What Are Our Beliefs And Why?

[rapunzel77]

I'm not a young earth creationist. I believe that the earth and the universe is billions of years old and that evolution did play a role in it but that it was God who created it all. I believe that what we see in science is what happened physically on the earth and in the universe at the time of creation, etc. I truly believe that there doesn't need to be any "war" between science and religion or faith and reason. They all can go together: both/and not either/or. Science can explain very many things that the Bible can't do because the Bible isn't meant to be a "scientific" book. The Bible is, in my view, explaining who not the how. I believe that God created it but the physical way in which it happened can be explained by science.

This is my belief. I know you have a different belief on it Woodsprite. That's fine. My mom has a similar belief to yours.

Originally Posted by Woodsprite

EDIT: Just also wanted to add that I wish there were more Christians out there (let alone ones that believe in values like mine) would love Avatar as much as I. I hold many values in contrast to the film, but I accept the movie for what it is: a beautiful sci-fi film that touches the heart and soul. Many other Christians just don't see that, and watch it for content, rather than story.

I agree here. It is disheartening to see so many Christians not just disliking Avatar but also going out of their way to hate it. I have seen some good reviews from some Catholics on it, including one from a Catholic priest. Its a story. In fact, I will say its a myth. There are parallels to it to many of the greatest stories ever told which is why it is enduring. It does touch the heart and it does put a mirror up to our faces. What struck me the most after watching it was how is my attitude toward God when times get tough. I was touched by the Na'vi's trust. After Hometree was destroyed they made a pilgrimage to the Tree of Souls. They still had the belief that Ewya would provide for them. That was very touching and it is something that I can apply to my own life and my own faith in the way I should regard God. So, I want to be more like the Na'vi. To be in total communion with God, with each other, and with our environment. That is a good goal and I do not see how it can possibly contradict my faith or any other. Those are the three things that man should strive to be in communion with. It is what man was in communion with at the beginning. We have fallen since then.

I want to love more and serve others. I have done this in regard to my family, my husband, my friends but I know that I must show love to everyone else. Father gave a very good and wonderful homily on Holy Thursday. He said that all this that we have in the Church (ie. the sacraments, etc) mean nothing if we don't have charity. If we don't love then our faith is nothing. Love is everything.