Hmm..interesting.
I had heard of the interpretation of Christ's death once from a friend that went something like this...
"If the sin of a mere human being, Adam, cause EVERYONE to be condemned and die, shouldn't the death of Jesus, the son of God, cause EVERYONE to live? This should be so even for unbelievers, since Adam's death holds true for unbelievers as well."
This was an intriguing thought, and one that resonated with me at that point of time. It had appealed to me that Jesus, in his eternal and unfathomable love, would want everyone to be saved, regardless of whether they believed in him or otherwise. It would also mean that all my loved ones, friends and family, who did not believe in the gospel did not have to perish! [For easy reference, we'll term this Ideology 2]
Ok, it would be prudent to start with the question: How did the Protestant church come up with the idea that you'd need to believe in the salvation of Jesus' death before you're saved? [This we'll term Ideology 1 since it's the default protestant position]
There are many verses that describe this but I'll just pick up a few.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - Jn 14:6
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live - Jn 11:25
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. - Jn 3:16
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. - Romans 10:9
These verses explicitly state that a believer needs to affirm, believe and make a conscious decision that Jesus had risen and is Lord before he/she is saved. This is the basis of Ideology 1.
I had stated specifically the "Protestant Church" for good reason since our brethren Catholics think otherwise.
In fact, Pope Francis had recently stated that "all people, not just Catholics, are redeemed through Jesus, even atheists." --- He makes a fair point. Paul had, in his first letter to Timothy, stated that Jesus gave himself as 'a ransom for all'. Therefore, Catholics have this view that your entry to heaven is based on the amount of good works that you do and the motivation behind it. The Catholic view therefore is a slight modification to Ideology 2, with the addition of the clause that good needs to be effected first.
In my previous postings, I had talked at length about the idea of choice and how it's central to the protestant faith. This idea is important as it will serve as the fulcrum of my argument in the later parts.
[To be continued when I'm free]
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Physical Laws are an Oversight
It was on the way home on my scooter that a strange thought struck me: You see, the field of Optics had been pioneered by heavyweights such as Newton in his masterpiece 'Opticks', Huygens and Fresnel. These had serious implications in our understanding of the visible world around us and were the building blocks of further, more complex principles like wave-particle duality, quantum mechanics and quantum electrodynamics.
Now, this field could have only been sparked by the flint of being able to see, that is pretty evident. Imagine a world where humans were born blind --- would it then be possible for us to conceive of the physics behind optical phenomena?
At this juncture, some might argue that the mathematical constructs would exist, somehow or other during its study, so this wouldn't be too far of a stretch to suggest otherwise. However, while the branch of mathematics might describe stuff such as complex amplitudes that are necessary for such laws, we must understand that such equations make sense only in the light and relevance of a physical phenomena.
Even so, questions pertaining to sources of energy and heat or with regard to an external source (i.e. the Sun) might drive humans to conclude that there must be waves emanating and therefore come up with the necessary laws to describe them.
[Ok, this is weird]
I had originally begun this article with the answer of "no" in mind. However, as I continue to muse over the possibility and achievements that humans have managed to attain without the ability to observe certain phenomena (electrons, wavelengths outside of the visible spectrum, etc.), I've changed my mind.
I think it's highly possible that we'll ultimately, albeit with greater setbacks, still get to the point that we are at now.
My point is this: Humans study things that we can observe. The world is beautiful because of colour...and because we're able to see its manifestation in the objects around us. Imagine all the other things we're missing out on because we weren't imbued with the physical sense to observe. The universe is truly bigger than what we can conceive.
Now, this field could have only been sparked by the flint of being able to see, that is pretty evident. Imagine a world where humans were born blind --- would it then be possible for us to conceive of the physics behind optical phenomena?
At this juncture, some might argue that the mathematical constructs would exist, somehow or other during its study, so this wouldn't be too far of a stretch to suggest otherwise. However, while the branch of mathematics might describe stuff such as complex amplitudes that are necessary for such laws, we must understand that such equations make sense only in the light and relevance of a physical phenomena.
Even so, questions pertaining to sources of energy and heat or with regard to an external source (i.e. the Sun) might drive humans to conclude that there must be waves emanating and therefore come up with the necessary laws to describe them.
[Ok, this is weird]
I had originally begun this article with the answer of "no" in mind. However, as I continue to muse over the possibility and achievements that humans have managed to attain without the ability to observe certain phenomena (electrons, wavelengths outside of the visible spectrum, etc.), I've changed my mind.
I think it's highly possible that we'll ultimately, albeit with greater setbacks, still get to the point that we are at now.
My point is this: Humans study things that we can observe. The world is beautiful because of colour...and because we're able to see its manifestation in the objects around us. Imagine all the other things we're missing out on because we weren't imbued with the physical sense to observe. The universe is truly bigger than what we can conceive.
Monday, August 19, 2013
A believer's anguish.
The Lord keeps you safe from harm,
He protects, He shields. All the time.
Does He really?
Does He really...now?
The walls around me make me claustrophobic as they inch closer,
but I cannot see them though I can certainly feel their cold, unyielding touch.
It is pitch black and I cannot see light, let alone hope.
It's suffocating.
This wasn't my choice but it's my destiny ---
to forever be bonded to despair.
As the ocean struggles to make it to land, its efforts are futile and it remains in the abyss.
Such is my fate: devoid of choice like the ocean, trivial in its struggles, hopelessness is its belief.
God seems so far away...and so uncaring.
"Put your faith in Him", they said...
It is so difficult. So very difficult.
Every step seems insurmountable, every day seems like a battle.
I am weary.
Weary from the punches that life seems to throw.
I am not a fighter. Why am I being subjected to this?
The funny thing about life is...
it's not easy to give up.
Giving up on life....is not a passive choice.
Therein lies the irony of it.
I really need you God.
I want answers. I have so many questions...
Why? Why..me?
I am not a Job, nor a Moses, nor an Abraham.
I am me --- frail, weak, me.
You'd gave me so many promises...they seem so empty now.
I don't even know why I am holding on so tightly to them.
I don't want to be disappointed again.
I really don't...
Please...
Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil...
Be my shepherd. My rock. My shield.
I cannot do it on my own.
I am at the edge of a precipice, holding on with scarcely any strength left...
Don't break my faith. Not after what I've been through..
I can only rely on you.
He protects, He shields. All the time.
Does He really?
Does He really...now?
The walls around me make me claustrophobic as they inch closer,
but I cannot see them though I can certainly feel their cold, unyielding touch.
It is pitch black and I cannot see light, let alone hope.
It's suffocating.
This wasn't my choice but it's my destiny ---
to forever be bonded to despair.
As the ocean struggles to make it to land, its efforts are futile and it remains in the abyss.
Such is my fate: devoid of choice like the ocean, trivial in its struggles, hopelessness is its belief.
God seems so far away...and so uncaring.
"Put your faith in Him", they said...
It is so difficult. So very difficult.
Every step seems insurmountable, every day seems like a battle.
I am weary.
Weary from the punches that life seems to throw.
I am not a fighter. Why am I being subjected to this?
The funny thing about life is...
it's not easy to give up.
Giving up on life....is not a passive choice.
Therein lies the irony of it.
I really need you God.
I want answers. I have so many questions...
Why? Why..me?
I am not a Job, nor a Moses, nor an Abraham.
I am me --- frail, weak, me.
You'd gave me so many promises...they seem so empty now.
I don't even know why I am holding on so tightly to them.
I don't want to be disappointed again.
I really don't...
Please...
Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil...
Be my shepherd. My rock. My shield.
I cannot do it on my own.
I am at the edge of a precipice, holding on with scarcely any strength left...
Don't break my faith. Not after what I've been through..
I can only rely on you.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Broken Promises.
What are promises if they are meant to be broken?
If they are only sometimes kept?
If they are only made to appease?
If they are forgotten soon after?
If they could be bypassed with exceptions?
If they are held in contempt?
It'd be better not to have made them in the first place ---
To get hopes up and then dragged back down.
To offer assurance and leave it out of reach.
To soothe a worrying heart and then throw it into anxiety's arms.
It's be better not to make them at all ---
A breach of trust that cannot be mended.
A security that cannot be protected.
A hole that cannot be filled.
A heart that cannot be sewn.
I have asked for nothing more but three,
yet it is... a yoke too heavy.
Whilst freedom is gained in the absence of promises,
the aftermath is an irrevocable lack of faith; of trust; of hope.
If they are only sometimes kept?
If they are only made to appease?
If they are forgotten soon after?
If they could be bypassed with exceptions?
If they are held in contempt?
It'd be better not to have made them in the first place ---
To get hopes up and then dragged back down.
To offer assurance and leave it out of reach.
To soothe a worrying heart and then throw it into anxiety's arms.
It's be better not to make them at all ---
A breach of trust that cannot be mended.
A security that cannot be protected.
A hole that cannot be filled.
A heart that cannot be sewn.
I have asked for nothing more but three,
yet it is... a yoke too heavy.
Whilst freedom is gained in the absence of promises,
the aftermath is an irrevocable lack of faith; of trust; of hope.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
In the gap between being a boy and an adult.
I'm 25!
As I look back, there are so many things to give thanks for...and so many other regrets...But I guess that's the draw of the 2nd law of thermodynamics - The only way is to move on, and move on I shall!
Once again, I've started my birthday giving an hour back to God, guess that's the least I can do considering what He's done for me. I kinda like these hourly sessions that I've set aside for him every birthday, just sitting and talking to Him. Throughout the past few sessions, I've asked for many things and He has delivered on every single occasion... My job, my results, my friends and family and my direction in life...
This year, I've specifically asked for a few things:
1) That He gives me a clear direction in the path He wants for me.
2) To put me in a school where I can be effective in changing the life of at least ONE student.
3) My relationship with Janice to be fulfilling and lasting.
4) For Janice to be able to move on in life as well.
5) To preserve my body as I ride a motorbike.
To these, He gave me a few words (better write them down lest I forget)...
There have been a few recurring themes recently - the providence of God and the call to sacrifice.
Of course, it's only natural that I'm called to the message of providence. After all, who likes to sacrifice stuff? Matthew 6 talks about His providence over all nature, so how much more for a human? Malachi 1,2,3 speaks of the need for a sacrifice that is pleasing to Him. More surprisingly, Genesis 22 comments on both: Abraham's sacrifice of his son and God's providence of a suitable substitute.
God's providence and the need for sacrifice goes hand in hand.
Which was a little odd and contrary to what I believed in - that God only wants the best for you and it shouldn't be commensurate with what you give Him...after all, this is a religion that has its basis grounded in 'faith' and 'grace'.
The reconciliation is simple though, since the 'need' for sacrifice stems from us and not from God, and this 'need' is based upon our reciprocation of our love for him. So like any parent who will give the best for their child whether the child is disobedient or not, God still wants the best for us and He knows that the best situation is one where there is mutual love for each other. The need for sacrifice flows out of this as an 'observable' and acts as a substantiation. Let's face it, wouldn't you sacrifice things you cherish for the one you love? It works the same way.
So how will this year pan out for me? I have no idea...but as I stand on the cusp of being a real adult straddling halfway between 20 and 30, I can look back at my life and appreciate that everything that I've gone through -- the hardships, pain and pleasures of it all -- have made me whom I am today and I'm thankful for that.
Will I be able to say the same next time? I do not know but I guess that whenever I am able to reach that conclusion in the future, it means that I'm in a position of stability and maturity. So thank you God, family, friends and circumstances for allowing me to be the person I am today!
As I look back, there are so many things to give thanks for...and so many other regrets...But I guess that's the draw of the 2nd law of thermodynamics - The only way is to move on, and move on I shall!
Once again, I've started my birthday giving an hour back to God, guess that's the least I can do considering what He's done for me. I kinda like these hourly sessions that I've set aside for him every birthday, just sitting and talking to Him. Throughout the past few sessions, I've asked for many things and He has delivered on every single occasion... My job, my results, my friends and family and my direction in life...
This year, I've specifically asked for a few things:
1) That He gives me a clear direction in the path He wants for me.
2) To put me in a school where I can be effective in changing the life of at least ONE student.
3) My relationship with Janice to be fulfilling and lasting.
4) For Janice to be able to move on in life as well.
5) To preserve my body as I ride a motorbike.
To these, He gave me a few words (better write them down lest I forget)...
There have been a few recurring themes recently - the providence of God and the call to sacrifice.
Of course, it's only natural that I'm called to the message of providence. After all, who likes to sacrifice stuff? Matthew 6 talks about His providence over all nature, so how much more for a human? Malachi 1,2,3 speaks of the need for a sacrifice that is pleasing to Him. More surprisingly, Genesis 22 comments on both: Abraham's sacrifice of his son and God's providence of a suitable substitute.
God's providence and the need for sacrifice goes hand in hand.
Which was a little odd and contrary to what I believed in - that God only wants the best for you and it shouldn't be commensurate with what you give Him...after all, this is a religion that has its basis grounded in 'faith' and 'grace'.
The reconciliation is simple though, since the 'need' for sacrifice stems from us and not from God, and this 'need' is based upon our reciprocation of our love for him. So like any parent who will give the best for their child whether the child is disobedient or not, God still wants the best for us and He knows that the best situation is one where there is mutual love for each other. The need for sacrifice flows out of this as an 'observable' and acts as a substantiation. Let's face it, wouldn't you sacrifice things you cherish for the one you love? It works the same way.
So how will this year pan out for me? I have no idea...but as I stand on the cusp of being a real adult straddling halfway between 20 and 30, I can look back at my life and appreciate that everything that I've gone through -- the hardships, pain and pleasures of it all -- have made me whom I am today and I'm thankful for that.
Will I be able to say the same next time? I do not know but I guess that whenever I am able to reach that conclusion in the future, it means that I'm in a position of stability and maturity. So thank you God, family, friends and circumstances for allowing me to be the person I am today!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Why I want a motorbike?
As it is, I've received numerous admonitions from friends and parents alike telling me not to buy a bike and that riding is dangerous. I am in no doubt that it is. The fears of riding are well-founded and meticulously documented; after all, who are we to argue with statistics? So while purchasing a bike may seem counter-intuitive and foolhardy, perhaps even childish and rebellious, I would like to give reasons for my persistence in wanting to own a bike.
I'll start with the 'logical/economical' reasons:
1) It is cheap...much cheaper as compared to owning a car.
2) Petrol & mileage @ 40km/l...need I say more?
3) Free parking at most places and cheap parking at others.
4) Traffic jams - a thing of the past.
5) No more ferrying of friends whom reside outta the way.
Now that I've gotten these out of the way, let me explain the real reasons:
The act of owning a bike is not simply one that stems out of economy --- it is much, much more than that. There were many times in my life where I've felt controlled and compelled to accomplish the wishes and dreams of others, and even in cases where I've had the autonomy to choose (e.g. studies, career, etc.), these were merely allowed or supported because they did not contradict or go against what the higher powers deemed okay. Therefore, owning a bike was not a necessity and never will be --- it is a lifestyle choice.
A choice that signifies freedom and quenches the thirst for self-autonomy. Something that goes again common logic...where even though the world seems to stand against you, you've persevered and told them that no, these decisions are now yours to make whether they like it or not. It fulfills a deep-seated longing of being free, of being able to come and go as and when you like. It fulfills a deep-seated longing of being free, of being able to determine your future's trajectory without the need or help from external forces. It affirms you as a mature human-being, of your innate right to the freedom of choice and also, functions as a gauge to the level of trust that people have in you.
So while the concerns and the dangers are real and one must be absolutely certain and aware about this, it is my hope that others will come to the realization that taking ownership of an artifact is not merely taking ownership of an artifact....it encompasses many other issues as well.
p.s.: Another reason is this: Since I would definitely rent/ride a bike if I went overseas (which I do quite often) and have been doing so without a license prior to this, wouldn't it make sense that I practice this art while I can before allowing myself to be engaged in the perils of one without the necessary training? This to me...is counter-intuitive.
I'll start with the 'logical/economical' reasons:
1) It is cheap...much cheaper as compared to owning a car.
2) Petrol & mileage @ 40km/l...need I say more?
3) Free parking at most places and cheap parking at others.
4) Traffic jams - a thing of the past.
5) No more ferrying of friends whom reside outta the way.
Now that I've gotten these out of the way, let me explain the real reasons:
The act of owning a bike is not simply one that stems out of economy --- it is much, much more than that. There were many times in my life where I've felt controlled and compelled to accomplish the wishes and dreams of others, and even in cases where I've had the autonomy to choose (e.g. studies, career, etc.), these were merely allowed or supported because they did not contradict or go against what the higher powers deemed okay. Therefore, owning a bike was not a necessity and never will be --- it is a lifestyle choice.
A choice that signifies freedom and quenches the thirst for self-autonomy. Something that goes again common logic...where even though the world seems to stand against you, you've persevered and told them that no, these decisions are now yours to make whether they like it or not. It fulfills a deep-seated longing of being free, of being able to come and go as and when you like. It fulfills a deep-seated longing of being free, of being able to determine your future's trajectory without the need or help from external forces. It affirms you as a mature human-being, of your innate right to the freedom of choice and also, functions as a gauge to the level of trust that people have in you.
So while the concerns and the dangers are real and one must be absolutely certain and aware about this, it is my hope that others will come to the realization that taking ownership of an artifact is not merely taking ownership of an artifact....it encompasses many other issues as well.
p.s.: Another reason is this: Since I would definitely rent/ride a bike if I went overseas (which I do quite often) and have been doing so without a license prior to this, wouldn't it make sense that I practice this art while I can before allowing myself to be engaged in the perils of one without the necessary training? This to me...is counter-intuitive.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Why?
'Why' --- the most important word in the English language.
It serves to push humanity to greater heights.
It drives us to explore the universe around us in greater, ever so much finer detail.
It pushes us to grope around for the philosophical meaning behind every other thing.
It functions as a voice of reason and a substantiation of all we know.
It is infinitely regressive and ultimately unanswerable.
It gives us the motivation to act upon our thoughts.
It is contained in the one verse of scripture where Jesus is so painfully prised from God.
"Eloi Eloi lama sabachthani
And so it seems...so many times...God forsaking us..
I know it is not logical to think that it's true and yet, it is not logical to not understand the reason. How does Man evaluate this? Sadly, by attributing it to our lack of God's wisdom and therefore, knowing His plan for us.
Convenient yet irrefutable.
As of now, I do not have the answer, just the question...
Why?
It serves to push humanity to greater heights.
It drives us to explore the universe around us in greater, ever so much finer detail.
It pushes us to grope around for the philosophical meaning behind every other thing.
It functions as a voice of reason and a substantiation of all we know.
It is infinitely regressive and ultimately unanswerable.
It gives us the motivation to act upon our thoughts.
It is contained in the one verse of scripture where Jesus is so painfully prised from God.
"Eloi Eloi lama sabachthani
And so it seems...so many times...God forsaking us..
I know it is not logical to think that it's true and yet, it is not logical to not understand the reason. How does Man evaluate this? Sadly, by attributing it to our lack of God's wisdom and therefore, knowing His plan for us.
Convenient yet irrefutable.
As of now, I do not have the answer, just the question...
Why?
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