Catholics Believe Liquid From 'Miracle' Tree is God's Tears -- Arborist Says It's Lice Excrement

http://www.alternet.org/catholics-california-believe-liquid-tree-miracle


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(Emphasis mine)

At least the dalai lama is wise enough to accept that science has value in spiritual matters...let those crazy catholics continue worshipping bug poo :woohoo:

It seems christians are too willing to accept things as a divine miracle and too reluctant to accept a scientifically proven explanation....

There are a couple of problems I have with the whole thing.

One… why do so many people find it so important to discredit another person’s spiritual experience? If I have an experience and it strengthens my spiritual well being, what harm is it causing someone else?

Two… if Christians believe that God created all things, then why would it be unfathomable that the butt nectar of a bug could represent God’s tears? God created all things and someone had an experience that they interpreted a particular way. Okay!?!?!?!

Science is a tool we use to understand things based on current knowledge, technology and understanding. It is neither infallible nor perfect. It is a great tool and one of the best tools we have, but like everything created by man… it still ain’t perfect.

Would I worship “God’s Tears” falling from a tree? Nope. I don’t even think I would come to that conclusion of the event. But it was not my experience to interpret.

I think it is good to try and understand what is going on and explain what we can when we can; to look for answers when we don’t currently have them or the ones we have leave you wanting. But, I am not a propionate of belittling another’s views… even if I don’t necessarily agree with them. That’s just me though.

RyuJin wrote: At least the dalai lama is wise enough to accept that science has value in spiritual matters...let those crazy catholics continue worshipping bug poo :woohoo:

It seems christians are too willing to accept things as a divine miracle and too reluctant to accept a scientifically proven explanation....

Not all christians. There are lots of people out there that beleive what they want to believe rather than accept reality and it's not just relegious folks either.

If it make them feel all warm and cozy who am I to complain.

Personally, I do not believe in science, but as a religious person, I do not look for physical affirmation of my belief, though I do not discredit the experiences of others. A lot of people have claimed to have had supernatural experiences, and, unless they are obviously trying to make some gain from these claims, who I am I to discredit them?

I don't know what I find most worrying: Maria's statement or that some people have never seen a "leaking" tree before.

rofl:

Parishioner Maria Ybarra says, "When you say ‘glory be to God in Jesus name’ the tree starts throwing out more water."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uPmeWiFTIw

I guess, in french we call idiots "pigeons" because we used to be a catholic country.

I wonder if the title of this thread was:
"Hispanics Believe Liquid From 'Miracle' Tree is God's Tears -- Arborist Says It's Lice Excrement"
would this be considered more offensive, less offensive, or equally offensive?
Thoughts.......

Akkarin wrote:
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Technically, according to the Christian worldview, it is. If you have only one Creator, then all of creation must be that Creator's work, or the work of that Creator's creations, which ultimately is the same thing.

I don't see why people can't see spiritual significance in things like this if they genuinely believe they do. If a plastic shopping bag blowing in the breeze in a film is considered a philosophical eye-opener, why can't bug-butt-juice be one, as well?

Science is to the supernatural realm what spirituality is to the natural realm...unrelated. Don't mistake that for mutual exclusivity.

As living, sentient beings we have the privilege of rolling both into the human experience.

I suppose my earlier statement is a bit misleading...science and spirituality ARE related...WE are where they meet.

I believe they compliment one another, giving life more dimension and meaning.

Let's not get too wrapped around the axle about which camp is 'right.' That is a tragic argument, advanced from a flawed line of questioning, founded on a narrow perspective. Don't miss an opportunity for an inclusive experience - give your life dimension.

I always tell Christians not to let science get them down(don't ignore it, mind you) just remember that God DID do it, science simpy explains how he went about it. What good is a magic show if someone keeps giving away all the secrets?