My apologies...

Snideness on my part can only be explained by the limitations of communicating in the cyberworld. Purely unintentional, I assure you.

"What makes you think I haven't asked scholars and experts about my questions of faith?"

I neither think nor don't think that you have asked scholars or experts. It was merely a question. In your original post, you could have said something to the effect of "I have asked this scholar at this seminary this question and this is the answer he gave. This is an unsatisfactory answer to me..." You pointed out that "Christians" turn into "politicians" when asked tough questions. The question was to help clarify if you have asked specific Christians, or the man-on-the-street Christian.

"I was raised a Christian and it took a lifetime of study and thought for me to reach the point I'm at today."

May I ask how old you are? I don't mean this as a slight in any way, but rather, I have been a Christian nearly all of my life. My learning continues today after my 38 years. I forsee it continuing until the day I die.

As to some of my other points, you may have me with the photographed atoms, however, it was my understanding that the photographs that have been taken were computer enhancements of certain behaviors. Without the computer enhancement, they could not be seen. If I am wrong, I certainly hope that I am big enough to admit it.

But the point remains, at least for me. Certain aspects of atomic theory can never be proven, despite our observations. Same with astronomy. At some point, a scientist has to say, "this is what we believe happens..." That is its own faith.

"You're right, I don't share faith with the people I engage in these debates with. But isn't it the Christian duty to instill that faith in the unbelievers of the world? By participating in forums like this I'm inviting you to convince me the Bible's true because I'd be very happy if it were, and I really mean that. I'm just not going to be an easy sell, is all."

No, it is not my duty to instill faith. It is my duty to speak the message. The Holy Spirit will take care of your conviction. Your original premise however was about why God would have in his Word two identical chapters. Well, does this disprove the exsistence of God? That God does something that we do not understand it must be a mistake. Since God is supposed to be perfect, it must be the mistake of man, and man must be manufacturing all of this.

What about the content, or message of the Bible? Other than the various faux paus, and seeming contradictions, what about the overall message? I have to say, that people who want to disprove the Bible tend to point these things out, but never really get into the actual message of the Bible. From a theological perspective, what are your problems with Christianity?

Dave