S&C 4: The danger of scientific theology

We tend to think of an "ology" as a science - biology, psychology, cosmology. Certainly when we come to think about parts of the universe we turn to science and scientists for answers. We respect their ability to detach themselves from the object and study it dispassionately applying logic and tried and true techniques to find answers. Part of science, therefore, is to stand above the object - it is "arrogant" in the sense that the scientist is somehow "greater" than the object.
That is certainly the message that was passed down to us from the Enlightenment - the age of reason and it still pervades much of our thinking today.

The danger for the theologian, and indeed any Christian who thinks about God, is that we do so in the same "arrogant" scientific manner in which we project ourselves as somehow "greater" than the subject (God in this case). We see this happening with those who try and reconstruct Biblical texts to fit their own view of the way they think the world should be. We see it in our own lives when we try and manipulate God with "deals" (if I do this, you do that - like a scientific hypothesis - if I push this, then "that" will happen).

One of the good things that has come out of postmodernism is a degree of skepticism about the claims of science to have all the answers and to be totally independent. Postmodernism has reminded us that we are all interconnected - because we are all part of God's creation.

Labour day

Labour day today.

A thought .... paraphrased from the Westminister catchism of the Anglican church:

"Men and Women's chief end is to glorify themseleves and enjoy themselves for ever" or so think many of us. Our aim is to work in order to rest. What folly ... do we really want to spend 40 hrs a week for 40 years merely marking time waiting for weekends and retirement (which for most is a struggle anyway)? Can we really be satisfied with glorifying only ourselves. What a waste.

"Men and Women's chief end is to glorify their employer and to enjoy them for 2,000 hours a year" or so many of the economic theorists (and politicians) and not a few employers think. Just as we don't exist for ourselves, we are also not merely cogs in a machine - mere human resources, for the greater glory of GDP.

"Men and Women's chief end is to glorify God and [in so doing] enjoy Him [and ourselves' forever." This then is the context in which we live our lives - the work life balance we so seek is right because it acknowledges our creator and the purpose of our creation.

Wholeness

I've thought a lot lately about responding to the whole of a person. As a chaplian I'm obviously interested in their spiritual wholeness. But, this can not be divorced from other needs - physical, social, psychological and financial.

I recall when I was involved in helping physical needs - developing a laser to remove birthmarks - that I was amazed at the transformation that could result in people with what could be classed as a cosmetic change. The man who used to work night shifts to avoid people ended up training to be a helicopter pilot - a life long dream. The elderly lady who had spent her life wearing a scarf on her face becoming the life of the party and telling everyone that "now I will live". Obviously there are more serious physical issues than birthmarks, but it is apparent to me that they all impact our psychological and spritual lives. This is one of the reasons I am building a business (using some laser technology again) that is aimed at helping prevent people getting degenerative diseases like cancers, heart disease and stroke. In doing so I have also seen the difficult financial situation so many people are in and how that can also affect their spiritual and physical health.

This has all reiterated to me the fact that we are not merely "bodies" nor merely "spirit" (psyche), nor, in fact, merely "human resources" - cogs in some economic machine. Being truley whole, therefore, is being fully physical, fully spritual, and in proper relationship to the world - including the economic system - in which we live.

For me personally - whether I am wearing my hat as a Chaplain or a businessman, or as a father, a son, a husband, or friend - I need to learn to treat people as whole human beings. Practically, this starts with listening to their needs and responding with compassion, wisdom ,a and grace - so help me God.

About the children

Children keep us focussed on what matters. I had a wonderful time with a blessing of a child care facility the other day. Here is a poem I wrote;


What is a child that your are mindful of her
and infant that you care?
Formed in their mother's womb under your watchful eye
Set apart as unique, never to be repeated
So fragile, yet so strong
Destined to love and be loved
Created with tears to wash away pain and
laughter to embrace all that is joyous and good
Ahhh... there is our answer
In a glimpse of innocence,
of unrestrained joy,
is a reflection of the divine.

Meaning

"God made life, and God alone can tell us its meaning."
J.I.Packer in "Laid-Back Religion"

Self worth

When either through our own messing up or through someone else messing us up our self worth takes a hammering it is an opportunity to stop and ask the question "where is my self worth?" For many it is centred in what they do professionally - be as a student or in the work place. Our culture almost expects this, afterall one of the first questions asked of a new aquaintance is "what do you do?" with the answer expected to be in respect to their professional life. Unfortunately, our work and workplace can be a fragile environment dependent on personalities and economic forces. Is "what we do" really who we want to be?

As a Christian I must remind myself that my worth is that which has been gifted me by a loving God who thought me worth the sacrifice of a child for. Not that I have done or been anything so fantastic, just that I am the object of grace - underserved love. My self-worth is, therefore, God's worth.

I wonder what the reaction would be next time someone asks "what do you do?" if you answered "I love God and my neighbour"?

Even for those who don't hold to the Christain faith, would you answer "I am loved by my family and I love them in return."?

Work 5: Role Models

The "Don Brash" affair in the media this week got me thinking about all of us who at one time or another are role models for others. If it becomes public that the coach of a junior football team is having an extramarital affair with the art teacher, or the principal is caught driving over the limit, should they resign?
Questions of honesty and integrity of those in leadership are important. Intentionally or otherwise these people are role models. Usually we claim "my private life is my own business" - but the boundaries between public and private blur when we are perceived to be people with traits we expect others, in particular children, to follow. Furthermore, we are one person - the person who is dishonest in their private life is the same person with the responsibility to be honest in their public working life.
However, none of us are perfect - and Jesus saying "let whoever is without sin cast the first stone" is a reminder to be absolutely fair in our judgment of others and their actions. I guess the place to begin is in looking at ourselves as individuals - in private and in public - and expecting of ourselves the same levels of honesty and integrity as we expect of our children, spouses, and friends.

S&C 3: Evolutionism

In a previous post I was careful to differentiate between a scientific theory - such as the theory of evolution, and religious or philosophical statements made by individuals who believe the scientific theory supports their religious point of view. In the case of those who use the theory of evolution to support an atheistic view of the world I call this EvolutionISM.

One of the "worst" (in the sense of making the illogical leap from scientific to religious statements) proponents of Evolutionism is British scientist and author Richard Dawkins. In books such as "The selfish gene" and "The Blind Watchmaker" he repeatedly attempts to put down Christianity. My concern here, though, is not so much attacks on a religion, but the logical consequences of evolutionism.

Dawkins himself in The Selfish Gene (p3) states "...that a human society based simply on the gene's law of universal rutheless selfishness would be a very nasty society in which to live. But, unfortunately, however much we may deplore something, it does not stop it being true." He then spends another 300+ pages defending his selfish gene thesis. He tries to claim that he's not advocating "morality based on evolution" but that is exactly what he is doing in that his argument is that everything done ultimately depends on genes trying to replicate themselves. This makes all moral decisions equally "good" or "bad" if they promote the replication of genes! Such a position is a recipe for anarchy. Unfortunately, it is also where we are heading socially as a nation. We see it in the "victimisation" of the criminals. They are treated as victims of their genes (race) and environment. They are treated as though they have a sickness rather than as evil doers.

Sexual behaviours once considered deviant (morally) are now considered acceptable - in part this is because of an overriding atheistic philosophy that it is all in our genes.

Evolutionism should be of major concern to the Christian community as it ultimate promotes a selfish world. It is these philosophies that must be resisted and shown to be lacking in logic that must be resisted. It is not a problem of the science, but of the people who misrepresent it. They are who our attention should be focused on - not the science itself.

Work 4: The Christian Teacher in the classroom

It occurred to me the other day that the Bible does not discuss Christians Teachers. This is not surprising given that for most of the 3000 or so years the Bible spans there were no schools as we are used to them now. Teaching was the job of parents. The Bible certainly has a lot to say about their role in teaching their children.

How then, should Christian teachers be different from any others in the secular classroom? I wonder what your thoughts are?

Here are a couple of mine:
1. The Christian Teacher must always strive to be the best possible teacher utilising their gift of teaching
2. When a child comes to the Christian teacher the teacher must seek to respond to that child with the attention and compassion that Jesus showed to children

The active worrier

There are times when we all worry. The future may seem bleak ... for our selves or someone we know. Worry is in part being in a state of uncertainty. As someone who easily worries I've been thinking a little lately about this and about being an active worrier.

A passive worrier is someone who starts to worry and just allows the thoughts to continue, and possibly, overwhelm them. An active worrier is someone who recognises the worrier and takes some positive action.

Jesus gives us the clue to the first step an active worrier can take. He talks of not worrying because God is all knowing and all caring. In other words - put your worry in the greater perspective of you being part of God's creation - a very loved part. Jesus then calls us to action - "strive" for the kingdom of God and that which is right is his call (Matthew 6:25-34).

So, two actions are there - put things in perspective and strive to do what is right (ie not merely convenient). These may be preceded by a third action - prayer. A wise friend said the other day - when you find yourself worrying, pray. At the very least "a problem shared is a problem halved" - but be prepared for much more for our God is a gracious God.

Work 3: Wonder

When is it that wonder finally gets kicked out of us? When is it that we no longer stand in awe of the beauty of creation, or we no longer take delight in the small things? When does a flower just become another flower and not a magical creation vivid in colour to be picked and handed to our Mother (and it doesn't matter that someone else calls it a weed)? Is it the regimented school system that does this, or the tired parent who fails to respond. If we survive those, is it the workplace that finally destroys the sense of wonder?

Over the weekend we shifted the orientation of my 4 year old's bed in his room - he was absolutely delighted by something new. My hope and prayer is that he will never lose that sense of wonder.

Nowadays the workplace has become a place where only routine and efficiency are praised. There is little or no room to take the time to revel in wonder. Creativity is stymied by bureaucracy and the headlong rush into conformity. Computers lead the way .... conform to Microsoft rules or suffer. Every workplace is branded so that bar the title and name everyone's business cards look the same. There is no place for individuality. Once they talked of the factories of Britain as "Dark Satanic Mills" - now our offices may be clean but they are still dark, sanitized of wonder and humaneness.

It is the uniqueness of the individual that makes us human. It is the ability to stop and marvel at each other and creation that distinguishes us from machines and beasts. We must find ways to regain wonder in the workplace. Perhaps when you next look on your colleague you'll wonder at their uniqueness. Perhaps you will stop and wonder at the creativity of those who produce the office furniture or the bravery of those who first mined for the metals in the paper clip. Perhaps you'll just rearrange your desk and luxuriate in the change. Seek out on opportunity to regain some of that wonder of your childhood.

"Lift up thine eyes to the coming of the King"

Take Hold of life

"Take hold of life" - no passive sitting back and letting life "happen" to you. Instead, take life by the scruff of the neck and live it! Take action now ... don't let another day go past that you will never remember and will be just a grey blur of mediocrity. Instead - stand tall and do something today as if this was the first day of the rest of your life (which it is) and you want to remember this day for eternity. Living life is to be purposeful and full of action - it is not to be merely endured or left to run down to the day we die.

I came across the imperative "take hold" of life when reading something the apostle Paul said to his young disciple Timothy. Here's the verse in full:

"Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses" Paul to Timothy in 1Tim6:12

I may blog another time about taking hold of eternal life another time ... I'll finish with the thought that as we take action today we do so as beings designed for eternity.

S&C 2: Why is the theory of evolution a problem for some Christians?

To answer the question we need to consider (i) the nature of science and (ii) the nature of the Bible.

1. The nature of science

At its core science is measurement. Without measurement anything that sounds "scientific" is merely speculation. A theory is speculation until measurements are made of something it predicts. When the measurements show something other than what the theory predicted, then the theory is modified. Furthermore, in science measurements must be repeatable.
So, science is limited to that which can be measured. Not surprisingly, this means that it is limited to the physical universe, not the meta-physical or spiritual realm. In terms of God, science can not measure God (there is no ruler long enough) therefore it can say nothing about God's existence or otherwise.

Some scientists, though, have made statements about God that they argue follow from their science. That is, their theories of cosmology or evolution, so they say, prove God does or doesn't exist. When they make these statements they are inferring something and are moving from the realm of science to the realm of religion (or philosophy). Hence, statements to the effect that the theory of evolution proves God doesn't exist are NOT scientific statements, but religious one. I am very careful here to distinguish, therefore, between the scientific theory of evolution, and the philosophy of evolutionISM.

The mistake many Christian's make is not to make the distinction between the science and the philosophy. Too often they attack the science and not the philosophy. A whole industry of "Creation science" has sprung up based on the false premise that the theory of evolution does say God doesn't exist, therefore something must be wrong with the theory. To the contrary, the theory says nothing of the sought. It is just that some people infer that it does. My science background is mainly physics and so I'm not particularly competent to point out the scientific shortcomings of the theory of evolution (all theories have them) - that must be left to more competent scientists. But I can point out the error in inferring that God doesn't exist from the theory of evolution. There is a lot more to be said about Evolutionism and its detrimental effects on society - but that is for another time.

2. The nature of the Bible
Some Christians believe they must oppose the theory of evolution because the Bible teachers creation science. Unfortunately, this misunderstands what the Bible is. The Bible explains "who" created and "why" not "how." I can say this with utmost confidence because the first scientific writings that concentrated on "how" in a science sense were written some 1500 years or more after the last of the Biblical books were written. In other words, the scientific genre of writing is a relatively modern one - we must not think that the writers of the Bible engaged in it.

To give you an idea of why there are creation stories (there are two) in the Bible it would be a good idea for people to compare Biblical creation stories with others that were around in the Middle East 3000 years ago. In the Genesis the common words for Sun and Moon are not used - why? Because the words for Sun and Moon were words for Gods according to the religions of the people surrounding the Hebrews. The Bible very carefully points out the the "light of the day" and "light of the night" are but "mere" creations of the one creator God. This is not science - it is religion.

When we read the Bible we often have to distinguish the genre we are reading - is it narrating a story, is it intended to be historical, is it commands (if so, who to(, is it poetry. One thing we can be sure of and that is it is not science. For example Job 9:6 "He shakes the earth from its place and makes its pillars tremble" and Psalm 75:3 "When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm" suggest the earth has pillars holding it up - at least they should suggest that to the person who reads the Bible as literal scientific fact. Obviously, we all read these as poetic analogies, even though it may have been that the people who first heard these words believed them literally.

The Bible is a wonderful book that teaches me about my faith and my God - it contains many mysteries for me, but one thing I am sure of, and that is that the Bible is not a scientific text book.

Work 2: Grief

Grief is not just the emotion we feel when a loved one dies, but is also present when we have to let go of that which is precious to us. In our modern world where no job is gauranteed for life this includes, at times, letting go of the work environment, the colleagues, and our creations. With grief can also come shock when the loss is unexpected and out of our control. Grief is the base emotion with tears, jokes, anger all being exhibited. Grief is also a very natural reaction ... not something to be ashamed of or avoided.

Platitudes and new strategies as to "how to deal with grief" or stress relieving exercises are not likely to be particularly useful or welcome just at the moment. What I think the whole of the College needs now is one big hug ... I can't do that, but I'll pray for it from someone who has wide enough arms.

The values of the draft curriculum

I've just read the section on values in the new draft curriculum put out by the MOE. What struck me was that it didn't really talk about values at all. Instead it talked out things we should value. These are not the same things.

For example, it suggests we should value "diversity" and teach that to the students. Diversity is not a value. It is simply a state of being. For example a class room may or may not be ethnically diverse, in that it may have few or many ethnicities represented. I'm assuming that the MOE is not saying that we should value oneclass above another according to the numbers of ethnicities represented!

The problem with the modern obsession about values education is that it avoids all talk of virtues. It also assumes that values are to be taught rather than modeled.

When I think of virtues I think of honest, integrity, generosity, humility. Unfortunately, not all these virtues fit into the philosophies dominant in education.

S&C 1: A big question

Over the past few weeks both Christians and non-Christians have asked me questions relating to the interaction of my religious faith and science. Not surprising really given that I've PhD in Physics, yet walk around campus with a cross on my shirt. The questions have included "Do you believe in Evolution?" "Aren't Christianity and Science in conflict?" "Do you believe in Adam and Eve as real people?". Some of the questions are predicated by assumptions about what the person themselves believes - either as a Christian or as a non-Christian. In the non-Christian's situation it appears to me that what they think Christians believe about science is based on their encounters with one or two Christians and perhaps on a bit of news media (especially from the US).

Anyway, I've decided to blog a bit on this and will preface these blogs as S&C blogs. I'll look at the nature of science, the nature of religious belief, what the Bible says and doesn't say about science and more.

Work 1: An Angel at Reception

I've decided to begin a series of blogs on the subject of work/study. From a Christian perspective I wonder if sometimes we don't get our focus right in this area. I hope what I have to say will be of interest to both Christians and non-Christians.

It was wonderful to see at a reception in one work place someone wearing little pink angel's wings the other day ... I gather this "craziness" is part of a reaction to recent proposals to change things. It says to me something very important - "Hey, look at us, we are humans who like to have fun, even while we work and not matter how others value our work, we value ourselves and our own little community." In other words - work and the work place exist for us, not us for work.

The realities of life

Yesterday I was happily wandering about the campus talking to various people and putting up notices about this new Blog when I met P. It was his first day back on campus after a break. The break had been caused by the sudden death of his Father. P - our prayers go to God for your continued strength and resilience through this tough time.

Both Work places and places of study are not really set up to deal with the realities of life. Inevitably, efficiency and timetabling are the name of the game. Unfortunately, this tends to try and squeeze everyone into the same mold. Whilst exceptional circumstances can result in exceptional adjustments to routine. It is routine that dominates. Occasionally "life" interrupts the "machine" of a work or study place. At least it often seems to be an interruption to those immersed in a routine. Maybe, we should think of it the other way around. Life events - even the tragic ones, but also the "minor" ones like a child's first steps, or a wedding to celebrate, are really what life is about. These events often don't fit routine or happen at "convenient" moments. I think that is as it should be. We need to learn that work and study, as important as they may be, are not the goal and purpose of life, but merely part of a much larger picture. When they begin to dominate then, perhaps, we have begun to idolatrise our work or study place.

Disestablished

In one work place this is a bit of a "dirty word" as people struggle to come to terms with change. I feel totally inadequate to do much to help those whose positions have been disestablished in the past couple of weeks. By God's grace, though, my prayers and those of others will assist people to see themselves in God's light - unrepeatable, miraculous, creations designed for the purpose of loving.

Chaplain in Class

I got to attend a couple of classes recently. It was a great experience!

It reminded me of what a privilege it is to teach children. To open their eyes to the wonder of the world about them is a fantastic thing to do. I think if by the end of their schooling a pupil still has a sense of wonder and a well developed curiosity then the teachers have done a great job!

What's Da Vinci got to do with it?

Hands up whose read/seen the Da Vinci code? A good yarn I reckon - but not a new one - the first conspiracy theories about Jesus being married to Mary of Magdala were in the 13th Century! From a purely historical point of view it has less going for it than Elvis being alive and the moon landings being fake. As a novel - it's a page turner, but not high class literature. Why then is it such a phenomenon? Could it be simply that we like to bag the establishments (in this case the Roman Catholic church)? Maybe - it is that we still don't know what to do with Jesus - we try and make him human, just like us. Funnily enough - Christianity has always claimed he's fully human. There's no evidence at all that he had a child - but I'm sure he was biologically capable. It's that other bit about him - that he claimed divinity - that tends to be the stumbling block. After all, Christianity has shaped much of the Western world - if it is based on a man who claimed to be God, yet was a liar or deceived, then much of the foundation of our civilization is based on the words of a madman! Kinda tricky isn't it?

My role as Chaplain

My role as a Chaplain is to walk beside you from time to time on your journey. For how long and what part of your journey depends a lot on you. I am on campus not just for Christian students, although, obviously, I come from a Christian perspective. For those of you with other faiths or no-religious affiliation, please do not hesitate to seek me out – I may be able to help you talk some things through. For the Christian students on campus – studying can be pretty intense. It can also throw up some unexpected challenges to your faith. I am here to listen and support you with your decision making, your understanding of who you are and what God wants of you, and with any issues – theological or secular – that you just want an opportunity to discuss.


About me – obviously I am a Christian. I worship at St Christopher’s Anglican church in Avonhead. I have a degree in theology from the UK that took me seven years part-time during which I never once spoke with a tutor of lecturer! My main focus in life is to be the husband and Father God wants me to be. This said, I have had a lot of experience at juggling the demands of study, family, and work.

I think I have a pretty good understanding of what it means to be a student. I spent 6 ½ years studying Physics at the University of Canterbury in the 80s and then some years as a research scientist. More recently I spent about 7 years running support services for international students. In the last couple of years I have had my own businesses, one of which has involved training a lot of other people in pastoral care of international students.

¬1Peter 3:15 “…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” describes what I see as my mission.
Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God…” comes to my mind when I think about my favourite hobby. Guess the hobby.
My favourite Biblical word – Grace and the verse to go with it 1John 1:9 “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Poem: Lament for a child lost overseas

I came with broken heart
It has gone cold
Ice pierces my soul

Was giving my child to you not enough
That you must break her too

Broken wings don’t fly
Time is no healer
There is no relief in metaphors
Platitudes don’t bring justice

As for you High and Mighty one
Aloof, distant, cold
Do you not care
Do you not remember
His body broken on the tree
His pierced side
His anguished cry

Did you grieve as I grieve
Suffer as I suffer
Weep as I weep

You warmed his heart
Warm hers
Shatter the ice, melt the darkness
My God, My God, do not abandon us

The lament is dedicated to the Chinese father who lost his son through violence on our shores a few weeks ago and to all those who bring children into the world with such hope and joy only to find someone violently strips it from them.

Article: Thursday's in Black

My antidote to rape, violence and discrimination

We are right to grieve, anger, and protest at rape, violence and discrimination.

Rape – is it the ultimate evil? Certainly it is close. There is no excuse. It doesn’t matter that we live in a sex obsessed culture, it doesn’t matter if her dress was skimpy or her actions flirtatious – rape is wrong – always wrong. Thank God we all agree on that – let us never forget.

Violence – painful, destructive, and nearly always avoidable. The final nail in my pacifist coffin was walking through Auschwitz and seeing the piles of human hair – cut off for the stuffing of mattresses. Some violence must be resisted – even with violence. My protest is that we do violence against those we are called to protect and love – our lovers, our children, our parents. Such violence is on the increase signalling that we live in a broken and confused culture … children are growing up seeing violence as a normal everyday thing in their home, as part of their games and on their TV … adults too are confused - many of the same ones who are arguing that using reasonable physical force (a tap on the hand) to discipline one’s own child is an act of violence also willingly support the slicing and dicing of 18,000 children a year whilst they are in the safest room of the house – their mother’s womb. Confusion reigns. We need to reassert the God given dignity of every human being.

Discrimination – comes out of fear. Fear of difference and fear of losing status. It would be a boring world if we were all the same. Our differences can and should be enjoyed. Yet, we must learn to discriminate between the person and their actions. It is not wrong to say to those who are Political opponents, of another religion, or with differing expressions of sexuality – I disagree with you, I do not like what you do. Open and honest debate about what is good or not good for society or about what is right or wrong should be promoted and sought after. However, we must distinguish between someone’s action and their underlying humanity and learn to continually treat them with dignity and respect.

My antidote to rape, violence and discrimination must be in how I view other human beings – all human beings. If I were to view them as merely a collection of biochemicals with conscience a product of a soulless random process that has no ultimate meaning then I have no basis on which to treat them with any form of respect – what we say and do to each other is meaningless – anything goes. If I were to view all humans as mere puppets in the hands of a capricious power or powers such that, if I’m lucky, I may possibly influence the powers for my benefit – though more likely the stars will dictate what happens, then I have no hope as I am always destined to fail and it doesn’t really matter if I am violent or not. No, I take my cue from God – all are created equal in the image of a loving God. When I look upon someone else – I see a being created for love by love, no matter how unlovely they may appear at my flawed first sight. Do I succeed in this goal all the time? Of course not – but I must strive for it, anything else would be subhuman and destined to fail.