Several years ago the late Carl Sagan, noted astronomer and philosopher, produced a PBS television series entitled “Cosmos.” In that series, Sagan repeatedly stated in velvety tones that “the Cosmos is all there is or ever will be.” The “Cosmos” referred to the natural universe. Since science has determined that the natural universe had a beginning, it means the universe is not eternal in nature. So, if the “Cosmos” is all there is or ever will be, it means the God presented in the Bible cannot exist, because that God is revealed to be an eternal deity, who transcends the natural universe. In fact, the Bible says He created the whole thing.
Sagan’s popular “Cosmos” series influenced many people. His idea that existence was limited to only that which can be seen is shared by most in the scientific community and is also the perspective taught in our public schools today. Since consideration and study of eternity and the supernatural is not a part of the public education system it tends to create an intellectual barrier for people who seek meaning in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Carl Sagan and Jesus Christ cannot both be correct. The “Cosmos” is either all there is, or if Jesus is correct, there is much more we cannot see, that is equally real.
There are two factors that seem to give the credibility edge to Jesus. The first is that Carl Sagan was trapped on this earth and restricted to seeing things through a telescope. I am certain the “Cosmos” is all Carl was able to see. Actually, I think that is all Carl wanted to see. Jesus had a broader perspective and claimed some personal experience. Jesus flatly stated he had lived in and personally experienced eternity before he was born into this world. The Bible teaches that Jesus, as God, pre-existed what we call time. Jesus said he was with God the Father before time began and he was returning to the Father after his resurrection. His literal, historical resurrection from the dead gives credibility to the truth of what he claimed.
“Jesus…claimed some personal experience. Jesus flatly stated he had lived in and personally experienced eternity before he was born into this world”
I could claim the same thing. it doesn’t make it true.
In your case that is certainly correct. However, you may gain more credibility if you are ever supernaturally raised from the dead. (See posts here on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ).
Too bad a person could never be brought back to life after clinical and biological death. And too bad that the one story that claims such an event to be a possibility is totally unverifiable.
It is a misleading statement to say the resurrection of Christ is not “verifiable’. There are many ways to verify the accuracy of history and you have obviously not been a person to make such an attempt. You have lots of company in today’s “anti-Christian” atmosphere. However, in the event you are seriously interested, I refer you to the following: PDF ARTICLE.
So you’re saying that Carl was seriously flawed in not considering the testimony of an ancient and mystical book to be valid? Last I checked, there’s no definite way to prove the divinity of Christ, other than consulting the very book that claims it.
Sorry if I have a hard time buying into the whole “Jesus > Science” thing.
i”m saying Mr. Sagan made claims for which he had no personal knowledge and was providing his opinion, based on his own opinions. The ancient and mystical book you refer to is the most reliable ancient document we have in our possession with respect to it being today as it was written. The truth of that book is substantiated by the 100′dreds of prophecy’s fulfilled exactly as they were foretold. If Mr. Sagan was truly a wise man he should have considered the testimony of that book. His error was in claiming “The cosmos is all there is or ever was.” The “ancient book” claims that statement is a lie.
Either you have faith or you don’t. I love Carl Sagan’s stuff but when I have troubles I pray to Jesus and somehow I feel soooo very connected to God. Try praying to God. You might be surprised.
“Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.” – Carl Sagan, Dragons of Eden.
“Jesus said unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, yet have believed. – John 20:29.