My boss wants to discuss Creation

[Grunt]

My boss mentioned he was heading to some conference to hear someone that from whom he'd previously heard a good talk about Creation.  Like a fool, I blurted "I just taught a class on Creation a few weeks ago".  Now he wants to have a discussion about it.  I can't wait for this....... 

On a side note, when I started this thread, the below was in my post buffer.  I'd love to know where I was going with that and when I wrote it.

Quote

Some of you are so patient and kind-hearted.  Have you always been like that?  If not, how did you get that way?  I don't understand how you just don't want to strangle people sometimes.  I can be so judgemental

 

[Jane_Doe]

I love talking about creation!   And a a scientist/programer working in environmental science, we deal with evolution very frequently, so the topic comes up and it amazes some people that I'm a very religious scientist.  Likewise, I run into people on my religious-forum time-waster habit that are likewise amazed that a 'strange' creature like me exists.   Here's my spiel:

Yes, I believe in God.  Very much so.  But I don't believe in a God that is a magician to just randomly pull rabbits out of hats.  Rather, I believe in a God that is a carpenter: one that takes unformed stuff and carves out something beautiful.  He does this through the principles of physics, chemistry, and biology-- for He is the master of all those sciences-- He's the master of everything.  When it comes to carving mountains, He uses water, wind, and tectonics as His chisels.  When it comes to creatures of the world, His chisels are genetics, mutation, and selection pressure.  As an environmental scientist, I literally get paid to study His masterpieces and try to understand the tiniest part.  

And man, this fan-girl LOVES her job.

[bytebear]

One time, some religious folks came knocking on my door.  I bet you can guess who.   But they had a pamphlet to share on the creation story, and how they were striving to create Earth as it was in Eden.  We discussed the creation, the fall of Adam, and they were very nice, and the woman was very intrigued by what I was saying (at least she seemed very enthusiastic about my thoughts).  I talked about how if Eden was perfect, and created by a perfect God, why did he not only allow imperfection, but actually planned ahead for it (by providing a savior).   Then I told her that the fall of Adam was a necessary step for the advancement of mankind ("Adam Fell that men might be" - 2 Nephi 2).  She seemed truly amazed at this insight, and asked, "How did you come up with all this?"  And I simply replied, "Oh, I believe there are modern day prophets who have revealed more truth that clarifies certain doctrines of the Bible."  I believe I then offered her a Book of Mormon (I always keep a few in my entryway), to which she declined.  But I have offered it to others who have accepted (out of politeness, I am sure). 

[bytebear]

By the way, I believe the LDS understanding of the creation, preexistence and the fall of Adam are some of the plain and precious truths restored in modern times.  I can think of no doctrine more clear or Biblically sound.

[Sunday21]

@Grunt Good luck! The other day, I was in the lunchroom and a colleague said to me: What is the fundamental difference between your Church and other forms of Christianity? 

Hmm. I discussed temples, the prophet and the Book of Mormon.

i told them that we have outlawed polygamy.

No takers! They have heard about tithing so they are chewing this tithing thing over.

 

[bytebear]

30 minutes ago, Sunday21 said:

@Grunt Good luck! The other day, I was in the lunchroom and a colleague said to me: What is the fundamental difference between your Church and other forms of Christianity?

I would say authority from God.  All doctrinal issues are a byproduct of that. 

[Sunday21]

2 hours ago, bytebear said:

I would say authority from God.  All doctrinal issues are a byproduct of that. 

Well...the thing is..many religions claim that, so not a great selling point! 

Edited March 8, 2018 by Sunday21

[zil]

3 hours ago, Grunt said:

Like a fool...

Everyone who's never done this kind of thing please raise your hand!

[zil]

2 hours ago, bytebear said:

One time, some religious folks came knocking on my door.  I bet you can guess who.

Oooh ooooh, I know: Mormon missionaries!   No? OK, your home teachers!  No?   Erm, the bishop and one of his counselors?

[mordorbund]

 

46 minutes ago, zil said:

3 hours ago, bytebear said:

One time, some religious folks came knocking on my door.  I bet you can guess who.  

Oooh ooooh, I know: Mormon missionaries!   No? OK, your home teachers!  No?   Erm, the bishop and one of his counselors?

[bytebear]

3 hours ago, Sunday21 said:

Well...the thing is..many religions claim that, so not a great selling point! 

True, but it's a great way to get the ball rolling on explaining the restoration, the need for prophets, and on how the keys of authority were restored.  And when you tell the story, you have to start singing "The Spirit of God, Like a Fire is Burning".

 

[MrShorty]

Does he have a sense of humor? You could test his "truth-o-meter" -- and maybe his knowledge of science-fiction -- by claiming that you believe that "the entire Universe was in fact sneezed out of the nose of a being called the Great Green Arkleseizure." and that you are living "in perpetual fear of the time [we] call The Coming of the Great White Handkerchief." [1] I'm not sure what would be more amusing -- if he gets the reference and enjoys a good laugh with you, or if he believes you for as long as you hold up the charade.

[1] For those who need the reference, this is from "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe."