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.

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#61
1. It is an irrational position to believe we live in a simulation.
Why?
A. There is no evidence for the "simulation theory." None.
B. However, we do have evidence for REALITY. It comes in the form of common "foundational beliefs", such as "sense of self" and "basic reliability of sense perception", which show we really exist and that we exist in a real world. These kinds of foundational beliefs exist without any requirement for warrant - foundational beliefs don't require an antecedent, they don't require further proof.
C. Conclusion: We all have SHARED EVIDENCE for reality in the form of foundational beliefs, yet there is NO EVIDENCE for the simulation theory whatsoever. It is more logical to believe in a view that has evidence rather than a view that has none.

2. Scripture isn't required to understand the universe had a divine origin.
A.
There are many evidences and arguments which logically show the universe was created.
B. If the universe was created, then there had to be a creator.
C. If you're interested, there are countless works on these topics by great scholars of today, as well as great scholars going back for many centuries.


CONCLUSION:
There is no reason to continue with doubt if you're willing to search out the answers.
There are plenty of answers.
No one leaves the faith because they can't FIND answers, they leave because they don't WANT answers.





.
Or because there are more questions with no answers?
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#62
You're missing the most important message of the Bible: Christ died and rose again so we can be saved from a sure eternity in Hell. Stay out of the weeds; the Bible doesn't answer every single question, but it answers the truly important ones. Ya know, science and human knowledge can't answer a lot of questions either. I'll take my chances with a loving God who cares about my eternal soul over the "wisdom" of men who can't answer questions about this world or the next.
If I wasn't questioning things I could easily believe too but I can't do that so its hard for me to do. Trust it would be easier for me to just accept and believe there is a loving God except all these questions do not let me drop it.
 

Burn1986

Active member
Mar 4, 2024
918
212
43
#63
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.
Yeah, well sort of. There’s a lot we don’t know, like why can’t you see the law of gravity, or wind, or momentum in a sports game. Sure there’s some mystery to it, but most of us got saved and then started figuring out what happened. A lot of us just cried out to Jesus and He showed up in a BIG way. We have a lot in common, but each person has a different experience with Jesus. It’s hard to explain when all the sudden the blinders have been pulled back. Not sure why exactly but it all centers on Jesus,
 

Burn1986

Active member
Mar 4, 2024
918
212
43
#64
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.
If you want to know Jesus just ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him for something that you can recognize it’s Him, or ask Him for something out of the ordinary.

You know, the Matrix is just a movie. There’s so much more to Jesus. But Jesus will have a relationship with you that’s unique. Look at Romans 10:8-10, and 13. Only you can do it, no one can do it for you.
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#65
Perhaps your faith is misplaced? Rather than trying to understand the bible - which is inspired by God - through man's (so-called) scientific lenses, perhaps you should be trying to understand man's scientific lenses via the bible?

It might be argued that we live in a simulation. People having recovered from Near Death Experiences report being able to sense reality in a much more real way than we do in this life. But that is consistent with the existence of a spiritual reality, and in turn, a second life and a second death, which is the reason for the gospel.

Do you have a specific doubt?

Mark 9:16-26
16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
Yep this is my constant prayer my only prayer besides thank you and forgive me. That's really all the strength I have left to pray.
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#66
The Bible is not the evidence of a Creator. The very world we live in shows us thought and intelligence in what we see in the world.

Even Charle Darwin struggled with this truth. The Peacock feather Charle darwin said
" “The sight of a feather in a peacock's tail, whenever I gaze at it, makes me feel sick.”

why? Because the human mind when looking at something can not deny what is clear seen as Creation or intelligence. Charle Darwin had to suppress what his brain was telling him.
Roman chapter ons says :


18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them.

20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

Only a fool would say there is no God
I'm just asking if there is more or anything outside this creation. That's all.
 

maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
9,526
2,608
113
#69
Or because there are more questions with no answers?
Simulation Theory:
We should not believe in a thing which we have NO REASON TO BELIEVE... a thing with zero evidence.

We can posit any ridiculous thing which has no evidence.
But without evidence, there is no reason to believe that thing.
The simulation theory has no evidence.

I can posit that extraterrestrials live in your big toe, but you can't see them because they're invisible.
You can't disprove it.
But since there is no evidence for it, there is no reason to believe it.
The simulation theory is exactly like this.

CONCLUSION:
A.) Because the Simulation Theory has no evidence there is no reason to believe it.
B.) However, there is much evidence for reality, so we DO have reason to believe in reality.
C.) If you want to believe extraterrestrials live in your toe, or the moon is made of cheese, or we live in a simulation...
feel free to be as irrational as you like.


.
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#70
Thats a pretty cool user name. I didn’t realize the Dead Sea had vineyards beside it. So, did you watch the Matrix and that got you off? Such a weird little hang up for someone supposedly saved and all. I think it will wear off. Either way https://www.bibleplaces.com/engedi/
Thanks, I liked the sound of it too and no I have not watched the matrix properly. I've just read and heard different things etc.
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#71
no, not simply only because the Bible makes that claim. God never expected anyone to believe on Him without giving us proof He exists. right, doesn't that make sense? by course it does. so, He sent us His Holy Spirit! the H.S. is the only person, place or thing that can prove God, Jesus & the H.S. are true. plus, He gave us scripture to back it up. study & learn: 2nd Timothy 2:7,15, 3:16,17, 2nd Peter 1:20,21, 1st John 4:13, 5:10,13, John 3:33, 14:16,17,26, 16:13 & Psalm 119:18. John 3:33 is the "clincher" verse. very simply, if something is not in the Bible, that means that God knew in His infinite wisdom that we didn't need to know it! you said you were raised in a Christian environment. there are lots of people who say that, but, for instance, some say they were raised as catholics & that is not a Christian environment. only born again Christians have the H.S. living in them. b.a. Christians can ask Jesus what anything means, sooner or later you'll find out. if you find out in heavens that's not too late.
lol
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#72
Even Billy Graham had occasional doubts. That is why it is called faith, which is the hope of evidence that as yet is unseen. You are not the only Christian who, at times, has doubts, myself included. Mine only last a few seconds, or maybe a minute, then faith reinserts itself.
Dead Sea scrolls, also certain manuscripts that came out, overwhelmingly (miraculously) solidified it ( I’m sure others could expound). Why do you feel Jesus God and the Bible are not legit? I will say that Jesus is the only person I history who claimed to be God. This is what they crucified Him over. And He rose from the dead. The Leaders at the time never even questioned that He wasn’t in the tomb. Also, no one in history had ever split time in half.
What do you mean split time in half?
 

Burn1986

Active member
Mar 4, 2024
918
212
43
#73
Thanks, I liked the sound of it too and no I have not watched the matrix properly. I've just read and heard different things etc.
You don’t have to watch the movie. It’s based on an idea. Becoming a Christian is different. Jesus is out there, but why do you want to know about it all?
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#74
You’ve got to be kidding about the Quran. It’s saddening after what happened on October 7th that you could even consider something like that. It’s sounds like you have no real desire to know the truth however. You can ask Jesus to show Himself to you, but again, your quest indicate you’re playing games more than seriousness. It’s like you’re fishing for something.
What happened October 7th?
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#76
After you've done many miles as a Christian, you will realize that Jesus is the truth without judging other religions or sending yourself to Heaven while you send them to Hell.
So, this is a personal journey that no one can teach you.
I guess I've not been a Christian honestly, I don't know anything I don't believe anything. I'm trying to make sense of anything, something.
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#77
In a word.
PROPHECY!

God, being outside time, and knowing the end from the beginning has used Prophecy through the Bible to deliver the Truth in advance of the redemption of mankind through His Son. Every page of the OT in some way points to Jesus Christ.

He has also given many other prophecies in Scripture. Some, so incredibly accurate, that unbelievers have tried and failed, to say the Scripture in question must have been written after the event took place.

This is how you KNOW God's Word, the Bible, is True, trustworthy, and EXCLUSIVE.
I'm not an expert but I think other text also offer prophecy. I'm not sure.
 

Eli1

Well-known member
Apr 5, 2022
4,759
2,054
113
46
#78
I guess I've not been a Christian honestly, I don't know anything I don't believe anything. I'm trying to make sense of anything, something.
Well, this is the journey that we all have to walk on.
It depends what you're looking for. Are you looking for God? He's all around you with His work.
Are you on a time of your life where you're confused?
These are crossroads moments where you might have to make some choices so keep searching and then you will also have the right question to ask.
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#79
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.
I barely got internet restored in my home, I've been on my phone, it's hard to respond by phone to long text. Well, I can assure you I am a woman don't really care to prove it.
 

VineyardsOfEngedi

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2019
899
297
63
#80
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.
oh