http://christianfaithapologetics.tumblr.com/
http://christianfaithapologetics.tumblr.com/
http://christianfaithapologetics.tumblr.com/
http://christianfaithapologetics.tumblr.com/
http://christianfaithapologetics.tumblr.com/
http://christianfaithapologetics.tumblr.com/
http://christianfaithapologetics.tumblr.com/
I am leaving blogger, not the blog idea. I have been toying with the idea of going over to tumblr for some time now, and have finally done so. My reasons:
1.)Although blogger is a professional blog site, it is incredibly clunky when compared to tumblr.
2.)Tumblr is more twitter-esque and anything that is similar to twitter is good because of twitter's fame. Thus, more people are willing to be signed up at tumblr than blogger and thus more inherit viewers to my blog. And you want views for your blogs, right?
3.)Already kind of said this, but the flow on tumblr's site is just so much easier and smoother. Plus, it is aesthetically pleasing.
I am still learning the ins-and-outs of tumblr, so everything might not be working as it should. Oh, and the URL:
http://christianfaithapologetics.tumblr.com/
http://christianfaithapologetics.tumblr.com/
http://christianfaithapologetics.tumblr.com/
http://christianfaithapologetics.tumblr.com/
http://christianfaithapologetics.tumblr.com/
http://christianfaithapologetics.tumblr.com/
http://christianfaithapologetics.tumblr.com/
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Vestigial Organs--Is there such a thing?
To start, the idea of a vestigial organ is an evolutionary term, or I should say, the result of evolutionary thinking. Basically a vestigial organ is any organ that does not seem to have apparent function, but still remains in the body. I should also mention that I am referring to humans specifically. Some examples of vestigial organs are the appendix, coccyx (tail-bone) and tonsils. Through time and progression of science, however, these organs were found to be useful, and not a vestigial organ. Through time, every organ that evolutionists consider "vestigial" will be found to have a function. Just like a cell was originally thought to just be a blob (more or less), we now know has absolutely incredible complexity.
So, what am I getting at? It is the year 2010, and people still think there are body parts in the human body that have no function, yet the people of about 100 A.D. knew that every body part had it's place.
In this passage, Paul is talking about the gifts the spirit bestows on each believer and how every believer is vital to the church no matter how small of a spiritual gift they have. The analogy works beautifully for vestigial organs. Some things may have very small roles to the overall functioning, but they are just as useful to the functioning of the body as any other part. The coccyx can be removed, but it makes sitting uncomfortable. The tonsils may be removed, but it increases chance of infection of the throat. Just like the church, as Paul is saying, you can remove people with certain gifts, but that makes it that much harder for the church to function comfortably and fully -- just like removing the coccyx or tonsils do to the body.
Paul even says:
Every part is only important because of the parts around it. What good would a heart be without arteries and veins? What good would a brain be without a heart? Or a heart without a brain? They can't just stand alone and be useful, they have to be in used in conjunction with each other in order to be fully expressed. Just like people with "lesser" gifts from God can't be very useful by themselves, tonsils can't be very useful without a throat.
It is funny how people from many years ago could tell us the answer to vestigial organs today: There is no such classification. These people would know this through the Bible, which is God-Breathed and absolute truth! Instead of evolutionists begrudging admit there is no vestigial organs in 200 years, why don't I just check the book that is unchanging absolute truth!
So, what am I getting at? It is the year 2010, and people still think there are body parts in the human body that have no function, yet the people of about 100 A.D. knew that every body part had it's place.
On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable - 1 Corinthians 12:22
In this passage, Paul is talking about the gifts the spirit bestows on each believer and how every believer is vital to the church no matter how small of a spiritual gift they have. The analogy works beautifully for vestigial organs. Some things may have very small roles to the overall functioning, but they are just as useful to the functioning of the body as any other part. The coccyx can be removed, but it makes sitting uncomfortable. The tonsils may be removed, but it increases chance of infection of the throat. Just like the church, as Paul is saying, you can remove people with certain gifts, but that makes it that much harder for the church to function comfortably and fully -- just like removing the coccyx or tonsils do to the body.
Paul even says:
If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. - 1 Corinthians 12:19-120
Every part is only important because of the parts around it. What good would a heart be without arteries and veins? What good would a brain be without a heart? Or a heart without a brain? They can't just stand alone and be useful, they have to be in used in conjunction with each other in order to be fully expressed. Just like people with "lesser" gifts from God can't be very useful by themselves, tonsils can't be very useful without a throat.
It is funny how people from many years ago could tell us the answer to vestigial organs today: There is no such classification. These people would know this through the Bible, which is God-Breathed and absolute truth! Instead of evolutionists begrudging admit there is no vestigial organs in 200 years, why don't I just check the book that is unchanging absolute truth!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Why Christian Metal Bands are so important
Like most people, I used to detest any screaming whatsoever in music. I thought it was unneeded and just weird and almost...demonic. However, my one of my good friends was into screamo music and would always play it and I would sit there and fake enjoyment. Occasionally there would be a song I really enjoyed, but for the most part I hated it. This all changed when I went on Warped Tour in 2009. I began to have a like for screamo/metal and began searching for bands that were like this. The point of this isn't to tell my story of getting into Metal music, but to show exactly why the Kingdom of God needs Christian Metal Band.
So often I see people, the older folk especially, knock on Christian Metal and even degrade it. Why? I am really not to sure, but I suspect it has something to do with a change from what they are use to. When I see Christian Metal, I see another area where God can speak to people. In a nutshell, metal started off as being a very, very dark genre of music, and which I believe became really popular in Sweden (but that isn't important). The important fact is that Metal used to be basically a devil-worshipping genre at one point, and, in my experience, a lot of the fans of Metal have roots in bands that are borderline satanic or straight up are satanic.
As a prime example, I was looking at some Impending Doom videos, when I came across this guys comment:
This guy is quite explicit in saying his views on Christians. How are we suppose to ever reach him through a conversation without monstrous opposition? It would be very difficult, and maybe even fruitless. However, this guy does go on to say that he loves the sound of Impending Doom--whose message in this song talks about our God and his role:
This guy that normally would most likely never even come close to a spiritual conversation is now willingly listening to a message of Christ! How amazing is that? God can work in all ways, and I truly believe Metal is one of the forerunners for letting Christ's name be known to all--even those who vehemently oppose him!
So often I see people, the older folk especially, knock on Christian Metal and even degrade it. Why? I am really not to sure, but I suspect it has something to do with a change from what they are use to. When I see Christian Metal, I see another area where God can speak to people. In a nutshell, metal started off as being a very, very dark genre of music, and which I believe became really popular in Sweden (but that isn't important). The important fact is that Metal used to be basically a devil-worshipping genre at one point, and, in my experience, a lot of the fans of Metal have roots in bands that are borderline satanic or straight up are satanic.
As a prime example, I was looking at some Impending Doom videos, when I came across this guys comment:
This guy is quite explicit in saying his views on Christians. How are we suppose to ever reach him through a conversation without monstrous opposition? It would be very difficult, and maybe even fruitless. However, this guy does go on to say that he loves the sound of Impending Doom--whose message in this song talks about our God and his role:
If you wanna find heaven with me, I will show you the way.
Eternal youth, forever young, immortalize your name.
My foolish heart, put nails through me.
On his day I will be ready.
We are the children of the age, out of control, out of place, we will demolish this religion that you have made.
Nails.
Through.
Me.
If you wanna find heaven with me, I will show you the way.
Uphold my name so I can proudly claim yours.
We call you God, but are you king.
Strip me of my status, my everything, immortalize my name.
We are the children of the age.
Out of control, out of place, we will demolish this religion that you have made.
We will battle for our kingdom, we are more than conquers.
This guy that normally would most likely never even come close to a spiritual conversation is now willingly listening to a message of Christ! How amazing is that? God can work in all ways, and I truly believe Metal is one of the forerunners for letting Christ's name be known to all--even those who vehemently oppose him!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The Power of 1 Corinthians (part 1)
This past week or two I have been reading through 1 Corinthians all the while reading through the New Testament and several passages throughout Corinthians really made it clear to me why there is such a debate about God and the reasons why God debates can get so fierce and drawn out.
Since all absolute truths are derived from God and thusly through the Bible (morality for example), we need the Spirit of God to rightly understand the truths. 1 Cor. 2 explains this idea in more detail. Specifically 1 Corinthians 2:14 tells us that people who do not have the spirit of God (Holy Spirit) will not understand what comes from God. This comes a long way explaining why great minds such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchins will vehemently attack Christianity and Creationism. These two men and many, many others will put full faith into ideas that are mere hopes of scientists who need a God they can control. It takes much faith to believe everything came from nothing opposed to everything came from something or two laws/theories that are in direct contradiction with each other (Law of Entropy and the the Theory of Evolution). Anything from God is plain foolishness to them! It then makes sense why 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 calls men of the world considered wise are actually fools. They can't understand and thus reject the absolute truth given to us from the creator of themselves and the entire universe.
For this reason alone, the great debate will never end. When Dawkins passes away, there will be another great mind to take his place. The best Christians and apologist can do is to give the facts and pray that the Holy Spirit can touch the lives of the people we debate. They simply can't understand what we are saying because the Holy Spirit isn't there to help.
Since all absolute truths are derived from God and thusly through the Bible (morality for example), we need the Spirit of God to rightly understand the truths. 1 Cor. 2 explains this idea in more detail. Specifically 1 Corinthians 2:14 tells us that people who do not have the spirit of God (Holy Spirit) will not understand what comes from God. This comes a long way explaining why great minds such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchins will vehemently attack Christianity and Creationism. These two men and many, many others will put full faith into ideas that are mere hopes of scientists who need a God they can control. It takes much faith to believe everything came from nothing opposed to everything came from something or two laws/theories that are in direct contradiction with each other (Law of Entropy and the the Theory of Evolution). Anything from God is plain foolishness to them! It then makes sense why 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 calls men of the world considered wise are actually fools. They can't understand and thus reject the absolute truth given to us from the creator of themselves and the entire universe.
For this reason alone, the great debate will never end. When Dawkins passes away, there will be another great mind to take his place. The best Christians and apologist can do is to give the facts and pray that the Holy Spirit can touch the lives of the people we debate. They simply can't understand what we are saying because the Holy Spirit isn't there to help.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
An attempt to understand infinity from finite mind
Alright, don't let the title scare you. It was the most accurate title I could think of that still pertained to what I am going to write about. Or it could be the first title I came up with. Either way, keep reading:
I think one area that is never really explained is how God views our existence on Earth. Of course he values us and sees us as very important creations of his, but I mean quite literally, how he sees us. God is the creator of everything we live in. That means all our tools we use to discover God's nature is from a finite point of view. If you can recall, God is infinite and essentially indiscoverable through our finite methods. The only ground we gain in the discovery of God's nature is through starting with the one thing God gave us called Truth (better known as the Bible ;)). If we start with what we know as being absolutely true coming from the infinite God himself, we can build our knowledge from there. I am certain that if God did not directly tell us of his nature (e.g. if the universe was essentially Deist), we would never even come close to discovering his attributes.
Another interesting area that is important Christians understand is how God see's time. Being finite beings, we are locked into three forms of time: Past, Present and Future. And to be quite literal, we only ever experience the Present time. This is because we are bound by the finite laws of time. However, God is infinite and the creator of time and thus he is outside of time. Now I am going on speculation here, but I envision God seeing the Past, Present and Future happening at the same time. Sure that doesn't make sense, because we only understand time through a finite point of view. It is the only way a finite mind can explain and understand how an infinite mind might work. God sees all three forms of time happening all at once. This is just the nature of trying to understand infinite with finite means. However, I didn't think of this for no reason. I thought of this thought process to explain the mixing of Armenism and Calvinism--which is enough of a topic to cover on it's own another time.
Anyways, that was what was on my mind for a while now. I am glad I am able to get these thoughts out more often. Like I said, I have been slowly growing in interest of Apologetics and this only fuels me more. Another side note: I believe that Apologetics might actually be what God wants me to do with my life. In some way, some how, I believe I am going to be using Apologetics to glorify God in whatever profession I wind up being in.
I think one area that is never really explained is how God views our existence on Earth. Of course he values us and sees us as very important creations of his, but I mean quite literally, how he sees us. God is the creator of everything we live in. That means all our tools we use to discover God's nature is from a finite point of view. If you can recall, God is infinite and essentially indiscoverable through our finite methods. The only ground we gain in the discovery of God's nature is through starting with the one thing God gave us called Truth (better known as the Bible ;)). If we start with what we know as being absolutely true coming from the infinite God himself, we can build our knowledge from there. I am certain that if God did not directly tell us of his nature (e.g. if the universe was essentially Deist), we would never even come close to discovering his attributes.
Another interesting area that is important Christians understand is how God see's time. Being finite beings, we are locked into three forms of time: Past, Present and Future. And to be quite literal, we only ever experience the Present time. This is because we are bound by the finite laws of time. However, God is infinite and the creator of time and thus he is outside of time. Now I am going on speculation here, but I envision God seeing the Past, Present and Future happening at the same time. Sure that doesn't make sense, because we only understand time through a finite point of view. It is the only way a finite mind can explain and understand how an infinite mind might work. God sees all three forms of time happening all at once. This is just the nature of trying to understand infinite with finite means. However, I didn't think of this for no reason. I thought of this thought process to explain the mixing of Armenism and Calvinism--which is enough of a topic to cover on it's own another time.
Anyways, that was what was on my mind for a while now. I am glad I am able to get these thoughts out more often. Like I said, I have been slowly growing in interest of Apologetics and this only fuels me more. Another side note: I believe that Apologetics might actually be what God wants me to do with my life. In some way, some how, I believe I am going to be using Apologetics to glorify God in whatever profession I wind up being in.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
God's Attribute of Omnipresence
God has many attributes that are in the "omni-" category. In fact, every single attribute of his is in that category because it is the closest way finite beings can explain infinite qualities. One attribute of God in particular that got me thinking was God's omnipresence. I mean, God is everywhere at all times, but would they mean he is everything at once in order to be omnipresent? For example, God is everywhere at every-time, does that mean he is in the sap of the tree, or the thoughts of a rabbit? And if that is the case, then is it fair to knock on New Age and similar cults who believe God is everything?
Well, my answer is quite simple and not a very long explanation. God is omnipresent but he is not everything. God is not trees or rabbits or computers. God is God who was, is and to be (again, the closest way finite beings can describe infinite beings). The single verse to prove my point: Hebrews 1:3. Jesus sustains all things through him. What does that mean? Simply, it means if Jesus was to just disappear, so would the entire universe. The universe staying intact and functioning properly is only done because Jesus is present. He is was makes gravity -9.8m/s. He is what makes math, math.
So, as you follow my logic, you may see where I am going. In order for the tree to have the ability to make sap run up it's roots against gravity, it needs the help of capillary action. How does the capillary action function? Well, it behaves according to its charge. And what dictates the sap's charge so it can flow up the roots? A law in physics that is becoming much more complex than the purpose of this paragraph. What it boils down to is that eventually we will get to a point where we simply don't know why something acts a way it does. Maybe time will allow us to figure out the unknown dictating factor, but what dictates that dictating factor. Eventually the answer is it just is. I it is at this point that Jesus steps in. He is what dictates that last known dictating factor. He is the foundation for the entire building. Without Jesus, all will be void. Since, we are not in a void, Jesus must be present. This is only possible because Jesus is sustaining every law required for life found throughout the universe. So, we come back to the sap in the tree and Jesus is right there in the sap of the tree. Of course he is not the tree, but the tree is only there because Jesus was there first. Thus, Jesus can be everywhere at once while not being everything at once.
Phew, that was actually much longer than I predicted. But I think you will follow the argument much better this way. Anyways, this is my first blog post since I restarted that actually has some content. Like I said before, I really feel like God is calling me to do something with Apologetics. How? I'm not sure. But I know I have a passion for it, and I have faith in God, so I don't need to worry about the rest :D
Disclaimer: I know my science may not be exact in my example, but that is not important. The main idea is what I am conveying and the exact science is not. So, if anyone does reply, you can tell me how I messed up, but don't use it against me.
Thanks
Well, my answer is quite simple and not a very long explanation. God is omnipresent but he is not everything. God is not trees or rabbits or computers. God is God who was, is and to be (again, the closest way finite beings can describe infinite beings). The single verse to prove my point: Hebrews 1:3. Jesus sustains all things through him. What does that mean? Simply, it means if Jesus was to just disappear, so would the entire universe. The universe staying intact and functioning properly is only done because Jesus is present. He is was makes gravity -9.8m/s. He is what makes math, math.
So, as you follow my logic, you may see where I am going. In order for the tree to have the ability to make sap run up it's roots against gravity, it needs the help of capillary action. How does the capillary action function? Well, it behaves according to its charge. And what dictates the sap's charge so it can flow up the roots? A law in physics that is becoming much more complex than the purpose of this paragraph. What it boils down to is that eventually we will get to a point where we simply don't know why something acts a way it does. Maybe time will allow us to figure out the unknown dictating factor, but what dictates that dictating factor. Eventually the answer is it just is. I it is at this point that Jesus steps in. He is what dictates that last known dictating factor. He is the foundation for the entire building. Without Jesus, all will be void. Since, we are not in a void, Jesus must be present. This is only possible because Jesus is sustaining every law required for life found throughout the universe. So, we come back to the sap in the tree and Jesus is right there in the sap of the tree. Of course he is not the tree, but the tree is only there because Jesus was there first. Thus, Jesus can be everywhere at once while not being everything at once.
Phew, that was actually much longer than I predicted. But I think you will follow the argument much better this way. Anyways, this is my first blog post since I restarted that actually has some content. Like I said before, I really feel like God is calling me to do something with Apologetics. How? I'm not sure. But I know I have a passion for it, and I have faith in God, so I don't need to worry about the rest :D
Disclaimer: I know my science may not be exact in my example, but that is not important. The main idea is what I am conveying and the exact science is not. So, if anyone does reply, you can tell me how I messed up, but don't use it against me.
Thanks
Sunday, February 21, 2010
My Hiatus :(
Hi everyone!
I know it has been a very long time (nearly 9 months) since I have last written a blog. I really do want to keep this going, but it is difficult to do with school. Of course I choose to go to a University that isn't as easy as high school (I joke). So basically, I am here to say that I probably won't roll out a blog post any time soon, however I really, really want to and it has been itching me for a while now.
I figure what could be a decent trade off is write about a couple good Apologists that came to UofM (one of the advantages of being in college ha) in this post and what I thought about them. I suppose I could also give a general life update too and my future plans for this blog.
So, a while back, sometime in October I think, Frank Turek came to speak at UofM. Essentially his argument was about the truth of the New Testament and thus the validity of Jesus as who he claimed to be. His talk was very engaging and informative, and had a real air of confidence. I was thoroughly impressed by his speaking abilities. Of course being the liberal school we are, a humanism club was fortunate enough to attend the meeting also. These guys really made the meeting a fantastic experience because they offered legitimate counters to what Mr. Turek was saying. At the end of the meeting, there was a Q&A session and there was a non-stop slew of questions from the humanist club who asked the question based on major (The bio major asked questions about evolution). I thought Frank Turek did an incredible job at answering every question and offering a more-that-satisfactory counter-argument. Overall, I thought the meeting was hugely successful and made me buy his book: I don't have enough Faith to Be an Atheist. I would highly recommend that book to absolutely anyone no matter where you are in the faith or where you aren't in the faith. The book brand new was only about 15$.
I figured I should talk about the experience that is really pushing me back into doing this blog. I went to Panama City Beach this past spring break not to party, but to evangelize. I must say I was very nervous at first, but got more used to it and had an awesome time in Florida. My faith really grew and that was when I felt that God really wants me to do apologetics. For large portions of both the ride down and back up, we discussed apologetics. It really opened my eyes to the passion I have for this stuff and truly made it clear to me that I should keep doing stuff related to it. And for that reason I am going to stop worrying about choosing a career that pays well and choose a career the Lord can really use me and something I have a passion about. This Friday I am going to meet with my Academic Advisor and tell her that I like doing Christian Apologetics and ask her what classes I should take.
So, finally, what the purpose of this blog is going to be: I am going to use it just like I have been doing before. I am going to post something about a particular idea that has been weighing on me and give it an apologetic spin. I don't know how regular it will be, but I really want to at least do one a month until the summer when I have a lot more time.
So that's the update. Like I said, I am really wanting to keep this up more so you can expect to see more posts. FYI, I have like 12 ideas saved as drafts, so there is always something I can post.
Thanks,
Eric
I know it has been a very long time (nearly 9 months) since I have last written a blog. I really do want to keep this going, but it is difficult to do with school. Of course I choose to go to a University that isn't as easy as high school (I joke). So basically, I am here to say that I probably won't roll out a blog post any time soon, however I really, really want to and it has been itching me for a while now.
I figure what could be a decent trade off is write about a couple good Apologists that came to UofM (one of the advantages of being in college ha) in this post and what I thought about them. I suppose I could also give a general life update too and my future plans for this blog.
So, a while back, sometime in October I think, Frank Turek came to speak at UofM. Essentially his argument was about the truth of the New Testament and thus the validity of Jesus as who he claimed to be. His talk was very engaging and informative, and had a real air of confidence. I was thoroughly impressed by his speaking abilities. Of course being the liberal school we are, a humanism club was fortunate enough to attend the meeting also. These guys really made the meeting a fantastic experience because they offered legitimate counters to what Mr. Turek was saying. At the end of the meeting, there was a Q&A session and there was a non-stop slew of questions from the humanist club who asked the question based on major (The bio major asked questions about evolution). I thought Frank Turek did an incredible job at answering every question and offering a more-that-satisfactory counter-argument. Overall, I thought the meeting was hugely successful and made me buy his book: I don't have enough Faith to Be an Atheist. I would highly recommend that book to absolutely anyone no matter where you are in the faith or where you aren't in the faith. The book brand new was only about 15$.
I figured I should talk about the experience that is really pushing me back into doing this blog. I went to Panama City Beach this past spring break not to party, but to evangelize. I must say I was very nervous at first, but got more used to it and had an awesome time in Florida. My faith really grew and that was when I felt that God really wants me to do apologetics. For large portions of both the ride down and back up, we discussed apologetics. It really opened my eyes to the passion I have for this stuff and truly made it clear to me that I should keep doing stuff related to it. And for that reason I am going to stop worrying about choosing a career that pays well and choose a career the Lord can really use me and something I have a passion about. This Friday I am going to meet with my Academic Advisor and tell her that I like doing Christian Apologetics and ask her what classes I should take.
So, finally, what the purpose of this blog is going to be: I am going to use it just like I have been doing before. I am going to post something about a particular idea that has been weighing on me and give it an apologetic spin. I don't know how regular it will be, but I really want to at least do one a month until the summer when I have a lot more time.
So that's the update. Like I said, I am really wanting to keep this up more so you can expect to see more posts. FYI, I have like 12 ideas saved as drafts, so there is always something I can post.
Thanks,
Eric
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