Month: November 2011

Science and Faith

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I’m not very smart in a lot of areas, and one of those areas is science.  Because I never felt like I needed to learn science-y stuff.  I took chemistry because there was promise of explosions (thank Mr. Hilty).

But lately, I have been compelled to reconsider my understanding of faith and science and how they interact.  This has led me to have some really interesting conversations, but more importantly it has led me to trust God more and more as I talk about scientific investigations that some might feel could discredit my faith.  This has not happened at all.  My faith, I feel, has actually become stronger.

One of the blogs I read is from Professor of Philosophy Jamie Smith.  Smith was the prof. of one of the most impacting classes in my entire MATC at Northwest University.  He posted this blog about an organization called The Colossian Forum, which is trying to help foster conversations between science and faith.  I watched this video today and was encouraged about the science and faith discussion, and reminded that truly all things hold together in Christ.  If you are intersted in the Colossian Forum go check them out.

Crazy Weekend

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The next few days have a pretty crazy rhythm.

Tonight – I have a wedding rehearsal.  Kathy is also working tonight.

Tomorrow – I am doing the wedding.  Kathy is scheduled to work as well.

Saturday – Creekside Comedy for Missions event.  Looking forward to it, I’m even going to do a short set.

Sunday – I’m preaching 9am, 11am and 6pm and I’m starting a new round of pre-marriage counseling at 4:30 pm.

Monday – VACATION DAY!!!!

It’s going to be a pretty busy couple of days but it’s going to be a lot of fun.  And Monday is going to be a great vacation day.

Sometimes my schedule gets crazy on accident, sometimes there are seasons of Crazy.  The important thing that I have learned is what kind of rhythm I need to survive the craziness.  Fortunately I have a lot of vacation days to use up still (I don’t know how) so looking at the craziness of this weekend I need Monday to rest and recharge.

What’s your rhythm?  Do you take breaks before your a busy season or after?

Erasing Hate

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Erasing Hate

This is Bryon.  Bryon is a reformed neo-nazi.  He used his tattoos to show his beliefs to the world.  When he had a change of heart and realized the destructive path he was on, he didn’t want to project that hate to the world anymore and so he went through the painful process of having his tattoos removed.

You can see the AP story here:

and you can see the trailer for the documentary Erasing Hate here:

Bryon considered this process a form of pennance for all the pain that he inflicted on others.

Wow.

Here’s the really amazing thing.  While no one can see my sins, Jesus bore all the pain of my sin on the Cross.  When God looks at me, he doesn’t see my sin anymore, he see’s Jesus.  What Bryon went through to change his physical appearance, Jesus endured something even worse to change Bryon’s and yours and my spiritual appearance.  That’s incredible grace and Jesus did that.

When God looks at us he sees Jesus grace.  When we look at others do we have that same kind of Grace perspective?  Do we see how Jesus wants to change people?  Or do we simply see the sin?

I’m amazed by Bryon’s story.  And I’m glad that he was able to transform his face, and I hope that his story will help many people to see the error and destruction of racism.  And I hope that this story will help us to see that even the people that we don’t think can ever be changed, can in fact be transformed.

Jesus please help me to walk in grace!