Biblical Relevance in Modern Culture: Atheists, Genesis, and Facebook

Scripturosity is my vehicle for sharing the beautiful compatibility of world discovery and experience with the ancient record preserved in the Bible (reference “About” tab). My wife has used her savvy in the communication medium of Facebook to serve up my articles to her growing community of “friends” as well as various “pages” whose name suggests a potential interest in or objection to my newly published topic. From time to time, a “comment” dialogue will be generated from an article that is so profound that it is worth reviving for the benefit of the readers. Such is the case now.

After promoting my recent article, “Evidence of God,” to her friends and usual list of pages-with-a-cause, Sheila decided to post it on a couple of pages identified as atheistic. A remarkable dialogue erupted that aptly represents the shameful information deficit left by our esteemed institutions of learning and worship.

The first to respond was Brandon. Brandon is what I would regard as a true seeker – a seeker that is the product of respected, academic influences and a painfully anemic church. As you will see from his testimony, he was drawn away from the church and converted to atheism.

Brandon – “The problem with the arguments being made by people like the good pastor (he assumed that I was a member of the clergy) in the article is that they rely heavily on scripture from the bible to underline their premise. That presents a problem because the bible is the claim of god (sic), not the evidence of god. In other words, the pastor’s argument presumes the existence of an entity that has not been proven to exist at all. The argument is based on faith and personal incredulity, not any type of evidence that can be observed, tested, and verified by anyone that wishes to see such evidence.

The pastor makes reference to other works as well, but those works are also heavily faith-based and presume an existence that hasn’t been proven to exist in reality. It would be a good argument if it didn’t rely so heavily on disputed claims and presumptions.

I was a devout Christian for over 20 years. You will find that most people that are atheist have similar stories to mine. Many of us grew up with the church, worshipped God, followed the teachings of Jesus, and lived our lives in service to him (sic). I was that way for a long time. There was a time when anyone that had the audacity to question the existence of God was considered a ‘malignant fool’ by me, because nothing could be possible without God.

But, then I began looking at the world around me and all over and questions started sneaking into my head. I looked to the bible for answers, but mostly what I found was either obsolete or extremely vague. So, I started asking my pastor and other pastors and various other people of the cloth my questions. And the answers I received were either also vague or left me more confused than I was before I asked the questions. So, I decided to do research myself.

The more I researched my questions, the more doubt crept into my mind. I went, in a matter of weeks, from being rock solid in my faith, to incredibly shaky in my faith. With continued research and reflection, I came to the realization that god wasn’t an actual entity, but a manifestation of something that had been drilled into me from the time I was born. I realized that god didn’t create man; man created God. Man created God to be a catchall for explanations that weren’t understood at the time. God didn’t center around eternal life, but mortal death.

It’s all an illusion. It’s all a fairy tale. It’s complete and total fiction. And I bought it hook, line, and sinker for years. Christianity is just as big of a hoax as every other religion.

That being said, if I were asked if I thought there could be some powerful entity somewhere that could possess qualities that humans would consider “god-like,” I would have to say, I don’t know. I think it’s likely there are other species in the universe and some of them may be more advanced than us, I don’t know. But, I do not believe that the Christian God exists, the Muslim God exists, the Jewish God exists, or any other man-made construction of religion has merit to propose the existence of any God of scripture from a position of faith.”

The next contributor was Kyle. Kyle was converted to Christianity from a churchless upbringing. The following is his response and testimony to Brandon.

Kyle – “Brandon, I respect your experience. I think what is a shame is when there are people of faith who criticize those who don’t have faith in what they believe. That, to me, is the biggest crime or falling-out of our generation. You and I have had two different experiences on this soil. You mentioned that you were brought up in the church and were brainwashed. I didn’t go to a church service until I was 19 years old. I didn’t meet God in church. I actually met him (sic) or had my first interaction with God right after my 6^th brain surgery in my early teens. I understand that it’s hard to believe what I am saying is true since it was my experience and from my view.  If anyone has reason to second-guess the existence of God, I think I would be one of those people.

I have witnessed so many make statements like, ‘If God exists, why does he allow bad things to happen to good people?’ I was one of those good people that bad things were happening to. I even grew bitter for a time. I didn’t understand why God would allow such suffering to come to me like he did. I can tell you that I fully understand your statement about being shaky in your faith. I questioned a lot of things much like Job did. In fact, I often feel like Job from the old testament (sic). Now, as far as my experience, I felt God was pursuing me through my trials. He was using my challenges to gain my attention. For me, it wasn’t the afterlife; it was more about this life. The future I had wanted couldn’t be accomplished now. My plans were changing and I never asked them to change. If he really cared, he would have kept me from going through what I was going through (15 brain surgeries in 3 years and subsequent PTSD).

The only reason, when the storms of life hit me, I was able to stand and not fall away or give up was because of the engagement I had with Jesus, the Christ – “this Christian God.”

But, let me tell you something that I do respect about you. Many people are so determined to make you see things their way; they don’t care about their approach. So, my hat is off to you. Thank you for sharing your story and I wish you the best, my friend.”

When Sheila told me that there was some chatter on one of the atheist, Facebook pages in response to my article, I asked her to copy and email the dialogue to me (I don’t have a Fb page). After reading in amazement, I sent her a response to post back. The following is that reply and the subsequent volley.

Marc @ Scripturosity – “Kyle and Brandon, this is the kind of civility that is often lacking in the debate of worldviews. I want to commend both of you for an intellectual and productive exchange of ideas and experience.

Brandon, keep in mind that Scripturosity makes no apologies for its philosophical axiom (hence the name). You may also be interested to know that I am not a pastor, but an executive at an oil and gas exploration company. We have to rely heavily on science, particularly geology, in our various exploration and production endeavors. Approaching the evidence from an historical perspective that aligns with the ancient narrative of Genesis has no effect on our observational conclusions or practical successes. There is no intellectual deficit or practical disadvantage to a biblical worldview.

Sure, I am a man of faith. But so are you. Predisposition biases both of us.  If you take my article to the conclusion, you will see my explanation of this claim (see Scripturosity article “Evidence of God”).

Your testimony is quite profound, but not uncommon. The difficulty that many good people have reconciling the world around us with the preserved Revelation is primarily because of a misinterpretation of the early chapters of Genesis. Because of your background, let me challenge you re-evaluate your worldview in light of an historical Genesis rather than the allegorical designation often assigned to its detail of early earth events. Take some time to read my 5 part article series entitled “Where Did the Billions of Years Come From” (Part 1,  2,  3,  4,  5).

My only point is there may be another way to look at this thing and it just happens to reconcile beautifully with purpose and redemption.

Kyle, your journey has been remarkable. I appreciate your candor regarding thoughts of innocent suffering and a good God. I have a 3 part article series in Scripturosity entitled “Innocent Suffering and a Loving God.” Let me encourage you to check it out and feel free to share with me your thoughts in the blog comments (Part 1,  2,  3).”

Brandon – “Marc, I read your article on the “billions of years.” Let me say that I respect your position and that your article is well written and certainly thought provoking to be sure. Thank you for showing it to me.

I still remain unconvinced. However, I will give your position additional consideration, particularly as it pertains to Genesis as I find that aspect of your premise fascinating. I have not considered Genesis from that perspective and in the course of due diligence, I should attempt to understand where you are coming from instead of just dismissing your position out of hand.

I shall give you another opinion soon.”

Marc – “Thanks Brandon. I admire your spirit of honest inquiry.

Risking information overload – you may find my articles “Who Wrote Genesis” (Parts 1  &  2) and “How to Read Genesis” (Parts 1  &  2) helpful in your research.”

Kyle – “Brandon, in regards to seeing things through your point of view (even though I haven’t walked in your shoes), I have been on the other side or on the side of believing, at one point, some things that I can no longer validate to be true. Again, my experience and research led me to change my point of view and adopt faith in my life. I, like Marc, am a logical thinker. So, that is why I have respect for others who use logic.”

At this point another atheist entered the conversation. But unlike Brandon, Josh was an unreserved scoffer.

Josh – “Kyle, I’d like to ask what non-ad hawk (sic) logic do you use to believe in god. It’s simple. If you erased your memory (and this is impossible) to try on the world with a blank, logical approach, without any argument, you would more likely be an atheist. Unless you can somehow say logically how you can come to the conclusion of god, I find it hard to believe that you are being logical. Marc, why are people allowed to have different interpretations of the bible? Why would god make people who have the freewill to interpret the bible as they deem fitting? It’s an illusion because of preference.”

Kyle – “Josh, you have no idea what you say. It appears to me that you are more interested in arguing than you are in a real debate where two people come together to share their opinions and show mutual respect. As for memory (after 18 brain surgeries), in some aspects of my working memory or short-term memory, it is a blank slate for me each day. Josh, you are young and engaged and for that I commend you. However, if you are really seeking the truth, do it with respect for others.”

Marc – “Josh, interestingly, you accuse Kyle of ad hoc logic and then make an ad hoc claim yourself regarding the worldview tendency of a blank cultural and moral slate. In fact, I make the point in the Scripturosity article that kicked off this discussion (“Evidence of God”), that there is a “candle” inherent to humanity that gives everyone a nudge toward the Divine. One must suppress or snuff this light to peacefully coexist with a conscience apart from God. The proof is there. Only you can settle this with yourself. If you are satisfied, in the quiet of your pillow-pondering, that your intellect has honestly and adequately reconciled with your conscience, then stay on your present path. But if the spark still flickers, seek on.

Concerning your observation of biblical interpretation, sadly there is a lot of truth to that. Some seekers approach Scripture for the purpose of rationalizing a philosophical or practical predisposition. We should all leave our biases at the binding. Just as science is dependent on sound methodological principle, so is literary interpretation based on a sound hermeneutic.”

I know this piece was longer than is recommended for the blogosphere, but I thought it was important to demonstrate the real-world importance of coming to grips with an historical Genesis (see Scripturosity article series “An Historical Genesis – Why Does It Matter” Parts 1,  2,  3). Brandon promised to reconsider the faith of his youth because of it; Kyle can assign context to his suffering from it; and with it Josh can be reasonably challenged that he may have settled too quickly.

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Biblical Relevance in Modern Culture: Evidence of God?

Atheists are having a field day with a recent Youtube video-clip from a debate between Eric Hovind (creationist) and Bernie Dehler (secular humanist) at Portland State University. The highlight is a question posed by Bernie’s son, a sixth grader, who asked for Eric to produce evidence for God. “How do you know that God exists” was essentially the question. Eric responded with an appeal to logic suggesting that unless you know everything you cannot be sure of anything. Therefore it is irrational to discount the presence of God. After watching the clip and witnessing the difficulty Eric had making his point, I began to wonder how I would answer the same question.

The answer, I believe, is quite simple though intensely contemplative and personal. The best place to start is a review of the 3 endowments at Creation’s finale – The Image, The Breath, and The Mandate. In these we can begin to appreciate our purpose in and sense the anticipation of the great cosmic symphony.

In the 5 days and several hours preceding man’s entrance, the creative episodes were initiated with impersonal mandates such as “Let there be…Let the waters be gathered…let the dry land appear…Let the waters bring forth…and Let the earth bring forth.”

Then, for the first time, creation gets personal. “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness (Genesis 1:26a).” This endowment signals the Creator’s original intent for man.

John MacArthur expounds on the significance of divine image in his book The Battle for the Beginning.

“Above all, the image of God can be summed up by the word personhood. We are persons. Our lives involve relationships. We are capable of fellowship…We know what it is to share thoughts, convey and discern attitudes, give and take friendship, perceive a sense of brotherhood, communicate ideas, and participate in experiences with others.”

I think Henry Morris gives the best defense of human purpose in his book Many Infallible Truths.

“Communication and fellowship between man and God not only are possible but must actually have been a part of God’s very purpose in creation…since this is the ultimate consummation toward which time is moving, then there can be no doubt that this was God’s primeval purpose when time began. He created men for fellowship with Himself.”

The inevitable result of the obvious compatibility was fellowship.

Another unique endowment was The Mandate from the Creator to fill and subdue (1:28). Sometimes referred to as the Dominion Mandate, this declaration clearly establishes mankind as Creation’s superior.

The Bible presents man as the epicenter of God’s creative power and genius, charged with its mastery. “Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under His feet (Psalm 8:6).”

This is by no means a license to abuse the earth and its creatures, but rather a sanction for careful responsibility in management.

Henry Morris addresses our sovereign assignment this way in his commentary The Genesis Record.

“The cultural mandate, as some have called it, is clearly a very expressive figure of speech for, first, intense study of the earth (with all of its intricate processes and complex systems) and, the, utilization of this knowledge for the benefit of earth’s inhabitants, both animal and human. Here is the primeval commission to man authorizing both science and technology as man’s most basic enterprises relative to the earth.”

It is the endowment of The Breath, however, that is key to evidential witness of the Divine. In my attempt to rationalize the uniqueness of The Breath, I originally posed that it must have been the particular exercise that made man eternal giving him the ability to navigate concepts beyond his time-space-matter existence (see Scripturosity article “Mankind – Favored Not Fortunate”).

But there was a flaw in that supposition. If death had not yet intruded the Creation (Romans 5:12), then all creatures would have had eternal intent in the beginning. What, then, did the breath of God uniquely signify of man in the “very good” Creation?

Genesis 2:7 chronicles that “God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.”

There are two Hebrew words in this verse that warrant definitive clarity. The first is nephesh translated “living soul” here. This is the same word used to describe the compatibility of all creatures with earth’s biosphere. It has also been explained as consciousness. By biblical comparison and cross-referencing, it is technically referring to that which bleeds and breathes (see Scripturosity article “Plant-ing Seeds of Doubt”). The other word is neshamah which is translated “breath of life.” While all conscious creatures “brought forth” from the impersonal creative mandates processed oxygen from their environment for functionality, none of them received the neshamah – the breath from God. This was given only to man. One commentator referred to it as the Divine spark.

Could this blast of pure Spirit, while initiating the nephesh or conscious elements of his existence, also been the primordial endowment of man’s conscience – his unique co-knowledge with God?

Proverbs 20:27 articulates that “The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.”

The young philosopher, Elihu defended his qualification to intervene by telling Job, “There is a spirit in man: and the inspiration (neshamah) of the Almighty giveth them understanding (Job 32:8).”

In the context of “the beginning,” John the Apostle wrote, “In Him (God the Son) was life; and the life was the light of men…That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:4,9).”

The great Apostle Paul wrote of a specific human reality that makes all men accountable before the holy Judge of heaven despite excuses of ignorance. “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead: so they are without excuse (Romans 1:19-20).”

I propose that it was The Breath of God that enlivened man’s essence with the innate ability, yea necessity, to connect with the Divine. While man has a free will to act in harmony with or resistance to this conscience, God has, nevertheless, given every child of Adam’s race a divine nudge toward Himself. This is why all men are “without excuse (Rom. 1:20).” It is this internal “candle” or spirit-connectedness with the Creator that shines on the natural world and it’s First Cause.

My answer to the skeptic or seeker appealing to sense or reason in the pursuit or denial of God’s presence is that the evidence is within them. Every individual is endowed with a compass that points the way to true North – a candle to dispel the shadows of error.

The best evidence to the atheist that there is a God is the intellectual and emotional energy consumed in snuffing this inherent light. Be honest with yourself in a moment of sincere introspection and retrace your steps toward naturalism. How did you get here? Did you have to deny any premonition of purpose along the way? Did your intellect eventually overcome your conscience at the feet of academia (see Scripturosity article “Conscience and Intellect”)? Are you satisfied that you have not been influenced by agenda-driven zealots (see Scripturosity article “Intellectual Invention”)? Have you ever given yourself the intellectual latitude to observe and consider the evidence from a paradigm that invites the supernatural and aligns with your essence (see Scripturosity article “The Gospel Message”)?

What it boils down to is the direction of one’s faith. Faith is not exclusive to proponents of the supernatural. Faith is requisite to a naturalistic cosmogony as well (see Scripturosity article “Answering Skeptics – Part 5”). The worldview disparity is not in the evidence, but rather in the axiom – the philosophical starting point from which the evidence is observed (see Scripturosity article “Fact and Theory”). Creationists presuppose the history of earth and humanity as chronicled in the book of Genesis; while evolutionists regard every observation through the notion of deep time and the doctrine of geologic uniformity (see Scripturosity article series “Deep Time Warp” – Part 1 & Part 2). These initial assumptions shape the direction of every interpretation. To decry faith is either open ignorance or pure hypocrisy.

Before one can reject a Creator or a redeeming Sovereign, he must first deny the very essence of his own humanity. Does God exist? Perhaps the better question is – Should anyone really have to ask?

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Biblical Relevance in Modern Culture: Making Sense of Sandy Hook

People all over this country and the world paused and looked on in horror as the details of the Newtown, Connecticut shooting began breaking across the air-waves just over a week ago. Unfortunately, when it comes to philosophically processing violent acts within the human family we are too well rehearsed, but this one was different – even for a school shooting.

In the course of a life or even a generation, there are influences, of the most profound nature, that cause us to reassess what we know and who we are. Nationally, we can point to Pearl Harbor and 9/11. But while these certainly live in our memories as days “in infamy,” they are easily contextualized as acts of war in the struggle over ideals and supremacy in the global theater. Events such as these do change life as it was previously known. We rally. We legislate. We awaken faith. The response is clear and unanimous. God is central to our restoration and healing.

Happenings such as the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary and our collective attempt to make sense of them are painfully distinct from other tragedies. The two glaring elements that set these apart from the others are the irrational depths of human depravity and our inability to deflect suffering from the most innocent among us. As with other tragedies, the bowed will not be broken. America will embrace its suffering. Washington will evaluate its role in a remedy. But unlike most, faith is cross-examined and God is subpoenaed.

An Associated Press article entitled “Questions of Why and How Fill Pews in Connecticut Town” represented the collective cry of the “postcard-perfect New England town” and the wonder of a nation: “How could a merciful and just God allow something like (this)?”

The media has reached out to clergy and religious leaders for answers, but the offered resolutions in this culture of correctness have been tremendously disappointing, philosophically unsatisfying, and biblically anemic. The AP article quotes Rabbi Shaul Praver who offered, “This is not an act of God. This is an act of a crazy man.” While I agree with the statement completely, it gets no one any closer to a right context of the brutality or the suffering. In fact, his answer can also be technically satisfying to the atheist. In the same article, Reverend Kathleen Adams-Shepherd counseled with a quote, “Not to give simple solutions to life’s tragedies like the school massacre. It is inexplicable in human terms.”

Why is it inexplicable? Why must seekers be left without clarity?

Answers like these are the unfortunate, yet predictable, destination of a theology that has compromised the primordial veracity of history’s premier text for credibility among conceptually “enlightened” dissidents. If the early chapters of Genesis are reduced to an allegory, then human nature, innocent suffering, and destiny become starkly incomprehensible.

But if we read Genesis as the historical narrative that it is (see Scripturosity article “How to Read Genesis” – Part 1), we understand that these present conditions in which we live were not God’s architectural intent (see Scripturosity article series “Innocent Suffering and a Loving God” – Part 1,   Part 2,   Part 3). The clearly favored pinnacle of the Creation Week, mankind, failed in his opportunity to reciprocate love to the Creator when he used his free-will to defy sovereign standard (see Scripturosity article “In the Beginning…Love”). Since then, the earth and its inhabitants have been navigating a detour of separation from primordial perfection known as the Curse (see Scripturosity article “The Curse of Eden – Part 3”). At the time of the sentencing following Adam’s offense, God engaged a plan to restore the intended fellowship and destroy the intruded evil – interestingly involving the “seed” of humanity (see Scripturosity article “The Gospel Message”).

This prophesied “seed” was manifest when God entered our world as a baby in “the fullness of time (Gal. 4:4).” The angels declared to the shepherds that his coming would bring “peace” to the earth (Luke 2:14). We celebrate His coming this week at Christmas.

But if the “Seed-remedy” has come, then where is the peace?

First, the embodiment of peace did come to earth at that moment in history when Jesus was born. The prophet Isaiah forecast His coming calling Him “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6).” For a moment, the collective “groan” of Creation was silenced in anticipation of immediate restoration. But as time moved forward, it was obvious that the grand renovation would have to wait. Peace was embodied on earth, but its perfected “increase” was still to come.

Secondly, His peace was not imposed with force from a palace without; it was to be instilled with faith from each person within. Christ explained to his disciples, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you (John 14:27).” The world around us can rage in utter chaos as we live in perfect peace. This is why the great Apostle Paul was able to write of a “peace…which passeth all understanding” while imprisoned in Rome (Phil. 4:7).

Finally, total world peace is coming. At the consummation of all things, when the sin-cursed detour has run its course, the Creator’s original intent of symphonic symbiosis in nature (Isaiah 11:6-9) and perfect fellowship with mankind (Rev. 21:3) will be realized only a few mere millennia from His “very good” appraisal of the first earth. The Apostle John was given a vision of God’s ambition and wrote from Patmos, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away…And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new (Rev. 21:1,5).”

The unimaginable horror in Newtown is a stark reminder that nothing in the human condition has changed since Cain slew his brother Abel in the shadow of Eden. Today, just as then, humanity’s intrinsically fallen state is amplified and the need for a Deliverer confirmed. We can find context and direction from this history as so eloquently stated by the brilliant commentator Matthew Henry. “O that our hearts were deeply affected by this record! For we are all nearly concerned in it; let it not be to us as a tale that is told.”

Also see Reasons for Hope article “Why Does God Allow Pain and Suffering,” written by Shari Abbott, Communications Director and author of the new book “Why the Butterfly?”

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Divine Origin and Sacred History: Genesis in Job (Part 5)

So far we’ve been able to identify a meaningful alignment with the most significant events recorded in the annals of earth and human history – Creation (Part 1), the Fall and the Curse (Part 2), the Flood (Part 3), and the post-Flood era (Part 4). The last of these is the world-wide Dispersion.

In the beginning, God blessed the first inhabitants in order that they might fill and discover His glory and provision throughout the perfect primordial landmass (Gen.1:28-31). After Creation’s canvas had been purged by the Flood, God similarly blessed Noah. The purpose of Noah’s replenish commission was to facilitate the reconciliation through the “Seed Remedy” (see Scripturosity article “The Gospel Message”) and the restoration of Edenic fellowship. The command to “replenish” the earth was to ensure that the promised seed would be far less vulnerable to the certain assaults that would come from heaven’s archenemy and nemesis of mankind – Satan (see Scripturosity article “The Dark Cherub”).

When a vast majority of the growing populous chose (or were perhaps forced, in some cases) to follow Nimrod (see Scripturosity article “The Tyrant of Babel”) in defiance of God’s order, the Judge of heaven took preemptive action by confusing the languages at Babel and forcing the smaller language groups to strike out on their own in search of new and suited regions for settlement (see Scripturosity article “Human Diversity” – Part 1 & Part 2).

Notice in one of Job’s answers, a reasonably inferred reference to the Babel Dispersion (12:17-25). Job seemed to be aware of a divinely directed judgment that overturned the purposes of the powerful and influential through a language and understanding barrier (v.20). “He maketh them to stagger like a drunken man (v.25).” Try to picture the scene in and around the rising Babel Empire when God introduced the tongues.

It is worth noting that a number of the tribal names mentioned in Job are first encountered in the Genesis Table of Nations.

Uz (Genesis 10:23 w/ Job 1:1)

Sheba (Genesis 10:7,28 w/ Job 6:19)

Ophir (Genesis 10:29 w/ Job 28:16)

Ethiopia (same as Cush; Genesis 10:6 w/ Job 28:19)

Seba (same as Sabaeans; Genesis 10:7 w/ Job 1:15)

Another interesting association is in the mention of the hostile tribe from Chaldea in Job 1:17. In Genesis 11 (vv.28,31) Abraham’s childhood is connected to a place called Ur of the Chaldees. Some scholars speculate that Ur may be the satellite kingdom of Nimrod – Uruk called Erech in Genesis 10:10.

Concerning the limited mention or absence of some of the family tribes historically beyond the Table of Nations, Henry Morris gives this speculative assessment (The Remarkable Record of Job; p.32).

“In addition to the tribes and nations named in the early chapters of Genesis and those known from ancient secular history, many, for some reason (perhaps lack of ability or industry, degenerate habits, or disease), could not compete successfully and eventually died out. These most likely included ‘cave men’ and others now identified only by fragmentary fossils and crude artifacts and often mistakenly classed as evolving hominids or ape-men.”

While we will commit article content to the topic of cave men and the anthropological interpretations of evolving hominids at a later time, it is relevant to our introductory overview (and particularly the Dispersion) to note that Job makes mention of nomadic, and sometimes degenerate, cave dwellers during a couple of his responses.

“He (God) taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way (12:24).”

“They were driven forth from among men…To dwell in the cliffs of the valleys, in the caves of the earth, and in the rocks (30:5,6).”

Indeed, when we start with Scripture and assign the proper historical designation to discovery, the mysteries of science and nature are drawn more clearly into focus.

The evolutionary history of humanity is told as a fortunate yet unspectacular blip on our 4 billion year old earth. Jared Diamond, professor of geography at UCLA and acclaimed author, constructs such a context in his book The Third Chimpanzee.

“To place human evolution in a time perspective, recall that life originated on Earth several billion years ago, and that dinosaurs became extinct around sixty-five million years ago. It was only between six and ten million years ago that our ancestors finally became distinct from the ancestors of chimps and gorillas. Hence human history constitutes only an insignificant portion of the history of life.”

The author of a July 2006 National Geographic article entitled “The Downside of Upright,” Jenifer Ackerman, depicts the rise of mankind this way.

“Scientists are the first to admit that much work needs to be done before we fully understand the origins of bipedalism. But whatever drove human ancestors to get upright in the first place – reaching for fruit or traveling farther in search of it, scanning the horizon for predators or transporting food to family – the habit stuck. They eventually evolved the ability to walk and run long distances. They learned to hunt and scavenge meat. They created and manipulated a diverse array of tools. These were the essential steps in evolving a big brain and a human intelligence, one that could make poetry and music and mathematics, assist in difficult childbirth, develop sophisticated technology, and consider the roots of its own quirky and imperfect upright being.”

The Bible represents a far different history of humanity; one that has reflected a clear favor from the beginning. It is a detailed history of primal intelligence and development with a record of immediate communication, sovereign delegation, and absolute volition at the start (Genesis 2:15-17). The record is one of exponential inventive development from discoveries of first causation. The survivors of the Flood had the benefit of starting civilization afresh with this learned and applied knowledge from the lost world.

400 years later, Job offers some insights that reflect the advanced scientific appreciation of the world in which they lived. Interestingly and counter to secular anthropology, this was during a time when some men were still choosing to live in caves and whose remains have been misinterpreted as pre-human.

The evolutionary narrative requires that the cave dwellers of European and Middle Eastern paleoanthropological fame (aka Neanderthal) were a hominid convergent species that evolved separately from the modern humans arising from Africa (see Scripturosity article “Out of Africa”). Just as Johannes Kepler embraced a heliocentric model of earth’s movement because of the simplicity of motion and beautiful order, so is the biblical model human history superior to evolution’s tortuous tale of impossible probability. You really have to admire the faith of its proponents who insist, beyond reason, that a disregard of the sacred chronicles is somehow necessary for their intellectual credibility.

“Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge (The Creator – Job 38:2)?”

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Biblical Relevance in Modern Culture: Bill Nye – The Unscientific Guy

Last week several friends e-mailed me about a YouTube video-release featuring public television personality, Bill Nye. Many of you may remember his PBS spots known as “Bill Nye – The Science Guy.” His science lessons were brilliantly laced with wit and humor disarming the unsuspecting, after-school audience into embracing one more academic session for the day. The programs always left me fascinated with science and more inquisitive about the world around me.

You might imagine how disappointed I was viewing his recent video entitled “Creationism Is Not Appropriate for Children.” It was difficult to watch for two reasons. First, he was no longer the jovial, master of timing that I came to appreciate as a teenager. In fact, his quasi-coherent rant portrayed a very annoyed and even, to a degree, agitated man.

And secondly, there was nothing scientific about his claim. Dr. Nye used his iconic status of champion of the scientific method as a warrantable basis for a philosophical diatribe against creationism. As is often the case with such attempts, he exposed the weaknesses of his very best objections.

Speaking of the long-term, national dangers that creationism poses, “The Science Guy” said, “The United Sates is where most of the innovation still happens. People still move to the United States. And that’s largely because of the intellectual capital we have, the general understanding of science. When you have a portion of the population that doesn’t believe that, it holds everybody back…really.”

He must be referencing the way Johann Kepler held back the field of astronomy, or Isaac Newton held back physics, or Carolus Linnaeus held back biology, or Louis Pasteur held back organic chemistry, or Gregory Mendel held back genetics.

In a follow-up radio interview with Scott Paulsen, a popular morning personality on WDVE in Pittsburgh, Bill reiterated his belief that “creationism stifles innovation and ingenuity.”

“Without innovation you’re not going to have jobs,” he explained. “Without science, you’re not going to have innovation – engineers and scientists. Creationism is not going to be able to help you with that. There is no information there.”

In the course of his lament, he mentioned several inventors and scientists from America’s strong, innovative past, failing to realize that half of them acknowledged God as the Creator of all things.

In the YouTube video he warns, “Your world just becomes fantastically complicated when you don’t believe in evolution. The idea of deep time, of this [sic] billions of years, explains so much of the world around us. If you try to ignore that, your world view just becomes crazy, just untenable, itself inconsistent.”

Skeptics love to accuse creationists of not believing in evolution and then cite evidences of horizontal change (based on genetic predisposition for adaptability) within organisms. This type of change is what Darwin observed on the Galapagos Islands and is scientifically verifiable. The problem comes at the point of the philosophical leap that proposes vertical change (based on the belief that anything is possible with enough time) from one organism into a distinct, new creature on the conceptual Tree of Life.

Those who regard the Genesis account as historical, embrace adaptation and speciation within the established boundaries of Creation’s Orchard of Life, with each trunk representing a distinct “kind.” So, in that sense, we do “believe in evolution,” but the opposition is certainly not inclined to debate within the frame of a clear definition of terms.

I’m glad that Bill Nye refers to “deep time” as an idea, because that is the extent of its legitimacy. According to Harvard professor, Stephen J. Gould (Time’s Arrow, Time’s Cycle), “When we finally discard the empiricist myth that turned (James) Hutton into his opposite (a field-work fraud), we can properly seek the discovery of deep time in those a priori concepts that Hutton viewed as the rational basis for his or any theory of the earth. He did not find deep time or cyclicity in rocks…deep time is the essential ingredient of unbounded cycles, established by logical necessity prior to confirmation in the field.”

So while (Charles) Lyell expanded on Hutton’s work under the assumption that it was genuinely empirical, Charles Darwin discovered in Lyell’s work (Principles of Geology) the deep time that would be required to lend credibility to his theory of the transmutation of species and his phylogenic “tree of life.”

In each case, observation was preceded by theory. Data was contextualized by assumptions. Science has not proven “deep time”; but proponents of evolution still embrace this notion as an indisputable, doctrinal authority (see Scripturosity articles “Deep Time Warp” Part 1 & Part 2).

The gulf between evolutionism and creationism is not over data or discovery. The great chasm is conceptual. Creationists approach the evidence on display around the world from the philosophical axiom of the ancient, Sacred Text. What most evolutionists don’t acknowledge is that they, similarly, have a contextual starting point – deep time. Any forensic summation of the evidence is inevitably filtered through the philosophical bias of the observer. The truth is representatives from both worldviews can advance good science. One’s origins paradigm does not influence their work in the science lab or the inventor’s bench.

Rather than “untenable” or “inconsistent,” the biblical worldview draws tremendous clarity to our observations and reveals unequivocal purpose for our existence (see Scripturosity article “The Gospel Message”). Perhaps Bill Nye’s vexation with creationism is more about the validity that any physical compatibility might convey on the spiritual lessons and prophetic claims of its documented source than anything else. From the standpoint of implied, personal vulnerability, his sense of alarm makes perfect sense.

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Biblical Relevance in Modern Culture: Defending Eden

Since his cosmic rebellion, Satan’s obsession has been to disrupt God’s fellowship with the apple of His creative eye; the very focus and pinnacle of time’s explosive, opening week – mankind.

His tactics of impediment are of record for the sake of informed, counter-combat.

The Garden Tactic – Confuse God’s Mandate (Genesis 3:1)

Satan’s initial disruption involved Woman (Eve) and her understanding of God’s expectation (“Yea, hath God said?”). He is careful not to ridicule her spiritual sensitivities, only to cast doubt on her limited perspective (see Scripturosity article “Yea, Hath God Said?”). “Can you be confident that the words are preserved rightly as given by God (Eve was not created when God explained the ground-rules to Adam) and, beyond that, are you satisfied in your interpretation and practical application of those words?”

If he can cast doubt on the authorship, the preservation, or the expectation, then the Record becomes far less authoritative and relevant.

The Desert Tactic – Confound Christ’s Meaning (Matthew 4:1-11)

Much has been written and spoken concerning this 3-phase assault that started and ended in the wilderness with an intermediate clash at the Jerusalem temple. The stake in the encounter is amply measured and condensed in the words of Matthew Henry. “That which Satan aimed at, in all his temptations, was, to bring him (Jesus) to sin against God (To despair of His goodness, ‚To presume upon His power, and ƒTo alienate His honour), and so to render him forever incapable of being a Sacrifice for the sins of others.”

Satan has never been dissuaded, even in light of his forecast bruising at the hand of woman’s seed (Genesis 3:15), from the prospect of a perpetually cursed race and a foiled reconciliation. Now with the Seed-remedy fully clarified in the flesh, Satan approached his Adamic nemesis face-to-face in brazen desperation. Though weakened in the flesh, Jesus never wavered unsheathing and brilliantly flashing the sword of the eternal Word in response to Satan’s advances.

“This is observable,” Matthew Henry comments, “that Christ answered and baffled all the temptations of Satan with It is written. He is himself the eternal Word, and could have produced the mind of God without having recourse to the writings of Moses; but he put honour upon the scripture, and, to set us an example, he appealed to what was written.”

Satan’s attempt to draw the Last Adam into sin, as the first, was disappointed, but he still efforts to marginalize Christ and his role in the lives of men and women. While Jesus maintained focus on His passion and fulfilled the Edenic prophecy offering Himself in innocence for the whole of Adam’s guilty race, the Devil continues to deter mankind by muddling Christ’s person and purpose.

The Reckoning Tactic – Condemn Man’s Motives (Job 1:9)

The first two devices of disruption were to affect man toward God. This final maneuver is intended to agitate God toward man.

It seems that Satan’s “going” previously included a visit to the Job estate since he was keenly familiar with Job’s good life – both internally and materially. When God, in full awareness of Satan’s motives, referenced Job as a template of faithful integrity, Satan was cocked and locked with an accusatory query. “Doth Job fear God for nought (1:9)?”

Respected 17^th century author and scholar Matthew Henry offers this insight into this devilish device.

“He (Satan) could not deny that Job feared God, but suggested that he was a mercenary (one serving merely for wages) in his religion, and therefore a hypocrite. See how slyly he censured him as a hypocrite,” Henry points out, “not asserting that he was so, but only asking, Is he not so?”

Satan’s purpose was to demonstrate to God that His love was wasted on mankind. Job was simply the representative case-in-point. If he could demonstrate that Job only responded with affection because of his good life (“Hast not thou made an hedge about him?”), then perhaps all followers are disingenuous and self-serving in their faith.

The cosmic accuser was trying to get God to question His prophesied commitment to and continued investment in humanity’s restoration (Genesis 3:15).

We see in John’s Revelation of things to come, that Satan will continue to employ this tactic even after the Seed of woman has long been victorious over the Curse through His bruising and until the moment he is finally barred from presenting himself before the Lord with the other sons of God. “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of the brethren is cast down, which accused them before God day and night (Revelation 12:9-10).”

It is not out of the realm of possibility that a personal hardship may represent your moment in the cosmic batter’s box to prove your faith and pronounce God’s goodness (see Scripturosity article “Innocent Suffering and a Loving God” – Part 3).

Do not fall victim to the enemy’s devices. 1) Elevate the Scriptures – your purpose lies therein. 2) Esteem the sacrifice – your rescue is in Christ. 3) Embrace the scrutiny – your adversity can be the Creator’s praise.

Though Eden was buried under the Flood waters (2 Peter 3:6), the purposed, Garden fellowship (see Scripturosity article “Mankind – Favored Not Fortunate”) is accessible to the seeker today. Sons and daughters of Adam, fulfill Creation’s purpose and courageously defend Eden’s fellowship.

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Divine Origin and Sacred History: Earth’s Flat and Fixed Past

Over the years, skeptics of biblical authority have tried to marginalize the influence of the Sacred Text and the subscribing faithful by contriving conflicts between the assertions of the Word and the actualities of the world. Two such exercises in error are concerning the shape and universal orientation of the earth.

One popular straw-man label still used to discredit any non-conformist, political or scientific group is the term “flat-earther.” The idea is that uninitiated, biblical literalists once conceived a table-flat earth with precipitous limits based on passages describing earth as having four corners (Isaiah 11:12; Revelation 7:1 – elegantly descriptive of the four directional orientations also referred to as quarters – Revelation 20:8). This “Dark Age” conflict had both a villain and a hero. The villain was the superstitious, ignorant Church and the hero was Christopher Columbus and other brave men of maritime science. The story, of course, plays out with Columbus proving that the earth was round, contradicting the Scripture, and thereby disassociating it from reality.

In the ancient book of Job (edited from a journal approximated at 2,000 BC), God Himself proclaims His origination and management of the daily dawn and likens it to the relationship of clay to a cylinder impression or seal (38:14). Seals were impression templates used by ancient craftsmen to decorate pottery or flat-surface clay fixtures. As the seal turns on the clay leaving its impression for the reader, so the earth rotates revealing the dawn to the observer. The prophet Isaiah referenced the “circle of the earth (40:22)” in his writings dated around 700 BC.

Those who are familiar with the Scriptures and use even the most basic hermeneutic principles recognize that the notion of a flat earth is not remotely intimated.

In refreshing, academic candor, Harvard Professor Stephen J. Gould wrote of the conflict in his book entitled Rocks of Ages; Science and Religion in the Fullness of Life calling it “the silliest and most flagrantly false of all tales…the best example I know for exposing the harm done by the false model of warfare between science and religion (p.111).”

“Christian scholars never proclaimed a flat earth against the findings of science and the knowledge of antiquity, and Columbus fought no battles with ecclesiastical authority over this nonissue (p.125).”

Another straw-notion used to dismantle the authority of Holy Writ was the astronomical conceptualization known as geocentrism – the model of cosmic motion that places the earth in a fixed, stationary position in the center of the universe. While the story has been presented, once again, as a pivotal conflict between religion and science, the truth is they were never at odds (see Scripturosity article “Where Did the Billions of Years Come From? (Part 2) – The Galileo Affair”).

What is interesting, though, is that some Bible students remain insistent on a fixed and centered galactic position for planet earth; one in which our immediate solar system, the distant constellation groupings, and the rest of the universe revolve around it. While they invoke the mathematical parallels between competing motion-models, they must completely ignore the clear observations of astronomy.

I understand and respect the motivation of these zealots, but in actuality the result of their crusade fosters far more scrutiny and ridicule toward the very Divine Document that they are trying to advance.

The reason for proposing such a notion is because some believe that a heliocentric model of cosmic motion (one in which the earth moves around a stationary sun) does harm to the concept of our favored place in the universe. They also believe that references in Scripture to the world not being “moved” are speaking of earth’s motionless status in space. What they fail to recognize is that in space the appearance of stasis is relative within the context of a very dynamic universe.

The eloquent Psalmist, David had knowledge (either through inspiration or ancient astronomy) of this orchestrated heavenly motion when he wrote of the sun’s great circuit going forth unto the ends of it declaring the glory of God (19:6).

Dr. Henry Morris points out in his devotional book Treasures in the Psalms (p.179) that “as the sun moves in a gigantic orbit through the Milky Way Galaxy (an orbit that would require 230 million years for one circuit, at a speed of 600,000 miles per hour), and the galaxy moves in an unknown path relative to the other galaxies of space, its circuit seems truly to be from one end of the heavens to the other.”

Not only that, but the earth is orbiting the sun at a speed of approximately 67,000 miles per hour at a rotational speed of just over 1,000 mph at the equator.

How can those who insist on a literal, motionless earth based on passages such as 1 Chronicles 16:30, or Psalm 93:1, or Psalm 96:10 explain the clear evidence of earth’s motion based on its indisputable position within one of the spiral arms of our galaxy?

The word “moved” has nothing to do with being motionless, but rather steadiness in motion and permanence within its divinely appointed, cosmic course.

They also like to point out that biblical references to the sun rising and setting ought to be taken literally in order to preserve the authority and integrity of the Scriptures. This is clearly an unnecessary attempt to shoehorn a biblical passage into a presumption.

One of the wonders of this miraculous book we call the Bible is that it was authored by omniscient, eternal, Sovereignty for the purpose of being understood by finite, fallen humanity. What would be the point of composing a message for the purpose of directing mankind back into the fellowship for which he was created and then encrypting it in code?

Infinite perspective accommodated finite capacity with a perspicuous message (clearly written – easily understood) of restoration. Keeping in mind the limitations or perspective of his target audience, the Author often uses accommodative or phenomenal language. These verses are referring to the apparent motion of the sun to the observer and not its absolute motion in the cosmos.

In Genesis 1:5, God assigns names to light and darkness. This assignment involves a declaration and an intimation.

The declaration was that the “light time” would be “day” and the dark periods would be “night.”

The intimation is that a cycle had been initiated. From this time forward, earth would be regulated by light/dark…day/night cycles (Genesis 8:22; Job 26:10).

Question: What was the mechanism for these recurrent periods of day and night? Was the light being turned on and off? No…the earth had begun rotating on its axis.

The first day was the impact of a stationary light source, other than the sun (not yet created), on a rotating earth.

These passages seem to be offering context for a right understanding of the earth’s rotational and orbital relationship to the sun that would be created on Day 4.

For the purpose of an accurate description – planet earth is fixed in a heliocentric relationship with the sun in this solar system and seems to be galactocentric in relation to the universe.

In the book of Job, the main character makes the case for his continued God-ward confidence when he wrote, “He hath stretched out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth on nothing (26:7).”

The reference “empty place” comes from the Hebrew word tōhû which was also translated “without form” in Genesis 1:2. The tōhû of Genesis is communicating the formless assembly of the perfectly created elements from which all else was made in the week following. It was Day 1 in which God called time, space, and matter into existence. “In the beginning (time) God created the heaven (space) and the earth (matter).”

Why is Job 26:7 significant? While it is not necessary to be dogmatic about it, this verse seems to place the Day 1 earth at the center of universal orientation.

Why do some feel the need to “dig in” and defend a geocentric universe? 1) A love and respect for the Bible as inerrant and authoritative. 2) A poorly administered hermeneutic. 3) A misconception of cosmic motion. 4) A misunderstanding of history.

These well-intentioned regents are under the impression that they are maintaining the “ancient landmarks” of biblical traditionalism by taking a geocentric stance. The truth is the notion has been contrived to represent a rationalistic chasm between matters of faith and reason – religion and science. With good intention, geocentric stalwarts are actually legitimizing the straw-man of a faith-based opposition to science.

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Divine Origin and Sacred History: Innocent Suffering and a Loving God (Part 2)

The previous article (Part 1) highlighted the observation that “the conditions under which earth’s inhabitants currently live do not reflect the original design and intent of the Creator.” The next acknowledgement necessary to rationalize suffering in a divine economy is this.

2) God views everything from an eternal, restoration perspective.

This is why an appreciation for a literal, historical Genesis is so critical to a right philosophical outlook on life. With that as our intellectual starting point, we can understand that His sovereign direction and purposes on planet Earth are orchestrated with the big “restoration” picture in mind.

We are advised by the great Apostle and first-century evangelist to the Jews, “that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (2 Peter 3:8).” While some scholars insist that this is a template for interpreting the “days” of Creation Week to be indeterminate periods of millennial extent, context clarifies the true meaning. The purpose of the passage is to identify prophetically “the last days” provoking a holy life-style of diligent expectation in the reader. Peter forecasts the skepticism and rejection of biblical authority that will define the culture as God’s calendar winds down. The permeating ridicule will be focused on the biblical account of earth history – primarily Creation and the Flood. Peter is simply drawing a parallel between the past judgment of water and the certainty of a fiery destruction “by the same word (v.7)” in the future. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (v.9)” to return and restore Edenic fellowship. It matters not that a few thousand years have passed; it is only as days to the sovereign Judge of heaven and earth. As generations have come and gone through millennia on planet earth, the Creator is simply looking forward to tomorrow when the cursed matter will be destroyed, earth will be re-made, and His image-bearers “shall be His people (Rev. 21:3).”

Additionally, we must understand that human reasoning and sympathies will never approach the mind of Almighty God. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my thoughts higher than you’re your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8,9).”

We would sympathize and lament the incomparable loss and physical suffering of the biblical character, Job. God rejoices that the record of Job’s faith and courage will serve as a perpetual example of hope to future generations navigating the Curse and seeking context for their own suffering. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope (Rom.15:4).”

God has preserved in text the information necessary to answer where we’ve come from, why we’re here, why we struggle, why the innocent suffer, how to prosper, and what happens at life’s end. The key is letting the Record speak.

The purpose of Scripture is not to provide for posterity a history of the ancients or to compile the philosophies of devout thinkers or to offer a moral compass for future civilizations. The purpose of Scripture is to draw mankind back into the fellowship for which he was created. The theme is redemption. The details are neither comprehensive nor peripheral. [In fact, it appears that John wanted to include more in his writings, but was kept in check by the Holy Spirit (21:25).] Every fact, feature, and philosophy has reclamation relevance.

Beginning with the Promise put forth at the Serpent’s garden sentencing (3:15), the Bible remarkably stays on point; the product of human birth would defeat the Deceiver and defuse the Curse. The Old Testament is the forecast; the New Testament is the fruition.

Dr. Luke detailed an interesting encounter between the resurrected Christ and a couple of disciples on their way to Emmaus. As Christ spoke with these retrospective travelers, the conversation turned to the Scriptures. “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself (Lk. 24:27).”

What was the Lord saying? It’s always been about Me.

A vital part of “rightly dividing” Scripture is to appreciate the over-all purpose for its existence and preservation. The 30,000 foot perspective of the Bible is “restoration.” The purpose of Scripture is to draw mankind back into the fellowship for which he was created. The details of record are relevant to that purpose.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans (10:9), clarifies the requisite that initiates this restoration and ensures the timeless life purposed for humanity from the beginning.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus…” (In other words, before one can assert “believer” status he/she must acknowledge and agree with Jesus’ personal claim to God’s throne – Jesus is Lord, the rightful heir; God’s Son.) “…and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead…” (Accept that the physical validation of Christ’s authority – the Resurrection – is absolutely historical and accurate.) “…thou shalt be saved (restored to Edenic eternality from the lasting consequences of sin’s separation).”

For more detail and clarity concerning God’s restorative intent, see the popular Scripturosity article “The Gospel Message.”

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Biblical Relevance in Modern Culture: Tim Tebow – Convicting a Culture

Fans of professional football found themselves curiously caught up in the weekly performance of one particular player in the 2011 NFL season. That player was the University of Florida product and Denver Broncos’ first-round draft pick Tim Tebow. Not since tennis-great John McEnroe has a sports figure engendered such enthusiastic debate and radical polarization.

Tim Tebow was valued for his success and unique skill-set at the position of quarterback. Many talking-heads and draft experts expected Tebow to fall to the middle rounds of the selection process due to some technical deficiencies in his footwork and throwing motion that were not expected to transition well to the next level. Ignoring conventional analysis, the leadership of the Broncos’ organization made Tim Tebow their top asset in the 2010 draft.

The 2011 season got off to a pretty rough start for the Denver Broncos. With proven talent-commodity Kyle Orton at quarterback, the team mysteriously opened the campaign with 1 win and 4 losses. Looking for a spark, head coach John Fox took the clip-board from young Tebow and handed him the reins of the offense. For the next 11 weeks, the fans of the Broncos and the NFL were taken for the ride of their lives. The Broncos started winning. And it wasn’t just that they were winning – it was how they were winning.

Week after week the sports talk shows were buzzing about the amazing run of the team from Denver. Pundits were shaking their heads in search of a rational explanation for what was taking place – some eventually settling for descriptive expressions such as miraculous and lucky. As the season progressed, national sports-show personalities and commentary panels of major television networks were forced to start talking about the possibility of the inconceivable – the playoffs. While some held the skeptical hard-line citing that the phenomenon was unsustainable, the ranks of the doubters were dwindling in favor of “believers.”

But it wasn’t just his unconventional style of play and his gridiron exploits that was lighting up the phone boards and directing the headlines. It was his unabashed commitment to his faith that sparked much of the chatter.

What was it about this man that has been so polarizing? Many sports figures over the years have taken a knee or pointed to heaven in celebration. It is not unique or provoking to see athletes making the sign of the cross over their bodies or wearing a necklace with a religious pendant or even sporting a WWJD bracelet. What is it about Tim Tebow that has evoked such derision and vitriol? Troubled boxer Mike Tyson was admired by the mainstream media for going public with his conversion to Islam. Why did it seem that so many were almost wishing for Tebow to have a bad game and satisfied when he did? Stand-up comedian and television personality, Bill Maher even stooped below sacrilege  following a Christmas Eve Broncos loss when he tweeted “Wow, Jesus just ****-ed (expletive that single-handedly changes a movie rating from PG-13 to R) Tim Tebow bad!”

The content of Maher’s tweet contains the answer to the frenzy. There is no backlash associated with indistinct expressions of faith or religion, but mention the name of Jesus and all “hell” (literally) breaks loose. The objection of Maher and other detractors is Tim Tebow’s incessant public acknowledgement of his “Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.”

Such protest should not be surprising. In a dramatic, prophetic poem written by the famous 10^th century BC warrior-king, David of Israel, the question is posed, “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing (Psalm 2:1)?” He then identifies impetus of the tumult and futile scheming. It is the prospect of one that is anointed with authority to govern their lives – to “Lord” over them (vv.2,3). Scientist and Bible scholar, Henry Morris offers this assessment of the passage in his book Treasures in the Psalms. “The prophecy was fulfilled in a precursive way at the trial of Christ…The ultimate fulfillment, however will no doubt be at the very end of the age, in the last rebellion against God, of both men and devils…Between the initial fulfillment of this prophecy, at the trial of Christ, and the final fulfillment at the end of the age, there have been innumerable other partial fulfillments…The almost universal practice is to ignore the leadership of God and His Christ, and in some cases, actively oppose them (p.28).”

This modern moment of cultural conviction brought on by the testimony of a football player is the most recent “partial fulfillment” response of David’s prophecy.

Jesus said to His disciples, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you…the servant is not greater than his lord (John 15:18,20).”

The brilliant author chronicling the courageous exploits of certain 1^st century Christians referenced a complaint to silence vocal followers calling them “these that have turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6).” Tim Tebow has similarly stimulated the conscience of modern culture with an unfeigned faith and unrelenting praise virtually turning our 21^st century world upside down.

ESPN columnist and sports commentator Rick Reilly wrote, “I’ve come to believe in Tim Tebow, but not for what he does on a football field, which is still three parts Dr. Jekyll and two parts Mr. Hyde. No, I’ve come to believe in Tim Tebow for what he does off a football field, which is represent the best parts of us, the parts I want to be and so rarely am.”

On the first play of overtime in his first playoff game, Tebow connected with wide receiver Demaryius Thomas for an 80 yard, game-winning pass play to beat the heavily favored Pittsburgh Steelers. The final stat sheet triggered a massive Google search exposing over 100 million internet users to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Tim Tebow had thrown for exactly 316 yards. His average yards per pass play were 31.6. The TV rating for the overtime ballooned to 31.6. And Pittsburgh’s time of possession was 31 minutes and 6 seconds. Why was this significant to the audience? Tim Tebow had often worn the biblical address of John 3:16 on his glare-reducing, black patches under his eyes while playing for the Florida Gators.

This numerical association sent over 10,000 seekers to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s “Peace with God” web page via Google. According to the site managers, more than 200 readers acknowledged that they had made a decision to accept Jesus Christ into their life as a direct result.

I don’t think that God is a football fan, but I do believe that He is a huge fan of His Son and may have blessed a young quarterback on a national stage in early January for his faithful promotion and praise.

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