind require an Atonement? What has it to do with the history of man?
Our ancient ancestor Homo erectus emerged 1.8million years ago, Neanderthals with whom we share at least 2% DNA emerged 300 million years ago and Homo Sapiens later still. Through archeological evidence, carbon dating, DNA, etc these dates are scientific facts. If we need a heart operation we place our faith in medical science, if we fly to a foreign holiday destination we readily accept the designs of aeronautical engineers, we will communicate across the world using a handheld device. Science and knowedge informs our world, we are dependent upon it, until it disagrees with a Hebrew version on the origins of life written as recently as 6-700BC. Christians in the 1st century CE searched through Jewish scriptures to find links with the birth, life and death of God, who manifested himself as a man, to validate the need of a Saviour, referring to Isaiah 1:18 “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Contextually, this connection to Christs atonement maybe missappropriated, but it conveniently feeds the Christian narrative, so many are prepared to accept it. (The word atonement was a 16th century English invention used by William Tyndale)
Observations
Presumably Home Erectus did not know anything about being a biped like God. When Neanderthals buried their dead they probaby knew nothing about their bodies being resurrected without one hair of their heads, never mind chest hair being missing. When Homo Sapiens bred with Neanderthals presumably there weren’t any racial purity warnings, at what point in evolution did modern man begin to resemble the image of God? Evolution and the emergence of Homo Sapiens is founded on scientific evidence. Just because scientists don’t have all the answers, does that mean belief in mans creation only 6,000 years ago from fallen first parents is justifiably able to remain on the distinctly possible list. Do medical scientists know how to cure cancer yet? No, but that doesn’t stop us from utilising what they already know to prolong and occasionally reverse the effects of cancer. Does mankind ever wait until he knows definitively everything there is to learn on a subject. How do long does a ‘believer’ suspend the evidence of science against the notion of two people being created by God to perpetuate beings in his image. Probably, many ‘believers’ acknowledge the progression of science and accept that an answer is not readily available, which allows a “Time Out” moment. “No one definitely knows!” or “It is a natural part of demonstrating faith, to believe in something that doesn’t make sense,” In other words we reveal our allegience to God by being prepared to suspend disbelief, is that the best plan to become like him? I refute this idea, if “The glory of God is intelligence,” why are we restricted in using it and why should we rely on individuals who claim best to know him, with dubious track records, to use their influence, encouraging us either not to accept wordly knowledge or acquaint ourselves with it in the first place.
Why does a tortuous death of an innocent victim reconcile us to God?
If one of my chidren acts badly, I would hope never to shun or banish them from my presence forever. I would never require them to murder or torture an innocent victim to do so, I would find such an act abhorrent. For fifty years I accepted without question the notion of an atonement. Now I view the world differently I am able to discard the unquestionable notion that I need a Saviour. I am still committed to following ‘The Way,’ or ‘The Path,’ revealed by the teacher from Galilee but an innocent death is not desired by any sense of ‘potential’ divinity I might ever possibly claim. No, I am endeavouring to love unconditionally, to forgive seventy times seven those who trespass against me, because it resonates that I should attempt to forgive everyone. In some sense if I possess any divinity it is in this respect, to forgive. For God would not ask me to do anything he is not prepared to do himself. With every ounce of logic, with the benefit of scientific knowledge and finally with all the compassion my soul can muster the atonement is not necessary. Why should God ask me to live a higher law than he is prepared to adhere to.
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