What is Existenstialism?

Extracts from: ‘How Should We Then Live?’ by Francis A. Schaeffer

A good explanation of Existentialism:

“… Kierkegaardianism did bring to full tide the notion that reason will always lead to pessimism.  That is, one must try to find optimistic answers in regard to meaning and values on an “upper level” outside of reason.  Through a “leap of faith” one must try to find meaning without reason.

You will remember that in the High Renaissance, humanistic man, starting only from himself, had problems concerning the meaning or value of things and of absolutes for morals.  With Rousseau it became an AUTONOMOUS FREEDOM / AUTONOMOUS NATURE problem.  With Kant it was NOUMENAL WORLD / PHENOMENAL WORLD.  With Kierkegaardianism it went a step further and now became:

NON-REASON = FAITH – OPTIMISM

REASON = PESSIMISM

So optimism will now always be in the area of non-reason.”  Pg 163

“This (dichotomy) is the mark of modern man.” Parenthesis mine, Pg 164

Jesu, meine Freude (Jesus, my Joy): J.S. Bach: Motet BWV 227

'Jesus, my Joy' is a piece of music everyone should be familiar with.  The work is based on 'Jesus, Priceless Treasure,’ a Hymn by Johann Franck (1650) and passages from the New Testament book of Romans chapter eight.  Bach wrote this funeral music to remind us that “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 ESV

Rich Veins: Psalm 94

When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. 
Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute? 
They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. 

But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.

Philosophy FC

Someone overthought the game of soccer with the intention to "subvert the bi-polar class struggle of late-capitalism" - three teams on a hexagonal pitch anyone? Check out the video here.

Link

 

Clean Water

water.org

Christianity vs. Naturalism

My friend and I were recently discussing the importance of the Bible's teaching that God created the world in six literal days. It seems that the true motivation for doubting this teaching has more to do with the current spirit of the day than any lack of reasonableness related to the teaching itself.

Dr. Byl addresses the claims of Christianity compared with counter-claims from recent philosophers and scientists in this clip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBZOtHjs5uQ

Please consider the current bias in the scientific literature regarding creation and supernatural causes when building your worldview.

Whose Armor are You Wearing?

Interesting post by Pastor Shane Walker over at Faith Seeking Understanding regarding the armor of God and the armor of Satan:

Fragment on Spiritual Disciplines: Satan's Armor

Kingdom

June 16, 2013

Luke 17

"The Kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed.."

Find the Kingdom - the coming of Jesus was the first of three phases in the unfolding of the Kingdom.  Jesus comes, the church proliferates, and Jesus comes again. Three progressive phases of unfolding of the Kingdom of God.

Baltimore Poem

This was originally published in the UB Post back in 2002

When Pigeons Fly High

Up on Mount Vernon in Baltimore
He sits with his friends
He’s got time; he’s got smiles
For those who care for him.

They all gather round
It’s their little meeting place
“Hey Ben how you been?”
“Been fine Joe can’t complain.”

Rich Veins: Psalm 133

  Behold, how good and pleasant it is
     when brothers dwell in unity!
     It is like the precious oil on the head,
     running down on the beard,
  on the beard of Aaron,
     running down on the collar of his robes!
     It is like the dew of Hermon,
     which falls on the mountains of Zion!
  For there the LORD has commanded the blessing,
     life forevermore.
 

Who Do You Say that I am?

Luke 9:1-20

Thoughts on Sermons at Andover Baptist

Real power in this world seems to reside with those who have the means to coerce the populace.  Whoever has the guns, money, or food seems to come out on top.  But this power is only temporary.  It is merely the appearance of power because the true power lies with God.

This was illustrated in Worcester v. Georgia where missionaries refused to get licensed to be on Native American land in a bid to keep the government from forcibly moving them off of their land.  The supreme court held for the missionaries but the President and the leaders in Georgia essentially ignored the Supreme Court and mocked the fact that the court had no means to enforce their decision.  But we must see that even these injustices are temporary - and that the true power lies with God and His faithful servants.

An Infinite Debt. Forgiven!

Luke 7:36-50 (January 13, 2013)

Thoughts on Andover Baptist sermons.

A pastor asked his friend if he had heard of a particular theologian and what he thought of him.  The response was surprisingly strong: "Heard of him? I would throw myself in front of bus for him."  Why did this man have such a strong affinity for a theologian?  It turns out that this man had been very close to being denied a prestigious degree by a panel of biased judges and this particular theologian had stepped in and granted the degree. 

I think of Friday in the book Robinson Crusoe.  He'd been saved by Robinson from certain death and pledged himself as his lifelong servant in gratitude.  When we've been given much, and forgiven much, we love much.