Introduction In previous blogs, we've seen that God reveals himself to man through nature and through scripture and we've been addressing questions about how man's interpretations of these revelations can be reconciled. In the next two blogs we are going to address a different question: can nature be used as a Christian apologetic? In other words can Christians use nature in some way for evangelism? The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth … [Read more...] about Nature as a Christian Apologetic: The Open Secret
Psalms
The Message of Genesis 1
As I discussed in the previous post of the Christianity and Science series, much of the controversy surrounding Genesis 1 revolves around two issues: the timing of the events of creation and the mechanism of creation. Did God create over a period of 6 literal days or did creation occur over a much longer period of time? Did God create through a series of miraculous acts or through a natural process which he created? While these are interesting issues, the focus on this controversy can cause us to miss the main … [Read more...] about The Message of Genesis 1
Meditation . . . Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible Part 3
As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!. -- Psalm 40:17 In Part 1 I asked the question: How do you “read” and/or pray a Psalm as an individual follower of Christ (possibly as a part of your daily practice) AND as a member of a particular Christian tradition (in corporate and/or daily practice)? As an extension of this consideration I offered the "simple" exercise of comparing/contrasting the reading, praying, and reflecting upon … [Read more...] about Meditation . . . Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible Part 3
Active Waiting . . . Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible Part 2
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. -- Psalm 40:1 In Part 1 I asked the question: How do you “read” and/or pray a Psalm as an individual follower of Christ (possibly as a part of your daily practice) AND as a member of a particular Christian tradition (in corporate and/or daily practice)? And I offered the "simple" exercise of reading, praying, and reflecting upon Psalm 40 AND then comparing/contrasting this exercise with U2's performance of 40 (Vertigo Tour Live From Chicago, … [Read more...] about Active Waiting . . . Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible Part 2
Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible Part 1
In follow-up to Who Am I? Bonhoeffer as a Historical Mentor in Prayer, I will explore Dietrich Bonhoeffer's understanding of the Book of Psalms as The Prayer Book of the Bible and offer some suggestions for our daily practice. I was inspired to dig into this topic by Theology and Practice of Prayer[1]. Question: How do you "read" and/or pray a Psalm as an individual follower of Christ (possibly as a part of your daily practice) AND as a member of a particular Christian tradition (in corporate and/or daily … [Read more...] about Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible Part 1