More Precious Than

Is God Good?

Stéphane — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 07:02:57 +0000

Here is an excellent video that touches upon the “Problem of Evil“. There is certainly much more to be said on the topic, but it is a good primer:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfd_1UAjeIA

Book Review: “The Journey to Truth” by George Garlick Ph.D.

Stéphane — Sat, 01 May 2010 17:24:15 +0000

I previewed “The Journey to Truth” by George Garlick in my previous post. I recently finished reading it, here are my thoughts.

The book begins with an autobiography of George Garlick’s childhood and his developing curiosity in scientific and theological topics. As the book progresses, George attempts to weave together the two topics into a unified perspective.

I thought the book started off fairly slow. I am generally indifferent to autobiographies and I was unfamiliar with the author. I also found his initial discussions on scientific and theological topics to be fairly standard. Still, there was some insight and I continued with my reading.

It is fortunate that I persisted, because the initial chapters were clearly just building the foundation. Beginning with chapter five, the book suddenly delves deeper and begins to discuss scientific and mathematical concepts on dimensions, light, and time. The topics were freshly unfamiliar.

I found his correlation of these scientific concepts to theological concepts insightful and fascinating. It spurred me to take notes and do further research. These chapters occasionally get bogged down with complex scientific terminology and mathematical equations. Some of the more complex material may have been better served in an appendix.

In the end I found the book insightful, but there could be a bit more balance. I found the book initially too straightforward, while the later half is occasionally too complex. Never-the-less, it is a worth reading.

Book Preview: The Journey of Truth

Stéphane — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 03:36:29 +0000

I recently acquired the book entitled “The Journey to Truth“. It is written by George F. Garlick, a physicist who pioneered Holographic Ultrasound Technology.

It is an autobiography about his journey of science and faith. A journey that began for him in conflict, but ended in convergence. The relationship between faith and science is a complex and fascinating topic, I hope to find some insight in this book. Review to follow!

Ann Coulter and the Mennonites

Stéphane — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:49:36 +0000

The conservative commentator Ann Coulter recently spoke at my local university among fanfare and protestation. I have minimal interest in politics, but her “Christianity” does interest me. As with Ann’s politics, her faith is antagonistic. It reminds of the Pharisees in Jesus’ day.

In contrast, I recently listened to a sermon by Shane Hipps. Shane taught at a Mennonite church for several years and is now a teaching pastor at Mars Hill (alongside Rob Bell). In the sermon Shane gave some background information on the Mennonites. For them Christianity is not primarily about believing, but practicing the way of Christ.

It is important to realize people practice their faith in two ways. There is the Ann Coulter and Pharisee way: antagonizing and even killing for what they believe in. Then there is the Jesus and Mennonite way: practicing and even dying for what they believe in.

Here is a clip from Shane’s message (volume is low):

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHC9VunluQ8

Woodland Hills: Kingdom Economics

Stéphane — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:54:39 +0000

Woodland Hills recently had a sermon series called “Kingdom Economics”. Simply put, it is on money and wealth. It is an insightful series that people should hear. Here is an excerpt from the first sermon entitled “Defying the Beast”:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3QkXhrFLr0

No related posts.

2010 Christianity Today Book Awards

Stéphane — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:54:05 +0000

Christianity Today picks their top Christian books of 2009:

Our judging process began with 472 titles submitted by 72 publishers. Christianity Today’s editors selected finalists in each category, and our expert judges went to work discovering the best of the bunch from 2009. Here are the 12 winners (including two ties) and 11 notables that best shed light on the people, events, and ideas that shape evangelical life, thought, and mission, with comments from the judges.

Definitely some good books to add to your reading list, I’ve added some that somehow escaped my radar. Be sure to also check out their awards from previous years, some must-read gems to be found.

No related posts.

Film: The Nativity Story

Stéphane — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:13:39 +0000

The Nativity Story is a 2006 historical drama directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight, Lords of Dogtown). It stars relatively unknown actors Keisha Castle-Hughes and Shohreh Aghdashloo.

The story follows the virgin conception of Mary, her betrothal to Joseph, their journey to Bethlehem, and concludes with the birth of Christ. It follows the gospels respectfully, adding some speculative (but plausible) historical and relationship details.

I thought the film was decent. It is a good Christmas film, depicting the true reason for the season. Here is the trailer:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=G78OdmY32IM

Video: The Size of Our World

Stéphane — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:46:49 +0000

Here is a excellent video comparing the size of planets and stars. It is fascinating and mind-bending. I’ve seen a few of these videos over the years, this is the nicest one I’ve seen.

“When I look up at the heavens, which your fingers made, and see the moon and the stars, which you set in place, Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them?”

- Psalm 8:3-4

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEheh1BH34Q

Book Preview: The Divine Commodity

Stéphane — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:45:50 +0000

I recently added the following book to my want-to-read list: “The Divine Commodity: Discovering a Faith Beyond Consumer Christianity“. I am not familiar with the author, Skye Jethani. It appears to the first book he has written. He also has a blog: SkyeBox.

The reviews for “The Divine Commodity” are positive, calling it an insightful and timely book. Amazon describes the books as follows:

A growing number of people are disturbed by the values exhibited by the contemporary church. Worship has become entertainment, the church has become a shopping mall, and God has become a consumable product.

Here is an introduction to the book by the Skye himself …

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV9Da5-DNwM

Preview: The Road

Stéphane — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:19:02 +0000

The film called “The Road” came out this weekend. It is based on the award-winning 2006 novel by Cormac McCarthy. The same author wrote “No Country for Old Men“. The Road is a post-apocalyptic drama about a father and son trying to survive in a barren wasteland.

It should be a thought-provoking and intelligent film, unlike a recent disaster film I watched. “The Road” stars Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Robert Duvall, Guy Pearce, and Charlize Theron. I plan to see it soon, I will give a mini-review once I do. Here is the trailer:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4aNZGniOG4

No related posts.