Naturalism is idolatry

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Naturalism is idolatry, don't you know. Dembski says so:

'This is why idolatry-worshiping the creation rather than the Creator-is so completely backwards, for it assigns ultimate value to something that is inherently incapable of achieving ultimate value. Creation, especially a fallen creation can at best reflect God's glory. Idolatry, on the other hand contends that creation fully comprehends God's glory. Idolatry turns the creation into the ultimate reality. We've seen this before. It is called naturalism. No doubt, contemporary scientific naturalism is a lot more sophisticated than pagan fertility cults, but the difference is superficial. Naturalism is idolatry by another name.

(Dembski W.A., "Intelligent Design: The Bridge Between Science and Theology," InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove IL, 1999, p.226)


~~ Paul

[ReasonableDoubt]

Originally posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos
Naturalism is idolatry, don't you know. Some pay obeisance to evidence, others bow to fantasy.

[DarkMagician]

"Worshipping any symbol* is idolatry and, thus, wrong."

*does not apply to symbols of own religion.

[c4ts]

Since when did naturalists start worshipping what they study? :confused:

[Yahweh]

Naturalism is idolatry by another name.
"Atheists worship the Laws of Physics"... like I havent seen that rant before...

[espritch]

Creation, especially a fallen creation can at best reflect God's glory.

So a fallen creation reflects God's glory. Wouldn't it actually reflect God's failure?

[c4ts]

Originally posted by Yahweh

"Atheists worship the Laws of Physics"... like I havent seen that rant before...

I believe you missed out on the height of Franko's board madness.

[Disbeliever]

Hi, I'm new here. Just thought I'd drop by.

In your first post you say it's idolatry. I hope you don't mean it's wrong, because after saying so, you clearly point to an influence for your reason. Just wondering if I misunderstood you.

[Dancing David]

. No doubt, contemporary scientific naturalism is a lot more sophisticated than pagan fertility cults, but the difference is superficial.


Yeah, those good old college days, smashing atoms by day, sacrificing animals and having orgies on the quad by night...

[pupdog]

What it boils down to is, knowledge is evil; the Bible says so.

It may also have to do with assuming that others think in the same way you do.

[espritch]

Disbeliever
In your first post you say it's idolatry. I hope you don't mean it's wrong, because after saying so, you clearly point to an influence for your reason. Just wondering if I misunderstood you.

Paul had his tongue pressed firmly in his cheek. I doubt anyone on this board takes Dembski seriously. ;)

P.S. Welcome to the board. Feel free to post. Just make sure you take the stuff you read here with a grain of salt.

[c4ts]

Originally posted by pupdog
What it boils down to is, knowledge is evil; the Bible says so.

It may also have to do with assuming that others think in the same way you do.

Actually it boils down to "study is worship." Therefore if you examine anything other than the bible you're evil. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go play D&D while giving money to Buddhists instead of Christians, then top it off a blood sacrifice to Charles Darwin.

[sparklecat]

Originally posted by c4ts
Actually it boils down to "study is worship." Therefore if you examine anything other than the bible you're evil. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go play D&D while giving money to Buddhists instead of Christians, then top it off a blood sacrifice to Charles Darwin.

Think I've heard that studying other belief systems is ok... just so long as you're a mature Christian, spend much time in prayer surrounding the event, are steeped in the Word of God, etc.

One has to wonder about a system where the adherants are discouraged from reading anything that might make them doubt...

*is in a rather cycnical mood today*

[Yahweh]

Originally posted by sparklecat
Think I've heard that studying other belief systems is ok... just so long as you're a mature Christian, spend much time in prayer surrounding the event, are steeped in the Word of God, etc.

One has to wonder about a system where the adherants are discouraged from reading anything that might make them doubt...

*is in a rather cycnical mood today*
And what do you do when you belong to a "One true religion" such as Christianity and begin studying the mythology of another "One true religion" like... oh... Islam?

(Cynicism is good :) )

[sparklecat]

Other one true religions are inspired by Satan ;)

Add frustration and annoyance to that cynicism, and you've got a pretty good picture of my mood :D

[Dancing David]

Originally posted by Yahweh

And what do you do when you belong to a "One true religion" such as Christianity and begin studying the mythology of another "One true religion" like... oh... Islam?

(Cynicism is good :) )

You wear a spiritual condom and then wash yourself profusely to prevent contamination.

[c4ts]

You're only allowed to study other religions if you assume they are wrong to begin with and you've already set out to prove that they reject Christianity.

[sparklecat]

Oh, thanks, I forgot that part. You study them so you may argue against them.

[Yahweh]

Originally posted by sparklecat
Other one true religions are inspired by Satan ;)
Hypothetical One True Religion A says all other "one true religions" are inspired by ignorance and evil, or possibly inspired by Hypothetical Symbol Of Evil n.

What does the Christian do when he studies Hypothetical One True Religion A?

Hypothetical One True Religion B which embraces most of the same principles as Christianity (including "all other religions are inspired by B's concept of Satan), but with a whole 'nother mythology?

[sparklecat]

Says theirs has more support, therefore they can say whats inspired by n and what isn't?

[Dancing David]

Originally posted by Yahweh

Hypothetical One True Religion A says all other "one true religions" are inspired by ignorance and evil, or possibly inspired by Hypothetical Symbol Of Evil n.

What does the Christian do when he studies Hypothetical One True Religion A?

Hypothetical One True Religion B which embraces most of the same principles as Christianity (including "all other religions are inspired by B's concept of Satan), but with a whole 'nother mythology?

This is what led to the reformation, the prosecution of the anababtists and Northern Ireland....

[c4ts]

Not to mention the Crusades.

[Yahweh]

Originally posted by sparklecat
Says theirs has more support, therefore they can say whats inspired by n and what isn't?
Ahh, pretty much anything will be said to undermind the integrity of all other religions. (I'm a religion based off Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with it being corresponding to the events that are occurring in the present and the fact its no more crazy than the other religions, could be said to have more - if not, as much - support than Christianity. It might take a little work, but I could craft Hypothetical Religion A given the time and will to do so...)