@DrLoLCat if by evolution you mean we started off as fish that grew legs.. Then no. But there is merit to some aspects of the theory which I'm okay with. And my interpretation of creation is not a scientific statement.

Here's the best definition of God which man has ever come up with.
First, from the Westminster Confession of Faith:

And then from the Westminster Larger Catechism:

@Sheamus @DrLoLCat 👆🏻

@Malcolm the Seceder thank you for all of that lol

Don't thank me. Thank the Westminster Divines

Okay, hectic.... thanks. I feel like there is some contradictions in there. Forgiving.....not clear the guilty..... terrible in His judgement.

Put Christ in the middle of it, then all the seeming contradictions are removed. He took upon Himself his people's sin and paid the penalty and so His righteousness is imputed to them.

I understand that applied to future sin and not only sin up to that point? Meaning @Malcolm the Seceder 's sin is also taken upon Christ Himself?

Christ's sacrifice for His people- the elect- applies to all sin they have ever committed: so when a sinner is converted at the age of 30 and has the righteousness of Christ imputed to him, his sins are forgiven: all the sins he had committed up to that point and all future sins. (Although he still has to ask forgiveness for future sins).

Christ's sacrifice also atoned for the sins of all His people who were on Earth before He came

@Malcolm the Seceder So then..... why do you believe it? In other words, why are you a Christian?

Why not believe in forgiveness... It's reasonable isn't it, someone acknowledges they do wrong, and then making every attempt to do right?

I mean, why do you believe in the Holy Trinity, why do you believe in the Bible?

Have you read it? I mean genuinely read it, casting your prejudices aside and not judging the words, but reasoning with the meaning behind it... It's pretty convincing when your feelings aren't dictating your reasons for rejecting it.

I have read it, but I'll probably have to give it another go now that I'm older.

Yes, it helps, and after you read it, would be worth reading it again with the knowledge of later parts again... It's a study, not just a good read.

A fresh attempt at Christianity sounds good, without the childhood indoctrination.

So basically the content of the Bible itself convinced you that it's real. I can roll with that

What do mean by "that it's real"?

That the Holy Trinity God exists

That Jesus died on a cross for your sins

That Jonah was swallowed by a whale (maybe?)

etc.

Personally, I have for a long time subscribed to the idea that we simply cannot determine how we came to be, as in, how the planets came to be, or how life came to be. And that we must accept that ignorance.

The whale did swallow Jonah right? It's not some figurative meaning story or sumthing right?

Lol, yeah... Don't judge words on their appearances, but observe the meanings and judge righteous judgement.

That sounds hard, I take things literally

Yes, materialism is tempting, distracting and deceptive, that's mother nature for you lol... Father God is reasonable and understanding. Find some balance between the material and the spiritual. It's not easy, but it does become easier as you make progress, each day becoming a better you, than you were the day before.

Thanks for that. Must say though, some actual proof that I can see with my eyes would also make it very easy.

Like actually seeing a miracle performed in the name of Jesus / God

I'ma be honest, that would make me a believer in an instant

I have never encountered anything super natural in my life

Why though, do you believe your biological senses provide an accurate and direct experience of reality? Or are your senses only interpreting reality for you to process and consume it indirectly?

I experienced something during a Christian event. I was in tears for no apparent reason..I have also witnessed someone being overcome by something and the person speaking in tongues. But still I am sceptical of the trinity. I however believe in God.

I think I am a pantheist