The universe is so vast that at this time we can't know how ordered or disordered it is. We often see order where there is none, we see shapes in clouds or faces in everyday items. There is even a Facebook page called Everyday Objects with Faces. By identifying patterns we can infer information about our surroundings which help us survive. It doesn't mean that there is order in everything we think there is. Even identifying that there is order, does not require that it be caused. If there is a cause, jumping to the conclusion that a supernatural being is that cause, isn't necessary. Finally, even if there were a supernatural being that created the massive universe that we observe, the odds that it would be the christian god is just as unlikely.
2.How do you account for the vast archaeological documentation of Biblical stories, places,
and people?
Some bible stories are based on recounts of things that happened in actual cities, so it isn't surprising that there is archaeological evidence of those cities. Other stories were modifications of mythologies that had been around for hundreds or thousands of years. While there is evidence supporting that the locations existed, there is no evidence for the supernatural claims. The Missouri river flooded last year. There is plenty of physical evidence to support that statement. If I said that leprechauns caused the flooding, the fact that there is physical evidence for the flood does not prove there are leprechauns.
3.Since absolutely no Bible prophecy has ever failed (and there are hundreds), how can
one realistically remain unconvinced that the Bible is of divine origin?
Well there are a number of prophecies that haven't come true. If I claim enough things eventually some of them will come true, and if they haven't I just have to say, "it hasn't come true YET".
Matthew 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. --
Well almost 2000 years have passed and that generation is long gone. So the statement that "no prophecy has ever failed" is false, that along with an abundance of other conflicting evidence suggests that it is not of divine origin.
1. I think you're off a bit on this answer. There is absolutely order in the universe. There is a cause and effect to everything. Scientist can explain most things through mathematics and physics. To say there is no order would mean chaos ruled, which isn't the case.
ReplyDelete2. You make a good point as archaeological evidence (that is physical evidence) can not prove something that is spiritual (as in NOT physical).
3. In Matthew 24:34, Jesus was referring to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. The prophecy came to pass 39-40 years later.