What's wrong with Scientism?

Scientism is an approach to epistemology that says only truths established by empirical scientific inquiry are valid. It's quite a common view, accepted by many in our age of iPads and Mars missions. However, considered properly it is clearly a narrow and incomplete approach to truth. Here's video which shows why:

What is Marriage?

Got an hour to spare? No? Then cancel something, and watch this.

Interesting Theists #2 - Tom Araya

Tom Araya is the bass guitarist and vocalist for the heavy metal band "Slayer". As the band name might suggest, these guys create a fairly heavy brand of music. This is further evidenced by some of their album titles, such as "Hell Awaits", "South of Heaven", "Seasons in the Abyss" and "God Hates Us All". Below is a sample of one their classic songs, "War Ensemble" (NOTE: mild language warning):

OK, it's not to everyone's taste. That's fine with Slayer.
While Mr. Araya is singing about mass murderers and death, he is also a self-confessed theist. As a Catholic, he is the only self-identifying 'religious' person in the band.

How does he reconcile his anti-God, anti-religious music? He says "it's just music". He knows that for some people, a harder, darker form of music is enjoyable and gives them a sense of 'release'.

It just proves that in a post-Christian world, theists pop up in the strangest places.

Quote of the week

"One who claims to be a skeptic of one set of beliefs is actually a true believer in another set of beliefs."

-Phillip Johnson (1998)

Interesting Theists #1 - Tommy Emmanuel

Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian legend. A guitar genius and all-round nice guy.
He also happens to be a theist - a Christian theist, for that matter.

Here is an example of some his amazing guitar work . . .

As an amateur guitarist, I know how technically difficult this piece would be to play. It's the kind of skill that makes some people sell their guitar on ebay.

Here's another song . . .(forgive the advertisements)

You can find more great music by Tommy by going to his Youtube channel here, or by going to his website here.

Tommy always presents himself as a down-to-earth fellow, who is as kind as he is talented. I always thought he was such a nice bloke. But he's more than that -  he's a Christian.

Here's a snippet from an interview on the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):

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PETER THOMPSON: Well, on this roller-coaster of life, one thing which has sustained you has been God.

TOMMY EMMANUEL: Exactly, yeah.

PETER THOMPSON: How long has this been big in your life?

TOMMY EMMANUEL: Well, I can remember going to Sunday school when I was a kid, but it wasn't until I actually made a commitment, got baptised and accepted Christ that it - then I had a revelation that I'm not running this ship. It's my job to get out and play the guitar and let God do the rest. Stay out of his way. Just play the guitar and do what you're meant to do. That's my job.

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The link to the full interview can be found here.

Those pesky theists keep popping up everywhere!

Quote of the week

"You can destroy freedom as much by abusing it, as you can by retracting it."

-Ravi Zacharias

Why Rob Bell supports gay marriage

"We're all on a journey. . . .

We need more love. . . .

The old way of seeing things doesn't work. . . "