Thursday, May 7, 2009
Audio Link
In the column on the right, above the painting of Plato and Aristotle, is the audio link that I put in the earlier post. Try it out.
Epicureans, Stoics, Skeptics, and Cynics
Chapter 5 in the book is a a good one, and addresses what we started the group for. That chapter is 'From Greeks to Gospel.' But we haven't covered chapter 4 yet, and there are a few things to say about that.
In the opening paragraph Brown mentions "...the interaction of Greek and Jewish culture and religion which provided the milieu for the rise of Christianity." We have talked about that, and the next chapter elaborates the point. On page 54 in the section of Stoicism he says, "...Zeus, the universal Word or 'logos' which sustains all things." I don't think it is a coincidence that John starts the book of John, "In the beginning was the 'logos', and the 'logos' was with God, and the 'logos' was God."
Chuck and I had a talk recently about that word 'logos'. We can talk more about this later, but I think that language (words) is more fundamental to reality than numbers. That seems counter-intuitive today when everything seems to boil down to math and science. And there are certainly some similarities between language and mathematical equations. But they aren't the same. I think there is a reason the Bible doesn't say, "In the beginning was the equation for the unified theory, and the equation for the unified theory was with God, and the equation for the unified theory was God."
On page 59 we see a link between empiricism and skepticism. I think this is interesting because David Hume, in the 18th century, was an empiricist and a skeptic as well. I think the two things go hand in hand. Modern science is closely tied to empiricism, and a certain type of skepticism, too. David Hume, and others like him, have not exactly furthered God's kingdom. As for science, there is a lot of good in science, but it definitely needs a little more humility. It's purported claims upon reality are much more grandiose than what is warranted. In that audio link in the previous post, JP Moreland talks about Hume and his effect upon our modern world.
I'd like to hear any comments anyone has about that. When I know more about my July schedule I'll let you know, and we'll try to set up another meeting.
In the opening paragraph Brown mentions "...the interaction of Greek and Jewish culture and religion which provided the milieu for the rise of Christianity." We have talked about that, and the next chapter elaborates the point. On page 54 in the section of Stoicism he says, "...Zeus, the universal Word or 'logos' which sustains all things." I don't think it is a coincidence that John starts the book of John, "In the beginning was the 'logos', and the 'logos' was with God, and the 'logos' was God."
Chuck and I had a talk recently about that word 'logos'. We can talk more about this later, but I think that language (words) is more fundamental to reality than numbers. That seems counter-intuitive today when everything seems to boil down to math and science. And there are certainly some similarities between language and mathematical equations. But they aren't the same. I think there is a reason the Bible doesn't say, "In the beginning was the equation for the unified theory, and the equation for the unified theory was with God, and the equation for the unified theory was God."
On page 59 we see a link between empiricism and skepticism. I think this is interesting because David Hume, in the 18th century, was an empiricist and a skeptic as well. I think the two things go hand in hand. Modern science is closely tied to empiricism, and a certain type of skepticism, too. David Hume, and others like him, have not exactly furthered God's kingdom. As for science, there is a lot of good in science, but it definitely needs a little more humility. It's purported claims upon reality are much more grandiose than what is warranted. In that audio link in the previous post, JP Moreland talks about Hume and his effect upon our modern world.
I'd like to hear any comments anyone has about that. When I know more about my July schedule I'll let you know, and we'll try to set up another meeting.
Happiness
http://www.cmda.org/media/CDD_Interviews/May09CDD_moreland.mp3
In previous posts we have discussed the difference between the ancient and modern understanding of 'happiness.'' The Christian Medical and Dental Associations have the audio of an interview with JP Moreland about that very subject. The link is above. I think the link will work. If not I'll figure out another to get the audio to you. JP Moreland is a Christian philosopher who teaches at the Talbot School of Theology.
In previous posts we have discussed the difference between the ancient and modern understanding of 'happiness.'' The Christian Medical and Dental Associations have the audio of an interview with JP Moreland about that very subject. The link is above. I think the link will work. If not I'll figure out another to get the audio to you. JP Moreland is a Christian philosopher who teaches at the Talbot School of Theology.
I am hoping to be able to have a more flexible schedule at work soon, and I hope that means being able to set up some times when the group can get together. Starting in July I will be working 12 hour shifts instead of 24 hour shifts. I'll have to be at the hospital more days each week, but the schedule is going to vary. My fixed schedule in the past hasn't allowed me to meet at a time when most people can do it. So, stay tuned and we'll see what we can do.
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