Politics is the belief that a particular political system brings hope to the world.
Economics is the belief that a particular economic system brings hope to the world.
Philosophy is the belief that a particular philosophical system brings hope to the world.
Nationalism is the belief that the success of a particular nation of people will bring hope to the world.
All of these must be understood as anti-Christ in their mindset.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
American Deism pt 1.
There is much talk about the US being a “Christian nation” and while many people say that, our country is far from Christian. We’re a religious nation, but we’re not a Christian nation. We’re a nation concerned with spirituality, but don’t press us any further. And as time goes on this will become more and more true.
Many Christians look back to the roots of our country, and see people who were hardcore church attendees. They see “God” in the founding documents, and assume that this God was written with a Christian understanding of God. Yet, if you begin to study the Founding Fathers of the US had a bizarre understanding of how God works.
First of all in the late 18th century, a quite popular religion/Christian worldview was called Deism. Now Deism believed that God, while creator of the world, had nothing to do with its day-to-day operations. He was like a watchmaker, he made it, set up how it works then left it to itself to work everything out. So the Deist thinker believed that God created the world with certain natural laws, which were self-evident, and our goal was to live by these laws. Deism then is about looking to Common Sense for answers.
One Deist actually rewrote the Bible and took all signs of the miraculous out of the text. He did this because the miraculous is God interacting with the world. We find that the Deist does not look to the Bible to find God, that’s not the point of that religion; its about living your life by following basic common sense. By the way, the Deist who re-wrote the Bible sans the miraculous was Thomas Jefferson.
This is where we could have a conversation about “Judeo-Christian” values. It is these values that house the Common Sense/Natural Law viewpoint of the world. The problem is that common sense often goes the opposite way of the message of the Bible, for instance one of the main repetitions of the Sermon on the Mount is, “You’ve heard it said, but I tell you!” Jesus is leading people away from a common sense view of the world; he’s presenting an alternative view of how we should live.
The United States was founded by Deists and was underwritten by Deist philosophy. It is for this reason that when people talk about our country as a Christian nation, that I believe they’re wrong. Our country is built not on the principles from the Bible, but on rational common sense thinking.
More than we realize it, Deism has impacted the way that the American Church views the world. This had led many Christians down some dangerous/non-Christian paths. This has led many Christians to mistake the Gospel message for things that it is not [political
Many Christians look back to the roots of our country, and see people who were hardcore church attendees. They see “God” in the founding documents, and assume that this God was written with a Christian understanding of God. Yet, if you begin to study the Founding Fathers of the US had a bizarre understanding of how God works.
First of all in the late 18th century, a quite popular religion/Christian worldview was called Deism. Now Deism believed that God, while creator of the world, had nothing to do with its day-to-day operations. He was like a watchmaker, he made it, set up how it works then left it to itself to work everything out. So the Deist thinker believed that God created the world with certain natural laws, which were self-evident, and our goal was to live by these laws. Deism then is about looking to Common Sense for answers.
One Deist actually rewrote the Bible and took all signs of the miraculous out of the text. He did this because the miraculous is God interacting with the world. We find that the Deist does not look to the Bible to find God, that’s not the point of that religion; its about living your life by following basic common sense. By the way, the Deist who re-wrote the Bible sans the miraculous was Thomas Jefferson.
This is where we could have a conversation about “Judeo-Christian” values. It is these values that house the Common Sense/Natural Law viewpoint of the world. The problem is that common sense often goes the opposite way of the message of the Bible, for instance one of the main repetitions of the Sermon on the Mount is, “You’ve heard it said, but I tell you!” Jesus is leading people away from a common sense view of the world; he’s presenting an alternative view of how we should live.
The United States was founded by Deists and was underwritten by Deist philosophy. It is for this reason that when people talk about our country as a Christian nation, that I believe they’re wrong. Our country is built not on the principles from the Bible, but on rational common sense thinking.
More than we realize it, Deism has impacted the way that the American Church views the world. This had led many Christians down some dangerous/non-Christian paths. This has led many Christians to mistake the Gospel message for things that it is not [political
Thursday, January 13, 2011
disecting a tweet
The other night, NBA Superstar Lebron James posted to his Twitter account this:
Crazy. Karma is a [expletive].. Gets you every time. Its not good to wish bad on anybody. God sees everything!
Now while a bunch of people note want to talk about the very interesting dynamics that he brings to the NBA. People may want to talk about the situation he’s tweeting about [how his old team now stinks]. Some people will love to comment that he’s posting about God. Some will not like the fact that he swears. But I’m interested in something else.
Note how Lebron mentions Karma and God in the same sentence. He has no problem bringing these two concepts into one streaming thought.
Karma:
This is an Eastern religious concept about how the world works. It talks about
balance and even ness in the world. If you do good, the universe will reward you
with good. If you do bad, well the universe will repay you with bad. In the end
it is a sort of weird balance in the universe that governs life.
God
This is the concept that there is a divine being who is out there that is in
control of the world. This being governs all that is, and rules it with complete
sovereignty.
Now if you take just a couple of seconds and look at those two descriptions, you’ll see that they’re opposite views…one is divine being, one is a unspecific “universe” … they cannot exist together. What he has done in his statement is combine two mutually exclusive concepts together.
What gets me is that I see this all the time. We are combining religious phrases and concepts into one, this blending without understanding what we’re talking about is dangerous, because it does harm to religion itself. Yet it is something that is completely normal for the world that you and I now live in.
Crazy. Karma is a [expletive].. Gets you every time. Its not good to wish bad on anybody. God sees everything!
Now while a bunch of people note want to talk about the very interesting dynamics that he brings to the NBA. People may want to talk about the situation he’s tweeting about [how his old team now stinks]. Some people will love to comment that he’s posting about God. Some will not like the fact that he swears. But I’m interested in something else.
Note how Lebron mentions Karma and God in the same sentence. He has no problem bringing these two concepts into one streaming thought.
Karma:
This is an Eastern religious concept about how the world works. It talks about
balance and even ness in the world. If you do good, the universe will reward you
with good. If you do bad, well the universe will repay you with bad. In the end
it is a sort of weird balance in the universe that governs life.
God
This is the concept that there is a divine being who is out there that is in
control of the world. This being governs all that is, and rules it with complete
sovereignty.
Now if you take just a couple of seconds and look at those two descriptions, you’ll see that they’re opposite views…one is divine being, one is a unspecific “universe” … they cannot exist together. What he has done in his statement is combine two mutually exclusive concepts together.
What gets me is that I see this all the time. We are combining religious phrases and concepts into one, this blending without understanding what we’re talking about is dangerous, because it does harm to religion itself. Yet it is something that is completely normal for the world that you and I now live in.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
gettin' ink
I think I’d like a tattoo. Stephanie is against it, but I think I’d like one.
I have been thinking about it for a number of years now, and I think I’d like a half sleeve on my right arm – to just below my elbow [I mean if you’re doing to do it, go all the way]
I’m not sure of exactly what I’d like, but perhaps I’d like the first 6 chapters of the book of Daniel depicted. Maybe I’d like a Golgotha scene with the 3 crosses. Maybe I’d like some Greek or Hebrew. These are just a few options …
So just for kicks….any suggestions?
I have been thinking about it for a number of years now, and I think I’d like a half sleeve on my right arm – to just below my elbow [I mean if you’re doing to do it, go all the way]
I’m not sure of exactly what I’d like, but perhaps I’d like the first 6 chapters of the book of Daniel depicted. Maybe I’d like a Golgotha scene with the 3 crosses. Maybe I’d like some Greek or Hebrew. These are just a few options …
So just for kicks….any suggestions?
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
The Return of Thoughts From the Press Box
Here comes the Thoughts From the Press Box! After a 6 month hiatus, I’m launching my blog again. I would like to provide content for your enjoyment, 4-5 days a week. Whether a series of thoughts, a video link, some technical work with a Biblical text or just a quote, I will pledge to provide content that will help you to understand what I’m thinking about.
[Beware, I’m rather weird and dorky. Please don’t hold those things against me.]
Book recommendation
I just finished reading the book, “Out of Babylon” by Walter Bruggemonn. I highly recommend it. His whole concept deals with the way that the Jewish exiles dealt with their exile during the end of the OT period.
I particularly appreciated the final chapter, “Doing time in Persia.” It was a look at the way that the exiles dealt with being under long term control of the Persian Empire. He studies 5 different stories showing multiple Biblical options with which we can use to determine how we live today.
[The OT from Bruggemonn’s perspective is a collection of writing critiquing the difference between Empire and God’s community. He places the prophets and the kings on opposite sides of a conflict. I think this is a very good way of reading the text, if you’re curious I’d check out his book, “Prophetic Immagination.” Its not very ‘traditional’ in its approach, but I think it’s a great way of understanding what is happening in the OT.]
Vacation
I also just returned from Orlando, Fl. It was a good week, my only complaint is that I did not see an alligator. I had always heard stories that alligators were roaming wild around the peninsula, but I guess they probably do a good job of keeping these amphibians away from resort pools.
Speaking of resorts…the people who are in charge of sales for Time Share resorts are absolutely ridiculous. They’re constantly looking to get you to buy more and more and more. One guy tried to get my parents to triple their payment, get into his juice pyramid, AND told my mom to “S-H-U-T-U-P her brain.” The one phrase that they kept repeating is, “Mickey Never Dies!” in reference to a time share’s ability to resell [An Orlando timeshare is going to its value because Mickey/Disney is always going to be there.] Oy Vey!
Champs Sports Bowl
While in Florida I attended the Champs Sports Bowl with my parents and Stephanie. It was a great event! West Virginia and North Carolina State duked it out…yet in the end NC State took it too ‘em. [We actually left early in the 4th as my parents were a bit chilly. Yet it was over LONG before we left.]
West Virginia came out and layed and egg [they didn’t really try that hard] BUT their marching band was pretty SWEET!!!! The highlight of my night was when the band ended their pre-game by forming the shape of the state!!!! I was in shock that they’d do that! I mean West Virginia isn’t exactly shaped like Kansas or Wyoming. [check out the video here]
The Mountaineer faithful were a very colorful bunch. There was one guy, who looked about 45, who kept turning around and taunting a bunch of Wolfpack fans who were easily 20 years younger than him. [OH what sports cause us to do!] Yet the best part was their 1st down cheer. After WVU would get a 1st down, they would hold their hands straight out from their body; rotating their hands back and forth. When the announcer said the word “first down” they would bounce them up and down 3 times, clap, and signal first down in the direction the team was moving the ball. [Here’s Steph trying to fit into the crowd]
It was a great event, I’d recommend going!
Michigan football
Here’s my official position. Fire Rich Rodriguez. Why? You may ask…because I’m tired of people calling for his head.
Personally, I think he’s been doing a good job. He started with a team returning its Right Guard and a walk-on QB and little Division 1 talent with which to coach. He was brought in to run his offensive system, which would mean a total shift in the mindset of his system. What has happened is 2 losing season [breaking a 35 year post-season bowl streak] , one 7-5 season, AND a 52-14 bowl loss [the worst UofM bowl defeat EVER].
I think firing him now isn’t giving him a fair chance, yet…I hate the fact that Michigan’s head coach isn’t popular or respected. So for that reason alone, Michigan should pay RR well, and move on. PLUS, Jim Harbaugh is a MICHIGAN MAN who is a great coach and would absolutely love to coach the Wolverines. He understands Michigan and the tradition…and for that I don’t think you’ll have the purists complaining about the coach.
Also, for my birthday, I’m asking for a #37 Navy Blue authentic Michigan jersey. It’s the only thing I’m asking for.
[Beware, I’m rather weird and dorky. Please don’t hold those things against me.]
Book recommendation
I just finished reading the book, “Out of Babylon” by Walter Bruggemonn. I highly recommend it. His whole concept deals with the way that the Jewish exiles dealt with their exile during the end of the OT period.
I particularly appreciated the final chapter, “Doing time in Persia.” It was a look at the way that the exiles dealt with being under long term control of the Persian Empire. He studies 5 different stories showing multiple Biblical options with which we can use to determine how we live today.
[The OT from Bruggemonn’s perspective is a collection of writing critiquing the difference between Empire and God’s community. He places the prophets and the kings on opposite sides of a conflict. I think this is a very good way of reading the text, if you’re curious I’d check out his book, “Prophetic Immagination.” Its not very ‘traditional’ in its approach, but I think it’s a great way of understanding what is happening in the OT.]
Vacation
I also just returned from Orlando, Fl. It was a good week, my only complaint is that I did not see an alligator. I had always heard stories that alligators were roaming wild around the peninsula, but I guess they probably do a good job of keeping these amphibians away from resort pools.
Speaking of resorts…the people who are in charge of sales for Time Share resorts are absolutely ridiculous. They’re constantly looking to get you to buy more and more and more. One guy tried to get my parents to triple their payment, get into his juice pyramid, AND told my mom to “S-H-U-T-U-P her brain.” The one phrase that they kept repeating is, “Mickey Never Dies!” in reference to a time share’s ability to resell [An Orlando timeshare is going to its value because Mickey/Disney is always going to be there.] Oy Vey!
Champs Sports Bowl
While in Florida I attended the Champs Sports Bowl with my parents and Stephanie. It was a great event! West Virginia and North Carolina State duked it out…yet in the end NC State took it too ‘em. [We actually left early in the 4th as my parents were a bit chilly. Yet it was over LONG before we left.]
West Virginia came out and layed and egg [they didn’t really try that hard] BUT their marching band was pretty SWEET!!!! The highlight of my night was when the band ended their pre-game by forming the shape of the state!!!! I was in shock that they’d do that! I mean West Virginia isn’t exactly shaped like Kansas or Wyoming. [check out the video here]
The Mountaineer faithful were a very colorful bunch. There was one guy, who looked about 45, who kept turning around and taunting a bunch of Wolfpack fans who were easily 20 years younger than him. [OH what sports cause us to do!] Yet the best part was their 1st down cheer. After WVU would get a 1st down, they would hold their hands straight out from their body; rotating their hands back and forth. When the announcer said the word “first down” they would bounce them up and down 3 times, clap, and signal first down in the direction the team was moving the ball. [Here’s Steph trying to fit into the crowd]
It was a great event, I’d recommend going!
Michigan football
Here’s my official position. Fire Rich Rodriguez. Why? You may ask…because I’m tired of people calling for his head.
Personally, I think he’s been doing a good job. He started with a team returning its Right Guard and a walk-on QB and little Division 1 talent with which to coach. He was brought in to run his offensive system, which would mean a total shift in the mindset of his system. What has happened is 2 losing season [breaking a 35 year post-season bowl streak] , one 7-5 season, AND a 52-14 bowl loss [the worst UofM bowl defeat EVER].
I think firing him now isn’t giving him a fair chance, yet…I hate the fact that Michigan’s head coach isn’t popular or respected. So for that reason alone, Michigan should pay RR well, and move on. PLUS, Jim Harbaugh is a MICHIGAN MAN who is a great coach and would absolutely love to coach the Wolverines. He understands Michigan and the tradition…and for that I don’t think you’ll have the purists complaining about the coach.
Also, for my birthday, I’m asking for a #37 Navy Blue authentic Michigan jersey. It’s the only thing I’m asking for.
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