Wisdom and Folly Blog - Latest Comments

Re: Amy’s New Book: Letting Go of Perfect

Jen — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:46:49 -0000

Wouldn't the world be a lot better if we could all just be who we should be, rough edges and all? Sounds like a great book with an always-needed message, and one that I have fought hard to learn myself. For me, making art has been the voice of God I needed to do it! Good luck w/ your book...

Re: Sex Bounty on Tim Tebow

Andrés Cabezas — Thu, 03 May 2012 22:49:54 -0000

Speaking of publicity, it might not be a good idea to link directly to the affair site, especially since the linked page (the front gate of that dungeon) doesn't provide any additional information helpful to the discussion. Even just mentioning the site's name can have unintended consequences (like giving it free publicity among readers who would like to avoid such a site). Unfortunately, mentioning the site's name is almost unavoidable and probably necessary from a journalistic point of view.

Re: Sex Bounty on Tim Tebow

Andrés Cabezas — Thu, 03 May 2012 22:24:34 -0000

Yes, if Tebow got married, his wife collected, and they donated the funds to an organization that strengthens couples' marriages, that'd be poetic justice!

(That probably won't happen given the bounty's expiration date. The whole thing smells of a publicity stunt, meant to lure and ensnare more users. Tebow is most likely a secondary target.)

Re: Heaven is Little House on the Prairie

Lezlie — Wed, 02 May 2012 21:43:56 -0000

Yes.

Re: Sex Bounty on Tim Tebow

Paul Toman — Wed, 02 May 2012 07:50:53 -0000

Let's hope his wife collects.

Re: Snapshots

Ben Turnbill — Tue, 01 May 2012 01:45:56 -0000

Thanks. Will plug.

Re: Reflections on Ecclesiastes 1:18

Ben Turnbill — Tue, 01 May 2012 01:42:25 -0000

A notion I favor is The ease of a Christian's yoke is granted by the degree to the extent that he accepts it (Faith, holy love). ("He's not heavy; he is my brother!")

Re: Fourteen Facts About My Wife

Ben Turnbill — Tue, 01 May 2012 01:37:39 -0000

nice.

Re: Sex Bounty on Tim Tebow

Ben Turnbill — Tue, 01 May 2012 01:24:02 -0000

Seriously, in love: Can you allow your blog to let dumb phones comment? It hard for this uninformed dumb-phone user.

Re: Sex Bounty on Tim Tebow

Ben Turnbill — Tue, 01 May 2012 01:22:50 -0000

HERE HERE!

Re: Why Illegal Drug Use is Immoral

Stephen — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:08:50 -0000

What would you say to your students(in addition to point 2) if the United States were to legalize narcotics?

Alone the same lines, wouldn't you consider it better to have arguments that hold no matter the current opinion of the government?

Re: The Making of an Atheist

Apuva — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:42:04 -0000

Have not read the book yet but will order now. Great topic, something I also have been pondering. I suffered from atheism in university and few years after it, because it was the norm and it was easier to think like other students thought, or lecturers and big figures (like Dawking) proclaimed. Students tend to believe everything their teachers tell them. Only years after university, with lots of self-reflection, therapy and exposing myself to deep thinkers, I was able to start think freely and really choose what I believe in. I created a hybrid model where religion and science can co-exist. Many christian scientists see no problem in science and religion co-existing. In the end, I really think atheism is the free ride that requires no thought process - just re-iterate what Dawking says ad infinitum. Its scary how popular multi-millionaire Dawking is, how he is able to manipulate weak-minded people. Atheism is not a solution, its a symptom of a dysfunctional soul.

Re: Why Beauty is an Objective Quality in the World

Steve — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:35:44 -0000

Take this idea for a test drive: Beauty is a physical representation of good.
Now the real missing piece in the discussion below is what might "ground" beauty as objective. And, the missing piece in how I defined beauty above is, how could I "ground" my use of the word "good". If good and evil are objective, I have to identify an objective source. If beauty and ugliness are objective, I have to identify an objective source. If good and evil are only subjective, then I can't complain when someone steals my laptop or kicks me in the shins - I may not "like" it, but it can't be actually wrong. For these things to be "wrong" in the objective sense we'd need a being that held a perfect moral standard and was above the system of societies and cultures and what individuals "value". I'd need God to define good, then evil would be anything that was missing "good" in all its fulness. But what of beauty? If beauty is God's perfect design of me, then I'm beautiful to the extent that the design is intact. I have a genetic disease. That is ugly. To the extent that I don't live sacrificially for others like the God who designed me, that is ugly. You get the idea. I was brought up to believe that beauty is subjective, but this idea that it is objective seems to fit better with how I observe the world to actually be. Objective beauty intrigues me. I hope you all have some fun working out how beauty could be objective. This is my crack at it. -- Steve

Re: Heaven is Little House on the Prairie

Hilary (Lightfoot) Ludema — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:55:11 -0000

It sounds like we've been reading the same books to our kids, Amy! I enjoyed this glimpse into your thoughts, and your view of Paradise sounds heavenly. Thanks for sharing!

Re: Fourteen Facts About My Wife

Tia — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 05:14:11 -0000

WoW!! I wish i will also get a woman like that..

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her.

Hope some time in future that part "Her children arise and call her blessed" will be read.

Re: Reflections on Ecclesiastes 1:18

Infinitemirth — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 11:35:24 -0000

It's possible (though perhaps support in the Biblical text may be scant) that the Preacher's tone of despair and resignation (which permeates the book) makes the point that it is in the pursuit of much of wisdom and more knowledge there is sorrow and grief--because full knowledge is never attainable, at least in this world. The Christian, however, can look forward to the day of Jesus Christ for then it is when wisdom and knowledge are fulfilled and made complete.

Re: Snapshots

Koert — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:28:19 -0000

Amy, I'm glad someone else out there loves Awake. I hope all is well in Upland.

Re: The Black Keys’ Brothers: A Review

Jeff — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:27:37 -0000

I have recently been turned on to them and checked out a face-melting show they put on here in Cleveland recently. It was a hometown show (they are from Akron) and despite a sub-optimal venue (Quicken Loans arena) they put on a very tight and energetic set. After the show I picked up "Rubber Factory" and have not been disappointed. Each track seems better than the next. Highly recommended!

Re: A Weekend of Contrasts

Kat Forbes — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:54:54 -0000

I love this bitty article and I totally agree about the joys of intergenerational relationships...I just wish the final paragraph had been longer. I absolutely love descriptions of ice cream (funny cause it's true).
On a different note. Do you love Downton Abbey?
Can you hardly wait for Season 2 of PBS's Sherlock starting in May?

Re: Greater Expectations

layla solms — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:32:09 -0000

you speak the truth

Re: Unreasonable Doubt—Answering Some Critics

Jim Jones — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 16:49:36 -0000

"But, assuming that God exists and that the Bible is divinely inspired, it seems appropriate to consider what, if anything, Scripture says about the causes of atheism."

Assuming that the Flying Spaghetti Monster exists, it seems appropriate to consider what, if anything, Scripture says about the causes of world wide starvation.

Might we ask when, and if, Christians will finally sell all they have and give it to the poor? Might the current presidential candidates lead the way?

Re: What’s So Offensive About Christianity?

Angel — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 13:37:09 -0000

I agree that sometimes as Christians we do get pushy. Although I myself have never tried to share my faith with anyone I have seen others do it and they will sometimes get adimit about it and scare the person away. I think if those who share their testimonies with others and the things that God did for them in their lives did not get so high on their soup boxes then I think there wouldn't be as many offended people. We need to share our faith and not sit on our hunches this world is plummeting and fast its time we stand up and show them the way out. We need to do it with strategy and tactic. I think it needs to start with our government. And we can start by electing somebody who will flip our country around for the good. So lets get out there and vote this November. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Remembering Dr. Wynn Kenyon (1948-2012)

Josh Dear — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 03:19:54 -0000

Bro. Jim, that's precisely the Wynn Kenyon that I remember, too, from my time as his student between 1995 and 1997, when I graduated with a B.A. in "Biblical Studies". Like you, I have been significantly influenced by both the content of his teaching and the character of his heart. I will never forget him, and I imagine that nobody who had the pleasure of knowing him ever will. He was QUITE a memorable character!

He will be greatly missed by many of us during the reminder of our earthly lives, but like you, I hope that I will increasingly reflect some of his finest attributes in my own life and ministry. Thank you for sharing this delightful and vivid portrait of the man that you remember so fondly. May we all let our memories of him continue to inspire us and prompt us toward holier, and more theologically rich, living - and may we all keep looking forward, with great anticipation, to that day when we will see him and so many other beloved saints once again.

Re: Why Beauty is an Objective Quality in the World

Mike — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:45:37 -0000

It's worth noting Jim that you only invoke European styles of art in your conversation. What this tells me is that you are not advancing an actual logical point, but instead attempting to appeal to one particular cultural style of work and aesthetic; in other words, something that is not "pleasing to a Eurocentric eye" is inferior to anything that is European in origin. You clearly have a nonreligious-but-cultural-and-aesthetic axe to grind here.

You also invoked Godwin's law. And since you failed to provide a reason why he is like the nazis or the supposed source you believe he watches are like nazis, you have made an emotional appeal, which is inadmissible in debate. Therefore, you automatically lost.

Also, before you accuse me of being brainwashed, I don't have cable (stopped paying for it 1 1/2 years ago when TV turned into a cesspool, plus another 120 dollars back in my pocket every month,) and I don't watch any of the mainstream news. Fox, MSNBC, CNN, it's all crooks and liars owned by the same people. And I find it funny that you accuse public schools of brainwashing, yet you guys didn't have any problem with the "social guidance" films in schools in the 1950's, tellin g people how they should act, what they should think, etc.

Pwned.

Re: Peeved Driving

Jmspiegel — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:07:06 -0000

Good point, Jason. I agree and have had the same experience.