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Showing posts from May, 2013

Tolstoy, after Rousseau, on Knowledge and Wisdom

“Real wisdom is not the knowledge of everything, but the knowledge of which things in life are necessary, which are less necessary, and which are completely unnecessary to know. Among the most necessary knowledge is the knowledge of how to live well, that is, how to produce the least possible evil and the greatest goodness in one’s life. At present, people study useless sciences, but forget to study this, the most important knowledge.”

"God does not heal amputees; therefore, there is no God."

Covenant Theology answers " the most important question that we can ask about God ," addressing two fundamental claims behind a common misunderstanding.

Summer, Samuel Barber and Gregory Chaucer

I was 15 when I heard Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” for the very first time. My orchestra teacher mixed me a couple of cassette tapes of her favorite music for my listening pleasure over the summer. There, nestled among Dvorak and Elgar’s Cello Concertos, Smetna’s “Moldau” and Gershwin’s Greatest Hits lay this musical tour of pure emotion, from deepest despair to highest ecstasy. Just what a 15 year-old needs to hear. I put on my headphones and clicked “play” on the walkman. Into hiss of the lead came what sounded to me like what the first breath of Adam must have sounded like. I could imagine the sound of dying at the end. All of life is lived in the middle, the highest point of ecstasy and fullness. Samuel Barber’s famous piece is not that old (1936) and is probably one of the most recognizable pieces today by any audience. His masterwork has appeared in more than 30 film or TV scores (The Elephant Man and Platoon, to name a couple--the perfect choice for the first film and a

Why is the "X" Unknown?

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And now we know!

Book Review: "The Lost Sutras of Jesus"

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Reigert, R. and Moore, T. The Lost Sutras of Jesus: Unlocking the Ancient Wisdom of the Xian Monks.  Berkeley: Seastone, 2003. I read this short book sporadically then had a conversation with colleague, whose comments in context with his personal background caused me to go back and read the book again. When describing this book to him, this wise man spoke of challenges faced by Chinese Christians to this day; that is, the assimilation of Buddhism with teachings of Christianity. This book described the source of the challenge that, in effect, is centuries old. Moore and Reigery present the history, teachings and suggested meanings of a set of ancient Chinese scrolls containing spiritual teachings, a section of which is presently referred to as “The Jesus Sutras.” While this book would make it good “coffee table” read, some key elements are lost by it’s conciseness. For example, “sutra” is never defined so a good reader would be well served to find the Buddhistic application

The Faerieland of Economics

I have been accused of being a dreamer with my head in the clouds, a lover of fantasy and fiction, not at all attached to reality. While it is true that I fit not easy into any one particular box (save, my own) when I watch the news or click through channels or pick up a newspaper or magazine, I feel most the other way ‘round. I can’t understand the world as it has been invaded by the economist. I am glad to be in my own box.  Thomas Carlyle has been quoted as saying that economics is “the dismal science.” If by “science” one means “knowledge,” or “study,” then I find no interest to the faery-land of knowledge that leads to men tossing themselves from upper-story windows because of the reading of a numerical set. Might as well be tea-leaves. The realm of economics is “faery” and less a reality than a good story, particularly that one story that must be believed because it is true. But that's another topic. Economics as the picture of the real world? Hardly. One might recall h

The Ascension and Reconciliation

Have you ever thought of the ascension of Christ as a doctrine? One often thinks of the physical return of Christ as an event--but a doctrine? A teaching with a principle to be believed--really? Yes. As an event, His return would remain what it is just as when I get in the car and drive away; but His ascension is more than event. Without the ascension, we are alone and no different than any other religion of the world. His ascension changes the way the followers of Christ live in and view the world. The apostle Paul writes, “ God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation ” (2 Corinthians 5:19). I first read this verse while in Junior High School. I remember this distinctly because I did not know what “reconciliation” meant so I packed up all my questions and went looking for answers. The result? I recall the urgency that came over me, that everyone needed to hear this, so I taught what wa

Art, As It Is

The word “art” comes out of the 13th century, referring to a skill acquired after much practice. A “work of art” is the result of the skill-in-practice. This is perhaps why I have such a difficulty with different artistic styles. Beginning with myself, I am not a painter nor am I am illustrator so I just leave such expression well enough alone. Despite my efforts and best practice, I cannot “see” a pleasurable result in what I put on canvas or paper. I rather enjoy the skill of others in this manner. This leads to a question: What is “abstract?” As an adjective, that is which is abstract exists in thought, an idea. No tangibility or existence.  As a noun, we refer to the theoretical or that which is something else. So what is “abstract art?” Abstract art should defy definition; however, some may identify it as an expression autonomous of any reference; that is, independent in and of itself. So is “abstract art” possible? No. Art and skill go together, producing a c

Book Review: "Living On the Edge: Dare To Experience True Spirituality" by Chip Ingram

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Ingram, Chip. “ Living On The Edge: Dare To Experience True Spirituality .” New York: Howard Books, 2009. Spirituality is not as open-ended as many imagine and the reason is found around the one around whom spirituality is centered. Spirituality and discipleship are inseparable, flowing out of a relationship with the living truth. Relationship leaves no room for religion and true spirituality is the practice of those who follow with transformed minds. Ingram’s 268 page book is divided into five “How To” sections with five accompanying chapters, by topic and subtopic, taking the reader by the hand through ground-level explanation of the Christian life through Romans 12. The sections follow through the teaching of Romans, verse by verse though unlike a commentary, the teaching is simple: “How to Give God What He Wants the Most (Romans 12:1)”: Surrendering to God “How to Get God’s Best For Your Life (Romans 12:2)”: Separate from the world “How To Come to Grips wit

Book Review: "INsourcing" by Randy Pope

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Randy Pope states the focus of his book is to share lessons learned that changed the ministry of his church (Introduction, page 16). Pope spends the twelve chapters and four appendices (with notes) introducing and developing a hybrid-model of church that addresses the individual, providing context and elements for necessary equipping and maturity to express and apply the gospel globally.  Pope communicates a person-centered approach to being and doing church with no discussion or explanation of what constitutes the foundation of the church (for example 1 Corinthians 3:10 is offered with no explanation or teaching) nor does he point to the head of the church, who is Christ. The purpose of the church is mentioned only in passing in preference for assuming a different purpose, which becomes an elusive target to be discovered the developed by experience. Once identified, business and marketing strategy integrated with theology becomes the modus operandi. While it is clear this boo

Book Review: "Breakthrough Prayer" by Jim Cymbala

[I read old books because they are there.] Cymbala, Jim. "Breakthrough Prayer: The Secret of Receiving What You Need From God.” Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003. This twelve chapter book is an excellent follow-up to Cymbala’s book, “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire.” Cymbala begins by establishing God’s blessing as a reflection of his love for all creation, mankind especially. God’s blessing is to be pursued, requested fervently and is apprehended in direct connection with diligent study of the Bible. Once we understand what God’s Word says, then we can be practice obedient faith. Since God is present and at work, His answer to prayer involves our participation with God to accomplish His purposes and this often means we must come to the end of ourselves. There is an attitude of desperation that drives us to call on Him but the subsequent blessing of His answer. Fear or danger drives us to pray, so the principle is that God shows mercy in answer to any prayer. The battles we face s

Photoblog: Bible

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"Ephesians" (in case you are interested)

The Ascension and the Theory of Everything

Today marks the 40th day of Easter, Ascension Day. Eye witnesses recorded the bodily return of Jesus into Heaven. “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11, NKJV) The ascension reminds us that while Jesus walked this earth in time and space, He continues His work on earth while at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. When the world turns to confront its problems, it misses the remedy offered by the death, burial, resurrection and bodily ascension of the Savior. I spoke with a woman recently who admitted she was struggling with sin and was confused, yet while she acknowledged Jesus she would not hu

Photoblog: Beach

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Photoblog: Negative Wood

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Looking differently at the world from time to time . . .

Photoblog: Fly A Kite

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The Devil, our Enemy

Part of my journey in re-reading the life of Christ has taken me on a side trail that wound all the way back to the start, with Creation itself. The life of Christ does not really start in the gospels, but with Creation--actually before Creation; however, this is not the subject. Our understanding of Christ begins with Creation because, in effect, this is our beginning. He is our Creator. Reading Genesis, one is able to suspect that most minds run on “fast-forward,” along with the text. Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, rest. Then we have the details concerning the creation of man and the fall, then we have the rest of the Bible. What happened between the Creation of man and the fall of humanity into sin and death by sin? Man walked with God, man was tempted and was deceived. Was it over that quickly? I get the sense of the text that God and man enjoyed walking together for a long, long time. I will even venture that the length of time man spent in unbroken relationship was

"The sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was not homosexuality"

The argument suggests that Sodom and Gomorrah was not destroyed because of homosexuality, but because of gang rape and lack of hospitality including failure to provide help to the poor and needy (Ezekiel 16:48-49). Actually, homosexuality IS the major issue of Genesis 19 and Ezekiel 16. First, consider Genesis 19:5 when the people of the city demand Lot’s visiting men in order that they may “know” them. If homosexuality was not the issue then why would Lot say, “don’t do this evil, here are my daughters” (19:7). No rape has yet occurred, but the implication is clear that 1) inhospitality is not the issue; and 2) giving the daughters seems to be a solution to the evil. Certainly gang rape is another difficulty that can be addressed, but don’t let this escape notice: Lot’s attempt to thwart the crowd from “knowing” the men inside is that they would instead “know” his daughters. Second, what exactly are the “haughty and detestable things” (abominations) being judged in Ezekie

The Perfect Life

What is a perfect life?  How woefully short I come because when I try to process living the perfect life, I find myself considering how I would live my life unlike the way you live yours. When we look to scripture, we find two aspects of the perfect life. The first is found in the life of the perfect God-man Jesus who lived in time and space, keeping every command of God. Boggles the mind, but He lived the perfect life. The second description of the perfect life begins with our Creator who is our Savior. “You said that already.” No, I said, “begins.” “ There is one God, the Father, of whom are all things and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live .” (1 Corinthians 8:6). “ He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the