Faith 3, Reason 0

Fr George talked to us about the Old Testament yesterday at the RCIA meet. According to Fr George, if the Old Testament is read literally, quite a lot of contradictions would appear. He gave a few examples. In the first book Genesis God created animals and plants before He created man. In another book (I have not confirmed which one he refers to) the man was created before animals and plants.

Fr George said that many people have different ideas about why the Old Testament contains many contradictory texts. However, the over all message of the Old Testament is one of man's relationship with God.

In our group discussion, our group leader said that his view of the Old Testament is that salvation comes only from God.

The consensus, it appears, is that the Old Testament confuses more than it clarifies.

Another own goal for reason perhaps?

Coincidentally, Raja Petra Kamaruddin posted this piece in Malaysia Today, purportedly written by a Professor in America.

So far reason has been miserable in clearing the air for the unbelievers. However, it does not prove that God does not exist. It only means that with what we have, we can't know God through the texts and logical arguments alone.

It is faith 3, reason 0.