the sceptic who wasn't there (part two)

So, as I said before, there are a bunch of other movies (and books) seeking to debunk the claims of Christianity. So much so, that I would say that it seems to actually be a trend! We have Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code, Brian Fleming's God who wasn't there (maybe his god wasn't?), The lost tomb of Jesus (executively produced by the same James Cameron who brought us Terminator and Terminator 2, koel né - haha), Zeitgeist, and then Bill Maher's Religulous. Methinks there might be some money to be made in this fad...

See, I would be quite troubled if these works were filled more with careful and good scholarship, more logical or feasible cases than mere mockery and slander... Now, I believe that the claims made in these movies need to be addressed, for a few reasons, namely:

1. There are answers. Not replying to critics would give the impression that the arguments are solid and unanswered.

2. Christianity welcomes questions, welcomes scrutiny and provides some strong answers for many issues raised. (Many other faiths do not take this stance).

3. Very often the critics offer no alternative, or an even weaker alternative (Francis Crick, the co-discoverer of the DNA double-helix suggests seeding from outer space to explain the structure and design of it).

4. The bulk of the work presented here is very dubious, it makes weak illogical assumptions, purposefully distorts or manipulates the truth to fit a simplistic and skewed result. It deserves to be exposed at most, and at least not taken very seriously.

5. Serious questions should have a platform for expression, and the rubbish needs to be discerned from the authentic and challenging work.

6. We learn the trends of objections, and also, we learn a bit about decent scholarship by reading through good scholarship. For example, I learnt that it is good practice to list your sources when making statements or quoting people or writings. Don't just state a point about history without backing it up - give a reference. What book, page number, author, date of copy, etc. Most of these documentaries fail this in a huge way, it would not allow for them to twist the truth so deftly!

OK, so, here are some useful links that take up the challenge that these movies throw our way.

Religulous:
http://www.tektonics.org/religuguff.html

Zeitgeist:
http://www.xanga.com/JB_Fidei_Defensor/638110989/zeitgeist-rebuttal-speech.html

The God that wasn't there was linked to in my previous post...

Happy holidays!

the sceptic who wasn't there

I've recently seen a documentary for sale called "The God who wasn't there". I haven't bought it or watched it, because it wasn't free and I don't actively want to support anti-Christian propaganda. In fact, I'm not a fan of any falsehood, even (and especially) those "christian myths" that make their rounds on the net. You've probably heard them, these pithy little stories which have no bearing in truth but are presented as true. Snopes.com puts many of these to rest. But that's a side issue, the point I was trying to make, is that if I'd found out that this documentary was well researched and the scholarship was good but it casts doubts on certain treasured opinions, I would probably give it a shot. But, it isn't. It's more like some 50 year old executive who grew his hair and bought a Harley Davidson... sure, he looks the part, but he's no Hell's Angel. But, before I get a bit too insulting of a movie I've not even watched, let me direct anyone reading this to some reviews, they address many of the allegations made in this film...

http://www.tektonics.org/gk/godthere.html

and

http://www.answeringinfidels.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=87

There are a few other mockumentaries and short films doing the rounds, I'll comment on them soon...

Have a great Christmas!

Jesus is come in the flesh!

Some great points I've heard from a teaching recently about the bible:

- The bible has a pre-recorded response to every cult (or deviation from the truth) that could ever be imagined!

He gives and example or two such as -

There are answers to the Mormon's (Latter Day Saints) in Galatians 1:8:
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
- The angel Morani gave Joseph Smith a gospel message different to the one Paul preached...

And this scripture deals with Gnosticism, Doscetism, Prederism (Jesus already came in AD70) as well as Jehovah's Witnesses (who say that when Jesus resurrected was a spirit-being, and assert that He returned to earth in a spirit form in 1914).

2 John 1:7
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

is come in the flesh: present participle is used in the greek.
This baffled scholars because John wrote this after Jesus had already come, already resurrected, already gone to heaven but before he had come back.
So why is he using a present tense word here? You would think he would use a past tense or a future tense.
This is the same confession as in 1 John 4:2, except the perfect participle is used there, is replaced by a present participle. It is not clear why the author changed from a perfect particle in 1 John 4:2 to a present participle here; the perfect participle suggests a reference to the incarnation, that is the past. The present participle would suggest a reference to the future second advent.

In short, what's being said is - anyone with a story of Jesus coming "not in the flesh", such is a deceiver. The present participle suggests an ongoing and unending action.
- So, this could refer to when He first came to earth as Christ - if you say that when He came to earth He was a Spirit-Being, you're the deceiver.
- If you're saying that when He came to earth in His resurrected state as not in the flesh, you're the deceiver.
- If you say that His second coming either was or will be in a Spirit, non-flesh form, you're the deceiver.

This absolutely crushes all the Jesus was/is a spirit-being arguments.

Mumbai attacks are just the tip of the iceberg

It has been reported on many watchdog news sites that the attacks and persecution in India has been rife. While these don't get as much world news attention as the Mumbai attacks, the carnage continues as radical Hindu groups attack Christians and burn down churches and villages.

See more information here: http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/952138908.html

Please keep these brothers and sisters in your prayers!

and after a long pause...

I've just read the most incredible quote, and I quote it from a book that I'm wolfing down. I actually think I'll finish this book (i love reading but seldom commit to completing a work).

Anyway, the quote:
"Religion, opium for the people! To those suffering pain, humiliation, illness, and serfdom, it promised a reward in afterlife. And now we are witnessing a transformation. A true opium of the people is a belief in nothingness after death, the huge solace of thinking that for our betrayals, greed, cowardice, murders we are not going to be judged. The Marxist creed has now been inverted. The true opium of modernity is the belief that there is no God, so that humans are free to do precisely as they please."
Czeslaw Milosz, winner of Nobel Prize in Literature, from an essay called "The Discreet Charm of Nihilism.

And the book I'm reading: Beyond Opinion, by Ravi Zacharias. Get it.. get it?
It addresses many of the challenges I've recently faced in my conversations with post modernists, atheists and my own thoughts on existentialism.

coals of fire...

that last line, is one of my favourite quotes, this is by Charles H. Spurgeon (or Chuck, as I call him).

Coals of fire cannot be concealed beneath the most sumptuous apparel, they will betray themselves with smoke and flame. Neither can pet sins be long hidden beneath the most ostentatious profession of faith; they will sooner or later discover themselves, and burn sad holes in a person's reputation. Sin needs quenching in the Savior's blood, not concealing under the garb of religion.

what I was saying about China...

A few months back I posted an entry about my concerns with who South Africa is getting friendly with, specifically China. I haven't gotten into it, because honestly, chasing deadlines keeps me out of spending much time in the political goings-on. Recently I came across this article via another article in the Mail & Guardian. I'd definitely say it's worth a read, and it's something to be very concerned about.

The Washington Post article refers to a letter by President Mbeki addressing President Bush, asking him to butt out of the affairs of Africa. Um, excuse me?

See, this is what I'm thinking at the moment. That South Africa is siding with the likes of China, and other less than savoury nations for two reasons, one - they want a handout, and two, they don't want any prohibitive moral-high-ground conditions associated with it.

See, China doesn't care, it wants the minerals, and I believe South Africa (in its current political standing) will gladly give China what it wants. And China won't try parent or criticise South Africa because China is just as bad as Zimbabwe on the human rights abuses.

But why? Why won't South Africa tolerate any criticism (even good, well placed and helpful criticism). I think the reason is simple: pride. We're too proud to admit that things need fixing. We're too proud to admit that we might need help in fixing things, so what's the alternative - continue as before and sweep any issues under the rug. And that goes with: choosing friends who are more concerned with the offerings on the table, than the condition of the house being in order.

Well, the Washington Post article explains it better than I can, so check it out.

the lovely karoo...

We live in a beautiful and rich country, and I'm proud to show off a part of it which happens to be my uncle's farm... Nice work to the people who did this site, I think it reflects the beauty of the place very well!

http://www.rietfonteinreserve.co.za

If any of you want to book in on an unusual African holiday, be sure to check this out.

more news on LAOS

The April edition of the webcast from Release International has a feature story featuring a pastor from Laos who was imprisoned for sharing his faith with others. This is a great way to see first hand, what is happening there, and will give you an idea of the urgency of the prayers these people need from us.

Please check it out here.

humans nearly wiped out 70 000 years ago?

Well, according to this article on CNN.. See, scientists are finding genetically, that we're all related much much closer than they previously thought. To the point that a while back there were only a bunch of us with common genes... so, what better way to explain it that us almost being utterly wiped out? Then they can have a catastrophe (but not a worldwide flood, ok?), and happily continue with the monkey-business that is evolutionary biology...

Well, I believe there is a better explanation. But it's one that many scientists won't even consider, because it doesn't fit with certain presuppositions. My explanation is: the history of man should be according to the bible and not Darwinian goo-to-you evolution. And yes, my explanation also fits the evidence.

I believe more and more these days that science is going to strongly support a biblical account of things. Science will return to her roots: observation of all of creation, with marvel and wonder being directed at the Creator. I also expect an outcry from the atheistic evolutionary bunch, crying "foul" and not pulling punches in trying to discredit the flow of things.

Laos - Ranking: 9th

Population: 6 368 000
Capital: Vientiane
Dominant Religion: Buddhism
Languages: Loa
Political leader: Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh
Christians: 2%

Laos is a one party, authoritarian state seen as one of the poorest and least developed countries in Southeast Asia.
Laos' national motto is "Peace, Independence, Democracy, Unity, and Socialism." The truth in the day to day lives of Laos' some 100 000 Christians is very different to what this statement would proclaim. Buddhism and Buddhist organisations are openly encouraged. Government needs approval for any proselytizing, printing of religious texts, or owning a building for worship The importation of religious publications and articles is prohibited.

To give you an idea: On February 19, 2004, Christians living in the Donthapad village in souther Laos were told by a government official, "If you [will] not give up your Christian faith, leave the village; if you do not, you will be punished by death."

A ministry partner of WIN received the following plea for help from one of the villagers: "The officials' purpose is to totally eradicate Christianity. They threatened to destroy our homes and to burn our homes. We are not able to travel anywhere. We are kept in ... confinement. They keep watch on us."

Local Christians have land and livestock confiscated, are made to pay fines for continuing to hold to the Christian faith, and are threatened that if these are not paid quickly, their homes will be burned. These are our brothers afar - who have no peace, independence, democracy or rights, because they aren't valued by the government.

See more here:
http://www.persecution.org/suffering/countryinfodetail.php?countrycode=17

What to pray for

- Pray for the church in Laos to be strong and bold in the face of persecution (Rev 2:9-10)
- Pray that the international community doesn't turn a blind eye to this travesty or a deaf ear to the cries of the Laos' Christians. That international efforts will be effective in securing protection for Laos' Christians.
- Pray for the wisdom of church elders in both pastoring churches and fulfilling the great commission.
- Pray that the hearts of believers will continue to be strengthened by the love of Christ in the midst of the their suffering.

a reply to a soft spot jab

I've often found in discussing Christianity with agnostics, atheists or just plain argumentatives - that when you can adequately answer or explain one of their objections, they change course and fire at you from a completely different angle. They attack the existence of God, you defend that, they jump to the authority of the Scriptures and claim a dubious alternative history of the book, you present evidence to the contrary, then suddenly Jesus never existed, he was made up by his followers, so you show them how history has more proof of his actual existence than they have of Julius Caesar or Alexander the Great; then they jump onto the one thing they can verbally gouge into, a definite soft spot: the integrity of Christians as a whole, their shortcomings, their failings, and a part history of bloodshed in the name of Christ.

Recently this has been raised again, very close to home as it were, when a friend of mine penned the most scathing and hostile words I have read in a long time. It was so intense, that if it had been said about a nationality, or if it was referring to someone's skin colour, it would certainly be hailed as hate speech. But, it is tolerated, because the guns were aimed at: Christians. Funnily enough, that fact alone speaks volumes. Not that I condone or agree with his attitude for one minute, but rather, that it demonstrates a very distinct point, one that I think has been missed.

Let's look at this. Set aside for now, the details of his argument. Let's look at what he has done:
He has severely publicly criticised and condemned Christians and Christianity. Now, take that simple thought, and apply it to other schools of thought. If, say, his raging were against another worldview, say the atheist communist philosophy.

What would be the outcome if he spoke so passionately against that ideology? If such a diatribe came from the heart of Vietnam, Laos, North Korea, Cuba, or the People's Republic of China - would the author continue to live, work and enjoy life as before they wrote the article? I would feel confident in saying that if he survived, it would probably be in some filthy prison somewhere.

Let's move over to Islam for a bit. What would happen, if his article was aimed at Islam within an Islam-run government. In most places, the punishment would be death. In Iran, for example, atheism and agnosticism are illegal.

But, in a predominantly Christian society (although how many are practicing is another story) - this author is pretty safe. Because, in dealing with individuals, we as Christians are told how to behave by our Master, Jesus Christ. See, Jesus said "by this men will know you're my disciples, by your love one for another" - so, that's pretty plain to see that Jesus Himself regards our actions and words as evidence for our following of Him, and not merely our proclamation as such.

So, while we swing our thoughts now to respond to the argument itself, we must present this: The teachings of Christ are plain as day. We are not to turn and eye for an eye, we are to forgive, to give, to bless rather than be blessed. If the church of Christ strays from this, and seeks to receive more than give, to be blessed more than to bless, or to seek vengeance instead of forgiving - then clearly, they are straying from what Christianity is all about. Because Christianity, is nothing more than following Jesus, in every way possible, taking His example, living by it, taking His Spirit, and walking in the love which He puts in our hearts. It is dependence on Him, on Jesus Christ - utter dependence. It's when this dependence loses footing that things go wrong, and then they can go very wrong.

They have gone wrong before, there are parts that aren't too right now - but I think that to condemn the whole thing either smacks of not understanding Christianity, or something more sinister. I would hope, in the case of my friend, that it is the former.

I could go on, but I think I've arrived at my point - look at the biblical standard of Christianity, defined by Christ, and you will get an image of where the church is meant to be, what the Christians are meant to be like. The degree us Christians fall short of this, is the degree the unbelieving world has something to argue with us. It's the degree the devil has something to accuse us of. In this respect, thank God we have another chance, right now, to bow our knee, seek mercy and forgiveness from the only one who shed His blood on our behalf, so that we can stand up again in newness, in His power, in truth, consumed by love, to show this world a taste of Jesus.

After all, the very reason we enter into discourse about this, is not to win an argument and show our intellectual prowess, no, it's simply, to show them Jesus.

eclipse, adobe flex and setting it all up...

I've recently installed the new Eclipse IDE on my mac, using Aptana for my main PHP and web development. I've been so impressed in this product, that it's made me curious about Eclipse's other plugins available for more development.

I want to install Flex 3, without buying the FlexBuilder app, so back to Eclipse I go. Wesley Swanepoel, a top designer developer at a UK-based agency, (and also a personal friend of mine) has put the following help on his blog. I find his blog really rewarding - letting him do all the pioneering and then putting his experience online to assist others (newby's to Flex and Flash, like me)!

http://blog.wezside.co.za/2008/01/complete-starter-guide-to-develop-flash.html

Check it out if you're getting into Flex.

Afghanistan - Ranking: 10th.

Population: 31 057 000
Capital: Kabul
Religions: Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim
Languages: Pashtu, Afghan Persian (Dari)
Political leader: President Hamid Karzai
Christians: <1%

The Sunnis make up about 80% of the country's population. Afghanistan has a small Christian community. Conversion from Islam is considered apostasy and is punishable by death under the Shari'a Law. There are no Christian or Jewish schools, no Christian churches and one synagogue.

To give you an idea: In 2006 Abdul Rahman was arrested on charges of apostasy and sentenced to death for refusing to return to the Muslim faith. Due to international pressure, Rhaman was released and fled to Italy.

Persecution of Christians is intense. During the Taliban regime, persecution was accomplished formally by law, and informally, by tribes and families.

See more here: http://www.persecution.org/suffering/countryinfodetail.php?countrycode=20

What to pray for

- Pray for godly men and women to obtain positions of influence in the country.
- The Afghani drug trade is estimated to be among the worst in the world. Pray that it will cease.
- Pray for the thousands of underground believers, many not even known by their families. Pray for safety, protection, courage and wisdom. Pray that they may be effectively discipled.

persecution, suffering and prayer

In recent months, I decided to take use of Google's offer to mail you news updates based on keywords you provide. I chose Symfony (the web based PHP framework which I use), Israel (I don't have a TV and want to keep up to date with the going's on there) and Christians. I've noticed that many of the Christians headlines don't make it to the mainstream google news site. I've also noticed, that much of the news is about persecution cases around the world. This is happening today, and many people are just not aware.

A while back I added a persecution.org widget to this blog on the left hand column, showing highlights from a Christian based advocacy group. Take a look from time to time at those links. That being said I move on to the reason for this post:

I recently got a book called "The Persecuted Church Prayer Devotional" - Which is an overview of some of the most hostile countries to find yourself in, if you are a Christian, or involved in Christian ministry in any form. The back of the book states a little known fact: More Christians were martyred in the twentieth century than all the previous centuries combined, and this onslaught has continued unabated into the new century. I agree with the conclusion of the write up, which says that it is our duty to be knowledgeable and to take action on behalf of those who are persecuted. Also that one of the most essential actions we can take is to stand in the gap by being on our knees in prayer.

I happen to know both that modern persecution is very real, knowing someone who travels to Sudan now and then to assist with ministry there. Also I know some people in the East who go to places like Tibet and China. It is interesting that many people that I speak to do not know things that are not well represented in modern media.

In the next few weeks I want to take a look at the top ten ranked countries, for violations against Christians and the kind of violations that occur. My aim is twofold: to create awareness, and hopefully by so doing, to create a desire for intense prayer, regarding what is going on there. The book contains many more than ten countries, detailing these violations in an easily accessible format - well worth looking into. The first country we will look at, is ranked tenth in it's intensity of persecution against Christians. It is Afghanistan.

Before I start with that (in my next post) - look at the samples I got from today's Google news alert via email on the word Christians:

The cross they bear - Persecution going on in parts of India by the hand of Hindu extremists.
China's crackdown on Christians worsens - 2007 proves to be a tougher year for Christian leaders and people in house churches.
Pakistani Christians released by abductors - Five Christians had been abducted my militants on the suspicion of selling liquor.

Note: after a period of time, these links may no longer work.

abide with me

Abide with me,
Fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens;
Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail
And comforts flee,
Help of the helpless,
Oh, abide with me.

Swift to it's close
Ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim,
It's glories pass away;
Change and decay
In all around I see;
O thou who changest not,
Abide with me

from William H. Monk, 1823-1889
full version here: http://ingeb.org/spiritua/abidewit.html

peer review and climate change, creationism

I've also often wondered why the scientific articles/papers I find from creation-science organisations are not submitted or not found in peer-reviewed journals. I suspected a scenario painted by this article, yet I had no idea of the lengths editors would go to to deride or ignore work that would challenge the current popular paradigm.

If you're interested in looking at some of the inner workings of the scientific community that is more blindly trusted than many other fields - read this article. Peer review it yourself. But be sure not to make the same mistakes that this article criticises. Don't throw it out outright because it presents views different to your current opinion of the peer review process.

http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/5613/

some more of Ravi Zacharias...

The strongest argument against the existence of God, is that people say there is too much of evil in this world and too much suffering therefore there is no God. But can you not then see what is brought in through the back door in that question. Because if there's evil, there's good, if there's good there has to be a moral law, if there's a moral law there has to be a transcendent moral law giver but that's what the question is trying to disprove and not prove. Because if there is no moral law giver then there's no moral law, and if there's no moral law there's no good and if there's not good there's no evil, and then what is the question really?

So the strongest argument against the existence of God actually assumes God in the question.

-by Ravi Zacharias

there's a hole in my packet, dear iBurst, dear iBurst

The conversation is so old, it's actually boring now. I've heard it so many times, and I'm actually as tired of hearing it as I am experiencing it. The age old how we in South Africa get inferior product/service for inflated costs. Often, there are also no redeeming factors! What I mean is, when I buy a Sony I expect a high standard of quality. Thats with Sony, but with our local business, very often we pay a premium for rubbish. And I believe it's only because we are starved for choice.

My gripe today is with iBurst. And with Eskom. And with the municipality. The story starts with Eskom. I'm still not sure whether it's called load shedding or load sharing. The latter makes more sense to me but I've heard both and so kind of mumble the last word to avoid embarrassment: "load sh (mumble) ing". So, just after 10 today it happens again at my home-office.... "hmm, darn, work from coffee shop" I think to myself as I head off towards Kyalami. Ofcouse, once again I forget to take the alternative route and I'm forced to use the road that hasn't been maintained in over a year and it falling apart... Literally, I could close my eyes and think I'm in Mozambique! Thats a bit dangerous for the other drivers, so eyes open I avoid the potholes (some places more of the road is a large pothole than road)... Now I know why most people in jhb drive a 4x4 - they're only avoiding ruining their cars on the roads. After a morning at the coffee shop I head back to my home, power having been returned, load sh___ing over. Fire up good old iBurst... well, not so good.

I encounter the signal I've grown used to - one little dot on my modem. I struggle to even send out an email. Everything is slow, slower than dial-up... First, a bit of history. When I first got iBurst, I had about 100%-95% signal, all the time (five little green dots). Then, after about 8 months, this all changed drastically, and I've had consistently poor signal for the most part (one to two little dots), except some weekend I get a "burst" of good signal. I have contacted iBurst about this before. I was told there was interference because of buildings, or sun spots, or some koalas nesting on the antennas or something. Anyhoo, pretty much there's nothing they can (or want to) do about it. And no, they can't send me some more replacement little green dots.

Honestly, the connection is so bad that when I try an SVN commit to the server (read: sending 3 text files) - it times out and corrupts the synchronisation of the project.

So, after intense and ongoing frustration (did I mention I'm trying to run a business) - I email them and tell them I'm fed up and want to stop my service. I mention that I suspect saturation being the cause of my frustration with them. I literally pour my heart out into this mail... Hoping them to reply after looking into the matter. Or at least to reply saying they might maybe on a good day, if there's nothing else to do... consider maybe perhaps looking into it.. maybe. Nothing. No reply. Maybe they did reply, but they also can't send mails out because of their connections problems!

I know that this is a local regional problem, because my connection in Somerset West was flying! Though, I imagine that to be because the 5 other people on the Somerset West network weren't downloading at the time!

That being said, I've decided to take this matter to my fan-base. (See Flight of the Concords to understand that one). What I'm afraid of is leaving iBurst for an even poorer experience with Telkom (I've heard the stories), because then I'll be dealing with one of the big stuff-up buzzwords of Afrique du Sud.
Hmm, let's hope I can post this without timing out... pfff.

untitled

standing, looking at the people, walking in their routine, addicted to their schedules
appointments made - keep busy, thats when we won't notice
something's sorely missing
this life we're all so happily escaping
searching for
anything that will pass the time
anything that will close our eyes
anything that will justify, ourselves.

the smile fades, tears come slowly rolling, down the face of hope,
now, realising the sharp pain
seeing the rejected disgraced and the shallow esteemed

starting to run now
the goal in sight
to empty the depth and fill it with emptiness
to scrape away the very last spot of a reminder of the nobler cause
and polish the bubble and fake smile
the teeth for laughing also for biting
words of hatred wrapped in eloquence

comatose we live, and in a lie we lie and sleep
dreaming that things are better this way

a slave to our freedoms, trapped in our own snares
the more we struggle to rest, the more the rest struggle
as they realise too, that nobody cares

spiral downwards into a dark and lonely place
no longer high on the fumes of getting by, a seeker finds that he is lost
and now at last
he can be found.