Really Hawking? Logic failure again!

I just don’t get it. Read this and tell me if it makes any sense:

“Because there is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing. Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the universe exists, why we exist.”  Stephen Hawking (and co-author Leonard Mlodinow in The Grand Design”)

Something out of nothing. The Latin “ex nihilo”. Spontaneous creation? Huh? Because gravity exists?

I appreciate the efforts of any thinking person to seek meaning. And, to confess, I think Hawking is much more intelligent than I.

But this is absurd.

In legal terms, the Prima Facia is defined as a fact presumed to be true unless it is disproved. Hawking is introducing his theories as prima facia which will be received by many (especially in the atheist community) as facts.

They are NOT.

I believe there must have been a Primum Movens – a first cause. It has never been demonstrated in ANY way that something can come from nothing. There had to be something, somewhere, sometime in order for “existence.”

Personally (scientifically and spiritually also), I believe that something was God. I look at life – be it my children, a flower, a bird flying or whatever else in creation – and believe that Someone wonderful was behind it all.

It must be tough to be a genius. Perhaps an apple fell on his head?

Then again, maybe it is easy?

You can toss out an idea and people believe it. I guess a person wouldn’t have to think if they did that…

I’m sticking with God.

Yours in Christ,

Marty

A Mixtape of Biblical Truth – Dug Down Deep book review

If you are going to read one book this year, this has to be the one. You may think I’m kidding or exaggerating, but this is it.

Donald Miller meets J I Packer. Rob Bell meets John MacArthur. Bugs Bunny meets Beatrix Potter.

Dug Down Deep

OK – the last one was a bit of a joke. No insults to anyone intended, but you get the point – lightheartedness blended with good content.

In Dug Down Deep, Joshua Harris presents “a mixtape of Biblical Truth” written in language that everyone can understand. (For the non-cassette tape players out there, it’s your iPod playlist.) Harris clearly communicates theology with heart and passion. In his words, “We are all theologians. The question is whether what we know about God is true.”

[If the word “theology” scares you, don’t worry. The words (jus-ti-fi-ca-shun, sanc-ti-fi-ca-shun, …) are not used as swords but rather as helps. How do those powerful words fit into your life and mine?]

Harris’ purpose in writing the book is clearly spelled out. “Dug Down Deep is my reveling in theology in my own simply way – not too polished, sometimes awkward, less than scholarly, hopefully gracious and faithful.”

What issues does he tackle? A quick, non-comprehensive snapshot in my words:

• God – far away or right here?
• The Bible – rules or food?
• Jesus – did he really have a bellybutton?
• Salvation – “born again” – imagine the guts and goo – not the flowers and balloons
• The Holy Spirit – what’s beyond that one line in the Apostle’s Creed?

That’s enough I hope for you to get the picture. (And I didn’t even mention the atheist summer camp!)

So – looking for a good book? This is it. You will enjoy the content and – prayerfully – find something to enrich your faith walk a bit more. Put this on your reading list for the New Year!

Yours in Christ,

Marty

**Oh – for some odd reason, the FCC wants me to mention that I received a free copy Multnomah / Waterbrook. Seems a bit silly since M / W didn’t pay me to write anything? Job security for someone! :o)

Laughing Out Loud at the Bible!

Sorry atheists, this isn’t the post you think it will be!

In reading the book of Job during devotions the other night, a couple of words really jumped out at me.

Destruction of Leviathan by Gustave Dore

In chapters 40 & 41, God describes the power and might of His creations, the behemoth and the leviathan. When I read these verses, I am always amazed at God’s mighty Power and awed by His strength.

Then, in 41:5, He says:

Can you make a pet of [the Leviathan] like a bird or put him on a leash for your girls?

You can look at this in one of two ways:

1. God was trying to shame Job and his friends at the absurdity of the question.
2. God was trying to use this as a loving way to remind them who He was.

Perhaps the answer is a bit of both. As a father, I thought it was funny and said with tremendous love. There are times when my children have gotten a bit out of hand or have become upset at something. A little humor in the midst of a chastisement or rebuke works 95% of the time to remind them that I still love them. (The other 5% of the time leads to tickling.)

God does have a sense of humor, doesn’t He? 

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW! PRAISE HIM ALL CREATURES HERE BELOW!

Yours in Christ,

Marty

Lies of the “Coexist” Philosophy

Give me a break...

UPDATE: See additional later post for meanings.

Let’s be honest. The “cute” Coexist bumper sticker using various symbols doesn’t mean what it says. Let’s use a practical example.

I was driving past a car the other night and it had that sticker. Next to it was a “Darwin Fish.” Now, as a believer in Jesus Christ (who has a good sense of humor), I was a bit offended by the two together. Why?

The Ichthys (ΙΧΘΥΣ) is an Greek word meaning “fish.” It was used by Christians (often during times of persecution) to identify one another or mark / direct believers towards meetings.

A basic design

It is a subtle symbol. It should not offend. (I once had a conversation with someone who asked me what car dealer it represented!) In fact, it should be a challenge to a driver who has placed one on his or her car to drive in a manner that is decent.

BUT – when you insert Darwin in the middle and put legs on it, it is intendedto offend. You want to insult those who put the ichthys on their cars.

Offensive or funny?

AND – when you tie the two “Coexist” and “Darwin” together, you are lying about your own beliefs.

What do I mean? If you are a Christian, an atheist, agnostic, buddhist, muslim or whatever you claim, you are professing a set of beliefs and faith in something. With that set of beliefs should come a set of practices about your belief.

If you (as a “whatever”) claim to believe in the coexist philosophy, you should not then turn around and slap the faith of Christians. Putting a Darwin fish on your car next to a coexist philosophy sticker  proclaims:

Let’s all coexist EXCEPT you Christians!

Do you even realize how ignorant that is?

I am a Christian. I believe in coexistence. If you put your faith in Allah, you have that right. If you put your faith in nothing, you have that right. I don’t think you should be locked up, exiled or killed. 

But, as a Christian, I am required by my faith to live in a certain way and do certain things. I am required to share my faith and help disciple people who want to grow in their faith. (Matthew 28:19-20) I’m not perfect, but I try to walk what I profess.

If I am sharing my faith with someone and they tell me they aren’t interested, I stop. It doesn’t change my belief or make me act any differently. I simply won’t discuss it anymore with them at that time.

Be honest. What would happen if you drove a car with that bumper sticker in Iran, Saudi Arabia or an Islamic nation? Or, do you think it is popular in Communist China?

Me either…

“Coexist” if you want to. But if what you really mean by that bumper sticker is everyone coexist but Christians then at least have the decency to cover up the cross.

With respect,

Yours in Christ,

Marty

In, of and in-between – The Christian “world”

Perhaps I should add a touch more clarification to last week’s post – Death of a Christian magazine.

If “Christian-only” resources are OK, does that mean Christian resources don’t belong with the general mix? No, of course not. In the same sense that secular box stores can carry Christian materials they can stock material from people who are Muslim, Jewish, agnostic or atheist. After all, it is their business. I don’t determine their inventory.

In that same sense, a Christian artist doesn’t have to remain exclusively in the Christian realm. If artists like “Sixpence None the Richer” or “The Fray” wish to seek a greater audience with their music and testimony, PRAISE GOD if they are successful!

Isaac Slade (The Fray) shared that his “job” is to make the best music he possibly can. If it makes someone ask Why? then he can share his testimony.

All that said, the original issue of whether or not there should be “Christian-only” material still strikes me as rather strange. Why not?

God’s Word is for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2nd Timothy 3:16). Christian resource material is (or should be) also intended to help the believer grow towards maturity. Sometimes it is heavy, deep material; sometimes it is light and encouraging.

I used to shudder at Barbara Johnson’s (“The Geranium Lady”) material until someone told me how much it had helped them at a particular point in their life. LRM‘s founder and my mentor, Bob Fenn, told me simply “There is a right book at the right time for the right person.”

If you, whether a believer in Jesus Christ OR as a spiritual seeker, want to find something that will help you in your walk, you should be able to find such a resource. To break it down to the simplest level, if you want to learn to be a better plumber, read plumbing books. If you want to learn to be a better math student, read math books. If you want to learn to be a better Christian, read Christian books.

Don’t live on an island, but don’t refuse to visit one now and again!

Yours in Christ,
Marty

Conflict or Contradiction in Scripture?

While having breakfast with a friend this morning, we discussed 1st John 2:7-8. In those verses, there is one of those “conflicts” (or contradictions) that wouldn’t make sense without a bit more study. John writes:

Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.

John is NOT writing a new command but an old one. The old command is the same it has always been. But then, John IS writing a new command. Can’t he make up his mind? Is it old, new or neither?

The process of sanctification is one by which we become more like Christ. If we are seeking to grow into Christlikeness, then we must make those decisions each day that will help us be more like Him. In John’s terms, stop sinning.

Clearly, in context, John’s purpose in writing is to help us not to sin (verse 1). But John knows that we will sin. [If we were able to choose not to sin, then Christ’s work on the cross would not have been necessary.] Christ speaks up in our defense when we do sin.

This dichotomy of old / new command is an easy “contradiction” to understand when you read it in context of the letter and the entire Bible.

God commanded His chosen to come out of idolatry and stop sinning.  This commandment has been consistent throughout Biblical history. However, because we couldn’t stop sinning, Christ came to live the perfect sacrificial life so that we might be reconciled to God.  

Where’s the “new” come in? The “new” came in the person of Jesus Christ. The “new” is that we now know the name of the One who was prophesied about in the Old Testament.

We have contradictions in politics and news reports. We don’t have contradictions in Scripture – IF we are willing to study and read.

Yours in Christ,

Marty

Finding an Unseen God

I recorded a radio interview with Alicia Britt Chole today. She is the author of a new book – Finding an Unseen God (Bethany House / Baker Publishing). It’s a very interesting and insightful book.

Unlike some of the other Christian apologetics books floating around, this resource is written in a more reflective style – almost autobiographical. Alicia is (now) a believer in discussion rather than debate. She was a firm atheist until an “encounter” with God. (It probably shouldn’t be called an apologetics book.) If you are able to check it out, be sure to pay attention to the chapter numbers. It starts with chapter 52, then chapter 1, then chapter 51, and so on.

We’re really behind on posting interviews to LRM’s web site, but hopefully we’ll get it up there someday soon!

Yours in Christ,

Marty

“Show Me” Judge Gideon

Missouri is known as the “Show-Me” state. Rather than accepting narratives, we like for people to show us. In other words:  PROVE IT!

I’ve read some blogs by atheists that are interesting and some that are (in my opinion) circuitous, twisted and completely hateful. The things that are “debated” are painful examples of human desires to rip apart other people. (The statement that “Hitler was a Christian” is an example of the absurd.)

I’m not naive enough to think that some Christians aren’t salivating to do the same thing, but it’s a delicate line of discussing and learning or spewing venom.

So – What’s the point? Here’s where we get to the “Show-Me” Judge.

In the book of Judges, Gideon asked God for a sign. The offering request in Judges 6:17-18 is shortly followed by the wet / dry and dry / wet fleece signs. God answered him. God helped to comfort his fear.

Atheists will often say “Prove God.” But then they don’t accept your proof. They want scientific proof. Science proves the natural world. It cannot prove the spiritual world.

What does? Faith. What is faith? Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1-2).

The Bible is the foundation of a Christ-follower’s faith. It is where we look for direction and wisdom. What is love? 1 John 3:16. How do you grow in your faith? 2 Peter 1: 5-10.

The Bible isn’t just a book. It is a road map for life. (2 Timothy 3:16) It is a road map for eternity.  You may say – like a good Missourian or like Gideon – Show me. Prove it to me.

There are things that can be proven in this natural world. There are things that can’t. Discussing those things intelligently can help people to grow. Throwing ugly vicious stones doesn’t do anything except encourage more anger and hostility.

The next time you have an opportunity to share your faith or discuss something (even politics!), ask questions. Seek to understand what a person is saying. Clarify. Seek to share in kindness and love what you believe.

But, if you feel your blood pressure going up, step away. Take more time to think, pray, relax – whatever. Then talk again. You might be able to accomplish more than you think.

Yours in Christ,

Marty

Politics and Religion – Throw a Stone!

Regular readers know that I am not one to blog about politics. Every once in a blue moon, something will pop up that sparks a thought, but I’d much rather talk about faith. I think faith is much easier to discuss and infinitely more clear!

Of course, yesterday I posted something about President Obama going to church and today I’m going to reflect briefly on “The End of Christian America.” But fear not, I’m not going to become a politician!

Jon Meacham wrote an article in the April 13, 2009 edition of Newsweekentitled “The End of Christian America.” (Normally, I don’t even bother reading Newsweek, but this caught my eye.) In the article, Meacham stated:

Evangelical Christians have long believed that the United States should be a nation whose political life is based upon and governed by their interpretation of biblical and theological principles.

He proceeded to then cite examples of alcohol, creation and abortion. He proceeded to state that the intensity has “ebbed and flowed” but “the right longed to engineer a return to what it believed was a Christian America of yore.”

Now, I don’t know if you are a believer in Jesus Christ. I don’t know if you are an “evangelical.” As I have discussed with a few atheists, those terms mean different things to different people. Personally, I am a Christ follower. I try to live my life based upon God’s Word – which I believe to be inerrant.

So, being a Christ follower, I found Meacham’scharacterizations to be a bit offensive. I don’t wear rose-colored glasses. Personally, I don’t think America was ever “Christian” per se, but it is foolish to think that we weren’t founded with certain principles that were based on God’s Word. Our nation’s founders recognized the importance of having a foundation based on something bigger than subjective opinions.

What’s the big picture here? In essence, we are fallen, sinful people. Whether or not you put your faith in Jesus Christ, I think we can all agree that there is no perfect person on this earth today. (I’d love to hear ANYONE try to argue against that!) Therefore, we need an objective, reliable source.

Is the Bible objective? Yes. It is God’s love letter to us. He wants the best for each of us. He wants us to follow His commands, decrees and laws. Maybe you think that isn’t objective, but tell me which of those things put forth in His Word are NOT beneficial. What in His Word would not help you to live a better life and be a better person?

Is the Bible reliable? Yes. I know people argue against this, but history, archaeology, etc… have proven time and time again that the Scriptures stand against the stones thrown at it.

Here’s a simple question: Is it wrong to believe that our nation should be based on something bigger than opinions?

Abortion – Is it freedom of choice or is it preserving life? Science has proven that life begins at conception. Is it wrong therefore to believe that it is wrong to try to protect that life?

Creation or evolution – Is it wrong to believe that the universe must have had an original source? Ex nihilo (out of nothing) is NOT possible unless there was a Creator. Therefore, is it wrong to ask that this be included in education?

Maybe I should go back to writing only about faith?

But then – isn’t this about faith?

Yours in Christ,

Marty

“Choosing My Religion”

It’s not just for REM anymore…

A recent article cited that an increasing number of people say they have no religion whatsoever. It is currently at 15% (although only 1.6% of the population claim atheism).

Why does this bother me, you may ask? First of all, the statistical variation set forth almost negates the increase of a whopping .8%. (Sorry for the sarcasm, but if you know how much I look at statistics, you may know why this irritates me…)

BUT beyond the statistics, I believe you really need to dig into the details to get anything useful out of this. And I don’t think it is what the researchers intended!

First of all, I don’t have a religion – I have a relationship. I have been told this is the “mantra” of evangelical Christians. (Yes, I know the irony of someone using this particular word. If you don’t know the origins, look it up. It makes me laugh!) Say what you want, for those of us who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we know the difference. Therefore, a word like “religion” (as defined by many) is not likely to solicit a positive response from me.

Secondly, I’m not surprised there is a decline. In North America, the Truth of the Gospel is watered down. Many churches preach feel-good messages that explain nothing of the culture and context of God’s holy and inerrant Word. Some churches don’t even bother opening the Bible at all! How can people hear the Truth if it isn’t spoken?

The Bible does have application today. It is “living and active, sharper than a double-edged sword.” God doesn’t change. In order to understand an infinite God with a finite mind (impossible), we must begin the process of learning and studying. We must then continue the process.

What does that mean? Keep learning! Even if you’ve read the Bible 100 times, read it again. Study the relationships between the books. Study the culture. Try to keep up to speed on the latest archaeological findings. Learn Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic. Use tools. In one word – GROW!

If all of that does not move you out of the realm of spiritual seeker and into the realm of a believer, then pray.

WAIT! What did I just say?

Yes, really. I said pray.

John 1: 4-5 tell us that light is not understood by the darkness.  The only way to understand the light is to come out of the darkness. That is done only through the Power of the Holy Spirit. Ask for discernment.

Caveat – Don’t expect fireworks, bells and whistles or a perfect life. This side of eternity, things will be difficult. Remember – we are finite while God is infinite. You will have doubts. You will have questions.

But there are answers.

I know Jesus is the answer.

Yours in Christ,

Marty