|
|
|
Swimming Upstream
We like to see things in shades of grey. Consider a scale for human motivation: at one end is the quintessential moderate – doesn’t really believe strongly in anything and so is usually willing to compromise for the sake of peace. At the opposite end is the fanatic – believes so strongly that nothing else even matters – never compromises. We like to see ourselves somewhere in the middle . . . (more)
Why we do it . . .
It is not socially acceptable in our culture to yell “FIRE” in a crowded theater. But think about it – what do you do if there really is a fire? Can you slip quietly out and go home so you will not to interrupt the movie or upset anyone? Is it worse that people are offended or burned to death? (more)
Foolishness
Can God make a rock so large that He can’t move it? The question is, of course, meaningless. Time, space, matter and energy are properties of this universe – not properties (let alone limitations) of the Transcendent Creator of the universe. But the question serves to illustrate the innate foolishness of mankind and our philosophies: we want to keep God within the framework of our own experience. We want God to live in our world. He doesn’t fit! (more)
Miracles
It can be argued that, if the universe is sufficiently old or sufficiently large, anything that is possible – no matter how unlikely - will happen. It would follow then that what we see may simply be one possible, howbeit improbable, universal manifestation in which intelligent life has evolved and is now wondering why. It is a reasonable argument; many in our time have used it (called the anthropic principle) to explain away the need for God the Creator in this beautifully complex world. (more)
Disobedience
Talk is cheap. Jesus said: “If you love me, keep my commandments.” It is one thing to call Him Lord; it is quite another to give Him the respectful obedience due your “Lord”. But that is not what I want to talk about.
I’ve heard a lot of talk lately (because of the ongoing wars) about who is really patriotic and who is not. In my frame of reference as a Christian, I think a reasonable test would be this: “If you love America, obey her laws”. (more)
STEP
In 2005 the results of the Study of the Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer (STEP) at Harvard Medical School were reported. In the study, involving 1802 cardiac bypass patients from January 1998 to November 2000, teams of Christians prayed for 14 days beginning the day before the surgery. The conclusion: “Intercessory prayer itself had no effect on complication-free recovery…” – in other words, God did not get involved in the recovery process in spite of the prayers! (more)
In the beginning ...
OK, here’s the deal. When we are at the Mall, we are very focused on presenting the Good News - to the exclusion of nearly everything else. We deliberately stay away from issues like Church doctrine, morality and social commentary because, at that time, we don’t want anyone to be offended at us (some are offended at the Gospel – that’s another matter). We all do have more to say, however. We don’t know everything about faith, life and godliness but we have learned a few things and would like to share them. This will be the venue for that. (more)