Onlline Sermons

We have posted a lot of sermons from our Universal Life Church ministers. Some are Christian and some are not. You are welcome to use them or just enjoy them as you like.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Religious Philosophy

Master of Religious Philosophy ~ Lesson 23 ~ Religion and Science -
Partners or Competitors

Rev.Fr. Andrew R. M. Manley



Q.1.) What is your view? Which relationship do you usually accept?
Even if you have not previously used these terms, which is your view
of scientific and religious knowledge?

A.) I personally would agree more with the Religious Philosophers and
open minded scientists.



Q.2.) Numerous religions recount stories of miracles (events or
actions which appear to defy the so-called 'laws of nature'). What are
your thoughts on these miracles.

A.) Mark Ch. 4 Ver. 9 thru 12;



vers.9) And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

10) And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve
asked of him the parable.

11) And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery
of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these
things are done in parables:

12) That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may
hear, and not understand;



This is just one of many examples within the Holy Bible that give some
credit to what I believe to be true of Natural Science and Religious
acceptance. There are other books,chapters and verses with in the Holy
Bible that reinforce my belief that there are intersection between
both throughout history. Most of it has to do with acceptance of
something new, challenged or perceived as factual until proven other
wise. until that time all knowledge is in Gods time to reveal to
mankind, and for mankind to except, or not.




Q.3.) Do you believe that these miracles are true, but the natural
sciences are simply incapable of understanding them (because they are
outside their 'field of expertise')?


A.) Yes, by the knowledge of the doctrine of the Holy Bible which is
by faith, it is so. Science can not prove faith nor can it prove
spirituality and God.




Q.4.) Do you tend to believe that there is a scientific explanation
for these miracles that we just have yet to discover?

A.) All things are possible, when we are ready to hear and believe
than and only then will we except what is revealed.



Q.5.) Do you believe that God (or gods) intervened and set aside these
natural laws?

A.) I believe in what I know, I also believe in faith and things not
yet revealed. So yes, In my thought, my heart, and my knowledge God
did and does intervene with natural law as we know it. I emphasize as
"we know it".



Q.6.) Do you think that the miracles are religiously exaggerated to
make a religious point, and that the actual event would be harmonious
with the natural laws if this exaggeration had not occurred?


A.) I can not tell for sure because I was not present at the time of
the accuracies. However, throughout the Holy Bible parables are used
to help people to understand and relate to what message is being
conveyed at the time. We do the same thing today it is just that our
technology and our ability to communicate has advanced far beyond what
was understood decades ago.



Q.7.) Or, do you think that anyone who believes in miracles should be
confined to a facility where they can't hurt themselves?


A.) No, absolutely not. There are many things that have happened
throughout history that can not be explained and if two or more
experience a situation than it, with a small degree of doubt and faith
should be accredited to the possibilities of account.


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