This piece was the hardest for me to read. It could be that I didn't get to fully digest it, since I was catching up on other readings, but I just didn't think it was as interesting as the others. I never got a clear definition of what subjectivism actually is, so I am not sure if I missed it or if it's just something we are expected to know. Anyway, I will try to point out some major quotes that illustrate his idea.
Lewis makes two points:
1. The human mind has no more power of intervening a new value than of planting a new sun in the sky or a new primary color in the spectrum.
2. Every attempt to do so consists in arbitrarily selecting some one maxim of traditional morality, isolating it from the rest, and erecting it into an unum necessarium.
All ideas of new or scientific or modern moralities must be dismissed as mere confusion, says Lewis.
"While we believe that good is something to be invented, we demand of our rulers such qualities as vision, dynamism, creativity, and the like. If we returned to the objective view we should demand qualities much rarer, and much more beneficial- virtue, knowledge, diligence, and skill."
As hard as I try to summarize this passage, I just cannot put a strong handle around it. Lewis is such a brilliant writer, and I often wish I could write such convincing arguments like he does. However, it is days like today that I cannot appreciate his logic like I should. Sometimes I need an easy read, an entertaining while still profound, read. I often feel like guilty for wanting to read Chronicles of Narnia when I have all these intellectual pieces of writing in front of me. However, I don't think that God wants us to always be so scholarly; I think He loves when we approach Him like a child.
"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." — Mark 10:14-15
However, going along with our past readings on learning, I know that God wants me to seek out understanding and truth. I cannot simply give up reading something the moment I feel confused or frustrated.
"Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day." — Ps 25:4-5
I pray for a teachable heart, but I pray for the mind of a child- curious, inquisitive, not tainted by cynicism. I pray for a heart of perseverance, to keep seeking knowledge even when it seems impossible to contain.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Plantinga Chapter Five
This chapter correlated very well with "Learning in War-Time." Although Lewis is more philosophical, Plantinga conveys the same message- just in simpler terms.
"Given Jesus' summons, his followers have always understood that to be a "Christ person" is to be a "kingdom person." Working in the kingdom is our way of life. And many followers have concluded that we need powerful Christian education to learn how to serve the kingdom most intelligently." Just as we cannot separate ourselves from secular and sacred parts of life, we cannot live on earth without living in the kingdom of God. Additionally, we must be educated so we know how to live the life that is most pleasing to God in His kingdom.
Although we already live in the kingdom, we often pray for the kingdom to come- as if it doesn't exist yet. In troubled times we pray, we beg, for the kingdom to come and save us from our misery. People who have it really bad desire the kingdom of God with every fiber of their being, but this is not a feeling most of us share. When we are having a good day, many of us secretly pray for the kingdom to come another day. We pray and hope that "your kingdom come" but not right away. This is because we think our earthly kingdom is just fine; we don't desire something better when life on earth is going great. We get too comfortable with our own way of life that the coming of the kingdom is far from our minds. I pray that I will start living in the kingdom of God instead of my own earthly kingdom; I too often think I have my own life in control and when it goes well I have no need for God. Instead of longing for God to come to me in times of sorrow, I need to acknowledge His presence is never fleeing. Our earthly kingdom, no matter how joyful it can be, will never compare to the kingdom of the Lord.
Furthermore, to say that God is the supreme ruler means that He is not the only ruler. God has created us to have dominion, so there are presidents, chiefs, chairmen, etc. "We all have a particular sphere over which we have our say." We do not reign alone though; we have our say, but only in community with others. Living in the kingdom of God means learning how to mesh our personal kingdoms with those of others. This means sharing living space, classrooms, or work space. Although we have small, personal kingdoms, God's kingdom is over all of them.
This relates to learning, because in the kingdom of God we must know how to take part in earthly kingdoms. A Christian still votes, and we have to be educated on what candidate would most glorify God. If we don't vote, we can pray for leaders to make good choices and obey them by paying taxes. There are earthly institutions that play a huge role in God's kingdom. Hospitals, schools, recreational clubs, etc. all extend God's sovereignty to every part of life. A prime citizen of the kingdom longs for shalom, so we are to participate in activities that contribute to the coming of shalom.
"God's other name is Surprise." Life is not perfectly balanced and organized, so we must be prepared for whatever God throws in our path. If we are educated in a wide array of topics, bumps in the road will not trip us up. We will be able to continue on, even if that means a new road with new sub-kingdoms. Since we are created with a desire to learn, we will not be following God's will if we are not constantly seeking knowledge. Knowledge of our Lord is what will build us up first, since He is our rock that everything stands on. If we seek God first, He will show what we need to know. I pray for a humble heart, that confesses it cannot know anything before it knows about the Lord, and that every piece of knowledge is a gift from God.
"Given Jesus' summons, his followers have always understood that to be a "Christ person" is to be a "kingdom person." Working in the kingdom is our way of life. And many followers have concluded that we need powerful Christian education to learn how to serve the kingdom most intelligently." Just as we cannot separate ourselves from secular and sacred parts of life, we cannot live on earth without living in the kingdom of God. Additionally, we must be educated so we know how to live the life that is most pleasing to God in His kingdom.
Although we already live in the kingdom, we often pray for the kingdom to come- as if it doesn't exist yet. In troubled times we pray, we beg, for the kingdom to come and save us from our misery. People who have it really bad desire the kingdom of God with every fiber of their being, but this is not a feeling most of us share. When we are having a good day, many of us secretly pray for the kingdom to come another day. We pray and hope that "your kingdom come" but not right away. This is because we think our earthly kingdom is just fine; we don't desire something better when life on earth is going great. We get too comfortable with our own way of life that the coming of the kingdom is far from our minds. I pray that I will start living in the kingdom of God instead of my own earthly kingdom; I too often think I have my own life in control and when it goes well I have no need for God. Instead of longing for God to come to me in times of sorrow, I need to acknowledge His presence is never fleeing. Our earthly kingdom, no matter how joyful it can be, will never compare to the kingdom of the Lord.
Furthermore, to say that God is the supreme ruler means that He is not the only ruler. God has created us to have dominion, so there are presidents, chiefs, chairmen, etc. "We all have a particular sphere over which we have our say." We do not reign alone though; we have our say, but only in community with others. Living in the kingdom of God means learning how to mesh our personal kingdoms with those of others. This means sharing living space, classrooms, or work space. Although we have small, personal kingdoms, God's kingdom is over all of them.
This relates to learning, because in the kingdom of God we must know how to take part in earthly kingdoms. A Christian still votes, and we have to be educated on what candidate would most glorify God. If we don't vote, we can pray for leaders to make good choices and obey them by paying taxes. There are earthly institutions that play a huge role in God's kingdom. Hospitals, schools, recreational clubs, etc. all extend God's sovereignty to every part of life. A prime citizen of the kingdom longs for shalom, so we are to participate in activities that contribute to the coming of shalom.
"God's other name is Surprise." Life is not perfectly balanced and organized, so we must be prepared for whatever God throws in our path. If we are educated in a wide array of topics, bumps in the road will not trip us up. We will be able to continue on, even if that means a new road with new sub-kingdoms. Since we are created with a desire to learn, we will not be following God's will if we are not constantly seeking knowledge. Knowledge of our Lord is what will build us up first, since He is our rock that everything stands on. If we seek God first, He will show what we need to know. I pray for a humble heart, that confesses it cannot know anything before it knows about the Lord, and that every piece of knowledge is a gift from God.
Learning in War-Time
I really enjoyed reading this sermon, because I often wonder what I am doing at school when I should be out experiencing life and following my hopes and dreams. However, in my head I have my own plans but they are not likely God's plans. Furthermore, I find it difficult to believe that it is God's will for me to spend years in college. Lewis presented an argument that shined light on my thoughts though.
"How can you be so frivolous and selfish as to think of anything but the war?" "How can you be so frivolous and selfish as to think of anything but the salvation of human souls?"
Lewis wrote this in a time when a war was going on, but I think it has great importance for anyone, in any time period. How can we as college students be so selfish as to spend all our time in classes and not out helping the poor? However, we cannot think that life is so exclusive. We can be religious while still being national. "Before I became a Christian I do not think I fully realized that on'es life, after conversion would inevitable consist in doing most of the same things one had been doing before: one hopes, in a new spirit, but still the same things." I like this a lot, because I most of think this way. We expect life to completely change the instant we become a Christian, but that is not the case. We live the same life before, but now we have a new motivation. Lewis says that neither enlistment in the army nor Christianity will obliterate the human life; neither of the two will wash away the life we lived before we entered them.
"Life has never been normal."
We tend to compare our new life with our old, thinking that becoming a Christian (or soldier, or doctor, etc.) means leaving our "normal" life, and that is just not true.
I really like when Lewis says that political duties are worth dying for, but not living for. A man must die for his country, but no man must live for his country. This is the opposite of religious duties, because religion must occupy our whole life. "God's claim is infinite and inexorable." We belong to God, so we must not surrender ourselves to earthly duties. There should not be competition between the two though; God is present everywhere, so even our earthly duties can glorify Him. "All our merely natural activities will be accepted, if they are offered to God, even the humblest: and all of them, even the noblest, will be sinful if they are not." A lot of people in class disagreed with that statement, but I do not. I think that everything we do can either please God or pull us away from Him. Everything from clothing, sports, work, play can be used sinfully or they can be used to please God. All activities we do can be sacred if we do them in the name of the Lord.
It's not until the middle of the sermon does Lewis actually get into the need for learning and education. "Good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason, because bad philosophy must be answered." We must be educated to combat the ignorant. God created us with this desire to learn, and if we do not learn about Him we cannot spread word of His awesomeness. Additionally, we must know about other religions and practices so we can be equipped to argue for the Truth. However, we cannot simply have knowledge; we must pair it with action. "The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge so badly that they seek it while the conditions are still unfavorable." There may be a war going on, but we must seek to learn at all times. We cannot wait for ideal conditions, because ideal conditions do not exist. "If men had postponed the search for knowledge and beauty until they were secure the search would never have begun."
I pray to have this kind of understanding about the purpose of learning. "When this happens..." or "When I graduate..." or "After I make enough money..." are all phrases I am guilty of using. However, the time is now, and I cannot afford to waste any of the time God has blessed me with. We cannot know when our time is up on earth, so we cannot assume we will do God's will next week or next year.
"How can you be so frivolous and selfish as to think of anything but the war?" "How can you be so frivolous and selfish as to think of anything but the salvation of human souls?"
Lewis wrote this in a time when a war was going on, but I think it has great importance for anyone, in any time period. How can we as college students be so selfish as to spend all our time in classes and not out helping the poor? However, we cannot think that life is so exclusive. We can be religious while still being national. "Before I became a Christian I do not think I fully realized that on'es life, after conversion would inevitable consist in doing most of the same things one had been doing before: one hopes, in a new spirit, but still the same things." I like this a lot, because I most of think this way. We expect life to completely change the instant we become a Christian, but that is not the case. We live the same life before, but now we have a new motivation. Lewis says that neither enlistment in the army nor Christianity will obliterate the human life; neither of the two will wash away the life we lived before we entered them.
"Life has never been normal."
We tend to compare our new life with our old, thinking that becoming a Christian (or soldier, or doctor, etc.) means leaving our "normal" life, and that is just not true.
I really like when Lewis says that political duties are worth dying for, but not living for. A man must die for his country, but no man must live for his country. This is the opposite of religious duties, because religion must occupy our whole life. "God's claim is infinite and inexorable." We belong to God, so we must not surrender ourselves to earthly duties. There should not be competition between the two though; God is present everywhere, so even our earthly duties can glorify Him. "All our merely natural activities will be accepted, if they are offered to God, even the humblest: and all of them, even the noblest, will be sinful if they are not." A lot of people in class disagreed with that statement, but I do not. I think that everything we do can either please God or pull us away from Him. Everything from clothing, sports, work, play can be used sinfully or they can be used to please God. All activities we do can be sacred if we do them in the name of the Lord.
It's not until the middle of the sermon does Lewis actually get into the need for learning and education. "Good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason, because bad philosophy must be answered." We must be educated to combat the ignorant. God created us with this desire to learn, and if we do not learn about Him we cannot spread word of His awesomeness. Additionally, we must know about other religions and practices so we can be equipped to argue for the Truth. However, we cannot simply have knowledge; we must pair it with action. "The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge so badly that they seek it while the conditions are still unfavorable." There may be a war going on, but we must seek to learn at all times. We cannot wait for ideal conditions, because ideal conditions do not exist. "If men had postponed the search for knowledge and beauty until they were secure the search would never have begun."
I pray to have this kind of understanding about the purpose of learning. "When this happens..." or "When I graduate..." or "After I make enough money..." are all phrases I am guilty of using. However, the time is now, and I cannot afford to waste any of the time God has blessed me with. We cannot know when our time is up on earth, so we cannot assume we will do God's will next week or next year.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Mere Christianity
In the first few chapters of this book, Lewis does an extraordinary job laying out the idea of The Law of Human Nature. Two points Lewis makes are that all humans have a curious feeling that they should act in a certain way, and also that humans do not in fact behave in that way. We all know the Law of Nature, but we all break it.
Chapter two distinguishes instincts from law, because a feeling of desire to help someone is very different from feeling you ought to help someone, whether you want to or not. An example is if someone is drowning, you will feel two desires: one to give help (herd instinct) and one to keep out of danger (self-preservation). Additionally, you will feel something that tells you to help the person drowning and suppress the impulse to run away. "The moral law tells us the tune we have to play: our instincts are merely the keys."
I really like when Lewis talks about impulses not being bad. Some people in class thought that our impulse to kill must be a bad one, since it is bad to kill. However, Lewis points out that the impulse to kill is appropriate for a soldier. I do not think the impulse to kill would be felt unless you were in great danger; if I was being attacked, the impulse to kill my attacker is not a bad one. Moreover, sexual impulses are not bad ones but may be bad in certain situations. We must know when to restrain and when to embrace our impulses.There are no impulses or instincts that we must always follow, no matter what. They cannot be an absolute guide, because love for humanity must also be paired with justice. The moral law is not an instinct or set of instincts; it directs the instincts.
Lewis brings up the point that although we have different cultural practices and beliefs, the moral differences between countries are not that great. Rules of the road or the type of clothing worn vary from time to time and from location to location, but the moral code is running through them all. People often do not distinguish between difference between morality and differences of belief about facts.
In chapter three, the laws of nature are discussed. In the case of nature, law means "what it always does." A stone will always fall when dropped. This is not because it is under some sort of order, but this is just what in fact it does. "The Law of Gravity tells you what stones do if you drop them; but the Law of Human Nature tells you what human beings ought to do and do not." There is not a behavior that stones ought to act in, and there is nothing else needed but facts when it comes to electronics or molecules. Human beings however need more than facts. We must admit that the Law of Human Nature is a real thing, and it is not made up by ourselves. There is something above and beyond the ordinary facts of men's behavior...'a real law, which none of us made, but which we find pressing on us."
It continues to amaze me how brilliant C.S Lewis is. He presents this topic flawlessly, and it still holds true years after he wrote it. Our group did not have much to say about this piece of writing, because there was nothing to disagree with. He presents a truth that cannot be argued against. However, if we cannot argue against it, we must figure out what to do with it. If we do not follow this Law of Human Nature, how can start to? If the power behind the facts is God (which is what Lewis is leading up to) how can we open our ears and eyes to follow this guide more thoroughly?
Lastly, I just find it so interesting that this Law runs through everyone, every denomination. God is the force behind all of our actions, yet we still have groups of followers who are fighting and competing against one another. It does not make sense to me.
Chapter two distinguishes instincts from law, because a feeling of desire to help someone is very different from feeling you ought to help someone, whether you want to or not. An example is if someone is drowning, you will feel two desires: one to give help (herd instinct) and one to keep out of danger (self-preservation). Additionally, you will feel something that tells you to help the person drowning and suppress the impulse to run away. "The moral law tells us the tune we have to play: our instincts are merely the keys."
I really like when Lewis talks about impulses not being bad. Some people in class thought that our impulse to kill must be a bad one, since it is bad to kill. However, Lewis points out that the impulse to kill is appropriate for a soldier. I do not think the impulse to kill would be felt unless you were in great danger; if I was being attacked, the impulse to kill my attacker is not a bad one. Moreover, sexual impulses are not bad ones but may be bad in certain situations. We must know when to restrain and when to embrace our impulses.There are no impulses or instincts that we must always follow, no matter what. They cannot be an absolute guide, because love for humanity must also be paired with justice. The moral law is not an instinct or set of instincts; it directs the instincts.
Lewis brings up the point that although we have different cultural practices and beliefs, the moral differences between countries are not that great. Rules of the road or the type of clothing worn vary from time to time and from location to location, but the moral code is running through them all. People often do not distinguish between difference between morality and differences of belief about facts.
In chapter three, the laws of nature are discussed. In the case of nature, law means "what it always does." A stone will always fall when dropped. This is not because it is under some sort of order, but this is just what in fact it does. "The Law of Gravity tells you what stones do if you drop them; but the Law of Human Nature tells you what human beings ought to do and do not." There is not a behavior that stones ought to act in, and there is nothing else needed but facts when it comes to electronics or molecules. Human beings however need more than facts. We must admit that the Law of Human Nature is a real thing, and it is not made up by ourselves. There is something above and beyond the ordinary facts of men's behavior...'a real law, which none of us made, but which we find pressing on us."
It continues to amaze me how brilliant C.S Lewis is. He presents this topic flawlessly, and it still holds true years after he wrote it. Our group did not have much to say about this piece of writing, because there was nothing to disagree with. He presents a truth that cannot be argued against. However, if we cannot argue against it, we must figure out what to do with it. If we do not follow this Law of Human Nature, how can start to? If the power behind the facts is God (which is what Lewis is leading up to) how can we open our ears and eyes to follow this guide more thoroughly?
Lastly, I just find it so interesting that this Law runs through everyone, every denomination. God is the force behind all of our actions, yet we still have groups of followers who are fighting and competing against one another. It does not make sense to me.
Letter XII
I know far too many people who are afraid to talk about the devil and more specifically, the idea of evil being present in the world. However, I think the more we know about something the more we will be able to combat it. In this letter, Screwtape is talking about how even the smallest sins, the shortest pulls away from God, can lead us closer to the devil. I do not think most people view their sins this way. "I just skipped church this one time, it's not a big deal." "I got drunk last weekend, but this weekend I won't." It seems that we tend to think our relationship with God is just as good as it was last week, month, year, even though we've been slowing falling away. This quote sums it up well:
"As long as he retains externally the habits of a Christian he can still be made to think of himself as one who has adopted a few new friends and amusements but whose spiritual state is much the same as it was six weeks ago. And while he thinks that, we do not have to contend with the explicit repentance of a definite, fully recognized, sin, but only with his vague, though uneasy, feeling that he hasn't been doing very well lately."
It is easy to go to a Christian college, because if we drink or have sex or whatever, we are still surrounded by Christians and still go to chapel everyday. We think that we've just made some new friends or started participating in new activities, and we are still just as close to God as we've always been. However, this letter also says how our temptations will soon become our desires. We may start going to parties and not drink, but then we'll have a drink or two and feel guilty, but as time goes on we'll end up wanting to drink and wanting to do it more and more.
"It does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing. ....Indeed, the safest road to Hell is the gradual one- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts."
This ending really struck me, because I know that I don't do "big" sins, but I do many small ones. Every time I choose to sleep in instead of going to church, go to Johny's instead of chapel, or sit on facebook instead of praying, I am gradually edging away from the Light and into the Nothing. What can be terrifying to think about is the fact that the devil knows this. He knows my weaknesses and when I am vulnerable. It is uncomfortable to think that someone other than God knows me in and out. However, it can also be comforting to know that God knows me and He knows when to strenghten me when I am weak. With Him, I can combat the temptations that lead me to the devil, and God always brings me out of the darkness.
This letter made me think of all the choices I make, and how even the smallest ones could have great impact on my life. Listening to offensive music, watching inappropriate televion shows, or looking at magazines that promote a false truth, can all change our relationship with God. There is always going to be something there to tempt us or distract us, so it is up to us to know when we are being led astray. Small sins can lead to big sins, and soon we may be too far in to get out of the mess we made. Fortunetly, God never leaves our side, and He is always there to listen to our prayers and forgive us. I pray for a humble heart, one that not only recognizes when I make a mistake but is also eager to tell God about it and let it go. Only with Him can I resist the devil.
"As long as he retains externally the habits of a Christian he can still be made to think of himself as one who has adopted a few new friends and amusements but whose spiritual state is much the same as it was six weeks ago. And while he thinks that, we do not have to contend with the explicit repentance of a definite, fully recognized, sin, but only with his vague, though uneasy, feeling that he hasn't been doing very well lately."
It is easy to go to a Christian college, because if we drink or have sex or whatever, we are still surrounded by Christians and still go to chapel everyday. We think that we've just made some new friends or started participating in new activities, and we are still just as close to God as we've always been. However, this letter also says how our temptations will soon become our desires. We may start going to parties and not drink, but then we'll have a drink or two and feel guilty, but as time goes on we'll end up wanting to drink and wanting to do it more and more.
"It does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing. ....Indeed, the safest road to Hell is the gradual one- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts."
This ending really struck me, because I know that I don't do "big" sins, but I do many small ones. Every time I choose to sleep in instead of going to church, go to Johny's instead of chapel, or sit on facebook instead of praying, I am gradually edging away from the Light and into the Nothing. What can be terrifying to think about is the fact that the devil knows this. He knows my weaknesses and when I am vulnerable. It is uncomfortable to think that someone other than God knows me in and out. However, it can also be comforting to know that God knows me and He knows when to strenghten me when I am weak. With Him, I can combat the temptations that lead me to the devil, and God always brings me out of the darkness.
This letter made me think of all the choices I make, and how even the smallest ones could have great impact on my life. Listening to offensive music, watching inappropriate televion shows, or looking at magazines that promote a false truth, can all change our relationship with God. There is always going to be something there to tempt us or distract us, so it is up to us to know when we are being led astray. Small sins can lead to big sins, and soon we may be too far in to get out of the mess we made. Fortunetly, God never leaves our side, and He is always there to listen to our prayers and forgive us. I pray for a humble heart, one that not only recognizes when I make a mistake but is also eager to tell God about it and let it go. Only with Him can I resist the devil.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Plantinga Chapter Two
I know it will be impossible to sum up the idea of creation in one blog, so I will focus on a few main points that I liked from Plantinga's second chapter.
What is often hard to fathom is the fact that God did not need to create us. However, it makes sense when you think about the trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are in community together, so there is no need for a community to be made. God is not and never was lonely; the persons in the trinity love and glorify one another. Plantinga says "nothing internal or external to God compelled Him to create." To know that God did not create me out of necessity or accident makes His love so much more fulfilling. How wonderful it is to have a Father who made you out of pure love! "Creation is an act of imaginative love." What is even more astounding is that God loved us before we even existed. I don't know how many of you think the world was created in a literal six days, I"m not completely sure where I even stand in that argument, but thinking of creation always makes me think of this song by sleeping at last:
“You were a million years of work,”Said God and His angels, with needle and thread.They kissed your head and said,“You’re a good kid and you make us proud.So just give your best and the rest will come,And we’ll see you soon.”
To think that God spent years creating me, thinking about every detail, and rejoicing in His work when He was done creating me....It's just so hard to comprehend. I love the image of God looking down on me, saying "you make me proud."
The creation story tells us a lot about who God is. He graciously made room for something other than Himself to exist. With all the power God has, he chose to expand the realm of being and went to work creating. Because of His selfless love and great imagination we are able to enjoy sunsets, stars, oceans, mountains, kittens, etc...It's so easy to look at nature and think something is beautiful, but when you actually look at it and realize God created it, it's almost unbelievable. There is a song by mewithoutyou (actually it is a 3 part series) that is about seeing a spider and having it confirm his deepest beliefs. I do not think you can see the intricate details put into each and every being and not believe in God; even the smallest of creatures, spiders, ants, ladybugs, are His work.
I love when Plantinga says (in reference to the books in the Bible) "These highly poetic chapters do not teach us zoology but they do teach us something important. The chapters teach us that God loves creation. God celebrates creation. God even plays with his creation." He made every part of creation unique, unlike any other in and out of its species. Plantinga suggests that the created world is a stage not for humans but for God. This is a very humbling way to see the world. We often see this place as our own, as if we created it ourselves. Instead, we should be looking at every person, object, animal, as if we are looking at millions of pieces of God's glory. I pray to have eyes that can look at any aspect of creation and see that it is good, since God is completely and fully good.
What is often hard to fathom is the fact that God did not need to create us. However, it makes sense when you think about the trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are in community together, so there is no need for a community to be made. God is not and never was lonely; the persons in the trinity love and glorify one another. Plantinga says "nothing internal or external to God compelled Him to create." To know that God did not create me out of necessity or accident makes His love so much more fulfilling. How wonderful it is to have a Father who made you out of pure love! "Creation is an act of imaginative love." What is even more astounding is that God loved us before we even existed. I don't know how many of you think the world was created in a literal six days, I"m not completely sure where I even stand in that argument, but thinking of creation always makes me think of this song by sleeping at last:
“You were a million years of work,”Said God and His angels, with needle and thread.They kissed your head and said,“You’re a good kid and you make us proud.So just give your best and the rest will come,And we’ll see you soon.”
To think that God spent years creating me, thinking about every detail, and rejoicing in His work when He was done creating me....It's just so hard to comprehend. I love the image of God looking down on me, saying "you make me proud."
The creation story tells us a lot about who God is. He graciously made room for something other than Himself to exist. With all the power God has, he chose to expand the realm of being and went to work creating. Because of His selfless love and great imagination we are able to enjoy sunsets, stars, oceans, mountains, kittens, etc...It's so easy to look at nature and think something is beautiful, but when you actually look at it and realize God created it, it's almost unbelievable. There is a song by mewithoutyou (actually it is a 3 part series) that is about seeing a spider and having it confirm his deepest beliefs. I do not think you can see the intricate details put into each and every being and not believe in God; even the smallest of creatures, spiders, ants, ladybugs, are His work.
I love when Plantinga says (in reference to the books in the Bible) "These highly poetic chapters do not teach us zoology but they do teach us something important. The chapters teach us that God loves creation. God celebrates creation. God even plays with his creation." He made every part of creation unique, unlike any other in and out of its species. Plantinga suggests that the created world is a stage not for humans but for God. This is a very humbling way to see the world. We often see this place as our own, as if we created it ourselves. Instead, we should be looking at every person, object, animal, as if we are looking at millions of pieces of God's glory. I pray to have eyes that can look at any aspect of creation and see that it is good, since God is completely and fully good.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Show & Tell
I thought it was bizarre that we were having show and tell in college, but it turned out to be very entertaining and also inspiring. Although it was quite a stretch to relate many of the youtube videos to our topics, it was a nice change of pace to sit and laugh all class period!
The song I chose to share was by my favorite band, mewithoutyou. It is a song titled "Torches Together" and it is one that I continue to learn and interpet things differently each time I listen. Here are the lyrics:
Why burn poor and lonely under a bowl or under a lampshade
Or on the shelf beside the bed
Where at night you lay turning like a door on its hinges?...
First on your left side, then on your right side...then your left side again.
Why burn poor and lonely?
Tell all the stones we're gonna make a building...
We'll be cut into shape and set into place
Or if you'd rather be a window, I'll gladly be the frame,
Reflecting any kind words, we'll let in all their blame...
And ruin our reputation all the same.
So never mind our plan making, we'll start living...
Anyway, aren't you unbearably sad?
Then why burn so poor and lonely?
We'll be like torches!
We'll be like torches!
We'll be like torches...OH!!
We'll be torches together...TORCHES TOGETHER!!
We'll be like torches!
We'll be like torches...with whatever respect our tattered dignity demands,
Torches together...hand in hand.
Why pluck one string...what good is just one note?
Oh, one string sounds fine, I guess...but we were once 'one notes',
We were lonely wheat quietly ground into grain...What light and momentary pain!
So why the safe distance, this curious look?
Why tear out single pages when you can throw away the book?
Why pluck one string when you can strum the guitar?
Strum the guitar!Strum the guitar!
Strum the guitar...with no beginning, with no end.
Take down the guitar and strum the guitar!
Strum the guitar if you're afraid.
And I'm afraid and everyone's afraid and everyone knows it,
But we don't have to be afraid anymore.
You played the flute, but no one was dancing,
You sang a sad song...but none of us cried.
You played the flute, but no one was dancing,
And you sang a sad song, and none of us cried.
You played the flute, but no one was dancing,
You sang a sad song...but none of us cried.
You played the flute, but no one was dancing,
And you sang a sad song...you sang such a sad song.
This song has a lot of biblical background in it. Matthew 5:14-16 says "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." I think a lot of us are lights in the sense that we are good Christians and hang out with other believers, but when it comes to shining onto the rest of the world, few bystanders would notice we are Christians. We are not shining as bright as we could be.
The first stanza talks about this plan to make a building, and it goes along with "Our English Syllabus" because life is not clearly balanced and organized. We get too caught up in deadlines and making everything perfect when we should stop making plans and just live. God will give us what we need and lead us where we need to be; we won't get there making our own plan.
I abosuletly love when Aaron Weiss sings the "Strum the guitar!" part. It's such a strong message; why just do okay when we can do great? We are not living fully enough, and we are too easily pleased (Weight of Glory). We settle for a nice note that sounds good, when we could strum the guitar and play a whole song that sounds amazing. Also, this stanza asks, why the safe distance? Again, we are too easily pleased. We ask God for help in troubled times or we turn to Him to confess, but why not be with God ALL the time? There doesn't have to be a distance. God is with us at all times if we seek him to be.
The end of the song comes from Luke 7:32. It says "We played music for you, but you didn't dance. We played a funeral song, and you didn't cry." In the song the pronouns are turned around as if God played a flute but we didn't dance and He sang a sad song but we didn't cry. This is harder to understand, but I think that we are too caught up in the earthly world that we lose sight of God. We close our ears and we don't hear that he is singing to us or playing a beautiful song. He can be found in any part of creation, but we shut him out.
If you haven't ever heard of mewithoutyou, I suggest you get some of their music. The most theological album is their newest one, Brother, Sister. Aaron Weiss sings about biblical concepts using such interesting and profound lyrics. This man lives out a life some of us would think is radical and outrageous, but I think Jesus would think he's more normal than any of us. He eats out of trash cans at restaurants, because we throw out so much food that is just wasted. He also chose to live poor in a community in Philly. If you ever saw him, you'd think he was homeless for the way he looks. He chooses to live a simple life and focus on his relationship with God instead of earthly desires...not exactly the typical life of a rockstar.
The song I chose to share was by my favorite band, mewithoutyou. It is a song titled "Torches Together" and it is one that I continue to learn and interpet things differently each time I listen. Here are the lyrics:
Why burn poor and lonely under a bowl or under a lampshade
Or on the shelf beside the bed
Where at night you lay turning like a door on its hinges?...
First on your left side, then on your right side...then your left side again.
Why burn poor and lonely?
Tell all the stones we're gonna make a building...
We'll be cut into shape and set into place
Or if you'd rather be a window, I'll gladly be the frame,
Reflecting any kind words, we'll let in all their blame...
And ruin our reputation all the same.
So never mind our plan making, we'll start living...
Anyway, aren't you unbearably sad?
Then why burn so poor and lonely?
We'll be like torches!
We'll be like torches!
We'll be like torches...OH!!
We'll be torches together...TORCHES TOGETHER!!
We'll be like torches!
We'll be like torches...with whatever respect our tattered dignity demands,
Torches together...hand in hand.
Why pluck one string...what good is just one note?
Oh, one string sounds fine, I guess...but we were once 'one notes',
We were lonely wheat quietly ground into grain...What light and momentary pain!
So why the safe distance, this curious look?
Why tear out single pages when you can throw away the book?
Why pluck one string when you can strum the guitar?
Strum the guitar!Strum the guitar!
Strum the guitar...with no beginning, with no end.
Take down the guitar and strum the guitar!
Strum the guitar if you're afraid.
And I'm afraid and everyone's afraid and everyone knows it,
But we don't have to be afraid anymore.
You played the flute, but no one was dancing,
You sang a sad song...but none of us cried.
You played the flute, but no one was dancing,
And you sang a sad song, and none of us cried.
You played the flute, but no one was dancing,
You sang a sad song...but none of us cried.
You played the flute, but no one was dancing,
And you sang a sad song...you sang such a sad song.
This song has a lot of biblical background in it. Matthew 5:14-16 says "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." I think a lot of us are lights in the sense that we are good Christians and hang out with other believers, but when it comes to shining onto the rest of the world, few bystanders would notice we are Christians. We are not shining as bright as we could be.
The first stanza talks about this plan to make a building, and it goes along with "Our English Syllabus" because life is not clearly balanced and organized. We get too caught up in deadlines and making everything perfect when we should stop making plans and just live. God will give us what we need and lead us where we need to be; we won't get there making our own plan.
I abosuletly love when Aaron Weiss sings the "Strum the guitar!" part. It's such a strong message; why just do okay when we can do great? We are not living fully enough, and we are too easily pleased (Weight of Glory). We settle for a nice note that sounds good, when we could strum the guitar and play a whole song that sounds amazing. Also, this stanza asks, why the safe distance? Again, we are too easily pleased. We ask God for help in troubled times or we turn to Him to confess, but why not be with God ALL the time? There doesn't have to be a distance. God is with us at all times if we seek him to be.
The end of the song comes from Luke 7:32. It says "We played music for you, but you didn't dance. We played a funeral song, and you didn't cry." In the song the pronouns are turned around as if God played a flute but we didn't dance and He sang a sad song but we didn't cry. This is harder to understand, but I think that we are too caught up in the earthly world that we lose sight of God. We close our ears and we don't hear that he is singing to us or playing a beautiful song. He can be found in any part of creation, but we shut him out.
If you haven't ever heard of mewithoutyou, I suggest you get some of their music. The most theological album is their newest one, Brother, Sister. Aaron Weiss sings about biblical concepts using such interesting and profound lyrics. This man lives out a life some of us would think is radical and outrageous, but I think Jesus would think he's more normal than any of us. He eats out of trash cans at restaurants, because we throw out so much food that is just wasted. He also chose to live poor in a community in Philly. If you ever saw him, you'd think he was homeless for the way he looks. He chooses to live a simple life and focus on his relationship with God instead of earthly desires...not exactly the typical life of a rockstar.
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