This verse was in my mind today:
18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written:
”I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”[c]
I was involved with evangelism today, with this Christian club tabling
It was instantly crazy, when this guy who was mocking the Christian faith two days ago coming to our table
THe guys and gals from the club recognized him
He got angry instantly and a crowd circled us
He said everything was a dream and an illusion (but then he said that I was in “reality” stupid!)
I didn’t say much but he felt that the listening crowd was ganging up on him
I barely got to point out some logical fallacies he committed let alone fully interaction with his worldview
He was so spiteful and insulting that the nonbelievers in the crowd was trying to plead him to calm down; a fight almost broke out between him and another non-Christian that was agreeing with him because he was so mean to everyone
I talked to the nonbeliever that almost punched the first guy; it was more decent and more calm and I thought we had some meaningful exchange
That at least was proof that there can be dialogues where those who disagree can be respectful
After the second guy, a third guy arrived, who returned from last week
He ended up saying he was a relativist and denied the laws of non-contradiction and had a “do what ever you want” philosophy
So I took his wallet out of his pocket from his jeans and I kept his ten dollars and I asked if it was right or wrong; he said its right only if I have a need and I mentioned about my debt from UCLA so it was justified in his worldview…he chuckled and got the idea but wanted the money back: I gave it to him back.
In denying the laws of noncontradiction, he ended up affirming that the blue male cow did indeed shoot JFK in November 22nd 1963 but that *SHE* was indeed all *green* and *did not exist* while being *half-pregnant* so *it* did *not shoot* the *purple platypus* in the *near future*but instead saved Barney the Purple *Alligator* that was Clinton’s mom
(You might go, what?, my point exactly)
I asked him when his take-home midterms was due: He said in two week and I told him that two weeks meant many weeks from now, or the finals week to be exact. He agreed. Then I added it was also due last week so he might as well hand me his unfinished paper to be thrown away since it was too late.
HE was trying to be consistent with his denial of noncontradiction
Yet, in order to be consistent, he was acting inconsistent to what his worldview is
Let Scripture informs us,
18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written:
”I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”[c]
BOOK REVIEW: SLAVERY AND CHRISTIANITY, BY JOHN ROBBINS
Posted in Bible Commentary, Book Review, Books, Christianity, Church, freedom, John Robbins, Sitemeter, Slavery, Theology on March 28, 2007 | 8 Comments »
Nothing like reading during Spring break!
A book I finished reading like last night…
This is why I recommend this super-short booklet.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: SLAVERY AND CHRISTIANITY, BY JOHN ROBBINS
In the history of the United States, there is no war that is bloodier for America, than the American Civil War from 1861-1865. One of many issues and controversy surrounding this conflict was the issue of Slavery. Today, the issue of Christianity and slavery is still bought up, and usually done in light of slavery that existed in the South. From both sides, arguments were given that attempted to justify their position by appealing to the Bible. For anyone interested in the subject, host of books can be recommended. Indispensable to this, is John Robbin’s latest work, “Slavery and Christianity”.
(CAPTION: REFERENCE TO PHILEMON?)
“Slavery and Christianity” is actually a commentary on the Book of Philemon, in the New Testament. One of Paul’s shortest epistles, this book in the Bible has always been referenced as having a dramatic impact for the abolition movement. John Robbins pointed out early in his commentary of how people often misjudge something that is short as being insignificant. Interestingly enough, “Slavery and Christianity” is also short, coming in at 49 pages, yet it is powerful. Having read several commentaries on Philemon, in my estimation “Slavery and Christianity” was the best one among them. Many people are cautious with the works of John Robbins in controversy today, but the quality of “Slavery and Christianity” is what you would expect from a Reformed and Presuppositional teacher of the Word of God: logically sharp, fascinating insight from the Biblical text, lay-man friendly and more importantly, spiritually edifying.
“Slavery and Christianity” commentary on Philemon draws out the social and political ramification of God’s Word, specifically as it touches on the institution on slavery. There is no doubt, that this new book would cause a stir among some pro-Southern Slavery theologians existing even today. For those who have always heard that Philemon advances the abolition’s cause but would like to see exactly how the argument from Biblical references goes, “Slavery and Christianity” is highly recommended.
–Jimmy Li
**POSTSCRIPT: As I read this and was writing this, I know there are those out there from a theonomic perspective, that supports and defend the Southern conception of Slavery who read this xanga from time to time, feel free to respond, but I want to let you know that I think its a hard position to defend. Also, I”m going to try to find Dabney’s book articulating your perspective. I don’t think that by being Theonomic you have to buy into Southern Slavery by the way. Southern Slavery undermind free-market economics as well, a defining plank in Christian Reconstructionism***
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