Book Meme

I was tagged (surprising since only so many people know that I exist…however).

1. One book that changed your life:
Beyond the Cosmos by Hugh Ross. The book itself was interesting (all about superstring theory, extra-dimensions and their theistic implications ); but it included an 800 number to Ross’s organization at the back of the book. I called the number, received their catalog, and was suddenly exposed to an abundance of books on science and philosophical apologetics that, up till then, I had been ignorant of. Those books later led me to read works by Alvin Plantinga and other Christian philosophers, as well as scientists such as Fritz Schaeffer and John Polkinghorne (though I make no claims to understanding much of what they wrote). The upshot was that my faith, which was flagging at the time got an energized boost. And the way that Ross’s book ended in my hands was rather strange as well, almost providential even.

2. One book that you've read more than once: Not counting the Bible, I’d have to say Mere Christianity. I received it as a gift and it sat on my shelf for almost 12 years before I actually read it.

3. One book you'd want on a desert island:
Not counting the Bible, I’d have to say Handbook of Christian Apologetics by Peter Kreeft and Ron Tacelli. It’s interesting reading but also fairly light. I would have said the Norton Shakespeare but it’s just too heavy (It would have sunk to the bottom of the ocean before I could get it ashore). A close second might be How to Build an Emergency Coconut Radio by the Professor from Gilligan’s Island.

4. One book that made you laugh: On the Road with the Archangel by Frederick Buechner. Also, A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. Also, Canterbury Tales.

5. One book that made you cry:
The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis

6. One book you wish had been written: A Beginner’s Guide to Living Life Without Looking Like or Being a Fool (on the other hand maybe Proverbs qualifies). Also, the sequel to Brothers Karamazov.

7. One book you wish had never been written: The Communist Manifesto. Also the Late Great Planet Earth. Also Left Behind.

8. One book you're currently reading:
Dog Creek: A Place in the Cariboo by Hilary Place

9. One book you've been meaning to read: Summa Theologia but I may have to settle for reading Kreeft’s Summa of the Summa.

10. Tag 5 others:
Do I even know 5 other people? Eh, you know who you are.

Power to Will

If you don’t have enough willpower, this article tells why.

A Method of Evangelism

Tim Keller has written a short piece on how to do evangelism/apologetics with urbans/postmoderns.

The polar ice caps are melting!!

But that has nothing to do with this post. I saw a couple of interesting things on TV Friday night. On Bill Moyers on Faith and Reason, Salman Rushdie was being interviewed. I only caught about 20 minutes, but I learned that he spoke recently at Calvin College at a writer’s conference. Moyers mentioned that some were concerned about having a self-avowed atheist speak at a Christian college lest he somehow corrupt weak-minded students into being led astray (or words to that effect). Those concerned probably know more about atheism than Rushdie knows about Christianity (his knowledge of the godhead is woefully uninformed, calling the concept “polytheism”). They know that a number of Christian youth (or even older folk) have, under the influence of persuasive atheists, been weakened in their faith or have even left the faith altogether. So, my question: should those who hold to atheism or for that matter any non-Christian perspective, be permitted to speak at a Christian college (not just at a writer’s conference but also in an academic setting where many students would be exposed to the speaker’s ideas)?

My response would be a qualified yes. The college is the entity in that situation which is controlling the overall message. College officials can bracket the atheist with whatever message they want to give. I presume professors would be prepared to engage in serious and deep discussions about the speaker’s topic and general position, as well as be prepared to answer questions from students. Under those kinds of circumstances, let speakers from all different philosophical and theological stripes be welcomed. One could point to the prohibition in 2 John 10 about allowing false teachers into a house church. But there, I take it the false teacher is passing himself off as a true teacher of the faith. In the case of someone like Rushdie, all concerned know his beliefs.

In some cases, in fact, Christians could themselves have an influence on the atheist (or non-Christian); at least one would hope that this would be the case. One example of this is Antony Flew. He has been invited to speak at Biola University on a number of occasions. What, and how much, influence the Christians at Biola had on Flew in his change of position about God, I don’t know. (see an interview with Flew) All I know is that the one who changed positions was the atheist (albeit only to deism, but deism is closer to theism than it is to atheism).

The danger (if I can call it that) of not being exposed to different ideas and points of views can be seen in various ways. One is in the political sphere. Right after Moyers’ show, I saw 20/20, where George Stephanopoulos examined the polarization of American politics. In 1976, 64% of members of Congress voted with their party. In 2005, that number rose to 89%. Today’s Congress is the most polarized in over a hundred years. The danger is that polarization stifles true debate. People simply end up shouting slogans past each other. In studies that were featured on the show, people who were like-minded ended up associating mainly with each other, pushing people from both sides further apart, not only in opinion but also in geography. Communities appear to be becoming more politically polarized, with landslide victories in particular counties going to one party over another. And with today’s opportunities for mobility, moving to a neighbourhood where the people share your beliefs is becoming easier than ever before.

Another example I heard was regarding theology/bible students. In a talk given by D.A. Carson, he mentioned that in his experience, the theology students most likely to lose their faith were ones who came out of very conservative Christian colleges where the teaching amounts to something like “don’t read (ie. be corrupted by) the works of that ‘liberal theologian/atheologian’- it’s the work of the devil!!!" When, upon going on to graduate studies at a secular university, they actually read the devil, they find that he’s not so dangerous sounding at all. In fact, he sound rather reasonable and balanced. So, whether suddenly or gradually, all that conservative Christian teaching is called into question. So says Carson. A good example of this is Bart Ehrman who went to conservative undergraduate schools but is now an atheist. (see a debate he had recently regarding the historical evidence of the resurrection).

Also, I spoke recently to a Christian youth teacher. She says that the Christian teens she’s trying to teach know next to nothing about Christianity. Nothing. Why? Most of them have gone to Christian elementary and high school. It seems the Christian education they receive is so a part of their usual background noise that it hardly gets noticed. Plus, the teachers at the Christian schools seem to be assuming that the kids are getting educated at home or at church. Well, someone’s dropping the ball here. One can anticipate the problems they’ll encounter if they go on to a secular college. This insularity, this existence in Christian-only enclaves poses a difficulty, I think, for students as well as their Christian educators. Exposure to non-Christian points of view, under controlled circumstances, could shake them out of spiritual lethargy. On the other hand, some of the students could still end up leaving the faith. Is that a risk worth taking? It might be a tough call, but I think so. But then what do I know?

‘Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.’ (Prov. 22:6)

Whew

The temperature has been in the low 30 degrees these past few days and my computer is in the warmest room of the house. Plus, I’m having connection problems with my modem. So, if you don't hear from me here it’s not because I’m dead (though that’s a distinct possibility – heat stroke maybe). In the mean time I leave you with this quote from the Canadian Bible Society magazine by Calvin Seerveld, professor emeritus of philosophical aesthetics at the Institute of Christian Studies:

It’s not easy to read the Bible. It’s easier to read it wrong or not read it at all. To read the Bible the way it is written takes some coaching (Acts 8:26-31). But a lot of people don’t want that. They want an easy fix, and after awhile they give up on Bible reading.

That’s because we often read the Bible for what it’s not and seldom read it for what it is. Here’s what it is not: It is not a book you use to prove a point. Neither is it a book written to solve your personal problems.

Here’s what it is: It is a true story of what God has really done in history. It is a true account of how God works and what God wants done on Earth.

To read the Bible the way it is written, you have to give up your own agenda. You have to dwell in the text and see the whole woven tapestry of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. When you do, you will find that God speaks to you and with you.

I don't get it

The result of millions of years of evolution

Will there be a party in hell?

People say if they go to hell at least they’ll at least have plenty of company. Have a party maybe. Could this really be the case? Are not companionship, the pleasures food and drink, raucous laughter all gifts from God? As well, would not the absence of the Spirit deprive those in hell the necessary restraint from performing egregious evils? In the absence of such divine gifts, a mass of people very probably could become a massacre (of sorts). If God took away his influence from our world right now, we’d have hell on earth. Rwanda, Darfur, Auschwitz are mere glimpses of such a situation. Genocides show that even God’s ordained means of restraining moral evil, namely governments, cannot completely control and overcome the insidious tendency of human depravity. Thankfully, God has mercy on us. Human governments are no match for divine grace.

But, some object, isn’t it unfair that God sends people to hell just because they happened to not believe in Jesus? That seems like a good question to me. The answer seems to lie in the fact that no one is sent to hell because he never heard of Jesus. He is sent there because he has committed serious moral crimes against a perfect, holy God. Such crimes require justice. And, as a free moral agent, he ought to have known better because God’s moral law is written on the heart. His existence is made evident in creation. But why does God require justice? This rather long article by Glenn Miller addresses this question (I’m still reading it – looks interesting though).

What in the world am I doing?

Well, notwithstanding my last post, I offer up a few more lame thoughts on different things. Quick, avert your eyes.

The Dea(r)th of blogging

I have nothing interesting to say. Mind you, judging from past posts, this has always been the case. I think I'll bid adieu to blogging for the time being and stick to reading a bunch of books sitting on my shelf. I reserve, of course, the right to leave silly comments on other people's blogs. I wonder what Peter Frampton might say:

Shadows grow so long before my eyes
And they're moving across the page
Suddenly the day turns into night
Far away from the city
But don't hesitate 'cuz your love won't wait
Ooh baby I love your way (everyday)
Wanna tell you I love your way(everyway)
Wanna be with you night and day
Moon appears to shine and light the sky
With the help of some fireflies
I wonder how they have the power to shine, shine (cough)

Er, let's make that, as Snagglepuss would say, "Exit stage left".

A voice from the past

Hear C. S. Lewis’ voice (reading a portion of Mere Christianity) from the BBC

A History of Pizza

An account of the ubiquitous pie.

Written like a true academic

A humourous article on how academics write. Also this article (yes, I’m too lazy to write complete sentences). (both via Arts and Letters Daily

Easter

Matthew 28

1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. 2 And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. 3 And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. 6 "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. 7 "Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you." 8 And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me."

11 Now while they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 and said, "You are to say, `His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.' 14 "And if this should come to the governor's ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble." 15 And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews, and is to this day.

16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Good Friday 2006

Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12

13 Behold, My servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted. 14 Just as many were astonished at you, {My people,} So His appearance was marred more than any man And His form more than the sons of men. 15 Thus He will sprinkle many nations, Kings will shut their mouths on account of Him; For what had not been told them they will see, And what they had not heard they will understand.


1 Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2 For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, And like a root out of parched ground; He has no {stately} form or majesty That we should look upon Him, Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. 3 He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being {fell} upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. 6 All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. 7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment He was taken away; And as for His generation, who considered That He was cut off out of the land of the living For the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke {was due?} 9 His grave was assigned with wicked men, Yet He was with a rich man in His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.
10 But the LORD was pleased To crush Him, putting {Him} to grief; If He would render Himself {as} a guilt offering, He will see {His} offspring, He will prolong {His} days, And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. 11 As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see {it and} be satisfied; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the booty with the strong; Because He poured out Himself to death, And was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, And interceded for the transgressors.

Luke 23:33-56

33 When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. 34 But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. 35 And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One." 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!" 38 Now there was also an inscription above Him, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS." 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." 42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" 43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." Having said this, He breathed His last. 47 Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, "Certainly this man was innocent." 48 And all the crowds who came together for this spectacle, when they observed what had happened, began to return, beating their breasts. 49 And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee were standing at a distance, seeing these things.
50 And a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man 51 (he had not consented to their plan and action), a man from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who was waiting for the kingdom of God; 52 this man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 And he took it down and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid Him in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever lain. 54 It was the preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. 55 Now the women who had come with Him out of Galilee followed, and saw the tomb and how His body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

Prayer Study

Recent research into prayer seems to show that intercessory prayer is ineffective when it comes to the recovery of patients. Philosopher Richard Swinburne has an interesting take on why this might be the case:

“So what is the point of petitionary prayer? The answer must be that sometimes, perhaps often, it is equally good that what we should pray for should occur as it should not occur, and that God wants to interact with us by answering our requests — so long as we ask for right reasons. Of course God wants to do for the person praying what that person wants just because that person wants it for a right reason.

One right reason is that he prays for a particular sufferer out of love and compassion. In the STEP prayer study, the people praying were not praying out of love and compassion for the particular sufferer. Although the form of their prayer might — dishonestly — suggest that they wanted the well-being of the patient for its own sake, that was not why they were praying. They were praying to test a scientific hypothesis.

Why should a good God pay any attention to these prayers? One might say: “In order to show us more evidentially that he exists.” But if there is a God, he does not need to answer such prayers to do this. If he wanted to do that, he could fill the world with “super miracles.”
There is quite a lot of evidence anyway of God's existence, and too much might not be good for us. The negative result of the STEP study is entirely predictable based on the hypothesis of a loving God who sometimes answers prayers of genuine compassion”. (read entire article)

Gospel of Judas pt. 2

Ben Witherington has two more follow up posts on the Gospel of Judas (here and here).

Articles on Jesus

In my opinion (humble it be), William Lane Craig is the premier(e) Christian apologist currently working. One of his specialities is the historical Jesus and the resurrection. As Easter approaches, it would be beneficial, I think, for Christians to familiarize themselves with the evidences for the resurrection. This page lists a number of Craig's articles on the topic.

Our faith of course is not in the evidences themselves but in the fact of the resurrection. We don't need evidence to be rational in our faith, but it's sure nice to know that it's available.

Gospel of Judas

Ben Witherington has some thoughts on the Gospel of Judas.

Colson Commentary on Christian Music

“The decision by influential Christian broadcasters and music companies to avoid moral controversies could result in the church withdrawing from the culture as it tragically did a century ago. What is the job of Christian radio, after all? To give people what they want, or—as with any ministry—to give them what they need? Music is important in the life of the church and can inspire us to focus on Christ. But it cannot take the place of solid teaching.The great strength of radio, as with books, has been to present in-depth teaching and moral discussion that engages Christians cognitively. This is something Americans find increasingly difficult. According to a recent study, the average college graduate's proficient literacy in English has declined from 40 percent in 1992 to 31 percent today. The study defines proficient literacy as the ability to read lengthy, complex texts and draw complicated inferences. Think about it: One out of three college graduates cannot read a book or absorb a serious sermon.” (read entire article)

Favourite Hymn #15

Immortal Invisible God Only Wise

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessèd, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great Name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish—but naught changeth Thee.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
But of all Thy rich graces this grace, Lord, impart
Take the veil from our faces, the vile from our heart.

All laud we would render; O help us to see
’Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee,
And so let Thy glory, Almighty, impart,
Through Christ in His story, Thy Christ to the heart.