Saint Augustine. If you don't know the name then I feel sorry for you. He is one of the most profound theologians of the Christian Faith and his most famous work "Confessions" is a beautiful story of his transition from sinner to saint. At the moment I am about half-way through this seminal work, but it has challenged me in my personal walk with God in a way that few books have.
The most interesting point of note I have come across recently was an observation that Augustine made while trying to discern where evil comes from. He writes that he began with the assumption that "God allows evil to happen" and then worked from that idea. This is a very human thing to do. It is so simple to attribute to God the mistakes that humans make, and this is exactly the conclusion that Augustine comes to. He states that it is not that God allows evil to happen, rather it is that God allows humans to choose our own actions, and we choose evil. Evil is easy, it is simple, and in the modern world it often gives the most immediate benefits. The man who lies to an employer will gain the job over the one who tells the truth (if the liar is not found out). The spouse who has an affair will reap the immediate rewards of carnal pleasure. The person who cheats on an exam will receive a better grade than the one who took their test honestly.
Evil is simple, and it works perfectly in a fallen world. God gave us a choice to do good, or to do evil, and we naturally choose evil. (Romans 3:23). It is a struggle to choose good, no matter what hollywood tells us with their heroes in white hats who always choose the right thing to do. The world is not so black and white. We sin. It's our nature. God does not wish it so. He does not allow evil to happen, we do. If we blame God for the bad things that happen in this world, then maybe we should go out and try to fix it instead of spending all our time wearing holes in the knees of our pants trying to "search out God's reasons" God is unsearchable; however, he has given all of us the tools to choose good and fight evil, but when we do nothing we are allowing bad things to happen simply by way of our own inactivity.
Now, before you jump on me, I am not belittling prayer in any way, shape, or form. Prayer is one of, if not the most important parts of life. It has real-world power that cannot be contested, but James wrote, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead." (James 2:26) We must act upon what calls us to action, because all of the conviction in the world is absolutely worthless if we do nothing.
St. Augustine may not have had the perfect answer for why evil is present, but it is still something to think about.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
100 Meter Dash
I was reading from Aristotle's "Ethics" today and I came across this passage, "Hence the young man is not a fit student of Moral Philosophy, for he has no experience in the actions of life, while all that is said presupposes and is concerned with these: and in the next place, since he is apt to follow the impulses of his passions, he will hear as though he heard not, and to no profit, the end in view being practice and not mere knowledge." Now what Aristotle is getting at in the larger picture is that we should define a certain point or goal that we wish to achieve, and only once this goal has been set can we move forward in life. He is asserting that young men (such as myself) should not strive to form their own ideas, but rather to learn from those who have gone before them.
As I was reading that I thought of the passage in the book of Matthew which says "This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand." Matthew 13:13-14
How many times in life do we think that we are ready for something, but in reality we are fooling ourselves? Jesus knew that the people he was speaking to were not ready for deep seated theological conversations, but he also knew that only those who were truly receptive to his words would be given the power to understand what he was saying.
God is continually speaking to us, sometimes in the smallest details of life, sometimes with something more substantial. In our fast paced, iphone addicted, Facebook addled world we are more focused on keeping up with the Jones's than we are with keeping our relationship with God right. God is always there, waiting for us to open up and be receptive to his words, but we put him off and tell ourselves that we will get to our devotional time later, but then never do.
Now, i know that all of this has been said before, and it will definitely be said again, but we are in a culture that is devaluing religion in favor of more profane activities.
The Apostle Paul writes "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24
If we keep our eyes set on earthly things, then our prize will be the things of this earth. The traditional theologian would tell you that the prizes of this earth are despair, being unfulfilled, and things like that, but I have a different opinion. I have had many friends who can only be described as "happy pagans". These people aren't religious, they live very fulfilled (in their opinion) lives through their work and their families, and the small things in life bring them joy. So if they keep their eyes focused on these earthly pursuits then that is what they will receive on this earth. . . . but then one day they will die and lose all of it.
Those who keep their eye fixed on the prize that Paul is talking about; Jesus, will receive all that he has to offer, which is so much more than the earth can give. Jesus offers us joy, peace, fulfillment, a treasure that will not pass away or be eaten by moths, a friend to the friendless and all of those trite expressions you've heard in church. Those who follow God will one day live with him in paradise.
This is all just a thought, do with it as you will, but I would recommend running harder and further than you ever have, because in this race there is no prize for second place.
Have a great day, and God Bless.
As I was reading that I thought of the passage in the book of Matthew which says "This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand." Matthew 13:13-14
How many times in life do we think that we are ready for something, but in reality we are fooling ourselves? Jesus knew that the people he was speaking to were not ready for deep seated theological conversations, but he also knew that only those who were truly receptive to his words would be given the power to understand what he was saying.
God is continually speaking to us, sometimes in the smallest details of life, sometimes with something more substantial. In our fast paced, iphone addicted, Facebook addled world we are more focused on keeping up with the Jones's than we are with keeping our relationship with God right. God is always there, waiting for us to open up and be receptive to his words, but we put him off and tell ourselves that we will get to our devotional time later, but then never do.
Now, i know that all of this has been said before, and it will definitely be said again, but we are in a culture that is devaluing religion in favor of more profane activities.
The Apostle Paul writes "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24
If we keep our eyes set on earthly things, then our prize will be the things of this earth. The traditional theologian would tell you that the prizes of this earth are despair, being unfulfilled, and things like that, but I have a different opinion. I have had many friends who can only be described as "happy pagans". These people aren't religious, they live very fulfilled (in their opinion) lives through their work and their families, and the small things in life bring them joy. So if they keep their eyes focused on these earthly pursuits then that is what they will receive on this earth. . . . but then one day they will die and lose all of it.
Those who keep their eye fixed on the prize that Paul is talking about; Jesus, will receive all that he has to offer, which is so much more than the earth can give. Jesus offers us joy, peace, fulfillment, a treasure that will not pass away or be eaten by moths, a friend to the friendless and all of those trite expressions you've heard in church. Those who follow God will one day live with him in paradise.
This is all just a thought, do with it as you will, but I would recommend running harder and further than you ever have, because in this race there is no prize for second place.
Have a great day, and God Bless.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Why Valentine's Day is Awesome
Boxes of chocolate, proposals, fancy dinners, tiny little heart shaped candy that say words like "be mine" and taste like chalk. This, ladies and gentleman is Valentines day, or a small part of it.
Valentines day can also be one of the saddest days of the year, suicide rates are actually the highest around this time of the year, which is a tragedy that shouldn't happen. People try to cope with this day by calling it "Single's awareness day" or satirize the whole process as the popular TV show "How I met your mother" did in the episode "Desperation Day". Those of us who are single laugh about how much money we will be saving and how we can just enjoy this time of year, while an equal number of us bemoan our single status and think that we will be forever alone.
I don't believe in this version of Valentines day. If you've ever met me you know that I am a happy person (if I've had my coffee), so even though I am single, I love this holiday. Everyone who is in a relationship is almost invariably happier during this time of year when hopeless romanticism is out in full force. Big romantic gestures become the norm, and for one day at least, many people get to enjoy the type of love that they have seen in romantic comedy's and disney movies alike. This is also the time of year to be thankful for the people who do love you, even if it is in a strictly platonic sense. We all have friends and family who love us and care about our happiness. If you really think that you are alone then that is simply an idea that you have generated in your own mind because you enjoy being lonely, or get a rush out of wallowing in self-pity. Love is all around you, even if you are not a Christian, God still loves you and His is the greatest love you will ever know. So at the very least, look to God on Valentines day and thank him for the Love that He gives.
Love is a powerful emotion. "Love is patient, Love is kind, It does not envy, It does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. . ." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
That is probably one of my favorite verses in the Bible, because it so succinctly sums up the Love that God has for us.
Many people who are in relationships look at those who aren't and think that there is no possible way that they could be happy on Valentines day, but I beg to differ. Love encompasses so much more than Romantic love, and I am more than happy to enjoy my Valentines day surrounded by those who love me and expect nothing from me in return.
Here's hoping you have a very happy Valentines Day!!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Societal Cloak of Invincibility
Guess what guys (and gals, to be pc)? I am INVINCIBLE!!! I discovered this while I was driving a tractor doing what I do. I was reflecting back on how I'm not necessarily the safest driver in the world, but then again who doesn't text while changing songs on their ipod all while trying to finish off a burrito and wash it down with pepsi? okay, maybe it's just me. . .anyways, I discovered that I don't really have a huge concern towards my own safety when I'm driving, but it doesn't matter since i'm invincible. Why am I invincible?
Well it's simple. James Bond. . .Jason Bourne. . .Die Hard. . .Medal of Honor. . .Halo. . .Assassins Creed. . .Medicine . . .hospitals.
What do these seemingly random things all have in common? (besides the fact that they all have letters in their names) well, all of these are things from society that cause us to believe that we are invincible. . .and by we I of course mean all of us male specimens doped up on abnormally high levels of testosterone, the side effects of which include more hair in. . .everywhere, enough muscle to make us think we can take on a WWE star, and lets not forget the ability to focus on one object at a time, usually of a feminine nature. . .oh and the ability to ignore any ideas that we may be susceptible to skin cancer, high blood pressure, car wrecks, and randomly getting shot in drive by's.
Back to my list of random objects, James bond and Jason bourne (and of course the bald guy from die hard) all of these are action stars who never die. . .in fact, most of them never even get shot. they are invincible. . .Medal of Honor, Halo, and Assassins Creed, in each of these video games we can die, yeah. . .but we can respawn every time that we do. Medicine and Hospitals. . .these have given us the ability to survive almost anything that nature can throw at us. . .(except MRSA, cause you actually GET that in hospitals. . .go figure). . .in addition, medicine and hospitals have prolonged the average life expectancy by almost 20 years since the beginning of the 20th century.
In light of al this, the belief that we can't die at a young age is perpetuated by Society.
Well it's simple. James Bond. . .Jason Bourne. . .Die Hard. . .Medal of Honor. . .Halo. . .Assassins Creed. . .Medicine . . .hospitals.
What do these seemingly random things all have in common? (besides the fact that they all have letters in their names) well, all of these are things from society that cause us to believe that we are invincible. . .and by we I of course mean all of us male specimens doped up on abnormally high levels of testosterone, the side effects of which include more hair in. . .everywhere, enough muscle to make us think we can take on a WWE star, and lets not forget the ability to focus on one object at a time, usually of a feminine nature. . .oh and the ability to ignore any ideas that we may be susceptible to skin cancer, high blood pressure, car wrecks, and randomly getting shot in drive by's.
Back to my list of random objects, James bond and Jason bourne (and of course the bald guy from die hard) all of these are action stars who never die. . .in fact, most of them never even get shot. they are invincible. . .Medal of Honor, Halo, and Assassins Creed, in each of these video games we can die, yeah. . .but we can respawn every time that we do. Medicine and Hospitals. . .these have given us the ability to survive almost anything that nature can throw at us. . .(except MRSA, cause you actually GET that in hospitals. . .go figure). . .in addition, medicine and hospitals have prolonged the average life expectancy by almost 20 years since the beginning of the 20th century.
In light of al this, the belief that we can't die at a young age is perpetuated by Society.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Is all scripture God breathed/inspired?
Okay, this one will be short. I promise.
There are a lot of people who state that all scripture is inspired by God. Where do they get this idea? well it comes from 2 Timothy 3:16 which states "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness".
Solid right?
Unfortunately not so much.
Paul was writing this to Timothy in the early first century. . .almost 200 years before the council of Carthage (which is what decided which books made it into the bible)
In other words, the 'scripture' that Paul is referring to is the Torah, Septuagint, etc. . . The Jewish Scriptures. He wasn't even referring to the Gospels, Acts or the Epistles. So in other words. Is the rest of the Holy Bible God-breathed? you decide. (But just remember that whether or not the New Testament is God inspired is not something adressed in the Bible so it is open for interpretation)
As a disclaimer, I still believe in Jesus, God and the Holy spirit. . . I just think that questioning our faith makes us stronger.
There are a lot of people who state that all scripture is inspired by God. Where do they get this idea? well it comes from 2 Timothy 3:16 which states "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness".
Solid right?
Unfortunately not so much.
Paul was writing this to Timothy in the early first century. . .almost 200 years before the council of Carthage (which is what decided which books made it into the bible)
In other words, the 'scripture' that Paul is referring to is the Torah, Septuagint, etc. . . The Jewish Scriptures. He wasn't even referring to the Gospels, Acts or the Epistles. So in other words. Is the rest of the Holy Bible God-breathed? you decide. (But just remember that whether or not the New Testament is God inspired is not something adressed in the Bible so it is open for interpretation)
As a disclaimer, I still believe in Jesus, God and the Holy spirit. . . I just think that questioning our faith makes us stronger.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Midnight Musings (also Theological Thoughts)
So, just to forewarn you, this blog isn't going to be funny. If you are looking forward to a comedic relief from your drab existence, then go watch a brian regan video.
Tonight I was reading through Hebrews (one of my favorite books) and Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (keep that one in your head for a moment) then as I went through the passage I came upon verse 6 which states "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Let's focus on that last part of the verse. . . no I'm not throwing out the first part, i'm narrowing my focus.. . "he rewards those who earnestly seek him." This got me thinking about the people who follow the teachings of men like Kenneth Copeland and Joel Osteen, in other words, The Prosperity Gospel. Now, I don't necessarily agree with this type of teaching, but are these preachers wrong? I mean. . .to be honest, they are pulling straight from the bible, and not just in Hebrews, but in other places as well (mountains being thrown into the sea, anyone?). These guys are just a rag-tag team of men touting cardboard signs and selling a get rich quick scheme, they are selling (for the sake of the metaphor I'm going to say selling), they are selling THE get rich quick scheme. God not only rewards believers on Earth (not necessarily in material posessions, mind you) but also in Heaven. So, tonight, I have turned somewhat of a 175 degree turn, I don't beleive that those who worship God will never face trouble, (that's unbiblical), but I do think that there is something to what these ministers are saying. SO PLEASE. . .stop decrying the work that these ministers are doing. Their hearts are in the right place, and lets be honest. They are fulfilling the great commission,(something many of us fail to do, if you think that you are doing a good job of it, let me ask you a question. . .have you converted thousands of people to christianity? No? oh i'm sorry, would you like a consolation prize? oh. . .you would? well too bad. . . untill you are the cause of thousands of people converting to christianity, I don't want to hear another word about "watered down preaching" or "weak doctrinal issues" or anything of the sort. Only God can read a man's heart, only God knows if someone is truly saved or not, and does it really matter how the individual reaches this point?
Speaking of points, I have another one. . .(I know, you all thought that I was done, well guess what? I'm not.. . sorry)
My final point is that of seeker services. . .some of you know exactly what these are. They are services geared towards people with little to no background in christianity, and they focus on saving people.. . .That sounds great right? well, there are people who disagree with these forms of worship because they don't believe that "the people know what they're getting in to" or that "They won't be very strong in their faith". Well, let's stop right there. Many of the people posing these arguments have been christians since childhood (my apologies to the rest of you) yes thats right. . .CHILDHOOD. These people who accepted Christ as their savior before they could read, before they could vote, and before they knew what the difference between Apostle and Epistle meant, These are the same people complaining that the progeny of seeker services don't know enough about christ, or that the services are watered down. Watered down? Jesus had to turn morality into fictional stories so that the people could grasp what was going on. . .Jesus didn't start spouting off the hundreds of Jewish laws that existed. . .NO, he watered down his teachings and when the man asked him "what must I do to be saved" Jesus didn't spout off Temple law, or even start quoting Leviticus, he simply gave him five.
Christianity isn't a -dive into the deep end of the pool without swimming lessons- kind of religion. It's a growing experience where you are expected to throw aside your old self so that you can make room for all of the new parts that you will be gaining as you walk daily with Christ. Rome wasn't built in a day, and I have yet to meet the man or woman who can read through the bible in an hour, or even adhere to half of what it says for more than a day. Because no matter how much we kid ourselves, the best of us are still dirty, rotten, no good slimeballs from the dregs of humanity. and yet we are Gods creation. God desires for each of us to know and love him. So who cares how we get to know him? If someone watching a televangelist is inspired to go pick up a bible for the first time then thanks be to God.
So in closing, I hope that my post at least made you think, and i'm dead serious. . .until you have saved a couple thousand souls from damnation**, I don't want any of you to speak ill of someone who holds the high position of teaching the Children of God about their father.
**In reference to damnation, I refuse to use the words eternal, and damnation together, because I'm still working that out, if you are curious to know my views on this subject, then I would be more than happy to discuss this with you, but until then, Adieu.
Tonight I was reading through Hebrews (one of my favorite books) and Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (keep that one in your head for a moment) then as I went through the passage I came upon verse 6 which states "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Let's focus on that last part of the verse. . . no I'm not throwing out the first part, i'm narrowing my focus.. . "he rewards those who earnestly seek him." This got me thinking about the people who follow the teachings of men like Kenneth Copeland and Joel Osteen, in other words, The Prosperity Gospel. Now, I don't necessarily agree with this type of teaching, but are these preachers wrong? I mean. . .to be honest, they are pulling straight from the bible, and not just in Hebrews, but in other places as well (mountains being thrown into the sea, anyone?). These guys are just a rag-tag team of men touting cardboard signs and selling a get rich quick scheme, they are selling (for the sake of the metaphor I'm going to say selling), they are selling THE get rich quick scheme. God not only rewards believers on Earth (not necessarily in material posessions, mind you) but also in Heaven. So, tonight, I have turned somewhat of a 175 degree turn, I don't beleive that those who worship God will never face trouble, (that's unbiblical), but I do think that there is something to what these ministers are saying. SO PLEASE. . .stop decrying the work that these ministers are doing. Their hearts are in the right place, and lets be honest. They are fulfilling the great commission,(something many of us fail to do, if you think that you are doing a good job of it, let me ask you a question. . .have you converted thousands of people to christianity? No? oh i'm sorry, would you like a consolation prize? oh. . .you would? well too bad. . . untill you are the cause of thousands of people converting to christianity, I don't want to hear another word about "watered down preaching" or "weak doctrinal issues" or anything of the sort. Only God can read a man's heart, only God knows if someone is truly saved or not, and does it really matter how the individual reaches this point?
Speaking of points, I have another one. . .(I know, you all thought that I was done, well guess what? I'm not.. . sorry)
My final point is that of seeker services. . .some of you know exactly what these are. They are services geared towards people with little to no background in christianity, and they focus on saving people.. . .That sounds great right? well, there are people who disagree with these forms of worship because they don't believe that "the people know what they're getting in to" or that "They won't be very strong in their faith". Well, let's stop right there. Many of the people posing these arguments have been christians since childhood (my apologies to the rest of you) yes thats right. . .CHILDHOOD. These people who accepted Christ as their savior before they could read, before they could vote, and before they knew what the difference between Apostle and Epistle meant, These are the same people complaining that the progeny of seeker services don't know enough about christ, or that the services are watered down. Watered down? Jesus had to turn morality into fictional stories so that the people could grasp what was going on. . .Jesus didn't start spouting off the hundreds of Jewish laws that existed. . .NO, he watered down his teachings and when the man asked him "what must I do to be saved" Jesus didn't spout off Temple law, or even start quoting Leviticus, he simply gave him five.
Christianity isn't a -dive into the deep end of the pool without swimming lessons- kind of religion. It's a growing experience where you are expected to throw aside your old self so that you can make room for all of the new parts that you will be gaining as you walk daily with Christ. Rome wasn't built in a day, and I have yet to meet the man or woman who can read through the bible in an hour, or even adhere to half of what it says for more than a day. Because no matter how much we kid ourselves, the best of us are still dirty, rotten, no good slimeballs from the dregs of humanity. and yet we are Gods creation. God desires for each of us to know and love him. So who cares how we get to know him? If someone watching a televangelist is inspired to go pick up a bible for the first time then thanks be to God.
So in closing, I hope that my post at least made you think, and i'm dead serious. . .until you have saved a couple thousand souls from damnation**, I don't want any of you to speak ill of someone who holds the high position of teaching the Children of God about their father.
**In reference to damnation, I refuse to use the words eternal, and damnation together, because I'm still working that out, if you are curious to know my views on this subject, then I would be more than happy to discuss this with you, but until then, Adieu.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Why School is at Odds With Christian Belief
Matthew 6:34 says "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own".
According to this passage I shouldn't worry about the next day. Let me ask, how many of us have worried about an upcoming test, or a paper that we've procrastinated on, or a teacher assigning 50 pages of reading in some obscure book like Thomas Kuhn's "Structure of Scientific Revolutions" due by tomorrow? In accordance with this, homework is a source for a lot of stress and worry, therefore it goes against my religion. If something like homework causes me to start sweating from pores that I didn't even know I had.
Another example of why school is against Christian belief is because of the separation of Church and state that is imposed upon the public school system. Mark 16:15 says "Go into all the world and preach the good word to all creation". Teachers are not allowed to preach the gospel to their students, which makes the public school system unbiblical. Because of this, I don't think that I should have been required to attend all those years. And besides, I think that we can all agree that middle school was a living Hell, and since Hell is separation from God, I think that we can all draw the conclusion that Middle School is the anti-christ.
Some could say that the private school system avoids this, and it does, but it still gives homework. So there fancy private christian schools.
**I'm sure that someone somewhere who is much smarter than me could easily turn my argument into swiss cheese, but those people should just shut up. I mean come on, do they really want homework?
Well, If anyone wants to use this argument on their teacher, then you will have to pay me a royalty fee of 10 dollars, or take me out for pizza. (I'd prefer the pizza).
Adios!
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