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.

Some inspirational statements within my academic career

Conwy Gardens, Wales 2001 

Update I have reposted this article for May (May 1). It was originally published April 25, but I have added more statements in May. As I have noted presently on my other blog, thekingpin68, I am going to try to write one post per month per blog (thekingpin68 and satire and theology) and I will attempt to place more than one section/article in each post. So two posts per month overall, with always the possibility of more. I am not personally interested in a 'Twitter' like short blog approach with several monthly posts. Although I admit some have success with it. Thank you to you loyal readers including the anonymous ones. Commenters, followers and links also appreciated of course. Cheers. Big D, has stated I should put a post together with inspirational statements from my nearly twenty years of academic education. These will be paraphrased since I do not walk around with a note pad, recorder, or personal assistant. The dates will also be estimated. 

Columbia Bible College 1991-1995: Professor J 

'I don't have time to read fiction because there is too much non-fiction for me to read.' I have largely had to live by this as with my four degrees I have spent a lot time studying Biblical Studies, Theology, and Philosophy of Religion as well as dabbling in Statistics, Social Research, Psychology and Science, and there has not been much time to read fiction. That is if I wanted to have any kind of social life outside of reading. Which I do. 

Columbia Bible College 1991-1995: Professor J 

'Looking through both tears of despair and tears of joy, one cannot see the truth very clearly'. Profound. I doubt this is true in every case. I tend to think that at times with increased emotions the brain becomes more active and thoughts can become more clear as long as one remains controlled. I can grant, however, that with intense out of control emotions leading to tears, yes, objectivity will very likely be impaired. 

Trinity Western University/Canadian Baptist Seminary 1997-1998: Theology Professor R 

'When I am asked to speak at a funeral and I am not reasonably sure if the deceased knew the Lord, I state that the Lord is a perfect and just judge'. I think that is a good approach.

Trinity Western University/Canadian Baptist Seminary 1997-1998: Theology Professor R '

There is no point having you students write term papers because at your level you have nothing significant to add'. I was fine with this comment. I was looking at this pragmatically. I was inspired by the pragmatism. We were taking Theology I and Theology II at a Masters level together at nights over several hours for a few weeks. I certainly did not want to add term papers to that agenda! The Professor was not liked by all but I still like and respect him and my marks were high and I learned a fair amount. I never sold-out my Christian faith and philosophy academically, but I have always been very pragmatic when it comes to academics as well. I discuss this in my e-book. 

The University of Manchester 1999-2000: Advisor and Professor P

'I have never met an animal like you.' This unfortunately makes me think of the poppy song called 'You're a strange animal'. This statement was in the context of this 'tutor' wanting me to change my views in regard to the problem of evil, theodicy and the nature of God in order for me stay within the theology and religion department. I was soon forced to leave and he did not want me there in the first place. The person that had accepted me was away on the Continent for a year. I was soon inspired to succeed at Wales. 

Wales University 2000: Advisor and Professor W 

Via a phone conversation... 'The only advice I will give you concerning women is to date someone that will attend the same church as you'. This I think is vitally very good advice which I will always follow. 

Wales University 2000: Advisor and Professor W

'Liberals have taken advantage of conservatives in the British academic system for 40 years and I am sick of it'. True enough and I experienced this, but I was inspired with God's help to work hard and succeed anyway within they system by the rules without compromising my worldview. I managed to meet Theologian John R.W. Stott very briefly after he spoke at a church in Manchester. I explained to him that I was working on a PhD on the problem of evil. He said to me... 

John Stott 2001: Speaker 'You are a very brave man'. Turns out with all I went through he was correct. The other day at church I bought one of his books. I was advised not to cite him in my PhD as he was not considered academic enough at Wales. At the very end of the book 'Basic Christianity' Stott explains that a Christian should follow Christ wholly and unreservedly in service. Stott (1958)(2009: 156). I will not claim that for myself in a perfect sense, but I will state that I did serve the Lord in a sacrificial sense in the UK and in my academic career. Also at church the other day, I bought a book from Arthur W. Pink, a theologian I cited in my PhD. The book I bought is 'The Attributes of God'. He states: 

Arthur W. Pink 1975: Theologian and Author

'Here is an encouragement to prayer. There is no cause for fearing that the petitions of the righteous will not be heard, or that their sighs and tears shall escape the notice of God, since he knows the thoughts and intents of the heart. Pink (1975)(2009: 23). The Lord hears the prayers of his people, and answers within his will. I can have that peace, as can others in trusting in the Lord. This does not guarantee happiness in regard to an issue that is being prayed on, but at least there can be peace that the Lord has heard the prayer. John 14:6 (New American Standard Bible) 6Jesus said to him, "I am (A)the way, and (B)the truth, and (C)the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. This has always been important theologically and philosophically for me. Certainly Christianity does not have all truth, and other many other worldviews and religions have truth, but if Christianity is essentially true the claims Christ made on this point are essential. David J. Ellis describes Christ as the vital link between the heavenly and earthly realms. There is no salvation apart from his teaching and Jesus as a person cannot be separated from what he does. Ellis (1986: 1254). I will add that having studied various worldviews at secular Universities I reason the Christian worldview is the most true. 

ELLIS, DAVID, J. (1986) 'John', in The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Zondervan. 

PINK, ARTHUR, W. (1975)(2009) The Attributes of God, Baker Book House Company, Grand Rapids. 

STOTT, JOHN, R.W. (1958)(2009) Basic Christianity, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids. I may add some more statements to this post as they come to mind. 

Trinity Western University/Canadian Baptist Seminary 1998-1999: Biblical Studies Professor from South Africa 

'Class (Closs) when writing an exam do your best and do God's best'. This professor was nice enough to introduce to me to the department at Manchester. Too bad it did not work out... 

Columbia Bible College 1991-1995: Professor K 

'If you use a better grade of paper you are more likely to receive an outright 'A' in my course'. Yes this was the case. I was using the standard academic grade paper but I went out and purchased higher grade paper for my printer just for my World Religions and World History courses with this Professor. In his defence, and I wrote him this by email this year, his technical preparations foreshadowed some of types technical things expected of my theses writing in Britain several years later. 

John Calvin 1543: Theologian 

'All things are subject to his power, and so there is no created thing which does not, either of its own accord or under coercion, obey his will. Accordingly everything that happens happens of necessity, as he had ordained. Satan too and all the wicked are submissive to his authority, so that they cannot move beyond what he has commanded, for they are constrained by his hand as though by a bride or a halter, so that by now he restrains them, since it pleases him to do so, and now he drives them on and guides them to execute his judgements.' Calvin (1543)(1996: 39).

In my MPhil and PhD theses I take the compatibilistic position that significantly free thoughts and actions that one would be held morally accountable for by God would not be forced or coerced. Human sin, in a sense, is not forced or coerced upon a person by God or any outside force. Therefore, human sin can be traced to human corruption (Romans 1-6) and sinful thoughts and a limited free will leading to sinful choices, all within the will of God. So, these would be appear to be the thoughts and more clearly actions of 'its own accord' Calvin was discussing. Further, I admitted in my Doctorate that not all human actions were significantly free if forced/coerced and that not all human actions were morally significant if same. 

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

How can I not be inspired by Chuck? 

Conwy Overview, Wales 2001  

My 'Estate': May 18, 2011 at a prayer time 

A Timeline of Dr. Russell Norman Murray's academic history

Byrne Road Cactus Club, Burnaby BC


Photo by Trevor Epp (April 2, 2011)

I was called 'The Don' and thekingpin.


Photo by Dave Murray (April 2, 2011)

Thanks for the cake, Chuck.

A Timeline of Dr. Russell Norman Murray's academic history by Chucky with assistance from thekingpin with some of the funny bits especially.

PhD Graduation Party April 2, 2011. Byrne Road, Cactus Club Cafe, Burnaby, British Columbia

Thanks to friends and family for the excellent PhD Graduation Party at Byrne Road, Cactus Club.

Thank you to Cactus Club, Byrne Road as well. Professional with first-rate food and service as it has been with every Cactus Club Cafe I have been to.

Dr. Russ Murray:)

Chucky...

(~1987) Russ becomes a fan of cult expert Dr. Walter Martin - the flame is kindled. He realizes there is more to ministry than Ernest Angley, Peter Popoff and Oral Roberts.

(1989) Russ attends a Christian college & careers bible study and makes some friends who notice and encourage his passion for apologetics. Russ makes fun of his friends by drawing comic strip stories about them and others. His friends Chuck and Bobby are easy targets. Bobby shows his muscles off for the girls at Bible school.

(1990) Russ decides to quit insurance and call center work and pursue an academic career in Biblical studies/theology/philosophy, starting with Columbia Bible College. Russ becomes acquainted with the Mennonite belief system that his goofy pal Chucky was raised with. This system is soon rejected for Reformed Theology. Sorry, Gerry. Russ hangs with Bobby Buff at school. They almost always skip chapel and play foosball. Russ takes classes from and befriends Chucky's relative, Gerry. Uncle Gerry mentors Russ and has a theory.

(1995) Russ completes his Bachelor of Arts degree. First trip to Britain with Chucky. Travelling by train and bus. Russ gets a sore toe in the Cotswolds. Chucky misreads the bus schedule and after failed attempt to hitchhike back to Stratford, asks a local to call a taxi. Russ has to have toe surgery in Birmingham. Chucky meets David Forbes, and eats haggis and black pudding at Brian Forbes' place. David keeps us up all night with crazy wonderful stories and then puts in a full day driving the double decker bus. Russ relaxes at the Giants' Causeway in northern Ireland. Chucky stops a crazy drunk lady from jumping into the River Liffey in Dublin. Russ used some of his counselling from Bible School and was told to "F off". Russ goes to Canadian Baptist Cemetary (part of ACTS at TWU campus) for his first masters. First attempt at focusing on theodicy. Russ becomes well-acquainted with the TWU photocopier.

(1997) Russ completes his MTS degree. Lack of support from some lovely baptist professors at ACTS drives Russ to aim for a PhD. Mega 2-part vacation - California to see Rush with Chucky, Greg D. and biological cousin Colin, then 2nd Britain trip with Chucky to check out schools. Looking for CD shops in San Francisco, we find ourselves in Castro district, by accident. The gay capital of the world. The Rush show was enjoyed by all. Later we would find a high quality recording of the very same concert. Post-show rendezvous was difficult, especially with no cell phones, but successful. Cousin Colin departs in mysterious fashion. We are ditched. We are not sure if Colin headed back to Castro. Greg D takes bus from Seattle and Russ and Chucky fly to London. Russ and Chucky rent a car and deal with the stress of trying to drive on the left and navigate out of central London to get to Cambridge. Chucky directs Russ down a one way street the wrong way. Schools visited: U. of London, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol. Russ recalls a stuck-up guy at London: "I don't know that your 1st class Christian honours are not our 3rd class honours."

(1999) Russ accepted for MPhil/PhD program at Manchester. Russ attends Manchester, discovers British bias against North American theological training, labelled as fundamentalist. Advisor was away at Germany for year. A source, with a similar name ;) tells me Prof. Jantzen, of Manchester, had it in for TWU students and she used to attend, and so she wanted me out. Prof. Pailin ended up being a real Pailin in the ass. Leaving his flat for a short trip back to Canada, Russ returns to find his Manchester flat burglarized. Conflicts at Manchester lead Russ to attempt switching to Nazarene Theological College (also in Manchester). Nazarene is blocked by their relationship with Manchester, politics force Russ to search for another school.

(2000) In despair about his situation, Russ sends out emails to a few other potential schools, prays, and the following day receives a call from Dr. William Kay at University of Wales, which offers a distance learning PhD. But must first complete a British MPhil degree. Russ started the MPhil while in Manchester. Did Chapter 1 in the UK. Chucky comes over from Belgium to visit at Christmas time, and Russ and Chucky are attacked downtown, Russ getting bottled. UK doctor attempts to fix the nose by hand, makes it worse. Nasal and dental reconstructive surgery were done after returning to Canada.

(2001) Russ works from home, and rekindles his relationship with the TWU photocopier. Russ learns statistics, as advisor (William Kay) has statistical background and they decide a survey approach to theodicy would be unique and interesting.

(2003) Russ completes the MPhil for U. of Wales with no revisions, despite having to deal with annoying vitreous floaters and sleep apnea related fatigue. Sleeping 12 hours a days to do 12 hours of work, including thesis writing and blogging.

(2004) Russ begins blogging, starting with thekingpin68 blog, with posts on various theological topics, and beautiful scenic photos of places around the world. A guy named "Jeff" becomes an early fan and voluminous writer, also providing occasional humourous photoshopped images. An annual feature is the “non-conformist of the year”, selected among Russ' many nicknamed friends. Bobby Buff is the 10-times winner. Russ begins work on the PhD.

(2006) Russ adds a second blog, satireandtheology. Today both blogs receive about 15,000 pages views a month combined. First PhD advisor (Mark) advises Russ to avoid a philosophical approach. Mark leaves the University; Russ is assigned another advisor (Rob). There is a long delay between advisors. Rob wanted way more work - lots of additions. Rob then leaves for another school (Chester).

(2009) Russ goes to Wales and impresses the examiners with his thesis defense (viva). The examiners ask for a more philosophical approach and revisions that took another eight months.

(2010) Russ finally gets word that his PhD revisions have been accepted. University of Wales, Lampeter is involved in merger with Trinity University College. The merged school is called University of Wales, Trinity Saint David. The merger slows up processing of the doctorate. Russ' doctorate was basically lost and was only found when he emailed the top three persons at TSD and they put pressure on the office to get it done. Diploma arrives in the mail with stamps from both University of Wales and University of Wales, Lampeter. Fortunately it is not bent like his Silver Surfer comic book. (2011) Russ develops a following among young, female Brazilian bloggers. Also some from Spain and Argentina.


Photo by Dr. Russ Murray (April 2, 2011)






BA, MTS, MPhil, PhD (Order on wall, PhD, up BA, down MTS, MPhil)
My wall completed after my PhD graduation party.
Photo by Dr. Russ Murray

Thank you to Philip Hayes for the last three images from Icanhasmotivation.com

Totalitarianism

Libya, desert oasis (Google images)

Libya, is of course in the news much lately.

CIA

Libya

'Government type'

'Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the populace through local councils; in practice, an authoritarian state'

In other words, a state theoretically governed by the people through local councils, but in actuality these councils answer to an authoritarian state. This type of state is also described philosophically as dictatorship and totalitarian.

Blackburn defines totalitarianism as a principle of government by which all institutional and private arrangements are controlled by the government/state. Autonomous groups and associations do not exist and as well there does not exist legally recognized private/public distinctions. Blackburn (1996: 379).

Philosophically, some possible implications for the Christian Church in a State if Blackburn's definition is followed closely or somewhat closely:

The Church could be made illegal and forced underground.

The Church could be heavily controlled by government authorities leading to a corruption of theology and practice.

The Church could be influenced by government authorities leading to some compromises and perhaps corruption in theology and practice.

It is possible the Church could be allowed relative freedom by government authorities to truly practice Biblical standards, but this historically seems less likely.

Therefore, philosophically, Christians should politically oppose totalitarian forms of government.

The objection could be made from the critic that the culminated Kingdom of God/Heaven will not be a democracy but as a Kingdom will therefore be totalitarian. However:

God shows love to his people. (John 3).

God elects and atones those in Christ by grace through faith. (Ephesians 1-2).

The new heaven and new earth of resurrected believers, (Revelation 21-22) we will be ruled by an omnipotent, perfectly holy God, although Christ will be king.

I therefore, do not reason Christ/God will be a dictator.

There are other very serious reasons of course for Christians to oppose totalitarianism as well, such as human rights, and other.

The issue of military force to battle totalitarian regimes is complex and needs to be looked at and reviewed in each case.

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


Murzuq, Libya (trekearth.com)


The Sahara Desert, Jalu, Libya (trekearth.com)

THE END

Keeping with the sand theme...

My dear Mother sent me some photos from Maho Beach of Sint Maarten on the Dutch side. The Princess Juliana International Aiport is next to the beach...




This is actually where they drop off those packaged peanuts for the beach buffs.






That guy is classic. 'This is my vacation!'

Goofy email I received:

'Get back to me if Interested!!!

I have an orphanage project for you worth US$14,000,000.00. get back to me via email on (deleted@qatar.io) for more details.
Mr. Newton Hannington.'