Book 2: Chapter 1: What Christians believe

I really want us to get to the meat of this book. There are some really great chapters to discuss. The beginning is a little slow because Lewis is building a logical argument for the existence of God piece by piece describing how he made the leap from being an atheist to becoming a Christian. I find it very interesting the journey that brought him to faith.

This section gets us to some new ideas. 

So, his first idea is that atheists have to strongly believe that all religions are wrong for believing in God. But that Christians can be more liberal in saying that religions have at least some small piece of the truth because they recognize the existence of God. And that we can agree with them on the aspects that are in agreement with Christianity. This has been a way that I've been able to build common ground with people from other religions. I think it helps demonstrate light and grace. I also don't apologize for my beliefs that are different. 

Second idea is that there are two camps - God made the world and that there is good and bad (christian, jews, islam) God is the universe and all things are good if seen from God's point of view (hindu, buddhist) This is one of the most concise descriptions to categorize religious beliefs that I've read and I found it useful as a way of understanding the similarities and differences between religions.

Chapter 3 & 4: What lies behind the law

To get us jump started again, I'm going to post about chapters 3 and 4 together....

Chapter 3: 

First point, that there is a difference between how we act and how we should act.

Second point, moral law is more than just what is convenient. We get mad at someone who cuts in front of us in line but not at someone who is rightfully ahead of us in line, though both are equally inconvenient.

I don't have much comment on these points.

Chapter 4: 
Lewis makes an interesting jump from the assertion that there exists a universal moral law to the idea that there is a creator. He states that we can't see the meaning behind creation by observing it. Only be being part of the creation and recognizing that there is a pull to some law which is bigger than ourselves do we begin to recognize the nature of God.

I like Lewis's observation that science can't teach us the answers to faith. Being married to a scientist, I think that is very true. But I will let flex post his reflections on that.

An interesting thing that I have been reminded of recently is how deeply wired the need to believe in something is in us. I went to this "future of medicine" conference with Greg to pitch our business and there were a lot of cool ideas about innovations in medicine that will improve outcomes -- wearable exoskeletons that will help paralyzed people walk and what not. The stuff was really amazing but some of it was really far fetched -- like 3-D printers that could print organs for transplant -- not gonna happen. What was interesting is that people didn't have a real critical eye towards what was really possible and what wasn't. They were all so hopeful. They wanted to believe that we could solve the human condition of suffering and death. They actually used the word "eternal life" in one of the presentations. I realized that no one is immune from needing to believe and needing to find answers to the difficult questions of life. I felt bad that they were pouring all their faith into science, into work, and were missing the beautiful life and love that comes with connecting to God and living with gratitude.

We are fortunate to be on a faith journey and to be able to share that journey with each other.

Chapter 2- Some Objections

I'm glad this chapter is here. It shows a thoroughness of logic. The argument here comes down to the idea of a conscience of the mind that is the deciding factor between our spirit and mind. I believe our spirit holds our best qualities such as love, adventure, passion, joy, thankfulness, and hard work. Our body in itself is not sinful, however, it holds the driving force for most sinful acts. In the chapter it talks about the need to procreate or the need to fight as the basis of good things. I am going to add food and an activity to that list for our time (its the PT in me haha). These acts can be completely pure or the basis for our downfall. I believe it is all about our relationship with them.

Pastor Koch taught a mens retreat about Solomon a while back. He spoke of this topic quite a bit. Solomen came up with a few conclusions about life after he had literally done done everything he had ever dreamed of (which included becoming the wisest man ever). He said that there was happiness is physical labor itself but not the end product. He also showed that even the best human with the favor of god is sinful. Like all of us Solomon had a great spirit and normal desires of the flesh. Also, like all of us, he had times of being rightious and times of great sin. What I have learned from Solomon is that the battle takes place in the mind. The mind controls the body and can either ignore or flatout say no to the spirit. So I pray that we all protect our minds and be good role models for others to say no to our bodies a little more often.

Peace

Adam

Chapter 1: The law of human nature

Lewis kicks off with an assertion that there is a universal moral law that applies to all people. This raises a lot of questions (i.e. where does this law come from?) which Lewis explores in subsequent chapters. The concept of natural law also lays the foundation for discussions about sin and redemption.

I think he makes a convincing case that there is a basic standard of fairness that all people and nations unconsciously expect others to achieve. I don't think there are many who would disagree with the form of universal law presented. Even people who believe in moral relativism espouse peace and tolerance, which are themselves a form of universal law.

What might be more controversial is the assertion that the law of human nature is as fundamental as gravitation. Moral law is considerably more complex and less well defined than physical laws like gravitation (which can be described by a single equation). Biology might be a better analogy. It is a fuzzy science that has some basic actors (DNA, the cell) which result in considerable variation.

The fact that there are Christians coming from every culture in the world speaks to a set of universal principles. People from every conceivable moral background have found value in the teachings and principles of Christ.

Christianity 101

Lewis raises a few questions in the intro worth noting our thinking through. What does the word Christian mean? Is there such a thing as mere Christianity? A set of beliefs that all Christians would agree to? As I pondered this question I wondered if it were possible. Jesus, Trinity, sin, salvation.... Is there something in common between Catholics and fundamental baptists and liberal methodists or Epicopalians? Maybe the creed? What is at the heart of Christian belief?  What might Lewis write about in a book of Christian 101?

Mere Christianity

It is two weeks before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. Every year this season ushers in a period of deep spirituality for Ulrich and I. This year, the heaviness of the Spirit began in Advent and I am preparing for a wild ride with God over the next few months. From conversations I have had with many of you, I feel that the Holy Spirit is pushing us all to step out this season into the wildness of what God is calling us to.

Over Christmas, several people in the family expressed interest in reading Mere Christianity together. This might be a great time to do that. What I love about this book and why I feel like it is a good fit for all of us to share together is that it focuses on aspects of Christianity which are common across all churches.

I think we have some pretty profound differences in our approaches to faith, which in my eyes is a good thing. It means our faiths are authentic. BUT, as a family trying to find common ground on such an important subject, it can be challenging. Mere Christianity has the potential to bypass things that would potentially bog us down to force us to push on in discussing things of deeper importance.

Whether or not you decide to join me, I am going to post regularly with my thoughts about each chapter. I hope they encourage you. I would love to hear every one else's take. This is an incredibly easy to read book. The chapters are short and the language is simple. BUT it is crazy dense. The concepts are mind-blowing and I would love to get your perspective. Love you...xoxox

Life updates

I want to thank everyone for a wonderful vacation. 2012 was a year of being barely able to see straight and this holiday season was a chance for me to sit on my ass with no expectations. In my heart, I wanted to do more with each of you, but I was plain tired and needed a refill. You all made that possible and I have headed back to Cali with my gloves on ready for all the adventure that comes with 2013.

I feel like we all have a lot of adventure in front of us this year and am using this post as an invitation to share our journey together.

For Ulrich and I, it will be sink or swim with our startup. No matter what happens life will be very different for us at the end of this year.

For Chris, the adventure is in a new job and direction.

For Adam and Kelsey, the year brings promise of travel and settling into a new life on the eastern half of the state.

For Jay and Toni, the adventure of getting married and starting a life together.

For Scott, a cool job in Hawaii and then to school in the fall.

For mom and dad, there is a great adventure in building TPS with new software and new opportunities.

I feel that as a family, our roads are leading us in separate directions as we explore God's call on each of our lives. I know that I will be incredibly busy with everything on my plate, but I also realized while I was home that I am missing the day to day developments in each of your lives.

I want to hear about job interviews, wedding plans, interesting days at work. Life as it unfolds.
Facebook helps with that but I'm wondering if people would be willing to post short updates on this blog

When Helping Hurts.......

This book was recommended to me by a pastor I sat next to on a flight to florida a while back.
This book is about evaluating short term missions. In a nutshell the book suggest being good stewarts of what God give us by doing his work in accordance with scripture. Thus whenever we desire to do HIS work there are more components to it then the "physical act of work"
We must "sow" as we work. The book suggest that the American culture and the jump on the band wagon of STM (short term missions) has in instantances caused more harm then help.
When there is no relationship no atmosphere for sharing God's plan. When the people we are serving are not being served as they determine their needs are. Instead the needs are determined by the folks doing the mission trip often the money spent and the relationships were not for God purpose but rather the "God complex". Which is when Americans think we are all that and know best because of our bountifulness, opportunies, and education. The author then takes one through a process of evaluation that makes those being served collaboratories of a "joint venture" with the team desiring to serve. Many STM operations don't allow for the planning the relationship building and the partnering needed to allow the work done to produce "sowing"for those being served and spiritual growth for those on the mission team.

I realize that the education and the experiences you all had on STM helped give you a better understanding of the world and an appreciation for the blessings you had been given. And allows for this conversation to take place. I therefore see all past expereinces as a means of getting to this point.

So with the above in mind please give your thoughts and comments on how to move forward in our desire to serve..............I love the idea of serving with you all.

(The book, When helping Hurts, I read, is at Sara' s house I left it there for all to share.)

So here a few questions I would like to throw out there:

Since this is an ongoing desire of our family, is there a project we can do that is already built on an existing relationship?
If so how can we collaborate with those we want to help in order to "meet them where they are at?"
Since many trips are very costly in travel. Can we arrange a way to come together for a project
but eliminate much travel/lodging expense so that our funds can go directly to help those in need?
Perhaps we would be better to do a joint venture to "raise funds for a project" or to do a project for someone in one of our own backyards?

Let's keep in mind .....what is alread on the family calendar. Adam's class graduation (the one that is important to him) is July 16th.
Please list any other events that are of importance so that we can work around them as we move this discussion along.

Thank you for your time I would love to hear AAAALLLLL thoughts.
LYMTML
mom

Keeping it Alive!

Adam and I were talking last night about how we both feel like we've let our "goals duties" fall behind in the past couple weeks...I know I feel really bad about the fact that I haven't blogged in a couple weeks.  So - this is a shout out to everyone to keep up the good work and re-energize your efforts.  We'd love to hear updates from everyone on how it's going - feel free to keep everyone updated here! :-D  Let's keep each other motivated and accountable!

Daily Bible Reading

Read the Bible in a Year!  Hey all ~ just thought I'd share the daily bible reading schedule our church is following. Just in case any of you feel the need/desire to get in the word more often :-)