parresia

Houston, we have a problem.

Houston, we have a problem.

Flag Day ...Remember?Are we a

Flag Day ...Remember?

Are we a patriotic nation anymore? Even after the recent movie Pearl Harbor, or Speilberg's "Saving Private Ryan," are we still so apathetic about our peace and prosperity, that we don't hold our emblem high?

Praise God for those men and women who have fought and died in order to secure our Flag's position above all other flags.

As the flag freely blows in the wind, so too is our freedom seen in metaphor. Happy Flag Day!

~~Louis Berkhof~~"The church of Jesus

~~Louis Berkhof~~

"The church of Jesus Christ was appointed to be a depository, a guardian, and a witness of the truth, and can only be true to her calling, if she has a definate conception of the truth."

"The Church of Jesus Christ should never seek refuge in camouflage, should not try to hide her identity. And this is exactly what she does in the measure in which she fails to give a clear and unequivocal expression of her faith."

Yesterday on campus, I walked

Yesterday on campus, I walked by a young woman who had a t-shirt that read, "I love Johnny Knoxville." I immediately thought, 'why would anyone have an affection for such a man?' What could she possibly see in Mr. Knoxville that is attractive or desirable?

Johnny hosts an Mtv show called Jackass, on which Johnny often performs some of the most disgusting pranks imaginable. For instance, Sir Knox once swam in a septic tank.

Have girls resorted to the likes of him? Are there really that few elligible bachelors worthy of respect and admiration? Perhaps, she just thinks he's cute (which he is). But does this give a justification to proclaim on a t-shirt that you love him? Is there not hundreds of men, equally handsome, if not more so, who do not spend their days jumping in pools of elephant feces? In other words, if this girl is just looking for "cute" guys, couldn't she be satisfied with Brad Pitt, or the other Johnny, Mr. Depp?

What happened to women who want more than just a pretty face? Could she possibly consider John Knox to be intelligent (does she even care)?

It seems to me that men have dropped the ball: men, at large, have failed to be men. Men have stopped earning respect, therefore women have stopped looking for it. Men have become afraid to actively pursue women with dignity and courage, as a result, women seek out men who may appear to be "brave." Mr. Knox fits the bill, and so do many men who are, in actuality, nothing more than crooks and scoundrels. (Ever wonder why it seems the "nice girls" end up with the jerk men?) Answer: Jerk men appear to be brave. Superficially, scoundrels come across as confident, courageous men.

Christian men need to, once again, take back what is theirs: courtship. Christian men need to step up and take a chance, otherwise boys like J.K. will become the "standard," defining what it is to be MEN.

Christian men need not feel ashamed for pursuing a young woman, nor should they cowar at opportunities to demonstrate chivalry to the opposite sex, rather, men ought to stand up confident in Christ, and strong in the Lord! Present yourself as one worthy of her hand in marriage!

Is the U.S. government just

Is the U.S. government just going to sit back and wait for the Philippine government to handle this?

Muslim rebels claimed Tuesday that they had beheaded one of three U.S. hostages and threatened to kill more of their captives...

It makes me angry to read that at least three United States citizens are being held hostage by Muslim zealots, while our government intends to do nothing-- leaving the recovery of the hostages to the Philippine government. It seems to me that U.S. citizens are our responsibility to protect, not to mitigate the role to some foreign nation. If it was one of my family members being held captive, I would like to think that I could count on my country to do something about it.

Was it that long ago, say just after WWII, that being an American meant something? Remember when the U.S.A. was honored and respected? Is the only "superpower" in the world going to just sit back, feigning interest, while its citizens are held out to dry?

The Declaration of Independence reads as follows:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men

I posit that the hostages' inalienable rights have been usurped by foreign terrorists, that our government ought to take action is evident from Jefferson's words-- the very reason governments are instituted is to secure these rights for its citizenry.

May God grant those hostages and their families grace in peace-- it seems their own country is too busy to bother.

I am being convinced of

I am being convinced of the opinion that examination for content knowledge ought to be exercised on a daily basis. I find it inefficient and inaccurate to test as few times as twice a semester-- the result is "cramming" for those two tests. Daily "quizzing/papers" would not only promote active involvement in the coursework and readings, but it would give a better indication (over the average) of how well that person knows the material.

Anyone can cram, or get lucky on a test or paper, but it is much more difficult to "fool" a professor based on one's performance of a period of 10-16 weeks, tested daily.

Yes, it is the student's responsibility to learn, but it certainly helps to have a professor who structures the class in such a way as to make that responsibility less ominous.

Is this an argument against standardized tests? No. This is an attack on the law school methodolgy that tests once per semester! As they say in the big top: "it all comes down to this."

Not quite sure what to

Not quite sure what to make of this, but I was certainly surprised by the "Last Supper" painting that includes the Apostle's wives and children. Yep.

I came across the preface

I came across the preface to a Gideon Bible; what I read I found to be very valuable.

The Bible Contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believeers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler's map, the pilgram's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgement, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

"Man cannot live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."

Thanks to my roomate's purchase

Thanks to my roomate's purchase of Radiohead's new album, Amnesiac, and since I have had opportunity to listen to much of it, I may now tell you my applause.

The album is in some ways genius, and in two ways a disappointment. (for the record, this is merely a preliminary review. I have yet to really settle down with the album; I've listened to it only in parts, so true comments are still being formed.)

The ablum begins very strong;

track two: Pyramid Song is an emotionally captivating journey, underwater, to a land of peace-- what the Greeks would call ataraxia-- freedom from worry. One is mesmorized by the sublte, yet powerful vocals, perfectly inline with the sublime strings and organs; the drums at once resound in rhythmic utopia, bringing the listener into captivity.
Track four: You and Whose Army? is brilliant. One is reminded of OK's Exit Music for a Film. Just Thom's melancholy lyricized-harmony on top of simple piano, until the "moment" strikes when all things come together, apprehending the blessed listener into willful allegiance. Some of the words are: "Come on, come on
You think you drive me crazy
Come on, come on
You and whose army?
You and your cronies
Come on, come on
Holy Roman empire
Come on if you think
Come on if you think
You can take us on
You can take us on..."
Awesome!
Knives Out, probably the most radio-friendly track on the disc, is wonderfully orchestrated to bring happiness and delight when one sings along.
Morning Bell: Amnesiac is a new rendition of a song that appeared on Kid A. I like this version equally as much as the Kid A version; tis nice to hear a great song in a different light (this is something that not many bands do, and I wish there was more of it).
Dollars and Cents is another "must listen." Radiohead is unmatched in ability to take complex musical structures, and turn them into cohesive, masterful listening treasures.
Living in a Glass House closes out the disc in angelic fashion: you might want to hit repeat.

So what was it that I found disappointing? Very simple. Two things. One: too short. Two: there are a few instrumentals that I find a bit superfluous to the whole. Other than that, Amnesiac is a great album for the Radiohead fan.

It must be stated as obvious by now, that Radiohead is not in the business of "pop" music. Not since OK have they released music that is very radio-friendly, but any fan will tell you that their music is only getting better and better, as the boys refine and mature their sound to their liking. Mark my words; there is a lot still to come from the Oxford boys with guitars: stick around.

Posted by jeremy stock at 01:59 PM |

I urge you to read

I urge you to read this article, which tells the story of a woman who died from bleeding to death after having a late term abortion performed on her 27-week-old baby (abortions in Arizona are illegal after 24 weeks). The story is not merely about the abortion surgery itself, mind you; it exposes what are rightly called "back-alley" "medical" practices that, I fear, are all too common in abortion clinics across this country.

The author of the article goes into fascinating detail, explaining all the key events that ended in the closing of at least two abortion clinics, two abortionists being put behind bars, and, of course, tragically, the death of a baby and a mother.

When reading about the abortion doctors involved, you will be incensed by the lack professionalism, the insouciant attitudes, and the conniving attempts of the doctors to keep the whole ordeal a secret. You will be infuriated to read how the doctors manipulate the ultra-sounds to give them "the desired age of the fetus" (in other words, if the doctors want the fetus to be under 24 weeks old.... they make it happen).

After reading this article, I could not help but ask myself, "How on earth can we sit back and allow abortions to take place, legally, day after day?"

Do we really think these practices described in the article are rare or an anomaly? It's time to wake up.

Brave New SchoolsGive him teacher

Brave New Schools

Give him teacher of the year award!

Though there are some limits to this idea, it really doesn't strike me as such a bad idea: when boys at school exhaust all other possible means to resolve an argument, let'em duke it out! Supervised boxing. (or, as my Pastor would probably contend, "let'em wrestle each other") Come on, is it really so strange an idea?

Sport Utility Vehicles unbiblical?Tis an

Sport Utility Vehicles unbiblical?

Tis an interesting combination: conservatives and environmentalists. All too often, in the printed, television, and radio news services, conservatives are juxtaposed against environmental causes. Conservatives are seen as the hurdle to cleaning up our environment.

At first glance, a conservative, such as myself, would want to simply wave away those allegations as untrue and misleading. Another part of me is inclined to think that, just maybe, there is something to this notion that conservatives perhaps behave willy-nilly with environmental concerns more often then we might want to admit.

The reason I bring this up is that it seems that it is a fair generalization to say that theologically conservative Christians are usually politically conservative as well-- this places Christians into the category at issue. Are Christians all too often "unfriendly" towards environmentalism? If we are, is this sinful?

Clearly, from the creation ordanances, we are mandated to be stewards of God's creation. We are to exercise dominion over the animals in a way that is pleasing to God. If God sees it pleasing to feed the sparrows, and ants such that they are never anxious for tomorrow, certainly we too ought to exercise benevolence in our stewardship.

If it is true that we ought to be benevolent stewards, is it the case that Christians ought to be more concerned with environmental issues in general, and perhaps even side with environmentalist causes more often?

Those questions, it seems to me, surely must be answered on a case by case basis-- I don't recommend adopting any one platform cart blanche without biblical reason, and it seems that often the environmetalist legislation is clandestined socialism-- and therefore ought to be defeated. However, not all environmetal concern entails a "socialist" solution. In other words, there seem to be plenty of enironment-friendly things that Christians can do, without compromising their capitalist convictions.

What about the air?

I know that I am fed up with the air quality in southern California: breathing in all those toxins 24 hours-a-day simply cannot be a healthy way of life. I do not want my children growing up in such poor air.

It seems the Christian community ought to be involved in finding answers to the air quality problem, which is just one of thousands of environmental concerns. The first step is proper diagnosis of the source of the problem. Is it industry that causes all the air polution, is it all the automobiles on the road, is it a combination of the two? Or is it something not in our control? Can the air problem be solved without breaking the backs of industry and car producers?

This last question seems to be the common conservative response to enviromentalists, "but you're gonna destroy jobs; the economy will suffer." I believe that often the conservative is correct about these claims. But what about those times when the conservative is simply, and without warrant, protecting the "free market" at the cost of the enironment? Is this a biblical sacrafice?

I do not believe SUV's are evil, nor do I believe that purchasing one is necessarily a sin, but I do believe that we ought to start asking environmetal questions when we consider making such purchases. What else ought we start doing?

Shaquille O'Neal was asked by

Shaquille O'Neal was asked by reporters about his recent trip to Athens (Thanks for the correction Martin); they asked if he had visited the Parthenon. Shaq replied, "I'm not sure. I went to almost all the clubs there; I don't remember their names."

Well, at least Shaq can play basketball.