“The secret of being
wrong isn’t to avoid being wrong! The secret is being willing to be wrong. The
secret is realizing that wrong isn’t fatal. The only thing that makes people
and organizations great is their willingness to be not great along the way. The
desire to fail on the way to reaching a bigger goal is the untold secret of
success.” ― Seth Godin
wrong isn’t to avoid being wrong! The secret is being willing to be wrong. The
secret is realizing that wrong isn’t fatal. The only thing that makes people
and organizations great is their willingness to be not great along the way. The
desire to fail on the way to reaching a bigger goal is the untold secret of
success.” ― Seth Godin
Seth Godin, author, blogger, marketer, and
motivational speaker, says that wrong is not fatal and being willing to fail is
part of success. His experience suggests that companies that achieve greatness
are those that were willing to be “not great.” In fact, he says that people
and organizations need to “desire to fail.” I encourage us to think about these
words for a few minutes. There are definitely ways in which these words may be
true. In Creativity, Inc., Ed Catmull
makes a case for failure. He points out that Pixar would never have become as
successful as they have become without some of their failures (e.g., the
accidental deletion of Toy Story 2). The willingness to take big risks and
chase down big dreams has been at the heart of Pixar from day one. So, in this
context, Godin’s words have a kernel of truth. They likely make good sense for a number of
organizations, churches, companies, and not-for-profit enterprises.
motivational speaker, says that wrong is not fatal and being willing to fail is
part of success. His experience suggests that companies that achieve greatness
are those that were willing to be “not great.” In fact, he says that people
and organizations need to “desire to fail.” I encourage us to think about these
words for a few minutes. There are definitely ways in which these words may be
true. In Creativity, Inc., Ed Catmull
makes a case for failure. He points out that Pixar would never have become as
successful as they have become without some of their failures (e.g., the
accidental deletion of Toy Story 2). The willingness to take big risks and
chase down big dreams has been at the heart of Pixar from day one. So, in this
context, Godin’s words have a kernel of truth. They likely make good sense for a number of
organizations, churches, companies, and not-for-profit enterprises.
However, there are some places where Seth Godin’s
words should give us pause. The desire to fail at marriage as a means to
reaching a bigger goal is not a secret to success. Raising children, learning
to fly a jet airliner, and defusing bombs also come to mind. There are some
enterprises where the risks of failure are simply too high. There are likely a
few specific operations within organizations, companies, and not-for-profits
that are also too sensitive for failure.
words should give us pause. The desire to fail at marriage as a means to
reaching a bigger goal is not a secret to success. Raising children, learning
to fly a jet airliner, and defusing bombs also come to mind. There are some
enterprises where the risks of failure are simply too high. There are likely a
few specific operations within organizations, companies, and not-for-profits
that are also too sensitive for failure.
I say this partly to engage our
discernment processes. A quote like this one from Seth Godin circulates rapidly
and shows up in a variety of contexts and on many different blog sites. It is
incredibly enticing and thoroughly plausible. It is hard not to simply run with
it. After all, isn’t Godin some sort of expert? Here is where it is good to
examine the credentials of the expert to whom we may listen.
discernment processes. A quote like this one from Seth Godin circulates rapidly
and shows up in a variety of contexts and on many different blog sites. It is
incredibly enticing and thoroughly plausible. It is hard not to simply run with
it. After all, isn’t Godin some sort of expert? Here is where it is good to
examine the credentials of the expert to whom we may listen.
I am not suggesting we ignore the words of
this quote. As a means of reminding ourselves that we need not fear failure,
and as a reminder that failure is often not fatal, these words are helpful.
Yet, as I have attempted to show, there are times and places where wisdom will
suggest that we forget these words, no matter how expert the author may be. Have
a great time driving your car, teaching your kids how to
ride a bike, defusing bombs, or wherever else this day may take you.
this quote. As a means of reminding ourselves that we need not fear failure,
and as a reminder that failure is often not fatal, these words are helpful.
Yet, as I have attempted to show, there are times and places where wisdom will
suggest that we forget these words, no matter how expert the author may be. Have
a great time driving your car, teaching your kids how to
ride a bike, defusing bombs, or wherever else this day may take you.
Why are the nations so angry?
Why do they waste their time with
futile plans?
The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
the rulers plot together
against the Lord
and against his anointed one.
Why do they waste their time with
futile plans?
The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
the rulers plot together
against the Lord
and against his anointed one.
Psalm 2:1, 2
“It has been clear for a while that the
world is at an inflection point.” – Former American President, Barack Obama,
June 6, 2017 at the Montreal Board of Trade.
world is at an inflection point.” – Former American President, Barack Obama,
June 6, 2017 at the Montreal Board of Trade.
It is easy to suggest that our world has seen
a rise of angry nations and angry people. Three recent attacks in the United
Kingdom (Westminster, Manchester, and London Bridge) have many politicians,
community leaders, and religious leaders, around the world asking questions
about how we stop such appalling assaults. Many are speaking out in political
forums, press releases, and social media, seeking to bring calm and suggest
ways to end the blood-shed.
a rise of angry nations and angry people. Three recent attacks in the United
Kingdom (Westminster, Manchester, and London Bridge) have many politicians,
community leaders, and religious leaders, around the world asking questions
about how we stop such appalling assaults. Many are speaking out in political
forums, press releases, and social media, seeking to bring calm and suggest
ways to end the blood-shed.
Into this atmosphere came the strong voice
of Former American President, Barack Obama as he spoke to the Montreal Board of
Trade on June 6 of this year. (I will refer to Mr. Obama as President Obama to
show respect for his previous significant role.) Much of what he said had also
been said in an address to an audience in Chicago at the end of his presidency
on January 11, 2017. Both speeches were reminders of the fact that President Obama
is an inspiring orator.
of Former American President, Barack Obama as he spoke to the Montreal Board of
Trade on June 6 of this year. (I will refer to Mr. Obama as President Obama to
show respect for his previous significant role.) Much of what he said had also
been said in an address to an audience in Chicago at the end of his presidency
on January 11, 2017. Both speeches were reminders of the fact that President Obama
is an inspiring orator.
In his speech in Montreal, President Obama repeated
his belief that the world is at a significant “inflection point.” He referred
to the rapid rate of globalisation, the speed of technological change, and the
nature of world politics as evidence that “for some time” it has been clear
that this is true. He joined other world leaders in expressing condolences to
the people of London and the United Kingdom as they mourned with those affected
by the latest terrorist attack on, and near, London Bridge.
his belief that the world is at a significant “inflection point.” He referred
to the rapid rate of globalisation, the speed of technological change, and the
nature of world politics as evidence that “for some time” it has been clear
that this is true. He joined other world leaders in expressing condolences to
the people of London and the United Kingdom as they mourned with those affected
by the latest terrorist attack on, and near, London Bridge.
The former president
then moved to the heart of his message. He stated that these actions on the
world stage can cause nations to retreat into isolation and nationalism as they
seek certainty and control. In a world that is highly connected through social
media, it is possible to surround ourselves with people who look like us,
people who share our political outlook, and people who will never challenge our
assumptions. We retreat into bubbles within neighbourhoods, university and
college campuses, places of worship, and social media feeds, seeking certainty,
agreement, and control of our corner of the world. President Obama believes
that such isolation is unhealthy for the proper development of democracy. In
Montreal, he stated that, “If democracies begin to
doubt themselves and we violate our principles because of fear and uncertainty
then we can’t expect the progress that is just now starting to take control
around the world.” He believes that we have been at such inflection points
before and that we must continue to uphold the principles of democracy and
justice in a tainted world. He encouraged his audience to “do more to bridge
the gap between rich and poor nations.”
then moved to the heart of his message. He stated that these actions on the
world stage can cause nations to retreat into isolation and nationalism as they
seek certainty and control. In a world that is highly connected through social
media, it is possible to surround ourselves with people who look like us,
people who share our political outlook, and people who will never challenge our
assumptions. We retreat into bubbles within neighbourhoods, university and
college campuses, places of worship, and social media feeds, seeking certainty,
agreement, and control of our corner of the world. President Obama believes
that such isolation is unhealthy for the proper development of democracy. In
Montreal, he stated that, “If democracies begin to
doubt themselves and we violate our principles because of fear and uncertainty
then we can’t expect the progress that is just now starting to take control
around the world.” He believes that we have been at such inflection points
before and that we must continue to uphold the principles of democracy and
justice in a tainted world. He encouraged his audience to “do more to bridge
the gap between rich and poor nations.”
He then said one of the most significant
things any politician could say at this time of global unrest. President Obama stated, “We’re in an environment where we are only
accepting information that fits our opinions rather than basing our opinions
off the facts we receive, and evidence and reason and logic…” That hits all of
us hard. I know I have that tendency, and I suspect that you are not immune to the
tendency as well. How many times do I find myself scouring the internet for information,
opinion, and interpretation that supports my views? How much time do I spend
listening to the opinions of others compared with the time I spend shoring up
my position? How much do I smile when a view different from my own gets reduced
by public opinion or sustainable facts? How much do I seek to avoid ideas that
go against my “well-founded” views of the world? As President Obama said in his
Chicago address, “None of this is easy.”
things any politician could say at this time of global unrest. President Obama stated, “We’re in an environment where we are only
accepting information that fits our opinions rather than basing our opinions
off the facts we receive, and evidence and reason and logic…” That hits all of
us hard. I know I have that tendency, and I suspect that you are not immune to the
tendency as well. How many times do I find myself scouring the internet for information,
opinion, and interpretation that supports my views? How much time do I spend
listening to the opinions of others compared with the time I spend shoring up
my position? How much do I smile when a view different from my own gets reduced
by public opinion or sustainable facts? How much do I seek to avoid ideas that
go against my “well-founded” views of the world? As President Obama said in his
Chicago address, “None of this is easy.”
I wonder if we can’t
all become better scientists, theologians, and philosophers. These three
branches of knowledge seek to find truth. They observe the world, make
hypotheses, create ways of testing the hypotheses, analyze the data, draw
conclusions, make statements, listen to critiques of the work, and repeat the
process. What if every one of us made fearless inquiry of the world around us? Mark Noll and others have pointed to the “anti-intellectualism of the
evangelical mind.” The words of President Obama seem to point toward an
“anti-intellectualism of the social media mind.” I believe we can turn the tide
of anti-intellectualism by genuinely seeking truth in all its forms through
systematic inquiry.
all become better scientists, theologians, and philosophers. These three
branches of knowledge seek to find truth. They observe the world, make
hypotheses, create ways of testing the hypotheses, analyze the data, draw
conclusions, make statements, listen to critiques of the work, and repeat the
process. What if every one of us made fearless inquiry of the world around us? Mark Noll and others have pointed to the “anti-intellectualism of the
evangelical mind.” The words of President Obama seem to point toward an
“anti-intellectualism of the social media mind.” I believe we can turn the tide
of anti-intellectualism by genuinely seeking truth in all its forms through
systematic inquiry.
“None of this is
easy.” Even as I quote this powerful speech given to the Montreal Board of
Trade, I am aware of whole sections of the speech with which I have not
interacted. In the convincing philosophies of men like President Obama, I will
still struggle with portions of the message. Perhaps it is those sections I
most need to hear.
easy.” Even as I quote this powerful speech given to the Montreal Board of
Trade, I am aware of whole sections of the speech with which I have not
interacted. In the convincing philosophies of men like President Obama, I will
still struggle with portions of the message. Perhaps it is those sections I
most need to hear.
Last night, a small
group of church members and myself were led through the practice of Lectio Divina as we read Psalm 2. It is
an appropriate Psalm for these times. One person drew my attention to the last
line of the Psalm, “But what joy for all who take refuge in him!” The “him” in
this sentence refers to “God’s royal son,” and is an alternative to placing our
trust in “the nations.” These words remind us that there is a person in whom we
can place our trust. Will we trust in the nations, political leaders, news media
outlets, or social media stars? Or will we seek to use our minds to fearlessly
inquire into the nature of this royal son of God? Will we make intentional
inquiry into the creator of the universe? Using my intellect means using all my
intellect for all the inquiries of life. What joy awaits those who take refuge
in truth. May the royal son of God give us refuge as we seek the truth.
group of church members and myself were led through the practice of Lectio Divina as we read Psalm 2. It is
an appropriate Psalm for these times. One person drew my attention to the last
line of the Psalm, “But what joy for all who take refuge in him!” The “him” in
this sentence refers to “God’s royal son,” and is an alternative to placing our
trust in “the nations.” These words remind us that there is a person in whom we
can place our trust. Will we trust in the nations, political leaders, news media
outlets, or social media stars? Or will we seek to use our minds to fearlessly
inquire into the nature of this royal son of God? Will we make intentional
inquiry into the creator of the universe? Using my intellect means using all my
intellect for all the inquiries of life. What joy awaits those who take refuge
in truth. May the royal son of God give us refuge as we seek the truth.
Doctor Strange (2016; Directed by Scott Derrickson), has just
become available on Netflix. I decided I would watch it and went in without
high expectations. I expected too many fight scenes and not enough metaphor.
Perhaps the former was true, but I also found sufficient metaphor and story to
keep my interest.
become available on Netflix. I decided I would watch it and went in without
high expectations. I expected too many fight scenes and not enough metaphor.
Perhaps the former was true, but I also found sufficient metaphor and story to
keep my interest.
I did not
know what to expect from Benedict Cumberbatch, but I was pleasantly surprised
at the humour and gravity of his character. He truly wrestles with self-interest
and the good of the world. As a self-centred world-class surgeon and immense
intellect, the character of Stephen Strange is perfect for Cumberbatch who
plays it much like he played his Sherlock character.
know what to expect from Benedict Cumberbatch, but I was pleasantly surprised
at the humour and gravity of his character. He truly wrestles with self-interest
and the good of the world. As a self-centred world-class surgeon and immense
intellect, the character of Stephen Strange is perfect for Cumberbatch who
plays it much like he played his Sherlock character.
Doctor
Strange goes where no other superhero movie has gone before. There is no
attempt at a scientific explanation for the powers of the heroes in this movie.
Instead we see straight-up sorcery, magic incantations, and reliance on the
powers of darkness and light. If any of this is making you uncomfortable, or if
you wish to avoid spoilers because you have not yet seen the movie, now would
be a good time to quit reading. So, as I said, this is about a superhero whose
powers come from the fact that he can learn magic incantations. His “photographic
memory” helps him immensely in his pursuits of Ph.D., MD, and magic. There is
reference to what is known in science as an infinite number of universes
(something that is still a theory with little evidence to support) to keep the movie somewhat grounded in science, but for the most part, the writers simply don’t
care about science until the physical body of a hero is damaged to the point
where it requires the surgical care of Strange or some other member of his world-class
surgical team. At the beginning of the story, Stephen Strange is a brilliant
surgeon but loses his ability to operate due to an horrific car crash. Strange goes
to Kamar-Taj to find healing for his hands but is soon caught up in the great
war between the evil and virtuous sorcerers. We get to see the heroes and nemeses
running through multiple dimensions and creating portals that take them from
one part of a universe to another.
Strange goes where no other superhero movie has gone before. There is no
attempt at a scientific explanation for the powers of the heroes in this movie.
Instead we see straight-up sorcery, magic incantations, and reliance on the
powers of darkness and light. If any of this is making you uncomfortable, or if
you wish to avoid spoilers because you have not yet seen the movie, now would
be a good time to quit reading. So, as I said, this is about a superhero whose
powers come from the fact that he can learn magic incantations. His “photographic
memory” helps him immensely in his pursuits of Ph.D., MD, and magic. There is
reference to what is known in science as an infinite number of universes
(something that is still a theory with little evidence to support) to keep the movie somewhat grounded in science, but for the most part, the writers simply don’t
care about science until the physical body of a hero is damaged to the point
where it requires the surgical care of Strange or some other member of his world-class
surgical team. At the beginning of the story, Stephen Strange is a brilliant
surgeon but loses his ability to operate due to an horrific car crash. Strange goes
to Kamar-Taj to find healing for his hands but is soon caught up in the great
war between the evil and virtuous sorcerers. We get to see the heroes and nemeses
running through multiple dimensions and creating portals that take them from
one part of a universe to another.
Redemption
comes near the end of the movie. Doctor Strange has made his choice, he cannot
simply take his miracle of restored hands and go back to his old life. He decides instead to use his great powers to save the earth from the threat of the dark
power called Dormammu of the Dark Dimension. At a certain point in the battle
it seems that all is lost until Doctor Strange takes the one thing to Dormammu
that can defeat the Dark Lord: time. Strange introduces a time loop in which he
and Dormammu are trapped such that they must live this one day repeatedly.
Strange is killed each day and suffers a good deal of pain in each death but he
willingly accepts death and suffering to trap Dormammu in the time loop so that
he may negotiate terms with the powerful being. Eventually, Dormammu sees the
loop as a prison in which he is trapped and negotiates with Doctor Strange.
Dormammu and his evil associates withdraw from earth in return for his release from the time loop.
comes near the end of the movie. Doctor Strange has made his choice, he cannot
simply take his miracle of restored hands and go back to his old life. He decides instead to use his great powers to save the earth from the threat of the dark
power called Dormammu of the Dark Dimension. At a certain point in the battle
it seems that all is lost until Doctor Strange takes the one thing to Dormammu
that can defeat the Dark Lord: time. Strange introduces a time loop in which he
and Dormammu are trapped such that they must live this one day repeatedly.
Strange is killed each day and suffers a good deal of pain in each death but he
willingly accepts death and suffering to trap Dormammu in the time loop so that
he may negotiate terms with the powerful being. Eventually, Dormammu sees the
loop as a prison in which he is trapped and negotiates with Doctor Strange.
Dormammu and his evil associates withdraw from earth in return for his release from the time loop.
The story
of self-sacrifice which saves the world is the one story that is built into the
very weave of the universe. It is the one story which rings
true above all others. One person losing their life to save others’ lives and ultimately save
themselves is the story of the Messiah and his followers. It is described in
multiple ways in the books of the Bible. Matthew 16:25 explicitly says, “If
you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life
for my sake, you will save it.” This same redeeming message is there at the end
of Doctor Strange, reminding us of the nobility of self-sacrifice and the ever-present battle of darkness and light.
of self-sacrifice which saves the world is the one story that is built into the
very weave of the universe. It is the one story which rings
true above all others. One person losing their life to save others’ lives and ultimately save
themselves is the story of the Messiah and his followers. It is described in
multiple ways in the books of the Bible. Matthew 16:25 explicitly says, “If
you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life
for my sake, you will save it.” This same redeeming message is there at the end
of Doctor Strange, reminding us of the nobility of self-sacrifice and the ever-present battle of darkness and light.
Randy
Stonehill, has been a pioneer of Contemporary Christian Music since the 1970s
and his signature album, Welcome to
Paradise will always be the definitive collection that changed Christian
music. Randy Stonehill continues to make great music and his 2011 album, Spirit Walk, is one of his best ever. Today,
I want to honour the album that I would call his best.
Stonehill, has been a pioneer of Contemporary Christian Music since the 1970s
and his signature album, Welcome to
Paradise will always be the definitive collection that changed Christian
music. Randy Stonehill continues to make great music and his 2011 album, Spirit Walk, is one of his best ever. Today,
I want to honour the album that I would call his best.
It has been
23 years since Randy Stonehill released his Lazarus
Heart album and it still holds up as his greatest music ever produced. He
wrote or co-wrote everything on the album and has some great help from co-writers
such as Phil Madeira, Cheri Keaggy, and Terry Scott Taylor. The album is richly
produced by Jimmie Lee Sloas who makes every track sound great.
23 years since Randy Stonehill released his Lazarus
Heart album and it still holds up as his greatest music ever produced. He
wrote or co-wrote everything on the album and has some great help from co-writers
such as Phil Madeira, Cheri Keaggy, and Terry Scott Taylor. The album is richly
produced by Jimmie Lee Sloas who makes every track sound great.
There are
some great, big, rockin’ songs here with huge guitar solos that show the Jesus-infused
rock-n-roll that made Stonehill who he is today. “Shadow Man” is a great
example of this, but perhaps my favourite of this style is “Under the Rug.”
They remind us of the secret sins we work so hard to hide and the old creation
that must be constantly renewed in Christ.
some great, big, rockin’ songs here with huge guitar solos that show the Jesus-infused
rock-n-roll that made Stonehill who he is today. “Shadow Man” is a great
example of this, but perhaps my favourite of this style is “Under the Rug.”
They remind us of the secret sins we work so hard to hide and the old creation
that must be constantly renewed in Christ.
“In Jesus’
Name” and “That’s Why We Don’t Love God,” speak of the corporate sins of the
people of God and how we must turn back to Jesus as the source of life. “I Turn
to You,” is also that reminder of the One to whom we turn for strength.
Name” and “That’s Why We Don’t Love God,” speak of the corporate sins of the
people of God and how we must turn back to Jesus as the source of life. “I Turn
to You,” is also that reminder of the One to whom we turn for strength.
Of course,
there is the quirky and brief, “Zurich In the Snow.” What was on Uncle Rand’s
mind when he wrote this little diddy and decided to put it on the album? I am
certainly glad he included it.
there is the quirky and brief, “Zurich In the Snow.” What was on Uncle Rand’s
mind when he wrote this little diddy and decided to put it on the album? I am
certainly glad he included it.
On the
other end of the spectrum, the namesake of the album, “Lazarus Heart,” is a
beautiful story of life, redemption, and hope. Stonehill still knows how to proclaim
the Gospel in poetic ways that pull at our heart-strings.
other end of the spectrum, the namesake of the album, “Lazarus Heart,” is a
beautiful story of life, redemption, and hope. Stonehill still knows how to proclaim
the Gospel in poetic ways that pull at our heart-strings.
As I said, I
would suggest that this is Randy Stonehill’s greatest music ever, but then I
remember his 1989 album, Return to
Paradise. Perhaps I will write about that important album another day.
would suggest that this is Randy Stonehill’s greatest music ever, but then I
remember his 1989 album, Return to
Paradise. Perhaps I will write about that important album another day.
Lazarus Heart Track Listing:
- “A
Promise Made Is a Promise Kept” - “I
Turn to You” - “In
Jesus’ Name” - “Under
the Rug” - “Remember
My Name” - “That’s
Why We Don’t Love God” - “When
I’m Afraid” - “Shadow
Man” - “Zurich
In the Snow” - “Troubles”
- “The
Lazarus Heart”
Scott McKnight has an excellent blog entry that looks
at the recent book, Evolution and the
Fall, edited by Cavanaugh and Smith. The following quote is from the book
and draws upon the words of Darrel R. Falk.
at the recent book, Evolution and the
Fall, edited by Cavanaugh and Smith. The following quote is from the book
and draws upon the words of Darrel R. Falk.
Unlike secular scientists, Falk suggests that we
should understand our origin, despite the “odds” as an example of divine providence.
This isn’t an argument for the existence of God, but rather a realization
that there is another plausible interpretation of our existence on this planet.
Rather than lucky accidents, we are the result of a plan and have a purpose.
should understand our origin, despite the “odds” as an example of divine providence.
This isn’t an argument for the existence of God, but rather a realization
that there is another plausible interpretation of our existence on this planet.
Rather than lucky accidents, we are the result of a plan and have a purpose.
In complete contrast to the conclusions of Gee,
Wilson, and Gould, and many other biologists, scientific data have been
emerging that are highly consonant and beautifully consistent with the Christ
who is “before all things and through whom all things hold together” (Col 1:17 [NRSV]), and the Word “through whom
all things came into being … and without him not one thing came into being” (John
1:14 [NRSV]) (Evolution and the Fall, 2017, edited by
William Cavanaugh and James K. A. Smith, p. 21)
Wilson, and Gould, and many other biologists, scientific data have been
emerging that are highly consonant and beautifully consistent with the Christ
who is “before all things and through whom all things hold together” (Col 1:17 [NRSV]), and the Word “through whom
all things came into being … and without him not one thing came into being” (John
1:14 [NRSV]) (Evolution and the Fall, 2017, edited by
William Cavanaugh and James K. A. Smith, p. 21)
McKnight
says that, “… as Christians, the highly contingent and improbable truth of our
existence should bring a new and deep appreciation for the providence of God.”
It is not about proving that God exists. It is about realizing that because, by
any secular or religious standard, the probability that humans would develop on
this planet is very low, there is a place for including God in the
conversation. Philosophy and religion are some of the appropriate tools for
investigating the universe.
says that, “… as Christians, the highly contingent and improbable truth of our
existence should bring a new and deep appreciation for the providence of God.”
It is not about proving that God exists. It is about realizing that because, by
any secular or religious standard, the probability that humans would develop on
this planet is very low, there is a place for including God in the
conversation. Philosophy and religion are some of the appropriate tools for
investigating the universe.
“After the Lord your God has done this for
you, don’t say in your hearts, ‘The Lord has
given us this land because we are such good people!’ No, it is because of the
wickedness of the other nations that he is pushing them out of your way. It
is not because you are so good or have such integrity that you are about to
occupy their land. The Lord your
God will drive these nations out ahead of you only because of their wickedness,
and to fulfill the oath he swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You
must recognize that the Lord your
God is not giving you this good land because you are good, for you are not—you
are a stubborn people.” Deuteronomy 9:4-6
I have been thinking about the relationship between
evolutionary creation approaches to our understanding of God’s activity in the
world, and the problem of pain. The presence of pain, suffering, and evil in a
good world created and designed by a loving God, is difficult to understand and
explain. I have always understood, and still do understand, this problem in
terms of the hope of heaven that is available to the follower of Jesus. This
world is not designed to be a world without problems and pain, that is heaven.
The universe is designed to be a place where we learn to breathe the air of heaven.
We are tadpoles who must slowly be transformed into frogs that can survive and
thrive in the heavenly environment.
evolutionary creation approaches to our understanding of God’s activity in the
world, and the problem of pain. The presence of pain, suffering, and evil in a
good world created and designed by a loving God, is difficult to understand and
explain. I have always understood, and still do understand, this problem in
terms of the hope of heaven that is available to the follower of Jesus. This
world is not designed to be a world without problems and pain, that is heaven.
The universe is designed to be a place where we learn to breathe the air of heaven.
We are tadpoles who must slowly be transformed into frogs that can survive and
thrive in the heavenly environment.
Considering such an understanding of heaven and earth,
evolutionary creation adds one more facet to the gem that is our understanding
of the universe and spiritual places, both created by God. Evolutionary creation
is an approach that sees the struggle of individual species as part of the
creation process. Every species must work for its place in the eco-system.
Those well-suited to their environment will be able to reproduce and pass on
their genes to the next generation, ensuring that the next generation will go
on to reproduce once again. This is a dynamic process and species must adapt as
environments (micro and macro) change. A gene and its associated protein and
structures that was detrimental in one generation may be an advantage in the
environment accompanying the next generation. Thus, mutations which occur to
change the genome from generation to generation may be helpful or harmful in
any given time and place. It is the struggle of the individual and the species,
in which creatures of God fight for their place and their opportunity to
reproduce, that is a hallmark of the evolutionary creative process.
evolutionary creation adds one more facet to the gem that is our understanding
of the universe and spiritual places, both created by God. Evolutionary creation
is an approach that sees the struggle of individual species as part of the
creation process. Every species must work for its place in the eco-system.
Those well-suited to their environment will be able to reproduce and pass on
their genes to the next generation, ensuring that the next generation will go
on to reproduce once again. This is a dynamic process and species must adapt as
environments (micro and macro) change. A gene and its associated protein and
structures that was detrimental in one generation may be an advantage in the
environment accompanying the next generation. Thus, mutations which occur to
change the genome from generation to generation may be helpful or harmful in
any given time and place. It is the struggle of the individual and the species,
in which creatures of God fight for their place and their opportunity to
reproduce, that is a hallmark of the evolutionary creative process.
If we see Israel and the nations Israel drove out of the
promised land in light of evolutionary creation, we can then understand the
battles as part of the evolutionary creation process and part of how God was
preparing his people for the air of heaven. Is this an adequate explanation for
the bloody battles and warring tribes of the past and the present? It is hard
to say. The problems of pain, suffering, and evil remain. Yet, seen in this way,
I can better understand a loving God who is presently preparing a people for
life in his presence forever.
promised land in light of evolutionary creation, we can then understand the
battles as part of the evolutionary creation process and part of how God was
preparing his people for the air of heaven. Is this an adequate explanation for
the bloody battles and warring tribes of the past and the present? It is hard
to say. The problems of pain, suffering, and evil remain. Yet, seen in this way,
I can better understand a loving God who is presently preparing a people for
life in his presence forever.
I am continuing to read Cam Taylor’s
book, Detour. Chapter 15 is called “Attitude”
and focusses on the importance of a positive attitude. What I like is that
Taylor is not talking about a “Don’t Worry; Be Happy” kind of positivity thinking.
He reminds us that
book, Detour. Chapter 15 is called “Attitude”
and focusses on the importance of a positive attitude. What I like is that
Taylor is not talking about a “Don’t Worry; Be Happy” kind of positivity thinking.
He reminds us that
A lot of “positive
talk” fails to acknowledge the presence of legitimate loss and the emotional
roller coaster that inevitably comes with adversity. If your positivity is a
fluffy sentimentalism that says, “Let’s just be happy all the time,” it’s not
the positivity I’m talking about. My positivity had room for melancholy and
sadness as an unavoidable part of human experience. The positivity I’m talking
about is not the absence of adversity but a belief that you’ll get through what
you’re going through, that people will show up to help at just the right time,
and that there are resources you haven’t yet tapped into (including divine
aid). Real positivity believes in growth amidst hardship and fights against the
downward pull of the feeling that life will never get better and nobody cares.
talk” fails to acknowledge the presence of legitimate loss and the emotional
roller coaster that inevitably comes with adversity. If your positivity is a
fluffy sentimentalism that says, “Let’s just be happy all the time,” it’s not
the positivity I’m talking about. My positivity had room for melancholy and
sadness as an unavoidable part of human experience. The positivity I’m talking
about is not the absence of adversity but a belief that you’ll get through what
you’re going through, that people will show up to help at just the right time,
and that there are resources you haven’t yet tapped into (including divine
aid). Real positivity believes in growth amidst hardship and fights against the
downward pull of the feeling that life will never get better and nobody cares.
Instead, Taylor says that he began to
look for ways to help others in difficult circumstances. Even as he still
worked at his recovery from a catastrophic motorcycle accident, he states that “Every day, when I woke up, my goal
was to do something positive with the time I had and to find a way to add value
to others.” He began to invite others to join him (but pressed on even when
others did not join him) in a persevering attitude. He chose to “live with true
hope that said, ‘Things can and will get better!’” These are good words to live
by whether we find ourselves in a difficult detour or on the normal rolling
hills of life. Each of us can look for positive ways in which we can help others regardless of where we are at in our journey.
look for ways to help others in difficult circumstances. Even as he still
worked at his recovery from a catastrophic motorcycle accident, he states that “Every day, when I woke up, my goal
was to do something positive with the time I had and to find a way to add value
to others.” He began to invite others to join him (but pressed on even when
others did not join him) in a persevering attitude. He chose to “live with true
hope that said, ‘Things can and will get better!’” These are good words to live
by whether we find ourselves in a difficult detour or on the normal rolling
hills of life. Each of us can look for positive ways in which we can help others regardless of where we are at in our journey.
Deuteronomy 6: 1-25 (NLT)
1 “These are the
commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded
me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and
occupy, 2 and you and your children and
grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you
obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. 3 Listen
closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and
you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as
the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.
commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded
me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and
occupy, 2 and you and your children and
grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you
obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. 3 Listen
closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and
you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as
the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.
4 “Listen, O
Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And
you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul,
and all your strength. 6 And you must commit
yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat
them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and
when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting
up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your
forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the
doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And
you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul,
and all your strength. 6 And you must commit
yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat
them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and
when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting
up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your
forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the
doorposts of your house and on your gates.
10 “The Lord your
God will soon bring you into the land he swore to give you when he made a vow
to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is a land with large,
prosperous cities that you did not build. 11 The
houses will be richly stocked with goods you did not produce. You will draw
water from cisterns you did not dig, and you will eat from vineyards and olive
trees you did not plant. When you have eaten your fill in this land, 12 be
careful not to forget the Lord, who rescued you from slavery in the land
of Egypt. 13 You must fear the Lord your
God and serve him. When you take an oath, you must use only his name.
God will soon bring you into the land he swore to give you when he made a vow
to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is a land with large,
prosperous cities that you did not build. 11 The
houses will be richly stocked with goods you did not produce. You will draw
water from cisterns you did not dig, and you will eat from vineyards and olive
trees you did not plant. When you have eaten your fill in this land, 12 be
careful not to forget the Lord, who rescued you from slavery in the land
of Egypt. 13 You must fear the Lord your
God and serve him. When you take an oath, you must use only his name.
14 “You must not
worship any of the gods of neighboring nations, 15 for
the Lord your God, who lives among you, is a jealous God. His anger
will flare up against you, and he will wipe you from the face of the earth. 16 You
must not test the Lord your God as you did when you complained at
Massah. 17 You must diligently obey the commands of
the Lord your God—all the laws and decrees he has given you.18 Do
what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so all will go well with you.
Then you will enter and occupy the good land that the Lord swore to
give your ancestors. 19 You will drive out all the
enemies living in the land, just as the Lord said you would.
worship any of the gods of neighboring nations, 15 for
the Lord your God, who lives among you, is a jealous God. His anger
will flare up against you, and he will wipe you from the face of the earth. 16 You
must not test the Lord your God as you did when you complained at
Massah. 17 You must diligently obey the commands of
the Lord your God—all the laws and decrees he has given you.18 Do
what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so all will go well with you.
Then you will enter and occupy the good land that the Lord swore to
give your ancestors. 19 You will drive out all the
enemies living in the land, just as the Lord said you would.
20 “In the
future your children will ask you, ‘What is the meaning of these laws, decrees,
and regulations that the Lord our God has commanded us to obey?’
future your children will ask you, ‘What is the meaning of these laws, decrees,
and regulations that the Lord our God has commanded us to obey?’
21 “Then you
must tell them, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the Lord brought
us out of Egypt with his strong hand. 22 The Lord did
miraculous signs and wonders before our eyes, dealing terrifying blows against
Egypt and Pharaoh and all his people. 23 He brought
us out of Egypt so he could give us this land he had sworn to give our
ancestors. 24 And the Lord our God
commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear him so he can continue to
bless us and preserve our lives, as he has done to this day. 25 For
we will be counted as righteous when we obey all the commands the Lord our
God has given us.’
must tell them, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the Lord brought
us out of Egypt with his strong hand. 22 The Lord did
miraculous signs and wonders before our eyes, dealing terrifying blows against
Egypt and Pharaoh and all his people. 23 He brought
us out of Egypt so he could give us this land he had sworn to give our
ancestors. 24 And the Lord our God
commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear him so he can continue to
bless us and preserve our lives, as he has done to this day. 25 For
we will be counted as righteous when we obey all the commands the Lord our
God has given us.’
God sets down his commands, decrees, and regulations and
asks his people to obey them. These are Old Testament Covenant laws, yet they
contain principles to which God calls those of us who live under the New
Covenant in Christ.
asks his people to obey them. These are Old Testament Covenant laws, yet they
contain principles to which God calls those of us who live under the New
Covenant in Christ.
The text calls us to “love the Lord your God with
all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit
yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.” The
emphasis here is that this is not a blind obedience without understanding, nor
a rote following of rules. We are to love God and commit ourselves to following
him with our hearts, our souls, and our strength.
all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit
yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.” The
emphasis here is that this is not a blind obedience without understanding, nor
a rote following of rules. We are to love God and commit ourselves to following
him with our hearts, our souls, and our strength.
“Wholeheartedly,” is explained further if we look at some of
the following commands. We are to “repeat them again and again to your children.”
Repeating them without living the commands, decrees and regulations will not
get either generation anywhere. There must be a wholehearted concern for these
laws. “Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write
them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Although some Jewish
followers did literally do this, this was likely not God’s intent; and
certainly, simply tying commands on our hands or writing them on our doors is
not sufficient. They must be close at hand and must guide the practices of our
homes.
the following commands. We are to “repeat them again and again to your children.”
Repeating them without living the commands, decrees and regulations will not
get either generation anywhere. There must be a wholehearted concern for these
laws. “Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write
them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Although some Jewish
followers did literally do this, this was likely not God’s intent; and
certainly, simply tying commands on our hands or writing them on our doors is
not sufficient. They must be close at hand and must guide the practices of our
homes.
The passage goes on to say, “You must not worship any of the
gods of neighboring nations.” We do not live in a time when our neighbours
worship Ba’al or Molech, but our neighbours may worship material things
(consumerism), entertainment, or sexual pleasure. How will we avoid these
distractions? By wholeheartedly loving God and committing ourselves to his
commands and practices.
gods of neighboring nations.” We do not live in a time when our neighbours
worship Ba’al or Molech, but our neighbours may worship material things
(consumerism), entertainment, or sexual pleasure. How will we avoid these
distractions? By wholeheartedly loving God and committing ourselves to his
commands and practices.
Living wholeheartedly for God is not something we do in
isolation. Many of the commands God gives his people relate to the right and just
treatment of those with whom his people live. He calls upon them to care for
the alien, the orphan, the widow. Listed below are a few of the many verses
that give us these commands.
isolation. Many of the commands God gives his people relate to the right and just
treatment of those with whom his people live. He calls upon them to care for
the alien, the orphan, the widow. Listed below are a few of the many verses
that give us these commands.
Exodus 22:21 (NRSV)
21 You shall not wrong or oppress a
resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.
resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.
Deuteronomy 24:20-21 (NRSV)
20 When you beat your olive trees, do
not strip what is left; it shall be for the alien, the orphan, and the widow.
not strip what is left; it shall be for the alien, the orphan, and the widow.
21 When you gather the grapes of your
vineyard, do not glean what is left; it shall be for the alien, the orphan, and
the widow.
vineyard, do not glean what is left; it shall be for the alien, the orphan, and
the widow.
Romans 12:13 (NRSV)
13 Contribute to the needs of the
saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
The last sentence of Deuteronomy 6 says, “For we will be
counted as righteous when we obey all the commands the Lord our God
has given us.” Certainly, we who live under the New Covenant know that it is
impossible to literally “obey all the commands the Lord our God has given us.”
So, it is much more a matter of the “heart” than it is a matter of “doing.” May
I always look for the heart of God and seek to follow his heart and his Spirit
rather than blindly follow the letter of ancient laws which may no longer
relate to the culture in which I live.
counted as righteous when we obey all the commands the Lord our God
has given us.” Certainly, we who live under the New Covenant know that it is
impossible to literally “obey all the commands the Lord our God has given us.”
So, it is much more a matter of the “heart” than it is a matter of “doing.” May
I always look for the heart of God and seek to follow his heart and his Spirit
rather than blindly follow the letter of ancient laws which may no longer
relate to the culture in which I live.
I have been
reading a preprint of Cam Taylor’s book, Detour: A Roadmap For When Life Gets Rerouted. The book has much to say
to anyone who has ever faced adversity (and of course, that is all of us.) It
recounts the “detour” his life took following a near-deadly motorcycle
crash. I am part-way through the book
and have already found some gems of encouragement. The following quote is certainly
one of the strongest statements made by Taylor.
reading a preprint of Cam Taylor’s book, Detour: A Roadmap For When Life Gets Rerouted. The book has much to say
to anyone who has ever faced adversity (and of course, that is all of us.) It
recounts the “detour” his life took following a near-deadly motorcycle
crash. I am part-way through the book
and have already found some gems of encouragement. The following quote is certainly
one of the strongest statements made by Taylor.
When the world I knew was interrupted
by the chaos and mess of the crash, it threw me into a tailspin. When the road
ended, my mind avoided the present because it hurt. It was easier to dwell on
the past, which looked so good looking back, or to fixate longingly on the
future, when things would be “normal” again. I learned quickly, however, that
now was the only reality I had. The past was in my memory, and the future was
in my imagination. There is a time and a place to reflect on past memories and
to dream of future possibilities, but that is only possible when our feet are
firmly grounded in now. But I wondered, “How do I get there?” It started when I
separated fact from fiction.(Taylor, 2017, p.
27)
by the chaos and mess of the crash, it threw me into a tailspin. When the road
ended, my mind avoided the present because it hurt. It was easier to dwell on
the past, which looked so good looking back, or to fixate longingly on the
future, when things would be “normal” again. I learned quickly, however, that
now was the only reality I had. The past was in my memory, and the future was
in my imagination. There is a time and a place to reflect on past memories and
to dream of future possibilities, but that is only possible when our feet are
firmly grounded in now. But I wondered, “How do I get there?” It started when I
separated fact from fiction.
27)
It is easy to have a focus on “the past,” “what might have
been,” and the “if-onlys” of life. Have you ever caught yourself feeling like
you had been born too late? Do we not tend to think that former times were “the
good-old-days?” When life throws us a difficult circumstance, our first
reaction is likely to be to fixate on how it might have been avoided. Perhaps
that is even a normal reaction. But the
insight Taylor brings is that, at a certain point, it is unhealthy to “dwell on
the past” or “fixate longingly on the future.” He realized, and I too must realize,
that “now” is the only reality we have. “There is a time and a place to reflect
on past memories and to dream of future possibilities, but this is only
possible when our feet are firmly grounded in now” (emphasis added).
been,” and the “if-onlys” of life. Have you ever caught yourself feeling like
you had been born too late? Do we not tend to think that former times were “the
good-old-days?” When life throws us a difficult circumstance, our first
reaction is likely to be to fixate on how it might have been avoided. Perhaps
that is even a normal reaction. But the
insight Taylor brings is that, at a certain point, it is unhealthy to “dwell on
the past” or “fixate longingly on the future.” He realized, and I too must realize,
that “now” is the only reality we have. “There is a time and a place to reflect
on past memories and to dream of future possibilities, but this is only
possible when our feet are firmly grounded in now” (emphasis added).
I look forward to further insights from the book and will
pass them along to the readers of this blog. Watch Taylor’s blog for the
release of Detour. (http://camtaylor.net)
pass them along to the readers of this blog. Watch Taylor’s blog for the
release of Detour. (http://camtaylor.net)
Works Cited:
Taylor, C. (2017). Detour: A Roadmap For When Life
Gets Rerouted. Abbotsford: InFocus Publishing.
Gets Rerouted. Abbotsford: InFocus Publishing.
The latest composition by “Key of Zed” is more
auto-biographical than previous offerings; and long-time fans will recognize
references to previous songs. Enjoy listening to it on ReverbNation and follow along with the lyrics below.
auto-biographical than previous offerings; and long-time fans will recognize
references to previous songs. Enjoy listening to it on ReverbNation and follow along with the lyrics below.
No
Hit Wonder
(Words and music by Mike Charko and Keith
Shields; SOCAN, 2017)It started for me in ninety-threeThe music was all about you and meBack then the road was necessityPlaying in towns and bars for freeA little band of one plus threeTold tales of love and mortalityWrote some tunes to make you laughMoney was split in half and a halfGive me a song with a driving beatGive me a song with harmoniesGive me a song that makes you feel just
rightAnd we’ll sing it for you tonightWe played our songs from coast to coastEvery mic time had a hostAnd every coast was just the sameChasing down our fame
Drums were beat and songs were sungBeer glasses slammed and rungOriginal tunes and covers with flairWorked hard to get an appreciative stareGive me a song with a driving beatGive me a song with harmoniesGive me a song that makes you feel just
rightAnd we’ll sing for you tonightWe played at all the greatest hallsHeritage Grill and the Rusty GullGood Earth Café and Tommy G-sThat little Bluebird wanna beProfessionals with poetic graceCritics would sing our praiseOut on the road behind the wheelStill looking for that record dealGive me a song with a driving beatGive me a song with harmoniesGive me a song that makes you feel just
rightAnd we’ll sing it for you tonightWhen I was young I could breathe the airOf getting my shot and climbing the stairGrammys and Junos would be mineNothing could stop me this timeNashville, Memphis, and LAOh the halls I’d playSinging about places called HomeAngels in Blue Jeans never would roamGive me a song with a driving beatGive me a song with harmoniesGive me a song that makes you feel just
rightAnd we’ll sing it for you tonightBack home I’m famous just like the thunderKnown ever as the “No Hit Wonder”