Thursday, August 31, 2006
The axeman cometh
Guitars weren’t made for sissies (though if you are a sissy don’t let that stop you from picking one up. With regard to my own sissy quotient, uh, let me get back to you on that…)
Amazon Wishlists
I've added my Amazon Wishlist items on the sidebar. These are merely books and albums/DVDs that I'd like to read/hear/view, even possibly own. Not that I'm asking anyone to buy them for me, though you could if you wanted to (ha! fat chance eh?) I'd say I've read/heard/viewed about 10 to 20 percent of the lists, exclusively by borrowing from the library. I'll keep adding to them from time to time.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
More articles
Here are three interesting articles linked at Arts and Letters Daily:
Blood on the Tracks
Jolt Culture has Twice the Trivia
The Forbidden Experiment
Blood on the Tracks
Jolt Culture has Twice the Trivia
The Forbidden Experiment
Favourite Hymn #14
Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.
Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.
Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Witherington on 'Critical Scholarship'
Ben Witherington has a post explaining why skepticism is not the same as critical scholarship.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
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.
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.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
A Method of Evangelism
Tim Keller has written a short piece on how to do evangelism/apologetics with urbans/postmoderns.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
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)
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)
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
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.
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.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Friday, June 23, 2006
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).
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.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
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".
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".
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Friday, April 28, 2006
Sunday, April 16, 2006
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
Saturday, April 15, 2006
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."
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."
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