Which Goonie are you?

Which Goonie r u? Data You are an Inventor! You are silly and quirky, but your inventions deffinately get you out of the bullie's grasps. You're very smart but at times you can be airheaded. Take The Quiz Now! Quizzes by myYearbook.com

Global Warming?

This is a shot of my home page. It is April 11 and this is what the weather is like. The pic doesn't do justice to the actual state of things outside, because it was really snowing earlier. Sideways. I wonder what Gore has to say about snow in April? How frustratingly enigmatic.

Is Evolution compatible with Creationism?

On my Google homepage, I have a gadget that updates articles from Christianity Today. An interview entitled, "Creation or Evolution? Yes!" intrigued me, so I followed the link to read it. Francis S. Collins was being interviewed about his book entitled, The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief (Free Press, 2006). I would like to try to outline some of my thoughts with regard to the short interview, and attempt to succinctly show that the evolutionary theory is not theologically compatible with the Creation account. First, any conversation that entertains the topic of Creation vs. Evolution must have previously established that both positions require a measure of faith. Evolution is a theory and should not be, as many scientists (and Mr. Collins) have argued, considered as scientific fact. Evolution is a science and must be subjected to the scientific method which, as defined by Merriam-Webster is, "principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses." There is no way (to my knowledge) for scientists to observe, experiment, and test hypotheses relating to the evolution of mankind. Second, Mr. Collins wrote this book in an attempt to reconcile young people who have been taught Creationism at home and are now confronted with the "scientific facts" of evolution. Collins suggests that their struggle to choose exclusively from "A" or "B" has led them to throw both faith (Creationism) and scientific evidence out. Young people are faced with an "unnecessary choice" and Collins believes that the two can be reconciled. Third, Evolution is a faith system. There is no evidence to examine or specimens to observe or experiments to show the current progression of evolution. As a faith system, it fundamentally opposes the claims of Genesis. Collins appears to know a great deal about the Christian faith. He makes statements like, "God is the author of all truth.... He's the God of the Bible; he's the God of the genome. He did it all." That is all good and fine until "science" begins to tamper with the meaning of the Hebrew word "day" and the imago dei. Fourth: Genesis 1:11 starts a series of the different “kinds” (“Then God said, ‘Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds’”). Oak trees were not producing Maple trees (see v. 12). The creation of the marine animals (v. 21) and land animals (v. 24) was executed in the same fashion – “according to its kind.” The author of Genesis reiterates this point time after time. Finally, Creation culminated in the creation of man. He was created in God’s image (vv. 26-27). God was responsible for forming him and animating him (2:7). Evolution must outright deny these claims of the Genesis account. Collins claims that he is setting forth “a comfortable synthesis of what science teaches us about the natural world and what faith teaches us about God.” If by science he means evolution, then he is woefully mistaken. Would Collins say that the image of God can be found in some rudimentary way in the beasts that man evolved from? Evolution attacks the image of God in man. While I have not examined Mr. Collins book, his world view is apparent. Contrary to his view, the belief systems of Evolution and Christianity cannot occupy the same ground. They stand fundamentally opposed to one another. There is no “give and take” on this topic and an exclusive choice is the only option. Christianity cannot make concessions to Evolution, for then it will cease to be Christianity. Collins states that "You can find him [God] in the laboratory as well as in the cathedral.” I agree. God created all things and permeates all things. But science proves the claims of Scripture, not visa versa. God did not use the process of evolution and to say that he did is an exegetical stretch of immense proportion. Both are systems of faith and as systems of faith are theologically incompatible.

Who de think gonna stop dem Bears?

Being a fan of Chicago teams has not been an easy task. I was 2 when the '85 Bears reigned supreme, and I am still patiently waiting for the Cubs curse to break. It is not until recently that I have only been able to rejoice in the Bears success. The Bears are going to pound the Saints on Sunday, so please watch the game and help cheer on the most feared team in the NFL. Bear Down Chicago Bears!

The Whippoorwill Song

I know, I'm finally posting on my blog. And yes, I am a bad person. I am going to try to be more diligent this semester at posting, and I do have some interesting material from a recent paper that I hope to discuss. Last week a friend showed me a youtube video featuring a song entitled "I Give You Freedom." Here are the lyrics: I Give You Freedom (The Whippoorwill Song) I set the boundries of the ocean vast, Carved out the mountains from the distant past, Moulded a man from the miry clay, Breathed in him life, but he went astray. CHORUS: I own the cattle on a thousand hills, I write the music for the whippoorwills, Control the planets with their rocks and rills, But give you freedom to use your own will. And if you want Me to, I'll make you whole, I'll only do it tho' if you say so. I'll never force you, for I love you so, I give you freedom - Is it "yes" or "no"? I hold the waters in My mighty hand Spread out the heavens with a single span, Make all creation tremble at My voice, But My own children come to Me by choice. (chorus) Even the oxen knows the master's stall, And sheep will recognize the shepherd's call I could demand your love - I own you twice, But only willing love is worth the price! (chorus) My holy word now I give to you, As a shining lamp to guide you through, My yoke is easy and My burden is light, Keep looking up, your Heavenly home's in sight. (chorus) I have already "vented" concerning the message and theological content of this song. I have read a few other blogs that seemed only intent on bashing and belittling (don't think I wasn't doing it with them :) but I was thinking that some of us Calvinists should rewrite the lyrics. :) This might be a more profitable way for us to spend our time. And it might be fun. :)