Friday, September 30, 2011

"Building model airplanes," says the little fairy. Well, we're not buying it.

Eerily prophetic words from Ronald Reagan, befitting our present situation, reminding us we don't have to settle for a second-rate America:
"They tell us we must learn to live with less, and teach our children that their lives will be less full and prosperous than ours have been; that the America of the coming years will be a place where — because of our past excesses — it will be impossible to dream and make those dreams come true. I don't believe that. And, I don't believe you do either. That is why I am seeking the presidency. I cannot and will not stand by and see this great country destroy itself. Our leaders attempt to blame their failures on circumstances beyond their control, on false estimates by unknown, unidentifiable experts who rewrite modern history in an attempt to convince us our high standard of living, the result of thrift and hard work, is somehow selfish extravagance which we must renounce as we join in sharing scarcity. I don't agree that our nation must resign itself to inevitable decline, yielding its proud position to other hands. I am totally unwilling to see this country fail in its obligation to itself and to the other free peoples of the world."
~Ronald Reagan, presidential candidate (13 November 1979)

Labels: ,

Thursday, September 15, 2011

This is one time where television really fails to capture the true excitement of a large squirrel predicting the weather.

As one who taught junior high science in the past, I'm often amazed by the way contemporary "science" elevates specious and unprovable theories to the realm of fact. Coming to mind are the theory of evolution and the theory of human affected global warming.

For one, how can you test the theories? Can you duplicate what allegedly happened "by chance" contrary to known laws of science (e.g., 2nd law of thermodynamics or law of bio-genesis)? Can one compare to a control group to show an earth without humans to contrast how temperatures fared there over the last 150 years?

Because the media swallow these as fact, so does the common man or woman who doesn't take the time to investigate, also labeling dissenters as morons or the like.

But what about when folks in the same scientific community dissent? It's typically squashed and not tolerated. Why? Clearly, it's bad science if they don't come up with the same results. (Some of us call that assuming the conclusion.)

I was encouraged to see a Nobel prize winning physicist resign his membership in the American Physics Society because of the new official position that global warming is occurring, noting that "the evidence is incontrovertible."

I applaud Dr. Ivar Giaever for his willingness to swim upstream and suffer the inevitable repercussions.

As an aside, if these scientists "believe" the earth is (at least) millions of years old, how solid is science that uses a sample size of about 150 years of recorded data to demonstrate the "reality of global warming," particularly attributing cause? In other words, can science prove that alleged temperature increases are attributable to human causes and not something else (e.g., cyclical patterns of weather change)? Don't forget, back in the 70s there was great concern over perceived global "cooling." (N.B. April 28, 1975 Newsweek article about global cooling).
Consensus non facit veritatem.
~[Latin] Consensus does not make truth.

Labels: , ,

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

That's it man, game over man, game over! What are we gonna do now? What are we gonna do?

In the comments section of another post, I was asked the following:
"What do you do when there are no solid churches in your area?"*
I thought it was a good enough question to not only answer, but answer in some detail as I'd be shocked if this problem was isolated.

The way I see it there are 2 options I'd suggest and a 3rd that's possible, with caveats.

1. Move. People move all the time for better schools, better jobs, etc. Why not move for a "better" (i.e., solid) church? Even in this economy, it can be easier to find a good job than a good church.

2. Plant. Ask God to put such a church there.  Prayerfully solicit help from solid churches in support, guidance, and oversight.  Labor to meet with likeminded believers, who might become a church that meets in a home, which is not the same thing as a church that's one family. Over time and after prayerful diligence, I'd be surprised if God didn't raise up converts and other believers.

There may come a time when necessity dictates qualified and called elders/pastors from outside the congregation to be a part of it, but it may be that can come from within. Either way, prioritize biblical teaching and preaching by freeing up some leadership by financially supporting them (cf. 1 Tim 5:17-18).

3. Minimize. Find the "best" option among non-solid churches and try to minimize the theological damage done to your family, all the while hoping and praying for reform in the church, knowing it's VERY unrealistic while not in any position of influence. But, God is omnipotent and may have mercy on that congregation. (The great caveat I have here is the nature of the family. Spiritually mature believers are one thing, it's much more difficult and dangerous to pursue this option with children.) If the church is too far gone or gets that way, see options 1 & 2 above.

*Full comment: "What do you do when there are no solid churches in your area? Stay home. What do you do when you have given every dime you had to a church, served until you dropped to only find out you're in a cult.
Stay home or keep looking.
You may have to develop a new category for this one. No, there are no perfect churches, but I will not be a part of a heretical, non-biblical church.
Color me with those characteristics if you like, but the church is not what it used to be. There are only seeker friendly and charasmatic churches in my area.
Good luck with explaining this category of church hoppers."

Labels: ,

Friday, September 02, 2011

Apology accepted. But only because you stammered.

True or False?
"Apologies are like monsters: They're only real if you believe in them."
~Justin Feinstein"

Labels: , , ,

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting