The Bible and Homosexuality: Introduction
There’s been a lot of renewed discussion (read: debate) over what the Bible says concerning homosexuality, especially where the “clobber verses” (listed below) are concerned. As it’s beginning to come up time and time again, I figured I would examine the clobber verses, both views for and against, and see if we, or I, can conclude where exactly the bible stands in regard to this issue (however obvious it may be for some on both sides). I’ll probably get one post in this series written every week, but we’ll see for sure what happens.
So then, this just serves as the (very) brief introduction.
Post Series: The Bible and Homosexuality
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Genesis 19:1–11
Part 3: Leviticus 18:22
Part 4: Leviticus 20:13
Part 5: Romans 1:26–27
Part 6: 1 Corinthians 6:9–10
Part 7: 1 Timothy 1:9–10
Part 8: Jude 1:7
Conclusion
**Disclaimer: I want to make clear that … (Read more)
Book Review: Between Heaven and Hell by Peter Kreeft
Pages: 142
Publisher: Intervarsity Press
Year: 1982 (2008)
Author: Peter Kreeft
I believe this is the first major Socratic dialogue Kreeft published (1982) and, unlike the others published by Intervarsity Press, does not feature Socrates as the central character. But, instead, feature Lewis as the main character. Between Heaven and Hell is a dialogue between Christian author and apologist C.S. Lewis, American President John F. Kennedy and English author Aldous Huxley.
While the original was published in 1982, a revised edition was published in 2008 — the edition I own — and includes an Appendix (A World Without an Easter) and outline of the book. However as far as I know, the main text has not been altered between the two editions.
The basic premise of the book is described on the back cover:
On November 22nd, 1963, three great men died within a few hours of … (Read more)
Kreeft on Interfaith Cooperation
Well, it seems a mid-term and essay have taken control of my life, so I won’t be able to put any substantial thought towards posting (for today). I do think it’s worth mentioning, however, a talk given by Peter Kreeft on something he calls “ecumenical jihad”–that through (religious) separation comes unity (mighty paradoxical, isn’t it?). It’s about an hour and a half long, but it’s well worth the listen if you’re interested in hearing a little about interfaith cooperation. Though, to be clear, Kreeft is not a pluralist.
You can listen to the lecture here.… (Read more)
Hell’s doors: locked on the inside
I’ve noticed that a lot of discussions tend to talk about “the damned” (for lack of a better phrase) without actually talking about them. That is to say that on the one hand, we argue over the existence of Hell, and if it does exist, what kind of God would possibly create such a place. On the other hand, when we talk about the souls of those who will populate Hell we make a particular assumption: they don’t want to be there. I think the reasoning is something like this: “Every knee will bow and confess Jesus as Lord. Therefore, all will want to be with Jesus, especially those going to Hell, who will be filled with regret”. I’m not entirely sure I believe this. In fact, I’m fairly certain I don’t. I’m not even sure why the alternative has been long ignored. That upon seeing Jesus, those who rejected … (Read more)
Inconsistent self
This is just a short thought in continuation from my post yesterday on the virtue of magnanimity. I find that there are certain feelings which are related to those of inadequacy, and I’ll call them ‘thoughts of consistency”. To give an example, this would take the form of doing or saying something early in life and then coming to disagree with that view as one grows older. Truthfully I don’t think there is anything wrong with this, and would think it rather hard to grow if not for expressing views which are allowed to evolve. Take for instance a post I wrote quite a while ago, “Response to Postmodern Biblical Authority” (it’s worth reading, so check it out). Since writing it I’ve come to read more on the subject (such as Lyotard’s books), and as a result I’ve come to better understand the argument presented. Now, this is … (Read more)
Virtue of Magnanimity
I have something of a confession to make: a lot of the time I feel inadequate. I feel inadequate in almost everything I do, especially in the things others tell me I’m (really) good at. When I do feel content with myself, the moment is fleeting. I’m content until I come across someone else who does something similar to what I do–except they do it better. Or at least that’s what I think. It doesn’t matter their age, their education or their background. It only matters that I see myself as insignificant compared to them and what they are doing, even if the reality is the opposite. I’ve had feelings of inadequacy to the point of almost believing that if others really knew how much I didn’t know (and I really don’t know a lot), they would shrug me off as puffed up, a charlatan or a fraud. I … (Read more)
Apologist’s Evening Prayer
I just finished Peter Kreeft’s Heaven and Hell, and he closes the book with a piece of poetry written by C.S. Lewis. I’m surprised I haven’t come across this before, the admirer of Lewis that I am (I’m told its from his book Reflections on the Psalms). He seems to be saying that there is a certain danger in intellectual arguments and logical proofs for God’s existence. Namely, that such things may very well deaden one’s faith, turning it into an intellectual exercise, rather than a matter of the heart (if one’s not careful). (Unfortunately) from experience, I can attest to this.
From all my lame defeats and oh! much more
From all the victories that I seem to score;
From cleverness shot forth on Thy behalf
At which, while angels weep, the audience laugh;
From all my proofs of Thy divinity
Thou, who wouldst give no other sign, … (Read more)
Mohler: Christian, Muslim Dialogue
Justin Taylor has posted a link on his blog to a presentation on Islam by Dr. Al Mohler. A good introduction to the Christian / Muslim dialogue, Mohler’s talk is described as an examination of “some of the fundamental ways in which Islam and Christianity are at odds with one another, and how Christians and local churches can best think through their implications for life and ministry.” Having listened to it last night, I can say that it’s very informative and a worth the listen if you’re interested in the Christian / Muslim dynamic.
You can find the presentation here.… (Read more)
Plantinga and Gale on God and Evil
One of the most interesting (and humorous) discussions I’ve ever seen on the topic of God and evil was one between philosophers Alvin Plantinga and Richard Gale. Plantinga is notable for two things; he’s regarded as one of the pioneers in the renaissance of Christian philosophy, as it’s called. He’s also considered to have put an end to the intellectual argument from evil. Gale has himself written quite a few books on metaphysics, ontology and God. The dialogue is very informative and the discussion easy to follow (even if at times a bit difficult to understanding). So please, watch Which gives me an idea for another post…
Stretched Illustrations?
(**Spoilers below**)
Some times I wonder how people arrive at certain interpretations of “art”. Strangely enough, I came across this article which sets about using Avatar as a metaphor for “emergent evangelism”. The main thrust of the article is that we “don’t bring God to the other,” rather, that “we find God in the other”–Jake Sully is the perfect example of this sort of mindset, or so it’s claimed. I don’t want to examine the entire article, only one paragraph.
Evangelism is a two-way street
This is where the Avatar movie is a great metaphor for what evangelism could and should become. Although Jake Sully entered the Na’vi world (Pandora) initially with an agenda in mind, he got to appreciate their way of life, its beauty so much so that he wanted to become part of it. Eventually his presence there really helped to save them. But it was something organic. … (Read more)
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