morningstarmen

The Challenge Presented by Evil, Pain and Suffering

Not many are immune to asking the "why" question when suffering comes. Why did this good person get sick, or why do innocent children go without food, or why did the Tornado strike here or there? Every theist must have answers - if for no other reason than to satisfy the ache or doubt in his own heart. Every Biblical Theist is offered from the pages of Scripture some limited answers to why both Natural and Moral evil are a constant presence in this world. Still, when we ask the question, "what best explains reality as we see and understand it?" it sometimes appears that the naturalist has an intellectual edge in the discussion. If there is no ordered purpose, plan and meaning behind what we see then bad things, just are. They don't need to be explained. And they really aren't bad, they are just bad because we experience them as such. But the Theist is bound - in this case - to provide a more careful and reasoned answer. Since the Theist believes in a powerful and good God, he is called to answer the skeptics question about evil's presence in this world.

Do we have credible and reasonable answers? Let's consider that.

Where Do Beliefs Originate? What types of doubts assault people and why?

Most people have experienced doubts about their critical and foundational views of life. But where do our beliefs arise from to begin with?

Knowing why we believe is as important as understanding what we believe. Most people would like to "believe" that their beliefs are based on sound reason and logical assumptions. But is that true? Do we believe BECAUSE we know? Or do we believe some things simply because we've never had the interest or passion to see where those beliefs originated? Let's look at that this time.

Why the Biblical accounts in Genesi matter. Why do we return to them so frequently?

No matter WHO you are, believer, skeptic, one who is thoroughly indifferent, or perhaps one who is outwardly and inwardly hostile to Biblical Theism, you'll have to admit that a first reading through the early parts of Genesis is a wild ride into the mind-bending. Is this stuff for real?  Is it the mere invention of under-educated and highly superstitious minds? Or is there more at work here? Even believers are prone to pause and sigh and mumble semi-audible doubts when attempting to determine how best to treat these old accounts describing even older events.

But they are still with us. Still revered by many and attacked by others. No one attacks the Easter Bunny or the Tooth Fairly. If these are merely harmless myths, then why are their renderings of reality still being discussed or attacked? Most old mythology is discussed only in dingy library settings or obscure college class rooms. Yet the Genesis accounts frequently find their way into every-day discussions and are even engrained into our common speech and knowledge. We know what forbidden fruit is. Why? Sometimes the phrase "am I my brother's keeper?" rolls over the lips of a disgruntled and embittered family member. Why?

 

When the Book of Nature is Exhausted. What is Biblical Theism?

Naturalism or Supernaturalism? Which best explains reality? But that's only the beginning of a series of questions to be answered. If there is a force behind the origins of reality, what is that force like? Where do we go for answers when we've exhausted what nature can reveal?

What Best Explains Reality Is God a viable Alternative to Explain what we see and experience?

Everyone has questions. Surprisingly, while many dismiss God and an answer to almost anything except "what do Theists imagine?" there may actually be reasons for any thinking person to consider God as the answer to many questions.

What Best Explains Reality? Is God a viable Alternative to Explain what we see and experience?

Everyone has questions. Surprisingly, while many dismiss God and an answer to almost anything except "what do Theists imagine?" there may actually be reasons for any thinking person to consider God as the answer to many questions.

Relational Stewardship

How do we care for those whom we have influence over in such a way as to bring to God the "fruit" that he longs for. Jesus had some tough words for leaders who seemed far more concerned with using people for their own benefit than leading them in ways which would bring greater connection between God and those whom he loves. That was then...but there may be similar challenged faced by each of us today. Let's take a closer look.

Suffering...How can we live and What can we learn

Forgiveness

Leaning in to forgiveness...the cure for a corrosive resentment. Bring healing and spiritual well-being to others and to yourself.

Conflict Done Well

Disagreement is normal and natural. Conflict, being the expression of a disagreement between 2 or more people is then also something to be expected and considered normal. But what about resolution? What about civility? How can we have safe conflicts which do not demean the other party or diminish their worth?