Truthfulness in Language

Within theology (and English!) certain words and phrases have a particular meaning. We can't change the meaning of those words to suit our 'edgy' writing one moment and then re-define them when questioned to avoid appearing outside the bounds of orthodoxy or our confession. Certain groups of theologians are fond of doing just that. Through obfuscation and equivocation they hang on to their confession or claims to orthodoxy by the thinnest of threads. But confusion and double-speak are not the mark of clear biblical teaching.   

Dealing With Fear

There seem to be more things to fear lately than ever before. With ISIS decapitating hapless Westerners and the Ebola outbreak both at the forefront of the news, death and destruction are on every side. I find myself thinking, what would happen if my family was abducted by extremists? Or, what would happen if we contracted the Ebola virus?  

Insurgents in Northern Iraq

But are there more dangers now than ever before?

Why Should the Human Race Continue?

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

A great quote

The final chapter of "How Should We Then Live?" is entitled “Manipulation and the New Elite."  It discusses futurism and some philosophies of man based on biology.  These extreme materialistic ideas lead to the desire to manipulate DNA and decide who should have children, who should not, and how many children should be produced.  This also leads to the idea of chemically controlling aggression in world leaders.  The following passage summarizes this section:

“In the light of this discussion about social manipulation, three questions arise.  First, who will control the controllers?  Second, what will happen now that people have no boundary condition indicating what they should do in contrast to what they can do?  Third, if mankind is only what modern people say it is, why does man’s biological continuation have value?”

Good question.  Thank God for the meaning we find in Christ.

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.”