COVID-19: The best of times and the worst of times.
My ten-year-old son, Asher, turned to me in response to those who are struggling to make sense of the coronavirus: “…but Dad, this world is broken!”Everyone is affected by the spread of COVID-19, particularly the most vulnerable members of society — it’s heartbreaking! However, it’s wonderful to see many moved to reach out to others with kindness, care, and compassion.
Truly, it’s the best of times and the worst of times.Fear and anxiety flows from the things we don’t know…
Yet, the coronavirus highlights three things we do know, and must never forget to remember…
1. This world is broken!
The outbreak of COVID-19 could be described as a natural phenomenon. Despite this, we view it as an aberration, something that ought to be eradicated because the world would be a better place without it. It’s universally accepted as a problem, a symptom of a bigger problem: this world is broken!
I’ve had countless conversations in different countries, pointing out the fact that this world is broken. No one has turned to me and said, “Oh, no, it isn’t!” It’s a profound statement that deserves an explanation.
Author C.S. Lewis put it like this in his classic, Mere Christianity: “A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.” You call a line crooked because you have a standard for a straight line, otherwise a crooked line is not crooked, it’s just different.
In the same way, the coronavirus is a sign of something gone wrong in the world. So we must have an idea of the way the world ought to be — and this isn’t it! Suddenly the natural world doesn’t come naturally, which means we implicitly hold to a higher standard, above and beyond this world. In the face of the coronavirus, don’t forget to remember this world is broken. The second thing is this…
2. You’re not a speck, you’re special!
A pandemic puts lives at risk on a mass scale, and the common goal is to fight the infection and overcome it. It’s not about saving society. It’s about saving lives. We don’t want to weigh each person to see if he or she is worthy, we’re willing to fight for the weakest of the weak — those who cannot fight for themselves. You’re not a speck, you’re special. Another profound statement that deserves an explanation. This doesn’t follow from a purely physical world that suggests we’re less than a speck in this vast universe. This doesn’t follow from any evolutionary mechanism that suggests our selfish genes should drive us to survive at the expense of the weak.
The fight against COVID-19 is fought on the basis every person is stamped with absolute value, which means we implicitly hold to a higher standard, above and beyond this world. Don’t forget to remember this world is broken; you’re not a speck, you’re special; and finally, don’t forget to remember…
3. There’s got to be more to life than this!
The world has been changed by the coronavirus. It’s going to leave a deep scar on society. Still, there will come a day when it is no longer on the front page and it’s no longer a global threat. That will be a day to celebrate, but not for long…
Another profound statement that deserves an explanation. When someone dies, we feel sad. It’s as if this person ought to have lived longer. How much longer? The dream would be we finally figure out a way to live forever, because no matter how long we live, it never seems long enough.
The coronavirus reminds us of our mortality and the expectation there’s got to be more to life than this, which means we implicitly hold to a higher standard, above and beyond this world. In the face of COVID-19 we must never forget to remember:
Three profound statements that deserve explanation.
Three profound statements that show we implicitly hold to a higher standard, above and beyond this world.
Otherwise this world is what it is, and it shouldn’t be any other way. Every person is just an insignificant speck in this vast universe. Life is short and death is the end of everything. Some argue these sound disappointing, but we need to grow up and face the facts. But why believe these are the facts if they don’t fit? Why is every person born with an expectation for so much more? Why ignore the pieces of the puzzle that take us in another direction?
I want to make explicit what we implicitly hold to be true: we hold to a higher standard, above and beyond this world. That’s why we know the world is broken. That’s why we know every person’s life is absolutely valuable. That’s why we know there’s got to be more to life than this.
I want to talk about the claims of the Christian worldview. The Bible is not a fairy story for the weak and uninformed. The Bible tells us God’s story, which is His-story and it rings true. The Bible tells us this world is broken. COVID-19 is not the way things ought to be, and we ought to do our best to eradicate it. The Bible tells us you’re not a speck, you’re special. We ought to fight for every life, since every person is made in the image of God.
The Bible tells us there’s got to be more to life than this, and there is! The Bible says this life will never be long enough because we were created to spend eternity with God.
I often use the ordinary jigsaw puzzle as a tool to help make sense of the world, to make sense of others and to make sense of ourselves. Why? We know we’ll never find all the answers, but we don't need every piece of a puzzle to see the big picture. The Bible is like the picture on the box. It is the right guide to life, and it helps us see enough to know the truth!
Truly, it’s the best of times and the worst of times.Fear and anxiety flows from the things we don’t know…
- We don’t know the true impact of this pandemic.
- We don’t know who has been infected, or who will be infected.
- We don’t know how this will affect the health and well-being of our loved ones.
- We don’t know the economic outcome, for us and for the country.
Yet, the coronavirus highlights three things we do know, and must never forget to remember…
1. This world is broken!
The outbreak of COVID-19 could be described as a natural phenomenon. Despite this, we view it as an aberration, something that ought to be eradicated because the world would be a better place without it. It’s universally accepted as a problem, a symptom of a bigger problem: this world is broken!
I’ve had countless conversations in different countries, pointing out the fact that this world is broken. No one has turned to me and said, “Oh, no, it isn’t!” It’s a profound statement that deserves an explanation.
Author C.S. Lewis put it like this in his classic, Mere Christianity: “A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.” You call a line crooked because you have a standard for a straight line, otherwise a crooked line is not crooked, it’s just different.
In the same way, the coronavirus is a sign of something gone wrong in the world. So we must have an idea of the way the world ought to be — and this isn’t it! Suddenly the natural world doesn’t come naturally, which means we implicitly hold to a higher standard, above and beyond this world. In the face of the coronavirus, don’t forget to remember this world is broken. The second thing is this…
2. You’re not a speck, you’re special!
A pandemic puts lives at risk on a mass scale, and the common goal is to fight the infection and overcome it. It’s not about saving society. It’s about saving lives. We don’t want to weigh each person to see if he or she is worthy, we’re willing to fight for the weakest of the weak — those who cannot fight for themselves. You’re not a speck, you’re special. Another profound statement that deserves an explanation. This doesn’t follow from a purely physical world that suggests we’re less than a speck in this vast universe. This doesn’t follow from any evolutionary mechanism that suggests our selfish genes should drive us to survive at the expense of the weak.
The fight against COVID-19 is fought on the basis every person is stamped with absolute value, which means we implicitly hold to a higher standard, above and beyond this world. Don’t forget to remember this world is broken; you’re not a speck, you’re special; and finally, don’t forget to remember…
3. There’s got to be more to life than this!
The world has been changed by the coronavirus. It’s going to leave a deep scar on society. Still, there will come a day when it is no longer on the front page and it’s no longer a global threat. That will be a day to celebrate, but not for long…
- Hospitals will continue to treat men, women and children who are seriously ill.
- Lives will still be lost on a daily basis, with families grieving the loss of loved ones.
- Even the healthy know the clock is ticking, winding down toward the end of life.
- Funerals are never easy, and the one thing guaranteed in life — death — is difficult to accept. There’s got to be more to life than this!
Another profound statement that deserves an explanation. When someone dies, we feel sad. It’s as if this person ought to have lived longer. How much longer? The dream would be we finally figure out a way to live forever, because no matter how long we live, it never seems long enough.
The coronavirus reminds us of our mortality and the expectation there’s got to be more to life than this, which means we implicitly hold to a higher standard, above and beyond this world. In the face of COVID-19 we must never forget to remember:
- This world is broken.
- You’re not a speck, you’re special!
- There’s got to be more to life than this.
Three profound statements that deserve explanation.
Three profound statements that show we implicitly hold to a higher standard, above and beyond this world.
Otherwise this world is what it is, and it shouldn’t be any other way. Every person is just an insignificant speck in this vast universe. Life is short and death is the end of everything. Some argue these sound disappointing, but we need to grow up and face the facts. But why believe these are the facts if they don’t fit? Why is every person born with an expectation for so much more? Why ignore the pieces of the puzzle that take us in another direction?
I want to make explicit what we implicitly hold to be true: we hold to a higher standard, above and beyond this world. That’s why we know the world is broken. That’s why we know every person’s life is absolutely valuable. That’s why we know there’s got to be more to life than this.
I want to talk about the claims of the Christian worldview. The Bible is not a fairy story for the weak and uninformed. The Bible tells us God’s story, which is His-story and it rings true. The Bible tells us this world is broken. COVID-19 is not the way things ought to be, and we ought to do our best to eradicate it. The Bible tells us you’re not a speck, you’re special. We ought to fight for every life, since every person is made in the image of God.
The Bible tells us there’s got to be more to life than this, and there is! The Bible says this life will never be long enough because we were created to spend eternity with God.
I often use the ordinary jigsaw puzzle as a tool to help make sense of the world, to make sense of others and to make sense of ourselves. Why? We know we’ll never find all the answers, but we don't need every piece of a puzzle to see the big picture. The Bible is like the picture on the box. It is the right guide to life, and it helps us see enough to know the truth!
Happy Father's Day?
I remember when “Happy Father’s Day!” wasn’t so happy. I was three years old when my non-Christian parents got divorced, and my sister and I went to live with my mother. For the next six years, Happy Father’s Day wasn’t so happy. I’ve shared many times that my parents eventually became Christians and got remarried — to each other! However, as wonderful as it was to again have my dad in my life, I couldn’t get those years back. For six years, six important years, I grew up with a distant dad.
I understand why people carry the dysfunction of their family into the future, carry the dysfunction of an earthly father into their relationship with God — our loving Heavenly Father. Yet, I didn’t grow up thinking that my Heavenly Father would leave me or keep His distance - like my Dad. Instead, I only knew any shortcoming of my earthly father was a shortcoming - because I had a deeper sense of the way things ought to be. Something inside created the expectation for the way a father ought to be.
I carried this understanding into my relationship with my Heavenly Father, knowing He was the father I was really looking for, the kind who would never leave or let me down. The Bible says our Heavenly Father is the only one who meets the ultimate standard — because He is the standard! On Father’s Day, I’m so thankful for my earthly father. He was a wonderful man who brought so much goodness into my life, but he wasn’t always there for me. He couldn't be. I don’t know what kind of earthly father you have, but we all need to know we have a Heavenly Father who loves us, will never leave us, and will never let us down.
Happy Father's Day!
I understand why people carry the dysfunction of their family into the future, carry the dysfunction of an earthly father into their relationship with God — our loving Heavenly Father. Yet, I didn’t grow up thinking that my Heavenly Father would leave me or keep His distance - like my Dad. Instead, I only knew any shortcoming of my earthly father was a shortcoming - because I had a deeper sense of the way things ought to be. Something inside created the expectation for the way a father ought to be.
I carried this understanding into my relationship with my Heavenly Father, knowing He was the father I was really looking for, the kind who would never leave or let me down. The Bible says our Heavenly Father is the only one who meets the ultimate standard — because He is the standard! On Father’s Day, I’m so thankful for my earthly father. He was a wonderful man who brought so much goodness into my life, but he wasn’t always there for me. He couldn't be. I don’t know what kind of earthly father you have, but we all need to know we have a Heavenly Father who loves us, will never leave us, and will never let us down.
Happy Father's Day!
You can handle the truth!
Truth is under attack in our culture. This shouldn't surprise us, but maybe it would shock you to learn that truth is under attack in many of our churches. Keep your ears open for those who stand up and claim, "There is no truth!" "We can't know what's true!" or "It's true for me!"
Truth is foundational to Christianity - Jesus said I am the truth! - and every Christian needs to be prepared to stand up for it and defend it. Attempts to undermine truth go back to the very beginning of human history, and you can flip through the opening pages of the Bible to read, "Did God really say...?"
So three things to keep in mind when it comes to defending the truth.
1 - You cannot reasonably deny the truth
If someone says, "there is no truth!" you can counter, "...but is that true, that there is no truth?" Or if you hear "we can't know what's true!", it's worth pointing out "...but is that true, that we can't know what's true?" In each case the person who tries to undermine the truth is actually making a truth statement, because it takes the truth to deny the truth. Truth cannot be reasonably denied. Even those who say "it's true for me!" assume this statement is true for you too, or else why tell you. Just as you cannot tell everyone to keep their mouth closed without opening your own, you cannot deny the truth without subtly assuming it.
2 - Truth is the foundation for Christianity
When Jesus said "I am the truth!" (John 14:6) he did not claim to say what is comfortable and convenient. In fact he was very open about the fact that choosing to follow him would be uncomfortable and inconvenient. However, Jesus claimed to be the truth and that meant everything he said corresponds to reality. Jesus tells it like it is! The Apostle Paul said truth is critical to Christianity, and it's not a case of saying, "well, it doesn't really matter if it's true because it's a good moral code - it encourages a good life!" Paul said if it is not true (and Christ is not raised from the dead) then every Christian is deluded, we're deluding others and we ought to be pitied more than anyone. Paul's point in this passage (1 Corinthians 15): Christ is risen - and Jesus appeared to many people over a long period of time to prove the point.
3 - Believing the truth will strengthen your faith
To believe you know the truth brings tremendous strength to your faith, enough to see you through the tough times. Consider John's gospel chapter 6: when Jesus fed over 5,000 people they were determined to make him King (by force if necessary), but when Jesus' teaching got harder to swallow the same people were turning around and walking away. Jesus turned to those closest to him, "Are you going to leave me too?" Step-up to the plate, Simon Peter, "Lord, where else can we go - you have the words of eternal life!"
Grasp the fact that Christianity is true because Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life, and you will experience the joy of unshakeable faith.
Truth is foundational to Christianity - Jesus said I am the truth! - and every Christian needs to be prepared to stand up for it and defend it. Attempts to undermine truth go back to the very beginning of human history, and you can flip through the opening pages of the Bible to read, "Did God really say...?"
So three things to keep in mind when it comes to defending the truth.
- You cannot reasonably deny the truth
- Truth is the foundation for Christianity
- Believing the truth will strengthen your faith
1 - You cannot reasonably deny the truth
If someone says, "there is no truth!" you can counter, "...but is that true, that there is no truth?" Or if you hear "we can't know what's true!", it's worth pointing out "...but is that true, that we can't know what's true?" In each case the person who tries to undermine the truth is actually making a truth statement, because it takes the truth to deny the truth. Truth cannot be reasonably denied. Even those who say "it's true for me!" assume this statement is true for you too, or else why tell you. Just as you cannot tell everyone to keep their mouth closed without opening your own, you cannot deny the truth without subtly assuming it.
2 - Truth is the foundation for Christianity
When Jesus said "I am the truth!" (John 14:6) he did not claim to say what is comfortable and convenient. In fact he was very open about the fact that choosing to follow him would be uncomfortable and inconvenient. However, Jesus claimed to be the truth and that meant everything he said corresponds to reality. Jesus tells it like it is! The Apostle Paul said truth is critical to Christianity, and it's not a case of saying, "well, it doesn't really matter if it's true because it's a good moral code - it encourages a good life!" Paul said if it is not true (and Christ is not raised from the dead) then every Christian is deluded, we're deluding others and we ought to be pitied more than anyone. Paul's point in this passage (1 Corinthians 15): Christ is risen - and Jesus appeared to many people over a long period of time to prove the point.
3 - Believing the truth will strengthen your faith
To believe you know the truth brings tremendous strength to your faith, enough to see you through the tough times. Consider John's gospel chapter 6: when Jesus fed over 5,000 people they were determined to make him King (by force if necessary), but when Jesus' teaching got harder to swallow the same people were turning around and walking away. Jesus turned to those closest to him, "Are you going to leave me too?" Step-up to the plate, Simon Peter, "Lord, where else can we go - you have the words of eternal life!"
Grasp the fact that Christianity is true because Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life, and you will experience the joy of unshakeable faith.
What’s the point asking ultimate questions?
I had a conversation with a man who asked me, "So what is it you do exactly?" I told him I work with an organization that tries to find answers to life's difficult questions, "...you know, trying to make sense of the world!"
This stopped him in his tracks. He shook his head, looked to the heavens and said, "Oh, God!" The funny thing is he was on the right track but I know he didn't mean what he said.
His point: you'd be better off spending your time doing something else - anything else!
People can look at this world and see that it's broken. Just turn on the news or pick up a newspaper. But the problem is they also know we'll never find all the answers, so what's the point of asking the questions? If you ever run into this conversation-stopper, I hope you nod your head and say, "You're right! This world is broken and we'll never find all the answers, but like doing a jigsaw puzzle, you don't need every piece of a puzzle in place to see the big picture. All you need is enough important parts that stand-out and fit-together." Suddenly there is hope of making sense of the world and you can start sharing ultimate truth with ordinary people, one piece and one person at a time.
This stopped him in his tracks. He shook his head, looked to the heavens and said, "Oh, God!" The funny thing is he was on the right track but I know he didn't mean what he said.
His point: you'd be better off spending your time doing something else - anything else!
People can look at this world and see that it's broken. Just turn on the news or pick up a newspaper. But the problem is they also know we'll never find all the answers, so what's the point of asking the questions? If you ever run into this conversation-stopper, I hope you nod your head and say, "You're right! This world is broken and we'll never find all the answers, but like doing a jigsaw puzzle, you don't need every piece of a puzzle in place to see the big picture. All you need is enough important parts that stand-out and fit-together." Suddenly there is hope of making sense of the world and you can start sharing ultimate truth with ordinary people, one piece and one person at a time.
Faith and Reason Work Together
I debated one of Finland's popular (liberal) biblical scholars on the reasonableness of the resurrection, and I was interested to see how he tackled the subject.
“Faith is never adopted because of intellectual certainty but because it means something personal to the one who embraces it...Certainty calls for evidence, and a non-believer who focuses on evidence alone is not likely to become a believer. Such a person often becomes a believer without any evidence at all...faith is not about evidence, because it is a matter of meaning and significance.”
This scholar argued that the reasonableness of the resurrection is not important to unbelievers, since faith is never adopted because of intellectual certainty. Faith is only embraced when it answers the "so what?" question: what does it mean to me? This kind of approach to religious faith is very common, so we need to be prepared to offer a more balanced and biblical response.
First, we can agree that faith is never adopted because of intellectual certainty, but we need to push this further. No belief is adopted because of intellectual certainty because we cannot be certain about anything - not if certainty means there is no possibility we could be mistaken. In the 18th Century, David Hume reminded us of the reality of our own fallibility: a little doubt squirts into everything.
However, this doesn't send us on a downward spiral into skepticism. You can be sure without being certain, and we demonstrate this kind of faith every time we get out of bed in the morning (will the floor hold me?), eat our breakfast (is Kelloggs trying to poison me?), or use public transportation (where is the driver taking me?) In a Christian context, the Bible reminds us too that you don't need to know everything to know the truth, and just enough faith to believe (in Jesus) is just enough (Mark 9:24).
Second, we can agree that a non-believer who focuses on evidence alone is not likely to become a believer; however, this does not mean evidence has failed or fallen short. Evidence is only designed to get someone's attention and steer them in the right direction (e.g., evidence for God's existence in the natural world, Rom 1:20). If someone chooses to trust in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ it is the result of a supernatural conviction that goes much deeper.
Third, it is difficult to imagine how "a person often becomes a believer without any evidence at all" because faith cannot exist in a vacuum. Faith needs an object, and an empty faith is like an open mouth - it wants to bite down on something solid.
Fourth, those who claim "faith is not about evidence because it is a matter of meaning and significance" assume there are two non-overlapping realms: what's out there (in the world) and what's in here (my experience). In the debate, I explained how these realms constantly collide. There is always a reasonable component to faith, just as there is always a faith-based component to reason. John Polkinghorne, a Cambridge physicist who became a priest, said “the scientist and the theologian both work by faith, a realist trust in the rational reliability of our understanding of experience.”
Finally, when someone tells you that faith is only "what's meaningful to you," you can share how much Christianity means to you. However, you also need to point out the critical question is not "does it work?" but "is it true?" Os Guinness said "Christianity is not true because it works, it works because it's true!" And in 1 Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul said the truth of the resurrection is pivotal to Christianity. If it is not true (regardless of how meaningful it is) there is no hope for us, we are deluded, and we are deluding others.
So is it reasonable to believe in the resurrection? Well, the historical facts (accepted by most New Testament scholars, Christian and non-Christian) are that Jesus was buried, the tomb was empty, people later saw him alive, and the disciples believed he was resurrected. Whether or not you choose to accept these reasons, there is no doubt the resurrection if reasonable. If you reject these reasons you have a responsibility to come up with an alternative explanation that is equally plausible....
CFD Moule was a NT scholar at Cambridge, and he said,
"If the coming into existence of the Nazarenes, a phenomenon undeniably attested by the New Testament, rips a great hole in history, a hole the size and shape of the Resurrection, what does the secular historian purpose to stop it up with?...the birth and rapid rise of the Christian church...remain an unsolved enigma for any historian who refuses to take seriously the only explanation offered by the Church itself."
“Faith is never adopted because of intellectual certainty but because it means something personal to the one who embraces it...Certainty calls for evidence, and a non-believer who focuses on evidence alone is not likely to become a believer. Such a person often becomes a believer without any evidence at all...faith is not about evidence, because it is a matter of meaning and significance.”
This scholar argued that the reasonableness of the resurrection is not important to unbelievers, since faith is never adopted because of intellectual certainty. Faith is only embraced when it answers the "so what?" question: what does it mean to me? This kind of approach to religious faith is very common, so we need to be prepared to offer a more balanced and biblical response.
First, we can agree that faith is never adopted because of intellectual certainty, but we need to push this further. No belief is adopted because of intellectual certainty because we cannot be certain about anything - not if certainty means there is no possibility we could be mistaken. In the 18th Century, David Hume reminded us of the reality of our own fallibility: a little doubt squirts into everything.
However, this doesn't send us on a downward spiral into skepticism. You can be sure without being certain, and we demonstrate this kind of faith every time we get out of bed in the morning (will the floor hold me?), eat our breakfast (is Kelloggs trying to poison me?), or use public transportation (where is the driver taking me?) In a Christian context, the Bible reminds us too that you don't need to know everything to know the truth, and just enough faith to believe (in Jesus) is just enough (Mark 9:24).
Second, we can agree that a non-believer who focuses on evidence alone is not likely to become a believer; however, this does not mean evidence has failed or fallen short. Evidence is only designed to get someone's attention and steer them in the right direction (e.g., evidence for God's existence in the natural world, Rom 1:20). If someone chooses to trust in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ it is the result of a supernatural conviction that goes much deeper.
Third, it is difficult to imagine how "a person often becomes a believer without any evidence at all" because faith cannot exist in a vacuum. Faith needs an object, and an empty faith is like an open mouth - it wants to bite down on something solid.
Fourth, those who claim "faith is not about evidence because it is a matter of meaning and significance" assume there are two non-overlapping realms: what's out there (in the world) and what's in here (my experience). In the debate, I explained how these realms constantly collide. There is always a reasonable component to faith, just as there is always a faith-based component to reason. John Polkinghorne, a Cambridge physicist who became a priest, said “the scientist and the theologian both work by faith, a realist trust in the rational reliability of our understanding of experience.”
Finally, when someone tells you that faith is only "what's meaningful to you," you can share how much Christianity means to you. However, you also need to point out the critical question is not "does it work?" but "is it true?" Os Guinness said "Christianity is not true because it works, it works because it's true!" And in 1 Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul said the truth of the resurrection is pivotal to Christianity. If it is not true (regardless of how meaningful it is) there is no hope for us, we are deluded, and we are deluding others.
So is it reasonable to believe in the resurrection? Well, the historical facts (accepted by most New Testament scholars, Christian and non-Christian) are that Jesus was buried, the tomb was empty, people later saw him alive, and the disciples believed he was resurrected. Whether or not you choose to accept these reasons, there is no doubt the resurrection if reasonable. If you reject these reasons you have a responsibility to come up with an alternative explanation that is equally plausible....
CFD Moule was a NT scholar at Cambridge, and he said,
"If the coming into existence of the Nazarenes, a phenomenon undeniably attested by the New Testament, rips a great hole in history, a hole the size and shape of the Resurrection, what does the secular historian purpose to stop it up with?...the birth and rapid rise of the Christian church...remain an unsolved enigma for any historian who refuses to take seriously the only explanation offered by the Church itself."
Seeing is Not Believing
People like to say "seeing is believing" but the apostle John reminds us those who do not like what they see may choose to walk away - in unbelief. That is why he says "the point of seeing is believing" (John 20:31), and while seeing is necessary (in order to believe) it is not sufficient.
A Jigsaw Guide to Making Sense of the World helps us put the broken pieces of life back together, enough to see the big picture, but it's important to remember the role of reason. When Peter says Christians need to be prepared to share the reason for the hope that they have (1 Peter 3:15), he says we are responsible to reach out to those who are looking at life - looking at us - and looking for answers. No one will ever choose to commit their life to Christ solely on the basis that it sounds reasonable, but it is important to anchor our beliefs in the real world. When a belief seems to run aground on the rocks of reality, it will be that much easier to walk away.
Be prepared to share good reasons to believe God helps us make sense of this broken world - revealing the Bible is the picture on the box we've been looking for, and with the help of the Holy Spirit we can move on from dealing with the brokenness in the world to dealing with the brokenness in us. The point of seeing is believing and when people have seen enough, the question is: to believe or not to believe. As CS Lewis said, there are only two kinds of people in this world, those who bow the knee to God and say "Thy will be done!" and those who refuse to bow the knee, and to whom God says, "thy will be done!"
A Jigsaw Guide to Making Sense of the World helps us put the broken pieces of life back together, enough to see the big picture, but it's important to remember the role of reason. When Peter says Christians need to be prepared to share the reason for the hope that they have (1 Peter 3:15), he says we are responsible to reach out to those who are looking at life - looking at us - and looking for answers. No one will ever choose to commit their life to Christ solely on the basis that it sounds reasonable, but it is important to anchor our beliefs in the real world. When a belief seems to run aground on the rocks of reality, it will be that much easier to walk away.
Be prepared to share good reasons to believe God helps us make sense of this broken world - revealing the Bible is the picture on the box we've been looking for, and with the help of the Holy Spirit we can move on from dealing with the brokenness in the world to dealing with the brokenness in us. The point of seeing is believing and when people have seen enough, the question is: to believe or not to believe. As CS Lewis said, there are only two kinds of people in this world, those who bow the knee to God and say "Thy will be done!" and those who refuse to bow the knee, and to whom God says, "thy will be done!"
What does it mean to respect people of all religions?
After church one Sunday, I chatted with a young man who was visiting. I asked him, "Are you familiar with church and Christianity, or are you just checking it out?" He said, "Well, I respect people of all religions: Christians, Atheists, Satanists, Wiccans...." You don't hear this kind of collective expressed too often, so I was eager to continue the conversation. I appreciated the sentiment but when it comes to respecting people of all religions it is important to distinguish between what it means to agree and what it means to be agreeable.
"Agreeing" is about action and "Agreeable" is about attitude. It's no accident that one of the key Bible verses that talks about defending the Christian faith involves both action and attitude. "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15) We are not called to agree with those we disagree with (which makes no sense because it's nonsense). Yet we are called to be agreeable, since what you say is easily undermined when you say it the wrong way!
We ought to affirm those who say we should respect others - it's a good thing, but point out this does not entail that we agree with another person's outlook on life or the choices they make. In fact, we demonstrate greater respect for someone when we tell them we do not agree because we're trying to steer them in the right direction.
A news story reported that a woman became very sick after spending years drinking only diet soda. If this was someone close to you, you would not stand back because you are the kind of person who respects everyone's beliefs. You would share the dangers - and introduce the benefits of drinking water and natural juices. Your respect for this person would not deter you from openly disagreeing with her, it would encourage you to reach out to her.
One of our greatest challenges is standing up for what we believe (and openly expressing areas where we do not agree) while remaining agreeable. Yet every Christian is called to share the reason why a biblical outlook on life is better - it resonates with reality - in a spirit of love and compassion. That's not easy when we engage Atheists, Satanists and Wiccans, but Jesus is the ultimate example of what it looks like to connect and communicate with broken people without compromising your faith.
"Agreeing" is about action and "Agreeable" is about attitude. It's no accident that one of the key Bible verses that talks about defending the Christian faith involves both action and attitude. "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15) We are not called to agree with those we disagree with (which makes no sense because it's nonsense). Yet we are called to be agreeable, since what you say is easily undermined when you say it the wrong way!
We ought to affirm those who say we should respect others - it's a good thing, but point out this does not entail that we agree with another person's outlook on life or the choices they make. In fact, we demonstrate greater respect for someone when we tell them we do not agree because we're trying to steer them in the right direction.
A news story reported that a woman became very sick after spending years drinking only diet soda. If this was someone close to you, you would not stand back because you are the kind of person who respects everyone's beliefs. You would share the dangers - and introduce the benefits of drinking water and natural juices. Your respect for this person would not deter you from openly disagreeing with her, it would encourage you to reach out to her.
One of our greatest challenges is standing up for what we believe (and openly expressing areas where we do not agree) while remaining agreeable. Yet every Christian is called to share the reason why a biblical outlook on life is better - it resonates with reality - in a spirit of love and compassion. That's not easy when we engage Atheists, Satanists and Wiccans, but Jesus is the ultimate example of what it looks like to connect and communicate with broken people without compromising your faith.
The Brush-Off
Recently, my wife was talking to our daughter about the way we need to learn to "brush-off" unfair comments that are hurtful - things designed to drag us down. In fact, the image of the brush-off helped Sophia deal with the situation. She started walking around the house, literally wiping away the comments as if they were sitting on her shoulders. "Mom, I'm brushing it off! I'm brushing it off!" Now it's true that some words don't brush-off quite so easily, but the point is we need to be prepared to deal with them.
Verbal volleys come from a variety of sources, but the greatest challenge is dealing with comments that arise inside our head. The battle of the mind is arguably the toughest challenge we have to face, and whether it is spiritual opposition or our sinful self, every follower of Jesus Christ must learn to fight back. Jesus is our role-model, and when he went through a time of testing - going toe to toe with the Devil himself, he demonstrated the power and authority that come from standing on the word of God.
Every believer is supernaturally enabled by the Holy Spirit to draw strength and power from the word of God, and we need to make the most of this heavenly combination.
Don't allow damaging thoughts to take hold. Directly engage whatever threatens to undermine your faith. Instead of being shocked and surprised, expect these challenges to arise and use internal dialogue to defuse the situation: "Yes, I guess I could believe that. Indeed it seems many people do believe that, but I'll choose to stand on what God's word says about the subject. Thanks for the input but I believe this is the truth!"
This may seem like a light-hearted approach to a serious subject, but when you learn to overcome these attacks you may find they don't show up as often. Most kids know that when you are teased or tormented, the more the barbed arrows strike their target the more the perpetrator will keep shooting. Learn to use the brush-off, and by speaking God's truth so you will stand on solid ground.
Verbal volleys come from a variety of sources, but the greatest challenge is dealing with comments that arise inside our head. The battle of the mind is arguably the toughest challenge we have to face, and whether it is spiritual opposition or our sinful self, every follower of Jesus Christ must learn to fight back. Jesus is our role-model, and when he went through a time of testing - going toe to toe with the Devil himself, he demonstrated the power and authority that come from standing on the word of God.
Every believer is supernaturally enabled by the Holy Spirit to draw strength and power from the word of God, and we need to make the most of this heavenly combination.
Don't allow damaging thoughts to take hold. Directly engage whatever threatens to undermine your faith. Instead of being shocked and surprised, expect these challenges to arise and use internal dialogue to defuse the situation: "Yes, I guess I could believe that. Indeed it seems many people do believe that, but I'll choose to stand on what God's word says about the subject. Thanks for the input but I believe this is the truth!"
This may seem like a light-hearted approach to a serious subject, but when you learn to overcome these attacks you may find they don't show up as often. Most kids know that when you are teased or tormented, the more the barbed arrows strike their target the more the perpetrator will keep shooting. Learn to use the brush-off, and by speaking God's truth so you will stand on solid ground.
Independence Day will never dawn
One of the most significant obstacles to turning our life over to God is the desire to remain independent. Reject God and you remain in control of your own life - right? Wrong! Who is in control of their own life, really? Do you control your health? Sure, you can influence things but your genes - and early life environment - are out of reach. In the same way, you have no control over the people around you, and while you can pick and choose your friends, you have no idea what's going through the head of the person driving toward you on the freeway. None of us know what lies around the corner. Draw a list of the daily events outwith your direct control and you soon realize, our lives are hanging by a divine thread.
Difficult circumstances are only a reminder of how much we need to lean on God's grace and goodness, because even when things are going well, we are no less in need of divine intervention. God is responsible for every breath that we take and every beat of our heart, and this rythmn ought to beat in our soul as a reminder of our constant need for Him - and our thankfulness to Him.
If you are someone who has committed their life to God by embracing the gift of His son, Jesus Christ, you are not in control of your own life. However, you can rejoice in the fact your life is secure in the hands of Almighty God - for eternity.
If you are someone who remains on the outside, keeping your distance from God and holding back from committing your life to Christ, you don't retain control - your life is out of control. And the only certainty in your uncertain future is that this condition threatens to separate you from God - for eternity.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:16 - 18
Difficult circumstances are only a reminder of how much we need to lean on God's grace and goodness, because even when things are going well, we are no less in need of divine intervention. God is responsible for every breath that we take and every beat of our heart, and this rythmn ought to beat in our soul as a reminder of our constant need for Him - and our thankfulness to Him.
If you are someone who has committed their life to God by embracing the gift of His son, Jesus Christ, you are not in control of your own life. However, you can rejoice in the fact your life is secure in the hands of Almighty God - for eternity.
If you are someone who remains on the outside, keeping your distance from God and holding back from committing your life to Christ, you don't retain control - your life is out of control. And the only certainty in your uncertain future is that this condition threatens to separate you from God - for eternity.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:16 - 18
Filling-in the Gaps
My father-in-law, Gordon Kooistra is an amazing, godly man. A retired jungle pilot/mechanic with Wycliffe Bible Translators, Gordon can captivate a crowd with amazing stories of God's grace and goodness. It's a blessing to have someone like him in your family - spiritually and practically. I don't mind admitting my father-in-law comes to mind whenever something mechanical breaks down, but he also comes to mind when I hear one of the recurring arguments of the New Atheists.
The New Atheists are a collective of outspoken individuals who stand in opposition to any theistic worldview, although it's important to point out the new atheists are not saying anything new. They tend to think of themselves as intellectually superior and often sneer at those who believe God created the Universe. This superior attitude was evident in a recent debate between William Lane Craig (one of the world's leading Christian apologists) and Lawrence Krauss (one of the world's leading cosmologists). You can check it out on Youtube and it's worth watching http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL-RlkY0GbA.
Craig was the model of graciousness (despite provocation) but more importantly he was the voice of reason. Among many of Krauss's criticisms - that bizarrely miss the mark, was what's generally called The God of the Gaps argument. Krauss likes to suggest that most religious types are not interested in science. Whenever they come across something they don't understand, they don't say "let's explore!" they just shrug their shoulders and say, "God did it!" Now Krauss's argument was made in the middle of a debate where his opponent (one of those religious types) was making a powerful and reasonable case for the integration of science and theology. One has to wonder: was he listening?
A paper by Dr. Henry F. Schaefer III (one of the world's most respected chemists) www.leaderu.com/offices/schaefer/docs/scientists.html provides a long list of the giants of science who were inspired by their belief in God. People like Bacon, Kepler, Pascal, Boyle, Newton and Faraday didn't just stop and say, "God did it!" They were captivated by the wonder of it all and encouraged to learn more about how God did it!
Now back to my father-in-law.
If you want to talk about the internal combustion engine, you'll see Gordon's face light-up and his coffee grow cold. Toss out the names of those who were instrumental in its design and he will not lose any momentum. He already knows there was an intelligence behind it. It didn't surprise him. Neither did it discourage him from digging deeper. He was captivated by the wonder of it all, and this only encouraged to learn more about how they did it!
If someone tries to accuse you of believing in a God-of-the-gaps, be ready to point out that belief in God doesn't road-block science, it encourages and equips us to do science. The history of science proves it! The more we learn to appreciate the universe, the more we learn to appreciate the one responsible for it all, and wonder of the world gives us a magical glimpse into the wonder of God.
The New Atheists are a collective of outspoken individuals who stand in opposition to any theistic worldview, although it's important to point out the new atheists are not saying anything new. They tend to think of themselves as intellectually superior and often sneer at those who believe God created the Universe. This superior attitude was evident in a recent debate between William Lane Craig (one of the world's leading Christian apologists) and Lawrence Krauss (one of the world's leading cosmologists). You can check it out on Youtube and it's worth watching http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL-RlkY0GbA.
Craig was the model of graciousness (despite provocation) but more importantly he was the voice of reason. Among many of Krauss's criticisms - that bizarrely miss the mark, was what's generally called The God of the Gaps argument. Krauss likes to suggest that most religious types are not interested in science. Whenever they come across something they don't understand, they don't say "let's explore!" they just shrug their shoulders and say, "God did it!" Now Krauss's argument was made in the middle of a debate where his opponent (one of those religious types) was making a powerful and reasonable case for the integration of science and theology. One has to wonder: was he listening?
A paper by Dr. Henry F. Schaefer III (one of the world's most respected chemists) www.leaderu.com/offices/schaefer/docs/scientists.html provides a long list of the giants of science who were inspired by their belief in God. People like Bacon, Kepler, Pascal, Boyle, Newton and Faraday didn't just stop and say, "God did it!" They were captivated by the wonder of it all and encouraged to learn more about how God did it!
Now back to my father-in-law.
If you want to talk about the internal combustion engine, you'll see Gordon's face light-up and his coffee grow cold. Toss out the names of those who were instrumental in its design and he will not lose any momentum. He already knows there was an intelligence behind it. It didn't surprise him. Neither did it discourage him from digging deeper. He was captivated by the wonder of it all, and this only encouraged to learn more about how they did it!
If someone tries to accuse you of believing in a God-of-the-gaps, be ready to point out that belief in God doesn't road-block science, it encourages and equips us to do science. The history of science proves it! The more we learn to appreciate the universe, the more we learn to appreciate the one responsible for it all, and wonder of the world gives us a magical glimpse into the wonder of God.
How can the root of the problem be the solution?
Russell Brand is an actor, comedian and icon to many young people today. He was interviewed recently by Jeremy Paxman, and he expressed his disenchantment, disaffection and disillusionment with the the current political system. I appreciated his passion: people need to fix this broken world! I noted the difficulty in finding a solution: broken people are the root of the problem!
In the movie A Beautiful Mind there's a powerful line that drives home this dilemma. The main character, Nash is struggling with mental illness, yet he is determined to use his mind to figure out the solution. His doctor responds,
"You can't reason your way out of this!"
"Why not? Why can't I?"
"Because your mind is where the problem is in the first place!"
How can people be the source of a revolution that will bring justice and peace to this planet when people are the source of the problem? In the interview, Brand could only anchor his hope in a hypothetical group of benevolent administrators. Appearing from where? Appointed by whom? Accountable to how many? We don't know the answer to these questions, neither did Brand.
Now this blog is not intended to bash Russell Brand. Indeed, I was deeply moved by his care and concern. I applaud his passion for justice. There are a lot of things I really like about the guy, and he echoes a generation that is lost and looking for hope in a world without hope. Put your faith in people, particularly those in positions of power and responsibility, and British historian, Lord Acton reminds us where this breaks down: "All power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely." The nature of the problem? Human nature!
So what do we say to the "Russell Brands" of this world? We need to appreciate the fact they see this world is broken, and then we should applaud their desire to do something about it. But then we need to turn the tables - not upside-down but outside-in. Ravi Zacharias once recounted a story about a man was troubled by the brokenness of this world, but he was stopped in his tracks when a friend reached out, pointed to his heart and said, "...what are you going to do about the brokenness in there?" This is the true litmus test. This is the point many choose to walk away.
This world is broken. We ought to be concerned about the problem on the outside, but we need to start by turning our attention to the brokenness on the inside. Only God can heal the human heart, and he sent his son, Jesus Christ into the world to bring hope into a world without hope. Jesus is the one who ultimately makes a difference in this broken world, and he does so by restoring broken people - one person at a time...
In the movie A Beautiful Mind there's a powerful line that drives home this dilemma. The main character, Nash is struggling with mental illness, yet he is determined to use his mind to figure out the solution. His doctor responds,
"You can't reason your way out of this!"
"Why not? Why can't I?"
"Because your mind is where the problem is in the first place!"
How can people be the source of a revolution that will bring justice and peace to this planet when people are the source of the problem? In the interview, Brand could only anchor his hope in a hypothetical group of benevolent administrators. Appearing from where? Appointed by whom? Accountable to how many? We don't know the answer to these questions, neither did Brand.
Now this blog is not intended to bash Russell Brand. Indeed, I was deeply moved by his care and concern. I applaud his passion for justice. There are a lot of things I really like about the guy, and he echoes a generation that is lost and looking for hope in a world without hope. Put your faith in people, particularly those in positions of power and responsibility, and British historian, Lord Acton reminds us where this breaks down: "All power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely." The nature of the problem? Human nature!
So what do we say to the "Russell Brands" of this world? We need to appreciate the fact they see this world is broken, and then we should applaud their desire to do something about it. But then we need to turn the tables - not upside-down but outside-in. Ravi Zacharias once recounted a story about a man was troubled by the brokenness of this world, but he was stopped in his tracks when a friend reached out, pointed to his heart and said, "...what are you going to do about the brokenness in there?" This is the true litmus test. This is the point many choose to walk away.
This world is broken. We ought to be concerned about the problem on the outside, but we need to start by turning our attention to the brokenness on the inside. Only God can heal the human heart, and he sent his son, Jesus Christ into the world to bring hope into a world without hope. Jesus is the one who ultimately makes a difference in this broken world, and he does so by restoring broken people - one person at a time...
It’s not what you can do for God, it’s what God has done for you!
Why would religious devotees pierce their bodies, carry heavy loads and climb 272 stairs to the mouth of the Batu Caves in Malaysia? The reason: it’s Thaipusam. This Hindu festival draws 1.5 million people from around the world, and Hindus who participate are willing to do whatever it takes to earn and deserve the blessing of the gods.
I visited the caves a few days before Thaipusam, and I enjoyed a significant conversation with a European woman who had travelled to visit the temples. She told me, as a Hindu she was there to worship and pay for heavenly blessing and protection. I reflected on the fact that in a few days many Hindus would pay a lot more, and I had a wonderful opportunity to talk about the contrast between the path for the Hindu and the path for the one who follows Jesus.
If you’re looking for a common denominator among the world’s religions, you’ll find it expressed in this idea: there’s something we need to do - to earn what we need to get – to get where we need to go. The specifics vary, as will details about the ultimate destination, but the common theme is we need to do the right stuff and live in hope that we’ve done enough.
Christianity stands apart from every other religion. It’s true there’s somewhere we need to go, but there’s nothing we can do to earn or deserve to get there!
Nothing!
Now don’t miss the contrast with Hindu pilgrims at the Batu Caves.s
The Bible says that we cannot reach up to God – the good news is He reached down to us.
The Bible says we don’t pierce ourselves for God’s favour – the good news is Jesus Christ was pierced for us.
The Bible says we cannot earn God’s forgiveness – the good news is God has already paid the price in full.
God loved the world so much that he sent his son, Jesus Christ into the world. He gave his life for you and for me, paying for everything that ought to separate us from a holy God, and so today we can be forgiven by God and restored into a right relationship with him forever.
It’s not what we can do for God, it’s what God has done for us.
I visited the caves a few days before Thaipusam, and I enjoyed a significant conversation with a European woman who had travelled to visit the temples. She told me, as a Hindu she was there to worship and pay for heavenly blessing and protection. I reflected on the fact that in a few days many Hindus would pay a lot more, and I had a wonderful opportunity to talk about the contrast between the path for the Hindu and the path for the one who follows Jesus.
If you’re looking for a common denominator among the world’s religions, you’ll find it expressed in this idea: there’s something we need to do - to earn what we need to get – to get where we need to go. The specifics vary, as will details about the ultimate destination, but the common theme is we need to do the right stuff and live in hope that we’ve done enough.
Christianity stands apart from every other religion. It’s true there’s somewhere we need to go, but there’s nothing we can do to earn or deserve to get there!
Nothing!
Now don’t miss the contrast with Hindu pilgrims at the Batu Caves.s
The Bible says that we cannot reach up to God – the good news is He reached down to us.
The Bible says we don’t pierce ourselves for God’s favour – the good news is Jesus Christ was pierced for us.
The Bible says we cannot earn God’s forgiveness – the good news is God has already paid the price in full.
God loved the world so much that he sent his son, Jesus Christ into the world. He gave his life for you and for me, paying for everything that ought to separate us from a holy God, and so today we can be forgiven by God and restored into a right relationship with him forever.
It’s not what we can do for God, it’s what God has done for us.
Ask not what you do, ask the reason why you do it!
As stories of political abuse or moral atrocities hit the headlines, few are willing to defend him. Yet these human choices would be defensible, according to moral relativism. The fight for the right to do what we want! A position of power allows us to do what we want to do, whether or not other people want us to do it. Think, social Darwinism: the evolutionary source of moral authority that genetically drives us toward our selfish ends.
The idea that (other) human beings have intrinsic value and ought to be respected does not appear out of thin air, nor does it come naturally to many (the reason we lock our doors at night). It flows from a particular way of looking at the world. Whenever we stand up and say we know this is right - absolutely, it’s worth asking, “why?”
In A Jigsaw Guide to Making Sense of the World, I suggest the world is like a broken jigsaw puzzle and every worldview claims to represent the picture on the box. That means it ought to serve as the right guide to life. That means it should help us put life’s broken pieces back together. That means it can be tested. Whenever a worldview falls short in critical areas, it is a worldview found wanting.
A Christian perspective cprovides an absolute moral authority – God. All human beings have intrinsic value because they are made by God, for God and in the image of God. When it comes to the dignity of a human being: the world didn’t give it, so the world can’t take it away! Our justification for defending the worth of every individual is anchored in the Christian worldview. This moral framework has provided a platform for moral progress around the world.
Global events may shake us or encourage us, but at critical times we need to ask critical questions. It’s not enough to ask what you do, ask the reason why you do it.
The idea that (other) human beings have intrinsic value and ought to be respected does not appear out of thin air, nor does it come naturally to many (the reason we lock our doors at night). It flows from a particular way of looking at the world. Whenever we stand up and say we know this is right - absolutely, it’s worth asking, “why?”
In A Jigsaw Guide to Making Sense of the World, I suggest the world is like a broken jigsaw puzzle and every worldview claims to represent the picture on the box. That means it ought to serve as the right guide to life. That means it should help us put life’s broken pieces back together. That means it can be tested. Whenever a worldview falls short in critical areas, it is a worldview found wanting.
A Christian perspective cprovides an absolute moral authority – God. All human beings have intrinsic value because they are made by God, for God and in the image of God. When it comes to the dignity of a human being: the world didn’t give it, so the world can’t take it away! Our justification for defending the worth of every individual is anchored in the Christian worldview. This moral framework has provided a platform for moral progress around the world.
Global events may shake us or encourage us, but at critical times we need to ask critical questions. It’s not enough to ask what you do, ask the reason why you do it.
Sincerity is admirable but it's not the most important thing!
In 1912 Franz Reichelt sincerely believed he made a major breakthrough with his design of the parachute jacket. Indeed, he was sincere enough to test it himself by jumping off the Eiffel Tower. A large crowd gathered to witness the spectacle, and they learned an important lesson. Sincerity is admirable but it’s not the most important thing. Franz Reichelt dropped like a stone - to the ground and sadly to his death – because the fact is you can be sincerely wrong.
It’s interesting to note that we get this, at least in a physical context. If we experience troubling physical symptoms, we find little relief in the sincere reassurance of a friend: “Don’t worry, I’ve got a good feeling about this.” Instead, we want to talk to the right person who can diagnose the problem and prescribe the right solution. We are not seeking sincerity – we want to know the truth.
Yet, move from the physical realm into the spiritual realm and things get warm and fuzzy. Suddenly it’s okay to have things your own way, and it doesn’t really matter what you believe as long as you are sincere. Where does this idea come from?
I suggest two reasons.
First, many people don’t believe the spiritual or supernatural is real, so it doesn’t matter what you believe (or don’t believe). Sure, people make vague references to something “up there” or “beyond this” but their lives reveal the truth – this is it! If that’s the case, it really doesn’t matter what people believe as long as it makes them happy.
Second, the desire to believe what is true is overpowered by a determination to do what we want. There is a definite leaning toward recognising a supernatural being “out there” (e.g., to explain our origins, anchor morality, provide meaning, offer hope, etc.), but any being above and beyond us threatens to rule over us. So instead of embracing the God who made us in his image, we recreate god in our own image. This is the popular view of the “God” who just happens to like the things we like and dislike the things we don’t like.
The Bible teaches we cannot make God in our image. He beat us to it. We are made in God’s image, and life is about trusting him, being transformed by him, and totally depending upon him. The Bible is clear we live in a broken world and suffer from a physical and spiritual problem, and to save your life you must trust in the truth.
What does this look like?
John 14:6 “Jesus said, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the only way to God because he is God, and only by trusting in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ can we be forgiven by God, brought back into a right relationship with God, and look forward to spending eternity with him.
It’s interesting to note that we get this, at least in a physical context. If we experience troubling physical symptoms, we find little relief in the sincere reassurance of a friend: “Don’t worry, I’ve got a good feeling about this.” Instead, we want to talk to the right person who can diagnose the problem and prescribe the right solution. We are not seeking sincerity – we want to know the truth.
Yet, move from the physical realm into the spiritual realm and things get warm and fuzzy. Suddenly it’s okay to have things your own way, and it doesn’t really matter what you believe as long as you are sincere. Where does this idea come from?
I suggest two reasons.
First, many people don’t believe the spiritual or supernatural is real, so it doesn’t matter what you believe (or don’t believe). Sure, people make vague references to something “up there” or “beyond this” but their lives reveal the truth – this is it! If that’s the case, it really doesn’t matter what people believe as long as it makes them happy.
Second, the desire to believe what is true is overpowered by a determination to do what we want. There is a definite leaning toward recognising a supernatural being “out there” (e.g., to explain our origins, anchor morality, provide meaning, offer hope, etc.), but any being above and beyond us threatens to rule over us. So instead of embracing the God who made us in his image, we recreate god in our own image. This is the popular view of the “God” who just happens to like the things we like and dislike the things we don’t like.
The Bible teaches we cannot make God in our image. He beat us to it. We are made in God’s image, and life is about trusting him, being transformed by him, and totally depending upon him. The Bible is clear we live in a broken world and suffer from a physical and spiritual problem, and to save your life you must trust in the truth.
What does this look like?
John 14:6 “Jesus said, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the only way to God because he is God, and only by trusting in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ can we be forgiven by God, brought back into a right relationship with God, and look forward to spending eternity with him.
Should we be dying for a laugh?
One of Scotland’s best loved comedians is Billy Connolly. Born in Glasgow in 1942, Billy was raised Catholic and worked in the shipyards before becoming recognized for his wit and his winsomeness. His music and stand-up performances afforded him national celebrity status, and he grew into serious acting roles which won international fame and acclaim.
As a Scot, I learned about Billy Connolly a long time ago. It seemed right to respect the man affectionately known as “The Big Yin,” and while he is known for his crude and colourful language, there was a lot about Billy Connolly that won me over and made me smile. However, like many outspoken atheists, his simmering rage and rejection of God always left me bemused.
If your mother’s decision to abandon you and your father’s physical and sexual abuse are good reasons to rail against God, Billy has a good case. However, rejecting the existence of God does nothing to answer the problem of evil, it only undermines the question. A world without God means people have the right to do what they want. We are genetically driven to promote our selfish ends, so it actually weakens our case against the abuser (as Chesterton said, it keeps the flogger flogging). We may decide to take a more tempered view but from a godless perspective we have no right to impose this on anyone else.
Apart from the irrationality of shaking your fist at a God who does not exist (Billy starred in the movie, “The Man Who Sued God”), the reality is many people turn to God through testing times. CS Lewis described pain as God’s megaphone - it gets our attention – and the more we understand this world is broken and doesn’t seem to fit, the more we ought to look for something (or someone) above and beyond all this.
In recent years, Billy Connolly has been dealing with serious health issues, so it got my attention when he was asked to host a television documentary looking at death and how we deal with it. Would he consider the seriousness of life and the sadness of death – raising questions about where we came from, why we’re here and where we’re going? Well, one scene used to promote the program got the media’s attention, even described as “heart-warming.” Billy was cracking jokes about having an interactive tombstone that would shock and swear at passers by.
I understand the desire to use levity to offset the sadness that surrounds death – I’ve spoken at funerals before, but humour should be used to support and not supplant the need to grieve. Death deserves a degree of sobriety, and I take comfort from the fact Jesus wept at the grave of Lazarus – even knowing he was about to raise him from the dead. Christians are not among those who are dying for a laugh. The Bible encourages us to weep alongside those who mourn, yet we also bring a message of hope - beyond the grave. Jesus Christ conquered death and that is why every person who trusts in his life, death and resurrection will overcome death and look forward to a new life with him that will last forever!
As a Scot, I learned about Billy Connolly a long time ago. It seemed right to respect the man affectionately known as “The Big Yin,” and while he is known for his crude and colourful language, there was a lot about Billy Connolly that won me over and made me smile. However, like many outspoken atheists, his simmering rage and rejection of God always left me bemused.
If your mother’s decision to abandon you and your father’s physical and sexual abuse are good reasons to rail against God, Billy has a good case. However, rejecting the existence of God does nothing to answer the problem of evil, it only undermines the question. A world without God means people have the right to do what they want. We are genetically driven to promote our selfish ends, so it actually weakens our case against the abuser (as Chesterton said, it keeps the flogger flogging). We may decide to take a more tempered view but from a godless perspective we have no right to impose this on anyone else.
Apart from the irrationality of shaking your fist at a God who does not exist (Billy starred in the movie, “The Man Who Sued God”), the reality is many people turn to God through testing times. CS Lewis described pain as God’s megaphone - it gets our attention – and the more we understand this world is broken and doesn’t seem to fit, the more we ought to look for something (or someone) above and beyond all this.
In recent years, Billy Connolly has been dealing with serious health issues, so it got my attention when he was asked to host a television documentary looking at death and how we deal with it. Would he consider the seriousness of life and the sadness of death – raising questions about where we came from, why we’re here and where we’re going? Well, one scene used to promote the program got the media’s attention, even described as “heart-warming.” Billy was cracking jokes about having an interactive tombstone that would shock and swear at passers by.
I understand the desire to use levity to offset the sadness that surrounds death – I’ve spoken at funerals before, but humour should be used to support and not supplant the need to grieve. Death deserves a degree of sobriety, and I take comfort from the fact Jesus wept at the grave of Lazarus – even knowing he was about to raise him from the dead. Christians are not among those who are dying for a laugh. The Bible encourages us to weep alongside those who mourn, yet we also bring a message of hope - beyond the grave. Jesus Christ conquered death and that is why every person who trusts in his life, death and resurrection will overcome death and look forward to a new life with him that will last forever!
When is a life worth saving?
Popular media was rocked by the staggering news that famous actor and comedian Robin Williams had died. The shocking part of the story was he had taken his own life. People were stunned. A life that appeared to be a tour de force on the outside was clearly broken on the inside. Those who knew him well loved him more - grieving the loss of a special friendship. It was widely recognized that Williams had long-standing battles with drugs and depression, yet not many realised the depth of his hurt and vulnerability. What friend wouldn’t pay to turn back the clock, if they could, doing whatever was necessary to steer him back in the right direction. Robin Williams was a life worth saving.
The journey of life takes us through the shadow of death but most don’t give up the ghost without a fight. Robin Williams was battling serious issues, enough to tip things in a deathly direction, but what friend wouldn’t question his decision to call it a day? Who wouldn’t wish they had been there for him, long enough to encourage him to choose life by putting a little more weight on the other side of the scale?
I felt pain and sadness reading the headline. Then it struck me: what a bizarre world we live in! People are reaching out to those tempted to end their life. Phone lines, websites and special agencies are set-up for the sole purpose of talking people back down to earth. However, on a parallel track others are standing alongside the weak and vulnerable, offering to hold their hand and cheer them on while they jump. Euthanasia advocates will argue, your life isn’t worth saving unless you (or the doctors attending you) say so.
Arguments about suicide and euthanasia are emotive and complex but one thing stands out enough to get our immediate attention. Among those who choose to end their life, we believe there are lives worth saving. In a culture saturated in sentiment – you should do whatever your heart tells you – there is great danger in placing suicidal thoughts on the roller-coaster ride of our emotions. We need to anchor our attitude somewhere else. We need something or someone above and beyond us that we can appeal to. We believe a life is worth saving but we need to know the reason why.
Some choose to believe they have no reason to live, but some have reason to live for what they choose to believe. The Bible says life is a gift from God, it’s absolutely valuable and we should never take it into our own hands. Through the darkest days we can find strength for the journey. We can look to the God who created us, loves us and is willing to walk alongside us. A heavenly perspective does a lot of earthly good, and it reminds us the reason why a life is worth saving.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
The journey of life takes us through the shadow of death but most don’t give up the ghost without a fight. Robin Williams was battling serious issues, enough to tip things in a deathly direction, but what friend wouldn’t question his decision to call it a day? Who wouldn’t wish they had been there for him, long enough to encourage him to choose life by putting a little more weight on the other side of the scale?
I felt pain and sadness reading the headline. Then it struck me: what a bizarre world we live in! People are reaching out to those tempted to end their life. Phone lines, websites and special agencies are set-up for the sole purpose of talking people back down to earth. However, on a parallel track others are standing alongside the weak and vulnerable, offering to hold their hand and cheer them on while they jump. Euthanasia advocates will argue, your life isn’t worth saving unless you (or the doctors attending you) say so.
Arguments about suicide and euthanasia are emotive and complex but one thing stands out enough to get our immediate attention. Among those who choose to end their life, we believe there are lives worth saving. In a culture saturated in sentiment – you should do whatever your heart tells you – there is great danger in placing suicidal thoughts on the roller-coaster ride of our emotions. We need to anchor our attitude somewhere else. We need something or someone above and beyond us that we can appeal to. We believe a life is worth saving but we need to know the reason why.
Some choose to believe they have no reason to live, but some have reason to live for what they choose to believe. The Bible says life is a gift from God, it’s absolutely valuable and we should never take it into our own hands. Through the darkest days we can find strength for the journey. We can look to the God who created us, loves us and is willing to walk alongside us. A heavenly perspective does a lot of earthly good, and it reminds us the reason why a life is worth saving.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
How can you believe a nice person is going to Hell?
Well, do you? If so, how could you?
When you’re directly challenged by such an emotive question, it can be helpful to serve things back in the same direction. “Hey, I hear you, but can I ask what you believe about hell?” Among the popular suggestions may be…
Option 1 – No one is going to hell and everyone is going to heaven!
When heaven is described in different ways, the first problem is people going in different directions don’t end up in the same place. The second problem is what you do with people who don’t want to go to heaven. Some will say with a smile, “I don't mind going to hell.” If everyone is going to heaven some people are not going to be happy, and that means heaven isn’t so heavenly after all.
Option 2 – Only the really bad people are going to hell!
Here’s where people start drawing lines to decide who’s in and who’s out. The trouble is there’s no cultural consensus about the grading scale or what heavenly pass-mark is acceptable. As a result, we establish our own boundaries (curiously we always seem to end up on the right side), and in the end, heaven and hell say more about our likes and dislikes than anything else.
Option 3 – No one is going to hell because no one is going anywhere!
Those who believe we’re going nowhere – apart from six feet under – ought to be unmoved by others who claim some people are going to hell. If this belief bears no resemblance to reality it really shouldn’t matter. So it’s worth asking why it does matter to so many, and why do people around the world, throughout history believe there’s more to life than this – if there isn’t?
Option 4 – Only those who trust in Jesus Christ are going to heaven!
When people are hurt by this claim there are a few things to point out. First, Christians don’t judge anyone. Christians only point to the biblical standard that reflects the justice and judgment of God, sharing the truth with love, gentleness and respect. Second, God’s word says no one deserves to get into heaven, so we all start out in the same place with the same problem. Third, the Bible clearly teaches there is eternal separation between heaven and hell, and we are guaranteed to spend eternity in one place or the other. Fourth, Jesus came into the world to bridge the gap between heaven and earth. He died on the cross to pay for everything that ought to separate us from a holy God, so he brought heaven within reach when he rescued us. Finally, God welcomes all who are willing to humble themselves enough to ask him for forgiveness and trust in the life, death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ. Spiritual death leads to hell but spiritual life leads to heaven, and Jesus said I am the way, the truth and the life.
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
When you’re directly challenged by such an emotive question, it can be helpful to serve things back in the same direction. “Hey, I hear you, but can I ask what you believe about hell?” Among the popular suggestions may be…
Option 1 – No one is going to hell and everyone is going to heaven!
When heaven is described in different ways, the first problem is people going in different directions don’t end up in the same place. The second problem is what you do with people who don’t want to go to heaven. Some will say with a smile, “I don't mind going to hell.” If everyone is going to heaven some people are not going to be happy, and that means heaven isn’t so heavenly after all.
Option 2 – Only the really bad people are going to hell!
Here’s where people start drawing lines to decide who’s in and who’s out. The trouble is there’s no cultural consensus about the grading scale or what heavenly pass-mark is acceptable. As a result, we establish our own boundaries (curiously we always seem to end up on the right side), and in the end, heaven and hell say more about our likes and dislikes than anything else.
Option 3 – No one is going to hell because no one is going anywhere!
Those who believe we’re going nowhere – apart from six feet under – ought to be unmoved by others who claim some people are going to hell. If this belief bears no resemblance to reality it really shouldn’t matter. So it’s worth asking why it does matter to so many, and why do people around the world, throughout history believe there’s more to life than this – if there isn’t?
Option 4 – Only those who trust in Jesus Christ are going to heaven!
When people are hurt by this claim there are a few things to point out. First, Christians don’t judge anyone. Christians only point to the biblical standard that reflects the justice and judgment of God, sharing the truth with love, gentleness and respect. Second, God’s word says no one deserves to get into heaven, so we all start out in the same place with the same problem. Third, the Bible clearly teaches there is eternal separation between heaven and hell, and we are guaranteed to spend eternity in one place or the other. Fourth, Jesus came into the world to bridge the gap between heaven and earth. He died on the cross to pay for everything that ought to separate us from a holy God, so he brought heaven within reach when he rescued us. Finally, God welcomes all who are willing to humble themselves enough to ask him for forgiveness and trust in the life, death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ. Spiritual death leads to hell but spiritual life leads to heaven, and Jesus said I am the way, the truth and the life.
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
If that's where you want to go, I wouldn't start from here.
There’s a story about a young couple who decided to take a long hike through the countryside. It was a remote area and after several hours they were completely lost. Stumbling upon a farm, they knocked on the door in the hope they might get some directions. A farmer answered. Learning where they were heading, he stood back and scratched his beard. “Well, if that’s where you want to go, I wouldn’t start from here!”
Where we come from has an impact on where we’re going. It also affects how we’re going to get there. In life, most people want to see the world move in the right direction – to become a better place. Who wouldn’t want to see less crime, more justice, greater compassion and people living at peace with one another. The trouble is reconciling this with where we came from.
Popular science writes a good headline every time it speculates about finding the seeds of life on a comet flying through space, or balancing the incredible improbability of this universe by placing it within the realms of an infinite multiverse. Yet the bottom line is this world still just popped-into existence from nothing, and we sparked into life for no reason. On this view each of us is still an evolved bacterium driven by selfish genes, and we only survived by eradicating everything that stood in our way. When people say they want to live in a world where there’s hope for the future, we ought to stand back and scratch – beard or no beard: “If that’s where you want to go, I wouldn’t start from here!”
However, consider another way to start the story - of human history. An all-powerful and all-good God created the world. We have reason to believe there is a way things ought to be. He chose to make people in his image. We have reason to believe every human being is stamped with absolute value. He has a plan for our lives. We have reason to believe there is meaning to our existence. He has an eternal purpose for all of creation. We have reason to believe there is hope for the future. In terms of where we want to go, this is a good place to start. If someone is looking at life and looking for answers the Bible gives us a wonderful sense of perspective, and the more every creature falls into line with the creator the better this world will be.
Psalm 8
O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you. When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority— the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Where we come from has an impact on where we’re going. It also affects how we’re going to get there. In life, most people want to see the world move in the right direction – to become a better place. Who wouldn’t want to see less crime, more justice, greater compassion and people living at peace with one another. The trouble is reconciling this with where we came from.
Popular science writes a good headline every time it speculates about finding the seeds of life on a comet flying through space, or balancing the incredible improbability of this universe by placing it within the realms of an infinite multiverse. Yet the bottom line is this world still just popped-into existence from nothing, and we sparked into life for no reason. On this view each of us is still an evolved bacterium driven by selfish genes, and we only survived by eradicating everything that stood in our way. When people say they want to live in a world where there’s hope for the future, we ought to stand back and scratch – beard or no beard: “If that’s where you want to go, I wouldn’t start from here!”
However, consider another way to start the story - of human history. An all-powerful and all-good God created the world. We have reason to believe there is a way things ought to be. He chose to make people in his image. We have reason to believe every human being is stamped with absolute value. He has a plan for our lives. We have reason to believe there is meaning to our existence. He has an eternal purpose for all of creation. We have reason to believe there is hope for the future. In terms of where we want to go, this is a good place to start. If someone is looking at life and looking for answers the Bible gives us a wonderful sense of perspective, and the more every creature falls into line with the creator the better this world will be.
Psalm 8
O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you. When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority— the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
The search for happiness
A story is told about a young boy who spent his long summers fishing and gazing up into the big blue sky. The highlight of his day was when he spotted the plane that regularly flew overheard, provoking an excited response, “Oh, how I’d love to be that pilot, flying.” Little did he know the pilot would gaze down at the small pond at the same time, hoping to catch sight of the idyllic scene. As he did, the pilot would sigh, longingly, “Oh, how I’d love to be that young boy, fishing.”
Is the search for happiness akin to the myth of Sissyphus? Sissyphus was condemned by the gods to roll a large boulder up a hill, only to see it roll back down again – and to do this for all eternity.
In other words, is the search for happiness out of reach? Maybe, maybe not.
Will Smith starred in “The Pursuit of Happyness,” a movie which captured the hard-working efforts of a father who battled the odds to provide for his young son. The happy ending? The father realised his dream of a high-flying career with a six-figure pay check. Would most people working long-hours in the financial markets agree they are living the American dream? How much is enough? Rockefeller said it best, “Just a little bit more…!”
Simon Pegg’s character took a shot in “The Search for Happiness.” He played a psychiatrist who travels around the world looking for ultimate answers. The happy ending? The realisation that we ought not to be preoccupied with the pursuit of happiness. Instead we need to appreciate the happiness of the pursuit. We all have an obligation to be happy, so try to retain a child-like outlook and treasure the simple things in life. While this sounds warm and winsome to the successful professional having a mid-life crisis (Pegg’s character in the movie), would the same words bring comfort to the downtrodden, abused, trafficked, and marginalised around the world?
But what if life is not all about happiness – what if it’s about holiness? The Bible teaches the purpose of life is not simply to be happy. It’s to be made holy. This life is not all there is, and God is at work in the world from an eternal perspective. He wants to transform us from the inside-out so we reflect his glory, now and forever. This means there is hope for the corporate executive – who understands life is not about investing everything in this world. This means there is hope for the broken and abused – who know they can reach out to God today and trust him for tomorrow.
The path to holiness may not always be a happy one, but a commitment to Christ brings something greater than happiness. The writing of CS Lewis captures this well, and while he experienced deep pain and anguish on his spiritual journey, his autobiography is titled, Surprised by Joy! The pain came first – the joy came later.
The world says pursue happiness. Experience tells us this world will never be enough.
The Bible says, put God first, pursue holiness and you’ll be surprised by something more.
You’ll be surprised by joy!
…the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23
Is the search for happiness akin to the myth of Sissyphus? Sissyphus was condemned by the gods to roll a large boulder up a hill, only to see it roll back down again – and to do this for all eternity.
In other words, is the search for happiness out of reach? Maybe, maybe not.
Will Smith starred in “The Pursuit of Happyness,” a movie which captured the hard-working efforts of a father who battled the odds to provide for his young son. The happy ending? The father realised his dream of a high-flying career with a six-figure pay check. Would most people working long-hours in the financial markets agree they are living the American dream? How much is enough? Rockefeller said it best, “Just a little bit more…!”
Simon Pegg’s character took a shot in “The Search for Happiness.” He played a psychiatrist who travels around the world looking for ultimate answers. The happy ending? The realisation that we ought not to be preoccupied with the pursuit of happiness. Instead we need to appreciate the happiness of the pursuit. We all have an obligation to be happy, so try to retain a child-like outlook and treasure the simple things in life. While this sounds warm and winsome to the successful professional having a mid-life crisis (Pegg’s character in the movie), would the same words bring comfort to the downtrodden, abused, trafficked, and marginalised around the world?
But what if life is not all about happiness – what if it’s about holiness? The Bible teaches the purpose of life is not simply to be happy. It’s to be made holy. This life is not all there is, and God is at work in the world from an eternal perspective. He wants to transform us from the inside-out so we reflect his glory, now and forever. This means there is hope for the corporate executive – who understands life is not about investing everything in this world. This means there is hope for the broken and abused – who know they can reach out to God today and trust him for tomorrow.
The path to holiness may not always be a happy one, but a commitment to Christ brings something greater than happiness. The writing of CS Lewis captures this well, and while he experienced deep pain and anguish on his spiritual journey, his autobiography is titled, Surprised by Joy! The pain came first – the joy came later.
The world says pursue happiness. Experience tells us this world will never be enough.
The Bible says, put God first, pursue holiness and you’ll be surprised by something more.
You’ll be surprised by joy!
…the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23
Top Gear's Top Tips: The greatest designer of all…
“Forget the mechanical marvels of Top Gear, says Richard Hammond – it’s Mother Nature who’s the greatest designer of all.”[1]
An international audience enjoyed the BBC’s long-running motor show, Top Gear. Well known on the small screen, presenter Richard Hammond present a popular-level science show that caught my attention. The program highlighted the fact so much human design is merely a copy-cat of the wonders of the natural world. So credit where credit is due: Mother Nature (note the capitalisation) is the greatest designer of all.
However, there is a problem. On this view, as popular atheist Richard Dawkins points out, Mother Nature is simply “blind physical forces and genetic replication” and “there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference.” But how does blind, pitiless indifference explain the wonders of the natural world?
Another popular atheist, Ricky Gervais was asked to provide the answer, and he defaulted to a text book example: the modern giraffe. “Everyone uses the modern giraffe. A creature like the giraffe was born with a slightly longer neck, it could reach more leaves, it could pass on its genetic material for longer, it was more successful…”
So the reason for the genius of the giraffe was a mutated, slightly elongated animal? Simple. Or is it?
Ricky Gervais did not ask these questions, but Richard Hammond said the giraffe should faint every time it stands up and its head should explode every time it bends down to drink. However, the powerful heart pumps blood five feet into the air along the length of its neck. An amazing system of valves constricts the blood flow whenever the animal’s head drops to the ground. Such genius has been copied to develop technology that helps fighter pilots cope with excessive G-forces, ensuring they don’t black out during the most dangerous manouvers.
Does the genius of the giraffe really suggest it’s the product of no purpose and no design? It seems far more reasonable to conclude this animal points us in the direction of an intelligent designer. In other words, the genius of the giraffe points us in the direction of God, the greatest designer of them all.
Now that’s a top-tip you didn’t hear on Top Gear!
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
Romans 1:20
An international audience enjoyed the BBC’s long-running motor show, Top Gear. Well known on the small screen, presenter Richard Hammond present a popular-level science show that caught my attention. The program highlighted the fact so much human design is merely a copy-cat of the wonders of the natural world. So credit where credit is due: Mother Nature (note the capitalisation) is the greatest designer of all.
However, there is a problem. On this view, as popular atheist Richard Dawkins points out, Mother Nature is simply “blind physical forces and genetic replication” and “there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference.” But how does blind, pitiless indifference explain the wonders of the natural world?
Another popular atheist, Ricky Gervais was asked to provide the answer, and he defaulted to a text book example: the modern giraffe. “Everyone uses the modern giraffe. A creature like the giraffe was born with a slightly longer neck, it could reach more leaves, it could pass on its genetic material for longer, it was more successful…”
So the reason for the genius of the giraffe was a mutated, slightly elongated animal? Simple. Or is it?
- If being short was the problem, how did female giraffes survive (they are significantly shorter than the males)?
- If being short was the problem, how did young adults survive (for the same reason)?
- Why assume a slightly longer neck confers reproductive advantage (without assuming the facts to fit the theory)? Why would a shorter neck not be an advantage, e.g., during dry season or drought.
- If giraffes could not reach the higher leaves, they would spend more time grazing on the ground - like other animals, and migrating in search of food - like other animals.
- The modern giraffe’s long neck is not simply the result of one mutation - followed by natural selection. It needs an entire biological, chemical and structural mechanism to develop simultaneously in order to support it, literally.
Ricky Gervais did not ask these questions, but Richard Hammond said the giraffe should faint every time it stands up and its head should explode every time it bends down to drink. However, the powerful heart pumps blood five feet into the air along the length of its neck. An amazing system of valves constricts the blood flow whenever the animal’s head drops to the ground. Such genius has been copied to develop technology that helps fighter pilots cope with excessive G-forces, ensuring they don’t black out during the most dangerous manouvers.
Does the genius of the giraffe really suggest it’s the product of no purpose and no design? It seems far more reasonable to conclude this animal points us in the direction of an intelligent designer. In other words, the genius of the giraffe points us in the direction of God, the greatest designer of them all.
Now that’s a top-tip you didn’t hear on Top Gear!
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
Romans 1:20
You don't have to choke on the words, "I could be wrong!”
If I asked a Christian, “Do you believe it’s possible Jesus never rose again from the dead?” I could provoke a strong reaction, “No! It’s not possible!” Why? The resurrection is critical to Christianity. Lose this and you lose the foundation for your faith. Doubt is a door you dare not open. If you do, your whole belief will come crashing down.
Or maybe not!
My daughter Sophia was ten years old when she first held a copy of my book, “A Jigsaw Guide to Making Sense of the World.” Flipping through the pages she told me, “Dad that’s the first chapter I’m going to read.” It was chapter five: deal with doubt. I didn’t throw my hands up in the air. I didn’t cry about how I’ve failed as a father. I didn’t swear Sophia to secrecy, “Don’t tell anyone, my reputation could be ruined!” I gave her a hug and smiled. She was already thinking about her faith, digging deeper and being brave enough to ask the kind of questions that will make her faith her own.
American philosopher, Charles Pierce said “the action of thought is excited by the irritation of doubt,” and when doubt is the expression of a question that encourages reflection, it’s a good thing. The willingness to say “I could be wrong” doesn’t have to dismantle your faith and drag you down. It can be the first step toward thinking about all the reasons why you believe you are right.
In a way, the Apostle Paul was willing to say, “I could be wrong!” You probably wonder what I’m talking about. Well, the powerful passage in 1 Corinthians 15 contains the foundation for the Christian faith: the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul gives a tremendous defence for the resurrection, citing many eye-witnesses of this supernatural event – including himself, but that’s not all…
If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead…If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile. 1 Corinthians 15:14-17
What?
Paul acknowledges it’s a logical possibility that Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead – with painful consequences, but this doesn’t undermine his message. It creates a platform to share the many (many) reasons to believe Jesus was resurrected. Paul was willing to say, “I could be wrong…” but only so he could follow this up with “…but let me tell you the reasons why I believe I am right!”
If you’re a Christian don’t choke on the words “I could be wrong...” Dig deeper into your faith to know what you believe and the reason why you believe it. Then you can follow this up by saying, “… but let me tell you the reasons why I believe I am right!”
Or maybe not!
My daughter Sophia was ten years old when she first held a copy of my book, “A Jigsaw Guide to Making Sense of the World.” Flipping through the pages she told me, “Dad that’s the first chapter I’m going to read.” It was chapter five: deal with doubt. I didn’t throw my hands up in the air. I didn’t cry about how I’ve failed as a father. I didn’t swear Sophia to secrecy, “Don’t tell anyone, my reputation could be ruined!” I gave her a hug and smiled. She was already thinking about her faith, digging deeper and being brave enough to ask the kind of questions that will make her faith her own.
American philosopher, Charles Pierce said “the action of thought is excited by the irritation of doubt,” and when doubt is the expression of a question that encourages reflection, it’s a good thing. The willingness to say “I could be wrong” doesn’t have to dismantle your faith and drag you down. It can be the first step toward thinking about all the reasons why you believe you are right.
In a way, the Apostle Paul was willing to say, “I could be wrong!” You probably wonder what I’m talking about. Well, the powerful passage in 1 Corinthians 15 contains the foundation for the Christian faith: the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul gives a tremendous defence for the resurrection, citing many eye-witnesses of this supernatural event – including himself, but that’s not all…
If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead…If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile. 1 Corinthians 15:14-17
What?
Paul acknowledges it’s a logical possibility that Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead – with painful consequences, but this doesn’t undermine his message. It creates a platform to share the many (many) reasons to believe Jesus was resurrected. Paul was willing to say, “I could be wrong…” but only so he could follow this up with “…but let me tell you the reasons why I believe I am right!”
If you’re a Christian don’t choke on the words “I could be wrong...” Dig deeper into your faith to know what you believe and the reason why you believe it. Then you can follow this up by saying, “… but let me tell you the reasons why I believe I am right!”
You are not responsible to make anyone believe anything!
Picture the scene.
You pour your heart out to someone you care about, gently and respectfully sharing the reasons you believe we can have hope in this world – and beyond this world - through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The person shrugs their shoulders and walks away.
How do you feel? What are you thinking? Will you dare to share ever again?
It’s easy to experience this and feel like a failure - the temptation to pray this kind of prayer...
“Lord, I tried to share good reasons for this person to believe – to trust in you. Yet, the conversation resulted in one more person walking away. I’m so sorry I let you down. I apologize for messing it up. I must not have said enough. I must not have said it right. I guess I don’t have the gift. I think next time I won’t embarrass myself - embarrass you. Don’t worry, next time I’ll keep my mouth closed.”
Don’t believe the lie.
Think Screwtape (the classic character in CS Lewis's story about our spiritual enemy) and choose to stand on the truth by praying this kind of prayer...
“Lord, thank you for the opportunity to share my faith. I recognize every one is a divine appointment, sovereignly orchestrated by you. With your supernatural help and strength, I was able to share the reasons why I believe, with love, gentleness and respect. That’s all I’m responsible to do. It’s not my responsibility to make anyone believe anything – I can’t. It’s not my responsibility to share reasons that will make others believe. I’m only responsible to share the reasons why I believe we can have hope in this world through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I am responsible to pray - and I will, and I trust a seed was sown that will bear fruit in the future for your glory!”
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
You pour your heart out to someone you care about, gently and respectfully sharing the reasons you believe we can have hope in this world – and beyond this world - through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The person shrugs their shoulders and walks away.
How do you feel? What are you thinking? Will you dare to share ever again?
It’s easy to experience this and feel like a failure - the temptation to pray this kind of prayer...
“Lord, I tried to share good reasons for this person to believe – to trust in you. Yet, the conversation resulted in one more person walking away. I’m so sorry I let you down. I apologize for messing it up. I must not have said enough. I must not have said it right. I guess I don’t have the gift. I think next time I won’t embarrass myself - embarrass you. Don’t worry, next time I’ll keep my mouth closed.”
Don’t believe the lie.
Think Screwtape (the classic character in CS Lewis's story about our spiritual enemy) and choose to stand on the truth by praying this kind of prayer...
“Lord, thank you for the opportunity to share my faith. I recognize every one is a divine appointment, sovereignly orchestrated by you. With your supernatural help and strength, I was able to share the reasons why I believe, with love, gentleness and respect. That’s all I’m responsible to do. It’s not my responsibility to make anyone believe anything – I can’t. It’s not my responsibility to share reasons that will make others believe. I’m only responsible to share the reasons why I believe we can have hope in this world through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I am responsible to pray - and I will, and I trust a seed was sown that will bear fruit in the future for your glory!”
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
If you win at all costs, what price do you pay?
In politics, business or sports, it seems like anything goes as long as you cross the finishing line first. In the Olympic Games in Brazil, the debate was raging about athletes willing to do whatever it takes to walk away with a gold medal. In sports arenas around the world players feigning injury, falling over and manipulating matches. Coaches tamper with things on the touchline. Officials accept bribes to influence the outcome.
The philosophy: it’s all about winning – at all costs!
The Bible says this is too high a price to pay.
Most of us are familiar with Eric Liddell, the Christian athlete featured in the movie Chariots of Fire. Certainly he enjoyed great success on earth but he always knew his greater reward was in heaven. That’s why he elevated biblical priorities. A man of prayer and integrity, he was always committed to do his best – then trust the Lord to take care of the rest.
Liddell often shared this quote that inspired him: “In the dust of defeat, as well as the laurels of victory, there is glory to be found if one has done his best.”
Like Paul’s letter to the Philippians, our responsibility is to do our best – to press on toward the goal, to win the prize, for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). Every earthly pursuit ought to bear fruit from a heavenly perspective, but that means our success is measured by a different standard.
Did you know some look at certain aspects of Paul’s ministry and brand it a failure? For example, they look at his ministry in Athens and say, “where’s the fruit of his ministry? Paul didn’t start a church or make much of an impact! There’s no 1st and 2nd Athenians in the New Testament!”
Instead, I read these words and smile:
“…a few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus [Greek council in Athens], also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.” Acts 17:34
The philosophy: it’s all about winning – at all costs!
The Bible says this is too high a price to pay.
Most of us are familiar with Eric Liddell, the Christian athlete featured in the movie Chariots of Fire. Certainly he enjoyed great success on earth but he always knew his greater reward was in heaven. That’s why he elevated biblical priorities. A man of prayer and integrity, he was always committed to do his best – then trust the Lord to take care of the rest.
Liddell often shared this quote that inspired him: “In the dust of defeat, as well as the laurels of victory, there is glory to be found if one has done his best.”
Like Paul’s letter to the Philippians, our responsibility is to do our best – to press on toward the goal, to win the prize, for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). Every earthly pursuit ought to bear fruit from a heavenly perspective, but that means our success is measured by a different standard.
Did you know some look at certain aspects of Paul’s ministry and brand it a failure? For example, they look at his ministry in Athens and say, “where’s the fruit of his ministry? Paul didn’t start a church or make much of an impact! There’s no 1st and 2nd Athenians in the New Testament!”
Instead, I read these words and smile:
“…a few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus [Greek council in Athens], also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.” Acts 17:34
Why give on Giving Tuesday?
A few years ago, a New York collective of cultural commentators and innovators launched a “movement.” Harnessing the power of social media and the generosity of people, the goal was to serve as a catalyst for positive change in communities around the country – and around the world. And so #GivingTuesday was birthed to…“amplify small acts of kindness…sharing our capacity to care for and empower one another.” [www.givingtuesday.org]
I wouldn’t tell anyone to stop writing a check as an act of kindness. I’d never dare to obstruct someone’s capacity to show that they care. However, I would encourage people to stop and think: Why give on Giving Tuesday?
In a godless universe, where only the fittest survive, every act of altruism is a thinly disguised demonstration of egoism. We only give in the short term to get in the longer term: we are ready to give a little now, if it helps us get what we want later. In a popular culture where God has been air-brushed out of the big picture, scratch the surface and Giving Tuesday is not really about helping others. Giving Tuesday is really about helping ourselves.
"In a godless Universe...Giving Tuesday is really about helping ourselves."
Yet, switching to the Christian worldview we understand our responsibility toward those in need. Broken lives genuinely stir compassion, to the point we want to do something. The reason? Every person is special, made in God’s image and worthy of respect. Giving Tuesday is a great day to celebrate our social responsibility, but it shouldn’t be one day for random acts of kindness. It ought to be just one example of a wholehearted lifestyle of purpose-driven sacrificial service.
That’s why a New York think-tank will never change the world. People lack moral authority: any instruction to “do this!” can be met with the response, “…but why should I listen to you?” People are limited to influencing externals: changing our habits on the outside will never change our heart on the inside.
"Only God can turn this world...the right way up."
That’s why only God can turn this world upside down, or more accurately, the right way up. Only he has the authority: God is above and beyond us, with the power and position to rule over us. Only he has access to the human heart: God changes us on the inside and that’s what makes a lasting difference on the outside.
Why give on Giving Tuesday?
Let Giving Tuesday be a celebration of a life of care and compassion toward others that’s not natural - it’s supernatural! Then use this day to invest in those who are shining and sharing this message across the country and around the world.
I wouldn’t tell anyone to stop writing a check as an act of kindness. I’d never dare to obstruct someone’s capacity to show that they care. However, I would encourage people to stop and think: Why give on Giving Tuesday?
In a godless universe, where only the fittest survive, every act of altruism is a thinly disguised demonstration of egoism. We only give in the short term to get in the longer term: we are ready to give a little now, if it helps us get what we want later. In a popular culture where God has been air-brushed out of the big picture, scratch the surface and Giving Tuesday is not really about helping others. Giving Tuesday is really about helping ourselves.
"In a godless Universe...Giving Tuesday is really about helping ourselves."
Yet, switching to the Christian worldview we understand our responsibility toward those in need. Broken lives genuinely stir compassion, to the point we want to do something. The reason? Every person is special, made in God’s image and worthy of respect. Giving Tuesday is a great day to celebrate our social responsibility, but it shouldn’t be one day for random acts of kindness. It ought to be just one example of a wholehearted lifestyle of purpose-driven sacrificial service.
That’s why a New York think-tank will never change the world. People lack moral authority: any instruction to “do this!” can be met with the response, “…but why should I listen to you?” People are limited to influencing externals: changing our habits on the outside will never change our heart on the inside.
"Only God can turn this world...the right way up."
That’s why only God can turn this world upside down, or more accurately, the right way up. Only he has the authority: God is above and beyond us, with the power and position to rule over us. Only he has access to the human heart: God changes us on the inside and that’s what makes a lasting difference on the outside.
Why give on Giving Tuesday?
Let Giving Tuesday be a celebration of a life of care and compassion toward others that’s not natural - it’s supernatural! Then use this day to invest in those who are shining and sharing this message across the country and around the world.
How can you believe in a talking snake?
I was speaking to my son, Asher about the biblical account of creation. He was confused about the fact an animal in the garden could talk, so it was a good opportunity to address an important question. It represents a "grenade" some atheists believe they can toss in the direction of those who believe in God and take the Bible seriously. Think Bill Maher in Religilous: “How can you believe in a talking snake?”
I wanted Asher to understand how this puzzle piece fits into the big picture.
The real issue is not the nature of this creature. It's not even whether or not you hold a literal interpretation of the Bible, e.g., the book of Genesis. The issue is how do we make sense of the world?
Bill Maher can’t make sense of a talking snake? Many atheists believe the following: the universe came into existence from nothing, living things emerged from non-living matter, and human consciousness is a physical byproduct of brain chemistry. In terms of demonstrating a high level of credulity, this is already off the chart.
How do you get something from nothing?
How do you get life from non-life?
How do you get mind from matter?
How can people make sense of a talking snake?
Well, how can Maher et al. make sense of a talking anything?
There are a lot of things I like about Bill Maher – he asks a lot of the right questions. However, it’s dangerous to throw stones when you live in a glass house. A godless outlook on life cannot explain these things. What’s worse, it completely undermines them. Everything we learn about the natural world tells us you don’t get something from nothing - naturally, you don’t get life from non-life - naturally, and you don’t get mind from matter - naturally.
Naturalism is a worldview that comes crashing down, naturally.
Back to my conversation with Asher.
Christians can makes better sense of the world, others and ourselves. Why? We believe in an all powerful God who is able to create something out of nothing, breathe life into non-life, and make mind operate in relation to matter. We can explain a talking man, a talking serpent or even a talking donkey.
The Christian worldview stands strong, supernaturally.
My responsibility to my son, Asher is not to teach him to bash people over the head with the Bible. I need to share good reasons to believe the Christian worldview paints a true picture of this broken world. Rejecting the existence of God doesn’t answer life’s ultimate questions, it plunges us into greater confusion. That’s why Christians need to ask these questions, as well as answer them - with love, gentleness and respect.
The popular culture may present Christians as "religilous," so we have a responsibility to communicate good reasons to believe we know the truth. That may sound like a bridge too far for some people, but that’s why I wrote A Jigsaw Guide to Making Sense of the World and A Jigsaw Guide to the Meaning of Life. These resources will help you (and your family) share your faith with confidence.
I wanted Asher to understand how this puzzle piece fits into the big picture.
The real issue is not the nature of this creature. It's not even whether or not you hold a literal interpretation of the Bible, e.g., the book of Genesis. The issue is how do we make sense of the world?
Bill Maher can’t make sense of a talking snake? Many atheists believe the following: the universe came into existence from nothing, living things emerged from non-living matter, and human consciousness is a physical byproduct of brain chemistry. In terms of demonstrating a high level of credulity, this is already off the chart.
How do you get something from nothing?
How do you get life from non-life?
How do you get mind from matter?
How can people make sense of a talking snake?
Well, how can Maher et al. make sense of a talking anything?
There are a lot of things I like about Bill Maher – he asks a lot of the right questions. However, it’s dangerous to throw stones when you live in a glass house. A godless outlook on life cannot explain these things. What’s worse, it completely undermines them. Everything we learn about the natural world tells us you don’t get something from nothing - naturally, you don’t get life from non-life - naturally, and you don’t get mind from matter - naturally.
Naturalism is a worldview that comes crashing down, naturally.
Back to my conversation with Asher.
Christians can makes better sense of the world, others and ourselves. Why? We believe in an all powerful God who is able to create something out of nothing, breathe life into non-life, and make mind operate in relation to matter. We can explain a talking man, a talking serpent or even a talking donkey.
The Christian worldview stands strong, supernaturally.
My responsibility to my son, Asher is not to teach him to bash people over the head with the Bible. I need to share good reasons to believe the Christian worldview paints a true picture of this broken world. Rejecting the existence of God doesn’t answer life’s ultimate questions, it plunges us into greater confusion. That’s why Christians need to ask these questions, as well as answer them - with love, gentleness and respect.
The popular culture may present Christians as "religilous," so we have a responsibility to communicate good reasons to believe we know the truth. That may sound like a bridge too far for some people, but that’s why I wrote A Jigsaw Guide to Making Sense of the World and A Jigsaw Guide to the Meaning of Life. These resources will help you (and your family) share your faith with confidence.
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