MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'christianity'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:53:38 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069720&cid=t_106213_133_f&fid=35452&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.graphictruth.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fbill-orielly-gets-it-exactly-right.html "No one believing in Jesus commits mass murder," he said. "The man might have called himself a Christian on the net, but he is certainly not of that faith...we can find no evidence, none, that this killer practiced Christianity in any way."It's odd to find that I agree with Bill-O. I do. I've said a great deal about this over the years. I was actually a little shocked to see how VERY much I'd said about it.But I don't think Bill-O would really like to persue that thought. Because it amounts to this: Calling yourself a Christian doesn't make you a Christian.Anders Behring Breivik is a Christian in exactly the same sense that Michelle Bachmann is. Or Ted Haggard. Or George Bush. Or Tom Ball. Jesus made this point a few times. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,.. " ... Graphictruth blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069720 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 21:30:00 +0100 5069720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4848114&cid=t_106213_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2F6i9jrj4yQFc%2F Bill Maher: If you rejoice in revenge, torture and war …you’re not a Christian. This should be self-evident, but evidently some folks need a refresher on the basic tenets of the religion they profess to follow. via Todays signs that the Apocalypse may be upon us – What Would Jack Do. Filed under: Current Affairs, Link Tagged: Bill Maher, christianity, Religion and Spirituality, Wars and Conflicts (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4848114 Fri, 20 May 2011 13:54:19 +0100 4848114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742340&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34967&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fdocisinblog%2FwNlq%2F%7E3%2FUABws3Cvwso%2F Today is Good Friday. It has been my custom, on this extraordinary day, to post an old meditation on the meaning of the cross, called Three Men on a Friday. Today, however, I feel led to meditate on something rather different, though not unrelated. Good Friday, of course, is the Church’s remembrance of its most central truths: that God became man, was crucified to pay the price which we could not pay, and was raised victorious on the third day. Good Friday is a somber day, a day to remember that we individually are responsible for the torture and agony which befell Christ — that he hangs on the Cross in our stead. Yet, in the deep sorrow and humility which we bring to mind on this profound day, there is also an extraordinary hope: that in our greatest disasters, in our biggest ... The Doctor Is In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742340 Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:33:33 +0100 4742340 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190285&cid=t_106213_113_f&fid=39280&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMarkHawker%2F%7E3%2Fm9IiKFhTTHU%2F1636554909 These points were taken from a talk given by Kevin Gerald on the nature of fatherhood. He was speaking at the XCEL Men’s Conference at Abundant Life Ministries, Bradford, on the 19th and 20th November, 2010. This is not about being a father in the traditional sense of bearing a child, as you can conceive a child and not be a father, but about fatherhood in terms of qualities that affect generations. Here we go: Fathers are active and involved in the family. Fathers create a strong sense of identity and belonging. Fathers declare affirmation and approval. Fathers bring stability and strength. Fathers extend forgiveness and celebrate comebacks. Fathers are relentless providers. Fathers are unyielding, protective warriors. Kevin was an amazing speaker, so if anything here does catch you... Mark My Words 2.1 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190285 Sun, 21 Nov 2010 12:54:04 +0100 4190285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152284&cid=t_106213_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ftwelve-step-christianity%2F Genuine Christianity is more than a set of beliefs–it is a relationship with Jesus Christ that involves hearing His voice and following His directions. But how does one do this? What tools or spiritual disciplines enable Christians to live out their lives in dynamic submission to God’s will? Perhaps no set of principles is better suited to help Christians hear God’s voice and submit to His will than the Twelve Steps. As a Christian who practices the Steps, Saul Selby knows them to be an invaluable tool for living out the Christian faith. Selby brings his knowledge to bear in Twelve Step Christianity, which teaches Christians in recovery to connect their faith with their program–and shows any Christian a clear path to a more intimate relationship with Christ. Laid o... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152284 Sun, 07 Nov 2010 13:37:07 +0100 4152284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4055675&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F10%2F11%2Fstuff-i-like%2F Bumped into an old university colleague last week at a dinner, and found myself apologizing for this neglected blog, and hence am feeling the need to update it again. But rather than a boring update about what’s going on in my life (which you could have got from facebook anyway), I’ll do something a little more useful, and direct you to some other things  that I’ve liked likely – things far more valuable and/or entertaining than this ole website… Web Stuff Christians Like – this is one of those “funny because it’s true” websites. If you’ve ever been in a church, this is well worth checking out… although I don’t always know whether to laugh or cry or get depressed. (also check out the similar concept : stuff white pe... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4055675 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 06:43:17 +0100 4055675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4013426&cid=t_106213_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2Fn6YgZAj2hJE%2Fdiabetes-guilt.php At church this past Sunday we were talking about the missions opportunities we support. We have been training local leaders to establish small home churches in Asia and they are now expanding into Africa as well. It costs about $150 to fully support one of these churches.Later Sunday night all of my diabetes technology needed to be "changed". I refilled my reservoir, changed my infusion set, and inserted and calibrated a new CGM sensor.I was quickly struck by the amount of money involved - the cost of insulin, of my pump, reservoirs, infusions sets, medical tape, CGM sensor, CGM receiver, and test strips.To be totally honest, the feeling that struck me most was one of guilt. How do I reconcile the fact that the same amount of money I just used here (most of which will last for less than a ... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4013426 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:37:43 +0100 4013426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3982089&cid=t_106213_133_f&fid=35452&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.graphictruth.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fmr-dawkens-is-wrong-in-right-way.html Do please watch this video in which Richard Dawkens (The God Delusion) affirms that his sect of Athiesm does indeed reject the idea of an "absolute morality" and is, indeed, rather alarmed by the whole thing. He then goes on to establish that most people of faith reject many "moral standards" and social norms that are stated in the Bible - slavery and stoning adulterers, for example. He's entirely correct, so far as he goes... Please watch the video, and I'll get into the "however" of it after the jump.The flaw in his argument - that religious morality is absolutist - is upset by his own observation, that religious morality has, in fact, evolved and matured over the millennia. And this is really my quibble; an annoyance on my part towards those arguing either side of the case.Bei... Graphictruth blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3982089 Sat, 18 Sep 2010 22:06:00 +0100 3982089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3827317&cid=t_106213_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2F0dVb0nah4Qw%2F Filed under: Spirit Tagged: anne rice, christianity, quitting (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3827317 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:23:01 +0100 3827317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3795063&cid=t_106213_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fyou-say-and-the-higher-power-says%2F It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. Whether its alcoholism, addiction, depression, gambling, co-dependency or relationships we shouldn’t lose heart. The Higher Power is at work in our lives, helping us in recovery even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground it just may be a smoke signal that summons the goodwill of The Higher Power. For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, The Higher Power has a positive answer for it. Here is one example from Christianity; “It’s impossible” Bible says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27) “I’m too tired” Bible says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30) “Nobody really loves me” Bible says: I love you (John... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3795063 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:34:01 +0100 3795063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710734&cid=t_106213_133_f&fid=35452&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.graphictruth.com%2F2010%2F06%2Frape-incest-all-part-of-gods-plan-angle.html Sharon Angle, the Cristo-Republican Senate candadate in Nevada, said this. Out loud. Um... Sharon, dear. You just said out loud that child rape and incest are all parts of your god's plan.Via the Huffington Post: In an segment that has gone unnoticed since it first aired, the Tea Party-backed candidate told the Bill Manders show -- a favorable platform for Republican candidates -- that she opposed abortion even in cases of rape and incest. A pregnancy under those circumstances, she said, was "God's plan." Manders: I, too, am pro life but I'm also pro choice, do you understand what I mean when I say that.Angle: I'm pro responsible choice. There is choice to abstain choice to do contraception. There are all kind of good choices.Manders: Is there any reason at all for an abortion?Angle: No... Graphictruth blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710734 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 02:52:00 +0100 3710734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3676619&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F06%2F18%2Fbono-and-hybels%2F Stumbled across these videos this evening. Bill Hybels of WIllow Creek interviewing Bono. The third one is Hybels’ call to inspire churches to action on the AIDS and poverty crises. Excellent and necessary challenge. Click here to view the embedded video. Click here to view the embedded video. Click here to view the embedded video. “Stop asking God to bless what you are doing. Find out what God is already doing, cause it’s already blessed.” (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3676619 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:02:20 +0100 3676619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3676620&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F06%2F18%2Fa-new-kind-of-christianity-6%2F CONCLUSION I’m getting a bit tired of all this now so I’ll be quick and blunt. The answer to whether or not Brian McLaren has jumped the shark here depends on the perspective of the reader. I realise that’s a very postmodern kind of answer but it’s true. If you are new to his work or to this whole “emerging” conversation (I think they don’t like that term anymore but I don’t have a clue what the new one is) or are coming in with preconceptions about what you expect, then you will most likely find McLaren to be quite scandalous and liberal and even difficult to follow – and I respect and understand that view. Bt for someone (like me) who’s been following Brian’s books and his journey over the last 10 years or so will not find... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3676620 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:04:19 +0100 3676620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662622&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F06%2F15%2Fa-new-kind-of-christianity-5%2F In chapter 14 of A New Kind of Christianity, Brian McLaren asks and begins to answer the question ” what is the gospel?” And as he and others have done before, he asks us to read Paul in the light of Jesus rather than the other way round. For McLaren the essence of the gospel is the words of Jesus, “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” He has expressed this in his other books and I don’t disagree, however here as elsewhere he never fails to really clearly set out what that means, or provide a useful synthesis between that and the Pauline writings… but maybe that’s just the residual effects of modern thinking making me want to make  something clear and systematic of something that in reality is organic and mysterious? Possibly true, but I... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662622 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 05:07:59 +0100 3662622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3658911&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F06%2F14%2Fa-new-kind-of-christianity-4%2F I’m going to race through the rest of this book a bit faster, partly because I can’t blog fast enough to keep up with my reading, and partly because I’m facing a busy week (out 6 out of the next 7 nights) and don’t have time to spend doing detailed reviews… The next sections in the book (chapters 10 – 13) discuss God and Jesus, and their portrayal in the Bible. McLaren discusses an (for want of a better, and less loaded word) evolutionary understanding of God. As humankind moves through different developmental stages we view God in “developmentally appropriate” ways. McLaren continues with his sacred library view of the Bible and likens it to a collection of maths textbooks from the second grade up to college level. Just as second grader woul... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3658911 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:32:13 +0100 3658911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3658914&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F06%2F14%2Fa-new-kind-of-christianity-3%2F Continuing in Brian McLaren’s latest book in my quest to see if he’s finally “jumped the shark.” And thus far he’s kept mostly on pretty solid ground (at least in my opinion – some readers may have already closed the book by this point, especially those who are new to McLaren’s style of thought.) But now we begin to cruise into potentially more treacherous waters as Brian starts looking at the Bible itself – how we read it and in what way is it authoritative for us today. He starts off in chapter 7 by expressing his personal deep love of the Bible, before discussing some of the ways in which Christians have abused the scriptures over the years – from using it as a science textbook (the examples he gives are the faulty condemnation of Ga... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3658914 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:55:57 +0100 3658914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3656799&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F06%2F13%2Fwright-wisdom%2F Discovered this great video on Vicky Beeching’s blog. My favourite theologian, N T Wright gives his advice to the next generation of leaders. It’s about as succinct as you’ll ever hear from Tom, but it’s top stuff. Tom Wright: message to the next generation from krish kandiah on Vimeo. . (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3656799 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 06:37:54 +0100 3656799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3656801&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F06%2F13%2Fa-new-kind-of-christianity-2%2F In chapters 3-6 of this book Brian McLaren looks at the Biblical narrative. He suggests that the way in which much of Christianity views the  story and the Bible and constructs it’s theology, is profoundly influenced by a dualistic Greco-Roman philosophical lens. This rigid lens and it’s associated narrative timeline results in a number of disturbing questions when one looks at the logic of the story. Our view of Jesus is coloured by the successive influences of people like Paul, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Wesley and whomever our recent leader of choice is (giving the examples of Billy Graham, Pope Benedict and Jerry Falwell). McLaren suggests that we try and step out from this kind of looking back theologizing and try an approach of looking forwards towards Jesus bei... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3656801 Sat, 12 Jun 2010 21:39:11 +0100 3656801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3655556&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F06%2F12%2Fa-new-kind-of-christianity-has-mclaren-jumped-the-shark%2F Has Brian McLaren finally jumped the shark? I’ll admit Brian McLaren has been somewhat of a hero of mine. Reading his books earlier this decade was very illuminating and inspiring. Here was a guy who was willing to think intelligently through issues, ask difficult questions and not simply respond with pat answers. Often he responded with no answers at all, just further questions. This was a guy who was generous in his orthodoxy (to steal from the title of one of his better books) – he was willing to embrace the good in all the varied versions of Christianity out there whilst still retaining  solid orthodox beliefs at the core of his faith. It was through Brian that I have been introduced to others who have become key influences of mine  - people like Scot McKnight, Dallas Wil... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3655556 Sat, 12 Jun 2010 06:47:45 +0100 3655556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3621901&cid=t_106213_133_f&fid=35452&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.graphictruth.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fwhen-did-asshole-become-christian.html A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side.Aristotle When I was a boy I was privileged to have a great deal of exposure to a variety of denominational views of Christianity. Well, at the time it seemed more like an imposition. At times, I'm frankly surprised I'm not an atheist. But then, Christianity is a simple thing, and it's core tenants so utterly inarguable and self evident, it hardly requires a religious infrastructure. Go read the Beatitudes. And then keep on reading the rest of the Sermon. If you think those exhortations&n... Graphictruth blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3621901 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 04:53:00 +0100 3621901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3617919&cid=t_106213_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fis-it-all-right-for-doctors-to-lie.html In this day and age of patient empowerment, the simple answer to this question is - No ! Doctors have a moral obligation to tell the truth to their patients - and they should be frank and forthright, even when providing bad news.Reality is of course far more complex ! Sometimes telling the truth may not be in the patient's best interests, but it's often much safer and easier for doctors to tell the unvarnished truth, if they want to protect themselves from lawsuits ! Most thoughtless doctors will adopt this approach, so as to avoid problems for themselves and to save them the time and trouble of having to think about what to tell the patient and how to do so.Good doctors, on the other hand, understand that they have an obligation and duty which is far more complex. They will tell the truth... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3617919 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:10:00 +0100 3617919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3569819&cid=t_106213_90_f&fid=36413&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcscience.net%2F%3Fp%3D3061 One member of parliament, above all others, has championed reason for the last 13 years, But Evan Harris was not re-elected in Oxford West and Abingdon. On May 6th he got 23,730 votes, a mere 176 votes fewer than his conservative rival. Click picture to see hero movie (be patient) (or right click to download mpg file) Let me declare an interest. Evan Harris is one of the most principled men I have ever had the pleasure to meet. His stands on human rights, civil rights and libel law reform have been exemplary. He is also one of the few (and now fewer) members of parliament who understands how science works and its importance for the future of the UK. He has been a tireless advocate for the idea that policy should be based on evidence (as opposed to guesswork).. Harris is also an atheist,... DC's goodscience blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3569819 Mon, 17 May 2010 10:46:00 +0100 3569819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3567875&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F05%2F16%2Fthe-life-of-brian-h%2F This was a story on Channel 7’s Sunday Night program this evening. Probably the most balanced media coverage of Hillsong Church I have seen to date. Honest interview with Brian Houston in which he discusses the history of the church, his father’s failings, and other things including answering questions about his income (which was around $300,000 – I thought that was surprisingly less than what I would have guessed and completely reasonable for someone in his position). Definitely worth watching. Best line : “God has truly blessed, the life of Brian.” (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3567875 Sun, 16 May 2010 14:38:12 +0100 3567875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3563916&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F05%2F14%2Fchallenging-conservatism%2F Great article from Huffington Post (who also have one of the best iPhone news apps, though very US-centric). Although the author, Mike Lux, seems to have walked away from orthodox Christianity, he still seems to have a very good grasp of scripture. In this he challenges the extreme political conservatism of many American Christians in the face of the pervasive Biblical emphases to the contrary. Well worth a read, and in my opinion, he’s pretty much on the money for most of it. I don’t think Australian Christians suffer as much from quite the same narrow political focus as our American cousins, however there is the potential for us to head in that direction. It will be interesting to see what transpires on June 21 when Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott address Australian churches via w... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3563916 Fri, 14 May 2010 14:34:42 +0100 3563916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3456689&cid=t_106213_93_f&fid=36697&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjeffreyleow.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F04%2F10%2Fmobile-phone-vs-bible%2F another good email i thought i should publish on my blog bbefore it being deleted from my inbox Mobile phone vs.  Bible Ever  wonder what would happen if we treated our  Bible like we treat  our  cell phone? What  if we carried  it around in our purses or  pockets? What  if we flipped through it several time a  day? What  if we turned back to go get it if we forgot  it? What  if we used it to receive messages from the  text? What  if we treated it like we couldn’t live without  it? What  if we gave it to Kids as  gifts? What  if we used it when we  traveled? What  if we used it in case of  emergency? This  is something to make you go….hmm…where is my  Bible? Oh,  and one more thing. Unlike  our cell phone, we don’t have to worry about our ... monash medical student blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3456689 Sat, 10 Apr 2010 08:00:19 +0100 3456689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3383090&cid=t_106213_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FGJkfwjQzZwo%2F Genuine Christianity is more than a set of beliefs–it is a relationship with Jesus Christ that involves hearing His voice and following His directions. But how does one do this? What tools or spiritual disciplines enable Christians to live out their lives in dynamic submission to God’s will? Perhaps no set of principles is better suited to help Christians hear God’s voice and submit to His will than the Twelve Steps. As a Christian who practices the Steps, Saul Selby knows them to be an invaluable tool for living out the Christian faith. Selby brings his knowledge to bear in Twelve Step Christianity, which teaches Christians in recovery to connect their faith with their program–and shows any Christian a clear path to a more intimate relationship with Christ. Laid o... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3383090 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:19:00 +0100 3383090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378676&cid=t_106213_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspieweb.net%2Fautism-aspergers-christian-healing%2F Yesterday I had a talk with one of my pastors about Aspergers Syndrome, and he keeps saying he feels God will heal me one day and I will be normal.  To be honest this angers me and I’m not sure why.  I believe Aspergers is a big part of who I am, Aspergers helps define [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378676 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:23:21 +0100 3378676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358916&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F03%2F12%2Fcreation-evolution-and-christians%2F Tim Keller is a pastor of a big church in NYC who has written some excellent books. In this article attempting to reconcile religion and science he posits a third way between fundamentalist creationists and militant atheists for which evolution becomes a world-view rather than just science. He provides some useful answers to some key questions often faced by those who want to be faithful to God and the Bible yet not blindly reject the vast body of scientific evidence supporting evolutionary biology. Well worth reading. (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358916 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 03:41:12 +0100 3358916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092670&cid=t_106213_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fiux8TkE4uBY%2F By Chris Moody The top five most unbelievable lines from the health care reform debate this year. Alan Reynolds: Hey, leave Lieberman alone. “Human interest stories are sure to get readers’ sympathy. But emotion is no substitute for common sense.” The money behind climate science. Podcast: “Trouble for the Race to the Top Fund.” Cato Weekly Video: Is there a contradiction between Christianity and capitalism? (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092670 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:11:02 +0100 3092670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3048058&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2009%2F12%2F02%2Fbiologos%2F Discovered an interesting new blog site today on the topic of science and religion – Science and the Sacred from the BioLogos Foundation. It features a number of well-respected authors in this field and the general gist is to attempt to reconcile the findings of science (particularly biological) with the disciplines of theology and biblical studies to construct a more integrated worldview on issues of creation and science. Too often this discussion is polarized and driven by extremists like the militant atheist Richard Dawkins on one side and fundamentalist whackos like Ken Ham on the other side. Belief in God and belief in science don’t need to be mutually exclusive. This is a site I will be following with interest… (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3048058 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:30:54 +0100 3048058 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2946867&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F31%2Fthoughts-for-halloween%2F Now for some non-concrete thoughts. I dislike Halloween. I especially hate yard decorations. For one thing, do you know how eerie a fluttering ghost or witch can be when you’re driving by in the dark, early in the morning, barely awake, trying to get to the hospital? For another, I think covering your house in Halloween images is downright foolish. Witches, for instance, are not benign jokes. Sure, many self-titled witches today probably can’t accomplish much of anything. However, that doesn’t mean the concept isn’t real. In the Bible, for example, the witch of Endor summoned the spirit of the dead prophet Samuel, who accurately foretold King Saul’s death in battle. In general, the idea of trafficking with Satan should not produce warm fuzzy holiday thoughts. ... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2946867 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:54:49 +0100 2946867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2781966&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2009%2F09%2F10%2Fwhats-the-truth%2F A little bit of post-modern, post-emergent, post-whatever religious angst here so feel free to ignore this one if you are so inclined. One of the difficult things about Christianity, in particular the Protestant branch, is that there are so many different versions of it, which differ in so many ways in their interpretations of the Bible.  We’ve heard recently in our church about William Tyndale, the medieval saint who fought to bring an English translation of the Bible to the common man, setting in process a train of events that led through Henry VII and then King James right through to the abundance to different translations we have at our disposal today. This is a good thing. But, the inevitable and unavoidable side effect of this, along with Protestantism’s rejection of the... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2781966 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:07:03 +0100 2781966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2770083&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2009%2F09%2F06%2Flife-together%2F I just wanted to make a few random observations while I’m reading Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together. This is a powerful book written by Boenhoeffer in the 1930’s in Nazi Germany. He was later matyred by the Gestapo in 1945 after being part of a failed plot to assassinate Hitler. Anyway I’d reading this book slowly because it’s so rich (and also because I’m reading three other books and am also theoretically supposed to be studying…). For my my own memory as much as anything, I just want to list some key points and quotes here. I may or may not continue to post more on this but here’s a few quotes and insights from the first chapter, on Community : Firstly, we should not take Christian community and fellowship for granted – it is actua... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2770083 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 12:28:57 +0100 2770083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2761880&cid=t_106213_93_f&fid=36697&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjeffreyleow.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F03%2Fof-shock-therapy-schizophrenics-and-the-obsssessive-compulsive-medical-student%2F My 9-week psychiatry rotation is about to come to an end, and i thought i’ll continue my reflections on this year’s rotations. I have previously written about my Paediatrics rotation, and most recently my Obstetrics and Gynaecology rotation. I must admit i first approached Psychiatry as a specialty in a reserved and guarded fashion. We were first exposed to snippets of it in 1st and 2nd year, where we were taught components of a Mental State Examination, including cognitive assessment via the Mini-Mental State Exam. A memorable moment was our Clinical Skills exam (OSCE), where we had a simulated patient suffering from acute psychosis. We were just several months into our medical training, and as infants, were expected to conduct and sustain an interview with a hugely uncooperat... monash medical student blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2761880 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:10:05 +0100 2761880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2415646&cid=t_106213_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspieweb.net%2Fdisability-gift-from-god%2F Yesterday my Fiance (who I do not need to say is beautiful, because you already know that from previous posts) were discussing a struggle she had been having recently with God.   In her eyes she was upset because God did not heal her disability, and she was distancing herself from God because of it.  Having [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2415646 Sun, 17 May 2009 23:07:44 +0100 2415646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405854&cid=t_106213_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspieweb%2F%7E3%2FZ4OnF4UonXA%2F Sometimes its hard in the middle of the storms….. In the middle of the storms, especially the one im going through right now its so hard to remember this. (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405854 Mon, 11 May 2009 19:04:15 +0100 2405854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390389&cid=t_106213_149_f&fid=35784&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheChemBlog%2F%7E3%2FlKeEsSJmacM%2F I don’t much get the religious, period, but I have a particularly hard time comprehending Atheism (with a capital A).  I don’t know if I have many Atheist friends, but I do know I have at least one and we banter back and forth on the concept of scientific reason and a conspicuous absence of evidence of an all powerful God.  In short, I am convinced he has confused science with fact.  I try to tell him, we build scientific theories on fact but we do not build fact on science - the facts are just data and data isn’t science. For the purposes of full disclosure, I do not place myself anywhere on the continuum of faith as I have every reasonable question one could have on the origin of life and not a single credible answer.  This does not, I feel, make me agnostic, though... The Chem Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390389 Tue, 05 May 2009 03:09:56 +0100 2390389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2075715&cid=t_106213_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspieweb%2F%7E3%2FY4nm4exDR0M%2F So I just met this girl, who kinda fell from the sky.  I had to catch her as she did not have a parachute.  She has many of the things I have really looked for in a woman and for once I feel I’m not compromising my lists of whats acceptable and whats not.  The [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2075715 Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:20:08 +0100 2075715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2075525&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F12%2F28%2Fchristmas-thoughts%2F I’ve been listening to a Christmas CD from the Boston Camerata - An American Christmas, which contains few familiar carols, but many beautiful early American hymns, which demonstrate an understanding of [I cringe to use the cliche] the true meaning of Christmas far beyond that which pervades pop culture today. This song is called Bozrah, from the Biblical reference given further down; you can hear a rendition of it by the Rose Ensemble here, very similar to the Camerata version, but with different verses at the end. Who is this that comes from far, With his garments dipped in blood? Strong triumphant traveller Is he’Emmanuel, is he God? I that reign in righteousness, Son of God and Man I am. Mighty to redeem your race -                Jesus is your Savior’s... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2075525 Mon, 29 Dec 2008 01:39:32 +0100 2075525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2040651&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F12%2F16%2Fpuzzled%2F I’m trying to figure out what it was about my appearance or manner that made a guy sitting in the cafeteria last night feel free to start sharing his feelings about the latest episode of House with me. He was disgusted by the storyline (involving two lesbian women, one of course being on the verge of death, and her partner donating half of her liver to save her), and went on to share many of his opinions about gays with me. It’s not like my clothes were unique (scrubs and white coat are fairly nondescript, no room for personal fashion statements there). Maybe it’s my distinctively feminine long hair, which I do try to maintain in distinction to many female doctors and surgeons. I was upset with myself, for being so infected by the current air of political correctness, as ... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2040651 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:03:35 +0100 2040651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2018565&cid=t_106213_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspieweb%2F%7E3%2F69PCZE_IW2M%2F So it seems the author of Life With an Angel and a Fight With the Judy Creel, or her publisher is rather upset with me about a negative review I gave her book title a while back. Looking over the recent comments being posted to AspieWeb I noticed an interesting pattern over the last few days.  [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2018565 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:39:10 +0100 2018565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1992068&cid=t_106213_136_f&fid=36469&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fespeciallyheather%2FEH%2F%7E3%2F465066847%2F I was reading an old blog post that I found on the internet this morning. It really struck a chord with me. It stated the following: “Where are the Christian blogs that make mistakes, sometimes give in to temptation, get angry, and admit they aren’t perfect? How can we build relationships as blogger’s, when [...] (Source: Especially Heather) Especially Heather blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1992068 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:13:21 +0100 1992068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1933392&cid=t_106213_93_f&fid=36697&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjeffreyleow.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F11%2F05%2Fobamas-christianity%2F what i say next may not strike a chord with you. i would first like to admit that i am neither perfect, nor know-it-all. i give my views as a young Christian, non-American citizen, but as one who is concerned about the faith of the next US president. i thought whoever wrote obama’s victory speech was brilliant. hopefully it was him who did it himself. he made the speech very well, with the charisma that a rightful US president should have. george bush wouldn’t have pulled that off. however, as a Christian, i am surprised that he never thanked or mentioned God at all, in his victory speech. i would have at least acknowledged God for sustaining me throughout the long campaign, giving me strength, thanked God for protection, answered prayers, etc. the only mention of God in his s... monash medical student blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1933392 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:15:33 +0100 1933392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1844931&cid=t_106213_93_f&fid=36697&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjeffreyleow.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2F02%2Frecent-happenings%2F an interesting thing is happening to Dr Val as she is blogless at the moment. As such, she is guest blogging at various blogs. Ramona has done a fantastic job in tracking her down, and she lists some of her recent activities on the blogosphere. indeed, its no longer “Where’s Waldo?”, but “Where’s Dr Val?” but for those reminiscent of Where’s Waldo, here’s one for you.  you can find lots by just googling images “Where’s Waldo”. anyway, i have to tell the tale of my recent mishap. to understand the context, this had just happened. An Australian kayaker was forced to break his own leg in order to get out of his kayak, which was stuck under a fallen log. He was at the wild white water rapid of the West Kiewa river in rural Vict... monash medical student blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1844931 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:55:47 +0100 1844931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1812990&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F09%2F21%2Fte-deum%2F Another magnificent piece of music: Haydn’s Te Deum, which was performed for a visit of Admiral Nelson to the Austrian court in 1800. It can be sampled (and even better, acquired) here. This ancient hymn is glorious in itself, and Haydn’s triumphal score sets it beautifully. Some great lines: Te Deum laudamus, te Dominum confitemur. We praise thee, O Lord; we acknowledge thee to be the Lord. Te aeternum Patrem omnis terra veneratur. . . Thee, the Father everlasting, all the earth doth worship. . . Te gloriosus apostolorum chorus, te prophetarum laudabilis numerus, te martyrum candidatus laudat exercitus. . . Thee, the glorious choir of the apostles, Thee, the admirable company of the prophets, Thee, the white-robed army of martyrs doth praise. . . Tu rex gloriae, Christe. Th... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1812990 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:35:13 +0100 1812990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1773422&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F09%2F07%2Fdixit-dominus%2F I didn’t make it to church this morning. I’m feeling almost guilty about it, I don’t know why. I thought for the first time in six weeks I’d get there. I even dressed up before going to the hospital, just to be efficient. Then the attending was late, some patients were more complicated than expected, and a teammate got stuck in the OR and I had extra work to do. . . I could have rushed out, but it would have been irresponsible; there were labs to tidy up, orders for tomorrow to put in, and it takes time to sign out properly to the on-call team. So I didn’t make it. I’ve been listening to this CD non-stop for the last several days; one of my absolute favorites: Chanticleer’s Mexican Baroque. The best tracks are a setting of Psalm 110, which was one ... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1773422 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:59:07 +0100 1773422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1692171&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2008%2F08%2F09%2Fjesus-played-cricket%2F The focus of the world is on sport over the next fortnight, and the best international sport not being featured in Beijing would have to be cricket. I’m not a huge sports fan but I have always been a lover of cricket. Cricket is huge in Australia, and heroes like the great Don Bradman are honoured like saints… but perhaps cricket is even more saintly than we imagined… According to an ancient Armenian manuscript, Jesus may have played a form of cricket as a child on the shores of the sea of Galilee. Check out this fascinating story from The Age. It seems Jesus had an unfair advantage in this form of beach cricket though, with his ability to walk on water! Cool. (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1692171 Sat, 09 Aug 2008 02:19:38 +0100 1692171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1532072&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2F19%2Fsovereign-grace%2F In accordance with my resolution for the next [school] year to write more about the Bible: The first ten or twelve verses of Ephesians 1 are amazing from many perspectives, but today I was noticing the emphasis on the role of God’s will and God’s choice in our salvation. Words denoting the supremacy of God’s will and purpose are mentioned at least twelve times in six verses: “According as he [the Father] hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love; Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption throug... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1532072 Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:21:17 +0100 1532072 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1517019&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2F12%2Fremembering%2F I picked up a CD of spirituals lately. One of the songs goes like this: “Keep so busy servin’ my Jesus, Ain’t got time to die. ‘Cause when I’m healin’ the sick, I’m servin’ my Jesus. Keep so busy servin’ my Jesus, Ain’t got time to die. ‘Cause when I’m healin’ the sick, I’m servin’ my Jesus. “If I don’ praise him, The rocks gonna cry out, Glory and honor! Glory and honor! Ain’t got time to die.” (Source: Cut On The Dotted Line) Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1517019 Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:51:26 +0100 1517019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1477944&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2008%2F05%2F30%2Ftheological-quiz%2F Came across this Quiz at Hamo’s blog. I’ve done it before but I’m a sucker for a good quiz, and this one at least makes you think. Here’s my result - I’m Neo orthodox this time, whereas last time I was more Emergent/postmodern. I still find the whole emergent thing interesting but neo-orthodox seems a bit more theologically robust so I’m pleased that came out on top. The rest is roughly the same order as before so I guess I’m still more Catholic than Pentecostal, and more Liberal than Reformed/fundamentalist, although they’re all pretty close. Think I’ll stick with neo-orthodox - sounds good to me. What’s your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com You scored as Neo orthodox You are neo-orthodox. You reject the human-ce... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1477944 Fri, 30 May 2008 11:39:32 +0100 1477944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1458552&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2008%2F05%2F21%2Fprince-caspian-is-about-beer%2F Along similar lines to my last entry about wild west cowboys to be blamed for legalism in 20th century evangelical/fundamentalist churches, one of my favourite bloggers Fred the slacktivist weighs in with his take on C.S. Lewis’ book Prince Caspian : I haven’t seen Prince Caspian yet, but since it was the “No. 1 Movie” this weekend, let’s revisit what that wonderful little book was about: Prince Caspian is about beer. He then goes on to quote Lewis from Mere Christianity discussing this very issue of legalism, especially relating to alcohol. And Lewis, as you may or may not know, enjoyed his beer. Fred’s interpretation of Prince Caspian is that the bad guys (Telmarines) represent excessively legalistic “anti-beer Christians” and the mission o... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1458552 Wed, 21 May 2008 02:47:56 +0100 1458552 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1454408&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2008%2F05%2F21%2Fcowboys-christians%2F You know the old taboos that used to abound in Christian circles (and still do in some ultra-conservative or fundamentalist groups) - like no playing cards, no dancing, no alcohol at all, no going to movies etc? Well according to the following quote from a book I’m currently reading, this sort of thing might be directly attributable to the excesses of the American Wild West! Who would have thought that all that stuff we know so well from old cowboy movies could have such a big impact on the 20th century church? The origins of the dos and don’ts in American evangelicalism go back to the revivals in the frontier days of the nineteenth century. All of us have seen the western movies and the depiction of life in the western spread of the American frontier. The center of town is a b... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1454408 Tue, 20 May 2008 16:46:10 +0100 1454408 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1455094&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F05%2F19%2Fwhy-you-should-not-visit-body-worlds%2F Somewhere in the last couple of years, I was near a city where the Body Worlds display (or one of the copy-cat shows) was stopping. After thinking about this for years, I’ve had enough of the ads (as it keeps travelling around the country), so here you go. There are two primary ethical objections to these displays: 1) Our common humanity is denigrated by dissected bodies being displayed to public view as a matter of entertainment and moneymaking. From a Christian perspective, the body is an integral part of what it means to be human. The Bible describes God forming Adam’s body and breathing life into it, and says that Adam was made “in the image of God.” To turn the human body into an object to be displayed for the enjoyment of crowds makes this crowning miracle of... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1455094 Tue, 20 May 2008 01:39:15 +0100 1455094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1419304&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2008%2F05%2F04%2Fvirtual-temptation%2F Out of Ur : The Passion of the Heist Lot of buzz at the moment about the newly released video game Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA IV), which looks like it will be the biggest game release of all time, and probably one of the biggest media releases ever, with sales in the same league as the takings of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters. And the reviews of the game have been extremely positive, some even going as far as to compare it favourably with The Godfather. And I’m not immune to this - I must confess I’ve been tempted to get the game for my Xbox360 and give it a go myself, despite never being much of a hard core gamer and definitely not having the time to do so. Now those two words “confess” and “tempted” should be read in a biblical sense, well at least ... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1419304 Sun, 04 May 2008 11:08:03 +0100 1419304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1402341&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2008%2F04%2F27%2Four-pain-gods-problem%2F Excellent ‘blogalogue’ series here at Beliefnet, between skeptical religious scholar Bart Ehrman and Anglican Bishop N T Wright on the problem of pain and suffering and it’s relationship to the claims of Christianity. Ehrman describes how his struggles with this issue ultimately wrecked his Christian faith. He comes from a Christian background, he knows his stuff, and he raises questions that we should take very seriously indeed. Pat answers just won’t do. EHRMAN : Suffering increasingly became a problem for me and my faith. How can one explain all the pain and misery in the world if God—the creator and redeemer of all—is sovereign over it, exercising his will both on the grand scheme and in the daily workings of our lives? Why, I asked, is there such rampant st... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1402341 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 11:17:43 +0100 1402341 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1402215&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F04%2F27%2Fhappy-easter-orthodox-style%2F Christos anesti! Elithos anesti! Alleluia. Jesus Christ, the King of Glory, has risen from the dead. By death he trampled on death, And gave life to those who were in the graves. Christ is risen! Truly he is risen! (Source: Cut On The Dotted Line) Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1402215 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 05:44:05 +0100 1402215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1395236&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F04%2F23%2Fwater-or-fuel-for-the-flames%2F For someone who spends as much time communicating as I do, I’m obviously still not very good at it. Since between work and Pascha services this week I don’t have much time, let me, as the fastest way of saying what I really think about Mormonism, refer you to a post I made this spring, back when Romney was a viable contender. You can find it right here. Basically, I conclude that Mormonism is a false religion, just as much originated by Satan as Islam is, in that he probably inspired two men (Mohammed and Joseph Smith) to write blasphemous lies against Jesus. Mormonism, unlike true Christianity, does not regard Jesus as divine, the only-begotten, unique Son of God. Mormonism teaches that God was once a human, and that all humans (or at least all males) can become gods in their... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1395236 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:43:21 +0100 1395236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1392633&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F04%2F22%2Frandom-thoughts-on-church-and-life%2F I betook myself to the Coptic Pascha evening service tonight after work. I missed Palm Sunday service through falling asleep post-call, and not being able to muster the energy to get myself out of bed after a 15min nap. So I felt bad about that, and I considered giving up on the enterprise of keeping Pascha and working 13-15hrs a day at the same time. But then there wouldn’t be an Easter that meant anything to me, and that would ruin the whole year, and that would be pretty bad. So I dragged myself to church after work, not entirely thrilled about a 1hr round trip, and two hours of service (allowing for missing the first hour, and skipping the last 45min due to the sermon being entirely in Arabic). Somebody please kick me the next time I consider missing Coptic church. I was so glad... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1392633 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:19:56 +0100 1392633 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1336671&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2008%2F03%2F30%2Fi-heart-revolution%2F Time for a quick music recommendation. Mostly I’ve been listening to bluegrass lately (especially the brilliant young mandolinist Chris Thile) but this CD is worth a mention - Hillsong United’s latest - The I Heart Revolution Part I - With Hearts As One. I picked it up today whilst we were visiting my brother’s church for a child dedication. Despite the convoluted title, this is a great album. Essentially it’s like a live ‘greatest hits’ package from Hillsong United, with two full discs of tracks recorded in various locations on every continent (wish our worship band could go on tour like that… lol). Although the locations vary, the album flows seamlessly between tracks (and in some cases even within tracks). For the past few years I’ve found... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1336671 Sun, 30 Mar 2008 11:38:59 +0100 1336671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1336924&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F03%2F29%2Fmy-own-weekend-rant%2F Dr. Schwab’s Surgeonsblog is one of my favorite blogs ever. He has tremendous stories, and tells them very well, and I am inspired by his example as a caring and competent surgeon. Lately, though, he’s taken to posting political and religious rants (his word) on the weekends. Creationists are a common target. I’ve got to respond to his latest post, but so many ideas came to mind I thought it would be better to write on my own blog. Dr. Schwab’s post opens with an 8min clip of an ABC news segment on two creationist men who give tours of a Denver science museum to Christian homeschoolers, giving the creationist point of view in contradiction to the evolutionary teachings of the museum. First, two things about the video: the two men, while I applaud their beliefs and ... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1336924 Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:24:25 +0100 1336924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1322480&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F03%2F24%2Fcurrent-events%2F Last night I came across a couple of news articles about a prominent Italian Muslim (who, to be fair, hadn’t actually practiced Islam for many years) who converted to Christianity and was baptized by the pope as part of a televised Easter vigil service. I say congratulations to him, and admire his bravery. Magdi Allam, who took the name Christiano in the baptismal ceremony, already had one death warrant against him for his activism against Islam, and I am sure this very public conversion will earn him another. Some media commentators, ever ready to deliberate on matters they don’t understand, questioned why the Pope would create such a public show. It seems consistent with his bold statements about the true nature of Islam, and I think he as well as Allam is to be praised for ... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1322480 Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:35:52 +0100 1322480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1321619&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2008%2F03%2F23%2Fsurprised-by-hope%2F Fittingly for Easter, I’m currently reading N.T. Wright’s ‘Surprised by Hope - Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church.‘ If, like me, you have enjoyed some of Wright’s other books, then this may be the one you have been waiting for him to write. Drawing heavily on his previous scholarly works (especially his magnum opus, The Resurrection of the Son of God (RSG)) he outlines what the New Testament teaches about the Christian future hope, both for us as individual Christians and for the world as a whole. In contrast to this he examines several errors which the world and the church often hold about this hope, principally that of our souls going to an eternal ’spiritual’ heavenly abode immediately after we die rather than a f... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1321619 Sun, 23 Mar 2008 07:05:42 +0100 1321619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1321320&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F03%2F22%2Fsorting-it-out%2F That was a busy night. Spent a lot of time shepherding a patient who ended up going back to the OR in the middle of the night. Although too bad for the patient, it was kind of nice to have been right about what needed to happen. Then, it seemed like every drug dealer in the city decided to shoot or stab himself in the hand, and come to our ER to see about it. Such babies. For big guys who were playing with dangerous weapons in dangerous situations, they were pretty wimpy about the results. On the other hand, they were also fairly polite about it, and quite willing to explain all the circumstances surrounding their misadventure. Made the time pass while I was suturing. Maybe surgery residency was like this before the 80hr rule, but we seem to have a very stiff ethic about responsibility for... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1321320 Sat, 22 Mar 2008 11:21:23 +0100 1321320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1182920&cid=t_106213_93_f&fid=36697&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjeffreyleow.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F01%2F28%2Febenezer%2F This is just a gorgeous picture of my church in Melbourne - Ebenezer Bible Presbyterian Church. “Hitherto hath the LORD helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12b) (Source: monash medical student) monash medical student blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1182920 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:45:26 +0100 1182920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1170497&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F01%2F22%2Fconfused-3%2F Call me out of it, but I don’t get modern marriage customs at all. The other day the scrub tech announced that he was planning to get engaged - had been picking out the ring with his girlfriend, had been choosing where to take her to propose, and when. So the attending, a woman, asked as if it was the most natural thing, whether they were going to move in with each other now. And he said no, but just because her parents were so old-fashioned, and might not be too happy with that. So I guess now it’s automatic that if you’re so benighted as not to live togther prior to being engaged, certainly once you’re past that point (and remember that engagements routinely last for years now) you’re expected to be living together. (And since when is the woman informed of t... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1170497 Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:26:17 +0100 1170497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1147286&cid=t_106213_93_f&fid=36697&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjeffreyleow.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F01%2F13%2Fupdate%2F Hi all. i haven’t been updating because i have been busy with an upcoming medical mission trip preparation, had a holiday from Friday to Sunday (Star Cruises Superstar Virgo), and perhaps just in a blogging slump. maybe another time for the 6D5N one. Anyway, the medical mission trip to Cambodia will be from this coming Tuesday (15 [...] (Source: monash medical student) monash medical student blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1147286 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 08:08:18 +0100 1147286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1127348&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2008%2F01%2F03%2Floving-the-gift-or-the-giver%2F ‘Suppose brethren, a man should make a ring for his betrothed, and she should love the ring more wholeheartedly than the betrothed who made it for her … Certainly, let her love his gift: but, if she should say, “The ring is enough. I do not want to see his face again” what would we say of her? The pledge given her by the betrothed is just that, in his pledge, he himself may be loved. God, then, had given you all these things. Love Him who made them.’ ~ St Augustine (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1127348 Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:37:29 +0100 1127348 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1115435&cid=t_106213_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FBreastfeeding123%2F%7E3%2F206053468%2F As some readers celebrate Christmas today (happy holidays to you!), this is a good time to highlight Kellymom.com’s resource on Breastfeeding, Parenting and Religion, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Share This (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1115435 Tue, 25 Dec 2007 12:13:25 +0100 1115435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1098958&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2F16%2Fwords%2F Some of my colleagues asked me for the first time today about why I don’t use curse words at all. At the beginning of the year, I’d been expecting some kind of comment. By this point, I’d gotten used to no one apparently noticing that I don’t use about half the vocabulary of a typical surgery resident, and so I stumbled over the answer. It’s funny, because I’ve heard them exulting over another guy in the program, senior to me, who looks and acts like the perfect Southern gentleman, but is apparently starting to develop the temper and accompanying vocabulary which the other residents seem to expect from each other. Hearing that made me even more determined not to join them; but it’s hard, listening to this stuff fifteen hours a day, not to let it sl... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1098958 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 02:52:32 +0100 1098958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1045287&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F11%2F22%2Fthanksgiving%2F O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south. They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses; And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. ~ Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! ~ For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Such as sit in darkness and i... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1045287 Thu, 22 Nov 2007 13:57:37 +0100 1045287 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1040081&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F11%2F21%2Fits-beginning-to-sound-a-lot-like-christmas%2F Every year Christmas seems to start earlier and earlier, and although I still don’t like seeing Christmas stuff in the shops in October or even September, sooner or later I just have to give in and decide to run with it. And it’s at this point that I rummage around my hard drive for all my Christmas MP3s. For some people it’s putting up the tree, for others it’s lights on the house or a wreath on the door - for me it’s copying my Christmas songs into iTunes that marks the beginning of the festive season. Copied off CDs or downloaded from the net, I have accumulated a lot of Christmas music over the years - I’m now over 1,500 songs. I’ve got all sorts, from Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Elvis (of course), through to Christina Aguleira and even Dav... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1040081 Wed, 21 Nov 2007 01:15:09 +0100 1040081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1035630&cid=t_106213_122_f&fid=35065&url=http%3A%2F%2Feideneurolearningblog.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fcelebrating-thanksgiving-with-all-your.html A deep experience of Thanksgiving is quite complex, even from the view of scientists. Feelings of thanksgiving or gratitude, involves many brain areas known to be important for the senses, feeling, mental reflection, empathy, and decision-making. Forgiveness can be seen to involve regions associated with empathy, memory, and social reward. Charity, at least as it can be studied in this sort of research, appears to utilize brain areas rich in personal experiences, familiar people, and stories. For those who celebrate Thanksgiving as a religious holiday, there is now an additional insight into the process of giving thanks to God. When Carmelite nuns were asked to pray or sense the presence of God while in an fMRI scanner, a diverse pattern of activation could be seen (for the scientific: rig... Eide Neurolearning Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1035630 Sun, 18 Nov 2007 08:01:00 +0100 1035630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=948836&cid=t_106213_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F10%2F04%2Fbad-tactics%2F The other night we admitted a woman with a chronic condition in a very severe exacerbation. She sat huddled up in bed, looking very sick, and pretty much refusing to talk, so most of the history came from an attentive husband. He explained that she’d been diagnosed some seven years ago, “but in 2002 she was healed, so she hasn’t needed any medicines since then.” Umm, right. Turns out she had been in the hospital once in between, but whether because of a misdiagnosis at that time, or because of patient refusal, had not restarted the usual medications. The husband concluded his explanation of the most recent events by saying, “We’re born-again Christians, and we’re just waiting for Jesus to heal her.” I gave them a fairly supportive answer, and... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=948836 Thu, 04 Oct 2007 20:22:47 +0100 948836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=926234&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F10%2F04%2Fchristian-idols%2F I normally try and avoid shows like Today Tonight and A Current Affair like the plague. I invariably find myself irritated and occaisionally yelling at the TV because of the low-brow one-sided tabloid journalism. And how many times can they rehash the same stories - the neighbours/tennants from hell, petrol prices, kids out of control, miracle weight loss cures, how to feed a family for $10 etc etc etc? But sometimes I just don’t get to the TV off button in time and find myself watching part of the show. The last 2 nights I have had the misfortune of catching Today Tonight and their story on how the sinister evil cult of Hillsong church is manipulating Australian Idol. Like all their stories this was incredibly one-sided and skewed - they didn’t give Hillsong or any of their 20... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=926234 Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:29:03 +0100 926234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=828107&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F08%2F29%2Fcrazy-prayer-and-sensible-prayer%2F slacktivist: Prayer In this post Fred mentions the unbelievable story of a crazy Southern Baptist Pastor who asked his congregation to pray for the deaths of two leaders of a “separation of church and state” organisation for asking the tax office to investigate him after he endorsed a political candidate on the church’s letterhead. Firstly, although I don’t agree with this kind of church supported political endorsement, I think these activists are being a bit pedantic for attacking this church over that kind of thing. But what is really insane is this pastor and his flock praying for the deaths of these guys because of it. Can you ever imagine Jesus (you know the guy who said “turn the other cheek” and “pray for those who persecute you” - Mat... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=828107 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:02:32 +0100 828107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=809588&cid=t_106213_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F20%2Fcancer-a-blessing-for-white-houses-tony-snow%2F Filed under: Chemotherapy, Colon and Rectal Cancer, Politics"Blessings arrive in unexpected packages -- in my case, cancer," writes White House Press Secretary Tony Snow in the July issue of Christianity Today.Snow, who discovered in March that his colon cancer had recurred and spread to his liver, said his life-threatening setback is also life-affirming. It has strengthened his faith and brought clarity to his life. "We don't know how the narrative of our lives will end, but we get to choose how to use the interval between now and the moment we meet our Creator," says the 51-year-old.Snow has been receiving aggressive chemotherapy. His hair is getting thinner and whiter. His energy is waning. Still he keeps on going. He wouldn't have it any other way. "We want lives of simple, predictabl... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=809588 Mon, 20 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 809588 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=747164&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F07%2F21%2Fwotd-bible-belt%2F Bible Belt - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Bible Belt is an informal term for an area in which socially conservative Christian Evangelical Protestantism is a dominant part of the culture. The term “Bible Belt” was coined by the American journalist and social commentator H.L. Mencken in the early 1920s. In particular, in the United States it is an idiom[1] for the region where the Southern Baptist Convention denomination is strongest (though many other denominations, such as the Church of Christ and Assemblies of God can be found there as well), usually meaning the South and nearby areas. Much of the Bible Belt consists of the American South. Ironically, this region was originally colonized not for purposes of establishing a religious haven (as was the case in the Puritan... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=747164 Sat, 21 Jul 2007 00:34:59 +0100 747164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=716567&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F07%2F06%2Fchiefly-on-prayer%2F Here’s a parable that’s been on my mind lately : The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8 NIV)  1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’  4“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!’ ”  6And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And w... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=716567 Thu, 05 Jul 2007 23:52:54 +0100 716567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=707180&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F07%2F01%2Fwotd-pope-john-xx%2F Pope John XX - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia There has never been a Pope John XX, because the 20th pope of this name, formerly Petrus Hispanus, decided to skip the number XX and to be counted as John XXI instead. He wanted to correct what in his time was believed to be an error in the counting of his predecessors John XV through XIX.  [..read more..] (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=707180 Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:12:01 +0100 707180 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=698111&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F06%2F27%2Fwotd-george-barna%2F George Barna - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia George Barna is the founder of The Barna Group, a market research firm specializing in studying the religious beliefs and behavior of Americans, and the intersection of faith and culture. He leads seminars for church leaders, speaks at ministry conferences, has taught at seminaries, and has been a pastor. He has also written more than three-dozen books on contemporary Christian issues, with topics ranging from children to leadership. Barna has coined several terms, including Mosaic Generation, which he uses to describe those born between 1984 and 2002; theolographics, used to describe the theological perspectives and applications of people; and spiritainment, which describes the blending of spiritality and entertainment toward influencing peo... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=698111 Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:12:59 +0100 698111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=695237&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F06%2F26%2Fwotd-methodism%2F Methodism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Methodism or the Methodist movement is a group of historically related denominations of Protestant Christianity. The Methodist movement traces its origin to the evangelistic teaching of John Wesley. It originated in 18th century Britain, and through vigorous missionary activity, spread throughout the British Empire, the United States, and beyond. Originally it appealed especially to workers, agricultural workers, and slaves. Theologically most Methodists are Arminian, emphasizing that Christ accomplished salvation for every human being, and that humans must exercise an act of the will to be saved (as opposed to the Calvinist doctrine of limited atonement); and low church in liturgy (although this varies greatly in individual chapels; the Wesleys... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=695237 Mon, 25 Jun 2007 23:00:13 +0100 695237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=675713&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F06%2F12%2Fwotd-archbishop-of-uppsala%2F Archbishop of Uppsala - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Archbishop of Uppsala (spelled Upsala until early 20th century) has been the primate in Sweden in an unbroken succession since 1164, first during the Catholic era, and from the 1530s and onward under the Lutheran church. There have been bishops in Uppsala from the time of Swedish King Ingold the Elder in the 11th century. They were governed by the archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen until Uppsala was made an archbishopric in 1164. The archbishop in Lund (which at that time belonged to Denmark) was simultaneously declared primate of Sweden, meaning it was his right to select and ordain the Uppsala archbishop by handing him the pallium. But to gain independence, Folke Johansson Ängel in 1274 went to Rome and was ordained directly by the ... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=675713 Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:29:53 +0100 675713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=676456&cid=t_106213_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F06%2F08%2Flife-death-ashes-dust-spirit%2F “At one point I had to explain how I differed on a certain point from both Catholics and Fundamentalists: I hope I shall not for this forfeit the goodwill or the prayers of either. Nor do I much fear it.” C.S. Lewis in Reflections on the Psalms Life after death is [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=676456 Fri, 08 Jun 2007 17:03:58 +0100 676456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=638908&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F05%2F27%2Fa-cross-shaped-life%2F Furthermore, when Jesus calls us to take up our crosses and follow him, he is calling believers to a form of brokenness. The old self needs to die. The self-centered orientation needs to be shattered. And the healing that comes beyond this brokenness does not involve simply picking up the pieces and gluing them back together so that we can go on being our old selfish selves. Rather, they are reconfigured into a new whole, a new self. Just as the risen Christ still bore the stigmata, we too will bear the marks of our former brokenness as new persons in Christ. The old is both transfigured and transformed, but it is not entirely transcended in this lifetime, if by that one means it is totally left in the past. We are called to remember where we have come from, what kind of persons we once we... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=638908 Sun, 27 May 2007 11:57:12 +0100 638908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=620189&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F05%2F18%2Fjerry-falwell%2F Ben Witherington: Mr. Falwell Moves On Up I didn’t know a whole lot about him, but I’d always had a very negative impression about Jerry Falwell, the American fundamentalist leader who died a couple of days ago. The above article by Ben Witherington doesn’t completely change that (and indeed some quotes in the comments on the post actually reinforce it) but it does present a more balanced, more positive view of the man - unlike other televangelists he was an honest and authentic man who sincerely believed in what he said, and was not afraid to apologise when at times he got it wrong. For all the harmful things he said and believed, the man did a lot of good as well, and you have to give him credit for that. For another, similar article see this post by left-wing Christian... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=620189 Fri, 18 May 2007 01:52:55 +0100 620189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=620434&cid=t_106213_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F05%2F17%2Fforwarded-from-utcca%2F Donations to the Craig Chaplin Memorial Fund The Rev. Craig Chaplin, friend, pastor, teacher and graduate of the United Theological College died on Wednesday May 9th 2007. Over a decade ago Craig made the decision to make a bequest to the United Theological College that would support an award recognizing the remarkable contributions of ministry offered by [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=620434 Thu, 17 May 2007 18:00:32 +0100 620434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=563600&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F04%2F23%2Fchristians-and-guns%2F Ben Witherington: CHRISTIANS AND GUN CONTROL: AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME? I’ve refrained from commenting on the terrible massacre in the US last week thus far - what more is there to say really? I spent half of Thursday evening when I was sick stuck in front of Fox News watching the home videos of Cho being played endlessly - despite their mostly solemn faces the journos seemed to be lapping it up. Here in Australia very few people have guns and gun ownership is not a big political issue - and when it was an issue back in the 90s after the Port Arthur killings our government moved swiftly to tighten up gun laws and hundreds of thousands of weapons were turned in. So all this makes it hard for us to appreciate just what a hot potato this issue is over in the US. I don’t necessa... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=563600 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 05:52:10 +0100 563600 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=553208&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F04%2F19%2Fall-of-the-above-hillsong-and-social-justice%2F Just got the latest album from Hillsong United this week and have been listening to it over the past few days. Every year Hillsong usually release two albums - one is their main big church live album which is recorded in front of a humungous Sydney crowd, and the other is a live album by their youth worship team, United. Now almost without fail I find that I prefer the United CD, and many of the best songs on the main Hillsong album are ones that were first done by United, and generally the United versions are better. But this year, with All of the Above, United have done something a little different - they’ve done away with the crowd and recorded this in the studio. At first this seems a little odd, but the more I listen the more I feel that the album doesn’t suffer at all. In... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=553208 Thu, 19 Apr 2007 02:11:01 +0100 553208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=534150&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F04%2F10%2Fgeology-not-psychology%2F My feelings are important for many things. They are essential and valuable. They keep me aware of much that is true and real. But they tell me next to nothing about God or my relation to God. My security comes from who God is, not from how I feel. Discipleship is a decision to live by what I know about God, not by what I feel about him or myself or my neighbours. “As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people.” [Ps 125 (MSG)] The image that announces the dependable, unchanging, safe, secure existence of God’s people comes from geology, not psychology. ~ Eugene Peterson A Long Obedience in The Same Direction p87 (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=534150 Tue, 10 Apr 2007 03:30:59 +0100 534150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=528890&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F04%2F08%2Fcuring-deadness%2F I spent some time early this morning thinking about dead bodies. I know, not the most delighful occupation for a Sunday morning, but there’s a point to it I promise. Now I’ve probably seen more than my fair share of dead bodies, a lot more than the average person. And when you’ve seen a few dead bodies you come to appreciate that there’s a certain quality about them - a certain deadness. Whether they’ve been dead a few minutes or hours or longer the combination of a lack of circulation around the body and a lack of neuromuscular activity makes the dead person qualitatively different from the live person they previously were. And when you see a body with this quality of deadness it is strikingly obvious that this is a permanent state from which there ain’... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=528890 Sun, 08 Apr 2007 08:18:39 +0100 528890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=509317&cid=t_106213_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F29%2Fmy-friend-jeff-the-trucker%2F Filed under: Type 2, Adult Onset, Lifestyle, Research, Opinion, ServicesAbout a year ago, I met a guy named Jeff Mather. Well, we never met, personally. But we spoke many times over the phone about diabetes and how it has affected our paths in life. Jeff had lost his job, the one he had for over 10 years. The job he wanted to have since he was a little kid. According to Federal Safety Guidelines, if a trucker takes insulin - they are no longer safe to drive across state lines. Jeff wrote letters every day. He posted to online forums. He contacted politicians and pleaded to every diabetic organization in existence to get him back on the road. And sure enough - his perseverance paid off. He took his predicament all the way from Washington D.C to National Public Radio. The story on NPR includ... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=509317 Thu, 29 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 509317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=500757&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F03%2F26%2Fthe-rhythms-of-the-devil%2F Slacktivist: All the good music Just watched a YouTube video on the Slacktivist blog that was annoying, sad, and yet bizzarely entertaining at times. Entitled “Satan’s Tool : The truth about contemporary Christian music” it is comprised of excerpts from a sermon given by a guy called Alan Ives. His thrust is that there are certain elements in the music itself that make a song ‘ungodly’, no matter how Christian or biblical the lyrics might be. Specifically he focuses on aspects of the rhythm such as the Boogie-Woogie (think Chopsticks), back-beat, and break-beat, that are so wrong. I’m sure glad he hasn’t visited our church - he would be horrified at some of the ’sinful’ rhythms we play. And what he would make of my amplified, distorted ... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=500757 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 04:10:33 +0100 500757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=498912&cid=t_106213_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F03%2F24%2Fon-a-similar-wave-length-as-view-from-the-edge%2F I knew the spam-filtering, skill-testing question (”the sum of five plus seven”) but, for whatever reason, I was unable to leave my comment on this post after several attempts and the same error message. Never mind. I recommend the original post and will try to repeat the substance of my would-be comments here. It started with [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=498912 Sat, 24 Mar 2007 20:39:07 +0100 498912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=493264&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F03%2F01%2Fself-worship%2F It’s all about me [Hismethod] I’ll refrain from posting another YouTube video today, but I can still link to someone else who has posted one. Bruce Chant has a funny clip on his blog which is an “advertisement” for a new worship CD “It’s All About Me.” For anyone who was around churches in the 80s (and perhaps some churches today?) you’ll find a lot of the songs familiar, though with a twist. It’s humour, but there’s a message underneath for those who have ears to hear… (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=493264 Thu, 01 Mar 2007 01:55:27 +0100 493264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=493265&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F03%2F01%2Fthe-dawkins-confusion%2F - Books & Culture - this is an excellent article by philosopher Alvin Plantinga, discussing Richard Dawkin’s recent book, The God Delusion, which has got a lot of attention in the last few months. Plantinga systematically and very effectively deconstructs many of Dawkin’s arguments. I’ll confess I haven’t read Dawkin’s book (I’ve got too many other, more interesting, books piled up waiting to be read) but this article is well worth checking out for anyone who has read it, has been involved in discussions about it, or is even vaguely aware of it. (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=493265 Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:17:15 +0100 493265 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=493267&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F02%2F28%2Fon-different-interpretations%2F In matters that are obscure and far beyond our vision, even in such as we may find treated in Holy Scripture, different Interpretations are sometimes possible without prejudice to the faith we have received. In such a case, we should not rush in headlong and so firmly take our stand on one side that, if further progress in the search of truth justly undermines this position, we too fall with it. That would be to battle not for the teaching of Holy Scripture but for our own, wishing its teaching to conform to ours, whereas we ought to wish ours to conform to that of Sacred Scripture. ~ Saint Augustine (The Literal Meaning of Genesis) (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=493267 Wed, 28 Feb 2007 04:00:04 +0100 493267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=493271&cid=t_106213_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F02%2F26%2Finconvenient-theology%2F The earth we inhabit is not a permanent planet. It is, frankly, a disposable planet—it is going to have a very short life. It’s been around six thousand years or so—that’s all—and it may last a few thousand more. And then the Lord is going to destroy it. I’ve told environmentalists that if they think humanity is wrecking the planet, wait until they see what Jesus does to it. Peter says God is going to literally turn it in on itself in an atomic implosion so that the whole universe goes out of existence (2 Peter 3:7-13). This earth was never ever intended to be a permanent planet—it is not eternal. We do not have to worry about it being around tens of thousands, or millions, of years from now because God is going to create a new heaven and a new earth ~ John MacArthur In the ... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=493271 Mon, 26 Feb 2007 06:52:09 +0100 493271