oddXian: Challenge the Consensus

While there has been much speculation about the couple's ties to Scientology, Smith has never publicly said he is a Scientologist. Last month, Smith was quoted as saying, “I am a Christian. I am a student of all religions. And I respect all people and all paths.” In December, interviewed on "Access Hollywood," Smith said of his Scientology connection: “I was introduced [to] it by Tom [Cruise], and I’m a student of world religion. I was raised in a Baptist household, I went to a Catholic school, but the ideas of the Bible are 98 percent the same ideas of Scientology, 98 percent the same ideas of Hinduism and Buddhism.” Quotes from here ( Will Smith Funds Private Scientology School ). Sound like there's any confusion here? Seems pastors today need to be sure not to neglect one of their basic roles: to EXPLAIN WHAT IT MEANS TO BE CHRISTIAN and distinguish what is not. Seems there is recurring confusion in this area especially among Hollywood celeb's.

I heard an audio version of this today, but could only find it in print on the net. He reminds me of an "Andy Griffith" simplicity applied to issues pertaining to the church and culture today. Another one of those lengthy reads, but still relevant and worthy. See here ( Modern Reformation: A New Evaluative Question: "Would Jesus Have to Be Crucified to Make This Sermon Work?" Interview with William Willimon )

Seems like recently one pastor after another is having to apologize in the press. This is not doing the clergy any favor. A good word to heed so this is prevented in the future: Not only make sure your theology, soteriology, and eschatology are correct, but follow the instruction of Paul in the pastoral epistles (2 Timothy 2:4) " No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs —he wants to please his commanding officer."

“Darwinism is not just a scientific theory,” said Pearcey. “It has worldview implications, just as intelligent design has worldview implications, and that’s why it’s important to bring this discussion into a larger cultural conversation.” While the most popular arguments center around evolution and its counterpoints, intelligent design and creationism, Pearcey believes the ramifications of Darwinist worldviews are being felt in other realms of science, as well as morality and ethics, politics, health and medicine, law, commerce, literature and art, and even sexuality. But Pearcey’s intent was not to debunk proponents of evolution and its derivative theories, but to call for a fair exchange of ideas. “So often today, public education actually discourages critical thinking,” Pearcey observed. “If secular views are taught uncritically, without taking opposing religious views seriously, it becomes a kind of totalitarianism.” Quotes taken from here .

It's reported ratings are down 7% for Ophah Winfrey. While many are speculating (and I'm sure the Winfrey camp is doing their own research) as to why this is happening (some suggest her political involvement (either party issues, or gender issues, etc.) some have suggested some of this has resulted from Ophrah's espousal of New Age Philosophies . Perhaps people are starting to wake up and see through the guise that everyone who may call themselves Christian are not necessarily so! The details and evidence, once one looks into it, speaks volumes. I've notice Oprah's website now has a "new" spiritual advisor who is leading Oprah in a "new" cleansing diet. How many new advisors does one need when they've found the truth? How many new diets will there be? The truth is that when one is continually searching, and always having to look for something and someone new, it's not always because new is better, but because one has not found that ...

It is reported not only that Christian converts are increasing in Iran, but that Muslims in leadership are stepping up persecution against Christians in Iran . Suppose we'll hear much criticism from Muslims around the world who themselves enjoy the freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and the right to choose and express their beliefs? If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. (Jesus Christ, John 15:20)

This article , from the Chronicle of Higher Education, gives great insight as to how the gospel-as-myth industry often operates. In this case, it was with the handling of the Gospel of Judas. Finally, though it will be read by only a tiny fraction of the public, with no documentaries or Datelines or ABC Easter specials, who have already been swayed by the fabricated story in the National Geographic some years back, the truth is getting out. It's the same story though. A minority group of scholars well-known in the field as anything but dispassionate (typically those not directly doing research in the specific subfield, see Ehrman) and a large group of profiteers join forces to shake things up and invent a "crisis of faith" for money. Who cares if the story is true (see Jesus Family Tomb). The problems with the story will come out long after the damage is done, the money and movie is made, and long after the fleeting attention span of the media and public dries up (...

Australia's Anglican bishops have agreed that parishes that cannot in good conscience recognise the ministry of a woman bishop will be offered the services of a male bishop. Quote taken from here . In other words, they're saying, "disregard the principle (we're doing away with it), but in order to appease you, we'll give you your preference (that is until the new precedent become commonplace, accepted and substituted as the new principle.)"

Chinese citizens can now choose their own careers, travel abroad, own a car and establish a business. But Christians cannot legally hold a prayer meeting in a private home, share a church service with foreign Christians or interact with foreign Christian organizations. China still bans religious education for children under the age of 18 and limits the publication of Bibles and other religious materials. Many Chinese Christians see little good coming from the Olympics in the way of religious liberty. Some point to a government crackdown on unregistered house churches over the past year, as evidenced in a 2007 report issued in February by the China Aid Association (CAA), and an unprecedented expulsion of foreign missionaries in 2007 as part of a “clean-up” in preparation for the Games. Others fear religious persecution will increase after the Games as the world’s media moves on from China. Quote taken from here . Another example of the world being fearful of (/oppressing) the gospel....

Young, Restless, Reformed ought to be a good read for what it's purposed to be. See here for a book reveiew.

In previous years, "science" was understood to mean "the search for truth," but many now limit that to a search for naturalistic explanations, even if that search leads to hopeless conclusions. Taken from here .

Solution to high gas prices in America: Honor the Sabbath (Lord's) Day.

As the first quarter of the year has progressed, my thoughts have been directed to the appropriate elements of worship in the church and how we (the church) practice worshiping the Most High God in a way that pleases Him. As I have pondered these things, a verse from Scripture keeps coming to the forefront of my mind: Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. - Colossians 3:16 (NASB) When Paul says we should be taught and admonished by psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, what does that mean? I believe it means that we, at the very least, are to look to the 150 Psalms of the Old Testament as a guide to corporate (the church gathered) worship - among other things. When you look closely, the 150 Psalms are a perfect template and guide to the form, fit and function of worship through music - if you pay attention as you read through, you will ...

Good article over on the Evangelical Outpost: Those who believe that the material is all that exists (i.e., materialists, physicalists, some atheists) are forced to reduce or explain everything in terms of the physical. The mind, for example, is considered to be identical and reducible to the physical states of the brain. Senses, emotions, desires, and other intangibles presumably are illusory properties that "emerge" from the physical. All natural laws are therefore physical laws. ... Christians, on the other hand, should draw the line of demarcation between the creational/natural and the supernatural based on that which exists necessarily (exists on its own) and that which relies on something else for its existence. According to the Bible, all of creation not only came into existence by God's fiat, but remains in existence only because of his continuous action (sometimes referred to as "providential action" or simply "providence").

In unexpected ways, science and mysticism are joining hands and reinforcing each other. That’s bound to lead to new movements that emphasize self-transcendence but put little stock in divine law or revelation. Orthodox believers are going to have to defend particular doctrines and particular biblical teachings. They’re going to have to defend the idea of a personal God, and explain why specific theologies are true guides for behavior day to day. If you survey the literature ..., you can see that certain beliefs will spread into the wider discussion. First, the self is not a fixed entity but a dynamic process of relationships. Second, underneath the patina of different religions, people around the world have common moral intuitions. Third, people are equipped to experience the sacred, to have moments of elevated experience when they transcend boundaries and overflow with love. Fourth, God can best be conceived as the nature one experiences at those moments, the unknowable total of all t...

While Einstein's faith(and/or lack thereof) has historically been and continues to be debated, I raise skepticism on a theological level as to the significance of what many seek to accomplish through the debate. While the debate from a historical perspective is a good one and of value, from a theological perspective it matter not (except for Einstein himself) whether he was a Christian or not. It seems that be it both from the side of unbelievers and perhaps from some believers that the tendency is to want to claim Einstein (who has achieved a reputation among many as one of the smartest men who has ever lived, etc.)on their side... as if by having Einstein on their side it would tend to lend some greater measure of credibility to their side. However, when one comes to understand the truth communicated in Scripture both in regard to the knowledge of God and particularly the means of attaining that knowledge, it's clear that the question of whether Einstein believed in God or...

As has been noted several times throughout this blog, atheism is a philosophy that cannot sustain itself, but must borrow from other worldviews in order for it's proponents to even function. This point was brought to light in a recent New York Times article criticizing Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed , which claimed that the movie failed to take into consideration the difference between “Scientific Darwinism” and “Social Darwinism”. What the article failed to do, however, is explain how one could hold to “Scientific Darwinism” and logically reject “Social Darwinism”. ...... Peter Singer is one of the few atheists who nearly tries to live what he believes, yet I would dare say that even most atheists would find his views on human life objectionable. Here are a few goodies expressed by Singer, from Dinesh D'Souza’s article Atheism and Child Murder . On how mothers should be permitted to kill their offspring until the age of 28 days: "My colleague Helga Kuhse and I suggest...

PDF here This is from blog.worship.com - check it out sometimes.

Excellent article here - very relevant and accurate. It is important to deal with antagonists sooner rather than later, particularly in a growing church - as folk come into the fold, the antagonist uses any slight, any problem as an opportunity to build their base. I completely agree with the author - nip it in the bud.

I am reading this right now - VERY easy and accessible - HIGHLY recommended for a study group or a special church-wide campaign - I agree with much of Colson's thoughts here and certainly his call for a return to Biblical orthodoxy, but I think he may pander a bit to the Arminian and Roman Catholic traditions, even as he seemingly aligns with much of Reformed thought. All in all...I'd give it a high A-.

This week, a select group of men (if there are any women involved, none have been identified) will issue a document they are calling “An Evangelical Manifesto: The Washington Declaration of Identity and Public Commitment.” We know just a bit about this embargoed document’s existence, not its content, because Warren Cole Smith, publisher of the Evangelical Press News Service, has written about the plan and process of producing the declaration that purports to represent American evangelical beliefs and values. Smith’s point in writing about the manifesto is that the timing of the release makes it a political document, and the closed group of people working on the content apparently excludes traditional conservative and pro-family evangelical voices. However, no amount of pious-sounding rhetoric about our common American values will obscure the policy litmus tests on the great moral issues of the day upon which our humanity hangs; nor should it. As Christ warned the Disciples, standing fo...

Ronald Weinland, the self-proclaimed final witness has posted again and in his upcoming trips he states Over the coming months, planning visits to specific areas will become more difficult as destructive events strike in different locations. As we look to God to lead us in our planning, we are going to continue sending elders to locations where growing numbers of people are seeking baptism and fellowship with God’s Church. We are going to focus on serving those whom God is calling as long as we are able to accomplish such work, and as we move forward through the Four Trumpets that will sound first, we will have to be very flexible in how this is accomplished. As God reveals the work His two witnesses are to accomplish, we will keep you posted in as timely fashion as we are able. God has not yet revealed all that we are to accomplish or the areas in which such things will be done. That will be a progressive revelation to His two end-time witness, whose job formally begins on April 17th....

Often, people like to think that even though they have sinned against God, they can get right with God by "loving" (or "caring") for him and doing good deeds. Read the following article, and answer the question: Given what this man has done, could he ever do enough good to make up the difference? Incest dad: I cared for my secret family

But, despite the belief that children are the apples of our eyes, they actually can have a negative influence on marriages, according to the report. And more kids equals more sadness, Gilbert said. In Harvard Professor: Children Can Send Marriage Into Downward Spiral , the strain and stresses that children can add to a marriage are clearly reflected...even if by way of addressing the measure of present temporal happiness among parents. At first read, one may even wonder what the intent or outcome of the article suggest, and yet a closer read points to children having a "negative influence" on marriages. Is the professor simply pointing out that having children and especially teenagers is difficult (and thereby affects temporal happiness, something any parents could have told you without his research!!!), or is he suggesting something more, even the way we should look upon children and having them. This point comes into clearer focus when you consider the term "negative...

In response to changing standards which may ban magazines such as Playboy and Penthouse for pornographic material on military bases , it's reported that one Private First Class made the following statement as an argument against the proposed change: "We all read 'em,...'There are times we just read 'em for the technological parts like the new gadgets that come out. They have good stories sometimes too.'" Do you think additional magazines with technology and gadgets would satisfy him? It's no different than when men suggest they go to Hooters because they have good wings. Note the statement by U.S. Rep. Paul Broun, R-Ga (which I assume probably comes from the Department of Defense's study committee's findings): "Allowing the sale of pornography on military bases has harmed military men and women by: escalating the number of violent, sexual crimes; feeding a base addiction; eroding the family as the primary building block of society; and de...

No news recently from Ronald Weinland - the "self proclaimed" final witness (along with his wife - who "he" claims is the second witness). One might possibly think, perhaps without the rest of the world knowing it, the prophecies of the Bible have taken place without out knowledge... that is, except for the fact in one of Weinland's interviews he states that he will be openly opposed by the Pope... which hasn't taken place, not to mention the nuclear disasters he referred to! We'll continue to wait ... AND with expectation: not of Weinland's prophesies coming true, but of seeing a false prophet exposed as his statements fail to come to pass.

Richard Dawkins and others like to state that particularly after 9-11 they've come to see "religion" as a threat (/problem). While the events of 9-11 were on one level done in the name of "religion" (or in the name of Islam); one could also say that the actions were done in "unbelief" as opposed to those who believe (even though they were done according to the individual's 'errant & destructive' beliefs) ... in the sense that it was not "religion" per se that was the problem, but actually the deviation from true religion that both founded and motivated the acts of terrorism and killing. My point is that as believers, we should not allow atheists to select the categories without being challenged on it, for "an apple can be cut several ways", and simply letting atheists define the problem in terms of "religion" versus "non-religion" gives the appearance of a high-ground to secularist views while see...

Philosophers, psychologists, neuroscientists, economists, primatologists and anthropologists, all borrowing liberally from each others' insights, are putting together a novel picture of morality—a trend that University of Virginia psychologist Jonathan Haidt has described as the "new synthesis in moral psychology." The picture emerging shows the moral sense to be the product of biologically evolved and culturally sensitive brain systems that together make up the human "moral faculty." One of the present and future battlegrounds in religious debate (as shown by the above quote, taken from here ) is certain to be in the area of human morality. As with other areas of debate between Christians and non-Christians (especially those within secular humanism), this new area of study is nothing for Christians to be afraid of, only something Christians must critically scrutinize, or else risk giving up ground in areas which can be used in highlighting the glory of God, the...

Audio and video here

Props to Thinking Christian

In the mold of Tolle and Oprah, a new term has begun to emerge from the liberal churches, "Progressive Christianity", which obviously not Christianity but yet another form of humanism dressed up with Christian terminology. Christianity without Christ: No creeds, no miracles, no Resurrection: Minister preaches faith without the symbolism Consider... "a Bible ... is just a book among other books." "the cross ... has no special meaning" "The central story of Christianity will fade away...The story about Jesus as the symbol of everything that Christianity is will fade away." Jesus was a "Middle Eastern peasant with a few charismatic gifts and a great posthumous marketing team." "The Bible is used in her services, but it gets rewritten to be more contemporary and speak to more people. Even the Lord's Prayer -- also known as the Our Father -- does not make the cut because it creates an image of a God who intervenes in human existence...

Many churches, seeking to become “relevant” to the world, have become less relevant to the Kingdom of God. Case in point… Concerts to resume after fight at church club It is painfully obvious that, in such cases, the term “relevant” is simply another synonym for “worldly”. Whether or not such “club” atmosphere events are appropriate for a church is debatable. In the larger scheme, however, the church will never become relevant to the world by imitating it. These events may attract goats, but fail to convert them into sheep. The church is not called to be “relevant”. It is called to be Holy. Here's more information from the event: Tonight 's "battle of the bands" was originally billed to feature five groups vying for a chance to open for Killwhitneydead at Club Relevant on June 27. Killwhitneydead, a Greensboro, N.C., band, is described on its MySpace page as "metal/hardcore/death metal." Can't get much more "relevant" than that.

I just heard commentators on Fox News suggest that "Mother Nature" was selective in that it (she) picked some houses to destroy with a tornado while it left others. While it's one thing to speak of a storm affecting some houses and not others, to go beyond this to speak of "Mother Nature" is to enter the level of motive and purpose behind the storm. While I do not disagree that motive and purpose is found in or behind storms, I point out there's much greater evidence pointing to the Christian God than to "Mother Nature". While references to "Mother Nature" might reasonably be expected among popular culture, is it too much to expect more of professional news reporters?

See Ministry Fined for Firing Homosexual Employee to see illustration and consequences of what happens. Grouping an issue of morality (sexual orientation) along with non-moral issues such as age, race, handicaps, etc., oversteps what non-discrimination policies should protect. People should not be forced or legislated to embrace, accept or be involved with it the immorality of others. (Note: while some may argue (1) "Whose" morality is the standard? (2) What about Christians views being imposed on others, etc.; several factors come into play. First is the issue of whether these issues belong in a "non-discrimination" portion of law. Second, if one wants to push the argument far enough, it can be shown that only the Christian position provides for a rational and consistent view of morality. Third, hate crimes laws deal with other issues related to concerns in these areas (though even what is included in these laws of this nature is subject to judgment and concer...

While some might be surprised, it's reported that Delegates to the United Methodist Church's General Conference have voted to uphold traditional marriage . For details, see here . Good for the Methodists! This is encouraging to hear!

It seems everyday I read a different prediction in regard to the forecast for global warming or cooling. Some suggest warming (some warmer, some less warm), others suggest cooling (some cooler, others less cool), now I've even seeing a small period of warm with an overall period of cool, and the opposite I'm sure can be found. While science is to be considered of significant value, I want to point out to those who constantly argue the point that because there are various "religous" viewpoints when it comes to truth, then religion itself is useless, none should be trusted, and and all should be rejected, ... that if you applied this same argument to science, then you'd be cutting off the very foot you try to stand on. The truth is that there is truth, and though some may be wrong while another is right, that doesn't mean that no one is right and that none should be considered and evaluated. Just as time will tell which of the climate forecasts are right (recog...

The Moratorium on Questioning Evolution is being: EXPELLED! see: State Legislators Seek Bills to Allow Questioning of Evolution Theory in Schools

If Tolle's not enough for you, or you want to go deeper, consider this (just kidding): It's a Miracle - she kept a straight face while making this; but no matter how hard I tried, I could not keep one while watching it. Jazzycat... this one ought to be right up your alley!

In Indian Babies Dropped 50 Feet for Good Luck in Bizarre Ritual , it's reported that parents take vows at a temple to take actions which place the health, well being, and life of their children in danger. This annual celebration is reportedly observed by Hindus and Muslims. Compare this with the position and words of the Christian God (in regard to putting children at risk or harming them as if it were commanded or received as acceptable by Him): They have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as offerings to Baal - SOMETHING I DID NOT COMMAND OR MENTION, NOR DID IT EVER ENTER MY MIND." (Jeremiah 19:5)[CAPS, my emphasis]

Regardless of one’s eschatology, this type of date setting should always be viewed with skepticism. Blood moon eclipses: 2nd Coming in 2015 This would be quite amusing if it didn’t continually put blight on the Church of Jesus Christ. Methinks someone needs a lesson on Apocalyptic Language .

...for the Reformers, adds Lee, the new birth was the opposite of "rebirth into a new and more acceptable self," but the death of the old self and its rebirth in Christ. Modern Reformation: Your Own Personal Jesus by Michael Horton - Excellent reading for those willing to labor and digest to better understand the landscape of religion in America today.