Looking back at the last few weeks of learning about Lewis' life, works, and theology is a daunting task. Between theology and philosophy, and frustration and peace, every emotion was confronted. Indeed, it would not be an extravagant claim to make that Lewis intentionally provokes emotions in his audience. Furthermore, after provoking, he challenges the soul to think biblically and logically. It is sometimes said that a man can only know what he knows only after he argues it. Appropriately then, the first lesson learned was respectful debate and opinion. After implementing respect, the discussions commenced to debating several of Lewis' writings. The writing most significant for a college student in a serious relationship on the marriage track , was The Four Loves. Particularly of interest was Lewis' conclusions on eros. Lewis points out sexual impulses, friendship beyond sex, and Christ as leader to emphasize eros. These three sub-topics of eros lay out the guidelines for a successful relationship.

The first topic of sexual impulses refers to Lewis' thought on the sexual tendencies that a man and a woman feel for each other. He gives illustration by way of lust and superficiality. He asserted that when a man lusts after a woman, he ceases to see her as a woman at all. Instead, the man assimilates his intense desire for a particular physical experience with an object that can bring that experience for him. Oddly to this generation, Lewis suggests that this is not the instinctual reaction for a man when he sees an attractive woman. On the contrary, not man and woman now a days instantly sense e the sexual impulses that their counter part may provide. Admittedly, this impulse seems true for every man and woman inside and outside of the Christian faith. However, at least in the Christian faith, this impulse is mostly suppressed. Also, this impulse does not destine relationships to failure. Some would even argue that this type of impulse—when in the appropriate confines of marriage—help the relationship bond flourish.

With this in mind, God gave us this impulse as a blessing, not as a curse. It is in the fallen nature of humanity that makes the sexual impulse a curse. As the weeks progressed, it was of ten said that the devil cannot create any thing, he can only distort that which already exists. In the same way, sex was created as a blessing to unify a man and a woman as well as to create life. The devil has taken this blessing and distorted it by perverting thoughts and feelings to something impure and unholy.

Secondly, Lewis talked about having a partner that transcends the boundaries—stereotypes—of his or her sex. This is a particularly crucial concept to embrace as young couples learn how to live with each other inside of Christ's will. Scripturally, Paul speaks of a world where relationships break free, "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave nor free, there is no longer am and female , for all of you are one on Christ" (Galatians 3:28). Thus, our ultimate goal is to relate amongst one another as each is mutually of Christ. But, along the same lines, Paul concedes that there is a hierarchy within Christ's kingdom on earth. Then, Lewis' view of man seeing a woman for her personality instead of her "womanness" becomes a secondary issue. He knows that , on the one hand, Galatians 3:28 is the end goal. But, on the other hand, living in Christ's hierarchy is necessary until we reach the end goal.

Emphasizing a relationship that centers around personality instead of sexual impulse brings special attention to many Christian college students. Not only are college students looking for a single, eternal, sexual partner, but more they are looking for their best friend. This task brings a lot pressure to the individual, if he or she is intent on finding God's will for his or her life. But, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the individual can find peace in knowing that there is someone waiting. Looking for a best friend to grow old with then becomes spiritual disciplines of patience and self-control. In fact, practicing these disciplines enhances eligibility and future love of one another.

Thirdly, and most importantly of all, Lewis discusses Christ as leader of the relationship. To start, it has been said that a man and a woman should only get married when the two of them can glorify God better than they can individually. Then, if two are unevenly yoked, they should not be joined in marriage. When two can glorify God better together, then they will be striving (continually) to live with Christ as the head of their marriage. This concept is most critical because choosing to live in a marriage that glorifies God is not always known and certainly not always abided by. No one needs to be reminded of the current divorce rates. So, the end lesson here is, choose wisely by listening to the whisper of the Holy Spirit.

The heart of Lewis' message that reveals significant truth is the parallel between Christ and the husband with regards to submission in hierarchy. Seen in 1 Corinthians 11:2–16, the depiction of the hierarchy we have in Christ is demanded. Many times, this submissive hierarchy is misinterpreted and distorted. However, when Christ is at the head of the marriage, then submitting becomes a privilege. Further, submitting, which is the same as obedience, becomes glorifying to God. One of the many beauties of Christ's dying for and with the world is that the world does not have to live in slavery to sin any more.

Finally, Plantinga's, Engaging God's World, ties Lewis' thoughts on eros. Through out his text, Plantinga emphasized the four loves both directly and indirectly. For this reason, applying Plantinga's thoughts on love to Lewis' brings wonderful perspective to a college student's life. The obvious difference between Plantinga and Lewis is their structure of approach to the issue of love. Lewis deals with the topic sporadically and only when passion calls for it. Plantinga addresses love by first addressing the creation, fall, and redemption structure, which is so fundamentally Christian Reform Church as well as Calvin College. Thus, love anchors each part of creation, fall, and redemption.

For creation, God's agape love caused Him to act. He created humanity so that we may freely and completely love Him. Indeed, the ideal relationship that God desires between Himself and humanity—and humans amongst each other—centers around love. Jesus explicitly demands love in his "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the seconds is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:36–40). Further, Paul's famous quote in 1 Corinthians 13, "Love is patient, love is kind…Love never fails." Then, Plantinga's descriptions and thoughts on the fall reveals the raw emotions of eros that twist because of the fall. His lesson on corruption, and its components of pollution and perversion greatly applies to eros. This love should remain pure and that is not always easy. Appropriately, redemption is the result compassion of the creation and fall. We know that we cannot know God fully until Heaven, but through these authors e experience Him a little more clearly.

Biography

Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2004. 117-

26. Print.

Lewis, C.S. "The Four Loves.” Calvin College 2006 Ed. Paulo Ribeiro. Calvin College, n.d.

Web. 18 Jan. 2010. .

Plantinga, Jr., Cornelius. Engaging God’s World: A Reformed Vision of Faith, Learning, and

Living. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2002. Print.

Pomykala, Kennith. Class Lecture. Religion 223: Paul’s Letters. Calvin College, Grand Rapids,

MI. Fall Term 2009.

Plantinga 5

Plantinga 5

Plantinga starts off his chapter about vocation within the Kingdom with an insightful, yet simple statement: God’s kingdom has always sounded like good news for people whose lives are bad news. Basically, he acknowledges that the life Christ offers is most appealing to those of us who are farthest from it. Granted, we are all slaves to sin and must be freed, but there are some of us on earth who have it particularly bad off. Plantinga gives examples of slaves under harsh rulers, but I would suggest a more modern example of parents neglecting their children, spouses cheating on one another, and those who suffer the loss of loved ones prematurely. All of these (And, not to mention those under slavery of sin we do not always see: pornography, homosexuality, and pathological liars) have God’s moral law written on their hearts. When they hear the good news of Christ they are confronted with their reality, but more important they are confronted with a hope not available to them until now. That, in essence, is the good news.

Plantinga emphasizes the next step after accepting the good news, which is the life dedicated to knowing and implementing God’s will for our lives. For the “beginner Christian,” accepting the infinite nature of God’s sovereignty is critical. Initially, it may seem like they are swimming in a sea of new vocabulary, spiritual experiences, and social structure. To have a successful shift from the devil’s kingdom to God’s kingdom, within the context of God’s sovereignty, allowing the Holy Spirit to take over is necessary. The Holy Spirit is the primary source of spiritual guidance after Christ is accepted. Unfortunately, the church seems to have lost sight of the third entity of the Trinity. Thus, the nonbeliever is coming to church after conversion and only getting two-thirds of all that the good news intends.

Man or Rabbit

Man or Rabbit
Lewis gives a telling illustration to demonstrate the difference between Christians and Materialists. In the illustration of how to nurse a starving man back to health, Lewis exposes the fundamental differences between the eternal and the temporal. In short, the illustration is that a materialist, the temporal man, will stuff a starving man with a large meal to fulfill is immediate appetite. For the starving man, his appetite is filled, but he ends up dying. This end to the materialist’s help shows an important side of the spiritual end they face. True, their appetite may be fulfilled temporarily by the instant gratification of yoga, meditation, feng shui, and others facets of peace. But, the sad reality for these new agers is that the quick fix is just that, quick. It will fade, and their souls will be all the worse for it. As an opposing illustration, the Christian who feeds a starving man understands his need for everlasting food. Particularly, the Scripture that comes to mind is, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” Deuteronomy 8:3 and Matthew 4:4.
As the illustration eludes, the difference between a Christian and a Materialist is clear. Lewis admits that to a point both of these approaches have roots in compassion and love. The materialist does not come to a starving man with the intent to kill; in fact, they feed the man to cease his suffering. Lewis also points out, Christians and Materialists can agree on many things, like education, health care, and the judicial system. However, sooner or later the differences will be blatant and undeniable. The Christian lifestyle will never support or tolerate the materialist lifestyle. And, the difference lies with the source of their joy.
The Christian’s source of joy is far deeper than the Materialist’s source of joy. For the materialist, joy comes from superficial source and fails to withstand the trials of life. When life takes a turn for the worst, the Materialist wallows in self-pity or rebels even harder against God. When life takes a turn for the best, they take the good for granted and self-indulge where they should not. This, I would argue, is not joy at all. It is merely a delay of the inevitable.

Inner ring

Christ refused to be limited to the confines of an inner ring. To emphasize this point, he surrounded himself with men and women who sinned in every aspect of life. When asked about his limitless ring, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come not to call the righteous, but sinners" (Mark 2:17). Here, Jesus explains that his purpose for refusing an inner ring is that his loving salvation is limitless. To put Christ in an inner ring would be to limit his saving power. On the contrary, this passage as well as many other reiterates Christ's power to save "everyone who believes in him" so that they "may not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

The application of Christ's acceptance and love can be particularly useful when talking about the exclusivity of the church. As the body of Christ, we are called to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). Jesus did not say, "Go therefore and make disciples of those who you think are savable." Or, "Go and only accept people into the church with X amount of sins or under." He said, "All Nations," and he said it because he is willing and capable to receive every human being on earth that chooses him, because he loves every one of them. When Christ tells us to go out to all nations, we should not retract from or add to this commission. Instead, look at each person we meet with the knowledge that Christ loves them and wants them to love him, wholly and freely.

On the same note, Christ calls us to do this because we are all wicked to some degree, and in his eyes we are all equally filthy rags. Even now, after accepting Christ as my Lord and Savior, I fall short. Does this mean that I do not qualify for church membership, certainly not! So, if I continually sin, and other non-believers continually sin, then it is my duty to point them towards Christ in every way that I can so that the non-believer can turn from wickedness. Because, as we see in Romans 1:18-21, God has made himself known to every man since the beginning of time. So, when they reject him, they do it in full understanding of the natural consequences.

Love

Love: Eros

First, the Lord has blessed me with a man that has a heart for Christ. Thus, my take on Lewis’ discussion of eros today was especially insightful. Also, I think any woman from age 15 to age 99 who says they do not think about, or want, an eros kind of love is either lying to others, or just lying to herself. Furthermore, the Scriptures have very explicit comments about the nature of a woman’s heart for a man. In Genesis, women are cursed with desire being for their husbands, and the husbands’ rule over them. Thankfully, Christ came and reconstructed the hierarchy of humanity.

In 1 Corinthians 11:2–16, many commentaries focus on the head covering aspect of Paul’s argument. However, Lewis touches on a much more crucial theme that enlightens Christ’s view of the relationship between husband and wife. Both Paul and Lewis teach that the hierarchy is “…the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” Granted, the church that this was written to had huge issues with women acting inappropriately in public, but the basic principle still applies today. It applies because the man should be following Christ’s headship. If not, then there is an unequal yoke, and the relationship may need to be left (not in all cases, but some). Under Christ’s headship, love, respect, and obedience naturally flow. And, this does not only apply to the relationship between a husband and a wife!

The last thing I thought was particularly insightful from Lewis’ take on eros was when he said, “to be in love is to intend…eternity.” Christ promises us eternal love, therefore we should promise eternal love to him back. Likewise, in our relationships with our loved ones we should willingly expect to give up our lives for each other because Christ gave up his life for us.

Learning in War time

Learning in wartime

Lewis says, “Life has never been normal,” starting off his discussion in a Christian’s life during wartime. Through out his writing, he gave us several principles to learn. One of the primary principles Lewis spoke about was a Christian’s responsibility to act as Christ would in all areas of life. When I heard this point I thought of the lyrics, “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love.” Some have the instant reaction to seclude themselves from the world in fear that they will fail to uphold Christian values. Also, some have an instant reaction to ignore this principle because it’s too difficult, so why try anyway? Lewis, however, combats these excuses by explaining that we have the duty and obligation in our lives to push our faith and learning in Christ. There is no “free pass” from entering the world, we must face it by putting on the armor of guard, holding the Word of God in our hearts, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us.

Lewis says this specifically in these words: We are supposed to “participate in this war. And every duty is a religious duty, and our obligation to perform every duty is therefore absolute.” To apply this principle to life at Calvin, students have specific duties and obligations for this phase of life. First: entertainment! This is the first time in many students lives where what they choose to pour into their minds is uncensored by their parents. Now, I am not suggesting that most students dive off the deep end and watch X rated films, but they listen to explicit music, they watch more R rated movies than ever before, and they go to the occasional under-age drinking party. How are any of these things glorifying to God? Simply, they are not. Yes, some will say, “I’m doing research on pop-culture.” But, most of us (YES, me too!) allow this garbage into our minds (which by the way NEVER leaves our minds) because every one else is doing it. Shame on me for giving into to trends! I have not guarded my heart and my mind as I should!

Plantinga 4

Plantinga’s chapter on redemption focused on several aspects that develop a beautiful picture of Christ. The first of the aspects of Christ discussed was the Ten Commandments. Christ says that he did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. The Ten Commandments tell people how to live a happy, free life. So many times, non-believers don’t come to Christ because the think of him as a man or God with rules, regulations, and slavery. However, this misconception is in place solely because tainted followers of Christ have fallen away from Him and gave the world a wrong view of Him. Christ and Paul spoke about the freedom and life lived abundantly that Christ offers. When we live within the confines of the Ten Commandments, and other principles advocated in the Bible, we confine ourselves to life that avoids wickedness. And, wickedness leads to Hell.

Another aspect of Christ that Plantinga discusses is the disappointment that he gave the Pharisees. I love this aspect of Christ! In Philippians Paul, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, band every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Christ humiliated himself for us, and therefore we humiliate ourselves with him. We should be honored to undergo humiliation and obedience to death. Then, Paul says that Christ is glorified and honored as name above all names. And, as his servants we will delight in his glory, now, and in heaven.

Shattered Glass

Shattered Glass was a representation of a life that I want to avoid at all costs. The premise of the movie is that a young man is able to deceive every person he engages with in the work place. Stephen Glass, the young deceiver, possesses qualities that need illumination so to avoid them in the future. Then, the integrity of his boss, Chuck, is brought to light so that the way of righteousness may be known. Both of these characters reveal important life lessons that shine light on God’s will for our lives. Also, for Glass in particular, there are lessons to be learned that help avoid developing certain characteristics. Glass exemplified three characteristics that show wickedness, which is essentially rebellion against God. These three characteristics are deception, pride, and disillusionment.

First, Glass deceives everyone in the office. He spends hours and hours protecting and developing those lies so that he doesn’t get caught. This man is a good example of the consequences of the devil getting a foothold on his heart. It didn’t start out as a complicated lie; it only started as one little foothold. Second, Glass was sucked into a prideful nature. There are times that the audience gets drawn into his false humility and deception. And, then they are quickly reminded that this sneaky man has us all wrapped around his finger. Third, Glass experienced serious disillusionment. Indeed, he was thrust out of his high school with an idealist nature, and quickly experienced the harsh work world. So, to cope with his disillusionment he allowed deception and pride to seep into his heart.

The only redeeming person in the movie is Glass’s boss, Chuck. Although, Chuck is characterized as the antagonist in the movie, from a Christian’s perspective, he seems to be the only guy who upholds any sort of rational and moral character. Chuck cuts through Glass’s devilish nature, and the hatred of his employees, and he lives righteously by firing Glass. In the end, those around him give him their applause and their respect.

Plantinga 3

The ingredients of corruption are perversion and pollution, these two components result in a “matrices of evil [that] appear and breed” greed and pride. Perversion begins the descent into corruption that leads to life away from God. In Plantinga chapter 3, the idea of perverting spiritual life starts with the misuse of God given abilities. We are all born with certain skill sets that help advance the Kingdom of God. These skills can change the world when used individually and corporately by the Holy Spirit. When these skills (gifts) are abused they bring destruction individually and corporately. One example of skills being used by the Holy Spirit could be Billy Graham’s persuasive speaking skills. One example of skills being abused could be Hitler’s persuasive speaking skills. In both cases, the individual was born with a certain skill set that shifted the course of his individual life as well as the lives of many. Thus, when Christians learn their strengths, they can do wonderful things through Christ.

Pollution is the second ingredient of corruption. Plantinga explains this pollution as allowing everything that a person comes in contact with to become vile. Specifically, “he pollutes his relationships with foreign elements…” Plantinga means that we can turn things that are harmless and fun into things that are wicked and rebellious against God. Admittedly, this is an American-Christian weak point. We have had this pollution deeply ingrained into our psyche with sports, entertainment, philosophy, and religion. In many ways, I fear it is in irreversible problem. However, I refuse to believe that all hope is lost. There are tremendous moves through Christian communities to censor the influx of pollution. Indeed, many are beginning to realize the downward spiral our culture is in and they are getting out. Christians are beginning to stand against the pollution, louder than ever.

The Poison of Subjectivism

Subjectivism is the new trend for our culture. We think, "What's good for you, may not be good for me." And, the word true could easily be exchanged for the word good in this way. In essence, it is man's attempt to play God. Man decides at one point, that God is not doing a good enough job and so man will take on God's role, and do it better. Or, he loses at a point, sight of his own heart, and of who makes up the content of his heart, which is God and its contents is moral law. This is backed up by scriptures that say effectively, God has put his law in our hearts so that we cannot make excuses for our sin, and I hold that subjectivism is one of those sins. When we—and we all do, so it is not if but when intentionally—make our morals relative, we go against God's direct, innate law.

Lewis said that if we say, "Let us improve our morality" then "the fatal superstition that men created values, that a community can choose its "ideology" as men choose their clothes." Rules and Boundaries are lost to total chaos and ruin. I argue that God gives us boundaries out of love and preservation, not for humiliation or cruelty. As a father, he acknowledges that we are incapable of conquering sin every time we encounter it. Instead of condemning us for our weakness, he gives us safeguards for our hearts (Scripture) and in our hearts (the Holy Spirit). In fact, the Ten Commandments and other principles given in Scripture are not only values held in the hearts of Christians, but in many religions. That fact aloe gives significant insight into the law that God writes on the heart of every man.

Lastly, a complimentary point to my approval of rules and boundaries brings light to the completeness and timelessness of God's pursuit of our love. To clarify, God does not need our love, but he does want it. He is jealous for it and he wants it freely and totally. When we distort (or allow the devil to grasp a foothold then distort) we show God that we reject him. Thus, subjectivism is the rejection of God. And, breaking rules and boundaries does not change his love for us, but rather it changes our love for him, ourselves, and each other into something it should not. Ultimately, it is a matter of the heart that rears its ugly head in our social circles, political ventures, and spiritual pursuits.

Mere Christianity

Lewis has a brilliant way of confronting and challenging people without them knowing it. In Mere Christianity, Lewis begins his discussion by back-handedly shaming Christians for emphasizing the differences between them. He quite directly explains that denominations are not the point of joining a church, this shatters their comfort in their respective divisions. Right off the bat, he wipes away all preconceived notions of his writing on one denomination. By doing this, he levels their heads and reminds them of what the point really is: Jesus! The beauty of this is that he brings Christianity back to Christ without any one immediately recognizing it (which brings guilt) or rejecting it (which brings denial). In this writing, each reader lets go of his or her denomination, if only for a little while.

Our generation of Christians seems to reflect this same point. On the first day of class, a student said that he was not "non-denominational," but rather he is "without denomination." (Or something to that effect, Sorry if I got the wording wrong). It interests me that as much as Lewis affirmed this difference, he humble tells of his own membership to a particular denomination. Then, this student in our class may have some insight into Lewis' membership: To attend church, and thrive in Christian fellowship, without falling into the persuasive divisions Christians enjoy so much. I acknowledge that I am assuming the reasoning for this student to reject denomination labels parallel Lewis. In the end, Christians hurt themselves, each other, and seekers. Why would a seeker want to join a church that criticizes and hurts one another? Indeed, I do not escape or exclude myself for driving factions between myself and others.

The conclusion Lewis comes to is that "high Theology…ought never to be treated except by real experts." The point is, it doesn't really matter in the end any way!

Screwtape Letters

A couple of years ago I started to read the Screwtape Letters, but couldn't finish it. The letters made me so uncomfortable that I started having nightmares. From our reading assigned, I cannot help but think that I allowed my own devil to seep into my thoughts. Although, the time I spent gradually falling away from the reading did not turn around, there is something to be acknowledged. Paulo said today, "Scripture, faith, and the Holy Spirit." If I would have used Scripture, and called the Holy Spirit to strengthen my mind, then he would have. If I would have and the faith to know the Holy SPirit is capable and willing to fulfill my request, I would have finished the book. In class, we were taught to practice using moral/stock responses for the first line of defense against the d evil's tempting schemes.

Again, the devil is a liar! He will send nightmares, unhealthy thoughts, bad mood, and other subtle tactics to drag us down. Scripture is our source for stock responses. There is nothing that pleases the Lord more than one of his children acknowledging their reliances on him. Also, he is proud because the devil is inferior to his Word. Remember though, the devil knows his Scripture better than you, so don't allow him to twist the Scripture against you.

This class is opening my eyes to the infinite weakness I embody as a fallen person. However, I'm torn because, as a child of God, I'm supposed to end up on the "winning team."So, even though I access Scripture, faith, and the Holy SPirit, I continually fail. The beautiful thing about the Screwtape letters, and my failures, is that its NOT about Me! The "me, me me" thoughts are just another device of the devil. Thank the Lord he rescues me from myself and the little devil on my shoulder!

The weight of glory

The school boy. I have been blessed by God to love learning. Admittedly, I am not the best learner, but I study my major with a knowledge that although it is tedious, and disappointing at times, I will enjoy what I am learning for the rest of my life. In whatever occupation I choose, I am learning now hot to reflect Christ's glory. To obey God is not an easy thing. People like to throw around the fruits of the spirit like it is attainable. Like, if we would just TRY harder we would stop playing games in the mud and see the palace awaiting us.

College life is the catalyst for getting out of the mud. Study something you love and you will quickly see the palace ahead of you. And, others will see the palace through you. Obviously, God wants us to remember that we live for him through our occupation. Studying doesn't replace our walk with Christ, but it accentuates it. I said this in an earlier blog, but it applies here as well. We need to start living our lives as if Jesus was living it. We don't need to move it Israel and become Jewish! We need to allow God to reveal his plan for us, and then as we live it out ask how Jesus would live it.

Now, how to go about these different aspects of your day to day living becomes a different beast altogether! One the one hand, I have been in the educational machine for quite awhile and instinctually fall back into a humdrum slave routine. As Paul says, or what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Here, I would press that half-hearted studying becomes sinful. On the other hand, it is my job to account that, it is Thanks be to God! That I have a Lord who rescues me. I fail all day long, yet I am made new every day.

What if each of us woke up knowing that we were made a new creation; that after we have repented our sins we were totally washed clean, and had a new attempt at it. I know this is ambitious, and unattainable. But, for my part, I open myself up for Christ's presence in my heart, so that he may wash me clean... again!

Plantinga 2

As images, or reflections, of God we have the responsibility to uphold his glory here on earth. In Plantinga ch. 2 we learned several ways to do this. One important way of reflecting God's image on earth is in the way we interact with each other. It would be easy for each follower of Christ to go out to isolation and practice our patience, love, and faith. But, God created us into social, dependent, and interactive beings. He did this to reflect his social and interactive characteristics. Plantinga points out that our reflection of God's character is meant to be interactive, not isolated. When sin came into the world it did not abolish these necessities, but rather strengthened them. It is all the more imperative to live out God's qualities, especially dependence.

Another way of reflecting God's image on earth is obeying our responsibility to rule over the earth. God created us to have dominion over the earth. Pointedly, a student in class said that we are not here to consume and devour at our leisure. Rather, we are here to live and reign as stewards of God's property. Some over react to this responsibility by shaming commercial development. I would respectfully question there understanding of "dominion." Most development is good... You get clothes, food, churches, and hospitals from development.

The last point I would like to emphasize from the chapter is similar to that of "The Weight of Glory." ANother student pointed out that these transformations do not occur instantaneously. I absolutely agree, and would go further to add that in fact, transforming into a master of the fruits of the spirit and a impeccable steward of God's property (every thing), is a a tedious, blood, sweat, and tears, task. This pursuit is painful. We make it painful! We do not do what we say we will do, we choose to push against God. And, Paul says many times that it is the evil nature living in us that causes these reactions.

Our English Syllabus

In class, my group discussed Our English Syllabus with relation to its implications for studying at Calvin. For our discussion, my group observed several points that suggest change for Calvin. The first of these observations was directed toward Calvin’s Liberal Arts emphasis. This style of education gives students the responsibility of learning about many subjects that they do not choose. These subjects include biology, calculus, and philosophy. I assume, the point of this liberal arts program is to form a well-rounded student. C. S. Lewis argues that the imperative learning of each student must come from desire, not responsibility (or duty). This stance means that if a student wants to become a Economics major, he should not have to take several hours of science, philosophy and other courses that will obviously never be applied.

However, Lewis also understands that focusing on one subject by excluding all others from study is equally harmful. Thus, he suggests that we enter our academic lives as sponges. Be ready to absorb anything, with an attitude of humility and excitement. Also, he implies that take some “core” classes are beneficial if they coincide with the major chosen. For example, a Religion major should take one science and one math, and take many philosophy, history, and language courses. This in turn, will give the student tools that will encourage and deepen his understanding of the subject. The key point is that Calvin has over emphasized the Liberal Arts education into a circus of requirements and useless education.

have no right to happiness

Initially, the class discussion yesterday surprised me. I thought, "How on earth could these kids, who are just like me, think that we have right to happiness?" Oh boy, I exposed two major flaws in my thought process. The first one is a no-brainer, none of these students are exactly like me. Yes, by and large we will have many similarities, but who am I to say, “He must think like me”? And, for that I apologize. Next, my faulty assumption on this matter reflected a more general observation that intrigued me: Should we focus our attentions on the right of happiness, or should we focus on the right of righteousness. Through the course of the discussion, happiness became defined as a consequence of joy. I argue that joy is a consequence of righteousness and thus righteousness (godly living) should be our focal point. In fact, Paul spends the majority of his letters speaking on righteousness, not happiness!

If righteousness is our focal point, then the discussion forgoes the “human right to happiness”—which for all intensive purposes doesn’t really matter much (to me)—and dives into Mr. A and Mrs. B’s lack of righteousness. C. S. Lewis expresses this point when he said, “It is an offense against honesty…against good faith…against gratitude…and against common humanity.” Now, God designed righteousness to bring happiness, but we are not guaranteed either. We are not guaranteed these because we chose, everyday, to resist what we know to be good and true, which brings a natural consequence of unhappiness.

Plantinga 1

“We should not underestimate the difficulty of discerning and following the will of God where justice is concerned” (p. 10). He continues to say that the Bible should be our perspective, but many the media and our profane society steers us away. This, is putting it kindly. The media, our culture, or whatever you want to call it seems to be one of Satan’s favorite tool. Hence, as Christian’s push to advance the Kingdom, Satan pushes back just as hard. Our generation of students must acknowledge that we have all absorbed a tremendous amount of wicked ideas and imagery from the media. Then, we must do everything in our power to cleanse ourselves of it and teach others to do the same. Here, lies my hope for our future! I, by experience, know that it is a difficult thing to do, but ultimately satisfying because it is glorifying to God. Stop watching the MTV and the Bachelor. Don’t play the filthy music, don’t go to the movies and watch Jennifer’s Body. Go play board games instead of going to kegger’s on a Friday night.

What I am trying to affirm from chapter 1 is that it is possible to live in our wicked culture and not succumb to it. I know it is easy to say, “Don’t do this” and “Don’t do that.” And, I know I don’t always practice what I preach, but what I also know is that I learned the hard way. I filled myself up with the media and pushed myself away from God! Now, I am content in leading a “lame” life according to those on the outside, looking at me.

Bulverism

Lewis argues against Bulverism by exposing its weaknesses. In fact, by exposing this argumentation style’s weaknesses Lewis simultaneously strengthens his argumentation style. And, his style of argumentation is turning to Christ at every point, which becomes the great lesson to learn from God in the Dock: “Bulverism”. To begin, the largest weakness of Bulverism is that it assumes its opponent is wrong. For example, almost every American leans on this strategy in politics, social relationships, religious sects, and more. The problem in assuming the opponent is wrong is simply that they could be right. Lewis’ position is that a thorough investigation resulting in a definitive conclusion must be formed before any real reason is made.

Essentially, looking along with the opponent is Lewis’ solution to Bulverism. Further, he calls for ceasing the search to find out who is wrong and who is right, and beginning a search for the truth. Here, humility through internal scrutiny and the work of the Holy Spirit will reveal truth. Indeed, seeking this truth is a fundamental trait of a Christian’s character. Our hearts should constantly be asking the question, “If Christ were living my life, how would he live it?” This means, I don’t have to move to Israel and become Jewish to be like Christ, but rather I have to begin every situation with the intention of living it like Christ would. Then, my assumption becomes a Christ-like assumption, one of love, wisdom, righteousness, and understanding.

meditations

Meditations in a toolshed points out two fundamental perspectives we have in our everyday lives. These two, looking along and looking at, exposes significant strengths and weaknesses each of us succumbs to. The main weakness of looking along at an experience is that we have no way to intimately absorb the complete nature of the event. For example, if we see a man accidentally smash his thumb while hammering a nail we see his pain. We may even know to many degrees what his pain feels like. But, if we have not smashed our thumbs under hammers we cannot understand him. Thankfully, as a Christian, Christ comes into each of our hearts and has had his thumb smashed for us and with us. Now, although we see pain, although we can know depths of pain, and although we can only sympathize with others pain, Christ as our focal point transforms this experience into a supernatural experience where his glory can be reflected and worshipped. Now, pain however immeasurable, can be our source of love, humility, and worship! And, therefore the weakness becomes strength.

Looking at has strengths to it because, as said above, it ultimately points us to Christ. Also, looking at usually provides us with enough knowledge to discern if the experience is beneficial to our lives or if we should avoid it. In the case of the man and the hammer, we know that, by his reaction, and our some times limited understanding of pain, that we should be careful while hammering. Furthermore, we can look at the man's style of hammering and improve it. Again, as Christians, looking at others experiences is crucial to living in Christ. Simply, God gave us the good sense to look at others and at history to learn from it and grow closer to him.

Then, looking along with the experience, living it for ourselves is equally as essential. It is probably safe to say that people in general do not enjoy having their fingers smashed by a hammer. My argument would be, some times we need a good wack on the thumb to bring us back to the reality that Christ is our focal point. And that, even with a sore thumb, their is love to be learned.