Alice in Wonderland, Gmail + macs, and some thoughts on clarity

a)

I am currently reading Alice in Wonderland, available on gutenberg.org, an excellent place to find free e-books (well, pdf files or html pages with books).

Ponder these treasured words of English literature:

"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'
'That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.
'I don't much care where--' said Alice.
'Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.
'--so long as I get SOMEWHERE,' Alice added as an explanation.
'Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, 'if you only walk long enough.'

b)

Why doesn't gmail have folders? Yahoo and Hotmail and probably everyone else have folders. Do I just not see them? Is there some logical reason for their absence?

My hypothesis - a stubborn desire to be different. The same frustrating drive that produces results like Apple's still-only-one-button mouse (just admit the two buttons is a good idea!!).

c)

You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently - Psalm 119:4

Note that it does not say "You have commanded your precepts to be half-understood, because we are finite beings dealing with language that was embedded in a culture that had different assumptions and values than we currently do", nor does it say "You have commanded your precepts to be applied with limited attention to detail, especially given that the proper application of them has been debated amongst the greatest of scholars for centuries past".

We can walk in the law of the Lord (v. 1), keep His testimonies (v. 2), be steadfast in keeping His statutes (v. 5), and keep our way pure (v. 9). We aren't there now, but we can press onwards towards more certain knowledge of God's Word!

Also, regarding the difference between being unclear and being difficult to understand: The Bible is always clear, but its sometimes difficult to understand. It varies in difficulty, but not in clarity (eg. Peter's comments about Paul's writing in 2 Pet 3:16). Here is Wayne Grudem:

" The main idea here is not that it is easy to understand, but that it is free of unnecessary complications. There is nothing to obscure what is being taught, nothing to cloud the issue or hinder the understanding.

With these definitions in mind, we can properly talk about someone giving a clear presentation of quantum electrodynamics, even though most people would not be able to understand a word of what was being said. Why wouldn’t most people understand a wonderfully clear and precise presentation on quantum electrodynamics? Because they don’t have the necessary prerequisites." (please read the rest if you are interested)

Don't give up, or give in to the temptation to settle for confusion where God offers clarity. That's something that I need to be reminded of every day as I open up the Book.

Eric Liddell and Interesting Things (Lazy, I've-got-a-cold blogpost)

a)
I just finished reading Eric Liddell: Pure Gold. Great book. Here’s why:

1. The history is really interesting, as Liddell is born in Northern China and dies there. For those who know the area, you really get a picture of life in the country during those very significant years.

2. The athletics side is interesting. Hearing Liddell’s progress from winning runs in boarding school to becoming the most impressive runner in the UK and finally being re-trained to compete in different Olympic running events so that he can observe the Lord’s Day is really inspiring and makes me appreciate God’s gift of sports, a gift I don’t usually concern myself with.

3. His story is the kind that isn’t usually told. After college, he returns to Asia and does children’s ministry. He teaches children science, coaches them in sports, but makes their spiritual life his no. 1 priority. He prays for the Asian children, encourages them, sets a good example, and teaches Bible studies to those who chose to go. How many books about children’s missionaries do you know? This is a nice reminder of the need for men to invest in winning young souls.

4. His story is about God. The great theme is surrender to God, not the greatness of Eric Liddell. It doesn’t overly flatter the man, but instead shows how God can use a man if he puts his all on the altar.

I definitely recommend the book, especially if you want to know the history of the country he ministered in.

b)

I'm sick :(

c)

I wanted to continue the discussion on knowledge and clarity in regards to Biblical truth in the future, but for the meantime, I will simply give you some things I thought were interesting online.

d)
Here’s an interesting thought on discerning God’s Will.

e)
Since this is a blog with the issue of gender in its title, here’s an interesting thought by Pastor Mark Driscoll, who is, as usual, interesting.

Btw, I’m sure many won’t be satisfied with the way he answered this question. I definitely agree with what he says, I’m not sure if it’s a real answer though.

f)
Speaking of Driscoll, have you checked out his talk at the latest Desiring God conference? It is, not surprising, interesting, though I have yet to have finished it. I think he makes a good case, until he talks about mocking. I’m not sure it’s such a strong argument.

However, he hits on an incredibly important point – the Bible is really hard on false teachers, and yet we in the 21st Century want to have nice “conversations”. Jesus and Paul love the sheep too much to waste the time.