right left whatever

2003-06-11T23:03:00.000-04:00

The contents of this blog have now been exported, and after some maintenance and cleanup, everything you used to view here will be on the new site. There is content there now, you can now look. There's still more to do, with adding a blogroll and everything, but I can't work on it all night, gotta sleep.

2003-06-10T21:45:00.000-04:00

There will be no more entries to this blog. The new site is now operational, even though there isn't much there yet. Until I export content from this blog, I'll let it sit here, for anyone who wants to find content in the archives.

The new site is right left whatever.

2003-06-10T12:44:00.000-04:00

Can we fly yet, Mom? can we? please? Two weeks to go, argh! it's getting too crowded in here!!

2003-06-10T12:05:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to the New Jersey Devils for winning the Stanley Cup - again!!! I knew they would do it, but the Ducks were a great opponent. Jean-Sebastien Giguere was very deserving of the Con Smythe trophy. There was no booing for him at my house last night (indeed, unlike many other fans, I do not boo at all, even when I am at the games - some would say I'm not into the game, or no fun; I disagree, I love the game just as much as anyone else, I just have some standards).

So - Why didn't I post my congratulatory message last night? Blogger was down! arghh!

Moving to Movable Type soon, the new address will be: www.joelfuhrmann.com/blog. It's actually up now, but no content other than a test message. I'll tell you when you can look.

2003-06-04T22:18:00.000-04:00

Today was banding day for the falcons on top of Kodak headquarters in Rochester NY. Five eyasses, named

Isaura (f)-- Named by Matt Bernius-- Black Band
Chayton (m)-- Named by Aafke-- Blue Band
Edge (m)-- Named by Siobhan Ruck-- Red Band
Destiny (m)-- Named by Sue Long's Fifth Grade Class-- White Band
Tlohtli (m)-- Named by Kenn Martinez-- Yellow Band

Here comes trouble!!
(link from the Kodak discussion board)

2003-06-03T22:55:00.000-04:00

From the columns today

Writing at National Review Online, Byron York, on The Truth About Bush's Lies.

Link via Opinion Journal's Best of the Web, a link to a New York Times column by Paul Krugman, Standard Operating Procedure. Donald Luskin fisks another column by Mr. Krugman at National Review Online, A Not-So-Beautiful Mind.

So what do I think about the concept of truth?

It's been in my thinking lately, because I've been dealing with the statement, "All politicians are liars, so whatever they say or do isn't important". The implication is that if a politician represents your ideology, or policies you like, then their words and actions aren't important.

I've got some real problems with this point-of-view. For starters it sets up a huge double-standard for how laws are enforced in this country. Imagine this: What if laws were passed with the understanding that they would only be enforced against people who were members of the Republican party? Sound far-fetched? Were laws passed forbidding sexual harrassment? Two names: Clarence Thomas - Republican, Bill Clinton - Democrat. I know people who believe that Clarence Thomas should be banned from government service for life because of what he was accused of doing by Anita Hill. Invariably these same people think that Bill Clinton was a great President who was the victim of a right-wing conspiracy. What was different between these two? The allegations against Justice Thomas were never proven. The allegations against President Clinton were proven. Justice Thomas is conservative and is pro-life, President Clinton is a Democrat and pro-abortion.

Another reason I have trouble with this is that it is a cop-out for intelligent discussion of public issues. If you can't believe anything politicians say, then there is no need for paying attention to news or opinion, and our elections fall prey to candidates who promise the most with no regard for preserving the constitutional rule of law that is supposed to serve as a foundation for our republic. There is a need to be careful in choosing what to believe, because there is a lot of stretching the truth, to say the least, both on the left and right. I'd say most of it falls short of outright lying however, except in the view of one's political opponents. One weakness of our election system is that it encourages voting numbers without encouraging voting intelligence. Looking back at the election of 2000, seeing how get-out-the-vote workers bribed homeless people to vote, just screams to me that one party was dedicated to getting a higher number of less-intelligent, ill-informed people out to vote.

So, risking repeating what has already been said by Byron York (National Review) and James Taranto (OpinionJournal), here's what I've come up with concerning how I view the statement, "They all lie, get over it":

In the view of my opponents, of course I lie. They disagree with me, they think they're right, so therefore they think I'm wrong, therefore I'm lying. Accusations of lying of this sort dominate every political campaign. It's just someone's opinion, not a hard and fast fact.

There are lies of fact that people disagree on, citing various misquotes and press statements out of context, such as all the accusations flying about Al Gore's inventing the Internet, Vice President's continuing profit-making with government contracts at Halliburton, President Bush's intelligence, and so on. A lot of this is ideological fluff, designed to discredit one's ideological opponents, creating sympathy for one's own point-of-view, or favorite candidate. These lies can be more or less proven to be true or false, but people rarely believe the other side, so it usually takes a lot of evidence to move people to change their mind. Not that it's impossible: I'm a former Democrat who now votes mainly Republican, and a lot of the evidence that moved me came in the late 90's.

There are hard and fast lies however, ones that can be proven for instance in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. We saw instances of that in the late 1990's, confirmed with a contempt of court settlement and articles of impeachment. People don't deny that President Clinton lied, they just don't agree on the proper punishment for it. People who commit lies like this are likely to commit lies of the next category as well.

The most egregious lie of all, the one that takes advantage of peoples ignorance: deliberate misrepresentation of truth. And here's where I beg to differ with those who think that all politicians lie, for there is a big difference between having a different point of view or interpreting numbers differently, and deliberately lying. And those who deliberately lie regarding issue 'A' will invariably have no motivation to be honest with issue 'B', so such people cannot ultimately be trusted with anything, and deserve to be unelected as soon as possible.

So who is not telling the truth? Well two examples, on the issue of judicial nominations (a pet peeve of mine): Senator Daschle is not telling the truth when he says Miguel Estrada doesn't have the experience required to be a federal judge (many judges have been confirmed with less experience). Senator Schumer is not telling the truth when he says we need the memorandums Mr. Estrada wrote when he was Solicitor General (no other Solicitor General who has been nominated has been asked for them). These are not innocent lies, created out of a misunderstanding of our political process. They are deliberate lies presented to a public which is not expected to know or understand the truth.

There's a lot more I can say on this subject, but I'm going to close this post now. Maybe I'll add more later, and if anyone wants to email me a thought or two, I'll post those too.

2003-06-03T21:42:00.000-04:00

I just can't stay away....

Been slowly setting up a new site, looking at Movable Type, and finding out the installers there are very busy, and the backlog is now about a week to make a new installation. I'm also pretty new to web publishing (kindof strange for someone who works in a computer department, though my specialty is installations of the OS - but I do need to know this, and setting up my own website has been registered as one of my 'educational' objectives at my job).

2003-05-29T20:48:00.000-04:00

Blogging after all, working late tonight, listening to the Devils/Ducks game on NHL Radio, and putting in a quick post while I wait for a server to rebuild....

Just caught two stories, the first one being an excellent piece by Rod Dreher on The Godless Party. I think his analysis is spot-on, but I've seen another phenomenon, the Religious Left, those who elevate issues such as abortion to a religious fervor, and equate it with good, and religious conservatism as evil.

The other article is from The Register, The Internet is Dying, By Andrew Orlowski, where law professor Lawrence Lessig claims that the Internet is dying, due to FCC relaxation of media regulation. "Lessig argues that the relaxation of media controls for the latter-day robber barons bodes ill for open computer communications." But reading on in the article, he also says "Google has its own spam problems: a tiny number of webloggers and list-makers whose mindless hyperlinks degrade the value of its search results, and create the Web equivalent of TV static." So, in effect, he criticizes the Internet for two opposing forces, the concentration of control in the hands of a few, and the huge number of webloggers expressing diverse opinions. It seems to me that he's just disappointed that people don't seem to be interested in his point of view, and he's decided to blame the Internet. The Internet is extremely diverse, and I don't see anything changing that.

2003-05-28T21:47:00.000-04:00

I'm going to take a vacation from the blog for the duration of the Stanley Cup Finals. Not that I'm really doing nothing--I'm setting up a new domain and website. Next post will be there.

2003-05-28T21:43:00.000-04:00

Methodist Women's Magazine Chides Religious Conservatives. I saw this issue of Response magazine, and was disappointed that it was so critical of Christian conservatives. Not that it is wrong to disagree, but I didn't see any mention of the name of Jesus in the magazine. The UMW is apparently advocating a pro-abortion and anti-family liberal 'gospel', aligning itself with the leftist feminist agenda, much like the YWCA has done (as evidenced by the hiring of Patricia Ireland as their president). There is a different vision of what Christianity is among political groups of the left, a vision of social salvation through political transformation, a social gospel that has no need for Jesus or His Resurrection.

2003-05-28T21:32:00.000-04:00

Writing in the Weekly Standard, Rachel DiCarlo criticizes the political activism of the National Council of Churches. The NCC is an excellent example of what I, and apparently many other people, find distasteful about religion being used as a stalking-horse to promote social justice, which in the context of the NCC looks like socialism. Trouble is, that when you take God out of consideration, as socialist governments seem to do, socialism becomes an oppressive system which sacrifices broad classes of individuals for the sake of the common good.

2003-05-28T21:08:00.001-04:00

Look for the blog to move soon, I've got a domain and I am going to move my site there and stop using Blogger. I've said this before, and procrastinated, but now that Blogger unreliability is widely recognized, and it isn't even recognizing my latest posts for RSS syndication (what good is a RSS feed if it never updates?), I've decided there is no future here.

2003-05-28T21:08:00.000-04:00

Haven't posted anything in a few days; I was in Oklahoma last weekend to attend a memorial service for family. My mom grew up in a small town in western Oklahoma, and that's where I was. Small town America is really special; my pro-abortion state (New Jersey) is a lot different than Oklahoma, where I saw a picture of Jesus holding a new-born baby painted on the side of a downtown building in Elk City.

2003-05-22T12:32:00.000-04:00

Diane Knippers, the president of the Institute for Religion and Democracy, addressing the October 2002 Confessing the Faith Conference, on the subject of Renewing the Church.

2003-05-21T11:59:00.000-04:00

ok, I've added an RSS feed, and a Bloginfo button, so why is the last post recognized by the RSS feed 5/19, instead of this one?

2003-05-20T22:18:00.000-04:00

This post is a personal sort of Rubicon for me. A bunch of my former UU colleagues are going to strike me off their Christmas lists after they read this (heh!)

I left my former Unitarian Universalist congregation in 2000, largely due to political, not religious, concerns (I wasn't even a believer then, but I was moving there real fast). The next year they decided to adopt a Welcoming Congregation resolution, meaning they were going to actively adopt a pro-gay program. My leaving was not solely due to this policy, but I was bothered by witnessing a child dedication by two gay men who had adopted a baby daughter. My thought then was "how are they going to teach this daughter how to be a woman when she goes through adolescence? She isn't going to have a clue." I don't care what studies the gay-rights advocates put forth, I do not think that children of gay parents will grow up with the necessary education to interrelate with people of both sexes as they grow up. I think they will have problems caused by imcomplete parenting and exposure to homosexual activity. They will be miss an important element of what families with moms and dads will provide, namely the little things that only a mom or dad can each uniquely provide. I have no doubts that I will be labeled as a "homophobe" by UUs, including those from my former congregation. That's a cheap shot, designed to deflect attention from the ill effects that normalization of homosexuality will bring.

Here's what some ministers in the UUA are doing to further their extremist gay-rights agenda: Some UU Clergy will not sign marriage licenses, and are encouraging gay-activist-ministers in other faiths to do likewise. This is real sad, discriminating against what is right to accomodate what is wrong. One thing my former congregation did before I left was to put up a "family wall" in one of their meeting rooms, where people were invited to bring in pictures of their family and put them on a wall celebrating families. They were in the middle of a big push to remind everybody that there lots of different kinds of families, including couples who weren't even married, and gay couples. One thing I remember them saying was something like "pictures of families headed by gay couples are especially welcome". My reaction to that was that my wife and I, as a heterosexual couple, were not especially welcome.

What Senator Santorum said recently was point-blank true, and extends to the concept of marriage as well. If the procreative nature of marriage is denied, and gay marriage becomes legally recognized, what reason would there be for not extending the legality of marriage to marrying one's own sister? or brother? or indeed, any number of people of either sex? Marriage will have no social meaning or value whatsoever.

2003-05-20T21:45:00.000-04:00

Rod Dreher comments on two kinds of segregation, one acceptable and the other not. It has everything to do with the inconsistencies inherent to political correctness.

2003-05-20T21:41:00.000-04:00

From yesterday's National Review Online, Nelson Lund comments on the Senate's refusal to act on judicial nominations. Lund is correct in saying, "This idea — that the validity of judicial decisions depends on the merits of the policy outcomes to which they lead — is already the mainstream view in American law schools. Senate Democrats appear determined to ensure that it becomes the mainstream view among American judges as well. If they prevail, our judicial institutions will stop being courts in anything but name." For all effective purposes, our Constitution is a dead letter. Judges are chosen not to enforce the Constitution, but to implement activist ideals, especially since 1973, when Roe vs. Wade effectively created a new right, ex nihilo. It's time to change this outlook.

2003-05-20T12:46:00.000-04:00

Also on IRD's website, United Methodist Bishop Sprague Assails “Christo-Centric Exclusivism”.

From Paul's epistle to the Corinthians, on why the Resurrection is so important:

Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.1 Corinthians 15:12-19 NKJV

Paul says that if you don't believe in the Resurrection, then there's no point in even calling yourself a Christian, as the Resurrection is the foundation of our faith. Indeed, if the Resurrection never occured then Christianity is just a false religion offering no hope and no value to the world.

2003-05-20T12:31:00.000-04:00

Diane Knippers, president of Institute on Religion and Democracy, has written an open letter to the Reverend Franklin Graham supporting his ministry, Samaritan's Purse.

2003-05-20T12:26:00.000-04:00

Charles Colson presents another viewpoint on the New York Times truth scandal.

I don't recall hearing it presented this way before, and it bears repeating, as it points out a flaw that reaches way beyond the New York Times and indeed beyond journalism itself. The recent scandal is usually presented as an affirmative action issue, or the fault of one person. Colson blames it on postmodernism, which denies the existence of capital-T Truth, saying, "If we say there is no truth, we shouldn’t be surprised when people make up stories and pass them off as if they actually happened."

Good point!

2003-05-18T16:34:00.000-04:00

I haven't talked about the New York Times scandal. Everyone else has spoken so well on it. I appreciate Raines admitting this,

"Does that mean I personally favored Jayson?" he added, a moment later. "Not consciously. But you have a right to ask if I, as a white man from Alabama, with those convictions, gave him one chance too many by not stopping his appointment to the sniper team. When I look into my heart for the truth of that, the answer is yes."

I think it's safe to say that on issues on which it can be perceived that the NY Times is presenting only one side, such as global warming, gay issues, affirmative action, (basically anything having to do with religion or politics), the NY Times has lost its authority to tell us how things ought to be (not that it ever had that authority to begin with, but to some people it seemed to). I hear a lot of liberals use the phrase "According to the New York Times..." to justify their latest liberal point of view. I'm hoping to hear it less often now. Probably just wishful thinking on my part, however, as I saw it in an op-ed today. At least we can legitimately tell those who use it that you can't believe anything you read in the Times anymore. Deroy Murdock says it is also important to consider what the Times doesn't say.

2003-05-18T16:00:00.000-04:00

Mark Byron discusses those who quote Scripture inaccurately.

Additional examples of Scripture being quoted inaccurately come from people who attempt to justify immoral behaviour by saying that Jesus hung out with tax collectors and sinners. They forget to include the second part of Jesus' response to the adulterous woman, however: And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." John 8:11 NKJV

2003-05-18T00:14:00.000-04:00

A Wonderful Day

Amy and I went to a Marriage Encounters reunion today, and got to see many special people. Clay, Georianna, Brent, Carol, who presented at our weekend. P___ and S___, who along with us are confronting health issues with their parents (mine are over for now, theirs are ongoing, they are in our prayers, and yours too, I ask), and several people who are associated with this fine program and continue to contribute with ongoing support at events like those held today. Thank you, and God bless you all. We were down in Delaware today, and I saw something very special on the wall of a church library I've never set foot in before today: 1 Cross + 3 Nails = 4given

Sports!
Congratulations to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks for a fabulous performance in winning the NHL Western Conference Finals! Spectacular goaltending from Jean-Sebastien Giguere, who constantly amazes but always gives credit to his teammates. Great talent and great attitude, wonderful to watch.

Congratulations too, to the Devils, who won today for a 3-1 lead, which I only got to watch on my VCR when I got back from Delaware about 8pm tonight, and thanks to all the people who didn't tell me the final outcome before I got to watch it!

2003-05-16T19:11:00.000-04:00

Jeff Jacoby writes about Israel's unshakable allies.

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."Genesis 12:3 ESV

2003-05-16T19:04:00.000-04:00

Paul Bond comments on peoples' reactions to anti-war celebrities in The Silent Majority Strikes Back.

The comments from people like Sean Penn that they are victims of censorship are ridiculous. People are free to see any movie or listen to any musician they wish. I'm not guilty of censorship for not buying a ticket to Sean Penn's latest movie anymore than I'm censoring the author of the book I didn't buy at the bookstore today because I wasn't interested in it. As for the claim that he's the victim of a blacklist, that's ridiculous too. The people who make movies are interested in making money. If they think they'll make more money if they hire someone other than Mr. Penn, they've got a right to make that choice. It only becomes censorship when someone else comes in and tells them they can't hire someone because of their views, or worse, when people get put in jail for their views, but last I heard Sean Penn's a free man. Criticism is not censorship.

Same thing goes for people participating in political protests. Counter-protestors are not opposed to free speech for anyone, they just want to be sure both sides are heard. Again, criticism is not censorship.

2003-05-16T18:54:00.000-04:00

Vincent Carroll asks What's wrong with Christian groups helping Iraqis?

2003-05-16T18:50:00.000-04:00

From today's reading, Jonah Goldberg talks about how Liberals twist privacy arguments. I guess this is so old lots of people don't like to hear about it anymore, but I always thought it was unjust in a very fundamental way that when Bob Packwood was forced to resign for his acts of sexual harassment, no one seemed to mind when his diaries were dragged into public view, yet when President Clinton was being investigated by Kenneth Starr, the Democrats complained real loud about the intrusive nature of the investigation. Bottom line is, if you're politically favored (meaning blessed by the liberal interest groups nowadays), you can get away with anything. Wish it were different, but that's the way it is.

2003-05-15T18:33:00.000-04:00

Mark Shea discusses the appearance of the Anti-Christ in reference to Kevin Jones's opinion that Bush is blasphemous (which is not the topic of this post).

Mark Shea is right. The Anti-Christ will not come appearing as evil, but will come in with irresistible political charisma. He will come in promising all kinds of wonderful things for the common good, and enough people will fall for it so that he comes into power relatively easily. Whenever I hear anyone use the phrase "the common good" I answer with "be careful what you wish for..".

2003-05-15T18:23:00.000-04:00

Let me clarify something real quick before I get myself in trouble. Yesterday, I wondered out loud if Chris Muir Day by Day reads Jeffrey Collins's Joyful Christian. I got an email from Chris Muir saying that the phrase is common and he wasn't aware of Jeffrey's use of the term. I agree with him, and I did not mean to imply that anyone was copying someone else's work in my original post. I was only noting the coincidental use of the term by those two individuals. Sorry.

2003-05-15T12:56:00.000-04:00

Sports!
Jean-Sebastien Giguere had an absolutely fantastic performance last night in a 4-0 rout of the Minnesota Wild. It makes me wonder if the Ducks had effectively won the Western Conference championship when they beat the Dallas Stars in the previous round. If the NHL had not reseeded the field after the first round, the Ducks would have played the Wild in the second round, and the Stars would have played the Canucks. Given that scenario, assuming the Stars beat the Canucks, and the Ducks beat the Wild, we would then have the Ducks beating the Stars in the Western Finals. Instead, it looks very likely that the Ducks will beat the Wild to win the West (maybe even in a sweep - could we see four shutouts?), even though the Wild play tough when facing elimination.

2003-05-14T22:02:00.000-04:00

One last post tonight, about the falcons, then I've gotta go see the Ducks (hockey!)

A lot of the time, Mariah covers her chicks up so they aren't exposed to the outside. I've noticed it's usually 48-55 degrees F in the box, and probably a bit chilly. I don't think falcons have any natural predators (they're at the top of the food chain in their environment), so I think it's mainly just protection from the cold. It's kindof touching though, as I'm looking at these eyesses and thinking of my Christian walk as a little bird growing up and hiding under the shadow of my mother's wings. God is often described as sheltering us under His wings (Ps 17), or later in life pushing us out of the nest, letting us fall, and catching us while we learn to fly (Deuteronomy 32). I don't think the falcons learn like that though, they just get it, and they better, for that Kodak building is really tall! I can't find it anymore, but last year, someone took a picture of the view looking down from the ledge, and it's a long way down. I bet those birds are pretty scared for their first takeoff. By the way, that first take-off will come in about six weeks, and it is a lot of fun to see them growing up till then.

2003-05-14T21:41:00.000-04:00

In National Review Online, Rabbi Daniel Lapin discusses Mothers' Day, and says it was observed every day in his house, along with Fathers' Day. He also points out some ways of looking at it differently. He also suggests a different way to say grace. Very thoughtful essay, indeed.

2003-05-14T21:37:00.000-04:00

UM Bishop Asks for End to Theological "Profiling".

In her speech, Christopher faulted the need for profiling on "anxiety" and the need to consider people who differ from ourselves "an enemy to our closely held and self-created identities." She noted that this behavior is not the "exclusive property of one side or the other."

But indirectly, Christopher implied that conservatives might be more to blame for the profiling phenomenon. "Our focus on orthodoxy, handed-down doctrine, has submerged our orthopraxis, the practice of our faith," she said. Instead of ideology, she said the focus should be on "relationships with one another."

Bishop Christopher sounds like she would be real comfortable in a denomination with no religious creed and no respect for biblical doctrine or traditional discipline, such as the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Looking to the Bible, what does someone like the Apostle John say about "theological profiling?"

Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
1 John 2:18-23 NKJV

Sounds to me like John was quite a bit concerned about people knowing the truth and being able to reject those who denied that Jesus is the Christ. If that's theological profiling, then maybe more, not less, discernment is needed in the church.

2003-05-14T21:21:00.000-04:00

Christopher Johnson, Midwest Conservative Journal links to a story in the Washington Post reporting that the Arlington-based Nature Conservancy sold scenic properties to its own trustees and is under Senate investigation.

I always thought that schemes by environmental groups like the Sierra Club to fight suburban sprawl were more to protect someone's view rather than the common good. Now here's real evidence that may indeed be the case. I don't particularly care for the lifestyle chosen for me by the visionaries at the Sierra Club. I don't want to live in an urban center, in a shared apartment, probably with a large number of loud obnoxious people who I would move far away from if I had my choice of where to live. Which brings me to my fundamental point. Government has no legitimate authority to tell me where to live or work.

2003-05-14T21:11:00.000-04:00

Firearm industry wins major victory with common-sense verdict in NAACP case.

Great news, but note that the judge, not the jury, has the last word in this case, and he is not known for being objective.

By the way, if the NAACP succeeds in putting gun manufacturers out of business, then how are inner-city folks, who are disproportionately black and victims of crime, supposed to defend themselves from criminals? Has the NAACP thought about who they're supposedly standing up for?

Reminds meof how the NAACP is against school vouchers, but most blacks, at least those in Washington (including the mayor) are for them.

2003-05-14T20:58:00.000-04:00

I wonder if Chris Muir reads Jeffrey Collins's Joyful Christian.

2003-05-12T12:55:00.000-04:00

Here's a link to a discussion board where someone has graciously posted some webcam photos from the Kodak webcam showing all the hatching activity going on in the falcon scrape near the top of the Kodak building in Rochester NY. They're called eyesses, by the way, as I learned this morning.

Here's another link to a webpage describing the life cycle of a falcon, using actual photos from previous years at the same nest box (or 'scrape').

2003-05-12T10:47:00.000-04:00

The falcon chicks are hatching!!

2003-05-10T23:08:00.000-04:00

Dave Berg, a segment producer for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, writes for the Institute on Religion and Democracy, Commentary: Anti-War Protestants

(Saw this link yesterday, and wanted to note it last night, but forgot. Just noticed that The Corner on National Review Online also links to it today. Thanks for the reminder, Mr. Boulet.)

2003-05-10T22:17:00.000-04:00

The Dunker Journal links to an article where astronomers put an exact date and time of Jesus' crucifixion, basing it on the fact that a solar eclipse is noted as occuring in the year 33 A.D. They (the astronomers) also note that Jesus was crucified on the day after the first night with a full moon following the vernal equinox. What's wrong with this scenario? Solar eclipses only occur when the moon is new, it is not possible for a solar eclipse to occur when the moon is full. I would think astronomers would know better than to make simple errors like this. The Dunker Journal is correct in noting that it was a supernatural occurence, there is no natural explanation for the darkness that occured that day.

Update: And, yes, the moon was full when Jesus was crucified. It wouldn't have been Passover otherwise.

2003-05-10T11:56:00.000-04:00

Over at blogs4God, MeanDean notes that IBM has bought the Episcopal Church. Who would've thunk it? Actually, I was thinking it would be more likely to be bought by PepsiCola, then they could change the signs on the buildings without buying any new letters!

2003-05-09T21:33:00.000-04:00

World Magazine discusses the importance of free speech, and wonders why it is honored for everybody except Christians. Free speech, for some

2003-05-09T21:31:00.000-04:00

David Heddle talks about predestination on his blog's anniversary. The more I read David's work, the more I think he's right, even though I am a member of a denomination that officially disagrees with this doctrine (I'm a United Methodist). However, I think that David will agree with me that every individual needs to make a decision of faith, and to make what looks like, at least from our human perspective, an act of repentance. God may call us to repent, and that calling may be irresistable, but we still have to do it. When the Apostles told their listeners how to be saved, they said to "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ". When I was younger, I understood predestination to mean that nothing was required; that people who made not even one repentant prayer might wind up in heaven, and people who loved the Lord dearly might wind up being damned. I think David would tell me that that was a misunderstanding, that God's call inclines one's own heart to make that first prayer. At least, that's how I see it now. Another way of looking at it is fishing: Is it the skill of the fisherman, or the foolishness of the fish, that results in its capture? Arminians think it's the fishes own fault, while Calvinists look to the skill of the fisherman.

2003-05-09T21:14:00.000-04:00

There's been a lot of talk today about the National Association of Evangelical's criticism of certain ministers' denunciations of Islam. Here's the link from the Institute on Religion and Democracy:Evangelical Leaders Meet to Discuss Christian-Muslim Relations. And another link from Christianity Today's Weblog.

Also, the Institute on Religion and Democracy has release a guide for Muslim-Christian dialog.

One thing the IRD author, Alan Wisdom, notes is that it is appropriate and necessary to "Give testimony to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because it is our duty to do so. Ultimately, Christ himself is the greatest blessing that we could offer to our Muslim interlocutors. The 2002 Oxford Consultation on the Future of Anglicanism noted helpfully: “Saint Paul uses dialogue and Saint Luke uses dialogomai to describe evangelism. It may involve arguing, explaining, proving, proclaiming and persuading (Acts 17:1-4, 17)” (see www.wycliffe.ox.ac.uk for the consultation reports). It is our hope that numbers of Muslims would be persuaded by the testimony of Christians whom they encounter."

However, he also says it is inappropriate and damaging to "Attempt to meld Christianity and Islam, pretending that they have the same basic teachings and that the differences between the two are merely trivial points of theology."

There are many other points, recommended reading.

2003-05-09T21:00:00.000-04:00

Susan Konig laments irresponsible parenting and asks why more moms can't be like her own. Very fine tribute to the power of righteous parenting. Parents who love their kids set limits for them the same way we keep our pets inside or in our yards. Bad things can happen when you mix youth, freedom, and a lack of responsibility. Actually just put any two of those three together and bad things can happen.

Lee Anne Millinger also laments the inability of parents to teach their children about knowing God. She's right. Sunday school is inadequate for teaching children to pray, to read the Bible, and other basic things to know about Christianity. Even if it's something as simple as a family devotional at breakfast (what we did in our home), children need to be taught to pray, and to emphasize that it be done daily, not just at church.

I'm particularly glad for the influence my Mom and Dad had in my life, even after I went down a false path, I was able to see the wisdom offered by what they taught me while I was growing up. When I decided to turn around, I knew what to do, I didn't have to consult anyone or go buy a book, all I had to do was counter my unwillingness. The Proverbs say, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) It doesn't say the going will always be easy, but I do think it means if you want your children to go down the right path, the best time to start teaching them is right now.

2003-05-08T21:43:00.000-04:00

This is an interesting link to an opinion piece by LTJG Eric Johnson, CCPO USNR, who writes about Unitarian Universalists and their reaction to the war in Iraq. The article is worthy of comment because Chaplain Johnson is a Unitarian Universalist minister who serves in our armed forces, and the UUA was opposed to the Iraq war. The article is extremely noteworthy because Chaplain Johnson is critical of UUs' response to the war, and his opinion was published on the homepage of the UUA between May 2 and May 7 (The link is to an archived copy, the homepage was just replaced today).

I was rather critical of many anti-war forums, including one in my former UU congregation, where they paid lip service to respecting all points of view, and then had moderators from only one side, notably speakers from Princeton University who were against the war. Guys, if you claim to support a free and open exchange of ideas, and to respect all points of view, you should let both sides speak from the main microphone. Of course, when you associate with groups like ANSWER, which is known to control who speaks at their rallies (they wouldn't even let Rabbi Michael Lerner speak), I guess free speech is not the most important criteria to observe.

Anyway, credit is due to the UUA for printing such a self-critical viewpoint. I am impressed, even though, as Chaplain Johnson notes, I am one former-Unitarian Universalist who got tired of being in a politically liberal church. I was especially peeved when the General Assembly Faith in Action sermon contained quotations from Michael Moore as if his allegations were legitimate talking points for social activism. That was about a year before I left the organization in fact.

I don't know if Chaplain Johnson is painting a reasonable picture of a possible future of the UUA when he says,

"Ours must be a religious community where all find unification with what is good and right in themselves, with ones inherent worth and dignity, where all are welcome, not just those with the requisite politically liberal credentials. We should leave no one outside the community, this basket which cradles our religious faith."

It certainly sounds nice, but I believe all churches have creeds, including those that deny they do. In the case of the UUA, which claims to have no religious creed, they have simply replaced a religious creed with a political one. It is renewed each year at their General Assembly, and there is no room for political conservatism in this creed, notwithstanding fine people like Chaplain Johnson who are attempting to inject common sense and decency into this organization.

2003-05-08T12:48:00.000-04:00

I'm back!

It's been too long since I last posted. I'm going to get in some quick thoughts here over lunch, and then again later tonight.

Just got excused from jury duty. I can't comment on anything in the courtroom, but I think it's safe to say that I thought it was interesting that the TV set in the Jury Assembly Room was tuned to Fox News, and this is in Trenton NJ! I got to hear about ten minutes of President Bush's speech on Tuesday morning before I heard the clerk read a list of names (including mine) and was then shipped off to another building to undergo a rigorous jury-selection process, from which I was excused about two hours later, and was then sent home, and have not been called for again. Interesting, and I would've loved to have served (maybe too eager).

I just bought a new book, Praying God's Word, by Beth Moore. It looks promising, using God's Word as a template for prayer looks like a real powerful way to pray. In fact, I took an Internet quiz, "Which Book of the Bible are You?" and my answer was Psalms, and I think it's because for the most part, I already pray the Bible. In fact, almost all the Bible memorization I do is in the book of Psalms. I often use the examples of praise found therein verbatim in my prayer.

Sports!
Congratulations to the Anaheim Might Ducks (who beat my favorite team from the West), New Jersey Devils (my favorite team - yea!!!), and the Ottawa Senators, and whoever wins tonight's game (I will not stay up to see who wins), and I am not looking forward to seeing a West Coast team in the Stanley Cup Finals, as West Coast weeknight games are practically impossible for us over on the East Coast to watch live. If I'm lucky, the TV guys will make the games start at 6 PDT, so I can watch the Devils and Ducks duke it out at a tolerable time. Unless it's the Wild, which I am completely ambivalent about, except I think they have the league's best logo.

Joshua Claybourn talks about Halliburton, Vice President Cheney, and Iraq, and wonders what the big deal is. I agree, and would like to offer an extension of his remarks. Anything a corporation (or any company bigger than a street vendor) makes money, they become a target of those who think it is immoral to make a profit. The Unitarian Universalist Association's magazine, UU World, has just put out an issue completely dedicated to corporation-bashing, and has a completely horrid picture (could've been lifted from an anti-globalization protest for all I know, or the artist got their idea from one, most likely) on the front. What anti-corporates don't understand however, is that corporations are people too, or at least groups of people, and I don't think the Constitution says anything about people losing their rights when they decide to work together. Or if so, I'd like to know why the UUA-World folks seem to single out some organizations, corporations, for such derision, and not others, such as labor unions, or unelected & unaccountable NonGovernmentalOrganizations (NGOs).

For those who complain about companies who make money, just one question: Why don't you invest in the company and stop complaining?

By the way, regarding my blogging of The Pilgrim's Progress: I'm going to put that project on hold for now. I think I'll restart it after Memorial Day (will be traveling to Oklahoma to be with family)

UPDATED: Rewrote the wording in the section about praying God's Word to remove redundant wording - writing quickly with little or no proofreading has its drawbacks.
ALSO: Regarding the Stanley Cup playoffs, revisiting my prior predictions: Dallas vs. Detroit in West Final - hah? The Mighty Ducks proved me wrong there! I did get the Eastern Final result right. I think the Mighty Ducks are for real, and will win the West, but they won't win the Cup, not this year. The Stanley Cup will return to New Jersey next month.

2003-05-01T20:58:00.000-04:00

Loss and Reevaluation

I'm back from Texas. For several years, I've been wondering how long I would be enjoying the lives of my parents. Last week we lost my mom to cancer. There was a lot of grief and sadness, but it was tempered by knowing that her wishes for the end of her life were fulfilled. I feel a lot better now, but I'm not going to touch the blog till next week. I'm thinking about where I want to go with it right now, and my heart just isn't in it right now. I'm also behind at work, have jury duty coming up (which may interfere with blogging), and I'm just plain tired right now. I've lost all momentum for finishing the Pilgrim's Progress, and I don't know how I would handle the last chapter's passings (though after my feelings settle down I think I'll give it another go - sorry for putting it off so long).

On the other side of life, some falcon chicks are about to hatch, so look over on the left where I have a Birdcam 2003 link. I know it's pretty boring just watching Mariah and Kaver incubate their eggs, but once they hatch it gets a lot more interesting. That should be any day now. After hatching, they will be flying in six weeks.

2003-04-22T19:05:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posting in recent days. Was real busy for Easter, as I knew we would be, but there is a complication on continuing the blog for the remainder of the month, and I'm going to have to let the schedule slip for more important matters. Family concerns are calling me back home to Texas, and I will not be touching the blog for about a week. Prayer is appreciated, and I am also certain that God has everything under His control. I guess prayer is good for us whenever we doubt that - which is why we are told to ask God for our daily bread, even though He already knows we need it.

2003-04-18T10:32:00.000-04:00

In Remembrance
Last night, our church had its annual sacrificial meal, commemorating the Last Supper. Communion is always special, but it seems even more so on this day. A little more special for us, as our church is unable to use its kitchen (structural damage has prevented us from having full access to our church since December 1999). We have our sacrificial meal in a meeting room of another organization down the street from us. Maybe the disciples' last supper with Jesus was also in a strange room.

Good Friday
A while back, and I cannot find his original post in the short time I have, Jeffrey Collins Joyful Christian said that he thought Psalm 22 was an expression of Christ's thoughts on the cross.
Psalm 22

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?
Why are You so far from helping Me,
And from the words of My groaning?
O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear;
And in the night season, and am not silent.

But You are holy,
Enthroned in the praises of Israel.
Our fathers trusted in You;
They trusted, and You delivered them.
They cried to You, and were delivered;
They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.

But I am a worm, and no man;
A reproach of men, and despised by the people.
All those who see Me ridicule Me;
They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
"He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him;
Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him! "

But You are He who took Me out of the womb;
You made Me trust while on My mother's breasts.
I was cast upon You from birth.
From My mother's womb
You have been My God.
Be not far from Me,
For trouble is near;
For there is none to help.

Many bulls have surrounded Me;
Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled Me.
They gape at Me with their mouths,
Like a raging and roaring lion.

I am poured out like water,
And all My bones are out of joint;
My heart is like wax;
It has melted within Me.
My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
And My tongue clings to My jaws;
You have brought Me to the dust of death.

For dogs have surrounded Me;
The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.
They pierced My hands and My feet;
I can count all My bones.
They look and stare at Me.
They divide My garments among them,
And for My clothing they cast lots.

But You, O LORD, do not be far from Me;
O My Strength, hasten to help Me!
Deliver Me from the sword,
My precious life from the power of the dog.
Save Me from the lion's mouth
And from the horns of the wild oxen!
Psalm 22: 1-21 NKJV

The Psalm doesn't end there, however. There is a good ending, as we will soon see.

2003-04-18T10:15:00.000-04:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 26 Christiana and Mercy in the Valleys

The Pilgrims now descend into the Valley of Humiliation. They know of Christian's fight with Apollyon, and talk about it, expressing fear of a similar fate. Great Heart assures them that they will be safe. Christian's fight with Apollyon actually resulted from Christian's missteps as he descended into the valley. Great Heart goes on to say that the Valley is actually a very pleasant place, that our Lord actually had a country house here, and loved to walk and partake of the beauty of this place. Here is solitude and rest. They see the spot where Christian and Apollyon fought, and there is a pillar erected there to commemorate Christian's victory. Great Heart tells them that when Apollyon was defeated, he fled to the Valley of the Shadow of Death, their next destination.

Now they come upon the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and they have two advantages that Christian did not have: they enter the Valley in daylight, and they have Great Heart as their guide (as well as each other). The Valley is long and difficult still, and the boys are afraid. Great Heart gives them comfort from his experience. He has traveled this Valley many times, and this time is not as challenging as the worst of them, so he tells the boys to take comfort from the fact that he is still alive. One of the boys becomes ill, but Christiana applies some of the medicine obtained from the Physician at the Family's house, and he recovers. Christiana soon sees something fiendish and ugly approaching them from the front, and gathers the boys and Mercy around her, but as it comes closer, it vanishes as if they were passing through fog. Later, Mercy hears a lion roaring, and looks back to see a lion stalking them. Great Heart moves to the rear, and when the lion sees his drawn sword, stops the pursuit. Later they come upon an open pit, and cannot see the bottom for all the smoke and fire about it. Great Heart tells them this is like doing business on the Great Deep, or going down to the roots of mountains. He directs them to pray, and soon the hindrance is cleared and they are able to continue.

One last obstacle remains, the cave at the end of the valley. However, this time, they do not encounter Pope and Pagan, as Christian did, but a raging giant, Maul who demands that Great Heart stop his business with pilgrims. Maul is known for encountering Pilgrims with sophistry, subtle reasoning and deception leading to a skeptical view of the truth. Great Heart confronts Maul, saying they shall fight, but not until the Pilgrims hear the reason for the fight. Maul accuses Great Heart of robbing the country. Great Heart asks him to be specific in his accusations. Maul says, "You practice the craft of a kidnapper. You gather up women and children and carry them into a strange country to the weakening of my Master's kingdom." Great Heart replies, "I am a servant of the God of Heaven. My business is to bring Sinners to repentance...And if this is indeed the business of your quarrel, let us get to it as soon as you would like."

The giant has a club, Great Heart a sword. The giant strikes first, bringing Great Heart down to his knees, but he recovers and delivers a wound to the giant's arm. The fight is fierce and takes more than an hour. Eventually both have to stop to rest. Maul simply catches his breath, but Great Heart prays earnestly. The women and children stand nearby, huddled together, sighing and crying all through the battle. When the fight resumes, Great Heart knocks the giant down, whereupon the giant cries out "Stop, let me recover!" Great Heart stops and lets the giant get up. As soon as the giant is up, he delivers a blow which just barely misses breaking Great Heart's skull, but in the weak moment after the thrust, Great Heart pierces the giant's chest with the sword. The giant begins to faint, and Great Heart cuts off his head.

Thoughts on this chapter
The Valley of Humiliation, which many people view as a bad thing, is actually a desired place to be closer to the Lord.
The Valley of the Shadow of Death presents many dangers. Some of them are just illusions, figments of our imagination. Others are real, but thwarted with the strong defense of the sword of God's word. Others are more difficult to travers and require fervent prayer. Then there is the ever present chatter from those who would discourage Christians from going on their Pilgrimage or encouraging others to do so. Confronting them may be difficult, even violent (in spiritual terms), but we are called to take on the Pilgrimage boldly. It helps to have a guide with a sword to do the actual fighting, however.

2003-04-15T22:56:00.000-04:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 25 Christiana and Mercy Meet the Family

Great Heart leads the Pilgrims to the Porter's Gate (we're at the House Beautiful now), and introduces them. He then begs leave of them in order to return to the Interpreter's house, his mission being fulfilled. Christiana expresses regret at his having to leave, and Mercy and James express similar sentiments. Great Heart replies that he has to be obedient to his Lord, but he would be willing to accompany them, if the Interpreter will send him. He then tells Christiana that she could have asked for this back when they were at the Interpreter's house -- but he has to return now, and will return if called for.

Christiana then identifies herself as Christian's widow, and the Porter leads everyone into the house where the Pilgrims are introduced to the family. They are greeted with joy and thanksgiving, a much easier reception than the one Christian received. After dinner, Christiana asks to have Christian's old room, and she shares the room with Mercy. Mercy has a dream that evening, where she is lamenting the hardness of her heart, and she sees someone with wings coming to her. Mercy is asked what troubles her, and when she tells her complaint, she is told "Peace be to you," and she is dressed in fine clothes, adorned with beautiful jewelry and a crown, and is led to One sitting on a throne, where she is welcomed. She laughs out loud in her dream, and Christiana asks her about the dream in the morning. Christiana assures her that the latter part of the dream will come true just as the first part.

Christiana and Mercy decide to stay with the Family for about a month, learning all they can from them. Prudence asks Christiana's permission to test hers sons. She asks James, "Can you tell me who saves you?" James replies, "God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit."
Prudence: "How does God the Father save you?"
James: "By His grace."
Prudence: "How does God the Son save you?"
James: "By His righteousness, death, blood, and life."
Prudence: "And how does God the Holy Spirit save you?"
James: "By His illumination, by His renovation, and by His preservation."
Prudence commends Christiana for the quality of James' learning.

Prudence questions Joseph, "What is assumed by this word 'saved'?"
Joseph: "That by sin Man has brought himself into a state captivity and misery."
Prudence: "What is assumed by his being saved by the Trinity?"
Joseph: "That sin is so great and mighty a tyrant, that no one but God can pull us out of its clutches, and that God is so good and loving to people as to indeed pull them out of this miserable state."
Joseph is commended for learning well.

Prudence questions Samuel, "Why do you want to go to Heaven?"
Samuel answers, "So I may see God and serve Him without weariness, so I may see Christ and love Him forever, and so I may have a fullness of the Holy Spirit in me suc as I can't enjoy here."
Prudence commends Samuel, "You are a good young man, also, and one who has learned well."

Prudence now questions the oldest, Matthew, "What do you think of the Bible?"
Matthew: "It is the Holy Word of God"
Prudence: "Is there anything written in it that you don't understand?"
Matthew: "Yes, a great deal"
Prudence: "What do you do when you come across in it places that you don't understand?"
Matthew: "I think that God is wiser than I. I also pray that He will please let me know everything in it that He knows will be for my good."
Prudence: "What do you believe regarding the resurrection of the dead?
Matthew: "I believe the same people who were buried shall rise the same in nature but not in corruption. And I believe this for two reasons. First--because God has promised it. Second--because He is able to perform it."

Prudence then tells the boys that they must continue to learn from their mother, and to observe what the heavens and earth teach them, and to pay special heed to the Book which led Christian to become a Pilgrim.

Mercy has a gentleman caller while staying at the house, a man named Brisk, who has designs on marrying her. Mercy asks the girls of the family about him, and is told that he is a man who pretends to be religious, but is actually stuck very closely to the world. She wonders what to do, for she does not want to continue the relationship. She is told to do what is in her nature, and Brisk will stop calling. The next time Brisk comes by, he finds Mercy making clothes for the poor. He asks how much money she makes doing this, and Mercy replies that she is doing this out of compassion, there is no profit. Brisk is discouraged and leaves.

Now finally, the bad effects of Beelzebub's fruit is felt (back from when the boys picked up the fruit on the path, right inside the Gate several days ago). Matthew becomes very ill. A Physician is called for, and after some questioning the cause is found. A laxative is made, which is found to be too weak, so stronger medicine is called for, "Ex Carne et Sanguine Christi (you know, physicians give strange medicines to their patients)" A footnote on this passage, from Hazelbaker, says "This Latin phrase means 'of the flesh and blood of Christ.' John 6:53-58 Hebrews 9:14 [Bunyan's scripture reference] The medicine of the Law was not enough to cure the sickness. The blood and flesh of Christ is the only medicine strong enough to overcome the effects of sin. Romans 8:3" Matthew reluctantly takes the medicine and recovers. Christiana asks for some of this medicine to take with her. The Physician gives her some of it and she is told that she must administer it in the same fashion, or it will have no effect.

During the remaining part of the month, the boys have several questions to ask Prudence, and the Pilgrims are shown a few artifacts, such as the fruit that Eve ate from, and the altar, wood, and knife used by Abraham when he was told to sacrifice his son Isaac, and finally they are shown Jacob's ladder, with angels ascending and descending upon it.

They finally send for Great Heart, who returns to accompany them on their Pilgrimage, to the end this time, and they depart.

Thoughts on this chapter
This chapter is full of questions and answers on basic theology. I've included only some of them, the ones I felt to be most significant. Once again, Mercy is reassured that she will be welcome at the end of the Pilgrimage. The boys are growing in wisdom. We will see later that they are growing in stature as well, the Pilgrimage is an allegorical type of a full and entire Christian life, from childhood to adulthood. Christian's journey as described, seemed to be only several months long, in Part Two, it encompasses an entire lifetime.

2003-04-13T20:02:00.000-04:00

Update on the blogging project for Lent:

I have made a decision on what to do with the blog, and it is based on several things that have happened within the last week or two.

When Amy and I went to Marriage Encounter last weekend, one thing that I brought home with me was a conviction that it wasn't really helping our marriage by blogging after Amy has gone to bed for the night. Sometimes when we get home from an activity late at night, and do things we like or need to do when we get home, there isn't a lot of time left for blogging. This has been especially true in these last two weeks before Easter.

Another reason is that there is a situation in my family which has pretty much put me out of the mood for blogging. I don't want to get deep into personal details, but anyone reading this is invited to pray for my mom, she needs it right now, actually I guess both my parents do.

So - here's what I've decided to do till Easter: I'm going to cut back from a five-day per week to a four-day per week commitment to blogging the Pilgrim's Progress. That roughly translates into blogging every other day. That's going to push the book past Easter, and I'll be wrapping it up near the end of the month. Sorry for anyone wanting to get it read by Easter, if anyone did so, but I'm thinking this will be better for my sanity. Blogging every day this last week has gotten more difficult.

2003-04-11T23:18:00.000-04:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 24 Great Heart and the Hill of Difficulty

Great Heart leads the Pilgrims from the Interpreter's house, and they soon reach the Cross, where Christian's burden fell off his back, and rolled into the tomb at the bottom of a hill, where it was seen no more. Christiana knows that the Cross is the means of pardon, in word by the promise of God, but she does not understand its fulfillment in deed. She asks Great Heart for an explanation. Great Heart talks of pardon by deed by the work of Christ, "And He has obtained it in this double way: He has performed righteousness to cover you and has spilled blood in which to wash you." He goes on to describe fully the nature of Christ and His righteousness, both as God incarnate, and as fully human Man. He talks of the necessity for a redemption from the curse of sin, "this is by The Blood of your Lord who came and stood in your place and stead, and who died your death for your transgressions....For the sake of this, God passes by you and will not hurt you when He comes to judge the world."

They go on to the point where Christian tried to wake Simple, Sloth, and Presumption. They are still here, but are not asleep on the ground. They are now hanged up in irons a short distance from the path. They talk for a while about how their sloth resulted in their confinement and how it now serves as a warning for others, though for a while, they turned many Pilgrims from the path, hence deserving their punishment.

Going on, the Pilgrims reach the Hill of Difficulty, and see the paths around the hill that Formal and Hypocrisy took, thereby becoming lost. They note that there are obstacles preventing access to the false paths, yet the foolish still insist on taking what seems to be an easier path. They go up the hill, and find it strenuous after a while. They soon desire rest, and Great Heart leads them to the Prince's Arbor, the place where Christian fell asleep and lost his Certificate. They rest, being wary of falling asleep. Great Heart asks James, one of Christiana's sons, what he thinks of the Pilgrimage now. James says that he almost lost heart, but thanking Great Heart for his guidance, he replies that his mother has told him that the way to Heaven is like a ladder, and the way to Hill is like down a hill. He'd rather go up the ladder to life, than down the hill to death. Mercy replies, "But the proverb is: 'To go down the hill is easy.' " James answers, "In my opinion, the day is coming when going down the hill will be the hardest of all." Great Heart commends the boy for his correct answer.

They resume their journey, and soon approach the place where Christian encountered Fearful and Mistrust, running away from the lions. There is now a platform there, and a plate engraved with a message warning those who would turn back from fear, and stating that Fearful and Mistrust were here punished for endeavoring to hinder Christian on his journey.

They are now in sight of the lions. The young boys are afraid, and fall back to the rear. Great Heart smiles and chides them gently, saying "How's this, my Boys? Do you love to take the lead when no danger approaches but love to take the rear as soon as the lions appear?" Great Heart draws his sword, even though the lions are chained. His sword is drawn wisely, for their is a new danger here. A giant appears, Grim, and claims that the Pilgrims are trespassing. Great Heart replies that the women and children are going on Pilgrimage, "and this is the way they must go. And go it they shall, in spite of you and the lions." Christiana affirms that she and her companions will walk through. A fight ensues between Great Heart and Grim, resulting in Grim's death. The party then walks on by the chained lions safely, though they are afraid of them.

Thoughts on this chapter
There is a long monologue in this chapter regarding the righteousness of Christ and how He accomplished our salvation. It is rather detailed and hard to repeat in this review, but it is certainly worth a second look for anyone wishing to look it up.

The lions are now reinforced by a giant who actively resists the progress of the Pilgrims. In Part One, the lions were harmless. They still are, as long as they are by themselves, but the giant presents quite an obstacle. He is no match for Great Heart however. We will see more giants slain later, some by the boys, for by the end of the Pilgrimage, they will be men.

2003-04-11T07:21:00.000-04:00

Sorry for skipping out on the blog last night. I was going to blog after the Detroit - Anaheim hockey game, and then it goes into 3 overtimes! And to make it worse, I walked away from the TV before the game was won. Was going to get blogging, but realized that with the length of the next chapter (along with the time spent reading news and other blogs before I got started), I wouldn't be able to finish at any reasonable time.

I'm going to have to re-evaluate how I wrap this project up. Some options are to write much shorter reviews of each chapter (the chapters in Part 2 are longer than in Part 1, I have found out), including a broad overview of the events and a summary. I'll have to leave out a lot of detail, but that's detail that could be better served by encouraging you, the reader, to read the book for yourself. I'm certainly not able to retell the story as well as John Bunyan did. I'm leaning toward doing that, and will have to have to double up on some chapters this weekend to get back on schedule. Another option is to let the Pilgrim's Progress blogging go past Easter. Given the number of activities that Amy and I are doing right now to get ready for Easter, that option is looking more attractive as well.

2003-04-09T12:52:00.000-04:00

I'm blogging at lunch today. I don't usually blog at this time, but since I've heard that today is the nefarious "Homosexual Day of Silence", I've decided to speak up, and it's now or never since I won't be blogging tonight. I don't play such silly games as this "Day of Silence". If I've got something to say, I believe it's better to speak up. For gay activists who do play such games, may I suggest a modification to your strategy? If a little is good, then more is even better! Why not extend your day of silence to a whole year! That would really bring your point home!

Here's what the Concerned Women for America have to say on what parents should tell their kids about this event. (Sorry I've posted this a day too late for all you parents who treat this seriously - as you should)

Here's an even better way to remember this day: National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2003

So long for now--the Pilgrim's Progess blog will continue tomorrow night.

2003-04-09T12:40:00.000-04:00

I will not be able to blog tonight, Amy and I are going to the theater to see a play called Fiction. We know absolutely nothing about it. One thing that is not fiction, however, is the liberation of Iraq, as described all over the blogosphere, but I'm going to single out a special column found at National Review Online; Clifford D. May - You Call This Liberation? His thinktank, The Foundation for the Defense of Democracies is added to the blogroll on the left.

If you want to read some fiction, take a look at the continuing discussion of the war from Mother Jones magazine and The Nation, who continue to argue that Iraqis are firmly against us, civilian casualties are overwhelming the nation, and that (for the zillionth time) this is all about oil. Chris Smith, writing for Mother Jones, interviews Robert Dreyfuss, who claims that the war in Iraq is the result of a 30-year-old neoconservative conspiracy. Dreyfuss's qualifications? He's a contributing writer for Mother Jones! It must be true!

2003-04-08T23:08:00.000-04:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 23 Christiana and Mercy Meet the Interpreter

Our party of Pilgrims head off from the Gate walking along a walled path. On the other side of the wall is Beezebub's land, on which several trees grow, whose branches hang over the path. Christiana's boys jump up and grab some of the fruit from the trees and eat. Christiana rebukes them for stealing what isn't theirs, but she does not stop them in time. (We will see consequences of their actions later, but not today).

Continuing on, they encounter two men who assault the women, and the women cry out. Since they are still close to the Gate, some individuals come out and find the men in a great scuffle with Christiana and Mercy. The boys are nearby, powerless to intervene. The man coming to help them attempts to take the ruffians, but they escape and climb over the wall. The author notes that the dog which threatened the Pilgrims now becomes their (the bad guys') protector.

The Reliever then asks the women how they are, and they say they are alright. The Reliever then says that he is amazed that they did not ask for a Guide to assist them in their journey. Christiana says she did not know they would face danger so soon, but since it would have been good to have a Guide, she wonders why one was not sent with them. The Reliever says that it is not necessary to grant that which is not asked for "lest by doing so, they become of little value." Christiana asks if they should go back and ask for a Guide, but the Reliever says that will not be necessary, for in all of the Lord's lodgings there are sufficient things there to equip them with everything they need.."But as I said, He will be asked of them to do it for them, and it is a worthless thing that is not worth asking for."

They continue on their journey, and Mercy expresses amazement that they have faced such violent danger so soon. Christiana says that she should have recognized the danger. The men were similar in appearance to the two she saw in her dream back in Chapter 20, the two who were wondering how to thwart her pilgrimage before she received her invitation from the King.

As they continue, they come to the house of the Interpreter (compare with Chapter 5). They stop at the door, and hear people inside talking about Christiana. The news has gone forth that she is on pilgrimage, and the Interpreter's household is rejoicing at the news. Christiana knocks at the door, and a young girl, Innocent answers. She asks who is calling, and Christiana identifies herself and her party. The girl is overjoyed, and rushes in to announce the visitors. The Interpreter comes to the door, and welcomes them into the home.

In the house, they are shown the same images which were shown to Christian earlier, plus some additional ones. They are shown an image of a man holding a muckrake [a muckrake is a rake used for moving heavy, moist earth, most usually mixed with manure. -Hazelbaker]. Above his head, an individual holds a celestial crown and offers to trade the man the crown for his muckrake. The man does not look up or regard it, but continues to rake the straw, sticks, and dust of the ground. This is a figure of a man of this world, and the muckrake shows his sinful mind. The fact that he disregards the one calling from above shows that Heaven is only a fable to some and that things here are accounted the only things substantial.

They are then led to a fine room of the house, and told to look for anything profitable there. They see nothing, but are asked to look again. Mercy then sees an ugly spider hanging by its hands upon the opposite wall. When asked if there is only one, they notice that there is indeed more than one spider, and venomous ones at that. This shows that no matter how much one is infected with the venom of sin, one may still lay hold of and dwell in the best room which belongs to the King's house above.

They are then led into a room with a hen and chicks, and asked to observe for a while. They see a chick drinking water, and as it drinks it lifts its head and eyes up to heaven. They note the way the hen takes care of her chicks. She has a fourfold manner-- first, she has a common call, and she has this all day long; second, she has a special call, only used occasionally; third, a brooding call; and fourth, an outcry of alarm. The King has a similar manner with His people: a common call by which He gives nothing; a special call by which He always has something to give; a brooding voice for those under His wing; and finally an outcry when He sees the enemy come.

They are then led into a room where a butcher is killing a sheep. The sheep is quiet, taking its death patiently. They are reminded to learn from the sheep to suffer and to put up with wrongs without murmurings and complaints. "Your King calls you His Sheep."

They are led outside to a flower bed full of many flowers; some more spectacular than others, yet there are no complaints heard from them, nor do they argue with one another.

They are then led to a field of grain, from which the tops have all been cut off so that only the straw remains. Christiana asks what should be done with the crop. She answers, "Burn some of it, and make compost of the rest". The Interpreter notes that fruit is the thing to be looked for, and for the lack of it, the field is condemned to be burned or be trodden under foot by men. "Beware that in this you don't condemn yourselves."

They are shown a robin with a spider in its mouth. Christiana notes that she is not used to seeing a robin this way, she is used to seeing them feed on crumbs of bread or other harmless matter. "I don't like him as much as I did." She is told that the robin is an emblem very suited to be likened to some professors of faith, who are pretenders in that they frequent the house of the godly and the appointments of the Lord, but when they're by themselves, they can gobble up spiders like the robin.

They are then led into dinner, where they are presented with many proverbs before dinner is served. A sampling of those presented in the book:
"He who lives in sin and looks for happiness thereafter is like him who sows cockleburs and thinks to fill his barn with wheat or barley."
"If a man intends to live well, let him fetch his last day to himself and make it always his companion."
"Whispering and change of mind prove that sin is in the world."

Dinner is served, and the Interpreter engages Christiana and Mercy in conversation. He asks Christiana about her motivation for her pilgrimage, and she tells of her feelings for her husband, her dream, and the invitation she received. The Interpreter asks her about opposition from her city, and she tells how Mrs. Fearful tried to talk her out of coming. She tells of their assault on the way to the Interpreter's house, and he notes that their beginning has been good, and their latter end will greatly increase. He asks Mercy about her pilgrimage, and Mercy again answers timidly, and states that her lack of experience makes her desire to be silent; she cannot talk of dreams and visions, she has none to talk about. The Interpreter presses on her for her reason for coming, and Mercy states that her heart burned within her as she listened to Christiana defend her reasons for pilgrimage against Mrs. Fearful. Mercy decided then that if Christiana would accept her as a companion, she would accompany her on the pilgrimage. The Interpreter gives her a special blessing, "Your leaving is good, for you've given credit to the truth. You're a Ruth, who for the love she had for Naomi and the Lord her God left father, mother, and the land of her birth to leave and go with a people whom she didn't know before. 'May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.' Ruth two, twelve"

Supper is over, and everyone goes to bed, but Mercy has trouble sleeping because of her joy, for her doubts are removed from her farther than ever before.

The next day, they prepare to go, but Innocent is told to take them to the garden for a final Bath, where they are all washed, then given a special Seal on their forehead, and given new garments. The Interpreter calls a manservant of his, Great Heart, and tells him, "Take Sword, Helmet, and Shield; and these, my daughters, and guide them to the house called Beautiful, where they will next rest."

Thoughts on this chapter
God knows our needs before we pray, yet He still wants us to pray, and ask Him for what we need. Why? So we will have a thankful heart and not take Him for granted. Christiana neglects to ask for a guide, yet a guide would have been handy so close to Beelzebub's castle. Don't try the Christian walk alone. We have help from God available, ask for it. Also seek fellowship in a God-fearing Church, where He is worshipped in Spirit and truth.

Mercy finally seems to understand that she is accepted by the King. She has no vision, no dream, to support her decision to come on the pilgrimage, but she finally understands that she is welcomed by the King. Many of us have no special conversion experiences, no shouting, no crying; just a simple, yet sincere, prayer of repentance and asking for God's forgiveness. Don't let the lack of feeling mislead you to think your prayer wasn't heard. Jesus does not turn anyone away.

2003-04-07T22:53:00.000-04:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 22 Christiana and Mercy Enter the Gate

Our party of Pilgrims come to the Swamp of Despondence, which Christian had fallen into before he entered the Gate. It is in worse shape than ever. Sagacity, the narrator, speaking to the author, says that the poor shape is due to laborers who claim to be serving the King, but secretly act to bring dirt and manure into the swamp instead of stones, and thus serve to mar rather than mend it.

Christiana and her boys stop to ponder the Swamp, but Mercy says, "Come, let's go on. But let's be careful." They look for the steps which lead through the middle of the swamp, and with several close calls make it over without falling off the steps. As soon as they reach the other side, they hear a voice, "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Sagacity now leaves the author to tell of his dream with no further narration, and he sees Christiana, her sons, and Mercy approach the Gate. They agree that Christiana will speak for the entire group, so she goes up and knocks. But instead of being greeted by the gatekeeper, a fierce dog begins barking. They are frightened and confused; afraid to knock, yet afraid to turn back. Eventually, they choose to knock again, and knock much louder. The Gate Keeper answers this time, and asks who they are. Christiana tells him who she is, and their quest, and he lets her in, and says "Let the little children come to me." Mercy is left outside the gate however! Christiana realizes Mercy is missing and tells the Gate Keeper there is another desiring entrance, but as she is speaking, Mercy knocks again, so loud that Christiana is startled. The Gate Keeper asks who is there, and Christiana says that it is her friend. The Gate Keeper opens the Gate, but Mercy has fallen in a swoon. She had begun to believe that she would be left behind. The Gate Keeper tells her to get up, and tell where she is from.

Mercy says that she has come without an invitation from the King, that her only invitation is from Christiana. She expresses her fear of being presumptuous. The Gate Keeper asks if Christiana asked Mercy to accompany her, and she says that is so. The Gate Keeper brings her in, saying, "I pray for alll them who believe on me regardless of what brings them to me." All the Pilgrims ask the Gate Keeper, "We're sorry for our sins and beg of our Lord His pardon and further information about what we must do." The Gate Keeper grants His pardon and speaks many more good words to them. He then leads them to a summer parlor for conversation among themselves. They discuss their fortune for being united in their pilgrimage; Mercy is especially grateful. Mercy asks if the Gate Keeper was angry when she knocked so loudly. Christiana replies, "When He heard your lumbering noise, He gave a wonderfully innocent smile. I believe what you did pleased him well enough, for He showed no sign to the contrary. But I marvel in my heart why He keeps such a dog."

The Keeper comes back down, and Mercy asks him, timidly, why He has such a cruel dog. The Keeper answers, "That dog has another owner. He is also kept close by in another man's ground so my Pilgrims hear his barking. He belongs to the castle, which you see there at a distance, but he can come up to the walls of this place..." He goes on to say that the dog sometimes gets loose, and causes trouble for His Pilgrims and scares them away from the Gate, but He provides timely help for them. Mercy acknowledges the righteousness and integrity of the Gate Keeper, and with encouraging words everyone is sent on their way.

Thoughts on this chapter
Christiana knows of the steps in the middle of the Swamp of Despondence. We will see this pattern throughout Part Two -- Christiana has foreknowledge of the path based on her husband's experience. Perhaps Bunyan meant to imply that in real life, a real Christian man would not be divorced from a non-Christian wife, and the separation existed only in the fictional realm of the allegory. In any case, it is presented as if Christiana had seen Christian's walk all the way up to the River.

Mercy is afraid she will not be invited into the Gate, but the Keeper assures her that she is welcome. Unfortunately, she has to knock a second time, maybe because of her timidity at stepping forward when Christiana is first brought in. In Part Two, we will meet many more personalities, some bold, some afraid. We have seen, in Part One, Pilgrims who turned back in fear. In Part Two, we will also meet Pilgrims who are afraid, and choose to go forward anyway. Not all of us have the same courage and boldness as Christian and Christiana.

Christian faced the prospect of being shot at by arrows from Beelzebub's castle as he knocked at the gate. Christiana and Mercy face the prospect of being attacked by Beelzebub's dog. The Gate Keeper brings them all in however.

2003-04-07T22:19:00.000-04:00

arrgh, running late tonight. Well, Amy and I have done our Marriage Encounter homework, and I'm doing a late laundry load after coming home late from a church activity. I'm going to get my blogging done now, then to bed asap. The things we committed to do for each other are going to require some adjustments to how we schedule things.

Before I get into the Pilgrim's Progress tonight, here's a quick link to something I found today. A guide to the vocabulary of the "Religious Left".

2003-04-06T21:37:00.000-04:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 21 Christiana Begins Her Pilgrimage

This chapter finds the author dreaming again, and he sees an aged gentleman, named Sagacity coming by him, and as he is walking in the same general direction, the author engages him in conversation, and they talk of Christian and his pilgrimage. Sagacity tells the author (they are overlooking the City of Destruction) that Christian has left this place, has succeeded in his pilgrimage, and is now highly commended wherever his name is heard, even in the city he departed. The author rejoices in Christian's reward, but he then asks, "Sir, do you hear anything of his wife and children? Poor things, I wonder in my mind what they're doing."

Mr. Sagacity replies, "Who? Christiana and her sons? They're likely to do as well as Christian himself.... They've packed up and have gone after him."

The author asks if that is really true, and Sagacity replies that he was there when it happened and saw it with his own eyes. He then proceeds to begin the tale of the Pilgrimage of Christiana, her sons, and a friend Mercy.

It seems that after Christiana's husband had crossed over the River, and she could not hear from him anymore, that her thoughts began to work upon her mind. She had lost her husband, and that cost her many tears, but that was not all; she began to wonder if her unbecoming behaviour toward him was one reason why she saw him no more. She became loaded with guilt. She remembered how she had hardened her heart against his appeals and persuasions, to her and her sons, to go with him. Then Christiana said to her children, "Sons, we're all undone. I've sinned away your father, and he is gone. He wanted to have us with him, but I wouldn't go myself, and I hindered you from receiving life." With that the boys all begin weeping and cry out to go after their father. Christiana expresses a regret that they did not follow him when given the original opportunity.

The next night Christiana has a dream, and in the dream she sees a broad parchment on which is recorded the sum of her ways. She is distressed by the sight of her deeds, and cries out, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." After this, she thinks she sees two ugly beings standing by her bedside saying, "What shall we do with this woman? She cries out for mercy when awake and asleep. If she's allowed to go on like this, we'll lsoe her as we lost her husband. Therefore, we must by one way or another seek to take her thoughts off of what shall be hereafter, or else all the world won't be able to stop it, and she'll become a Pilgrim." Christiana wakes up in a sweat, and trembling, but eventually falls back asleep. She dreams again, and sees Christian in a place of bliss, worshipping One sitting on a throne.

The next morning, she awakes and prays and someone knocks on the door. She calls out, "If you come in God's name, come in!" A Visitor responds "Amen!" and enters. He greets Christiana, "Peace to this house! Christiana, do you know why I've come?" Christiana blushes and trembles and she feels warm to this gentleman's errand. He goes on, "My name is Secret. I live with those who are high. It is talked of where I live that you have a desire to go there. Also, there is a report that you're aware of the evil you've formerly done to your husband in hardening your heart against his way and in keeping your babes in their ignorance. Christiana, the Merciful One has sent me to tell you that He is a God ready to forgive and that He takes delight in multiplying the pardon of offenses. He also wants you to know that He invites you to come into His presence, to His table, and that He will feed you with the fat of His house and with the heritage of Jacob your father." He goes on to say that Christian is there, along with many others, and they will all be glad when they hear the sound of her feet step over "your Father's threshold." Christiana is confounded and bows her head. The Visitor then gives Christiana a letter, brought to her from her husband's King. The letter tells her that the King desires her to do as Christian has done. Christiana asks Secret to accompany her. Secret declines, telling her she must set out the same way as Christian has done, and go to the Narrow Gate. He also tells her to keep the letter next to her heart, to read it, memorize it, and present it at the end of her journey.

Christiana then gathers her sons and tells them they are going to follow their father. The boys burst into tears for joy, and they all prepare for the journey. As they are about ready to leave, another knock is heard on the door, and Christiana again invites the visitor to come if they come in God's name. This time the visitors are taken aback by these words. The eldest of the two visitors is Mrs. Fearful, the daughter of the man giving up his journey for fear of the lions (back in Part One). Mrs. Fearful tells Christiana she is taking her sons into grave danger, and that for their sakes', she should not go. Christiana disregards her advice, remembering her dreams and the tender invitation from the King. Mrs. Fearful tries again, telling Christiana of all the dangers her husband faced, the lions, Apollyon, the Shadow of Death, Vanity Fair, and many other things. Christiana urges Mrs. Fearful to stop tempting her as her mind is made up. Mrs. Fearful then turns to her companion and says, Come, neighbor Mercy, let's leave her in her own hands, since she scorns our counsel and company." Mercy is thinking of taking Christiana's pilgrimage as her own, however, and resists Mrs. Fearful. She says, "I think I'll walk a short distance with her this sunshiny morning to help her on her way." She actually intends to travel with Christiana, but is too timid to admit it to Mrs. Fearful. Mrs. Fearful leaves in a huff, and goes to her friends to discuss Christiana's foolish endeavor.

Christiana extends an invitation to Mercy to travel with her, extending the King's invitation to her friend. Mercy is not sure if she'll be accepted, however. She does not have an engraved invitation, as does Christiana. Christiana urges Mercy to travel with her to the Narrow Gate, and there she will inquire on Mercy's behalf. They set out, and Mercy begins to weep. Christiana asks what troubles her. "Alas!" exclaimed Mercy, "How can I keep from sorrowing when I rightly consider what a state and condition my poor relatives are in -- those who yet remain in our sinful town. And what makes my grief even more heavy is that they have no instructor or anyone to tell them what is to come." Christiana answers, "Feelings of compassion befit a Pilgrim...I have hope, Mercy, that these tears of yours won't be lost, for the Truth has said, 'Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.' "

Thoughts on this chapter
Christian's life serves as witness to Christiana and she follows in his path. God calls us to be witnesses, using words if necessary. Are we letting the power of our walk with God serve as a witness to others of His grace, truth, power, and compassion?

2003-04-06T20:21:00.000-04:00

Amy and I are back from our weekend travels. We had a very good time, leaving the world behind in order to fully immerse ourselves in a marriage-enhancement activity called Marriage Encounter. We were down in Southern New Jersey, about a block away from the shore, and were asked to leave all our outside concerns behind us. I didn't read a newspaper for two days, didn't think about Iraq, didn't even hear it mentioned, didn't wear my watch, didn't even reset it for DST until about 4:00pm today when the event was over. Very rewarding time. I'm working on some Sunday chores put off by our traveling, but I'm planning on blogging a chapter from The Pilgrim's Progress later. I'm going to put in a conscious effort from now on to get my blogs written by 10:00 pm, one of the outcomes of our Marriage Encounter weekend.

2003-04-04T13:03:00.000-05:00

Anti-war protestors clash with radio station flag & yellow ribbon promotion in Princeton

a story from the Princeton PacketHere's on NJ 101.5 and their presence at a Princeton anti-war rally.

Now, another view from the Trentonian, another local paper.

I've got some opinions on Princeton's peace rallies. First off, they are supported by the a group, the Peace Coalition of Princeton that is firmly in bed with International ANSWER, as shown by this link from their website. My opinion of International ANSWER? They never met a totalitarian dictator they didn't like. Pure socialist evil.

Is it a fair statement by Princeton Borough Mayor Marvin Reed that Princeton supports our American GIs? Maybe, maybe not - but based on what I've read about other protest groups, I'm biased toward the latter, at least as far as what the average protestor is thinking, if they even bother to think at all.

What is the fruit of the peace protest movement?

protestors throw rocks at people in uniform,
teachers harrass children of soldiers,
protestors carry signs saying "We support our troops when they shoot their officers",
protestors vandalize DoD employees' cars,
a crank call to a soldier's dad to tell him his son was killed in action.

I will no doubt receive complaints of "They don't all do that!" or "That hasn't happened in Princeton!" To which I respond, true, and true. But I've never heard of a Princeton rally to explicitly support our troops either. And as far as other rallies go, I'm hearing way too many stories of violence and harassment for me to believe that the people of the peace movement support our country or our troops on a grassroots level. Why do those who don't do such things continue to hang around with those who do? Why is there absolutely no condemnation of such acts in papers that bend backwards to present the illusion that these protestors are mainstream Americans?

I don't know what goes on at the peace rallies in Princeton, but I know that Princeton has passed an anti-war resolution, while other nearby communities have refused to consider it. It seems to me that Princeton just might deserve its reputation as the least patriotic town in New Jersey, and I'm glad NJ 101.5 is there to put the issue in their face.

2003-04-04T00:56:00.000-05:00

We've now covered Part One of the Pilgrim's Progress, which covered the pilgrimage of Christian from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. I'm going to take two days off the blog so I can travel out of town with Amy, and I'll resume Part Two on Sunday. Here's a little preview.

The pilgrim in Part Two is Christian's wife, who will be called Christiana. She travels with her sons, and a companion, a neighbor of hers. Along the way, they meet many other pilgrims on the path (and talk about many others as well), and the size of the group grows considerably. They also have a guide for the entire duration of the journey (except for a short duration at the beginning). We'll be discussing the significance of these differences, and others, as we cover the next fourteen chapters.

2003-04-03T23:44:00.000-05:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 20 The Pilgrims Enter Celestial City

The Pilgrims finally get over the Enchanted Ground and enter beautiful land, the country of Beulah, where the air is pleasant and sweet. Birds sing, flowers bloom, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in the land (The Song of Solomon is quoted several times in describing this land). The sun always shines, and the land is out of reach of villains such as Giant Despair or the monsters lurking in the Valley of the Shadow of Death. They are also within sight of the City where they are going, though the glory is so great they cannot look directly at it. Inhabitants of the country are met, Shining Ones who walk here because it is next to the border of Heaven.

They meet a Gardener who tells them that the beautiful vineyards and gardens are the King's are are planted there for His own enjoyment and for the comfort of Pilgrims, so they refresh themselves with delicacies from the gardens. They get to sleep finally, and when they awake, they purpose to go straightway to the City, and on their way, they meet two Shining Ones who wish to accompany them. The Shining Ones inquire about their journey, as has happened so often before, but the Shining Ones have words for them, "You have only two more difficulties to experience, and then you are in the City."

Christian and Hopeful ask the men to travel with them, and the men are willing to do so, but state that their goal must be obtained by their own faith. They go on until they are in sight of the gate. Before them is a River. There is no bridge over it, and the River appears to be deep. The Pilgrims are astounded, and they are told, "You must go through, or you can't arrive at the gate." The Pilgrims ask if there is another way, but are told that only two men have ever entered the city without going through the River, "nor shall there be until the Last Trumpet shall sound." Then the Pilgrims, especially Christian, begin to despair. They ask if the River is always the same depth, and are told no, but are denied any further help in the matter. "For you shall find it deeper or shallower as you believe in the King of the place."

Christian enters the water, and begins to sink. He cries out to Hopeful, "I'm sinking in deep waters! The breakers go over my head! All the waves go over me." Hopeful responds, "Be of good cheer, my Brother! I feel the bottom, and it is good." Hopeful's encouragement doesn't help Christian as he is overcome with a great darknes and horror. He is afraid he will die in the river, and never enter the gate. He doesn't remember the events of his pilgrimage and has troublesome thoughts of the sins he has committed. Hopeful holds Christian's head above the water, with much difficulty, and endeavors to comfort him, telling him he sees the gate and people to welcome them. Christian is sure they are waiting only for Hopeful, but Hopeful says, "These troubles and distresses that you go through in these waters are no sign that God has forsaken you, but they're sent to try you, to see whether you will call to mind that which you've received before of His goodness and depend upon Him in your distresses." Christian listens, seeming to get it finally. Hopeful adds, "Be of good cheer! Jesus Christ makes you whole!" Christian cries out with a loud voice, "Oh! I see Him again! and He tells me, 'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.' " They both take courage, and soon find solid ground to stand on. The rest of the River is shallow.

On the other side, the two Shining Ones are already waiting for the Pilgrims. They admit their role in waiting, "We're ministering spirits sent to serve those who wil inherit salvation." The City stands upon a mighty hill, but they climb with no difficulty due to the assistance of the two men. The mortal garments (which I think means Christian's armor as well) were left behind in the river, and they emerge without them. They all talk about the glory of the place they are going to, "You are now going to the Paradise of God, in which you'll see the Tree of Life and eat of the never-fading fruits of it. And when you arrive there, white robes shall be given you, and every day your walk and talk shall be with the King, even all the days of eternity. You'll not see there again such things as you saw when you were in the lower region upon the earth -- that is, sorrow, sickness, affliction, and death, 'for the old order of things has passed away.' "

The Pilgrims then ask what they must do in the City, and are told that they must receive comfort for all their toil and joy for all their sorrow. They will wear crowns of gold, and enjoy the perpetual sight and vision of the Holy One, 'for we shall see Him as He is'. They will serve Him with praise, shouting, and thanksgiving, and will be delighted in seeing Him. They will enjoy the company of friends who have gone before them, clothed with glory and majesty. When He comes with the sound of a trumpet in the clouds, they will come with Him. When He passes sentence on the workers of iniquity, they will have a voice in that judgment because "they were His and your enemies."

As they draw near the gate, a company of the Heavenly Host come out to greet them. The Pilgrims are introduced by the two Shining Ones, and the Heavenly Host cry out, "Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" The King's Trumpeters come out to meet them. Everyone travels together with much shouting, rejoicing, the salutes of trumpets. They reach the gate. Above the gates are written, "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." Shining Ones look down from above, Enoch, Moses, Elijah, and others.

The Pilgrims present their Certificates (yes, Hopeful had one too), and the Certificates are taken to the King, who orders the gates opened that the righteous may enter. In they go, and as they enter, they are transfigured and given new robes to wear. They break out into praise, singing with a loud voice, "To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!"

Now the gates are shut, and the narrator expresses the wish to be among those inside, but as he turns his head (in his dream), he sees another approaching the city, Ignorance. Ignorance approaches alone, with no guides to help him, but finds easy passage across the river, as a ferryman named Vainglory shows up with a boat. Ignorance walks up to the gate and knocks. Men look down on him from above and ask him who he is and what he wants, and then ask for his Certificate. Ignorance fumbles in his coat but produces nothing. When the King is told there is one at the door without a Certificate, He orders that Ignorance be bound and taken away. The Shining Ones who assisted Christian and Hopeful carry him to the door in the side of the hill (seen at the Delightful Mountains), the way to Hell.

Thoughts on this chapter
We're home at last! Do you ever think about Heaven, how great it is, how great it will be? I saw an episode of Touched by an Angel, where the angels were helping a family whose father was dying. The angels were trying to tell them that their father's death was actually a blessing, that it was only a transition. The quote I remember is that our lives are only a preparation for eternity. One objection to Christianity I've heard from skeptics is that we're too concerned with "pie-in-the-sky" stuff, not concerned enough with the here-and-now. Well, that may be a valid concern, or not, for about seventy to a hundred years, but we all die someday. Will that be a valid concern a thousand years from now? Think of yourself a thousand years from now, wherever you may be, looking back at your life. Are you going to be glad for the decisions you made, or regretting them?

2003-04-03T22:36:00.000-05:00

As a hockey fan, I found this story really disgusting. (Found at Midwest Conservative Journal)

update: newspaper article at The Globe and Mail

Here in Trenton, they have little kids playing hockey in the intermission at Trenton Titans games. They call it "Mites on Ice". It's fun to watch. I can't imagine anyone booing them because they don't like the policies of Trenton's mayor, but that's effectively what the Montreal fans were doing. I also can't imagine going to a Princeton hockey game (they came in last this year) and throwing trash talk at the players because I don't like Cornell West or Peter Singer. Leave the kids alone. Booing players for the policies of politicians is mean and immature.

I'm not going to respond in kind (in fact I don't participate in booing in general - even though lots of fans do) - if I go to a Devils game and they wind up playing Toronto (2nd round series) or Ottawa (Eastern Conference finals), I will still stand when they play the Canadian national anthem. However, I will be rooting for the Philadelphia Flyers, and hope they beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round (I always root for whoever's playing Toronto, by the way). And I'm real glad Montreal won't be going at all -- serves their fans right.

UPDATE - Stanley Cup predictions:
Am I blogging while asleep or what? The hockey games I'm describing above are the Stanley Cup playoffs! I'm just assuming everyone knows what I'm talking about - sorry.

Here's my predictions: All indications are (and this is real close) that the New Jersey Devils will be playing the Boston Bruins in round 1, and the Philadelphia Flyers willl be playing the Toronto Maple Leafs. If the Devils screw up and lose both their remaining games, they may lose the division to the Flyers. I doubt that will happen. They are playing a desperate Rangers team tomorrow - they'll be dangerous, but the last game is against Buffalo. Buffalo may be tough because they have nothing to lose, but if the division is on the line, the Devils will be tougher because they have everything to gain. The Devils definitely don't want to face Toronto in the first round. We need to keep our players healthy, and whichever team faces Toronto in the first round often suffers a lot of injuries. It was real bad two years ago when we lost Scott Niedermayer, almost for the whole duration of the playoffs. I'd like to see the Devils and Flyers both win round 1, along with Washington (an underdog win over Tampa Bay) and Ottawa (though Ottawa has a reputation for choking in round 1 - they won't this year). So round 2 will be Devils vs. Flyers and Ottawa vs. Washington. Eastern final will be New Jersey vs. Ottawa.

In the Eastern Conference, my other favorite team, the Dallas Stars is matching up to play against the Edmonton Oilers, as usual. The Red Wings (defending the Stanley Cup) will be facing Anaheim or Minnesota, while the Vancouver Canucks will face the other one of those. St. Louis and Colorado face off as wild card seeds 4 & 5. Look for no upsets here. Second round will be Dallas vs Colorado and Detroit vs. Vancouver. Western final will be Dallas vs. Detroit.

For the Stanley Cup, I'm picking (or is it wishing?) my two favorite teams to go all the way to a seventh Stanley Cup Final: New Jersey beats Dallas in 7.

2003-04-03T22:23:00.000-05:00

I've also added a new link just today. Times Watch

(There's a few links on the left that wordwrap, I don't like that, but one of them wrapped anyway, even in the smaller font. I like 'em bigger.)

2003-04-03T22:20:00.000-05:00

I was just wondering earlier today what it would look like if I made the font in my blogroll bigger -- if the links would fit in that column. They did. Why in the world did I have them so small in the first place? Sorry for anyone who never went over there cause the links were too small.

2003-04-02T22:54:00.000-05:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 19 The Pilgrims Deal With Ignorance

Christian and Hopeful see Ignorance following up behind them, and they decide to wait for him in order to engage him in conversation. A heated discussion results over what constitutes true conversion, a true manifestation of God's grace in one's being. Christian says that intellectual belief is not enough, one must repent and be sorrowful for one's sinful nature. Ignorance claims that belief in Christ and having a good heart are enough, that His grace will make one's intentions and good actions meritable. Hopeful adds to the discussion by saying that no one can be saved unless God the Father extends to him a revelation of His Son.

Ignorance falls back, preferring to walk alone, and Christian and Hopeful start a new discussion on the mechanics of backsliding. They are almost out of the Enchanted Ground.

Thoughts on this chapter
This is a deeper and longer chapter, and it is rather awkward to detail the entire conversation, hence the shorter post tonight. This is a chapter which merits more study, and I don't think I can do it complete justice without more time. As far as I understand it, it seems that Ignorance thinks that if he thinks he is doing good, his heart is good, and God would have no choice but honor that goodness. It's based on good feelings and intentions, but is not built on solid rock.

Tomorrow is the end of Part 1. Part 2 will follow starting on Sunday, as Amy and I are going to be traveling this weekend. As a result of skipping four days, I will have fourteen days to cover fourteen chapters before Easter. I'm still going to do that, maybe I'll have some shorter posts some days and double them up, so I can have a day or two of rest before Easter.

2003-04-02T21:50:00.000-05:00

More changes in the left column

I've done some rearranging on the left. First off, I've added a line to my Simple Creed, to acknowledge the Holy Spirit being God with us. A Christian life is much more than just saying a prayer of salvation and then going off on our own. It also involves talking to and listening to God. He is with us as we live, work, and play in this world, and His presence with us is His Spirit.

I've also added some new links of interest, and done some rearranging. I've eliminated my section called "Blog Mentors". I've really appreciated the help obtained from Jeffrey Collins, Mark Byron, David Heddle (who first suggested to me that I write a blog), and Joshua Claybourn (who gave me early encouragement), but it's time to join the others in the lists below.

A new Entertainment section has been added, containing the Kodak Birdcam, where you can a family of falcons growing up in Rochester NY. Chris Muir's fine cartoon, Day by Day, is also linked.

New Blog!
Lee Anne Millinger's new blog, such small hands, is in the Christian Blogs section.

News, Think Tanks, and Magazines
I've added the Dallas Morning News to the list, in recognition of Rod Dreher's fine work at National Review. He is moving to the Dallas Morning News, and I want to continue reading his writing. The New York Post and New York Times are also added. The Heritage Foundation and Manhattan Institute are added to Think Tanks, and I've added The Weekly Standard, The New Republic, and The American Prospect to Magazines (I didn't think The Nation and Mother Jones were a representative sample of ~~liberal~~ leftist thought so I broadened it out a little bit with TNR and TAP)

I don't endorse the opinions of all the sites linked to on the left. I believe it is good to be aware of what people on both sides of issues are saying. It sharpens one's mind and makes it easier to defend one's views. Also, sometimes we're just wrong, and we need the other side to tell us why. So, just because a link is over there, don't assume I endorse what they say. It may be there because I don't.

2003-04-02T00:36:00.000-05:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 18 Hopeful Tells of His Conversion

Christian and Hopeful walk into an area where the air makes them drowsy, and Hopeful suggests they lay down to take a nap. Christian will have none of it, and reminds Hopeful of the Shepherds' warning regarding the Enchanted Ground. Hopeful thanks Christian for his wisdom, and admits he would have run the danger of death if he had been alone. "Two are better than one".

Christian suggests they have a good discussion in order to stay alert. Christian starts first with a song, then asks Hopeful, "How did you at first come to think of doing as you now do?"
Hopeful responds, "Do you mean, how I at first came to look after the good of my soul?"
Christian answers, "Yes, that's what I mean."

Hopeful gives his testimony to Christian, telling how he lived a sinful life involved in all the enjoyment of things seen and sold at Vanity Fair. "All the treasures and riches of the world, also I enjoyed orgies, carousing, drinking, swearing, lying, impurity, Sabbath-breaking, and so on..." He says that the testimony of the two Pilgrims, Christian and Faithful, told him that "those things result in death" Christian asks if Hopeful fell under the power of this conviction right away. Hopeful says that it took a long time, that he resisted it at first. Christian asks how it was that he responded like this until God's Holy Spirit moved him.

Hopeful replies with four reasons: first -- He was ignorant that this was the work of God, second -- sin was still very sweet to him and he hated to leave it, third -- he didn't know how to part with his old companions, and fourth -- the times when he felt the convictions were very troublesome and heart-frightening hours. Christian replies that it sounded like he sometimes got rid of his troubles, and Hopeful replies, "Yes, of course, but it would come into my mind again, and then I would be as bad -- no, even worse -- than I was before."

Christian asks what brought his mind around to thinking about sin again, and Hopeful lists several things that reminded him of it: meeting a good man in the street, hearing anyone read from the Bible, physical pain (using a headache as an example), a neighbor being sick, a bell tolling for the dead, thinking of dying, hearing of sudden death, and especially thinking about the inevitability of arriving at Judgment.

Christian then asks Hopeful how he dealt with the conviction then. Hopeful replies that he departed from sinful company and started paying heed to religious duties: praying, reading, weeping for sin, speaking the truth, and so forth. Christian asks if that helped, and Hopeful says that it did for a short while, but the trouble returned. Christian asks how that happened, since Hopeful was now reformed. Hopeful replies that such sayings as "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" continued to convict him of sin, as well as knowing that no one can observe the entire Law. He uses the example of being in debt to a store owner. Even if he resolves to pay for all his future purchases, he still has to repay the old debt. Hopeful also realizes that despite his best efforts, he continues to see new sin in his life.

Christian asks, "And what did you do then?" "Do!" exclaimed Hopeful, "I couldn't tell what to do until I shared my thoughts with Faithful. He and I were well acquainted, and he told me that unless I could obtain the righteousness of a Man who had never sinned, neither my own nor all the righteousness of the world could save me."

Christian asks if Hopeful thought that Faithful spoke the truth, and Hopeful says that if he had heard that earlier on, he would not have believed it, but given his frustration at his attempts for personal reformation, he now realized the truth of it. Christian asks if Hopeful thought there was such a Man to be found. Hopeful says he was at a loss until Faithful told him of Jesus: "Yes, and he told me it was the Lord Jesus, who dwells on the right hand of the Most High. And Faithful said this: 'You must be justified by Him, even by trusting in what He himself did during His life on earth as He suffered when He was hanging on the Tree.' I asked him further how that Man's righteousness could be so powerful as to be able to justify another person before God. And he told me He was the mighty God, and did what He did, and also died the death not for himself, but for me to whom His works---and the worthiness of them---would be ascribed if I believed on Him."

Hopeful then tells how Faithful invited him to go to Him and see, and Hopeful replied that that would have been presumptuous on his part, and then Faithful gave him a book containing the words of Jesus. Hopeful asked Faithful what he was to do when he arrived, and Faithful told him to ask the Father to reveal Him. "What should I say?" Faithful said to pray like this:

"God be merciful to me a sinner, and make me to know and believe in Jesus Christ, for I see that if His righteousness had not been, or I have not faith in that righteousness, I am utterly cast away. Lord, I have heard that You are a merciful God and have ordained that Your Son Jesus Christ should be the Savior of the world, and moreover, that you are willing to bestow on such a poor sinner as I am---and I am a sinner indeed---Lord. Take therefore this opportunity, and magnify Your grace in the salvation of my soul through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen."

Christian asks if Hopeful prayed this prayer, and he says that he prayed it over and over, yet the revelation from the Father of His Son never came. Christian asks what Hopeful did then, and Hopeful said he kept on, a hundred times over, and then one day the revelation came, not by physical sight, but one day, while feeling very sad, he thought he saw the Lord Jesus looking down from heaven and saying, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved." Hopeful replied, "Lord, I'm a great, very great sinner." And He answered, "My grace is sufficient for you." Hopeful also saw from the saying, "He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." Hopeful asked further, "But Lord, may such a great sinner as I am actually be accepted by You and be saved by You?" The Lord answered, "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away." The Lord gives many other assurances of Hopeful's salvation, and Hopeful's heart is filled with joy, his eyes full of tears, and his affection running over with love for the name, people, and ways of Jesus Christ.

Christian asks Hopeful how that affected his spirit. Hopeful tells how he became aware of the state of condemnation of the world, and how God the Father, though He be just, can justly justify the coming sinner. The revelation made him ashamed of his vileness of his former life, and made him love a holy life and long to do something for the honor and glory of the name of the Lord Jesus.

Thoughts on this chapter
Bunyan emphasizes praying through until one receives a revelation of Christ. This is no mere repeating a one-paragraph prayer from the last page of a religious tract. Bunyan also emphasizes being truly repentant and abhorring one's former sinful state; there is no salvation prayer with fingers crossed.

Underline this
"unless I could obtain the righteousness of a Man who had never sinned, neither my own nor all the righteousness of the world could save me."--Christian, speaking to Hopeful on the futility of being saved by one's own righteous acts.

2003-04-01T00:47:00.000-05:00

Having some difficulty using blogger tonight. Going to put off posting till Tuesday night, and then finish Part 1 (Chapters 18-20) by Thursday.

2003-04-01T00:45:00.000-05:00

Sorry, but I'm going to delay blogging again until Tuesday night, then wrap up Part 1 with chapters 18-20 by Thursday night.

2003-03-28T23:48:00.000-05:00

No blogging on this site till Monday night. We're seeing friends on Long Island tomorrow, and Sunday we're going to see the Devils-Islanders hockey game. (it's kindof funny - we're going to church to worship God in the morning, then going to a hockey game to root for the Devils in the afternoon. Of course that's Devils, not Devil - big difference!)

2003-03-28T23:31:00.000-05:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 17 The Pilgrims Meet the Flatterers

Christian and Hopeful walk on until they reach a fork in the road and it is not obvious which way they should go. Soon a man wearing a light-colored robe comes up, and the Pilgrims ask him the way. The man says, "Follow me, that is where I'm going." Christian and Hopeful follow the man on a path which turns ever so slowly away from Celestial City until they are actually going away from their destination. Soon their guide leads them into a net which has been prepared for them and they are trapped. The man removes his robe, and they see him for who he really is. Christian says, "Didn't the Shepherds warn us to beware of the flatterers? As is the saying of the Wise Man, we have found it to be so this very day: 'Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.' " Hopeful also laments the fact that they did not think to consult the map given to them by the Shepherds

Christian and Hopeful remain trapped in the net for a while, until a Shining One approaches them with a whip made of small cord in his hand. He asks them where they came from and where they are going, and when he is told of the man trapping them in the net, the Shining One says, "It is Flatterer, a False Apostle who is masquerading as an angel of light. Follow me, so I may set you in your way again."

The Shining One also asks them where they stayed the previous night, and when told they stayed with the Shepherds of the Delightful Mountains, he asks them if they were given a Map of the Way.
"Yes," they answered.
"Did you take out your Map and read it?"
"No"
"Why?"
"We forgot"

He asked further if they were warned to beware of the Flatterer, and they admit to that, but also that they didn't imagine that such a fine-spoken person could have been he. The Shining One orders Christian and Hopeful to lie down, and when they do so, he chastises them severely. "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent." Afterwards, he tells them to go and pay particular attention to the warnings of the Shepherds. So off they go, thanking him for his kindness and singing.

Christian and Hopeful then meet up with a man walking the wrong way, named Atheist. When Atheist hears that Christian and Hopeful are going to Celestial City, he starts laughing. "I laugh to see what ignorant persons you are to take upon yourselves such an exhausting journey, and yet you're likely to have nothing but your travel for your pains."
"Why, Man?" asks Christian. "Do you think we won't be received?"
"Received!" exclaimed Atheist. "In all this world there is no such place as you dream of."

Atheist goes on to tell how he left his home twenty years ago to search for Celestial City and has never found it. He is returning home to refresh himself with the things he had cast away for the sake of the journey.

Christian asks Hopeful if what Atheist says might be true. Hopeful says to take heed, Atheist is one of the Flatterers. He also says that Christian should be teaching him the lesson he is delivering to Christian, and urges Christian to not believe anything Atheist says. Christian replies that he was not saying that as an expression of doubt on his part, but was speaking in such a way as to test Hopeful. Christian and Hopeful turn away from Atheist and continue their journey. Atheist continues back to his original home, laughing at our Pilgrims.

Thoughts on this chapter
Christian and Hopeful trust an untrustworthy guide, and are ensnared. They are delivered, yet chastised for not heeding wisdom which would have spared them from danger. After the chastisement, they express no guilt or grief, they are glad and give thanks for the deliverance, and will remember the experience for good if the situation should arise again.

Atheist gives up on his journey, yet Celestial City was in view, though dimly, when Christian and Hopeful looked through the lens back at the Delightful Mountains. I'm reminded of a nineteenth century explorer, John Wesley Powell, who was the first man to traverse and map the Grand Canyon. As no one had done this before, no one knew how big the Canyon really was. He and his companions were traveling through the Canyon on the Colorado River. They were short on supplies, but Powell was determined to go on. There weren't enough supplies to make it back the way they came anyway. One day several members of his team decided to give up. They decided to leave the party and hike out of the canyon back to civilization. They didn't make it. They were killed at the hands of Shivwits Indians. What happened to Powell and those who remained with him? They reached the end of the canyon two days later.

2003-03-28T19:26:00.000-05:00

Alert readers will note that the name of the blog has changed. I'm now naming it right left whatever. (same initials as before, so the url fits! but I can't use it as a domain name, shucks - so when I move it to Movable Type, there goes that feature)

I'm making some changes to the blog today, the old template & the old name no longer seem appropriate. First of all, I'm doing more than writing about the Religious Left now, and the name was kindof confrontational, as if the Religious Left were enemies that needed to be watched. Well, I do disagree with those who use religion as a stalking-horse to promote a political agenda, all too often at the expense of other people's liberty, and I'm going to continue to talk about that, but that's not all I want this blog to be.

I'm also making a few changes to my profile on the left. For starters, I'm no longer saying that I'm a former Unitarian Universalist. That was so long ago now that I no longer think it is an important part of who I am. If anyone needs to know, I'm not ashamed of it and I'll bring it up. It just isn't the most important thing about me anymore.

2003-03-28T00:15:00.000-05:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 16 The Pilgrims' Discussion About Little Faith

Today's chapter is a transition chapter, consisting mainly of a conversation between Christian and Hopeful about another Pilgrim who is otherwise not in the story.

The chapter begins with our Pilgrims walking along, when to their left, another path merges into their own, and that path comes from the Country of Conceit. Along that path comes another pilgrim, Ignorance. Just as Formality and Hypocrisy did earlier, this character thinks he can just saunter onto the Path without going in through the gate. Christian asks, "But how do you think you'll get in at the gate? For you may find some difficulty there." Ignorance answers, "As other people do." "But what do you have to show at that gate in order for it to be opened to you?" "I know my Lord's will, and I've lived a good life. I pay every man what I owe him; I pray, fast, pay tithes, and give offerings; and I've left my country to go where I'm now going."

Christian tells Ignorance that he will be considered a thief and a robber when the day of reckoning comes. Ignorance shrugs off the rebuke, saying, "Gentlemen, you are absolute strangers to me. I don't know you. Be content to follow the religion of your country, and I will follow that of mine. I hope all will be well. And as for the Gate that you talk about, all the world knows that it's a great distance away from our country. I can't imagine that anyone in all our parts even so much as knows the way to it. Nor does it matter whether they do or not since, as you see, we have a fine pleasant green lane coming down from our country the next way into it."

Christian whispers to Hopeful, "There is more hope for a fool than for him". They decide to walk ahead and leave Ignorance alone. They'll talk to him again later, if he can stand it.

As they all continue, they enter a dark lane, and come upon a man bound with seven strong cords, being carried by seven evil spirits to the door they saw in the side of the hill in the previous chapter [the door to Hell]. Christian tries to see if he can recognize the man, perhaps he is Turn Away from the Town of Apostasy but the face is shrouded, but as they all pass each other, Hopeful can read on his back a paper which says, "Wanton professor and damnable apostate".

Now Christian and Hopeful start talking about another Pilgrim who walked this way earlier, named Little Faith, from the Town of Sincere. Little Faith sat down to rest and fell asleep. Three hoodlums happened to come down the path, Faint Heart, Mistrust, and Guilt; and with threatening language, Faint Heart ordered him to stand and hand over his money. Little Faith was slow to respond, and Mistrust runs up pulls a bag of silver out of the victim's pocket. Little Faith cries out "Thieves! Thieves!" and Guilt knocks him out with a blow to the head. The thieves hear someone coming, and thinking it might be Great Grace from the City of Good Confidence, they run off. Little Faith eventually comes to, and struggles on.

Little Faith had not lost everything he owned, however. He still had some Jewels and his Certificate, by good providence. All of his spending money was gone, as he did not dare part with the Jewels, so for the duration of his journey to Celestial City, he was forced to beg to keep himself alive.

Hopeful says that it was a good thing that the Thieves did not take Little Faith's certificate, but Christian replies that Little Faith should have taken care to use it more often (when Christian got his at the Cross, he was told to read it regularly and take comfort from it). Indeed, for the rest of Little Faith's journey, he rarely looks at his Certificate, being so upset over the loss of his money. He is so upset in fact, that his conversation from that point on is full of complaints of his loss.

Hopeful then asks Christian why Little Faith could not have sold or pawned his Jewels. Christian replies that in the country where he was robbed, the Jewels were of no importance, but if Little Faith had not had them when he reached Celestial City, he would have been excluded from an inheritance. "But Little Faith -- though it was his lot to have only a little faith -- was kept by his little faith from such wastefulness and made to see and prize his Jewels more than to sell them as Esau did his birthright..."

Hopeful then comments on the character of the three robbers and asks why Little Faith did not respond with a greater heart. Christian tells him it is easy to talk that way apart from the event "and should they appear to you as they did to him, they might cause you second thoughts." Also, they serve under the King of the Abyss, who will come to their aid if called, so dealing with them is no trivial matter. Christian tells of an encounter he himself had (which is not otherwise mentioned in the book) and how he survived only being clothed with proven armor. Hopeful replies that the robbers ran off when they supposed that Great Grace was coming, and Christian agrees, but also says, "All the King's subjects are not His champions, nor when tried can they do such feats of war as he. Is it right to think that a little child should handle Goliath as David did, or that there should be the strength of an ox in a bird? Some are strong; some are weak. Some have great faith; some have little. This man was one of the weak, and therefore, he was pressed to the walls." Christian also replies that even for Great Grace, a fight with these robbers and their king would provide quite a challenge, and "Whoever looks close upon Great Grace's face will see those scars and cuts there that will easily demonstrate what I say..."

Christian also tells Hopeful to not be overconfident and to never desire to meet with an enemy nor "brag as if we could better when we hear of others who have been foiled..." He tells of Peter who "would stand up for his Master more than all men. But who was so foiled and run down by these villains as he?" "Therefore, when we hear that such robberies are committed on the King's Highway, it behooves us to do two things; First -- to go out equipped, and to be sure to take a shield with us;.....Second, it's also good that we desire of The King that He give us an escort. Yes, that He go with us himself...."

Thoughts on this chapter
Ignorance represents the belief that any religion is as good as any other. He practices good works, but has not entered the gate. Even though he claims to "know my Lord's will", he has no idea who the Lord is. We will spend more time with him later.

Little Faith is robbed by Faint Heart, Mistrust, and Guilt, and loses all his spending money. His journey is made more difficult, and with much complaining, but he does not sell his inheritance, and he continues on the way. Guilt can still waylay us, even though our sins have been forgiven. It can interfere with our walk with God if we let it fester. Remember what Christ did for you and claim that forgiveness again. If you've been holding out from God on some disobedience, confess it and get right with Him. If you're holding resentments against someone else, forgive it and let it go.

Christian tells us to be prepared; carry a shield. The shield of course, is our faith as Paul says in Ephesians 6. We also need a sword, the word of God, to provide an offensive weapon in our spiritual warfare. We also need an escort, provided by the Lord Himself. He, of course, is the Holy Spirit, who indwells the believer, leading and guiding us, and making our way straight. In Part 2 of The Pilgrim's Progress, which we will be covering soon, our second set of Pilgrims will have an actual escort on their journey.

And one more thought: Having just a little faith doesn't condemn you -- it may make your Christian discipleship a bit more difficult for you (and for those around you), but it doesn't mean that God doesn't love you any less, or is concerned for you any less. That love is great, marvelous, and steadfast. It is not dependent on the size of your faith.

Oh, how great is Your goodness,
Which You have laid up for those who fear You,
Which You have prepared for those who trust in You
In the presence of the sons of men!
You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence
From the plots of man;
You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion
From the strife of tongues.
Blessed be the LORD,
For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city!
For I said in my haste,
"I am cut off from before Your eyes";
Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications
When I cried out to You.
Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints!
For the LORD preserves the faithful,
And fully repays the proud person.
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 31:19-24 NKJV

2003-03-25T23:48:00.000-05:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 15 The Pilgrims Reach the Delightful Mountains

Christian and Hopeful walk on and their next stop is at the Delightful Mountains, which Christian saw earlier from a distance when he stayed at the home of the Family (Chapter 8). Here they find rest and encouragement from Shepherds who tend their flocks there. The Pilgrims approach the Shepherds and ask "whose Mountains are these?" to which the Shepherds reply, "These mountains are Immanuel's Land, and they're within sight of His city. The sheep are also His, and He laid down His life for them." Christian asks, "Is this the way to Celestial City?" "You're in the Way", reply the Shepherds. "How far is it to there?" "Too far for anyone except those who indeed get there." The conversation is a little mysterious, but the Shepherds are actually sizing up the Pilgrims, gauging their understanding. When the Shepherds realize that the Pilgrims are indeed wayfaring men, they open up and start speaking freely, including asking Christian and Hopeful all about their journey

The Shepherds' names are Knowledge, Experience, Watchfulness, and Sincerity. They offer refreshment to the Pilgrims and ask them to stay there for a while and obtain rest. The next day, the Shepherds show Christian and Hopeful a few things. First they are led to the top of a hill called Error, which is very steep on the far side. They look to the bottom and see the bodies of several men dashed to pieces. They are told these are the bodies of those who were "caused to err by listening to Hymenaeus and Philetus concerning the faith of the resurrection of the body" (2 Timothy 2:17-18)

They are then led to the top of another mountain called Caution and asked to look far off in the distance. They see blind men walking up and down among the tombs that were over there. Christian asks what this means. The Shepherds answered, "Didn't you see a short distance below these mountains a set of steps that led into a meadow on the left hand side of this way?" "Yes", they replied. The Shepherds then tell about how a false path leads over those steps to Doubting Castle, where Giant Despair captures Pilgrims who stray onto the false path, imprisons them, and after a time, puts out their eyes and sets them among the tombs, where they are doomed to wander forevermore, so that the words of the Wise Man might be fulfilled, "A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead." Christian and Hopeful look at each other with tears streaming from their eyes, but they do not tell the Shepherds of their prior ordeal.

The Shepherds then lead the Pilgrims to another place in the valley where a door is in the side of a hill. The door is opened and sounds of torment and the smell of burning sulphur come forth. The Shepherds say, "This is an entrance to Hell,through which hypocrites go, such as those who sell their birthright with Esau, such as those who sell their Master with Judas, such as those who blaspheme the gospel with Alexander (1 Timothy 1:18), and who lie and pretend with Ananias and his wife Sapphira. (Acts 4:32-5:10)"

Hopeful asks, "I suppose each and every one of these presented a show of going on the Pilgrimage just as we are now on, didn't they?"
"Yes," said a Shepherd, "and stayed on the Pilgrimage a long time, too."
"How far could they have gone on the Pilgrimage in their day if they had not been so miserably cast away?" asked Hopeful.
"Some farther, " said the Shepherd, "and some not as far as these mountains."

The Pilgrims express the need to cry out to The Strong for strength, and the Shepherds reply, "Yes, and you'll have need to use it when you receive it, too."

Now the Pilgrims feel the need to move on, but the Shepherds have one more sight to show. They all go to the top of another hill called Clear, and are given the opportunity to look through a lens to see Celestial City in the distance. The Pilgrims cannot hold the lens still as they are shaken up by seeing the entrance to Hell, nevertheless, they think they see something like the gate and some of the glory of that place.

Now it is time to go, and one of the Shepherds gives them a Map of the Way, another tells them to beware of The Flatterer, the third tells them not to sleep upon the Enchanted Ground, and a fourth bids them God Speed. The Pilgrims depart singing a song of thanksgiving for the mysteries revealed by the Shepherds.

Thoughts on this chapter
Good news, Bad news. We're getting close to the destination, but we are also told that disaster can befall a Pilgrim at any time along the Path. Christian and Hopeful catch a glimpse of what may have befallen them had not Christian discovered the Promise Key in the breast pocket of his coat back in Doubting Castle. They also see that Pilgrims advanced on the Path can also find themselves in Hell. This opens up huge theological questions, and I think, based on this chapter, that Bunyan did not believe that salvation is a permanent state of grace. I said in a previous chapter that I believe that God forgives all of our sins, past, present, and future when we receive His grace, but I'm also not sure (I don't want to test this either) if that would still hold true if someone were to turn away from the Path via unbelief. Of course, as we saw earlier, and will see again, Pilgrims who enter the Path without going through the gate (except for Hopeful - the allegory isn't exact here) are in for a big surprise when they find out the Lord never knew them.

2003-03-24T22:28:00.000-05:00

Today is my birthday!

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 14 The Pilgrims Deal With Giant Despair

Christian and Hopeful walk along the river, and not too far along, the Way and the river part, which disappoints them. The path becomes rocky and difficult, and they start grumbling, wishing for a more comfortable path. Soon they see a fenced meadow to their left, and a set of steps over the fence, and a comfortable path on the other side. Christian suggests they walk in the meadow. Hopeful is not sure, thinking they could be led out of the Way. Christian dismisses his concern, he points to the path and notes its parallel to their own. So off they go.

In the meadow, they meet another pilgrim named Vain Confidence. Christian and Hopeful ask him where the new-found path leads, and he assures them it goes to Celestial City, so being reassured, they all go along, Vain Confidence leading the way. Nighttime comes, and it becomes hard to see the path, when suddenly Vain Confidence falls into a deep pit. The pit has been placed there on purpose, they are all in grave danger. Vain Confidence is gravely injured, and does not answer when Christian calls out for him. Christian realizes that he has placed Hopeful's life, and his own, by his foolish decision to leave the path. Hopeful regrets listening to Christian's advice, but after a few harsh words between them, Christian asks for, and receives, Hopeful's forgiveness, and they agree to turn back and get back on the path as fast as they can. The path back is more difficult however. Not only is it dark and it begins to rain. The water rises, and they cannot make it back to the steps over the fence that night, so they stop to rest under whatever shelter they can find. What else can go wrong?

Not far from them is a castle called Doubting Castle, home of Giant Despair and his wife Diffidence, and they are the owners of the property where Christian and Hopeful have been trespassing. When Giant Despair awakes the next day and walks through his fields, he catches Christian and Hopeful, and takes them to his dungeon, where they are left without food or water for several days. Giant Despair tells his wife about the new prisoners, and she urges him to beat them without mercy, so he gets himself a crab tree club and beats them until they cannot move. The next night, Diffidence tells her husband to suggest to the prisoners that they kill themselves, so he goes to them and suggests they might be happier if they commit suicide. He then attempts to attack them in order to motivate them to do so, but suffers a fit so that he cannot control the use of his hand, so he withdraws and leaves them alone.

Christian and Hopeful discuss suicide, but Hopeful is firm -- the Lord has prohibited murder, and murder against one's own self is most egregious, killing the body and soul in one fell swoop. Giant Despair returns again, and is enraged that the prisoners are still alive, but refrains from attacking them again. Diffidence tells her husband to show them the bones and skulls in his courtyard of all his previous victims -- surely that will make the prisoners lose all hope. This he does, and tells Christian and Hopeful their bones will join them within the next ten days. He then returns them to the dungeon with another beating.

That night, as Giant Despair and his wife discuss the prisoners, he expresses dismay that he hasn't been able to finish them off. Diffidence is afraid they may receive help or pick the lock. Giant Despair says he will search them in the morning. Christian and Hopeful spend the night in prayer, and just before dawn, Christian is inspired, "What a fool I am! To lay here in a stinking dungeon, when I could just as easily walk at liberty! In my coat, next to my heart, I have a Key called Promise. I'm persuaded it will open any lock in Doubting Castle." They use the key, and sure enough, the dungeon door creaks open. It makes such a loud sound, that Giant Despair is awakened and rises to pursue his escaping prisoners. He is so enraged that he suffers one of his fits again, so Christian and Hopeful are able to make their escape.

At the steps over the fence, Christian and Hopeful erect a pillar in order to warn future pilgrims: "Over these steps is the way to Doubting Castle, which is kept by Giant Despair, who despises the King of the Celestial Country and seeks to destroy His holy Pilgrims."

Thoughts on this chapter
Christian foolishly leads Hopeful off the path, and into Doubting Castle they go. This chapter is rather personal to me, for I grew up as a Christian, and went off the path about the time I graduated from college. I was in a state of serious doubt for twenty years, denying my faith. Why did I do it? Looking back at it, I was disappointed in some things my church was doing. This was 1982, and the Moral Majority was in the news all the time. I had more leftist views then, and I listened to the media's criticism of the Moral Majority and believed all of it, and slowly began to resent some activities my church was sponsoring, such as protests at abortion clinics. Rather than discuss my concerns with my pastor, I let my unhappiness fester until I couldn't stand it anymore and I walked away. I didn't even consider going to another church that would have ministered in another way. My mind had been poisoned to the point where I thought evangelical Christians were the bad guys, and even the mainline ones were just a waste of time.

What led me back? It's hard to identify one thing really. From a political point of view, events in the last half of the 1990s led me to think that all the leftist spiel I had believed was a flat out lie. I began to reconsider all the criticism of "The Religious Right" I had believed for so long. Now I still have some concerns about how Christianity is presented by such groups. For one thing, when the main emphasis is on morality instead of grace and forgiveness, I don't think there is much there to attract sinners to repent. They're going to look at religion the same way I look at a plate of liver and onions and snub it. But getting back to the point -- I reconsidered my doubts, and I started reexamining my lifestyle and my beliefs. I didn't think my lifestyle would support my marriage over the long haul. Sure Amy said she loved me and supported me, but when I looked at our religious environment (we were Unitarian Universalists back then) and what I was giving to the marriage, I doubted that we had a solid rock that our marriage would stand on for the next fifty years or more. I looked at Christianity as a faith that could save my marriage, and I didn't want to wait till there was a real crisis to depend on it. It took a while, but I could detect God doing things in my life. In 2000 I started praying again, though I was still hanging on to some independence from God. In the summer of 2001, I decided to repent and give up my last bit of resistance, and I let Him have me. The difference in my life that day was as sudden as if I had pulled a key out from my coat pocket and unlocked a prison door.

2003-03-23T21:37:00.000-05:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 13 The Pilgrims and the Deceitfulness of Riches

Christian walks alone for only a short while, for immediately upon leaving Vanity, he comes upon another pilgrim named Hopeful, who is one of the people whose heart was moved by the testimony of Christian and Faithful in their trial detailed in the previous chapter. Hopeful joins up with Christian and they journey together, Hopeful even tells Christian that there are many others like him back in Vanity who will undertake the journey shortly.

The pilgrims meet another man on the path, named ByEnds¹, who tells them he is from the town of Fairspeech and also going to Celestial City, though he does not divulge his name, even after he is asked for it. Christian resumes the conversation by commenting of the town of Fairspeech, saying he is familiar with it, that it is a wealthy place. ByEnds agrees, "Yes, I'll assure you it is, and I have very many rich relatives there." Christian asks who his relatives, and ByEnds replies "Almost the whole town," and lists a number of them: the honorable Mr. Time Server, Mr. Fair Speech, Mr. Smooth Man, Mr. Facing Bothways, Mr. Anything, and the pastor, Mr. Two Tongues. Christian asks if ByEnds is married, and it turns out that yes, indeed he is, and his wife is a very virtuous woman, and is the daughter of a virtuous woman. ByEnds sounds like a very socially respectable fellow, but Christian says, in an aside to Hopeful, "It crosses my mind that this is a certain Mr. ByEnds of Fairspeech. If it is him, we have as great a rascal in our company as lives in all these parts." Hopeful says, "Ask him, I wouldn't think he'd be ashamed of his name." So Christian asks, and ByEnds reveals that that is not his true name, but a nickname given to him by people who do not like him.

Christian asks ByEnds if he might have done anything to deserve the nickname, to which ByEnds replies, "Never! Never! The worst I ever did to give them a reason to give me this name was that I always had the luck to look ahead when making judgments regarding the state of the times--whatever the decisions--and my fate was to get wealth through them. But if things are bestowed upon me, let me count them a blessing, and don't let malicious people load me up with reproach because of it."

Christian hears ByEnds defense of his character, and replies, "I thought you were surely the man I'd heard of. To tell you what I think, I'm afraid this name belongs to you more properly than you would like to have us believe."

Christian then tells ByEnds that if he wants to continue in their company, he must be willing to go against wind and tide, and Christian anticipates that this will not sit well with ByEnds. Sure enough, ByEnds refuses to go with any restrictions on his liberty, so Christian and Hopeful continue without him. Now three individuals approach ByEnds and talk with him, Mr. Holdtheworld, Mr. Moneylove, and Mr. Saveall. They are all old friends from youth, and engage in a long conversation about using religion to get wealthy, getting in a few jabs at Christian and Hopeful, who are still in sight as they proceed up ahead. They decide to engage Christian and Hopeful in the conversation, and move to catch up.

When they catch up, Mr. Holdtheworld presents a question to Christian, one which had been asked by ByEnds in their previous discussion, "Suppose a man, a minister, a tradesman, or such should see before him the favorable possibility of getting good things from this life. And suppose there is no way he can obtain them without at least in appearance becoming extraordinarily zealous in some points of religion with which he has no experience. May he not use this means to attain his end and yet remain a perfectly honest man?" Christian sees through the ruse and replies, "Even a babe in religion may answer ten thousand such questions. If it's unlawful to follow Christ to obtain loaves, as shown in John six, how much more abominable is it to make of Him and religion a stalking-horse² to get and enjoy the world? Nor do we find anyone but heathen, hypocrites, devils, and sorcerers who hold this opinion..." He goes and lists several examples from Scripture of people who used religion to get dishonest gain, such as Hamor and Shechem (from Genesis - the man who wanted to marry Dinah, Jacob's daughter, he and his countrymen agreed to be circumcised in order to share in Jacob's prosperity); the Pharisees who prayed long prayers in public, but whose intent was to gain the houses of widows; Judas, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver; Simon, the sorcerer, who wanted the gift of the Holy Spirit, so he could add miracles to his repertoire of magic. Everyone is speechless at Christian's answer, so Christian and Hopeful continue on while the other four stay behind, dumbfounded.

Christian and Hopeful soon pass through a smooth plain called Ease, which they quickly pass through, and then come upon a hill called Lucre, and hear a man called Demas calling out, "Hey! Turn aside here, and I'll show you something." Christian and Hopeful ask what it is that is worthy of their attention, and Demas tells them there is a silver mine in the hill. If they will just turn aside, everyone can get rich. Hopeful says, "Let's go see", but Christian stops him--saying he has heard of this place and it is very dangerous. Many have slipped on bad ground and killed themselves by falling into the mine. "Besides, that treasure is a snare to those who seek it, for it hinders them in their Pilgrimage." Christian confronts Demas, "Isn't that place dangerous? Hasn't it hindered many in their Pilgrimage?" Demas replies, "Not very dangerous, except to those who are careless" But he blushes as he speaks. Hopeful reminds Christian of the others behind them in the path, and predicts they will turn aside for the mine. After a few more exchanges with Demas, Christian and Hopeful walk on. Then, sure enough, ByEnds and his friends turn off the path at the first call of Demas. They are never seen again.

Christian and Hopeful proceed on, soon passing a pillar in the shape of a woman. They read an inscription on the pillar which says, "Remember Lot's Wife". They then talk about the temptation offered by the silver mine and Hopeful expresses sorrow at his desire to turn off the path, and that he deserved the same fate as Lot's wife. Christian tells him to learn from the example, and be glad they were not made to be an example for others themselves.

As the chapter ends, Christian and Hopeful find the path going by a river, what David called the "river of God", and John called the "river of the water of life". There are fruit-bearing trees here, bearing medicinal fruit, and a pleasant meadow. Christian and Hopeful rest here for several days.

Thoughts on this chapter
Prayer of Jabez? - NOT! The Reverend Bunyan tells us ever so sternly that those who think walking with God will guarantee prosperity are not fit to call themselves Christians. Also, those who would leave the life of Christian discipleship in order to pursue riches are not fit to be called Christians.

Again, just as yesterday, the concepts that Bunyan presents are challenging. Is it ok for a businessman to do business with a fellow church-member? I'd be inclined to say yes, but if the businessman is using the church directory for a calling list, I'd say he's gone too far. Another example cited in this chapter is a minister who becomes more religious in order to receive a greater salary. I've got a little disagreement with that. Ministers generally aren't paid a lot of money, many of them probably deserve more than they get, and I see no problem with someone becoming better educated and well-trained in order to be worth more in their career market. If it improves their ministry, great. On the other hand, for those who use deception and showmanship, such as what many associate with televangelists, I've got no respect at all.

Definitions of some archaic terms used in this chapter:
¹ ByEnds: an object lying aside from the main one; a subordinate end or aim; especially a secret selfish purpose, a covert purpose of private advantage.
² stalking-horse: a horse trained to allow a hunter to hide behind it while hunting. Bunyan presents the idea of an individual using religion and the person of Christ to hide behind while pursuing worldly gain.

2003-03-23T00:48:00.000-05:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 12 The Pilgrims Suffer at the Vanity Fair

Christian and Faithful emerge from the wilderness and see a town before them, the notorious Vanity, home of the Vanity Fair, a year-end market of ancient origins, where everything sold or that comes there is meaningless, as in the saying of the Wise, "Everything to come is meaningless".

The origins of the fair are ancient, founded almost five thousand years ago, as Pilgrims going to Celestial City were observed going along this path. Recognizing that the path went through this town, Vanity, Beelzebub, Apollyon, and Legion and their companions conspired to set up this fair which would sell all sorts of worthless things, and would always be open. All sorts of merchandise are sold, such as "houses, lands, businesses, places, honors, promotions, titles, countries, kingdoms, desires, pleasures, and delights of all sorts such as prostitutes, brothels, wives, husbands, children, masters, servants, lives, blood, bodies, souls, silver, gold, pearls, precious stones, and so forth". There are also all sorts of games, cheats, fools, and rascals, and all sorts of thefts, murders, adulteries, and perjury. There are many streets here, named after the nations and kingdoms of the world, such as Britain Avenue, French Avenue, Spanish Avenue (and others).

One day, the Prince of princes Himself, came to this fair, and Beelzebub personally invited Him to purchase the meaningless things of the fair, and would have made Him Lord of the fair if He would only have worshipped him. The Blessed One had no desire for the merchandise and left the fair.

So, returning to Christian and Faithful: they have to go through the fair, so in they go, and the whole town is in a hubbub for several reasons -- first, that Christian and Faithful are wearing strange clothes (remember Christian's armor); second, they talk funny, speaking the language of the land of Canaan (the language of the land of promise), and third, they regard the wares of the fair as utterly unimportant and worthless. One merchant, particularly perturbed that our Pilgrims refuse to buy asks, "What do you intend to buy?" They reply, "We buy the truth."

At that, mocking and taunting break out in the mob and a great uproar ensues, so great that the great one of the fair is called, who appoints some of his friends to take and interrogate the Pilgrims. They are asked where they came from and where they are going, and why they are there in such strange attire. They reply that they are pilgrims and strangers in this land, and going to their own country, the Heavenly Jerusalem. They deny doing anything to the men of the town to deserve such abuse, except maybe for saying "We buy the truth." They then ask to be allowed to continue their journey.

Christian and Faithful are not believed to be anything other than lunatics, so they are beaten and put in cages to make a public spectacle. But their patience and forbearance move many in the crowd to check and blame the meaner ones among them for their abuse. This results in fighting amongst the crowd as the meaner ones attack the ones urging better treatment for the pilgrims.

Christian and Faithful are then brought before the examiners again, where they are beat again, and have irons hanged upon them, and are led through the streets in chains. Again, Christian and Faithful face their persecution with meekness and patience, so that some in the crowd are moved in their behalf. However, this puts the rest of the crowd in such a rage that they decide that the pilgrims should die for the outrage they had done and for deluding the people of the fair. Christian and Faithful are returned to their cages to await trial. The pilgrims then take comfort from the words of Evangelist, and comfort each other with the knowledge that he whose lot it is to suffer death would have the best of it.

The trial begins: they are brought forth before their enemies and arraigned. The judge's name is Judge Hate Good. They are charged with being "enemies of and disturbers of the town's trade; they had made commotions and caused divisions in the town, and in contempt of the law of the town's ruler they had won over a number of individuals to their own most dangerous opinions."

Faithful offers his defense, "And as for the disturbance, I didn't cause any being myself a man of peace. Those who were won to us were won by acknowledging our truth and innocence, and they have only been turned from the worse to the better. And as for the king you talk of, since he is Beelzebub, the enemy of our Lord, I defy him and all his angels."

Witnesses are called to testify against the pilgrims; three come in, Envy, Superstition, and Gainglory. Envy accuses Faithful of being "one of the vilest men of the country. He does not regard either ruler or people, or law or custom, ...and I heard him once declare that Christianity and the customs of our town of Vanity were diametrically opposite and could not be reconciled." Superstition accuses Faithful of saying that the town's religion was nothing, and tells the judge that he must know what follows his reasoning. Gainglory accuses Faithful of making critical remarks of the town's noble ruler, Beelzebub, and his honorable friends, "the honorable Mr. Old Man, the honorable Mr. Carnal Delight, the honorable Mr. Luxurious, the honorable Mr. Desire of Glory, my old master Mr. Lechery, Mr. Having Greedy, together with all the rest of our noble leaders."

When the witnesses are finished, Judge Hate Good asks Faithful, "You Renegade, Heretic, and Traitor, have you heard what these honest gentlemen have testified against you?" Faithful replies that he has and asks to speak in his defense. Judge Hate Good replies that Faithful deserves to be put to death immediately, but "so that all men may see our gentleness toward you, let us hear what you have to say."

Faithful replies, to Envy's testimony, that he only said that what is opposed to the Word of God is also diametrically opposed to Christianity. To Superstition's testimony, he replies that divine faith is required for worship of God, and divine faith requires a revelation of the will of God. Whatever is thrust into the worship of God that is not subject to divine revelation is an invention of human faith, "and that is faith that will not gain anyone eternal life." In reply to Gainglory's testimony, Faithful says, "I say that the ruler of this town, with all the riffraff--his attendants who were named by this gentleman--are more fit for being in Hell than in this town and country. And so, the Lord have mercy on me."

The judge then instructs the jury and they return a guilty verdict. Faithful is condemned to the most cruel death that could be invented. They whip him, beat him, lance his flesh with knives, stone him with stones, prick him with swords, and burn him at the stake.

John Bunyan, speaking as the narrator, then says "Now I saw that behind the multitude there stood a chariot and a team of horses waiting for Faithful, who as soon as his adversaries had taken his life was taken up into it and immediately carried up through the clouds with the sound of a trumpet. He was taken by the nearest way to the Celestial gate."

Christian is returned to prison, but He Who Rules Over All Things, turns things around so that Christian can escape, as as he goes, he sings:

Well, Faithful, thou hast faithfully profest
Unto thy Lord, with Him thou shalt be blest;
When faithless ones, with all their vain delights,
Are crying out under their hellish plights.
Sing, Faithful, sing, and let thy Name survive;
For tho' they kill'd thee, thou are yet alive.

Thoughts on this chapter
Vanity Fair represents the world and all the things it presents to us to keep us from seeking God. Christian and Faithful confront the world, say the truth, and are persecuted. Faithful is executed, and is sent home. His journey is complete. Christian continues alone, for now.

Vanity Fair reminds me of Renaissance Fairs that I've gone to, a popular summer attraction around the United States. I haven't been to one in a long time, but they are a lot of fun. You can pick up a lot of interesting, yet useless, things at these fairs. They also sell a lot of occult paraphernalia. I won't be buying any of that, nor should you. Actually, come to think of it, at the last fair I attended, I don't think I bought anything except food and drink. Thinking of this chapter will give me a new perspective the next time I attend one.

This chapter is challenging--it is critical of a market where goods are bought and sold in freedom (and license), a system of capitalism. Should we take it literally as saying that capitalism is wrong? I don't think so, even though I wonder if Bunyan does. As long as one seeks to know and do God's will, handles all their transactions honestly and without any intention to defraud or injure others, and does not limit their own wealth to their own benefit, I don't see them as being enslaved by the wares of Vanity Fair. That's consistent with the Two Great Laws: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your soul. Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37,39)

2003-03-21T23:01:00.000-05:00

Sorry, cannot blog today. Just too tired. Need a break.

2003-03-21T00:08:00.000-05:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 11 The Pilgrims Meet Talkative

Christian and Faithful are now walking along a fairly peaceful part of the path when they come upon another Pilgrim, named Talkative. Faithful engages him in conversation, and Talkative agrees, even seeming to know some considerable knowledge of the Bible and points of doctrine. Some of his character is revealed, however, when he says things like "what is more pleasant and more profitable than to talk of the things of God?" Faithful is impressed with his conversation, but begins to wonder about something -- why Christian is so quiet and walking several feet away, as if he is avoiding Talkative. Faithful approaches Christian and speaks about Talkative, "What a fine companion we've got here...", but Christian has another opinion, "This with whom you're so impressed will beguile with his tongue twenty people who don't know him." He continues to say that Talkative is from their town and has a reputation for being all talk, but very rude and ugly in his behaviour, especially to those closest to him. He is like a painter whose work looks beautiful from afar, but when looked at up close, is more unpleasant. "Just as he talks with you now, he'll talk when he's sitting on the bar stool. And the more drink he has in his head, the more of these things he has in his mouth. Religion has no place in his heart, or house, or lifestyle. Everything he has lies in his tongue, and making a noise with it is his religion."

Christian and Faithful continue talking about true religion and mere talking (the tone is similar to the book of James and his passage on the tongue, including some quotations from that passage). Faithful then wonders how they can get rid of their unfavorable companion. Christian says, "Take my advice and do as I suggest. You'll find that unless God touches his heart and changes it, he'll soon be sick of your company, too. Why, just go up to him and begin some serious discussion about the power of religion. After he has approved of the conversation, for he surely will, then ask him plainly if this thing can be found in his heart, house, or lifestyle."

Faithful does as Christian suggests, and engages Talkative in conversation on the topic "How does the saving grace of God reveal itself when it is in a person's heart?" Four pages later, Faithful asks Christian's suggested question, Talkative is insulted, and after some argumentative words and accusations, says good-bye. Christian is pleased with Faithful's straightforward style, saying "It was a good thing you talked to him plainly as you did, there's not much of this straight dealing with people these days, and that's what makes religion stink in the nostrils of men the way it does...I wish that everyone would deal with them as you've done. Then they would either be made to conform to religion, or the Fellowship of Saints would be too hot for them to remain."

Christian and Faithful now enjoy their own company, and have light hearts, but the path is becoming more difficult as they are now going through a wilderness. An individual comes up behind them, and Christian and Faithful both recognize him; he is their old friend Evangelist (Evangelist is the one who directed Faithful to the Gate, just as he did for Christian). Evangelist asks them all about their journeys, and says, after hearing their tales, "I'm so glad, not that you met with trials, but that you've been champions and have continued in the Way to this very day regardless of your many weaknesses" He goes on with many more exhorting words, but Christian and Faithful, knowing that Evangelist is also a Prophet ask to hear of things that will happen to them and how to deal with them.

Evangelist reminds them that Pilgrims "must enter into the Kingdom of Heaven through many hardships, and again that prison and hardships face you in every city. You can't expect, therefore, to travel far on your Pilgrimage without them in some form or other...Therefore, you will soon enter into a town that you will in time see before you. In that town you'll be severely besieged by enemies who will try hard in their attempts to kill you, and you can be sure that one or both of you must seal with blood the testimony that you hold" He urges them to be faithful to the point of death, and says that it is actually advantageous for the one who faces death, as that fate will complete his journey, while the other will still face many other hardships ahead.

Thoughts on this chapter
Yakkity, yakkity, yak..... Do any of you know anyone like this, or maybe appropriately, Christians like this? All talk, no action? Or worse, all talk in church, then rudeness and arrogance the rest of the week? Maybe everyone can ask themselves a more important question: Am I like this? Maybe I was thinking ahead when I put an update on an earlier post, back in Chapter 9, part 2 , when I said that maybe if someone professed faith but didn't have any works to show for it, I might have cause to doubt their status as a Christian, though, as I said, be careful going there -- But on the other hand, is it ever appropriate to confront someone like this? Christian says it is, and is glad that the deadwood is gone.

It is good to see an old friend again, but unfortunately, his prophecy carries a warning of trouble and death ahead. The town of danger ahead is perhaps the most famous symbol in allegorical Christian literature, Vanity Fair.

Underline this
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. -- 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV)

2003-03-20T00:35:00.000-05:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 10 Two Pilgrims Meet

Christian is now out of the Valley of the Shadow of Death. An incline just off the path ahead enables Christian to get a good view of the terrain ahead, and as he looks, he sees another Christian, Faithful, walking ahead. Christian calls out for Faithful to wait, but Faithful refuses to stop, saying, "No! I''m concerned for my life and the avenger of blood is behind me." Christian summons his strength and runs to catch up, but runs so fast that he passes Faithful, stumbles, and is not able to get up until Faithful arrives to give him a hand. The terrain here allows them to proceed in peace and pleasant conversation (though Bunyan does not elaborate on Faithful's previous statement on the 'avenger of blood' -- maybe he was still afraid of the Valley he just escaped from).

It turns out that Faithful left the City of Destruction after Christian. He tells Christian about the fate of Pliable, who turned back after slipping into the Swamp of Despondence. Pliable has lost his reputation and is "seven times worse than if he'd never gone out of the city".

Christian and Faithful then talk about Faithful's journey from the City of Destruction. Faithful successfully escapes falling into the Swamp of Despondence, and arrives at the Gate without danger, but meets with a woman named Wanton, who tempts Faithful with all kinds of contentment if he turns aside with her. Christian says it was good that Faithful escaped her, to which Faithful replies, "No, I don't know whether I completely escaped her or not", and then relates how he remembered an old writing "Her steps lead right to the grave", shuts his eyes and avoids her temptation. She then hurled insults upon him, and he goes on his way.

At the foot of the Hill of Difficulty, Faithful meets up with an old man Adam the First, from the Town of Deceit. Adam offers Faithful employment (the work called Many Delights) and a promise to become his heir if Faithful will live with him. As a further incentive, Adam offers his three daughters for marriage: Lust of the Flesh, Lust of the Eyes, and Pride of Life. Faithful finds himself inclined to take the man up on his offer, but then sees a warning on the man's forehead: "Put off the old man and his deeds", and a burning thought enters his mind, that if he accepts the old man's offer, he will be sold off as a slave. He refuses the offer, and turns to go away, but suddenly the old man grabs him by the back and gives him a good jerk back, so strong that Faithful replies "What a wretched man I am!" Adam threatens to send another individual after Faithful who will make his journey bitter.

As Faithful climbs the Hill of Difficulty, another man comes running up after him, who knocks him down. When Faithful comes to, he asks the man the reason for the violent blow, and the man replies that it was for his inclination to follow after Adam, and then he knocks Faithful flat again. When Faithful recovers a second time, he asks the man for mercy, to which he replies, "I don't know how to show mercy!" and knocks him flat a third time. The man would have made an end to Faithful except for another man who comes up and causes him to stop. Christian asks who the second man was, and Faithful says "I didn't know Him at first, but as He went by, I saw the holes in His hands and in His side. Then I concluded that He was our Lord. After this, I went up the Hill." Christian realizes that the first man is Moses, and Faithful says "I know it very well, it wasn't the first time he met with me. He was the one who came to me when I lived securely at home and told me he would burn my house down on my head if I stayed there."

Faithful does not stop at the palace Beautiful, as Christian has done, because it is daylight, the lions are asleep, and Faithful wants to make good time while the going is good. (This is how Faithful passed Christian, as Christian was in that house for three days) Christian then relates to Faithful how there were many good things to be obtained in the house, but doesn't dwell on it very long, as the conversation then proceeds to the Valley of Humiliation.

In the Valley of Humiliation, Faithful meets up with a person going the wrong way, named Discontent, who claims that the Valley is completely without honor. He also says that to proceed is to "disobey all my friends, such asPride, Arrogance, Self Conceit, Worldly Glory, and others". Faithful dismisses their value as friends and says he would "rather go through this valley to receive honor that was accounted so by the Wisest."

Faithful also meets a man named Shame in the Valley, but Faithful thinks that he is misnamed. Shame objects to religion in general, saying that it is a pitifully low and deceptive business for a man to give attention to religion. He also objects to the inferior and low estate and condition of most of those Pilgrims of the times in which they lived, and objects to their ignorance and understanding of the natural sciences. Shame goes on and on, and Faithful can think of nothing to say in reply, but eventually realizes that Shame is telling him everything about Man, but nothing about God. Also, Faithful realizes, "I thought that at the Day of Doom we will not be sentenced to either death or life according to the domineering spirits of the world therefore, that what God says is best, even though everyone in the world may be against it." Faithful sends Shame away, but not without some difficulty, as Shame is a very persistent talker.

As for the Valley of the Shadow of Death, Faithful relates that his trek through that Valley was not so bad; he walked through it all in broad daylight!

Thoughts on this chapter
Two pilgrims meet, and in order to bring the two pilgrims' tales together, this chapter serves as a catching-up of what happens to Faithful on his trek. Bunyan presents us with several images of our enemies; Wanton, The Old Man-Adam, the Law (represented as Moses), Discontent, and Shame. All of them work to get Faithful off the Path and into a state guaranteeing his destruction. Wanton is sexual immorality. The Old Man is living for the pleasures of the world. Moses is the same threat as was presented to Christian back when he was tempted by Mr. Worldly Wiseman to go off the Path to the town of Morality. Discontent represents those who may claim the name "Christian" for a time, but when humility is required, balk and return to worldly living (I know this one well - I'm glad God gave me a second chance - actually, many of them). I'm sure we've all met a lot of 'Shames' in our lives, especially those who try to witness on a university campus, or have an anti-religious professor for one of their classes.

Faithful misses out on some good things by not stopping at the palace Beautiful. Alert readers will note that he is traveling without armor and without a sword. He would have been in quite a pickle if he had met up with Apollyon!

Faithful's experience in the Valley of the Shadow of Death is not nearly as unpleasant as Christian's. Maybe Bunyan is telling us that each Christian's trial is unique, that they are not equally bad, even though we all have to go through that Valley. In Part 2 of the book, when another set of Pilgrims make their way to Celestial City, we will see more differences in this Valley, as well as other sites along the Way.

2003-03-19T23:37:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the late start tonight -- Bible study was followed by watching the news, including President Bush's address. I'm praying that this will be fast, that innocent Iraqi lives will be spared, that tyrants will get their due, and that God will do wondrous works in Iraq.

UPDATE: I changed the link for the word 'tyrants' up there to one I found later, and which I like better. The original link was Tom Watson MP, and no, it's not implying that Tom Watson is the tyrant referred to. He's justifying his vote to remove a tyrant. All links found at Glenn Reynold's site, InstaPundit.com

2003-03-18T21:56:00.000-05:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 9 The Pilgrim Goes Through Valleys (Part 2)

Christian now enters a second valley, the Valley of the Shadow of Death, which actually presents more danger to him than the previous encounter with Apollyon. As Christian enters the valley, two men come back warning him of grave dangers ahead, dangers they are not willing to face. They describe the valley as dark, with a continual howling and yelling coming from the pit, as of people under unutterable misery. Satyrs, hobgoblins, and dragons are about. Clouds of confusion hang over the valley, and death spreads its wings over it. It is a completely dreadful place. They are abandoning their pilgrimage, just as Fearful and Mistrust abandoned theirs due to the lions. Christian ponders what he is getting himself into, but decides that the danger of turning back is greater and proceeds, sword drawn.

Christian proceeds down the path, which becomes very narrow in the valley. On his right is a ditch, into which the blind lead the blind; on his left is a quagmire, into which, if one falls, there is no bottom for one's foot to stand on. Christian walks on in the dark, unsure of his footing. To make matters worse, the Mouth of Hell is in the pit, and flames and sparks come out of it in such abundance that Christian is forced to put up his Sword and resort to prayer, "Oh, Lord, save me!"

Soon Christian hears the voices of fiends approaching him. He again ponders turning back but resolves to go forward. When the voices are almost upon him, he says, "I will go in the strength of the Lord God." The voices back off and come no farther. Christian is confused in the valley, and Wicked Ones (evil spirits) approach Christian from behind, whispering blasphemies in his ear. Christian's state of confusion is such that he cannot tell the difference between his own thoughts and the whisperings of the spirits. He continues in this condition for a considerable time, and then hears a voice ahead saying, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." Then he is glad for he realizes that there are others in the valley who also fear God as well as himself, also that God was with them even in that dark and dismal condition, and also that he hoped to be able to catch up with them and have fellowship with them.

Soon Day breaks, and Christian is able to turn around and see what he has just passed through. He sees the Ditch and Quagmire on the sides of the path he has just traversed. He also sees the Dragons, Hobgoblins, and Satyrs of the pit. He is much affected by his deliverance from these dangers, but there is more to come. The sun rising at this time is a mercy to Christian, for the path becomes "full of snares, traps, and nets up here" and "pits, pitfalls, deep holes, and ledges down there." In this light, Christian finally comes to the end of the valley.

At the end of the valley, Christian sees laying there the blood, bones, ashes, and mangled bodies of Pilgrims who had gone this way earlier. A short distance away, he sees a cave where two giants lived in days past. Their names were Pope and Pagan, and it is by their power and tyranny that those Pilgrims had been put to death. Pagan has been dead a long time, but Pope is now a senile old man who is no threat. Christian passes by and is not harmed.

Thoughts on this chapter
This valley represents a long period of trial, much deeper than a single fear as the lions represented earlier. I think it may represent a struggle with issues of unbelief, hanging on to sins we don't want to confess or repent from, or dealing with long-lasting trials and tribulations, such as that (but probably not as serious as) experienced by Job.

I don't like Bunyan's description of Pope; I think his portrayal of Pope as a senile old man is just rank anti-Catholicism. I guess Bunyan's Separatism was different enough from the Catholic church that they considered it a heresy, but I don't believe that myself. I agree with Mark Byron's analysis. Fundamentalists, Evangelicals, main-line Protestants, Orthodox, and Catholics may have different doctrines, but I basically believe that anyone who can recite the Apostle's Creed without crossing their fingers (that's a quote for which I cannot find the source-sorry, I think I saw it at blogs4God) has a basic understanding Christian doctrine. If one says they know the Lord, and they believe He died for their sins, and rose from the dead, it's not my place to doubt them. [UPDATE: I suppose if one said they loved the Lord, but then didn't have any kind of works to show for it, I'd have cause to doubt them, but one has to be real careful when going there]

I disagree with Bunyan's description of Pagan, too. Pagan is not dead, he is just as alive and well as ever. Maybe there was a time between say about 500-1900 when Paganism was not a popularly-practiced religion, but from the twentieth century to now, it has resurfaced and is becoming more popular. Wicca and goddess worship are now accepted in liberal congregations such as the Unitarian Universalist Association, and some of the more liberal main-line Protestant denominations.

I'm going to blog tomorrow in order to catch up. Tomorrow, Two Pilgrims Meet!

2003-03-18T19:12:00.000-05:00

weird (seen at Christianity Today's Weblog)

2003-03-18T19:10:00.000-05:00

Finally, a quiz result that understands me!!

You are Psalms.

Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

(seen at susan b.'s site @ Lilac Rose)

2003-03-18T00:07:00.000-05:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 9 The Pilgrim Goes Through Valleys

Up to now, Christian has been in relative safety. His most urgent danger faced so far has been from Mr. Worldly Wiseman, though Christian's worst fear was of the lions, though they turned out to be harmless. Today's chapter turns violent, and Christian faces real danger for the first time.

Christian is now in the Valley of Humiliation. He goes only a short distance when he sees a disgusting fiend named Apollyon approaching him. Christian considers fleeing, but realizes that he is defenseless if he does so, as his armor does not cover his back. He resolves to stand his ground. Apollyon is hideous, covered with scales like a fish (his pride). He has wings like a dragon, feet like a bear, and out of his belly come fire and smoke, and his mouth is like the mouth of a lion.

He approaches Christian and questions him, "Where did you come from, and where are you going?"

Christian answers, "I've come from the City of Destruction, which is the Place of all Evil, and I'm going to the City of Zion."

Apollyon responds, "By this, I perceive you're one of my subjects, for all that country is mine, and I am the prince and god of it. How is it then that you've run away from your king? If it were not for my desire to have you serve me longer, I would now strike you down to the ground with one blow."

The following dialog is full of subtleties. I'm going to try to describe it accurately without quoting it verbatim, as it's rather long, but the lessons here are profound.
Christian then admits being born in Apollyon's empire, but also says that serving him was difficult, and the wages weren't all that good either, 'for the wages of sin is death'. Christian admits that when he reached maturity, he did the only wise thing and searched for a 'way to renew myself'. Apollyon then lays into Christian for his act of desertion, promising him mercy if he returns. Christian turns down the offer, but then Apollyon renews it, saying that it is common for those in Christian's position to return to him. Christian again turns down the offer, saying, "How can I then go back from this and not be hanged as a traitor?" Apollyon then says that Christian is already a traitor and all will be forgiven if he just returns to him. Christian again turns down Apollyon's offer, saying the benefits of following his new Lord and Prince are much better than those he knew before. Apollyon then counters by saying that most pilgrims come to an ill end, and that Christian's Lord has done little or nothing to save them. Christian replies that His (the Lord's) forbearance at such times is on purpose, to try their love, to see whether they will serve Him to the end; and as for the bad end, that is most glorious to their credit. Apollyon then accuses Christian of being unfaithful to his Lord, to which Christian replies, "And how, oh, Apollyon have I been unfaithful to Him?" Apollyon then lists all of Christians missteps during the way: the Swamp of Despondence, his departure from the path towards the town of Morality, his sleeping on the Hill of Difficulty and losing his Document, his fear in facing the lions, and even his pride for being in the path in the first place! Christian admits that his accuser speaks the truth, but that his Lord has forgiven him all these faults.

All hell now breaks loose. Apollyon breaks out into a rage, saying, "I'm an enemy of this prince! I hate his person, his laws, and his people. I've come here to opose you!" Christian warns Apollyon, "Beware of what you do, Apollyon, for I'm in the king's Highway, the Way of Holiness. Therefore, take heed to yourself." Apollyon then straddles the whole breadth of the Path, and says, "I'm void of fear in this matter. Prepare yourself to die, for I swear by my infernal abode that you wil go no farther. I will spill your soul here!"

Apollyon then shoots a flaming arrow at Christian's chest, but Christian deflects the arrow with his Shield. Christian draws his Sword as Apollyon charges him with a volley of arrows as thick as hail. Christian defends himself vigorously, but is wounded in his head, hands, and feet. Apollyon attacks more vigorously as Christian falls back. The fight goes on for over half a day, and eventually Apollyon forces Christian's sword out of his hand, but as Apollyon prepares for his final blow, Christian skillfully reaches out his hand and grasps his sword, saying, "Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise." Christian then exerts a deadly thrust, which makes Apollyon back off as if he had received a mortal wound. Christian attacks again, and Apollyon spreads out his dragon's wings and flees.

Christian then pauses to give thanksgiving and praise, and a Hand appears, holding some of the leaves of the Tree of Life. Christian is healed. He stops to eat some bread and drink from his bottle, and after feeling refreshed, continues his journey with his Sword drawn.

We are only halfway through Chapter 9, but I'm going to have to stop it here, as it is getting late. I will have to exploit another make up day later. In the second half of this chapter Christian proceeds through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. That will be the subject of tomorrow's blogging.

Thoughts on this chapter
Apollyon's biggest danger is his deception. He tempts Christian to abandon his quest. Christian is sure of himself, however; so the temptation is turned down. Other pilgrims may have taken Apollyon up on his offer, especially if they were not armed as Christian was. After Apollyon's temptation is rejected, half-truths and accusations flow forth from Apollyon's mouth in order to weaken Christian's resolve, even to the point of accusing him of pride for being on the path!

Christian's shield is the shield of faith, and his sword is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:16-17). His wounds to his head, hands, and feet represent setbacks in his understanding, faith, and Christian walk. [Bunyan]

2003-03-17T23:29:00.000-05:00

Arrrghh! Blogger is acting weird again as well....

2003-03-17T23:18:00.000-05:00

Getting a late start tonight, after watching President Bush's address, then watching the Devils lose to the Flyers, and then catching up on my reading. Some quick commentary before getting into tonight's chapter.

At church yesterday, we had a short discussion about foreign policy and dissent. A lady in our class said that just because someone was opposed to war doesn't mean that they're supporting Saddam. She's right, as long as they're not holding signs comparing Bush to Hitler or blaming America for all the ills of the world or going to Iraq to be human shields, or more likely, hostages. There's another side of the coin to consider as well. Being in favor of military action does not mean one is opposed to peace. As I've said before, in an email: There's real long-term peace and fake short-term peace. What good is avoiding war now if Saddam looses his weapons against other countries in the future, or uses them as threats in order to control the actions of other nations? What good is peace now if Saddam's weapons are given to terrorists to be used against us? I believe President Bush is acting wisely, and that he wants peace just as much as anyone else, no, even more so. Am I fasting for peace? Yes, but not for the type of peace that protects a tyrant from getting what's coming to him. I'm fasting for a peace that honors the people of Iraq who have suffered under a ruthless dictator, who desire to live under a government that respects the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

2003-03-16T21:41:00.000-05:00

Normally, I'm taking Sundays & Wednesdays off, but since Friday night's session was lost, I'm blogging tonight to keep my book review of The Pilgrim's Progress on schedule for completion by Easter.

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 8 The Pilgrim Meets the Family

When we ended Chapter 7, Christian was facing the prospect of passing the two lions ahead of him at the top of the Hill of Difficulty. Having lost several hours due to an untimely nap, and losing his Document and having to retrieve it, he was now proceeding in twilight, and wondering if he might have to face the lions in the dark. Looking up he sees a magnificent palace.

Christian proceeds toward the palace, and soon sees the lions in the path. Christian pauses, afraid to continue, and seriously considers turning back. A voice calls out from up ahead, "Is your strength so small? Don't fear the lions, for they're chained. They're placed there for the trial of faith, to find out where it is and to reveal those who have none. Stay in the middle of the path, and no injury will come to you." The voice comes from the Porter, whose name is Watchful. Christian heeds the Porter's advice and walks, trembling, past the lions, who roar at him but cannot touch him.

Christian arrives at the gate where the Porter is, and asks about the house and if he can stay. The Porter says that the house was built by the Lord of the Hill for the safety and security of pilgrims. The Porter asks Christian the nature of his business, his name, and why he is arriving so late. The Porter calls a beautiful and serious-looking girl, Discretion from the house, and tells her about Christian and asks her to talk with him and deal with him according to the laws of the house. Discretion asks Christian for all the details of his journey, which he supplies, and then she calls for three more members of her family to join the conversation, Prudence, Piety, and Charity. At this point he is invited to come into the house, meeting several other members of the Family at the threshhold. While they are waiting for supper, Piety asks Christian all sorts of questions: his reasons for becoming a pilgrim, how he found the way, about the house of the Interpreter, the Cross and the shining individuals who gave him the Document and his coat, about his journey. Prudence then takes up the questioning: whether he thinks of his old country, the things he left behind, why he is going to Mount Zion. Charity then asks him about the family he left behind, why they weren't going on the pilgrimage with him, and what sort of witness Christian provided for them.

Supper is served, and it is the girls' turn to tell Christian of the Lord of the Hill, what He did, why He did it, and why He had built the house. They described Him as a great warrior who fought with and slayed the one who had the power of death, and did it by shedding a great deal of blood. Some in the Household said they had seen and spoken with Him since He died on the Cross. They also said that He had stripped Himself of His glory to serve the Poor, that He would not live in the Mountain of Zion alone, and that He had made many Pilgrims into princes even though they came from humble origins. They talk into the night, and then Christian is shown to his room where he retires for the night.

The next day Christian is led to see all the excellent things stored in the house. Christian is led into the study where he is shown records of great antiquity showing the lineage of the Lord of the Hill, how he was the Son of the Ancient of Days. He is shown the accounts of the Lord's acts and the acts of hundreds whom He had taken into His service. They read records both ancient and modern, together with records of deeds past, and prophecies and predictions of things that are certain to be fulfilled.

The next day Christian is led to the Armory where they show him all kinds of equipment that the Lord has provided for Pilgrims. Christian sees the Sword, Shield, Helmet, Breastplate, Prayers, and Shoes that will not wear out. There is enough equipment to serve as many people as there are stars in the sky. They also show him weapons of times past: Moses' Staff, the jars, trumpets, and torches used by Gideon to vanquish the armies of Midian, the sling and stone used by David to slay Goliath.

The next day, Christian is ready to travel on, but the Family desires him to stay yet another day to show him the Delightful Mountains. He is led to the top of the house, and told to look south. He sees a pleasant looking mountainous region, "made beautiful with woods, vineyards, fruits of all kinds, flowers, springs, and fountains." Christian asks the name of the country, and is told that it is called Immanuel's Land, and it is just as common for Pilgrims to walk there as it is for them to walk on this hill (the Hill of Difficulty), and when he gets there he will be able to see the gate of Celestial City.

Now Christian is ready to go, but first he is taken to the Armory and outfitted with armor and a sword so that he would be prepared in the event he might be assaulted in the Way. At the Porter's gate, he asks the Porter if any other Pilgrims have passed this way. Christian is told of another Pilgrim just ahead of him, named Faithful. Christian recognizes him as a former neighbor from his old city, and asks how far ahead he is; apparently Christian desires to catch up with him. He is told that Faithful is not too far ahead. Discretion, Piety, Charity, and Prudence accompany Christian to the foot of the hill, continuing their previous discussions. Christian notes that it is just as dangerous going down as it was going up. Prudence replies that it is very difficult to go down into the Valley of Humiliation without losing one's footing, therefore they are accompanying him. Christian loses his footing a couple of times, but they reach the bottom of the hill safely, where Christian is given bread, wine, and raisins to sustain him and then he proceeds from there alone.

Thoughts on this chapter
The lions are chained! They present no danger to Christian as long as he stays in the middle of the path, though at first he could not see the chains. He is fortunate that someone called out to him to proceed. Did that voice advise Fearful and Mistrust as well, but not penetrate their fear? Perhaps there are people calling out for us to proceed in our walk with God in spite of the lions we face. Are you listening to them?

The palace Beautiful is the Church. Christian is offered fellowship here, but not before being presented with questioning, showing that while the Church's mission is to minister and encourage, it is also up to the Church to exercise discretion and examine the sincerity of the traveler. The Apostle Paul faced such discretion after his conversion. The study represents the Bible and all its lessons for us, as well as all the historical records of Christians who have traveled before us. The Armory represents the armor of God as described by Paul in Ephesians 6:10-18.

2003-03-16T16:56:00.000-05:00

Well, here goes. I'd just about sworn off these tests when one of them called me a 'hate-monger', and the test was roundly criticized by other bloggers, including susan b. Lilac Rose. Saw some with more realistic answers, so decided to take this one, thinking in advance that I'd come up with Ronald Reagan. To my surprise, my result was.....

Libertarian - You believe that the main use for
government is for some people to lord it over
others at their expense. You maintain that the
government should be as small as possible, and
that civil liberties, "victimless
crimes", and gun ownership should be basic
rights. You probably are OK with capitalism.
Your historical role model is Thomas Jefferson.

Which political sterotype are you?
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Must have been the answers regarding guns (an enemy has commited an act of terrorism, how do you handle it? ...just let have everyone have a gun...), but seriously, a while back, I discussed my reservations with modern-day libertarianism--that many people who claim the label seem to be rather selective for whom they claim unalienable rights, for instance, denying the unalienable right to life to the unborn. In a previous test, "Which Founding Father am I?", I discovered I was Alexander Hamilton. While I have great respect for Jefferson, agreeing with George Will's calling him the Man of the Millenium (the one just past, so long ago now), I think Hamilton's establishment of capitalism, and financial institutions in this country which facilitate commerce, have done more good practically speaking. Indeed, looking at Hamilton's philosophy has shown me that economic freedom is the foundation of other freedoms. Take away the right to productive work, and the freedom to act in one's self-interest, and you take away a person's soul. Hamilton and Jefferson may have disliked each other personally, but each had a great love and respect for unalienable rights, those we are endowed with by our Creator.

2003-03-15T23:13:00.000-05:00

Appropriate title, the Hill of Difficulty, for tonight's Pilgrim's Progress chapter, as it was what I was facing last night as I was attempting to access the Internet. Eventually had to give up on it, so I could go to bed to get an early start on errand-running this morning. Then a important hockey game held my attention this afternoon, watching on TV since some friends had to bail out of going for family reasons, and we're saving money for upcoming adoption expenses. Congratulations to the New Jersey Devils for beating the New York Rangers and clinching a playoff spot (now go and do likewise to the Flyers, and keep that #2 spot!), then took Amy out for dinner (well so much for saving money! --but it was still cheaper than the hockey game would've been).

Now for tonight's episode:

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 7 The Pilgrim Climbs the Hill of Difficulty

Pilgrim, Hypocrisy, and Formality continue to the foot of a hill called Difficulty. There is a spring at the bottom, along with two other paths that seem to go around the hill. The straight and narrow path which Pilgrim has been told to follow goes straight up the hill. Christian drinks from the spring and continues. Hypocrisy and Formality take the other paths, thinking they will all meet on the other side. One of those paths, Danger, leads into a vast forest, the other, Destruction, leads into an area of dark mountains. They are lost and never heard from again.

Christian proceeds slower and slower as he proceeds. Eventually he is crawling on the ground, the hill is so steep. About halfway up the hill, there is a resting area, put there by the Lord of the Hill, and Christian pauses to rest. He takes out his Document and reads for awhile, then pauses to examine his fine coat, but as he dawdles, he becomes drowsy and falls asleep. As he sleeps, the Document falls from his hand. Later, an unknown individual comes by and awakens Christian, urging him on, similar to how Christian tried to wake the three sleeping, shackled fools encountered earlier. Christian jumps up and runs along quickly, forgetting his Document.

At the top of the hill, two men, Fearful and Mistrust come running toward him going the wrong way. Christian asks them why they are running from the City of Zion, and Fearful says that the further they go, the more danger they meet, and therefore they are going back. Mistrust then tells Christian of two lions that lie in the path up ahead. They think they will be torn to pieces by the lions. Christian pauses to consider their words, but realizes that destruction awaits him if he goes back as well. He thinks, "I must continue, for to go back means nothing but death. To go forward is the fear of death, but beyond it is life everlasting. I'll keep going forward."

Christian reaches in his coat for his Document for some reassurance, and then realizes that it is missing. He is greatly distressed and doesn't know what to do, but in a few minutes he gathers himself, and realized that he must have dropped the document where he was resting. He goes back to retrieve it, but has only harsh words for himself along the way. He finds the Document where he left it, and his sorrow is turned to joy, yet the sun sets before Christian reaches the top of the hill and Christian again begins to grieve himself. He remembers Fearful's and Mistrust's report of the lions and begins to feel more and more afraid. He continues however, and while lamenting his unhappy circumstances, he looks up and sees before him a very stately palace, named Beautiful by the side of the highway.

Thoughts on this chapter
When I read this chapter, I was reminded of a hill in the Smokey Mountains going up to Clingman's Dome. I was in the Smokey Mountains back in the summer of 2001, just a few days after recommiting my life to Christ. Seeing the mountains in this state was completely different than the year before when I was in a state of unbelief (though I think the previous year's trip had a role to play in my moving out of that state of unbelief). Clingman's Dome is the second highest point east of the Mississippi River, and the trail going to the top is short but very steep. There are about six rest areas on a trail about a half mile in length. So I picture Christian struggling up this steep hill, unable to understand why it is so hard to go such a short distance. Stopping to rest, he succumbs to the temptation to sleep, and the footnote on this passage says, "The journey calls for diligence. God provides places and times for rest, but allegorically speaking, there is no time for sleep." [Hazelbaker]

The two lions represent anything that causes us to fear and not trust God to deliver us in the time of difficulty. The lions are there on purpose, however (as will be revealed in the next chapter). What lions exist in your life that cause you to fear and not trust God to be your strength and deliverance? Some lions that exist in our life right now are worries about how war will affect our adoption. Will we be able to travel to China and adopt a child next year? We gave the adoption to God when we started however. It's in His hands, if it is His will, it will happen.

I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
Psalm 18:1-3 NKJV

UPDATE: For another story of someone who had some serious lions to face in his life, read this.

2003-03-15T07:48:00.000-05:00

Sorry for not posting last night. Internet service was down. I'll put Chapter 7 up tonight, and Chapter 8 up tomorrow, and then be back on schedule.

2003-03-13T22:37:00.000-05:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 6 The Pilgrim Reaches the Place of Deliverance

Christian proceeds with difficulty due to the burden on his back. The path is bordered by a wall called Salvation. Soon he reaches a place which is somewhat elevated. Up above him is a Cross, at the bottom is a Tomb. As Christian approaches the Cross, his burden comes off his back, and rolls down into the Tomb, and is seen no more. Christian stops to look at the Cross for a while, surprised that the sight of it should relieve his burden in this way. "He has given me rest from my sorrow and life through His death." As he continues to look at the Cross, he begins to weep. Three angels appear to him, and say "Peace be to you!". One says "Your sins are forgiven", the second one strips off the rags he is wearing and clothes him with rich garments, and the third sets a mark on his forehead and gives him a Document with a seal on it. Christian is instructed to look at the Document as he continues and to present it at the Celestial Gate. Christian leaps for joy and continues on the path, singing a song of praise and thanksgiving.

At the bottom of the hill, he sees three men with shackles on their feet, fast asleep a little way off the path. They are named Simple, Sloth, and Presumption. He tries to wake them, but they disregard his warnings of danger. Christian decides they are not worth the trouble and continues alone.

As Christian is pondering the three lazy fools, he sees two men Formality and Hypocrisy climb over the wall. Christian asks where they are from and where they are going. They reply in unison, "We were born in the Land of Boasting and we're going to Mount Zion for praise." Christian asks why they didn't come in at the Gate. They reply that it is too far for them to come in that way; that people from their country just find a shortcut and climb over the wall, as they had done. Christian asks if it wouldn't be considered a trespass to enter the Path that way, but the two men say that they don't worry about such details, as theirs is an established tradition, done for over a thousand years. Such traditions would surely be admitted as a legal thing by an impartial judge. "And besides," they say, "if we get into the pathway, what does it matter which way we get in? If we're in, we're in. You're in the Way--as we understand--by just coming in at the Gate, and we're also in the Way by coming over the Wall. How is your condition better than ours?"

Christian warns them that the Lord of the Way considers them to be thieves, and says he doubts that they will be found worthy at the end of the Way. They have nothing to say to this, but just advise Christian to take care of himself. They then go on in silence, except that the men soon tell Christian that they are just as conscientious to keep laws and ordinances as Christian is. Then they say, "we don't see how you differ from us except for the coat on your back, it was probably given to you by some of your friends to hide the shame of your nakedness."

Christian then replies, "You'll not be saved by laws and ordinances since you didn't come in through the Door. And as for this coat on my back, it was given to me by the Ruler of the place where I'm going. And, as you say, it is for the purpose of covering my nakedness. Furthermore, I take it as a token of His kindness toward me; for I had on nothing but rags before. And besides, as I go, I comfort myself with the thought that when I come to the gate of the City, the Ruler of the City will easily recognize me since I have this coat on my back--a coat He freely gave me the day He stripped me of my rags. In addition, I have a mark in my forehead, which perhaps you haven't noticed. One of my Lord's closest associates placed it there the day my burden fell off my shoulders. Furthermore, I'll tell you I was given a sealed Document to comfort me by reading it as I travel in the Way. I was also instructed to present it at the Celestial Gate as a token of the certainty of my entrance. I doubt you even want all these things, since you didn't come in through the Gate."

Formality and Hypocrisy have no response except to look at each other and laugh. Christian continues the journey in front, talking with them no more. He often reads his Document, and is renewed by it.

Thoughts on this chapter
Bunyan places the Place of Deliverance apart from the Gate because he wants to emphasize that those who are newly-born-again may not understand the workings of the Cross, even though they are saved. Christian carries the burden of his sin even past the Interpreter's house, and the burden comes off his back, through no effort of his own, once he sees the Cross. He then understands what price was paid to free him of his sin.

The scripture reference for being clothed with a fine coat is Zechariah 3:1-5. The scripture reference for the Document with the seal is Ephesians 1:13-14. "Bunyan draws attention to the work and presence of the Holy Spirit with his reference to both the seal placed upon Christian's forehead and the sealed document given to him." (from the footnotes by L. Edward Hazelbaker)

Formality and Hypocrisy represent those who disregard the Cross of Christ, who believe that following rules, traditions, or ceremony will suffice just as well. Now this isn't to say that traditions and rules are inherently wrong; just that they are meaningless unless one begins with the Cross.

2003-03-11T22:36:00.000-05:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 5 The Pilgrim Meets the Interpreter

This is a longer chapter, full of symbolic imagery intended to teach basic truths about the Gospel. I wonder if the images in this chapter are culled from the Rev. Bunyan's sermons.

Our Pilgrim travels on to the house of the Interpreter, knocks and is let in by a butler. The Interpreter is called, and Christian is led into a private room, where a picture of a serious person is on the wall. The man is pictured with the "Best of Books" in his hand, the "Law of Truth" written upon his lips, the world behind his back, and a crown of gold hung over his head. The depiction is meant to show that "his work is to know and reveal to sinners things hard to understand." The Interpreter continues, "Now, I've shown you this picture first because the man whose picture you see is the only man authorized by the Lord of the place where you're going to be your guide in all the difficult places you may encounter within the Way. Remember well, therefore, what I've shown you and apply your mind seriously to what you've seen lest in your journey you meet with individuals who pretend to lead you correctly but whose ways lead to death." Christian is then led to various rooms within the house where he is shown various things intended to teach him basic truths.

First, he is led to a room full of dust because it was never swept. The Interpreter calls for someone to sweep the room, but as the room is swept, the dust begins to fly, and Christian is almost choked by it. The Interpreter then tells a girl standing by, "Bring water here and sprinkle the room". When she does so, the room is easily swept and cleaned. The dry, dusty room is the heart of a man that was never sanctified by the Grace of the gospel. The first sweeper represents the law, which instead of cleansing the sinful heart, actually empowers and increases sin in the soul. The girl who brought and sprinkled the water is the Gospel.

In the second room, Christian is shown two boys, Passion and Patience. Passion is very discontented, but Patience sits very quietly. The Interpreter says, "Their guardian wants them to wait until the beginning of next year to receive his best things. Passion wants to have it all now, but Patience is willing to wait." Someone then brings a bag of treasure to Passion, who gathers it up, rejoices in it while laughing at Patience, but then squanders it all away and is left with nothing but rags. Passion is explained as representing the people of this world, while Patience represents the people of the world to come. Christian cites two reasons for Patience having the best Wisdom: "One--because he waits for the best things; and two--because he will have the glory of his possessions when the other has nothing but rags." The Interpreter adds a third, "the glory of the next world will never wear out, but other glories are soon gone. Passion, therefore, didn't have as much reason to laugh at Patience--because Passion had his best things first--as Patience will have to laugh at Passion--because Patience had his best things last. First must give place to last because last must have its time to come, but last gives place to nothing, for there is nothing more to follow. So he who has his portion first must of necessity have a time to spend it, but he who has his portion last must have it permanently. Therefore it is said of Dives [the traditional name of the rich man referred to in Luke 16:19-31], 'In your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.' "

In the third room, Christian sees a fire burning next to a wall. A man in the room is continually throwing water on the fire in order to put it out, yet the fire burns higher and hotter. The Interpreter explains the fire as the work of grace working in the heart. The man throwing water on the fire is the Devil. Christian is led to the other side of the wall, where the secret of the fire's burning hotter is revealed. Another man, standing behind the wall, is secretly pouring oil upon the fire. The Interpreter explains, "This is Christ, who continually maintains the work already begun in the heart by applying the Oil of His Grace. Because of this, the souls of His people remain full of grace in spite of what the Devil can do. In that you saw the man standing behind the wall to keep the fire burning, that's meant to teach you that it's hard for those tempted to see how this work of grace is continued in the soul."

Next, Christian is led to a pleasant place where a stately palace had been built. People standing on the wall of the palace are all dressed in gold. The Interpreter leads Christian toward the door of the palace where a large group of people are wanting to go inside, but dare not do so. A man seated at a nearby desk has a book and pen to take the name of any individual who has intentions of going in through the door. Armored men stand in the doorway to block the entrance, intending to inflict pain and injury upon the people who would enter the door. After the first group of people leave the door out of fear of the armed men, Christian sees a strong man approach the man at the desk who says, "Write down my name, Sir." After this he draws his sword, puts on a helmet, and rushes the door, and presses forward into the palace. Voices from above say, "Come in, come in! Eternal glory you will win." Christian smiles and says, "I think I actually know the meaning of this."

In the next room, Christian is shown a man locked in an iron cage. The man used to be an honest and flourishing professor of faith, but testifies, "I stopped being alert and self-controlled. I let loose the reigns of my desires. I sinned against the Light of the Word and the goodness of God. I've grieved the Spirit, and He is gone. I tempted the Devil, and he has come to me. I've provoked God to anger, and He has left me. I have so hardened my heart that I cannot repent." Christian asks the Interpreter if there is any hope for him. The Interpreter replies, "Ask him". After Christian asks, the bound man replies, "No, none at all". The Interpreter warns Christian, "Remember this man's misery, and let it be an everlasting caution to you."

Christian is just about ready to proceed on his journey, but the Interpreter wishes to show him one last thing. Christian meets a man, getting out of bed trembling. Christian asks why the man is trembling. The man explains that he had a dream of the sky growing dark, thunder and lightning, clouds rising and stretching, followed by the sound of a trumpet. He sees a Man sitting upon a cloud, accompanied by the thousands of Heaven, and he hears a voice, "Arise, you Dead, and come to judgment!" The Man sitting upon the cloud then opens a book and summons the world to draw near, and hears a proclamation, "Gather together the tares, chaff, and stubble and cast them into the burning lake." The Bottomless Pit opens at the dreamer's feet, and he hears another proclamation, "Gather my wheat into the barn". With that, he sees people caught up and carried away, but he is left behind. He tries to hide, but the Man sitting upon the cloud fixes His gaze on him and his conscience constantly accuses him. With that, the man awakes. The man explains that his trembling is due to his fear at being left behind, and the affliction from his conscience.

The Interpreter then asks if Christian has considered all these things, and Christian replies, "Yes, and they cause me both to hope and to fear." "Good," replies the Interpreter. "Keep these things in your mind so they may act as prods in your sides to poke you and cause you to go forward in the way you must go." Christian begins to prepare to leave, and the Interpreter gives him one last benediction, "May the Counselor always be with you, good Christian, to guide you in the way that leads to the City."

Thoughts on this chapter
The Interpreter is a well-qualified preacher or teacher who quickly teaches our Pilgrim, who has just entered through the Gate, what he needs to know in order to proceed on his way. Most of the images are self-evident in their meaning, but I will comment on two of them.
The strong man attacking the door of the palace: Christian thinks he knows what this means, but I wish he would have explained it! I've heard this metaphor somewhere else, but I can't remember where. I wonder if it has anything to do with Christ's words in Matthew 11:12, "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force."
The man bound in the iron cage: I think this means that Bunyan believed that someone could lose their salvation through loss of self-control, because he certainly implies that this man was saved once, and now is not. I believe that God's forgiveness covers all our sins, including those in the future, however I wonder if someone can forfeit that forgiveness through unbelief.

2003-03-10T23:13:00.000-05:00

The Pilgrim's Progress - Chapter 4 The Pilgrim Enters the Gate

Pilgrim gets to the gate finally, and knocks several times, and expresses his desire that the gate be opened for him, though he is an unworthy Rebel. At last, a serious looking person, Goodwill comes, asks who is at the Gate and what he wants. Pilgrim repeats his request to Goodwill, saying he is escaping from the City of Destruction and going to Mount Zion. Goodwill replies, "I'm willing with all my heart," and opens the gate. Just as Christian is stepping in, Goodwill reaches out and pulls Christian in. Christian is surprised by the quick motion and asks "Why did you do that?" Goodwill says that a short distance away, there is a castle ruled by Beelzebub, from which he and those with him shoot arrows to those who come to the Gate.

After Christian is inside the Gate, he and Goodwill converse over many things. Why did Christian come alone? Did anyone try to prevent his journey? Why did Pliable fall away? Nothing is withheld; Christian even refuses to judge Pliable for falling away, as he tells how he, himself, fell away from the path after his encounter with Mr. Worldly Wiseman, and his attempt to go up the mountain to the town of Morality. Goodwill says it was good that Christian escaped being smashed to pieces by the mountain. He also says "In spite of everything people have done before they come here, we make no objections against anyone. No one will ever be driven away. Therefore, Christian, travel awhile with me, and I'll teach you about the way you must go. Look in front of you. Do you see that Narrow Road? That is the way you must go. It was constructed by the Patriarchs, Prophets, Christ, and His Apostles; and it is as straight as a ruler can make it. This is the way you must go." Christian asks if there are any twists or turns to watch out for, and Goodwill says there are, but he can always judge the true path because it is the only one that is straight and narrow.

Christian then asks if anything can be done about the burden on his back. Goodwill tells him, "Concerning your burden, be content to bear it until you come to the Place of Deliverance, for there it will fall from your back by itself." Goodwill then tells him that he will soon come to the house of the Interpreter, and that he should stop there in order to be shown some excellent things. With that, Goodwill bids him God speed, and Christian continues his journey.

Thoughts on this chapter
The footnote on the sentence where Goodwill pulls Christian through the Gate says that this is meant to show how God is active in bringing people into the safety of His care. It is the good will of God that causes Him to take the first step in the salvation of every soul. Beelzebub is introduced as the enemy of pilgrims at this point. Up to now, all Christian's enemies were his peers. Now he faces the prospect of supernatural opposition, though Goodwill protects him from it for now.

2003-03-10T22:38:00.000-05:00

Before getting into tonight's review of The Pilgrim's Progress, let me note two items I saw on the Internet today, with quick comments:

1) Over at Jewish World Review, Jeff Jacoby discusses Changing the Definition of Marriage (March 10 column in case link gets redirected to his next column). I remember a discussion I had with a person who thought gay marriage was no big deal. My response was that if the concept of having children were removed from marriage, then there would be no logical reason why one should not be able to marry one's own sister or brother. Her response? Ewwww! A long time ago, I heard a Unitarian Universalist minister say that such responses should be stifled, as they are not based in reason. I'd beg to differ. There is a very fundamental reason why we are uncomfortable with it, just as we are uncomfortable (or should be) with other manifestations of our sin nature. Paul describes it in Romans 1:18-19 (also lookup the context) "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them." (NKJV)

2) Foetuses 'may be conscious long before abortion limit'. (link via National Review's The Corner) The idea that a fetus is not human, or even not a living organism, seems more and more ludicrous with each advance of scientific understanding.

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.....