My son shared this with me on Friday night. A boy had posted on Facebook a question: "For those who believe in Jesus, do you believe in Santa, too?"
[A side bar, this question, quite in vogue among the neo-atheists, is not really a question. It is in the form of a question but it is, in truth, a challenge. It intentionally associates to make a comparison and the implicit point is conveyed in the asking...]
Santa is not a real person. Little children believe in Santa while adults do not. Believing in Santa (according to the question above) may be sweet, but it is silliness. The creation of the Santa-industry with endless stories and even actors dressed for the part is a human construction. All the fun and niceness are generated by our wishes. If you go to the North Pole he is not there. You cannot see him because he does not exist.
Jesus, their line of thinking goes, can not be seen either. As the real man, St. Nicholas, was layered with multiple stories and eventually morphed, with the help of all manner of legends, into Santa Claus, so the atheist questioner implies, perhaps there was a man Jesus, but all this talk about him is nothing but legends and wishes turned into narrative. Jesus, they imply, is another story told to make you be good and another load of empty promises about blessings.
The problem with this is it ignores exactly what Christians say about Jesus and then twists that ignorance into a critique of our beliefs. The Bible says Jesus lived, He was crucified and died, He rose (was raised) on the third day, Easter, and that after some period of time (Luke makes it 40 days) He was taken away from them with the promise to return. Christians do NOT expect to see Jesus, ever, until that day when He establishes His kingdom. He is GONE. He is reigning in Heaven, a spiritual realm. His presence among us is SPIRITUAL (i.e. Holy Spirit). Our faith is that we cannot, do not and will not see Jesus in our daily life; at best we can discern Him among us.
The Santa story conveys a messge. It takes history and makes it a myth. The Jesus story also conveys a message, but it takes myth and makes it history. That is why we see parallels to Jesus in other religions and ancient faiths. He is a flesh and blood case of what they are talking about and pointing to. The question, "You people who believe in Jesus, do you believe in Santa, too?" is really dismissive. It implies that Christians do not know the difference between fantasy and reality. Yet, what irritates me more, is it ignores how really demanding and hard Jesus makes life. It negates the Biblical record which reads nothing like 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. It ignores the reality of the teaching, healing and suffering of Jesus. It is shallow and lazy and does not invite dialogue.
Showing posts with label Does God Exist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Does God Exist. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Treachery
One of the occupational hazards of being a counselor-priest is that you are privy to any number of unpleasant secrets. Over the years I have heard countless stories of marital break down. It is a painful thing to watch and it is hard to hear. The twin roles of counselor and preacher collide at such times. How to save the marriage? How to spare these people the injuries and pains? How to heal and set them free to live in abundance? And there is nothing sadder than the failed marriages of church people, folks who are publicly commited to Jesus Christ.
A common theme in all of the divorces is a sense of betrayal. One or another of the partners takes it upon himself/herself to dissolve the bond, to annul the covenant, to walk away from the life partnership. People feel that there was treachery and that they have been duped.
With that in mind, I read the old familiar story of Isaac, Jacob and Esau with a tender heart. Old blind Isaac has been duped by his wife and son and given the blessing to the younger. One senses this is God's preference, but the narrative is not so straightforward. Instead, we read about the wiles of the characters and see an old man taken advantage of by those closest to him. Esau, a simple man skilled in physical feats but less adept at 'palace intrigue', is a pitiable figure. He returns from the hunt, having done what his father commanded only to discover that the blessing has been given to another. A weeping Esau cries out, "Have you only one blessing, father? Bless me also, father!"
In prayerful meditation I paused to let the scene sink in. The mighty, hairy man, weeping, stood before his empty handed father. There was no blessing. None. Jacob had snatched it up and made it his own. And as I pondered this situation I realized that the founding father of Israel (in fact, a man called Israel!) came to his place by treachery and deceit. The messiness of life....
Less we think all is well for Jacob, he lives in an exile for many years, he is duped by his father-in-law and suffers mistreatment. His later years are filled with tragedy as his sons deal treacherously with him (in the Joseph story). His life, while much blessed, is also painfilled. There is a price to be paid for treachery. And, ironically, Esau re-appears, however briefly, as a rich warlord who is full of forgiveness. So with no blessing he turned out to have quite the life. Details being scant we can not say much more than that.
Perhaps the hope to be drawn is that no matter how bad things are now, God can impact our futures. It is well to recall that even bad things can be shaped into good outcomes (though not without heart break, suffering and tears). Our infidelities are the creators of much horror, but God redeems even those false acts and uses them to create new situations. With that in mind, a priest-counselor can continue to walk with the wounded folks and whisper a word of solace and hope: "In the end, God finds a way. Do not despair."
A common theme in all of the divorces is a sense of betrayal. One or another of the partners takes it upon himself/herself to dissolve the bond, to annul the covenant, to walk away from the life partnership. People feel that there was treachery and that they have been duped.
With that in mind, I read the old familiar story of Isaac, Jacob and Esau with a tender heart. Old blind Isaac has been duped by his wife and son and given the blessing to the younger. One senses this is God's preference, but the narrative is not so straightforward. Instead, we read about the wiles of the characters and see an old man taken advantage of by those closest to him. Esau, a simple man skilled in physical feats but less adept at 'palace intrigue', is a pitiable figure. He returns from the hunt, having done what his father commanded only to discover that the blessing has been given to another. A weeping Esau cries out, "Have you only one blessing, father? Bless me also, father!"
In prayerful meditation I paused to let the scene sink in. The mighty, hairy man, weeping, stood before his empty handed father. There was no blessing. None. Jacob had snatched it up and made it his own. And as I pondered this situation I realized that the founding father of Israel (in fact, a man called Israel!) came to his place by treachery and deceit. The messiness of life....
Less we think all is well for Jacob, he lives in an exile for many years, he is duped by his father-in-law and suffers mistreatment. His later years are filled with tragedy as his sons deal treacherously with him (in the Joseph story). His life, while much blessed, is also painfilled. There is a price to be paid for treachery. And, ironically, Esau re-appears, however briefly, as a rich warlord who is full of forgiveness. So with no blessing he turned out to have quite the life. Details being scant we can not say much more than that.
Perhaps the hope to be drawn is that no matter how bad things are now, God can impact our futures. It is well to recall that even bad things can be shaped into good outcomes (though not without heart break, suffering and tears). Our infidelities are the creators of much horror, but God redeems even those false acts and uses them to create new situations. With that in mind, a priest-counselor can continue to walk with the wounded folks and whisper a word of solace and hope: "In the end, God finds a way. Do not despair."
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Closing up the Atheist Dialogue
Michael provided a rather lengthy response to my last blog entry and I have decided that it is time to move on to themes reflecting on the season. So this will be my last reflections on all of this.
One thing that is clear to me: to believe or not believe is, to some extent, a decision. Clearly for some it comes easier than others. I do not know where I am personally on that scale. I have never found it terribly easy (once I grew up). Being shaped and formed in the faith in Catholic schools no doubt provided me a wonderful basis, but tons of Catholic school kids have turned their back on the Lord as adults. Interacting with evangelicals over the years of my teens and early twenties increased and broadened my understanding of God, but evangelicals also say things which do not make sense to me, about God and the world. Spending endless hours in prayer and study, service and pastoral care has at times strengthened and at other times weakened my faith. One often asks, "Is it God or a coincidence?"
In the end, I disagree with Michael. I think the reasons to doubt God are less forceful than the reasons to doubt Atheism. Atheism does not take seriously the meaning of "contingent being." By definition God is different from anything else there is. That is why we worship Him. He alone is good. That is why He is the definition of goodness and truth and morality. That is why His commands are to be obeyed. He is the source of all things, that is why we cannot compare ourselves with Him in any meaningful way. Which, in the end, I did not emphasize enough. All talk about God is analogical. Words applied to God do not have the same meaning when applied to us. That is the first rule of any orthodox theology. I sinned by not making that clearer at the start. (Google apophatic theology for more info!)
Michael misunderstood my statement that I am glad that atheists do not act consistently with their (un)beliefs. It isn't because they should be immoral. It is because atheism means life is meaningless. Nothing really matters. Humans are an accident. Life is an accident. Beauty and goodness are accidents. If there is no God, then as the teenagers say, "whatever..."
The eternal God created time and space and populated it with all manner of living things. He also withdrew, giving His creation room to live. I believe that human dominion (Genesis 1) is real and that, for the best of reasons, God chose to make a world which includes all manner of mysteries and challenges. Is God in time, now that He created it? I do not know. I do personally think that, based on Scripture, He has enterred time to communicate with us. I believe He intervenes and touches our lives. Some call that a God of the gaps and equate it with primitive superstition. Perhaps. Certainly every claim made by Believers is not true. But I have wondered at times, how would God act in the creation if He existed. When I ponder that I realize that His approach, a more secretive and un-obvious approach, makes sense if He has entrusted the work to us. I worship Him as Lord of time and space. I worship Him as good and loving. It is a gift to do this and it is a choice I make. I choice I make over and again each day, sometimes several times a day.
The atheist dilemma is that they live in a world without hope. I still think that one cannot simply write off the hunger for God. I believe it is the finger print of our Creator. Nor do I think you can ignore the resurrection because resurrections just do not happen. After all, isn't that the point! No, in the end, belief is a choice. Living faithfully is a choice. A difficult challenging choice, but a choice. I do not think Believers are better because they believe. I do think we are blessed. And being blessed is what I want to write about next.
One thing that is clear to me: to believe or not believe is, to some extent, a decision. Clearly for some it comes easier than others. I do not know where I am personally on that scale. I have never found it terribly easy (once I grew up). Being shaped and formed in the faith in Catholic schools no doubt provided me a wonderful basis, but tons of Catholic school kids have turned their back on the Lord as adults. Interacting with evangelicals over the years of my teens and early twenties increased and broadened my understanding of God, but evangelicals also say things which do not make sense to me, about God and the world. Spending endless hours in prayer and study, service and pastoral care has at times strengthened and at other times weakened my faith. One often asks, "Is it God or a coincidence?"
In the end, I disagree with Michael. I think the reasons to doubt God are less forceful than the reasons to doubt Atheism. Atheism does not take seriously the meaning of "contingent being." By definition God is different from anything else there is. That is why we worship Him. He alone is good. That is why He is the definition of goodness and truth and morality. That is why His commands are to be obeyed. He is the source of all things, that is why we cannot compare ourselves with Him in any meaningful way. Which, in the end, I did not emphasize enough. All talk about God is analogical. Words applied to God do not have the same meaning when applied to us. That is the first rule of any orthodox theology. I sinned by not making that clearer at the start. (Google apophatic theology for more info!)
Michael misunderstood my statement that I am glad that atheists do not act consistently with their (un)beliefs. It isn't because they should be immoral. It is because atheism means life is meaningless. Nothing really matters. Humans are an accident. Life is an accident. Beauty and goodness are accidents. If there is no God, then as the teenagers say, "whatever..."
The eternal God created time and space and populated it with all manner of living things. He also withdrew, giving His creation room to live. I believe that human dominion (Genesis 1) is real and that, for the best of reasons, God chose to make a world which includes all manner of mysteries and challenges. Is God in time, now that He created it? I do not know. I do personally think that, based on Scripture, He has enterred time to communicate with us. I believe He intervenes and touches our lives. Some call that a God of the gaps and equate it with primitive superstition. Perhaps. Certainly every claim made by Believers is not true. But I have wondered at times, how would God act in the creation if He existed. When I ponder that I realize that His approach, a more secretive and un-obvious approach, makes sense if He has entrusted the work to us. I worship Him as Lord of time and space. I worship Him as good and loving. It is a gift to do this and it is a choice I make. I choice I make over and again each day, sometimes several times a day.
The atheist dilemma is that they live in a world without hope. I still think that one cannot simply write off the hunger for God. I believe it is the finger print of our Creator. Nor do I think you can ignore the resurrection because resurrections just do not happen. After all, isn't that the point! No, in the end, belief is a choice. Living faithfully is a choice. A difficult challenging choice, but a choice. I do not think Believers are better because they believe. I do think we are blessed. And being blessed is what I want to write about next.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Questions for an Atheist
For most of a week I have tried to seriously and respectfully offer some repsonse to the comments of an atheist. I have admitted to struggling with my own doubts. I have not offered anything near a clinching argument that God can and must exist. On the other hand, I do think that the atheist position is also one with more than a few weak points. It is that which I would like to address as I close this series out.
One glaring issue is the question, "If there is no God where did all of this come from?" I think that it is only fair to ask, "if a perfect, self sustaining, eternal God is ruled out as source and creator, how then does one explain the eternity of matter?" Matter is constantly in flux and something which constantly changes does not have to exist. Why then does it exist? If the universe could 'just be' why is it impossible to think that a Divine Source could 'just be'?
By extension, on what grounds does an atheist determine that God is answerable for His failures? If there is no God then certainly there is no morality. (This is CS Lewis' main point) I do not deny that many atheists are moral and that some atheists have been humanitarians. This is no personal attack on them. However, it is an attack on the idea of moral right and wrong in a world of blind chance and accident. On what grounds does morality exist? While we may have personal preferences, we can not say anything is moral or immoral. Atheist too often speak in a way that assumes the condition of a world where there is a God and there is a moral core. [I am glad of this. If atheists were consistent then the world would be a worse place.]
I am no scientist, but I have read numerous books which raise interesting questions. One of them is the Law of Thermodynamics. In simplest language, things tend to run down, to disintegrate. How is it that evolution creates advances if the world is running down? Another question, how does evolution create an ape which can do physics, higher math, or create a symphony? The ability to stay alive and avoid saber tooth tigers hardly seems sufficient reason to explain the brain's leap to that level of function. There are additional, more complex questions (like the multiple mechanisms involved in evolution which raises questions on how it can work). None of them prove there is a God, but they certainly raise some doubts about doubting!
Probably the most interesting, to me, is the question of dissatisfaction. If the natural world is all there is, why is their such an aching and longing in the human soul? Why are we never completelysatisfied? From whence the desire for God? The atheist may respond, the desire for God is no proof there is one. This is true, but it is certainly evidence which cannot be brished away. We are hungry, food exists. We are thirsty, drink exists. We are tired, sleep exists. We are lonely, people exist. Most every need/desire has a fulfillment. Why would a world devoid of God generate, spontaneously, a need for God? Why do some of us feel a need to worship, if there is nothing there?
There are so many other questions which should cause an atheist to ponder: why is there beauty? How did joy come to be? What of the bonds which draw us together? I think that the atheist position has plenty to answer for and it is difficult to hold with surety.
Once more, I am not saying any of this proves God is, but it does prove that a sincere atheist has his/her own set of issues to wonder about. It is simply not smarter or more courageous to doubt God. It is not more human or humane to reject the idea that He exists. It is not more logical or rational to posit a Godless universe, here because it is, which somehow generates by sheer accident lower life forms which then, by sheer accident, developed into antelopes, aardvarks and ants (just to name the A's). I have my doubts, but an atheist should, too. And if it is possible (even probable) that there is a God, all sorts of things follow.
As for Jesus, His resurrection also enters the mix. Strange goings on indeed, if the world is not the creation of an unseen God! So I will continue, in my deeply flawed way to try to know, love, and serve the Lord and await the Day of Unveiling.
One glaring issue is the question, "If there is no God where did all of this come from?" I think that it is only fair to ask, "if a perfect, self sustaining, eternal God is ruled out as source and creator, how then does one explain the eternity of matter?" Matter is constantly in flux and something which constantly changes does not have to exist. Why then does it exist? If the universe could 'just be' why is it impossible to think that a Divine Source could 'just be'?
By extension, on what grounds does an atheist determine that God is answerable for His failures? If there is no God then certainly there is no morality. (This is CS Lewis' main point) I do not deny that many atheists are moral and that some atheists have been humanitarians. This is no personal attack on them. However, it is an attack on the idea of moral right and wrong in a world of blind chance and accident. On what grounds does morality exist? While we may have personal preferences, we can not say anything is moral or immoral. Atheist too often speak in a way that assumes the condition of a world where there is a God and there is a moral core. [I am glad of this. If atheists were consistent then the world would be a worse place.]
I am no scientist, but I have read numerous books which raise interesting questions. One of them is the Law of Thermodynamics. In simplest language, things tend to run down, to disintegrate. How is it that evolution creates advances if the world is running down? Another question, how does evolution create an ape which can do physics, higher math, or create a symphony? The ability to stay alive and avoid saber tooth tigers hardly seems sufficient reason to explain the brain's leap to that level of function. There are additional, more complex questions (like the multiple mechanisms involved in evolution which raises questions on how it can work). None of them prove there is a God, but they certainly raise some doubts about doubting!
Probably the most interesting, to me, is the question of dissatisfaction. If the natural world is all there is, why is their such an aching and longing in the human soul? Why are we never completelysatisfied? From whence the desire for God? The atheist may respond, the desire for God is no proof there is one. This is true, but it is certainly evidence which cannot be brished away. We are hungry, food exists. We are thirsty, drink exists. We are tired, sleep exists. We are lonely, people exist. Most every need/desire has a fulfillment. Why would a world devoid of God generate, spontaneously, a need for God? Why do some of us feel a need to worship, if there is nothing there?
There are so many other questions which should cause an atheist to ponder: why is there beauty? How did joy come to be? What of the bonds which draw us together? I think that the atheist position has plenty to answer for and it is difficult to hold with surety.
Once more, I am not saying any of this proves God is, but it does prove that a sincere atheist has his/her own set of issues to wonder about. It is simply not smarter or more courageous to doubt God. It is not more human or humane to reject the idea that He exists. It is not more logical or rational to posit a Godless universe, here because it is, which somehow generates by sheer accident lower life forms which then, by sheer accident, developed into antelopes, aardvarks and ants (just to name the A's). I have my doubts, but an atheist should, too. And if it is possible (even probable) that there is a God, all sorts of things follow.
As for Jesus, His resurrection also enters the mix. Strange goings on indeed, if the world is not the creation of an unseen God! So I will continue, in my deeply flawed way to try to know, love, and serve the Lord and await the Day of Unveiling.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Response to an atheist 3
I wanted to conclude this dialogue with Michael today. I am very appreciative of his willingness to publicly discuss this issue on this blog. While acknowledging that some have found this ponderous I do want to share I have had several e-mails indicating that it is helpful. With such a small readership I still have a wide diversity of reactions!!!
It seems Michael's main objection to God is really centered on Divine culpabiilty for evil in the world.
First of all: The problem of evil is NOT theoretical. Sometimes Christian apologists make an error in treating it as such. For people who have experienced severe suffering or watched others suffer, the issue of evil is overpowering and wondering about responsibility is overwhelming. In the end, those shaped by the (children's version) story of the Garden of Eden have a hard time understanding how eating an apple justifies mass starvation, murder, rape, torture and all the other results. [I think Genesis is much deeper than this, but I have to admit many popular versions of Christians are not too much deeper than this.] Hence, Michael's statement (to paraphrase) that IF there is a God then God owes us an apology, must be heard, acknowledged and respectfully refuted (or sadly affirmed).
I am not foolish or arrogant enough to think I can answer this issue. However, I have wrestled with it myself, sometimes personally with the heart and other times dispassionately with the intellect. I want to share a few things which I hope are helpful (if not for an atheist, than for a struggling Believer).
1. I read this in John Chrysostom and it made sense: much of the problem of evil and suffering has to do with our own perspective. He wrote about God's Providence while slowly dying in exile for his faith. A renowned preacher and Bishop, his last days were spent shivering and sick, pondering the mystery which he was living/dying into. His point is, therefore, not simply words. It is his shared faith. We must admit that there is a subjective element to all of this. Perhaps some of our complaints against God are not legitimate. In reality, our perspective very much influences how we understand something. His point is, IF we could see things from God's perspective, some of what we call evil may be not so bad as we think. This does not answer every aspect of the question, but it is certainly true about some things.
2. The nature of a creation, if it is material, has to be recognized. Only God is perfect. Contingent beings are not God. Therefore anything created is not perfect (in the sense that God is perfect). Diversity causes some problems. I do not think we ponder enough, that the cost of a creation is the possibility that the diverse entities may cause damage to each other. A rock rolling down a hill crushes a flower. Is it the rocks fault? Should God have made a creation without rocks (or flowers)? Some might argue uncrushable flowers would be better, but would such a flower ever adorn a dinner table, hat or a lapel? Once a creature with limits is created, those limits produce the possibility for some sad thing to happen.
3. Human evil is a direct result of freedom. If we are free to love, we are also free to not-love. While some evil in the world is a result of nature being nature (a tsunami or earthquake or fire) much of the evil we see is human created. Does God owe us an apology because some people chose to use their talents to wreak havoc? Or is God supposed to intervene (miracle = breaking the laws of nature)? Should God limit freedom to prevent suffering? What then of human responsibility? Would the human person grow in an environment where God was always there to rescue us from our choices?
4. What is the purpose of life? What is the point? Maybe we are supposed to obey first and ask questions later (not something I am adept at, unfortunately!). My sense of things is God has given over to us a great deal of autonomy. We were created to be Lords over the creation. Why did He do this? The Bible does not explain. In fact, both OT and NT seem to indicate that God does not feel compelled to answer us. Perhaps this is part of the answer. Remember who we are and remember who God is. [Admittedly not a real compelling argument for an atheist...] I was taught that life on earth was meant to "grow a soul" and become what we are meant to be. [what about dead babies, children, etc.???] The struggles are the stuff out of which God shapes us into our future self. It does not make it understandable, but it does remind us to keep pushing.
In the end, LIFE IS A MYSTERY. Even really smart people cannot figure it out. Does God owe us an apology? Not since Calvary. God embraced it all. He shared in it. This will be the theme of my Christmas homily. Whatever else an atheist, or anyone, wants to say about God, if Christianity is true (it is!!!) then God has paid the price for creation. And if God owes us an apology, my guess is we will get one some day. Perhaps the more pertinent question is, "If I exist, do I owe God an apology?" My belief is that we humans have much more to apologize for than God does. Of course, I am guilt ridden. [But maybe, we should all be guilt ridden?] And I trust that God is merciful. I cannot write anything to make Michael, or any atheist, have a conversion. I can say, I understand you pain, your struggle, your questions, brother. I do not know why I believe, except the Christian faith seems believable. I now I have lots of doubts and questions. I also know, that some day I will find out, or disappeat into earth. I am betting on Jesus!
It seems Michael's main objection to God is really centered on Divine culpabiilty for evil in the world.
First of all: The problem of evil is NOT theoretical. Sometimes Christian apologists make an error in treating it as such. For people who have experienced severe suffering or watched others suffer, the issue of evil is overpowering and wondering about responsibility is overwhelming. In the end, those shaped by the (children's version) story of the Garden of Eden have a hard time understanding how eating an apple justifies mass starvation, murder, rape, torture and all the other results. [I think Genesis is much deeper than this, but I have to admit many popular versions of Christians are not too much deeper than this.] Hence, Michael's statement (to paraphrase) that IF there is a God then God owes us an apology, must be heard, acknowledged and respectfully refuted (or sadly affirmed).
I am not foolish or arrogant enough to think I can answer this issue. However, I have wrestled with it myself, sometimes personally with the heart and other times dispassionately with the intellect. I want to share a few things which I hope are helpful (if not for an atheist, than for a struggling Believer).
1. I read this in John Chrysostom and it made sense: much of the problem of evil and suffering has to do with our own perspective. He wrote about God's Providence while slowly dying in exile for his faith. A renowned preacher and Bishop, his last days were spent shivering and sick, pondering the mystery which he was living/dying into. His point is, therefore, not simply words. It is his shared faith. We must admit that there is a subjective element to all of this. Perhaps some of our complaints against God are not legitimate. In reality, our perspective very much influences how we understand something. His point is, IF we could see things from God's perspective, some of what we call evil may be not so bad as we think. This does not answer every aspect of the question, but it is certainly true about some things.
2. The nature of a creation, if it is material, has to be recognized. Only God is perfect. Contingent beings are not God. Therefore anything created is not perfect (in the sense that God is perfect). Diversity causes some problems. I do not think we ponder enough, that the cost of a creation is the possibility that the diverse entities may cause damage to each other. A rock rolling down a hill crushes a flower. Is it the rocks fault? Should God have made a creation without rocks (or flowers)? Some might argue uncrushable flowers would be better, but would such a flower ever adorn a dinner table, hat or a lapel? Once a creature with limits is created, those limits produce the possibility for some sad thing to happen.
3. Human evil is a direct result of freedom. If we are free to love, we are also free to not-love. While some evil in the world is a result of nature being nature (a tsunami or earthquake or fire) much of the evil we see is human created. Does God owe us an apology because some people chose to use their talents to wreak havoc? Or is God supposed to intervene (miracle = breaking the laws of nature)? Should God limit freedom to prevent suffering? What then of human responsibility? Would the human person grow in an environment where God was always there to rescue us from our choices?
4. What is the purpose of life? What is the point? Maybe we are supposed to obey first and ask questions later (not something I am adept at, unfortunately!). My sense of things is God has given over to us a great deal of autonomy. We were created to be Lords over the creation. Why did He do this? The Bible does not explain. In fact, both OT and NT seem to indicate that God does not feel compelled to answer us. Perhaps this is part of the answer. Remember who we are and remember who God is. [Admittedly not a real compelling argument for an atheist...] I was taught that life on earth was meant to "grow a soul" and become what we are meant to be. [what about dead babies, children, etc.???] The struggles are the stuff out of which God shapes us into our future self. It does not make it understandable, but it does remind us to keep pushing.
In the end, LIFE IS A MYSTERY. Even really smart people cannot figure it out. Does God owe us an apology? Not since Calvary. God embraced it all. He shared in it. This will be the theme of my Christmas homily. Whatever else an atheist, or anyone, wants to say about God, if Christianity is true (it is!!!) then God has paid the price for creation. And if God owes us an apology, my guess is we will get one some day. Perhaps the more pertinent question is, "If I exist, do I owe God an apology?" My belief is that we humans have much more to apologize for than God does. Of course, I am guilt ridden. [But maybe, we should all be guilt ridden?] And I trust that God is merciful. I cannot write anything to make Michael, or any atheist, have a conversion. I can say, I understand you pain, your struggle, your questions, brother. I do not know why I believe, except the Christian faith seems believable. I now I have lots of doubts and questions. I also know, that some day I will find out, or disappeat into earth. I am betting on Jesus!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Respect and empathy
Last night our game ended with a conundrum. The umpires gathered to discuss what needed to take place. We had lost, but there was reason to believe that the run should not count and we should continue play with a tie. It was late and the next game was already behind schedule; so the parents of that team were anxious to start. One of their moms told some of our moms "just say you lost and go, so we can get started."
Our moms thought that was a very bad idea.
Perspective and personal investment shape our attitudes. I understand why someone else would say 'get it going' because they were going to be up late. I understand why we were more than willing to play longer, we wanted to win (and we were not going to be there as late as the other folks). We each had a different perspective. My son was due up next, perhaps he would have delivered and been the star. That is a motivation for me. It isn't for those other parents. So the world turns....
It is hard to really determine what is the right thing to do sometimes. If we had had the call go our way it is possible we would have taken another twenty minutes to finish our game, maybe more. There would have been many people who had to play later because their games are after ours. Some folks would say, "that's baseball," others would recall the many times we played late (or very early). Some would have no thought about how it impacted others. Some would be aware of it.
In the many conflicts in our world, within families and amongst people and nations, it is clear that our different perspectives really generate much of the problem. So do our different values and beliefs. I believe that battles are an inescapable part of life after "The Fall." Sin is real. So is evil. Even good people have evil in them.
We prefer to shout our slogans and project our feelings. Measured thinking and rational discussion, even debate, are too hard. Seeing other sides to an argument is too much work. In the end, in many cases, the discussion does not move anything along, we still disagree. Talking can not solve everything.
Easter is a reminder that Life has conquered Death. It is a timely reminder in this season of tornado tragedy. It is also a source of hope in the midst of worldwide crisis and destructive wars. Humans can not and will not solve the problems which tear us apart. We need to pray for the coming of the Lord. We need deliverance and we need salvation. We can try to be open, empathetic and respectful. We can try, but we will always fall short of perfect reconciliation. I think our efforts are worth it, but I also know there is need for Someone Else to save us. Some would say that the need itself is proof that He is: 'contingency' coupled with a deeply felt feeling that things can be different. How does this world produce such insights if this world is simply a machine?
Our moms thought that was a very bad idea.
Perspective and personal investment shape our attitudes. I understand why someone else would say 'get it going' because they were going to be up late. I understand why we were more than willing to play longer, we wanted to win (and we were not going to be there as late as the other folks). We each had a different perspective. My son was due up next, perhaps he would have delivered and been the star. That is a motivation for me. It isn't for those other parents. So the world turns....
It is hard to really determine what is the right thing to do sometimes. If we had had the call go our way it is possible we would have taken another twenty minutes to finish our game, maybe more. There would have been many people who had to play later because their games are after ours. Some folks would say, "that's baseball," others would recall the many times we played late (or very early). Some would have no thought about how it impacted others. Some would be aware of it.
In the many conflicts in our world, within families and amongst people and nations, it is clear that our different perspectives really generate much of the problem. So do our different values and beliefs. I believe that battles are an inescapable part of life after "The Fall." Sin is real. So is evil. Even good people have evil in them.
We prefer to shout our slogans and project our feelings. Measured thinking and rational discussion, even debate, are too hard. Seeing other sides to an argument is too much work. In the end, in many cases, the discussion does not move anything along, we still disagree. Talking can not solve everything.
Easter is a reminder that Life has conquered Death. It is a timely reminder in this season of tornado tragedy. It is also a source of hope in the midst of worldwide crisis and destructive wars. Humans can not and will not solve the problems which tear us apart. We need to pray for the coming of the Lord. We need deliverance and we need salvation. We can try to be open, empathetic and respectful. We can try, but we will always fall short of perfect reconciliation. I think our efforts are worth it, but I also know there is need for Someone Else to save us. Some would say that the need itself is proof that He is: 'contingency' coupled with a deeply felt feeling that things can be different. How does this world produce such insights if this world is simply a machine?
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Half Empty or Half Full
Last night I was at a reception speaking with a man who flies around the world on a regular basis. He shared his concerns about what he sees going on in England, in Asia and the ramifications it will have on our kids in the future. He said that he wasn't pessimistic, but he was a bit worried.
Any time I broach the subject of being negative it generates energy. I have been asked many times, "are you glass half empty or half full?" My answer is always the same, "Are we pouring or drinking?" Much of the view of things is dependent upon our trajectory.
Optimism is often equated with superiority. People who expect the best are some how better than others. There is no doubt that a positive attitude is vital. People need to believe something good is coming, but realistically, everything doesn't always work out. The best hitters in baseball make twice as many outs as they have hits. Every season someone celebrates a championship, but everyone else doesn't. Any time our city celebrates landing a new business coming into the area, somewhere else there are people bemoaning the lost jobs or the failure to lure the company there. Every optimist is not a winner. Any number of tragedies is the result of someone who thought everything was going to work out!
I am reading a book by a secular Jew in the math and science field. Although he is not a believer, he is writing a book about the failure of science to disprove God. [That's right an agnostic ally to faith!] He is pretty strong in his critique of the claims of the new Atheists. In one chapter, he addresses the claim that religion makes people feel guilty for no good reason. In response to the claim that modern, post-religious man is more ethical and civilized, he creates a list of all the casualties of wars in the last one hundred plus years. For almost three pages he identifies each conflict and the numbers who died. The list is mind numbing.
Now the fact that we have seen so many bad things happen in the past does not mean that anything bad will happen in the future. The optimists are free to tell us that everything will be "fine, great, wonderful!" On the other hand, just because bad things happened in the past does not mean that today everything will collapse, but the pessimists are still free to bewail their concerns. I prefer to say that we are fools to be optimistic that everything will be fine and we are self-destructive if we only focus on the negative. Realists know there are real dangers in the world. Realists know that we dodge many bullets, but eventually someone gets hit. Statistically, things do not always work out for everyone. Realists know that death is real.
Christian realists interpret this situation through the lense of hope and faith. Faithful people suffered and died in the great wars and in the minor wars (you know, the obscure ones where only 25,000 died). Faithful people cried out to God for deliverance from their enemies, even as they were crushed and destroyed. Faithful people have sat in the darkness and waited for the light which never seemed to come. In this world, there is still darkness, as John reminds us in his gospel, but the darkness has not overcome the Light. There is resurrection and their is hope beyond this life.
So all those threats: economic collapse, natural disasters, riots, wars, disease are not only possible but likely to occur somewhere and affect someone. They might take us, but our hope is not just to escape from life's difficulties, it is deliverance to a new life. Resurrection. God's promise is a new creation. Anytime we escape evil here, whether optimist or pessimist, we are only tasting a preview of the final deliverance. I am worried about the current trends in our world. I know things can get very bad very quickly (9-11 and New Orleans are but two examples). I also know I am greatful for the good that is. Most of all, though, I am hoping and praying for God's deliverance and protection: for His light in a world where there is much darkness. I am hoping and praying for resurrection!
Any time I broach the subject of being negative it generates energy. I have been asked many times, "are you glass half empty or half full?" My answer is always the same, "Are we pouring or drinking?" Much of the view of things is dependent upon our trajectory.
Optimism is often equated with superiority. People who expect the best are some how better than others. There is no doubt that a positive attitude is vital. People need to believe something good is coming, but realistically, everything doesn't always work out. The best hitters in baseball make twice as many outs as they have hits. Every season someone celebrates a championship, but everyone else doesn't. Any time our city celebrates landing a new business coming into the area, somewhere else there are people bemoaning the lost jobs or the failure to lure the company there. Every optimist is not a winner. Any number of tragedies is the result of someone who thought everything was going to work out!
I am reading a book by a secular Jew in the math and science field. Although he is not a believer, he is writing a book about the failure of science to disprove God. [That's right an agnostic ally to faith!] He is pretty strong in his critique of the claims of the new Atheists. In one chapter, he addresses the claim that religion makes people feel guilty for no good reason. In response to the claim that modern, post-religious man is more ethical and civilized, he creates a list of all the casualties of wars in the last one hundred plus years. For almost three pages he identifies each conflict and the numbers who died. The list is mind numbing.
Now the fact that we have seen so many bad things happen in the past does not mean that anything bad will happen in the future. The optimists are free to tell us that everything will be "fine, great, wonderful!" On the other hand, just because bad things happened in the past does not mean that today everything will collapse, but the pessimists are still free to bewail their concerns. I prefer to say that we are fools to be optimistic that everything will be fine and we are self-destructive if we only focus on the negative. Realists know there are real dangers in the world. Realists know that we dodge many bullets, but eventually someone gets hit. Statistically, things do not always work out for everyone. Realists know that death is real.
Christian realists interpret this situation through the lense of hope and faith. Faithful people suffered and died in the great wars and in the minor wars (you know, the obscure ones where only 25,000 died). Faithful people cried out to God for deliverance from their enemies, even as they were crushed and destroyed. Faithful people have sat in the darkness and waited for the light which never seemed to come. In this world, there is still darkness, as John reminds us in his gospel, but the darkness has not overcome the Light. There is resurrection and their is hope beyond this life.
So all those threats: economic collapse, natural disasters, riots, wars, disease are not only possible but likely to occur somewhere and affect someone. They might take us, but our hope is not just to escape from life's difficulties, it is deliverance to a new life. Resurrection. God's promise is a new creation. Anytime we escape evil here, whether optimist or pessimist, we are only tasting a preview of the final deliverance. I am worried about the current trends in our world. I know things can get very bad very quickly (9-11 and New Orleans are but two examples). I also know I am greatful for the good that is. Most of all, though, I am hoping and praying for God's deliverance and protection: for His light in a world where there is much darkness. I am hoping and praying for resurrection!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Why? (2)
"Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come before you; hide not your face from me in the day of trouble." Psalm 102:1
The rest of the psalm consists of a pretty serious litany of "bad stuff." A few of the phrases: "a heart smitten and withered," "lie awake and groan," "reviled all day long," "my days pass away like a shadow." It is raw, it is unabashedly human and it resonates with real life. It is not what one would expect from a Holy Book. There is not much spin at all. Life can be torturously difficult, yet, like the psalmist we can look past our pain and say "But you, O Lord, endure for ever and your name from age to age." That, my friends, is what is called perspective. Seeing things in their proper context. And it is not a simplistic theology which ignores the reality of evil.
One of the most stunning characteristics of the Old Testament is the brutal honesty of the writing. The Jews write their "history" and with few exceptions paint a picture of a people unfaithful and undeserving. It is so different from the sort of happy-clappy propaganda we are used to. The Jews have canonized these texts, claiming that God speaks through these words. Christians have followed this lead and our canon includes similar honesty in the New Testament.
The central story of Christianity is the cross of Christ. When I was a Roman Catholic priest I used to ask parishioners, "How can you go to a church where there is a giant statue of a man on a cross and not figure out that suffering is part of the deal?" One of my complaints in the Episcopal (one of many!) is that we do not have the crucifix. The (weak) response is we live in a resurrection church. Theologically that is true. But existentially the cross is still as real now as it was in 33AD. I do way too much counseling and far too many funerals to ever believe that the days of the cross are long gone. I see it every day and hear the groans of the crucified...
The cross is the story of love in spite of rejection. The cross is the story of self gift and perfect offering/sacrifice. The cross is the story of God "turning away His face." It is abandonment into darkness and gloom. It is pain and horror and tragedy. Without the cross our suffering seems meaningless. Yet, if God has embraced such senseless brutality and taken it into Himself, then perhaps there is hope that our own suffering can have a deeper meaning and value. Even senseless and brutal suffering can make sense. God speaks His word on the cross. But it is not His last word. There is also Easter Sunday. There is also redemption, renewal, new life, the Promise fulfilled.
I am always struck by that detail in the resurrection accounts where Jesus says, "look at my hands and my feet and my side." It is amazing that in His glorified state He takes those wounds with Him. Nothing of His passion is left behind. Amazing.
Some years ago I stood before a freshly dug grave to bury a loved one. I shared then what I believe. "Some people ask 'why me?' My only thought is 'why not?'" The bible teaches, over and again, that God is far away sometimes. It makes it clear that those who love God can still suffer greatly. It makes clear that doubt, fear, struggle, failure are all a fundamental part of the great story of our shared journey in faith. I repeat what I shared yesterday, our task is to love and worship and obey God. Whether things go well or not, our task remains the same. Thanks for sharing in the journey with me.
[I am going with our youth group for a few days. Please pray for us. I will blog again next Week.]
The rest of the psalm consists of a pretty serious litany of "bad stuff." A few of the phrases: "a heart smitten and withered," "lie awake and groan," "reviled all day long," "my days pass away like a shadow." It is raw, it is unabashedly human and it resonates with real life. It is not what one would expect from a Holy Book. There is not much spin at all. Life can be torturously difficult, yet, like the psalmist we can look past our pain and say "But you, O Lord, endure for ever and your name from age to age." That, my friends, is what is called perspective. Seeing things in their proper context. And it is not a simplistic theology which ignores the reality of evil.
One of the most stunning characteristics of the Old Testament is the brutal honesty of the writing. The Jews write their "history" and with few exceptions paint a picture of a people unfaithful and undeserving. It is so different from the sort of happy-clappy propaganda we are used to. The Jews have canonized these texts, claiming that God speaks through these words. Christians have followed this lead and our canon includes similar honesty in the New Testament.
The central story of Christianity is the cross of Christ. When I was a Roman Catholic priest I used to ask parishioners, "How can you go to a church where there is a giant statue of a man on a cross and not figure out that suffering is part of the deal?" One of my complaints in the Episcopal (one of many!) is that we do not have the crucifix. The (weak) response is we live in a resurrection church. Theologically that is true. But existentially the cross is still as real now as it was in 33AD. I do way too much counseling and far too many funerals to ever believe that the days of the cross are long gone. I see it every day and hear the groans of the crucified...
The cross is the story of love in spite of rejection. The cross is the story of self gift and perfect offering/sacrifice. The cross is the story of God "turning away His face." It is abandonment into darkness and gloom. It is pain and horror and tragedy. Without the cross our suffering seems meaningless. Yet, if God has embraced such senseless brutality and taken it into Himself, then perhaps there is hope that our own suffering can have a deeper meaning and value. Even senseless and brutal suffering can make sense. God speaks His word on the cross. But it is not His last word. There is also Easter Sunday. There is also redemption, renewal, new life, the Promise fulfilled.
I am always struck by that detail in the resurrection accounts where Jesus says, "look at my hands and my feet and my side." It is amazing that in His glorified state He takes those wounds with Him. Nothing of His passion is left behind. Amazing.
Some years ago I stood before a freshly dug grave to bury a loved one. I shared then what I believe. "Some people ask 'why me?' My only thought is 'why not?'" The bible teaches, over and again, that God is far away sometimes. It makes it clear that those who love God can still suffer greatly. It makes clear that doubt, fear, struggle, failure are all a fundamental part of the great story of our shared journey in faith. I repeat what I shared yesterday, our task is to love and worship and obey God. Whether things go well or not, our task remains the same. Thanks for sharing in the journey with me.
[I am going with our youth group for a few days. Please pray for us. I will blog again next Week.]
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Frustration in Prayer
I think we have made the case for a "sacramental" world the last few posts. One where actions that can be seen (like a kiss) convey deeper meaning (like love). If God is also at work "in and through" the world, then His activity will not be obvious. His activity will be open to interpetation. It will take faith to find Him there at all.
I plan to continue to write about sacraments later. However today I want to share some personal things about prayer. As I think I have written before, I have spent a great deal of time praying in my life. As a young man I thought that when I was older I would be close to God and really experience remarkable things. The truth is my prayer is very mundane and often not too exciting. I sometimes feel like it is a struggle. I thought I would have some level of intimate contact which, as of today, does not seem to have happened.
The last week reflecting upon the sacramental world has helped me understand this better. I think that the sacrament is also a barrier. It draws us in yet keeps us away. There are times of close connection when I have heard people say "I could just eat you up." Usually it is affection, sometimes for a small child, which is the motivation for saying this. I believe the language image reveals the hunger we have for connection. It also shows the frustration of not being closer. The desire to "be one with" is very real. Most of us, by middle age, are worn down by the frustration. The disappointment of unfulfilled love makes us less enthusiastic.
Commitment to prayer is like that. I remember long ago being told that our prayer life really creates more frustrtation. We increase our hunger for God without fulfilling it. There is reason to believe that once we pass over into His presence then all the empty places will be filled. So frustration now is good. It is a hollowing out and a preparing for consummation. Sacraments mediate God's presence (be it a flower, or wind, or a church event), but some day our contact will be immediate. We will see through to the face of God. In the meantime, we livef faithfully and try to see as best we can.
I plan to continue to write about sacraments later. However today I want to share some personal things about prayer. As I think I have written before, I have spent a great deal of time praying in my life. As a young man I thought that when I was older I would be close to God and really experience remarkable things. The truth is my prayer is very mundane and often not too exciting. I sometimes feel like it is a struggle. I thought I would have some level of intimate contact which, as of today, does not seem to have happened.
The last week reflecting upon the sacramental world has helped me understand this better. I think that the sacrament is also a barrier. It draws us in yet keeps us away. There are times of close connection when I have heard people say "I could just eat you up." Usually it is affection, sometimes for a small child, which is the motivation for saying this. I believe the language image reveals the hunger we have for connection. It also shows the frustration of not being closer. The desire to "be one with" is very real. Most of us, by middle age, are worn down by the frustration. The disappointment of unfulfilled love makes us less enthusiastic.
Commitment to prayer is like that. I remember long ago being told that our prayer life really creates more frustrtation. We increase our hunger for God without fulfilling it. There is reason to believe that once we pass over into His presence then all the empty places will be filled. So frustration now is good. It is a hollowing out and a preparing for consummation. Sacraments mediate God's presence (be it a flower, or wind, or a church event), but some day our contact will be immediate. We will see through to the face of God. In the meantime, we livef faithfully and try to see as best we can.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Finding God in the world 3
Continuing discussion of sacramental worldview.
A sacramental worldview recognizes a hidden 'depth' in reality. Most people are able to do this on a regular basis without trying. For example, a young married couple has been separated for some months. He has served in Afghanistan. They see each other in the airport when he has returned from his tour of duty. As she sees him her eyes fill with tears. Each tear is a natural sacrament. They are objects (basically salt water) which trickle down her cheeks. But for any observer with any sense they are more than salt water droplets. They are a sign of relief, of joy, of pent up loss and fear. Those tears communicates something. It lets us know, without words. Of course, words may be needed. Perhaps she is crying because she hoped he would never return. Maybe she is sad about that. In the real world sometimes sacraments (visible reality conveying invisible meaning) are ambiguous. However, in our illustration this couple is in love and she is crying tears of joy. Her tears are effective signs. Seeing her cry has a deep impact on him. He feels an even deeper surge of emotion. He is more powerfully drawn to her. They wrap arms around each other and kiss. The hug and the kiss are two more sacramental acts. Each one conveys an invisible reality, namely love. The hug and the kiss are love incarnate. They are love manifest. The feelings inside each of their "hearts" is expressed in these acts. No one can see 'love' but one can see acts which express love. Once again, many people hug and kiss (and do other things) which look like love but are in fact not love. The ambiguity is what makes trust necessary.
Let's say we have been hurt in relationships. We do not trust others. Then the tears, the hugs and the kisses may mean nothing to us, even though the one crying, hugging and kissing is pouring himself (or herself) out in each act. Get it? Our faith, our trust is what allows us to experience, in and through a kiss or hug, the warmth and love and commitment. That is the way the world works. With a skeptical mind and a closed heart we are never able to experience what is hidden in the world around us.
Certainly many people are disingenuous and their sacramental acts are in fact a sham. No doubt. Therein lies the dilemma. What is worse? Is it worse to trust and be made a fool, or to not trust and never be open to experience the love someone else has for us? Eyes cannot see what they refuse to believe is there. Our world is full of signs and events which convey something deeper. Just reflect on the world you live in. Think about how often you do things which convey meaning. Things which impact others when they are open to receive the hidden message. Do not even worry about God yet. We will deal with God later. Let's just reflect on the world right now.
A sacramental worldview recognizes a hidden 'depth' in reality. Most people are able to do this on a regular basis without trying. For example, a young married couple has been separated for some months. He has served in Afghanistan. They see each other in the airport when he has returned from his tour of duty. As she sees him her eyes fill with tears. Each tear is a natural sacrament. They are objects (basically salt water) which trickle down her cheeks. But for any observer with any sense they are more than salt water droplets. They are a sign of relief, of joy, of pent up loss and fear. Those tears communicates something. It lets us know, without words. Of course, words may be needed. Perhaps she is crying because she hoped he would never return. Maybe she is sad about that. In the real world sometimes sacraments (visible reality conveying invisible meaning) are ambiguous. However, in our illustration this couple is in love and she is crying tears of joy. Her tears are effective signs. Seeing her cry has a deep impact on him. He feels an even deeper surge of emotion. He is more powerfully drawn to her. They wrap arms around each other and kiss. The hug and the kiss are two more sacramental acts. Each one conveys an invisible reality, namely love. The hug and the kiss are love incarnate. They are love manifest. The feelings inside each of their "hearts" is expressed in these acts. No one can see 'love' but one can see acts which express love. Once again, many people hug and kiss (and do other things) which look like love but are in fact not love. The ambiguity is what makes trust necessary.
Let's say we have been hurt in relationships. We do not trust others. Then the tears, the hugs and the kisses may mean nothing to us, even though the one crying, hugging and kissing is pouring himself (or herself) out in each act. Get it? Our faith, our trust is what allows us to experience, in and through a kiss or hug, the warmth and love and commitment. That is the way the world works. With a skeptical mind and a closed heart we are never able to experience what is hidden in the world around us.
Certainly many people are disingenuous and their sacramental acts are in fact a sham. No doubt. Therein lies the dilemma. What is worse? Is it worse to trust and be made a fool, or to not trust and never be open to experience the love someone else has for us? Eyes cannot see what they refuse to believe is there. Our world is full of signs and events which convey something deeper. Just reflect on the world you live in. Think about how often you do things which convey meaning. Things which impact others when they are open to receive the hidden message. Do not even worry about God yet. We will deal with God later. Let's just reflect on the world right now.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Finding God in the world 2
premise: the world is a sacrament. A sacrament is a visible reality IN and THROUGH which we see the spiritual. Literalism cannot easily fathom sacraments because they include mystery, symbolism, myth and metaphor.
Science tells us that there is more to the world than meets the eye. Physics and biology show us that there are micro-worlds. Cosmology reminds us that we are a small dot in an unimaginably large place. I think that there is also spiritual dimensions to our daily lives. Why not? A composite of molecules plays piano, does book-keeping or pitches a baseball. Is it so crazy to think that composite of oxygen, hydrogen, etc. is also able to think, to dream, to choose, to pray?
So how does God (pure spirit) interact with people (matter and spirit)? First of all, there must be something about concrete, material reality which allows it to interact with spiritual reality. Human beings are biological machines. Brains function. Yet there is ample evidence that minds exist as well. How can a spiritual thing like a mind work in and through a physical organ like a brain? Well, it is a mystery. A literalist mindset, such as Naturalism (also called Positivism, Scientism, or Materialism; this is the atheist explanation), thinks that everything that cannot be explained without mystery is hogwash. They lived in a closed world of pure material explanations.
But what if what is true of humans (body and soul) is true of the world? What if the material universe is also open to spiritual influence? It would not be something that could be seen or measured. Weighing dying bodies to see how much the soul weighs misses the point that souls are immaterial. Spiritual things cannot be seen or weighed because they are immaterial. But what if there were a way for a spiritual force to effect the material realm. As a proponent and practioner of prayer I obviously believe it does. As a proponent and practioner of the healing ministry I have seen what looks like numerous examples of this force at work. As a counselor and care giver I have seen what looks like dark forces at work.
Now if the world is the kind of place where "spiritual things" can be at work in "material things" then the way God is present in the world can truly be said to be "in and through." Manifestations of God in the bible are frequently described as fire, (dark) cloud, loud trumpets and, of course, Elijah's still quiet. Are these descriptions meant to point to an inexpressable experience? Is God fire? or mist? Why does God use fire to manifest His presence? Is that what happens when God intensifies His presence among us? Or is it a useful way to let us see something (rather than nothing)? Fire purifies, it destroys. Dark clouds befuddle. There is a deeper mystery at work and we are called to reflect on what these experiences are conveying to us. But, clearly, if the INVISIBLE God wants to be manifest, it is IN and THROUGH the visible. And when we talk about God doing something, the best we can say is "it is LIKE this" or "it is LIKE that." So the way God works in the world is based on the kind of world that is. With that in mind, then when we look for God, it is best to see the world as a window (a stained glass window!!!) and be open to Him Who stands behind (and above, and below) all that we see. I will get a bit more churchy next time as we investigate a sacramental world view.
Science tells us that there is more to the world than meets the eye. Physics and biology show us that there are micro-worlds. Cosmology reminds us that we are a small dot in an unimaginably large place. I think that there is also spiritual dimensions to our daily lives. Why not? A composite of molecules plays piano, does book-keeping or pitches a baseball. Is it so crazy to think that composite of oxygen, hydrogen, etc. is also able to think, to dream, to choose, to pray?
So how does God (pure spirit) interact with people (matter and spirit)? First of all, there must be something about concrete, material reality which allows it to interact with spiritual reality. Human beings are biological machines. Brains function. Yet there is ample evidence that minds exist as well. How can a spiritual thing like a mind work in and through a physical organ like a brain? Well, it is a mystery. A literalist mindset, such as Naturalism (also called Positivism, Scientism, or Materialism; this is the atheist explanation), thinks that everything that cannot be explained without mystery is hogwash. They lived in a closed world of pure material explanations.
But what if what is true of humans (body and soul) is true of the world? What if the material universe is also open to spiritual influence? It would not be something that could be seen or measured. Weighing dying bodies to see how much the soul weighs misses the point that souls are immaterial. Spiritual things cannot be seen or weighed because they are immaterial. But what if there were a way for a spiritual force to effect the material realm. As a proponent and practioner of prayer I obviously believe it does. As a proponent and practioner of the healing ministry I have seen what looks like numerous examples of this force at work. As a counselor and care giver I have seen what looks like dark forces at work.
Now if the world is the kind of place where "spiritual things" can be at work in "material things" then the way God is present in the world can truly be said to be "in and through." Manifestations of God in the bible are frequently described as fire, (dark) cloud, loud trumpets and, of course, Elijah's still quiet. Are these descriptions meant to point to an inexpressable experience? Is God fire? or mist? Why does God use fire to manifest His presence? Is that what happens when God intensifies His presence among us? Or is it a useful way to let us see something (rather than nothing)? Fire purifies, it destroys. Dark clouds befuddle. There is a deeper mystery at work and we are called to reflect on what these experiences are conveying to us. But, clearly, if the INVISIBLE God wants to be manifest, it is IN and THROUGH the visible. And when we talk about God doing something, the best we can say is "it is LIKE this" or "it is LIKE that." So the way God works in the world is based on the kind of world that is. With that in mind, then when we look for God, it is best to see the world as a window (a stained glass window!!!) and be open to Him Who stands behind (and above, and below) all that we see. I will get a bit more churchy next time as we investigate a sacramental world view.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Finding God in the world
So we live in a world where God is active, yet so much seems to happen based on human choice, the 'haphazard' unfolding of the laws of nature and what looks like blind luck. We hear people talk about 'God doing this' or 'God doing that' but much of the time it is not easy to make sense of any of it. So what is going on?
What is the world? I think it is a material, concrete physical construction. I also believe that "behind" the visible world there is a spiritual world. The spiritual world can only be known through analogy. This is vital. Analogies are "like" statements. They are "sort of the same but different." Analogies are needed when what we want to say is bigger or more complex or beyond our ability to communicate. Literalists have a hard time living in the world of metaphor, symbol, myth and analogy. Without trying to sound mean, I think, at times, the real world is too deep and complex for the literalist.
Much unbelief comes from the refusal to be humble and acknowledge that reality is beyond our grasp to describe. People disappointed in "God theory" think they must become agnostic or atheist. People frustrated with church and preachers (with good reason; I am sure I drive lots of people away) walk away from belief. So much of this is due to bad theories. Our theory of the world, our "world view" dictates all sorts of things. Our assumptions produce beliefs. So I want to say that our starting place, "what is the world?" is also crucial. I want to offer a world view and return tomorrow and flesh it out.
The world is a sacrament. A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an invisible spiritual reality. "In-and- through" signs God is working to rescue and heal a lost and broken world. Let me illustrate with a brief parable: I am sitting in an airport, feeling disconnected and alone. I am carrying the weight of my various doubts, fears, frustrations, worries, and anger. I am out of sorts. Suddenly, I see a grandma running to take her two grand children in her arms. There is laughter and excitement. It brings tears to my eyes. Why? Because for that moment I am torn out of my mental cycle of despair and "in and through" those dancing strangers I see a reason for joy and hope. This encounter symbolizes for me the depth of love and grace in the world. I connect them to my own experiences and my own desires.
So do I need God to give me a fireworks show with miracles to see God? Nope. God is alrady manifest, I just need to be able to discern Him present. I need eyes to see. I need ears to hear. I need a heart to discern. I need the courage to trust that those people are a window to the truth of the universe. What matters is self gift and love. The whole world is a sacrament. "In and through" we can encounter God.
Much more to come. Today, try to look through the world to see what treasure lurks behind the curtain of the physical!
What is the world? I think it is a material, concrete physical construction. I also believe that "behind" the visible world there is a spiritual world. The spiritual world can only be known through analogy. This is vital. Analogies are "like" statements. They are "sort of the same but different." Analogies are needed when what we want to say is bigger or more complex or beyond our ability to communicate. Literalists have a hard time living in the world of metaphor, symbol, myth and analogy. Without trying to sound mean, I think, at times, the real world is too deep and complex for the literalist.
Much unbelief comes from the refusal to be humble and acknowledge that reality is beyond our grasp to describe. People disappointed in "God theory" think they must become agnostic or atheist. People frustrated with church and preachers (with good reason; I am sure I drive lots of people away) walk away from belief. So much of this is due to bad theories. Our theory of the world, our "world view" dictates all sorts of things. Our assumptions produce beliefs. So I want to say that our starting place, "what is the world?" is also crucial. I want to offer a world view and return tomorrow and flesh it out.
The world is a sacrament. A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an invisible spiritual reality. "In-and- through" signs God is working to rescue and heal a lost and broken world. Let me illustrate with a brief parable: I am sitting in an airport, feeling disconnected and alone. I am carrying the weight of my various doubts, fears, frustrations, worries, and anger. I am out of sorts. Suddenly, I see a grandma running to take her two grand children in her arms. There is laughter and excitement. It brings tears to my eyes. Why? Because for that moment I am torn out of my mental cycle of despair and "in and through" those dancing strangers I see a reason for joy and hope. This encounter symbolizes for me the depth of love and grace in the world. I connect them to my own experiences and my own desires.
So do I need God to give me a fireworks show with miracles to see God? Nope. God is alrady manifest, I just need to be able to discern Him present. I need eyes to see. I need ears to hear. I need a heart to discern. I need the courage to trust that those people are a window to the truth of the universe. What matters is self gift and love. The whole world is a sacrament. "In and through" we can encounter God.
Much more to come. Today, try to look through the world to see what treasure lurks behind the curtain of the physical!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Co-creator 2
Yesterday I offered that we are in a world with rules. In general God operates within those rules. By His own free choice He has constrained Himself. His activities can be seen as interventions.
So if a small child wanders into the street and a driver does not react in time because of the rules of physics and biology the small child may be killed. In terms of physics this is nothing spectacular. In terms of a parent it is a catastrophe. Human reactions indicate the there is something "wrong" with babies being killed like that. Our reactions (emotional and intellectual) do not make sense in a purely biological sense. If it is only about reproduction of our species then this is no tragedy. Our world population is growing steadily. So the spiritual component, the level of relational love and meaning come into play. This is, I think, one of the fingerprints of God. There is a deep longing in each of us for a world where physical laws are transcended. A world where no one will ever have to mourn the loss of a child. (and for that matter, a world where all children are loved and cared for).
At some level the world seems to be ruled by chaos. Jesus refers to that as "the Ruler of this world" and He is refering to satan. Our earth is not always a friendly place. Jesus did battle with this world.
My belief is that the world can be seen as chaotic and "lost". It is a chaos of our own choosing. We push God away (actively and passively) and the world is left to operate under its rules. Then human choices (we are co-creators) begin to impact the environment. Kings declare war and soldiers destroy and kill. Human remember harm done and seek vengeance. Life becomes a living hell where human compassion is crushed and smothered. In the midst of it we demand God to save us. We blame God. The same God whom we expelled with our desire to do it our way.
Yet in the midst of the chaos there is a number of joys in the occassional oasis: time in prayer, time with family or friends, time at a lake or the beach watching natural beauty. It stirs in us. The hunger and desire. "I want more of this" is a reminder that we are not creators on our own. We are not all there is to the mystery. There is something else (Some ONE else). Tomorrow I want to begin writng about reaching Him.
So if a small child wanders into the street and a driver does not react in time because of the rules of physics and biology the small child may be killed. In terms of physics this is nothing spectacular. In terms of a parent it is a catastrophe. Human reactions indicate the there is something "wrong" with babies being killed like that. Our reactions (emotional and intellectual) do not make sense in a purely biological sense. If it is only about reproduction of our species then this is no tragedy. Our world population is growing steadily. So the spiritual component, the level of relational love and meaning come into play. This is, I think, one of the fingerprints of God. There is a deep longing in each of us for a world where physical laws are transcended. A world where no one will ever have to mourn the loss of a child. (and for that matter, a world where all children are loved and cared for).
At some level the world seems to be ruled by chaos. Jesus refers to that as "the Ruler of this world" and He is refering to satan. Our earth is not always a friendly place. Jesus did battle with this world.
My belief is that the world can be seen as chaotic and "lost". It is a chaos of our own choosing. We push God away (actively and passively) and the world is left to operate under its rules. Then human choices (we are co-creators) begin to impact the environment. Kings declare war and soldiers destroy and kill. Human remember harm done and seek vengeance. Life becomes a living hell where human compassion is crushed and smothered. In the midst of it we demand God to save us. We blame God. The same God whom we expelled with our desire to do it our way.
Yet in the midst of the chaos there is a number of joys in the occassional oasis: time in prayer, time with family or friends, time at a lake or the beach watching natural beauty. It stirs in us. The hunger and desire. "I want more of this" is a reminder that we are not creators on our own. We are not all there is to the mystery. There is something else (Some ONE else). Tomorrow I want to begin writng about reaching Him.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
What kind of God 6
So how can "God be in control" and "human freedom" exist at the same time? Is God pulling the strings in brutal massacres, senseless torture, dehumanizing pornography, etc.?
Well, let's take a look at the world.
"A man is going to the store. In the parking lot he is shot by a robber. He dies."
Why did the man die? Because of physics. A gun operates because of these laws.
Why did the man die? Because he wanted a gallon of milk and went to the store.
Why did the man die? Because a young boy raised in a chaotic home and violent neighborhood had no respect for life.
Why did the man die? Because guns and bullets are manufactured and are available to young men like this.
Why did the man die? Because the bullet entered his heart and did catastrophic injury.
You get the point, there are dozens of "reasons" or "causes" and just because one is true does not mean that the others are not true. So what is the point?
God acts at a level beyond our understanding. To say, "God decided to take the man home" may not be a helpful way of wording it (unless one is also willling to say "God decided to motivate a thug to shoot someone today.") It is enough to say that God is at work at a macro-level (and a micro-level) beyond our current assessment capabilities.
In a sense this does not answer anything, but it does broaden the discussion. The world is one mystery wrapped up in another. We are deluded into thinking that we understand more than we do. We need to be humble. It is Sunday, go to church! Worship.
Well, let's take a look at the world.
- Atoms. The world of atoms and sub-atomic particles is incredible. Theories about the world at the sub-atomic level are mind-blowing. The world is made up of these incredibly small bits of energy. The atoms and molecules also make people. We are, therefore, subject to the laws of physics. But all the laws of physics do not fully explain us. There is more than atoms to a human.
- Cells. These little packages funciton and live in a real sense. Cellular biology constantly uncovers new and amazing insights into the remarkable nature of cells.What mechanism governs this process? It is not conscious. We are made of cells (doing their thing) but we are more than a collection of cells.
- Organs. A huge collection of cells produces a functioning organ. Liver, brain, heart.... Each one interacts and depends on the other. Yet there is no conscious choice made about that function in 99% of the cases. We live because these organs function and the organs function as long as we live. But we are more than a bunch of interconnected organs.
- Body and soul. At this level we suddenly have rational function and choice. A heart does not decide to beat, there are physical, chemical, mechanical-organic laws at work which explain all that. But it is possible to do something intentionally to make a heart beat faster, or slower, or to stop. Somehow freedom enters into the equation. There is a sense where the body which I can never fully control, can be controlled. There is mechanical necessity and spiritual freedom. This is the mystery of human being.
- Community. Humans are impacted by their relationships. We all know that in different settings we act differently and have a different sense of self. Social sciences reveal that people are maleable and will do things that they would not ordinarilly do in a group (peer pressure). So our freedom is impacted by physical and social pressures.
- Divine. As we go from one level to another we see that the word "cause" has different levels of meaning. In explaining human life physics, chemistry, biology all play a part. So does personal choice and interpersonal relationships. We do not think that humans are explainable simply by looking at bonds of oxygen and hydrogen. Nor is cellular reproduction the total explanation.
"A man is going to the store. In the parking lot he is shot by a robber. He dies."
Why did the man die? Because of physics. A gun operates because of these laws.
Why did the man die? Because he wanted a gallon of milk and went to the store.
Why did the man die? Because a young boy raised in a chaotic home and violent neighborhood had no respect for life.
Why did the man die? Because guns and bullets are manufactured and are available to young men like this.
Why did the man die? Because the bullet entered his heart and did catastrophic injury.
You get the point, there are dozens of "reasons" or "causes" and just because one is true does not mean that the others are not true. So what is the point?
God acts at a level beyond our understanding. To say, "God decided to take the man home" may not be a helpful way of wording it (unless one is also willling to say "God decided to motivate a thug to shoot someone today.") It is enough to say that God is at work at a macro-level (and a micro-level) beyond our current assessment capabilities.
In a sense this does not answer anything, but it does broaden the discussion. The world is one mystery wrapped up in another. We are deluded into thinking that we understand more than we do. We need to be humble. It is Sunday, go to church! Worship.
Friday, November 12, 2010
What kind of God 5
Is God in control?
Depends on what you mean by control.
One of my assumptions is that the way we talk reveals what we really believe. I shared some time ago that atheists frequently talk about evolutionary processes in terms that imply intentionality. It shows that at our core we do not think this whole big world is simply a chaotic accident. Likewise, when some well-meaning Christian lays down arguments that 'God controls everything' the act of doing that proves that they do not believe what they are saying. Here is why. If God controls everything then arguments are useless. You cannot change someone's mind by making a good point because there is no choosing. We are just puppets. The fact that we employ rational debate and argument shows that there is human choice. It implies that we can choose one thing or another.
So what about God being all powerful? Can't God do anything He wants? This is probably one of our great misunderstandings. We want to respect God (He is awesome and perfect) and it sounds bad to say God has limits. But God does have limits. Once God decided to create a specific kind of universe He imposed limits on Himself. He could have made a universe where babies were delivered by storks. He didn't. He created this world where babies come about in a different way. He could have created a world where a full human life span was two days (like some bugs). He didn't. He created this one. He could have created a hundred different worlds. Maybe He has. But we live in this one.
In this one there is cause and effect. In this one there are rules over matter. In this one human choices can create beauty, joy, disaster and misery.
Why does God let bad things happen? Because He has chosen to create a world where we all share in the creation process. Every detail of every moment is not simply handcrafted by Him. Yes, there are times when He intervenes, when He imposes Himself in a situation. There are other times when He is not active. The bible says over and over again that He does both. His big picture goals do not necessitate micromanaging ever aspect of creation.
I do believe God is at work in the world and leading things to His goals. I also know that God can cause at a different level, a deeper more foundational level. But in saying that I am also saying that the way it is often expressed ends up sounding like there is no freedom and God controls everything on this level. (More later) I think we need to take the real world we live in real seriously. I think God does. That is why prayer is so important. Sometimes God is waiting to be invited into our lives...
Depends on what you mean by control.
One of my assumptions is that the way we talk reveals what we really believe. I shared some time ago that atheists frequently talk about evolutionary processes in terms that imply intentionality. It shows that at our core we do not think this whole big world is simply a chaotic accident. Likewise, when some well-meaning Christian lays down arguments that 'God controls everything' the act of doing that proves that they do not believe what they are saying. Here is why. If God controls everything then arguments are useless. You cannot change someone's mind by making a good point because there is no choosing. We are just puppets. The fact that we employ rational debate and argument shows that there is human choice. It implies that we can choose one thing or another.
So what about God being all powerful? Can't God do anything He wants? This is probably one of our great misunderstandings. We want to respect God (He is awesome and perfect) and it sounds bad to say God has limits. But God does have limits. Once God decided to create a specific kind of universe He imposed limits on Himself. He could have made a universe where babies were delivered by storks. He didn't. He created this world where babies come about in a different way. He could have created a world where a full human life span was two days (like some bugs). He didn't. He created this one. He could have created a hundred different worlds. Maybe He has. But we live in this one.
In this one there is cause and effect. In this one there are rules over matter. In this one human choices can create beauty, joy, disaster and misery.
Why does God let bad things happen? Because He has chosen to create a world where we all share in the creation process. Every detail of every moment is not simply handcrafted by Him. Yes, there are times when He intervenes, when He imposes Himself in a situation. There are other times when He is not active. The bible says over and over again that He does both. His big picture goals do not necessitate micromanaging ever aspect of creation.
I do believe God is at work in the world and leading things to His goals. I also know that God can cause at a different level, a deeper more foundational level. But in saying that I am also saying that the way it is often expressed ends up sounding like there is no freedom and God controls everything on this level. (More later) I think we need to take the real world we live in real seriously. I think God does. That is why prayer is so important. Sometimes God is waiting to be invited into our lives...
Thursday, November 11, 2010
What kind of God 4
Remembering the Suzan maxim (Any God small enough for me to understand is not God) we approach talking about God with humility. There are limits to language so our words always fall short. But we can say some things that are at least pointing in the right direction.
- God is the source of everything. There are many debates about how much God controls everything. Scripture does not give a clear answer to that. In some places God seems to be pulling the strings, but in other places He clearly deals with humans as independent agents. It does not seem logical to say God controls everything (Is God really the author of rape, muder, torture?). On the other hand, the idea of a Divine Plan is pretty clear. God has a desire (to save all people) and God has engaged in activities which lead Him to realize the plan. I think it is not the case that everything happens the way God wants (not if you read the prophets or see Jesus weeping over Jerusalem) but I do believe God is resourceful enough to find a way to achieve as much as possible within the limits of creation as He has made it. We can look at this tomorrow.
- God is the Judge. Too often I hear humans hold the Father up to scrutiny. People act like they are able to judge what is best and to criticize God. When there are problems in the world they blame God. My favorite is "fat and happy" Middle Class people who complain about God letting people starve. In the Scriptures God is the one who is mad about it. Basically He says, there is enough food for everyone, why do you not figure out a way to share it better? It is arrogant to judge God. It also makes no sense.
- God wants us to pray. Prayer is less about talking then it is about listening. Some people tell me that they tried prayer but nothing happened. What???? That is like going to the gymn for twenty minutes and saying, "I did not lose any weight so I quit going." God does not need a "to-do" list. Ironically we do! So listening (primary way is to read the Bible for long stretches of time) is the most important part of prayer. Prayer is not easy. It is also not optional. Giving God our time is a wonderful sacrifice of love. If you are too busy to pray then you are too busy!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
What kind of God 3
Assumptions are the foundation of all our thought. We cannot get away from assumptions. Many of our assumptions are housed in "If...then" statements. Here is a simple example:
I think that the media (especially Christian media) has equated God with the spectacular and wonderful. So we think "if God is here then I should feel goose bumps, I should see signs and wonders, I should be able to avoid the normal struggles of life." But I do not think that is in fact the case. Lots of martyrs can testify that sometimes it can get real painful. Lots of missionaries can testify that sometimes it gets real lonely and discouraging. Lots of ministers can testify sometimes it can get very frustrating and depressing. Lots of Christians can testify sometimes it gets real hard to be faithful. The struggles of life and the challenges of faith do not market well. But as someone who regularly hears from struggling people trying to be faithful, I can tell you it is a consolation for them to know that God loves us and life can still be unpleasant. How many people lose their faith because of mistaken assumptions? Many. I am here trying to support you on the journey of faith!
- If God loves me, then life should be pleasant.
I think that the media (especially Christian media) has equated God with the spectacular and wonderful. So we think "if God is here then I should feel goose bumps, I should see signs and wonders, I should be able to avoid the normal struggles of life." But I do not think that is in fact the case. Lots of martyrs can testify that sometimes it can get real painful. Lots of missionaries can testify that sometimes it gets real lonely and discouraging. Lots of ministers can testify sometimes it can get very frustrating and depressing. Lots of Christians can testify sometimes it gets real hard to be faithful. The struggles of life and the challenges of faith do not market well. But as someone who regularly hears from struggling people trying to be faithful, I can tell you it is a consolation for them to know that God loves us and life can still be unpleasant. How many people lose their faith because of mistaken assumptions? Many. I am here trying to support you on the journey of faith!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
What Kind of God 2
My last post expressed my belief that Islam and Christianity do not believe the same things about God (and in that sense do not believe in the same God). The central feature of Christian theology is the role and person of Jesus Christ. Something strange is at work in the Christian worldview. We begin with the mysterious claim that the eternal God became a human being. The Old Testament hints that such a thing is not as unthinkable as it seems.
God comes to us. He speaks a word to us. This communication is housed in human language. That means "the Eternal" is clothed in "the limited, the temporal." We call it revelation. Some things are revealed to us in creation. This "natural theology" refers to what we can discern through our intellect. This is what Paul refers to in Romans 1:19 (God can be seen through the things He made). Revelation is what God has shared with us and revealed to us, generally through some human witness (Moses, prophets, biblical authors, perfectly in Jesus). The Bible is called the Word of God. There is also a long chain of teaching and practice which conveys to us the identity and will of God. This is called Tradition. Reason and revelation (in bible and tradition) are the basis of what we believe about God.
So if there is a God why are there so many religions and so much disagreement? I think many people assume that if God exists then everyone should "see" Him and believe the "same thing." It is not clear to me that that is true. I think this is an important point to reflect on. If God wants human beings to be free then isn't it necessary that He give them space? From the beginning it seems that God was both absent and present. Read about Adam and Eve in Genesis 2&3. God showed up to walk with them in the evening when it cooled down. They make the decision to eat the fruit and hide from God. Even before the sin there was a time of absence and a distance. Even before the sin people were capable of making independent decisions. I think we need to remember that absence and distance are part of God's relationship with us. From the beginning.
God comes to us. He speaks a word to us. This communication is housed in human language. That means "the Eternal" is clothed in "the limited, the temporal." We call it revelation. Some things are revealed to us in creation. This "natural theology" refers to what we can discern through our intellect. This is what Paul refers to in Romans 1:19 (God can be seen through the things He made). Revelation is what God has shared with us and revealed to us, generally through some human witness (Moses, prophets, biblical authors, perfectly in Jesus). The Bible is called the Word of God. There is also a long chain of teaching and practice which conveys to us the identity and will of God. This is called Tradition. Reason and revelation (in bible and tradition) are the basis of what we believe about God.
So if there is a God why are there so many religions and so much disagreement? I think many people assume that if God exists then everyone should "see" Him and believe the "same thing." It is not clear to me that that is true. I think this is an important point to reflect on. If God wants human beings to be free then isn't it necessary that He give them space? From the beginning it seems that God was both absent and present. Read about Adam and Eve in Genesis 2&3. God showed up to walk with them in the evening when it cooled down. They make the decision to eat the fruit and hide from God. Even before the sin there was a time of absence and a distance. Even before the sin people were capable of making independent decisions. I think we need to remember that absence and distance are part of God's relationship with us. From the beginning.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Does God Exist 2: What Kind of God
Oct 29 in Does God Exist 1 Suzan (my sister) left a comment which nailed the central issue. I want to begin wrestling with that today!
We have looked at the thinking-feeling-willing components of saying "I believe in God." In summary, the word "believe" has different shades of meaning. Today a new direction, the word "God" also has different shades of meaning! I thought about doing some comparative religion work here, but honestly think it is beyond my reach. However, a comment about what I am doing in this blog appeared in Facebook some time ago. I so want to address that.
"All Christians and Muslims are on the same path as I see it" was the comment. My response: It is probably true that is the way he sees it. However, it is probably not the way most people see it, especially people who know much about Islam and Christianity. Perhaps it is snarky to suggest that the commenter move to Muslim countries and spend a few years trying to preach that message at the local mosques. My guess is he would quickly learn that there are many Muslims who strongly (even violently) reject such beliefs.
In fairness, the word 'path' can simply meaning "seeking God" and in that case I do think it is true. I think it is fair to consider Christianity a world religion. (I know some Christians do not) It is certainly helpful to discuss Christianity in terms which could similarly be addressed to Muslims (revelation, worship, ethics, etc.). But where the commenter is totally wrong is Christianity is on the path named Jesus. Jesus said, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except by Me." Islam condemns the Chrisian belief in the Trinity as polytheism. Calling Jesus divine is blasphemous to them. What we say about God is not the same and there is a sense in which we worship different Gods. With the reminder from Suzan, that "any God small enough for me to understand is not big enough to be God", we will look at some pointers to what kind of God Christians believe in. Fortunately, we are not alone in this quest. Others go before us marked with the sign of faith!
We have looked at the thinking-feeling-willing components of saying "I believe in God." In summary, the word "believe" has different shades of meaning. Today a new direction, the word "God" also has different shades of meaning! I thought about doing some comparative religion work here, but honestly think it is beyond my reach. However, a comment about what I am doing in this blog appeared in Facebook some time ago. I so want to address that.
"All Christians and Muslims are on the same path as I see it" was the comment. My response: It is probably true that is the way he sees it. However, it is probably not the way most people see it, especially people who know much about Islam and Christianity. Perhaps it is snarky to suggest that the commenter move to Muslim countries and spend a few years trying to preach that message at the local mosques. My guess is he would quickly learn that there are many Muslims who strongly (even violently) reject such beliefs.
In fairness, the word 'path' can simply meaning "seeking God" and in that case I do think it is true. I think it is fair to consider Christianity a world religion. (I know some Christians do not) It is certainly helpful to discuss Christianity in terms which could similarly be addressed to Muslims (revelation, worship, ethics, etc.). But where the commenter is totally wrong is Christianity is on the path named Jesus. Jesus said, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except by Me." Islam condemns the Chrisian belief in the Trinity as polytheism. Calling Jesus divine is blasphemous to them. What we say about God is not the same and there is a sense in which we worship different Gods. With the reminder from Suzan, that "any God small enough for me to understand is not big enough to be God", we will look at some pointers to what kind of God Christians believe in. Fortunately, we are not alone in this quest. Others go before us marked with the sign of faith!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Believing: willing it
Please read Doorag's comment from yesterday. I really think he has nailed it. Thanks for the e-mail today from a long time friend. I am praying for you!
The third component of believing is "will." Obviously there is a given-ness to belief. Some folks seem to have an easier time of it. Our personality, our upbringing, our experiences all contribute. There is also something else at work. Christians call it grace, or Holy Spirit. So much of the reason "why" we believe is out of of our control.
But there is definitely work involved. Faith is a choice, too. I must decide to want to believe. I must decide to not want to believe. I have to decide every day to do the hard work of prayer, study and living a holy life. Or I have to decide not to do such things. I have to choose to be part of a community where I can grow and learn. Or I have to choose other kinds of communities. Probably the most important thing is to face myself and answer this question: "Am I willing to love, obey and worship a Creator?" The refusal makes belief almost impossible. The willingness to submit (always polluted by self seeking and infidelity) gets us going in the right direction. Either way, there is some deciding and choosing going on.
In my journey, even though I have solid intellectual reasons for believing many times I have doubts. Even though I believe my feelings can get in the way. Sometimes I do not care about God. Sometimes I am afraid I have been duped. Sometimes I just want to give up.... But even in those times I can choose to believe. I can choose to act like I believe. I can choose to do the things believers do. So if someone is in need I can treat them with love and respect, I can take time to help. I can read my bible and study. I can pray and listen. I can work to benefit my brothers and sisters. I can choose to act like someone whose horizon extends beyond this life. I can live in a way that reflects the belief that, in the end all will be well! If you can't believe in God maybe it is because, at least in part, you choose not to believe.
Next we will look at what kind of God we believe in....
The third component of believing is "will." Obviously there is a given-ness to belief. Some folks seem to have an easier time of it. Our personality, our upbringing, our experiences all contribute. There is also something else at work. Christians call it grace, or Holy Spirit. So much of the reason "why" we believe is out of of our control.
But there is definitely work involved. Faith is a choice, too. I must decide to want to believe. I must decide to not want to believe. I have to decide every day to do the hard work of prayer, study and living a holy life. Or I have to decide not to do such things. I have to choose to be part of a community where I can grow and learn. Or I have to choose other kinds of communities. Probably the most important thing is to face myself and answer this question: "Am I willing to love, obey and worship a Creator?" The refusal makes belief almost impossible. The willingness to submit (always polluted by self seeking and infidelity) gets us going in the right direction. Either way, there is some deciding and choosing going on.
In my journey, even though I have solid intellectual reasons for believing many times I have doubts. Even though I believe my feelings can get in the way. Sometimes I do not care about God. Sometimes I am afraid I have been duped. Sometimes I just want to give up.... But even in those times I can choose to believe. I can choose to act like I believe. I can choose to do the things believers do. So if someone is in need I can treat them with love and respect, I can take time to help. I can read my bible and study. I can pray and listen. I can work to benefit my brothers and sisters. I can choose to act like someone whose horizon extends beyond this life. I can live in a way that reflects the belief that, in the end all will be well! If you can't believe in God maybe it is because, at least in part, you choose not to believe.
Next we will look at what kind of God we believe in....
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