|
U3A Session 2 reminder for R09 What the Bible is About
#term4
#galatians
G'day all, This is a friendly reminder that Session 2 of our R09 study of Galatians will be held this Thursday 15 October 2020 from 11:00 AM to 12:30.? You have been sent the full log-in details, so I'll simply summarise them here:
You are also invited to attend the separate U3A history class?H10 Two Heroines in the Bible: Ruth and Esther.? It will start tomorrow 13 October at a different time, 10:30-12:00.? This week we'll also be looking at a summary of the literary structure of Hebrew Poetry and how that relates to the book of Ruth.? Your attendance would be most welcome.? Log-in is:?
I hope to see you Thursday. Blessings, Ray |
|
U3A Course reminder for R09 What the Bible is About
#term4
#galatians
G'day all, This is a friendly reminder that U3A Term 4 2020 has begun.? Our class on the Bible will recommence this Thursday 8 October 2020 from 11:00 AM to 12:30.? This term we're going to study two fascinating New Testament books: Galatians and Hebrews. Galatians has been called the "Magna Carta of the Reformation."? Arguably Martin Luther's favourite book, it became the manifesto of freedom in Christ and was largely responsible for the revival of Biblical truth during the Protestant Reformation.? It's also been referred to as "Paul's little Romans".? Paul's instructions to the Galatians is considered his treatise on how justified believers should live, which makes it relevant today. By contrast, the epistle to the Hebrews is one of the most neglected documents in the New Testament Canon, yet it covers many of the same topics.? Although unsigned, early Church Fathers considered it to be written by Paul or at the very least by someone in his circle.? But some influential post-Constantine movers and shakers debated whether it should be removed from the Canon, and some might argue that in the end, it survived in the Canon because it was deemed a Pauline letter and because it is a fabulous treatise on faith. You have been sent the full log-in details, so I'll simply summarise them here:
Some of you may also be interested in the separate U3A class that I'm starting entitled U3A Term 4 2020 Course H10 Two Heroines in the Bible: Ruth and Esther.? It will start tomorrow 6 October at a different time, 10:30-12:00.? You are welcome to attend if you'd like.? Log-in is:?
I hope to see you Thursday. Blessings, Ray |
|
Re: Ecclesiastes - Quotes from GOOD NEWS BIBLE
开云体育Thank you Greig.? Merlene
? From: Greig
and Anne Lipman
Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2020 6:00 PM
Subject: Re: [b4uc] Ecclesiastes - Quotes from GOOD NEWS
BIBLE ?
Hi
Marlene
Ecclesiastes 9 is one of my favourite chapters. I think one key is the
“under the sun” idea )vs the above the sun) it talks about;? All of the
joys and sorrows of this life happen “under the sun.“ it mentions that Joys and
happiness can be extracted by maintaining happy parameters in the close
relationships each of us have. Go outside this boundary leads to pain and
sorrow.
Therefore There is an opposite. It must? be “above the sun”. That is;
Heaven. The place where Christ has ascended to. Thessalonians and Hebrews tell
us that Christ will return one day from there.
At that time He will raise the Dead in Christ. (All those who accepted him
as saviour)
“Sheol”In Ecclesiastes 9 is the grave. This is one of the verses that tell
is that there is no life there. The New Testament tells us, especially the
incident between Jesus and Mary about? her beloved brother Lazarus. Where
Jesus says he is both, asleep and also dead. Read the whole account from when
Jesus recieves the news of Lazarus’ passing.
Mary response is interesting because she had been taught about a
resurrection day before the first Easter occurred. Ie she knew a Resurrection
doctrine and about the Last day.
So these thoughts are very different to the idea of a spirit going to
heaven when We die.
But i reckon there are enough scriptures for me to take comfort.
It opposes that awful comment like: “ when the child who has passed is In
heaven ..”because God wanted him more than his parents.“
Or
that an unbelieving parent is in hell looking up wishing he had
believed.
No, this Ecclesiastes idea says in Sheol there is no thought (therefore
life) BUT Jesus says: “I AM THE RESURRECTION? AND THE LIFE” and “I will
come back Again and receive you unto myself so that where i am;You may he there
also, therefore comfort one another with these words.“
I say: Hallelujah what a saviour.!!
Yours,
Greig
On 29 Sep 2020, at 1:50 pm, Mandy <mandyflynn01@...> wrote:
|
|
Re: Ecclesiastes - Quotes from GOOD NEWS BIBLE
Hi Merlene, Every book in the Bible is precious, informative, and
instructive.? While I’m not sure that denouncing
personal sins and national sins; warning of God’s judgment and later restoration;
and ancient Jewish history is our greatest need today, Isaiah’s message of
salvation is timeless. Isaiah announced the coming of the Messiah who would die
for sinners and one day return to earth to establish His glorious kingdom.?? While large swathes of Isaiah are little
read or expounded upon today, the book’s position as the most quoted in all of
Scripture fortunately means that many important passages are familiar to most
New Testament readers.? Twenty of the 27 New Testament books include Isaiah quotations.? Paul, for
example, quoted from or alluded to Isaiah at least 80 times; it may have been his favourite
book.
Just one passage, Isaiah’s fourth “Servant Song” in verses 52:13-53:12, is quoted from or alluded to about forty times in the NT.? This is the passage in Acts 8 where the Ethiopian Treasurer asks Phillip if the song is about Jesus or someone else.? It describes how the victory of the Servant of the Lord will be achieved through suffering, which will lead to healing. You can get a good sense of Isaiah by reading his first
three songs in:?
Thanks for the suggestion.? Isaiah is on the R09 list, but as the third-longest?book in the Bible, its weight pushes it down near the bottom.  Blessings, Ray
On Tuesday, 29 September 2020, 05:13:54 pm AEST, Merlene <merlene@...> wrote:
Maybe we should also be studying the book of Isaiah – it has certain
similarities to today’s world ??
? From: Ray via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2020 4:28 PM
Subject: Re: [b4uc] Ecclesiastes - Quotes from GOOD NEWS BIBLE
#Term4 #Galatians ?
Hi Mandy,
?
I just finished listening to a Christian woman
from China speaking to an American radio program about life today in Communist
China.? She put her experience in religious terms, good versus evil, noting
that the persecution served to strengthen people's faith.? You're probably
aware to some degree of what's happening today in the USA*, something that I
follow closely; recently many more people other than just born-again believers
are phrasing that in biblical terms as well, as a battle of good versus
evil.? Evil is rich and powerful and has a lust for total control at any
price, even as more and more of their secret plans are exposed to the
light.? And the horrible prospect is that evil may win out, at least "under
the sun".
?
The Bible sums up one problem with this concept
of good versus evil while answering the young ruler (whom many think was Mark)
in Luke 18:18-23 when He said, "Why
do you call Me good? No one is good but?One,
that is, God. (Luke 18:19)"?
A
person may be well and truly evil and still consider themselves to be "good
people" or otherwise justified in their actions.? I daresay that some if
not many of the rioters have convinced themselves that they are righteous even
as they seek to tear down a representative democracy and replace it with
totalitarian fascist tyranny.? Most, as Mandy noted, suffer from
depression, substance abuse, cognitive dissonance, self-justification, and
self-hatred because they've been taught in expensive schools that life under the
sun is all that there is. A famous study of straight-laced German civilian
police drafted into the WWII German Army who slowly morphed into Nazi death
squads examines the human psychology of this in detail.
On
the other hand, most on the side of the "good" are aware that there are ways in
which they fall short. Life, as Solomon noted, is an adventure to be lived with
ups and downs, decisions to make, turns and round-abouts. Life can seem hard, as
hard perhaps as "for a camel to go through the eye of a needle."? Yet as
Solomon seemed to belatedly appreciate, there's more to life that just the
depressing doom and gloom that we see all around us under the
sun.
The
Bible notes that "things
which are impossible with men are possible with God” and that "nothing will be
impossible with God."? There is much, much more to life than merely that
found under the sun.? When one's worldview looks to God, three simple but
powerful concepts start making themselves known: faith, hope, and
love.
It
doesn't help much to remember that, while the specific details may differ,
pretty much everyone who ever lived has faced similiar pressures and
circumstances.? The Bible was written thousands of years ago as a guide to
life.? Five hundred years ago, Martin Luther was struggling with similar
issues when he discovered a simple Bible verse in the obscure book of Habakkuk,
"The just shall live by faith. (Hab. 2:4)"? 1,500 years earlier, Paul had
written a trilogy of three New Testament books on Habakkuk 2:4.? Romans
identifies "the just".? Hebrews tells how they should live.? Galatians
discusses faith.
?
Thursday week, we'll begin our study of the
books of Galatians and Hebrews.? As has happened so frequently during our
U3A studies, the timing seems to be somewhat providential.? When a person
believes in small miracles as I do, it's hard not to see them all around.?
Thanks for a perfect example, Mandy.
?
I'm often aware that our U3A course is not
religious and that I'm neither priest nor pastor nor rabbi nor imam nor
shaman.? Sometimes that seems to be a weakness and other times a
strength.? But our focus is and should be on the marvellous library of
books called the Bible.? It speaks for itself.? Through it, many
believe that God speaks, saying what He means and meaning what He says.? By
it, many learn about what He wants His Creation to know.? In it, many find
comfort.
?
Whilst enjoying the holiday, I look forward to
seeing you all again online.? In the meantime, please keep the emails
coming.
 ?
Blessings,
?
Ray
?
NOTE: * The USA may be facing the final
meaningful "election" in its 240+ year existence as a representative
republic.? One party has concluded that it can't win fairly and is pulling
out all stops to use election mechanisms, lawyers, lies and extortion to seize
power.? Nothing is off the table.? Midway into Term 4, we'll know if
they have succeeded.? We're lucky to live in Australia.
?
?
? |
|
Re: Ecclesiastes - Quotes from GOOD NEWS BIBLE
开云体育Maybe we should also be studying the book of Isaiah – it has certain
similarities to today’s world ??
? From: Ray via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2020 4:28 PM
Subject: Re: [b4uc] Ecclesiastes - Quotes from GOOD NEWS BIBLE
#Term4 #Galatians ?
Hi Mandy,
?
I just finished listening to a Christian woman
from China speaking to an American radio program about life today in Communist
China.? She put her experience in religious terms, good versus evil, noting
that the persecution served to strengthen people's faith.? You're probably
aware to some degree of what's happening today in the USA*, something that I
follow closely; recently many more people other than just born-again believers
are phrasing that in biblical terms as well, as a battle of good versus
evil.? Evil is rich and powerful and has a lust for total control at any
price, even as more and more of their secret plans are exposed to the
light.? And the horrible prospect is that evil may win out, at least "under
the sun".
?
The Bible sums up one problem with this concept
of good versus evil while answering the young ruler (whom many think was Mark)
in Luke 18:18-23 when He said, "Why
do you call Me good? No one is good but?One,
that is, God. (Luke 18:19)"?
A
person may be well and truly evil and still consider themselves to be "good
people" or otherwise justified in their actions.? I daresay that some if
not many of the rioters have convinced themselves that they are righteous even
as they seek to tear down a representative democracy and replace it with
totalitarian fascist tyranny.? Most, as Mandy noted, suffer from
depression, substance abuse, cognitive dissonance, self-justification, and
self-hatred because they've been taught in expensive schools that life under the
sun is all that there is. A famous study of straight-laced German civilian
police drafted into the WWII German Army who slowly morphed into Nazi death
squads examines the human psychology of this in detail.
On
the other hand, most on the side of the "good" are aware that there are ways in
which they fall short. Life, as Solomon noted, is an adventure to be lived with
ups and downs, decisions to make, turns and round-abouts. Life can seem hard, as
hard perhaps as "for a camel to go through the eye of a needle."? Yet as
Solomon seemed to belatedly appreciate, there's more to life that just the
depressing doom and gloom that we see all around us under the
sun.
The
Bible notes that "things
which are impossible with men are possible with God” and that "nothing will be
impossible with God."? There is much, much more to life than merely that
found under the sun.? When one's worldview looks to God, three simple but
powerful concepts start making themselves known: faith, hope, and
love.
It
doesn't help much to remember that, while the specific details may differ,
pretty much everyone who ever lived has faced similiar pressures and
circumstances.? The Bible was written thousands of years ago as a guide to
life.? Five hundred years ago, Martin Luther was struggling with similar
issues when he discovered a simple Bible verse in the obscure book of Habakkuk,
"The just shall live by faith. (Hab. 2:4)"? 1,500 years earlier, Paul had
written a trilogy of three New Testament books on Habakkuk 2:4.? Romans
identifies "the just".? Hebrews tells how they should live.? Galatians
discusses faith.
?
Thursday week, we'll begin our study of the
books of Galatians and Hebrews.? As has happened so frequently during our
U3A studies, the timing seems to be somewhat providential.? When a person
believes in small miracles as I do, it's hard not to see them all around.?
Thanks for a perfect example, Mandy.
?
I'm often aware that our U3A course is not
religious and that I'm neither priest nor pastor nor rabbi nor imam nor
shaman.? Sometimes that seems to be a weakness and other times a
strength.? But our focus is and should be on the marvellous library of
books called the Bible.? It speaks for itself.? Through it, many
believe that God speaks, saying what He means and meaning what He says.? By
it, many learn about what He wants His Creation to know.? In it, many find
comfort.
?
Whilst enjoying the holiday, I look forward to
seeing you all again online.? In the meantime, please keep the emails
coming.
?
Blessings,
?
Ray
?
NOTE: * The USA may be facing the final
meaningful "election" in its 240+ year existence as a representative
republic.? One party has concluded that it can't win fairly and is pulling
out all stops to use election mechanisms, lawyers, lies and extortion to seize
power.? Nothing is off the table.? Midway into Term 4, we'll know if
they have succeeded.? We're lucky to live in Australia.
?
?
? |
|
Re: Ecclesiastes - Quotes from GOOD NEWS BIBLE
Hi Mandy, I just finished listening to a Christian woman from China speaking to an American radio program about life today in Communist China.? She put her experience in religious terms, good versus evil, noting that the persecution served to strengthen people's faith.? You're probably aware to some degree of what's happening today in the USA*, something that I follow closely; recently many more people other than just born-again believers are phrasing that in biblical terms as well, as a battle of good versus evil.? Evil is rich and powerful and has a lust for total control at any price, even as more and more of their secret plans are exposed to the light.? And the horrible prospect is that evil may win out, at least "under the sun". The Bible sums up one problem with this concept of good versus evil while answering the young ruler (whom many think was Mark) in Luke 18:18-23 when He said, "Why do you call Me good? No one?is?good but?One,?that is,?God. (Luke 18:19)"?? A person may be well and truly evil and still consider themselves to be "good people" or otherwise justified in their actions.? I daresay that some if not many of the rioters have convinced themselves that they are righteous even as they seek to tear down a representative democracy and replace it with totalitarian fascist tyranny.? Most, as Mandy noted, suffer from depression, substance abuse, cognitive dissonance, self-justification, and self-hatred because they've been taught in expensive schools that life under the sun is all that there is. A famous study of straight-laced German civilian police drafted into the WWII German Army who slowly morphed into Nazi death squads examines the human psychology of this in detail. On the other hand, most on the side of the "good" are aware that there are ways in which they fall short. Life, as Solomon noted, is an adventure to be lived with ups and downs, decisions to make, turns and round-abouts. Life can seem hard, as hard perhaps as "for a camel to go through the eye of a needle."? Yet as Solomon seemed to belatedly appreciate, there's more to life that just the depressing doom and gloom that we see all around us under the sun. The Bible notes that "things which are impossible with men are possible with God” and that "nothing will be impossible with God."? There is much, much more to life than merely that found under the sun.? When one's worldview looks to God, three simple but powerful concepts start making themselves known: faith, hope, and love. It doesn't help much to remember that, while the specific details may differ, pretty much everyone who ever lived has faced similiar pressures and circumstances.? The Bible was written thousands of years ago as a guide to life.? Five hundred years ago, Martin Luther was struggling with similar issues when he discovered a simple Bible verse in the obscure book of Habakkuk, "The just shall live by faith. (Hab. 2:4)"? 1,500 years earlier, Paul had written a trilogy of three New Testament books on Habakkuk 2:4.? Romans identifies "the just".? Hebrews tells how they should live.? Galatians discusses faith. Thursday week, we'll begin our study of the books of Galatians and Hebrews.? As has happened so frequently during our U3A studies, the timing seems to be somewhat providential.? When a person believes in small miracles as I do, it's hard not to see them all around.? Thanks for a perfect example, Mandy. I'm often aware that our U3A course is not religious and that I'm neither priest nor pastor nor rabbi nor imam nor shaman.? Sometimes that seems to be a weakness and other times a strength.? But our focus is and should be on the marvellous library of books called the Bible.? It speaks for itself.? Through it, many believe that God speaks, saying what He means and meaning what He says.? By it, many learn about what He wants His Creation to know.? In it, many find comfort. Whilst enjoying the holiday, I look forward to seeing you all again online.? In the meantime, please keep the emails coming. Blessings, Ray NOTE: * The USA may be facing the final meaningful "election" in its 240+ year existence as a representative republic.? One party has concluded that it can't win fairly and is pulling out all stops to use election mechanisms, lawyers, lies and extortion to seize power.? Nothing is off the table.? Midway into Term 4, we'll know if they have succeeded.? We're lucky to live in Australia.
On Tuesday, 29 September 2020, 01:50:07 pm AEST, Mandy <mandyflynn01@...> wrote:
Hi everyone interesting comments thank you. Just a thought do you think that if today someone saw all that gloom they? would be treated for depression and given medication,? many people for various reasons feel like that, not me but family members.
Enjoy the rest of you holidays. ?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
-------- Original message --------
From: "Ray via groups.io" <ray.sarlin@...>
Date: 28/9/20 5:33 pm (GMT+10:00)
Subject: Re: [b4uc] Ecclesiastes - Quotes from GOOD NEWS BIBLE
Hi Merlene,
At least Solomon saw that there was more to life than just what was under the sun.
Your detailed treatise reminds me of the words of Socrates in his comment to Plato around 500 B.C., "It may be that the Deity can forgive sins, but I do not see how."? The wisdom of the so-called "wisest man who ever lived" wasn't even close
to a match for Godly wisdom.?
Thank God for the New Testament, which is just another way to say thank God for Jesus!
Daniel Webster suggested that the greatest thought that ever entered the mind of Man was "My responsibility to my Maker."? As you so excellently point out, Solomon's thoughts centred on himself.
Fortunately for Solomon, and for us, the Maker sets a low bar for our salvation, our acceptance of the gift of His Son.
Thanks, Merlene.? Hopefully we'll hear from some others.
Blessings,
Ray
On Monday, 28 September 2020, 05:05:19 pm AEST, Merlene <merlene@...> wrote:
Hi Ray and fellow Students,
?
Last Thursday you, Ray, asked the Group whether or not it believed King Solomon (The Preacher) will make it to Heaven or not.? I was one of those who believe he did not repent, nor did he find peace, nor find God (or The Lord) and died a bitter, albeit
very knowledgeable and rich man.? My reasons:
?
I didn’t hear anything said that the Preacher gave thanks to God, or thanks to anyone for that matter.? Nor did I hear that he received joy in giving – his only happiness was through “living the high life”.? In fact, in giving Advice to Young People starting
in Chapter 11 at verse 9:? Enjoy your youth.? Be happy while you are still young.? Do
what you want to do, and follow your heart’s desire. But remember that God is going to judge you for whatever you do.? ...... you aren’t going to be young very long.? So “remember” your Creator while you are still young, before those dismal
days and years come when you will say “I don’t enjoy life”.
?
He then proceeds to go on and on about the dismal reality of Old Age quoting that “..... and all desire will have gone”.? Not a word here about being glad in the Lord, or finding joy in loving God.? ALL the way through Ecclesiastes His God is portrayed
as a God of judgement, righteous, keen to give us our “just deserts” so as to speak.? Nothing about He is preparing a Place for us, etc. etc. after mortal death – no hope promised here.
?
He repeatedly advises to continue to eat, drink and enjoy yourselves, i.e. MATERIAL, bodily happiness.? Even to the extent in Chapter 11 to Invest your money wisely.? Although God made everything, it is not given to us to know Him nor how He works or even
whether or not He helps us, especially when the Preacher says – you never know whether or it it will grow well
etc. – intimating it is all a matter of chance.? No matter how long you live, remember that you will be dead much longer – there is nothing AT ALL to look forward to ever.
?
In Chapter 9 verse 7:? Go ahead – eat your food and be happy;? drink your wine and be cheerful.? It’s alright with God. Enjoy life with the woman you love, as long as you live the useless life that God has given you in this world.? Enjoy every useless
day of it!!?? Nothing here about God also giving us another richer SPIRITUAL LIFE.
?
What!! Have I misread it.? No, I don’t think so.? The Preacher is intimating that there is NO life after death, except that God is going to judge us – see his final words in verse 13:
there is only one thing to say: have reverence for God and obey His commands, because this is ALL THAT MAN WAS CREATED for.
Finally, verse 14:? God is going to judge everything we do, whether good or bad, even things done in secret.
?
I believe that Solomon didn’t search for God in a personal way, even at the end.? What he felt was
regret and sorrow that all his good times of dining, wining, excesses, doing as he pleased, indulging himself, etc. and so on, were going to end, and he didn’t want that AT ALL.? He wanted it to continue forever, but without his aging body which I believe
he resented.? The whole tone of Ecclesiastes is one of despair, not regret, but despair that the life he lived on earth was going to end and that was THE END – nothing more for mankind.?
?
Not a mention that God is a God of love and a rewarder of those who do give Him reverence and obey His commands –
but didn’t say? “love and honour Him, Praise Him” – didn’t see those words anywhere!
?
All of Solomon’s wealth, wisdom and physical attraction didn’t help him at the End – he believed he returned to dust!??
?
Over to the rest of you for your comments -
I hope I can be convinced that I am wrong – but I don’t think so – and I’ll need some convincing on this one!
?
Sincerely to you All,
Merlene
?
?
|
|
Re: Ecclesiastes - Quotes from GOOD NEWS BIBLE
Hi Merlene, At least Solomon saw that there was more to life than just what was under the sun. Your detailed treatise reminds me of the words of Socrates in his comment to Plato around 500 B.C., "It may be that the Deity can forgive sins, but I do not see how."? The wisdom of the so-called "wisest man who ever lived" wasn't even close to a match for Godly wisdom.? Thank God for the New Testament, which is just another way to say thank God for Jesus! Daniel Webster suggested that the greatest thought that ever entered the mind of Man was "My responsibility to my Maker."? As you so excellently point out, Solomon's thoughts centred on himself. Fortunately for Solomon, and for us, the Maker sets a low bar for our salvation, our acceptance of the gift of His Son. Thanks, Merlene.? Hopefully we'll hear from some others. Blessings, Ray
On Monday, 28 September 2020, 05:05:19 pm AEST, Merlene <merlene@...> wrote:
Hi Ray and fellow Students,
?
Last Thursday you, Ray, asked the Group whether or not it believed King
Solomon (The Preacher) will make it to Heaven or not.? I was one of those
who believe he did not repent, nor did he find peace, nor find God (or The Lord)
and died a bitter, albeit very knowledgeable and rich man.? My
reasons:
?
I didn’t hear anything said that the Preacher gave thanks to God, or thanks
to anyone for that matter.? Nor did I hear that he received joy in giving –
his only happiness was through “living the high life”.? In fact, in giving
Advice to Young People starting in Chapter 11 at verse 9:? Enjoy your
youth.? Be happy while you are still young.? Do what you want
to do, and follow your heart’s desire. But remember that God is going
to judge you for whatever you do.? ...... you aren’t going to be young very
long.? So “remember” your Creator while you are still young, before those
dismal days and years come when you will say “I don’t enjoy life”.
?
He then proceeds to go on and on about the dismal reality of Old Age
quoting that “..... and all desire will have gone”.? Not a word here about
being glad in the Lord, or finding joy in loving God.? ALL the way through
Ecclesiastes His God is portrayed as a God of judgement, righteous, keen to give
us our “just deserts” so as to speak.? Nothing about He is preparing a
Place for us, etc. etc. after mortal death – no hope promised here.
?
He repeatedly advises to continue to eat, drink and enjoy yourselves, i.e.
MATERIAL, bodily happiness.? Even to the extent in Chapter 11 to Invest
your money wisely.? Although God made everything, it is not given to us to
know Him nor how He works or even whether or not He helps us, especially when
the Preacher says – you never know whether or it it will grow well etc.
– intimating it is all a matter of chance.? No matter how long you live,
remember that you will be dead much longer – there is nothing AT ALL to look
forward to ever.
?
In Chapter 9 verse 7:? Go ahead – eat your food and be happy;?
drink your wine and be cheerful.? It’s alright with God. Enjoy life with
the woman you love, as long as you live the useless life that God has given you
in this world.? Enjoy every useless day of it!!?? Nothing here
about God also giving us another richer SPIRITUAL LIFE.
?
What!! Have I misread it.? No, I don’t think so.? The Preacher is
intimating that there is NO life after death, except that God is going to judge
us – see his final words in verse 13: there is only one thing to say: have
reverence for God and obey His commands, because this is ALL THAT
MAN WAS CREATED for.
Finally, verse 14:? God is going to judge everything we do,
whether good or bad, even things done in secret.
?
I believe that Solomon didn’t search for God in a personal way, even at the
end.? What he felt was regret and sorrow that all his good times of
dining, wining, excesses, doing as he pleased, indulging himself, etc. and so
on, were going to end, and he didn’t want that AT ALL.? He wanted it to
continue forever, but without his aging body which I believe he resented.?
The whole tone of Ecclesiastes is one of despair, not regret, but despair that
the life he lived on earth was going to end and that was THE END – nothing more
for mankind.?
?
Not a mention that God is a God of love and a rewarder of those who do
give Him reverence and obey His commands – but didn’t say? “love
and honour Him, Praise Him” – didn’t see those words anywhere!
?
All of Solomon’s wealth, wisdom and physical attraction didn’t help him at
the End – he believed he returned to dust!??
?
Over to the rest of you for your comments -
I hope I can be convinced that I am wrong – but I don’t think so – and I’ll
need some convincing on this one!
?
Sincerely to you All,
Merlene
?
?
|
|
Ecclesiastes - Quotes from GOOD NEWS BIBLE
开云体育Hi Ray and fellow Students,
?
Last Thursday you, Ray, asked the Group whether or not it believed King
Solomon (The Preacher) will make it to Heaven or not.? I was one of those
who believe he did not repent, nor did he find peace, nor find God (or The Lord)
and died a bitter, albeit very knowledgeable and rich man.? My
reasons:
?
I didn’t hear anything said that the Preacher gave thanks to God, or thanks
to anyone for that matter.? Nor did I hear that he received joy in giving –
his only happiness was through “living the high life”.? In fact, in giving
Advice to Young People starting in Chapter 11 at verse 9:? Enjoy your
youth.? Be happy while you are still young.? Do what you want
to do, and follow your heart’s desire. But remember that God is going
to judge you for whatever you do.? ...... you aren’t going to be young very
long.? So “remember” your Creator while you are still young, before those
dismal days and years come when you will say “I don’t enjoy life”.
?
He then proceeds to go on and on about the dismal reality of Old Age
quoting that “..... and all desire will have gone”.? Not a word here about
being glad in the Lord, or finding joy in loving God.? ALL the way through
Ecclesiastes His God is portrayed as a God of judgement, righteous, keen to give
us our “just deserts” so as to speak.? Nothing about He is preparing a
Place for us, etc. etc. after mortal death – no hope promised here.
?
He repeatedly advises to continue to eat, drink and enjoy yourselves, i.e.
MATERIAL, bodily happiness.? Even to the extent in Chapter 11 to Invest
your money wisely.? Although God made everything, it is not given to us to
know Him nor how He works or even whether or not He helps us, especially when
the Preacher says – you never know whether or it it will grow well etc.
– intimating it is all a matter of chance.? No matter how long you live,
remember that you will be dead much longer – there is nothing AT ALL to look
forward to ever.
?
In Chapter 9 verse 7:? Go ahead – eat your food and be happy;?
drink your wine and be cheerful.? It’s alright with God. Enjoy life with
the woman you love, as long as you live the useless life that God has given you
in this world.? Enjoy every useless day of it!!?? Nothing here
about God also giving us another richer SPIRITUAL LIFE.
?
What!! Have I misread it.? No, I don’t think so.? The Preacher is
intimating that there is NO life after death, except that God is going to judge
us – see his final words in verse 13: there is only one thing to say: have
reverence for God and obey His commands, because this is ALL THAT
MAN WAS CREATED for.
Finally, verse 14:? God is going to judge everything we do,
whether good or bad, even things done in secret.
?
I believe that Solomon didn’t search for God in a personal way, even at the
end.? What he felt was regret and sorrow that all his good times of
dining, wining, excesses, doing as he pleased, indulging himself, etc. and so
on, were going to end, and he didn’t want that AT ALL.? He wanted it to
continue forever, but without his aging body which I believe he resented.?
The whole tone of Ecclesiastes is one of despair, not regret, but despair that
the life he lived on earth was going to end and that was THE END – nothing more
for mankind.?
?
Not a mention that God is a God of love and a rewarder of those who do
give Him reverence and obey His commands – but didn’t say? “love
and honour Him, Praise Him” – didn’t see those words anywhere!
?
All of Solomon’s wealth, wisdom and physical attraction didn’t help him at
the End – he believed he returned to dust!??
?
Over to the rest of you for your comments -
I hope I can be convinced that I am wrong – but I don’t think so – and I’ll
need some convincing on this one!
?
Sincerely to you All,
Merlene
?
?
|
|
Updated Logins 24 Sep 20202 and U3A Term 4 2020 R09 What the Bible is About
#ecclesiastes
#term4
Ray Sarlin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting on Thursday 24 September 2020 from 11:00 AM to 12:30?to complete the study of Ecclesiastes. ? ?
??????? Sep 24, 2020 11:00 AM ??????? Oct 1, 2020 no class ??????? Every week on Thu, from Oct 8, 2020 until Dec 10, 2020, 10 occurrence(s) ??????? Oct 8, 2020 11:00 AM ??????? Oct 15, 2020 11:00 AM ??????? Oct 22, 2020 11:00 AM ??????? Oct 29, 2020 11:00 AM ??????? Nov 5, 2020 11:00 AM ??????? Nov 12, 2020 11:00 AM ??????? Nov 19, 2020 11:00 AM ??????? Nov 26, 2020 11:00 AM ??????? Dec 3, 2020 11:00 AM ??????? Dec 10, 2020 11:00 AM Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZ0vd-GorzwuGNRVLSnvioC_ZCRQvJe6DnnP/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGhrDsiGtWStBuHRpx5AIigWfTzmGZbjY1vqjPWDTZabSDJDMFwA6RVFY70 ? Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89208017420?pwd=OU45MkprVU00Uk5NOSt6K1JsSmNFdz09 ? Meeting ID: 892 0801 7420 Passcode: 744932 One tap mobile +16465588656,,89208017420#,,,,,,0#,,744932# US (New York) +16699009128,,89208017420#,,,,,,0#,,744932# US (San Jose) ? Dial by your location ??????? +61 2 8015 6011 Australia ??????? +61 3 7018 2005 Australia ??????? +61 7 3185 3730 Australia ??????? +61 8 6119 3900 Australia ??????? +61 8 7150 1149 Australia Meeting ID: 892 0801 7420 Passcode: 744932 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kl0mha8xo |
|
Re: The Bible versus Scientific Evidence
Hi Mandy, DNA is the building block of life.? We share 99.9% of our DNA with other humans.? That's because we're human.? It's the differences that make us individuals. But were you aware that you share 70% of your DNA with an earthworm?? Note I said "you".  ? That's because earthworms are also living. So all that we have to do is find ways for the 29.9% of the worm's DNA to "evolve" to make it into you. Along the way the earthworm will become a cow (sharing 80% with us) and the cow will become a dog (84%) and the dog a mouse (85%) and the mouse a cat (90%) before the cat becomes a pig (which shares 98% of its DNA with us, 1.1% more than an orangutan at 96.9%).??Does anyone else see how ridiculous this is?? And I omitted the observation that humans share 60% of their DNA with bananas. These examples are just to show how people seem to like to ask the wrong questions.? After all, it's the differences (the DNA that we don't share) that is responsible for the diversity of life. In fact, many believe that the discovery of DNA was the final nail in the coffin containing Darwinian macroevolution. Regarding microevolution, any sensible theory must also consider the effects of things like culture and environment in addition to changes through natural selection, mutation, etc.? For example, consider that Ashkenazi Jewish genetics through a restrictive breeding pool (different from inbreeding) has resulted in an average IQ of 115 (against the normed average of 100). This occurred over millennia. What, if anything, will be the genetic changes arising from China's disastrous one-child policy that has resulted in a male:female imbalance of 105 males for every 100 females or the modern West's current focus on transgenderism and the alphabet stew?? In all probability, these illogical and irrational "trends" won't last long enough to effect significant genetic change (like the Ashkenazi IQ), but carried on for hundreds or thousands of years they?could cause some genetic changes. But, of course, we now have scientists of questionable ethics with the ability to tinker directly with the human genome.? The current CCP virus seems by many to have arisen during scientific tinkering called "gain of function", also known as cut-and-paste genetic engineering, in a biological weapons lab in Wuhan.? This involves scientists taking a natural virus and making direct substitutions in its RNA/DNA coding.? Whether intended or not, they have created a virus that disproportionately attacks the elderly and unleashed it on the world. This brings me back to Ecclesiastes. There is nothing new under the sun. This is not the first pandemic, nor will it be the last.? It's unlikely to achieve the destructive levels of the catastrophic Spanish Flu of 1918 because there are already effective therapeutics and treatments and there may soon even be vaccines, so life will go on... until next time. There is nothing new under the sun.? But what we'll see this week is that "under the sun" is not all there is!? Ecclesiastes will deliver an uplifting, positive message in a depressing outer wrap.? I hope to see you all there for the conclusion on Thursday. In the meantime, please stay safe. Blessings, Ray ??
On Monday, 14 September 2020, 01:58:02 pm AEST, Mandy <mandyflynn01@...> wrote:
Hi there everyone I am enjoying your emails and opinions .All the advances man has made and we are no closer to the big question. My question is how do you create something from nothing (Big Bang) and all living being from that.I read that we
humans and apes share over 95% of the same DNA and also that today humans do not use 100% of brain capacity . Maybe we are still evolving. That is not to say I believe we are evolved from apes just adding to the conversation. Thank you for sharing Mandy?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
-------- Original message --------
From: "Ray via groups.io" <ray.sarlin@...>
Date: 14/9/20 12:44 pm (GMT+10:00)
Subject: Re: [b4uc] The Bible versus Scientific Evidence #Science
Hi Merlene,
Possibly the fact that Wikipedia bags Creation Ministries is a badge of honour. Creation Ministries is a group of scientists who believe in the Young Earth and produce a voluminous amount of scientific papers, books and DVDs making their case.?
They also speak at various churches and conduct, as far as I am aware, occasional seminars.? They're also available to debate scientists with the opposing view, though few take them up.? The Australian and USA divisions are the same body.? They seem to me
to be particularly strong in geology, biology and information science, including DNA.? Young Earth is, I think, a subset of the more generalised Intelligent Design which argues forcefully that anything as complex as life must have a designer.
One point that you may wish to consider.? If Darwinism (e.g., macroevolution) has been debunked, and it HAS been even though leftist politics still forces it to be taught as politically correct "science" in education, the issue of trying to force
the Bible to fit evolution would seem to be counter-productive.? Either one believes in the Bible or they don't.? Either one believes in Darwinism, or they don't. Belief in Darwinism is actually closer to a religion than belief that the Bible is divinely inspired
is.? At least the Bible actually claims to be divinely inspired (2 Tim 3:16-17), while Darwinism (macroevolution) simply masquerades as science.
Blessings,
Ray
On Monday, 14 September 2020, 11:46:13 am AEST, Merlene <merlene@...> wrote:
Hi Ray, Carole, Christine and Peter,
?
Thankyou for your input.? A few thoughts for comment:
?
1.? Carole:? I haven’t heard of Creation Ministries. Wikipedia does not speak kindly of them.? What “religion” or beliefs do they purport to follow?? I am ALWAYS suspicious of US driven
religious propaganda.? There appears to be two different bodies – the one in Brisbane and an International one.? Which one should I be investigating?? And do they have
conspiracy tendencies?? Would you please send a link to WHICH site you refer?? Thanks.
?
2. Peter:? I have always strongly believed that evolution (including by natural selection) DOES NOT occur outside species.? Original species may evolve and change considerably adapting to changing environmental conditions etc. (Galapagos Island) but a
bear doesn’t change into an ape over time!? Who would be so foolhardy to suggest that God looks like an Ape!? Yet that is what we have been taught – that we evolved from Apes!
Original organisms could only have come from the One who created the universe and our world – agree with your comment.
?
3. Christine:?? I have not heard of Dr John F. Ashton.? Thank you for your suggestion.?
And no, it’s not too late to continue the fun of names – as Ray has commented several times, Names are very significant.
?
Thanks everyone for your comments.? Please don’t stop – there are still a lot of questions I asked!!?
?
Sincerely,
Merlene
?
?
From: Christine
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2020 9:47 AM
Subject: Re: [b4uc] The Bible versus Scientific Evidence
?
Hi Merlene
You may find the books of award winning Australian scientist, Dr John F Ashton, helpful. His credentials are impressive.
?
His books are readily available. The ones perhaps most relevant to help answer your query are:
Evolution Impossible, and
In Six Days ( which is a compilation of essays by PhD scientists covering many areas of expertise and supporting a young earth outlook).
?
Carole's suggestion of Creation Ministries is good. They give short, interesting bites but are careful to include references to aid in further research if you are so inclined.
?
I did intend to add? comment on the fun sharing of the significance of names that you started up. Maybe too late now!
?
Enjoy your continuing studies,
Christine
?
On Mon, 14 Sep 2020, 9:08 am Peter W, <pwo33029@...> wrote:
|
|
Re: The Bible versus Scientific Evidence
Hi Merlene, Possibly the fact that Wikipedia bags Creation Ministries is a badge of honour. Creation Ministries is a group of scientists who believe in the Young Earth and produce a voluminous amount of scientific papers, books and DVDs making their case.? They also speak at various churches and conduct, as far as I am aware, occasional seminars.? They're also available to debate scientists with the opposing view, though few take them up.? The Australian and USA divisions are the same body.? They seem to me to be particularly strong in geology, biology and information science, including DNA.? Young Earth is, I think, a subset of the more generalised Intelligent Design which argues forcefully that anything as complex as life must have a designer. One point that you may wish to consider.? If Darwinism (e.g., macroevolution) has been debunked, and it HAS been even though leftist politics still forces it to be taught as politically correct "science" in education, the issue of trying to force the Bible to fit evolution would seem to be counter-productive.? Either one believes in the Bible or they don't.? Either one believes in Darwinism, or they don't. Belief in Darwinism is actually closer to a religion than belief that the Bible is divinely inspired is.? At least the Bible actually claims to be divinely inspired (2 Tim 3:16-17), while Darwinism (macroevolution) simply masquerades as science. Blessings, Ray
On Monday, 14 September 2020, 11:46:13 am AEST, Merlene <merlene@...> wrote:
Hi Ray, Carole, Christine and Peter,
?
Thankyou for your input.? A few thoughts for comment:
?
1.? Carole:? I haven’t heard of Creation Ministries. Wikipedia
does not speak kindly of them.? What “religion” or beliefs do they purport
to follow?? I am ALWAYS suspicious of US driven religious
propaganda.? There appears to be two different bodies – the one in Brisbane
and an International one.? Which one should I be investigating?? And
do they have conspiracy tendencies?? Would you please send a link
to WHICH site you refer?? Thanks.
?
2. Peter:? I have always strongly believed that evolution (including
by natural selection) DOES NOT occur outside species.? Original species may
evolve and change considerably adapting to changing environmental conditions
etc. (Galapagos Island) but a bear doesn’t change into an ape over time!?
Who would be so foolhardy to suggest that God looks like an Ape!? Yet that
is what we have been taught – that we evolved from Apes!
Original organisms could only have come from the One who created the
universe and our world – agree with your comment.
?
3. Christine:?? I have not heard of Dr John F. Ashton.?
Thank you for your suggestion.?
And no, it’s not too late to continue the fun of names – as Ray
has commented several times, Names are very significant.
?
Thanks everyone for your comments.? Please don’t stop – there are
still a lot of questions I asked!!?
?
Sincerely,
Merlene
?
? From: Christine
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2020 9:47 AM
Subject: Re: [b4uc] The Bible versus Scientific
Evidence ?
Hi Merlene
You may find the books of award winning Australian scientist, Dr John F
Ashton, helpful. His credentials are impressive.
?
His books are readily available. The ones perhaps most relevant to help
answer your query are:
Evolution Impossible, and
In Six Days ( which is a compilation of essays by PhD scientists covering
many areas of expertise and supporting a young earth outlook).
?
Carole's suggestion of Creation Ministries is good. They give short,
interesting bites but are careful to include references to aid in further
research if you are so inclined.
?
I did intend to add? comment on the fun sharing of the significance of
names that you started up. Maybe too late now!
?
Enjoy your continuing studies,
Christine ?
On Mon, 14 Sep 2020, 9:08 am Peter W,
<pwo33029@...> wrote:
|
|
Re: The Bible versus Scientific Evidence
开云体育Thanks Ray for your response.? I’m pleased that a couple of others in
our Class have found the time to respond.
?
Re your response:?? I’ve also read that the “Daughters of Eve”
worldwide is around 29 or so.
Liked your comment about Tara – don’t laugh, but you and I could be related
– the strongest parts of my DNA are North and Western European with 15.6%
Scandinavian!
?
I’ve ALWAYS totally agreed with your comment that there is no evidence of
evolution between species.? That is the only way I can accept Darwin’s
Theory of Evolution.? I’ve seen for myself how bird species can evolve to
suit their environment (Galapagos Islands).? For example, a specie of bird
can’t fly anymore in the air, but “flies” through the water, to name only one
example.? And how Finches have changed when they migrate to different
islands.
?
I have never been convinced that we evolved from apes – although it was
part of our school curriculum. That implies that God looks like an Ape.?
How blasphemous!
?
As a matter of interest somewhere in Bryan Sykes’ book he infers that
another different species of Man has been discovered which is different from the
Homo neanderthalensis, the Neanderthals, and other “ape” like species. This new find puts all
earlier beliefs into question – that there is a distinct possibility that Man
and Ape are 2 different species!? Interesting, I
thought.
?
Maybe
my questions will never be answered – I hope that is not the case!
?
Blessings,
Merlene
?
From: Ray via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2020 11:06 PM
Subject: Re: [b4uc] The Bible versus Scientific Evidence
#Science ?
G'day everyone,
?
Thanks, Merlene, for posing come interesting and
challenging questions.? I'm also interested in seeing what inputs this
email generates.
?
My initial thought is to make a few simple
observations, which I hope will be helpful.
?
Twenty years is a very long time in politics
and science. Bryan Sykes' "Seven (European) Daughters of Eve" are now at least
ten, and a current argument in genetics is that perhaps there should be just
two: Finnish and non-Finnish.? No kidding.? And, by the way, the count
on "Daughters of Eve" worldwide is now up to 29 or so.? As mentioned,
twenty years is a long time in science.? In the unlikely case that anyone
is interested, my eldest female ancestress is Tara (mitochondrial Haplogroup T)
and I am half-Finnish; hopefully, thousands of mad scientists aren't skulking
about waiting to dissect me.
?
This brings up my main caution.? Many
serious scientists now disavow Darwin's Theory of Evolution, which over 150
years has failed to stand in many ways.? For example, no matter how old the
earth is (and limitless time is a precondition for the theory), there's no
evidence whatsoever of macro-evolution (between species) even as
micro-evolution (evolution - including by natural selection - within a
species) is well-proven.? After all, evolution from a molecule into a human
being is scientifically impossible given all that we know today about things
like, well, DNA.
?
A related caution is that atheistic Science
cannot explain life or the universe, just as Creationists cannot scientifically
prove that God exists. The same sets of facts can be interpreted differently
depending upon the interpreter's presuppositions and assumptions, so it's a
reasonable idea to consider our own pre-suppositions. For example, one of my
personal beliefs is that there is no conflict between the Bible and Science,
which goes to the heart of Merlene's question.
?
Finally, the brilliant Blaise Pascal once
opined that "Reason's last step is the recognition that there are an infinite
number of things which are beyond it."? Believe it or not, there is a
possibility that we won't solve all of the issues that Merlene raised in this
forum, but it should be fun trying.
?
Hoping to hear from y'all, I remain
?
Very truly yours,
?
Ray
?
P.S. Blessings.
?
?
?
? |
|
Re: The Bible versus Scientific Evidence
Hi Peter, You put your finger squarely on a crucial failure of Darwinism.? Darwin didn't try to suggest how life came into being (because he couldn't), and so his theory simply ignores that central issue. Giving him his due, many have suggested that Darwin today would no longer be a Darwinist after over 150 years of failing to find supporting evidence for his theory on macro-evolution. Blessings, Ray
On Monday, 14 September 2020, 09:08:32 am AEST, Peter W <pwo33029@...> wrote:
Good Morning Everyone, ? I would just like to comment about Darwin’s ‘Theory of Evolution’. ? The definition of ‘evolution’ is generally agreed ?to be ‘the process by which different kinds of living organism are believed to have developed from earlier forms during the history of the earth’. ? To ‘evolve’, you need something to evolve from. ? So where did the original organism come from which allowed Darwin’s theory to evolve? ? I am suggesting it came from God. ? Regards ? Peter Wornham ? From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Merlene
Sent: Sunday, 13 September 2020 3:52 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [b4uc] The Bible versus Scientific Evidence ? Hi Ray and all Fellow Students, ? A couple of weeks ago I promised I would ask a question that has always remained unanswered, seeking Ray’s and the Group’s comments.? It is very lengthy, for which I apologise, but it is so complex a subject I couldn’t compress it further. ? How many times have you been faced with the situation of trying to convince people to believe the words of the Bible when the scientific evidence seems to prove otherwise – especially with regard to the Beginnings of Man. ? I am not an historian and these are very, very rough time frames.? ? 1.?????? Time in the Bible starts around 6,000 BC.? But it is well documented that there was life on earth at least 46,000 thousand years ago (Aboriginal evidence, as an example). 2.?????? The Bible states that God created the world, then animals, then man (Adam and Eve).? This fact is now under attack from the Darwinian theory;? the theory of evolution, something no one would be foolish enough to dispute. 3.?????? It is known that the Ice Age occurred about 12-12,000 years ago, causing the distinction of many animals and possibly mankind.? But the Bible puts life (our world) starting only 8,000 thousand years ago (6,000bc + 2,000ad years). 4.?????? Assuming Bible times put the age of our world around 8,000 thousand years old, this cannot be correct.? Geological evidence suggests an age of millions of years. ? My question to Ray and the Group is:? How can we reconcile the Bible with Science considering the above facts and data? ? My hypothesis 1.?????? Although the Bible says God created the World in “6” days, I believe the six days do not refer to six literal days as we understand “days” but a timeframe of Six (plus resting day of 7).? Within this timeframe animals and some form of humans existed – we are talking about LONG timeframes. 2.?????? The theory of evolution cannot be disputed, but somehow this has to be reconciled with the Bible.? See Note 3.?? 3.?????? After the Ice Age few animals survived, but there is CONSIDERABLE evidence of their existence, including some form of mankind.? And this is where I believe the Darwinian Theory of Evolution is “king”;? there were creatures that science calls Man, but I don’t believe Theory of Evolution PROVES that they WERE actual the beginnings of humans – a totally different species – Refer* 4.?????? After almost everything was wiped out during the Ice Age, is it possible that our Bible starts sometime AFTER – a new and different world was created, massaged by God.? Evolution starts with creatures in the deep (sea), then land, air, etc. to God’s creation of Man, in His image (somehow!!) ? Recently I came across The Seven Daughters of Eve by Bryan Sykes, Professor of human genetics at Oxford University, a leading world authority on DNA and human evolution.?? In 1994 he was called in to examine the frozen remains of a man trapped in glacial ice in northern Italy, purportedly pre Ice Age. ? He took 3? hair samples a purported human? from remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan which were from the miogi, the Bhutanese yeti. Two of the hairs from DNA analysis, eventually were identified as hairs from a known species of bear.? The third remained a mystery. ? From an article published in 2010, he stated it’s now possible to get a very good DNA signal from a single hair.? This paper contained details of the DNA sequence from another human species, Homo neanderthalensis, the Neanderthals, widely thought to be extinct. ? He says we can trace our maternal line back 45,000 years (similar to Aboriginal belief) and starts with the first scientific evidence of the survival of apemen into modern times. ? The Seven Daughters of Eve[1] is a 2001 book by Bryan Sykes that presents the science of human mitochondrial genetics to a general audience. Sykes explains the principles of genetics and human evolution, the particularities of mitochondrial DNA, and analyses of ancient DNA to genetically link modern humans to prehistoric ancestors. Following the developments of mitochondrial genetics, Sykes traces back human migrations, discusses the "out of Africa theory" and casts serious doubt upon Thor Heyerdahl's theory of the Peruvian origin of the Polynesians, which opposed the theory of their origin in Indonesia. He also describes the use of mitochondrial DNA in identifying the remains of Emperor Nicholas II of Russia, and in assessing the genetic makeup of modern Europe. The title of the book comes from one of the principal achievements of mitochondrial genetics, which is the classification of all modern Europeans into seven groups, the mitochondrial haplogroups. Each haplogroup is defined by a set of characteristic mutations on the mitochondrial genome, and can be traced along a person's maternal line to a specific prehistoric woman. Sykes refers to these women as "clan mothers", though these women did not all live concurrently. All these women in turn shared a common maternal ancestor, the Mitochondrial Eve. ? His book goes on to explain in great detail how blood samples taken from different people from different countries over different time frames confirm his theories above. ? Sorry for the length of this email raising issues of the Bible’s account of beginnings of mankind versus scientific evidence and findings, but this is a topic which seems to me cannot ever be reconciled, in spite of all our latest technological achievements. ? Cheers, Merlene ? ? |
Ray
Merlene