a lot happened in this thread since I checked it last

in sport's defense i'll say this. pretty much all sciences, belief systems, etc usually start out with a given set of assumptions. Once these assumptions are accepted, then you can work out proving theories within that framework. for example, in euclidean geometry you start out with the assumptions (aka definitions) of the idea of a point, a line, and space. from these 3 simple assumptions, all of geometry is built. and obviously it is useful however if you don't accept those 3 assumptions as unprovable facts...it all comes crashing down.

Just like scientists believe in the Big Bang (not knowing where the original matter came from) and build forward from there, personally speaking, I assume that God is rational and is responsible for the creation of the universe. And I build my worldview from here using logic (because my original assumption implies that God gave us logic to determine the nature of our universe).

That's just me, and I *think* sport122 is the same. Now this approach allows my worldview to change and grow as I gain new info, which is the downfall of most "religions", and where science has them beat - they are too static. I see science and spirituality as two sides to the same coin. Something I always tell ppl is "where science ends, spirituality begins". It's ultimately describing the same continuum of reality. And as we learn more things about our universe, it obviously has to be able to grow and change with it.

Where that puts the Bible, Jesus, etc? Is a different story. I'll say for now that I don't accept the Bible as a 100% accurate history book. That isn't its purpose. As far as Jesus being an alien? As far as I'm concerned you could consider GOD to be an alien too so it isn't far-fetched. He (or I should say IT) definitely was extraterrestrial, which is the definition of an alien anyhow...

Nice thread though, it's already given me some things to ponder...