BOOK REVIEW - REFLECTIONS ON THE EXISTENCE OF GOD: A SERIES OF ESSAYS BY RICHARD E. SIMMONS III

 

 Is your philosophy consistent with real life? Are your beliefs concerning God and the origins of this planet and life based on careful study and examination of said belief system, or is it really based on wishful thinking? If you find your view don't match up to reality, do you admit you're wrong and adjust your thinking, or do you defend those views even if they border on nonsense?

In "Reflections on the Existence Of God," Richard Simmons III (not to be confused with the energetic exercise guru) gives a series of 56 essays dealing with these questions. Topics on these include the existence of evil and suffering, beauty, whether we have consciousness or are just robots, the debate on macro-evolution and intelligent design, and whether Christianity is historically accurate.

I found this book both thought provoking and enjoyable. Simmons has a conversational style, and treats other authors with respect, regardless of whether he agrees with them.

This is an ideal book either to challenge a friend or to give yourself things to think about and energize your own faith.

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 23 OF 48 - PSALM 111

 

White Handed Gibbon, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Park

1    Praise the LORD!
    I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,
    In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
2   The works of the Lord are great,
    Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
3   His work is honorable and glorious,
    And His righteousness endures forever.
4   He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
    The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
5   He has given food to those who fear Him;
    He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
6   He has declared to His people the power of His works,
    In giving them the heritage of the nations.

7   The works of His hands are verity and justice;
    All His precepts are sure.
8   They stand fast forever and ever,
    And are done in truth and uprightness.
9   He has sent redemption to His people;
    He has commanded His covenant forever:
    Holy and awesome is His name.
10   The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
    His praise endures forever.
                Psalm 111:1-10, New King James Version

Aren't all of God's works wonderful? When we look at creation, we're seeing God's handiwork. Sorry, but I don't believe nature can create itself - things work so well together there must be a Creator.

This Psalm also gives the character of the Creator. He provides our needs, and He stands for truth and justice. 

How can we do anything but to praise Him for all He's done?

PRE-OSCAR LOOK AT MOVIES THAT HAD AN IMPACT ON ME, PART 3 OF 12: FANTASTIC VOYAGE

 

 This may be the highest on my list of favorite movies of the ones I've looked at so far. It's one I keep rewatching every five years or so. Part of it is the special effects. I will admit that I've been exposed to Sci Fi at this point (Dad took me to see "Robinson Crusoe on Mars," "The Day The Earth Stood Still", and "Planet of the Apes" at this point of my life.

One thing I appreciated in this movie when I watched it as an adult is to realize that this was my introduction of creation vs. evolution, and it didn't make you think the creationist was an idiot either.