Theology

I’ve searched the New Testament. I’ve studied commentaries, read blogs and corresponded with some of the authors. And I’ve googled the web, searched out those who disagree, read and cross-checked their statements.

Greg Boyd is an advocate of Open Theism as am I, but He is also a strong believer in the authority of the Bible. I am more skeptical of its authority but convinced, nonetheless, it has extraordinary value. I’m just not sure which parts of it I should apply in which situation in my life.

Scientists are undecided.

Some say the universe is open-ended, that it will expand forever, and that entropy will ultimately win. Others say it is cyclic, that it started, and will end, with a bang.

In a friend’s blog and in response to an on-going exchange about living in the USA versus elsewhere (see the replies to his [Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007][1] entry), I made the following comment:

Guidelines from above:

1. Master what you can.
2. Help each other.
3. Try not to hurt anyone.
4. Accept.

As they say, I’m conflicted.

On the one hand I have the wherewithall, both mental and physical, both of which are God-given abilities, to protect myself. It is true, of course, that I can choose to use those abilities for good or evil and so the question arises, when, if ever, should I use force for the purpose of doing good?

Growing up I can remember how contentious, even confrontational, some of the churches seemed to be. “We are the true Way,” some would say while others seemed to claim, “Only by ascribing to our beliefs will you enter Heaven.”

Do I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God?