Thoughts on Joy, Suffering and Christmas

Emerald Bay, California (trekearth.com)

November 28, 2011

A. The Joy of ?

Our church brought in a guest speaker that discussed somewhat the subject of 'joy'. Philosophically and theologically this is an interesting subject for me. I thought the speaker was good and helpful and so I am not picking an argument, but in my mind with my MPhil/PhD background in freewill and determinism I do philosophize on human 'joy'. From a Christian perspective should 'joy' primarily be understood as the responsibility of human attitude and free will (what I would deduce would often be an evangelical and secular response) as opposed to 'joy' being primarily the responsibility of God to give to persons?

Browning reasons Biblical 'joy' is more than an emotion, as it combines a sense of human happiness with a state of blessedness. In the Old Testament it is marked by festivals (Deut. 12) and by settlements of grievances brought to the Temple (Psalms 43). In the New Testament he explains that 'joy' is prominent in Luke/Acts due to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which can also be seen in Galatians 5. Browning (1997: 210).

Creath Davis explains 'joy' is a delight in life that goes deeper than pain or pleasure and from a Biblical perspective would not be limited or tied to external circumstances. Davis (1999: 588). 'Joy' is given from God as a gift and can be experienced during very difficult and extreme circumstances. Davis (1999: 588). In both Testaments 'joy' is presented as sign of one being a believer and a sign in the believing community, it is a quality of life and not simply an emotional reaction or feeling. Davis (1999: 588). This 'joy' comes from God (Psalms 16, Romans 15), and is an aspect of faith and one's life with God. Davis (1999: 588). 'Joy' is also connected to weakness and suffering when it has redemptive purpose and is bringing persons to depend on God (Matthew 5 and 2 Corinthians 12). Davis (1999: 588).

Further, Davis mentions that psychologically one cannot experience 'joy' while being preoccupied with self-security, pleasure, or self-interest. Davis (1999: 588). There is a freedom that comes when God alone is the 'only adequate center for human existence, and God alone can enable persons to experience life with joyous spontaneity and to relate to others with love.' Davis (1999: 588)

From Strong. Two of the main examples of 'Joy', one from the Hebrew Bible and one from the New Testament.





BROWNING, W.R.F. (1997) Oxford Dictionary of the Bible, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

DAVIS, CREATH. (1996) ‘Joy’, in Walter A. Elwell (ed.), Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books.

STRONG, J. (1890)(1986) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Burlington, Welch Publishing Company.

In my conclusion I lean to the idea that 'joy' is primarily a gift from God to believers and less so something than can be developed by human means, although I would not in any way discount prayer, study, and fellowship with other believers in the process of developing personal 'joy'. The Lord does work through his people and in other ways, persons in general. From my theodicy, problem of evil and suffering research, and personal living perspective, a practical difficulty with 'joy' is when God wills suffering for what ever good (Romans 8: 28-30) is intended in one's life and these sufferings directly effect one's security, health, happiness, self-interest, pleasure, etc. Here is where I state that although the sufferer should thank God for blessings obtained (salvation in Christ, material and spiritual blessings, lack of curses, etc.), ultimately, although the person should actively be praying, and working to improve one's life, it is primarily the sovereign God's responsibility to provide the 'joy' not primarily the person's change of attitude or actions with the use of free will.

This does mean that a person may at times for a time, which is not set, be depressed or miserable, (the Biblical example of Job comes to mind perhaps) as he or she waits obediently for the Holy Spirit of God to provide 'joy' or 'joy' in greater measure.


Cernay, France (trekearth.com)

B. D. A. Carson Harsh Reality

Taken from MPhil, University of Wales, Bangor 2003 (now Bangor University)

MPhil

2. Harsh Reality

Carson began Chapter 1, First Steps, by noting stories of people who had suffered.

He stated:

The truth of the matter is that all we have to do is live long enough, and we will suffer. Our loved ones will die; we ourselves will be afflicted with some disease or other. Carson (1990: 16).

This is a cold yet a realistic statement. Suffering touches virtually every human being. If a person believes in God, yet he/she suffers, how should this individual deal with this intellectual tension? I think suffering, in one way, should be seen as a sign of human weakness, we have a fallen nature which resulted from sin. We all pay the price, and it does not always correspond to how good or evil we appear compared to our fellow human compatriots. God makes use of human suffering despite, as Scripture repeatedly says, loving us. This suffering, from a human perspective, can help people find God by reminding them of the temporary nature of human life.

As human beings, at best, no matter how much one is dedicated to God in Christ or how much one loves others, no matter how successful a person is in life, and no matter how many goods deeds are accomplished, each person perishes in a single solitary death. This is likely in old age and, as Carson stated, people may witness their loved ones dying and may suffer with disease themselves.

If God is not to be ignored concerning suffering and death as uncaring, powerless, or nonexistent, then when one thinks of God, one should also ponder on human death which exists within God’s creation. This seemingly is more productive than sweeping death under the rug philosophically, and seeking to live the best possible life, ignoring the Grim Reaper until he won’t leave! This harsh reality should be considered by anyone serious about knowing God. I think this can be a motivator to seek God and avoid sin which can be pleasurable, but in the end is destructive.

In Hebrews 9:27 it is stated: " And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgement ." New American Standard Bible (1984).

Christian life on earth should be seen as temporal, but sin can be largely avoided by viewing daily life as within God’s directive, realizing judgement follows death.

Yes, all sin, but knowing that death is certain (hopefully later, than sooner) means that God’s ever present judgement awaits us. I admit that I sin but, by God’s grace, it is tempered by the harsh reality of eventual death and a certainty that an infinite, omnipotent and loving God awaits to speak to me in person for the first time. My suffering now is a reminder that this leads ultimately to death. . . sobering but effective.

CARSON, D.A. (1981) Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility, Atlanta, John Knox Press.

CARSON, D.A. (1990) How Long, O Lord?, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

C. Merry Christmas

I like Christmas. When I was a child seems to me at around December 1 society and the media starting celebrating Christmas. Now with commercialism and other factors I suppose it is November 1 to after US Thanksgiving when 'Holiday Season' arrives all the way up to the first week of January. So I guess I should conform...I am ready.





D. Video

Halloween/All Hallows Eve

Venice (Google Images)

November Satire and Theology post

October 30, 2011

A. Halloween/All Hallows Eve

H.F. Vos writes under the heading 'Halloween' (All Hallows Eve) that these are the names given to the October 31 celebration, the eve of the Christian festival of All Saints Day on November 1. Vos (1996: 493). All Saints Day dates back to the eighth century. Vos (1996: 493). The pagan festival of Halloween began with the Druids of Gaul (France) and Britain. The Druids reasoned that on Halloween night ghosts and witches were most likely to be at work. Vos (1996: 493). Therefore, a celebration took place. The Druids were involved in lighting bonfires and feasted on this night. Vos (1996: 493). Vos notes that pagan peoples in western Europe believed that their god could take human and animal form. Vos (1996: 493). Druid practices were eventually merged with Roman fall festival practices and all the Christian feast day. Vos (1996: 493).

BBC Religions

'All Hallows' Eve

All Hallows' Eve falls on 31st October each year, and is the day before All Hallows' Day, also known as All Saints' Day in the Christian calendar. The Church traditionally held a vigil on All Hallows' Eve when worshippers would prepare themselves with prayers and fasting prior to the feast day itself.

The name derives from the Old English 'hallowed' meaning holy or sanctified and is now usually contracted to the more familiar word Hallowe'en.'

Viewpoint

A view on Halloween from a fundamentalistic, very conservative evangelical perspective might be that Halloween celebrates evil, and since the Scripture states to abstain from even the every form of evil, anything to do with Halloween should be avoided. I am however, a moderate conservative.

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.


Page 605.

The Scripture is certainly true of course and the NASB, as it often does, does a good job of literally portraying the Greek text. Twenty-first century Christians should of course in no way be involved in any kind of Druid, Pagan, or occult like ceremonies, celebrations, games or like, on Halloween or any day of the year. That would be a form of evil that should definitively be avoided.

There is a gray/grey area in regard to dressing up in costumes I reason. I will be transparent, I have not been that interested in Halloween since I was 12 or so. Yes prior to that I was on the 31st Spider-Man or Batman and really cute, I watched out for those dreaded razor blades in the chocolate bars and 'pigged' out on a bunch of candy. I have just not been able to get interested into the 'pop' occultic nature and themes of Halloween. I remember one day in Elementary school some kids were quite upset with me that I was skipping trick or treating to go to the Canucks game as my Dad had Season tickets.

Does a Christian dressing up in a Halloween costume equate with being involved in a Druid or like pagan ceremony? I think not. One must realize that as Christmas has largely been de-Christianized of the Christian message and is largely a secular holiday and celebration, Halloween has also been largely been secularized and is no longer mainly an occultic celebration. So, if a Christian dresses up in an ghoulish costume celebrating Halloween, it is more so celebrating a secular custom than celebrating occultism. But I do acknowledge even with the pop nature of Halloween there is still a form of 'pop' occultism in a sense, which I personally as noted, do not find appealing.

As far a ministry is concerned, I live in an apartment, and so no children come by, but I generally love little children and I have thought about this quite a bit having little nieces and nephews and friends with little children. But living in a townhouse or home, if one is able bodied, I am now as a mature adult troubled with the notion of shutting the lights off and not handing out candy out to the little children. I am thinking it would be better to be known as the friendly Christian neighbour that is very kind to the children, complimenting them on their costumes and showing the love of Christ to neighbours on a secular celebration. I reason this is a far better approach than judging these children as children of the wicked world, turning the lights off and ignoring them. Again, I am not really interested in Halloween, but in Christ I am supposed to love others as myself (Matthew 22, Mark 12) and I think this a good approach.



B. Map Time

From

Daily


From

Canada


From

California




Arc De Triomphe, Paris (Google Images)


Champs Elysees, Paris (Google Images)


Eiffel Tower, Paris (Google Images)

MARSHALL, ALFRED (1975)(1996) The Interlinear KJV-NIV, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

VOS, H.F. (1996) 'Halloween', in Walter A. Elwell (ed.), Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books.

C. Funny Vids





CNN

Man tazed on US Black Friday at Walmart

Planet's Most Valuable Sports Teams 2011

(Nasa image) September 26, 2011 A. Syrian teen executed CNN Syria 'Alhusni was only 18 when she stepped away from her Homs residence last month to buy groceries. Her family never again saw her alive. She was whisked away by Syrian security forces to coax the surrender of her activist brother, and ended up beheaded and dismembered, a neighbor, activists and human rights groups say...' 'Her older brother, Mohammed, became a well-known activist in the family's hometown of Homs in western Syria, often leading the demonstrations against embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and treating the wounded.' The tremendous desperation and sickness of a regime to execute an eighteen year old woman largely it sounds like because of an association with her activist brother as she was rounded up off the street. According to the report she was decapitated, chopped into four parts and then burned.

(Windows Images)

B. Driving Driving from Maple Ridge to Vancouver from home to church and back on Sunday is a spiritual challenge. I usually attempt to pray on the way there not leaving everything to do at the service or especially the Lord's Table. I confess my sins asking for cleansing and also thank the Lord for blessings and the lack of troubles in many areas. At the same time I definitely ask for changes and upgrades in my life. 1 Corinthians 11:26-34 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. 30 For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. 31 But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world. 33 So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you will not come together for judgment. The remaining matters I will arrange when I come. The spiritual challenge comes from many of the drivers. I actually usually find the 'slow drivers' more irritating than the 'fast drivers'. Like many drivers I drive the speed limit/spirit of the law. I drive the allowable speed limit. The fast drivers that drive by, they pass and they tend to not be a danger to me very often. The slow drivers often are more likely to be a nuisance and a potential danger because of a tendency to, for example, not move to the slow lane, and worse to often keep hitting the brakes rather than simply slow down while in traffic. One should also be maintaining a proper distance between other vehicles in order to not be tempted to over brake. What hitting the brakes does is of course trigger those pretty red rear lights and cause cars behind them to often do the same. These red lights seem to serve as hypnotic stop signs for some, and not enough seem to realize that he or she may be a tailgater which is why one often hits the brakes. This approach to driving annoys me because it slows the traffic down, often needlessly and more importantly it also increases the chances of a multi-car pile-up. I have no interest in being involved in a 1980s episode of CHIPS. If drivers would leave braking to basically stop lights, stop signs, initial parts of sharp corners and emergencies this would make freeway, highway and street driving more efficient and safer. It would also improve my Sunday spirituality. Further, I am not claiming to be a 'F1 driver' but I reason many people on the road over brake because they simply lack driving skill. Sadly, these types lead me to at times a struggle with the use of the tongue, and no I am not discussing the use of Biblical tongues. Now the people in Vancouver proper especially that the cross the street, including crosswalks without even looking at the traffic, in faith, that is another story... I always look, I am not interested in blind faith. (Weirdwebsites.info) Abbotsford, BC (Keller Williams scan) September 27, 2011 C. Planet's Most Valuable Sports Teams 2011

Forbes: Top Ten

Manchester United

$1.86 Billion: English Premier League

Dallas Cowboys $1.81 Billion: National Football League New York Yankees $1.7 Billion: Major League Baseball Washington Redskins $1.55 Billion: National Football League Real Madrid $1.45 Billion: Spanish La Liga New England Patriots $1.37 Billion: National Football League Arsenal $1.19 Billion: English Premier League New York Giants $1.18 Billion: National Football League Houston Texans $1.17 Billion: National Football League New York Jets $1.14 Billion: National Football League Others listed: Philadelphia Eagles, $1.12 Billion, National Football League Baltimore Ravens, $1. 07 Billion, National Football League Ferrari, $1. 07 Billion, Formula 1 Chicago Bears, 1. 07 Billion, National Football League Fifty teams are listed, most from the National Football League. I am 'of course' once again 'shocked' there are no National Hockey League teams on the list. One would think there would be with the mighty Toronto Maple Leafs and all that expansion to the southern United States. Image from The NewsNY.com Vancouver Rioters and Spa Treatment/ESPN 'Spa to rioters: 'Fess up now, relax later ESPN.com news services Attention, Vancouver shoplifters: You could be eligible for $50 in free spa treatments. But there is a catch: In exchange for the pampering, the recipient must turn himself in for the role played in the riots, arson and looting that followed Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals.' Man City 6@ Man Utd 1 equals worst day ever for Ferguson As I noted on Facebook, what I respect about Manchester United and Ferguson in this case is that even though they were badly beaten at home 6-1, the Manager states 'There will be a response'. A high standard of professionalism and winning is to be maintained. I can respect this philosophical approach and many other professional sports franchises/teams that are trying to win are not trying to win at this type of level and could learn from this example. I reason, if winning is important for the follower, Manchester United is one of the few professional sports franchises in the world worth being a devoted fan to for the reason just stated.

Flat Bible Revisited

Monte Carlo (Google Images)

A. Flat Bible

Flat Bible was originally discussed as a topic Monday, September 24, 2007

I will add material to this section of this month's post.

Progressive revelation is defined as the understanding that God's self-disclosure is in progression from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Grenz, Guretzki, and Nordling (1999: 96). Therefore the New Testament offers a more complete revelation from a Christian perspective. The Old Testament is to be understood in light of the fuller teaching of the New Testament. Grenz, Guretzki, and Nordling (1999: 96).

Someone once asked me in person about progressive revelation and we had a discussion on Facebook. This is the revised answer I sent:

At Columbia Bible College (Mennonite) and Canadian Baptist Seminary, I was taught that the Bible is not flat, as there is progressive revelation which ended in the apostolic age. Therefore there is no need or place for Islam, Latter-Day Saints, or other continuing the Christian faith.

Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant. (Hebrews 12: 24). Hughes describes it as a better covenant (Hebrews 8: 6) as the old one was inadequate not permanent. Hughes (1977)(1990: 551). The law in particular was only a shadow of good things to come. (Hebrews 10). The law cannot save as discussed in Romans 4, but persons are saved through righteousness of faith fulfilled in Christ. Galatians 2 mentions the folly of following the law as we now have Christ. In the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 4-6, Jesus explains the deeper spiritual meanings of the law. The new covenant provided atonement that was 'fully adequate and everlasting in its efficacy'. Hughes (1977)(1990: 551). Christ provides 'the blood of the eternal covenant (Hebrews 13: 20)'.
Hughes (1977)(1990: 551).

The Old Testament/Hebrew Bible is as valid as the New Testament, but it is often stated that one must interpret the Old Testament through the New Testament. I can agree with this concept since there is progressive revelation, but the Old Testament must be read in context, or else one risks reading the New Testament into the Old Testament. Christianity explains that the New Testament revelation of Christ/apostles does not contradict the previous revelation and instead adds to it explaining the plan of God. Islam is rejected for reasons such as the denial of key doctrines about Christ, including his deity, and the Latter-Day Saints theology is rejected for reasons such as holding to polytheism which is against Scriptural teaching. (Isaiah 43, 44, 45). There are various reasons why these other religions are rejected as well, but I mention those key points. If my concentration academically was more focused on the Hebrew Bible, I would have no problem with studying Hebrew scholars for the original context as this should be done, but I reason the New Testament can shed light on many of the older teachings.

In the Westminster Confession, Chapter XIX points out that the moral law does bind forever, even though true believers be not under law as a covenant of works. Westminster Confession (Chapter XIX). The new covenant does not contain the old covenant ceremonial laws but does contain the spirit of the same moral law. So, the same basic moral law is repeated.

GRENZ, STANLEY J., DAVID GURETZKI AND CHERITH FEE NORDLING (1999) Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms, Downers Grove, Ill., InterVarsity Press.

HUGHES, PHILIP. (1977)(1990) A Commentary On The Epistle To The Hebrews, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646).

B. Aliens

In regard to a recent friendly discussion, the following is a philosophical difficulty with replacing the Biblical God or Deistic God with speculation that aliens created human beings and by default avoiding dealing with the issue of a primary cause.

Aliens existing in the physical universe of matter would likely be physical beings and would be finite. In philosophical terms a secondary cause when they commit actions.

Even if aliens from some hyper-speculative theory did create human beings, the aliens as a secondary cause would have created human beings also physical beings of finite matter, a secondary cause when they commit actions.

Therefore there would still be the need for an infinite, non-matter/non-material, primary first cause that existed prior to the beginning of finite time and matter in order to avoid a vicious regress in the process of creating the aliens.

Further:

In the Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Simon Blackburn discusses ‘infinite regress’ and mentions that this occurs in a vicious way whenever a problem tries to solve itself and yet remains with the same problem it had previously. A vicious regress is an infinite regress that does not solve its own problem, while a benign regress is an infinite regress that does not fail to solve its own problem. Blackburn writes that there is frequently room for debate on what is a vicious regress or benign regress.

In The Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy, William Tolhurst writes that a vicious regress is in some way unacceptable as it would include an infinite series of items dependent on prior items. A vicious regress may be impossible to hold to philosophically, or it may be inconsistent. From the same volume, Raymond D. Bradley cautions that the mere existence of an infinite series is not the same as infinite regression, and is not philosophically objectionable. His first example is that every natural number (a positive integer, 1,2,3,4, …, or a non-negative integer, 0,1,2,3,4,…) has a successor that is a natural number. Bradley writes that it would not be illogical to state that each free act of consequence is a result of an act of free choice. Bradley thinks that trying to answer infinite regress by bringing in the idea of the theist’s God makes no sense.

BLACKBURN, SIMON (1996) Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford, University, Press.

BRADLEY, RAYMOND D. (1996) ‘Infinite Regress Argument’, in Robert Audi, (ed.), The Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

TOLHURST, WILLIAM (1996) 'Vicious Regress', in Robert Audi, (ed.), The Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

C. Atom

The smallest part of an element that can exist and consists of small dense nucleus of protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons. The number of electrons equals the number of protons so the overall charge is stated to be zero. Electrons orbit around the nucleus. (61).

Oxford Dictionary of Science, (2010), Sixth Edition, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Would not an Atom and Eve cult be weird?

D. Video


Shared this one previously.

The commercial overlooks the fact many world religions have such different views on the nature of God, that they could not reasonably be expecting the same final ultimate spiritual being. Christianity is not expecting another teacher to surpass Christ, as God's work in Christ will not be surpassed.

The late Avatar Adi Da Samraj claimed to be the supremely great spiritual being. This is a false claim.

E. Jets

The new Winnipeg Jets main logo along with the main logos of the other six Canadian teams. Rumours are consistent in the media in Canada and the United States that Quebec City will be the next NHL franchise by relocation whenever that occurs, meaning Canada would have eight teams once again, its all-time high. Perhaps the Canucks can find a new team playoff time to meltdown against in the clutch. Yes, I am glad I am a Manchester United supporter.

F. Netlog and WAYN

Friends asked me to join each site, but so far I have found some of each site's membership questionable. On WAYN I have already been dealing with a Russian scammer, although she is using some newer techniques that I have not come across in years past with other scammers and now this morning via someone on Netlog here is this classic junk from 'Sweet Heart'. Enjoy.

Sites that mention:

Romancescam.com/Sweet Heart

Anti-scam/Sweet Heart

'Dear Sweet Heart
Greetings to you my dear, I am writing to you with a heart full of tears and sadness, but first I have to say compliments of the season and I'll be waiting for my email in response to my request to you, please tell me more about your car and intenssion to me if you agree to be intimate with me, My name is Miss Favour Siako i am 24 years old, but age does not matter in a real relationship, I am the only surviving daughter of my late father (Dr. Siako Adams) of Liberia, in the small town of Grand Bassa, am 5. 8tall 173cm, but I am currently residing in Dakar Senegal under asylum as a refugee, I'm a sophomore at the University of Liberia studying mass communication before the war started in my country until the death of my late father Dr S. Adams, my father was the director general of Siako Manufacturing and he was the personal advice to the former head of State ( former President of Liberia Charles Taylor) before the rebels attacked our house one early morning and killed my mom and dad in cold blood. I'm open minded girl easy, safe, hard working and caring, always keep my word. looking for someone who is honest, as I wrote in my profile to marry, no matter where it comes from and no matter their religion back tail.

I am single never married and active and I like everything he does, for example, easy and comfortable life, go to the beach, cooking, watching TV, like sports football, etc, shopping, reading newspapers and novels, walk.pls after long time I would have liked to chat with u but in this field are not allowed to go out often.

I have no relative who can now go to all my relatives ran away in the midst of war, the only person I have now is the Rev. Danny King, who is the pastor of Christ (for all Churches) here in the Camp been good to me since I got here, but I'm not living with him rather i am leaving in the women's hostel because the camp have two hostels one for men and another for women. And I use to contact you via computer Reverend Danny King here in the camp i sent and received, also here is the Reverend pastor Danny King phone number (+221-76-33-86-879) for easier to hear your voice, When you call tell the reverend pastor Danny King wants to speak to Miss Favour Siako He sent for me,

As a refugee here I have no right or privilege to any thing be it money or whatever because it is against the law of this country.I want to go back to my studies because i only attended my first year before the incident that traggic lead to my being in this situation now took place.Please hear this, I have my late father's account and death certificate here with me I'll send you the letter because when he was alive he deposited some amount of money a leading financial company in which he used my name, Favour and family members, the amount involved is (Certificate of Deposit) to (U.S. $ 4m) four million U.S. dollars deposited by my late father in the bank I'm the next of kin.

So I would like to help me transfer this money to their care and from it you can send some money for me to get my traveling documents and air ticket to come to meet with you.I kept this secret to people in camp here the only person who knows about it is the Reverend because he is like a father to me. So in the light of above i will like you to keep you and not tell anyone for fear I have lost my life and the money if people gets to know.

Remember i am giving all this information due to trust and love i deposited on you.I like honest and understanding people, truthful and a man of vision, truth and working hard.
The mean time I would like you to answer me as I told you I have much to say .. If you accept and is willing to help i connect my picture here, please kindly attach your recent photo and details to contact you to answer me.

Have a nice day and think you hear me.Awaiting
Thank you my dear and take good care of himself.
A lovely lady Favour yours'

Looking through the Oxford Dictionary of Science

Somewhere where they receive a lot more sunny weather than Greater Vancouver...

A. Looking through the Oxford Dictionary of Science

Even as this is primarily a blog that deals with theology, philosophy of religion, Biblical studies and satire, scientific issues do arise as well and are of course important. Education and academics today do require at least at times the learning of disciplines outside of one's areas of expertise. Somewhat similarly my PhD thesis was completed within a Religion and Theology Department, but the content, as was the MPhil thesis, was as much philosophy/philosophy of religion and it was theology as it primarily dealt with the topics of the problem of evil and theodicy. As well I was required to do some research into empirical theology and social research which included statistics, and also researched how empirical theology related to science. With post viva revisions I was required to research some scientific journals on the subject of consciousness. Even without completing science course work and degrees I have done at least some science research in my academic career and reason I need to keep learning about science particularly in how it relates to the main disciplines I study. The origin of humanity is a topic/subject, for one, that can cover the disciplines of Biblical studies, theology, philosophy, and of course science.

Being quite pleased with the Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy and the Oxford Dictionary of the Bible which I use, I bought on discount with damaged beat up cover the Oxford Dictionary of Science. Yes, I had to ask for the discount and all sales are final, but the price was right. Interestingly, unlike the other two texts this has no author on the cover, although there is a listing with Editors, Advisers, and Contributors provided on a credits page. I have bought other science texts during my academic career and been given other texts, but this text will be particularly helpful for blogging in its dictionary form and its size in larger than the other two Oxford volumes put together.

Oxford Dictionary of Science, (2010), Sixth Edition, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Interesting how the definition differs for entropy for example in the science text, compared to the philosophy text, a term and subject that would be discussed across disciplines even in theology at times:

From the Science Dictionary: Symbol (S) a measure of the unavailability of a system's energy to do work; in a closed system an increase in entropy is accomplished by a decrease in energy available. When a system undergoes change the entropy (S) changes by the amount equal the energy (Q) transferred to the system by heat divided by the thermodynamic temperature (T) at which this occurs. However, all real processes are to a certain extent irreversible changes and in any closed system, an irreversible change is accompanied by an increase in entropy. (292).

In a wider sense entropy is interpreted as a measure of disorder, the higher the entropy, the greater the disorder and it states see the Boltzmann Formula. This is the second law of thermodynamics and involves the heat death of the universe. (292).

Simon Blackburn provides a less technical definition and agrees entropy is a property of a closed thermodynamical system. Entropy is a measure of the disorder in the system. He reasons the second law of thermodynamics states entropy always increases. Basically, a useful philosophical summation is provided. Blackburn (1996: 121).

BLACKBURN, SIMON (1996) Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Also in the huge 889 page science volume:

Evolution: Interestingly the text theorized 3000 million (3 billion) years of evolution and explains that up until the middle of the 18th century there was the generally intellectually accepted concept that God created living species. The text then goes on to claim Darwinian natural selection which it states is supported by modern genetics, for example. But, it admits, and I find this quite interesting, that evolution as theory is quite controversial and needs to be firmly clarified in regard to relationships of groups above the species level (304).

All in all a useful text that I will be using as a tool for blogging.

Christian scientific site I am familiar with:

Reasons to Believe

Also Jeff Jenkins of Thoughts and Theology has been showing some clips from Exploration Films lately:

Exploration Films

B. Various




On the web this is noted as supposedly in India, the home of technical support for many home computer owners. Does potential electrical fire come to mind?


(Image from Amazon.com)
Thanks, Jeff

From:



The Vancouver Sun: Bert & Ernie wedding: Sesame Street says no

'Are wedding bells in the cards for Sesame Street's Bert and Ernie, roommates in the iconic children's TV show who have long been rumoured to be gay?

There's an online petition at the activism website Change.org, with more than 5,000 signatures, which is calling for such a union, or for something else to happen on the show to teach kids that having a different sexual orientation is OK.

"Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics . . . they remain puppets and do not have a sexual orientation."'

I just heard about this on Albert Mohler's Podcast.

In regard to this article I think it is okay for kids to reason that the puppets are asexual/nonsexual. I think it is okay to let children figure it for themselves minus some political/moral agenda.

August 20, 2011

C. Age of the universe the Oxford Dictionary of Science

Having received a reasonable number of comments this month I return to the main topic. The text under this entry states that the age of the universe is the reciprocal value of the Hubble constant ( which is the rate at which the velocity of recession of galaxies increases with distance... Hubble time is a measure of age of universe assuming that expansion rate has remained constant, and it is assumed the expansion of the universe is accelerating. p 400). The Hubble constant according to the Oxford text is assumed to be 13.7 billion years old. p 18. But, it is admitted that the calculation of the Hubble constant and the age of the universe will depend of what theory of cosmology is used. They state that it is usually tied to calculations concerning the expansion of the universe arising from a big-bang theory. p. 18.

I deduce from this entry there is room for some debate in regard to the age of the universe, even from a secular scientific perspective in regard to cosmology which does overlap with the field of philosophy which of course overlaps with the field of theology.

Entitlement philosophy and an earning based philosophy

Jaguar: S Type SVR from Staytuned.com

A. Quebec is more deserving than Winnipeg?

I still do not consider myself an NHL fan. I am a fan of European football, Manchester United, Arsenal, and the UEFA Champions League. I am an observer of the NHL and not a follower like I was when I was younger. I still am not impressed by how the League is run, especially in regard to franchise location, although I like how the League is seemingly being somewhat forced into reevaluating that philosophy and recently relocated Atlanta to Winnipeg which had lost its team in 1996. Winnipeg lost its team due to a variety of economic reasons and the fact it had an old outdated arena and no prospects for a new one, or a local owner that wanted to continue losing money. It now has a newer arena and a billionaire co-owner. The League also has revenue sharing and a salary cap. Quebec also lost its team one season prior to Winnipeg for similar reasons including an old outdated arena and no prospects for a new one, and no local owner that wanted to continue losing money. When Winnipeg received Atlanta via relocation the Mayor of Quebec reportedly stated in the Montreal Gazette:

Montreal Gazette

'"Today we should be thrilled. The best thing that could happen to us is to see Winnipeg get its team. Usually, we could be next on the list," the mayor told reporters.'

The idea having been implied by the League which has also been discussed by the media in both Canada and the United States is that if Quebec, like Winnipeg builds a 15, 000 seats NHL size/type arena it will very likely be next in line to receive a franchise should one become available.

However, former Quebec Nordiques or Nordique great and member of the European Parliament Peter Stastny took a negative route according to the Winnipeg Free Press:

Winnipeg Free Press

'BRUSSELS, Belgium -- With apologies to Winnipeg, former Quebec Nordiques great Peter Stastny says Quebec City should have been first to see the return of the NHL.

Stastny even admits he was less than thrilled to learn that the Manitoba capital got an NHL club before Quebec City.

"Personally, I was sad," Stastny said Wednesday, adding that Quebec was more deserving of the distinction.'

Further

'Despite Stastny's assessment, Winnipeg had several advantages over its Quebec rival.

The Manitoba capital has a larger population and a completed, modern arena -- built mainly with private cash.'

My take is that, not knowing his heart (motives) of course, is that because he played for Quebec and because the NHL Quebec team, not the WHA team, did generally better than Winnipeg on the ice, he may think it sad that Quebec did not receive a franchise back first, and that Quebec should have received this distinction first.

This type of thinking comes across as entitlement philosophy as opposed to an earning based philosophy. Let us face it, entitlement philosophy it is often associated with both Canada and Europe more so than the United States, although it does exist there also. Winnipeg builds the 15, 000 plus seat/type NHL arena owned by suitable people that could own an NHL club in 2004 and in 2011 and Quebec still has not, although it is being planned and it does have suitable ownership. Winnipeg was in a position to purchase and properly support a franchise, Quebec was not.

Therefore, Stastny is philosophically mistaken.

Further, as side issues, I hope Quebec does receive either the next relocated franchise or the next one after that, if not Southern Ontario receives it. Actually when I a kid, I received Stastny's autograph, he was a nice man.

Political map of Canada, please click for magnification.

B. Rights

I tried to find a good definition of Entitlement in one of my philosophy texts but there was nothing suitable, and so I went to the 'Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy' which I used for my PhD and it is reliable and it uses the term entitlements is the context of defining rights. Rights are a type of entitlement by this definition and so I suppose are a useful example here.

Stanford

'Rights are entitlements (not) to perform certain actions, or (not) to be in certain states; or entitlements that others (not) perform certain actions or (not) be in certain states.'

The West? Is this tied to an attitude of entitlement too often?

C. The Work of Christ as Remedy to the Problem of Evil

From my MPhil (Wales) of 2003 Edited

I think, however, the philosophical discussion needs to be complemented by the theological remedy. I can understand Alister McGrath’s perspective on suffering as in many post-Enlightenment works the faith has been under attack because of the problem of evil. The attacks were of a philosophical nature and thus dealt with so, but ultimately the defence of Christianity comes down to divine revelation. McGrath stated in Iustitia Dei:

'The central teaching of the Christian faith is that reconciliation has been effected between and God and sinful man through Jesus Christ, and that this new relation between God and man is a present possibility for those outside the church, and a present actuality for those within its bounds. McGrath (1986: 1).'

Since to McGrath this is the central teaching, it makes sense in apologetics featuring the problem of evil, that the work of Jesus Christ in atonement which includes restoration and reconciliation, must be central. He thus thinks discussions on the problem of evil that do not deal with this in strong fashion, are lacking. Suffering was written to comfort those struggling with the problem of evil and to inform them that ultimate victory over suffering will be had through Jesus Christ.

McGRATH, A. (1986) Iustitia Dei, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

McGRATH, A. (1992) Bridge-Building, Leicester, Inter-Varsity Press.

McGRATH, A. (1992) Suffering, London, Hodder and Stoughton Limited.

Interestingly, those in Christ are entitled to punishment (Romans 1-3) but the atonement is for sin and the elect are in Christ (Romans 8, Ephesians 1), and those in Christ are saved by grace through faith unto good works.

D. Satirical look at career prospects

The job is in the tank

Larry Potter

Law but little order

No Doomsday or Tombsday

May 26, 2011

A. Doomsday/Tombsday (or sadly was it Dumbsday?)

Uncle Chucklins sent me this link that also contains a video concerning Harold Camping:

IBTimes San Francisco

'May 24, 2011 8:46 PM EDT

The failed Doomsday prophet Harold Camping, the president of Family Radio who raised over $80 million of donations over the past five years, said he has no intention of giving any money back to those who have donated for his false Doomsday campaign.'

The article notes the network has 66 stations worldwide with Internal Revenue Service filings revealing the non-profit group worth $72 million dollars.

'Camping has repeatedly announced in the public that the Doomsday will take place on May 21, 2011 when 200 million people will Rapture and the remaining people will go through series of natural disasters, including earthquakes that would make Japan's recent earthquakes “look like a Sunday school picnic in comparison,” until October 21, 2011 when the world will be destroyed completely. Basing his calculation on Bible verses, Camping said he was, “without any shadow of a doubt it (Doomsday) is going to happen.”'

In the article it appears he has no intentions of returning any donations.

I noted on my other blog previously that this was a false prediction, I stated, edited:

'I saw two of these signs locally today, finally.

As I stated on Facebook. I reason this represents false prophecy. It is from Harold Camping of Family Radio, California.

In this rare case a friend wanted me to publicly make a comment because the billboard signs were local and very public and so I posted on Facebook prior to Blogger...

Matthew 24: 34: 41 NASB

34"Truly I say to you, (AS) this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

35"(AT)Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

36"But (AU) of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.

37"For the (AV) coming of the Son of Man will be (AW) just like the days of Noah.

38"For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, (AX) marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that (AY)Noah entered the ark,

39and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the (AZ) coming of the Son of Man be.

40"Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left.

41"(BA) Two women will be grinding at the (BB) mill; one will be taken and one will be left.

Also in Matthew 24: 24, Jesus warned against false Christs and false prophets that would show great signs and wonders, and if possible even mislead the elect.'

Further today:

H.L. Ellison states that the time of second coming is unknown except to the Father, but this does not mean there will not be clear signs before it. Ellison (1986: 1146). R.T. France reasons that date of the parousia (second coming/advent) is unknown to human beings and to angelic beings and even to the Son. A limitation of Jesus' earthly knowledge as human, although he is still both God/man. France (1985)(2001: 347).

Camping when he predicts anything rapture related is not merely suggesting signs, as many of us in the Christian community do, but is going beyond on that into the error of false prediction and false prophecy.

I do not know the man's motives but he would have millions of reasons to have bad motives. But only God can judge his heart properly...or mine.

ELLISON, H.L. (1986) ‘Matthew’, in F.F. Bruce (ed.), The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

FRANCE, R.T. (1985)(2001) Matthew, Grand Rapids, Eerdmans.



B. Calvinism


Blackburn page 53.
I have quoted secular philosopher Simon Blackburn a fair amount on my blogs and within my Wales MPhil and PhD theses. I find him a very useful philosopher and scholar. I am Reformed and basically hold to TULIP, and of course this too would need to be defined and debated. Since I have Reformed Baptist leanings although I am a member of a PCA church while in Canada, I consider myself more so Reformed than Calvinist or Calvinistic.

I suppose Blackburn's definition is basically largely correct although in regard to freedom Calvin does note...

If freedom is opposed to coercion, I both acknowledge and consistently maintain that choice is free and I hold anyone who thinks otherwise to be a heretic. If, I say, it were called free in this sense of not being coerced nor forcibly moved by an external impulse, but moving of its own accord, I have no objection. Calvin (1543)(1996: 68).

What Calvin seemingly opposed theologically and philosophically was libertarian free will, as he reasoned that a person with a corrupt nature would make choices via that nature. In the 'Introduction' to Calvin's The Bondage and Liberation of The Will the author A.N.S. Lane states that ' Calvin argues even the best of human works are tainted by human sin'. Introduction (xxi). A fallen human being was of a corrupt human nature and would always commit actions accordingly. Because of the sinful nature continual resulting sinful thoughts and actions could not be avoided by libertarian choice. However, a person was not forced or coerced by an outside force to commit acts that he or she would then be held morally accountable for.

To further clarify, this does not mean a person with a corrupt sinful nature will always sin, a particular sin, so, for example a person could resist a temptation, but the person will always be sinful.

For the Christian, being regenerated, born again (John 3), is the process by which God begins to work good in the person which culminates in the resurrection. At the resurrection, the taint of sin is removed from the human spirit/body unity. In contrast to human wickedness from a corrupt nature, Calvin noted goodness results from the grace of the work of the Holy Spirit. Calvin (1543)(1996: 115). This spiritual work starts the transformation is the elect.

BLACKBURN, SIMON (1996) Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford, University, Press.

CALVIN, JOHN (1543)(1996) The Bondage and Liberation of the Will, Translated by G.I. Davies, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

LANE, A.N.S. (Introduction) The Bondage and Liberation of the Will, Translated by G.I Davies, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.



C. Satirical look at career prospects

I have between 150-200 CVs out this year for teaching positions at colleges, Universities, seminaries, and positions in regard to media/radio and publishing. But I suppose I need to consider my options outside of my four degrees (and future academic writing such as journals and books)...









Photo via email from Philip Hayes

One could start an international Yarsel business.