Eric Suddoth's Blog, page 28
October 15, 2020
Context – It’s Really Important
It’s interesting how many people twists lines and phrases said by people and run with it for their own agenda.
When people speak, you have to listen to everything the person says. Not just the line that stung. You need to think. You need to ask questions. You may need to counter and ask for clarification. You need to look at the persons record and past reputation and character and see if the phrasing aligns with their walk.
Sadly, people misspeak. I know I do.
Thankfully, my friends and family call me on my slip of my tongue. Because unless it’s pointed out, I wouldn’t see my failing.
If I say to someone, “You are a loser.” That may sound insensitive or rude.
But what if they just lost a game? What if I’m just stating a fact? What if they were waiting to find out their result and I was just letting them know they lost. Would my phrasing be implied as rude or insensitive still?
If someone overheard this conversation without knowing the facts, they may still think I was rude. So, know the facts before stating judgement. It’s always easier to count to ten and understand the situation than make a snappish comment that will never be erased from existence or mans memory.
Or what if someone says, “That dress makes you look fat.”
What if the friend is trying to be helpful and the dress isn’t flattering the lovely woman’s frame? Just because something makes you look fat, doesn’t mean you are fat. Stick figure models can look fat in the wrong dress because it sags or buckles in certain areas. It’s not the persons fault, but sometimes it’s the dresses.
Context is so important these days. We need to look at the whole book and not just the cover.
A man who gets his words taken out of context more than anyone is Jesus.
People twist the gospel to fit God into their little box. They squeeze the verses, taking out sentences until it pleases them.
There are many verses in the Bible I have memorized that are staples of my faith. But hopefully I don’t take the verses out of context. But sadly, we all have fallen into this area. We quote verses to win a battle.
But it’s cringeworthy to be blindsided and corrected.
That is a humbling moment.
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
James 1:19-21 ESV
May we all be a little more patient. Listen a little more closely. Dissect a little more. And ask questions before anger takes residence.
It’s hard to kick out a house guest that has dug into your heart. Maybe wait a little longer before opening your door to that beast.
Peace
October 13, 2020
Unbiased…Is Anyone Really?
Once again we are at a time in our history when the importance of picking one person is believed to either make or break the future. The latest Supreme Court Justice nominee is being questioned and scrutinized and as I watch, I ask myself, “Is anyone unbiased?”
Really?
Maybe another question that needs to be asked:
Should we really be unbiased?
Can anyone truly say they don’t know where they are on social issues that plague the water cooler with stigmatized debates? Is that really someone you want to make important decisions?
If you haven’t made up your mind on issues and try to be unbiased, are you weak, easily swayed by the person with the fanciest, fast-talking speech?
Or is that a strength?
I have often been told that if you don’t stand for something you will fall to anything.
So is being biased actually a good thing?
As a believer in Christ with reverence of the Holy Word, should Christians be unbiased?
Another question to ask:
Was Christ unbiased?
After looking through the Word, I don’t see Christ as being unbiased. He knew what was right. He knew what was wrong. He pointed out when people were wrong. He didn’t wait and listen to their reasons for their decisions. He called them out. He didn’t sugar coat his judgement. He didn’t say, “Well, it’s okay because you made a good point.”
He held firm to the notion that sin was wrong. Sin separates us from a close relationship with God. He was biased to always following God.
Wrong is always wrong, no matter how you try to spin it.
The thing with the world we are living in now is that we can criticize the Democrats with their questioning, but the Republicans would be doing it right now under a Democrat President if the roles were reversed.
Each side has their political ideology that they revere. Whether liberal or conservative, neither side is unbiased. They each have predetermined answers to every question. And depending on where you fall on the political spectrum, you answer the way the party leans.
Some may think everything in life is up for interpretation. In law one attorney can read something one way and another attorney can read the same law and get a completely different finding. Jurors listen to cases and they side with whatever attorney made the best points.
But the best points do not always mean right.
Many people think Christianity is arrogant, judgemental, separative by saying only Christians will go to Heaven when they die. There are some Christians who counter that idea because it sounds too harsh and a loving God wouldn’t allow that.
We can’t be unbiased on this idea. No where in Scripture does it mention that every person will go to Heaven. No where does it say that if your a good person, Peter will welcome you at the pearly gates. No where does it say that God is love and welcomes everyone, even those that rejected Him on earth.
It never says that.
Jesus constantly tells his followers that He is the way to God. That Hell is real. That it’s a cruel place that is Godless.
We either have to be biased on everything Jesus and the Bible says, or be unbiased to whatever sounds best.
The Bible is adamant on lukewarm faith. It said that people like this God would rather spit out. When we remain unbiased that doesn’t please God. It is something He despises.
But if you want to continue your unbiased ideas of what you think a loving God should do then that becomes your biases.
Just because we think God should do something, doesn’t mean it’s right.
I have a hard time hearing people say God is wrong. I have even a harder time reconciling myself when I think these thoughts. It’s then that I quickly have to refocus my thoughts and search for truth. Not the truth that I want to find, but the truth that is unhidden in the Word.
Seek and you shall find.
Just because we try to be unbiased, doesn’t mean we will stay unbiased because once we make a decision our unbiased point of view becomes a biased point of view.
So are we really unbiased?
Once you answer that question, you’ve already edged into the biased arena.
Just something to ponder.
What’s your opinion?
October 10, 2020
The Great Migration Out of the U.S.
I read a sad article on how many Black Americans are leaving the United States due to racism in the United States. I will not ever understand how it feels to be a Black American. Yes, there are people who are unkind to people for differences. Any difference whether by appearance, cultural, theory, belief, or idea causes division.
Prejudice is alive, but it’s alive in a person not a culture. A group of people can have similar prejudicial beliefs that becomes their culture, but usually those groups are a small percentage of the general population.
After I read this article I researched which countries in the world are the most prejudice. The United States is not listed as one of the most prejudice.
The United States is actually listed as the least prejudice.
Not in just one study, but multiple different studies from different universities and scholars around the world. So people in different countries praise the United States on their tolerance and even admire it.
One article that I found states findings from Dr. Roland Fryer, a Black Harvard Professor. You can disagree with me, but here is an article.
America the least racist country
If you don’t believe me, research the various findings yourself. Don’t listen to the media. Look at the statistics, findings, and articles.
Once again, yes, prejudice exist. Women are not paid as fairly as men. Some minorities may have barriers I do not. But America is the great melting pot where anyone is able to get an education to better themselves. I truly believe that with knowledge comes power. With knowledge comes a better future.
The United States is a great country where anyone who wants to go to college can go to college. You may not all get to go to Harvard, but at the end of the day most of the time there is very little difference between the college you graduate from. A degree and good work ethic and understanding speaks more than where you went for four years.
Most employers could care less where your piece of paper is from. Most employers care if you will be able to strive at your job and better their company.
I’m not the smartest person. I tell my coworkers and friends all the time that I may not be the smartest, but I try to compensate by working harder. College didn’t come easy for me, so I usually had to study twice as long. It may not be comparable, but sadly we all have weaknesses and strengths. We just have to learn to use our strengths and learn how to use our weaknesses.
But that is the good thing about America, we have freedom to come and freedom to go.
We all experience prejudice. I am an white single man and I get comments that when I repeat them to other people they are shocked. But the United States is not prejudice. There are adult bullies just as there are bullies in grade school. Kids who were rude in the second grade will most likely be rude when they are 40. But I’m not going to let them stop me.
You cannot change people’s perspective. All you can change is how you will react.
So to those who leave America, I wish you well. I hope you find what you are looking for. But I fear you’ll find the grass isn’t any greener in Ecuador.
Peace
October 9, 2020
It’s Time…It’s Time To Speak
I need to preface this blog post. This was a hard post to write, and it may be a hard post to read, but I had to write it.
I am writing this to believers in Christ. So if my remarks seems insensitive or judgemental, I am speaking from the depths of my heart. And those that know me, know my motives and actions are sincere in hopes of uniting the body of Christ together. In hopes of shining a positive light to edify and lift up someone who is wandering down the wrong path.
“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”
James 5:19-20 ESV
I have stayed silent for too long when I see fellow believers do, say, post things that they believe are biblical. But I am compelled to say enough is enough.
Just because you think what you or someone else does is right, doesn’t make it right. We are supposed to be salt and light. We are supposed to shine light to the darkest areas. We are supposed to give flavor in the lacklustre of life. We are supposed to be different.
People may say that things mentioned in the Old Testament do not apply to believers. But Christ said we are to follow the rules of the Old Testament. Christ didn’t come to tear apart the law, but to fulfill it. So all the things people say are not relavent because of Christ, are wrong. They are still relevant. God was trying to protect His children from making bad decisions. Decisions people make today with the umbrella of grace to save them.
Christ never corrected the Old Testament. He never said this doesn’t apply anymore. He never said you are allowed to do these things because Moses was wrong when he wrote them. He never did that. So things that were wrong then are still wrong now.
If your life doesn’t look any different than a non-believer, you haven’t transformed them to Christ. No, you have just conformed yourself to the world.
If that statement causes anger, I am sorry. We need to reconcile. We need to start over. We need to forgive. We need to repent. We need let go of the anger that so easily divides, and breeds, and sours, and stews.
We are to love. Not hate.
Doesn’t matter what political party, race, economic status, educational background, or state you live. We are called to love.
If you are having relations with someone other than your spouse. That is wrong. Sorry, but this generation has grown accustomed to living with your significant other before even deciding if marriage is in the future. That doesn’t mean you are being smart before taking the plunge into marriage. That’s not smart, but playing with multiple fires that only causes the devil to grin. Nowhere in the Bible is that allowed. No where.
Yet most people getting married in the church today only wear a white wedding dress for the beauty. Not the symbolism. And that goes for the men too. Just because a man doesn’t wear a white dress, he should too be pure on his wedding day.
But sadly, 40 year old virgins are mocked with blockbuster comedies. But I’m proud to say. Mock me. I’m fine with it. I wish more people had the peace I have.
If your life doesn’t look any different than a nonbeliever…
If your marriage fails, just get a divorce. Isn’t that the slogan? Better luck next time. But biblically speaking, that is totally unacceptable in almost every scenario. When 50% of marriages end in divorce, we have a problem.
Once again, if your life doesn’t look any different than a nonbeliever…
If you make a promise. Keep it. There is nothing worse than promising to do something and then backing out. The core need in life is relationships and if you keep breaking your oath, who will trust you in the coming years.
This may seem petty, but it’s true.
If you say you will help out at church, do it. Be prepared. Do your best. Be ready, willing, and able. But don’t flounder Sunday morning because you don’t feel like it.
We believers need to hold each other accountable.
And I’m sorry that I have been holding anyone accountable. I’ve been trying to be the people pleaser, but biblically speaking, that notion isn’t in the Bible. It’s a notion the world has planted in our hearts to make us feel better.
But I would rather please my God and help someone lost than watch my fellow brother walk the road leading to destruction because I didn’t want to offend him.
There are going to be many people walking unoffended to Hell and that sickens me.
In this political season it is easy to retaliate. It’s easy to get defensive and spat back hurtful remarks.
Just don’t. Please.
If someone smacks you with an insult, don’t throw a low blow to devastate them.
That will not build them up. That will only make things worse.
Don’t spread the hate. But spread the love. We believers are called to love everyone, even the people who ridicule, mock, hate us. We are called to still show them love.
If you were on trial for being a Christian…would a jury of your peers and family find you guilty?
If you’re not being charitable in your giving and offerings, shame on you. God has blessed each and every one of us and we are called to give. Not from our leftovers, but from the first flow of abundance. If you wait to give after you pay your bills, is your phone bill more important than God?
I’ll let you tell Him that.
You can have every excuse in the book, but if God knows the number of hairs on your head, He also knows the truth of your heart.
When you fast or pray in public or do anything “spiritual” don’t gloat. Don’t post about it. Don’t puff yourself up for being a good Christian.
If the purpose behind reading the Bible is to brag about it so you can say you read the entire bible in a year, you are no different than a person in a book club discussing the latest New York Times bestseller.
Don’t belittle His words. Just don’t. His words are too good.
If you are worrying about this election. If you are fearful of the wrong party getting in power. If you are churning in thoughts of fear. Don’t.
You can’t say you are worried about this world and also say God has it under control. Those are conflicting statements.
Either say you are worried and need to trust God more. Or God has this. But don’t say both. Just don’t.
If you are judging someone, beware. Be very aware.
This post may sound like I’m judging, but I’m not judging one person in particular. I’m also commanding myself to follow what I’m saying. But if you do start picking out someone’s mistakes, be prepared for them to pick out yours. It’s common human nature to go into a defense posture mode when feeling attacked and words are our best weapon.
Once a word is said, it can never be unheard.
Once again…who are you living like?
Pray. Pray again. And pray some more. Pray believing. Pray knowing. Pray to open what you are called to open.
Everyone knows the Golden Rule. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Christians and nonchristians alike know this saying.
But are you living like you know it?
The better question may be, are living like you follow it?
Watch out for lies. Watch out for good lines that seem true. Watch out for beliefs that uplift and showcase love without limits. Even God has limits to a certain point. He loves all, but He doesn’t love everything we do.
We can not grasp this concept because we are not pure, or blameless, or perfect…but God is. He sees the bad things we do and despises the error of our ways. But yet, He gives grace. But don’t let your grace be a crutch.
If your salvation is just a fire protection plan to live life the way you want…are you truly a believer? Because a follower should want to change. A follower should want to grow closer to God.
So if your life isn’t any different than your neighbor, you really need to look closer at your life.
It would be horrible to go through life living with the world, but thinking you were living with Christ. It would be horrible to be blindsided and told you were never a believer because you believed what the world said and not what Christ said.
It would be horrible to be separated from God forever.
Please don’t be separated from Him. Please.
Open your ears. Listen for His voice. Not the voice of the world. Not the voice of your own thoughts. Not the cunning voice of Satan who parades and masquerades as the son of the dawn that deceives. Build your life on Christ and His words and His teachings.
If you’re living your life with teachings that go against the Bible, it’s time to stop.
It’s time to turn to God.
It’s time. And He’s ready for you.
You may think that this post is judgemental. You may think I am brainwashed or living in the 1950s…but read the Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5-7. The most famous sermon given.
I only brought up things Jesus mentioned. These are not my thoughts. These were His. I’m only sharing what He wants you to know.
I could have went into other subjects that are being discussed now like it’s no big deal…but those views are a big deal.
If you have a view that opposes the Bible, no matter how good it may sound, it still isn’t approved by God.
No matter how many people say it’s okay. If God doesn’t say it’s okay, then it’s not okay.
May we all turn more to God and listen to ourselves and our friends a little less.
If I wanted to get a medical opinion I would go to a doctor. If I want to get an understanding of my car I would go see a mechanic. If I wanted to get some assurance on my soul, I would turn only to God.
People lead people into pits all the time and never know it until everyone has fell.
You don’t have to fall.
Peace and love to all
October 6, 2020
Twisty Words – They are Everywhere
This is not a political post, but a post about humanity.
I do not believe either presidential candidate is racist. Have they both said things that were not classy. Yes. But it’s interesting to hear their supporters defend or correct their statements.
“Well, he didn’t mean that,” or “He misspoke,” or “Look at his past.”
I bet I have said some things I didn’t mean. I know I have misspoke. I know I’m not always correct. So I cannot judge someone by someone’s misstatement. Yet we all do.
And it’s not just during political season. It’s in the church as well.
How many times have you read something in the Bible you didn’t agree with, and quickly go to find someone or another source that agrees with you?
I know I have done it.
And it’s sad that I still do.
I have had many theological discussions with people and we didn’t see eye for eye on the same verse. And sadly, one of us is wrong. God cannot be both for and against something. It’s not possible for Him to say to not do something and then on the other side of the coin say it’s okay.
It’s not possible.
But there are many people who state this in their theological philosophy.
When we try to correct the Word of God, we are not citing the Word of God anymore but the word of ourselves.
We have been studying in church the most controversial statement Jesus said,
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 ESV
Why do we have defend this statement? Because people think that it sounds arrogant or discriminatory or judgemental. But nothing in Jesus’ life shows these characteristics. Yet, people will twist His words to better suit their personal agenda.
That is what is sad. People will look past proof and read a verse they disagree with and rake over the words like stirring some hot coals. The more we defend the Gospel with our words, we lose. The Gospel doesn’t needs our words for defense.
His words are much more powerful than anything I could write. We need to use His words a little more and ours a little less.
But it’s so hard to do.
Think of a topic that divides the church and you will find people correcting a verse. “Well, God didn’t mean that,” or “God is love,” or “It’s says we are not supposed to judge.”
And sadly, when it comes down the crux of the matter, there is a right and there is a wrong. No matter how you try to spin it, it’s black or white. In the area of God, gray is still wrong because it’s not pure. Yet, we delight to play in the land of shadows because at least we are not in the dark.
We all do it. I admit I do. But I’m trying.
So, this season of humanity, listen more to the truth behind the words than the flowery words themselves. I would rather be a friend to someone I can trust than a slick silver tongue salesman who will twist his words like a contortionist for his personal gain.
Once again, this post is not primarily about politics. I just mentioned it because I’m seeing so many mean posts on candidates lately.
May we show a little more grace during this trying time. I know I could use a little more.
Well, a lot more.
Peace
October 4, 2020
Heaven – Does It Freak Anyone Else Out?
I am proud to say I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I am hopeful that He can use me now. I am encouraged to know that He is with me now.
When I think about Heaven, I don’t get the warm, fuzzy feeling. I get the feelings that cause anxiety, fear and worry.
So I try not to think about it.
I think it freaks me out because my mind is finite and I cannot picture an existence of eternity with a smile. I cannot wrap my head around the fact that it will go on and on and on. Even now, typing this sentence, I just got a chill. So I had to stop writing and focus on something else.
I wish I was content with the idea. I wish I could sit back and feel peace. But I can’t.
I’ve had multiple people who have tried to help me on this journey and one person sat in my living room and said, “Eric, think of a time that you never wanted it to end. What’s your favorite place that you never want to leave. That is what Heaven will be like.”
I loved that idea. But once again, it was just an idea my finite mind was fine with in small quantities, but after thinking of being at my favorite place forever—well, it freaked me out again.
My mind pictures Heaven as a runner on a track. I love to run. But no matter how many circles I make on the track, I can’t get off. It’s like the Spinning Tea Cups ride at Disney World. I love the ride and it makes me think of childhood, but I can’t envision riding it forever.
Will I ever want to get off the ride in Heaven?
And in Heaven, there is no getting off.
If you said I had to keep riding it, I would feel like it was a prison sentence.
I think that is what freaks me out.
So many movies have evil sorcerers that want to be immortal. But usually, they regret their decision after so many centuries. Think of a movie when the immortal is happy?
I can’t think of any.
I think that is why I cannot feel relief with the concept or immortality.
With the Christian faith so many people run to the notion of Heaven. But I run to the notion of having Jesus now.
I don’t want to think of Heaven while I’m on earth. Everyone has a different opinion of it. I’ve heard the stories of streets of gold and crystal seas, but that may not be how Heaven really is. That is just how John described what he saw. If we showed him an imagine of an airplane, how would he describe it because I’m definite he wouldn’t say the word airplane or jet.
So does Heaven really have the golden bricks? To me it doesn’t matter how Heaven looks.
I just know I want to be there. At least, I want to think I want to be there.
Hopefully when I get there all my fears and worries will vanish and I won’t have the irrational fear of eternity.
But until that day, anytime Heaven pops into my head I will continue to do things to switch my attention. I use math problems.
2+2=4
4+4=8
8+8=16
And so on.
You know what is interesting or maybe freakish, I use an infinite math problem to solve my infinity issues because numbers will continue forever. Just like Heaven. There will never be an end to math.
I wish that could give me some peace to know there are some things that are infinite, but it doesn’t. It just makes me feel more small. No matter how high I get in the problem I know that I will never get to the end of it. And I eventually just stop.
I think that is what gives me fear. Will there come a time when God will just say, okay, I’ve had enough of you and wipe me from existence. I know that isn’t a rational thought because from what I know of God that isn’t possible, but when talking about eternity, rationality isn’t easily grasped. There are many more what ifs than there are facts with Heaven.
My mind doesn’t like what if’s. My mind likes factual findings with supporting documentation that can be graphed and compiled into a research project. I like neat.
To me Heaven gets really messy when time isn’t on a line, but more like a blob. I love the idea how C.S. Lewis said it, but as I try to figure it out, my mind gets tied up in knots of finding the end to the never end ring. To me everything has to have an end. A string has an end, but when it is tied, it forms a circle. A continuous circle…but in its true form, it had an end. A jewelry can make a perfect gold band to symbolize eternity, but it wasn’t found in a ring form, it was melted into that form.t
I think that is another reason I cannot grasp the idea of Heaven. Because I have never felt anything with that much bigness and magnitude that I can compare to it.
So maybe one day I’ll understand it.
So, if you get a cold sweat thinking of Heaven, you’re not alone.
Or maybe everyone is fine with it and I’m just odd.
Peace
September 29, 2020
Telescope – Happy Birthday to Me – It’s Time to Focus
For my birthday I treated myself to a present. I wanted to be a kid. So after seeing my friends post pictures recently of the moon from their kids telescopes, I bought me a beginners telescope.
There is something calming about looking out into the vastness of space and seeing the wonder of the moon.
Well, tonight was the first presidential debate. I don’t know what caused my blood pressure to rise more, figuring out my telescope with its cryptic directions or watching two grown men belittle one another.
I had to walk outside multiple times to take a break from the mud slinging. Only to not see what I wanted to see. I couldn’t see the moon in all of its full glory.
So, I walked back in and looked for better instructions on the internet as I listened to the debate a little more.
I watched the two men rant and rave and I had to walk out again. Only to see a cloudy image again outside.
Life is like a telescope, it can be blurry, messy, unclear if your focus is wrong, but it’s not intended to be that way. It’s intended to be clear, concise, direct, and focused.
So, what are you focusing on? Who do you listen to for understanding? Who do you look toward for guidance? Who do you side with?
Sadly, we are all followers. Even if we don’t think we are followers, we all follow someone. There is always someone who is directing us. It could be a political figure, it could be a guardian, it could be an inspirational figure that has spurred you to walk in a certain direction. Unbeknownst to you, you are following.
I hope that in this messy, crazy, blurry world, I follow the words of God over the words of man. God’s word has never failed me yet, but mans words fail me daily.
When we focus on following man, we will sink deeper into murky waters. We will fly higher into the cloudy skies. We will wander longer with blindfolds.
But if we focus on His words, we will be baptized into the crystal clear waters. We will soar like eagles above the storm clouds. We will travel by Him merciful and protective side through the wilderness. We may travel for years, but we won’t be traveling alone.
So, I put up my telescope, defeated as the clouds started to roll in. I finished the debate. Watched the commentary. Sat in contemplation. Researched for facts. It doesn’t matter what one person says, when it’s not truth.
I looked out my window and saw the moon. It was beautiful. It was clear. It was bright.
I grabbed my telescope and multiple lenses. I found my spot and focused my telescope. I followed the directions and I stood in awe. I saw the face on the moon with all of its crevasses.
It’s amazing to think that the moon doesn’t shine. Even though it is bright, it doesn’t give off light on its own. It reflects. It reflects a source of light that we can’t see in the evening, but yet its light is mirrored down onto us as we star gaze.
So, what are you reflecting?
Are you turning to mud slinging to better your cause or are you stooping down to wash off the mud on someone else’s face? Jesus washed his disciples feet on his last night before his merciless death.
I’m seeing a lot of mud that needs to be cleaned off with our hands.
You may think you are only one person, but with God and a little grace, your two hands can work wonders.
So, focus on Him.
Follow Him.
Shake off your dirt.
Wipe off the mud on your enemy.
Or you can keep following man. But don’t expect a miracle when you trust in man.
But you can expect them if you trust in Him.
Peace
September 28, 2020
Has Science Disproved Faith?
I was reading an article earlier where the writer, a former atheist, converted to Christianity and was stating that Science does not disprove God.
Well, this statement quickly caused a Twitter debate with many comments on how science has easily proved the Bible false many times.
So, my question goes out: What scientific fact has disproved the Bible?
I have researched this and I cannot find an example where science disproves the Bible. But strangely enough, I have found many sources where science has actually proved the reliability of the Bible.
Archeology has proved the existence of cities and civilizations that were thought to be mythical Bible stories, the walls of Jericho for example. Archeologists believe they have found this walled-fortified city. Did a group of people walk around these walls to make it fall? Science can’t disprove that. But it did dig up the broken wall.
There are Kings mentioned in the Bible, not mentioned anywhere else in history, so they were believed to be fictional. That is until archeologist uncovered findings that aligned with the biblical account. Names have been found on walls, money, tablets which align with the Bible. Science can’t disprove that.
People can debate the religious aspect of Christ, but historical scholars can not deny that Jesus never existed. Many people read the teachings of Christ and say He was a wise man with good lessons. But would you say that about a liar? Would you hold utmost respect for a conman or a hypocrite just because he said nice words? Usually when someone’s schemes become visible, the praise ends. But historical secular scholars revere Christ as a man who changed history. Science cannot denounce his claim to fame.
Science has never debunked Christianity, because they believe there is nothing to debunk. You cannot debunk a fictional account.
But can’t you?
If science can write a formula for almost anything, will they ever write one that debunks God?
I don’t see how they can.
People have followed the legend of the Loch Ness Monster through the ages. Some believe and some say it’s a hoax. If science cannot fully disprove the existence of such an imaginable creature because of the large area of the lake, how can they disprove a God that created the depths of the deepest caverns?
I’m not saying I believe in this creature, but I think it’s interesting that science has been trying to figure out this large monster for years and do not have definitive proof. Yet, they are certain that God doesn’t exist.
It’s just interesting science wants to believe in life on other planets, but dismisses the notion of a life outside our realm of thinking. I would think science would try to find proof of a higher spirited being. Not balk at the idea.
If science strives for truth, how can you state something is fictional if you haven’t exhausted every possible test. It’s sad really, scientist research for years on how to keep your ink pen from drying out, but when it comes to finding God, they dismiss it like it’s meaningless.
To them, a dried out ink pen is more important, than paying respect to a greater mind than theirs.
So for any scholars out there, can you shed some light my direction?
What has science proved in the area of religion being false?
I don’t want to hear theories…I want to hear proof. I can give a theory, write a thesis, show many points on why the earth is flat (which people are now trying to prove) but at the end of the day, it’s a theory.
Not all theories are truth.
Not all theories are worth believing.
Not all theories are from reliable sources.
So, please, answer my question. What has science shown to disprove God?
My ears are open.
Peace
September 27, 2020
364 Days Until I’m 40
Today was my 39th birthday. I’m getting old, but I still feel young. I guess that is the good thing about perspective, you make life out of how you see it.
I try to be a true optimist. I sometimes fall off the wagon, and I sulk in the dirt with my wounded pride, but I eventually get back on.
As I look back over the last 39 years, I see many moments of blessings. I can reflect on moments of ruin, but drudging up old wounds of mistakes doesn’t cause me to smile. I haven’t erased those memories because they formed me into who I am. But I don’t regale in them either.
I prefer to remember the moments when I graduated college and I made it my mission to fly somewhere since I had never been on a plane before.
Or when I passed my CPA exam and was surrounded by my coworkers and family when I found out it was official. They knew before me and was planning to surprise me.
Or dreaming as a kid of places to travel and biting the bullet and traveling through Italy alone. There are so many places I have been that I would have never considered 10 years ago. And now I get to experience these memories with family. Whether it’s driving through Canada with my mom and dad, driving through Ireland with my niece, exploring Boston with my other niece, or gallivanting through Europe with my sister. Those memories surpass what I dared to dream.
Or jumping into writing and releasing my work for anyone to read. Scary, but oh so fulfilling. And the journey is just beginning. In the next year I plan to release at least 3 books. They are all written, just touching them up.
I feel blessed and my fulfillment meter is increasing.
Some people measure fulfillment in means of success. But success can be measured differently.
If money is your measurement, what level will make you feel successful? Mine is having what I need to make it through life. I don’t need fancy, flashy things to make me feel successful. I am blessed beyond measure.
If a relationship is your measurement, what level will make you feel successful? I don’t need a ring on my finger to tell me I’m loved. I may not have a romantic love, but I have different forms of relationships that pour into me and I pour into them. I am loved beyond measure.
If a legacy is your measurement, what level will make you feel successful? I don’t need an heir to carry down my name. Hopefully, my life and how I live will be my legacy. And after I’m gone, I’ll be forgotten like the majority of the world. And that is fine with me. I am known now by people I love beyond measure.
So, I’m not teetering on a verge of a meltdown or a midlife crisis. No. Even if I didn’t have all that I mentioned, I hope I could still say I was blessed beyond measure with the love and grace from God. I hope my love for Him could bring the fulfillment in life that I need to get through another year.
So here’s to everyone who faces their birthday with disdain – you are blessed. Here’s to everyone who faces their birthday with joy – you are also blessed.
If you don’t feel blessed…I would love to share with you the reason I feel blessed because it’s not because of what I have done, but because what He has.
So here’s to the next year. It’s going to be an incredible journey.
Peace
September 26, 2020
Phobic – Are We or Aren’t We?
I haven’t kept up with the news over the last 6 months as much as I should. I read headlines, but I don’t read all the different opinions of the headlines. That gets messy too quickly.
One story that has amazed me with the amount of coverage is on the remarks made by the author, J.K. Rowling, on gender identity. To read the backlash from people stating she’s phobic of people groups even though she has stated she’s not. It’s also interesting to see demands being made on how to rectify the statements.
I think it’s interesting that the stars of the Harry Potter franchise have been distancing themselves from the author. The author whose story has made them into who they are today. This does not mean, loyalty looks past bad decisions. It’s just interesting how people pick sides and how quickly ties can be severed.
We all pick sides. We all cut ties. We all have done it.
I understand this topic is sensitive to many people. But as I read her comments or other people in the scientific community, I may not find the comments tasteful, and I wouldn’t make comments like that, but I wouldn’t say the comments were phobic.
I do not agree with communism. But does that mean I am communistphobic? Or if someone is opposed to abortion, would you call them abortionphobic? Or if someone doesn’t agree with the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard, are they Scientologistphobic?
No.
I am not phobic or have an aversion of these groups of people. I just don’t agree with the beliefs of Scientologist. Just as they may not agree with the beliefs I have in Jesus Christ, but I wouldn’t say they were Christianphobic.
We just have different opinions, ideas, beliefs, values. When people say unflattering opinions of Christians, I don’t say they are phobic. It’s just human nature to state an opinion. Not out of hate, but because it’s their opinion.
I just wasn’t aware if you didn’t agree with someone else it meant you were phobic of them.
I wasn’t aware I was phobic of more than half the world, but based upon the culture we are living, I’m being told I’m a phobic.
And the crazy thing is, you are probably being told you are phobic too.
It’s sad how people point, judge, condemn at a snap judgement and watch and wait for the snowball. But snap judgements are not always right, but the person still collides with that speeding snowball of destructive power. And they crumble with the woes of financial decline, sideways glances of personal reputation, or damaged relationships.
It’s just sad.
I read books for entertainment. I don’t pick and choose which authors I will read after I make sure their values align with mine. A good story is still a good story no matter their opinions. If you find out what every artist believes in and only support the ones who agree with all of your beliefs, you will never read another book, listen to another album, watch another movie or television program, look at another painting, or marvel at another sculpture.
No two people will agree on everything. And that’s okay.
I may not agree with Van Gogh’s beliefs, but I cannot look past his Starry Night without looking at it in wonder. I may not agree with Spielberg’s values, but Schindler’s List will forever give me chills. I may not agree with Gungor’s ideas, but Beautiful Things will always bring me closer to God.
I may not agree with you, but I can still love you.
Can you say the same?
Peace
