My latest Case for a Creator

What would happen if we finally let go of religion? What would happen if God was completely removed from society? What would happen if we completely removed God's presence and existence from our society? What would happen if we finally eliminated God's influence from society? Or could we? If we couldn't, why not? Because we need him that bad as an idea? No, I don't think so, because if we needed to maintain the idea of God that badly, would that not belie the very nature of our ability to dismiss archaic ideas? For we have been doing that, it seems, in every generation, writing off archaic ideas that no longer hold any water or relevance for our ever-developing society. We're not stupid, obviously, since we're able to create and develop such things as we have, and that we have the ability to reason through things and dismiss those things that are no longer necessary. Is that not evolution?

Therefore, I believe the things that have lasted in our society are truly important. Just as we can't get away from having a new spring flower be beautiful to us, or being attracted to the opposite sex, or enjoying the sweetness of sugar, such things as God we cannot get away from either. Why? Because we need to hold onto them? Impossible. No global conspiracy can so fully blind the eyes of so many free minds. Obviously they are inescapable realities, if they are still around. Obviously they do exist. By nature we continue to seek that which is woven into the fabric of our existence, our nature, our very being. Therefore, by nature, we continue to seek our Creator - in whatever form of pursuit that may take - because we continue to bear the imprint of our Creator. We cannot get away from this reality. If we could, why haven't we? God is a disgusting waste of time if he does not truly exist.

Getting Old

My hair has been slowly thinning in the front of my head over the past few years. I had finally come to accept that. But now, this past week, I have plucked two white hairs in the same exact juxtaposing spots on either side of my head - ya know, where most men start to turn white. I have included here a scan of one of the white hairs for your viewing pleasure. This image also serves as my first ever published image on this blogspot - great image to start with, huh?!

By the way, I had to put the hair on a scrap piece of paper - black, in this case, so as to help its opposite color stand out - for the scanner to recognize something.

Who produces who?

I was reading a bit of Emily Bronte's book, Wuthering Heights, wherein I was reading about the heather that grew in the fields. I think it was talking about the heather sustaining her. I'm not sure, but it got me to thinking about the food we eat. We grow crops and raise animals to be eaten. We produce these that they may sustain us, eventually leading to producing more of us. Thus, we produce plants and livestock that they may produce us. So who's producing who here? Pretty funny thought. Cyclical, really. You can't get away from the fact that it is a mutually beneficial relationship, but who's got it better? Sure we have the freedom and control, and so you might immediately say without thinking that we've obviously got it better. But consider for a moment how much more protected their existence is than ours. If they go, we go. But if we go, well, who cares? So we are going to do all that we can to protect, nurture and even enhance their quality of life, because our quality of life is wholly dependent on how healthy they are. A symbiotic relationship; who would have thunk?

By the way, do you know of any greater species than ourselves that might consider putting us on an endangered species list? I didn't think so.

Why won't living a good, moral life make me acceptable to God?

Many believe that if they do their best here on earth and are ‘sincere’, God will recognize their effort, overlook their weaknesses and "grade on the curve." This belief, however, shows a misunderstanding of God’s infinite righteousness and perfection.

The Bible says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."(Romans 3:23) Not a single one of us could honestly say that we have never knowingly done anything wrong. The apostle James tells us, "For whoever keeps the whole law, (God’s absolute standards) and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all."(James 2:10)

These violations (sins) are not just isolated events; they are a reflection of the sin nature that permeates our entire being. Consider, for illustration, an omelet (which is a cooked mixture of eggs, some milk and cheese). It takes only one rotten egg to make the entire omelet rotten, no matter how many good eggs we add. The one rotten egg permeates the whole mixture and makes it unacceptable to our taste. Similarly, it takes only one sin to make us unacceptable to God. God is infinitely holy and good, and no matter how hard we try, we could never succeed in reaching His absolute standard of perfections. He is also a just God who holds us accountable for violating those standards that we know to be right. (Romans 2:14-16)

Only one person has ever lived a perfect life – Jesus Christ, God the Son. Therefore, His death on the cross in payment for our sins is the only basis for God’s total forgiveness and acceptance of us. When we receive Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, and choose to follow Him, then we are no longer under God’s condemnation."(Romans 8:1)

People who feel their sincerity [in whatever they believe] should gain them entrance to heaven are misled. It is not the degree of sincerity one has in whatever they choose to believe. Rather, it is the object of one’s faith. Someone may be a sincere follower of some religion, cult or philosophy, but they will go to hell because they did not come to the One Person who should be the object of faith. Jesus Christ is the only object in whom you should place your faith … with all your sincerity and commitment.

In this society, many say, "Your truth is not my truth." They feel they somehow can decide [like God] what are the absolutes. They feel all truth is relative. However, the fact is that not all religions or belief systems are equal. There are absolutes (check out gravity). It is faith in Jesus, God revealed in history, not faith in faith itself, or some code of ethics, other religions, or mindset that someone has constructed. Jesus wants you to know for sure that you can have eternal life. (I John 5:11-13) He offers His love to you. Won’t you receive Him as your Savior, friend and Lord today?

Will you give up trying to live a good enough, ‘sincere’ moral life … or even a ‘sincere’ legalistic, religious one … and accept the free gift of forgiveness that Jesus Christ lovingly offers you?

What are your thoughts?

How They Look Out for Me

Have you ever looked at a map in a mall or at a rest stop along the highway? Have you ever noticed that "they" always seem to know "You Are Here"? How do they know that? Isn't it incredible?

Have you ever popped in a movie and watched the opening message to your feature presentation? Have you ever noticed that "they" always seem to know the exact size and dimensions of your tv or screen when they say that "this film has been modified to fit this screen"? How do they do that? How incredible is that?

I tell ya what, this world is certainly looking out for me! I don't know if anyone else out there receives such a personal service. I really feel special! I mean, such personalized service! What did I ever do to deserve that! Wow! It's incredible!

"You Are Here" - Wow, thanks! How did you know?
"this film has been modified to fit this screen" - Wow, that's great! I can't believe you went to all that work for me!

I tell ya what, this world is certainly good to me, always watching out for me, serving me, meeting my needs. It's great! It's incredible!

Blanket Apology

Don't you think we use the word, sorry, an awful lot? I'm not saying we abuse it. I'm saying that we are pretty limited in our vocabulary when it comes to offering apologies and condolences. I mean, how many times do we say it flippantly when we don't really need to say it, and hold it in when we truly should say it. And then how about the times when no amount of words or eloquence could match an occasion, like at a funeral. Somehow saying sorry for dropping somebody's jacket by accident does not measure up to saying sorry for somebody's loss in the death of a loved one.

At the checkout in a grocery store, the clerk drops your change. Whoops, sorry!, she says. In the waiting room at the hospital, the doctor comes out to tell you the bad news: your loved one did not make it through the surgery. I'm sorry, she says. We use the same word for both situations. Somehow words are just not enough. And yet we're using the same word for both situations. There is a world of difference between the two uses of this word, sorry. Sorry. When have you ever truly been sorry? The Merriam-Webster describes the word as feeling sorrow, or regret. One word. Two totally different situations. The one word does not do our life experiences justice. How funny it is that we use the same word in both situations.

Kids have no Rights

Calling somebody "fat" is politically incorrect,isn't it? Wouldn't you agree that our culture now disapproves of using that word to describe somebody who is "overweight" or "obese"? If you agree with that, continue reading; if you don't agree already, or at least understand, then don't bother reading any further.

If using the word "fat" to describe somebody more appropriately seen as "obese" is incorrect, why doesn't that same opinion carry over to children as well? Using the phrase "fat kids" should be politically incorrect as well, shouldn't it? I think so at least. And yet, the term IS being used; I saw it blatantly being used on a news broadcast. They even put the phrase, "fat kids," on their screen. I was offended...but I usually am when I hear about children not being offered the same decency and respect they deserve, the same respect that is already assumed with adults. It really bugs me. It offends me...but I already said that. I'm not saying I care an iota about whether or not we call people fat or not; what I'm saying is that I get burned when our society does not show the same respect to children as they do for adults in area where they have already determined what is decent and respectful, or at the least, politically correct.

Moreover, aside from this issue of what word to use to describe fat people, I think it speaks of, or reveals, our society's deeper problem with respect to life in general. Life should be protected, shouldn't it? I mean, that's what the police are told to do at least, right? "Protect and serve." Protect life. If you agree, continue reading; don't agree? then stop reading.

Our society is growing increasingly tolerant of making life a choice...at the beginning in the womb and at the end on the bed. If you're still reading this post, then let me say here, very definitively, that LIFE IS NOT A CHOICE. Life is life, without it there is no life. Makes sense? Then it should be protected. Life should be protected, as a fetus in the womb, and as an elderly on the deathbed. My greatest concern at this moment for this post, though, is for kids. Kids should be treated with equality and respect, with the same level of decency and respect that adults receive. The truth, as blind as we are to it, is that while we don't mind having kids be seen, we don't want them heard. They have no voice. They are defenseless. Therefore, they are exploited and abused.

What's YOUR beef?

For all you folks out there who have a beef with Christianity.... I want to know what it is. What is it that bothers you the most about today's Christianity? And why do you feel that way? And what could make it better than what you have seen and experienced?

Please, take some time and answer my questions. I am really curious as to what your views and feelings are on this.

Thanks in advance for taking the time.

UPDATED COMMENTS

Lost in the Library

I love libraries. I love to be in libraries. I love getting lost in libraries. Oh, don't get me wrong! I don't mean physically getting lost. I mean, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually getting lost in libraries.

The library is a place where you can lose yourself - within your own imagination, the information therein, and the exploration of it all. The library is a place where you can get so caught up in the adventure of what you're discovering that you completely forget yourself.

Losing yourself begins when you forget about those around you. You are no longer concerned about who's sitting beside you, walking behind you, or might even be staring at you. You just don't care anymore. The object of your interest, laying before you, has so flawlessly captured your attention.

As the object of your attention takes you further and deeper into your thoughts and dreams, you eventually drift into one of the greatest cliches of them all. You start to lose all track of time. It's not that you don't care about what time it is anymore, it's just that you forget to keep watching the time. For you, now, time is of no consequence compared to the fantasy that is yours.

Finally, like a little taste of heaven, your fantasy takes you away from the library. You are now so completely lost in the object of your affection that you are no longer aware of your surroundings. You have not only forgotten about those around you and when you are, but now you have forgotten where you are and what you are doing here. You are now floating carelessly along, as on a cloud in a dream. You are now living another reality. You are now lost in the library.

I am such a Bone Head!

I have to tell you this story, even if it is sooo embarassing.
Today, i was at the gym and I had a great work out. I really enjoyed it. I even felt good about the fact that I was even done a little early so I could get home and relax before sports night that we had tonight. Anyway, when I was done my work out I went back to the locker room to go and take my shower and everything and get ready to head home and I went to "my locker". When I got there I noticed that it was open and there was nothing in it, AGAIN! I was like, "this can't be happening again! This is twice now!" Only this time it was EVERYTHING! My who gym bag with all my clothes and my keys and all the stuff in my wallet! I couldn't believe it and I was MAD! So I stormed upstairs and told the management and was farely loud about and made sure that everyone else could hear me to make sure that they were aware of how slack their security was in this place. In fact, he did say, "this is the third time this week." I was thinking, "is that supposed to make me feel better?"
Anyway.... I filled out everything I needed to fill in and I decided to go down and start checking every locker to see if the "thief" had plopped my stuff in one of the empty lockers... and as I was doing that I came upon a locker with a lock that looked a lot like mine and it was locked on locker 106. Hmmmmm.....i thought I had 116..... at this point the manager was standing behind me and I was like, "ummm, maybe I made a mistake and this might be my locker." "REALLY?" he asked... "try opening it." I tried.... it opened. And this is the part where I say..."oh man, I am such a retard! I feel better, but I am such a dork!" Anyway... to make a long story short, all is well within the gym and throughout the gym staff.... I appologized for the comotion and at least they all got a good laugh at my expense....:) Yes, i was embarrassed, but I got over it...:) The worse part of this is that I got my credit card cancelled before I realized what the situation actually was.... so, I'm waiting for a new one. And the last words I heard one of the assistant managers say (in a light hearted way) - "now go home and tell your wife you're a bonehead." ---smile and nod--- and run really fast for the car....:)

How will you be defined in the Dictionary?

Bry... -- [adjective]: Tastes like fried chicken 'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com