Rabyd Theologian 2.0

I have moved and started a new blog: Rabyd Theologian 2.0

My 41st Birthday

Wow! Things go fast when you are not keeping track of them.

Let's see -- the most interesing thing that happened the day I was born was not reported -- it was a little known operation called -- Operation Breakfast -- the secret bombing of Cambodia during the Vietnam War. Hey, the other bomb dropped was me into my parent's lives. There was also a solar eclipse that day, wonder if that was a sign of something. Lennon and Ono were on the cover of Look Magazine released that day. Ain't love great!

1766 -- Britian repeals the Stamp Act in the American Colonies.

1852 -- Wells Fargo's first day of business.

1939 -- Frank Sinatra records his first song - "Our Love". Earned him a contract of $75 a little later

1965 -- First walk in space by a cosmonaut.

1997 -- Aerosmith released their album Nine Lives with the Hit -- "Pink"

I share a birthday with Vice President John Calhoun (1782), President Grover Clevland (1837) and Writer John Updike (1932).

All that is trivial stuff. The Greatest things are serving the Lord, loving my family and having great friends.

Blessings.

I'm Back -- New Plans

Wow! I stayed away a whole week. The fact was that the creative well was running dry and I was also wrestling with some of the passages that my articles were going to deal with in the future. I also am engaging some purpose issues about all this. I love to write but I also would love to write something that would actually lead to making a living at this.

So what is the purpose of this blog? It's a question I am trying to answer. This thing began May 5, 2009 with the purpose of writing about issues American and Western Christians do not want to touch and hopefully engage the Bible on those subjects. Some of them I have addressed; others have been not so well covered. In the end this blog is really for me to express myself by addressing issues.

In addition, after setting aside a book outline I wrote last year, I picked it up again with fresh eyes and said to myself -- "This needs to be written". But I also made a commitment to this blog to have 365 post by May 4th, 2010 and then keep it going. Current count is 304 posts including this one so that is 61 posts to go in 51 days -- not to terrible. I also am tired of writing crap just to get a post in so...

1. I am going to write double and triple posts to be posted on my nights off after good editing. I am usually off three nights a week so if I triple for a while I should catch up at two a week. Just in time.

2. I am going to be writing on my book whenever I have the time but after the 4th of May it will be scheduled in time for me

3. One I get the 365 post I am going to probably post twice a week and try to write some thing better than what I have been. The extra time will be used for my book.

Blessings

Ed Raby

A Couple Days Off

I am taking a couple days off of blogging. Mostly i am still looking at a lot of passages and I haven't drawn any conclusions. I really hate writing about something I am not sure of yet.

Wow! Missed a Day!

Yesterday was completely bonkers. work, sleep, get up, drive one and a half hours to watch my daughter play basketball, watch half of first game of playoff, watch my daughter's game, drive back -- arrive home past midnight. Yipes. I forgot to get a blog article in. Well, the goal was to have 365 articles by May 4th so that is what I am aiming for.

The Book of Revelation -- Part 17 -- The Seventh Trumpet

The seventh trumpet ends in climactic fashion as it starts a vision of worship -- all of heaven worships the LORD. The twenty four elders, all the voices of heaven, etc., join in to praise the Lord.

One interesting thing is the mention of the ark in the temple surrounded by acts of power both great and terrible.

The seven trumpet simple ends this phase of the book and open the door to a very different vision.

Next: The Woman, the Dragon and the Man Child.

Tired Today

You just have one of those days where your energy level is low. Today is my day for this. I can't even really think straight.

In any case -- blessings to all. I will try to write something of meaning later.

Science Fiction and Theology -- Part 6 -- Space Travel

I know this is hard to believe but my daughter picks on me. In specific she pick on me because of an app game I play on Facebook called Starfleet Commander. I play this one along with its twin sister Starfleet Commander Extreme. I am accused of being a nerd. It is just the thought of space travel has always fascinated me.

Not to mention theological issues abound.
1. Colonization of other worlds would change the way the Bible is interpreted. Particularly Revelation where current thought is earth centric.
2. Depending on the type of space travel -- issues abound as people are separated by distance. Relativity and all that. But even more puzzling is that realistic space travel you are dealing with cold sleep. This means either unmarried people or entire families would have to agree to travel together. (More on this later) The social issues of marriage come into play. Particularly if you get a separation due to travel that has no hope of returning to each other.
3. The vastness of space -- The universe is a HUGE place. I wonder what thoughts we would have about God actually travelling through the vastness of the universe?

Next:Cryo Sleep

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 17 -- Wives as Gifts

One thing that happens several times in the Old Testament account is on several occasions a man will give his daughter to a man in marriage for acts of valor or favors.
Do you get the feeling that this was about more than the surface? It was about making that man a part of his family. The obligations of this were BIG.

The only thing I wonder is how the girl would have felt about marrying someone simple because of obligation.

Next: Many Things Resurface.

Another Long Day

It has been another long day of watching my daughter play basketball, sleep and driving in snow. See you all after my workout.

The Book of Revelation -- Part 16 -- The Two Witnesses

The more I look at this passage the more I am convinced the symbolism is deliberately designed to conceal the identity of the two witness -- we are not supposed to know who they are. What is supposed to be significant is what they do:
1. The prophesy for a great length of time
2. They are called by God the two olive trees and lamp stands that stand before God on the earth.
3. Every time someone tries to stop them they are destroyed by the fire that comes out of their mouth
4. They engage in major prophetic acts that are designed to bring people to repentance but no one does.
5. It is not until they are finished that the Beast is allowed to kill them in Jerusalem
6. They rise from the dead and the whole world see them do so.

It is only after the last action do the people glorify God.

What can you say about this? Not much there is no recorded historical action that fits this vision and no clear answers as to who they are.

What is clear is that these two witnesses are powerful prophets who defy everything to do God's work.

Next: The Seventh Trumpet

No Time

Good grief where does the time go -- Work, Sleep, Workout, Get Ready for Work. Blog? -- Well this is it. It simply has not been a good week so far.

Nope

No creativity today either and I have no time at all today.

Creativity and the Blogger

I try to write something every day here that is creative and informed, but today I just don't have it. Sometimes, other things go well and today I did rock my workout so -- trade off. Tomorrow promises to be a busy day as well so I am not holding my breath for tomorrow either. Sometimes I surprise myself though.

Replies to Aristiono -- Part 5 -- Why I Believe Jesus is God?

Well, this is a tough question to answer, but at the same time easy. The simple way to put it is this -- how many people tell you what is going to happen to them and then tell you they are going to die and then three days and nights later they tell you they are going to rise from the dead? Not many. How many tell you these things and then do it? Only one person has ever done it. Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Now, unlike Mohammad whose revelation that lead to the Q'uran, the revelation of Jesus was public and witnessed. With Mohammad we are still left to trust that he just did not make it all up in the cave. Jesus on the other hand has multiple witnesses of his life, death and resurrection. These events are as historical as any other and have more historical evidence than any other event of ancient history. We have more eyewitness testimony from ancient literature that Jesus rose from the dead than Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon.



The historical fact of the resurrection means that all the other things Jesus said about himself not only true but empowered as truth. I mean are you really going to say that someone who rises from the dead does not know what he is talking about?
1. Jesus forgives sins -- Only God can do so
2. Jesus claims God as his Father making himself equal to God
3. John 1:1 claims the Word was God -- The Word is Jesus Christ.
4. The disciples and many others worship Jesus -- He does not prevent them from doing so.

I could list many more but these are enough.

More than this, is the present power of Christ as God at work in my life! How could I deny someone who removed my sins and transformed my life? It would be easier for me to deny the world is round or water is wet.

In my earlier days I studied many religions asking the question -- why do I consider my faith better than this? Simply put 1) I have a savior who is historically raised from the dead and 2) This Savior lives inside me to make me the man God wants me to be.

Islam failed for me because it does not change me. It could change my actions and thoughts, but it could not change my spirit. It is externals without meaning. It is salvation only from habit not sinfulness. In short, it cannot transform me like Christ has because it is not the truth.

Aristiono I want to thank you for the opportunity to answer these questions I hope it was informative for you as it was fun for me.

Finis -- with possibility of more is more questions come up.

Science Fiction and Theology -- Part 5 -- The Information Hyperhighway

Computers, cell phones, Internet, etc. etc. Do you ever feel overwhelmed with how much information you can access? Is it becoming alarming to you how much people can know about anything? It is to me.

When science fiction popularized the notion of computers and cell phones long before they existed people thought only of the wonders of it, now the problems of such information overload are becoming evident.
1) Privacy -- anything you put out there, is out there all over the place in seconds. A person who posts a picture of themselves must take not that someone can view it on the other side of the globe in minutes. What gets more disturbing is the fact that these cell phone things can take such pictures and download them. Is there really such thing a privacy anymore?
2) Information overload -- how much can you absorb? We are getting to a point where you almost need an information sorter to filter out the junk.

The future of this promises more speed, more info and greater access. Will we one day forget the real world for one that is digital?

Next: Space Travel

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 16 -- The Law of Moses

Looking Back at the Law of Moses concerning the issue of marriage I think it is safe to say we can make the following observations:

1. In many ways marriage can be defined in the Law a a contract between a man and a woman for the purpose of having and raising children.

2. This definition is significantly different from the idea of a man and woman becoming 'one flesh'. To be husband and wife in this sense goes a little beyond just having a contract to have children. The idea of being open and intimate with each other start right at the beginning 'naked and unashamed' is what Adam and Eve were before sin enters the picture.

3. As human history unfolds, the nature of marriage changes in many ways. a) Very quickly on we realize incest as we know it must not have existed because Cain and Seth would have had to marry their sisters, but at this time this is not forbidden by the law. Only later is the idea of incestuous marriages introduced by the Law. b) Polygamy is introduced very early one as an acceptable form of marriage. It becomes one of the chief characteristics of many of the characters in Genesis -- Lamech, Abraham, Jacob and Esau all follow this model. In some senses polygamy almost seems to a necessity in the producing of children in case the first couple fails to conceive, the handmaiden can be brought into the mix to produce a child.

4. Marriages are often arranged by others. There is little of romantic love involved. This is not a bust however as many of the arranged marriages work out.

5.One issue is intermarrying between the godly lines and the ungodly ones. The results are often disastrous so in the end the Law forbids the children of Israel from intermarrying.

6. One law that puts an interesting wrinkle on things is the law of an older brother's seed being preserved through a younger brother. It really brings home the 'sexual contract' only view of marriage.

7. Another Law is the law that requires a man to marry a woman if he seduces her and in so doing gives up his right to divorce.

8. That brings about the issue of divorce -- marriage as contract whose obligations can be set aside by the husband.

The thing that is sure is that at the beginning you have a situation where marriage does not exist so much as two people become one flesh but once sin enters it seems necessary to provide marriage as a way of enforcing the idea. This contract idea begins to express itself in different ways but always culture intrudes to bury the original intent of 'husband and wife".

Next: Giving Brides as Prizes

Double Post Later

Been a Busy Day so I will post twice tomorrow a little after midnight.

Facebook vs. Breastfeeding Mothers -- What's The Biblical Response?

I don't know how many people are aware of it but right now there is a heated battle going on between breastfeeding mothers and Facebook. Now, I have written on the topic of what nakedness is at length and this is one of those practical issues involving the subject. Back then I came to understanding of Biblical reality that basically said that nakedness is spiritual and that if Christians were going to try to make a Biblical case against a woman exposing her breasts in public from Scripture they would find it nearly impossible to do. There is no verse of Scripture that says that women's breasts are in and of themselves either sexual or a temptation to sin. Quite the opposite exists where women's breasts are either praised for their motherly role in nurturing children or for their beauty (Song of Solomon). Biblically there is no case to be made. In fact, you might say that the Bible is very positive about the use of the female breast to feed children and blesses it.

So what to do about mothers who want to post pictures of themselves breastfeeding their children? Biblically, there is no case against this and oddly enough maybe a case for saying this is good and wholesome. Church culture will of course disagree thinking that the morality they have created outside the Bible is still right.

Facebook has however done some stupid things on this. Above is a photo of a breastfeeding mother that was banned. At the same time here is a photo they cleared:

Now could someone tell me which of these two photos is more sensual? Shows more breast?
Another thing is that whoever is deleting these photos must be just pushing buttons at random sometimes. Another banned photo:

Even More Funny is this one:

So now great art work is to be banned because it has a breast in it and even female pigs are subject to being banned for showing their breasts?

Why do I mention this? Because this may be the issue that brings this whole thing national. If these women succeed in their petition and possible court cases as getting this defined as sexist and discriminatory that will of course pave the way for women should have the right to go topless, or topfree if you prefer, for the purpose of nurturing children or otherwise, simply because you cannot make a legal discrimination between the nipple of a man and a woman.

Organizations like TERA the Topfree Equal Rights Association make it crystal clear that to them this is not about religion but about equality under the law. There is also a statement that they do not believe the Bible says a woman should not expose their breasts -- they are right.

This fight is going to get ugly but in the end I believe that the law and the Bible may be on their side. IMHO

Replies to Aristiono -- Part 4 -- Pagan Influences on Christianity

I know that the crescent moon is an Islamic symbol but i am going to make a point about it later.

Aristiono makes two charges:
1. That Jesus' story and many pagan myths parallel each other.
2. That Christianity has been corrupted by paganism.

Well to the first, if you look at a lot of stories long enough you will find parallel to anything. There are a couple of key differences 1) The other virgin myths do not have the significance of redemption from sins that Jesus does. 2) The virgin birth of Christ has historical evidence to support it.

As to the second: yeah, no doubt that if any religion exists for too long it will be corrupted by something. Throughout church history there has been those moments when this has been he issue. Removing the pagan elements and other bad influences to Christianity has been motivation for many reforms during church history and ultimately the Protestant Reformation.

My point is this -- name me a religion that is still true completely to its original founding?

Now, I have a question -- if Islam is so free of these influences why do they use a moon as a symbol? The reason is that it is the former symbol of Mohammed's tribe -- which is symbol of the moon God they used to worship. My question to Aristiono why is it OK for Islam to take former pagan symbols and turn them to something for their religion but it is not OK for other religion including Christianity to do so?

Next: Why I Believe in Jesus.

President's Day

You know there is something odd about a holiday to celebrate Presidents. Most of them fall into the category of 'old dead guys' but some have been very notable. My favorite is actually Thomas Jefferson. His commitment to liberty, states rights and a weaker central government have always been an inspiration.

Today is a day to pick your favorite and have them inspire you.

Happy Valentines Day

You know what gets weird about this holiday? That there are at least three guys who claim sainthood by the Catholic Church who have the name St. Valentine and we really only have legends about two of them. It was like many holidays a product of legend and the Church's attempt to remove the pagan influences of the Roman world and replace it with Christian ones. Feb 14 used to be the beginning of a festival to celebrate Faunus -- the goat god of agriculture and fertility. You know the faun -- like Mr. Tumnis. It was considered to be a time for pairings to be done by lottery. That's right, boys step up an pick your lucky number for your new wife.

The Roman Church decided to change it by introducing St. Valentine and changing the nature of the holiday. The problem is which St. Valentine are we talking about? 1) The guy who performed marriages in secret in the Roman army because the Emperor outlawed them or 2) The guy who was smitten in love with a young woman and wrote a letter to her from prison and signed it -- "From your Valentine". Take your pick.

What is it today? Well, it is the day everyone goes broke trying to buy things to show that they love one another -- A day of romance and love in theory, but all those cards we buy are making someone money. I know -- I am the Scrooge of holidays but why is it that in order to prove my love to my wife I have to buy her something every February 14th? Oh, yeah because I love her. Wait a minute didn't I just say that? ;-)

Happy St. Valentine's Day

The Book of Revelation -- Part 15 -- The Angel and the Little Book

Revelation chapter ten is all about one thing the mighty angel and his little book.
Two significant things happen in this chapter:
1) Seven thunders utter something that john is told not to write because they are for the end. What then becomes interesting is John knows this stuff but no one else will but God and the angels.
2) John is asked to eat the little book in the hand of them mighty angel which he does -- it tastes as sweet to his mouth but bitter in his belly. He is then told to prophesy.

Now the angel is never named but I am sure some have tried --Michael would make sense but ultimately who knows and his name is not as significant as what he holds. The significance of the little book being eaten I partially understand because I am a preacher. Preaching or teaching is always sweet in them mouth but bitter to the belly. God's Word is always good to speak but harder to make a part of your life.

I think this vision has significance to John most of all but to the seven churches it was one of acknowledging John spiritual right to speak and know God's Word.

Next: The Two Witnesses

Replies to Aristiono -- Part 3 -- Some History Lessons

Aristiono in a comment to me made some of the following assertions:
1. Jesus was created by Constantine in 325 with the Nicene Council
2. The Roman Church changed worship from Saturday to Sunday
3. The name Jesus is derived from the Greek word "Ieasus" which means 'Son of Zeus'
4. Constantine made huge changes in Christianity that mandated it as the faith of the Empire and made changes to holidays and the Sabbath.

#1 -- I don't have any idea how a person could believe this -- Jesus is a well documented person and his name exists in literature long before Constantine. The gospels themselves are much older than Constantine and with the discovery of texts of the New Testament that are conservatively estimated at 150 AD and of the Gospel John the oldest gospel by all scholarly opinion. That thrusts all the gospels by evidence at least into early second century but more likely the first. All the Gospels talk of Jesus as a historical figure who lived and ministered in that century. To deny the historical reality of Jesus as a person from the first century is prejudicial -- we have more evidence for Him than any other ancient historical figure. Outside of Scripture we have a multitude sources that talk of Jesus. All of them long before Constantine. What confuses me more is that I was under the impression that Islam accepts Jesus both as a historical figure and a prophet.

#2 -- When is the Sabbath? I think a more important question is does it matter? We need to understand that all calenders have been modified and moved around so is Saturday really Saturday. One of Jesus' great teaching was that the Sabbath was about devotion to God not external religious control. To me the issue is to make sure one day a week is devoted to God and his work.

#3 -- Wow! Sorry this is just plain wrong. "Jesus" is a Greek transliterated form of "Yeshua" -- the Hebrew word for -- "The Lord is Salvation"

#4 -- No Doubt Constantine made some huge changes to Christianity, but some of those changes were simply because Christianity went from being a persecuted religion to one of acceptance. Hey, even I argue against some of the changes because I disagree with them. That is why I am a Protestant and not a Roman Catholic, although I have many Roman Catholic friends. As for the holidays, Constantine was attempting to remove the paganism from the Empire by changing the significance of many pagan holidays and then injecting Christian significance instead. In a sense he was trying to convert the holidays from pagan to Christian. It simply may be a case of good intentions but poor results.

Next: Pagan Influences on Christianity.

Science Fiction and Theology -- Part 4 -- Brain Transplant -- Effective Immortality

Probably the most sticky questions of Science Fiction are raised when medical ethics and technology are discussed. One thing has always been organ transplant. Now many of the medical procedures that do this where originally some form of Science fiction; now many are science fact. One that remains fiction in brain transplant. Perhaps it would be better to say central nervous system transplant. Robert Heinlein postulated this in his book "I Will Fear No Evil". In it a rich beyond billionaire transplants his brain into another body. The big issue though is the body is female and is young, sensual and pretty. By so doing the man extends his life into another.

This of course leads to a whole host of ethical questions:
1. Who is the person then? The brain or the body or both.
2. Does this really constitute a sex change? Not really in a sense but this could be used to do it.
3. Who would be a donor body for this?

Now what get really frightening is when you couple this idea with cloning.
1. Could we then keep spare bodies around when we get tired of the one were in? Effective youth and immortality.
2. Are such clones persons when their only function is to be the next shell?
3. What happens to -- a man is appointed once to die and then the judgment?

Gets interesting and sticky doesn't it?

Next: The Information Hyper Highway

Sorry -- Pastor Work Intrudes

One of my parishoners had a triple heart attack so I had to travel today to Grand Rapids, Michigan (that is about an hour away from me) to be bedside. As it turned out even though she had a Code Blue (her heart stopped once), she is alright and alive. Going to take a few days to get back on her feet plus some further surgeries and treatment but she has a good chance of making it.

No blog entry becasue of it though but as a bonus I will do two for tomorrow.

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 15 -- Divorce

Probable the most significant development in the Law of Moses is the idea of divorce. Up to this moment, there has been no mention of the idea of divorce in the Scripture; then Moses adds a marriage law that dissolves marriage -- divorce. The Law of Divorce basically gave the man the power to send his wife away if he was no longer pleased with her. All he had to do was give her a writ of divorce. Once divorced he could take her back unless she married someone else in the interim. There is no record that women have this right to divorce.

one of the interests for me is how this reflects back on what marriage is -- it becomes a legal matter or contract that can be broken. This is a far cry from conceiving of marriage as being one flesh. It is simply a matter of law.

Next: The Law and Marriage

Replies to Aristiono -- Part 2-- Some Simple Answers

Aristiono points out that the word 'Trinity' does not appear in the Scriptures. True, but that does not make the point he hopes it makes.
There are many theological concepts in all religions that do not appear in their Scriptures. Just because the word 'trinity' doesn't appear in the Scriptures does to mean the concept of the Trinity does not exist in the Scripture. The word 'Monotheistic' does not appear in the Scriptures (Jewish, Christian or Islamic) but all have the theological concept of a 'monotheistic' faith -- one God. We use many words outside the Scriptures to describe concepts that we see in them -- it does not make them false concepts simply because the word does not appear.

The Doctrine of the Trinity is such concept. The word may not appear in Scripture but the concept is there. It was created as a process in trying to understand how certain passages of Scripture could be true. Passages that indicated Jesus as both God and separate from the Father God. Passages that indicated another Comforter called the Holy Spirit -- also equal to God but separate in person hood. Three separate persons but all God (One God Together). The doctrine of the Trinity did not arrive as a result of pagan influence but a wrestling with an understanding of God and the Scriptures.

I wrestled with this myself on my own and had to conclude that the conclusion those who settled this long ago were right. The Trinity is just a way of explaining the concept.

Do I Believe in one God -- Yes. Do I believe in the Trinity -- yes. One God manifested in three persons all equally God, but all equally separate persons but united and one.

Next: Some History Lessons

Replies to Aristiono -- Part 1-- Introduction

On my last post, this gentleman sent me a reply that while it did not deal with the subject matter, did ask a lot of great and pointed questions. If no one minds a practical jaunt in theology I will answer them a couple at a time over the next week or so. For right now, I want to inform Aristiono of one thing -- I have read the Holy Qur'an. It was a while ago but I have read it. I don't mind reading it again to get back up to speed.

Right now though I have to get some sleep.

Fasting, Bodybuilding and Fitness

Ronnie Coleman above -- former Mr. Olympia
One of the things I have been considering is how one can fast and still be engaged in bodybuilding style fitness.
Bodybuilding requires a high level nutrition -- protein, carbs at a certain level, water (lots) and supplements. Fasting devastates a bodybuilders body. Without fat to burn, the energy comes from the muscle and other organs rather than fat. The very thing your trying to build begins to shrink. Not good.

One thing to consider, bodybuilding's strict nutrition requirements are so stringent it might be considered a form of fasting -- Daniel type -- lentils (protein) and pulse (veggies) with water. Bodybuilders restrict themselves constantly in a very similar fashion.

For myself the issue is one of balancing religious practice and staying fit. it is also a question of whether or not to ratchet my own fitness training up and still maintaining a practice I have found helpful in my spiritual walk -- fasting.

If I begin to look at the nutrition requirements as a form of fasting I could be looking at killing two birds with one stone. Joining things together this way begins to let you see how God has made us a a single being.

The Book of Revelation -- Part 14 -- The Sixth Trumpet

If the fifth trumpet was devastating, the sixth is catastrophic in comparison. It is an army like no other released on the rest of mankind -- it destroys one third of mankind by plain old violence. Probably one thing that is mentioned here is the fact that even though this plague was so devastating, people still do not repent of their idolatry but instead continue in it.
I find this not completely amazing becasue the nature of mankind is rebellion, but even after such devistation -- nothing. No change of heart.

Next: The Angel and the Little Scroll

Quick Post

Imagine my surprise a I looked up at the clock and realized I hadn't posted today. He it is -- short and sweet.

Science Fiction and Theology -- Part 3 -- Alien Religion (Faith and Practice)

OK, along comes and alien race with a Scripture that reads like ours but different and has a different concept of how God is. The issues are limitless. But the two that interest me the most are -- our concept of who man is, or better what our concept of being a being created in God's image is. If the alien race is also created in God's image and they are different from us in outside appearance what does that do to our concept of the image of God? What does do to our concept of being a person.
The other issue is faith along with practice of that faith. What is faith if an alien race has a different concept of what faith is? Practice: how is faith lived? Were talking prayer, meditation and service. So you have a race that serves God but their definition of prayer is to stand on their head -- what then?

Next: Brain Transplant -- Effective Immortality.

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 14 -- Other Laws Regarding Wives and Marriage

Now in the law there are many sundry laws regarding women and marriage that do apply to the discussion.
1. Exodus 20:17 includes not coveting a neighbors wife -- right up there with the rest of his possessions.
2. In the bond slave law Exodus 21:10 basically says that if a man takes a second wife he cannot reduce the rights of the first wife -- including sexual rights. A woman had sexual rights to her husband -- wonder if God was thinking of Leah?
3. Exodus 22:16 requires a man who seduces a virgin to take her as his wife and to give up his right to get rid of her. Deut. 22:19 and 29 restate this. I wonder what this would do to the unwed mother problem?
4. Leviticus 18 provides a life of relatives and relationships in which marriage is not allowed. A couple of interesting ones that a person is not allowed to marry a mother and daughter together or sisters together (Leah and Rachel?). Polygamy is assumed but now has some restrictions. Note: Both Abraham and Jacob would have been in trouble by these laws.
5. Leviticus 20:21 eliminates taking a brother's wife while he is still alive. If divorce takes place then a brother cannot have her. The law of a brother being required to take his older brother's wife to raise up inheritance still stays however.

What gets interesting is what is not condemned: polygamy. In fact there are some laws that assume its existence.

Next: Divorce

An Low Energy Post

Well, I am feeling better but my energy level is low and about the only thing constructive I have done in the last two days is sleep. Well, the one thing about fasting, even when it is forced on you is that you still gain something from it spiritually. Just a very calm spirit through the whole thing.

Well, I will get back at it tomorrow.

Sickness

I am not really creative enough today to write anything mostly due to the fact that I have been sick for the last 24 hours. Starting to feel better but I am going to take it easy on my body and mind today. I will blog something worthwhile tomorrow.

The Book of Revelation -- Part 14 -- The Fifth Trumpet

What gets interesting here is that after four trumpets in rapid succession and taking up only a few verses; suddenly the book focuses at length on a couple trumpets. An additional title is given to them as well -- the first two woes.

The Fifth Trumpet has more speculation and controversy on it than much of the rest of the book -- What the heck are these things? Deformed demons or something that John could only describe in terms he could understand but is seeing something entirely different? Don't know. Don't know how machines could come from the bottomless pit. I also doubt the original hearers would have looked at this as anything other than a supernatural force or event.

What is clear is a) This is very bad -- worse than the previous trumpets. and b) they do something far worse that kill -- they torment with terrible pain for a specific time period -- five months.

Next: The Sixth Trumpet

Science Fiction and Theology -- Part 3 -- Alien Religion (Scripture)

Now consider this. When an alien race is discovered they too have a Holy Bible. What then?

If you really consider it, it becomes a difficult question. On what level would such a book be authoritative? Is it inspired? How do we determine these things? Not easy questions at all are they?

The questions of what Scripture would be if done by other races other than the human race becomes a quagmire of thought.

My thoughts are that it would be differ net from our own -- different events and characters with different actions. It would contain history, the history of God's interaction with that race, but it would be completely foreign to our own. The one thing it would have in common is that through that interaction between God and the aliens there would be a revelation of God in truth. It would echo our own understandings but would not be completely the same. it might, were we to understand it, give us a view of God that we would find opens up our own understanding and that of the aliens.

Because of this we would understand it is inspired but to whom -- us, the aliens or both? Possible both, maybe just to them.

It is also possible that they may also have conflicting religions each with their own scriptures and that means sifting through them all to find the ones that are inspired. But what criteria to use? Maybe simply finding common understandings about God may be enough; maybe not.

Next: Alien Religion (Faith and Practice)

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 13 -- Wives as Possessions

What gets interesting as you get into the Law of Moses is the dealing with the idea of a woman as a wife also being a possession of the husband.
1. If a slave is given a wife for instance the wife still belongs to the owner unless the slave decides to bond himself to his master permanently.
2. Divorce is only one way -- it is almost like giving up title to a car today the way the law for divorce reads in the law.
3. Up till now wives are given and taken but there is almost no provision in the Bible for a woman to decided by her choice who she is to marry and the opposite is true for men.
4. The handmaiden laws and customs meant that in a sense the handmaiden was property of the mistress unless she gave that handmaiden to her husband -- then she became his.

Now this would change as we go along, but up till now what is presented by the Bible both in example and the law is women as a special kind of property. With some rights but not as much as men. We are still far from the end of this study, but if we were to stop here we would have to conclude women are a kind of property. Protected and valued, but property nonetheless.

Next: Other Laws Regarding Marriage and Women

The Book of Revelation -- Part 13 -- Trumpets One Through Four

When the seventh seal is opened it, seven angels step forward with seven trumpets. Before a single one of them sounds a vial is given to another angel that contains the prayers of the saints that is poured over the altar of God. It is an addition vial to the prayers already before God and it causes these events to start.
1. Trumpet 1 -- Hail and fire that destroys one third of the world's vegetation.
2. Trumpet 2 -- mountain thrown in the ocean -- third of the world's water -- blood
3. Trumpet 3 -- Wormwood star that makes the fresh waters bitter -- people die.
4. Trumpet 4 -- Strikes third of the lights in the sky darkened.

Now there are two notes to make about this:
Firstly, that it is the prayers of the saints that start the ball rolling here.
Secondly, there is still no time table in this from the book itself.

In the end an angel speaks woe about the trumpets still to sound.

Next: The Fifth Trumpet

Is There Any Doubt?

1. Is there any doubt that God has a sense of humor when you look in the mirror?
2. Is there any doubt that God has a sense of humor when you consider the duck billed platypus.?
3. Is there any doubt God has a sense of humor when you consider he has called you into his service?
4. Is there any doubt God has a sense of humor when you consider who God has placed in you family and church?
5. Is there any doubt God has a sense of humor when you consider how He has solved some of your problems?

I don't doubt that God gets a great big belly laugh at times.

Science Fiction and Theology -- Part 2 -- Aliens!

My issue here is what does the existence of aliens do to our understanding of God and ourselves. The issue of whether they exist I will leave to you the reader but for the sake of argument lets us assume they do. I will add though that the universe is a BIG place and to assume that we are the only sentient life form God every created is not only egotistical but Human centric nonsense. God is also a very creative God and I doubt he has limited his creativity to just us here on planet earth.

This brings us to the first issue. Human egotism. On two fronts this confronts us a) that God's plans may involves something larger than this speck of dust rotating around a bright light in the Milky Way. Other races and beings my be involved in God's plans and we may only be a small part of that and a) In humility we may have to realize that we are not even really essential to God's plans at all and do not have an inherent right to those plans.

The second issue. The nature of what the image of God is may be called into question. If other races are also created in this image but they do not look or act like us, what does this do to our understanding of ourselves as created in God's image.

What becomes very clear is the discovery of aliens would do one of two things -- create fear or humility. Given our sinfulness -- fear is more likely and there would be war and we would start it if the race we encounter is sinless.

That brings up a final issue, one that C.S. Lewis explored in his Sci-Fi series of books -- what if another race of aliens faced their test and did not fail? How would we react to them and how they would react to us becomes and interesting issue. A non-fallen race would completely compliant with God's will. Maybe that is why we haven't met them -- it would be too dangerous -- for them. I know another blow to human pride and ego.

Next: Alien Religion

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 12 -- Giving and Taking Wives

What has happened repeatedly so far is an interesting phenomena -- there is a contstant reference to 'giving' or 'taking' wives. A man is always in charge of this giving or taking. The father or other guardian gives or the future husband takes. The woman -- well she seems to just be caught in whatever the giving or taking does to them.

The one thing the Bible does not possess when it comes to marriage is that many times it has little to do with love and romance. Marriages are more about producing children than companionship. In those stories, sometimes a couple finds love either slightly before or after the marriage but for the most part marriage is about arrangement or situation but not about the happiness of the husband or wife.

This is why I am starting to see a concept of the simple fact any man and woman can be married. Whether or not they enjoy 'oneness' by being husband and wife seems to be a matter of choice and desire.

Next: Wives as Possessions

The Book of Revelation -- Part 12 -- The Seventh Seal

OK. I am ready for Revelation Again. Revelation 8:1-2
The only thing that can really be said about the Seventh Seal is that it ends the opening of the Scroll and initiates two things -- Silence for a half hour and trumpets are distributed to angels for the next act. It does not really say what these things mean it just says they are done.

Next: Trumpets One Through Four.

Science Fiction and Theology -- Part 1 -- The Challenges

New Series to break things up a bit and have a little fun.

The issues science fiction has brought to theology are numerous. People may say 'why bother' but science fiction has an alarming way of becoming science fact in a quick hurry. Robots, cell phones, landing on the moon, space stations all have moved across this line. Probably more alarming are some of the medical ones -- cloning, regenerative medicine and others.

Theology, unfortunately, always seems to be reactive to these issues mostly because we have have this 'stay in the real world' mentality. The problem is the real world has a rapid way of turning into the sci-fi one. Then we're always scrambling.

Some of the issues out there are:
1. Aliens -- existence and who.
2. Alien Religion -- if aliens do exist what about their beliefs?
3. Brain transplant -- effective immortality?
4. The continued advance of information and the spread of information.
5. Space Travel -- moral questions abound about (marriage, children and colonization)
6. Cryo sleep -- what do we do with people who sleep through centuries?
7. What does all these things do to our understanding of the Scriptures?

Next: Do Aliens Exist?

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 11 -- Joseph's Wife

Joseph's Wife was an Egyptian given to him by the Pharaoh. Two issues that merit a look:
1. The mixed marriage issue seems suspended at this point. God is not upset and the two half tribes do come from this woman
2. The idea of a person giving another man a wife and the woman not having much choice about it (or even the man in some cases) -- we will see this more in the future especially next post. You know you almost think women before they were married in this culture were like assets or trading cards. Not exactly the high view of person hood that many believe in today.

Next: The Giving of Wives

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 10 -- Judah and Tamar

The story of Judah and Tamar actually illustrates several points.
First, it introduces the custom of a younger brother raising up seed for his older brother. A custom that will later become part of the Law. Basically if the oldest brother died the next older brother would take his wife as his own wife in an attempt to raise up children for the inheritance. Marriage for other legal purposes is what is represented here. Not a lot of romance there but God actually sides with the idea because the guy who does not cooperate with the custom is killed by God.

Secondly, it introduces a possibility. If the second brother already has a wife this was not considered an exception to the rule. The second oldest brother would still have to take her as wife number two. Polygamy enforced by God and the Law.

In the story Tamar eventually has to take matters into her own hand and gets Judah to conceive a child with her by playing the prostitute. In the end, Judah becomes her husband although he never touches her again. Marriage here is about fulfilling the desires of culture to produce heirs as well as God's purpose in making sure this is done.

For me, this is starting to show a difference between people becoming one flesh -- husband and wife and marriage for other purposes. Judah and Tamar were married but were they united in the end as husband and wife? One Flesh? Probably not.

Next: Joseph's Foreign Wife

Tuesdays are Always Busy

True. I come home from work, sleep, go to the church at 4pm and stay till 8pm with various activities and then go back to work. Yeash. That's why the short meaningless article.

Blessings to those in Christ.

Babylon 5, An Introspective Moment

I have always been a fan of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Christians have a tendency to overreact to such things thinking them attacks on their faith or wastes of time. In my understanding of God there has sometimes been no greater spur to my imaginations and thoughts about God than someone who has decided to create his own world or imagined what it would be like to fly to the stars.

One of my favorites in past years, over a decade ago was a series called Babylon 5 which spanned five seasons encompassing many characters both human and alien it dealt with more subjects that than can be reasonably covered in this post but every science fiction genre and idea was touched along with so many social issues including theology and philosophy as well.

For me personally, I originally watched this series on cable recently having returned from Seminary and I was still dealing with my fathers death. One of the few joys I had in those dark years for me was Babylon 5. Even when the series had its final season I still loved the story and watched reruns every time they were on. The final season was particularly hard to watch not because it was not good but because of the finality of it all. Every major character either faded out over the last few episodes or left entirely.

I have always been drawn to good characters particularly side characters just off the main path. For me three characters were my favorites G'Kar (the alien Narn played by Andreas Katsulas) Micheal Garibaldi (played by Jerry Doyle -- he has a book out now) and Londo Mollari (the human like alien Centauri destined to become Emperor played by Peter Jurasik). Between the interplay between G'Kar and Londo and Garibaldi's struggles throughout all five seasons it made for a great story. Londo was always a fascinating character and one of my favorite quotes comes from him. "When I first arrived on Babylon 5 I had no power and all the choices in the world, Now I have absolute power and no choice at all" He is speaking of the fact that as he became Emperor he had to wilfully slave himself to another alien race to save his people. Kind of a Messiah figure only slightly different.

This morning I finished the last episode of the final season. Even after all these years the goodbyes and endings still make a person a little sad. All things end and even the memory of them fades away but for me it was something that got me through a trying time in my life. Babylon 5 -- still a great story.

Great Unity Service

This evening we the local unity service.  I have seen a lot of things in my time in ministry but these times are always the greatest -- It is always great to see brothers and sisters in Christ from all over the specrtum worship together.  Each person and church did their part and it was a great success again.
I had the particular honor of preaching and I chose Acts 10:34-48 as a passage and I reminded people that just as Peter was a 'living witness' of Christ in his day we must be living witnesses in our day regardless of the name on the door. May it be true for all of us these days.

Blessings.

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 9 -- The Intermarrying Issue Again!

Of all the people in the Bible that most interpreters of Scripture get it wrong about, I think Simeon and Levi when they kill Hamor and Schechim and their men get the worst look of all.  The real idiot of the story is Jacob -- a) He does not seem to care one whit for his daughter getting RAPED and b) when he comes back from Laban he does not camp where he promised God he would (Bethel); had he done, so none of this would have happened.  Lesson: keep your promises to God and you don't open yourself up for this nonsense.  It also points out one of the flaws the family had -- favoratism.  Dinah was after all the daughter of Leah.

The reason I say this is that when Jacob curses both at the end of his life neither curse seems ot work and when you look at the Law of Moses later they actually fulfill it on two count's 1) The punishment for rape in the Law is death which is what Schechem recieved along with all those who would have protected him and 2) The Law will later specifically forbid intermarrying of the children of Israel with outsiders who are not Israelites with only one acception -- girls who were virgins from foreign lands who they conquered.  Jacob would allowed the violation of both principles.  Simeon and Levi will not allow it and through cleverness (they are outnumbered) they exact the proper punishment. 
 
In the end, history vindicates both Simeon and Levi.  Levi's tribe becomes the preisthood for Israel and Simeon does indeed get an inheritence in the land in the end.  In short Jacob's curses don't work.

The quesiton of intermarriage is not a race one; it is about faith and worship.  The issue is the draw of pagan spouses on their husbands or wives that would cause others to leave their faith in God.

Next: Judah and Tamar

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 8 -- Lest We Forget Esau

Esau is ultimately removed from God's plan.  Because he was a polygamist?  No.  Although he did marry several women including some daughters of Ishmael as well as a few local girls.  Esau's major grief to his parents when it came to his marriages was not how many, but who.  In short, Esau married women he did not consult his parents about and women who were idoloters.

What I think this illustrates is marriage can be bad by simply one thing -- having no consideration of the spiritual leanings and strength of your future spouse.  This draws the issue of marrying beleivers vs. non-beleivers into the discussion as well as parental involvment in a marriage.

Next: The Intermarrying Issue Again Already!

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 7 -- Jacob, Necessary Polygamist?

Changed the title because as I thought about it Jacob's polygamy, though he was tricked into it, becomes used by God to build the nation of Israel.  It is in fact the how of there are twelve tribes is due to Jacob's many children, possible becasue of his four wives. 

There are also several issues in this like Leah's basically being handed off to a man who didn't want her.  Still married but were they husband and wife?  Was their really a 'one flesh' relationship beyond the sexual between them?  Based on what happens -- probably not.  So what was their 'marriage'?   

One thing that does need to be considered is what would have happend had Jacob only had one wife and produced all his children through her.  Genetically, there would have been problems if this had been the case.  With four wives genetics spreads out and allows for more latitude.

The one thing that the story of Jacob's family does illustrate is the problems of a polygamist household.  Leah and Rachel basically have a baby making contest and when they can't do it anymore they involve the handmaidens.  But is this really a problem of polygamy itself or simply the way these marriages came about?  More likely the later.

Next: Lest We Forget Esau

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 6 -- Isaac's Arranged Marriage

Arranged Marriage. To many Westerners such a concept is repugnant but in the ancient Near East and in much of the world today it is actually the most common way a couple gets married. When you get down to it though this would cut through a lot of the garbage associated with 'finding the one".

Isaac's Father Abraham is the one with the idea and in the end the story is one of God's guidance although it will cause problems for one of Isaac and Rebecca's children later with a relative Laban. Overall, Isaac and Rebecca's' Marriage seems to be a happy one other than them each taking sides over their children.

Perhaps bringing in one's parents to help decided who you should marry isn't such a bad idea.

To recap so far, we haven't really passed the middle of Genesis and so far we have the following issues.
1. Marriage vs. Husband and Wife
2. Polygamy
3. Arranged Marriage
4. Marrying Relatives

Getting to be an interesting ride.

Next: Jacob, Super Polygamist?

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 5 -- Abraham the Polygamist

Now one thing that is often overlooked is that Abraham too was a polygamist but through a new concept at this point in the Bible -- concubinage. In the first case Hagar is offered to Abraham by Sarah (I always like to point out to people this was Sarah's idea). In Abraham's day this was common practice if the wife could not produce an heir, always nice to have a backup womb. Now we might argue that this was them not acting in faith. Maybe so but for the rest of Hagar's life she is considered to be Abraham's concubine/wife. In addition this is not the only concubine Abraham will take. After Sarah's death in Genesis 25, while Issac is being comforted by his new wife, Abraham takes a second concubine -- Keturah. She bears Abraham six children. Hagar is still alive. Two concubines for Abraham and the second one is by his own choice.

What this introduces to our discussion is the issue of concubinage -- the second class wife if you will. Basically, such wives are wives of convenience or necessity. They are their to bear the husband children but they and their children do not receive any inheritance after the husband's death should the first wife bear an heir. In Abraham's case both his concubines received stuff while he was alive but after he was dead only Isaac received the rest of his Father's inheritance. This is clearly a case of contractual obligation in a marriage and maybe defines the difference between a husband wife relationship by choice and a marriage agreement for practical purposes.

Next: Isaac's Arranged Marriage.

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 4 -- Abraham Marries His Sister

You know for all the talk of how Issac was the child of promise and he is, one of the interesting things about his parents Abraham and Sarah was that they had the same father. Two different mothers (another polygamist relationship) but they were brother and sister as well as husband and wife. Incest by the time Moses writes the Law but at this point apparently there is no such thing.
Who one can and cannot marry based on family relationship is something the Bible does deal with but the interesting thing about Genesis is that such concerns do not seem to be prevalent. The issue of why Sarah could not conceive may be as much an issue of family genetics as it was her own biology. Even to today the most common arranged marriage in many countries is to a member of the family.
The biblical issue is what is allowed and why. As time goes on the Bible becomes restrictive about who one can marry in the family but it does not completely get rid of it. If Moses is using Genesis as a basis for the Law that follows then it is interesting that Abraham's marriage to His sister will be illegal later. Changing nature of the God-man relationship? Probably.

Next: Abraham the Polygamist

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 3 -- Lamech and His Two Wives

Probably one of the most significant things about about the story of Lamech is his belief that God protected him because he was somehow greater than Cain even though he had murdered two men, although based on what he says is could have been self defense. In any case, that is not what is significant for this discussion. What is significant is Lamech is the Bible's first recorded polygamist. This introduces polygamy very early into our discussion on marriage.

One of the arguments I have read from several sources against polygamy is that Lamech was of the line of Cain and therefore polygamy's origins are suspect in an ungodly line. I find this argument a little unsatisfying because it is an argument from silence. Just because no one in Seth's line is referenced to have more than one wife does not mean it didn't exist. All the children's names are not mentioned either so it does not mean they didn't have names. In addition the text itself does not say Lamech was the first polygamist ever; the only reason he is being recorded is because of his belief he would be revenged seventy fold, he just addressed this to his two wives so their existence is recorded.

In addition, if we refrain from everything that the line of Cain invented then we need to stop: Living in tents and herding livestock, playing music, doing metalwork, etc. because it was the line of Cain that invented all these things as well.

What is really curious is that God is silent about the issue. The mention of multiple wives seems to be as matter of fact as if he had told people Lamech was bald. The morality of polygamy really is not an issue here, the only thing we can really say is that polygamy has been around for a LONG time.

Next: Abraham Marries His Sister

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 2 -- Were Adam and Eve Married?

It is an interesting question because we have certain notions of what it means when people get married but in the story of Creation none of those notions really exist: No ceremony, no vows, no license with a civil authority, etc.

What we do have is a statement by Adam -- "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh, she shall be called woman because she was taken out of man." Not exactly classic vows are they? And Eve says nothing. What follows are verses 24-25 which are commentary by Moses in a way -- "For this reason..." tells us that this story guided Moses' understanding about the significance of this action. He gives three things that seem to constitute a couple becoming husband and wife:
1. The man leaves his mother and father -- there must be a desire by the man to form his own household. He desires to take authority and start a family.
2. The man is joined to his wife -- now 'joined' could have multiple meanings but to put it in basic terms the couple forms their own household together and has sexual intercourse which makes them....
3. They become one flesh -- What God took apart is put back together and made one.
4. From then on they are naked and unashamed -- their relationship is open with no fear.

Notice that all that really matters is the formation of a household that is separate, sex and openness with no shame toward each other. Not a whole lot of romance in this story but then again if Eve asked Adam -- "Do you love me?" his response is -- "Who else?" There is also not a lot of cultural garbage attached to this either. No vows indicates Adam and his wife simply understood what it meant for them to be together. No ceremony meant they didn't real pronounce to any community other than the two of themselves and God that they were married. No licence indicates there were no obligations to law. They only had spiritual obligations to each other and God.

Husband and wife -- yes. Married -- by our cultural and religious standards -- No. Just a couple who just starts being together intimately in all senses right out of the gate. Maybe by God's standards, but the question of marriage isn't answered here. Marriage may be all the vows and crap, but being husband and wife is far more a constant thing and that is the nature of the question.

Next: Lamech and his two wives.

Marriage and the Bible -- Part 1 -- The Questions

New Series. I know I still have Series on Revelation out there but I am not ready to continue it so I am looking at something new.

Marriage. Now i am not going to give 7 steps to a healthier marriage. I am also not here to reinforce what everyone says marriage is my question is -- What does the Bible Say Marriage is? When does God according to his word recognize that a couple is married? These two questions have a whole batch of questions tagged with them.

1. Is there a difference between marriage and being husband and wife? Some say there is, are they right?

2. Does a license, vows and sexual intercourse constitute marriage or does the Bible give an actual moment of marriage that is definable?

3. Are other types of marriage bonds acceptable? Polygamy? Homosexual? Group?

4. Can someone become unmarried to God's view? Divorce?

Now other questions may come up but these are good for starters. My method will be much the same as always: Observe what the Bible says, try to interpret what it means, apply it to real life and the draw it all together with what I already know.

Next: Were Adam and Eve Married?

Returning to True Fundamentalism -- Part 6 -- Why Does This Matter?

OK. Let's recap. True Fundamentalism is about making a list of the minimum things required in a Christian doctrine statement to be Christian. my list is only five things long:
1. The Bible is the Inspired Word of God
2. God exists in three persons: The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit and these three are one.
3. The reality of the person and work of Jesus Christ as both historical and spiritually significant
4. Through the person and work we can find salvation and find it in no other
5. Christ will return

Now, I want to note something -- I think this is all one needs to know to become a Christian and get saved. That said can anyone note all that is not said:

1. Type of inspiration (verbal, etc.)
2. The nature of God outside the trinity doctrine -- how is God omnipotent, omniscient, etc.
3. How one is saved by faith (faith and works controversy)
4. How salvation works and the nature of salvation are left somewhat open
5. End times -- completely open.

Why is this important? I think that unity is better achieved by fighting for the core, making allowances for differences outside the core and in all things being loving. Probably, the greatest downside to the Protestant Reformation has been division and hostility between the children of God. The fact is we often fight about many things that are not central to faith and the real issues often go by without really looking at them. The kind of unity Paul talked about in his writings is quite frankly imposable as long as these issues exist. We simply have a hard time accepting someone whose beliefs about Christianity are not very similar to our own and tat is becoming our downfall.

Finis

Returning to True Fundamentalism -- Part 5 -- The Return of Christ

Last fundamental of the true fundamentalist is that Christ will return to earth for his own.

Now, the significant thing is not what is said by this but what is not said:

1. No specific statement about 'the' tribulation
2. No statement about the flow of the end times

In short all that matters is Christ is going to return.

Next: So what is the big deal?

Arrrgh -- Technical Difficulties!!!!!!

Sorry for the missed post but my modem fried itself two days ago and just now it is fixed. I will try to write something substantive tomorrow.

Returning to True Fundamentalism -- Part 4 -- Salvation Through Christ

With the work of Christ complete, the door to salvation is opened. The issue for the true fundamentalist is one of Jesus being the only way to salvation. In short there are no other roads to eternal life.

The faith-works question is actually open and left to debate. The real issue is one of who purchased salvation not how it is acquired. Salvation issues are left open because salvation is a mystery and many of its parts are indeed subject to such debate.

Next: The Return of Christ

Last Holiday Post

I could call this the last garbage post but I digress. The point is I have been posting short because of the holidays and the fact I like to enjoy them. Tomorrow should be different as I will continue with something of substance. Right now I am just basking in the silence and last bits of goodwill of the holiday season.

Blessings.

Happy New Year -- 2010

Well, It has finally arrived. I simply wish everyone a great new year and one of spiritual blessing.

Looking forward to a great new year for myself with God guiding me I can't go wrong.

Blessings.