It's been snowing lightly all day, and we have our first real layer of snow on the ground. Now it's dark, but Christmas light decorations from surrounding neighbors shine their various shapes and give enough illumination for us to see the snow. It's a peaceful, pretty scene.
We are blessed in many ways, and pray for blessings for others. Though our house is small, it is nice and warm. We have had a good dinner and trust we will have plenty to eat for our Christmas holiday meal. We live in a relatively safe place in the world.
We Christians have a wonderful, loving God. I pray we may be pleasing to Him, to work as much as we can through our hurts and divisions to be the followers He wants us to be.
I pray we may have a peaceful, content, loving Christmas.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
The Woman at the Well
As you might realize from the name of the blog, one of my favorite Bible stories is the woman at the well, John 4:4-42 (can be read in NABRE). Jesus came upon a Samaritan woman who was drawing water from a well and asked her for some. She was shocked, because for a Jewish man to be talking with a Samaritan woman was doubly unthinkable. Jews did not talk with Samaritans and there was a religious restriction against men talking with women. Beyond that, she had had 5 husbands, which Christ knew and told her so. Yet, Christ was willing to engage her. He probably spoke with both gentleness and authority. He told her the water He shall give would satisfy so that she would never again be thirsty. How could she not be both awestruck and curious?
He announced to her that He was the Messiah Jews were waiting for. She understood and went to her people. How did the townspeople see the woman who had lived with so many men and even a sixth one now? It must have been something of God's miracle that at least some of them listened to her at all. Yet Jesus Christ allowed her to be one of his first evangelists, and many of the townspeople were saved through following her call to come and hear Him. They did listen to Him and believed.
There is disdain for what some call "Cafeteria Catholics," that they pick and choose rules of the Church instead of "towing the line." It seems even though we each are supposed to have different gifts to give to the Church, somehow we are to fit in one mold. Naturally, some doctrines are non-negotiable in the Church. But it seems some of the problems come when individual persons are not seen as respectable in their own desires or interpretations of what God is calling them to do.
Some don't want people to be too different from them, or they might have to stretch their interior understandings to try to meet other people half-way in trying to see their side of things. This takes time and effort. It's much easier to tell other people to conform.
It's no wonder many of the Jewish leaders of the time didn't like Jesus. Though He said he did not come to abolish the Law, there were many times He did not conform to what they expected. Even His disciples, who loved Him, were often baffled. In the John 4 story, they were amazed when they came upon Him talking with this Samaritan woman.
The people and the leadership of our Church I'm sure are trying to do the right things. But sometimes we have to stop and consider that more discernment on certain points may be needed. We in fact do that with Church Councils and things do slowly change. So let's, instead of calling people "Cafeteria Catholics," engage in the deeper issues of where we think differences and change may be valid and encourage development rather than peer pressure to fit in a rigid mold.
He announced to her that He was the Messiah Jews were waiting for. She understood and went to her people. How did the townspeople see the woman who had lived with so many men and even a sixth one now? It must have been something of God's miracle that at least some of them listened to her at all. Yet Jesus Christ allowed her to be one of his first evangelists, and many of the townspeople were saved through following her call to come and hear Him. They did listen to Him and believed.
There is disdain for what some call "Cafeteria Catholics," that they pick and choose rules of the Church instead of "towing the line." It seems even though we each are supposed to have different gifts to give to the Church, somehow we are to fit in one mold. Naturally, some doctrines are non-negotiable in the Church. But it seems some of the problems come when individual persons are not seen as respectable in their own desires or interpretations of what God is calling them to do.
Some don't want people to be too different from them, or they might have to stretch their interior understandings to try to meet other people half-way in trying to see their side of things. This takes time and effort. It's much easier to tell other people to conform.
It's no wonder many of the Jewish leaders of the time didn't like Jesus. Though He said he did not come to abolish the Law, there were many times He did not conform to what they expected. Even His disciples, who loved Him, were often baffled. In the John 4 story, they were amazed when they came upon Him talking with this Samaritan woman.
The people and the leadership of our Church I'm sure are trying to do the right things. But sometimes we have to stop and consider that more discernment on certain points may be needed. We in fact do that with Church Councils and things do slowly change. So let's, instead of calling people "Cafeteria Catholics," engage in the deeper issues of where we think differences and change may be valid and encourage development rather than peer pressure to fit in a rigid mold.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Mind Changing
Well, leave it to a woman to change her mind. I had decided to leave comments open, but after seeing some pretty filthy language languish on comments from another blog, I've decided to go back to moderating. I don't get many comments anyway. It's just the principle of the thing. (Sorry if I sound whiny. I know it's unfair to expect comments when I'm not blogging much or commenting on other blogs. I'd like to post more, but I'm working on writing another book and, unlike many others, find it hard to do both.)
Bad language is everywhere, and it bothers me even to read books or watch TV shows that have it. Unfortunately, I sometimes still do that or I'd hardly have any entertainment available. Nevertheless, I'm trying to move away from all entertainment with foul language, and I don't use it myself. I don't want it bouncing around in my brain being ready for use at any moment. I neither use it in my conversation or my writing. I try to read Christian writers, but I like mysteries and have a limited number of "favorite" authors. Anyway, I heartily invite anyone reading my blog to comment, but I sincerely hope you can do it without swearing.
The significance of "damn" and "hell" are scary to someone who fears God. Some say "fear" in this sense is just a word to mean respect, and I agree that is one of the aspects. But I also think there is real potential for separation from God after death, and that should bring fear to any heart.
I'm not saying I have been perfect by any means. But now I am trying to follow God the best I can. I believe that using pure speech is one of the ways to do that.
Bad language is everywhere, and it bothers me even to read books or watch TV shows that have it. Unfortunately, I sometimes still do that or I'd hardly have any entertainment available. Nevertheless, I'm trying to move away from all entertainment with foul language, and I don't use it myself. I don't want it bouncing around in my brain being ready for use at any moment. I neither use it in my conversation or my writing. I try to read Christian writers, but I like mysteries and have a limited number of "favorite" authors. Anyway, I heartily invite anyone reading my blog to comment, but I sincerely hope you can do it without swearing.
The significance of "damn" and "hell" are scary to someone who fears God. Some say "fear" in this sense is just a word to mean respect, and I agree that is one of the aspects. But I also think there is real potential for separation from God after death, and that should bring fear to any heart.
I'm not saying I have been perfect by any means. But now I am trying to follow God the best I can. I believe that using pure speech is one of the ways to do that.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Penn State Alienation
While suffering through the Penn State mess, (2019 Update: ESPN story HERE), I reflect on the problems of institutions of "higher" learning. I know I can't begin to imagine what it takes to keep a university going on the scale of this one. Yet I have had experience on the Internet and with a few colleges and their personnel when it comes to making presentations about Intelligent Design Theory (ID). Though grinding their teeth to make themselves accept one presentation at a religion-science seminar, they wanted to hear no more. Some had been polite, others not so much.
I admit I'm not an expert on genetic research which goes at so fast a rate that few can keep up with all of it. Yet design seems obvious even at very basic levels. At my presentation, no one questioned the science. It was the theology, in my opinion, which made some uncomfortable.
Our institutions have become embarrassed about simple Christianity. Religion is still OK if presented in far-out Far Eastern terms, such as blending of consciousness and the universe. It's OK to talk about materialistic evolution where nature's laws are all that is needed to create everyone and everything. It's OK to study the Testaments as mythic historical stories. But let anyone talk about even the possibility of the God of the Bible directly creating the world, he or she is avoided like the plague.
I have written about changing my point of view from ID to Creationism, because even ID adherents have problems about admitting the theory has anything to do with religion. It is about science, they say, even though individuals may have their own religious views. Science appears to be the "higher" part of the institutions to which we refer. Higher, they seem to hold it, than God Himself.
We all know the research at colleges and universities has had great impact on our world. But not all they do is so momentous or good. Last summer, Penn State scientists came out with a theory that aliens may attack Earth to stop us from killing ourselves through global warming (reported by Fox News HERE). I think I saw that in a movie somewhere which is where they probably got the idea. So-called scientists can have any theory imaginable (the multi-universe theory is another example), but just approach a student group about the design in nature and you are cut off cold.
Perhaps this "Alien Theory" is to shore up skepticism which is due to a continuing scandal. One of Penn State's professors, Michael Mann, has been accused of doctoring data to prove dangerous, presumably man-made, global warming exists. The release of e-mails between him and other scientists a few years ago has been supplemented by more recent ones (Larry Bell, Forbes HERE). Huge amounts of money are involved in grants for research in this area. I'm no expert, but I read some of the e-mails and they don't look innocent to me. Human nature is the same whether it be in scientists or Wall Street traders (and it can be good or bad in both).
How does one get back to what is morally right? Even preachers have their problems, but if they are in church for the right reason, they know they are sinners and they need the Foundation, yes--Jesus Christ, to get them back on the right path. He is what the leaders of Penn State and any institution need in order to have the wisdom and courage to make the right decisions.
Philosophers try to root moral answers based strictly in human reason, and it doesn't work. Why should a sexual predator worry about whether he is hurting someone else? What makes the other's feelings more important than his own? Why should a scientist care more about accurate data than millions of dollars he gets for his research project? It's not what Aristotle or Plato said thousands of years ago, or what human beings alone can make of their thoughts now.
What really matters is what God says. He speaks through His Word and His works. That is, through the Bible and the beautiful design of nature. Though not everyone will be willing to listen, institutions of higher learning would do well to study them both in the way they are meant to be.
I admit I'm not an expert on genetic research which goes at so fast a rate that few can keep up with all of it. Yet design seems obvious even at very basic levels. At my presentation, no one questioned the science. It was the theology, in my opinion, which made some uncomfortable.
Our institutions have become embarrassed about simple Christianity. Religion is still OK if presented in far-out Far Eastern terms, such as blending of consciousness and the universe. It's OK to talk about materialistic evolution where nature's laws are all that is needed to create everyone and everything. It's OK to study the Testaments as mythic historical stories. But let anyone talk about even the possibility of the God of the Bible directly creating the world, he or she is avoided like the plague.
I have written about changing my point of view from ID to Creationism, because even ID adherents have problems about admitting the theory has anything to do with religion. It is about science, they say, even though individuals may have their own religious views. Science appears to be the "higher" part of the institutions to which we refer. Higher, they seem to hold it, than God Himself.
We all know the research at colleges and universities has had great impact on our world. But not all they do is so momentous or good. Last summer, Penn State scientists came out with a theory that aliens may attack Earth to stop us from killing ourselves through global warming (reported by Fox News HERE). I think I saw that in a movie somewhere which is where they probably got the idea. So-called scientists can have any theory imaginable (the multi-universe theory is another example), but just approach a student group about the design in nature and you are cut off cold.
Perhaps this "Alien Theory" is to shore up skepticism which is due to a continuing scandal. One of Penn State's professors, Michael Mann, has been accused of doctoring data to prove dangerous, presumably man-made, global warming exists. The release of e-mails between him and other scientists a few years ago has been supplemented by more recent ones (Larry Bell, Forbes HERE). Huge amounts of money are involved in grants for research in this area. I'm no expert, but I read some of the e-mails and they don't look innocent to me. Human nature is the same whether it be in scientists or Wall Street traders (and it can be good or bad in both).
How does one get back to what is morally right? Even preachers have their problems, but if they are in church for the right reason, they know they are sinners and they need the Foundation, yes--Jesus Christ, to get them back on the right path. He is what the leaders of Penn State and any institution need in order to have the wisdom and courage to make the right decisions.
Philosophers try to root moral answers based strictly in human reason, and it doesn't work. Why should a sexual predator worry about whether he is hurting someone else? What makes the other's feelings more important than his own? Why should a scientist care more about accurate data than millions of dollars he gets for his research project? It's not what Aristotle or Plato said thousands of years ago, or what human beings alone can make of their thoughts now.
What really matters is what God says. He speaks through His Word and His works. That is, through the Bible and the beautiful design of nature. Though not everyone will be willing to listen, institutions of higher learning would do well to study them both in the way they are meant to be.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving
I've been writing about Penn State lately, so I thought it would be appropriate to add that I was sorry to hear of Joe Paterno's lung cancer. I hope he can overcome the disease. He and his family have had a topsy-turvy life in the last few months and I wish them well.
I pray for everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope we can all be renewed by appreciating our wondrous blessings in this country despite all our problems. May we also have increased efforts to love and share as the Christmas season comes upon us.
I pray for everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope we can all be renewed by appreciating our wondrous blessings in this country despite all our problems. May we also have increased efforts to love and share as the Christmas season comes upon us.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Changing Story
I wrote a recent post, among others, which described some of the Penn State scandal that is being discussed far & wide. At that time, Mike McQueary, an assistant coach who said he saw Jerry Sandusky sexually molest a young boy, had not said, publicly or to a Grand Jury, that he contacted police after he saw it. Many people assumed he did not contact police, but now he says he did. Police are denying they have any reports of it.
It's easy to jump to conclusions when a Grand Jury report is presented to the public with such explosive implications. Many have called for McQueary's firing, and I agree. McQueary now says he acted in the right way at the time and reported the issue to police and Joe Paterno. For Paterno's part, it was upon him to investigate whether the accusations were true or false. We can imagine how difficult that would be for Joe after working with Sandusky all that time, but Paterno was a leader and needed to do what leaders must do. But as for McQueary, was he bound to do more?
If he did indeed do those things he now says he did, either the Grand Jury report is lacking completeness or the police were the culprits. It will probably take time, an unfolding of events, a legal process, for truth, or as close as we can get to truth, to come out. It is human to react emotionally in the first comprehension of a terrible disclosure, as I and others did. But we eventually must overcome the emotions to give others a hearing.
If McQueary was a worker in some less-visible job, it would be easier for him to keep it until the necessary time went by. Even then, he may have trouble with fellow workers. But unfortunately he is in a very visible place, one which may be unnerving to the students and other who work with him even if he is legally innocent. But that is not all. Being legally innocent still doesn't explain why he didn't follow up on why Sandusky wasn't being arrested, when nothing seemed to be happening. Maybe the police and Paterno weren't responding, if that is what was going on. Yet he still had the news media and police of higher jurisdictions with whom to appeal.
Though my emotions are more level and I realize he was in a terrible situation, I think that unless McQueary continued to seek police investigation in a way we don't know about, he should resign as coach of Penn State football or be let go by the administrators. It is not to say he can't repent of his failings to the Lord, because we all have to do that, and work on where his life may turn to do good. But we all must take sin very seriously. Life is not a game.
It's easy to jump to conclusions when a Grand Jury report is presented to the public with such explosive implications. Many have called for McQueary's firing, and I agree. McQueary now says he acted in the right way at the time and reported the issue to police and Joe Paterno. For Paterno's part, it was upon him to investigate whether the accusations were true or false. We can imagine how difficult that would be for Joe after working with Sandusky all that time, but Paterno was a leader and needed to do what leaders must do. But as for McQueary, was he bound to do more?
If he did indeed do those things he now says he did, either the Grand Jury report is lacking completeness or the police were the culprits. It will probably take time, an unfolding of events, a legal process, for truth, or as close as we can get to truth, to come out. It is human to react emotionally in the first comprehension of a terrible disclosure, as I and others did. But we eventually must overcome the emotions to give others a hearing.
If McQueary was a worker in some less-visible job, it would be easier for him to keep it until the necessary time went by. Even then, he may have trouble with fellow workers. But unfortunately he is in a very visible place, one which may be unnerving to the students and other who work with him even if he is legally innocent. But that is not all. Being legally innocent still doesn't explain why he didn't follow up on why Sandusky wasn't being arrested, when nothing seemed to be happening. Maybe the police and Paterno weren't responding, if that is what was going on. Yet he still had the news media and police of higher jurisdictions with whom to appeal.
Though my emotions are more level and I realize he was in a terrible situation, I think that unless McQueary continued to seek police investigation in a way we don't know about, he should resign as coach of Penn State football or be let go by the administrators. It is not to say he can't repent of his failings to the Lord, because we all have to do that, and work on where his life may turn to do good. But we all must take sin very seriously. Life is not a game.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
The Victims
I've had a few posts where I wrote about the Penn State scandal. I graduated from there and am very saddened by the whole sordid affair. However, though I've expressed ideas about guilt and sin, I need to also talk about the victims. I happen to have met two adult persons who were molested by family members in childhood. They are not related to me or each other, and I don't know them well. But I know enough to realize they are still dealing with their trauma. One struggles with very severe psychological symptoms which come and go. The other acted out in anti-authoritarian ways in early life, and though coming to a more mature way of handling problems, still acutely feels the personal violation.
An assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky, is alleged to have sexually accosted a minor on the premises of Penn State. Another coach alleges to have seen him and reported it to Joe Paterno. Paterno reported it to another superior, and up the line. But throughout, supposedly no one called the police or any other regulatory agency.
A lawyer for one of the alleged victims of retired assistant coach Jerry Sandusky said they were worried about a backlash, since Joe Paterno was fired over the controversy. For one thing, Penn State students rioted after the announcement that he was fired after a 46-year career as head coach of the football team there. Probably some bloggers and others backed Paterno, against the University's decision to let him go, to go on with his job or at least finish out the season.
Though I'm talking in ideal terms here, victims of sexual abuse should not have to worry about further victimization. Society and the people in power need to take a stand for them, even if others are not sensitive enough to realize the abused take the priority over prestige, money and the ever-encompasing sports culture. Governors and trustees must see the victims' worth even if they themselves have been de-sensitized to it. I think the trustees did the right thing in terminating Joe Paterno and the University President. They should also have fired Mike McQueary, another assistant coach and the man who allegedly saw Sandusky in the act. (He says he saw it. Why would McQueary say he saw it if he didn't? But if for some twisted reason he lied about seeing it, that would mean he lied to a Grand Jury in which case he should still be fired.)
We have a long way to go to know what to best do for children and adult victims of abuse, or even to find out who they are. Many don't want to reveal their situation for various reasons. And abusers obviously lie to cover their deeds and even if we want to know who they are, we are not all detectives. We could probably all benefit from lessons on how to spot them, because not all assistant coaches, priests or boy or girl scout leaders are abusers. Let us all hope, though, that if we see someone sexually molested with our own eyes, we will get out our phones, call 911 and make sure the right thing is done.
An assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky, is alleged to have sexually accosted a minor on the premises of Penn State. Another coach alleges to have seen him and reported it to Joe Paterno. Paterno reported it to another superior, and up the line. But throughout, supposedly no one called the police or any other regulatory agency.
A lawyer for one of the alleged victims of retired assistant coach Jerry Sandusky said they were worried about a backlash, since Joe Paterno was fired over the controversy. For one thing, Penn State students rioted after the announcement that he was fired after a 46-year career as head coach of the football team there. Probably some bloggers and others backed Paterno, against the University's decision to let him go, to go on with his job or at least finish out the season.
Though I'm talking in ideal terms here, victims of sexual abuse should not have to worry about further victimization. Society and the people in power need to take a stand for them, even if others are not sensitive enough to realize the abused take the priority over prestige, money and the ever-encompasing sports culture. Governors and trustees must see the victims' worth even if they themselves have been de-sensitized to it. I think the trustees did the right thing in terminating Joe Paterno and the University President. They should also have fired Mike McQueary, another assistant coach and the man who allegedly saw Sandusky in the act. (He says he saw it. Why would McQueary say he saw it if he didn't? But if for some twisted reason he lied about seeing it, that would mean he lied to a Grand Jury in which case he should still be fired.)
We have a long way to go to know what to best do for children and adult victims of abuse, or even to find out who they are. Many don't want to reveal their situation for various reasons. And abusers obviously lie to cover their deeds and even if we want to know who they are, we are not all detectives. We could probably all benefit from lessons on how to spot them, because not all assistant coaches, priests or boy or girl scout leaders are abusers. Let us all hope, though, that if we see someone sexually molested with our own eyes, we will get out our phones, call 911 and make sure the right thing is done.
Working on Comments
I just got a surprise by looking at comments in my blog "published comments" section. There are comments there I've never seen. I had it set up that comments be automatically sent for moderation to my husband's blog and mine by e-mail, but our e-mail address changed a while ago and I just figured out I changed the e-mail address setting on his blog but not mine.
I still don't see the comments on my blog even though the settings say they are published. So if you sent a comment that was meant for my blog and it didn't come through, I'm sorry for the problem. Though I'm not an expert, I will try to correct the situation to make sure the comments come through in the future. I'm very thankful for your notes and interest.
2019 Update: My comments are now in a pop-up box and moderated. I ask for your patience for your comment to appear and for an answer if applicable, since I check email just once or twice a day and that is how I am notified of a comment.
I still don't see the comments on my blog even though the settings say they are published. So if you sent a comment that was meant for my blog and it didn't come through, I'm sorry for the problem. Though I'm not an expert, I will try to correct the situation to make sure the comments come through in the future. I'm very thankful for your notes and interest.
2019 Update: My comments are now in a pop-up box and moderated. I ask for your patience for your comment to appear and for an answer if applicable, since I check email just once or twice a day and that is how I am notified of a comment.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
A Terrible Time
I've been brooding over the Penn State mess, since for one thing I am reminded of it whenever I turn on the TV for news. It's Wednesday evening, and Joe Paterno says he will resign at the end of the season. Much will happen in the next few days, and more heads will probably roll.
I do pray for any victims of aggression that may be suffering at this time. I don't know what is true as far as the allegations, but I can pray to God to help and heal anyone who needs it.
I graduated from Penn State, and also from University of Pennsylvania. Today I happened on a speech given by Archbishop Charles Chaput, "Being Human in an Age of Unbelief," Public Discourse (Nov. 8, 2011). Chaput is outspoken about the right to life and was just moved to Philadelphia, which has had its own problems with sex scandal in Church schools.
If you don't want to read the whole thing, these quotes are worth your while:
We all are faced with difficult decisions. We must ask ourselves what is most important. I am often upset by the way women are treated in the Church, and I wish the Bishops would find in their hearts to value us more. But it is not all about women, it is about all of us. It is not all about life on Earth, it's also about life in Heaven.
It's a double whammy to be associated with Penn State and the Catholic Church if there is any guilt by association. But that's the thing--we are all guilty of sin. Some seems more disgusting because it attacks children on an obscene level. But if life starts at conception, what about abortion? What about the pill if it kills an otherwise healthy embryo? What about in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and genetic screening for imperfections in which embryos are discarded? Though it is not wrong to be scandalized by the sins of others, we must also pray our eyes be opened to our own.
Mississippi just voted against person-hood starting at conception. This is the first time I've been informed that life is based on votes. I've heard some were concerned about repercussions associated with medicine and IVF. If an embryo is life, there should be no question about side issues. They should revolve around the embryo's person-hood.
This is a terrible time for many. But we do have a Leader who was perfect on Earth and is able to guide us through the murky darkness. We must keep our eyes on Him, keep praying, keep hoping. It is the only way to get clean and clear. He is the only way to the Light.
I do pray for any victims of aggression that may be suffering at this time. I don't know what is true as far as the allegations, but I can pray to God to help and heal anyone who needs it.
I graduated from Penn State, and also from University of Pennsylvania. Today I happened on a speech given by Archbishop Charles Chaput, "Being Human in an Age of Unbelief," Public Discourse (Nov. 8, 2011). Chaput is outspoken about the right to life and was just moved to Philadelphia, which has had its own problems with sex scandal in Church schools.
If you don't want to read the whole thing, these quotes are worth your while:
The University of Pennsylvania’s motto is Leges sine moribus vanae. It means “Laws without morals are useless.” All law has moral content. It’s an expression of what we “ought” to do. Therefore law teaches as well as regulates. Law always involves the imposition of somebody’s judgments about morality on everyone else. That’s the nature of law. But I think the meaning of Penn’s motto goes deeper than just trying to translate beliefs into legislation. Good laws can help make a nation more human; more just; more noble. But ultimately even good laws are useless if they govern a people who, by their choices, make themselves venal and callous, foolish and self-absorbed.And:
The deepest kind of revolution never comes from violence. Even politics, important as it is, is a poor tool for changing human hearts. Nations change when people change. And people change through the witness of other people—people like each of you reading this. You make the future. You build it stone by stone with the choices you make. So choose life. Defend its dignity and witness its meaning and hope to others. And if you do, you’ll discover in your own life what it means to be fully human.
We all are faced with difficult decisions. We must ask ourselves what is most important. I am often upset by the way women are treated in the Church, and I wish the Bishops would find in their hearts to value us more. But it is not all about women, it is about all of us. It is not all about life on Earth, it's also about life in Heaven.
It's a double whammy to be associated with Penn State and the Catholic Church if there is any guilt by association. But that's the thing--we are all guilty of sin. Some seems more disgusting because it attacks children on an obscene level. But if life starts at conception, what about abortion? What about the pill if it kills an otherwise healthy embryo? What about in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and genetic screening for imperfections in which embryos are discarded? Though it is not wrong to be scandalized by the sins of others, we must also pray our eyes be opened to our own.
Mississippi just voted against person-hood starting at conception. This is the first time I've been informed that life is based on votes. I've heard some were concerned about repercussions associated with medicine and IVF. If an embryo is life, there should be no question about side issues. They should revolve around the embryo's person-hood.
This is a terrible time for many. But we do have a Leader who was perfect on Earth and is able to guide us through the murky darkness. We must keep our eyes on Him, keep praying, keep hoping. It is the only way to get clean and clear. He is the only way to the Light.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Sad, Not Mad
I am a Penn State grad, and as you may know, a story came out this week about a possible cover-up over alleged sexual predator charges against Jerry Sandusky. He was the football team's defensive coordinator at Penn State for a long time, and then left to run a camp. You can read a story about it in virtually all papers this morning (2019 Update: ESPN story HERE).
Part of the outrage that is bound to emerge would concern the supposed integrity that Penn State's coach, Joe Paterno, has espoused over the years. Though Penn State has had troubled players like most teams, Paterno emphasized academic achievement and character as part of his program.
No matter the outcome of this affair, unfortunately in this world there are many things to be outraged about. The seemingly unending revelations about priests sexually molesting their young charges, the cover-up by bishops, the unwillingness of the higher-ups to clear up and clear out the victimizers. These stories can also be found in virtually any news outlet.
In a way I'd like to bask in holier-than-thou vindictiveness toward the male-dominated Church authority. I feel they are unfair to women, and if women had the equality in the Church they should, these things would not get out of hand as much as they do. But, women have their sins as well as men, and my own shows in the very vindictiveness I here confess.
These crimes and alleged crimes still must be revealed, purged, and payed for in whatever way is best. But I believe it is important for all of us to take the path that many before us have summarized simply as "hate the sin, love the sinner." As simple as it is said it is vastly beyond difficult to do. Yet it is our job as Christians to lead others to Christ, whether others are non-believers or believers who have somehow gotten themselves entangled in horrible things.
One would think it impossible to forgive certain things until remembering that studies show the victimizers were often once victims themselves. Something very evil continues down the line. Only God's power can stop this.
Christians all seem capable of hurling insults at each other. I believe it is true in other contexts as well, such as male authority in the Church. In my opinion, it is human to be angry with those who disagree with us, and my own blog shows past entries where I blew my cool. What Christians should remember, is that our purpose is not to pull all stops just to win an argument, but remember that each person with whom we are engaging is one we want to help experience the love and holiness of Jesus Christ, just as we want that for ourselves. I think to do this we need to ask God's grace and strength. He is merciful, and I believe He has already helped me. I pray he continues to do so.
Part of the outrage that is bound to emerge would concern the supposed integrity that Penn State's coach, Joe Paterno, has espoused over the years. Though Penn State has had troubled players like most teams, Paterno emphasized academic achievement and character as part of his program.
No matter the outcome of this affair, unfortunately in this world there are many things to be outraged about. The seemingly unending revelations about priests sexually molesting their young charges, the cover-up by bishops, the unwillingness of the higher-ups to clear up and clear out the victimizers. These stories can also be found in virtually any news outlet.
In a way I'd like to bask in holier-than-thou vindictiveness toward the male-dominated Church authority. I feel they are unfair to women, and if women had the equality in the Church they should, these things would not get out of hand as much as they do. But, women have their sins as well as men, and my own shows in the very vindictiveness I here confess.
These crimes and alleged crimes still must be revealed, purged, and payed for in whatever way is best. But I believe it is important for all of us to take the path that many before us have summarized simply as "hate the sin, love the sinner." As simple as it is said it is vastly beyond difficult to do. Yet it is our job as Christians to lead others to Christ, whether others are non-believers or believers who have somehow gotten themselves entangled in horrible things.
One would think it impossible to forgive certain things until remembering that studies show the victimizers were often once victims themselves. Something very evil continues down the line. Only God's power can stop this.
Christians all seem capable of hurling insults at each other. I believe it is true in other contexts as well, such as male authority in the Church. In my opinion, it is human to be angry with those who disagree with us, and my own blog shows past entries where I blew my cool. What Christians should remember, is that our purpose is not to pull all stops just to win an argument, but remember that each person with whom we are engaging is one we want to help experience the love and holiness of Jesus Christ, just as we want that for ourselves. I think to do this we need to ask God's grace and strength. He is merciful, and I believe He has already helped me. I pray he continues to do so.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Free Again
Well, I had a job for a while, but it was paid by a grant that lasted about 5 months, so I'm on the street again. Fortunately, not literally, but without a job anyway. I have written two books which I self-published, and I got an idea for another one, so I am working on that now. I guess writers never give up hope, and maybe someday I can publish this if all goes well. The other two I self-published because of a variety of factors. My husband also wrote a historical novel which he self-published. But neither of us are marketers, and though we sold some, we have gone that route often enough for now.
One of my self-published books, Unto Others, is free from this website. You will find it on the right column in PDF file format. It is a mystery set in West Michigan. It's also available in a few libraries in my area, which makes me happy that people are at least reading it.
2019 Update: I had deleted my books from my blog accidentally, but am happy to say they are here again. I hope you will try them and they are thought-provoking and entertaining in a Christian, spiritual way.
One of my self-published books, Unto Others, is free from this website. You will find it on the right column in PDF file format. It is a mystery set in West Michigan. It's also available in a few libraries in my area, which makes me happy that people are at least reading it.
2019 Update: I had deleted my books from my blog accidentally, but am happy to say they are here again. I hope you will try them and they are thought-provoking and entertaining in a Christian, spiritual way.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Faith First
This past week a certain cartoon mentioned evolution and how it is supposedly the basis of all understanding of biology. The cartoonist is wrong. One of the foundations of biology is the biological cell and we find more of how its amazing structure works every day. It is truly irreducibly complex, as the people who promote Intelligent Design Theory say. Another, more important, foundation for biology is that God created it.
The cartoon is part of the cultural world at work. A prevailing cultural idea is that science rules. Or in a variation of the preceding, science gurus say if you must have faith at all, it should be separate from scientific inquiry. I'm becoming more and more confirmed in my belief that faith comes before science.
Persons who espouse Intelligent Design Theory (ID) say that religion has nothing to do with their work. They look only at the science, and design can be determined in a scientific way. This may be true, but there is a philosophical problem at the core. If certain (many) scientists refuse to allow the possibility that some things such as the biological cell may have been created supernaturally, the scientists will never give up looking for a totally material cause. Then the ID people have no chance of sharing their ideas in the scientific community. This, in fact, is what is happening and ID people seem to be unaware that their position of leaving religion out leads to just as much frustration as it would be to state their faith.
Another problem is that "intelligence" is itself not understood. Scientists want to reduce consciousness to the material brain, but it doesn't work. There is a thing known as "qualia," the state of consciousness that scientists can't deny if they are honest with themselves. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy defines qualia HERE. But how can ID proponents base their scientific theory on something that is itself not understood in scientific terms?
The ID people say that "anyone" or "anything" could have designed life. They do this to emphasize that science alone can prove that random movements of chemicals will not form into the complex systems that form the biological cell. They also are accused of saying this to try to sneak Creation into the classroom. This is another subject and I've already talked about it, so I won't belabor it much more in my blog. But if we believe God created, then we have the right to believe inside the classroom as well as outside it. I grieve for the wrongs done to the ideals of freedom of religion in this country and for the citizens who suffer because of it.
If you have the faith that God did it, that "anyone" who designed is not just "anyone." It's better to just come out and state your faith. Not all ID people are Christian, and some even think the cell may have been made by aliens. But for Christians, we believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and Earth, of all things seen and unseen. At least those who call themselves Creationists are willing to state their creeds.
That's why faith is first. Many if not most people who don't believe in God will not even give the benefit of the possibility that life was formed by anything but totally material, random means. I give credit to ID people in that their biological analysis of the cell is very good, and some people actually eventually see the logic and realize that neo-Darwinistic (totally materialistic and random) evolution is a very poor substitute. But for the rest that refuse to see, there is a gap that won't be bridged by science alone. They will always be looking for the material explanation, and they will always be either disappointed or kidding themselves. For Christians, why not say where they believe life comes from? Then the others may finally come to the real Truth.
The cartoon is part of the cultural world at work. A prevailing cultural idea is that science rules. Or in a variation of the preceding, science gurus say if you must have faith at all, it should be separate from scientific inquiry. I'm becoming more and more confirmed in my belief that faith comes before science.
Persons who espouse Intelligent Design Theory (ID) say that religion has nothing to do with their work. They look only at the science, and design can be determined in a scientific way. This may be true, but there is a philosophical problem at the core. If certain (many) scientists refuse to allow the possibility that some things such as the biological cell may have been created supernaturally, the scientists will never give up looking for a totally material cause. Then the ID people have no chance of sharing their ideas in the scientific community. This, in fact, is what is happening and ID people seem to be unaware that their position of leaving religion out leads to just as much frustration as it would be to state their faith.
Another problem is that "intelligence" is itself not understood. Scientists want to reduce consciousness to the material brain, but it doesn't work. There is a thing known as "qualia," the state of consciousness that scientists can't deny if they are honest with themselves. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy defines qualia HERE. But how can ID proponents base their scientific theory on something that is itself not understood in scientific terms?
The ID people say that "anyone" or "anything" could have designed life. They do this to emphasize that science alone can prove that random movements of chemicals will not form into the complex systems that form the biological cell. They also are accused of saying this to try to sneak Creation into the classroom. This is another subject and I've already talked about it, so I won't belabor it much more in my blog. But if we believe God created, then we have the right to believe inside the classroom as well as outside it. I grieve for the wrongs done to the ideals of freedom of religion in this country and for the citizens who suffer because of it.
If you have the faith that God did it, that "anyone" who designed is not just "anyone." It's better to just come out and state your faith. Not all ID people are Christian, and some even think the cell may have been made by aliens. But for Christians, we believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and Earth, of all things seen and unseen. At least those who call themselves Creationists are willing to state their creeds.
That's why faith is first. Many if not most people who don't believe in God will not even give the benefit of the possibility that life was formed by anything but totally material, random means. I give credit to ID people in that their biological analysis of the cell is very good, and some people actually eventually see the logic and realize that neo-Darwinistic (totally materialistic and random) evolution is a very poor substitute. But for the rest that refuse to see, there is a gap that won't be bridged by science alone. They will always be looking for the material explanation, and they will always be either disappointed or kidding themselves. For Christians, why not say where they believe life comes from? Then the others may finally come to the real Truth.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Penn State Blues
I'm sitting here Sept. 10 watching University of Michigan playing almost as dismally as Penn State did this afternoon. My husband got his engineering degree at Michigan and I got my animal science degree at Penn State. My mother, who is a die-hard PSU fan and has a great sense of humor, said she wanted to phone Joe Paterno and ask if he ever heard of sacking the other team's quarterback. Apparently she felt they had opportunities they never took. I told her that's something you would see on an Internet sports board. So, instead of that I'll put it on my blog. She's pretty safe since I don't get much traffic anyway.
In a large change of subject, my prayers go to all who will be at 9/11 services tomorrow. May you be safe, and may your grief be replaced with the peace of God which passes all understanding.
In a large change of subject, my prayers go to all who will be at 9/11 services tomorrow. May you be safe, and may your grief be replaced with the peace of God which passes all understanding.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Studies in Heaven?
When I first started this blog, I said there were three things I am especially interested in. They were: 1) Latin America and the Spanish language; 2) women's rights, especially in the Church, and; 3) creationism and ID theory.
I find that as time goes on, my interests have shifted almost primarily to the third, as it concerns biology, evolution and creation. That has probably been reflected in the number of entries devoted to this subject from early on.
Biology is so fascinating that I can't tear myself from it even when I try. Of course, biology is crucial in understanding things like medicine and even psychology. But I am not involved in these endeavors and my interest is mainly from a perspective of being awed by God's abilities.
But sometimes I wonder, will biology be relevant in heaven? Will God reveal the history of his creative steps on Earth to us? Paul had said that our bodies will be different after death, and one wonders to what extent that will be. There is description in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 15 about this. Will we no longer care about the details of how our bodies work here?
I suppose those who have devoted their lives to study of these subjects may have hold-overs in heaven. They'd like to finally find out about confusing fossils, or which biological characteristics may have developed on their own and which had been affected directly by God. And perhaps with increased understanding we may be able to follow more of the systems of biology and see how it all works together. The earthly body is so remarkable that it would make good subject matter even in heaven.
The above Bible chapter is a powerful one in that at the end, Paul says we should stand firm and work for the Lord. God gives victory over death through Jesus Christ. As far as a person's interests go, this should be the priority, an organizing factor for which all other interests fall in their rightful place. It can be a little hard for each of us to discern how to do this best, but it is what I will try to do from now on.
I find that as time goes on, my interests have shifted almost primarily to the third, as it concerns biology, evolution and creation. That has probably been reflected in the number of entries devoted to this subject from early on.
Biology is so fascinating that I can't tear myself from it even when I try. Of course, biology is crucial in understanding things like medicine and even psychology. But I am not involved in these endeavors and my interest is mainly from a perspective of being awed by God's abilities.
But sometimes I wonder, will biology be relevant in heaven? Will God reveal the history of his creative steps on Earth to us? Paul had said that our bodies will be different after death, and one wonders to what extent that will be. There is description in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 15 about this. Will we no longer care about the details of how our bodies work here?
I suppose those who have devoted their lives to study of these subjects may have hold-overs in heaven. They'd like to finally find out about confusing fossils, or which biological characteristics may have developed on their own and which had been affected directly by God. And perhaps with increased understanding we may be able to follow more of the systems of biology and see how it all works together. The earthly body is so remarkable that it would make good subject matter even in heaven.
The above Bible chapter is a powerful one in that at the end, Paul says we should stand firm and work for the Lord. God gives victory over death through Jesus Christ. As far as a person's interests go, this should be the priority, an organizing factor for which all other interests fall in their rightful place. It can be a little hard for each of us to discern how to do this best, but it is what I will try to do from now on.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Personal Evolution
For the last few weeks I've had the time to catch up on my favorite blogs, Evolution News and Darwin's God. I've learned about new discoveries concerning what used to be called "Junk DNA." The evolutionists told us these inter-gene regions were worthless leftovers from evolution. But now scientists are finding that these "pseudo-genes" do a lot of regulation of genes and other cell metabolism. Doctors believe they might be very important in future medical treatments for things like cancer suppression.
But those who are intent on proving total materialistic evolution (totally by chance) keep on coming up with arguments you wouldn't believe if you didn't see them. I won't go into all of them now. Follow the links to the blogs above if you are interested in details. I myself feel I am ready to move on in many ways from the evolution arguments.
Still, I pray for the people who devote their talents and dedication to the truth. I also pray for those who have been in the neo-Darwinian mindset for many years. It's easy to see why they would be--they are taught it in school and many scientists say it is true. But I believed neo-Darwian evolution myself until I started really thinking about it. I read a book by I. L. Cohen, Darwin was Wrong (New Research Pub., 1984). It affected me greatly, but it wasn't enough. I had to be honest in my own heart. I had to be willing to think a different way, and that is not easy. That is what I ask people who have their doubts in this evolution debate to do.
I don't know how much more I will write about this subject. I have put much time into pictures and explanations, but there are many other things to explore. I think God's Creation is absolutely fabulous and I marvel over it. When scientists ask what they should do about miracles, my answer is a resounding, "Praise the Lord through Jesus Christ!"
But those who are intent on proving total materialistic evolution (totally by chance) keep on coming up with arguments you wouldn't believe if you didn't see them. I won't go into all of them now. Follow the links to the blogs above if you are interested in details. I myself feel I am ready to move on in many ways from the evolution arguments.
Still, I pray for the people who devote their talents and dedication to the truth. I also pray for those who have been in the neo-Darwinian mindset for many years. It's easy to see why they would be--they are taught it in school and many scientists say it is true. But I believed neo-Darwian evolution myself until I started really thinking about it. I read a book by I. L. Cohen, Darwin was Wrong (New Research Pub., 1984). It affected me greatly, but it wasn't enough. I had to be honest in my own heart. I had to be willing to think a different way, and that is not easy. That is what I ask people who have their doubts in this evolution debate to do.
I don't know how much more I will write about this subject. I have put much time into pictures and explanations, but there are many other things to explore. I think God's Creation is absolutely fabulous and I marvel over it. When scientists ask what they should do about miracles, my answer is a resounding, "Praise the Lord through Jesus Christ!"
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Keeping in Touch
I have a few reasons for posting today. It's been a while since I've posted, so I thought I'd just say hi. So, hi there.
I wondered if Google would close me down if I didn't post at least once in a while, so that is my second reason for posting.
The third is that there is getting to be so much evidence for design in nature that I've wondered if there are people out there who are finally realizing there might be something to the design arguments. If there is anyone who would like a sincere discussion, I'd be happy to engage. I'm not talking about know-it-all put-downs from either side. You know what I mean.
A very interesting book has come out by Jonathan Wells, The Myth of Junk DNA, (Discovery Institute, 2011). Wells predicts that the vast intervals of DNA between genes will someday be discovered to have function. Discovery Institute, the publishers, is associated with the blog Evolution News. That and Darwin's God blog by Cornelius Hunter are my favorite places to keep up on the design theories. Since I've gotten a job, I haven't put as much time into the debate as I used to. Actually, I haven't been as busy in my job as I thought I would, but it could change at any time. So I've been working on my house and getting ready for summer company. But I digress.
I don't agree with the theology of what I understand as the official Intelligent Design line. They say the designer has intelligence, but that is as far as they want to go (even though it is inevitable that they be asked who the designer is). I am a Creationist and say that I believe God created life. I can't go to church in the morning and proclaim I believe God created all things seen and unseen and in the afternoon go to an Intelligent Design workshop and agree that the designer could be anybody.
I'm not on social networks and realize I'm doing an obscure blog. But, I'm someone to talk with about what might be on your mind about this whole evolution/design/creation debate that is going on in our country and Europe and probably the whole world to some extent. If you find me and are interested, drop me a line.
I wondered if Google would close me down if I didn't post at least once in a while, so that is my second reason for posting.
The third is that there is getting to be so much evidence for design in nature that I've wondered if there are people out there who are finally realizing there might be something to the design arguments. If there is anyone who would like a sincere discussion, I'd be happy to engage. I'm not talking about know-it-all put-downs from either side. You know what I mean.
A very interesting book has come out by Jonathan Wells, The Myth of Junk DNA, (Discovery Institute, 2011). Wells predicts that the vast intervals of DNA between genes will someday be discovered to have function. Discovery Institute, the publishers, is associated with the blog Evolution News. That and Darwin's God blog by Cornelius Hunter are my favorite places to keep up on the design theories. Since I've gotten a job, I haven't put as much time into the debate as I used to. Actually, I haven't been as busy in my job as I thought I would, but it could change at any time. So I've been working on my house and getting ready for summer company. But I digress.
I don't agree with the theology of what I understand as the official Intelligent Design line. They say the designer has intelligence, but that is as far as they want to go (even though it is inevitable that they be asked who the designer is). I am a Creationist and say that I believe God created life. I can't go to church in the morning and proclaim I believe God created all things seen and unseen and in the afternoon go to an Intelligent Design workshop and agree that the designer could be anybody.
I'm not on social networks and realize I'm doing an obscure blog. But, I'm someone to talk with about what might be on your mind about this whole evolution/design/creation debate that is going on in our country and Europe and probably the whole world to some extent. If you find me and are interested, drop me a line.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Slow to Post
As I have said before, I found a job and will now be working. This will keep me busy and I will probably not be posting very much in my blog anymore, at least for a while. I blogged a lot about science and how I think it demonstrates Creation. I still enjoy reading other websites that talk about these issues, and the links to some of them are in my blog here on the right column. Also from there you can still download the book and booklets. If you are interested, you can go to the archives and see what I have written about proteins and other amazing biological structures. So, even though I won't be writing much, I hope you will still enjoy my blog.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Got a Job
I finally got a job after about 7 months of looking. I won't go into details because I'm getting ready for work. It has been a long time since I formally worked--about 18 years believe it or not. I wanted to write, which I did, and I was a housewife and I volunteered in various agencies and on committees. I kept quite busy and was like retired people who are so busy they wondered how they ever found time for their job.
But now it is my turn. I'm a little nervous, but it feels so good to have found a job.
But now it is my turn. I'm a little nervous, but it feels so good to have found a job.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year 2011
We wish everyone a Happy New Year 2011.
Today is Jan. 1, so we have many Bowl games to watch--Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State, the Rose Bowl. Too bad the ones we are interested in all come at once. But, at least we get to see them in our home.
We have many blessings (and I'm not just talking about watching Bowl Games). However, there are challenges too. I'm still looking for a job.
This New Year's Day I praise the Lord, for He is the amazing Creator. His imagination and innovation are spectacular. I pray all persons will realize this.
I pray for evangelists, that they may get the message out about Jesus Christ our Savior. He is the True God and came to Earth to die for our sins so that we could have salvation. He asks we repent of our sins and believe in Him.
I pray for the Christians in Egypt who were attacked at New Year's Mass.
It is a challenging yet beautiful world. May we make the most of what God has given us.
Today is Jan. 1, so we have many Bowl games to watch--Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State, the Rose Bowl. Too bad the ones we are interested in all come at once. But, at least we get to see them in our home.
We have many blessings (and I'm not just talking about watching Bowl Games). However, there are challenges too. I'm still looking for a job.
This New Year's Day I praise the Lord, for He is the amazing Creator. His imagination and innovation are spectacular. I pray all persons will realize this.
I pray for evangelists, that they may get the message out about Jesus Christ our Savior. He is the True God and came to Earth to die for our sins so that we could have salvation. He asks we repent of our sins and believe in Him.
I pray for the Christians in Egypt who were attacked at New Year's Mass.
It is a challenging yet beautiful world. May we make the most of what God has given us.
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