Thursday, April 19, 2007
For a number of years I have been struggling with my faith and the apparent spiritual obligation to square it with Creationism. I suppose that over time I have gently rejected the 6 Day approach in favour of a Theistic Evolution, but more recently I have become interested in Panentheism (not to be confused with Pantheism) which states God's immanence as well as his separation from the Universe - if I've understood it correctly. This would allow for Evolution that would be Godly without have the necessity for God to have guided it at specific points throughout time.
Panentheism is still something that intrigues me, but it's something that I need to research more. So long as it allows the inclusion of Universalism I don't care!
Simon
Labels: Monkey business
The tragic events in Virginia raise two issues for society in general, and especially in America where the Constitution allows every citizen the right to bear arms. Not only does it bring the subject of gun control into the public forum once again, it also highlights the need for effective management and treatment for those in society who experience mental health problems.
Some would argue that a tightening of both these things would not have prevented Cho Seung-hui from carrying out all that he did, and undoubtedly there is more than a grain of truth in that, but looking at the wider picture, a tightening of gun control could make buying a gun much harder. This might allow for more time and so possibly give the person time to think or cool down. Also, a more effective Pastoral/Councelling structure within our Institutions might well be able to pick up on particular problems before they have time to fester and develop.
I realise that this is cold comfort to the families of those who were needlessly butchered at Virginia Tech, but they may give people food for thought regarding the future.
Simon
Labels: Virginia Tech killings
Recently I have discovered the joys of reading Richard Holloway. His book Doubts and Loves was a fascinating and intellectually satisfying look at the needs of contemporary faith in what is undeniably a post-modern society.
Using Nietzsche and Paul Tillich primarily as a basis for what he had to say, Richard Holloway gives a liberal (ie, non-literalistic) critique of modern Christianity which allows the mind as much of a say as the heart.
Not that I am claiming to be in anyway intellectual of gifted in that field, but what Doubts and Loves does is to take the 'flat earth' mentality out of religion and brings it up to speed as far as our scientific knowledge allows it.
I look forward to reading some more of his books.
Simon
Labels: Richard Holloway
