New Page Added to Site!

A new Book Review page has been added. The book reviews included (only one is added so far) on this page will be linked to my library at Goodreads. Check the page often as reviews will be added periodically.

Book Review: Lee Stobel's Case for Intelligent Design

Our Sunday school class recently began reading Lee Strobel's book, The Case for a Creator, and watching a DVD based upon the book. I just completed the book and it has been completely fascinating. Strobel is a gifted author and in this area, he appears to be very proficient; although, I must admit that I am somewhat ill prepared to attest to the veracity of all of his claims. All I can say is that from a layman's perspective, he makes some very compelling arguments.

We all have our areas of interest and science has never been one of mine. Consequently, over the years, I have intentionally shied away from debates over creationism, evolution, intelligent design, etc, not because I thought they were unimportant but simply because I lacked the interest/motivation to develop enough understanding of the subject to enter the debate. I must admit, however, that Strobel has brought these issues to life for me and I am amazed at the body of evidence (as presented by Strobel, which is admittedly somewhat one-sided), from a scientific and rationale point of view, that support the scriptural idea of creation/design and the very existence of God.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Incarnational Displays of the Divine

At our church, we are in the process of studying the Fruit of the Spirit, recorded by the Apostle Paul in Galatians chapter 5.

²³"...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (vs. 22-23)

Over the past several weeks our Pastor has led us through a study of each of these fruit, defining them, discussing their respective qualities, as well as their practical application, relating them to various biblical stories and/or passages where they are clearly visible.

This series has been interesting, challenging, and above all, thought provoking. It has led my wife and I to re-examine our lives in light of these fruit, honestly appraising the extent to which we exhibit them in our lives as a whole. I'd be less than honest if I said that I've not suffered some deep conviction through this process, realizing that in many areas of my life, as it relates to these virtues, there's just so much room for improvement.

The Eucharist and Me: A Journey of Discovery

Our family recently returned to the United Methodist Church. My wife and I were both raised in Pentecostal churches but left it ten years ago and made our home in the UMC. A year ago, for various reasons, Shery and I made a deliberate decision to return to the Pentecostal church in an attempt to reconnect with our former heritage. While it was a wonderful experience in many respects, it was largely unsuccessful and in many ways, a defining one. While all churches participate in some form of liturgy, the formal and sacred quality of mainline liturgy has become an irreducible part of our worship expectations.

Yesterday, we experienced Communion for the first time since our return to the UMC. Over the year in which we attended Pentecostal churches, Communion was observed very little. Ten years ago when we first attended a mainline church, Communion was what drew us in. It was unlike anything my wife and I had ever experienced. The beauty of the language and the sacredness in which it was approached was entirely new to us. It was very moving, to say the least. Going an entire year without that left us feeling empty and wanting more. So, as you can imagine, the experience yesterday was tremendously refreshing.

The Church and the Social Gospel

Glenn Beck, radio and television talk show host, has always been controversial. He thrives on it. I am not a fan and I think I will leave it at that. My personal opinions of the man and his overall ideology is better left unsaid. And, I hardly have the time today, so that is another incentive to keep my mouth shut at this time. I would, however, like to touch on a subject that has created much controversy over recent days. Mr. Beck encouraged people attending churches that used the term social or economic justice to leave and find another church. He also equated social/economic justice to socialism, etc.

After steaming about this for a week now, and joining every "anti-Beck" group I could find on Facebook, I have had time for the initial indignation to subside and to really think about this problem. Unfortunately, Beck's sentiment is wide spread, and even Christians are very divided on the issue of social justice and what role the church should play in addressing the woes of society. There are two scriptures that come to my mind that address this very issue and I think they are very important in helping us to reflect upon our place in the world as people of faith. And really, that is what the core argument is all about to me. What part should the church or person of faith play in addressing the social and economic evils present in our world?