What are YOU saying?

This Presidential election thing brings up more examples of how people have "learned" to disrespect the fundamentals of liberty and democracy. Here's what I am hearing:

"George Bush is an idiot"

This is stupid and awful. It's stupid because he's a man who's able to accomplish what 300M others only dream about. He's obviously successful in business and politics on a level none of us could play. And the statement is awful because it demeans the highest office in our land - making it subject to the commentaries of the shallow.

"If McCain wins I will move to another country"
"If Obama wins I will move to another country"

These are stupid. Stupid because it shows how ignorant people are of the world to think there are better options - a place where opportunity remains this high? liberties are this free? prosperity is this deep? and fundamental government is this honoring of its polity? Please. Even Canada can't boast that.

"George Bush is not my President"

This is awful. If you feel the entitled right to be able to participate in the political process - as all Americans do - then you equally have the duty to honor the outcome of that process that welcomes your influence. If Obama is elected, he will be MY President. If McCain is elected, he will be MY President. To say otherwise is anti-American in the most pure sense.

"My vote does not count"

This is true. A vote is inanimate and can't do anything - let alone count. But your vote does matter. We are a republic, our votes are aggregated into an electoral college guided by the sum of our will, yet capable of preventing mass hysteria from wrecking our political system. Your vote matters and when you don't vote, one opposing vote counts as two. Consider that.

"George Bush has wrecked our economy"

This is stupid. Anyone who thinks the president - a single man/office - has the wherewithal or influence to improve/wreck an economy the size of the United States is uneducated. To that end, many ills are the result of corporate greed. And many others are the result of lazy/evil congressional career politicians and idiots in the Federal Reserve.

"Obama will wreck the United States"

This is awful. If you are conservative and you think Obama's liberal ways are the end of America, you have underestimated America and the check/balance system put in place by our founding fathers. If you are liberal and you think Obama's liberal ways will set America straight, you have a hard lesson coming at the end of four years - if he becomes president.

"This is the most important election"

This is stupid. Everyone likes to think that today is the most important time. Every presidential election has been the most important. If it is not what is happening then it is what is going to happen. This is a selfish statement and a little adolescent. Frankly, the right to vote is a duty and should never be neglected - even in the LEAST important election.

"Obama will lose because he is black"

This is just lame. Obama will win on his merit, and lose on his merit. And be fair to his opponent. If McCain becomes president - that's fair and square. Don't belittle a victory by saying anyone else would have otherwise one if his race were different. It's a matter of disrespect and ungentlemanly behavior. Just let the candidates try their best on who they are - don't give them a way out.

"McCain is a war monger"

This is stupid. For one, it is my experience that people with threatening experience in war typically hate war on an irrational level. It is also false to characterize McCain's rigid approach to the world as aggressive without contrasting Obama's acquiescing approach to the world as weak. Let's just acknowledge their differences and space the name calling. It's retarded.

Here's a cartoon I like:

Book(s) Review

After a flurry of books I thought I would write down some of my reactions - just in case you are considering the same books yourself. Or just in case you are looking for a good book to read.

Same Kind of Different as Me

This is a book about a black man whose modern life is more like a 200 years-ago slave. It is also about a rich white man whose chance encounter with this black man is an amazing read. I've read a lot of books recently - this one is one I would recommend.

This book deals with the common question of why God seems to not answer the prayers of the righteous and fervent. Those plaguing questions have such simple answers, don't they?

The First Three Minutes by Steven Weinberg 

This book goes through modern day cosmological arguments of the universe's origin. It deals with the complexities and recent astronomical and mathematical discoveries. The book is written to me – a layman. It’s hard to follow without some real focus, but it’s simply fascinating.

Reading scientific books can conflict with my faith. But many things do. Science is an evolving body of knowledge. I know that. I position my brain to learn as much as I can within a world view that applies my/man’s knowledge to a expectation of who/what God is. Conflict resolved. 

The Disappeared by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

This fiction novel takes place in the future and mostly on the moon. It addresses the unusual circumstance of appeasing cultural differences between earth and alien civilizations. It’s smart with interesting twists – but it should have been a short story.

Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis

I first read Mere Christianity in my college ethics class. Man, I missed 99% of it then. There’s no questioning the power of Lewis’ simplistic approach. He’s a smart man handling issues with humility. Reading it again was like reading it for the first time. It was empowering to my faith.

How Come They Always had the Battles in the National Parks? by Peter Bales  

Have you ever wanted to read history with sarcasm? Here’s your chance. This summary of American History around the Civil War period is very enlightening and surprising entertaining. Don’t expect a simple read, though – this is fun, but very academic.

Casino Royale by Ian Fleming  

The movie was fun. I was looking to relive it. But the book is different. Some of the book would have been cool in the movie, and much of the movie would have been cool in the book. This was Fleming’s first Bond novel. Much of Bond hadn’t been refined. But, no question, I couldn’t stop reading.

Where's My Jetpack? By Daniel H. Wilson, Ph.D.  

Here’s a book that walks through the promises of science fiction and investigates how close we’ve come. It talks about Star Trek transporters, travel in space, antigravity, and jet packs. Almost immediately out of date – it was still a fun ride through modern day research projects to make fiction real.

Mountains of the Pharaohs by Zahi Hawass  

Ever wonder who built the pyramids? Hawass is amazingly honest in how little we know. But on that acknowledgement he walks us through the modern day assumptions and the controversies. It’s amazing and fascinating to get a glimpse 5,000 years into the past.

Star Trek: The Entropy Effect by Vonda N. McIntyre  

This novel focuses on Spock’s travel through time to save the life of Captain Kirk. The base plot is so used it almost feels dirty. This book tries to find a fresh twist. In the end, it’s entertaining – but forgettable.

Star Trek, The Next Generation: Gulliver's Fugitives by Keith Sharee  

Were I not on vacation I would not have read this stupid book. It deals with a plant that outlaws creative thinking. The whole concept is silly and self-defeating. Maybe there was a moral I missed.

Star Trek, New Frontier: Books 1-4 by Peter David and John J. Ordover  

Finally, a long Star Trek novel – if it had only been interesting. I think a lot of science fiction authors attempt to recreate a movie or something. In this case, the plot was so “convenient” that there was nothing to really anticipate. It all worked out and it all worked out easy.

Star Trek: Transformations by Dave Stern  

Here’s a story a lot like a classic mummy story. Our friend Captain Sulu has dreams that pull him to a planet to confront the ruler of a culture lost more than millennia ago. It’s got some interesting archeological references and some nice plot devices. Not great, but a better Star Trek novel.

Star Trek: Web of the Romulans by M.S. Murdock

The plague has hit the Romulans and the Enterprise computer is in love with Captain Kirk. Sound cheesy? That’s because it is. Guess how it ends? Happily, of course.

Star Trek: The Kobayashi Maru by Julia Ecklar 

I love the concept around this test. I refer to it all the time because the “no win scenario” is everywhere and it’s healthy to consider it. In this novel, Kirk has the antidote and must deliver it. Does he? Of course he does.

Star Trek, Deep Space Nine: Legends of the Ferengi by Ira Steven Behr and Robert Hewitt Wolfe  

This novel is in Quark’s voice. He reads some of the Rules of Acquisition with illustrative stories.  It’s meant to be cute. I think I caught myself laughing out loud a few times. The whole conundrum with the Ferengi Rules is bothersome – how could a society encourage greed and survive?

Star Trek: Time for Yesterday by A.C. Crispin  

Spock has a son? It turns out he does – born 5,000 years ago when Spock once traveled backward and married an alien bride. The complexities are troublesome and the story churns along just as you would expect it to. It’s not very “Star Trek” if you ask me.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway  

Is your writing style complicated? Do you want an example of simple writing? Writing that is powerful and saturated with emotion? Here it is. My father-in-law received this as a present. I had never read it. So, I got it. I read it and pleasantly discovered one of my favorite novels was waiting and unread.

The Children of Men by P.D. James  

I never saw the movie. I heard the movie was terrible and very political. This book, however, is different. It takes place in England. Like many novels, the main character has explainable access to all angles of the story – from the urchin to the emperor.  In retrospect, I wish I had not read it.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury  

Bradbury’s clever novel has “firemen” burning houses – not saving them. Some type of coating prevents homes from burning – so when outlawed creative material is discovered somewhere, they spray the chemicals necessary to ensure it is all incinerated. It’s a fantastic novel with a fascinating series of events and dialogs. But, the movie is good, too.

The World of Atlas Shrugged by Robert Bidinotto  

Atlas Shrugged is a seriously long book. I like long books, but not this long. The cradle of a new and screwed up philosophy, Atlas Shrugged should not be ignored. “The World of Altas Shrugged” is a summary that tells you the general plot, the characters, and a good deal of its philosophical impact.

Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi  

Here’s the idea. You help other people out of good nature. Others help you out of good nature. Nothing could get done otherwise. So, you should spend your time working with other people, helping other people, building relationships with other people. Generosity is what makes business gears turn.

Hume in 90 Minutes by Paul Strathern  

Hume was a Scottish philosopher during the 1700’s. He was the first real “naturalist” which uses reason to understand everything. Although it sounds in conflict, it’s interesting to note that Hume was a man of God. Hume dealt with induction (the contrary logic to deduction) a mechanism of forecasting based on past events. It was a popular means of induction in his time and Hume believed few things could be less reasonable.

Thomas Aquinas in 90 Minutes by Paul Strathern  

Aquinas was an Italian church philosopher during the 1200’s. Aquinas’ writings (which greatly influence my own theology today) were condemned by the church in 1270 – he was excommunicated. In 1979, the current pope declared that Aquinas’ theology was a definitive exposition of Catholic doctrine. Quite a turn around, huh?

Aquinas said God is simple, perfect, infinite, and immutable. In almost every way this I echoed through modern protestant theology. He is famous for his five proofs of God:

1. The unmoved mover (the source of motion)
2. The first cause (the source of cause/effect)
3. From Contingency (the source of reliance)
4. From Degree (degrees of perfection imply perfection)
5. From Design (intelligence in design, not in objects)

Joy at Work by Dennis W. Bakke  

This book chronicles a CEO’s work to create a corporate culture that empowers the individual dignities of workers. It is compelling, energizing, and a little inspirational. I thought the book was great, but that the ending was very disenchanting and killed much of the earlier momentum.

Indoor Painting

We’ve decided to (professionally) paint our home interior. We’ve identified a few light fixtures and replaced those, too. We’ve rearranged much of the furniture and – well – why didn’t we do this earlier? It’s like living in a new house, without all the moving costs (paint's not cheap).

I’ll add a “color consultant” came from the local paint shop. She helped us consider colors with little initial appeal – colors now on our walls. They look great. She offered a considerable paint discount – completely offsetting her fee. That seemed like a pretty smart move.

Why does God send good people go to hell?

Two recent events have me thinking. Someone asked "why do good people go to hell?" and someone else asked "do miscarried infant goes to heaven?" These types of question plague me. I can't pretend to know the answers. But, I have some food for thought.

First, I see two reasons these questions frustrate me:

1) I do not understand justice.

I understand salvation is a matter of justice. The problem is that I do not understand justice. My simple sense of justice is "fairness". But, God's is mercy. While "the punishment should fit the crime" and "flour for the bakers" are my definitions, God defines justice as he acts. It is pattern-less and unpredictable.

I see that my understanding of justice is retributive. It is a cornerstone to political stability. And just because it is pragmatic does not mean this is all there is to justice. If anything, it makes justice more elusive. I consider effective things complete. Justice, however, is more – and it must be.

If salvation is a matter of justice, and my understanding of justice is superficial/incomplete, then my understanding of salvation is superficial/incomplete. When I try to understand salvation, I find it superficial and inconsistent. I find it frustrating.

2) I impose my justice on God.

I can't accept scenarios where Hitler is in heaven and Mother Theresa is in hell. I can't accept these because they are incompatible with my sense of justice. Since I can't accept it, I insist on disagreeing with God – there must be a misunderstanding, a misinterpretation, or an error.

Yet God is clear that my outward life is meaningless, while my invisible heart defines my relationship with God, which is eternal life's only key.

I want to believe good people have good hearts and bad people have bad hearts. But I know the truth – I sometimes appear good when my heart is dark. Outward appearances lie. As a result, I am in error to say "good people". Who knows what lies in the hearts of men? God - and The Shadow.

Still, "sending" apparently good people to hell is uncomfortable – although only half as much as "sending" bad people to heaven. It forces me to disagree with God. It causes me to insist on some misunderstanding, misinterpretation, or error.

Yet God created salvation. And it is God who has given it to us and described it.

Why do good people go to hell?

First, I am ignoring the typical question wording: "why does God send good people to hell?" because God does NOT "send" people to hell. If you think God sends people to hell, stop reading.

In case you kept reading, let me briefly explain hell – and I will do so by explaining heaven. When you hear a symphony in perfect harmony, observe the interconnectedness of nature, or love a child, then you understand how a thing can be "right" simply because it is where it belongs.

It could be a fleeting moment, but it is beautiful. Now imagine that moment lasting forever – not because it does not end, but because it is outside of "time". Forget about how that can be possible; consider how "right" it would be – you are where you "belong" forever. That is God's heaven.

It's not one of a list of choices, either. For you there is one perfect place. Early believers called it the "bosom of Abraham" but that's not only antiquated, but it's also a little awkward sounding. God explains "that" place as perfect communion with him.

This description of heaven makes the description of hell considerably easy.

So, hell is anything else; it is not the "right" place for you. It is not perfect communion with God. God, who is perfect, could not enter into imperfect communion. Instead, you are "outside the communion of God" – which is hell's classic definition. It is an awful forever without God – not where you "belong".

Don't be confused. Hell is not an analogy. And the sorrow, mourning, pain, and suffering are real. Once you realize the reality of God and eternity, you will truly mourn not having it. And, oddly, you will not be angry with God, but rather lament the decisions you made.

Does God send people to hell?

How can he? God invites us to perfect communion with him – heaven. He prepares a place, he makes a way, and he cheers us along the path. If we stop, deciding on a different way – we miss the banquet at God's table. God has done what he could; each of us must choose where we go.

How can faith alone save?

For one, God says so. He tells us that putting our faith in Jesus is all he needs. We know we need to be perfect, and God knows we never could be. So God built a bridge between where we are and where we need to be. If we take his offer, he will follow-through for us.

What if someone has never heard God?

I know two things are true. 1) God has made a way for every single man. No one is with excuse – and God didn't make his details clear. 2) When we are able to see God's true, perfect justice we will rejoice in it. We will not weep and petition against God – we will celebrate justice as it was meant to be.

So, why witness?

For most men, you are God's plan. You are how he plans to bring them to Christ. You, the church, evangelism – all part of the plan. God's counting on you, sure, but so is everyone else.

Can I mess up God's plans?

Yes. On an individual basis, God's plans are derailed every day. He doesn't PLAN on people to sin. And don't be fooled, your sin impacts others. Imagine if you resist God's call to reach others for Jesus. By the time your check clears, they could have been killed by a drunk driver – yet another person who decided to NOT do what God had planned.

So, why does God send good people to hell?

He doesn't. People send themselves to hell. God makes a way – but he doesn't force the choice. And, if you don't mind me saying, who on this entire planet is "good"?

Hey, what about a miscarried child?

Well, sin separates us from God. He just can't tolerate sin because it is contrary to his will and fundamentally imperfect – fundamentally incompatible. We would be perfect if not for our sin.

So, what is sin? Sin is selfishness. It's wanting what you want. We describe God as agape love – selfless love. He is the opposite of sin. But is a child selfish? An hour in a nursery and you'll see who matters most to a child. It's me-me-me-me from the very beginning. Sin is truly our first nature.

If "me" is the problem, is there a time we don't know of "me"?

I think so.

To me, life begins after conception – when brain activity begins. Although I am against abortion from conception (just in case), I don't believe consciousness exists prior to brain activity. As a result, I believe in a time after conception, before self-awareness, when we have not committed sin.

But is it our sinful action alone that separates us from God? No. Indeed, it is the very nature of what we are – sinful creatures – that separates us. Our sinful actions are mere manifestations of what we are. And what we are is incompatible with God.

What does this have to with children?

Honestly, I'm not sure. Do miscarriages and aborted children go to heaven? I just don't know. I know what I want the answer to be. But ultimately, I have to trust God. Trust his justice. Trust his perfectness. When the day comes when I finally see, my faith tells me I will be pleased.

That's all I can do.

Which is more important to God: your money or your time?

On the importance of wealth:

Wealth has played many roles in the Bible. When Jesus sleeps in someone else’s home, holds the last supper in someone else’s upper room, or is buried in someone else’s tomb – they are examples of wealth serving the kingdom. Solomon’s wealth built the temple. New Testament church monies funded Paul’s journeys. It’s easy to find examples where God uses others’ wealth.

On the need for wealth:

God makes it clear that he is wealthy. As creator of all things and knower of all things, he has endless access to resources, including money and anything else. So the question is not that God needs money – as tautologically God needs for nothing. God will use your money for his glory. But, be aware that if no one gave, God’s plans would not fail.

That seems like common sense.

The real question is about substituting time for money. I know a woman who believes she is not called to go and make disciples. She believes she is called to fund the going and making of disciples. Could she be right? Is the great commission on for a few of us? Does her gift fulfill her obedience? Let’s see.

Some reasons she might be wrong:

If you are scared that God will not take care of you, than the risky work of the Great Commission would be scary. Naturally you would find a way to send someone else to do it.

If you were attached to your pleasured life, than the dirty work of the Great Commission would not be appealing. Naturally you would find a way to send someone else to do it.

If you are lazy and don’t like the hard work, than the weighty work of the Great Commission would be repulsive. Naturally you would find a way to send someone else to do it.

Finally, Jesus didn't give options:

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:16-20

Some reasons she might be right:

If there are no farmers, how do we eat? If there are no pilots, how do we travel? If there are no soldiers, how do we protect?

Perhaps contributing financially to something makes you part of it. When she writes that check, she takes away from her family to help the cause. That is a type of sacrifice.

Let's face it, paying your way out of service is lame. I can't come up with good arguments for it. God cares about your time. Your time. Your time. Your time.

Indy 4

I saw the 4^th Indiana Jones the weekend it opened.

There are lots of ways to rate a movie.

Some are highlighted for their topics (Shindler's List), some for effects (Matrix), some for breadth (Titanic), some for gags (Three Amigos), some for creativity (Lord of the Rings), some for action (The Island), some for casting (Ocean's Eleven), some twists (Usual Suspects), some suspense (Sixth Sense), but some movies rest squarely on fun and nostalgia.

This includes James Bond, Star Trek, Star Wars, Terminator, Rocky, Spiderman, Batman, Bourne, and Indiana Jones. Movies we don't expect to be real – just fun.

In the last decade, George Lucas has capitalized on this. His Star Wars trilogy had a lot of crappy parts that people happily looked past just because they wanted to see them made. Similar, some of that will flow with his and Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Aliens? That's not what I would have chosen – but there's no denying the fun it was to watch.

I can't wait to watch it again from Netflix on Blu-Ray!