A Phenomenological Approach To The Scriptures

The goal of this post is to present a (seminary) model, an environment that allows scripture to speak for itself.  In other words, one which would take a “phenomenological approach” to scripture.

Is Death Natural?

Is death natural?  It would seem that there is very little that is obviously more natural than death.  Every living being we perceive in this world comes into being, lives, and dies.  So why even ask the question?  I ask the question because we do not act as if death is natural.  In some ways we act as if death is unnatural.  It seems to me that if death is one of the obviously natural events in the existence of a living being, then the way that many living beings react to the prospect of death is strange.  Likewise, if death is simply a natural part of living; then why do we not welcome it, embrace it, cheer when a loved one's life ends?  I suppose there are a number of reasons why we do not embrace death and look forward to it.  Nonetheless, given the way we actually do, in most cases,seek to avoid death and become sad when our loved ones die...Is death natural?

Grace, Faith, and Merit

In my last post "Obstacles to Grace?" I quickly stated, " It might seem that 'having faith' is something 'done' by the believer.  I think not, but for the sake of space I will save that for the next post."  I would like to revisit that thought in this post; however, as I have been pondering that statement I have come to the conclusion that the issue at hand concerns Christian faith and merit. Is a Christian's faith in Christ worthy of merit?  Another way to say the same thing...Is grace faith-dependent in such a way that faith may be considered a work (i.e. something done that deserves recompense) through which grace is earned?

Obstacles to Grace?

Last week I was invited into a discussion concerning one short phrase, "obstacles to grace."  The question under consideration could be stated as follows, "Does the phrase 'obstacles to grace' inform or misinform one's understanding of the gospel of grace?"  I realize that some might complain that such a discussion is unhelpful and simply a wrangling over words. That may be the case.  Even so, I liken it to two objects placed on different trajectories. If the two objects begin in the same general place, their difference in trajectory may not be so easily observed. Nonetheless, as the two objects move in the direction of their respective trajectories the difference becomes obvious.  A short phrase like 'obstacles to grace' may seem harmless enough prima facie.  However, I think it may be an unhelpful phrase and have negative import in relation to one's understanding of the gospel of grace.

Why Believe?

I have heard it argued more than once that the sole value of any given religion is essentially a moral value.  The only good that religion, in general or in particular, has to offer is a moral code, or a moral way of life.  In fact, it is argued, there can be gleaned a common moral code from all the great religions.  If all particular religions could be emptied of their respective doctrines and belief systems, then we all could embrace essentially the same, good moral code. In this way, the world would be infinitely better.  No more differences about doctrines and beliefs, just good people getting along...finally.  I can see some sense in this argument.

Time and Meaning

In his recent offering for The New York Times titled "On Modern Time," Espen Hammer examines modern society's perception of time.  Hammer's prognosis is bleak.  Modern society is dissatisfied and the clock is to blame.  So what is the remedy?  Hammer offers one, but it seems wholly unhelpful.  Nonetheless, the subject (i.e. time) is important. That being the case, I would like to share some thoughts that Hammer's treatment of the subject brought to mind.

Does the Scientific Method Employ a Logical Fallacy?

In The Limitation of Bacon's Scientific Method Jacob Schriftman suggests that the scientific method is based on the formal logical fallacy commonly known as "Affirming the Consequent."  If correct, this is an astounding claim.  Could it be that the scientific method is founded on bad reasoning?  In this post I will attempt to explain the suggestion made by Schriftman and then I will share my thoughts on the implications.

Christian Love: Emotion or Act?

I want to show that Christian love is essentially an intended act of the will.  This may not seem obvious at first, because our culture often identifies love with emotion.  In order to clarify, I will begin with an analysis of love in general, and then I will move to a consideration of Christian love in particular.

Troy Davis or Lawrence Russell Brewer: Which One is the Straw Man?

I would like to offer a philosophical suggestion to activists.  In short, if you want to prove your point, then attack your opponent's strongest position.  If you can show this position to be flawed, then any weaker position will be seen as flawed as well.  On the other hand, if you attack a weaker position of your opponent, then a stronger position held by your opponent may escape unscathed (so to speak) and you will still have work to do.
Take as an example the executions of Troy Davis and Lawrence Russell Brewer, both of which occurred on the same day Sept. 21, 2011.

To the Epistemic Humility Challenged Christian

The last few posts have been focused on atheism and and the naturalistic worldview from which atheism is derived.  In the interest of fairness and epistemic humility I would like to "turn the tables" (so to speak) and focus on the worldview I function within: Christianity.

Atheism: Worldview or Objective Point of View (Revisited)

In this post I would like to explain why I do not believe atheism is the result of an objective point of view.  Also, I would like to explore at least one of the ethical implications that I believe obtain as a result of my understanding of worldviews. Lets begin with a quote from James K.A. Smith.

Worldviews, Primary Assumptions, and Certainty

In the last post ("Atheism: Worldview or Objective Point of View") I promised 1) to show why I believe that all people have a worldview, and 2) to show why I believe that all worldviews are based on primary assumptions that are not ultimately subject to evidence or reason.

Atheism: Worldview or Objective Point of View

Is atheism a worldview or an objective point of view?  I ask this question in response to two blog posts found in The Washington Post section On Faith.  Both posts are written by prominent atheists and both posts are addressing secular studies as found in universities. However, the authors of the posts seem to disagree as to the status of secular approaches to education.