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Mr. Turner:
 Why
do you believe in God?
A.A.
Reply:
Why
do you believe in eternal matter, force without cause, and order
without intelligence? An eternal God is more believable
than these necessary alternatives. (And why do you refuse to
seriously consider this??)
An
orderly, complex- beyond- imagination universe does exist. It
either came from nothing and is going nowhere, or there is an
eternal reference point whose existence prior to things material
suggests eternal spirit. Accepting an Eternal Spirit (God) I
have an explanation for force, purpose
(intelligence), and the creation of matter. Rejecting God, I
have only blind despair and confusion.
A
non-believer refuses to consider beginning or First Cause
because he has absolutely nothing believable to offer. He would
make us children of a purpose-less, amoral universe. The most
noble, self-less principles of love and service (and despite man’s
sinful corruption, these are still around) would be nothing more
than a chemical accident. I believe they are proof of man’s
relation to a moral God. Historical evidence proves that man’s
worth, in terms of character and nobility, is in direct
proportion to his acceptance and adherence to God and moral
principles. Man is God-made, and functions best when he allows
God to direct his steps.
There
is even a reverse-argument in this. Man is at his worst when he
corrupts
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religion. (See Rom. 1:18-32)
Our
most advanced scientific studies have concerned themselves most
with processes (evolution) and have offered but meager
and conflicting explanations in this field. Against the
reasonable assumption of an Eternal Designer the unbeliever can
only offer “the probability of CHANCE, given sufficient TIME.”
Various mathematicians have taken a whirl at what the “chances
are” and have come up with some answers. The simplest protein
molecules have 2,000 atoms, in precise arrangement. Given 500
trillion (500,000,000,000,000) shakings per second, the
possibility of a proper arrangement by pure chance, is one in
10,243,000,000 years. When you get that molecule in shape, take
a coffee break, and then start on another. The atheist has long
work hours.
And
remember, this concerns itself only with processes, not
with source or purpose. I believe INTELLIGENCE is
a necessary factor in the design of the universe, and of life;
and I believe “IN THE BEGINNING, GOD” is the most
satisfactory solution to the problem. Many purely scientific
philosophers have come to the same conclusion — if that’s
any comfort.
But
I am more than a Deist. Having accepted the idea of God as an
intelligent “First Cause” I am forced to assign some purpose
to His actions, and to believe that such a God would reveal
Himself and His purposes to those creatures who must function on
His stage of life. Until someone can show me a more consistent,
workable unveiling of the unknown, and pattern for living, I
will accept the Bible and try to order my life accordingly.
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