I found another excellent site with mp3 audio from a "Non Calvinist" perspective. It's managed by a fellow named Steve Gregg. I had never heard of Gregg until a few weeks ago. Ironically I ran across his name while looking through James White's site. :) Apparently White and Gregg were going to have a debate on Calvinism, but it fell through. Anyway, Gregg is a Christian radio host who broadcasts a show called "The Narrow Path". The show is on a few radio stations in the Oregon/NoCal area. His stuff is very good - scriptural and detailed. If I had a complaint it would be that he is perhaps too thorough. :) He does not call himself an Arminian, but instead a Non-Calvinist. He has a nine part audio series on the problems with Calvinism.
Here is his website: The Narrow Path
Be sure to check out some of his audio links. I have enjoyed them while on my long commute.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Dutch Chocolate, and two ways to read the Bible
There are (at least) two ways to read the Bible. The first way is a typical "Western" way of learning. The Bible is read in a systematically analytical method. The second way is to read it with personal reflection - with the heart, and then prayerfully ask God to speak through his word. Both ways, I believe, are needed. I think though that I overemphasize the first method, and then don't allow God to speak to me through his word.
Here is a neat example of the second method, as taught by Corrie ten Boom (account found online):
The story is told of the time Corrie Ten Boom was to speak to a group of theologians after the war. She first passed out Dutch chocolate to each person there - a real treat in those days. After they had eaten it she said, "No one said anything about the chocolate." Someone protested that they had indeed thanked her for it. She replied, "I meant that none of you asked me how much sugar was in it. Or what kind of chocolate it was. Or the order in which the ingredients were added together. Or the temperature of the mix. Or where it was made. You just took it and ate it." Someone in the audience replied, "And it was excellent." Corrie Ten Boom then continued holding up her Bible, "And in the same way you should read this! Stop analyzing it or you will never be nourished. Pick it up and read the Word of God!
More Corrie ten Boom links:
Common Sense not needed.
Audio from a few of her chats (SermonIndex.net)
Here is a neat example of the second method, as taught by Corrie ten Boom (account found online):
The story is told of the time Corrie Ten Boom was to speak to a group of theologians after the war. She first passed out Dutch chocolate to each person there - a real treat in those days. After they had eaten it she said, "No one said anything about the chocolate." Someone protested that they had indeed thanked her for it. She replied, "I meant that none of you asked me how much sugar was in it. Or what kind of chocolate it was. Or the order in which the ingredients were added together. Or the temperature of the mix. Or where it was made. You just took it and ate it." Someone in the audience replied, "And it was excellent." Corrie Ten Boom then continued holding up her Bible, "And in the same way you should read this! Stop analyzing it or you will never be nourished. Pick it up and read the Word of God!
More Corrie ten Boom links:
Common Sense not needed.
Audio from a few of her chats (SermonIndex.net)
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The handle: Pizza Man
In case anyone is wondering why I go by the handle "Pizza Man" - I worked for Domino's pizza from 1993-1996. That corresponds to the time I first started going online - mostly BBS stuff back then. So "Pizza Man" seemed appropriate at the time, and it's too late to change it now. :)
Some thoughts on pizza delivery: it is an EXCELLENT part time job for a season. If you are in college and want a job in the evening with flexible hours and pretty good income then pizza delivery is the way to go. Tips are very nice, and you get cash to take home every night. I used to average around $10 an hour (including tips and hourly wage), which wasn't too bad 15 years ago. I'm sure the drivers do even better now (although gas prices aren't what they were). Pizza delivery is also an excellent supplemental job for someone who needs a little extra cash. Dave Ramsey recommends pizza delivery as one of the best ways to jump start getting out of debt, and I agree.
Having said that, the full time pizza business is not so great for a career path or for someone with a family. For a career, you can't really make a living with pizza unless you own a restaurant. The shift managers make less than the delivery drivers (no tips). They have to work evenings and many hours to make a go at it, which is hard on the family.
I have a buddy who started working for Domino's the same time I did. He now is the head manager of his own restaurant. He makes good money, but puts in about 60 hours a week. He has to work evenings and every weekend. Not for me. I'm glad I moved on with my career goals and went instead into IT.
Some thoughts on pizza delivery: it is an EXCELLENT part time job for a season. If you are in college and want a job in the evening with flexible hours and pretty good income then pizza delivery is the way to go. Tips are very nice, and you get cash to take home every night. I used to average around $10 an hour (including tips and hourly wage), which wasn't too bad 15 years ago. I'm sure the drivers do even better now (although gas prices aren't what they were). Pizza delivery is also an excellent supplemental job for someone who needs a little extra cash. Dave Ramsey recommends pizza delivery as one of the best ways to jump start getting out of debt, and I agree.
Having said that, the full time pizza business is not so great for a career path or for someone with a family. For a career, you can't really make a living with pizza unless you own a restaurant. The shift managers make less than the delivery drivers (no tips). They have to work evenings and many hours to make a go at it, which is hard on the family.
I have a buddy who started working for Domino's the same time I did. He now is the head manager of his own restaurant. He makes good money, but puts in about 60 hours a week. He has to work evenings and every weekend. Not for me. I'm glad I moved on with my career goals and went instead into IT.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Arminian Audio Links: Free MP3 sermons from an Arminian view
Here's an Arminian site with a few free mp3 files: http://www.imarc.cc/audio/audiodex.html
There is an excellent audio critique of Calvinism by Dr. Jerry Walls (co-author of Why I'm not a Calvinist). There are several sermons by Dr. Vic Reasoner, who helps produce The Arminian Magazine. In addition, there are 4 John Wesley sermons that have been narrated by Rev. D. Crossman.
There is an excellent audio critique of Calvinism by Dr. Jerry Walls (co-author of Why I'm not a Calvinist). There are several sermons by Dr. Vic Reasoner, who helps produce The Arminian Magazine. In addition, there are 4 John Wesley sermons that have been narrated by Rev. D. Crossman.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Review of Roger Olson's Book: Arminian Theology: Myths And Realities
Review of Roger Olson's Book: Arminian Theology: Myths And Realities
The Calvinist/Arminian debate is often conducted in a way that is hurtful and lacks grace. If you are looking for a book that explains the Arminian view and at the same time treats the Calvinist view with respect, then this is for you.
This book is not a rejection of Calvinism, but instead is an explanation of why Arminians believe the way they do. Olson does not set out to disprove Calvinism.
I appreciated that Olson is not afraid to tackle those from his tradition if he believes that their theology is flawed in any way. For example he points out some of the shortcomings of the later Remonstrants (like Limborch) and he also points out some of the weaknesses of John Wesley.
The book was not an easy read. It was written at a level where I had to struggle at times to fully comprehend. The chapter on the theories of atonement was the most difficult.
The Calvinist/Arminian debate is often conducted in a way that is hurtful and lacks grace. If you are looking for a book that explains the Arminian view and at the same time treats the Calvinist view with respect, then this is for you.
This book is not a rejection of Calvinism, but instead is an explanation of why Arminians believe the way they do. Olson does not set out to disprove Calvinism.
I appreciated that Olson is not afraid to tackle those from his tradition if he believes that their theology is flawed in any way. For example he points out some of the shortcomings of the later Remonstrants (like Limborch) and he also points out some of the weaknesses of John Wesley.
The book was not an easy read. It was written at a level where I had to struggle at times to fully comprehend. The chapter on the theories of atonement was the most difficult.
Subtle bias at Yahoo
Look at this political ad from yahoo, do you see the bias?
1) Hillary is listed first, biggest smile
2) All Democrats are smiling, all Republicans are frowning.
3) Democrats are on top, Republicans on bottom
4) Where's Huck?
1) Hillary is listed first, biggest smile
2) All Democrats are smiling, all Republicans are frowning.
3) Democrats are on top, Republicans on bottom
4) Where's Huck?
Thursday, November 22, 2007
God's Regrets
Ben over at Arminian Perspectives has an interesting post on struggling with regrets.
Regretting is part of the human experience. However, it's interesting to note that God also has regrets. For example in Gen 6:6 God regrets creating man, and in 1 Samuel 15:10,35 he regrets that he made Saul king.
I am curious how the Calvinist would address the issue of God's regrets? The Calvinist believes that everything that takes place is exactly how God intended it. How could God possibly regret anything under that system?
This idea of God regretting also presents an interesting dilemma for the Arminian view of God. Open Theists point to regret as evidence that God does not have exhaustive foreknowledge.
I think that God's regrets are not due to a limitation of foreknowledge, but instead are a natural result of his consistent character. For God, the ends do not justify the means. He does not turn stones into bread for his convenience. He does what is most consistent with his character, even if it's not easy, and even if he knows it that it will not work out down the road. This is particularly evident in the case of King Saul.
Regretting is part of the human experience. However, it's interesting to note that God also has regrets. For example in Gen 6:6 God regrets creating man, and in 1 Samuel 15:10,35 he regrets that he made Saul king.
I am curious how the Calvinist would address the issue of God's regrets? The Calvinist believes that everything that takes place is exactly how God intended it. How could God possibly regret anything under that system?
This idea of God regretting also presents an interesting dilemma for the Arminian view of God. Open Theists point to regret as evidence that God does not have exhaustive foreknowledge.
I think that God's regrets are not due to a limitation of foreknowledge, but instead are a natural result of his consistent character. For God, the ends do not justify the means. He does not turn stones into bread for his convenience. He does what is most consistent with his character, even if it's not easy, and even if he knows it that it will not work out down the road. This is particularly evident in the case of King Saul.
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