Marvel Comics and Logical Fallacies

The other day a few of us on staff took a break to discuss an urgent topic:

Who is the best* super hero in the Marvel universe?

Tolerant observers in this roundtable discussion shared their opinion and shrugged off opposing views with indifference. But the longtime, diehard fans clung to their views like Spidey to a wall.

Speaking of the famous web-slinger, a couple of us came into the conversation as committed fans of the Amazing Spider-Man. So when a self-identified “instigator” dared to question Spider-Man’s “bestness,” well, I’m sad to say I resorted to a logical fallacy. Unbridled passion does that. But if Bruce Banner teaches us anything, it’s that restraint keeps us from going into “Hulk smash” mode.

The same goes for verbal tiffs, especially when it comes to apologetics.

It’s all too easy to snap back at someone who denies the “bestness” of the ultimate superhero, God-man. But it ultimately defeats the purpose behind apologetics efforts: for the sake of evangelism.

As my blogging cohort, Maureen, explains, “Christians who respond to questions or challenges with churlish behavior leave a bad taste behind.” She goes on to offer a recipe for apologetics “vinaigrette:”

• Ask questions and focus on listening to their arguments rather than on protecting your own view.
• Offer up a new idea for them to chew on. For example, “According to your perspective, Noah’s Flood is responsible for most of the geological formations and fossil deposits we see today. If this is so, how would you explain the ark’s occupants, and even the planet itself, surviving the intense heat and radiation given off by the amount of geological activity implied in your theory?”
• Knowledge goes a long way in dispelling fear. But don’t stress if you don’t have all the answers. Refer people to reliable websites, books, and articles.
• Flavor your words with a gracious demeanor.

In part 5 of the 12-part series on Logic 101, Kenneth Samples writes that,

Sometimes clear thinking is obscured by the uncritical acceptance of beliefs and other times by powerful emotional and psychological states. But knowing about these difficult areas can help in one’s important goal to think critically.

Even while we focus on making “disciples of all nations,” it’s important to do so “with gentleness and respect.” In other words, with the Great Commission comes great responsibility.

 

–Sandra

For tips on how to think critically, see Kenneth Samples’ 12-part series “Logic 101.” Also check out Kenneth’s blog Reflections. For more on fallacies and how to avoid them, see “12 Fallacies to Avoid in Communication,” “Explosive Debates Putting Out Fires and Dodging Verbal Bullets,” “A Spoonful of Vinegar,” “A Match Made in Heaven,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” “15-yard Penalty,” “Ballroom Lessons,” “The Cotton Candy Paradox.”

 

*Strengths and weaknesses, relatability and/or likability, backstory, and moral inference were among the determining factors.

 

RTB Chapter Summit Review

Most people who take a trip to Los Angeles try to jam in as much sightseeing as possible, traffic allowing, of course. So when a few dozen RTB chapter leaders from all over North America made the trek to Southern California last week for a Chapter Summit, we split up the group and headed to various spots in and around LA. The tour options included The Griffith Observatory, with a clear view of the LA skyline; the California Science Center and lunch near the Staples Center; the Natural History Museum, with a stop at the Big Bang Coffee House; The Huntington, near historic Pasadena; and, of course, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, smack in the heart of Hollywood.

Lobster corn dog: Just one of many delectable treats from Slummin’ Gourmet, a trendy food truck that parked in RTB’s lot one evening during the Summit.

While these are common stops for the average tourist, there’s nothing “average” about RTB chapter leaders. Sure, they enjoyed the trip, the food, and even the “storm” that passed through, but most preferred to soak up the conversation.

Chas DeSiena, a member of the Hartford, CT chapter, said he’s “here for the conversations.” It seems the interactions never ceased during the three-day Summit. Astrophysicist Jeff Zweerink, who led a tour at the California Science Center, certainly noticed. “I think people are more interested in talking than in seeing stuff,” he whispered as we feigned watching a brief video presentation on sea life.

It soon became clear why. As Lester Marr from the Vancouver, B.C. chapter put it, “it’s great being around like-minded individuals.”

Over the course of the Summit, the conversations focused on the core of why we do what we do: to inspire and equip others for evangelism. It’s this mission that initially drew many of the leaders to RTB, and its one they’ve adopted in their efforts to reach people in their local communities.

And we’re beyond grateful for their efforts. Director of Outreach, Ken Hultgren, said, “It’s through their diligent efforts that doors were opened for RTB to speak at Willow Creek, the University of Texas, and Microsoft,” just to give a few examples.

Overall, the intent was to bring chapters together and to share RTB’s vision for the next few years and beyond. Through the hard work of many, especially special projects coordinator, Amy Robertson, it looks like the goal accomplished.

Jim Reeverts from the Rochester, NY chapter sums up the experience well,

I came away with a realization of the Lord’s wholesome forgiveness and empowerment, a sense of comradeship in mission with the cohort present, and a new sense of confidence that not only can I /we accomplish something for the Lord in this arena, but that the Lord Jesus Christ can and will prevail in His purposes which both this ministry and my life carry out.

I’m not sure it gets any better than that. Unless you throw in a lobster corn dog.

-Sandra

Looking to get connected with RTB? Check out the list of chapters and networks to find out if there’s one in your neighborhood.

Here’s a glimpse of the Chapter Summit activities.

Visiting scholar Kevin Birdwell, RTB President Hugh Ross, Nina Dunton (Birmingham chapter), Senior Vice President, Kathy Ross, Bob Andrews (Grand Rapids chapter), Paul Bell (Portland, OR chapter), and others took the weather in stride on their hike to The Griffith Observatory.

(l-r) RTB Scholar Jeff Zweerink, Ministry Advancement Director, Hannah Palpant, and chapter members Don Waller (Toronto chapter), Will Charles (Lancaster, PA chapter), and Lane Koster (Calgary chapter) keep the conversation going while waiting in line to see IMAX Hubble 3D.

A little rain wasn’t enough to stop Ken Samples and his group from touring the Botanical Gardens at The Huntington.

Fuz Rana’s group made a quick pit stop at the Big Bang Coffee House before heading to the Natural History Museum.

Chapter Summit participants and a few RTB staff

 

It’s Earth Day: What Are We Gonna Do?

According to my hilarious tear-off calendar, this Sunday is Earth Day. Surprise! Though some (including yours truly) might typically be inclined to shrug it off as just another day, we might want to reconsider. Earth Day has become the “largest secular civic event in the world,” with more than one billion people participating in Earth Day activities. A pretty spectacular feat considering the event has been in existence for just over 40 years.

Illustrated by Khristian and Isabella

The Earth Day Network, an organization that grew out of the first Earth Day, claims to be a global leader in promoting environmental education and green schools. That can’t be all bad, can it? Considering Earth is where we keep all our stuff, it seems reasonable that we might want to clean it up a bit. Still, some Christians are leery of that other E-word (environmentalism), which gets wrapped up with Earth Day. The concern for some is that it’s all too easy for us to move from caring for the environment (creation) to worshiping it.

On the flipside, our skeptical friends might charge Christians (and theists in general) with having an apathetic attitude about our planet’s condition. The complaint is summed up in an e-card I stumbled upon: “I wish more people cared about Earth as much as they cared about who they believe created it.” Ouch.

Thankfully, there’s an alternative to creation worship and creation apathy, and the environmentally conscious (Christian or otherwise) don’t have to look too far to find it.

In his own article about Earth Day, Hugh Ross suggests that “the first place Earth Day celebrants and environmental agencies should go for guidance on how to best care for Earth is the book of Job.”

For example, Job 38 describes how God designed the precipitation of water (rain, snow, hail, dew). This knowledge implies that humans should address climate crises by first correcting the damage we have brought upon Earth’s precipitation patterns.

The most astonishing examples of human disturbance of rainfall patterns include the recent growth in the size of the Sahara and Gobi Deserts. Today, the Sahara is ten times the size it was during the Roman era. The Gobi is three times bigger. Both deserts were enlarged as humans stripped the desert boundaries of vegetation.

One creative response to the threat of global warming, Hugh suggests, is for replanting the desertified area of the Sahara and Gobi Deserts. “In so doing,” he adds, “the Sahara and Gobi regions could once again become breadbaskets for Africa, Europe, and China. At the same time, all that vegetation would soak up huge quantities of greenhouse gases and, thus, help cool the planet.”

Hugh further points out that creation accounts in Job (and elsewhere) remind us that creation care (environmentalism, minus the political and worldview orientation) is a biblical mandate. In other words, “God’s people, most of all, should be concerned about taking excellent care of the natural world.”

What he suggests is that we celebrate Earth Day by reading through all the creation accounts in Job. I’d suggest we also consider how we can better fulfill our role to care for “the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.” And then take action.

– Sandra

***

The Book of Job is chock-full of insightful information about today’s environmental questions. Delve deeper into this topic with Hugh’s latest book, Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job.

 

Thoughts on Palm Sunday

As we’ve done the past four years, we will be spending Palm Sunday weekend at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers’ Conference amid California’s glorious coastal redwood forest. Encountering such natural beauty—from towering trees to chattering Steller’s jays—serves as a striking reminder of our Creator’s power and majesty. And it’s a great way to begin Holy Week.

Here we share our individual reflections on Palm Sunday and offer a collection of RTB resources about other Holy Week observances.

****

 Celebrate the King of Glory!

My childhood memories of Palm Sunday include parades of palm-waving children, women dancing with ribbons, and a familiar church member dressed up as Jesus. It was corny, but when we sang “Hosanna in the Highest!” my young heart felt all the joy that accompanies the commencement of Holy Week.

An article on the Gospel.com blog describes Palm Sunday as a day of expectation. The Jews of Jesus’ time expected an earthly king to free them from Roman power, but Jesus himself was anticipating his own death. The article explains, “Palm Sunday is a vivid example of Jesus giving us not what we want, but what we need.”

As Christians, we celebrate Palm Sunday in anticipation of Easter. What a marvelous thing: Jesus, God made flesh, died for sinful humanity’s sake and then rose from the grave to conquer death! Words don’t do justice to the joy that still fills my heart at the thought of such love and hope.

— Maureen

Here’s video from Second Baptist Church, Houston that to me beautifully declares believers’ joy in Christ.

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His Triumph, His Death, Our Hope

As a kid, I would spend the entire Palm Sunday Mass completely absorbed in making an intricate cross out of the palm fronds distributed to congregants (and if I failed, my friend Eric’s dad was always there to offer his own handmade crosses). As an adult, I spend Holy Week absorbing Scripture passages that unfold the events of Christ’s last days (leading up to His resurrection).

The week begins with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As He rode in, a crowd of people spread their cloaks and tree branches onto the road shouting “Hosanna in the highest!” The next day His authority was questioned. By Wednesday there was a plot against Him, followed the next day by His arrest and trial. By Friday, He was sentenced to be crucified, died, and was buried.

The events of Holy Week reveal, in quick time, why we need a Savior. Moreover these meaningful events illustrate Christ’s immense love for humanity. Fickle and disloyal though we may be, Christ still moved forward to accept sin’s punishment on our behalf. It’s clear this man was the Son of God!

—Sandra

Here’s a video of “True Love” by Phil Wickham with scenes from The Passion of the Christ. To me, the lyrics and visuals powerfully convey the work Christ did and the great hope that we have because of it.

****

 Holy Week Resources from RTB

Good Friday:

“It Is a Good Friday” (blog) by Sandra

“Remember Me” (blog) by Maureen

“Understanding Lent” (blog) by Sandra

“Christ’s Cross: Its Four-Fold Distinctive Meaning” (article) by Kenneth Samples

Easter:

“Resurrection: What’s the Story?” (podcast) from Straight Thinking

“Resurrection: What’s the Historical Evidence?” (podcast) from Straight Thinking

“Resurrection: Humanity’s Greatest Hope” (podcast) from Straight Thinking

“If Christ Had Not Been Raised from the Dead: Reasoning through the Resurrection” (article) by Kenneth Samples

“Christianity’s Dangerous Ideas” (article) by Kenneth Samples

As RTB philosopher/theologian Kenneth Samples points out in the last article listed above, the resurrection of Christ is a dangerous, world-changing idea. His new book, 7 Truths that Changed the World, explores this and six other dangerous ideas from Christianity. Look for this latest RTB resource, coming spring 2012.

 

The Hunger Games and Human Dignity

In The Hunger Games, impoverished district citizens must indulge the Capitol’s obsession with fashion, food, and entertainment. The latter comes in the form of a reality TV show that forces district children to fight to the death, until only one remains.

The Capitol (a totalitarian government) is so consumed by their fixation with entertainment that they overlook its implications: loss of human life. In their view, entertainment is more valuable than the lives of selected persons (“tributes,” they’re called).

This brutal world may seem far-fetched, yet ideologies held by Australian philosopher and bioethics professor Peter Singer that challenge the common understanding of personhood and place more value on the lives of certain “persons” make this popular book (and now movie) scenario chillingly plausible.

On his FAQ page from Princeton, Singer defines “persons” as “beings capable of anticipating the future, of having wants and desires for the future.” With this definition in mind, he makes the following bold claim:

Newborn human babies have no sense of their own existence over time. So killing a newborn baby is never equivalent to killing a person, that is, a being who wants to go on living.

In other words, some humans are not “persons.” Moreover, Singer believes that if parents and doctors determine that a baby with a serious disability should die, then “it should be possible to carry out that decision, not only by withholding or withdrawing life-support—which can lead to the baby dying slowly from dehydration or from an infection—but also by taking active steps to end the baby’s life swiftly and humanely.”

Singer also believes there should be no moral distinction between humans and animals. To place higher value on human life merely because of its species membership is “speciesism.” Beings should be treated as individuals, rather than as members of a species, he says.

In contrast, historic Christianity asserts that humans differ from animals not only in degree but also in kind because humans alone are created in God’s image. Philosopher-theologian Kenneth Samples takes a look at the doctrine of the imago Dei in his latest book, 7 Truths that Changed the World and compares it with secular humanism’s “grand dismissal of humans’ inherent dignity and the overall sanctity of human life.”

According to Samples, if the historic Christian worldview is true, then certain features would be unique to human beings. Scientific and philosophical reasoning reveal humans alone are personal, spiritual, rational, volitional, relational, aesthetic, philosophical, and deeply morally flawed. Other worldviews such as naturalism and pantheism “face extreme difficulty accounting for such human features.”

While it’s frightening to think about infanticide, Samples suggests it’s a direct implication of a secular mindset. “Without God,” he says, “secularists would have to invent a new system of ethics and then arbitrarily define what a person is.” On the other hand, with God, namely the God of the Bible, all people possess inherent dignity, moral worth, and eternal value.

Worldviews have consequences. For humanity’s sake, this reader and moviegover hopes that popular literature and Singer’s ideas remain fantasy while a Christian worldview increasingly becomes reality.

 

–Sandra

 

 

A Look at 10 (or so) Commonly Misunderstood Bible Verses

Most people are familiar with John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It’s the go-to verse for budding evangelists, the bottom rim of In–N-Out cups, and Tim Tebow’s face. But not every verse can be plucked from the Bible to stand well (and be properly understood) on its own.

In a five-part series, philosopher-theologian Kenneth Samples, physicist and long-time student of the Scripture Dave Rogstad, and Theology Mom Krista Bontrager take a look at a “Top 10 (or so) Misunderstood Bible Verses.”

Part 1 begins with general principles to keep in mind when interpreting Scripture:

Understand the author’s intent. “Meaning is grounded in the author’s intent.” So before asking what the verse means to us, consider first what the verse meant to the person who wrote it and the person(s) to whom it was written (or spoken). Consider the historical and cultural context.

Consider the literary genre. Just like we wouldn’t read a comic book in the same way we would an academic paper, it’s important to read Bible books and verse according to their genre.

Think about the overall context. Take a look at the surrounding verses or paragraphs. Pulling an excerpt may not be sufficient to understanding a verse’s significance.

Reflect on the universal and personal application. Only after we have a firm understanding of the author’s intent, literary genre, and overall context can we begin to reflect on the universal and personal application.

With these principles in mind, Samples, Rogstad, and Bontrager dive into the list of misunderstood verses. Here, I offer a synopsis of the podcast series and, hopefully, some food for thought.

Part 2

Thou shalt not kill Exodus 20:13 (KJV)

Other translations read “You shall not murder.” The distinction, as Samples explains, is that killing is to take the life of a human being whereas murder is the intentional taking of a life without just cause, particularly out of malicious motive.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

There are two common misunderstandings of this verse. First, that it’s a guarantee of prosperity. Second, that it applies to the reader’s land (for example, those in the US cite this verse for the National Day of Prayer). Yet the context indicates that the Lord is talking about Israel. The team suggests that if there is a general principle, it’s about God’s people. “It has nothing to do with our nation as a whole,” Bontrager explains, “because we [do not live] in a theocracy.”

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

This is a powerful verse, no doubt, that’s often used at Christian graduation ceremonies. But “it has to be understood within a broad biblical context,” Bontrager says. It’s a promise to Israel that they will be able to return to the land, the team explains. It’s not a guarantee that modern Christians won’t suffer.

Part 3

I said, “You are ‘gods’; you are all sons of the Most High. Psalm 82:6

Some might take this verse to mean there are other gods. Compare this verse to what Jesus says in John 10:34–36 and it becomes clear this isn’t the case. The team explains that “gods” is instead referring to those who receive the law.

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Proverbs 3:1–2

It’s generally true that following God’s commands will lead to a longer, more peaceful, and therefore more prosperous life. This verse is not a guarantee of such blessings.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

This verse might serve as motivation for parents to teach their children “the way they should go” (a good thing). But, again, it’s not a guarantee. The team stresses that it’s important to differentiate between a promise (guarantee) and a proverb (general principle).

Part 4

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. Matthew 7:1

Can a person do as they please without being judged by other Christians? No. Elsewhere in the Bible Paul judges false teachers. Yet it doesn’t mean we judge self-righteously or hypocritically, but in a consistently biblical manner. Plus, the verses that follow clarify that judgment begins with one’s self.

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; ¹⁸ they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well. Mark 16:17–18

Many scholars believe the Gospel of Mark originally ended at verse 8. With this in mind, the team takes the position that there’s no foundation to believe in those practices because they’re not in the original. They add, however, that this verse doesn’t mean every Christian will do these things, but there certainly was that kind of activity in the early church—casting out of demons, speaking in other languages, handling of snakes (e.g., Paul on the Island of Malta). Not that anyone should seek to engage in these activities, but they did occur.

Part 5

As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. 1 John 2:27a

People often cite this verse as support for their decision to not attend church. But the team explains that this verse is about the issue of the anti-Christ. John is warning the church to make sure their doctrine and their belief about Jesus is correct so as not to be fooled by some “new” (distorted) teaching. According to Bontrager, “To say ‘I just need the Holy Spirit’ is a gross misinterpretation of the text.”

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with this person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20

This message of repentance and restoration is directed to the seven churches of Asia Minor. To cite it for evangelistic purposes is using “good doctrine from the wrong passage.”

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isa 9:6

The verse seems to anticipate the coming of Christ. So why would the Son be called Father? Rogstad suggests this verse indicates Christ’s origins are from eternity. Jesus refers to this verse in John 14:9: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”

Before plucking out a verse—be it for evangelism, a Bible study, or face paint for the big game—these basic principles will go a long way toward helping readers go from “passive reading to active learning.”

–Sandra

Resources

Top 10 Misunderstood Bible Verses Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

Doing the Homework: Tips for Deeper Bible Study

What’s on Page 123?

 

Understanding Lent

In case you’ve missed the subtle reminders (ads for fish sandwich Fridays and friends’ Facebook posts divulging what they’re giving up), the season of Lent is upon us. Some view the 40ish-days (this is addressed later) before Easter as preparation for celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Others claim it’s a man-made ritual that does little to bring anyone closer to the cross. Those in the middle might make a crack about the fuzz found at the bottom of pockets (lint).

To help bring clarity to a perhaps otherwise fuzzy topic, I connected with philosopher/theologian Kenneth Samples.

Ken, many people consider the observance of Lent as unique to the Roman Catholic Church. Are there other denominations that recognize the season?

These days I think engaging in Lent is much more popular in liturgical traditions: Catholic, Anglican, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Orthodox, and, to some extent, Reformed. The typical Baptist or Assemblies of God or Evangelical Free Church might not have much connection.

Can you explain a few aspects of Lent for those unfamiliar?

When you think about it historically, Easter resides at the heart of all branches of Christendom; Lent is this period between Ash Wednesday and Easter. It commemorates Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness and serves as a time of anticipation and preparation. It’s a time to think about the investment God made in salvation, the weightiness of it all. We think also about our sins and the need for repentance as well as the luxuries we have and what we can do without. Lent is especially highlighted during Holy Week—from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.

What about the biblical significance of the events observed during Lent—Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday?

Ash Wednesday is a time to recognize that we are more sinful than we really know and to anticipate the forgiveness in Christ that came through His death and resurrection. Palm Sunday marks Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem where, less than a week later, he would be crucified. Maundy Thursday recalls the last supper and Christ’s agony. Good Friday is the most solemn day, the day Christ died for our sins. And then we have the great celebration of Easter.

They’re powerful days to think about the Gospel. I see them as having a real biblical basis. As for verses we might point to in support of Ash Wednesday, I think there’s a strong emphasis on a time of repentance. But specific verses? That might be doubtful. It might be more general than specific, such as with the lighting of the candles and special Scripture readings and hymns during the Advent season.

It seems there’s little going on between Ash Wednesday and the next holy day, Palm Sunday.

The length of days represents a connection to Jesus’ fasting for 40 days.

And yet Lent is actually longer than 40 days. I’ve read that this is because Sundays are considered “mini-Easters” and are, therefore, not counted. Is that correct?

I’m not sure except to say that in many of the liturgical churches, Sundays are the Lord’s Day. So every Sunday is, in one sense, another Resurrection Day. It’s like every single week is pointing you to the Resurrection.

What about the criticisms of observing Lent? I’ve heard various arguments; in fact I had a few of my own while growing up in a Catholic home. Usually the concerns are that we ought not be held to a schedule and that we ought to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice at all times, not just on specific days of the year.

It’s important to remember that, as believers, our lives are now caught up in Christ’s life. And the church year recalls and celebrates the events of Christ’s life. Christmas brings us to the Incarnation. The Resurrection is the other side of the church year. I think for far too many Christians who are not part of a liturgical body, all they have when thinking about the Resurrection are Good Friday and Easter Sunday. I like the church year because it brings my everyday life a little closer to Christ’s life.

Some would still argue that giving up chocolate, for instance, does nothing to share in Christ’s suffering.

I don’t think there’s anything petty about giving up something you really enjoy when it’s to say, “Lord, I’m trying to draw all my attention to you.” That’s an individual’s decision. If it’s motivated by grace and out of gratitude for God, I’m not going to tell people how to practice their Lent season.

What about abstaining from meat on Fridays? How does one look at that in light of 1 Corinthians 8 that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat?

That practice of abstaining from meat is probably unique to Catholicism. I’ve never heard of it in other theological traditions. Yet I think it has to do with the idea of sacrifice. I look favorably on Lent if it’s celebrated in light of and because of grace, not in a legalistic, superstitious way, as if bargaining with God. As for fasting, it’s not easy to fast, but when it’s done, it ought to be done with prayer and out of gratitude.

Some might disagree with your acceptance of a predominantly Catholic practice.

I don’t want to sidestep the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism because we do differ. But I think we sometimes overlook the similarities. As branches of Christendom, we need to learn how to get along with each other.

Reminds me of one of my favorite verses, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).

Yeah. That’s a good verse.

***

What I garnered from reflecting on Lent is that all branches of Christianity are equally connected to the 40 days Christ spent alone and hungry in the wilderness, then His entrance into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, Christ’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, His Passion, and His Resurrection. Whether that means filet o’ fish Friday or not depends on the individual. But the body is the body, and it’s intertwined with Christ every day of the (liturgical) year.

What do you think about Lent? Is there something you’ve made a decision to give up or focus on during this season?

– Sandra

Related Articles:

It Is a Good Friday

Three Reasons I Love the Advent Season

If Christ Had Not Been Raised: Reasoning through the Resurrection

 

Why Do We Have So Much (Cosmic) Stuff?

They say the top three most stressful life events are death, divorce, and….moving. Recent experience tells me why the latter makes the list.

Friends and family stressed their muscles lifting heavy boxes, while I stressed my nerves over the thought of unpacking the seemingly endless piles of stuff. A space heater, several garden gnomes, and a long-forgotten George Foreman Grill flashed back at me like the strobe light from last Halloween. And the message was clear: Do we really need all this stuff?

Others wonder the same thing when taking inventory of the universe.

Astronomers estimate there are somewhere between 200 and 400 billion stars in our galaxy alone. And there are perhaps a hundred billion trillion or a trillion trillion stars in the observable universe. These numbers alone seem ridiculously huge, and yet stars together with galaxies, gas clouds, planets, and burnt out extinct stars account for 0.27 of the cosmic “stuff” in the universe. (Darkness represents the remaining 99.73 percent.)

It’s no wonder, then, that skeptics question why an all-powerful God would create a universe filled with so much stuff. If His goal was to provide humanity with a home, couldn’t He have made do with less?

Let’s consider for a moment the importance of the “stuff” He created.

Here’s what the evidence says.

In Why the Universe Is the Way It Is, astronomer Hugh Ross explains that the amount of cosmic mass must be extraordinarily fine-tuned (one part in 10⁶⁰) for life to exist. In fact, he says, “the degree of fine-tuning is so great that it’s as if right after the universe’s beginning someone could have destroyed the possibility of life within it by subtracting a single dime’s mass…” One reason is that mass impacts the expansion rate, which also must be highly fine-tuned for life to be possible.

In If God Made the Universe… Hugh lists uranium and thorium abundances among the many cosmic features that must exist at just-right levels and times or we wouldn’t be here to discover them. Or, as another scientist put it briefly, “It’s as if the universe knew we were coming.”

We are living at a unique time and place to witness the whole history of cosmic creation. And this is the amazing message it reveals: “Given the vast quantity of time and resources involved in creating a cosmic home for humanity…only one conclusion makes sense: The Creator of the cosmos places an extremely high value on and has a purpose for human beings.”

 

– Sandra

 

Serving up Sweet FAQs

A casual dinner with my sister reminded me of one of her endearing (and enduring) traits—a penchant­ for sweets. You’d hardly believe it given her small frame, but she readily fesses up that she “eats dinner to get to dessert.”

If there’s one “sweet” thing RTB president Hugh Ross can’t get enough of, it’s Q&A. In fact, the staff often joke that he does talks to get to the Q&A. Of all the questions asked, there are a few staples that Hugh and the other scholars (as well as staff) have come to anticipate.

Here is just a sampling of some of the tasty questions and our responses. Hopefully they will whet your appetite enough to encourage you to grab a second helping and check out the additional resources.

What is RTB’s view on the creation “days” in Genesis?

There are four literal interpretations for the Hebrew word for “day” (yom): part of the daylight hours, all of the daylight hours, 24 hours, or a long but finite period of time. RTB posits that, when considering all biblical creation accounts, the case for long but finite creation days best fits the biblical and scientific evidence.

RTB Topic page: Biblical Evidence for an Old Earth

Article: “The Major Biblical Creation Texts/Creation Accounts”

Take Two post: “Let There Be Light!”

What is RTB’s position on the big bang?

Scientists say the universe had a beginning, is stretching, and will eventually come to an end. Verses like Genesis 1:1–2, Job 9:8, and 2 Peter 3:10 preempted scientific discovery of these properties by nearly two thousand years. RTB considers the big bang “one of the most potent evidences for the existence of God,” specifically the God of the Bible.

RTB Topic page: Big Bang

Article: “Is the Big Bang Biblical?”

Take Two post: “Nacho Average Discovery”

Is belief in an old earth the same as belief in evolution?

RTB scholars believe that God miraculously intervened millions, possibly even billions, of times throughout the history of the universe not only to prepare it for life but also to create each and every new species of life on Earth. Our theistic evolutionist friends would say God initially created and then guided (in some sense) the process through biological evolution to generate life’s history. They would therefore take a nonliteral view of the creation narrative.

RTB 101 page: Theistic Evolution

Article: “Thinking about Theistic Evolution”

Take Two post: “Checking Out the Menu”

What about Adam and Eve?

RTB firmly believes that God supernaturally intervened to create the first human beings (historical Adam and Eve) and endowed them with His image. RTB views hominids and similar creatures (primates) as distinct from humans and not made in God’s image.

RTB 101 page: Hominids; Historical Adam

Straight Thinking podcast: “Did Adam & Eve Really Exist? Jack Collins Interview Parts 1, 2, 3, 4”

Take Two post: “Knuckle Walking to Knuckle Sandwiches”

What is RTB’s position on animal death before the Fall?

Romans 5:12 is often cited as support for the view that no animal death occurred before Adam sinned. Yet a careful examination of the text shows that Adam’s sin introduced death to all humans. RTB views carnivorous activity not as the direct result of sin but as a part of God’s original creation (which is not His ultimate creation) and an example of His provision.

RTB Topic page: Animal Death before Adam

I Didn’t Know That! podcast: “We’re All Related?,Falling Animals and Let’s All Get Along”

Take Two post: “Red in Tooth and Claw”

So…where do dinosaurs fit in all of this?

Some Christians interpret the “behemoth” and “leviathan” mentioned in Job 40–41 as referring to dinosaurs. This view assumes that humanity lived at the same time as dinosaurs. RTB maintains that dinosaurs went extinct long before humanity entered the scene. RTB posits that the behemoth and leviathan mentioned in Job most likely refer to the hippopotamus and crocodile, respectively.

RTB 101 page: Dinosaurs

Article: “RTB’s Position on Dinosaurs”

Take Two post: “Past Watchful Dragons”

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These are just a few of the many questions brought to the science-faith table. While they may not be as appetizing as the white chocolate cranberry cookies my sister always serves, those curious about God’s Word (Scripture) and God’s world (nature) hunger for answers. And Hugh and the crew are happy to serve up a reply.

Do you have a science-faith question you’d like answered? Send it to ask@reasons.org and it might get on the air. But be sure to skim the I Didn’t Know That! archives to find out if the scholars have already dished out a response.

– Sandra

 

Filing for Spiritual Chapter 11 Protection

Every other day it seems news breaks about another business going belly up and filing for bankruptcy. Earlier this week Hostess became the latest company to bite the cream-filled dust.

Businesses or individuals drowning in debt are grateful for the relief. Yet others might say it is unjust for the financially irresponsible to have debts pardoned while the rest of us whittle away at our own mountain of debt. Perseverance in hopes of paying off debt seems the nobler choice to giving up altogether and asking for help.

The same might be said about perspectives on sin and salvation. Assuming first that sin is acknowledged as a problem (some perspectives wouldn’t go that far), the common thought is that so long as we are generally good, we can boast (but not too much) in our ability to stay “in the black.” Should we avoid racking up exorbitant amounts of sin, then surely we would be ushered into heaven when our days on Earth are over.

According to philosopher and theologian Kenneth Samples, this notion that good people go to heaven and only the truly evil people go to hell is extremely popular. The trouble is, one person might define “good” as simply not causing harm to others while another defines it as a selfless act for another’s benefit.

If there isn’t agreement on how to measure goodness, then how can we be assured of our standing with God?

Christianity says scratch that—no one is good enough. Just as for those drowning in financial debt, the only solution is to claim spiritual bankruptcy.

Salvation through grace, not by works, is just one of the “dangerous ideas” discussed in Kenneth Samples’ latest book, 7 Truths that Changed the World (release date: May 2012). When it comes to salvation, he points out, Christianity alone challenges the assumption that we are capable of clawing our way out of the spiritual red:

The natural human religious instinct is to believe that God accepts people on the basis of their own good works. Thus, historic Christianity has challenged all people to think in a radically different way about how they find acceptance before God.

The solution isn’t to work harder in hopes of willing sin out of our lives. The solution starts with declaring total depravity. The doctrine of total depravity, as Ken has explained, means that humans, though not wholly evil, are “pervasively sinful” and therefore incapable of earning God’s favor on their own. The good news is that Christ’s death on the cross provides much-needed relief and puts those who trust in His goodness in good standing. Ken adds,

Christians can be comforted that no matter how great their sin, God’s gracious gift of salvation in Christ’s atoning death is both complete and permanent.

Not only that, but our “goodness” deficit is filled in what theologians call the Great Exchange. According to 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

–Sandra

 

Resources:

Here are a few helpful articles by Ken Samples on some of Christianity’s dangerous ideas:

“Christianity’s Dangerous Ideas“

“Thinking about the Incarnation: The Divine Word Became Flesh“

“What Makes the Christian God Unique?“

“If Christ Had Not Been Raised: Reasoning through the Resurrection“

“Christ’s Cross: Its Fourfold Distinctive Meaning“

“On Becoming a Christian“