Disqus - Latest Comments for Dan King

Re: The Stem Cell Question

Dan King — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:01:00 -0000

kjenn said:
[quote]I have a niece and nephew who were adopted embryos--"leftovers" from an IVF clinic.[/quote]

That is awesome! And I support this use of "leftover" embryos as well. I would never fight to instead use them for research thus denying (especially) infertile parents to adopt children like this.

Even though I still support the use of those that become "hosptial waste", programs like this that offer the embryos a chance at life are awesome!

I can certainly understand your dilema kjenn...
There is so much good that can happen on both sides of the arguement, and I believe that there is room enough for both. Even if there were more in-vitro adoptions, there would still be "waste" that could be used for research instead of trash.

Re: The Stem Cell Question

Dan King — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:09:00 -0000

rockstar_not said:
[quote]That's what is so disturbing about the debate to me - the fact that there doesn't seem to be evidence of actual curing of diseases.[/quote]

...and...

[quote]There was likely all kinds of debate when organ transplants were first surfaced as a way to recover from damaged tissues. But guess what - organ transplants actually work. The debate quiets to a whisper as a result.[/quote]

I [i]completely[/i] understand where you are coming from, and I agree! But I'd be willing to bet that there was a time when transplanting organs was just a theory. Someone must have said something like, "hmm... this guy has a bad heart, and this guy has a good one to give him, let's try this out and see if it works." That would classify the procedure as research. And that is where we are at with stem cells...

In fact you make a great comparison when you talk about organ transplants. does it matter the size of the 'organ'? I know that things like kidneys can be given by a living donor, but a heart transplant (for example) requires someone who is dying anyway and can give away that organ.

It seems to be the same situation with the embryonic stems cells. No one is asking people to clone or farm these things for the purpose of destroying them for the sake of research. The researchers (at least the ones that I am aware of) are asking for the ones whose "lives" are being destroyed anyway.

I have a great respect for life. I think that it is one of the most precious gifts that God has given us. I would even respect the pro-life movement even more IF it were more consistent in the message. If one is against this type of use of hosptial waste from in-vitro clinics, then they should be against ALL hospital waste from in-vitro clinics and organ transplants that require the death of the donor.

I am pro-life... for people like my son who have to live with a disease that destroys life every day that he has it...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPg6OEmZ4iM

Please hear my heart in this, and know that I am not trying to be disrespectful to anyone's point of view. Trust me when I say that I know that this is a difficult one to answer. And I am not trying to say that I am 100% right in my position either. But thank you for the opportunity to share my heart on this important issue. I only ask people to think this issue ALL the way through, and be consistent with their position. Don't make a stand on something that doesn't consider ALL of the consequences, or understand ALL of the details about it.

Oh and prayers for my son and all who live with diseases like diabetes are always appreciated. Thanks!

Re: The Stem Cell Question

Dan King — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 07:10:00 -0000

My six-year old son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was 17-months old. And for anyone who is unfamiliar with the differences in types of diabetes, this is not something that he got becuase we fed him too much cake. It is an autoimmune disease that basically means that his own immune system has destroyed the insulin-producing cells in his body thinking that they were somehow dangerous. So this is an issue that is very close to my heart.

I am also a Bible-believing Christian. I teach in a small Bible College, and blog regularly about faith issues. I believe firmly that the Bible is completely the Word of God, and is an absolute truth that we should build our lives upon.

I appreciate the balance of the article posted here (great job Ed!). And I am in that spot where I look around at all of the grey area around me. Here is my position...

I fight for research that will help to find a cure for diabetes, and I know that embryonic stem cells offer a GREAT chance to help us find it. I completely understand and agree with the ethical issues behind destroying a 'life', but am also angered by the fact that no one is screaming about how in-vitro clinics basically throw THOUSANDS of 'lives' away in the trash can every year when people are done with the cells.

TTHE GREATEST SHOT THAT THOSE CELLS HAVE AT LIFE IS IN A FUNCTIONING PANCREAS (or whatever) for people like my son. You don't have to search far in the Gospels to find Jesus' concern for our physical well-being, and I think that if Jesus where sitting beside my son right now, then he would want him to be restored to perfect health.

It does bother me that so many people look at this issue without compassion for people like my son.

And let me be clear, I am NOT for 'farming' these cells for the sake of research. But I am for giving what would be trash a chance at giving life to someone else. I am absolutely PRO-life... and that goes for the people that this type of research could help as well.

Re: Microfinance: Good News?

Dan King — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 06:22:00 -0000

Interesting article... It's kind of cynical, but raises some interesting points.

I recently got back from a mission trip working with a microfinance organization. Five Talents International is a faith-based 'MFI' and they have several programs around the world. For example the program that I visited in Kenya is a savings and credit program in which the members themselve pool their savings together, and then make 'loans' to others in the group. The interest rates are low (like 1%), and the repayment rates are high (like 99% on-time payments).

The trip that I was on was to teach basic Christian business skills to help these people be more successful with what they have. While there I was impressed to learn that the groups not only work with managing their savings together, but they also worship together and study the bible together (just like any home-group here in the US).

These programs have seen amazing success way beyond a loan to start a business. People who have risen up in leadership in these groups have become elected government officials, and others use their skills to train others to teach them a trade so that they can go on to start their own businesses.

I'm actually sharing many of these stories right now at my blog, as I post my journals from my trip.

I agreee that it is not the ONLY solution, but it does play an important role. There are lots of great things that come out of GOOD microfinance programs, so I would only caution against lumping all MFIs together. As with anything else, there are many people who ARE doing it right...

Thanks! good read...

Re: theologer: New comment system

Dan King — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 09:22:01 -0000

I like these comments... I'm not a fan of the Blogger comments, so I think this is an upgrade...

Re: Meet Andre Yee the Wiki Moses

Dan King — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:58:12 -0000

Mark,
This is great stuff, and I am glad to share! I have a post up now at my BibleDude.net blog...
http://bibledude.net/WordPress/?p=100

Thanks for sharing! I even have some friends that are fluent in other languages that I think may be glad to contribute!

Dan

Re: Studying the Psalms

Dan King — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 11:12:10 -0000

Stanaxe,
That is a wonderful perspective, and I agree with you 100%! I love to study them not to get doctrine or rules for Christian living, but to better understand the true heart of worship. It amazes me to see David displaying a very "New Testament" approach to worship, even hundreds of years before Christ even came.

God bless!
Dan

Re: Studying the Psalms

Dan King — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 10:49:38 -0000

Sidharth,
Please feel free to share the links to your "halal" post or any others that you think may be relevant here. I have done some similar studies in the past, and agree that it really does help to digger deeper.

Thanks and God bless!
Dan

Re: I am thankful to be a Christian because…

Dan King — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 11:30:13 -0000

Thanks guys (umm... ladies)! Thank you all for the opportunity to write what is on my heart. It is always good to have the outlet of my own blog to do it, but it is even better when I can share it in other places as well...

Happy Turkey Day!

Re: the truth about Jehovah’s Witness, part 1

Dan King — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:22:30 -0000

Julie,
I also like the Amplified version, and the Lockham Foundation has done a great job in developing boththe Amplified (great for study) and the New Living Translation (nice for easy devotional reading).

Stay tuned for more in this series!

Thanks!
Dan

Re: the truth about Jehovah’s Witness, part 2

Dan King — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 10:03:20 -0000

Thanks! Stick around as I complete this series. I also plan to break down a few other "flaws" of interpretation that lead to some of their common practices, and plan to end the series with some ideas about how to effectively talk to them. It is my hope to not only expose the deception so that we do not fall into it, but also to learn how to show the light to those who are caught in that deception.

Amen!

Re: the truth about Jehovah’s Witness, part 3

Dan King — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 22:59:23 -0000

Thanks for the encouragement regarding my efforts to discover and expose the false doctrines of the Jehovah's Witness organization! It has been wonderful and quite eye-opening to explore this belief system, and I am glad to see that people are benefiting from my research in the area.

Re: the truth about Jehovah’s Witness, part 5

Dan King — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:02:05 -0000

Too funny! I know that not everyone is into feet, but I know that you got the point...

Re: life is short

Dan King — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 09:24:00 -0000

Thanks guys! By the way, I have heard more details about how he died, and it is even more tragic than I had originally though. Without getting into the details, it really is just what I was saying... his life (and actions) caught up with him. Chris had a great heart, but got mixed up in some bad stuff. I know that he would want his life to mean something, so I hope that the questions that I present in this post make people think. I also pray that my readers here think about how precious life is, and don't take a single day (or person) for granted.

The funeral is on Saturday, and this post will be posted on http://www.hopefulspirit.com/ on Saturday as well as a guest writer post. Please keep Chris's family in your prayers.

Thanks!
Dan

Re: what is truth?

Dan King — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:13:27 -0000

Amen to that! I don't know what I'd do without His Spirit!

Re: life is short

Dan King — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 08:38:24 -0000

Chris,
Thanks for the great compliment! I put a lot of my heart into what I am doing here, so it is nice to hear that all of my hard work and dedication is worthwhile. I'll keep an eye on my ads and add some URLs to the exclude list if I have to. I just hope that my readers know that just because it shows up there that it doesn't mean that I particularly endorse it. Thanks for the heads-up!

Dan

Re: life is short

Dan King — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:00:59 -0000

Thanks Julie!

Not only have I found out that he DID get right with God, but that he also wanted to be a youth pastor so that he could warn and protect other kids from going down the same road that he did. I think that this makes his story even more tragic...

Thanks!
Dan

Re: the truth about Jehovah’s Witness, part 3

Dan King — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:06:52 -0000

Alexander,
I accept your apology, but also recognize that you are entitled to your opinion. I don't expect everyone to like me, but I do study this stuff alot, and am also entitled to my opinion. It is what it is, and I understand that you don't have to agree with it.

Regarding my writing in this post, it is my opinion, which is why I use statements like "I believe", etc. I am not trying to make a case that one side is right and the other wrong. I am simply sharing my understanding and interpretation of the Scriptures. I also believe that just because Paul went to prison like he did, that this nullifies the point that I was making. People are persecuted every day for standing up for Christ.

I guess another point that I could make is around a prayer of Jesus where he stated that we not be separated from the world, but protected from the evil one. I guess I just believe that there is more Scriptural support for embracing the government that God has ordained, than there is to separate from it (where it is convenient).

I take it that from the nature of your comments that you are Jehovah's Witness yourself. If this is the case, then I encourage you to read the entire series, especially the last post which really clarifies what my heart is with this. I don't encourage you to sway you from your beliefs, but just so that you better understand what I am trying to communicate.

I also refuse to remove your comments, because I would hate to be the kind of guy that simply censors out what he doesn't like. While I do not like being called names, I really respect your right to express yourself. I do however feel that it is rude to walk into someone's house and start insulting them. It is my hope and prayer that God releases you from that hostility.

I am happy to continue this conversation if you are willing to.

Dan

Re: the truth about Jehovah’s Witness, part 2

Dan King — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:07:41 -0000

slaveofone,
Thanks for the comments! I suggest that you read the whole series, especially part 5, in order to understand my heart. I think that once you read that post, then you might take back some of what you've said...

Dan

Re: Music Review: Desperation Band, Everyone Overcome

Dan King — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:40:19 -0000

Wow! Another great comment from someone who has never had anything positive to say on this blog. I can certainly sense the Love of Christ through all of these comments (sarcasm)...

I appreciate the reference to the other music. However, I do want to share that the worship team from the young adults ministry that I lead has picked up a couple of these songs, and they have done amazing with them.

Dan

Re: Music Review: Desperation Band, Everyone Overcome

Dan King — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 15:06:58 -0000

Thanks Lance!

Re: six non-important things

Dan King — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:48:54 -0000

Happy, happy, happy Easter to you too Lance!

Re: the truth about global warming

Dan King — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:16:20 -0000

Agreed. But I am also a firm believer in the idea that we should not take a victim mentality (I'm not saying that you are), but rather do everything that IS within our power to make a difference. We cannot rely on anyone else to do it for us, so we must do everything that we can.

Re: getting uncomfortable

Dan King — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:08:05 -0000

The crazy thing is that I went into the event knowing what all of the content was. I had the responsibility of putting the event together and making sure that everyone was prepared to do their parts. But God still rocked me!

Starting in the next couple of weeks, the group is going to start some "prayer walks" in downtown Sarasota, FL. The idea is that as we pray for God to show us what we should be doing, we will be out on the streets praying for our city, maybe doing a little worship on the streets, and hopefully talking to the people...

I am praying that God rocks our group during this time!

Re: legacy

Dan King — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:46:24 -0000

Thanks Lance! I am also getting some good feedback in the Writing Challenge as well...
http://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article-level2.p...

Re: broken

Dan King — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:48:29 -0000

Julie,
Thanks for the kind and encouraging words! As you know, my faith, my love for my son, and my drive to rid him (and all people) of this condition are very interwoven. I have learned some amazing things through it all, and feel like it has made me a better father. But it is also time for a cure. I won't stop praying and working until it is finished!

Dan

Re: Guest Blogger :: Narciso Zamora

Dan King — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:37:11 -0000

Personally, I can relate...

I regularly think of some of the horrible things that I've done in my past, and wonder how I could ever be effective in ministry having done some of the things that I cannot seem to forget. And why, if my sins are forgiven (and forgotten), can I not forget them and move on?

But one thing that I do know is that it is my past (all of it) that has helped in defining who I am today. I know that much has been forgiven in my life, and I sometimes think that it is because of this that I have become so radical for Christ.

My past has also given me certain wisdom that I have been able to use in ministry. As I work with young adults, I have been able to easily relate to things that several young men have been dealing with, and then be able to effectively guide them through the Word to where they should be. Without the "bad" experiences in my life, I would not be able to minster to some as effectively.

I also think of other great ministers that have had radical conversions, and are touching thousands of lives. For example, I know that former gang member Johnny Moffitt is doing amazing work in prison ministry in Texas despite his past.

The bottom line is that God can use a miserable wretch like me (or you) to accomplish His will!

Dan

Re: Commentary on Mark :: Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry

Dan King — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:16:25 -0000

Amen, Lance!

Re: resurrection in question?

Dan King — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:30:04 -0000

Thanks for the recommendation on the book! I have it on my bookshelf right now, and it is currently on the next big priorities on my list. I think that having a strong apologetic is important for every Christian. I also think that it is amazing that some of the greatest evidence is the testimonies in our own lives!

Thanks for sharing Mike! Keep it coming!

Re: wordless wednesday :: dying of malaria in africa

Dan King — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:32:41 -0000

I agree with all of you on this. It tells a pretty powerful story about what is happening. I thought that it would be good to share this one in light of the "eight dollar hot dog" video that spaghettipie shared. The statement at the end where the dude got the phone call from a friend in Africa where the kids kept dying from Malaria, and he pointed out that the medication for it was cheaper than his food that night.

This image, I believe, puts some faces to that story.

The thing is that Malaria is a MAJOR problem in many third-world countries. But it is completely curable. The reason that it is such a large problem is that the people cannot afford the medication (which coincedentally is quite cheap to us). So the kids dying of this disease are esentially dying of poverty.

What do we need to do to help our brothers and sisters?

Re: award in excellence

Dan King — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:43:43 -0000

spaghetti, roger, and isaiah,
You are all very desrving of much more than this recognition! I really believe that you are making an impact with the work that you are doing. I wish that I could do more than this for you, but I also know that you will reap other rewards greater than what I could give.

I also know that there are many others out there that are just as deserving, which is why I appreciate your efforts to pass it on. I just hope that others feel as blessed as you all have expressed!

God bless you!

Re: award in excellence

Dan King — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:34:15 -0000

Thanks Victoria! I agree! If people continue to share it with others, then I know that it will bring encouragement to MANY tireless bloggers out there!

Re: award in excellence

Dan King — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:30:55 -0000

speaking truth,
Thanks! And I am glad that you were blessed by it! Keep up the great work!

Dan

Re: music monday :: Tenth Avenue North, Love is Here

Dan King — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:01:47 -0000

Thanks! It is always good to know that my efforts are appreciated!

Re: the truth about Jehovah’s Witness, part 1

Dan King — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:54:35 -0000

Will,
These are great questions! I think that I did touch on this just a little bit in the post in this series that speaks about their relation to the government. They do anot participate or even recognize government, but I believe that this is based on a flawed interpretation of the scriptures, and completely ignores other references. You can find that post here...
http://bibledude.net/WordPress/?p=49

Also, the intent of this series was not to be all-inclusive of every one of the JW beliefs. But it is merely an overview of some key points that I have come across in my studies and discussions with some JW visitors to my home.

As far as separation is concerned, here is what I believe...
Jesus prayed that we not be separated from the world, but protected from the "evil one". I think that this is an issue across the church, not just with the JWs. I think that morally we should be different (or separate) from the world, as we are not under the same influence. However, we are not to be removed from it completely. We often retreat into our "bubble" in order to protect ourselves from the evil of the outside world. But if we completely separate ourselves from other people, then how can we ever expect to reach them? So I basically do not believe that it is scriptural to separate oneself to the level that JWs typically do.

Let me know if this makes sense or not...

Thanks!
Dan

Re: wordless wednesday :: political violence in zimbabwe

Dan King — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:08:53 -0000

This is what happens in Zimbabwe when you try to go vote. The violence and oppression there is horrible. They certainly need our prayer...

Re: award in excellence

Dan King — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:59:18 -0000

zealot and Iris,
Congrats to both of you on receiving this award! Both sites look very worthy, and I appreciate your hearts that are poured into your work there! Keep it up!

Re: life on mars?

Dan King — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:28:25 -0000

bobxxxx,
The quote you reference when you call Luskin a moron and a liar is actually mine. And I think that your statement literally proves my point about the fundamental difference in worldviews. To you ID is not possible because you seem to deny the possibility of anything non-physical in nature. That discussion is for another post...

Dr. Martinez-Martignoni,
I also believe that life on Mars exists (or at least the possibility of it). However, your "right conditions" statement is one that still confuses me. Using that cake analogy, do you also believe that you can put the ingredients of a cake into a bowl, and they would automatically turn into a cake? And what are the right conditions? Has science been able to recreate this event in a lab? Also, if there is a list of "right conditions," then what is the mathematical probability that those conditions all exist to make that happen?

I think that Darwin himself pointed out that one of the potential downfalls to his own theory of evolution would be the improbability that it could actually occur given the "age" of the universe. With the current esitimates on the age of the universe, and the complexity of the human genome, what exactly are the odds? And is that within the normal scientific parameters that would be required to make it an actual scientific possibility?

Thanks for joining the conversation! Please understand that I am not being disrespectful of the opposing points of view, I am actually curious as to the response to these questions. If you have answers, then I would love to hear...

Dan

Re: legal abortion AND pro-life?

Dan King — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:46:11 -0000

Jerry (FishHawk) and Roger,
I totally agree that as Christians we should stand up and fight for what we believe in. However, at the same time I do not know that legislation is the right way to change people's behavior.

For example, imagine that young lady that is dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, and the father of the child wants nothing to do with it. The young lady ends up being completely alone in the situation, and considers an abortion because she knwos that she cannot afford to do it on her own right now. In today's world she goes to get the abortion...

However, in a society where abortion is illegal, it probably doesn't change the situation up until the point where she decides to get the abortion. She still has to deal with the same emotions, but now her stress over the whole thing is exagerated because of the perceived lack of options.

So... in this light, is it more important for us to spend our efforts fighting for legislation, or to be there for those that are lost and hurting inside. I believe the Christian witness may be stronger when we focus on helping the broken hearted, and supporting them through difficult situations than we do if we fight to force others to live according to our beliefs.

I completely agree that abortion is murder, which is why we should be doing EVERYTHING in our power to help steer people away from making that decision.

I guess that I see abortion as a "soft" law. Legal abaortion laws do not cause us to commit a sin. I might feel more strongly if there was a law that required me (and my wife) to have an abortion...

I think that the message of the Gospel requires us to love people, and not so much to make laws...

Thoughts?

Re: legal abortion AND pro-life?

Dan King — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:42:26 -0000

Roger,
I agree that the it would be great to see the laws better reflect our values. I guess that I feel like the best approach to make that happen it to get to the heart of the people that the current laws give those "freedoms" to. I think that the same mentality applies to the prostitution example as well. It being legal somewhere does not cause me to sin, but the best way to eliminate the problem may have more to do with getting to the hearts of men to not turn to such activities.

Peter,
It's nice to meet you, and I've taken a quick look over at your blog! It looks very interesting, and I'll have to spend a little more time over there. I agree with you as well. Issues like this are complicated. It seems like "settling for" simply showing the love of Christ is the "easy way out" and is therefore a compromise. Where do we draw the line between sharing the love and fighting for the moral standards.

I'm wondering which stance would win the most hearts to the Lord...

Great conversation! Thanks!
Dan

Re: how to sell your soul on eBay

Dan King — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:53 -0000

Great points HiScrivener...
I can also understand how some people would react, but am also bothered by how people react without taking the opportunity to understand the entire situation. Too many Christians tend to respond with the knee-jerk reaction. I don't recall Jesus jumping to any conclusions without fully understanding the situation that He was addressing.

Regarding the selling of one's soul, you are right, it is not a new concept. I also think that while giving of your rights to your mind and will like that may not necessarily mean that your spirit is condemned to hell, I think that typically some that would do that would probably have little regard for the condition of their eternal spirit as well. You are right, the enemy does not want us to think for ourselves...

I have also just checked out your blog, and will have to spend a little more time over there as well! It look interesting. I am happy to exchange links if you wish!

Dan

Re: interview :: marla alupoaicei and dillon burroughs

Dan King — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:43:59 -0000

Thanks for the heads up! I'll bet that the online chat with these two will be pretty powerful!

Re: politics :: don miller prayer at dnc

Dan King — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:46:21 -0000

FishHawk,
Tell me more about what you mean? Are you saying that because he seemed to be preaching his personal feelings rather than praying, that God would not be happy with the "prayer"?

JediCaptain,
The abortion issue is exactly why another person backed out. Cameron Strang (founder of Relevant Magazine) was originally lined up, but backed out later when he found out that it was going to be a bigger deal like this was. He did not want to give the perception of supporting someone who does not share his "right to life" views. However his views also state that he believes that war is wrong as well because of right to life issues there as well. Therefore, he does not support the Republican ideas for being in Iraq, etc.

So would any prayer have been appropriate at this event?

Good conversation! Thanks!
Dan

Re: politics :: don miller prayer at dnc

Dan King — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:04:48 -0000

Great points, Jedi! However, I'd be willing to be that any "presentation" such as this would have had to gone through major approvals (and also likely at the RNC) before being allowed to share. It is probably doubtful that he would have been able to call for the dems to repent of a "holocaust of 38 million American children".

So I am interested to know what kind of prayer would have been "acceptable" both to the dems, and to God. Thoughts?

Dan

Re: politics :: don miller prayer at dnc

Dan King — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:38:45 -0000

Great point! I would love to hear authentic, unfettered prayer at ANY political event! It just seems to me that everything in politics right now is built on how the public will perceive it. I would love to see some authenticity in politics, period.

Re: do all gods point to the same god?

Dan King — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:31:28 -0000

Mark,
Thanks for dropping by, and for the great reference on the movie! I'll have to watch it through that 'lense'.

Kaye,
You make a great point that I didn't really think of. I certainly think that being a 'unifying' rather than separating force certainly has something to do with it. However, your point about it also being the easy way out makes a lot of sense. Basically there seems to be an avoidance of conflict both externally AND (as you point out) internally. Thanks for that! Your two cents is quite valuable to me!

Dan

Re: do all gods point to the same god?

Dan King — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:11:41 -0000

Lance,
I agree that other "gods" are certainly a deception that draws us away from the One True God. Often they fulfill selfish desires (i.e. the serpent's appeal to Eve about eating the apple). Often I see people evaluate which religion they should choose based on how good it works for them.

You make a great point! Thanks!

Dan

Re: wordless wednesday :: how to vote

Dan King — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:32:32 -0000

Thanks everyone! I know that this is a powerful image...

Re: music monday :: brooke fraser, shadowfeet

Dan King — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:25:49 -0000

Mark,
Thanks for stopping by! I did not even notice the alleged "bra strap"... But you make some great points about it! I think that even my overlooking something like that only shows how numb that we get to stuff like that.

I cannot answer whether they are intentionally trying to market the product with sex appeal or not, but I do know that the heart of the music seems to be very genuine. Many of or best modern worship songs these days come out of Hillsong, which is where Fraser is from.

Thanks for pointing that out!
Dan

Re: why believe in a god?

Dan King — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:54:41 -0000

Blake...
Seriously, that would be like a bicycle questioning the existence of the bicycle maker (or even better, the inventor). From my worldview, the logic is simply not there.

Re: why believe in a god?

Dan King — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:05:20 -0000

arensb,
What I mean by "God" is the being that created everything the universe. And your question about a universe that "contains" that entity vs. one that doesn't... That statement assumes that the God is subject to the universe. The universe is the universe. But one that is defined by man's own limited reasoning is one that has no meaning, purpose, or hope.

Regarding the moral absolutes, the Bible was not written to be a step-by-step book of rules, but as an insight into the nature and character of God. It is from this unchanging character, that we draw the absolutes. But if you do want a list then since the Bible teaches that "God is love", then the description of what love is (and is not) from 1 Corinthians 13 is a good start...

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

It does not take much to read the Bible (particularly the life of Jesus) and understand what the moral absolutes are without needing a speciifc list of what they are. But I also understand that some people may have difficulty figuring this stuff out (since our minds are limited)...

Re: why believe in a god?

Dan King — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:21:06 -0000

arensb,
I don't understand how being a creator and being love are in conflict with each other. You make it sound like He can only be one or the other, but not both. Can a man not be a husband and a father at the same time? And you are making an assumption that the universe existed for a long time without any other beings in it. That is a whole other topic...

But even to your point about love existing beofre any living beings... I do not understand why you think that love cannot exist before people do. Could love not drive the creator to create something to love? People everyday fall in love with the idea of the "perfect partner" or a child that is yet to even be conceived. Isn't it that "love" that drives these people to seek it out and find what does not yet "exist"? People fall in love with ideas all of the time, so a physical existence of something is not a requirement for love to exist.

Also I am not worshiping an emotion, or a expansion of space. But one of the point that I was trying to make in this post is exactly this issue. I don't expect you to understand what it is that I worship, because you simply do not see the universe the same way that I do. You limit your understanding to what you can see and measure. I know that there is more to it than that. I worship an awesome, loving, all-powerful creator, which you will never be capable of understanding as long as you limit how you look at the universe.

Sorry, but I did not intend to "dodge" any questions. And I was not trying to get out of it by responding with "technicalities". So thank you for clarifying what you were trying to ask. I had a hard time making sense of the question to start with.

So to answer "what difference does it make"? Bertrand Russell (an atheist) said that "unless you assume a God,the question of life's purpose is meaningless." In other words, if God exists, then life actually has a purpose (which is defined by the God that created us, just as the inventor of an object defines the purpose of it). Without a God, then there is no purpose. Life exists for no reason whatsoever. Everything is random chance. In fact, then true behaviorism is likely true, meaning that you really don't have any control over anything that you do because it is all just a "chemical" reaction to other outside stimuli. Really, without a God, life would be a meaningless, mechanical existence.

And to your final question, I don't think that there is anything that could lead me to conclude that God does not exist. I know that there is more. If you watched the video in this post, then I am one of those that cannot believe that all there is, is all limited to what we can see. It has taken me a long time in my life to finally come to this conclusion, but I frimly believe that real "higher thinking" starts when you can ask the question, "what if there is more?". This is the only thing that I challenge you to do...

Re: why believe in a god?

Dan King — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:13:35 -0000

Broseph,
You said:

When asked “why one should believe in God?”, the answer is most often “because he the Bible tells us so” or something of the likes. In fact, it seems that a precept for being religious is that you must blindly believe without examining the world for yourself.

I do not believe in God because the Bible tells me to. I believe in God based on my examination of the world. I believe what the Bible says, because it tells me a great deal about who the God that I believe in is.

I'll respond to more of your points separately, but wanted to get this out there. I think this is a fundamental difference in how we think.

Re: why believe in a god?

Dan King — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:18:40 -0000

Brospeh said:

If you say that it is illogical to examine the other side of an issue (i.e. ‘What if God does not exist?’), then how are you gaining a complete representation of the world?

This is another misrepresentation of what I have been saying. In fact the whole intent of this blog is to spur on 'personal examination' and to challenge people to know what they believe. I agree that people should challenge things, and know why they believe what they believe. I think that it is important to take a rational approach to faith. Again, I feel like I am being labeled by the common assumptions that are made about Christians. I understand that many Christian fall into this 'because the Bible says so' mentality, but that is certainly not me, or what I challenge people to be through this blog.

Re: why believe in a god?

Dan King — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:39:17 -0000

Broseph,
The bottom line after reading your entire comment is that (as I touched on in my last comment) I agree with you. People SHOULD question everything. I know that I do, and in the end feel that my faith is stronger as a result of that questioning.

I also cannot speak for the many that have given Christianity a bad name. I am disgusted by what many have done "in the name of Jesus". But I am not them. I also do not believe that they represent the actual message of the Bible. I actively serve and minister to not only people's spiritual needs, but also their physical needs (as Jesus did). I hate that many others have spoiled that message, and if it means anything I am sorry on their behalf.

But for me following God has nothing to do with blindly following some other person (a pastor, preist, or other religious leader). It is about following God... the one that I believe is responsible for our being here in the first place.

I hope this helps to clear up my position on what you addressed, and please let me know if I missed anything that you specifically wanted to know. Thanks for sharing!

Re: why believe in a god?

Dan King — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:02:39 -0000

arensb,
Much of what you are asking for here is specifically the point that I was trying to make in this post. I don't know that I can ever give you something that you will accept because we look at the world differently. If you want something specific, I would almost respond with 'everything' shows me this. But you would not see anything beyond what you 'see'. Sorry, but I simply cannot go down that road with you here, and this was not the intent of this post in the first place.

The point that I was trying to make was about how you and I see the world in different ways. You probably won't like this, but I think that your responses are filled with inconsistencies. You disagree with my assessment on behavioral psychology, but then you support the idea with your example... I know that when a friend asks you to lunch that you don't based the decision on external stimuli, but also internal stimuli as well. That's part of the 'formula'.

while you have not outrightly stated this, you seem to support the idea of evolution... through which life has evovled due to a series of 'chemical reactions' over time. But then you deny that this happens in what we refer to as 'decision making'.

Look, you and I will never see eye to eye on this. I don't expect you to understand what I believe because we are operating under different assumptions.

I am quite happy in my life, and feel like I am a productive contribution to the world around me. I strive to impact the world in a positve way. And in the end if I am wrong about God, then I am okay with that.

However, I am perplexed by your unwillingness to ask the question, "what if there's more?" I just think that is very closed-minded (if I can be completely honest). Science has yet to actually disprove God, but I don't think that you are willing to accept that either.

P.S. I actually love this discussion! Maybe we can start a blog together where we actually explore things like creation vs. evolution, and present both sides of the discussion. Let me know what you think...

Re: why believe in a god?

Dan King — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:43:50 -0000

Funny = God doesn't exist because you don't believe in him.

arensb said:

Meanwhile, you presented two parts of a definition — that God created the universe, and that God is love — which look incompatible, and haven’t attempted to resolve this problem.

I've said:

I don’t understand how being a creator and being love are in conflict with each other. You make it sound like He can only be one or the other, but not both. Can a man not be a husband and a father at the same time?

I've shared your perspective on this with several people today... who all laughed and asked what you were smoking... Not only have I addressed the question (and am getting tired of repeating myself), but have pointed out the flaw in your logic.

Re: why believe in a god?

Dan King — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:13:16 -0000

Wow... still trying to corner me into your reasoning...

According to your worldview, love is simply a feeling/emotion. I would define love in a much deeper sense. While I believe that God does feel love, I would not limit him to that definition.

Again, all you are doing is proving my point that we look at the world differently. But you've spent a lot of time here on my site trying to back me into a corner in my reasoning with something that is completely not relevant to my actual post. What's your point? Do you have a need for me to recognize that you are right (to feed your ego)? Or are you trying to 'convert' me to atheism? Would I be welcome at your blog trying to convert you (and/or your readers) to Christianity?

Re: why believe in a god?

Dan King — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:10:26 -0000

Jim,
Thanks for stopping by! I think that you make some great points! And no worries on the typos...

arensb,
If you want me to define God, then I would say that there are a lot of things that God is. But let's just start with "creator of the universe". And by that I do not mean that he is the "big bang" either. IF the big bang could be scientifically proven (which is not likely since no one was there to experience it), then I would say not that God IS the big bang, but that He caused it. If you plan to test that, then I only ask you to do so with an open mind, and without bias towards one side or the other. However, getting and objective point of view on this from a naturalist scientist would be impossible, since they would reject the idea as not possible in the first place. But I have yet to see how they have actually disproved God.

By "more" (which I thought that I have been clear on) I simply mean more to things than what we can see and measure (scientifically). Many of history's great scientists used science to help them understand God better. Therefore science is not something separate from God as modern popular thought would lead one to believe. But what I mean here is that when I see things like the precision used (and required) to sustain life here on earth, I believe that it was not a random event. Science can measure things like the oxygen levels, the tilt of the earth, temperatures, etc., while my belief simply goes beyond those simple measurements. Make sense?

You also make the assumption that I don't care whether my beliefs are right or wrong. That is a misrepresentation of what I've said. I feel very strongly about what I believe. What I said is that in the end, IF I am wrong, then I am okay with the consequences. Being okay with the consequences of being wrong is not the same as not being sure what I believe as you've tried to accuse me of. I have confidence in what I believe, and I am VERY happy with how I live.

I will stop by your site, and check out both of the references that out put here. You have my word that I will be absolutely respectful.

Re: why believe in a god?

Dan King — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:53:02 -0000

Thanks for stopping by Marcus! And thanks for the references. I'll try to post some links in a little while...

Re: why believe in a god?

Dan King — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:39:57 -0000

Rick,
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your thoughts! I agree to your point of this coversation being quite tiresome. I'm still not sure what one commenter's point was...

I also think quite a bit about C.S. Lewis's works. He always has a great way of reasoning through things, and Mere Christianity is one of my favorite books of all time. I'll get some links to these resources posted here soon.

Thanks for sharing your experiences! I agree with you completely!

Re: major doctrines: inspiration of scripture

Dan King — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:52:46 -0000

Rick,
LOL! I am trying to keep the videos interesting with a little creative flare like that... And I hear you on the glare... I tried to keep my head turned enough so that it wouldn't be an issue. I'll have to keep playing with that, to see if there is some way that I can avoid that. Any suggestions? Hopefully it doesn't take away from the message though!

By the way, I love your blog! I added it to my blogroll, and will try to visit regularly to see what you are up to! Thanks!

Re: major doctrines: inspiration of scripture

Dan King — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:15:45 -0000

LOL! Rick, you crack me up! Thanks for the pointers! I'll google it, or do what my wife told me.... just put a piece of cardboard over the monitor. Anyway, I think my instructors are looking more for content anyway, so it should satisfy my requirements. But I will certainly do something different for future videos. Thanks!

Re: Tongues, Healing and Gifts of the Spirit

Dan King — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:43:16 -0000

Dude...
Your blog is always relevant, and interesting. That is why I have selected you for the Thinking Blogger Award. You can check out my post about it at...
http://bibledude.net/WordPress/?p=55

By the way, I will try to stay out of this conversation about tongues as well, even though I have very strong beliefs about it. Maybe I'll post on that as well sometime...

Thanks! Keep up the great work!
Dan

Re: Just Look How Far We’ve Come!

Dan King — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:25:28 -0000

very sobering...

Re: ABC’s Dateline Runs an Investigative Report On Todd Bentley

Dan King — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:46:54 -0000

Yo Ike...
Thanks for posting this. I tried watching the videos, but it appears that they are offline now. But being a Florida resident very near what has been going on, I am vary familiar with what it is all about.

I have actually been to some of the meetings, as well as several very close friends of mine. I have a couple of friends that have recently experienced dramatic healings associated with the Bentley meetings. One from Hepatitis C and one from Diabetes. You can read their story at...
https://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/churchandmini...

I know both of these people very well. In fact, I was one of few people that Matt shared his diagnosis with, and I watched him struggle with this whole thing.

Now, I'm not going to stand here and say that Todd Bentley healed these people, but I will say that God healed them.

But when I see comments like those posted here, it breaks my heart. I am reminded of another recent post by another blogger that speaks to this...
http://www.theologer.com/2008/07/on-revival-hea...

Some may use this for furhter ammunition, but I would say that it's point is to call for a cease fire.

With the Bentley meetings, I know that there are many that have experienced salvation as a result of them. I am personally still on the fence with Bentley the man, but I do not question some of the salvations and healings that I have personally seen with my own eyes.

Hoping that I don't catch too much flack for my response,
Dan

Re: An Award In Excellence

Dan King — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 10:24:54 -0000

Isaiah,
Congrats again on the award! You know that I also respect you a great deal! You may be controversial at times, but we need that in the Body of Christ. We should all be challenging ourselves and each other, which is why I appreciate you so much.

I've also checked out all of the blogs that you've selected, and they look great! Thanks for sharing it with them!

God bless you in all you do!
Dan

Re: Biblical Womanhood

Dan King — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:07:10 -0000

I love Voddie! He is such a great teacher...

However, I think that Oakland guy that you also have featured on you YouTube page is a hack. Not that I am defending the emergent church practices that he attacks, but he often does EXACTLY what he accuses them of doing. And tends to pick and choose verses to support his viewpoint rather than base his arguments on sound exigetical study. Like I said, I'm not trying to defend the emergent folks, but I am REALLY not impressed with how Oakland makes his case.

Re: Download or Buy?

Dan King — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:08:51 -0000

I think that this is a GREAT way to support a ministry. I know that if I had something like that, it would bless me a great deal to know that people are spending money (even if it is very little) to get my stuff. Good call dude!

Re: Biblical Womanhood

Dan King — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:04:27 -0000

Yeah, I've heard Voodie speak several times, and he is an incredible speaker, and speaks based on sound exegetical study.

I guess that is where my problem with Oakland is. It is not so much with his message, but more the fact that his Bible interpretations is EXTREMELY shallow. It is simply way too easy to poke holes through his arguements. The funny thing is that while using poor exegetical skills, he accuses the emergent folks of not interpreting the scriptures properly.

Like I said, I don't disagree with the intent of his message... I also disagree with many of the practices of the emergent folks. However, they are raising some important questions that should be taken seriously.

I guess that I also think that we would be better off trying to dialogue with them over the issues that they raise, rather than attacking them. There are bigger fish to fry that need direct attack... just my humble opinion...

Re: Vogue-Style Bible to Hit Shelves Soon

Dan King — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:57:53 -0000

I hate that people feel the need to make 'the book' more appealing to people... especially since it is a poor substitute Christians who should be making the Truth appealing to people...

Re: Vogue-Style Bible to Hit Shelves Soon

Dan King — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:33:40 -0000

Is the emphasis on good deeds at all necessary?

Umm... unfortunately, yes it is...
Too many Christians spend far too much effort trying to prove that they are right, rather than actually living the message of the Word. And (slightly in defense of this new print of the Bible) I do not know that it removes or demphasizes the need for salvation.

I am certainly not trying to defend this, but I get the sense that folks are against the idea of getting the Word into more people's hands. Dare I go as far to propose that Christians take advantage of this to continue to point out the Truth contained in the Book that someone might be getting in their hands for the first time? Or is it more important to show the world how good we are at being critical ot other attempts at sharing the Gospel?

Re: Vogue-Style Bible to Hit Shelves Soon

Dan King — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:54:55 -0000

Ike,
Thanks for the reply. And I do feel like I must clarify a bit as well. I am not saying by any means that 'good works' replace 'grace' when it comes to salvation. I agree with you 100% that salvation is by grace alone. I also believe that the natural response to salvation is (should be) 'good works'.

With that said, I've got to go so that I can finish planning a ministry trip downtown to serve the homeless...
:)

Focused on Him,
Dan

Re: The Reformation: Martin Luther’s 95 Theses

Dan King — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:09:50 -0000

Dude, you rock! I have just been thinking about this in light of Reformation Day coming up, and plan to post something on my site to honor that day as well.

Rock on! God bless!
Dan

Re: I’m Back

Dan King — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:16:01 -0000

Dude! I look forward to seeing some of the stuff that you mentioned. I'd love to hear about these conversation that you had, and hope to see some of the new stuff that you've been pondering! The time away is refreshing sometimes, and usually helps to get some new direction...

Welcome back! You rock dude!

Re: The New Direction

Dan King — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:45:50 -0000

Looking forward to the new direction dude!

Re: Spiritual Preparation, Testing and Discipline With Our Heavenly Destination in Mind

Dan King — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:08:04 -0000

I regularly share in my testimony that getting saved doesn't mean that everything is going to be a bed of roses. If it is, then those roses probably still have their thorns...

I am (largely) evangelical myself, and I agree that the message cannot be watered down so that you can become more successful in 'winning converts'. So, Amen! Preach it brother!

Re: We are the Purchase of His Blood, and the Monuments of His Grace

Dan King — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:54:46 -0000

Very cool stuff dude! Thanks for sharing it! Isaiah 53 is an amazing piece of writing, and Matthew Henry's thoughts on it really help bring some great perspective to it!

Re: Official Launch of The Reformed Wretch

Dan King — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:28:05 -0000

Sweet dude! The new blog looks great! And I look forward to seeing what you produce here!