quote: Originally Posted by INVICTUS:
There is no separation of God and science. Evolution doesn't close the book on anything. Heaven and Hell isn't a fairy tale, and you're not required to believe in Hell.
Hi Vic,
True, we cannot separate God and science -- since God created all the sciences and all the laws governing those sciences. Science is a subset of the Creation.
When you declare, "Evolution doesn't close the book on anything" -- that is true, IF you are speaking of Micro Evolution, i.e., adaptation. If you are speaking of Darwinian Evolution; then, I would have to disagree.
You tell us, "Heaven and Hell isn't a fairy tale, and you're not required to believe in Hell."
True, heaven and hell are not fairy tales; they are real places -- and the only two eternal destinations for all people. And, I will agree with you that believing in a literal hell is not a requirement of salvation -- since, we are saved by grace, through faith -- plus nothing else.
However, telling folks that hell does not exist, or that they do not have to believe in a literal hell -- is the same as not telling the blind man that the cliff in front of him is not really a cliff.
Believing in a literal hell does not give one salvation -- but, knowing the danger it presents may help some avoid hell. And, that is why we must never fail to tell people that hell is a real place. And, that by denying God and his "paid in full" free gift of salvation -- that person IS choosing hell as their eternal destination.
To show true Christian love, we must tell folks of the pitfalls in their path -- and, the most urgent pitfall which we must tell them about -- is hell. We do not show Christian love for folks by misleading them into believing there is no danger of hell.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill