More on Christian claims about Science

Usually, even a non-Christian knows something about the earth, the heavens, and the other elements of this world, about the motion and orbit of the stars and even their size and relative positions, about the predictable eclipses of the sun and moon, the cycles of the years and seasons, about the kinds of animals, shrubs, stones, and so forth, and this knowledge he holds to as being certain from reason and experience. Now, it is a disgraceful and dangerous thing for an infidel to hear a Christian, presumably giving the meaning of Holy Scripture, talking nonsense on these topics; and we should take all means to prevent such an embarrassing situation, in which people show up vast ignorance in a Christian and laugh it to scorn. The shame is not so much that an ignorant individual is derided, but that people outside the household of the faith think our sacred writers held such opinions, and, to the great loss of those for whose salvation we toil, the writers of our Scripture are criticized and rejected as unlearned men.... Reckless and incompetent expounders of Holy Scripture bring untold trouble and sorrow on their wiser brethren when they are caught in one of their mischievous false opinions and are taken to task by these who are not bound by the authority of our sacred books. For then, to defend their utterly foolish and obviously untrue statements, they will try to call upon Holy Scripture for proof and even recite from memory many passages which they think support their position, although they understand neither what they say nor the things about which they make assertion.

- St. Augustine, The Literal Meaning of Genesis

New Meditation Blog

Started a separate blog to track my meditations.

http://meditations.nightskypix.com/

Science and Faith Perspective

"Most of the time the conflict between science and theology is a result of the "literalism" error... Based on a superficial glance, the reader (of Scripture and/or Nature) forms a strong opinion of the meaning. The motive to defend God's truth (or to destroy error) is commendable, but a good motive in not enough to save a wrong idea or a conviction that flies in the face of physical evidence. Often, the proponents of wrongheaded notions know far more than their listeners, but far less than they think they know. Some may not be aware of their errors, while others intentionally omit certain facts in order to make their case seem stronger. But an honest teacher has the obligation to search out all truth and not conceal it. (Italics added for emphasis)

- David Wilcox (A professor at Eastern University in St. Davids, PA, Dr. David Wilcox has authored numerous articles on science and religion. He holds a Ph.D. in population genetics from Penn State University.)

Welcome to the world of religion.

Past
Catholic Church against Copernicus
Catholic Church against Galileo (the CC has since formally apologized for the 2 former incidents)

Today
Young Earth creationists/Intelligent Design against Geology, Biology, Paleontology
YECs against Cosmology, Astronomy
YECs against most of the historical Christian writings regarding the antiquity of the earth

Ron Frye's Autobiography

My good friend Ron Frye recently finished an autobiography of his Jehovah's Witness experience. I was captivated; disgusted; compelled; and disturbed all at the same time. He has seen his extended family only once since they were disfellowshiped. It truly is a tragic yet triumphant story of a walk from Religion to a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus.

To a MUCH lesser extent, I understand the difficulty with a confining religious structure. I think that is what made me feel disturbed while reading it. I don't think much about that portion of my life anymore and certainly there are feelings to be brought forth from time to time.

Certainly religion has been the downfall of Christian progress.

Anyway, I'll put more details about this book in another post soon.

Big Dipper

Ran outside for a tripod image of the big dipper in Ursa Major. Here's the 30 second result:

http://www.nightskypix.com/astro_art/BigDipper.html

Choir Performance

We had another choir performance yesterday for Easter. I really do enjoy it and I REALLY hope that the audience is moved by it. It takes about 30 hours of practice time to get a 40 minute performance ready. It's a lot of work for sure.

Brian, our director, is the best. He's got a wonderful combination of encouragement and honesty. If he were not the director, I don't think I would continue with this as the demands on time are so high. But he makes the whole experience fun, yet meaningful.

Benevolance

We turned away a man yesterday at church which was very hard for me. We had given to him more than a few times in the past. But this time I showed some steady resolve to do the right thing. I encouraged him 3 times to make an effort to come to church, even if it was twice a month. If anyone makes such a commitment, we're committed to help them on a much more substantial basis. It was not what he wanted to hear though. He left without a word and I doubt he'll return. It's unfortunate but in my short 2 year experience working with the homeless, most of them don't want to take the steps to REALLY help themselves out of the hole they are in. They just want enough to get by. I wish it weren't so.

My aunt Irene died last night

My Aunt Irene with whom I have not had contact with for many years now (my fault) died last night. I main memories of her were working at the Dawn publishing house one summer during college. She was a hard worker there. I recall her as a lovable and yet perceived as grumpy. I really have a lot of good memories of her. Peace be with you till we meet again, Aunt Irene. Sleep well.

Time with Abby

Abby has found something to do that I very much like as well...bike riding. Yesterday we went for about a 12 mile ride. I've taken to stopping and enjoying her company and this is a great opportunity to do that. We should be going out again today but this time bringing a camera along. We missed some great opportunities to get water shots, a beaver, fish jumping. Anyway, I look forward to many more rides!

1st Comet Attempt

I just started thinking about making my astrophotography more spiritual again. One day later, I find out that there will be a comet available to photograph. It was a 'green' discovered by Terry Lovejoy; Comet Lovejoy. I thought what a nice little gift from above for me.

Here is a comet whose name encapsulates the 1st two items in the fruit of the spirit. Green of course represents eternal life.

Pretty cool stuff!

Disappointing Busy-Bodying

I mentioned a while back an issue in our church regarding communion/memorial. It is still ongoing. The most unfortunate thing is that another church where about 20 of us went before seems to constantly be involved with the issue due to varying circumstances caused by members of both churches. I feel bad for family members back in my old fellowship because they are constantly bombarded with questions about this and other 'controversies.'

Since I left 6 years ago, almost no one from my old fellowship asks me any questions about anything in this regard. Instead they ask my In-Laws who obviously have to endure being torn in two over any issue that might come up. I'm getting sick of the obvious lack of Christian ethics regarding:

1. Sticking noses in where one has no business being involved. Move on. God will judge who is right, more right, less right, or even wrong.

2. Never going to the party with whom the issue resides. Ask everyone possible except the people who are involved, right? Enough already!

Proverbs 6:16-19 (New International Version)

16 There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:

17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,

18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,

19 a false witness who pours out lies
and one who stirs up dissension among brothers.

Good luck with that.

The Reflective Life

Fantastic book by Ken Gire. I'll share some quotes from the book. This one which is not his is just phenomenal:

Those who have abandoned themselves to God always lead mysterious lives and receive from him exceptional and miraculous gifts by means of the ordinary, natural and chance experiences in which there appears to be nothing unusual. The simplest sermon, the most banal conversations, the least erudite books become a source of knowledge and wisdom to these souls by virtue of God's purpose. This is why they carefully pick up the crumbs which clever minds tread under foot, for to them everything is precious and a source of enrichment.

- Jean-Pierre De Caussade