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"God's Not Dead" Discussion Questions and My Answers
11 years ago
(Spoilers, by the way.) (And goodness I'm not editing this.)
These are from my new church here in Rolla. It's my second day there and everybody has been so cool and very nice. I wish I could take all my friends, but y'all're too faaar! (Yeah, enjoy that slang double contraction!)
Anyway. I've seen the movie before, but I came at the wrong time and missed 90% of the movie, no kidding. So I don't remember exactly how that movie's arguments are portrayed, but I remember already knowing everything Josh said to the professor. It's something that I had studied before and still study every now and then.
My preface to the questions:
I feel the biggest issue nowadays comes from an improper understanding of the philosophy of science, how science fits into religion, how religion fits into science, and how exactly science and religion have fit together over the years.
I don't like trying to disprove theories that cannot be proven true in the first place. Anybody know the phrase "Innocent until proven guilty?" Science is "Untrue/insufficient until proven true." Frankly, assumptive theories like the Big Bang and evolution cannot be proven true. We will not be able to prove them true until we either time travel or experience another sudden Big Bang which would involve such a release of hazardous radiation that it would atomize the already existing universe. We can say that evolution has happened, with some amount of certainty, but five of the six types of evolution necessary we have no confirming evidence for. Only conjectures. Better yet, those five have never been witnessed! Scientifically, I cannot support those theories! I'm saying this as someone who studies philosophy, science, and is a scientist. (Oh, and the Cyclical theory doesn't explain the origin of matter at all.) More importantly, we portray the question of the Big Bang as the Big Bang being the origin of the universe, when the universe had the Big Bang happen inside of it. That's why I refer to the Big Bang as a Formation Theory, not a Creation Theory.
But these questions are important and they shake the base of the Church, not because they pose a threat to Biblical truth, but because they pose a threat to the hearts and minds of those who observe the Church. You'll see what I mean when I get further down into the questions. It's a tough world to live in, with tough questions that we're not sure we'll ever have the answers for.
The gravest one is:
Is there a God?
The Questions:
1: What was the overall impact that this movie had on you?
Honestly, it seemed kinda silly, because the acting was obviously acting in a few parts and the scenarios presented are not fleshed out enough to feel realistic. They're too short and they're too rough too quickly. But either way, it's touching and presents scenarios that do actually happen. I cried the first time the professor died. I cried when the lady was thrown out of her home by her dad.
2: Did this movie challenge me you to study and learn more about what you believe?
It made no change from my current course of trying to understand what the world is, what love is, what everything means, and how God fits into my life. It challenged me instead to wonder how I'm showing my faith to others.
3: Are there people in your life that are challenging you to prove that God is real or that Christianity is true?
I feel that I'm always under this pressure. I think that people are looking for something in life that will make them feel complete and I wish I could show them what really could. I never really know how to describe how Christianity has changed my view on life and love for the better. I feel that it is truly the only worldview that answers my questions with answers that make sense and are meaningful and can be used in my daily life. I feel like, as God even wants, that my life needs to be an example that God is there and real and listening. If anything, I want my life to be a shining light in the dark, even if it's just a candle in the deepest cave.
4: Did the scenarios seem realistic to you? Why/why not?
Yes and no. Yes because I had one of the scenarios presented happen to me. And no because of how they were presented in the movie (Refer to question 1 about the "no.") The "yes" scenario comes from my Engineering Physics course last year. One day our professor started a presentation about the history of science and its persons. It was interesting and informative until it literally turned into a 'Religion' bashing session in front of 87 students. It was interesting to sit through, because my Muslim friend next to me was equally disgruntled and upset. I don't think that was fair to anyone, even in an Academic sense.
So I have to bring up two points:
1) This happens often. And militant atheists want it to.
Richard Dawkins, and a few other militant atheist/agnostics have "ordered" (their term, not mine) other militant atheists to make sure they interrupt us and don't give us any voice in the world. Literally instructing them to shame us until we're afraid to show our face in public. So take that as you will.
2) It does not accurately address religion and science.
I find it interesting that I have to bring this up. There's a stigma that God and Christianity are outright anti-science when the Bible actually orders us to be the other way around. X3 There's a big issues when people say Christians are anti-science in that it's anti-Scripture to say such and outright mean too. God tells us to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30). Knowledge is a gift from God and anything completely truthful is not a contradiction to him. The Latin language used a word you may recognize to describe knowledge: science. So if science, knowledge, is all truthful and gifted by God, then why would anti-theists argue that science and God conflict because God is anti-science (not saying that God conflicts science, but that God orders us to contradict science)? Here's how the word "science" meaning knowledge fits into morals: conscience. Con: with, Science: knowledge. With knowledge. With knowledge of right and wrong. Refer to my previous journals about ethics and the Nature of Knowledge to learn more about how they fit together.
I'm a computer scientist and I think my last three years of study into philosophy, science, and computer science has only been positively impacted by my understanding of God and science. I think, if anything at the minimum, God fuels my search for knowledge, because through knowledge I can become closer to Him and I hope that I can help others understand.
5: Josh begins his debate by showing that creation itself points to the reality of a Creator. Do you think this is a good place to start? Why/why not?
I'm not sure. It seems to be the biggest issue that people have doubts about. It looks like people think Christianity is based around how Genesis is interpreted, while Christianity is based upon the moral and worldview of God's intention rather than the actual events that happened. Triple-Doctorate John Lennox and I both agree that how we perceive Genesis does not affect salvation and the Bible can include things like the Big Bang and Evolution. The Genome Project Director Francis S. Collins even thinks that evolution and such is evidence for God. So did Darwin. Speaking of Darwin, he was confused about his findings. He found that some of his findings wouldn't explain every natural function and occurrence, especially the eyes, and that it was evidence of God to him. However, Darwin became an agnostic because his daughter died of illness.
But in the scope of the movie, I think Josh needed to use the arguments he provided to help settle doubts regarding the more common issues before getting to the main point that becomes necessary.
6: How do people's views of their origin affect their perspective of life and their view of God?
This question is vitally important because I have seen what happens when people buy into the notion that there's nothing there. So far, there's a long list of suicides. THAT is what I'm trying to prevent.
This question is very important. Are we here because Someone wanted us here and we have worth and purpose or are we just byproducts of celestial nonsense without meaning and purpose? That question certainly feels like a trap, but it's frankly reality and it's the source of serious identity, worth, and purpose. It's one of the more graver questions we come across. This question is hot and no doubt answers get hotter. Some would say that worth, identity, and purpose come from sources other than God, but if that's true, then when we're dead and gone those solutions were meaningless. In the grand scale of it all, we're exactly what scientists have been telling us: just bugs on the surface on a rock hurtling through space.
I can't live with that. I don't want anyone else to live with that. You have worth. You have intrinsic worth. If God says you have worth, it's beyond opinion and I need you to understand that, regardless of whether you think He's real or not. Somethings simply are not up to our opinion. I find more evidence that people can be redeemed than I can that they're truly and forever doomed. If we don't have worth, just here by chance, then nothing really matters. We're just floating clouds of energy that do what can't be scientifically quantified (not to mention, science, if the statement becomes true, is silly now; and truth and love don't matter either).
Does everything have a meaning and purpose? ''... [what] you have to ask yourself is what kind of person are you; are you the kind that sees signs, sees miracles, or do you believe that people just get lucky? Or look at the question this way: is it possible, that there are no coincidences?''
7: Do you feel satisfied with the movie's explanation when it comes to the problem of evil and suffering?
In all honesty, I don't remember it. To me, it just seems that God has given us everything we need to get rid of evil and suffering, but we choose not to do it, then blame God for not doing so Himself. That seems like abusing God for something we're doing. DX
8: Do you or does someone you know struggle with faith because of tragic moments in life?
The question, to me, becomes, "Do you know anyone who has had their reality shaken by a loss?" Losing someone or something meaningful can be very hurtful, dangerous, and if we don't get the right answers, we can wreck ourselves pretty darn hard. How do we cope with a loss? How do we deal with hurt? How do we understand and comprehend what is happening? Why did God do this to me? Fighting against futility and pain can leave us feeling very... very... alone. I don't know any faith or any worldview that is not harmed or shaken by the loss of something dear.
I don't struggle with it now, but I have.
9: How would you explain the purpose of life from a Christian perspective?
My short answer would be that God wants us here, and is giving us a chance to, create a Heaven-on-Earth so that we can live happy and joyous lives, building each other up. I think we were meant to live in love, fully, and live without harm and sin. God's respecting of our decisions, though, and wants our true and genuine love. If you don't want that, then He won't make you because it wouldn't be genuine.
10: Would you say that life has no meaning or purpose without God? Why/why not?
I went over this before, but it still remains. Can we really find a true meaning or purpose for our lives if it really means nothing in the grand scale? If if matters only to us, and that's all we care about, I daresay that we aren't living in a society where we consider others. I am unable to live without purpose or meaning. I simply cannot. If I'm unable to find something, then I'll fall into the lowest I can go, and I'd probably be dead soon. Just in the same manner I was before I was a Christian. I hope the urgency of this is made apparent. This is not an easy question.
11: How can you be bold AND respectful when sharing your beliefs with another person?
Respect first. The person you're talking to is a living person with meaning and worth. They are immortals and it's never wise to treat an immortal poorly. (Props to whoever gets that reference.) They deserve your patience and time, so care is necessary. Make sure you're listening before you're talking. Nobody wants to hear "You're wrong" so be nice about how you talk. Show the love God's given you.
12: What are your greatest obstacles toward being a witness for Christ and how you can overcome them?
I don't know how to answer this question. I'm scared of testifying and I'm scared of others because I don't want them to hurt me and I don't want to hurt them. Talking about my faith gets scary because of how horribly others and I have been treated. As always, I'm trying to overcome my fear. I want to make friends, love and be loved, but that is so hard nowadays. I suppose the most I can do is keep a soft heart and approach others with love.
13: What are some questions that you feel are tough to answer when it come to belief in God?
The same questions that I think have always been hard to answer.
I don't even know how to type them right now, I'm so tired. Just understand I don't have all the answers.
14: What are some questions you feel are tough to answer when it comes to believing in Christianity?
How do you feel about what Christianity says about your God in public?
Any question that asks why I choose to be associated negatively. My response is typically that it's between me and God, and if others are doing it wrong, then it's just more encouragement to do it right.
15: Is it possible to have ALL the answers concerned God and Christianity? Why/why not?
No. Because having complete knowledge of anything is an impossibility. That's why we need community.
Conclusion:
Tough questions, short answers, hostile world. Nothing's ever easy. Being loving in a hateful world is one of the hardest tasks.
These are from my new church here in Rolla. It's my second day there and everybody has been so cool and very nice. I wish I could take all my friends, but y'all're too faaar! (Yeah, enjoy that slang double contraction!)
Anyway. I've seen the movie before, but I came at the wrong time and missed 90% of the movie, no kidding. So I don't remember exactly how that movie's arguments are portrayed, but I remember already knowing everything Josh said to the professor. It's something that I had studied before and still study every now and then.
My preface to the questions:
I feel the biggest issue nowadays comes from an improper understanding of the philosophy of science, how science fits into religion, how religion fits into science, and how exactly science and religion have fit together over the years.
I don't like trying to disprove theories that cannot be proven true in the first place. Anybody know the phrase "Innocent until proven guilty?" Science is "Untrue/insufficient until proven true." Frankly, assumptive theories like the Big Bang and evolution cannot be proven true. We will not be able to prove them true until we either time travel or experience another sudden Big Bang which would involve such a release of hazardous radiation that it would atomize the already existing universe. We can say that evolution has happened, with some amount of certainty, but five of the six types of evolution necessary we have no confirming evidence for. Only conjectures. Better yet, those five have never been witnessed! Scientifically, I cannot support those theories! I'm saying this as someone who studies philosophy, science, and is a scientist. (Oh, and the Cyclical theory doesn't explain the origin of matter at all.) More importantly, we portray the question of the Big Bang as the Big Bang being the origin of the universe, when the universe had the Big Bang happen inside of it. That's why I refer to the Big Bang as a Formation Theory, not a Creation Theory.
But these questions are important and they shake the base of the Church, not because they pose a threat to Biblical truth, but because they pose a threat to the hearts and minds of those who observe the Church. You'll see what I mean when I get further down into the questions. It's a tough world to live in, with tough questions that we're not sure we'll ever have the answers for.
The gravest one is:
Is there a God?
The Questions:
1: What was the overall impact that this movie had on you?
Honestly, it seemed kinda silly, because the acting was obviously acting in a few parts and the scenarios presented are not fleshed out enough to feel realistic. They're too short and they're too rough too quickly. But either way, it's touching and presents scenarios that do actually happen. I cried the first time the professor died. I cried when the lady was thrown out of her home by her dad.
2: Did this movie challenge me you to study and learn more about what you believe?
It made no change from my current course of trying to understand what the world is, what love is, what everything means, and how God fits into my life. It challenged me instead to wonder how I'm showing my faith to others.
3: Are there people in your life that are challenging you to prove that God is real or that Christianity is true?
I feel that I'm always under this pressure. I think that people are looking for something in life that will make them feel complete and I wish I could show them what really could. I never really know how to describe how Christianity has changed my view on life and love for the better. I feel that it is truly the only worldview that answers my questions with answers that make sense and are meaningful and can be used in my daily life. I feel like, as God even wants, that my life needs to be an example that God is there and real and listening. If anything, I want my life to be a shining light in the dark, even if it's just a candle in the deepest cave.
4: Did the scenarios seem realistic to you? Why/why not?
Yes and no. Yes because I had one of the scenarios presented happen to me. And no because of how they were presented in the movie (Refer to question 1 about the "no.") The "yes" scenario comes from my Engineering Physics course last year. One day our professor started a presentation about the history of science and its persons. It was interesting and informative until it literally turned into a 'Religion' bashing session in front of 87 students. It was interesting to sit through, because my Muslim friend next to me was equally disgruntled and upset. I don't think that was fair to anyone, even in an Academic sense.
So I have to bring up two points:
1) This happens often. And militant atheists want it to.
Richard Dawkins, and a few other militant atheist/agnostics have "ordered" (their term, not mine) other militant atheists to make sure they interrupt us and don't give us any voice in the world. Literally instructing them to shame us until we're afraid to show our face in public. So take that as you will.
2) It does not accurately address religion and science.
I find it interesting that I have to bring this up. There's a stigma that God and Christianity are outright anti-science when the Bible actually orders us to be the other way around. X3 There's a big issues when people say Christians are anti-science in that it's anti-Scripture to say such and outright mean too. God tells us to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30). Knowledge is a gift from God and anything completely truthful is not a contradiction to him. The Latin language used a word you may recognize to describe knowledge: science. So if science, knowledge, is all truthful and gifted by God, then why would anti-theists argue that science and God conflict because God is anti-science (not saying that God conflicts science, but that God orders us to contradict science)? Here's how the word "science" meaning knowledge fits into morals: conscience. Con: with, Science: knowledge. With knowledge. With knowledge of right and wrong. Refer to my previous journals about ethics and the Nature of Knowledge to learn more about how they fit together.
I'm a computer scientist and I think my last three years of study into philosophy, science, and computer science has only been positively impacted by my understanding of God and science. I think, if anything at the minimum, God fuels my search for knowledge, because through knowledge I can become closer to Him and I hope that I can help others understand.
5: Josh begins his debate by showing that creation itself points to the reality of a Creator. Do you think this is a good place to start? Why/why not?
I'm not sure. It seems to be the biggest issue that people have doubts about. It looks like people think Christianity is based around how Genesis is interpreted, while Christianity is based upon the moral and worldview of God's intention rather than the actual events that happened. Triple-Doctorate John Lennox and I both agree that how we perceive Genesis does not affect salvation and the Bible can include things like the Big Bang and Evolution. The Genome Project Director Francis S. Collins even thinks that evolution and such is evidence for God. So did Darwin. Speaking of Darwin, he was confused about his findings. He found that some of his findings wouldn't explain every natural function and occurrence, especially the eyes, and that it was evidence of God to him. However, Darwin became an agnostic because his daughter died of illness.
But in the scope of the movie, I think Josh needed to use the arguments he provided to help settle doubts regarding the more common issues before getting to the main point that becomes necessary.
6: How do people's views of their origin affect their perspective of life and their view of God?
This question is vitally important because I have seen what happens when people buy into the notion that there's nothing there. So far, there's a long list of suicides. THAT is what I'm trying to prevent.
This question is very important. Are we here because Someone wanted us here and we have worth and purpose or are we just byproducts of celestial nonsense without meaning and purpose? That question certainly feels like a trap, but it's frankly reality and it's the source of serious identity, worth, and purpose. It's one of the more graver questions we come across. This question is hot and no doubt answers get hotter. Some would say that worth, identity, and purpose come from sources other than God, but if that's true, then when we're dead and gone those solutions were meaningless. In the grand scale of it all, we're exactly what scientists have been telling us: just bugs on the surface on a rock hurtling through space.
I can't live with that. I don't want anyone else to live with that. You have worth. You have intrinsic worth. If God says you have worth, it's beyond opinion and I need you to understand that, regardless of whether you think He's real or not. Somethings simply are not up to our opinion. I find more evidence that people can be redeemed than I can that they're truly and forever doomed. If we don't have worth, just here by chance, then nothing really matters. We're just floating clouds of energy that do what can't be scientifically quantified (not to mention, science, if the statement becomes true, is silly now; and truth and love don't matter either).
Does everything have a meaning and purpose? ''... [what] you have to ask yourself is what kind of person are you; are you the kind that sees signs, sees miracles, or do you believe that people just get lucky? Or look at the question this way: is it possible, that there are no coincidences?''
7: Do you feel satisfied with the movie's explanation when it comes to the problem of evil and suffering?
In all honesty, I don't remember it. To me, it just seems that God has given us everything we need to get rid of evil and suffering, but we choose not to do it, then blame God for not doing so Himself. That seems like abusing God for something we're doing. DX
8: Do you or does someone you know struggle with faith because of tragic moments in life?
The question, to me, becomes, "Do you know anyone who has had their reality shaken by a loss?" Losing someone or something meaningful can be very hurtful, dangerous, and if we don't get the right answers, we can wreck ourselves pretty darn hard. How do we cope with a loss? How do we deal with hurt? How do we understand and comprehend what is happening? Why did God do this to me? Fighting against futility and pain can leave us feeling very... very... alone. I don't know any faith or any worldview that is not harmed or shaken by the loss of something dear.
I don't struggle with it now, but I have.
9: How would you explain the purpose of life from a Christian perspective?
My short answer would be that God wants us here, and is giving us a chance to, create a Heaven-on-Earth so that we can live happy and joyous lives, building each other up. I think we were meant to live in love, fully, and live without harm and sin. God's respecting of our decisions, though, and wants our true and genuine love. If you don't want that, then He won't make you because it wouldn't be genuine.
10: Would you say that life has no meaning or purpose without God? Why/why not?
I went over this before, but it still remains. Can we really find a true meaning or purpose for our lives if it really means nothing in the grand scale? If if matters only to us, and that's all we care about, I daresay that we aren't living in a society where we consider others. I am unable to live without purpose or meaning. I simply cannot. If I'm unable to find something, then I'll fall into the lowest I can go, and I'd probably be dead soon. Just in the same manner I was before I was a Christian. I hope the urgency of this is made apparent. This is not an easy question.
11: How can you be bold AND respectful when sharing your beliefs with another person?
Respect first. The person you're talking to is a living person with meaning and worth. They are immortals and it's never wise to treat an immortal poorly. (Props to whoever gets that reference.) They deserve your patience and time, so care is necessary. Make sure you're listening before you're talking. Nobody wants to hear "You're wrong" so be nice about how you talk. Show the love God's given you.
12: What are your greatest obstacles toward being a witness for Christ and how you can overcome them?
I don't know how to answer this question. I'm scared of testifying and I'm scared of others because I don't want them to hurt me and I don't want to hurt them. Talking about my faith gets scary because of how horribly others and I have been treated. As always, I'm trying to overcome my fear. I want to make friends, love and be loved, but that is so hard nowadays. I suppose the most I can do is keep a soft heart and approach others with love.
13: What are some questions that you feel are tough to answer when it come to belief in God?
The same questions that I think have always been hard to answer.
I don't even know how to type them right now, I'm so tired. Just understand I don't have all the answers.
14: What are some questions you feel are tough to answer when it comes to believing in Christianity?
How do you feel about what Christianity says about your God in public?
Any question that asks why I choose to be associated negatively. My response is typically that it's between me and God, and if others are doing it wrong, then it's just more encouragement to do it right.
15: Is it possible to have ALL the answers concerned God and Christianity? Why/why not?
No. Because having complete knowledge of anything is an impossibility. That's why we need community.
Conclusion:
Tough questions, short answers, hostile world. Nothing's ever easy. Being loving in a hateful world is one of the hardest tasks.
In regards to the movie, there are some aspects that aren't just simply realistic I'd say in terms of scenario. There were some rushed aspects to it. But in my opinion, it was good enough to show what Christians in higher education goes through and kind of how the system works. They will assault you relentlessly until you give up God. I personally have not been in one of those environments in the university, thankfully. But does not mean I do not see persecution happen. I'd recommend this movie to any Christians who are really against knowledge to get them to be aware of what is going on in everyday life at college. I call higher education institutions a bunch of breeding grounds for mutated Christianity, and anti-God stuffs. I've seen in the first hand how Christians compromise or turn atheists throughout the year. It's disturbing and sad. Only thing I can do is pray that they will come back to the flock. Persecution will get worse, so I guess it's time to get ready.
Other points, you know how I think, I think, so I won't bother comment on them.
I don't know what to do about any of it. I suppose it's part of maturing as a person. I don't know, really.