First Person Life

Because There are Women Pastors, Women Should be Ordained (?)

2011-12-15T10:03:00.007-05:00

In a recent post, in response to the question, "So....why do you think that women should be ordained?," a proponent of women's ordination said, Some women are pastors. To be a pastor in our church a person has to be ordained. Therefore, women should be ordained.The problem is that this reasoning is backwards.Let's take a different example - recently in my area, a 9 year old girl was pulled over

The Ordination of Women: A Threat to the Gospel

2011-12-12T15:40:00.005-05:00

In a 2007 survey of youth in The LC--MS, only 43.7% of poll

Doctrine AND Practice AND Fellowship

2011-10-25T13:30:00.011-04:00

I recently found myself engaged by a discussion over at Steadfast Lutherans on the topic of Doctrine and Practice. In the course of that discussion, my verbosity got the better of me (those who know me know this isn't a surprise).Anyway, the following "essay" is a further response to that discussion (the post which prompted this reply can be found here). It's posted here mostly because I

Still tech after all these years

2011-08-18T11:26:00.002-04:00

I'm a techie... I admit it. But not for techie sake, but because technology is a TOOL. During the last week, I've had the opportunity to brush off some old skills and force technology to bend to my will. This is what technology is supposed to do. It is our servant so that we can be servants to others. The wife of one of my good friends has an AWESOME blog called "Bargains to Bounty" (http://

Back to Blogging

2011-08-08T13:17:00.002-04:00

Ok, I know I've been away for quite some time... well, not away really, just been doing things in other venues. Now, I find myself with a lot of time on my hands and decided to get back into blogging. So, here is where you'll find some general "comments on life" from a first person perspective as I see it. Of course, as a confessonal Lutheran pastor, this means you'll hear about life from a

Take care of me --- I don't want to get involved

2008-04-29T09:01:00.003-04:00

It seems that we are reaping the profits of the "entitlement mentality." Through our democratic systems, we have turned almost absolute power over to others with the empty promise that they will "take care of us." When things happen with which we are unhappy, like children, we stomp and pout, kick and scream, threaten, shout, cry, whine, throw tantrums, anything we can in order to try to coerce

Organizational Meeting

2008-03-25T14:46:00.002-04:00

We had a number of people at the Initial Organizational Meeting to discuss what will be necessary to return Todd and Jeff to the air. There is a transcript of the discussion available.One thing became obvious in the lead-up to the meeting and at the meeting itself - there are a lot of people working on things, but not a lot of coordination among all of the efforts. There are also a lot of GREAT

Bring Back Issues Organizational Meeting

2008-03-24T07:33:00.006-04:00

Organizational Meeting - 2008/03/24 - 8:00 PM EDT * Location: #issuesetc channel on starlink-irc.org - info and web interface can be found at http://www.starlink-irc.org * Time: 8 PM Eastern, 7 PM Central * Agenda will be posted by NOON Eastern at: http://uaclutheran.info/wiki/bin/view.pl/IssuesETC

Yes, Yes, Yes we do! WE NEED ISSUES, How About You? - A Proposal [UPDATED]

2008-03-23T10:47:00.008-04:00

As most of us already know Issues, Etc. was unexpectedly cancelled last Tuesday (3/18/08) and its host and producer summarily dismissed from the staff of KFUO. Many of us are saddened at the loss of what was the best Christian talkshow broadcast on the radio and the Internet. Some are making plans to attempt to persuade the Synod and KFUO to reconsider their decision. Overall, I'm not sure

The Next Big Movie! (It's worse than you can imagine!)

2007-10-29T09:57:00.000-04:00

Fans of fantasy come to life may be astounded by the next big fantasy trilogy coming out of Hollywood. The first of the movies will be arriving in theaters just in time for Christmas.The movie boasts stunning scenery, spectacular special effects, and several big-name stars. It is also partly produced by one of America's premier producers of Children's Books, Scholastic Inc., as well as the

Homiletics Textbook now available as download

2007-10-06T14:42:00.000-04:00

I had previously posted about a reprint of J.M. Reu's Homiletics book being available. There is now a less expensive PDF download version of the book available! Enjoy!

Premature babies feel pain.....

2007-10-06T12:53:00.001-04:00

Here's an article I never did publish. I meant to, but didn't. It's interesting that even after a year and a half, there is little coverage of this study by U.S. news outlets. I think this makes my point even more emphatically.=-=- April 2006 -=-=I admit it, I know media bias exists but often I've found myself either ignoring the issue or giving the media the benefit of the doubt. But this

For Technophiles and Non-techies alike...

2007-10-06T09:58:00.000-04:00

Ok, I admit it, I'm a technophile. It's almost as if technology is in my blood... like lead poisoning from my childhood.I got my first computer when I was 9 years old and was more interested in programming it to succumb to MY WILL instead of playing computer games (Really, I'm NOT a control freak ... much). In sixth grade, I was asked to teach the "smart kids" (the "elite" group that I was *not

Fugitive Safe Surrender

2007-09-22T12:21:00.000-04:00

Would you encourage your congregation turn your church fellowship hall gymnasium into a temporary court room to allow people in your community with outstanding warrants to come in and deal with the situation?From the website:Fugitive Safe Surrender is a unique, creative, and highly successful, initiative that encourages persons wanted for *non-violent felony* or *misdemeanor crimes* to

The (il)logic of the "science" of Global Warming

2007-09-15T07:09:00.001-04:00

While I haven't posted in a while, there are some things that just get under my skin. One of them is alarmist "global warming" news stories that contain significant logical inconsistencies.I should say that when I was in grade school (late 70's early 80's), I was told that we should be preparing for the next Ice Age because the earth was cooling. Living in the Great Lakes region of the country,

HOW MANY MORE AMERICANS MUST DIE?!?!

2007-01-11T22:28:00.000-05:00

[begin rant]President Bush has recently announced that he intends to increase the number of troops in Iraq in an effort to bring order out of the chaos that exists there due to those whose sole mission is to destroy the lives of those who disagree with them. In my opinion, the biggest mistake our president and the Pentagon have made in the war in Iraq is sending too few troops to begin with.

"The Myth of Expository Preaching" ??

2006-06-30T19:44:00.000-04:00

David Fitch, author of the Great Giveaway and a voice in the emergent church has a post on his blog (also entitled: The Great Giveaway) about The Myth of Expository Preaching and the Comoditization of the Word.The post brings up numerous issues, and I'm tempted to run a series on the post over on Learning Greek since it's my site dedicated to such things and I have some spare time now that

PSA: Copyright and Digital Rights Management

2006-06-17T11:09:00.000-04:00

Beware the Corruptables.Perhaps you've heard about technologies such as the "audio flag," "digital rights management," etc. You may even have heard about Sony/BMG music installing trojan software on people's personal computers when they play their Audio CD's on their PC... (yes, they did it, without the PC owner's permission. Yes, it IS a federal crime to tamper with another person's computer

Life must have been simpler before the Tower of Babel

2006-06-16T17:12:00.000-04:00

I tend not to take the word of others very easily-- especially when it comes to hearing second hand what someone else thinks or said. I'll often take the "evidence" or report of a second hand source under advisement, but I will often not readily "accept" it without additional corroboration - preferably from primary sources.Such has been the case in Luther's "break" with Augustine over the

Simply horrifying

2006-06-14T22:04:00.000-04:00

Medical tourism to the U.S. for designer babies.... I must admit... In general, I'm a capitalist because I find that capitalist competition tends to be the best way to balance competing interests in a secular society. But this is a case of capitalism run amok.... I'm repulsed and embarassed enough to almost turn red!DM42

Media Responsible if VA Records gets misused?

2006-05-22T20:29:00.000-04:00

I understand the watchdog mentality of the media and that it serves an important function in the process of government of our nation by providing information on what goes on in the world. However, it seems to me that there is some responsibility to consider whether the disclosure of facts advances the story and what damage the disclosure might do.A case in point is the recent loss of information

AP Report on Da Vinci Code somewhat balanced

2006-05-01T17:22:00.000-04:00

Color me suprised. There is an AP report on CNN.com entitled The Battle of 'The Da Vinci Code' which gives a moderately balanced description of the debate about the movie. They even quote Larry Hurtado who was a guest at Concordia Theological Seminary's 2005 Exegetical Symposium. While I won't say that the media "gets it" with regard to the theological issues surrounding this film, I'm happy

J.M. Reu's "Homiletics" Textbook Now Available!

2006-04-30T20:45:00.000-04:00

I've made my favorite homiletics textbook available. It's title is Homiletics: A Manual of the Theory and Practice of Preaching by J.M. Reu D.D. of Wartburg Seminary. The publication is a reprint of images taken from a 1922 first edition. There are three versions available. Hard Cover ($33.22), Paperback ($23.74) and a "Coursepack" ($14.77). Descriptions of each are available as well as a

Making Evolutionists "Go Ape"

2006-04-30T20:29:00.000-04:00

A recent discussion I've been having regarding evolution in the classroom has wound down.In the process of the discussion, I seemed to have worked a couple of zealots into a frenzy trying to defend the existence of evolution in the science curriculum of our public schools. The argument is simple and has been stated before on this site.Below is a repost of my latest comment. There are two

Wright: Right, Wrong or "muddled"?

2006-04-13T11:55:00.000-04:00

A recent interview with Bishop Wright in an Australian newspaper has sparked a response from Pastor McCain of Cyberbretheren. In his post, Wright could not be more Wrong, Pastor McCain rightly points out that to deny the resurrection is to be an unbeliever. You cannot truly believe in Christ and deny the bodily resurrection from the dead. As St. Paul says, "If Christ has not been raised from

Faith in Science

2006-04-13T08:43:00.000-04:00

I recently found myself needing to respond to the "dinosaurs aren't referenced in the Bible, so science and Scripture are incompatible" argument (see comments to:But Isn't Science Unbiased?). Here's my response (it became too long to be a comment -- and blogger wouldn't let me format it the way I wanted as a comment).MORE - click Full Post belowbut, you know what, there are bones of "lizards as

But isn't science unbiased?

2006-04-12T20:43:00.000-04:00

More evidence that the scientific establishment doesn't like criticism of it's pet theories and ideas can be found in this recent op-ed piece from the Wall Street Journal regarding Global Warming... It appears that the libel and slander in calling Intelligent Design a "non-science" extends to anyone not towing the party line within the ranks of the accepted scientific community. I suppose if the

Wow! Thanks!

2006-04-10T07:53:00.000-04:00

I'm both honored and humbled to be selected as the recipient of a coveted Aardie for the post, Allah is Impotent?. Thank you Aardvark for considering it worthy of consideration.Also, in view of the Islamic [mis]understanding of the afterlife, thank's for avoiding the Cialis and Viagra jokes about the headline... (Well... Somebody had to....)

So you want Government Run Healthcare?

2006-04-07T10:30:00.000-04:00

Try signing up for a dentist in the U.K. right now!Government figures show that about two million people want to register with a dentist but are unable to do so. (Telegraph News, 2000 Dentist have not signed NHS contract, 4-7-2006)

Da Vinci Code Movie given Green Light

2006-04-07T10:05:00.000-04:00

It's "good news / bad news"...On the one hand, part of me wished this would stop the movie's release and we wouldn't have to deal with it. On the other hand, such an interpretation of Copyright Law would be bad as well.So I guess I have a very mixed reaction. The danger to people's faith is real with all of this heresy and falsehood being spread, but most of it is something the Church has

This explains the media's behavior....

2006-04-06T22:10:00.000-04:00

They're on drugs!This explains poor judgement and an inability to tell the difference between scientific fact and unsupported conjecture.I think we should support Bonds in this. In fact, let's open congressional inquiries on journalistic drug use and the effect on the quality of research that goes into stories. Perhaps random drug testing and/or drug tests based on the authorship of outrageous

The Reason Apologetics Are Important

2006-04-06T18:33:00.000-04:00

Interestingly, two of the three articles I've highlighted as examples of media bias against Christianity are the top two articles being emailed from the NYTimes website. One ("Fish with Legs") is on the list twice (two different stories). So if you think people aren't interested in this, think again.As a theologian in preparation for the Office of the Holy Ministry, the question that arises for

Need more proof of Media Bias?

2006-04-06T17:00:00.000-04:00

In case you need yet more proof of a concerted effort to discredit Christianity, the following links to a story that the AP is running about a gnostic writing (the Gospel of Judas) which supposedly has attestation of Ireneus, Bishop of Lyon's writings.This is the THIRD STORY this week which has eclipsed a scientific study that babies 5 months after conception actually do feel pain. Wonder why

Media Biased Against Christianity?

2006-04-06T13:04:00.000-04:00

The following, I think, provides a pretty clear answer.[SUMMARY: Three stories have come into the popular media this week that have a direct impact on people's view of the voracity of Scripture and the position of Christianity on substantive issues. Two of the three were contrary to Christianity and its teachings, the other was confirmation of the understanding that life does begin at

[Study says] Premature Babies Feel Pain [UPDATED: 4/7/06]

2006-04-04T23:29:00.000-04:00

A BBC Report of a sudy about premature infants and pain confirms what most of us intuitively knew... fetuses feel pain.Oh, of course the media won't say THAT... and of course, the research technically doesn't say that either. According to the BBC Report:Lead researcher Professor Maria Fitzgerald said: "We have shown for the first time that the information about pain reaches the brain in

I'm not a Chic Geek

2006-04-01T10:15:00.000-05:00

Apparently the qualifications to enter "geekdom" have changed radically since I was a geek.Your score is 3030 to 60: Heading to Geekdom=-=-0 to 29: Stuck in the Last Century30 to 60: Heading to Geekdom61 and up: Seriously Nerdy (Source:Newsweek Geek Quiz)This makes me think about how much my life has changed since going to seminary. The fact is, I've been a geek since sixth grade when I was

Tidbits from Afganistan Law

2006-03-26T17:07:00.000-05:00

Here are some tidbits from Afganistan's Laws... I found these on the net and included links to the original sources. These goes along with my previous post regarding a legal solution to the Afgan Christian who's being tried for converting from Islam.[Click Below for Full Post]2004 Constitution1976 Penal Code I wasn't able to find an "official" copy of the current constitution. But here's what I

You know you've watched Perry Mason too much when...

2006-03-26T16:37:00.000-05:00

I think I may have found a solution to Afganistan's problem with the Christian Convert from Islam.The problem for them is that under the law of their constitution, a convert from Islam to Christianity must die. This is because their constitution is based on Sharia law which is derived from the Koran. However, they are under intense international pressure to release him.In this instance, as it

In Memorium

2006-03-25T15:52:00.000-05:00

Dan's post One more saved at Necessary roughness brought to mind the passing of my mother (Neuroblastoma [cancer], Fall, 2002), my maternal-grandfather (Aortic Aneurism, Summer, 2004), and my maternal-grandmother (stomach cancer, Summer, 2005). With their passing, I have no living ancestors.Being an only child, it also makes me quite lonely.[Click below for more] I had the mixed blessing of

Just what is a sermon?

2006-03-25T12:43:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure why, but I'm subscribed to Rick Warren's newsletter. In a recent issue he has an article with 9 "tips" for better preaching.It's unfortunate that some who have confessed that the contents of the Book of Concord are a correct exposition of the Scriptures hold Warren in such high regard. The fact is, Rick Warren preaches something completely contrary to a right understanding of

Allah is impotent?

2006-03-23T23:22:00.000-05:00

"Rejecting Islam is insulting God. We will not allow God to be humiliated. This man must die," said cleric Abdul Raoulf, who is considered a moderate and was jailed three times for opposing the Taliban before the hardline regime was ousted in 2001. (Foxnews: Clerics Call for Christian Convert's Death Despite Western Outrage)The old adage goes, "If you want something done right, do it yourself."

Afgan Facing Death Penalty for being Christian

2006-03-20T09:56:00.000-05:00

Ok, just what kind of nations are we building when we overthrow governments? According to a BBC Article a man who converted to Christianity 16 years ago is on trial in Afganistan and could face the death penalty if he does not renounce his Christianity and reconvert to Islam."We will invite him again because the religion of Islam is one of tolerance. We will ask him if he has changed his mind.

Wish I could do that....

2006-03-19T23:45:00.000-05:00

Having just finished a 2 hour review session for an exam tomorrow morning, and still not feeling prepared --- I really wish I had AJ's problem. Apparently, she simply can't forget stuff. I know-- I know... "The grass is always greener..." But even so, I can think of worse "problems" to have...

Chats, and Blogs, and Wikis -- Oh, My!

2006-03-18T17:06:00.000-05:00

The recent issues surrounding East leaning pastors has put me back in mind to consider Lutheran Blogging, the use of technology and how these things intersect with our Christian witness to the world and fellow believers.One of the reasons I took up blogging was not simply to have a forum to express my ideas, but rather to have a forum in which my ideas would be critiqued, evaluated, and if

WOW, Look at the time!

2006-03-16T14:27:00.000-05:00

Through a combination of being quite busy and working on a couple of pet projects, I haven't had much time to blog (read or write) lately. Thought I should let everyone know I'm not leaving the community, I just need to get a handle on some other things and this is lower on the priority list right now.When I'm back to reflecting on things rather than just getting them done, I'm sure I'll have

Criminalizing Mercy

2006-03-03T15:34:00.000-05:00

On a plain reading of a recent piece of legislation, it seems that Cardinal Roger Mahony of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles is actually justified in his concern over language this bill.His basic concern is that providing assistance to illegal immigrants would violate this law. The logical question is, what is meant by "assistance?" Well, from a plain reading of the bill (HR 4437)

New Time-Waster for Broadband Users!

2006-03-02T12:49:00.000-05:00

Ok, I've found a new time waster... YouTube.com. It's everything that video dialtone promised but never delivered. Like so many other community sites, it's got a lot of junk and some good stuff.How I frittered away a good chunk of the morning:I found THIS conspiracy theory video about 9/11 on YouTube. It's about 20 minutes long [NOTE: If you're sensitive to the events of 9/11 still, don't

STOP THE INSANITY

2006-03-01T22:10:00.000-05:00

Author's Note: This is simply a rant. There's no deeper meaning here than the fact than to point out that the "scientific establishment" is comprised of a bunch of double-minded ninny's who can't make up their minds about what's what.[begin rant] Ok, this type of thing just bugs me. The global scientific body on climate change will report soon that only greenhouse gas emissions can explain

The Outrage Contextualized

2006-02-15T10:16:00.000-05:00

Dr. Vieth has two excellent pieces at Cranach that place the Islamic Cartoon Controversy into a stark perspective. If you're not sure what to think about this controversy, read these articles!In The Muslim Conquest of the West he begins the discussion about how the West has capitulated and how the rewards of such actions are reaped. He continues the discussion in Dhimmitude by citing another

Would you like ketchup with that?

2006-02-09T22:59:00.000-05:00

Well, guess I'm having crow for a midnight snack tonight.Cascioli will likely appeal, but for now, it's still legal to say that Jesus existed in Italy.Ok, you can all say "I told you so" now... I'll put my tinfoil hat away ...for now.

That was fun....

2006-02-03T20:27:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'm not very into posting my results from the quizes that go around... but I found this one surprisingly accurate -- (Yes, BTW- I did score Chalcedon Compliant... I just neglected to post the results...). I would have expected to score higher on Spock though... I guess I've neglected my science side for too long.Your results:You are Geordi LaForgeGeordi LaForge 85%An Expendable Character (

You've probably seen it before...

2006-01-31T10:24:00.000-05:00

But this joke was just too funny to pass up. I hate filling people's inboxes, so I'm posting it here for all to see.[WARNING: This joke is not theologically correct...][MORE] Jesus and Satan were having an on-going argument about who was better on the computer. They had been going at it for days, and frankly God was tired of hearing all the bickering. Finally fed up, God said, "THAT'S IT! I have

I'm a conspiracy nutcase

2006-01-31T10:15:00.000-05:00

There, I've said it. (Wow, that was cathardic -- not really).What is the conspiracy I'm taken in by? -- is it the assassination of JFK -- that aliens are plotting to take over the world, being helped by the federal government? No, I believe the conspiracy that is attested to by Scripture. The conspiracy of every evil force plotting and scheming to keep as many away from the truth of the Gospel

Historicity of Christ is irrelavent?

2006-01-29T12:34:00.000-05:00

I've posted on the case of the priest being tried in Italy for claiming that Jesus Christ existed. (1/22/2006 and 1/5/2006). But I must say, I'm disappointed at the legal defense being mounted as well as the lack of any further statements by the Christian community as a whole. Yes, it may sound silly to us. But the overall court case is not at all funny.He said he told Mautone during the

Lutheran Carnival Online

2006-01-29T12:00:00.000-05:00

The Terrible Swede hosts the Lutheran Carnival XVI. Browse on over and take a look at what other Confessional Lutherans are saying.

Are you "partisan"?

2006-01-25T12:37:00.000-05:00

Modern brain research has (once again) validated what we all know... Original sin taints the human mind... including our ability to think logically.In this research, they examined the brain patterns of partisan politicians (Democrat and Republican)The study points to a total lack of reason in political decision-making."None of the circuits involved in conscious reasoning were particularly engaged

Has Iran figured out the West?

2006-01-25T11:40:00.000-05:00

Rev. Waters pointed out this op/ed piece on Jewish World Review.It's a provacative article. Perhaps the Iranian president does understand the West and its postmodern mindset better than even those of us who live in it do.

Vatican decides to 'cash in' on the Word of God.

2006-01-23T19:30:00.000-05:00

Apparently, the Vatican has decided to "cash in" (TimesOnline,UK) on the Word of God as it is spread.[MORE]Under new rules, those publishing books or other works with quotations from any Pope of the last 50 years must negotiate rights at a cost of between 3 and 5 percent of the publication price. This includes books that are currently in print, as one publisher found out when they received an

Itialian Case against existence of Jesus - part of bigger goal

2006-01-22T13:06:00.000-05:00

There's more information out about the Italian court case between an atheist who is trying to prove that Jesus is a fabrication of the church and a Roman Priest (the defendant in the case) for claiming that Jesus is an historical figure.From a new article from CNN:Cascioli says he is merely going through the necessary legal steps in Italy so he can ultimately take the matter to the European Court

Just why is Mary Blessed among women?

2006-01-21T17:36:00.000-05:00

"And it came about while He [Jesus] said these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice, and said to Him, 'Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts at which You nursed.' But He said, 'On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.' " (Luke 11:27-28 NASB)I happened across this short interchange while I was reading through Luke today and it

Just when is a person or animal "dead"?

2006-01-21T13:41:00.000-05:00

The frontiers of science are quickly going to force us to finally grapple with the definition of "death" in a way we never thought possible.In recent research, extreme hypothermia has been induced in animals (originally, I saw research on dogs -- this research is on pigs) to put them in a state of "suspended animation" during which time the physical processes of metabolism on a cellular level are

Would you turn a family member in?

2006-01-21T12:14:00.000-05:00

The recent case of two sons who turned in their father for bank robbery made headlines and caught some people's attention. It would be tough to turn in a parent or other family member. But apparently, if Great Britain police have their way, the choice may be made for you if you're a Brittish citizen.From the Article:Police can now track down offenders by matching samples with other family

Just what would happen if...?

2006-01-21T11:59:00.000-05:00

It's truly not that I wish ill on anyone, but just once, I'd like to know how the media would spin an Old Testament type death of someone who makes a spectacle of themselves worshipping a false god. Or if it would even be reported at all...UPDATE: CNN Reports: Bolivian President-elect Evo Morales, dressed in a bright red tunic worn only by the most important pre-Inca priests, promised Saturday

Men and Women are wired differently?

2006-01-19T18:16:00.000-05:00

There's a report (NYTimes) of research that indicates men and women are actually wired differently when it comes to feeling empathy.In the study, when male subjects witnessed people they perceived as bad guys being zapped by a mild electrical shock, their M.R.I. scans lit up in primitive brain areas associated with reward. Their brains' empathy centers remained dull.Women watching the punishment,

This is NOT Science!

2006-01-19T15:52:00.000-05:00

Puh-leeze !! This is Science?Ok, so they find a fossil of a fish that has something that resembles the eustacian tubes of human beings (i.e. the tube that connects the ear to the throat). Now all of the sudden, this is a precursor to the human ear. I'm confused. It's a great "theory," but c'mon... where is the "observation" and "measurement" that links this to modern humans? I mean, who saw

Shouldn't they let sanctions work first?

2006-01-19T15:41:00.000-05:00

The French at least talk big when it comes to dealing with terrorism. But, c'mon... Shouldn't they be forced to work within the United Nations and let sanctions work first?

Rick Warren's Ideas Do Some Good?

2006-01-19T14:54:00.000-05:00

Ok, I've railed on him quite a bit... but it does actually appear that Rick Warren's books might be doing some good in Charasmatic/Pentecostal circles. I'm not going to endorse Warren's theology, but apparently his book has at least changed one pastor's mind about one aspect of ecclesiology.[MORE] 3. Be sensitive to how spiritual gifts are exercised...We made the decision to change the way the

GET RELIGION OUT OF THE SCIENCE CLASSROOM!

2006-01-19T14:35:00.000-05:00

Well, the New York Times chose not to print my Op-Ed piece. I could possibly submit it elsewhere, but I'm not sure it's worth the effort. So, I've decided to publish it here.[MORE] With the debate regarding teaching “Intelligent Design” essentially over, perhaps it is time to take a serious look at the remainder of the science curriculum of our nations public schools to assure that religious

Vatican Newspaper says Intelligent Design - not Science

2006-01-19T14:01:00.000-05:00

Apparently, the official Vatican newspaper agrees (USA Today) that Intelligent Design isn't science. That's fine, I don't think it's science either.But it's what they do say that frigntens me. I mean, when you have things like:"God in his infinite freedom continuously creates a world that reflects that freedom at all levels of the evolutionary process to greater and greater complexity," he

New Paper Online

2006-01-14T23:15:00.000-05:00

I've uploaded my most recent paper regarding language and interpretation to LearningGreek.ABSTRACT: The following pages discuss recent developments in the sciences of linguistics and human cognition as they relate to language. The aim is to determine whether or not these developments can assist the theologian in his task of understanding the scriptures. The primary question to be answered is

Don't you know who I am ?!?!

2006-01-14T17:47:00.000-05:00

I found this interesting article at the Telegraph. It seems that the subtle threat, "Do you know who I am?" to a social inferior in Italy may land you in court!We all like to think we're somebody. It's part of the fallen human condition. Add to that any sort of hierarchical structure which gives someone the privelege to think that they are somebody special, and swollen heads abound.Then, even

For the Families of those who died...

2006-01-14T15:16:00.000-05:00

NOTE: This was first drafted 1/4/2006. Few modifications have been made since the original draft, and it should not have taken this long for the post to be completed. The words here apply equally to those who grieve whether the families of the miners in Virginia or the families of those who died near Mecca this week.[MORE] As I consider the unfolding of the events for the families in W.

The REAL headline in S. Korea Cloning mess

2006-01-14T11:09:00.000-05:00

The furor over faked research in South Korea continues. But I found this quote from the CNN article interesting:"I regret that I didn't stand up against the professor," MBC quoted the graduate student researcher, identified by her surname Park, as saying in an e-mail message to an acquaintance before donating eggs in 2003. Park said she was "exceedingly disgusted" with herself for having to

Right or Wrong - You Decide - Priest forced off Miss Universe panel

2006-01-13T11:40:00.000-05:00

The panel deciding who will be the Norweigan contestant for the Miss Universe pagent is now missing a judge.The Church of Norway has forced a priest to resign from a panel set to judge bikini-clad women competing to be the country's Miss Universe contestant.I can't say I would agree that a church leader should be a panelist in such a contest. Ultimately, I agree with the position of the Church

Why do we need liturgy? [Updated]

2006-01-13T10:45:00.000-05:00

I think this article is an excellent illustration of why we need liturgy and why the liturgy should be firmly founded upon God's word -- as is the case of the ancient rites of the church.At least 345 Muslim pilgrims have been killed in a crush in the stone-throwing ritual during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, officials say.[MORE] One may ask, "What does this have to do with liturgy? People

Real Life sets back in

2006-01-11T10:25:00.000-05:00

Well.. real life has set back in. After a protracted break where I accomplished nearly none of my goals, real life is back, classes have started -- and time, as usual, runs short. Things on my blogs have slowed down and will likely become more related to classwork.For those of you wondering about posts from last week and the week before and trying to figure out what "standard fare" will be at

And the word of the year is.....

2006-01-07T11:21:00.000-05:00

The AP reports [CNN] A panel of linguists has determined that the word that best reflects 2005.The word is "truthiness." Apparently the word was made up by Stephen Colbert.From an article on Media Bistro"Truthiness is sort of what you want to be true, as opposed to what the facts support," Mr. Colbert said in a recent interview. "Truthiness is a truth larger than the facts that would comprise it

Free Booze Helps Homeless Drunks

2006-01-05T23:07:00.000-05:00

Ok, after that last post, I can be a pietist again...Somehow, this story on CNN's site doesn't sit well with me."Once we give a 'small amount' of alcohol and stabilize the addiction, we are able to provide health services that lead to a reduction in the unnecessary health services they were getting before," said Dr. Jeff Turnbull, one of the authors of the report.That "small amount" is 15 glasses

Sanctification - the REAL deal.

2006-01-05T22:24:00.000-05:00

Since approximately the time that I decided to go back to school, finish my Bachelors and go on to seminary, I've been trying to understand what "sanctification" is about. That was about the same time that Rick Warren's "PURPOSE" drivel became a big deal in my area as well.At first it was a quest to write a book that addressed the issue of Sanctification from a Lutheran perspective.I had only 1

Did Jesus Exist?

2006-01-05T18:32:00.000-05:00

I thought the world was messed up enough, apparently I was wrong.Apparently, an Italian court case is in process which will decide whether or not the Roman Catholic Church is breaking the law by teaching that Jesus existed.[Read on for more]From the article:I started this lawsuit because I wanted to deal the final blow against the Church, the bearer of obscurantism and regression.Luigi Cascioli,

Book Review: "Just Words" by JAO Preus

2006-01-05T13:41:00.000-05:00

Read my review of JAO Preus' book Just Words on Learning Greek.I've decided to use my "Learning Greek" site as a repository for my work in linguistics, hermeneutics, etc.. I still plan to be active here with other topics, most notably engaging the culture and making sense of the world by interpreting them from a Christian world-view. (ooh.. sounds postmodern...) Generally less "heady" and "

Computers & Technology

2006-01-05T11:17:00.000-05:00

I've been "into" computers for about 23 years -- ever since my parents got me a Commodore Vic 20 (C=20). Those who know me know that I'm a big fan of GNU and Open Source software, I run GNU-Linux using the GENTOO distribution. I even have written and released for public consumption and modification a project on SourceForge under the GPL.However, I also realize that most haven't come from the

Then when you try to bring kids up right -- THIS happens!

2006-01-04T20:23:00.000-05:00

Apparently tonight is "bringing up kids" night.A soccer team and middle-aged swingers should not have been booked [at the same hotel] together.From the article:Paul Camporini brought his wife, seventh-grade daughter and eighth-grade son from Safety Harbor and said he had to "delicately explain to my Catholic school children that swingers change partners during the evening."Apparently when we're

Bored Youths: We were going to have a baby Jesus burning party

2006-01-04T18:12:00.000-05:00

Now, someone tell me that Satan had no hand in this.SAYREVILLE, N.J. -- Four teens stole 27 baby Jesus statues from nativity scenes outside churches and homes and planned to burn them, police said.Of course, one parent said:Although Chris is sometimes misguided, this was not something we expected out of him.And another:Michael has been hanging around with the wrong people. He goes to college.

Daring to tread....

2006-01-04T11:48:00.000-05:00

There is a good discussion going on in cyberspace right now that has gotten ugly. John13-27 has a post on What You do, Do Quickly that attempts to refocus the discussion. The comments, unfortunately, quickly degenerate into turf protection.Those who are members of the community in which this is playing out are concerned for all involved. Like most storms, it will likely blow over eventually

At least one commentator gets it...

2006-01-03T16:29:00.000-05:00

In the Intelligent Design debate, my basic premise has been that evolution and intelligent design are equally religious. It's just that the mainstream scientific establishment has labeled one "science" and the other "not."I ran across this commentary by Pat Buchanan. Apparently, he gets it.He concludes by saying:Where science says, "No miracles allowed," Darwinism asks us to believe in

PBS Does it again - Three Religions, One God

2006-01-03T14:36:00.000-05:00

According to a new documentary by PBS, Christianity, Judaism, Islam are all essentially the same religion.Documentary ties together 'Three Faiths, One God' For starters, Jews, Christians and Muslims have "remarkably similar notions of the divine," says Karen Armstrong, author of "A History of God." Armstrong delves into those similarities, as do almost three dozen other experts, from Harvard,

Is this Willow Creek's next attendance booster?

2006-01-03T14:16:00.000-05:00

Perhaps this could be a way to gain higher attendance.Strip club to move next to PG church - The Washington Times Technorati Tags: WillowCreekChurch PurposeDrivenLife

Author Recommendation

2006-01-03T13:29:00.000-05:00

He's not a Confessional Lutheran, but that doesn't mean he has nothing to say. I heard David Fitch pitching his book on a Detroit Radio Station today.He had a lot of good things to say in the interview. His Blog has some interesting things to say as well.I'm interested in reading his book as well.Technorati Tags: TheGreatGiveaway DavidFitch WMUZ

Will Intelligent Design Win?

2006-01-03T12:44:00.000-05:00

I can't agree at all with Nancy Pearcye's article Why Intelligent Design will Win. Her final reason is the downfall of her entire argument: Which suggests the final reason ID will win--because it accords with the ideals of a free and open society. In our pluralistic age, schools should train students in critical thinking to prepare them to engage respectfully and intelligently with a wide range

Tell me again...?

2006-01-03T11:58:00.000-05:00

Tell me again how messing with God's order for human procreation is a "good thing"?BBC NEWS | Health | IVF sperm 'contamination' concern This risk [of inserting foreign genes into human embryos during IVF] remains theoretical at the moment.Hmm... After all of my reading about what a theory really is in the evolution debate, I'm not sure that's too comforting.Teaching About Evolution and the

PEACE: Rick Warren's Halle

2006-01-03T11:39:00.000-05:00

The pietism inherent in the Purpose Driven Life is obvious to most. His new PEACE plan should clinch it for those who might still not agree.ARTICLE: 'We're Made for More Than Success' - Newsweek Society - MSNBC.comThat Warren is a theologian of glory should be obvious too, but this quote should convince those who might think otherwise. Warren: ...[American's are successful, but they're still

Christianity Under Attack --- by clothing logo???

2006-01-02T10:16:00.000-05:00

I ran across this article about jeans in Sweden which sport a specifically anti-christian logo that are selling like hotcakes.Lest you think that the logo is simply misunderstood by fundamentalists, there is a quote from the designer of the logo in the article. From the article: "The jeans’ makers say it’s more of a joke, but the logo’s designer said there is a deeper message. 'It is an active

Why all the talk about evolution?

2005-12-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

As you can see from my recent posts, it's obvious I am on a bit of a "kick" regarding evolution. You might be wondering whether or not this blog will only be all about this topic. Those who know me know that when something gets under my skin and bugs me, it must fully "run its course."I will, probably, ...eventually, find something else to rant and jump up and down about. To allay the fears of

Intelligent Design Decision - Double Standard

2005-12-21T11:30:00.000-05:00

That public schools have become a haven for social engineering and societal brainwashing is one of those things we'd like to ignore. We have moved far from the early days of school administration and teachers acting "in loco parentis" (in place of the parent) to being an overt arm of the government able to indoctrinate the children of our society with whatever compliments the aims of those in

Evolution - Religion in the classroom

2005-12-20T23:00:00.000-05:00

I've been reading through the recent court decision in the Evolution/Intelligent Design debate. There are numerous things that I'm irritated about in the decision. Mind you, Intelligent Design lost because under the rules of the game, it should have lost. It IS a religious explaination.I have a feeling I'll have LOTS to say about this in the next few days, but the first issue which I would like

Reality and what is Real

2005-12-20T12:56:00.000-05:00

The world is a scary place. Most of us are doing whatever we think is best at any given point in time. But each of us must live life for ourselves. Nobody can live our lives for us, and we cannot live someone else's life for them. Our own existence is real.Vicarious living, either through television or through the control of the lives of others, simply doesn't work. Each of us occupy our own