He is the creator
We are the created
He is
The Orator
The Poet
The Gymnast
The Chef
The Musician
The Dancer
The Artist
The Singer
We are
the words
the ryhmes
the muscles, the bones
the aromas, the tastes
the notes, the songs
the rhythm, the moves,
the colors, the canvas
the voice
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Eph 2:10)
I have not fully resolved for myself that it is so, but I find it strange that the superfluous things in life, a sunset, a warm friendship, a laugh, should also provide it's value. That we should be so unnecessary to God, and rightly so, yet so immensely valuable. Think of it. He didn't need us, but he made us.
We are his sunset
It comes to mind too, that sons and daughters are unnecessary too, but yet so cherished. In the end they probably cost more than they provide in your old age, yet no man would hesitate to die for his son. Created, a joy often causing pain. Yet so desirable.
We are Gods sons and daughters
"And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'" (Gal 4:6)
"Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' it shall be said to them, 'Children[b] of the living God.'" (Hosea 1:10)
"Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel." (Jer 18:6 - verse slightly out of context, please read all)
23 July 2013
19 July 2013
Circular reasoning cannot prove scriptures
A pamphlet was given to me by an organization that I highly respect (but will not name for political reasons), title "The Authority of the Bible" by John R. W. Stott. I suggest reading it, it's quite good in many respects, provided you are already a Christian who believes in the bible.
The first heading introduces the concept of authority and why we need it, but the second outlines his argument for the authority of scripture:
"What is the major reason why evangelical Christians believe that the Bible is God's Word written, inspired by his Spirit and authoritative over their lives? ... [he goes over reasons we don't use] ... No. The overriding reason for accepting the divine inspiration and authority of Scripture is plain loyalty to Jesus. We believe in Jesus. We are convinced that he came from heaven and spoke from God. He said so: 'No one knows the father except the son' (Mt 11:27). ...[he quotes more scripture]... So we are prepared to believe what he taught for the simple reason that is he who taught it." (Pg. 6)
Did you catch it? Right there in the middle. "The overriding reason for accepting....scripture is plain loyalty to Jesus. We are convinced he...spoke from God. He said so:" and then he quotes scripture. Circular reasoning. We accept scripture because Jesus did. We accept Jesus because scripture says Jesus is from God (and therefore credible). Circular reasoning.
Let me give you a similar example I borrowed from a logic book, but with a different topic.
We accept Mein Kampf because Hitler did (he wrote it). We accept Hitler because Mein Kampf says Hitler is (his message is) from God. [Mein Kampf frequently says the Aryans are made in Gods image, certain common workers are Godless, etc pg 310, ]. Now, we obviously don't accept Hitler. But the argument is in the same form. Anytime you argue using two things that support each other and nothing else, it is circular reasoning.
To be fair, towards the end in pg 24, Stott addresses the accusation of circular reasoning, He says his reasoning is linear, "...in a line (historical document evoke our faith in Jesus, who then gives us a doctrine of Scripture)." (pg. 24). The problem is getting historical documents to evoke faith. The Iliad is a historical document, but we don't believe that Achilles was really blessed by the Gods. God may be able to convince you of faith in Jesus by first reading scripture, and confirm it though miracles and work in your own heart, but a historical document does not elicit faith purely by existing.
Now, I totally believe in the divinity and message of Jesus. He's pretty awesome. I also believe in the total inerrancy of the bible as it was originally written (and modern translations are pretty much completely faithful to the originals). But, I get my faith elsewhere. Below are a few reasons I have for believing Jesus and scripture:
1) The bible is quite easily the most accurate and well preserved historical document ever written (purely from an archaeological, secular standpoint). A number of objections have arisen, whole lists of them on atheistic websites, none of which I have failed to find a solution for. Archaeological finds continue to confirm the bible, the tomb of James, the brother of Jesus, census records, cities, royal records, etc, to the point that archaeologists now use the bible to find buried cities. 'oh, the bible says Capernum is about 50 miles west of... and next to...' Then they go dig and find it. (I made up the example).
2) The bible has 66 books written by many different authors over roughly a 1400 year time span. Yet it is amazingly internally consistent.
3) The three days after their charismatic leader is public tortured and killed, while hiding afraid in an upper room, the tomb appears empty and they proceed to publicly proclaim his resurrection, speak in languages they don't know, heal miraculously, and all save John are killed for their beliefs. The psychological fortitude or dementia required to overcome such loss, disarm or bribe 16 Roman soldiers (fishermen who haven't worked in 3 years outnumbered vs. soldiers who face the death penalty if they are caught), and proceed to all, without one of them breaking and letting the story out, die brutally for their lies, is simply inconceivable. That the Romans would not have produced the body and squashed an annoying cult, that no word would have leaked out, that 500 people could simultaneously hallucinate or be coordinated to tell non-contradicting stories of seeing Jesus.... The equivalent is that 12 fan or friends of Elvis claimed he rose 3 days after his death. If the evidence wasn't in their favor, no one would believe them.
4) I personally have performed what I cannot convince myself is anything other than a miracle. Two pastors and my Mom have both told stories of undeniable miracles as well. (Undeniable is spinal columns straightening, people near death suddenly becoming completely healthy, etc.)
5) I have experienced too many coincidences by what appears to be the Holy Spirit. Too many times I have experienced stimulus which is decidedly not a placebo effect or emotional experience. I am reminded of things or have thoughts which are not my own. Friends have expressed words of knowledge (they know things they couldn't without spiritual intervention or a crazy accurate intuition).
6) The entire conceptual model of Gods plan for us is both amazingly interdependent and non-contradictory, dimensionally complex to a dizzying degree and insanely simple (they kind of go hand-in-hand), supremely commonsense and practically useful in the real world, and finally emotionally/mentally healing and robust in ways no other philosophy can provide.
7) In science I have encountered roughly 5 unavoidable lines of reasoning that demand a supernatural presence in the universe, and roughly 10 more that provide strong suggestion.
8) I have not yet found another religion or belief system which is not inherently empty and would logically suggest the suicide, utter despair and meaninglessness, decidedly amoral behavior of it's followers or some combination of the three.
I could say more, but this post was not designed as proof for God.
"The Authority of the Bible" is not a bad book. It was nice to see how Jesus trusted the authority of the OT scriptures and the strong authority of the apostles who wrote the NT. But scripture cannot be proved through simple circular reasoning and faith in Jesus cannot come just through reading some historical documents.
The first heading introduces the concept of authority and why we need it, but the second outlines his argument for the authority of scripture:
"What is the major reason why evangelical Christians believe that the Bible is God's Word written, inspired by his Spirit and authoritative over their lives? ... [he goes over reasons we don't use] ... No. The overriding reason for accepting the divine inspiration and authority of Scripture is plain loyalty to Jesus. We believe in Jesus. We are convinced that he came from heaven and spoke from God. He said so: 'No one knows the father except the son' (Mt 11:27). ...[he quotes more scripture]... So we are prepared to believe what he taught for the simple reason that is he who taught it." (Pg. 6)
Did you catch it? Right there in the middle. "The overriding reason for accepting....scripture is plain loyalty to Jesus. We are convinced he...spoke from God. He said so:" and then he quotes scripture. Circular reasoning. We accept scripture because Jesus did. We accept Jesus because scripture says Jesus is from God (and therefore credible). Circular reasoning.
Let me give you a similar example I borrowed from a logic book, but with a different topic.
We accept Mein Kampf because Hitler did (he wrote it). We accept Hitler because Mein Kampf says Hitler is (his message is) from God. [Mein Kampf frequently says the Aryans are made in Gods image, certain common workers are Godless, etc pg 310, ]. Now, we obviously don't accept Hitler. But the argument is in the same form. Anytime you argue using two things that support each other and nothing else, it is circular reasoning.
To be fair, towards the end in pg 24, Stott addresses the accusation of circular reasoning, He says his reasoning is linear, "...in a line (historical document evoke our faith in Jesus, who then gives us a doctrine of Scripture)." (pg. 24). The problem is getting historical documents to evoke faith. The Iliad is a historical document, but we don't believe that Achilles was really blessed by the Gods. God may be able to convince you of faith in Jesus by first reading scripture, and confirm it though miracles and work in your own heart, but a historical document does not elicit faith purely by existing.
Now, I totally believe in the divinity and message of Jesus. He's pretty awesome. I also believe in the total inerrancy of the bible as it was originally written (and modern translations are pretty much completely faithful to the originals). But, I get my faith elsewhere. Below are a few reasons I have for believing Jesus and scripture:
1) The bible is quite easily the most accurate and well preserved historical document ever written (purely from an archaeological, secular standpoint). A number of objections have arisen, whole lists of them on atheistic websites, none of which I have failed to find a solution for. Archaeological finds continue to confirm the bible, the tomb of James, the brother of Jesus, census records, cities, royal records, etc, to the point that archaeologists now use the bible to find buried cities. 'oh, the bible says Capernum is about 50 miles west of... and next to...' Then they go dig and find it. (I made up the example).
2) The bible has 66 books written by many different authors over roughly a 1400 year time span. Yet it is amazingly internally consistent.
3) The three days after their charismatic leader is public tortured and killed, while hiding afraid in an upper room, the tomb appears empty and they proceed to publicly proclaim his resurrection, speak in languages they don't know, heal miraculously, and all save John are killed for their beliefs. The psychological fortitude or dementia required to overcome such loss, disarm or bribe 16 Roman soldiers (fishermen who haven't worked in 3 years outnumbered vs. soldiers who face the death penalty if they are caught), and proceed to all, without one of them breaking and letting the story out, die brutally for their lies, is simply inconceivable. That the Romans would not have produced the body and squashed an annoying cult, that no word would have leaked out, that 500 people could simultaneously hallucinate or be coordinated to tell non-contradicting stories of seeing Jesus.... The equivalent is that 12 fan or friends of Elvis claimed he rose 3 days after his death. If the evidence wasn't in their favor, no one would believe them.
4) I personally have performed what I cannot convince myself is anything other than a miracle. Two pastors and my Mom have both told stories of undeniable miracles as well. (Undeniable is spinal columns straightening, people near death suddenly becoming completely healthy, etc.)
5) I have experienced too many coincidences by what appears to be the Holy Spirit. Too many times I have experienced stimulus which is decidedly not a placebo effect or emotional experience. I am reminded of things or have thoughts which are not my own. Friends have expressed words of knowledge (they know things they couldn't without spiritual intervention or a crazy accurate intuition).
6) The entire conceptual model of Gods plan for us is both amazingly interdependent and non-contradictory, dimensionally complex to a dizzying degree and insanely simple (they kind of go hand-in-hand), supremely commonsense and practically useful in the real world, and finally emotionally/mentally healing and robust in ways no other philosophy can provide.
7) In science I have encountered roughly 5 unavoidable lines of reasoning that demand a supernatural presence in the universe, and roughly 10 more that provide strong suggestion.
8) I have not yet found another religion or belief system which is not inherently empty and would logically suggest the suicide, utter despair and meaninglessness, decidedly amoral behavior of it's followers or some combination of the three.
I could say more, but this post was not designed as proof for God.
"The Authority of the Bible" is not a bad book. It was nice to see how Jesus trusted the authority of the OT scriptures and the strong authority of the apostles who wrote the NT. But scripture cannot be proved through simple circular reasoning and faith in Jesus cannot come just through reading some historical documents.
02 July 2013
Hebrews 11:1
Hebrews 11:1-2 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for."
0) A song by Hillsong recently appeared in church. The first part of the chorus declares, "I don't need to see it to believe it / Cause I can't shake this fire burning / deep inside my heart," strongly referencing Hebrews 11:1.
Now, I can't argue with this lyric directly, but I think it represents the lopsided emphasis the currently takes on this issue. It's true that we must have faith without sight and we should 'never lack in zeal', but far too often we misinterpret this verse and even pass over the other three or four parts of this faith. We think we don't have to see the evidence, we don't have to see anything and should just believe outright, slipping into an emotional and escapist sense of belief. This is very bad and may be contributing to the rise of atheism and agnosticism in the world, as well as the degradation of our Christian culture as a whole, as the young people ask tough questions and look for real answers.
Let me show you the 3 parts of these verses and how it demonstrates the stronger side of faith
1) First let's clarify 'what we do not see', because the verse says we don't see, but it requires a little thought to know what it is we don't see. This verse is a simple repetition. I happens many times in the psalms and proverbs, like Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the Lords', and everything in it / the world, and all who live in it." This one is no different. So what do we not see? The first phrase tells us it's what we hope for.
0) A song by Hillsong recently appeared in church. The first part of the chorus declares, "I don't need to see it to believe it / Cause I can't shake this fire burning / deep inside my heart," strongly referencing Hebrews 11:1.
Now, I can't argue with this lyric directly, but I think it represents the lopsided emphasis the currently takes on this issue. It's true that we must have faith without sight and we should 'never lack in zeal', but far too often we misinterpret this verse and even pass over the other three or four parts of this faith. We think we don't have to see the evidence, we don't have to see anything and should just believe outright, slipping into an emotional and escapist sense of belief. This is very bad and may be contributing to the rise of atheism and agnosticism in the world, as well as the degradation of our Christian culture as a whole, as the young people ask tough questions and look for real answers.
Let me show you the 3 parts of these verses and how it demonstrates the stronger side of faith
1) First let's clarify 'what we do not see', because the verse says we don't see, but it requires a little thought to know what it is we don't see. This verse is a simple repetition. I happens many times in the psalms and proverbs, like Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the Lords', and everything in it / the world, and all who live in it." This one is no different. So what do we not see? The first phrase tells us it's what we hope for.
2) Well, what do we hope for? What do we not have yet (do not see) as humans? Heaven! For the Jews who did not have New Testament information on heaven, heaven was often connected to the concept of inheritance or the new Jerusalem. This term carries over (like everything else) into the New Testament as we have a picture of a heavenly inheritance waiting for us after we die. Ephesians 1:18b "you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,".
This is pie-in-the-sky, but it's also more tangible and measurable. The Jews thought (correctly) that eventually there would be a heavenly kingdom on earth at Jerusalem (read the prophets to see that) and zealots, including Simon the Zealot, on of the twelve apostles (not to be confused with Simon Peter), used to plot revolts against the Roman government in hopes of gaining this kingdom. 'What we do not see' will be quite tangible my friends, we do NOT ignore hard evidence or people who disagree with us. In fact we SHOULD 'see' them, 'be wise in the way you act towards outsiders...know how to answer everyone'. Instead we DON'T see heaven yet, but make doubly certain it's coming.
This is pie-in-the-sky, but it's also more tangible and measurable. The Jews thought (correctly) that eventually there would be a heavenly kingdom on earth at Jerusalem (read the prophets to see that) and zealots, including Simon the Zealot, on of the twelve apostles (not to be confused with Simon Peter), used to plot revolts against the Roman government in hopes of gaining this kingdom. 'What we do not see' will be quite tangible my friends, we do NOT ignore hard evidence or people who disagree with us. In fact we SHOULD 'see' them, 'be wise in the way you act towards outsiders...know how to answer everyone'. Instead we DON'T see heaven yet, but make doubly certain it's coming.
3) Why do people repeat things? Because they're important. Same goes here. Faith is 'being sure' and 'certain'. The first Greek word 'hupostasis' connotates substance and reality, that what you're sure of really does exist and has material weight. It also reminds one of legal contracts, rights of title and possession. The second 'elegchos' has to do with logical proof and a little of inner conviction.
Faith is not an arbitrary belief my friends, it's not primarily a leap, a blind commitment. Jude, like many of Paul's letters, writes to protect the faith of his hearers and them mainly goes on to warn against false prophets and specific falsehoods, not encourage them and urge them on, not give them a pep talk.
This is not to say Christianity is all head knowledge. Belief is heart-based, and as Philippians says "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord". But the longest chapter of the bible is Psalm 119, all about Gods law and word, describing over and over again how the psalmist loves to meditate and study his statues and precepts.
Study the word, build yourself up in your most holy faith and pray in the spirit.
Faith is not an arbitrary belief my friends, it's not primarily a leap, a blind commitment. Jude, like many of Paul's letters, writes to protect the faith of his hearers and them mainly goes on to warn against false prophets and specific falsehoods, not encourage them and urge them on, not give them a pep talk.
This is not to say Christianity is all head knowledge. Belief is heart-based, and as Philippians says "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord". But the longest chapter of the bible is Psalm 119, all about Gods law and word, describing over and over again how the psalmist loves to meditate and study his statues and precepts.
Study the word, build yourself up in your most holy faith and pray in the spirit.
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