Bats classified as bird or no? & corners of the earth

[kross]

A new topic (hope no one minds)-

Lev 11:19 And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.

People that poke at the Bible's science on YouTube usually go for the bats as birds.

And-

Isa 11:12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

Today, corners of the earth is an expression, but is that how it was being used then?

Thanks for any insights-

These are issues of translation. In the story of the wise men during advent, the light in the sky that they followed is called a star because the word for lights in the sky is translated stars. We know they are planets and stars and asteroids. But, the Hebrew and Greek words are picture words that indicate a light in the heavens, which might be in space or it might just be in the sky.

So too is the word translated Birds of the air. It is a word that indicates something that flies in the air. plus, just because we have decided what is and is not a bird as a result of their genetic and physical make up, does not mean GOD does not consider them a bird.

And yes, ends of the earth means the outer most points, the farthest away you can get. It doesn't indicate shape.

[leoxiii]

These are issues of translation.

As are most disagreements over the meaning of Scripture.

I was intrigued by the name of this forum "Faith vs. Science". If by faith we mean that which we really really really hope is true, then there can be very wide discrepancies between faith and science. But if faith is an infused virtue, a gift from God, which does not rely on our own understanding, then absolutely no discrepancy can ever exist between faith and science.

Can the Scriptures ever be wrong?

Absolutely not! They were written by God Himself. Yet, He used men to write them, and He wrote them for men to understand. They are not the crowning glory of God's achievements. Rather, they are an exercise in God humbling Himself and condescending to speak to His beloved creatures whose understanding has now become obscured and confused due to the sin of the first man.

Now, science means knowledge, and the knowledge imparted in Scripture is inerrant, infallible, and without equal among written things. Therefore, the study of Scripture is the ultimate science, and no true science will ever be discovered which in any way contradicts Scripture --and more! No true science will ever be discovered which is not edified and brought to light by Scripture! Which is why what we have today is not "Science vs. Scripture." On the contrary. What passes for science today is in truth philisophical naturalism.

Anyways, let me leave you with the words of the real Leo XIII: "Scripture is a mine which men can never fully exhaust." The depth of meaning, the profundity of Scripture, is something of which a million generations of men will only just scratch the surface.

Scripture is also something which men of evil intent will never tire of attacking.

[Botz]

leoxiii said...

Anyways, let me leave you with the words of the real Leo XIII: "Scripture is a mine which men can never fully exhaust." The depth of meaning, the profundity of Scripture, is something of which a million generations of men will only just scratch the surface.

Scripture is also something which men of evil intent will never tire of attacking

Hi Leo, and welcome....I liked the quote,

In Scripture we see the heart and mind of the Father exposed, His plan of redemption revealed and the glory of G-d made manifest through His dear Son. It is an awe-inspiring revelation that somehow shows the breadth of the Universe the inconceivable expanse of eternity and the unfathomable riches of His grace....none of which can be grasped until one enters beyond the veil, and even then our mortal frames will only glimpse the reality at a very low light level.

But one day..........

[leoxiii]

leoxiii said...

Anyways, let me leave you with the words of the real Leo XIII: "Scripture is a mine which men can never fully exhaust." The depth of meaning, the profundity of Scripture, is something of which a million generations of men will only just scratch the surface.

Scripture is also something which men of evil intent will never tire of attacking

Hi Leo, and welcome....I liked the quote,

In Scripture we see the heart and mind of the Father exposed, His plan of redemption revealed and the glory of G-d made manifest through His dear Son. It is an awe-inspiring revelation that somehow shows the breadth of the Universe the inconceivable expanse of eternity and the unfathomable riches of His grace....none of which can be grasped until one enters beyond the veil, and even then our mortal frames will only glimpse the reality at a very low light level.

But one day..........

Thank you for the welcome.

As Saint Paul tells us: "Now, we see through a glass darkly, but then we shall see clearly, and we shall know even as we are known."

When men of science tell me they "know", I just have to roll my eyes at them. I much prefer scientists who at least believe in God. They are far more humble, and do not presume too much from the few facts they have uncovered.

[leoxiii]

leoxiii said...

Anyways, let me leave you with the words of the real Leo XIII: "Scripture is a mine which men can never fully exhaust." The depth of meaning, the profundity of Scripture, is something of which a million generations of men will only just scratch the surface.

Scripture is also something which men of evil intent will never tire of attacking

Hi Leo, and welcome....I liked the quote,

In Scripture we see the heart and mind of the Father exposed, His plan of redemption revealed and the glory of G-d made manifest through His dear Son. It is an awe-inspiring revelation that somehow shows the breadth of the Universe the inconceivable expanse of eternity and the unfathomable riches of His grace....none of which can be grasped until one enters beyond the veil, and even then our mortal frames will only glimpse the reality at a very low light level.

But one day..........

Thank you for the welcome.

As Saint Paul tells us: "Now, we see through a glass darkly, but then we shall see clearly, and we shall know even as we are known."

When men of science tell me they "know", I just have to roll my eyes at them. I much prefer scientists who at least believe in God. They are far more humble, and do not presume too much from the few facts they have uncovered.

Wow, that's a huge generalization. I'm sure you have the evidence to back that up...

Consider the works of Richard Dawkins and Michael Behe. Dawkins is as pompous as it gets. Behe is very quiet and unassuming. Consider the writing of Stephen Hawking and Russell Humphries. Hawking goes on and on about imaginary time and will not accept any criticism. Humphries welcomes all criticisms of his theory, and thanks those who find flaws in it.

Just a few examples.