This may not go over well. After all, we as a people take pride in our ability to understand everything; the big bang, Einstein's theories of relativity, psychology, philosophy, apologetics... well, okay, we don't really understand it all. But we're pretty close, right? We know how the universe began; we've got a cure for cancer... okay... we're not even close.
It's important to be Smart. That's why Creationism is just as much of a science as evolution is, with scientific explanations for everything from the earth's age (around 6000 years) to how Adam was made from dust (and Eve from a rib), to why it appears that dinosaurs walked the earth before the earth was even made. Because, if Christians don't understand science or if, (gasp) our Bible doesn't explain everything in detail, we'll seem stupid; and that's not good.
But... when I read the Bible, it seems as though I'm not supposed to know everything. In fact, wasn't the tree that Adam and Eve ate from called "the tree of knowledge of good and evil?" Wasn't it bad for them to eat from that tree? Is God trying to say something in this story, besides laying out our genealogy?
Maybe the message is closer to "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18
And "... But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead." 1 Corinthians 1:9
Science can (mostly) be explained; God can't. Maybe it's time to stop trying to bend our tiny little minds around his great one. He knows things that we can't--and aren't supposed to--fathom!
Personally, I think evolution was God's way of creating us. It fits in with the order, but not the time frame, laid out in Genesis. But I could be wrong. Lord, forgive me if I’m wrong. I just don't think it matters that much.
Here are some actual theological discussions; some from the past, some still going on. How important are they?
Does the earth revolve around the sun?
How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? (This was probably never actually discussed. It was an insult to nit-picky theologians.)
How many animals were on Noah's ark? How did the dinosaurs fit?
Were dinosaur bones put in the ground by God to confuse us?
Did Adam have a belly button?
Can God make a rock so big that He can't move it?
I have some better questions; how can I help the people in my community to know and love God? How can I help people in my family, my neighborhood, and the world? How can I really understand the meaning of love, since that's the center of Christianity?
As a Christian, I'm so glad I don't have to come up with an answer to any of those first questions. I know God loves me anyway.
Some (like the sun revolving around the earth) are now seen not as literal interpretations of the Bible, but metaphor.
At the time, the Christian scientific view of geocentrism was based on:
"the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved." Chronicles 16:30 KJB
"[the Lord] Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever." Psalm 104:5
"The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose." Ecclesiastes 1:5
This isn't exactly science. Could these verses be talking about something else? In fact, when the "science" is taken out, the verses and stories are much richer and more meaningful.
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! - Romans 11:33
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
If I Were God, I'd Do It Differently
“God cares for you” doesn't mean he takes your problems away.
Remember kindergarten? Have you wished you could go back? You could spend your whole day painting, and playing at recess... and learning your ABC's... and learning to color in the lines... and... how soon would that get really boring?
Life is like that. We wish it would be easier, but when there’s a lull in the excitement, we wish there was something to do.
These are facts of life:
death
pain
war
illness
cancer
hate
These are also facts of life:
beauty
music
ice cream
flowers
sex
hope
laughter
love
Sometimes we can change things, sometimes we can’t. That’s just the way it is.
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Ecclesiastes 11:5
As Christians, we have hope for a better future. I think this life will seem like nothing in comparison.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
Yes, If I was God, I'd do it differently. Life would be one good day after another; no wars, no unhappiness; We could ice cream all day long and never get fat. But I'm not God, and I have to be content with this:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Peace, Love, Serenity
Remember kindergarten? Have you wished you could go back? You could spend your whole day painting, and playing at recess... and learning your ABC's... and learning to color in the lines... and... how soon would that get really boring?
Life is like that. We wish it would be easier, but when there’s a lull in the excitement, we wish there was something to do.
These are facts of life:
death
pain
war
illness
cancer
hate
These are also facts of life:
beauty
music
ice cream
flowers
sex
hope
laughter
love
Sometimes we can change things, sometimes we can’t. That’s just the way it is.
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Ecclesiastes 11:5
As Christians, we have hope for a better future. I think this life will seem like nothing in comparison.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
Yes, If I was God, I'd do it differently. Life would be one good day after another; no wars, no unhappiness; We could ice cream all day long and never get fat. But I'm not God, and I have to be content with this:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Peace, Love, Serenity
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Should Christians Care for the Earth?
"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." Job 12:7-10
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.."
Psalm 19:1
"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." 1 Corinthians 10:26
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:11
Reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink.
HAPPY EARTH DAY!Sunday, April 18, 2010
Have you Thrown Any Stones Lately?
You may have heard that Jennifer Knapp, a Christian singer, just “came out” as a lesbian.
Is homosexuality a sin? I think you’ve heard enough on the subject, and maybe you’ve already decided. I’ve heard many opinions, and I’m not going to give mine here, for one reason; it doesn’t matter what I think. It matters what God thinks, but last time I checked, I’m not God.
Are homosexuals going to hell? Even unrepentant ones? Not necessarily. All homosexuals are sinners; so are all heterosexuals! Personally, I think greed is a big sin, and I know Christians who are UNREPENTANT money-grubbers. I think killing the earth is a BIG sin, and I know Christians who are UNREPENTANTLY anti-green. I don’t think they’re necessarily going to hell, either. And I think HATE is a BIG sin...
God wants us to love and forgive. Forgiveness and love are mentioned in the Bible far more times than homosexuality. So hating gays is a bigger sin than being gay!
And here’s the kicker; failing to forgive is a HUGE sin! If you’re going to sin, I’d recommend doing something different.
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37
Put down your stone. Forgive.
Do people need to be repentant for us to forgive them? Read John 8 for yourself. The woman “caught in adultery” wasn’t repentant at the start of the story:
John 8:2-22
But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
"No one, sir," she said.
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
But back to Jennifer. I know one thing for sure. I’m not qualified to judge her. She has (IMO) a great singing voice and great lyrics. I am just as much a sinner as she is; Period. I hope she doesn’t leave the Christian faith because of this. I hope and pray that she repents of her sins, whatever they are. I hope she keeps writing beautiful songs, too.
Undo Me
Papa, I think I messed up again
Was it something I did?
Was it something I said?
I don't mean to do you wrong
It's just the way of human nature!
Sister, I know I let you down
I can tell by the fact
You never come around
You don't have to say a thing
I can tell by your eyes
Exactly what you mean
That it's time
To get down on my knees and pray
"Lord, undo me!"
Put away my flesh and bone
'Til You own this spirit through me Lord,
Undo me.
Mama, I know I made you cry
But I never meant to hurt you
I never meant to lie
While the world shook its head in shame
I let you take the blame
Brother, I know you labored
So hard to please
But I cut you down
And I left you on your knees
Well I know it must be
Time to get down on my knees and pray
"Lord, undo me!"
Put away my flesh and bone
'Til You own this spirit through me Lord
I am wanting, needing, guilty and greedy
Unrighteous, unholy; undo me. Undo me!
Abba Father You must wonder why
More times than Peter I have denied.
Three nails and a cross to prove
I owe my life eternally to you!
And it's time
To get down on my knees and pray
"Lord, undo me!"
Put away my flesh and bone
'Til You own this spirit through me Lord,
Undo me
I can relate to this.
Peace, Love, Forgive
Is homosexuality a sin? I think you’ve heard enough on the subject, and maybe you’ve already decided. I’ve heard many opinions, and I’m not going to give mine here, for one reason; it doesn’t matter what I think. It matters what God thinks, but last time I checked, I’m not God.
Are homosexuals going to hell? Even unrepentant ones? Not necessarily. All homosexuals are sinners; so are all heterosexuals! Personally, I think greed is a big sin, and I know Christians who are UNREPENTANT money-grubbers. I think killing the earth is a BIG sin, and I know Christians who are UNREPENTANTLY anti-green. I don’t think they’re necessarily going to hell, either. And I think HATE is a BIG sin...
God wants us to love and forgive. Forgiveness and love are mentioned in the Bible far more times than homosexuality. So hating gays is a bigger sin than being gay!
And here’s the kicker; failing to forgive is a HUGE sin! If you’re going to sin, I’d recommend doing something different.
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37
Put down your stone. Forgive.
Do people need to be repentant for us to forgive them? Read John 8 for yourself. The woman “caught in adultery” wasn’t repentant at the start of the story:
John 8:2-22
But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
"No one, sir," she said.
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
But back to Jennifer. I know one thing for sure. I’m not qualified to judge her. She has (IMO) a great singing voice and great lyrics. I am just as much a sinner as she is; Period. I hope she doesn’t leave the Christian faith because of this. I hope and pray that she repents of her sins, whatever they are. I hope she keeps writing beautiful songs, too.
Undo Me
Papa, I think I messed up again
Was it something I did?
Was it something I said?
I don't mean to do you wrong
It's just the way of human nature!
Sister, I know I let you down
I can tell by the fact
You never come around
You don't have to say a thing
I can tell by your eyes
Exactly what you mean
That it's time
To get down on my knees and pray
"Lord, undo me!"
Put away my flesh and bone
'Til You own this spirit through me Lord,
Undo me.
Mama, I know I made you cry
But I never meant to hurt you
I never meant to lie
While the world shook its head in shame
I let you take the blame
Brother, I know you labored
So hard to please
But I cut you down
And I left you on your knees
Well I know it must be
Time to get down on my knees and pray
"Lord, undo me!"
Put away my flesh and bone
'Til You own this spirit through me Lord
I am wanting, needing, guilty and greedy
Unrighteous, unholy; undo me. Undo me!
Abba Father You must wonder why
More times than Peter I have denied.
Three nails and a cross to prove
I owe my life eternally to you!
And it's time
To get down on my knees and pray
"Lord, undo me!"
Put away my flesh and bone
'Til You own this spirit through me Lord,
Undo me
I can relate to this.
Peace, Love, Forgive
Monday, April 12, 2010
Let Go of the Wheel
There's an old bumper sticker saying "God is My Copilot." It always struck me as sort of backwards. Shouldn't God be in control? Shouldn't I be in the passenger seat? After all, He's the one with a plan for my life, right? I'm just praying and following his lead.
Well that's not exactly true. Too often, when faced with a choice, I say a quick prayer, then I do or say what I was going to do or say anyway. I've got both hands firmly on the wheel, I'm looking straight ahead and I'm not gonna change course for anyone; even God. (I say this I because I want to admit it. If I didn't I'd be a hypocrite, and we don't want any hypocrites in church!) The truth is I think my course is the right one and the other courses are--well--wrong. It's human nature.
"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony
My life is a constant battle to turn myself over to God; words AND actions. That’s how I can best honor Him, and that’s how I can best allow others to see Him through me. How do I do this? Well, usually, I pray, pray and pray some more. When I open my bible, I pray. When somebody asks me my opinion... or gives me theirs... I pray. When I say pray, I mean I talk to God, then I listen. (Not for voices in my head!) I honestly try to weigh both sides of every argument. He might speak to me through the Bible, He might speak to me through another person, or he might speak to me through a thought that pops into my head. I try to be open to anything.
"Keep an open mind, but don't be so open-minded that your brain falls out." Richard Feynman
I'm sure of my faith in God. I use the Apostle's Creed and the Bible as my starting point. Beyond that... my mind is never completely "made up," because that wouldn't leave room for God to talk to me.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:2
...Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. - 1 Kings 19:11-13
I hope I’m at least partly successful.
Let go; Let God.
Well that's not exactly true. Too often, when faced with a choice, I say a quick prayer, then I do or say what I was going to do or say anyway. I've got both hands firmly on the wheel, I'm looking straight ahead and I'm not gonna change course for anyone; even God. (I say this I because I want to admit it. If I didn't I'd be a hypocrite, and we don't want any hypocrites in church!) The truth is I think my course is the right one and the other courses are--well--wrong. It's human nature.
"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony
My life is a constant battle to turn myself over to God; words AND actions. That’s how I can best honor Him, and that’s how I can best allow others to see Him through me. How do I do this? Well, usually, I pray, pray and pray some more. When I open my bible, I pray. When somebody asks me my opinion... or gives me theirs... I pray. When I say pray, I mean I talk to God, then I listen. (Not for voices in my head!) I honestly try to weigh both sides of every argument. He might speak to me through the Bible, He might speak to me through another person, or he might speak to me through a thought that pops into my head. I try to be open to anything.
"Keep an open mind, but don't be so open-minded that your brain falls out." Richard Feynman
I'm sure of my faith in God. I use the Apostle's Creed and the Bible as my starting point. Beyond that... my mind is never completely "made up," because that wouldn't leave room for God to talk to me.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:2
...Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. - 1 Kings 19:11-13
I hope I’m at least partly successful.
Let go; Let God.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Easter Song
I wish we sang Easter carols the same way we sing Christmas carols. After all, it's the most important Christian Holiday!
Here's one of my favorites:
Easter Song (by Keith Green)
Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that you can be born again
Here the bells ringing
They're singing Christ is risen from the dead
The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead
Joy to the word, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that you can be healed right now
Hear the bells ringing, they're singing
Christ, He will reveal it now
The angels, they all surround us
And they are ministering Jesus' power
Quickly now, reach out and receive it
For this could be your glorious hour
Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah
The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead
Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
Hallelujah!
They're singing that you can be born again
Here the bells ringing
They're singing Christ is risen from the dead
The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead
Joy to the word, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that you can be healed right now
Hear the bells ringing, they're singing
Christ, He will reveal it now
The angels, they all surround us
And they are ministering Jesus' power
Quickly now, reach out and receive it
For this could be your glorious hour
Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah
The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead
Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
Hallelujah!
Peace, love and Happy Easter!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Yes, I’m a Christian and I’m Green
Earth hour is coming.
(March 27th 2010,
8:30-9:30, your time.)
Turn off your lights for one hour.
What’s that you say? Christians aren’t green?
Does my bible tell me to be green? You’re darn right it does! God created the earth, He gave (more like lent) it to us to take care of; and it’s not right for us to trash it, burn it, deface it, uglify it, or ruin it.
Love the Creator. Love the creation.
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. Genesis 1:31
Go to http://www.myearthhour.org/ to learn more.
Peace, Love and Recycle
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