Posted by MaryEllen on July 27, 1998 at 17:32:58:
When I left the church some years ago, I made a promise to find a way to live at peace with myself and the world. I didn't have to give up my faith that God exists but I did give up the Mormon conception of God and the legalistic doctrines of the church and a bad habit of trying to make others believe as I do. I still read the Bible and find much wisdom and encouragement. It works for me. I don't feel I've exchanged one handicap for another in remaining a Christian. I certainly haven't chose to believe in God entirely by my emotions. You can be a Christian and be intelligent at the same time. I'm posting here in honesty and with what I believe is "intellectual inquiry." I don't expect anyone to be offended by my questioning evolution. Most of you here seem beyond that. My inquiries may be repetitive since I have no idea what has been posted previously . I'm 49 years old, the mother of 9 children and 5 grandchildren. I'm nearing my graduation from college.(took me a while,huh?) In my pre-Mormon years I was a nurse for 9 years. I don't consider myself an intellectual , although when it comes to matters of raising children, running a home, managing money and time and dealing with people on a one to one basis, I feel I've gained some wisdom that is worth something. I love to read, swim, ski, climb mountains, write, listen to music (classical, jazz and blues and some rock and roll) I'm not into computers much. I love people and love crowds and talking with anyone. I have an honest inquiry about some information I've found on the flood of Noah. I'd like to hear what some of you have heard and think about it. I understand there are over 250 Flood legends from all parts of the world and most of them have similarities to the Genesis story. There are lots more things I've read about Noah's Ark in relation to the flood. Since I don't know anyone personally that considers themself to be an atheist and/or evolutionist, I'm curious what you believe about the Flood and the Ark? I've found it interesting to read that the ark may have had a "moon pool" (sometimes called moon-pull) in the center. This hole in the center of the bottom of the boat is suposed to have allowed water to go up into the hole as the ship crested waves. The rising and lowereing water acted as a piston to pump fresh air in and out of the ship. This would prevent the buildup of dangerous gasses that could cause harm to the animals. The hole would have been a great place to dump garbage into the ocean without going outside. There are claims by many say they've seen the ark in recent times in the area the Bible says it landed. Do any of you have any opinions on this? I'd love to hear them as I've only heard one side.
Sincerely,
ME