Monday, July 04, 2005
I recently listened to an interview of former Episcopalian Bishop John Shelby Spong by Dennis Prager. Spong's most recent book, The Sins of Scripture: Exposing the Bible's Texts of Hate to Reveal the God of Love was the subject covered. You listen for yourself here http://www.woodward.russellhost.com/audio/prager_spong.mp3
There are many errors in Spong's rationale about the Bible, but what is most astonishing is his opinion that he gets to chose what God is like. At least twice in the interview in reacting to what he sees as "Texts of Hate" he states he would not worship a God who is capable of such acts.
Leaving aside his dismissal of factual content in the samples referenced, I found myself hoping Prager would ask the question such remarks begs. What Mr. Spong do you do if God is really like that?
There are many errors in Spong's rationale about the Bible, but what is most astonishing is his opinion that he gets to chose what God is like. At least twice in the interview in reacting to what he sees as "Texts of Hate" he states he would not worship a God who is capable of such acts.
Leaving aside his dismissal of factual content in the samples referenced, I found myself hoping Prager would ask the question such remarks begs. What Mr. Spong do you do if God is really like that?
Sunday, July 03, 2005
The Bible talks of human wisdom being founded on a clear understanding of who we are in relation to God. Specifically, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Psalms 111:10.
Why is that the starting point? Two reasons that come to mind with little effort are these.
1. If you miss something that obvious, then you are likely to get lost in your own arrogance.
2. Building from the first, failing to find the one objective standard (God) by which to judge
all truth, you are left to muddle around with subjective reasoning alone. Let's face it,
subjective reasoning is self-centered and pride guided.
So how does that look? Truth suppression is the clue you want to look for. The usual symptom of truth suppression is the advancement of the absurd. The more sophisticated among us can state the most unlikely ideas in ways that make them sound profound. Currently this skill is being displayed in our national politics.
Why is that the starting point? Two reasons that come to mind with little effort are these.
1. If you miss something that obvious, then you are likely to get lost in your own arrogance.
2. Building from the first, failing to find the one objective standard (God) by which to judge
all truth, you are left to muddle around with subjective reasoning alone. Let's face it,
subjective reasoning is self-centered and pride guided.
So how does that look? Truth suppression is the clue you want to look for. The usual symptom of truth suppression is the advancement of the absurd. The more sophisticated among us can state the most unlikely ideas in ways that make them sound profound. Currently this skill is being displayed in our national politics.
