“Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to
follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about
to enter and occupy.” Deuteronomy 5:33 (NLT)
“There’s a fork in the road but you never take it.”[1]
It may depend upon our perspective or it may depend upon our
character, but some would look at life and see it as a number of forks in the
road, and choices we must make, as we navigate the one lifetime we have been
given. Robert Frost is known for writing,
character, but some would look at life and see it as a number of forks in the
road, and choices we must make, as we navigate the one lifetime we have been
given. Robert Frost is known for writing,
Two roads
diverged in a wood, and I—
diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the
one less traveled by,
one less traveled by,
And that has
made all the difference.[2]
made all the difference.[2]
The complete stanza says,
I shall be
telling this with a sigh
telling this with a sigh
Somewhere
ages and ages hence:
ages and ages hence:
Two roads
diverged in a wood, and I—
diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the
one less traveled by,
one less traveled by,
And that has
made all the difference.[3]
made all the difference.[3]
Frost was often asked about the “sigh” in this poem and he was
always enigmatic about it. What was the difference made? Was the difference a
good difference or a bad difference? Perhaps it was an unknown difference.
always enigmatic about it. What was the difference made? Was the difference a
good difference or a bad difference? Perhaps it was an unknown difference.
A fork in the road, on the path of life, offers
opportunities, choices, responsibilities, and temptations. In the movie, A Wonderful Life, George Bailey has many
opportunities and forks in his road. His choice at each one is a choice
made out of loyalty. He chooses to serve the banking business his father
started; he chooses to serve his brother; he chooses to serve the poor; he
chooses to serve his town; and just when it looks like all of his choices will
lead to suicide or prison, we find that he has chosen correctly and that he has
also served his family.
opportunities, choices, responsibilities, and temptations. In the movie, A Wonderful Life, George Bailey has many
opportunities and forks in his road. His choice at each one is a choice
made out of loyalty. He chooses to serve the banking business his father
started; he chooses to serve his brother; he chooses to serve the poor; he
chooses to serve his town; and just when it looks like all of his choices will
lead to suicide or prison, we find that he has chosen correctly and that he has
also served his family.
Jayber Crow, the fictional barber in Wendell Berry’s book by
the same name, has this to say about his path.
the same name, has this to say about his path.
Now I have had most of the life I am
going to have, and I can see what it has been. I can remember those early years
when it seemed to me I was cut completely adrift, and times when, looking back
at the earlier times, it seemed I had been wandering in the dark woods of
error. But now it looks to me as though I was following a path that was laid
out for me, unbroken, and maybe even as straight as possible, from one end to
the other, and I have this feeling, which never leaves me anymore, that I have
been led. I will leave you to judge the
truth of that for yourself . . . there is no proof.[4]
going to have, and I can see what it has been. I can remember those early years
when it seemed to me I was cut completely adrift, and times when, looking back
at the earlier times, it seemed I had been wandering in the dark woods of
error. But now it looks to me as though I was following a path that was laid
out for me, unbroken, and maybe even as straight as possible, from one end to
the other, and I have this feeling, which never leaves me anymore, that I have
been led. I will leave you to judge the
truth of that for yourself . . . there is no proof.[4]
There is no proof, and yet, there is always faith. There is no proof, and yet, there is always trust. You will have to judge the truth of that for yourself.
Works Cited:
Berry, Wendell. Jayber Crow: The Life Story
of Jayber Crow, Barber, of the Port William Membership. Berkeley: Counterpoint,
2000.
Cuddy, Jim. Skyscraper Soul, “Watch
Yourself Go Down,” 2011
Yourself Go Down,” 2011
Frost, Robert. The Road Not Taken. 2015.
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/173536 (accessed 04 11, 2016).
[1] Jim Cuddy; “Watch Yourself Go Down”; Skyscraper Soul, 2011.
[2] (Frost 2015)
[3] (Frost 2015)
[4] (Berry 2000)
[4] (Berry 2000)
I read the Gospel of John 19:23-25 recently.
It is about the crucifixion of Jesus and various things associated with his
death. It speaks of the Roman soldiers dividing his clothes among themselves
and then it says, “now the tunic (khiton, the garment worn next to the skin)
was seamless, woven in one piece. So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear
it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be’; this was to fulfill the
Scripture: ‘They divided my outer garments among them and for my clothing they
cast lots.’”
This got me thinking, “Who ended up with
this tunic?” “Did one of the soldiers wear it?” Imagine wearing the underwear
of the Christ! We know from other passages of the Bible that Jesus’ outer
garments could be touched and they would mediate healing. In Luke 8:43-48 we
read of a woman who suffered from continual bleeding for 12 years who touched
Jesus’ cloak while he walked through the streets. She was instantly healed of
her disorder. What of this tunic that was worn close to his skin? Did it have
residual energy from Jesus? Was the soldier that wore it healed of anything? Or
instead, was he cursed by wearing something so holy without appropriate reverence?
I guess we will never know. Or maybe it is one of those questions we will want
to ask Jesus when we get to heaven.
this tunic?” “Did one of the soldiers wear it?” Imagine wearing the underwear
of the Christ! We know from other passages of the Bible that Jesus’ outer
garments could be touched and they would mediate healing. In Luke 8:43-48 we
read of a woman who suffered from continual bleeding for 12 years who touched
Jesus’ cloak while he walked through the streets. She was instantly healed of
her disorder. What of this tunic that was worn close to his skin? Did it have
residual energy from Jesus? Was the soldier that wore it healed of anything? Or
instead, was he cursed by wearing something so holy without appropriate reverence?
I guess we will never know. Or maybe it is one of those questions we will want
to ask Jesus when we get to heaven.
I do think that in these things there is a lesson
for us to learn. Reverence for God and for the things of God is an important concept. What healings and
blessings might we be missing because of an inappropriate reverence for the
garments of God; for his creation, for his word as revealed in the Bible? Let those who have ears, hear these
things. Let those who have clear minds, think upon these things. Selah!
for us to learn. Reverence for God and for the things of God is an important concept. What healings and
blessings might we be missing because of an inappropriate reverence for the
garments of God; for his creation, for his word as revealed in the Bible? Let those who have ears, hear these
things. Let those who have clear minds, think upon these things. Selah!
Jupiter and Europa
The 15th to 18th
centuries were a time of unprecedented exploration of our world. Europeans, with a healthy sense of curiosity, and driven by a desire to conquer new worlds, were the primary instigators. Today,
we live in a similar time of exploration as countries and private corporations turn their eyes to our solar system. Led by many organizations from around the world, there is a greater sense of cooperation in this age of discovery. The National
Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA), Russian
Federal Space Agency (RFSA), Chinese National Space Agency (CNSA), and Japan
Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are all making a mark in space exploration.
NASA is presently developing an
Asteroid Redirect Mission in which they will identify, capture, and redirect a
near-Earth asteroid. The goal is to capture an asteroid and place it in
orbit around the moon so that scientists might study it for generations to come.[1]
NASA also plans to send a mission to Europa, one of the large moons orbiting Jupiter.
It takes 7 to 10 years to reach the Jovian system and the plan is to launch in
the early 2020s, so don’t expect results immediately, but Europa is considered
one of the more likely locations for simple extra-terrestrial life because of
its large frozen ocean.[2]
Asteroid Redirect Mission in which they will identify, capture, and redirect a
near-Earth asteroid. The goal is to capture an asteroid and place it in
orbit around the moon so that scientists might study it for generations to come.[1]
NASA also plans to send a mission to Europa, one of the large moons orbiting Jupiter.
It takes 7 to 10 years to reach the Jovian system and the plan is to launch in
the early 2020s, so don’t expect results immediately, but Europa is considered
one of the more likely locations for simple extra-terrestrial life because of
its large frozen ocean.[2]
ESA too has plans for a Jovian mission.
Their spacecraft will visit three of Jupiter’s moons: Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa.
The rationale for this trip is that all three moons likely contain water and
might support life.[3]
ESA has also expressed interest in establishing a lunar base on our own moon
that would serve as a research base, much like the International Space Station.
It would make a great jumping off point for even greater space exploration that
might include missions to other star systems.[4]
Their spacecraft will visit three of Jupiter’s moons: Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa.
The rationale for this trip is that all three moons likely contain water and
might support life.[3]
ESA has also expressed interest in establishing a lunar base on our own moon
that would serve as a research base, much like the International Space Station.
It would make a great jumping off point for even greater space exploration that
might include missions to other star systems.[4]
In 2013, the Chinese National Space Agency
was the first agency to soft land a spacecraft on the moon since the Russians last
did in 1976 (Luna 24). CNSA presently has a lunar rover called Chang’e 3 on the
moon’s service and they have stated that they plan many more lunar missions
including some sample return missions.[5]
was the first agency to soft land a spacecraft on the moon since the Russians last
did in 1976 (Luna 24). CNSA presently has a lunar rover called Chang’e 3 on the
moon’s service and they have stated that they plan many more lunar missions
including some sample return missions.[5]
JAXA, in collaboration with ESA, will soon
launch a Mercury orbiter that will study the magnetosphere of that planet.[6] Because of its proximity
to the sun, and the difficulty of shielding instrumentation from extreme radiation, little
is known about this planet; and the JAXA mission will be highly significant.
launch a Mercury orbiter that will study the magnetosphere of that planet.[6] Because of its proximity
to the sun, and the difficulty of shielding instrumentation from extreme radiation, little
is known about this planet; and the JAXA mission will be highly significant.
All of these missions will be of
great interest as we watch them unfold over the next decades. I plan to watch each with great expectation, starting with the ExoMars show that has already begun.
great interest as we watch them unfold over the next decades. I plan to watch each with great expectation, starting with the ExoMars show that has already begun.
This left Jacob all
alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to
break. When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched
Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket. Then the man said, “Let me
go, for the dawn is breaking!”But Jacob said, “I
will not let you go unless you bless me.”“What is your name?”
the man asked.He replied, “Jacob.”“Your name will no
longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel, because
you have fought with God and with men and have won.” Genesis 32:24-28 (NLV)
This passage from the
book of Genesis tells of a time when Jacob physically wrestled with a man (or
perhaps an angel) who represented Jacob’s wrestling with God. After this
incident, Jacob was a changed man. He no longer looked for ways to trick God
and man. It was also at this time that his name was changed to Israel. The name
Jacob means “trickster” while the name Israel means “God fights;” and this
moment represented a change in the heart of Jacob. No longer would he
be a trickster. From then on he would recognize that God was the one fighting
for him.
book of Genesis tells of a time when Jacob physically wrestled with a man (or
perhaps an angel) who represented Jacob’s wrestling with God. After this
incident, Jacob was a changed man. He no longer looked for ways to trick God
and man. It was also at this time that his name was changed to Israel. The name
Jacob means “trickster” while the name Israel means “God fights;” and this
moment represented a change in the heart of Jacob. No longer would he
be a trickster. From then on he would recognize that God was the one fighting
for him.
Many of us have
wrestled with God in a figurative sense. We question God’s goodness, we wonder
about his plans for us, we consider whether his way truly is the best way to
live, and we deliberate on whether or not his ways can truly satisfy. In fact,
it can be said that, each time we sin we are wrestling control out of God’s
hands. We are saying, in effect, that God’s ways will not satisfy and we look
for a substitute for the provision that comes from God. Think of the person who
steals money or supplies from work rather than trust that God can supply their
physical needs. Think of the person who seeks a sexual relationship outside of
their marriage rather than trusting that God can make their marriage whole and
holy. These may be extreme examples, but aren’t there numerous ways that we
daily say, “It’s okay God, I can solve this one. I don’t need you to supply
this need.”?
wrestled with God in a figurative sense. We question God’s goodness, we wonder
about his plans for us, we consider whether his way truly is the best way to
live, and we deliberate on whether or not his ways can truly satisfy. In fact,
it can be said that, each time we sin we are wrestling control out of God’s
hands. We are saying, in effect, that God’s ways will not satisfy and we look
for a substitute for the provision that comes from God. Think of the person who
steals money or supplies from work rather than trust that God can supply their
physical needs. Think of the person who seeks a sexual relationship outside of
their marriage rather than trusting that God can make their marriage whole and
holy. These may be extreme examples, but aren’t there numerous ways that we
daily say, “It’s okay God, I can solve this one. I don’t need you to supply
this need.”?
Jars of Clay, a band from Nashville, wrote the song “After the Fight” as a way of
retelling the story of Jacob wrestling with an angel. Genesis 32:31 tells us that,
after Jacob’s wrestle with the unknown person, he limped because of an injury
to his hip. The Jars of Clay song
makes reference to this injury, as well as a persistent physical ailment in the
life of Paul the Apostle, when they say, “Will walking be a reminder of punches
I let by, another thorn in my side?”
retelling the story of Jacob wrestling with an angel. Genesis 32:31 tells us that,
after Jacob’s wrestle with the unknown person, he limped because of an injury
to his hip. The Jars of Clay song
makes reference to this injury, as well as a persistent physical ailment in the
life of Paul the Apostle, when they say, “Will walking be a reminder of punches
I let by, another thorn in my side?”
I invite you to
meditate on both the words of Genesis and the words of this song. Consider the
ways in which you may be fighting against God.
meditate on both the words of Genesis and the words of this song. Consider the
ways in which you may be fighting against God.
After the FightSongwriters: Daniel
Paul Haseltine, Charles Daniel Lowell, Stephen Daniel Mason, Matthew Thomas
OdmarkPublished by © A Side
Music LLCYou can blame it on my
pride or the spell that I’m under
I get to fight with the lightning, talk back to the thunder
I want more wind in this tornado cause it isn’t moving fast enough yet
Gonna burn this temple to the ground once I have the fuses setBut after the fight is over will I talk so tough
Will I run for cover after the gloves come off
Yeah when the black eye lingers will I stand my ground
Return my fists to fingers after the final roundI have a hand full of feathers and blood stains on my skin
Is there an angel left to wrestle, white horses they haven’t broken in
I get up from the canvas swinging like I think I might just win
And we go around and round and round and round againAfter the fight is over will I talk so tough
Will I run for cover after the gloves come off
Yeah when the black eye lingers will I stand my ground
Return my fists to fingers after the final roundWill walking be a reminder of punches I let by
Will walking be a reminder of punches I let by
I let by
Another thorn in my side
I let byAfter the fight is over will I talk so tough
Will I run for cover
After the fight is over will I talk so tough
Will I run for cover after the gloves come off
Yeah when the black eye lingers will I stand my ground
Return my fists to fingers after the final roundWill I get by
I let by
What do the father in the ninth chapter of
the Gospel of Mark, a blogger in Calgary, several pastors in Calgary, some seminary
professors, Karl Barth, Anselm, and Francis Schaeffer[1]
have in common? They all have stated, “Lord, I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” It is normal to
need this kind of help. In fact, seeking help in overcoming our unbelief is a
requirement of mature Christian belief.
The writings of
Karl Barth suggest that the appropriate sequence leading to belief is,
“revelation, faith, and then faith seeking understanding.”[2]
In this schema, revelation, that which has been revealed to humans, is present
first. Revelation is followed by a degree of faith in this revelation. Then that
faith (as small as a mustard seed or larger like an acorn), results in a desire
to seek more understanding and is directed toward digging deeper into the
revelation.
Karl Barth suggest that the appropriate sequence leading to belief is,
“revelation, faith, and then faith seeking understanding.”[2]
In this schema, revelation, that which has been revealed to humans, is present
first. Revelation is followed by a degree of faith in this revelation. Then that
faith (as small as a mustard seed or larger like an acorn), results in a desire
to seek more understanding and is directed toward digging deeper into the
revelation.
You may well
ask, “What is this revelation?” “Which revelation?” “Whose revelation?”
ask, “What is this revelation?” “Which revelation?” “Whose revelation?”
Theologians
such as those who write for BioLogos and some who teach
at Regent College,[3] tell us that God has revealed himself to humans through his
two books: the book of creation and the book of the Bible. The book of creation
includes all matter, anti-matter, dark-matter, and the principles which order
the structure and movement of the universe. The Bible, God’s special revelation
to human beings, consists of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. This
book requires much “faith seeking understanding” and contains enough revelation
and mystery to last a lifetime of study. Yet, it is comprehensible, just as the
book of creation is comprehensible, with abundant study (think about the book
of Romans and about gravitational waves – both require a great deal of
concentration, study, and faith in the methods used).
such as those who write for BioLogos and some who teach
at Regent College,[3] tell us that God has revealed himself to humans through his
two books: the book of creation and the book of the Bible. The book of creation
includes all matter, anti-matter, dark-matter, and the principles which order
the structure and movement of the universe. The Bible, God’s special revelation
to human beings, consists of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. This
book requires much “faith seeking understanding” and contains enough revelation
and mystery to last a lifetime of study. Yet, it is comprehensible, just as the
book of creation is comprehensible, with abundant study (think about the book
of Romans and about gravitational waves – both require a great deal of
concentration, study, and faith in the methods used).
Dear reader, as
you consider the size of your own faith (molecular-sized, mustard-seed-sized,
the size of a bread-box), do not become weary in “faith seeking understanding.”
Have faith, seek faith, ask questions of the revelation you see, grow in your
faith, and grow in your understanding. The God of all universes will do the
rest.
you consider the size of your own faith (molecular-sized, mustard-seed-sized,
the size of a bread-box), do not become weary in “faith seeking understanding.”
Have faith, seek faith, ask questions of the revelation you see, grow in your
faith, and grow in your understanding. The God of all universes will do the
rest.
Works Cited:
Barth, Karl. Anselm: Fides
Quarens Intellectum. Eugene: Pickwick Publications, 2009.
Quarens Intellectum. Eugene: Pickwick Publications, 2009.
Schaeffer, Francis A. How Should We
Then Live: The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture. Old
Tappan, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1976.
Then Live: The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture. Old
Tappan, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1976.
Wilkinson, Loren.
“Introduction.” Biologos Website. Vancouver: Biologos, 2016.
“Introduction.” Biologos Website. Vancouver: Biologos, 2016.
[1] (Schaeffer 1976)
[2] (Barth 2009)
[3] http://biologos.org/author/loren-wilkinson (Wilkinson 2016)
Chapter nine of the
Gospel of Mark speaks of a father who brought his son to Jesus to be healed.
The man makes one of the most honest statements in the whole Bible. Jesus tells
this man that “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father of the
boy says, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Gospel of Mark speaks of a father who brought his son to Jesus to be healed.
The man makes one of the most honest statements in the whole Bible. Jesus tells
this man that “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father of the
boy says, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Isn’t that just like
us? We believe; and we need help to
overcome our unbelief. We trust Jesus; and
we need help to overcome our lack of trust. We have simple child-like faith; and we struggle with the complexities of
the universe. The mysteries of life, death, healing, sickness, and life beyond
this world, impinge upon our simple faith. What we don’t understand gets in the
way of what we trust. We want explanations of how things work. We find it hard
to simply believe.
us? We believe; and we need help to
overcome our unbelief. We trust Jesus; and
we need help to overcome our lack of trust. We have simple child-like faith; and we struggle with the complexities of
the universe. The mysteries of life, death, healing, sickness, and life beyond
this world, impinge upon our simple faith. What we don’t understand gets in the
way of what we trust. We want explanations of how things work. We find it hard
to simply believe.
Lord, help me believe.
I don’t want to miss any miracles. I don’t want to miss your power.
Help me believe.
I don’t want to miss any miracles. I don’t want to miss your power.
Help me believe.
Help Me Believe
(Lyrics
and music by Nichole Ellyse Nordeman)
and music by Nichole Ellyse Nordeman)
Take
me back to the time
When I was maybe eight or nine and I believed
When Jesus walked on waters blue
And if He helped me, I could too if I believed
me back to the time
When I was maybe eight or nine and I believed
When Jesus walked on waters blue
And if He helped me, I could too if I believed
Before
rationale, analysis
And systematic thinking
Robbed me of a sweet simplicity
When wonders and when mysteries
Were far less often silly dreams
And childhood fantasies
rationale, analysis
And systematic thinking
Robbed me of a sweet simplicity
When wonders and when mysteries
Were far less often silly dreams
And childhood fantasies
Help
me believe
‘Cause I don’t want to miss any miracles
Maybe I’d see much better by closing my eyes
And I would shed this grownup skin I’m in
To touch an angel’s wing and I would be free
Help me believe
me believe
‘Cause I don’t want to miss any miracles
Maybe I’d see much better by closing my eyes
And I would shed this grownup skin I’m in
To touch an angel’s wing and I would be free
Help me believe
When
mustard seeds made mountains move
A burning bush that spoke for You was good enough
When manna fell from heavens high
Just because You told the sky to open up
mustard seeds made mountains move
A burning bush that spoke for You was good enough
When manna fell from heavens high
Just because You told the sky to open up
Am
I too wise to recognize
That everything uncertain
Is certainly a possibility
When logic fails my reasoning
And science crushes underneath
The weight of all that is unseen
I too wise to recognize
That everything uncertain
Is certainly a possibility
When logic fails my reasoning
And science crushes underneath
The weight of all that is unseen
Help
me believe
me believe
‘Cause I don’t want to miss any miracles
Maybe I’d see much better by closing my eyes
And I would shed this grownup skin I’m in
To touch an angel’s wing and I would be free, free, free
Help me believe
When
someone else’s education
Plays upon my reservations
I’m the first to cave, I’m the first to bleed
If I abandon all that seeks
To make my faith informed and chic
Could You, would You show Yourself to me?
someone else’s education
Plays upon my reservations
I’m the first to cave, I’m the first to bleed
If I abandon all that seeks
To make my faith informed and chic
Could You, would You show Yourself to me?
Help
me believe
‘Cause I don’t want to miss any miracles
Maybe I’d see much better by closing my eyes
And I would shed this grownup skin I’m in
To touch one of their wings and I would be free
And I would be free and I would be free
me believe
‘Cause I don’t want to miss any miracles
Maybe I’d see much better by closing my eyes
And I would shed this grownup skin I’m in
To touch one of their wings and I would be free
And I would be free and I would be free
Help
me believe, help me believe
Could You, would You show Yourself to me?
Could You, would You show Yourself to me?
Help me believe
me believe, help me believe
Could You, would You show Yourself to me?
Could You, would You show Yourself to me?
Help me believe
Photo credit: Alex Wild[1]
(Click on the photo to get a larger image.)
(Click on the photo to get a larger image.)
This terrifying picture shows an Aedes aegypti mosquito rising out of the water immediately
after it has metamorphosed from its larval stage. Without a sense of scale this
creature looks like some dragon from a Peter Jackson film. Despite the fact
that it is just a mosquito, the insect is none-the-less horrifying. This is the
mosquito that carries the Zika virus that has been plaguing much of the
tropical zones of the world. This is not a new virus; it has been documented as
early as 1947. For some people the Zika virus causes nothing more than a rash
and flu-like symptoms. What is new is the link between Zika and two conditions
in humans. There is growing evidence that the Zika virus can induce microcephaly
in the fetuses of pregnant women and that Zika may trigger Guillain-Barré
syndrome (a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the
peripheral nervous system[2]).
after it has metamorphosed from its larval stage. Without a sense of scale this
creature looks like some dragon from a Peter Jackson film. Despite the fact
that it is just a mosquito, the insect is none-the-less horrifying. This is the
mosquito that carries the Zika virus that has been plaguing much of the
tropical zones of the world. This is not a new virus; it has been documented as
early as 1947. For some people the Zika virus causes nothing more than a rash
and flu-like symptoms. What is new is the link between Zika and two conditions
in humans. There is growing evidence that the Zika virus can induce microcephaly
in the fetuses of pregnant women and that Zika may trigger Guillain-Barré
syndrome (a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the
peripheral nervous system[2]).
Scientists
and the World Health Organization are extremely concerned about the effects of
this virus and are working hard to develop vaccines and ways to combat the
mosquito. It is now known that the Zika virus can infect and kill neural
progenitor cells in vitro and this
may be the mechanism by which it causes microcephaly.[3]
The world waits as more research and vaccine trials occur. Let us hope and pray
that effective solutions may be found.
[1] Science News; March 18, 2016; “Special
Report: Here’s what we know about Zika”; https://www.sciencenews.org/article/special-report-heres-what-we-know-about-zika;
accessed 2016-03-23.
Report: Here’s what we know about Zika”; https://www.sciencenews.org/article/special-report-heres-what-we-know-about-zika;
accessed 2016-03-23.
[2] NIH; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Guillain-Barré
Syndrome Fact Sheet; http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/gbs/detail_gbs.htm;
accessed 2016-03-23.
Syndrome Fact Sheet; http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/gbs/detail_gbs.htm;
accessed 2016-03-23.
[3] Science News; March 18, 2016; “How Zika became the prime suspect in
microcephaly mystery;” https://www.sciencenews.org/article/how-zika-became-prime-suspect-microcephaly-mystery;
accessed 2016-03-23.
microcephaly mystery;” https://www.sciencenews.org/article/how-zika-became-prime-suspect-microcephaly-mystery;
accessed 2016-03-23.
In his time, Johnny Cash sang more than one murder ballad. Adam Cohen,
Kenny Rogers, Crooked Still, Sting, and Tom Waits also recorded songs in this
genre. Even the consummate pop songwriter Barry Manilow wrote a song about
murder (perhaps one day I will expand on these other murder-ballads).
Sympathy for the
Dead
Down the long dark corridor
I heard the sounds I couldn’t expect
Her clothes were strewn on the floor
My heart was frozen in my chest
Door was open just a crack
Pushed it wide for I must be sure
Gun on the floor she always packed
It would be used for this cure
It was over in an instant
Just another crime of passion
Punished to the full extent
Swift justice or retribution
The trial was over in three days
No time to hear all the facts
Nothing ‘bout his abusive ways
To explain my attack
It was over in an instant
Just another crime of passion
Punished to the full extent
Swift justice or retribution
Now the doors close on my plan
Excuses ringing in my head
Surely he was an evil man
Becky’s safe now the monster’s dead.
It was over in an instant
Just another crime of passion
Punished to the full extent
Swift justice or retribution
Down the long dark corridor
I hear from those who will wish me well
Those now standing at their doors
And those who wished I’d just go to hell
Over in an instant
Payment for a crime of passion
Punished to the full extent
Swift justice or
retribution
It was over in an instant
Just another crime of passion
Punished to the full extent
Swift justice or retribution
Lyrics and music by
Mike Charko and Keith Shields; Key of Zed Music, 2016;
SOCAN 2016.
A recent article in
the journal Science[1]
gives further confirmation of the mixed heritage of the human species.
Researchers compared the DNA of 35 Melanesians from the Bismarck Archipelago in
Papua New Guinea to the DNA of
ancient Denisovan DNA from a 40,000-year-old
partially fossilized sample. They also compared DNA from other non-Melanesian
populations and DNA from Neanderthal
samples.
the journal Science[1]
gives further confirmation of the mixed heritage of the human species.
Researchers compared the DNA of 35 Melanesians from the Bismarck Archipelago in
Papua New Guinea to the DNA of
ancient Denisovan DNA from a 40,000-year-old
partially fossilized sample. They also compared DNA from other non-Melanesian
populations and DNA from Neanderthal
samples.
Denisovan is the name given to an ancient hominid people group that lived from
500,000 years ago until they became extinct approximately 40,000 years ago.
They were a distinct race of people differing from Homo sapiens and continued to coexist with the human population in
parts of Europe and Asia. It is a similar story to that of Neanderthals. Those human cousins also became extinct around 40,000
years ago and coexisted with Homo sapiens
for approximately 450,000 years. There was plenty of time for the three groups
to interbreed.
500,000 years ago until they became extinct approximately 40,000 years ago.
They were a distinct race of people differing from Homo sapiens and continued to coexist with the human population in
parts of Europe and Asia. It is a similar story to that of Neanderthals. Those human cousins also became extinct around 40,000
years ago and coexisted with Homo sapiens
for approximately 450,000 years. There was plenty of time for the three groups
to interbreed.
The paper by Pääbo et al. indeed shows that Denisovan
DNA has made a significant contribution to the nuclear DNA of contemporary
Melanesians. They suggest that “all
non-African populations derive ~2% of their ancestry from Neandertals, whereas
substantial levels of Denisovan ancestry (~2-4%) are only found in Oceanic
populations.”[2]
DNA has made a significant contribution to the nuclear DNA of contemporary
Melanesians. They suggest that “all
non-African populations derive ~2% of their ancestry from Neandertals, whereas
substantial levels of Denisovan ancestry (~2-4%) are only found in Oceanic
populations.”[2]
I am always fascinated
with this kind of research both at a scientific and a theological level.
Theologically, what does this mean for the imago
dei? If humans were created with the image of God and over long periods of time, we are talking about something more than our common
ancestry or our DNA. The fact that the last common ancestor that all people on
earth could claim is older than Neanderthals,
Denisovans, or Homo sapiens, causes us to ask questions about the nature of the
biblical concept of the first humans. Considering the DNA mixture that many of
us carry how do we understand our relationship with Adam and Eve? At what point
in this grand plan did God stamp His image upon His creation and declare the
man and woman to be ha’adam (הָאָדָם) or human? Now, of course, some would say that
we should not even be asking such questions. They would say that God created
Adam and Eve ex nihilo (out of
nothing) and placed them in a garden without any ancient ancestors. The
question I would want to then ask would be, “Why did God create humans in
such a way that it looks like evolution occurred?”
with this kind of research both at a scientific and a theological level.
Theologically, what does this mean for the imago
dei? If humans were created with the image of God and over long periods of time, we are talking about something more than our common
ancestry or our DNA. The fact that the last common ancestor that all people on
earth could claim is older than Neanderthals,
Denisovans, or Homo sapiens, causes us to ask questions about the nature of the
biblical concept of the first humans. Considering the DNA mixture that many of
us carry how do we understand our relationship with Adam and Eve? At what point
in this grand plan did God stamp His image upon His creation and declare the
man and woman to be ha’adam (הָאָדָם) or human? Now, of course, some would say that
we should not even be asking such questions. They would say that God created
Adam and Eve ex nihilo (out of
nothing) and placed them in a garden without any ancient ancestors. The
question I would want to then ask would be, “Why did God create humans in
such a way that it looks like evolution occurred?”
Works Cited:
Pääbo, Svante. “Excavating
Neandertal and Denisovan DNA from the genomes of Melanesian individuals.”
Science 17 (March 2016). http://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2016/03/16/science.aad9416.full
Neandertal and Denisovan DNA from the genomes of Melanesian individuals.”
Science 17 (March 2016). http://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2016/03/16/science.aad9416.full
Saey, Tina Hesman. “Neandertal DNA
may raise risk for some modern human diseases.” Science News,
2016. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/neandertal-dna-may-raise-risk-some-modern-human-diseases
may raise risk for some modern human diseases.” Science News,
2016. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/neandertal-dna-may-raise-risk-some-modern-human-diseases
[1] (Pääbo 2016)
[2] (Pääbo 2016)
Hearing from God is
both an individual and a communal practice. Gordon Smith, in his book The Voice of Jesus, makes it clear that
there is danger in relying too much on ourselves or too much on the community of
faith.
both an individual and a communal practice. Gordon Smith, in his book The Voice of Jesus, makes it clear that
there is danger in relying too much on ourselves or too much on the community of
faith.
“The
community, then, while it is essential to our individual identity, is also a
threat to that identity. We do not find ourselves in isolation from the
community and we do not find ourselves if we are subsumed within the community.
When it comes to discernment, we realize that we do not know the voice of Jesus
and the witness of the Spirit if we are lost within the community. The
collective can become so strong that that we cannot hear what God is saying to
us. We must be alone. We must remain ‘other’ from the community and not be
absorbed into its powerful collective identity.”[1]
community, then, while it is essential to our individual identity, is also a
threat to that identity. We do not find ourselves in isolation from the
community and we do not find ourselves if we are subsumed within the community.
When it comes to discernment, we realize that we do not know the voice of Jesus
and the witness of the Spirit if we are lost within the community. The
collective can become so strong that that we cannot hear what God is saying to
us. We must be alone. We must remain ‘other’ from the community and not be
absorbed into its powerful collective identity.”[1]
Personally, I have
found that I hear from God best when I spend time in solitude with God first, and then
seek the input of the community. My time of solitude will involve reading the
Bible, praying, listening to God, paying attention to dreams, paying attention to nature, and being alone
with God. Then, I will go back to my trusted prayer partners, that is, my
community of faith, for confirmation or correction in what I think I have heard
from God. This has been a tried and tested method for me that I would recommend
to others; but I also recognize that God works within our personalities and may
function differently with others. Take a moment to respond to this blog and
tell me the ways in which God speaks to you.
found that I hear from God best when I spend time in solitude with God first, and then
seek the input of the community. My time of solitude will involve reading the
Bible, praying, listening to God, paying attention to dreams, paying attention to nature, and being alone
with God. Then, I will go back to my trusted prayer partners, that is, my
community of faith, for confirmation or correction in what I think I have heard
from God. This has been a tried and tested method for me that I would recommend
to others; but I also recognize that God works within our personalities and may
function differently with others. Take a moment to respond to this blog and
tell me the ways in which God speaks to you.
Works Cited
Smith, Gordon T. The Voice of
Jesus. Downers Grove: InterVaristy Press, 2003.
Jesus. Downers Grove: InterVaristy Press, 2003.
[1] Gordon T. Smith, The Voice of Jesus; InterVarsity Press,
2003; p. 210.
2003; p. 210.