Tim Speer's Blog
May 1, 2016
The Failure of Photography
Those who know me, know that I love photography. And I especially love landscape photography. In my photography, I have two primary things helping me. The first of these is the many beautiful places that God has created, which I have been blessed to be able to see. Having a beautiful landscape makes taking pictures that people will like a lot easier. The second thing is I truly feel that, through the Holy Spirit, God often inspires me, leading me to take better pictures than I otherwise would. On the negative side, I don't have quite the talent that other photographers do. In addition to that, as opposed to professional photographers, as well as many more serious amateur photographers, I am what I call a photographer of opportunity. That is to say that when I visit places, photography isn't usually my primary purpose for being there, and I am generally at a given place for a relatively short period of time. Thus I have to take advantage of the opportunities I am presented with, dealing with the conditions as they exist. However, professional photographers, as well as many more serious amateur photographers, often go places specifically to photograph them. And they will plan their visits, and take the time, to capture their subject matter in the most favorable lighting and weather conditions. Thus, they often will be able to capture shots that I will never have the opportunity to take.
All of that said, I have come to the conclusion that all photography fails to a given extent. That is, it fails to fully capture the magnificence of the subject matter. Good photographers can often take truly beautiful pictures. And many can even take pictures that elicit an emotional response. However even at that, they can often only capture a glimpse of the true magnificence of what they are photographing. There is simply no way to fully capture the true magnitude and beauty that exists there.
One reason for this failing is due to pure optical physics. There are many places that it is simply impossible to capture the true magnitude and scale of. Particularly when displayed on any scale that a photograph might be displayed on. Even if it is printed on a wall poster. Take the Grand Canyon, which is up to a mile deep and eighteen miles wide. Or the South Rim of the Chisos Basin, where there are places that one has one-hundred-and-eighty degree views that extend for over thirty miles in any given direction. There is simply no physical way to give the viewer of a photograph that sense of magnitude and distance. Even if one takes a series of photographs and combines them in a panoramic photograph. The viewer might get a sense of the vastness, but the resulting height to width ratio of the panoramic photograph will actually diminish the vertical perspective.
Another reason that photography cannot fully capture the magnificence of many places is that it deals in only one of the senses - sight. It can't capture the sound of a hawk echoing through the walls of the Grand Canyon. Or the smell of flowers as one hikes through the valleys of Glacier National Park. Or the feel of a gentle cool breeze as one stands in amazement among the Red Woods, watching the late afternoon sun filter down through the trees to the fern covered ground.
A final reason that a photograph simply can't capture the true magnificence of many places is that part of that magnificence is purely spiritual. Sure, as I mentioned, there are photographers who can take pictures that elicit emotional responses. However, the emotional response that one may have when viewing a photograph is different from the actual spiritual experience of being there. Stand or sit quietly at any of the aforementioned places, and it is truly a spiritual experience. I remember getting up on Christmas morning last year. I was in the Chisos Mountain Basin in Big Bend National Park. To the west, a full moon was setting directly down through the Window. While at the same time, to the east, the sun was lighting up the clouds over Casa Grande, coloring them a bright red. It was a three-hundred-and-sixty degree display that was more magnificent than any photograph I might take could hope to convey. But there was much more to it than that. At that moment, I truly felt a oneness with God. It was as if God himself was saying "Merry Christmas, this is the gift I have created for you." And that's the way it often is. It may not be Christmas, but God is still there, saying "Look at the beauty I have created for you to see. This is a sign of my love for you."
All of that said, I have come to the conclusion that all photography fails to a given extent. That is, it fails to fully capture the magnificence of the subject matter. Good photographers can often take truly beautiful pictures. And many can even take pictures that elicit an emotional response. However even at that, they can often only capture a glimpse of the true magnificence of what they are photographing. There is simply no way to fully capture the true magnitude and beauty that exists there.
One reason for this failing is due to pure optical physics. There are many places that it is simply impossible to capture the true magnitude and scale of. Particularly when displayed on any scale that a photograph might be displayed on. Even if it is printed on a wall poster. Take the Grand Canyon, which is up to a mile deep and eighteen miles wide. Or the South Rim of the Chisos Basin, where there are places that one has one-hundred-and-eighty degree views that extend for over thirty miles in any given direction. There is simply no physical way to give the viewer of a photograph that sense of magnitude and distance. Even if one takes a series of photographs and combines them in a panoramic photograph. The viewer might get a sense of the vastness, but the resulting height to width ratio of the panoramic photograph will actually diminish the vertical perspective.
Another reason that photography cannot fully capture the magnificence of many places is that it deals in only one of the senses - sight. It can't capture the sound of a hawk echoing through the walls of the Grand Canyon. Or the smell of flowers as one hikes through the valleys of Glacier National Park. Or the feel of a gentle cool breeze as one stands in amazement among the Red Woods, watching the late afternoon sun filter down through the trees to the fern covered ground.
A final reason that a photograph simply can't capture the true magnificence of many places is that part of that magnificence is purely spiritual. Sure, as I mentioned, there are photographers who can take pictures that elicit emotional responses. However, the emotional response that one may have when viewing a photograph is different from the actual spiritual experience of being there. Stand or sit quietly at any of the aforementioned places, and it is truly a spiritual experience. I remember getting up on Christmas morning last year. I was in the Chisos Mountain Basin in Big Bend National Park. To the west, a full moon was setting directly down through the Window. While at the same time, to the east, the sun was lighting up the clouds over Casa Grande, coloring them a bright red. It was a three-hundred-and-sixty degree display that was more magnificent than any photograph I might take could hope to convey. But there was much more to it than that. At that moment, I truly felt a oneness with God. It was as if God himself was saying "Merry Christmas, this is the gift I have created for you." And that's the way it often is. It may not be Christmas, but God is still there, saying "Look at the beauty I have created for you to see. This is a sign of my love for you."
January 15, 2016
God Answers Prayer
Not According To Plan
Last Saturday was the day of my mom's funeral. It would also turn out to be the first time in over a dozen years that our entire family, consisting of my brother and sisters, our children, and now a growing group of grandchildren, had gotten together. As luck would have it, last Wednesday I came down with a viral infection. Since that time, I have fought through various phases, and combinations, of a sore throat, coughs, runny noses, and fevers. You all know what I'm talking about. From last Thursday through this Tuesday, I was barely able to talk, sometimes even having to whisper.
Heal Thyself
When the symptoms started, I of course did everything I could to treat them. Sinus medicine, nose drops, neti pot, and extra rest. And, probably most importantly, I prayed, as did my wife.
God's Healing
So how did Saturday day go? Saturday I woke up feeling absolutely fine. No sore throat, cough, runny nose, or even a hoarse voice. We left the motel at about nine in the morning to go to a graveside service in twenty degree weather. After that a quick lunch, followed by a memorial service at the church. After that we had a family gathering at one of my nieces house, where we stayed until about seven in the evening. And I made it through all of this without any signs of my viral infection.
At Midnight, You Turn Back Into A Pumpkin
All of this lasted until we were on our way back to the motel, and decided to stop at a McDonald's. At the drive through, I suddenly found myself so hoarse, that I had to have my son give the order. And since that time, I have still fought through various symptoms. And even today, I still have a cough. However, for one day, the day I really needed it, I was perfectly well. And I believe that this truly was an answer to prayer.
Last Saturday was the day of my mom's funeral. It would also turn out to be the first time in over a dozen years that our entire family, consisting of my brother and sisters, our children, and now a growing group of grandchildren, had gotten together. As luck would have it, last Wednesday I came down with a viral infection. Since that time, I have fought through various phases, and combinations, of a sore throat, coughs, runny noses, and fevers. You all know what I'm talking about. From last Thursday through this Tuesday, I was barely able to talk, sometimes even having to whisper.
Heal Thyself
When the symptoms started, I of course did everything I could to treat them. Sinus medicine, nose drops, neti pot, and extra rest. And, probably most importantly, I prayed, as did my wife.
God's Healing
So how did Saturday day go? Saturday I woke up feeling absolutely fine. No sore throat, cough, runny nose, or even a hoarse voice. We left the motel at about nine in the morning to go to a graveside service in twenty degree weather. After that a quick lunch, followed by a memorial service at the church. After that we had a family gathering at one of my nieces house, where we stayed until about seven in the evening. And I made it through all of this without any signs of my viral infection.
At Midnight, You Turn Back Into A Pumpkin
All of this lasted until we were on our way back to the motel, and decided to stop at a McDonald's. At the drive through, I suddenly found myself so hoarse, that I had to have my son give the order. And since that time, I have still fought through various symptoms. And even today, I still have a cough. However, for one day, the day I really needed it, I was perfectly well. And I believe that this truly was an answer to prayer.
December 30, 2015
The Window
Author Mary Lasswell once wrote, "I am forced to conclude that God made Texas on his day off, for pure entertainment, just to prove that all that diversity could be crammed into one section of earth by a really top hand.” The same could actually be said for that not so little corner of Texas known as Big Bend. In Big Bend you will find lots of desert areas, with more species of cactus than I could easily list. But you will also find steep walled canyons; and mountains with Junipers, Pine, and alpine meadows. Wildlife ranges from rattle snakes, javelina and roadrunners; to white tail deer, mountain lions and black bears. Big Bend contains the second highest peak in Texas, Emory Peak with an elevation of 7,825 feet. In the far eastern part of Big Bend, down by the Rio Grande River, the elevation is just over 1,800 feet. The difference in temperature between the two can exceed twenty degrees Fahrenheit. The scenery is as spectacular as it is varied.
Big Bend is located along the Mexican border in far southwest Texas, and gets its name from the big curve the Rio Grande River makes there. It’s out of the way of anywhere you would want to go. If you end up there, it’s because you intended to go there.
Located roughly in the middle of Big Bend National Park, is a small group of mountains known as the Chisos Mountains. It is here that you find the alpine meadows, and Emory Peak. Leaving the main road, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet, one begins a slow ascent up into the mountains. As the road approaches the crest of Panther Pass, it makes a big hairpin curve. About a quarter-mile later you hit the crest of Panther Pass at an elevation of 5,770 feet. As the road begins its descent, it takes a series of switch backs. Rounding the first hairpin curve, the area known as “The Basin” comes into view below. The Basin is a roughly oval-shaped meadow area in the central part of the Chisos Mountains. It is surrounded by rugged mountains made up of reddish colored volcanic rock. When hit by the early morning, or late afternoon sun, these mountains actually appear to glow. Looking to the left, at the east end of The Basin, one sees the side of Casa Grande, a 7,170 foot, sheer faced mountain, that seems to stand guard over The Basin. And then, looking out to the west, at the far end of The Basin, you begin to see it...The Window.
The best views of The Window will come when you have completed your descent into The Basin. Topographically, The Basin slopes downward from east to west. A small, usually dry stream bed runs through the middle. Once carrying more water, this stream cut a canyon through the west wall of the mountains. The result is a prominent “V” shaped gap that gives one a view out to the surrounding desert, and smaller mountains. Here, in the middle of one of the most diverse places on earth, the mountains, the desert, and the sky all come together in one grand view. It’s truly a masterpiece created by the Master Creator.
The view through The Window is absolutely breathtaking. Just the same, in a park full of spectacular views, The Window may not be the most spectacular of them. But it is the most compelling. You cannot drive into The Basin without looking out through The Window. If you camp in the campground there, when you come outside of your tent or camper, you will look out at The Window. If you stay at the Lodge, when you come outside of your room, you will look out at The Window. The restaurant at the Lodge has a big picture window along the western wall. The view, of course looks out towards The Window. If you eat there, you will spend half your meal looking out at The Window. And, if you have any type of camera, you will most likely take a picture of The Window.
Call it the ultimate picture window. As if its view weren’t compelling enough, its location at the west end of The Basin provides for some spectacular sunset views. This helps ensure that it is probably one of the most photographed features in the park. However, I’m not sure that it wouldn’t still be the most photographed even without the sunsets. As you move around The Basin, and the surrounding mountains, either by car, or by foot on the many trails there, you are constantly given a new perspective of The Window. Each one just as compelling as the other. But it doesn’t end there. Come back to the park some day and, if you have a camera, you will very likely take even more photos of The Window. I have been to Big Bend so many times over the years that I have lost count. At least thirty, and quite possibly over forty. And I'm not sure that there were any of these trips on which I failed to take at least one picture of The Window. If there were, there weren’t very many. And, it usually rewards me with something a little different each time.
Whenever I go to Big Bend, I’m always filled with anticipation, waiting for that first view of The Window as I descend into The Basin. And whenever I leave, as I drive out of The Basin, I’ll always stop at that last hairpin curve for one last view of The Window. As I drive down the mountain, I pray two things. The first is to thank God for having been able to see such a beautiful piece of his creation. The second, is that I may someday, again be able to come back.
Big Bend is located along the Mexican border in far southwest Texas, and gets its name from the big curve the Rio Grande River makes there. It’s out of the way of anywhere you would want to go. If you end up there, it’s because you intended to go there.
Located roughly in the middle of Big Bend National Park, is a small group of mountains known as the Chisos Mountains. It is here that you find the alpine meadows, and Emory Peak. Leaving the main road, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet, one begins a slow ascent up into the mountains. As the road approaches the crest of Panther Pass, it makes a big hairpin curve. About a quarter-mile later you hit the crest of Panther Pass at an elevation of 5,770 feet. As the road begins its descent, it takes a series of switch backs. Rounding the first hairpin curve, the area known as “The Basin” comes into view below. The Basin is a roughly oval-shaped meadow area in the central part of the Chisos Mountains. It is surrounded by rugged mountains made up of reddish colored volcanic rock. When hit by the early morning, or late afternoon sun, these mountains actually appear to glow. Looking to the left, at the east end of The Basin, one sees the side of Casa Grande, a 7,170 foot, sheer faced mountain, that seems to stand guard over The Basin. And then, looking out to the west, at the far end of The Basin, you begin to see it...The Window.
The best views of The Window will come when you have completed your descent into The Basin. Topographically, The Basin slopes downward from east to west. A small, usually dry stream bed runs through the middle. Once carrying more water, this stream cut a canyon through the west wall of the mountains. The result is a prominent “V” shaped gap that gives one a view out to the surrounding desert, and smaller mountains. Here, in the middle of one of the most diverse places on earth, the mountains, the desert, and the sky all come together in one grand view. It’s truly a masterpiece created by the Master Creator.
The view through The Window is absolutely breathtaking. Just the same, in a park full of spectacular views, The Window may not be the most spectacular of them. But it is the most compelling. You cannot drive into The Basin without looking out through The Window. If you camp in the campground there, when you come outside of your tent or camper, you will look out at The Window. If you stay at the Lodge, when you come outside of your room, you will look out at The Window. The restaurant at the Lodge has a big picture window along the western wall. The view, of course looks out towards The Window. If you eat there, you will spend half your meal looking out at The Window. And, if you have any type of camera, you will most likely take a picture of The Window.
Call it the ultimate picture window. As if its view weren’t compelling enough, its location at the west end of The Basin provides for some spectacular sunset views. This helps ensure that it is probably one of the most photographed features in the park. However, I’m not sure that it wouldn’t still be the most photographed even without the sunsets. As you move around The Basin, and the surrounding mountains, either by car, or by foot on the many trails there, you are constantly given a new perspective of The Window. Each one just as compelling as the other. But it doesn’t end there. Come back to the park some day and, if you have a camera, you will very likely take even more photos of The Window. I have been to Big Bend so many times over the years that I have lost count. At least thirty, and quite possibly over forty. And I'm not sure that there were any of these trips on which I failed to take at least one picture of The Window. If there were, there weren’t very many. And, it usually rewards me with something a little different each time.
Whenever I go to Big Bend, I’m always filled with anticipation, waiting for that first view of The Window as I descend into The Basin. And whenever I leave, as I drive out of The Basin, I’ll always stop at that last hairpin curve for one last view of The Window. As I drive down the mountain, I pray two things. The first is to thank God for having been able to see such a beautiful piece of his creation. The second, is that I may someday, again be able to come back.
December 22, 2015
Christmas
Like many, I have found the past couple of weeks to be extremely busy. With all of today's hustle and bustle, it's easy to get sidetracked, and to forget what the true meaning of the season is. So I'd like to take this time to wish all of you a Happy Holy Days and a very Merry Christ Mass.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.
John 1:14
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.
John 1:14
December 18, 2015
New Book Cover
Not really a blog post, but just an announcement that Return To Paradise now has a new cover.
You can view it at: http://timspeer.net
You can view it at: http://timspeer.net
November 25, 2015
Being Thankful
As I have gone through life I have discovered that the key to being happy is to learn to be thankful. Very simply, those who are thankful, are generally happy because they realize how much they have been given. Those who aren’t thankful tend to be miserable, and think they are owed things. This Thanksgiving day, I challenge all of you to think of at least ten things that you are thankful for. Since I hate “post it challenges”, “pass along posts”, “share this posts”, and the like, I do not want you to post anything or share any post. Just within your own heart, think of ten things that you have to be thankful for. To show how easy it is, I am posting ten of my own using fairly broad categories. However, the rules are yours
For God’s love, and the gift of his Son, Jesus.
To think that the God who created the universe, would still love me. And, that he would love me so much as to humble himself to take on human form. And further, to hand himself over to his enemies to be tortured, ridiculed, and crucified for my sake.
For all of my family, both immediate and extended.
For a beautiful, loving wife, who loves not just me, but my soul. For our children, who have blessed us so much. For my parents, who were always there for me, and for all of my family, both close and far.
For all of God’s creation; the mountains, the oceans, the stars, the animals, and all of His glorious works.
There is so much beauty in what God has created. So much majesty. I have been blessed to have been able to see a lot of truly magnificent places in my lifetime. To stare in awe at the wonders of creation. But seeing God’s beauty doesn’t always require travel. Just the other day I was treated to a beautiful sunset, which I watched from my back yard. The stars on a clear night. And the trees, flowers, and birds that are all around us. The tree in the photo at the top of this post is just outside of my office.
For my home, the food I have to eat and the clothes I have to wear.
I have been blessed to always have had what I needed, and most of the time, more than I have needed.
For all of my friends.
I have been blessed with numerous friends throughout my life. And all have, in one way or another, had a positive influence on my life.
For all the teachers I have had, both formal and informal, who have helped me to learn and to grow.
There are so many lessons that I have learned along the way which have so greatly benefited me.
For all of those who have devoted their lives to the service of others including the armed forces, police, firemen and clergy.
For our freedom, for our safety, for our spiritual well being, there is so much I owe to others who often sacrifice their lives for mine.
For all of the jobs I have had throughout my life, for all they have provided me with, and all I have learned from them.
I can honestly say that I’ve never had a bad job. There may have been some that I did not want to stay at very long, but all have benefited me. I have learned from all of them, they have all helped to provide for the things I needed, and they have all helped me to advance.
For all those who work at jobs I would not want to do, but yet are still necessary.
There are many jobs that I hope I never have to do. Yet many, if not all are necessary. For those who do these jobs, I am thankful.
My health, and another day here on earth to enjoy all the many things I have been blessed with. br>Nuf said.
Now go have a blessed Thanksgiving day and a joyful, happy life.
For God’s love, and the gift of his Son, Jesus.
To think that the God who created the universe, would still love me. And, that he would love me so much as to humble himself to take on human form. And further, to hand himself over to his enemies to be tortured, ridiculed, and crucified for my sake.
For all of my family, both immediate and extended.
For a beautiful, loving wife, who loves not just me, but my soul. For our children, who have blessed us so much. For my parents, who were always there for me, and for all of my family, both close and far.
For all of God’s creation; the mountains, the oceans, the stars, the animals, and all of His glorious works.
There is so much beauty in what God has created. So much majesty. I have been blessed to have been able to see a lot of truly magnificent places in my lifetime. To stare in awe at the wonders of creation. But seeing God’s beauty doesn’t always require travel. Just the other day I was treated to a beautiful sunset, which I watched from my back yard. The stars on a clear night. And the trees, flowers, and birds that are all around us. The tree in the photo at the top of this post is just outside of my office.
For my home, the food I have to eat and the clothes I have to wear.
I have been blessed to always have had what I needed, and most of the time, more than I have needed.
For all of my friends.
I have been blessed with numerous friends throughout my life. And all have, in one way or another, had a positive influence on my life.
For all the teachers I have had, both formal and informal, who have helped me to learn and to grow.
There are so many lessons that I have learned along the way which have so greatly benefited me.
For all of those who have devoted their lives to the service of others including the armed forces, police, firemen and clergy.
For our freedom, for our safety, for our spiritual well being, there is so much I owe to others who often sacrifice their lives for mine.
For all of the jobs I have had throughout my life, for all they have provided me with, and all I have learned from them.
I can honestly say that I’ve never had a bad job. There may have been some that I did not want to stay at very long, but all have benefited me. I have learned from all of them, they have all helped to provide for the things I needed, and they have all helped me to advance.
For all those who work at jobs I would not want to do, but yet are still necessary.
There are many jobs that I hope I never have to do. Yet many, if not all are necessary. For those who do these jobs, I am thankful.
My health, and another day here on earth to enjoy all the many things I have been blessed with. br>Nuf said.
Now go have a blessed Thanksgiving day and a joyful, happy life.
November 18, 2015
The Reason For Evil
In the aftermath of the Paris terrorist attacks, we are again confronted with the question of why there is evil in the world. Many atheists often use the existence of evil as an argument that there can be no God. They say that if God is omniscient, all caring, and omnipotent; then he should know there is evil, want to stop evil, and be able to stop evil. They say that the existence of evil means that God, if He exists, lacks one or more of these characteristics. And these are characteristics that are almost universally ascribed to God. However, there are some flaws in this type of argument. First, they are blaming God for human failures. The existence of war, crime, terror, hunger, poverty, and all other evils, are the result of human failures, not failures of God. But, they argue, why does God allow such human failures to occur? The answer boils down to love.
I'm sure many of you are now scratching your head because you were sure that I was going to say free will. And ultimately it is. However, free will is the result of love. For you see God is, above all else, love. God created us out of love, and He wants to be loved. But love is not something you can dictate, it has to be freely given or it is not love. So we aren't given free will simply as a gift, to allow us to make our own choices. Rather, we are given free will because the very fact that we were created out of love requires free will.
Free will allows us to love God, and to love those around us. However, it also means we can choose the opposite. We can choose to hate, we can choose evil. So here is another error in the atheist's logic. Free will necessitates the existence of evil. For a person can only choose to love, if he can also choose not to love; if they can also choose hate. One can only choose to do good, if he can also choose to do bad. Otherwise, it's not a choice.
There is another, somewhat similar reason, that evil is necessary. That is that we are able to know of, and identify things only through contrasts. As the old saying goes, if everything was red, there would be no red. We can identify red, only because we also have blue, green, yellow, and all the other colors. We know light, only because we have darkness. We know hot, only because we have cold. And we can know, and choose love, only because there is hate. And with hate, comes evil.
When we blame God for evil, we also presume to know God's full plan. We in essence, pretend that we are omniscient, by saying that the evil can serve no purpose. Yet there may be a purpose that we are not aware of, or perhaps aren't able to understand. The reality is, there may be times when God allows evil because it serves a purpose he has for us. God wants us to come to him, and to love him. And if an evil event brings us to God, then it is serving God's purpose. And that purpose stands higher than, and overcomes the evil that led to it. We cannot know God's full plan and purpose, because God's plan is of heaven. While we are of the earth.
So what about the victims you ask? How can evil bring me to God if that evil just ended my life? This is the biggest fallacy of the atheist's argument. They say this only because, consistent with their lack of faith, they see things in terms of earth, and not of Heaven. Heaven is our ultimate goal. And we get there through death. By dying here on earth, we are born into an eternal life in Heaven. At that point, through the saving Grace of Christ, we have overcome evil. And what about the loved ones we leave behind? In time, they will join us. Yes, they may be sad, they may go through difficulties, and they may go through pain. But, in time, they will join us. And then they too, through Christ's Grace, will have overcome evil. What we go through on earth is temporary, and in the scheme of things, extremely short. Heaven on the other hand, lasts an eternity. This is precisely what Christ is talking about in John 16:33 when he says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I'm sure many of you are now scratching your head because you were sure that I was going to say free will. And ultimately it is. However, free will is the result of love. For you see God is, above all else, love. God created us out of love, and He wants to be loved. But love is not something you can dictate, it has to be freely given or it is not love. So we aren't given free will simply as a gift, to allow us to make our own choices. Rather, we are given free will because the very fact that we were created out of love requires free will.
Free will allows us to love God, and to love those around us. However, it also means we can choose the opposite. We can choose to hate, we can choose evil. So here is another error in the atheist's logic. Free will necessitates the existence of evil. For a person can only choose to love, if he can also choose not to love; if they can also choose hate. One can only choose to do good, if he can also choose to do bad. Otherwise, it's not a choice.
There is another, somewhat similar reason, that evil is necessary. That is that we are able to know of, and identify things only through contrasts. As the old saying goes, if everything was red, there would be no red. We can identify red, only because we also have blue, green, yellow, and all the other colors. We know light, only because we have darkness. We know hot, only because we have cold. And we can know, and choose love, only because there is hate. And with hate, comes evil.
When we blame God for evil, we also presume to know God's full plan. We in essence, pretend that we are omniscient, by saying that the evil can serve no purpose. Yet there may be a purpose that we are not aware of, or perhaps aren't able to understand. The reality is, there may be times when God allows evil because it serves a purpose he has for us. God wants us to come to him, and to love him. And if an evil event brings us to God, then it is serving God's purpose. And that purpose stands higher than, and overcomes the evil that led to it. We cannot know God's full plan and purpose, because God's plan is of heaven. While we are of the earth.
So what about the victims you ask? How can evil bring me to God if that evil just ended my life? This is the biggest fallacy of the atheist's argument. They say this only because, consistent with their lack of faith, they see things in terms of earth, and not of Heaven. Heaven is our ultimate goal. And we get there through death. By dying here on earth, we are born into an eternal life in Heaven. At that point, through the saving Grace of Christ, we have overcome evil. And what about the loved ones we leave behind? In time, they will join us. Yes, they may be sad, they may go through difficulties, and they may go through pain. But, in time, they will join us. And then they too, through Christ's Grace, will have overcome evil. What we go through on earth is temporary, and in the scheme of things, extremely short. Heaven on the other hand, lasts an eternity. This is precisely what Christ is talking about in John 16:33 when he says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
October 19, 2015
The Greatest Show Not on Earth
Today I got up, and went out for a morning run before sunrise. Looking up at the sky to the east, I could see that the planetary conjunction has definitely begun. Jupiter and Mars are now so close together, that you have to look closely to see Mars through Jupiter's bright glow. And Venus lies about three moon widths above, and is closing in on the other two.
Swinging to the south, Canis Major, now two months separated from the dog days, looms brightly. From there, one can trace the path of the Milky Way north, as it goes through the bright stars of Orion, Taurus, Perseus, and Cassiopeia. As I run, I can't help but marvel at how truly grand God's creation is.
Looking at the stars this morning, I think of the times when I have been out under truly dark skies, such as in Big Bend. And I can suddenly imagine the sailors of long ago, such as those that might have been sailing with Columbus or Magellan. As trying and hard as their voyages might have been, I can picture a lone sailor standing on the deck, on a clear night, when the sea was calm, looking at the stars and thinking, it's all worth it. In the case of these two examples, that sailor quite possibly would have been clutching a string of Rosary beads in his hand. May the Star of the Sea shine upon you.
Swinging to the south, Canis Major, now two months separated from the dog days, looms brightly. From there, one can trace the path of the Milky Way north, as it goes through the bright stars of Orion, Taurus, Perseus, and Cassiopeia. As I run, I can't help but marvel at how truly grand God's creation is.
Looking at the stars this morning, I think of the times when I have been out under truly dark skies, such as in Big Bend. And I can suddenly imagine the sailors of long ago, such as those that might have been sailing with Columbus or Magellan. As trying and hard as their voyages might have been, I can picture a lone sailor standing on the deck, on a clear night, when the sea was calm, looking at the stars and thinking, it's all worth it. In the case of these two examples, that sailor quite possibly would have been clutching a string of Rosary beads in his hand. May the Star of the Sea shine upon you.
October 13, 2015
Defining Success
The other day I read a blog post about how to deal with a lack of success as a Christian author. Among other things, it noted that, having put a lot of time and effort into our work, we have a natural desire to be rewarded for that work. Most people have one dream or another about being wildly successful at something. As the author of the blog post mentions, for an author, that usually translates into being on the New York Times Best Seller list, or winning a major book award; or even just seeing thousands and thousands of your books sell, and seeing those big royalty checks come in.
The reality is, that most will never see that kind of success. But perhaps the problem isn't ones lack of success, as much as the way they define that success. If we are truly writing for God, then success must be defined by God, on his terms, not by us, on our terms.
Before proceeding, I will qualify myself a little. Unlike some, I do not write as a full time profession, and I do not count on my writing for income. Also, although I am nowhere near making any type of New York Times list, the reality is that for a new author with only one published book, I am not doing that bad.
So how do I define success? First I have to look at the reason I chose to write a book to begin with. The answer to that is simple, I felt that God was calling me to write it. So if God was calling me to write, that means he has a purpose for my writing. By definition then, success is achieved when God's purpose for my writing is fulfilled.
I also have to realize that it's quite possible that God may only have a limited number of people for whom he wants to use my writing. And, I have to remember that when he called me to write, he never said I was going to make a lot of money off of it. So, since God's pupose may not be for me to make the New York Times Best Seller list, or to make a lot of money on my books, how do I know if God's pupose is being fulfilled? How do I know if I am being successful on God's terms? The bottom line is faith. I have faith that if God has a purpose for my writing, then God will make sure that it is read by those he wants to read it, and that it will serve the purpose he wants it to serve. I start by constantly praying that what I write will be what God wants me to write, and that it will be used for his purpose.
Do I have a basis for my faith? Absolutely. As I have said, I am a new writer. This is not something I have ever done before. Nor have I ever taken any courses, or had any training. And, while I realize that just because I wrote a novel doesn't mean it's any good, I have had overwhelming feedback from people telling me how much they liked it. Some even going out of their way to do so. So if God can take me, an untrained writer, and use me to write a book that people actually like, then why should I not have faith that God will see that it accomplishes his purpose? And I have faith that, to that end, I will be wildly successful.
The reality is, that most will never see that kind of success. But perhaps the problem isn't ones lack of success, as much as the way they define that success. If we are truly writing for God, then success must be defined by God, on his terms, not by us, on our terms.
Before proceeding, I will qualify myself a little. Unlike some, I do not write as a full time profession, and I do not count on my writing for income. Also, although I am nowhere near making any type of New York Times list, the reality is that for a new author with only one published book, I am not doing that bad.
So how do I define success? First I have to look at the reason I chose to write a book to begin with. The answer to that is simple, I felt that God was calling me to write it. So if God was calling me to write, that means he has a purpose for my writing. By definition then, success is achieved when God's purpose for my writing is fulfilled.
I also have to realize that it's quite possible that God may only have a limited number of people for whom he wants to use my writing. And, I have to remember that when he called me to write, he never said I was going to make a lot of money off of it. So, since God's pupose may not be for me to make the New York Times Best Seller list, or to make a lot of money on my books, how do I know if God's pupose is being fulfilled? How do I know if I am being successful on God's terms? The bottom line is faith. I have faith that if God has a purpose for my writing, then God will make sure that it is read by those he wants to read it, and that it will serve the purpose he wants it to serve. I start by constantly praying that what I write will be what God wants me to write, and that it will be used for his purpose.
Do I have a basis for my faith? Absolutely. As I have said, I am a new writer. This is not something I have ever done before. Nor have I ever taken any courses, or had any training. And, while I realize that just because I wrote a novel doesn't mean it's any good, I have had overwhelming feedback from people telling me how much they liked it. Some even going out of their way to do so. So if God can take me, an untrained writer, and use me to write a book that people actually like, then why should I not have faith that God will see that it accomplishes his purpose? And I have faith that, to that end, I will be wildly successful.
October 5, 2015
The Real Presence of Christ
I've often had discussions with non-Catholics about the various aspects of the Catholic faith that they either misunderstand, or think are wrong, regardless of whether they fully understand them or not. Ironically, they very rarely mention the Eucharist, which is the single most important distinction between Catholics and Protestants. In fact, I would argue, that it is the single most important thing that makes Catholics, Catholic. And it is extremely unfortunate that many Catholics do not believe in the real presence of Christ - Body, Soul, and Divinity, in the Eucharist.
Before going further, I must admit that, as a Catholic convert, the Eucharist was the last thing I came to fully accept about the Catholic faith. Originally I thought that, since I accepted pretty much everything else about the Catholic faith, I could be Catholic without accepting the Eucharist. Now that I not only fully accept the Eucharis, but have experienced the Eucharist, I know that I was wrong. Again, it is now my belief that if you do not accept the Eucharist, you are not truly Catholic.
My theory on why non-Catholics who wish to criticize the Catholic Church rarely bring up the Eucharist, is that they can't go pulling out bible quotes to defend themselves. Sure, those who say they are "Bible only" (few truly are, they only think they are) are apt to ignore the fact that all of the early Christian writings show that the Church, from it's very beginning, accepted the real presence in the Eucharist. And these same writings, show that the Apostles not only accepted it, but that they absolutely understood that at the Last Supper when Jesus said, "This is my Body," and "This is my blood," he meant it very literally. Even though these writings are very credible, since they aren't actually in the Bible, the "Bible only" people will chose to ignore them. However, it is very hard to ignore the Bible itself on this. And Jesus repeatedly states that unless you eat the flesh of his body and drink his blood, you will not have eternal life. And nowhere, I repeat nowhere in the Bible, is there any indication that he is speaking figuratively. In fact, in John, Chapter 6, he makes it very clear that he is not. He starts out by emphasizing it "Amen, Amen, I say unto you...", and then when questioned about it, rather than explaining it away, he doubles down on it. To the degree that many of his followers left. Why did they leave, because they clearly understood that he was speaking very literally, and they could not accept it. In the end he turns to the Apostles and asks if they too are going to leave him. When Jesus asks this, he is not only asking the twelve Apostles who are there with him, he is asking all of us in the future, are we too going to leave him. Or, will we accept his true presence in the Eucharist.
The are several reasons why I believe the Eucharist is so important. First, it is the primary focus of the Mass. Many non-Catholics, and even may Catholics (and yes, I used to be one of them), say that they find the Mass to be repetitive and boring. However, if you realize that when you go to Mass, not only is the real presence of Jesus there, but you are preparing yourself to receive that real presence, then there is no way that the Mass can be boring, no matter how bad the priests Homily is, or how dull you find the music to be. You are there in the presence of Christ, as part of the Trinity, the creator of the Universe. And, in the end, you get to receive his entire Body, Soul, and Divinity, within you. To say that this is boring would be like going to a Yankees game, getting to sit in the dugout with the players, getting signed baseballs and bats from each of the players, and then saying that the game was boring. In fact, it would be worse. By receiving Christ in the Eucharist, we receive his full redemption. More than that, we receive spiritual nourishment directly from Christ. Jesus said he is the bread of life, his flesh is true food, his blood is true drink There is nothing that can help us more in our spiritual life than receiving the Eucharist.
Outside of receiving the Eucharist at Mass, there is Holy Adoration. While not directly receiving Christ, here you are in the direct presence of Christ. And, in a way that cannot be experienced any place else. If you truly love Christ, if you truly want to get to know Christ better, the best way to do that is spend time with him. And Holy Adoration is the best place to do that.
How do I know all of this. As I eluded to earlier, I've experienced it. For those who haven't, all I can say is there is no experience here on earth like it. I, like many of you, both Catholic and non-Catholic, have been to Christian gatherings, retreats, and even Christian concerts where I felt the Holy Spirit come down and enter within me. And, it is truly an amazing experience. However, it still does not compare with going into Holy Adoration and experiencing the direct presence of Jesus Christ. Could I live a good Christian without it? Probably. But, I probably would not be as good of a Christ follower, and I certainly wouldn't be as much of a Christ lover.
Before going further, I must admit that, as a Catholic convert, the Eucharist was the last thing I came to fully accept about the Catholic faith. Originally I thought that, since I accepted pretty much everything else about the Catholic faith, I could be Catholic without accepting the Eucharist. Now that I not only fully accept the Eucharis, but have experienced the Eucharist, I know that I was wrong. Again, it is now my belief that if you do not accept the Eucharist, you are not truly Catholic.
My theory on why non-Catholics who wish to criticize the Catholic Church rarely bring up the Eucharist, is that they can't go pulling out bible quotes to defend themselves. Sure, those who say they are "Bible only" (few truly are, they only think they are) are apt to ignore the fact that all of the early Christian writings show that the Church, from it's very beginning, accepted the real presence in the Eucharist. And these same writings, show that the Apostles not only accepted it, but that they absolutely understood that at the Last Supper when Jesus said, "This is my Body," and "This is my blood," he meant it very literally. Even though these writings are very credible, since they aren't actually in the Bible, the "Bible only" people will chose to ignore them. However, it is very hard to ignore the Bible itself on this. And Jesus repeatedly states that unless you eat the flesh of his body and drink his blood, you will not have eternal life. And nowhere, I repeat nowhere in the Bible, is there any indication that he is speaking figuratively. In fact, in John, Chapter 6, he makes it very clear that he is not. He starts out by emphasizing it "Amen, Amen, I say unto you...", and then when questioned about it, rather than explaining it away, he doubles down on it. To the degree that many of his followers left. Why did they leave, because they clearly understood that he was speaking very literally, and they could not accept it. In the end he turns to the Apostles and asks if they too are going to leave him. When Jesus asks this, he is not only asking the twelve Apostles who are there with him, he is asking all of us in the future, are we too going to leave him. Or, will we accept his true presence in the Eucharist.
The are several reasons why I believe the Eucharist is so important. First, it is the primary focus of the Mass. Many non-Catholics, and even may Catholics (and yes, I used to be one of them), say that they find the Mass to be repetitive and boring. However, if you realize that when you go to Mass, not only is the real presence of Jesus there, but you are preparing yourself to receive that real presence, then there is no way that the Mass can be boring, no matter how bad the priests Homily is, or how dull you find the music to be. You are there in the presence of Christ, as part of the Trinity, the creator of the Universe. And, in the end, you get to receive his entire Body, Soul, and Divinity, within you. To say that this is boring would be like going to a Yankees game, getting to sit in the dugout with the players, getting signed baseballs and bats from each of the players, and then saying that the game was boring. In fact, it would be worse. By receiving Christ in the Eucharist, we receive his full redemption. More than that, we receive spiritual nourishment directly from Christ. Jesus said he is the bread of life, his flesh is true food, his blood is true drink There is nothing that can help us more in our spiritual life than receiving the Eucharist.
Outside of receiving the Eucharist at Mass, there is Holy Adoration. While not directly receiving Christ, here you are in the direct presence of Christ. And, in a way that cannot be experienced any place else. If you truly love Christ, if you truly want to get to know Christ better, the best way to do that is spend time with him. And Holy Adoration is the best place to do that.
How do I know all of this. As I eluded to earlier, I've experienced it. For those who haven't, all I can say is there is no experience here on earth like it. I, like many of you, both Catholic and non-Catholic, have been to Christian gatherings, retreats, and even Christian concerts where I felt the Holy Spirit come down and enter within me. And, it is truly an amazing experience. However, it still does not compare with going into Holy Adoration and experiencing the direct presence of Jesus Christ. Could I live a good Christian without it? Probably. But, I probably would not be as good of a Christ follower, and I certainly wouldn't be as much of a Christ lover.
