Of angels and butterflies

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go out surveying for work again. I usually take the offer a few times a year to get out and get some exercise, but this time I bit off a bit more than I can chew. It was at a limestone quarry up near state college and we were surveying a series of wetlands and channels on-site.

Factors like being in the sun all day, swarmed with insects, dodging poison leaves or thorn bushes, and navigating the ugly terrain carrying all the gear made it very difficult work. Mostly because nothing was close or easy to get to. Even points that were only 4 feet apart required me to climb down and then up or walk 50 feet up and back down the channel. At one point I even found myself hanging nearly upside-down in one of the deeper trenches; having caught my left leg in a tree root while climbing down into it. While it was interesting to see the quarry and the work going on there I found myself only wanting to leave by the half-way point; grumbling under my breath about how much it sucked.

Then their was a surprise appearance by an old friend. Many months back I posted about a little white butterfly who broke the negativity of my day. A messenger of sorts to remind me of better things. Well I doubt it was the same guy in the literal sense, but it was the same guy to me. He would flutter by and hover near me. I'd say, "Hey there. Haven't seen you in a while." and I'd smile because of the encounter. That much got me thinking about that same message delivered so long ago.

Throughout the day he came to walk with me on several occasions and I do mean that; the little white butterfly would pull up beside me and proceed to keep the same pace and direction I was. We talked a little bit along the way about how I appreciated his company in such a strenuous time. It was not only a reminder to see the good in things like the chance to view and appreciate creation, but also was just a reminder that He is always there to keep us on the right path...keep us focused and strong.

At any rate, I'm getting older. Their was a time when a day climbing wouldn't have phased me much. Now however, I went home and fell asleep before the sun when down. (^_^)

Excerpts of War 43a

Just got done with one of the larger non-forum debate I've had so far. I was challenged privately on youtube to give "empirical evidence" for a divine creation or creator. This is very simple to do, but is so rarely understood or (as in this case) so rarely accepted. The debate went something like this and it is posted for all to read at the URLs in the post titled "Excerpts of War 43b".

After defining what empirical evidence was, to make sure he wasn't going to wiggle out of it, we began. The first evidence I listed which is scientifically verifiable (as far as science can verify anyhow) is that things exist without natural cause. Meaning no natural process or law is known that can create matter or information from nothing. Simple enough, but my debater seemed to think this wasn't empirical. He then decided that I was using a "god of the gaps" argument. If you don't know this is when a person holds a starting position on a topic as well as an ending, but then does not have a reason to make the jump from that starting position to their conclusion. An example would be, "I don't know where the universe came from so God must have done it." Yet this is not the argument I proposed, instead pointing to known natural laws and their shortcomings. Then reasoning that if natural processes are not up to the task their is logic in concluding that the super-natural is at hand. Looking to simply make a crack in his foundation to work with, smomething that might open the door to more than the natural world in our discussion.

This didn't seem to get through to him and he went on mocking and making comments about me deciding on God by way of "lack of knowledge". To which I remarked (over and over) about the nature of his belief and how it is no less filling in gaps than I. In fact, his is even more so than mine ever has been. He would mock my conclusion for not being scientific enough for him (without giving his reason for doing so), but would then state that he believed evolution even though science doesn't fully understand it. In essence he believe evolution was a guarantee even without empirical evidence or a complete knowledge on it. I believe the two faced nature of his argument reveals his distaste for God more than it does a rational belief in science.

And so on we went round after round, occasionally I would list other evidences that could be dealt with empirically or logically and he would mock them or ignore them. At points he would attempt a refutation, but they were not strong arguments as they were self-defeating either by way of logic or non-empirical hypotheses. (Remember that 'he' demanded we remain empirical.) The real dissapointment is that all the way through he made the same mistakes, logical fallacies and the like, while holding to his presupposed evolutionary stronghold. It never once let him consider that God could be creator. I did try to get him to talk about presuppositions (as it would have helped us get to the real point of the debate) but he never remarked on the proposal.

One good thing was that at the end I was told "now unless you have some great revelation please ...give it up" and I excitedly took that opportunity to reveal what has happened in this debate as well as offer up a very compact gospel message...step by step, referring to scriptures all the way. It is posted below along with the ULRs holding the conversation. Feel free to look them over if it is something you’d be interested in. If not that is fine as I'll be leaving them up for a long time anyway in case they are needed for proof of the actual conversation we held in the future.

Excerpts of War 43b

"now unless you have some great revelation please ...give it up." -evolutionist

Great revelation you say? Disagree or agree as you will, but this is the Word of God and as such your denial is pointless. Here is your revelation step by step...

God knows that men seek to be self sufficient and in that light they often refuse to believe that they are created, that they are not in the power-seat; instead looking to nature for guidance instead of its creator and sustainer. Jeremiah 10:8 "They are all senseless and foolish; they are taught by worthless wooden idols."

Sadly without God you can have no real wisdom (as God is the author of wisdom) and this is also well noted in His word. Romans 1:21 "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened."

God warns us 'all' against such thoughts even though we have not earned His love and concern. Isaiah 5:21 "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight."

His correction is a clear sign that He wants better for us and even though it goes against our apparent nature it is for the best. Job 5:17 "Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty."

This is what happens in our world and the creation/evolution debate is a glaring example of it. Those who do not recognize the creator (or choose not to) fall victim to believing that nature or chance is their creator. So they turn and worship that because it cannot tell them what is right and wrong. Sadly those who fall victim to this futile thinking are locked in sin and will be found guilty of their crimes come their day in God's court. The only way out is through Jesus, who is God, who has made Himself a sacrifice so that your sins and mine can be washed away, so that our criminal record can be forgotten in court. This only works however if you truly turn from futile thinking and seek Him. Is it for you? It is for everyone! 1 Timothy 2:4 "God our Savior, who desires ALL MEN to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth"

Some say "when will it come", as if it will not, but He is only giving you more chances as the days pass. Do not count Him as unable or non-existent because you have not met Him. 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."

Some say "when will it come", as if to say they will wait till the very end. This too is unwise. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 "Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night."

Consider this my friend, as you are not aware of all things even as you claim I am not, this is not something to be mistaken about. The price is far too high. Open your mind and heart to the possibility, pray that God come and reveal himself and keep a keen eye to see Him. Why Jesus? Because He is the beginning and the end. Because He is the only way, the source of truth, and the source of life. 1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,"

As for me, you may think to reply in opposition, though I pray not, Here is why I speak these things to you. I am a sinner who has a long criminal record (lots of sin) and Jesus, my God, came and blessed me with His love and mercy. He has instructed me to speak and what to speak as the Word tells us to as well. 2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," Colossians 1:28 "We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ."

The reply I got to the above message was a clear sign of how impacting our discussion had been for him...

"lol...i was tempted to respond to your "great revelations" with text from batman #1." -evolutionist

ULR's where the discussion can be read:

http://www.79day.echoechoplus.com/Download/memoryofakiss.html

http://www.79day.echoechoplus.com/Download/memoryofakiss2.html

http://www.79day.echoechoplus.com/Download/memoryofakiss3.html

http://www.79day.echoechoplus.com/Download/memoryofakiss4.html

http://www.79day.echoechoplus.com/Download/memoryofakiss5.html

http://www.79day.echoechoplus.com/Download/memoryofakiss6.html

http://www.79day.echoechoplus.com/Download/memoryofakiss7.html

Far to Reach

So I am not sure what the plan is here. Am I trying to accomplish a bunch of personal desires OR God is trying to stretch me to the breaking point these days with tasks? Of course I love all that has been happening, but I would love it just a bit more if I could actually get these things done and still have a few hours a night to relax. Because the wave of percieved responsibilities is so intense right now I wonder if I am really just mixing in the things I want to do with the things He wants me to do. Creating not just a full plate, but instead an overflowing plate.

Anyway, on top of the work I enjoy each week their is an upcoming conference in September for internet ministries and evangelism. I want to go bad, but I don't see how. Even if I could get off work at this point (Sept. 19-22th) I don't have the money to get a hotel and pay the conference fees as well. Not to mention all th egas money; it's a 10 hour drive one way. Oh, but it looks awesome...!

Here are some of the cooler sessions during the four day seminar:
-Evangelism in Second Life
-Effective Models for Evangelistic Testimonies
-Creating a Relevant Ministry
-Communicating Without Words
-Internet Marketing Strategies For Ministry
-Blogging In Community
-The Edges Of Cyberspace
-Integrity On The Internet
-Visual Communication Strategies
-Design Is Credibility

It would help me a great deal as this is where my heart has been for some time, in internet ministry and evangelism/apologetics online. If I don't go I'll still have plenty to do of course as I wanted to start a video blog and their is the wiki thing from earlier. Plus their is the on-going apologetics Q&A sites and the sporadic but intense forum debates each week. Oh and who can forget about that school work which keeps getting pushed back. =P I guess we'll see...

IMC Website

Open Source Understanding

Well that was somewhat disappointing...

I recently decided to make a series of wikiHow pages on Apologetics. WikiHow is an open source how to site operating under a Creative Commons License. This means that anyone with a free account and the urge to edit or create articles is welcome to do so. Now, I knew prior to writing that these pages were open to editing by every passer by with a free account, but in coming face to face with the prospect of having someone with a confused understanding of the topic make revisions to my article I stopped the process.

While most wikiHow articles are important to the original writers I doubt very much that articles like "How to turn your blender into a weed-whacker" or "How to make a ninja hat out of a tee-shirt" are of the same importance in the grand scheme as say "How to defend against: The problem of Evil" or "How to defend Jesus's Divinity". They do not deal with absolute truths nor do they need to adhere to a strict bible based view of life. I don't know that I can stomach someone editing and possibly misleading others from what I intended.

Anyhow, I am still quite interested in the process and will probably test run one or two just to see what mess is made of it, if any. Who knows, if it goes well maybe I'll still get to post up all 10 articles...

How do you figure?

The article I'm talking about: Article

Can someone explain this to me? I'm not completely lacking in term of psychological understanding and that is exactly why this article was made blog-worthy for me. Whether you know it or not psychology is a heavily divided science. One of these divisions has been easy to see for some time. (IE; Christian vs. Secular, etc...) This article is the first time I had ever seen a psychologist tout an evolutionary view even while the bulk of modern psychology is firmly based in it already. This woman mentioned in the article, Lynda Boothroyd, is apparently an evolutionist and wants to make it known that in her sight it is a good way to approach her field. "But why", I ask? More to the point, I intend to show how a foundation in evolution is only capable of producing confusion and ultimately more problems for those that employ it, both in making general choices and in psychological uses. This is easier than you might think.

We start at the foundation level...evolution is ultimately a belief in matter-to-man. No particular reason exists there, no purpose or motivation for anything, just a series of accidents. The deal is that in an evolutionary view we are no better than a trash-can full of garbage or the maggot squirming within. Farther up the chain, sure, but with no better reason for being. All are made of matter and all were made by chance according to such a worldview. So when she goes to give advice what moral foundation does she have? It can only be popular opinion or her own less popular opinions as their exists no ultimate morality for her to adhere to in this worldview. In fact from an evolutionary view she aught never say anything than, "Do whatever you want and try to survive as long as you can, oh and by the way breed as much as possible." Thoses are the things that hold true to the matter of creatures evolving; anything else is her simply ad libbing.

So, when Lynda's client asks her what to do about a particular problem they face what will she say? (Keep in mind a true evolutionary foundation.) She has to say do whatever you want or whatever makes you feel good. Is that the kind of deep down guidance that you are looking for when you consider visiting a psychologist? If you are, you clearly aren't looking for actual guidance on right and wrong for whatever predicament you are in. This is all she has to go on however as evolution has no moral center, no guiding light. Say she does pull out other ideas than the extreme ones I mentioned, they are still only founded on popular opinion and not any absolute morality, no true understanding on right and wrong.

This is all in stark comparison to a Christian psychologist. One who understands what an ultimate authority is and how to apply it to the betterment of a person. Knowing they're more than just an accident in space; he can tell people the what and why of their purpose. Being more than a pile of morality relative choices hoping for a good outcome; he can say, "here is the morally correct way to go".

As you can see this is the tip of the ice-berg. It doesn't take 4-6 years of training to unravel either. Lastly, it is in plain view if you take the time to look and ponder. Strange that something so completely revealed for all to see is still plainly overlooked.

Reflecting on the Portal

Well, it's official! I can't watch TV like I used to. Every time I get to watch the TV I find that I no longer simply 'enjoy' the shows. Morality on TV aside, I am actually referring to worldviews and logic fallacies committed in each show. Bad premises and irrational plans or conclusions are made to be sound. Sure the shows have characters that are fun or interesting and often have neat visuals. Sure they are energetic mind journeys to places and actions we'll never take part in. Sure I used to glaze over and simply see a TV show as fun, visual, adventures in worlds that we not my own even if they looked identical, but it just isn't an option now. Every channel I watch, even my favorites (cartoon network and the discovery channel) are riddled with "knowledge, falsely so-called".

It stands then that the countless pairs of glazed eyes which stare into the box each night will fall further and further into such misleading principles and foundations, even though most people would claim they have "strong minds". It is reasonable to say that anything we stare at and enjoy frequently will become some part of how we grow and think and live. Even if you only admit to it happening subconsciously you then have to admit that the subconscious is what leads the conscious. "Thought is the father of deed", as they say.

Maybe next time you hear the comment of "TV will rot your brain" you might give this more than a passing thought. Maybe the next time you watch your favorite show, be it a sitcom/documentary/sci-fi adventure/etc, you will give some thought to just how you are effected by it over the years. Has it convinced you of saying "okay...maybe" to something you clearly should not? Just some thoughts here as I look back and realize what had happened to me, then realizing how it is happening to others around me. Take it as you like.

UFO-ology vs. Reality

Hopefully I don't upset anyone on this topic as I have many relatives and friends who enjoy the show I plan to use as an example. The shows premise (basically) is that alien life had long long ago seeded many planets and connected them with inter-planetary gates which can be used as the creatures evolved enough and are "ready". This show is meant as a work of fiction obviously, but deep down how many of it's viewers think life exists out there in the universe? How many people are subtly swayed at the many prospects it touts including humans being seeded by ancient alien races. How many watchers also watch the conspiracy driven UFO/area 51 documentaries? The point here is to briefly remark on the impossibility of alien life from two very different fronts as alien life can only have come from one of two models, evolution and divine creation.

A. The first model is evolution and evolution is (as documented here often) no more than a broadly accepted hypothesis where by nothing become something. If the earth is perfect for life as no other planet has (to date) and evolution does not occur here then evolution cannot hope to occur where the requirements for life are unavailable.

B. The second model is where God would purposefully create another set of beings elsewhere. First we must put all speculation aside since speculation is not truth, but imaginings. Then we must pull from a divine and trustworthy source so as not to fall into our own imaginings again. Here we are left with the Bible and what does it say about the possibility of other creation? It clearly says "No!" in two places.

Place 1: In the creation account their was nothing, then their was the earth, then all the stars and plants and elements and animals. Then their was mankind after which God STOPED CREATING! Whoops, their goes both the possibility that He had created prior to creation (by definition) and the idea that He created after the creation week. Since the creation account does not include such a record of "alien life" and since it is entirely focused on God and mankind it is safe (both rational and logical) to say that God did not create aliens elsewhere.
Place 2: The theme of salvation comes from Gods own mouth; He defines it and upholds it. It is 'for mankind' because we are fallen in a sin filled world and need rescue. Ok then, picture what it would mean to have another creation out there floating around. They did not cause sin to enter the universe but they now feel its effects thanks to Adam and Eve. They were then innocent and have been punished? Not likely. Past that, we cannot assume they were given the gospel of salvation/redemption and if they were it would not be the same gospel because ours would not apply to the innocent. Yet scripture says that their is 'only one gospel' and that sin effects 'all of creation'. Here we see a logical and doctrinal contradiction if God were to make a second creation elsewhere. Un-believers say yes one of many mistakes, but believers have understanding of Gods nature and of the inerrancy of the Word, knowing better than to agree to God being in error.

Hopefully this was clear and to the point about why there cannot and are not any "aliens" out there. Given this it makes me sad to think of all the money wasted on training and then funding researchers in the field of alien issues, not to mention the cult followings of laymen and conspiracy theorists. What a waste of time to be willingly indoctrinated in this area, looking for something that isn't there in any logical or scientific sense.

Stacks of confusions

Several months ago while researching the potential link between genetics and homosexuality (for a conversation held at that time) I came across a site claiming to list the pros and cons of homosexuality from a "neutral position". A neutral position is virtually impossible, but in all honesty the site was mainly free from personal opinions and listed many statements from both camps. While the site proved to be useful to me in responding that no known link has been found that commits a person to such a disposition; it made one glaring mistake on a completely separate (yet utterly important) topic. That of slavery and the use of the bible.

You might be thinking, "Why speak about slavery and the bibles worth when talking about Homosexuality?" A very good question and instead of explaining it I will just quote the site, which is itself quoting another source. "Where the Bible mentions homosexual behavior at all, it clearly condemns it. I freely grant that. The issue is precisely whether that Biblical judgment is correct. The Bible sanctioned slavery as well, and nowhere attacked it as unjust. Are we prepared to argue today that slavery is biblically justified?" This was the sites "Christian angle" on the topic of homosexuality and it couldn't have made a worse stand from a Christian perspective. I wrote to them twice trying to provide reason to change it. Appealing to their desire for accuracy and sense of duty in being correct as well as "neutral". Last time I checked nothing has been changed. I had sent them material written by more professional persons than myself and was ignored.

At any rate my beef here is not about homosexuality, but about biblical slavery. Their are many reasons why the above quote is wrong and in many ways, but as for this post I am concerned with biblical slavery. Here are a few reasons why the quote is mistaken in the view it presents, that the bible condones slavery:

1. Slaves under Mosaic Law were different from the harshly treated slaves of other societies, more like servants or bondservants than what we consider the harshly treated slaves of the past several hundred years.

2. The Bible doesn’t give an endorsement of slave traders, but the just opposite (1 Timothy 1:10). A slave/bondservant was acquired when a person voluntarily entered into it when he needed to pay off his debts.

3. As with many things, the Bible recognizes that slavery is a reality in this sin-cursed world and doesn’t ignore it, but instead gives regulations for good treatment by both masters and servants and reveals they are equal under Christ.

4. Israelites could sell themselves as a slave/bondservant to have their debts covered, make a wage, have housing and be set free after six years. Foreigners could sell themselves as a slave/bondservant as well.

5. Biblical Christians led the fight to abolish slavery.

An article I sent to them:
Answers in Genesis: Slavery

Close like a horseshoe...

The new Apologetics Q&A site WAS up and running for about 10 minutes. I am currently looking into it so if you would like to use it in the future please come back soon and remember your questions. For the time being email me at dbair@skellyloy.com if you have needs in this capacity. Thanks for your patients.

Apologetics Q&A

*EDIT: After a slight bout of frustration all is back in motion. YAY! (Except for myspace which suffers from another issue entirely.)

Youtube and Myspace get the Kingdom Call

In the very real war between good and evil, darkness and light, their is no neutral. So where do you stand? Do you know? Here's a bit of background to help figure it out.

A long time ago (in the beginning) two people made a couple very bad decisions to ignore Gods warnings and become self-serving, uninterested in a relationship with God above them. Since that time every person has done the same more often than not, choosing to do things our way or to ignore doing what is right only to get what we want be it a thing or a feeling. These bad choices are our "sins", which is another way of saying we broke Gods laws for us. We are then criminals, guilty of lawbreaking, and no good judge would let a criminal go unpunished; likewise God will not let us go without punishment. That of an eternity outside His protection in a place called hell. So can we avoid that? No, we can't on our own since we have no means of paying the fines for our "crimes", our sins.

So are we hopelessly doomed then? Nope, their is good news! God sent His son Jesus "the Christ" to die in our place so that all our previous mistakes would be forgiven and never counted against us, in God's courtroom. Essentially, Jesus has paid the fines and removed our criminal record as long as we go to Him, believe in Him, and follow Him. (All this leads to a life lived for Him. This is the life of a true convert, not simply a Christian in title only.) This forgiveness is free and open to all who want it. Truly their is so much more to being Christian than rules; their is freedom, love, and peace. Their is also (as the video mentions) a struggle between all that which rejects and refuses God and those who live for and serve God.

Since God tells us that none can escape judgment just as none escape death itself in the end. Will you be counted among the friends or enemies of God? The choice is yours. Whose team are you on now? Is it were you aught to be? He's waiting to hear from you. He's waiting for you to come find out who He is.