Welcome back, Tim. Good to see you are not afraid of being flamed. I suspect that many lurkers have this fear, thus, they keep away. Sad! If I knew you well enough I may differ in opinion from you, but I refuse to stoop to flaming, too judgmental. Feel free to express your beliefs and opinions. As you know, I am a minister. Do you know any other clergy who would like to get involved?
If you would like to read some controversial stuff about what is going on between Christianity and Islam check out this item from the NEW YORKER, April 8:
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/04/02/070402fa_fact_kramer?currentPage=1 ======================================================
BTW, look at the clicks on the whole section. They are approaching 7000. Obviously people do like to read more than hard science, not that hard science is unimportant.
What is your opinion regarding hard science. How open are you when it comes to the theory of evolution versus creation? Have you heard of emanation?
THE FOLLOWING IS MOSTLY PHILOSOPHY AT THIS POINT, AN OPINION, NOT HARD SCIENCE; BUT INTERESTING. In my opinion it sounds rational to me, but still an opinion.
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The word "Emanation" comes from the Latin e-manare, "to flow forth". The cosmos and finite beings are all seen as having emerged out of the Absolute Reality through a sort of "out-flowing".
Metaphors are with the ocean (the Absolute) and the waves (the Universe); the Sun (the Absolute) and the Light that shines from it (the Universe); a fountain (the Absolute) which overflows (the universe); and so on.
According to Emanationism, Creation occurs by a process of emanation - "out-flowing". The entire cosmos, and even all the Gods and Godheads beyond the Cosmos, has come about through emanation.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emanationismhttp://www.kheper.net/topics/cosmology/emanation.htmhttp://www.alibris.com/search/search.cfm...FTG5LgWCM2RRrSQ
