31 Mar 14
Three groups on Earth, looking up at the moon. One believes it is part of the Earth that broke off at some point. Another believes it is a tiny planet in its own right that got trapped in an orbit around the much bigger Earth. The third group thinks it is an asteroid of some kind. All three believe that they are looking at something different and, to a degree, describe it using different concepts. In fact, they are all looking at exactly the same thing.
31 Mar 14
Originally posted by menace71So that would put you in the group that also had that scientist in it, right?
I remember reading that scientist somewhere rewound the clock backwards figuring out rotational speeds and a what-have you and figured that there is no way the moon broke away from the earth
31 Mar 14
Originally posted by FMFDo any other groups see the moon differently?
Three groups on Earth, looking up at the moon. One believes it is part of the Earth that broke off at some point. Another believes it is a tiny planet in its own right that got trapped in an orbit around the much bigger Earth. The third group thinks it is an asteroid of some kind. All three believe that they are looking at something different and, to a degree, describe it using different concepts. In fact, they are all looking at exactly the same thing.
31 Mar 14
1 edit
Originally posted by yoctobyteThe analogy is not designed to examine all religions or a commonality for all possible beliefs, including those that do not involve the Abrahamic God that the moon represents. I am sure the analogy would split at the seams at some point if we heap to much onto it. 😛
Do any other groups see the moon differently?
Let's say that the three groups in the OP comprise all observers of the moon here on Earth.
31 Mar 14
Originally posted by FMFSo what is the question?
The analogy is not designed to examine all religions or a commonality for all possible beliefs, including those that do not involve the Abrahamic God that the moon represents. I am sure the analogy would split at the seams at some point if we heap to much onto it. 😛
Let's say that the three groups in the OP comprise all observers of the moon here on Earth.
31 Mar 14
1 edit
Originally posted by yoctobyteI think the question I am raising here is to what degree does this analogy shed light on the nature of the division between the followers of the Abrahamic God.
So what is the question?
The aim is not to minimize the doctrinal differences between Jews, Muslims and Christians, only to analogise their commonality.
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31 Mar 14
2 edits
Originally posted by FMFThe analogy might carry over to other secular events for example:
I think the question I am raising here is to what degree does this analogy shed light on the nature of the division between the followers of the Abrahamic God.
The aim is not to minimize the doctrinal differences between Jews, Muslims and Christians, only to analogise their commonality.
One group believes Lavoisier discovered oxygen.
One group believes Priestley discovered oxygen.
One group believes Scheele discovered oxygen.
The matter hinges on historical records and perhaps a view of what it means to be a discoverer and which and when if any of these men did what that means.
However WRT to the 3 religions, I believe it necessitates some research on the role of Abraham as the first Jew (Judaism), an important ancestor of Jesus (Christianity) or a prophet in the lineage of Mohammed (Islam). And then, what question is to be asked? What is the analogy to the "definition of discovery" that is pivotal in the discussion of oxygen? It is not which religion Abraham truly "founded" if some sense of "founded" applies in all three cases, is it?
Obviously, for the people of all three religions, Abraham truly founded my religion and not the others.🙂
This could be analogized to oxygen: The French, English and Swedish will each see their compatriot as the true discoverer of oxygen, depending on the meaning of "discoverer." (This is an overstatement. Most people don't care.)
31 Mar 14
Originally posted by JS357I don't think Christianity can be rightly called Abrahamic--- although he is certainly seminal and certainly one through whom the promise passed.
The analogy might carry over to other secular events for example:
One group believes Lavoisier discovered oxygen.
One group believes Priestley discovered oxygen.
One group believes Scheele discovered oxygen.
The matter hinges on historical records and perhaps a view of what it means to be a discoverer and which and when if any of these men did what tha ...[text shortened]... n, depending on the meaning of "discoverer." (This is an overstatement. Most people don't care.)
For my money, the first promise was the best: (to the woman) your seed... it shall bruise thy (Satan's) head.
01 Apr 14
Originally posted by FMFIt is what one believes about Jesus that counts, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
I think the question I am raising here is to what degree does this analogy shed light on the nature of the division between the followers of the Abrahamic God.
The aim is not to minimize the doctrinal differences between Jews, Muslims and Christians, only to analogise their commonality.
01 Apr 14
Originally posted by FMFEven atheists profess to know the truth. Evolutionists profess to know the truth. However, there is only One that claims to be "the Truth". Now, do you understand what I mean?
Yes, but if you understand the analogy, you will see that there are three groups who profess to know "the Truth". Do you recognize any commonality between the three Abrahamic religions?