Posts by cofty

405

Origin of Life

by cofty in

in recent years significant progress has been made in solving the question of how life originated on our planet.. how do you think theists will respond when it finally happens?

as a former christian i know my reaction would have been something like "well that just goes to show that it takes intelligent life to make life", but for two reasons that defense doesn't work.. firstly it would prove that life is not an ethereal force that originates with god.

there is no 'ghost in the machine', no elan vital.

cofty

if those reading the thread feel Slim has made reasonable and balanced arguments

Do you mean this sort of thing...

The question assumes that scientific discoveries impact philosophical or theological questions. What's the basis for that assumption? - SBF

So science has not had any impact on religious questions. Really?

Or this gem ...

I guess what you mean is that if scientists manage to generate life from non-life you believe this some how will prove that life can arise without God. But what is the basis for the assertion? - SBF

If scientists can produce life from rocks without god that won't prove life can arise without god!

Or how about this puzzle...

it could be said of God that he is both not alive and not not-alive - SBF

28

Taking the Bible Lessons And Going To a KH For First Time

by Cold Steel in

i've taken the bible lessons but have never attended a kingdom hall.

i was curious as to what point they begin to tighten the screws of control?

let's say you're a baptist.

cofty

The good news is that Mormonism and the Watchtower have had their day. The internet is exposing the lies in both cults and finding new members is increasingly difficult,

405

Origin of Life

by cofty in

in recent years significant progress has been made in solving the question of how life originated on our planet.. how do you think theists will respond when it finally happens?

as a former christian i know my reaction would have been something like "well that just goes to show that it takes intelligent life to make life", but for two reasons that defense doesn't work.. firstly it would prove that life is not an ethereal force that originates with god.

there is no 'ghost in the machine', no elan vital.

cofty

Rebel - That's facile.

Facts are not established by popular vote.

How is clicking Like or Dislike addressing SBFs arguments? I have some who follow me around the forum clicking Dislike on almost every post. I consider it a compliment.

405

Origin of Life

by cofty in

in recent years significant progress has been made in solving the question of how life originated on our planet.. how do you think theists will respond when it finally happens?

as a former christian i know my reaction would have been something like "well that just goes to show that it takes intelligent life to make life", but for two reasons that defense doesn't work.. firstly it would prove that life is not an ethereal force that originates with god.

there is no 'ghost in the machine', no elan vital.

cofty

there are several mistakes and these I have chosen to ignore so that his main argument can stand because that is strongly argued - Ruby

There are no mistakes in my explanation of JW beliefs regarding soul and spirit. Absolutely none.

there is slimboyfat's argument that even if scientists make life in a lab or can explain how life started by scientific means they are simply begetting life from life

SBF is saying a lot of obtuse things but he is not arguing that. If he was it would especially silly. Sperm and egg making a new baby is "life begetting life". New life from rocks is not. You are confusing the argument in the brochure that making a cell is really really complex and requires intelligent design with the theological objection that making new life is impossible without the life-giver.

cofty's argument would be sound if he was arguing against anything miraculous in the origin of life rather than against any JW teachings that suggest ethereal qualities in humans.

According to the WT the only ethereal thing in every living thing is pneuma. An impersonal force of life that comes from god. Is is exactly analogous to electricity. This is JW dogma 101. Do you really need quotes to prove it?

so this is a small mistake on cofty's part

I have made no mistakes in regards to JW doctrines.

28

Taking the Bible Lessons And Going To a KH For First Time

by Cold Steel in

i've taken the bible lessons but have never attended a kingdom hall.

i was curious as to what point they begin to tighten the screws of control?

let's say you're a baptist.

I'm busy so I will explain it to you later - again.

For the moment - making all the components for a radio is a really complex task. Assembling them correctly to make a radio is also very complex.

Even if/when you succeed all you have is a box with a plug. Unless you can connect it to the electric supply it is useless.

If scientists can make all the parts of a cell and assemble them into a cell that will be astonishing. The bit they don't say in the "science" brochure for obvious reasons, is that the cell will be lifeless. Pneuma belongs to god. That is what makes it a theological impossibility.

That is why they studiously avoid stating that scientist may one day make a LIVING cell.