The Bible is Not the "Word" of God

A scholarly friend from highschool wrote this essay on her personal blog. I've not entirely formulated a concise set of thoughts about it, but I was hoping to incquire as to others opinions and reactions on the topic.

Read it and let me know what you think. I find it, at first glance, contrary to my foundational belief. I cannot, however, say from a logical perspective that she is incorrect. I will have to have a second (and maybe third) read to better evaluate the arguments.

Here is the article.

~RG

Pretty "Handy"

Being of a notoriously analytical mindset I am always on the lookout for new innovations in math, science, and engineering. As a recent discovery of mine, I ran across this robotic hand in a trek through the world wide web.

Typically, I am almost fanatical about appreciating advancements in technical fields. This instance is no different. I marveled at its dexterity, pondered the musculoskeletal design, and considered the mathematical feedback control loop so successfully employed. However, despite its obvious technical paradigm shift, something about this project gives me an inexplicable feeling of uneasiness. I cannot quite pinpoint its source, but I can admit that exists.

For more on the latest robotic achievements check out Honda's Asimo. Combine these two technologies and I, Robot (minus the realization of consciousness bit) is closer than we may like to believe.
~RG

Are You Deserving?

Every day on the way home from work I pass a local church. This church sits just down the street from our house and has been displaying on their marquee, for what seems like months, the catchy saying,

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Everyone you meet deserves to be met with a smile.

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At first I just thought it sounded more like a dentist's office slogan than something that one would normally find posted outside a house of God. I chuckled at its sappiness and went on my way. After days and days of reading the sign I really started to think about what it said and, more importantly, what it implied. I began to realize, as I picked it apart, that it was fundamentally wrong in its assertion.

Our salvation from the human condition has little to do with whether or not we deserve anything. While the saying may be heartwarming and its message one of kindness, I think in some respects it belies the primary crux of our Christian faith. The keystone is that we may freely accept the gift of life, even, or more appropriately, especially, if we don't deserve it.

What we deserve is death. What we can have is life, without cost. It requires only acceptance, followed by obedience.

I can think of countless situations where showing someone a smile is not what they deserve, have a right to, or what I would like to give them. In the end, I think this would be better phrased and represent the Christian faith more accurately as, "Everyone you meet should be met with a smile".

We are called to act in love, without prejudice to those around us, deserving or not. Perhaps through our simple act we may show them the acceptance that Christ has shown us.

~RG