tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post6843858966841235782..comments2024-03-28T09:52:15.415-04:00Comments on Common Denominator: Wise Serpents, Harmless DovesKen Schenckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09745548537303356655noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post-6264004361749898822012-12-16T16:14:39.395-05:002012-12-16T16:14:39.395-05:00I have found Plantinga's free will defense coh...I have found Plantinga's free will defense coherent in examining evil and how to respond to theodicy questions. Tom Wright(and others I am sure) state that we all must remember that evil is not what separates us from evil but that evil runs(at least to some degree) through our own hearts. Coercion, use of drones,may be necessary in life(and I also am not a pacifist) but we must be careful about our involvement in wars, use of lethal force at home, and about simplistic claims made by those like Mike Huckabee that the reason for the violence at the Connecticut school was due to lack of prayer(God) in the schools.John C. Gardnernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post-73773106887826861702012-12-14T09:19:00.329-05:002012-12-14T09:19:00.329-05:00Isn't this exactly why Christianity is meaning...Isn't this exactly why Christianity is meaningless, personally? Those that try to "use" Christianity are being shrewd managers by planning people's lives for them? Is that "good character"?<br /><br />Christianity has meaning in historical/political understanding, but it really has little impact upon one's character, because everyone has to "live in the world". And unbelievers can have "good character" or be good managers...Christianity is irrelevant, as individuals do differ.<br /><br />Just what is "good character" anyway? Doesn't character have to do with how one uses their talents to the best of their ability? Should that not be motivated by personal choice and commitment? or is "Christian character" about giving up all ambition, submitting mindlessly to authority, serving tirelessly in the face of futility? Yes, historically, that is what some in power have wanted others to do. If the ones in power find a particular conviction, then they should feel the obligation to fulfill it, and not demand another to serve their interests...our "American understanding" is consent and mutuality.Angie Van De Merwehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12617299120618867829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post-6372205386556842942012-12-13T08:04:02.344-05:002012-12-13T08:04:02.344-05:00That at least shows I wear my nerdness lightly. :-...That at least shows I wear my nerdness lightly. :-)Ken Schenckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09745548537303356655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post-22873927873828853852012-12-13T07:10:59.736-05:002012-12-13T07:10:59.736-05:00The color of fear for sinestro is yellow. Red is r...The color of fear for sinestro is yellow. Red is rage. Would love to see an expanded understanding of the parable of the shrewd manager.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com