Doc said: This may be mostly true for some of the less conservative churches, or the charismatic churches, but is simply not true in the conservative "fundamentalist" evangelical churches.
From past discussions, Doc has suggested that an accurate theological view is not exactly what he seeks. However, it is what most conservative Christians seek, study for, and expect of their pastor. As the pastor is an employee of the congregation, if he doesn't "know his stuff," he doesn't keep his job. Obviously, this is not the setup in many liberal churches, or those like the Catholic church. If Doc hasn't found someone with the answers, he either hasn't checked with a truly conservative pastor, didn't allow the pastor the time to really consider the question deeply, or didn't appreciate an accurate theological answer.
Err.....a total bastardization of my past questions and positions, you twist my words at your peril........I have asked questions in order to stimulate discussions here, and repeatedly you have dug in your heels and stated that unless the rest of us accept YOUR interpretation as the correct one, we are basically hypocrites and apostates.......
"Theology" is the study of ALL religions, and that is the area that we are basing this discussion in.......it is true that Christianity and Judaism (as well as Islam and several others) share similar descriptions of the origion of man. As such, this is NOT a discussion of a Christian concept, but a generally religious one. Let's keep it that way.
Although I consider myself a Christian, I look at all religions with a skeptical eye........that skepticism allows me to question and learn. I have had many discussions with "conservative" pastors, after all, I was raised in a Southern Baptist church that was quite conservative.......I found little difference between the true knowledge demonstrated by conservative pastors regarding "theology", and liberal ones........you seem to suffer from the same blindness when reading what I actually post, as you demonstrate when the issue being discussed is a concept in Christianity.....
The OP refers to the possible origins of life vis-a-vis what is stated in the Old Testament.......to be perfectly frank, I don't consider you (or your "brilliant" husband for that matter) a conversant expert on the Old Testament......you are certainly entitled to your opinion, and are free to discuss it here, however don't expect your thoughts on the subject to carry any more weight than anyone elses........
To further be frank......when it comes to a general theological discussion, I consider Mr. Snuggle Bunny to probably be the most knowledgeable poster here on this subject.......his understanding of religious history, ancient languages and interpretations, and associated subjects is vast........he is further perfectly willing to back up his statements and positions with factual research, (I have learned much from his posts).......madame, you do not.......
academic research and knowledge is not quoting scripture.......it is providing the facts (or lack thereof) and sources that lie BEHIND the scripture. These simple concepts are what separates an "academic" from a "zealot".........it has become more than apparent to the rest of us that you fall in the latter category. Not that zealotry is a bad thing.....it isn't, and I certainly admire your persistance and depth of faith........however in an academic theological discussion, that is simply not enough for you to carry the debate.
doc