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Thank you.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
In Reply To Some Atheist
This is a response to a message I came across in a comments section on an article of Fifty Famous Quotes By Atheists. Here's a piece of that particular person's comment.
I found this very interesting as I have heard this argument before; that religion is responsible for the majority of horrors in this world and that atheists have never committed such atrocities.
First off, I make no such statement disagreeing with the idea that religion has been responsible for all degrees of evil in this world. However, the thought that atheists are clean in this sort of thing makes me laugh. One needn't go more than 60 years back into the past to find one of history's greatest monsters, a known atheist. If you haven't guessed who I'm referring to his name was Joseph Vissarionovich Jugashvili, or more better known as Joseph Stalin. I'm not going to get into all the horrors he committed, but estimates of the number killed under his regime was somewhere between 10 and 30 million. And the majority of those killed were his own people. Stalin eliminated anyone who opposed him and he lacked in almost all moral convictions.
As I said, I've heard this particular argument against religion a number of times and I am getting sick of the lack of historical backing to it. Atheists and religious alike have both contributed to the evils and horrors in this world. Both have demonstrated just how depraved man's heart can be. And both will be held accountable for the actions they have done.
You can choose not to believe in God, that's your call and I can't change your mind. But please don't ever let your deciding factor be based on religion. That's the last place I would look for God.
"Let me ask you this; how many people have been raped, tortured and murdered by a group of atheists vying for power?...Atheists aren’t heartless, bloodsucking monsters that want nothing but to destroy society through apathy. A large number of atheists are doctors, researchers and scholars. In other words, most atheists are intelligent, educated people and a lot of them are doing things to make a difference in other people’s lives, like researching cures for diseases."
I found this very interesting as I have heard this argument before; that religion is responsible for the majority of horrors in this world and that atheists have never committed such atrocities.
First off, I make no such statement disagreeing with the idea that religion has been responsible for all degrees of evil in this world. However, the thought that atheists are clean in this sort of thing makes me laugh. One needn't go more than 60 years back into the past to find one of history's greatest monsters, a known atheist. If you haven't guessed who I'm referring to his name was Joseph Vissarionovich Jugashvili, or more better known as Joseph Stalin. I'm not going to get into all the horrors he committed, but estimates of the number killed under his regime was somewhere between 10 and 30 million. And the majority of those killed were his own people. Stalin eliminated anyone who opposed him and he lacked in almost all moral convictions.
As I said, I've heard this particular argument against religion a number of times and I am getting sick of the lack of historical backing to it. Atheists and religious alike have both contributed to the evils and horrors in this world. Both have demonstrated just how depraved man's heart can be. And both will be held accountable for the actions they have done.
You can choose not to believe in God, that's your call and I can't change your mind. But please don't ever let your deciding factor be based on religion. That's the last place I would look for God.
Another Addition To The Never Ending Music Discussion
To those of you who know me, I love music and I do my best to follow all the legal discussions and proposals the music industry go through on a regular basis to deal with the changing industry. There's a current discussion, that's actually been around for a while, on the idea of a $5/month music tax to be charged to your internet bill in exchange for unlimited access to all online music. There are a lot of problems, I agree, but I think the idea shows a great deal of promise.
For further reading check out:
Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune on the for side.
and
Michael Arrington of Tech Crunch for more of an against side.
For further reading check out:
Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune on the for side.
and
Michael Arrington of Tech Crunch for more of an against side.
Whoever Said Video Games Are A Waste?
According to a story on gamernode.com, a 28 year old male was driving home on the I-40, about 25 miles south of Raleigh, NC last year when he witnessed an accident in which an SUV lost control and flipped. Apparently, using only medical training he had learned on the game America's Army he was able to evaluate the situation and assist two men out of their vehicle, applying a towel to one mans head injury.
He wrote this to the makers of the game shortly afterward.
I guess that's a good response to any parent who ever tells their kid that playing video games all day is a waste of time.
You can read the full story here.
He wrote this to the makers of the game shortly afterward.
"I have received no prior medical training and can honestly say that because of the training and presentations within America's Army, I was able to help and possibly save the injured men. As I look back on the events of that day, the training that I received in the America's Army video game keeps coming to mind,"
I guess that's a good response to any parent who ever tells their kid that playing video games all day is a waste of time.
You can read the full story here.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
A New Way Of Reading John 4
I recently purchased my first copy of Eugene Peterson's The Message. I am finding it very refreshing to re-read some of my favourite passages from this slant. Here's one of them.
Amen.
But the time is coming-it has, in fact, come- when what you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter. It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself-Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.
-John 4:22-24
Amen.
How Dumb Is Too Dumb?
Seth Godin, recently wrote a blog concerning "dumbing things down". Here's a piece of the article.
I found this a relevant and interesting read because it has been a topic of discussion amongst our youth ministry staff in the past. How much credit do you give the audience when you speak? How much is really necessary to explain before you're explaining too much. I tend to lean towards the explain less, assume more side of the fence. I guess I expect teenagers today to be slightly informed and if I mention things they don't know, it may even push some of them to take the initiative and pursue finding out.
I realize we're in a consumer society that is, for the most part, lazy but I know that there are people out there who rise above that and make an effort to know. Even if just one student takes the time to go home and look something up, that's an encouragement. Those of us in youth ministry really need to push against this cultural laziness and do what we can to demonstrate the need to be informed. Students should know what's going on in the world, who some of the greater individuals in history are, recognize veiled references, and as much as possible know the bible. It is for that reason that I refuse to speak to the "lowest-common-denominator" in every instance.
Let's push our kids to know things, to understand things, and above all, to not be ok with simply sitting there passively ignorant. It was Socrates who famously said, "the unexamined life is not worth living." So how is it that we justify telling our students to embrace life yet simply bring them out each week to be entertained and absorb without involvement. Are we that afraid? Are we that arrogant? We can't live in the fear that our kids might learn things we don't want them to, because when they reach University they're going to be told these things anyways. And if we've only taught them to absorb without question, without involvement, then we really do have reason to be afraid.
Ignorance is not bliss. Thomas Grey wrote that during a time when the information of the internet and the ability to be educated was not readily at our fingertips as it is today. We can either push kids to examine things for themselves or coddle them for four years and leave them unready and unable to process information properly when they inevitably hear it.
Only the fool would discourage initiative in education, making any four year old child who watches Seseme Street wiser than they.
The thing is, when you dumb stuff down, you know what you get?
Dumb customers.
And (I'm generalizing here) dumb customers don't spend as much, don't talk as much, don't blog as much, don't vote as much and don't evangelize as much. In other words, they're the worst ones to end up with.
I'll take the smart customers/readers/prospects every time, please.
I found this a relevant and interesting read because it has been a topic of discussion amongst our youth ministry staff in the past. How much credit do you give the audience when you speak? How much is really necessary to explain before you're explaining too much. I tend to lean towards the explain less, assume more side of the fence. I guess I expect teenagers today to be slightly informed and if I mention things they don't know, it may even push some of them to take the initiative and pursue finding out.
I realize we're in a consumer society that is, for the most part, lazy but I know that there are people out there who rise above that and make an effort to know. Even if just one student takes the time to go home and look something up, that's an encouragement. Those of us in youth ministry really need to push against this cultural laziness and do what we can to demonstrate the need to be informed. Students should know what's going on in the world, who some of the greater individuals in history are, recognize veiled references, and as much as possible know the bible. It is for that reason that I refuse to speak to the "lowest-common-denominator" in every instance.
Let's push our kids to know things, to understand things, and above all, to not be ok with simply sitting there passively ignorant. It was Socrates who famously said, "the unexamined life is not worth living." So how is it that we justify telling our students to embrace life yet simply bring them out each week to be entertained and absorb without involvement. Are we that afraid? Are we that arrogant? We can't live in the fear that our kids might learn things we don't want them to, because when they reach University they're going to be told these things anyways. And if we've only taught them to absorb without question, without involvement, then we really do have reason to be afraid.
Ignorance is not bliss. Thomas Grey wrote that during a time when the information of the internet and the ability to be educated was not readily at our fingertips as it is today. We can either push kids to examine things for themselves or coddle them for four years and leave them unready and unable to process information properly when they inevitably hear it.
Only the fool would discourage initiative in education, making any four year old child who watches Seseme Street wiser than they.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
I Believe in Aaron Eckhart
Two-Face Plot In Dark Knight Raises Excitement
Christopher Nolan, director of Batman Begins and the upcoming, highly anticipated sequel, The Dark Knight, has announced that despite the excitement built up around the Joker (played by Heath Ledger) the real character to focus our attention on is Gotham City's District Attorney Harvey Dent. For those of you that don't know, Harvey Dent is the psychologically troubled DA whose tragic quest to put an end to the crime in Gotham City comes to a climax upon being terribly scarred and donning the role of his evil split personality, becoming the villain Two-Face. In an interview with the LA Times Nolan stated that "Harvey Dent is a tragic figure, and his story is the backbone of this film."
Although I am very much a Joker fan, after reading the Long Halloween graphic novel, I did find a newfound appreciation for Harvey Dent's character prior to his downfall. It is indeed an interesting story and since Aaron Eckhart, one of my top 5 underrated actors, will be playing the role I am fully confident that justice will be done to this almost poetic tale.
You can read the full story here.
Christopher Nolan, director of Batman Begins and the upcoming, highly anticipated sequel, The Dark Knight, has announced that despite the excitement built up around the Joker (played by Heath Ledger) the real character to focus our attention on is Gotham City's District Attorney Harvey Dent. For those of you that don't know, Harvey Dent is the psychologically troubled DA whose tragic quest to put an end to the crime in Gotham City comes to a climax upon being terribly scarred and donning the role of his evil split personality, becoming the villain Two-Face. In an interview with the LA Times Nolan stated that "Harvey Dent is a tragic figure, and his story is the backbone of this film."
Although I am very much a Joker fan, after reading the Long Halloween graphic novel, I did find a newfound appreciation for Harvey Dent's character prior to his downfall. It is indeed an interesting story and since Aaron Eckhart, one of my top 5 underrated actors, will be playing the role I am fully confident that justice will be done to this almost poetic tale.
You can read the full story here.
An Enjoyable Quote
"With all that's going on in the world these days, who among us hasn't wanted to take an axe to a priest?" - Denny Crane, Boston Legal
Friday, January 11, 2008
Top Five Uses For Political Science
I have a 3 hour Political Science lecture I sit through every Friday morning. Although good for many things, even learning about politics, these are my top five things to do over the course of those 3 hours.
FIVE(5). Work on my upcoming youth lesson. Sometimes it can be difficult to find a solid chunk of time to just sit down and come up with creative ideas for it. Three hours of sitting in one spot with your computer, notebook, bible, and pen is bound to get the creative cogs spinning.
FOUR(4). Draw a maze. I used to do this in Math class in highschool. Make a large square, and start drawing your very own maze. I tend to get really creative and add in my own portals, secret passageways, and sometime even monsters. As a bonus if you're lucky you'll be sitting next to someone equally bored who will want to try and solve it.
THREE(3). Create a movie (in theory). Sometimes when I'm bored my mind begins to wander and I like to create my own movie plot. With enough time you can easily create character development, soundtracks, and even picture boards of the scenes. Once I was lucky enough to figure out wardrobe as well.
TWO(2). SNES Roms. I recently discovered Super Nintendo Roms. Super Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong Country, Mega Man, Mario Kart, and others are a great way to pass any time. A word of caution though, be careful not to be too expressive with your face/vocals. I made it to level 23 in Bust-A-Move today.
ONE(1). Wikipedia. I don't care what anyone says, this is the greatest way to kill time. Look up anything, read about, and follow links as you go. Before you know it you got from Superman to Descartes and an hour and a half has gone by. If you want some extra excitement, I recommend the game 5 Clicks to Jesus.
So the next time you're stuck in 3 hours of Political Science, or heck, 3 hours of anything. Keep these in mind.
FIVE(5). Work on my upcoming youth lesson. Sometimes it can be difficult to find a solid chunk of time to just sit down and come up with creative ideas for it. Three hours of sitting in one spot with your computer, notebook, bible, and pen is bound to get the creative cogs spinning.
FOUR(4). Draw a maze. I used to do this in Math class in highschool. Make a large square, and start drawing your very own maze. I tend to get really creative and add in my own portals, secret passageways, and sometime even monsters. As a bonus if you're lucky you'll be sitting next to someone equally bored who will want to try and solve it.
THREE(3). Create a movie (in theory). Sometimes when I'm bored my mind begins to wander and I like to create my own movie plot. With enough time you can easily create character development, soundtracks, and even picture boards of the scenes. Once I was lucky enough to figure out wardrobe as well.
TWO(2). SNES Roms. I recently discovered Super Nintendo Roms. Super Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong Country, Mega Man, Mario Kart, and others are a great way to pass any time. A word of caution though, be careful not to be too expressive with your face/vocals. I made it to level 23 in Bust-A-Move today.
ONE(1). Wikipedia. I don't care what anyone says, this is the greatest way to kill time. Look up anything, read about, and follow links as you go. Before you know it you got from Superman to Descartes and an hour and a half has gone by. If you want some extra excitement, I recommend the game 5 Clicks to Jesus.
So the next time you're stuck in 3 hours of Political Science, or heck, 3 hours of anything. Keep these in mind.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Memory in the Raw
These are some fantastic street photos my cousin sent my way, they were taken by Matt Stewart. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
These and others can be found at his site.
"A good snapshot stops a moment from running away." ~Eudora Welty
These and others can be found at his site.
"A good snapshot stops a moment from running away." ~Eudora Welty
Not Ashamed
by Jason Upton
"Jesus I long to be holy
Jesus I long to be real
In a world of broken people
So many need to be healed
Purify my hands to hold them
Purify my heart to burn with devotion
For You, Lord Jesus, for You
I’m not ashamed of Jesus
My Lord my Lover my Friend
For the power to cleanse and redeem us
Is in the blood of the Lamb
Oh how the mighty have fallen
Buried in their filthy rags
Father please turn from your anger
My lips will boast of your ways
Cause, it’s all in the blood of the savior
It’s all in the love that you have for your son
And I believe, in Jesus, I believe"
What a great prayer, purify me for the sake of the gospel. Great song, go get it.
"Jesus I long to be holy
Jesus I long to be real
In a world of broken people
So many need to be healed
Purify my hands to hold them
Purify my heart to burn with devotion
For You, Lord Jesus, for You
I’m not ashamed of Jesus
My Lord my Lover my Friend
For the power to cleanse and redeem us
Is in the blood of the Lamb
Oh how the mighty have fallen
Buried in their filthy rags
Father please turn from your anger
My lips will boast of your ways
Cause, it’s all in the blood of the savior
It’s all in the love that you have for your son
And I believe, in Jesus, I believe"
What a great prayer, purify me for the sake of the gospel. Great song, go get it.
Monday, January 07, 2008
The Folly of Words
"For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power...And I, when I came to you brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." - The Apostle Paul of Tarsus, in his 1st letter to the church of Corinth.
And all that from, arguably, one of the wisest evangelists to ever preach to gospel.
These verses have found a significant place in my heart recently as I consider the ministry I've been called to and the gospel I am compelled to preach. One of the biggest millstones dragging me down has always been my pride. Since grade 10 I have often imagined myself as some sort of pseudo-intellectual; the sort one would find sitting in a Parisian cafe, sipping an espresso, and jotting down a manifesto that would one day change the world.
Don't get me wrong, I'm hardly under the impression that my words are anything but average; I'm much too self-critical for that. I have, however, written the occasional essay or blog that has left me feeling particularly proud of my communication skills and those familiar delusions of grandeur creep back into the day-dreaming part of my brain, a part not taken too seriously but still prominent enough to leave me thinking that something that I do may one day start a movement. And that's just the point. The kingdom of God should not and will not ever rest on human efforts. The gospel should not and will not ever rely on man's wisdom and eloquent speech. Weighed against the two, my own words amount to the approximate equivalent of a pile of excrement.
Besides being a fully necessary humility check, these verses have become a plea with myself that the power of the cross will never be cheapened by my own selfish ambitions and agendas. The gospel can stand on its own and certainly does not need me to make it any better. Thank God, that he allows me to preach it all the same.
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