Quote# 18506
I am still wondering why God says in His Word that bats are birds. Every animal which flies is either a bat, a bird, or an insect. If God calls bats a type of bird, then they must be! Perhaps He considers all flying creatures except insects to be birds. Bats are currently classified in Class "Chiroptera" while birds are classified in Class "Aves." This may have to be revised at some future date.
Both bats and birds have modified forelimbs so that the fingers become the wing. The covering for bats is fur whereas that for birds is feathers. The flying reptiles from the fossil record appear to have a different type of structure elongated to produce the wing. One assumes God would also call these flying relatives of the dinosaur, simply "birds."
In the case of insects, the wings are separate structures which protrude out of the thorax wall in addition to forelegs, much as an angel's wings do. Thus when the wings are a modification of forelimbs the critter is called "bird" and when the wings are add-ons, the critter is called "insect." {unless they are angels, that is}
While my faith is not based upon the things seen but on hearing, and hearing the Word of God, I do not need to see the proof that what God said in his Holy Word is accurate. However, there is proof somewhere for what God has said. God does not reveal all the facts which would prove his statements are true. If he did, who would exercise their faith?
Scientists tell me that bats are not birds and that grasshoppers walk on all sixes, not all fours as God has said. Bats are funny looking birds to be sure. Because they are mammals that give live birth, suckle their young, and are covered with fur, one can see why learned men mis-classified them. It was a natural error, for scientists {or other educated and intelligent men} who fail to check such things out in the bible before publishing their conclusions.
As for grasshoppers, I see that they have four legs which appear to be the primary walking legs, while the two hind legs are much larger and apparently mostly used for jumping. Ask an entomologist, and he will likely tell you that the grasshopper uses all six legs for walking thus making God out to be a liar. With whom do you agree?
These amazing biblical statements of fact are found among the food ordinances given to Moses by God are in the book of Leviticus in the Holy Bible--[KJV]
There are many other apparent contradictions within the Bible which might be explained to be no contradiction at all if we had perfect knowledge, which only God has.
Walker Spence,
Do rabbits chew their cud? 64 Comments [12/21/2006 12:00:00 AM]
Fundie Index: 9