Simulation

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

SonJudgment

Well-known member
Jun 25, 2024
695
368
63
#41
As @FollowerofShiloh said earlier, these scientists 'hate' the fact when their discoveries point to patterns of God.
So, for being stubborn atheists or for trying to not end their careers by saying that 'all this evidence points to God', they have to make other silly names.
But not all of us are stupid to accept their silly names. I just laugh it off because it's like seeing the elephant in the room and they don't want to call it that.
I am not particularly convinced that atheists even exist, but that's a different topic. Besides just being pantheism my thoughts on the Simulation Theory is maybe it is somewhat reflective of the times. We live in a digital age where people are on computers or the TV or the smartphone alot so it kinda makes sense that as a result they begin to think that reality itself is a simulation. Though really the consequences of their actions should be a pretty big indicator that we're not in the Matrix or playing a video game, there are no do-overs in this very real world.
 

FollowerofShiloh

Well-known member
Jan 24, 2024
4,321
714
113
#42
As @FollowerofShiloh said earlier, these scientists 'hate' the fact when their discoveries point to patterns of God.
So, for being stubborn atheists or for trying to not end their careers by saying that 'all this evidence points to God', they have to make other silly names.
But not all of us are stupid to accept their silly names. I just laugh it off because it's like seeing the elephant in the room and they don't want to call it that.
Amen, Brother!
I do the same :cool:
 

Eli1

Well-known member
Apr 5, 2022
4,759
2,054
113
46
#43
I am not particularly convinced that atheists even exist, but that's a different topic. Besides just being pantheism my thoughts on the Simulation Theory is maybe it is somewhat reflective of the times. We live in a digital age where people are on computers or the TV or the smartphone alot so it kinda makes sense that as a result they begin to think that reality itself is a simulation. Though really the consequences of their actions should be a pretty big indicator that we're not in the Matrix or playing a video game, there are no do-overs in this very real world.
I agree with you in regards to atheists. The dictionary term 'atheist' does not match reality most of time because you can't lack belief when you're bombarded with information especially in this day and age. You reject belief or God, but you don't lack belief. This doesn't apply to people who have mental problems.
I grew up in state-sanctioned atheism and i might fit the dictionary description of atheist better, but even as a 13 year old kid i had the natural ability to see the sky and ask origin questions without anyone telling me anything about God.
But yeah, the term atheist is an interesting one to discuss and i do talk to them at work when i get the chance.

Your second observation about being in the digital age is also something i agree with since we live in the age of computers, then some of these scientists are influenced by this age.

Either way God stands in full glory with His Creation that we can't even scratch to understand in terms of technical details.
 

SonJudgment

Well-known member
Jun 25, 2024
695
368
63
#44
I agree with you in regards to atheists. The dictionary term 'atheist' does not match reality most of time because you can't lack belief when you're bombarded with information especially in this day and age. You reject belief or God, but you don't lack belief. This doesn't apply to people who have mental problems.
I grew up in state-sanctioned atheism and i might fit the dictionary description of atheist better, but even as a 13 year old kid i had the natural ability to see the sky and ask origin questions without anyone telling me anything about God.
But yeah, the term atheist is an interesting one to discuss and i do talk to them at work when i get the chance.

Your second observation about being in the digital age is also something i agree with since we live in the age of computers, then some of these scientists are influenced by this age.

Either way God stands in full glory with His Creation that we can't even scratch to understand in terms of technical details.
Well I don't digress much and be rude to the topic, but my thoughts on atheism not really existing is that it seems like one of two things. 1 it is a reaction against whatever religion that person was born or raised in. 2 for those that are more indulgent of the atheist type doctrines and theories rather than being a reaction it kinda just become pantheism really since without a God their theory basically devolves into a self-creating universe. I guess then this is somewhat still in the frame of this topic since in the Simulation Theory it starts to fall apart when you ask who made the simulation? Either they have to say God made the simulation in which case God says that reality is no simulation or test or anything like that, or they have to conclude that the simulation is self-created or made by the universe which just is pantheism with an extra step that nullifies itself basically.
 

Eli1

Well-known member
Apr 5, 2022
4,759
2,054
113
46
#45
Well I don't digress much and be rude to the topic, but my thoughts on atheism not really existing is that it seems like one of two things. 1 it is a reaction against whatever religion that person was born or raised in. 2 for those that are more indulgent of the atheist type doctrines and theories rather than being a reaction it kinda just become pantheism really since without a God their theory basically devolves into a self-creating universe. I guess then this is somewhat still in the frame of this topic since in the Simulation Theory it starts to fall apart when you ask who made the simulation? Either they have to say God made the simulation in which case God says that reality is no simulation or test or anything like that, or they have to conclude that the simulation is self-created or made by the universe which just is pantheism with an extra step that nullifies itself basically.
Well that's exactly right. When you say "simulation" you immediately imply that someone created it.
But these atheists love to have a dumb explanation in order to avoid the word God. So they use words like "self-caused" or "self-sustaining" or "Multiverse".
All of which are silly words to avoid calling it for what it is: A Creator, creating a fine-tuned universe who is in control.
 

SonJudgment

Well-known member
Jun 25, 2024
695
368
63
#46
Well that's exactly right. When you say "simulation" you immediately imply that someone created it.
But these atheists love to have a dumb explanation in order to avoid the word God. So they use words like "self-caused" or "self-sustaining" or "Multiverse".
All of which are silly words to avoid calling it for what it is: A Creator, creating a fine-tuned universe who is in control.
Well right, so then it would be option #2 which is really just pantheism with new clothes.
 

SonJudgment

Well-known member
Jun 25, 2024
695
368
63
#48
Totally agree. Pantheism is another silly name to avoid the word God.
Pantheism is just old fashioned creation-worship really. More specifically its the idea that God is in everything and that God is not a personal entity, but that in essence God is the creation or is an impersonal force that makes up the creation. It's an old heresy but quite prevalent, but then I suppose if one does not believe in God that they will start worshipping the things they see in the creation, and it is then without irony then that man has made idols to almost every single thing in creation at one point or another.
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,693
6,884
113
#49
I've read the replies I'll come back and answer direct questions but now my next question is why is the Bible God's word as opposed to other religious text like the vedas, Quran etc? I can see from most responses that creation proves God's existence but I still go back to my original question what proves the Bible is God's ultimate word etc maybe again I don't make sense.
As yet, you have not returned to answer direct questions. I again read your Profile Page and have a few thoughts about it.

First, the above statement of yours rang a bell with me, so one question I would ask is "What was your screen name the last time you were here?"

As well, going through your comments, especially the OP, it is clear that you do not believe the Written Word of God is the Truth. If that is the case, then how do you identify yourself as a Christian, since the Written Word is Testimony of the Living Word (Jesus)? If one does not believe Jesus is Truth, then one can not identify themselves as a Christian, right? I refer to the simplest of Scriptures: John 3:16

Careful study of your writing style in various aspects, I believe you may not be a woman. Rather, your writing style is that of what I would believe to be a middle age man with some education. Possible even a Bachelors Degree at the least.

All of this, IMO, identifies your OP comments to be nothing more than an attempt to palnt the seed of doubt in the hearts and minds of sincere believers here on CC.

This has been tried before. More than once. And the above comment was the lightbulb going off in my memory to alert me to your true intentions. I would suggest you start over with yet another Screen Name because this one is forever tainted.
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#50
The question is vague. Perhaps you have some examples of where the Bible does not answer?
I just meant there are things the Bible does not address, it's late, nothing comes to mind. I'll post when it does.
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#51
Took a look at your Profile Page, and was surprised to see you identify yourself as a Christian.


female
Marital Statusnot married
Spiritual StatusChristian
When saved2014
Country Flag/NationalityUSA
Country (Location)United States
Favorite Bible VerseHoses 2:19

From your comments in the OP, I would have thought you were agnostic.
The account was made maybe in 2014 I don't recall and I put christian because it was closer to what I believed at the time of creating this account. I mean I personally don't like to call myself christian. I'm not sure what agnostic means, I keep confusing the terms.
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#52
I know several people whose journey away from God started in a similar way that you are describing. I would just say to you that you should not let other people's ideas about Christianity interfere with your intimate personal relationship with the One who died for your sins and lives in your heart.
That's the thing I use to believe he did now I'm not sure.

As to the doubts, don't focus on what you don't know, but focus on what the Lord is trying to teach you in this season of your life. And the Bible can help you with this particular struggle. We see in the 5th chapter of John that people were struggling with the concept that Jesus was actually the promised Savior and they needed help to really believe it.

But Jesus told them to not believe it just because He was saying it. Yes, His claim was right, but He gave them other evidence to corroborate His claim. He referenced John the Baptist's testimony (a person they trusted) as one witness. He referenced the miracles He performed (which they themselves saw) as another witness. He referenced God the Father (who gives witness to Jesus from inside all people's hearts) as another witness. And finally, He refernced the Scriptures (that they themselves possesses and read thoroughly) as witnessing that He was the One to come.

Jesus provided them all this evidence in hopes that they would be convinced by one or more of those witnesses that Jesus is who He claimed and that believing they would gain eternal life. He does the same thing today. He is addressing your doubts personally (in your heart). Look for the other witnesses that He undoubtably is providing you (either in Scripture, trusted people, etc.) to corroberate what He is telling you. That's the best way out of these doubts.
Personally all I hear are crickets and I've been waiting for something anything.
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#53
Yeah, i came across this several years ago, maybe 10 years ago, when Nick Bostrom (the author) first proposed this theory.
I'm not sure if you realize but every word that these theoretical physicists speak of in regards to Creation, says the idea of God without saying the word God because they'd be out of a job since belief is sort of a career-ending move for a lot of people in science.
For some it isn't and they're proud of it like Francis Collins.
Francis Collins - Wikipedia

So, i'm not sure what makes you doubt when all these theories by non-believers simply reaffirm the existence of God.
Maybe your issue is that you were raised in a harsh Protestant environment where the interpretation of the Bible is "my way or the highway" after they hit you on the head with it, but don't confuse interpretations of men with a powerful Creator.
Look around at more churches or denominations for other interpretations of the Bible and look at the findings of science with an open mind to realize that science simply glorifies God and His work.
Ok, maybe like I said in my original post maybe my question was vague. I guess what I was really asking was if being on earth a simulation in the sense that the creator of that simulation placed us here but there's more outside this simulation maybe that's not making sense either.
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#54
It is not the Bible that sets people free. It is the correct interpretation of the message of God in the Bible, left us in risen Son Jesus, where new life (Born again) life is at. and is a gift from God Father of risen Son. That is what I now see, after not ever giving up on: to one day see, and be free. I am free in this now, with Father and Son only, accepted, forgiven and sealed by God (Eph. 1:6,7,13). and all that choose to believe God see this amazing grace given them too.
These change willingly, not forcefully as religion preaches, you better or you not in, flesh nature leading these that do that, not God's Spirit.

"Religion = what are I doing to get a deity to respond to me" God is the initiator, we the people are the responders. At least I see this about me, now and now respond and stopped creating and playing God.

I started religion and went after it, to read the entire Bible, to know truth and be freed from estrangement, (I had a hole in my heart). Not liked, not accepted by others and accepted by some, whoever I felt accepted by, I went after that and got messed up. That is how troubles started, thought(s) of not good enough, not accepted, then focused on whether or not I sinned and I did and even got worse in sin, once I tried to not sin again as got taught to not sin again by religion or God will get you attitude, of the flesh nature again, misleading people, not freeing people to truly love as God does and did for us by Son on that cross where we all are reconciled to God as if never sinned, Amen, Hallelujah! (2 Cor. 5:17-20) New born again life is in the resurrected Christ, not the dead one.
Troubles brought doubt as doubt brought troubles, and troubles happen to all, whether one is good or better than others. The rain falls on us all, does not discern who is good or better than others, (people do that, not God) the works attitude, kept me from seeing clearly in the truth, that God just loves us all. That being a fact to me now. I left religion in the dust. I saw, "I" cannot do a thing to be liked, Loved and Forgiven by anyone else, even God. God did it once by Son once for everyone to choose to believe God or not (Hebrews 10:10), without doubt(s). Yet doubt is what has kept people out and in a struggle to be one with Father and Son. Which brings confusion as you listened to another person over God who lives with you, waiting patiently for you to let go of works to get or keep God in you that you think comforts you. You know this from within you, you just have gotten sidetracked is all, by people, claiming they know more than you
Not True!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are given everything you need for life, (here and now) by God in risen Son for you. Return to belief to God and you personally.
See Col 1:1-23 (21-23)

It is true, and remains true for you to see and then turn to God and trust God to do through you what you cannot do, and that is Love everyone without a second thought over it, just as God has done for us all by Son going to that cross willingly first. Thanking God Son is risen where new life for us the people begins.
It is finished, under Law to be perfect (John 19:30) so you can now enter God's throne of grace confidently and say, "I need you Father" and you will see new as you have in past
Enter, Hebrews 9:14-17
I want to believe if its truth but I don't know so its harder for me to accept just like that simply because the Bible or because people claim the Bible is God's word. etc.
 

Eli1

Well-known member
Apr 5, 2022
4,759
2,054
113
46
#55
Ok, maybe like I said in my original post maybe my question was vague. I guess what I was really asking was if being on earth a simulation in the sense that the creator of that simulation placed us here but there's more outside this simulation maybe that's not making sense either.
Nothing makes sense in the physical world if you study it long enough. People have spent their entire lives and generations after have followed on their works to make sense of things and reality, but nothing makes sense.
This, i've reasoned, is done on purpose so we can make a faith-based choice. We're put on an impossible situation with no awareness of the long past and the long future so we can make a choice.
Your evidence is in front of you so when you're ready and more clear in your head as to what you want or what you're looking for then make a choice.
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#56
Several years ago, when we were discovering how to create bigger satellites to research more of the unknown Universe. There was a discovery that led many leading astrophysicists to convert to God. They claim to have pin pointed the time of the Big Bang. But it was the "issue" before the Big Bang took place that made them to reconsider the idea of a Creator, Designer, God.

And that is because for years since the Big Bang Theory originated, Science concluded it had to have involved protons, neutrons, nuclei, singularity, energy, a source to create the Big Bang. And from there they arrived at the idealism of this energy maximizing at its greatest point and heating up, then freezing, then heating until it annihilated itself into this cosmic space of energy that eventually led to smaller objects would gather around bigger objects and created the tenets of what we call the Laws of Physics. And this was how Solar Systems were thought to be created like our own Milky Way.

But what this particular satellite discovered was there was nothing, no energy source or singularity existing. Just nothing and then a Big eruption [Big Bang] and then from nothing suddenly the Universe started forming.

So more modern astrophysicists today like Neil deGrasse Tyson, Lawrence Krauss, and others who are [staunch atheists] said oh no this is not God. But if it is some type of Higher Power, but cannot be God, it means we could be like a Simulation, similar to online games that look humanistic but we control them from our keyboards or a program.

I always thought that was odd. It cannot be God, but can still be some Creator manipulating us like a Simulation Game.

Of course my reply to their idealism was [the Stupid is Real with You]. There is a God who is the Creator and Designer.
Can there be more than this creation or creator? Can something outside of this reality exist? I guess that's what I'm trying to get at.
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#57
If you had understood the nature of the Bible, as well as the marvels of the created universe, you would not talk such sci-fi nonsense. So get into some serious Bible study, and research the marvels of all created things.
I know what the Bible says about creation I want to know who or what makes the Bible the sole authority on God's word or truth etc.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,774
113
#58
I know what the Bible says about creation I want to know who or what makes the Bible the sole authority on God's word or truth etc.
God makes the Bible the sole authority on truth and the true Gospel. So either believe God or disbelieve Him. There is no higher authority.
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#59
Yeah we’ve all seen The Matrix
Actually, I think I've only seen a scene I think of reeves sitting in a chair honestly, I have not watched that movie properly so I'm not sure I just know what other people say about it. Maybe I should watch it.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
19,191
6,607
113
62
#60
I want to believe if its truth but I don't know so its harder for me to accept just like that simply because the Bible or because people claim the Bible is God's word. etc.
Keep seeking. You'll find God. And when you do, you'll know.