Legislating Morality
Yesterday I had a more lengthy post up about legislating morality that I have taken down and revised into half of today's post. The gist of it was this:
1) Legislating morality does not change what is in people's hearts.
2) We should not make our country's laws based only on moral/religious grounds -- there should be a secular reason behind it. Note that does not mean that we should fail to make laws because they have a moral/religious aspect to them (for example, one of the ten commandments is "don't murder").
It is difficult for me to say this sometimes, but in the end I must acknowledge the following:
- We do not live in a theocracy and I would have a very big problem with laws based on moral/religious grounds that didn't align with my own views (what if Christianity were outlawed?).
- Even God allows people to reject him and do evil things.
3) We as Christians are called to a higher standard than the non-Christian world in which we live, and we should not delegate the enforcement of that higher standard to the government. God is sovereign no matter what happens and there will be people set apart that He works through.
Proposition 8
Given that rant, I was going to vote an adamant "no on 8".
Then I read about a first grade school field trip to a lesbian wedding under the guise of a "teachable moment".
Then I read about "Coming Out Day" and "Gay Day" in various grade schools.
Then I read about an upcoming "Gay And Lesbian History Month" in one grade school.
Then I changed my mind.
My now adamant vote of "yes on 8" has nothing to do with whether gay couples can get a piece of paper from the state that says they are married or not, nor does it have anything to do with what words are in the California constitution.
It has everything to do with using children and taxpayer money to push an agenda and flaunt a victory in the face of the opposition, at the expense of something that provides actual educational value.
I'll even throw this into a video game analogy (scary): I can't stand the Grand Theft Auto video games. I couldn't stand them before I was a Christian. I think they're stupid. I also think that the company who makes them has every right to make them, and that the people who buy them have every right to buy them. However, if my kids' schools gave them a demo of those games, advertised them heavily for a day, and glorified the dodgy characters in them for a month, I'd have a big problem with that. The idealistic rights the company has to make it just got trumped by others stomping on my rights as a parent.
Ideal or not, I'll selfishly do what's in my best interest and look out for my own rights first.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Why Do People Believe
In anything?
Because their parents did? Or their friends do? Or their culture does? This happens quite often, and understandably so, but its not really a good reason to believe something. Parents, friends, and every person in a culture can be dead wrong about something.
Because the belief gives them comfort? Or peace of mind? Or hope? Or purpose? Or a sense of identity? This also happens quite often, but its also not really a good reason to believe something. Just because I have a good feeling or positive outlook doesn't prove anything.
Because scripture says so? Or a religious leader says so? This also happens quite often, but its also not really a good reason to believe something. What scripture? The Torah? The Bible? The Book Of Mormon? The Qu'Ran? The Vedas? What leader? A pastor? The Pope? An Imam? A Rabbi? These writings and people will invariably teach completely contradictory things.
What's left here? We want to search for truth, but none of these things lead use objectively to truth.
How about because of logic? And science? And evidence? These are valid reasons to believe something. That logic, science, and evidence may very well lead us to the correct book, the correct leader(s), give us comfort and purpose, and bring friends and family to the same conclusions.
We of course do start a search for truth *somewhere*. Some views have such a clear lack of logic and evidence that they are ruled out almost immediately. What is left is a menagerie of different views that cannot all be true. So we look for evidence for or against their truth claims and see how things stack up, adjust our views, and search again.
On a final note for us Christians, let us not forget (as I do too often) that we can't take credit for the results of our search, by remembering the following words of Jesus: "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."
Any teaching is worth trusting only if it points to the truth
Because their parents did? Or their friends do? Or their culture does? This happens quite often, and understandably so, but its not really a good reason to believe something. Parents, friends, and every person in a culture can be dead wrong about something.
Because the belief gives them comfort? Or peace of mind? Or hope? Or purpose? Or a sense of identity? This also happens quite often, but its also not really a good reason to believe something. Just because I have a good feeling or positive outlook doesn't prove anything.
Because scripture says so? Or a religious leader says so? This also happens quite often, but its also not really a good reason to believe something. What scripture? The Torah? The Bible? The Book Of Mormon? The Qu'Ran? The Vedas? What leader? A pastor? The Pope? An Imam? A Rabbi? These writings and people will invariably teach completely contradictory things.
What's left here? We want to search for truth, but none of these things lead use objectively to truth.
How about because of logic? And science? And evidence? These are valid reasons to believe something. That logic, science, and evidence may very well lead us to the correct book, the correct leader(s), give us comfort and purpose, and bring friends and family to the same conclusions.
We of course do start a search for truth *somewhere*. Some views have such a clear lack of logic and evidence that they are ruled out almost immediately. What is left is a menagerie of different views that cannot all be true. So we look for evidence for or against their truth claims and see how things stack up, adjust our views, and search again.
On a final note for us Christians, let us not forget (as I do too often) that we can't take credit for the results of our search, by remembering the following words of Jesus: "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."
Any teaching is worth trusting only if it points to the truth
Monday, October 20, 2008
How We Come To Christ
I was reminded today what state we are in when we come to Christ. I needed that reminder, because for a while I had these thoughts in the back of my brain nagging at me that said "you're not doing enough" and "look at all these ways you're failing God, that's not good enough". Enough for what?
Time for a reality check.
We're only men, and we're sinners, plain and simple. That's not going to change. We don't spend all our lives eliminating the sin in our lives by ourselves so that we can come to Christ. No, that's completely backwards -- we turn to Christ first, admit the terrible state we're in, and ask Him to help us.
I just need to remember what Jesus tells us more often:
Mat 9:12-13: "...The ones who are whole do not need a physician, but the ones who are sick. But go and learn what this is, I will have mercy and not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Time for a reality check.
We're only men, and we're sinners, plain and simple. That's not going to change. We don't spend all our lives eliminating the sin in our lives by ourselves so that we can come to Christ. No, that's completely backwards -- we turn to Christ first, admit the terrible state we're in, and ask Him to help us.
I just need to remember what Jesus tells us more often:
Mat 9:12-13: "...The ones who are whole do not need a physician, but the ones who are sick. But go and learn what this is, I will have mercy and not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Sunday, October 19, 2008
We Reap What We Sow
Gal 6:7-8 says it nicely: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
We often just don't pay attention to it enough or believe it enough.
We doubt this when we see someone appear to get away with murder through a loophole in the legal system. We doubt this when we the rich, famous, and powerful appear to do whatever suits them without consequence. We doubt this when punishment for evil does not come swiftly.
We doubt this when good people experience unimaginable suffering. We doubt this when those with a heart of gold barely scrape by with severely limited income. We doubt this when reward for good does not come quickly.
We doubt because we are limited beings and cannot see inside people's minds and hearts. We cannot see the full chain of cause and effect that happens because of someone's actions. We cannot see into the future of anyone's life on this earth, nor can we see beyond this life.
However, we have only to look into our own lives to see how this principle is true.
How often have we wronged someone else without any retaliation on his/her part, or without any guilt/shame on our part? And if we think we actually have been able to wrong someone without any noticeable negative effect, did we move a little more down a bad path? Were we able to wrong someone much more easily the next time? And the next?
How often have we helped someone else with no outward motivation without feeling greater joy for having done so, or without having him/her later do something in return? And if we think we actually have been able to help someone without any noticeable positive effect, did we move a little more down a good path? Were we able to help someone much more easily the next time? And the next?
Never be fooled by appearances; they ARE deceiving. We will ALWAYS reap what we sow, whether it is only a tiny effect felt in this life for some evil act or good deed, eternal punishment for rejecting God, or eternal life for our faith in Him.
We often just don't pay attention to it enough or believe it enough.
We doubt this when we see someone appear to get away with murder through a loophole in the legal system. We doubt this when we the rich, famous, and powerful appear to do whatever suits them without consequence. We doubt this when punishment for evil does not come swiftly.
We doubt this when good people experience unimaginable suffering. We doubt this when those with a heart of gold barely scrape by with severely limited income. We doubt this when reward for good does not come quickly.
We doubt because we are limited beings and cannot see inside people's minds and hearts. We cannot see the full chain of cause and effect that happens because of someone's actions. We cannot see into the future of anyone's life on this earth, nor can we see beyond this life.
However, we have only to look into our own lives to see how this principle is true.
How often have we wronged someone else without any retaliation on his/her part, or without any guilt/shame on our part? And if we think we actually have been able to wrong someone without any noticeable negative effect, did we move a little more down a bad path? Were we able to wrong someone much more easily the next time? And the next?
How often have we helped someone else with no outward motivation without feeling greater joy for having done so, or without having him/her later do something in return? And if we think we actually have been able to help someone without any noticeable positive effect, did we move a little more down a good path? Were we able to help someone much more easily the next time? And the next?
Never be fooled by appearances; they ARE deceiving. We will ALWAYS reap what we sow, whether it is only a tiny effect felt in this life for some evil act or good deed, eternal punishment for rejecting God, or eternal life for our faith in Him.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Need For Repentance
From what I read here and there on the Internet, people, myself included, don't mention the need for repentance nearly enough when talking about the gospel. However, Jesus makes a solid point about it:
Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Mar 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
Luk 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Jesus' disciples made a point about it too:
Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Act 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Act 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
So when we share the good news, let's not forget that repentance is a part of it -- we can't just turn to Jesus without turning from something. What is that something? That something is sin.
We have to admit that we're sinners. We have to hate sin. We have to abandon sin. Jesus will help us do these things as we turn to Him, and that is a whole lot better than being a fake Christian who says with his lips something contrary to what is in his heart.
Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Mar 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
Luk 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Jesus' disciples made a point about it too:
Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Act 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Act 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
So when we share the good news, let's not forget that repentance is a part of it -- we can't just turn to Jesus without turning from something. What is that something? That something is sin.
We have to admit that we're sinners. We have to hate sin. We have to abandon sin. Jesus will help us do these things as we turn to Him, and that is a whole lot better than being a fake Christian who says with his lips something contrary to what is in his heart.
Monday, October 13, 2008
4 Steps To Lasting Joy
First, Seek And Believe.
God gives us evidence of His existence:
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse
Jesus says we should seek the kingdom of God:
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Jesus says that if we seek, we will find:
Luk 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Luk 11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
We will also be rewarded for seeking:
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Next, Trust.
Jesus says we must trust Him:
Mar 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Luk 17:6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Joh 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
Next, Follow And Do.
Jesus says we must follow Him:
Mat 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
Mar 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Luk 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
In Christ we are a new creation, for good works:
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Works come from trusting Jesus and following Him:
Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Jas 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Jas 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Finally, Enjoy It.
Jesus says that His commandments, which we keep partially through the works we do, are so our joy may be full:
Joh 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
Joh 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
Joh 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Joh 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Joh 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Now, we must not forget that none of this is because of anything we did.
No one seeks for God on their own:
Rom 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
It is God the Father who draws us to Jesus:
Joh 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Thus, we are saved by God's grace alone, not anything we do:
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Thank you!
So, thank you Father; thank you Jesus!
Thank you for the grace that you have given me that allows me to see that Jesus suffered and died for my sins and rose from the dead. Thank you for the grace you have given me that allows me to put my trust in you for everything, including guiding me through my life on earth, providing for me and my family, and, most importantly, my salvation. Thank you for the grace that replaced a slavery to sin with a desire to do good for your glory.
God gives us evidence of His existence:
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse
Jesus says we should seek the kingdom of God:
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Jesus says that if we seek, we will find:
Luk 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Luk 11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
We will also be rewarded for seeking:
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Next, Trust.
Jesus says we must trust Him:
Mar 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Luk 17:6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Joh 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
Next, Follow And Do.
Jesus says we must follow Him:
Mat 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
Mar 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Luk 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
In Christ we are a new creation, for good works:
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Works come from trusting Jesus and following Him:
Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Jas 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Jas 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Finally, Enjoy It.
Jesus says that His commandments, which we keep partially through the works we do, are so our joy may be full:
Joh 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
Joh 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
Joh 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Joh 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Joh 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Now, we must not forget that none of this is because of anything we did.
No one seeks for God on their own:
Rom 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
It is God the Father who draws us to Jesus:
Joh 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Thus, we are saved by God's grace alone, not anything we do:
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Thank you!
So, thank you Father; thank you Jesus!
Thank you for the grace that you have given me that allows me to see that Jesus suffered and died for my sins and rose from the dead. Thank you for the grace you have given me that allows me to put my trust in you for everything, including guiding me through my life on earth, providing for me and my family, and, most importantly, my salvation. Thank you for the grace that replaced a slavery to sin with a desire to do good for your glory.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Conditional Faith Doesn't Work
To God: "God, thank you so much..."
Subconsciously: "...as long as things in my life don't change".
To God: "God, I trust you to take care of me..."
Subconsciously: "...by making sure I don't lose my job".
To God: "God, I trust in you completely..."
Subconsciously: "...as long as my friend doesn't die".
What good is conditional faith? By thinking along the lines above, we're saying to God that we only have faith in Him and praise Him when things are going our way. We put God in a little box and try to make Him fit OUR standards!
What right do we have to do that? Zero. We didn't create the entire universe, nor do we have dominion over it. We can't see God's plan for our lives from beginning to end.
That we exist, that we have people close to us, and that we have things to call our own is a gift -- everything is a gift, as everything, including ourselves, belongs to God.
Given that, we should give God praise, ALWAYS.
Given that, we should trust in God, ALWAYS.
That's a lot easier said than done. I said it, but that doesn't mean I do it -- really, I just REALIZED it. But now that I realize it, I can ask God to help me praise Him and trust in Him in all circumstances, and not allow the storms of this life to push me away from God when I need Him the most.
As usual, here is a related article I found that I thought was very good:
http://www.musings.per.sg/gallery/files/How%20to%20Praise%20God%20in%20All%20Circumstances.pdf
Subconsciously: "...as long as things in my life don't change".
To God: "God, I trust you to take care of me..."
Subconsciously: "...by making sure I don't lose my job".
To God: "God, I trust in you completely..."
Subconsciously: "...as long as my friend doesn't die".
What good is conditional faith? By thinking along the lines above, we're saying to God that we only have faith in Him and praise Him when things are going our way. We put God in a little box and try to make Him fit OUR standards!
What right do we have to do that? Zero. We didn't create the entire universe, nor do we have dominion over it. We can't see God's plan for our lives from beginning to end.
That we exist, that we have people close to us, and that we have things to call our own is a gift -- everything is a gift, as everything, including ourselves, belongs to God.
Given that, we should give God praise, ALWAYS.
Given that, we should trust in God, ALWAYS.
That's a lot easier said than done. I said it, but that doesn't mean I do it -- really, I just REALIZED it. But now that I realize it, I can ask God to help me praise Him and trust in Him in all circumstances, and not allow the storms of this life to push me away from God when I need Him the most.
As usual, here is a related article I found that I thought was very good:
http://www.musings.per.sg/gallery/files/How%20to%20Praise%20God%20in%20All%20Circumstances.pdf
Monday, October 6, 2008
Faith Versus Belief
I've done a lot of searching (and have a lot more to do). I like to look for evidence supporting the existence of God the Father, the reality of Christ's death and resurrection, the accuracy and inerrancy of the Bible, etc. I like that I can look at the evidence and come to a logical and honest conclusion about these things. I thought that doing this served to strengthen my faith.
Then a question ran through my head tonight, wondering how much faith I actually had if I kept looking for this evidence. I.e. does it actually weaken faith to keep looking for evidence like this? It appeared to me as if I was being like Thomas -- who had to see the Lord's pierced hands and side to believe that he rose from the dead, rather than trusting in what the other disciples told him.
Then I realized that faith and belief are two different things, and that part of what I considered to be faith was not, it is belief.
Belief is what we think reality is -- "confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof". I believe in God, and in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I will continue to search for things to strengthen that belief.
That is not enough.
Faith is trust -- "confidence or trust in a person or thing". I have faith in God, but realize now that it is not as big as I thought it to be. It needs to grow. I'd like for it to be at least as big as a mustard seed!
I had the two intertwined for so long, I thought they were the same thing. I pray now that both my faith and belief are strengthened, for they clearly are different.
Then a question ran through my head tonight, wondering how much faith I actually had if I kept looking for this evidence. I.e. does it actually weaken faith to keep looking for evidence like this? It appeared to me as if I was being like Thomas -- who had to see the Lord's pierced hands and side to believe that he rose from the dead, rather than trusting in what the other disciples told him.
Then I realized that faith and belief are two different things, and that part of what I considered to be faith was not, it is belief.
Belief is what we think reality is -- "confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof". I believe in God, and in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I will continue to search for things to strengthen that belief.
That is not enough.
Faith is trust -- "confidence or trust in a person or thing". I have faith in God, but realize now that it is not as big as I thought it to be. It needs to grow. I'd like for it to be at least as big as a mustard seed!
I had the two intertwined for so long, I thought they were the same thing. I pray now that both my faith and belief are strengthened, for they clearly are different.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
In The Beginning
I have been having e-mail discussions with a good friend of mine about the origin and nature of the universe. If I am not misrepresenting him here, his position is that the universe and God are eternal (both have always existed and will exist forever), and that "afterlife places" (this is another discussion between us -- I will just say heaven/hell) exist within what we know as the universe. My position is God is eternal, but the universe is not -- it had a distinct beginning and will eventually end, and that heaven/hell exist outside of it. We both found each others' position hard to understand. :-)
This has little bearing on the point of this post, other than its background that got me thinking a little bit more about the age of the universe, which I consider as a separate argument from the age of the earth. There are three reasonable possibilities in my mind (many more if you want to tie actual numbers to any of these):
1) Young earth, young universe
2) Young earth, old universe
3) Old earth, old universe
There aren't four, because I don't see how you could have an old earth and young universe. Anyone that claims this probably needs to see some kind of doctor.
I did some searching on the Internet and found that there are creationists in all three camps arguing about why their view is correct and non-creationists in the third camp arguing about why their view is correct (I don't know of any non-creationists in the first two camps!). No one was of any particular help, but the arguments were interesting.
I accept that biblical and scientific evidence that points to a young earth, but I'm still curious if that means that the universe is also young.
I opened my Bible up to Genesis 1 and read it again:
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
I had a thought that maybe, yes, in the beginning God made the universe, but this formless earth sat around for a long time before God did anything with it -- and then in six days He took this formless earth and made it into the earth we know. I don't know how popular this view is (I didn't see much about it ), but I found at least one other person that thought about it:
http://www.cs.unc.edu/~plaisted/ce/oldyoung.html
Regarding a young earth and young universe, this page gave a good summary of past theories that were pretty weak, and a good summary of a recent cosmological model proposed by Dr. Humphreys:
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-aig/aig-c005.html
In the end I'm probably more in the "young earth, young universe" camp then the "young earth, old universe" camp. Nailing down the age of the universe is not relevant to my salvation, but it makes for some interesting reading and discussion.
On a final note, in looking up information about the various arguments for the age of the earth and universe, I came across this page that gives a really good explanation of why Christians shouldn't blow off the young-earth versus old-earth discussion as irrelevant:
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-c026.html
This has little bearing on the point of this post, other than its background that got me thinking a little bit more about the age of the universe, which I consider as a separate argument from the age of the earth. There are three reasonable possibilities in my mind (many more if you want to tie actual numbers to any of these):
1) Young earth, young universe
2) Young earth, old universe
3) Old earth, old universe
There aren't four, because I don't see how you could have an old earth and young universe. Anyone that claims this probably needs to see some kind of doctor.
I did some searching on the Internet and found that there are creationists in all three camps arguing about why their view is correct and non-creationists in the third camp arguing about why their view is correct (I don't know of any non-creationists in the first two camps!). No one was of any particular help, but the arguments were interesting.
I accept that biblical and scientific evidence that points to a young earth, but I'm still curious if that means that the universe is also young.
I opened my Bible up to Genesis 1 and read it again:
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
I had a thought that maybe, yes, in the beginning God made the universe, but this formless earth sat around for a long time before God did anything with it -- and then in six days He took this formless earth and made it into the earth we know. I don't know how popular this view is (I didn't see much about it ), but I found at least one other person that thought about it:
http://www.cs.unc.edu/~plaisted/ce/oldyoung.html
Regarding a young earth and young universe, this page gave a good summary of past theories that were pretty weak, and a good summary of a recent cosmological model proposed by Dr. Humphreys:
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-aig/aig-c005.html
In the end I'm probably more in the "young earth, young universe" camp then the "young earth, old universe" camp. Nailing down the age of the universe is not relevant to my salvation, but it makes for some interesting reading and discussion.
On a final note, in looking up information about the various arguments for the age of the earth and universe, I came across this page that gives a really good explanation of why Christians shouldn't blow off the young-earth versus old-earth discussion as irrelevant:
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-c026.html
Representing Jesus
About a month ago, I bought some shirts from http://www.notw.com/ that focus on Christ and wear them fairly regularly. The reason was two-fold. First, I wanted to let other people know I was a Christian and who I (try to) represent. This was my more subtle way of doing it than randomly telling people. Second, I wanted a constant remember to myself who I (am trying to) represent.
Tonight I was exiting a little walkway in a restaurant as a gentleman was entering. He touched my arm briefly and said to me "great shirt, brother". That put a big smile on my face and reminded me how many brothers and sisters in Christ Jamie and I have.
Tonight I was exiting a little walkway in a restaurant as a gentleman was entering. He touched my arm briefly and said to me "great shirt, brother". That put a big smile on my face and reminded me how many brothers and sisters in Christ Jamie and I have.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
I copied this from someone's post on a forum and cleaned up the typos. I heard about it first on Bob Dutko.
Skeptic magazine (Vol. 9, No. 4 2003) claims a theory (rather elaborate) based by research done on laboratory rats. They state the scientific testing shows that if three things happen simultaneously then a death like state occurs. The following is from this issue of Skeptic magazine as written by Michael Persinger...
1) Limbic Epilepsy or Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. The seizures induced by this specific form of epilepsy are described as 'partial complex seizures'. People who have this form of epilepsy are affected primarily by behavioral and personality changes. Most people who have this form of epilepsy are extremely creative and have noticeable altered thought patterns. In fact a few of the changes include: feeling as though they are 'chosen', interpreting events to be from some cosmic source (i.e. God), compulsion to tell others or 'proselytize' their beliefs, obsession with the origins of the universe or world and the purpose of existence, accelerated excellence in oral discourse.
"Many of the individuals who display these electrical transients are very intelligent, creative people who perceive their environment quite differently from the average person. However they may be more prone to periods of depression, irritability and altered sexuality. Perhaps the most defining characteristic of these individuals is their frequent experiences of a sensed presence or Sentient Being, with or without auditory experiences, that are attributed to the cultural deity, such as Yahweh, Allah or to angels"
2) In laboratory testing on rats with Limbic epilepsy, a certain type of drug has been administered, 'acepromazine' and later substituted with 'reserpine'. Reserpine is an alkaloid that comes from a plant called Rauwolfia serpentine (a plant growing naturally in India). This drug was used historically to treat symptoms of insanity, hypertension and insomnia. It depletes the brain of certain neurotransmitters. While we have very little knowledge of Jesus during his teen years, it is potentially possible that he may have had contact with Essene or Eastern philosophies. This would have made him familiar with the "psychotropic traditions of the East regarding consumption of plant extracts, like reserpine, and the subsequent but transient 'death-like' conditions".
3) Physical Restraint. When the rats with limbic epilepsy were injected with Reserpine and physically restrained, they would exhibit symptoms of death. Extreme forms of hypothermia, death like state, which lasted 3 days, and then the rats would recover. They appeared normal but "they developed a type of dishevelment, lowered body weight, alteration in preferred diet, permanent deficits in memory, and a propensity for spontaneous seizures for the rest of their lives".
There are few descriptions of Jesus' actual behavior, it is possible that the ones that do exist could be matched with descriptions of those suffering from limbic epilepsy. Skeptic magazine describes it as "His bouts of rage at the temple, auditory instructions and debates during his wanderings for 40 days in the desert, his emotional liability (such as crying), requirements to be isolated concurrent with marked moodiness, the nascent focus of his philosophies and the compelling feeling that he was 'special and chosen' suggest he displayed markedly elevated temporal lobe experiences".
Wow. You have got to be kidding me.
1) What about brain damage? "Hey Thomas, check out these holes in my hands and feet. Got any fish? I'm hungry. Can you comb my hair for me because I can't do it for myself now?"
2) What about all those wounds, especially on the hands, feet, and the spear to the chest? No big deal, He would have be just fine.
3) What about walking out of the tomb? No big deal, He could have move that stone away and got out with any of the soldiers seeing Him.
4) How exactly does TLE let someone control the weather, turn water into wine, walk on water, heal people, cast out demons, cure leprosy, and raise people from the dead, as was reported by eyewitnesses? I don't think it does!
I see now that I really don't have the kind of faith it takes to be an atheist.
Skeptic magazine (Vol. 9, No. 4 2003) claims a theory (rather elaborate) based by research done on laboratory rats. They state the scientific testing shows that if three things happen simultaneously then a death like state occurs. The following is from this issue of Skeptic magazine as written by Michael Persinger...
1) Limbic Epilepsy or Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. The seizures induced by this specific form of epilepsy are described as 'partial complex seizures'. People who have this form of epilepsy are affected primarily by behavioral and personality changes. Most people who have this form of epilepsy are extremely creative and have noticeable altered thought patterns. In fact a few of the changes include: feeling as though they are 'chosen', interpreting events to be from some cosmic source (i.e. God), compulsion to tell others or 'proselytize' their beliefs, obsession with the origins of the universe or world and the purpose of existence, accelerated excellence in oral discourse.
"Many of the individuals who display these electrical transients are very intelligent, creative people who perceive their environment quite differently from the average person. However they may be more prone to periods of depression, irritability and altered sexuality. Perhaps the most defining characteristic of these individuals is their frequent experiences of a sensed presence or Sentient Being, with or without auditory experiences, that are attributed to the cultural deity, such as Yahweh, Allah or to angels"
2) In laboratory testing on rats with Limbic epilepsy, a certain type of drug has been administered, 'acepromazine' and later substituted with 'reserpine'. Reserpine is an alkaloid that comes from a plant called Rauwolfia serpentine (a plant growing naturally in India). This drug was used historically to treat symptoms of insanity, hypertension and insomnia. It depletes the brain of certain neurotransmitters. While we have very little knowledge of Jesus during his teen years, it is potentially possible that he may have had contact with Essene or Eastern philosophies. This would have made him familiar with the "psychotropic traditions of the East regarding consumption of plant extracts, like reserpine, and the subsequent but transient 'death-like' conditions".
3) Physical Restraint. When the rats with limbic epilepsy were injected with Reserpine and physically restrained, they would exhibit symptoms of death. Extreme forms of hypothermia, death like state, which lasted 3 days, and then the rats would recover. They appeared normal but "they developed a type of dishevelment, lowered body weight, alteration in preferred diet, permanent deficits in memory, and a propensity for spontaneous seizures for the rest of their lives".
There are few descriptions of Jesus' actual behavior, it is possible that the ones that do exist could be matched with descriptions of those suffering from limbic epilepsy. Skeptic magazine describes it as "His bouts of rage at the temple, auditory instructions and debates during his wanderings for 40 days in the desert, his emotional liability (such as crying), requirements to be isolated concurrent with marked moodiness, the nascent focus of his philosophies and the compelling feeling that he was 'special and chosen' suggest he displayed markedly elevated temporal lobe experiences".
Wow. You have got to be kidding me.
1) What about brain damage? "Hey Thomas, check out these holes in my hands and feet. Got any fish? I'm hungry. Can you comb my hair for me because I can't do it for myself now?"
2) What about all those wounds, especially on the hands, feet, and the spear to the chest? No big deal, He would have be just fine.
3) What about walking out of the tomb? No big deal, He could have move that stone away and got out with any of the soldiers seeing Him.
4) How exactly does TLE let someone control the weather, turn water into wine, walk on water, heal people, cast out demons, cure leprosy, and raise people from the dead, as was reported by eyewitnesses? I don't think it does!
I see now that I really don't have the kind of faith it takes to be an atheist.
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