Subject: RE: Famous Atheist Now Believes in God From: "Jim Guinee" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 00:29:19 -0500 X-Message-Number: 2
Paul Brandon:
The reason being that once we introduce the possible wild card of divine intervention, which is by definition beyond prediction and control (by us mortals, at least), we can never know when our results are due to our manipulation of experimental variables or to divine intervention.
Actually with a carefully constructed study with clearly defined operational variables we can usually determine whether a result was the result of chance or divine intervention or whatever (with in 95% confidence). That's the beauty of science. We define our variables in such a way that they can be measured, construct a sound study and gather data.
The problem with most people is they never define what is meant by a miracle or divine intervention. This is why I hate the movie of the title "Miracle". It totally trivializes the concept if it does exist and in reality was not miraculous at all. The problem in sports is the we often use hyperbole to describe the action and then others take it literally (e.g. athletes when competing on the field are not warriors, regardless of their school mascot). Whenever two teams take the field the out come is that one of them will win so it is never miraculous when one does. Now one team might win with great style or in fancy fashion but that's not miraculous. It would take an "Angels in the Outfield" type of occurrence to rise to that level.
That said I am a sports fan and a fan of God. I've just learned to render to Caesar what is Caesar's and well you know the rest...
but that just my opinion (and my faith) ...or is it?
--
Herb Coleman Instructional Technology Manager Adjunct Psychology Professor ACC/AFT Local 6249 Austin Community College [EMAIL PROTECTED] 512-223-3076 ************************* * There is still hope * *************************
--- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
