I bought 2 new CDs this week.
On Monday night, I bought the new Mat Kearney album. Every once in awhile, I know that an album is coming out (on a Tuesday, as most albums do), and I go on iTunes a little after 9 pm on Monday to see if they're out yet (because it's already Tuesday on the East Coast). So I did that.
The CD is really great. The guy knows how to write a catchy tune, and I liked his use of programming a lot.
Then, on Wednesday or Thursday, I heard about the band Paper Route. I wish I'd known about them sooner. They just put out their first full-length album and it's amazing. Ambient meets electronica, but still definitely pop-py enough to be enjoyable. It's the perfect blend of dissonance and smoothness. I also like their use of programming a lot.
I'm even more motivated to get back into programming sweet beats in Reason.
Hillsong United is putting out a new CD this coming Tuesday, so I'm sure I'll have a bunch of new worship songs to be learning.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Jesus is God
OK, all this answering of Jehovah's Witnesses that I've been doing lately has been really good for me.
It's forced me to think. It's led me to passages I haven't read in a long time. It's made me use my mind to investigate how well I have things thought-out.
But, I also highly value the church as a body. So, I pay attention to what other Christians are thinking and saying. I recently came across this:
There is no issue in the Bible of greater importance than the identity of the one who died for us to be our Savior -- Jesus Christ. We must therefore be sure that we are accepting Jesus for who He really is, because if we are not, we are following a false Christ (2 Cor. 11:4,13). Therefore, we will examine the biblical evidence that Jesus Christ is not only fully man, but also fully God.
Is God the Savior of the world? "Before me there was no God formed and there will be none after Me. I, even I, am the LORD; and there is no savior besides Me," God tells us in Isaiah 43:10,11. This verse teaches several significant things:
1. There always has been and always will be only one true God.
2. There is no Savior of the world except for this one true God.
3. Therefore, the Savior of the world must be the one true God.
Is Jesus the Savior of the world? I do not think that anyone who has read the New Testament would dispute this. Even the Jehovah's Witnesses New World Translation (NWT) refers to Jesus as the Savior: "...and of the Savior of us, Christ Jesus" --Titus 2:13. Therefore, since: 1. The one true God is the only Savior of the world (Isaiah 43:10,11), and 2. Jesus is the Savior of the world (Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 1:1), 3. Jesus must therefore be the one true God. To deny that Jesus is the one true God, one would either have to deny that Jesus is the Savior, or say that God is lying to us in Isaiah 43:11. Neither alternative fits with Scripture.
The above quote is taken from this site, where the author's discussion continues for a few more paragraphs.
The author also further discusses the misuse of Greek translation by JW "scholars."
The existence of the New World Translation further illustrates the need for scholars who disagree with each other to work on translations. This prevents one group's theology from hijacking the intent of the Holy Spirit in the translation process.
But, poor scholarship aside, I want to focus on the main thing: Jesus is God.
Although Jesus never said, "I am God," he pretty much did.
A number of times, people said, "You are God," or something to that effect (e.g.) John 10:33. Jesus, even if he's just a good teacher, would have clearly denied that if it wasn't the case. But he never did.
More significantly, Jesus claimed to be God in a way that was plain as day to the Jewish audience he was speaking to. Check it out in John 8:57-59:
I love that name. I love the rich meaning within it. I won't go into it here, because it's kind of off-topic. Maybe later.
The point is that we know God's name is "I AM." In John 8:58, Jesus says, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
It takes either a serious abuse or lack of logic to miss the point that Jesus claimed to be God. Often pre-conceived notions of who Jesus is and isn't fuel these abuses of logic.
It's forced me to think. It's led me to passages I haven't read in a long time. It's made me use my mind to investigate how well I have things thought-out.
But, I also highly value the church as a body. So, I pay attention to what other Christians are thinking and saying. I recently came across this:
There is no issue in the Bible of greater importance than the identity of the one who died for us to be our Savior -- Jesus Christ. We must therefore be sure that we are accepting Jesus for who He really is, because if we are not, we are following a false Christ (2 Cor. 11:4,13). Therefore, we will examine the biblical evidence that Jesus Christ is not only fully man, but also fully God.
1. There always has been and always will be only one true God.
2. There is no Savior of the world except for this one true God.
3. Therefore, the Savior of the world must be the one true God.
The above quote is taken from this site, where the author's discussion continues for a few more paragraphs.
The author also further discusses the misuse of Greek translation by JW "scholars."
The existence of the New World Translation further illustrates the need for scholars who disagree with each other to work on translations. This prevents one group's theology from hijacking the intent of the Holy Spirit in the translation process.
But, poor scholarship aside, I want to focus on the main thing: Jesus is God.
Although Jesus never said, "I am God," he pretty much did.
A number of times, people said, "You are God," or something to that effect (e.g.) John 10:33. Jesus, even if he's just a good teacher, would have clearly denied that if it wasn't the case. But he never did.
More significantly, Jesus claimed to be God in a way that was plain as day to the Jewish audience he was speaking to. Check it out in John 8:57-59:
57"You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!"
58"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" 59At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
Obviously, undoubtedly, irrefutably (by anyone who approaches this passage without bias) Jesus is claiming to be "I AM." In Exodus 3:14, God reveals that His name is "I AM."I love that name. I love the rich meaning within it. I won't go into it here, because it's kind of off-topic. Maybe later.
The point is that we know God's name is "I AM." In John 8:58, Jesus says, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
It takes either a serious abuse or lack of logic to miss the point that Jesus claimed to be God. Often pre-conceived notions of who Jesus is and isn't fuel these abuses of logic.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Answers to Jehovah's Witnesses -part 3-
A few blog posts ago, I wrote about how I need to investigate what I believe before I am qualified to teach others. I illustrated it with a realization I had based on the Jehovah's Witnesses. That led to a number of comments and questions, which I am attempting to answer.
Part 1
Part 2
Here is part 3. The third comment I received said this:
First off, Roland used the New World Translation, as far as I can tell. This is the Jehovah's Witness translation, and as I explained in Part 1, this version is full of errors that any serious Greek or Hebrew scholar would find. I will get back to this passage later in the post.
Most Christians have an incorrect view of how the laity is supposed to function. They think that the clergy is there as a go-between, an emissary between them and God--a priest. That is incorrect. The Bible says that all Christians are priests (1 Peter 2:9). We all are capable of approaching God on our own, because He has made it possible for us to do so.
Also, many clergy members don't do things correctly. They try to do everything for the people and be the top dog. I confess, at times, I don't do as good a job of empowering others as I should. But, my belief and goal is to advance the discipleship of each person around me, and not to simply create more disciples of myself.
The Bible states in Matthew 23:8-12 (which Roland cited), "But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (ESV)
In context, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law. He is referring to the rabbinical method of teaching. I'll highlight some of the pertinent points. Rabbis selected disciples (learners, or followers) to follow them around and learn what they had to teach. However, the Rabbis just quoted other rabbis in varying combination to create new thoughts. Jesus was renowned for not doing that (John 7:14-16). So, Jesus is telling His disciples to not become rabbis on their own, who merely take what they've learned from Jesus, re-combine it, and repackage it with other teachings, and live for their own glory. The Rabbis of the day were all about promoting themselves, rather than the Kingdom of God.
Jesus did send his disciples out to teach, though. Matthew 28:18-20 says, "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."(NIV)
Because Jesus, the Rabbi, had all authority in heaven and on earth, it was His right to make us disciple-makers, which would normally be called...rabbis!. He also gave us the authority to TEACH. The significance is that He told us to teach the things He commanded, and not the things we feel like commanding.
Now, if this sounds like a contradiction, it's because you've misread the intent of Matthew 23:8-12. The point was to address the heart of the Pharisees (self-glorification rather than glorifying and advancing God's ideas). Jesus says it is possible to simply teach others His ideas. In effect, you're simply repeating, while He is teaching. How do we do this?
In Matthew 23, Jesus also says, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted"(v. 12, ESV). In John 13, Jesus washes His disciples' feet. In doing so, He sets the example of servant-leadership. Each Christian is to set others first. Naturally, this includes the clergy, which were established later, in the book of Acts, and further discussed in the Epistles.
For instance, Ephesians 4:11-13 says, "It was he (Jesus) who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ"(NIV).
So, Jesus, who has all authority in heaven and on earth, decided to appoint leaders under His authority. And their purpose? To build up the body of Christ...and to become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. See, it's all supposed to be about Jesus.
There are many models of how clergy and laity function. Some are good, some are bad. As long as Jesus is getting the glory, I don't think He minds much.
Roland, I'm sorry if Christian clergy have misrepresented the plan of Christian leadership that Jesus laid out in scripture. But rejecting the idea of leadership is anti-biblical.
Part 1
Part 2
Here is part 3. The third comment I received said this:
First off, Roland used the New World Translation, as far as I can tell. This is the Jehovah's Witness translation, and as I explained in Part 1, this version is full of errors that any serious Greek or Hebrew scholar would find. I will get back to this passage later in the post.
Most Christians have an incorrect view of how the laity is supposed to function. They think that the clergy is there as a go-between, an emissary between them and God--a priest. That is incorrect. The Bible says that all Christians are priests (1 Peter 2:9). We all are capable of approaching God on our own, because He has made it possible for us to do so.
Also, many clergy members don't do things correctly. They try to do everything for the people and be the top dog. I confess, at times, I don't do as good a job of empowering others as I should. But, my belief and goal is to advance the discipleship of each person around me, and not to simply create more disciples of myself.
The Bible states in Matthew 23:8-12 (which Roland cited), "But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (ESV)
In context, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law. He is referring to the rabbinical method of teaching. I'll highlight some of the pertinent points. Rabbis selected disciples (learners, or followers) to follow them around and learn what they had to teach. However, the Rabbis just quoted other rabbis in varying combination to create new thoughts. Jesus was renowned for not doing that (John 7:14-16). So, Jesus is telling His disciples to not become rabbis on their own, who merely take what they've learned from Jesus, re-combine it, and repackage it with other teachings, and live for their own glory. The Rabbis of the day were all about promoting themselves, rather than the Kingdom of God.
Jesus did send his disciples out to teach, though. Matthew 28:18-20 says, "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."(NIV)
Because Jesus, the Rabbi, had all authority in heaven and on earth, it was His right to make us disciple-makers, which would normally be called...rabbis!. He also gave us the authority to TEACH. The significance is that He told us to teach the things He commanded, and not the things we feel like commanding.
Now, if this sounds like a contradiction, it's because you've misread the intent of Matthew 23:8-12. The point was to address the heart of the Pharisees (self-glorification rather than glorifying and advancing God's ideas). Jesus says it is possible to simply teach others His ideas. In effect, you're simply repeating, while He is teaching. How do we do this?
In Matthew 23, Jesus also says, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted"(v. 12, ESV). In John 13, Jesus washes His disciples' feet. In doing so, He sets the example of servant-leadership. Each Christian is to set others first. Naturally, this includes the clergy, which were established later, in the book of Acts, and further discussed in the Epistles.
For instance, Ephesians 4:11-13 says, "It was he (Jesus) who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ"(NIV).
So, Jesus, who has all authority in heaven and on earth, decided to appoint leaders under His authority. And their purpose? To build up the body of Christ...and to become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. See, it's all supposed to be about Jesus.
There are many models of how clergy and laity function. Some are good, some are bad. As long as Jesus is getting the glory, I don't think He minds much.
Roland, I'm sorry if Christian clergy have misrepresented the plan of Christian leadership that Jesus laid out in scripture. But rejecting the idea of leadership is anti-biblical.
Answers to Jehovah's Witnesses -part 2-
A few posts ago, I wrote briefly about the Jehovah's Witnesses. This led to a few comments, which I'm responding to here and in the previous post. The second comment on my blog (two posts ago) said this:
But, let me address each of these ideas briefly.
First, regarding the idea that we can each think on our own. I fully agree with this idea. God gave each of us a mind to use. We shouldn't just accept things without carefully considering them. And once we do accept them, it is important to revisit them from time to time and ask "Why do I believe what I believe?"
Unfortunately, every single one of us is gullible. To varying degrees, we just believe stuff without investigating it. It is so easy for many Christians to point the finger at Jehovah's Witnesses, but in fact, most Christians do the same thing.
Let me address each camp:
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus and Michael (the archangel) are the same guy, and that he is the only archangel.
Daniel 10:13 says, "Then Michael, one of the chief princes..." This obviously means there are at least 2 beings on the same level as Michael. He is not on his own level of importance.
No one who just picked up a Bible on their own and read it from start to finish would come up with the idea that Jesus and Michael are the same guy. Why? Because Michael has others at the same level as Him, whereas Jesus is on his own. In Philippians 2:9, the Father "gave him (Jesus) the name that is above every name."
That is just a quick example of Jehovah's Witnesses not using their free-thinking minds, and accepting what has been spoon fed them.
Now, Christians (especially American Evangelicals, like myself) do exactly the same thing. We're told that we can be perfect little middle-class suburbanites, entitled to our nice house, gym memberships, a couple of cars, etc. On the other hand, the way Jesus lived was quite different. I write about this all the time on my blog.
Let me address the other things Jessica wrote. I do believe in the resurrection. I do believe that those who believe in the sacrifice that Jesus (who is fully God) made, will be raised to live with Him forever. However, I don't think we will care much that our loved ones are with us (cf. Matthew 22:23-30), when we are in the midst of a glorious God. So, I have to disagree with the emphasis that both the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons put on the resurrection being about family. It's more about our relationship as a single bride with our groom (Jesus) (Rev. 21:9, 22:17).
Next, Jessica mentioned the JW belief that God's Kingdom will bring untold blessing to faithful mankind, and we are to pray for it. I agree with that one. Jesus said we should pray to our Father that His Kingdom would come. And I have to compliment the Jehovah's Witnesses for doing a great job in displaying glimmers of what the Kingdom of God looks like when they go into impoverished places and commune with the poor, who have a special place in God's heart, as we see throughout the whole Bible. However, it is only a glimmer of the Kingdom, because it comes laden with false teaching.
Lastly, Jessica wrote that Jehovah's Witnesses do not engage in politics or wars, because "true Christians" will beat their swords into plowshares (Isaiah 2:2-4).
If you read my blog frequently, you know that I recently wrote a blog called, "Christians Should Be Politically Independent." However, Christians should engage in politics. Jesus said we are to be "the salt of the earth" (Mt. 5:13), and salt works its way throughout food. When we read about the prophet Daniel, we see that he not only loved God's Kingdom, but served his nation as well. I wrote another blog a couple months ago called "Don't love the USA, just serve it." Unfortunately, the predominance of the religious right has confused many people, who think that all Christians believe in the Republican Party Platform. I do not (well, I do in some areas, but not most). I also don't believe in the Democratic Party Platform in most areas.
As for war...The Bible doesn't talk about "true Christians" beating their swords into plowshares. Isaiah is writing about "the day of the Lord (Yahweh)." This is usually understood to mean the full manifestation of the Kingdom of God upon the Earth. He is saying that at that point, there will be no more war. Now, I personally believe that war should be the exception, and not the rule. I would call myself a most-of-the-time-pacifist.
However, check out Jesus' encounter with the Centurion in Matthew 8. He says, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" (Mt. 8:10). Perhaps he's calling the Centurion a "true Christian." Or consider Paul's encounter with Cornelius (Acts 10). Cornelius is undoubtedly a "true Christian." God appeared to Him. And nothing was said of leaving his career as a soldier.
Yes, peace is always best. But I do believe in just wars. Romans 13, when taken in context, explains that while it is not appropriate for us as individuals to take vengeance, it is the role of the government to do so. That firmly establishes a biblical justification for war. However, most Christians should not be soldiers, but there is definitely biblical basis for there to be exceptions.
As for the phrase at the end of Jessica's comment about taking a stand for what I believe in, I have thought this through quite a bit. Perhaps I will post it another time when there is more space. I'll put the tag "ethics" in there to make it easier to find.
-
What about Jw's message do you find harmful and misleading?
It's unfortunate that you feel that way, but we can be grateful to Jehovah God for the gift of free will which enables you to think on your own.
I'd be curious to know if its because we teach the resurrection hope, the fact that dead loved ones will come to life in the near future - Acts 24:15 and John 5:28,29
or that God's Kingdom (that Jesus told us to pray for) will soon bring untold blessings to faithful mankind- Matt 6:9, 10
or lastly because we don't engage in politics or fight against our fellow man in wars because Isiah 2:2-4 prophesied about true Christian's beating their swords into plowshares and spears into shears
Feel free to review our beliefs at www.watchtower.org along with your copy of the bible.
Let me say this last thing if your conscious really bothers you as you print those materials why don't you take a stand for what you in believe in. Because of our faith in Jehovah and Jesus Christ and God's word the Bible, we certainly do!
But, let me address each of these ideas briefly.
First, regarding the idea that we can each think on our own. I fully agree with this idea. God gave each of us a mind to use. We shouldn't just accept things without carefully considering them. And once we do accept them, it is important to revisit them from time to time and ask "Why do I believe what I believe?"
Unfortunately, every single one of us is gullible. To varying degrees, we just believe stuff without investigating it. It is so easy for many Christians to point the finger at Jehovah's Witnesses, but in fact, most Christians do the same thing.
Let me address each camp:
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus and Michael (the archangel) are the same guy, and that he is the only archangel.
Daniel 10:13 says, "Then Michael, one of the chief princes..." This obviously means there are at least 2 beings on the same level as Michael. He is not on his own level of importance.
No one who just picked up a Bible on their own and read it from start to finish would come up with the idea that Jesus and Michael are the same guy. Why? Because Michael has others at the same level as Him, whereas Jesus is on his own. In Philippians 2:9, the Father "gave him (Jesus) the name that is above every name."
That is just a quick example of Jehovah's Witnesses not using their free-thinking minds, and accepting what has been spoon fed them.
Now, Christians (especially American Evangelicals, like myself) do exactly the same thing. We're told that we can be perfect little middle-class suburbanites, entitled to our nice house, gym memberships, a couple of cars, etc. On the other hand, the way Jesus lived was quite different. I write about this all the time on my blog.
Let me address the other things Jessica wrote. I do believe in the resurrection. I do believe that those who believe in the sacrifice that Jesus (who is fully God) made, will be raised to live with Him forever. However, I don't think we will care much that our loved ones are with us (cf. Matthew 22:23-30), when we are in the midst of a glorious God. So, I have to disagree with the emphasis that both the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons put on the resurrection being about family. It's more about our relationship as a single bride with our groom (Jesus) (Rev. 21:9, 22:17).
Next, Jessica mentioned the JW belief that God's Kingdom will bring untold blessing to faithful mankind, and we are to pray for it. I agree with that one. Jesus said we should pray to our Father that His Kingdom would come. And I have to compliment the Jehovah's Witnesses for doing a great job in displaying glimmers of what the Kingdom of God looks like when they go into impoverished places and commune with the poor, who have a special place in God's heart, as we see throughout the whole Bible. However, it is only a glimmer of the Kingdom, because it comes laden with false teaching.
Lastly, Jessica wrote that Jehovah's Witnesses do not engage in politics or wars, because "true Christians" will beat their swords into plowshares (Isaiah 2:2-4).
If you read my blog frequently, you know that I recently wrote a blog called, "Christians Should Be Politically Independent." However, Christians should engage in politics. Jesus said we are to be "the salt of the earth" (Mt. 5:13), and salt works its way throughout food. When we read about the prophet Daniel, we see that he not only loved God's Kingdom, but served his nation as well. I wrote another blog a couple months ago called "Don't love the USA, just serve it." Unfortunately, the predominance of the religious right has confused many people, who think that all Christians believe in the Republican Party Platform. I do not (well, I do in some areas, but not most). I also don't believe in the Democratic Party Platform in most areas.
As for war...The Bible doesn't talk about "true Christians" beating their swords into plowshares. Isaiah is writing about "the day of the Lord (Yahweh)." This is usually understood to mean the full manifestation of the Kingdom of God upon the Earth. He is saying that at that point, there will be no more war. Now, I personally believe that war should be the exception, and not the rule. I would call myself a most-of-the-time-pacifist.
However, check out Jesus' encounter with the Centurion in Matthew 8. He says, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" (Mt. 8:10). Perhaps he's calling the Centurion a "true Christian." Or consider Paul's encounter with Cornelius (Acts 10). Cornelius is undoubtedly a "true Christian." God appeared to Him. And nothing was said of leaving his career as a soldier.
Yes, peace is always best. But I do believe in just wars. Romans 13, when taken in context, explains that while it is not appropriate for us as individuals to take vengeance, it is the role of the government to do so. That firmly establishes a biblical justification for war. However, most Christians should not be soldiers, but there is definitely biblical basis for there to be exceptions.
As for the phrase at the end of Jessica's comment about taking a stand for what I believe in, I have thought this through quite a bit. Perhaps I will post it another time when there is more space. I'll put the tag "ethics" in there to make it easier to find.
Answers to Jehovah's Witnesses -part 1-
I got a bunch of comments on the last blog. I want to take some time to clarify a number of things.
First off, the intended main audience for my blog is those who know me. I believe that the best use of the internet is to strengthen real-life relationships, and not to pretend that you are getting to know people through a screen and some cables. That's my philosophy, you might say.
So, I don't claim to cover everything I believe in my blog. But, since it came up, I'll try to answer some questions.
First off...
As for the former, I'm not Arabic, I'm half white and half Asian (1/4 each of Japanese and Chinese), and I know there are many (most!) Arabs who are great people who love their families and others around them. Doesn't sound like "Voice of Reason" was being very reasonable if that was what he/she meant.
If "Voice" meant that I was hateful, he/she clearly did not read the tone of what I was writing. I said what I believed about JWs, but did not feel the need to tear apart what they believed through a long discourse. At the end of the blog, I referred to the fact that some of what I believe is incorrect, and I need to carefully examine it. For "Voice" to not recognize that I was not merely pointing the finger, but examining my own beliefs, was rather irrational.
Since "Voice" said I didn't discuss what I disagreed with, let me clarify.
Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe that Jesus is God. Orthodox Christians (those who have "right belief"--the meaning of "orthodox"), believe that Jesus is fully man and fully God. For more information on what any orthodox Christian believes, check out the Nicene Creed. Of course, Jehovah's Witnesses don't believe in the creeds either. How convenient.
In John 1:1, it says, "the Word was with God, and the Word was God." In the Jehovah's Witness translation, The New World Translation, the verse is translated as "the Word was with God, and the Word was a god."
This shows a fundamental abuse of the word "the" (the definite article). Any Greek scholar can show how irresponsible and infantile this rendering is.
The order of the Greek words in the second part of the phrase "the Word was God," shows that "God" is used as a name--the name of "the Word." It really should say, "the Word was with God, and God was the Word."
Thus, there is a fundamental difference between what we believe. And the most important belief in Christianity is that Jesus is God. Without that, his death and resurrection are meaningless. I know that Jehovah's Witnesses disagree with that idea completely, and I don't expect to convince any of you out there via a blog post from someone you don't know.
I do have a B.A. in Bible/Theology with 2 years of Hebrew taken from one of the leading Hebrew Scholars in the world, Dr. Kevin Spawn, but that doesn't matter either, probably.
I only mention the Hebrew thing because the very word "Jehovah" is a mis-transliteration of YHWH. I guess the name "Joshua" is too. That's trivial though.
The Jehovah's Witnesses believe in using only one translation, which unfortunately misleads many, many people.
To those of you who are Jehovah's Witnesses, I don't want to sound like I hate you guys. I only hope and pray that you will ask yourself the same question I ask myself..."why do I believe what I believe?" Is it because someone taught you? Or, is it because you took the time to doubt and reconsider everything you believed and still found it to be just as true as before?
I would encourage you to learn some Hebrew and Greek on your own, and to read the text in its original language.
First off, the intended main audience for my blog is those who know me. I believe that the best use of the internet is to strengthen real-life relationships, and not to pretend that you are getting to know people through a screen and some cables. That's my philosophy, you might say.
So, I don't claim to cover everything I believe in my blog. But, since it came up, I'll try to answer some questions.
First off...
-
You complain about Jehovah's Witnesses?
You look like a terrorist.
You say that JWs are mislead, but not how. Like many, you are just a follower of the bad publicity.
As for the former, I'm not Arabic, I'm half white and half Asian (1/4 each of Japanese and Chinese), and I know there are many (most!) Arabs who are great people who love their families and others around them. Doesn't sound like "Voice of Reason" was being very reasonable if that was what he/she meant.
If "Voice" meant that I was hateful, he/she clearly did not read the tone of what I was writing. I said what I believed about JWs, but did not feel the need to tear apart what they believed through a long discourse. At the end of the blog, I referred to the fact that some of what I believe is incorrect, and I need to carefully examine it. For "Voice" to not recognize that I was not merely pointing the finger, but examining my own beliefs, was rather irrational.
Since "Voice" said I didn't discuss what I disagreed with, let me clarify.
Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe that Jesus is God. Orthodox Christians (those who have "right belief"--the meaning of "orthodox"), believe that Jesus is fully man and fully God. For more information on what any orthodox Christian believes, check out the Nicene Creed. Of course, Jehovah's Witnesses don't believe in the creeds either. How convenient.
In John 1:1, it says, "the Word was with God, and the Word was God." In the Jehovah's Witness translation, The New World Translation, the verse is translated as "the Word was with God, and the Word was a god."
This shows a fundamental abuse of the word "the" (the definite article). Any Greek scholar can show how irresponsible and infantile this rendering is.
The order of the Greek words in the second part of the phrase "the Word was God," shows that "God" is used as a name--the name of "the Word." It really should say, "the Word was with God, and God was the Word."
Thus, there is a fundamental difference between what we believe. And the most important belief in Christianity is that Jesus is God. Without that, his death and resurrection are meaningless. I know that Jehovah's Witnesses disagree with that idea completely, and I don't expect to convince any of you out there via a blog post from someone you don't know.
I do have a B.A. in Bible/Theology with 2 years of Hebrew taken from one of the leading Hebrew Scholars in the world, Dr. Kevin Spawn, but that doesn't matter either, probably.
I only mention the Hebrew thing because the very word "Jehovah" is a mis-transliteration of YHWH. I guess the name "Joshua" is too. That's trivial though.
The Jehovah's Witnesses believe in using only one translation, which unfortunately misleads many, many people.
To those of you who are Jehovah's Witnesses, I don't want to sound like I hate you guys. I only hope and pray that you will ask yourself the same question I ask myself..."why do I believe what I believe?" Is it because someone taught you? Or, is it because you took the time to doubt and reconsider everything you believed and still found it to be just as true as before?
I would encourage you to learn some Hebrew and Greek on your own, and to read the text in its original language.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
On Misleading People
When I work at the print shop, I have to work on files for all sorts of customers. One of them is the Jehovah's Witnesses in the area. They get flyers from their headquarters, and then then have to imprint specific locations and dates/times on them.
I always feel conflicted about working on those flyers. I want to do my job well, and my bosses have no reason to not print those flyers. But, I don't want to advance a message that I find harmful and misleading (which is what I believe of the Jehovah's Witnesses' beliefs).
I was just sitting here thinking about the idea of misleading others. I'd bet that 99% of all Jehovah's Witnesses fully believe in what they're going door-to-door talking about. They don't set out to mislead people, but because they've been misled, when they share what they really believe, they mislead others.
How much of what I believe is right? It really hammers home the point that I need to carefully evaluate everything I believe, because it will impact what I say and teach others. This is important for everyone, but especially for me as I am a Pastor and teach others.
______________
This is also my first BOTC in a long time... (I don't count it at church).
I always feel conflicted about working on those flyers. I want to do my job well, and my bosses have no reason to not print those flyers. But, I don't want to advance a message that I find harmful and misleading (which is what I believe of the Jehovah's Witnesses' beliefs).
I was just sitting here thinking about the idea of misleading others. I'd bet that 99% of all Jehovah's Witnesses fully believe in what they're going door-to-door talking about. They don't set out to mislead people, but because they've been misled, when they share what they really believe, they mislead others.
How much of what I believe is right? It really hammers home the point that I need to carefully evaluate everything I believe, because it will impact what I say and teach others. This is important for everyone, but especially for me as I am a Pastor and teach others.
______________
This is also my first BOTC in a long time... (I don't count it at church).
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Strawberry Ice Cream
My favorite Ice Cream Flavor is Strawberry. Of course, I don't get to eat much Ice Cream, since I am lactose intolerant. In the last 3 years, I've gone through two year-long spans of not having ice cream.
Breyers started making lactose free ice cream awhile ago, but they only have vanilla. A few weeks ago, I found out that Lactaid is making Ice Cream. It's real ice cream, and they just put the enzyme in so people like me can digest it. They had vanilla, chocolate, and cookie dough when I was at Raley's a few weeks ago.
Today, Julie bought me Strawberries and Cream ice cream (lactaid brand). I was so excited to finally eat strawberry ice cream and not really have to worry about it.
I also had a bunch of pizza with cheese on it in the last week. I just took some pills. It was so good.
So, if you're lactose intolerant and looking for some options, try going to Raley's. They usually have lactose free ice cream, milk, and cheese sticks. I think I'm going to eat a cheese stick right now.
Breyers started making lactose free ice cream awhile ago, but they only have vanilla. A few weeks ago, I found out that Lactaid is making Ice Cream. It's real ice cream, and they just put the enzyme in so people like me can digest it. They had vanilla, chocolate, and cookie dough when I was at Raley's a few weeks ago.
Today, Julie bought me Strawberries and Cream ice cream (lactaid brand). I was so excited to finally eat strawberry ice cream and not really have to worry about it.
I also had a bunch of pizza with cheese on it in the last week. I just took some pills. It was so good.
So, if you're lactose intolerant and looking for some options, try going to Raley's. They usually have lactose free ice cream, milk, and cheese sticks. I think I'm going to eat a cheese stick right now.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Creativity/Media stuff and me...currently
I used to call myself "an aspiring renaissance man" on my "about me" section on myspace. That was because I was trying to learn how to do so much media stuff while I was in college.
Now I think I'm finally starting to get the hang of a few useful things. I've been working at the print shop for about 9 months, and that time is coming to an end. My bosses needed to hire someone who could mostly focus on helping them run the business side of things and do some part time graphics (which is very, very part time because of the economy). Thankfully, the day they told me this, was also the same day Chris (the Youth Pastor at our church) was interviewing for a new job. After a few weeks of waiting, I learned that yes, I will be going full time at church as the Associate Pastor on July 1 (my title changed as of last Tuesday). It is weird to have that title.
So, for the past month and the next two months, I'm in this transition period. I'm not really working at the print shop much--just when they get backed up. I told them I wouldn't really be available after July 1.
Also, I have had a bunch of wedding videos piled up to edit. I just finished one, and I'm really happy with how it turned out.
My mom mentioned to Kara--a webdesigner in our church--that I do webdesign, and she contacted me and asked if I could help her out a little. So I just made some pages for a website she's in the middle of re-doing. These are the first pages I've done for anyone else.
Last week, I also started using Reason again. Reason is a computer music program. I love making electronica. I worked on some loops/tracks for songs for church.
I haven't done this yet, so I'm going to do it on my blog. Here's a list of programs I've used in the last week. Adobe: Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, Encore, Soundbooth, and Bridge (which barely counts). And Propellerhead Reason.
I have a lot of creative energy right now. Mostly it's being used on work. I miss the days of being creative just for fun (pre-printshop, pre-junior college, pre-media job at Alliance Redwoods). Back in those days, I edited pictures soon after I took them. I made music a lot--I even wrote songs. I blogged more too (sorry).
So, hopefully I will be better about keeping margin in my life in some form so that I have time to be creative and take joy in it, instead of making money out of it.
Now I think I'm finally starting to get the hang of a few useful things. I've been working at the print shop for about 9 months, and that time is coming to an end. My bosses needed to hire someone who could mostly focus on helping them run the business side of things and do some part time graphics (which is very, very part time because of the economy). Thankfully, the day they told me this, was also the same day Chris (the Youth Pastor at our church) was interviewing for a new job. After a few weeks of waiting, I learned that yes, I will be going full time at church as the Associate Pastor on July 1 (my title changed as of last Tuesday). It is weird to have that title.
So, for the past month and the next two months, I'm in this transition period. I'm not really working at the print shop much--just when they get backed up. I told them I wouldn't really be available after July 1.
Also, I have had a bunch of wedding videos piled up to edit. I just finished one, and I'm really happy with how it turned out.
My mom mentioned to Kara--a webdesigner in our church--that I do webdesign, and she contacted me and asked if I could help her out a little. So I just made some pages for a website she's in the middle of re-doing. These are the first pages I've done for anyone else.
Last week, I also started using Reason again. Reason is a computer music program. I love making electronica. I worked on some loops/tracks for songs for church.
I haven't done this yet, so I'm going to do it on my blog. Here's a list of programs I've used in the last week. Adobe: Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, Encore, Soundbooth, and Bridge (which barely counts). And Propellerhead Reason.
I have a lot of creative energy right now. Mostly it's being used on work. I miss the days of being creative just for fun (pre-printshop, pre-junior college, pre-media job at Alliance Redwoods). Back in those days, I edited pictures soon after I took them. I made music a lot--I even wrote songs. I blogged more too (sorry).
So, hopefully I will be better about keeping margin in my life in some form so that I have time to be creative and take joy in it, instead of making money out of it.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
TV Finales
This past year, I've actually gotten to the point where I like a whole night of TV on one channel. Wednesdays on ABC has been pretty great.
I've been a "Scrubs" fan for awhile, but this was the first time I watched new episodes. Then, they had a new show "Better off Ted," which was pretty funny--kind of like the Office, but less annoying. And, next was my favorite show, "Lost."
Well, last Wednesday, I watched the series finale of Scrubs. As my favorite comedy, I was sad that it was ending, and hopeful that it would be a happy ending. I loved how that show always had depth despite its humor.
I almost cried at the end. I couldn't believe it. But I guess that shows the power of good story-telling, and the power of time spent immersing yourself in the story.
I managed to get Julie to start watching Lost this year, and since she was at youth group last night, I agreed to wait to watch the finale. So we just watched it online tonight.
Wow, that was incredible. I love the way that Lost combines philosophy, science, religion (including elements of Christianity), science fiction, good character development (including serious flaws), and all sorts of influences. It's definitely a thinking man's show.
I've been reading some theories about the last episode, and they're so in-depth. Most likely, the creators of the show are doing even crazier things than people are guessing, with historical, literary references.
I'm excited about the last season of it that starts next year. I'm going to try to re-watch the entire show before January. I think we'll have to average about 3 episodes a week in order to pull it off.
I've been a "Scrubs" fan for awhile, but this was the first time I watched new episodes. Then, they had a new show "Better off Ted," which was pretty funny--kind of like the Office, but less annoying. And, next was my favorite show, "Lost."
Well, last Wednesday, I watched the series finale of Scrubs. As my favorite comedy, I was sad that it was ending, and hopeful that it would be a happy ending. I loved how that show always had depth despite its humor.
I almost cried at the end. I couldn't believe it. But I guess that shows the power of good story-telling, and the power of time spent immersing yourself in the story.
I managed to get Julie to start watching Lost this year, and since she was at youth group last night, I agreed to wait to watch the finale. So we just watched it online tonight.
Wow, that was incredible. I love the way that Lost combines philosophy, science, religion (including elements of Christianity), science fiction, good character development (including serious flaws), and all sorts of influences. It's definitely a thinking man's show.
I've been reading some theories about the last episode, and they're so in-depth. Most likely, the creators of the show are doing even crazier things than people are guessing, with historical, literary references.
I'm excited about the last season of it that starts next year. I'm going to try to re-watch the entire show before January. I think we'll have to average about 3 episodes a week in order to pull it off.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Tupperware
I had a realization this morning.
I was putting away the dishes in the dishwasher, when I realized that the main reason I tend to put that particular chore off for so long is the tupperware. It never dries all the way. Water drops get stuck under the edges, or sometimes it gets flipped over during the wash and is full of water.
I started thinking about how it would easier to put things away if we just didn't use any tupperware. But, that would mean no leftovers. And I like having leftovers. It saves a lot of time, it saves food, and it saves money. It's good stewardship.
I think if someone invented tupperware that dried correctly in the washer, I would like leftovers even more.
I was putting away the dishes in the dishwasher, when I realized that the main reason I tend to put that particular chore off for so long is the tupperware. It never dries all the way. Water drops get stuck under the edges, or sometimes it gets flipped over during the wash and is full of water.
I started thinking about how it would easier to put things away if we just didn't use any tupperware. But, that would mean no leftovers. And I like having leftovers. It saves a lot of time, it saves food, and it saves money. It's good stewardship.
I think if someone invented tupperware that dried correctly in the washer, I would like leftovers even more.
Friday, May 01, 2009
I almost hurt Julie really bad...
Today Julie and I went to see Wolverine at a matinee. Afterwards, we took both of our cars to Wal-Mart, since we were pretty close already, and had both of them with us.
We needed to get new wiper blades anyway, and it was raining. So, we got our wiper blades, and decided to go to the bank to deposit our paychecks.
We thought we should just leave my truck at Wal-Mart and take her car. So, I got in her car and started it, put it in reverse, and waited for some people to finish passing behind our car.
While I was waiting, I realized that I needed to get my paycheck out of the truck. So, I got out, closed the door, and started walking to my truck.
As I passed the passenger side of the car, I was looking at Julie, who was signing her paycheck, looking down.
Then, I realized the car was moving backwards. I'd put it in reverse, but since it wasn't moving when I was in it, I forgot to put it in park!
So, I tried yelling at her through the windshield, but she didn't hear me. I ran through the puddle and soaked my shoe.
I opened the driver door, jumped in the car, and stepped on the brake.
She didn't even realize it had moved until I got in. It wasn't moving very quickly yet.
Thankfully the row of spots we were in was pretty wide, and no one was coming. It could have been a lot worse.
That was one of the stupidest things I've done in my entire life.
By the way, I really liked Wolverine. Also, we were the only people to wait until the end of the credits. There's a secret scene about a minute into the credits, and another secret scene at the end of the credits, which no one else saw.
We needed to get new wiper blades anyway, and it was raining. So, we got our wiper blades, and decided to go to the bank to deposit our paychecks.
We thought we should just leave my truck at Wal-Mart and take her car. So, I got in her car and started it, put it in reverse, and waited for some people to finish passing behind our car.
While I was waiting, I realized that I needed to get my paycheck out of the truck. So, I got out, closed the door, and started walking to my truck.
As I passed the passenger side of the car, I was looking at Julie, who was signing her paycheck, looking down.
Then, I realized the car was moving backwards. I'd put it in reverse, but since it wasn't moving when I was in it, I forgot to put it in park!
So, I tried yelling at her through the windshield, but she didn't hear me. I ran through the puddle and soaked my shoe.
I opened the driver door, jumped in the car, and stepped on the brake.
She didn't even realize it had moved until I got in. It wasn't moving very quickly yet.
Thankfully the row of spots we were in was pretty wide, and no one was coming. It could have been a lot worse.
That was one of the stupidest things I've done in my entire life.
By the way, I really liked Wolverine. Also, we were the only people to wait until the end of the credits. There's a secret scene about a minute into the credits, and another secret scene at the end of the credits, which no one else saw.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
So you are a pastor. Can you show me in the Bible where there is a division between clergy and laity.
The words of Jesus come to my mind when he told his disciples;
2 “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the seat of Moses. ... 8 But you, do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. 9 Moreover, do not call anyone YOUR father on earth, for one is YOUR Father, the heavenly One. 10 Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for YOUR Leader is one, the Christ. 11 But the greatest one among YOU must be YOUR minister. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
Matthew 23: 2, 8-12.