RTB Blogs

Why Do We Have So Much (Cosmic) Stuff

take-two — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:03:08 -0800

They say the top three most stressful life events are death, divorce, and….moving. Recent experience tells me why the latter makes the list.

Blaise’s Best Bet, Part 2: Pioneering Physicist

reflections — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:22:11 -0800

Despite dying in 1662 at age 39, French philosopher Blaise Pascal left a mark on mathematics and science still present to this day. Part 2 of this series on Pascal’s intellectual legacy focuses not only on his practical contributions to math and science, but also on his influence on the philosophy of science.

Personality Profile

take-two — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:58:45 -0800

“I certainly have not the talent which some people possess,” said Darcy, “of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done.” —Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
read more

Blaise’s Best Bet, Part 1: an Introduction to Blaise Pascal

reflections — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:06:17 -0800

How many seventeenth-century Christians have modern-day computer languages named after them? Only one—Blaise Pascal (1623–1662).¹

Serving up Sweet FAQs

take-two — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:52:58 -0800

A casual dinner with my sister reminded me of one of her endearing (and enduring) traits—a penchant for sweets.

My Daughter’s Brain-Mind

reflections — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:28:28 -0800

When my oldest child, Sarah (now 24 years old), was a toddler she loved to push the buttons on the keyboard of my very first computer. While I was working on the computer, she would come up to me and ask: “Daddy, push one button?” I would acquiesce to her wishes and then watch as her little fingers pecked away at the keys.

I had no idea then that my daughter was actually engaging in early vocational training. Today she works as a professional court reporter-closed captioner.

Past Watchful Dragons

take-two — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:21:38 -0800

This month’s Chinese New Year celebrations will usher in 2012 as the year of the dragon. These legendary beasties have been a favorite fairytale and mythology staple for eons. But are dragons really just figments of our imaginations? Or are they evidence of ancient humans’ encounters with living dinosaurs?

Filing for Spiritual Chapter 11 Protection

take-two — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:18:11 -0800

An Inconvenient Duty

reflections — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:00:09 -0800

Christmas is by far my favorite time of year. I never tire of hearing the incredible message that the Son of God took a human nature and became the God-man at his Incarnation (Philippians 2:5–11).

Are You a Renaissance Christian? 12 Tips for Pursuing Knowledge and Wisdom in Daily Life

reflections — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:55:13 -0800

I first heard the expression “renaissance Christian” from apologist and attorney John Warwick Montgomery in the early 1980s. Montgomery gave a lecture at the former Simon Greenleaf School of Law on the importance of developing the Christian mind. The lecture left a deep impression on me.

Animals in the Spotlight

take-two — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:31:42 -0800

In early elementary school I developed distaste for reading. To remedy the situation, my parents bought books suited to my interests—principally, animals. I willingly devoured Zoobooks magazines, curled up with girl-and-her-horse novels, and thumbed through a well-loved copy of a mammal encyclopedia.

Reflections on the Passing of New Atheist Christopher Hitchens (1949–2011)

reflections — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:11:52 -0800

Christopher Hitchens, author, journalist, and one of the “four horsemen” of the New Atheist movement, died December 15, 2011, of esophageal cancer.

Christmas Thoughts from Take Two

take-two — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:10:20 -0800

Podcast Review: Christmas Edition

reflections — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:42:07 -0800

In between the merry-making and festive traditions, Christmas is, for many, also a time of reflection on the meaning of Christ’s first coming and on gratitude to God for the blessings in our read more

What Was the Christmas Star?

take-two — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:46:51 -0800

A couple of weeks ago Take Two discussed 5 common myths about Christmas. Last week, we looked at the significance of the wise men. This week, we glimpse at another key “figure” in the Christmas story—the star of Bethlehem.

Three Reasons I Love the Christmas Season

reflections — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:50:46 -0800

As the song goes “Christmas time is here.” People are busy shopping, baking, and reliving their special Yuletide traditions. For many churches, the Christmas traditions include Advent ceremonies.

We Three Kings

take-two — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:39:21 -0800

One Christmastime, Dad surprised the family with a new Nativity scene. The set featured a stylized cherry-wood stable and a host of beautiful porcelain figurines. There was the angel with golden wings and a trumpet held aloft, Mary clad in lavender and blue as she kneeled over Baby Jesus, surrounded by animals galore.

Podcast Review: Digging Deep into Doubt, the Problem of Evil, and Salvation

reflections — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:05:52 -0800

In addition to blog posts, I also address Christian worldview issues and critical thinking on a couple of RTB podcasts. Straight Thinking, my primary podcast, highlights the importance of the life of the Christian mind.

Top 5 Common Christmas Myths

take-two — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:04:34 -0800

Christmastime is here! For many of us, the holiday brings happiness and cheer and longstanding traditions. One that my family and neighbors participated in when I was a kid was Las Posadas (the inn). Basically a procession of “pilgrims” (neighborhood families) goes house to house asking for lodging.

Money, Fame, and Influence: HBO's Documentary on Former Beatle George Harrison (Part 3)

reflections — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:50:19 -0800

What’s the true measure of success and influence in life? What criteria should be used to determine this judgment?