Spliting Hairs and Atoms

We should all have a zeal for the truth, contend for the truth, and fine-tune our beliefs in accordance with the truth. It is appropriate and necessary at times to debate among ourselves in an effort to know the truth of a matter. In fact, this is one of the many ways in which we learn. But in an attempt to do what is right, and be right, we sometimes go too far entering into a vain, futile, unprofitable, unfruitful, judgmental activity. In wanting to be right all the time about every single thing we demonstrate our folly. When the focus on what really matters regarding the truth is lost and we begin hair splitting, we follow in the spirit of old scholasticism. It was common place for the Scholastic to debate so tediously that they gained a reputation for arguing about how many angels could dance on the head of a pin. When we obsess to this point, we do damage and injustice to truth in the kingdom of God; all the while thinking we are doing a good thing; thinking God is own our side; that God needs us to stand up for him. What foolishness!
Our hair splitting only becomes explosive and destructive. It should be better classified under the science of atom splitting according to the natural sciences. Truth is lost and what becomes the object of attention is nothing more than triviality. This is not beneficial and not done for the glory of God, but the glory of man. This is not honorable in the sight of God. It causes divisions among ourselves, and makes a spectacle to the world. Agree to disagree. State your point. If it is truth it will be made evident by God as he sees fit. Otherwise it will be yet another witness against sinful obstinacy and arrogance.
What does it hurt, but by contrast, how much more good is there to be gained in yielding our opinion and allowing the opinion of others to stand at times?
We cannot force anyone to see the truth of spiritual matters. God reveals these things to us. Small matters, and this is what I speak of, should not worry us nor divide us. Even when dealing with false teachers on major issues we should have reservation and avoid foolish controversies (Titus 3:9).

Being Original in Writing

I have been struggling with the idea of writing a book or two. There is a big part of me that says that there is no need to. Our culture is running on information overload in a sense. I rationalize that what I might say has already been said and--I am sure better! I further reason that there are multitudes of solid Christian writers out there and they are doing a great job so what need is there for me to add anything?
All through school we are exhorted to be original when writing term papers, i.e. say something new. This progresses when it comes to writing prospectuses, theses and doctoral dissertations, though somewhere along the way "research" in integrated in. I guess to save face.
I have always been frustrated with this and want to respond by saying, what's the bibliography for again? Or, I read your book and there was nothing new there!
Well, though it has probably already been said, and said better (There is nothing new under the sun anyhow right?), I realize the point is that we all have our part to do. Someone may not read Augustine or Calvin, but they may pick up something current (Lord help em if it's mine). So, there is our responsibility as regards this, but also I seem to learn better when taking something in and then putting it back out. So there is a personal beneficial advantage in this regard.
I conclude this matter then by saying, though there may not be anything I can add that's new, I will nevertheless press forward with the matter of the writing of books. Indeed I hope that I do not add anything new at all for in my subject area this would be heresy, creative perhaps, but not new. It is the old that I am interested in; not the new, because what is new is not always true. Even current topics being addressed by Christian writers today for the most part are not new but old ideas in new clothes. There are exceptions or course, especially in the field of medical ethics, but there is not usually some ting absolutely new and original. So I will stick with the old and say what has been said and what will continue to be said until the end, that Jesus saves sinners! Unless Martians land and then I may write a book on the nature of Martians, or something, in light of scripture.

Mounce on Greek

"I have seen a rather interesting pattern develop. The only people I have heard say that Greek is not important are those who do not themselves know Greek. Strange (William D. Mounce, Basics of Biblical Greek).

Greek Again

Just when I thought I was done with seminary for a while I find myself having to do some "leveling" work to satisfy demands of Ph.D. applications. So I am back at RTS taking Greek-again! My biblical languages are only on the college level and must be brought up to standard with that of the graduate level. We are using the same textbook and my college professor of Greek was and is as good as they come. But praise God I will know Greek! Bureaucracy at its finest! But God in his wisdom!!
I am reminded of when I was in graduate school at USM. There were college students taking some of the same courses as the grad students. We used the same text books, had the same professor, took the same tests, etc., but one was labeled graduate the other undergraduate. I hope they don't have to do leveling work like me.

I am taking on a better attitude having been somewhat discouraged by the bureaucrats lately. I do not intend to complain (maybe I am), but hope to see all things in faith. Sometimes problems need to be pointed out though don't they?

Theologians and Philosophers

In my opinion the greatest theologian of all time was Augustine. Second to Augustine is John Calvin who is similar to him. I like Thomas Aquinas a lot as well. One could spend a lifetime immersed in the writings of these theological giants. They are my favorites. Do not go through life without at least reading their best works. As for philosophers, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are the best of the best. Of course there are some fine living theologians and philosophers too as there have been throughout all of history. There is, however, a high standard to live up to as we walk in the shadows of giants that have gone before us.

Don Kistler Quote

Don Kistler preached today at Saint Paul's on 2 Samuel 23:1-5. Here is a quote from the sermon (according to the best of my memory).

"There is more right with God than is wrong with me" (Don Kistler).

Prayer

Lord guard my heart so that all of my affections are in direct accord with your will; enlighten my mind so all of my understanding comes from you; guard my tongue so that all I speak about is you. Direct my sight toward heaven so all I see is you. Keep me from foolish actions and spurious decisions that are not thought out and do harm rather than good.
I love you above all things on earth. Your word is more valuable to me than anything to me. It brings me great joy and happiness to study it. Your word is the source of all true knowledge and wisdom. Teach me its mysteries. Bring me clarity of understanding of all things revealed in it. It is a light to my soul. It is a guide for my path. But Lord do not leave me void of your presence. Walk with me as you did with Enoch. Show me your glory as you did for Moses. Give me a double portion of your Spirit as you did for Elisha. Give me wisdom as that of Solomon. Give me Jesus who died for me! For he is the summation of what it is that I ask. Forgive me of my sins and do not hide your face from me but look at Jesus in my stead. I grow weary of this world and all of the evil in it. I can only find peace in you. Keep me fixated on you. Keep my family as an object of your favor. I love my wife as the one you have given me, but help my love of her to increase. I love my children as they are gifts from you. Teach me the example of fatherhood. Bless them as you have blessed me in this life. Watch over them and bring them into close fellowship with you. As for the one to be adopted, give her comfort and peace.
Let us know what your will is for us and we will do it no matter what the cost may be in life or in death. (A prayer Robert N. Landrum)