tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57382620245687921102024-02-21T21:08:09.998+11:00God Talk at UWSTalking about God at the University of Western Sydney, AustraliaRichard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-7230827885358598442012-04-03T08:33:00.000+10:002012-04-03T08:33:30.208+10:00The Truth about Easter - John Dickson VideosLast week Dr John Dickson visited UWS Bankstown at the invitation of the department of Social Science to speak about Humility. In these videos he looks at the reasons to believe the Easter story in the Bible is historically reliable.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/39607359?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
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Reasons to believe Part 2:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/39607358?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
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To talk more about this topic come to CBM (especially in Easter week): Tuesday 1-2pm in 1.1.223 and Thursday 1-2 pm in 1.1.081Richard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-35381434174249775872012-03-19T16:16:00.000+11:002012-03-19T16:16:53.239+11:00HUMILITAS - Open Lecture at UWS Bankstown by John Dickson - 29th March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeM4P0S_h7aSJcmEfng2DPEcJbUFcx1iCDocs9Usa7PqcwAHQlu8ihsC_wWm0vtohBdWLJLl5jd1DE_Ne5gbZHExVeq6BkcS4gGwkCJq0ek_uBC4wRs58HHzwCbx8h4vMe-JJJj46MjFBH/s1600/Humilitas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeM4P0S_h7aSJcmEfng2DPEcJbUFcx1iCDocs9Usa7PqcwAHQlu8ihsC_wWm0vtohBdWLJLl5jd1DE_Ne5gbZHExVeq6BkcS4gGwkCJq0ek_uBC4wRs58HHzwCbx8h4vMe-JJJj46MjFBH/s200/Humilitas.jpg" width="142" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Just letting you know about an event being held at Bankstown on March 29th:</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">UWS School of Social Sciences and Psychology</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Social Work, Community Welfare and Therapy Studies Group</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Presents</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>“HUMILITAS - Holding power for the good of others”</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A public lecture on the origins and meanings of humility, by</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dr John Dickson</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Senior Research Fellow, Dept of Ancient History, Macquarie University</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Director, Centre for Public Christianity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Thurs March 29th, 4pm to 6pm</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">UWS Bankstown</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bullecourt Ave, Milperra</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Room 01.1.106 (LT01)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For UWS staff, students, human services practitioners and general public</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Enquiries: Dr Neil Hall n.hall@uws.edu.au or 9772 6591</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">R.S.V.P.: ssap-field@uws.edu.au</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszJct_z7Vh8Ml2jy7DHSAMUInk9A7o6GFLKk6sKUUHFYTfdjLKdzMkancklvi7x8r_IKazJfZFle5FoN12rOm2gMiMvaTrP2S4v4iPLrHjJZGrenUi5WrWy_NpSFgGdSg4JUaCB1ynY2l/s1600/JohnDockson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszJct_z7Vh8Ml2jy7DHSAMUInk9A7o6GFLKk6sKUUHFYTfdjLKdzMkancklvi7x8r_IKazJfZFle5FoN12rOm2gMiMvaTrP2S4v4iPLrHjJZGrenUi5WrWy_NpSFgGdSg4JUaCB1ynY2l/s200/JohnDockson.jpg" width="142" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">“Dr John Dickson specialises in the big ideas that have shaped our world and inspired men and women to live beyond themselves. His journey has been an eclectic one: from fulltime musician to professional speaker, author, biblical historian, TV presenter and director of a multi-media think tank. He began his career as singer/songwriter for Aussie rock band In The Silence, touring and recording for seven years before temporarily giving music away to focus on academic studies and a wide-ranging career as a speaker and author. With an honours degree in theology and a PhD in ancient history John is also a Senior Research Fellow of the Department of Ancient History, Macquarie University. He is committed to delivering creative, engaging content grounded in careful thought.” (johndickson.org/bio)</span><br />
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</span>Richard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-36220960228554065682012-02-25T08:57:00.000+11:002012-02-25T08:57:45.737+11:00Atheism for the Incorrigibly Religious<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgni07mK7DKq-DLjaeKzbMKGISbXN9yt0XICwayefXexWWseM0uPZi9b80tFKpEGmEp7brd7DYeWyS_NtDgirsE3S6U4u82cPYqmU1_OyOSP-pKqLDY9p_FSiupNs4YYehy-0PCw5f2g3Dk/s1600/alain-de-botton-portrait_2126032b-300x187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgni07mK7DKq-DLjaeKzbMKGISbXN9yt0XICwayefXexWWseM0uPZi9b80tFKpEGmEp7brd7DYeWyS_NtDgirsE3S6U4u82cPYqmU1_OyOSP-pKqLDY9p_FSiupNs4YYehy-0PCw5f2g3Dk/s200/alain-de-botton-portrait_2126032b-300x187.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Alain de Botton</span></em></strong> is a Swiss Philosopher currently in Australia promoting he latest book: On Religion for Atheists. Dan (who is a philosophy graduate and studying for his Ph D.) went to hear him speak at the Sydney Opera House. Do check out his brilliant review here: <a href="http://andersonpost.org/2012/02/atheism-for-the-incorrigibly-religious/" target="_blank">Papermind/atheism-for-the-incorrigibly-religious/</a>. <br />
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Here is an excerpt:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">The reason that religions have much to teach atheists, according to De Botton, begins with the insight that humans are basically ‘not ok’: the basic human condition is one of vulnerability, fragility, lostness. For De Botton, this is the fundamental truth behind the Christian doctrine of original sin. And it’s a truth that New Atheism, proclaimed from the High Tables of Oxbridge, abjectly fails to reckon with. The modernist humanistic project has been altogether too quick to leave us to our own devices and what is needed is a thoroughgoing reappraisal of our need for an education in the disciplines of living well. Religions understand this, they understand that education is not about skilling people for tasks, but a process of moral formation and guidance to help us navigate the twin uncertainties of our world and our hearts. The rationalist education produces better hairdressers; the religious, better people.<br />
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De Botton’s sampling at the <em>bain-marie</em> of religion is guided by his desire to introduce atheists into these effective practices of moral formation. . . .</blockquote>Richard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-53171095522853392482011-08-16T08:47:00.002+10:002011-08-16T08:47:57.358+10:00Questions for God???During week 4 we are hosting two meetings where you will have your chance to ask your "Questions for God" - and we will try to give some answers.<br />
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Tuesday 23rd August and Thursday 25th Augst in Building 1, Room 1.81.<br />
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If you have questions you would like us to try and answer, please add them below (or write them on the question sheets at the CBM stall in Building 1). Richard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-5260942512773525182011-03-31T12:21:00.001+11:002011-03-31T12:54:09.310+11:00Does God Care about Suffering?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVfCcMiyeRm2fb_5oWiG8ViaBen9admODtEc8lcqw0uvJ5xgszRGgUlEVkRQlFs8NOPNZMBf-L_HCg224UVlq-HvfWvXYEDk2MIJxKIFICqo4crsICoGP2nX6FJ5QWNU8HJeCHkH5rdsh/s1600/8_8_Earthquake_struck_Japan_triggering_a_Tsunami_Alert-784601.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590053722198930194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVfCcMiyeRm2fb_5oWiG8ViaBen9admODtEc8lcqw0uvJ5xgszRGgUlEVkRQlFs8NOPNZMBf-L_HCg224UVlq-HvfWvXYEDk2MIJxKIFICqo4crsICoGP2nX6FJ5QWNU8HJeCHkH5rdsh/s320/8_8_Earthquake_struck_Japan_triggering_a_Tsunami_Alert-784601.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 202px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a> <br />
<div>The recent earthquake and Tsunami disaster in Japan was one in a string of disasters that have come quite close to home for the people of Australia (even though most Australians have been untouched). Earlier in the year we had the floods in Queensland, Northern NSW and Victoria followed by Cyclone Yasi (a category 5 cyclone) in far north Queensland. These were followed by the devastating earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand where hundreds of lives were lost, and then the Japanese earthquake and Tsunami where up to 20,000 lives have been lost. <br />
It is entirely reasonable that this string of disasters should lead to people asking questions: What does this mean? What does this say about God? Why does God let this happen? <br />
There have been many different answers. Hinduism might say that it is all about 'karma'. The buddhist might tell us that we are not enlightened enough to be detached from this world. A muslim might say that this is what was written or 'destined'. Some end-times watchers have said this shows that the end is getting closer. I haven't heard of anyone claiming these disasters were judgements for specific sins - although this has been claimed in the past (eg. the Victorian bushfires). One answer I read from a non-Christian perspective suggested that the earthquakes happened in response to our damaging of the environment through mining, oil drilling and pollution - in other words it was the earth showing its annoyance! <br />
Can I say up-front that I do not claim to be an expert on suffering. I have had some suffering in my life, but it wouldn't be hard to find someone who has suffered more. What I do want to do - as sensitively as possible - is to set a framework for responding to the question of suffering. I was listening to some interviews of Pastor Rob Bell on US TV. The interviews were about his new book, but two interviewers asked similar questions about the suffering in Japan. This is the question asked by Martin Bashir on MSNBC, and Bell's response: <br />
<blockquote>Martin Bashir: . . . Just help us with this tragedy in Japan. Which of these is true. Either God is all powerful but he doesn’t care about the people of Japan and therefore their suffering, or he does care about the people of Japan but he is not all powerful, which one is it?</blockquote><blockquote>Rob Bell: I begin with the belief that, when we shed a tear, God sheds a tear, so I begin with a divine being who is profoundly empathetic, compassionate and stands in solidarity with us. Secondly, the dominant story of the scriptures is about restoration, it’s about renewal, it’s about rebirth, it’s about a God who insists – in the midst of this chaos the last word hasn’t been spoken. So people of faith have clung to this promise, and this hope that God will essentially fix this place. It’s a beautiful hope and we I think we ought to keep it front and centre – especially right now.</blockquote><blockquote>Martin Bashir: So which of those is true: He is all powerful and he [doesn’t] cares or he cares and is not all powerful? <br />
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Rob Bell: I think that this is a paradox at the heart of the divine, and some paradoxes are best left exactly as they are.</blockquote>In both his interviews Bell began his answer with the assertion that "when we shed a tear, God sheds a tear". I can understand his desire to emphasise God's understanding and empathy with our situation up-front, but I have two main concerns with his (partial) answer: (1) he doesn't acknowledge that suffering might be part of God's sovereign plan, and (2) he asserts a paradox which the Bible does not really allow, and in so doing misrepresents God. <br />
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Let me offer some thoughts on each of these points: <br />
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(1) Rather than starting with the assertion of God's empathy with the human situation, the Bible starts with God's sovereignty and his goodness. Genesis 1 tells us that God is the creator (and sustainer) of the world. We also see that God is intimately involved in his world - he knows every hair on our head and no sparrow falls to the ground apart from his will. Without God's ongoing intimate involvement the world would cease to exist in an instant. Nothing happens outside his knowledge and will. This is what we mean by God's sovereignty. <br />
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The Bible also tells us that God made the world good - in fact "very good" according to Genesis 1:31. The goodness of the world reflects God's achievement in creating a world that was just as he intended and perfectly good and enjoyable for the people he placed there. Of course the goodness of the world also reflects God's character. <br />
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There are many other aspects of God's character we could mention that are important - God is Love, God is Holy, God is Just, God is Merciful . . . None of these should be 'played off' against each other. Rather we seek to find how they are worked out in relation to each other. <br />
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The Bible tells us that God expressed his Love and Goodness towards humans by giving them freedom to choose. Sadly their freedom was expressed by rebelling against God when they chose to do what they were told not to do - and in so doing received judgement on themselves and the earth. The judgement on themselves included pain, suffering and ultimately death. The ongoing effect of this rebellion is seen in the evil that is done by humans in their continuing rebellion against God - all too often leading to suffering for others and wilful damage to the creation. The consequence for the earth was the kind of events that lead to 'natural disasters'. In other words, natural disasters are a consequence (sometimes directly, but mostly indirectly) of human sin. <br />
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So what does God do about this? He has decided to show mercy! <br />
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What we deserve for our sin is death - not only physical, but eternal spiritual death. Yet God makes it possible for us to escape this judgement for our sin through the gift of his Son. As John 3:16 tells us: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should receive eternal life." God's gift of Love to us was to come into the world in the person of the Son to identify with us, to suffer the judgement we deserve and to offer us forgiveness and eternal life. This can only be received by putting our faith in God. <br />
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So what about suffering? Can suffering be a part of God's plan? <br />
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We see first of all that suffering is central to God's plan - the Son suffered the worst possible suffering so we could receive eternal life. And just as it was the Father's will that the Son should suffer, so also our suffering will have a purpose. Sometimes suffering is to refine our faith. Sometimes suffering comes as judgement (although we ought to be careful to label any instance of suffering as this, according to Jesus in Luke 13:1-5). Sometimes suffering is a warning to us. To paraphrase C.S. Lewis: sometimes God uses suffering as a megaphone to get our attention. Our problem is that we forget that this world is not the end. God has promised a new and 'restored' creation, where there will be "no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4). Christians have the hope of 'heaven' - of enjoying the new creation in relationship with God. <br />
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(2) Is there really a paradox between God's goodness and the reality of suffering? The short answer is No. God is really sovereign - he has not lost control to some other force that brings about these evil deeds. But God has given us freedom, and our rebellion has brought evil and suffering into the world. Suffering must somehow be a part of his plan. <br />
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So is God really good? Doesn't God care? Of course he cares! But God has reasons for suffering that we will never know. All that we do know is that his plans are for the good of those who do and will put their trust in him and in his Son (Romans 8:28) - whose suffering (in God's plan) brings us eternal life and joy.<br />
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<blockquote></blockquote>---- <br />
<blockquote></blockquote></div>Richard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-85272326981978251642011-03-28T22:30:00.000+11:002011-03-28T23:18:24.559+11:00Does God Care about Suffering? Can He Do Anything about it?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi883H_g3Z8aL29V9_A5OxYwxfYLYND4brs7wcD9Afju-eHlkCgKOl6uLOrESalUSMmK3atCK4MBQSgDrMYA1cT-8Xha4WHvzYkE4rp_GJC5yvnGDttl10dLE6RFTWWdjp3l_3i6u1Fx16-/s1600/8_8+Earthquake+struck+Japan+triggering+a+Tsunami+Alert-784601.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 126px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi883H_g3Z8aL29V9_A5OxYwxfYLYND4brs7wcD9Afju-eHlkCgKOl6uLOrESalUSMmK3atCK4MBQSgDrMYA1cT-8Xha4WHvzYkE4rp_GJC5yvnGDttl10dLE6RFTWWdjp3l_3i6u1Fx16-/s200/8_8+Earthquake+struck+Japan+triggering+a+Tsunami+Alert-784601.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589103295320273346" /></a><br />Floods. Cyclones. Earthquakes. Tsuamis.<br /><br />It seems that we have seen more extreme natural disasters in recent months than we have in a long time. But what does it mean? For many people these events provoke some deep (and difficult) questions - especially questions about God.<br /><br />I recently heard an interview on American TV (MSNBC) by leading interviewer Martin Bashir. He was interviewing pastor Rob Bell (about a book) and asked him this question at the start of the interview:<br /><br /><blockquote>Just help us with this tragedy in Japan. Which of these is true. Either God is all powerful but he doesn’t care about the people of Japan and therefore their suffering, or he does care about the people of Japan but he is not all powerful, which one is it?</blockquote><br />It's an age-old question . . . Christians claim that the God of the Bible is all powerful and sovereign over everything - yet evil things happen in our world (like the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami).<br /><br />Rob Bell did give a brief answer, but he eventually said this:<br /><br /><blockquote>I think that this is a paradox at the heart of the divine, and some paradoxes are best left exactly as they are.</blockquote><br />Despite the suggestion that this is a paradox, the Bible does have some important and meaningful things to say. <br /><br />We will be thinking about this question at CBM in week 5:<br /><br />TUESDAY 29th March, 1-2 PM Building 23, Room 41 and <br />THURSDAY 31st March, 1-2 PM Building 23, Room 41<br /><br />Everyone is welcome and we will spend some time thinking about your questions.<br /><br />I hope to post some more on this topic in a few days. In the meantime you may want to check out this previous post: <a href="http://godtalkatuws.blogspot.com/2010/03/talking-about-whether-god-is-good-video.html">http://godtalkatuws.blogspot.com/2010/03/talking-about-whether-god-is-good-video.html</a>Richard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-2878771311666477112011-02-03T12:08:00.000+11:002011-02-03T12:12:02.676+11:00Standing For Jesus at UniSometimes we get asked what CBM is on about - what we stand for.<br /><br />We are affiliated with the national organisation AFES (The Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students). They have produced this video to help explain what we stand for. <br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/19371878" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/19371878">AFES stands for Jesus</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/afes">AFES</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br />Let us know what you think.<br /><br />:)Richard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-49883753099252620082010-12-17T12:39:00.000+11:002010-12-17T12:42:39.240+11:00What is Christmas Really About?If you are wondering what Christmas is really all about, check out this video:<br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/2474890" width="400" height="219" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/2474890">That's Christmas!</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/sthelens">St Helen’s Church</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br />Let me know what you think.Richard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-57724307832695059062010-09-14T22:16:00.000+10:002010-09-14T22:22:27.924+10:00Stephen Hawking's New Book Critiqued by Alister McGrath<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpWhhf_MWfCx0o9I3Wsm-5fUVEUnYol3ksN9X9WD1R4dzSFho5kHIgwDUvhPInqcVE7p_3YtiVwuu9rrPgx4NKrrA9zt3rpXnXk-u19yXdx7dJmkte96O9ikyAz7ueYSOmDcdrp8cinkm/s1600/432px-Alister_McGrath.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpWhhf_MWfCx0o9I3Wsm-5fUVEUnYol3ksN9X9WD1R4dzSFho5kHIgwDUvhPInqcVE7p_3YtiVwuu9rrPgx4NKrrA9zt3rpXnXk-u19yXdx7dJmkte96O9ikyAz7ueYSOmDcdrp8cinkm/s200/432px-Alister_McGrath.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516742952233652162" /></a><br /><em>This Review & Critique of Hawking's book was published on the ABC religion website:</em><br /><br />Every shrewd publicist knows that the best way to sell a book is to generate lots of advance publicity. That's why there's been such interest in Stephen Hawking's latest work declaring that there is no need for God to light the blue touch paper of the cosmic firework.<br /><br />In his latest book, <em><strong>The Grand Design</strong></em> - released in Australia today - Hawking declares, "Because there is a law such as gravity, the Universe can and will create itself from nothing. Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the Universe exists, why we exist."<br /><br />The "big bang" just happened spontaneously, the outcome of the laws of physics, not a cosmic designer. It's a great way to promote a book. And it's also a great way to keep the age-old debate about God going, as it raises such interesting questions. Let me explore some of these.<br /><br />I used to be a scientist myself. My undergraduate degree from Oxford was in chemistry, and my first doctorate in molecular biophysics. It's widely agreed that the natural sciences are neither atheistic nor theistic. They just don't operate at that level.<br /><br />They can certainly be interpreted in religious or anti-religious ways. The militant atheist Richard Dawkins uses science as a weapon in his war against religion. But others see science and religious faith as mutually illuminating.<br /><br />For example, Francis Collins's book <em><strong>The Language of God</strong></em> argues that belief in God makes more sense of science than atheism. Both sides can be argued, neither has been able to prove its case, and both are entirely reasonable.<br /><br />So what about Hawking's latest book? Does this move things along? I don't think so. My scientific colleagues in Oxford and London are puzzled by Hawking's bold declarations about God, mainly because they are such speculative interpretations of what is already a very speculative theory.<br /><br /><br /><em>The rest of the article (on the ABC website) can be found</em> <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2010/09/14/3011163.htm?topic1=home&topic2">HERE</a>. <em>It's well worth a read</em>Richard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-35968549070258485392010-09-02T12:14:00.000+10:002010-09-02T14:24:01.578+10:00Can I Trust the Bible? Isn't it full of Myths and Fairy Tales?In talking with students at UWS and elsewhere, one of the common responses when talking about Christianity is that you can't trust the Bible as your source or authority to live by because it is full of myths and other made-up stories. Like the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grimm%27s_Fairy_Tales">fairy tales of the Grimm Brothers</a>, people say, you may be able to draw some moral from the tale, but can you really trust it?<br /><br />The first thing to consider is the attitude of the Bible itself toward 'myth'. A number of passages in the Bible speak strongly <em><strong>against</strong></em> the propagation of myths. These include <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%201:3-4&version=NIV">1 Timothy 1:4</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%204:6-7&version=NIV">1 Timothy 4:7</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%204:3-4&version=NIV">2 Timothy 4:4</a> and Titus 1:14:<br /><blockquote>rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth.</blockquote><br />In these passages the apostle warns his hearers of the danger of 'myths'. In contrast he urges Christian leaders to teach the truth. Nowhere in the Bible are myths spoken of positively! If myths are so strongly condemned within the Bible and the truth is held up as the standard, then it is hard to argue that the Bible is full of myths.<br /><br />So if the stories of the Bible are not myths, then what are they?<br /><br />To answer this question we must look more at what the Bible is, rather than what the opponents of Biblical Christianity claim it is.<br /><br />Perhaps the most important issue is what the writers of the Gospels (the four accounts of Jesus' Life found at the beginning of the new Testament) thought they were writing.Richard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-16857922715692676002010-08-28T10:28:00.000+10:002010-08-28T10:32:38.108+10:00Richard Dawkins debates John Lennox on 'The God Delusion'One of the most famous debates in recent times on the relationship between Science & Christianity was between Professor Richard Dawkins (of Oxford) and Profesor John Lennox (also of Oxford). Held at the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 2008. The topic was specifically the title of Dawkins' book, The God Delusion.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fixed-point.org/index.php/video/35-full-length/164-the-dawkins-lennox-debate">The video can be found here</a>. The whole debate goes for an hour and 40 minutes (153 MB!). Let us know what you think.Richard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-47871553826041290422010-08-24T17:37:00.000+10:002010-08-24T20:05:46.115+10:00Links on the Relationship Between Science & ChristianityIn our discussions at CBM I offered to put up some links to helpful sites/ articles that look at the issues in more detail. Here are the first few:<br /><br />“<a href="http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/why-not-every-scientist-worships-at-darwins-feet/2008/08/17/1218911450452.html?page=fullpage">Why not Every Scientist Worships at Darwin’s Feet</a>” <br />- An Article by Professor John Lennox (Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University) from the Sydney Morning Herald of August 17th, 2008.<br /><br /><a href="http://cornerstoneuk.org.uk/investigate/questions/science/">Has Science Disproved the Existence of God?</a> <br />- A good summary from Cornerstone church, Nottingham, UK.<br />Includes this claim: “Indeed it might surprise you to know that of the 500 or so people who attend Cornerstone there are currently over thirty doctors of science of one sort or another. These range from a professor of microbiology, doctors in biology, medical doctors, metallurgists, pharmacists, engineers and physicists, all of whom are committed Christians who see no conflict between their faith and their field of study.”<br /><br /><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/publications/cci/i_believe_in_nature_an_exploration_of_naturalism_and_the_biblical_worldview">I Believe in Nature: An Exploration of Naturalism and the Biblical Worldview</a>. <br />- A detailed and well researched article by Australian author Kirsten Birkett who wrote <em>Unnatural Enemies: An Introduction to Science and Christianity</em>. A PDF file of the article can be downloaded from the same site.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.christianity.co.nz/science1.htm">The Complementary Nature of Science and Christianity</a> <br />– an online booklet by Dick Tripp that examines the foundations of science and the relationship between the ‘book of nature’ and ‘the book of God’s word’.Richard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-18655356659418614722010-08-19T12:42:00.000+10:002010-08-19T14:25:32.804+10:00Hasn't Science Disproved Christianity??When people are asked to consider Christianity one of the replies that is commonly heard is "Hasn't Science Disproved Christianity?"<br /><br />Many people assume that the advances in science from the time of the 17th century - not least the theories of Darwin - have effectively repudiated the claims of the Bible. They assume that 'Scientific Worldview' has done away with the 'Christian Worldview'. At the very least they assume that Science and Christianity are incompatible.<br /><br />But is this the case?<br /><br />In week 5 there will be two addresses by Richard Blight on the relationship between science and Christianity. In particular he will consider whether science disproves the claims of the Bible about God. Richard is a graduate in both Science and Theology, and will draw on his own experience of reconciling Science and Christianity.<br /><br />At UWS Bankstown Campus in Week 5<br /><br /> Tuesday 24th August 1-2 pm Rm 23.G.40<br /> Thursday 26th August 1-2 pm Rm 1.1.80<br /><br />There will be a talk followed by time for questions and discussion.<br /><br />All are welcomeRichard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-64405920398322220882010-04-29T16:29:00.001+10:002010-04-29T16:32:17.382+10:00Response to Global AtheismDr Greg Clark of the Centre for Public Christianity has begun a series on 'A response to Global Atheism' with an article on 'The Accident of Unbelief'. In particular it addresses the issue of the rarity of genuine Atheists.<br /><br />Check it out here: <a href="http://publicchristianity.org/response_to_GA1.html">http://publicchristianity.org/response_to_GA1.html</a>Richard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-73964562457359785162010-03-31T21:33:00.000+11:002010-03-31T21:46:23.463+11:00Professor John Lennox on the problem of Suffering and EvilThis video of Professor John Lennox (Oxford) talking about the arguments for God's goodness - both intellectual and emotional - comes from the <a href="http://publicchristianity.com">Centre for Public Christianity</a>, an organisation based in Sydney. They have lots of other resources discussing the foundations of Christian belief:<br /><br /><object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1785483&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1785483&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/1785483">A good God?</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user763576">CPX</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br />Check out more about Professor Lennox and more of what he says here: <a href="http://www.publicchristianity.com/lennoxvids.html">http://www.publicchristianity.com/lennoxvids.html</a>Richard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-36946934895694142852010-03-17T15:30:00.000+11:002010-03-17T15:38:44.443+11:00Is God Really Good?In week 5 of Semester 1, 2010, CBM at UWS Bankstown will be running a series of talks on the topic: "IS GOD REALLY GOOD?" We would love you to comment or respond to the idea. If it is appropriate then we will ask our speaker to respond to your questions or comments. We will also try to answer questions on this blog.<br /><br />Christians have always maintained that God, the God of the Bible and of Jesus, is good. But what does this mean? Is it simply a philosophical argument ie. That "whatever God does is by definition good", or is there more to it than that. What does it mean to say that God is 'good" in his essence? And what about the bad or evil things that take place in the world - what do they say about God's essential goodness?<br /><br />What do you think - is God really good? Why or Why not?Richard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5738262024568792110.post-33566159908216391812010-03-13T00:20:00.000+11:002010-03-13T00:26:48.674+11:00Welcome to "God Talk at UWS"I would like to welcome you to the blog that has been set up to facilitate the discussion about God and religion generally at UWS (The University of Western Sydney in NSW, Australia).<br /><br />This discussion will be run by Campus Bible Ministries, a student group that runs on all the campuses of UWS. (The website can be found at <a href="http://www.mycbm.org.au/">mycbm.org.au</a>.) However the discussion is open to anyone who wants to ask a question or make a comment. As long as you are reasonably polite in the way you write we will allow your post to stand and do our best to provide a reply.<br /><br />We hope that this blog helps you in your quest to find out more about God.<br /><br />RichardRichard Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11008522974080553341noreply@blogger.com3