The Return of Evil?

I haven't written in quite a while. But, in light of yesterday's tragic events at Virginia Tech, I felt compelled to post something about it.

As I hear and watch the news reports, I am greatly grieved and saddened. My heart goes out to the families and friends of those who died in this brutal attack. I cannot comprehend the sense of frustration and hopelessness many of them surely feel. But I can pray for them.

Pondering yesterday's events, my thoughts go back to something that happened to me here at work last week. I was in a company-wide, mandatory "Mutual Respect Training" class (a.k.a. "Harassment Training"). At the very beginning the instructor asked the class this question: "Why do we have laws?"

I immediately shot up my hand. The teacher called on me, and I answered: "To restrain Evil." The class, including the teacher, broke out in laughter. I even heard one woman snicker, "Evil!" sarcastically under her breath. I nervously muttered something about "well that is the right answer, people," but the battle was lost, and the course moved on. (Incidentally, the "correct" answer to the question was: "to prevent unfairness.")

When I discussed the incident with my friend Brant the next day, he wisely observed that in America today, we generally live such a life of ease that we rarely come into contact with Evil. So we have largely come to believe that Evil doesn't exist. And to a large extent, I think Brant's right.

But, hopefully, yesterday's massacre at Virginia Tech is a wake-up call. After witnessing such "senseless" brutality, many people will again correctly label the killer's actions as "Evil." Down deep in our souls we all have a profound sense that these events were objectively "not good" (to say the least). We recognize that this sort of behavior is more than simply "unfair." We are forced to recognize the once commonly-held belief that there is objective moral Good and Evil.

And people, as they always do when tragedy strikes, will begin to ask the question: "Why?" Apart from the existence of God, there can be no answer (or even any meaning) to this question. Those committed to atheistic humanism will be compelled to blame handguns, the university administration, the killer's parents, and even the killer's genetic make-up. While any of this might provide a tiny bit of cathartic relief, it ultimately doesn't help to answer the question.

If the questioners dare to suppose (for the sake of argument) that there might be a God, their thinking, then, often goes like this: "If God is all good and all powerful, a tragedy like this could never happen." Therefore, either God is good but impotent to stop the evil, or He is all powerful but chooses not to stop the evil because He is capricious. Either way, you end up with a being that is less than God--some sort of lesser-deity, something like a mythical Greek god.

On the surface, these questions sound reasonable and logical. But their presuppositions create a false dilemma. As the philosophers say, there is a tertium quid (a third option). And this is the answer we deduce from the pages of the Bible: God is both all powerful and all good; and yet, for reasons unbeknownst to us, He allows evil to continue for now; but He will vindicate Himself and will one day judge all men for their evil deeds; and that justice will be 100% right and good, according to His own perfectly righteous character.

The honest skeptic (if there were such a thing) has to at least grant that this is possible. The false dilemma he creates does not offer the only possible answers. And of the four possibilities offered (God does not exist, God is good but impotent, God omnipotent but not good, God is both omnipotent and good), the only one that truly offers any hope to those in grief is the fourth--the answer found in the Bible.

The Bible provides us with more insight into this tragedy as well. We all tend to assume that we somehow deserve a life of pleasure and ease. We think that when tragedy befalls us, somehow God is shortchanging us, that we have received an injustice. The fact of the matter is that all mankind are sinful and in rebellion against their creator God. As such, we have plunged the world into a downward spiral of misery, sickness, and death. And, if we continue in rebellion against God, He will justly give us what we want: eternal separation from Him and His goodness.

The very fact that any of us live one day more on this earth, that we have food to eat, clothes to wear, and houses to cover our heads, is due only to the sustaining graciousness of God. Theologians call this God's "common grace" because it is "common" to all men--even those who persist in rebellion against Him. As Jesus said, "He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust" (Mt. 5:45).

Christians are just as guilty of this mistake as non-christians. We need to remember that if we were to get more of what we deserve, the world would be even more full of murderous thugs, famine, pestilence, and calamity. It is only the restraining hand of a good and omnipotent God who ultimately keeps this from happening. We deserve sickness and death; but God is merciful.

Ultimately, the greatest expression of God's mercy and grace are offered for the sake of the people He came to save. That God became a man, suffered and died innocently under the cruel hands of sinful men is a great mystery. But He died and rose again to set sinners free from bondage to their sins and rebellion against Him, and to give them a new life. Those who put their trust in Him will one day be free of the pain and misery they have brought upon themselves because He has taken it upon Himself in their place. And one day, Justice will prevail, and all will be right with the world.

Church Signs

You might enjoy this site as much as I do. Make up your own savvy and creative church signs at www.churchsigngenerator.com. Here's a couple I've made:

Deviancy but not Sleazy

I was quite disturbed to read the following article, "Documentary on Beast1ty. premieres at the Sundance Film Festival." The story, written unsurprisingly by someone at the LA Times is clearly sympathetic to this subject, "the last taboo," according to the director. The article describes it as "poetic," "strangely beautiful," with "elegiac visual re-creations." It's "not graphic in the least" because, as the director puts it "I aestheticized the sleaze right out of it."

Of course, that's always how deviancy is promoted, isn't it? Take some practice widely considered disgusting, repulsive, and sinful, and put a spin on it: make it a cinematographical masterpiece, make it emotionally captivating, stirring, and beautiful; and "aestheticize the slease right out of it." That makes it okay, right? Pretty window dressing makes what's going on inside the window more palatable.

If a man truly loves his horse--truly loves his horse--then we shouldn't regard his behavior with it as deviant or wrong. After all, who's to say it's wrong? Love is the higher end, right?

Or so they would have you believe. I'm willing to be that the continual weakening of our culture to any sense of moral absolutes will result in pedoph1a. being promoted with greater regularity and, eventually, accepted in many places. After all, who is to deny the "true love" of two consenting individuals? 18 is, after all, an arbitrary age. Why not 16, or 12, or 8? And, as this movie apparently suggests: why must both of the individuals involved be human beings? (And, I ask, for the sake of consistency, why must both of the individuals even necessarily be alive?)

Gomorrah, here we come. O Lord, have mercy upon us!

Rock on?

Pat Robertson is spewing forth nonsense again, saying that "God told him" that a major terrorist attack would take place in the US in 2007. Stand To Reason has a good blog on this.

The short of the matter is if you claim "God told you" something, you're claiming to be a Prophet. If your prophecies don't come true 100% of the time, you're a false prophet and a blasphemer, taking the Lord's name in vain. False prophets in the Old Testament were to be stoned (Lev. 24:16; Deut. 18:20). Here's how you know if a prophet is true or false:

"And if you say in your heart, 'How may we know the word that the LORD has not spoken?'-- when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously" (Deut 18:21-22a).

By his own admission, a number of Pat Robertson's "prophecies" have not come true. He is therefore, by the Bible's definition, a "false prophet." Maybe Christians should start sending Rev. Robertson rocks in the mail to remind him of how seriously God regards his offense?

A Big God for Little People

This coming Sunday is the first day of the New Year. Sunday, December 3, 2006 is the First Sunday in Advent. As I think about the topic that will be our pastor's sermon this coming Sunday, I have run across so much good and encouraging material. One particularly striking piece is a brief article written by Dr. John Piper, entitled "A Big God for Little People." I believe as you read through it your heart will be lifted and encouraged. For starters, here's a quote:

"All the mammoth political forces and all the giant industrial complexes, without their even knowing it, are being guided by God, not for their own sake but for the sake of God's little people—the little Mary and the little Joseph who have to be got from Nazareth to Bethlehem. God wields an empire to bless his children...He is a big God for little people, and we have great cause to rejoice that, unbeknownst to them, all the kings and presidents and premiers and chancellors of the world follow the sovereign decrees of our Father in heaven, that we, the children, might be conformed to the image of his Son, Jesus Christ."

May you be blessed this Advent season as you await the coming of our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Tit 2:13)!

The Noble Vehicular Savage

According to this story, several cities in Europe are getting rid of all traffic signs in a Rousseauian attempt to improve traffic safety and efficiency. According to the proponents of this "new" philosophy:

"The glut of prohibitions is tantamount to treating the driver like a child and it also foments resentment," and "the many rules strip us of the most important thing: the ability to be considerate."

History and anthropology have borne out that there is no such thing as a "noble savage." It's not the constricting laws of society that cause drivers to be bad. Drivers are bad because the hearts within the drivers are evil--not good. People (myself included) are, by nature, selfish, proud, and deceitful. Our own selfishness is what strips our ability to be considerate to others.

Anyone want to place a bet on how long it will be before this latest European fad goes the way of the Edsel?

Disclaimer: I'm not a student of philosophy, and so perhaps there was another philosopher whose worldview better explains this "new" model of government. But I do see it as a manifestation of Rousseau's flawed assertion that man is essentially good.

Baptismal Reflections

This past Sunday we had my youngest son baptised. Providentially, I was the elder assisting in leading the worship service that day and so I had the opportunity to make some comments about baptism in response to the pastor's sermon. I wanted to drive home some summary ideas about baptism since I knew that both sets of grandparents would be there and their sacramental views are typical "mainstream evangelical;" so there was much potential for confusion. I was discussing this with my friend Brant, and he asked me to post my comments on the blog. So, here they are. (These comments are by no means complete, and I'm sure I left out some other good points.)

As we have heard today, our Reformed understanding of Baptism rests on a number of key concepts:

1. There is in Scripture a fundamental unity and continuity between the Old and New Testaments: There is only one plan of salvation throughout the Bible. Salvation is and has always been by grace through faith in God.

2. Baptism doesn’t save us or our children any more than circumcision saved the Israelites.

3. As the song says, “Father Abraham had many sons…I am one of them, and so are you.” The Apostle Paul tells us that all who have faith in Christ are sons of Abraham (Gal. 3:7) and heirs according to the Promise (3:29). And God tells us from the start that this Promise, or Covenant, is everlasting (Gen 17:7).

4. Baptism is not a sign of something I did (my decision to follow Christ). It serves not as my witness to others, but as God’s witness to me. Since all men are helpless to save themselves and since salvation is the work of God alone, baptism beautifully portrays this spiritual truth: The water is applied to me, not by me; I am passive in the receiving of baptism, just as I am in the receiving the saving grace of God.

5. Baptism serves as a “stamp” or “seal” of Divine authenticity which God uses to assure us of His Promise of salvation to all those who believe in Him. The Apostle Peter reminds us that the same Promise God made to Abraham is “for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself” (Act. 2:39).

6. Scripture repeatedly teaches that God works redemptively not just in individuals, but through households. Children of believers are special in God’s eyes. They receive numerous blessings and advantages that those outside the household do not enjoy. The Great Commission is fulfilled first in the home—when godly parents exercise their great privilege and responsibility to raise up their children in the Lord. Children of believers are set apart from the children of unbelievers and therefore receive the mark of God’s promise to His people in Baptism.

7. Finally, Baptism sets us apart to a holy life lived for God. God’s gracious Promise of salvation is for those who embrace the Promise through faith and repentance. But if we do not live lives of faith befitting our baptism, we will receive God’s wrath and judgment. If you have been baptized but are not living a life of faith and love for God, and serving Him out of thankfulness for His mercy, see to it that you turn now and receive God’s abundant mercy and love.

Praise be to God for His faithfulness and mercy!

“But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them” (Psa. 103:17-18).

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations” (Deut. 7:9).

Black Tuesday

Today I'm suffering from the agony of defeat. In yesterday's election, out of the 49 persons or propositions I voted on, only 22 went the way I voted (45%). If that sounds pretty good, out of the 23 races I particularly cared about, only 8 went the way I voted (35%).

I have been saying to friends and family for several years now, the Republicans in Congress have squandered away their opportunity to enact conservative reforms that their electoral base was anticipating. So really, now that they've lost the House and probably the Senate as well, I think I can say they had it coming. And, truth be told, America has the leaders its deserves.

What grieves me the most, however, is the stupidity with which Californians seem to vote when it comes to the state propositions. Here are a few that went down the wrong way:

• 85 -- (FAILED) What parent in their right mind wants their teenage daughter to be taken from them by the public school, a college boyfriend, or a sexual predator to have a surgical procedure performed on them without their consent (much less their notification)!? (Apparently 54% do.) Nevermind that this surgical procedure takes the life of their baby grandchild and endangers the physical and emotional well-being of their own daughter. George Orwell's future is becoming our own present, by the express will of the people. (Hey stranger, please come take my children from me and do what you want with them--I really don't care.)
• 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 84 -- (PASSED) Together, these four bond measures will result in 77.9 billion dollars that has to be repaid by the government. If the government doesn't have the money now, they won't have it in the future either. Who will pay this outrageous fee? The same brain-dead people who voted for the measure!
• 90 -- (FAILED) This measure tried to protect Californians from seizure of private property brought on by the unconstitutional (and nonsensical) Kelso decsion of the U.S. Supreme Court. I guess Californians don't mind greedy "Big Business" coming and taking away their homes and churches for its own personal gain.
• M, O -- These three additional county measures will cost the taxpayers additional untold millions. (Not to mention the incessant traffic congestion brought on by additional inadequte road "improvements.")

The only real evidence of any possible remaining brain-activity in the electorate was its vote denying: 1) the $2.60/pack tobacco tax (Prop 86); 2) the $50 "for the children" property-tax surcharge (Prop 88); 3) the additional $4 billion gasoline tax (Prop 87); and 4) Taxpayer-funded political campaigns (Prop 89).

This election makes it increasingly clear that I am not a man of this world. Which shouldn't suprise me. The Bible makes it perfectly clear that Christians are "strangers and exiles on the earth" (Heb 11:13), that "our citizenship is in heaven" (Phil. 3:20), and that we look forward to "a better country, that is, a heavenly one" (Heb. 11:16), to a "city that has foundations whose designer and builder is God" (Heb. 11:10).

Furthermore, bad election results help remind us that it is our sovereign God who "removes kings and sets up kings" (Dan 2:21) and "rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will" (Dan. 4:17). This is imporant, lest we begin to think that we can save the world through our political efforts.

While we await the great and glorious day of our Lord's appearing, Christians must press on, striving to be salt and light in a decaying and dark culture. The only thing that can truly change the current course of our culture toward Gomorrah is the saving power of the Gospel. My prayer is that the results of this election will cause our nation's Christians to remember this fact, and that we will be emboldened to preach the good news and live out our vocations in society such that we may have a preserving and healing influence upon it. Even so, come Lord Jesus!

Restaurant Review: Frescas

I'm thinking about starting a new line of topics on this blog, where I will review various restaurants I have visited. Since I am a lover of fine food, and since I do seem be blessed with opportunities to dine at some very fine establishments from time to time, perhaps this places me in a unique position among my peers to provide descriptions of my experiences. Perhaps you may find them helpful some day in selecting a restaurant for your anniversary or first date.

Fresca's Mexican Grill - 10/27/2006

Not wanting to bite off more than I can chew on my first attempt (ooh, bad pun), let's take a look at Fresca's Mexican Grill in Foothill Ranch, CA. I would classify this restaurant as one of the seemingly endless number of "high end fast food" establishments throughout Orange County. (Other restaurants in this class would be Pasta Bravo, Daphne's, and Rubio's, for example.)

Fresca's, as it turns out, is the most recent in a chain of seven restaurants in O.C (although I had never seen one before). Just walking in I pretty much guessed that was the case because this is one very nicely-appointed fast food place--and that kind of decoration, I imagine, costs more than most mom and pop establishments are able to lay down to start up such an enterprise. The ambience is Tex-Mex, there are two wide-screen TV's on the walls, and the seating is comfortable (the booths looked particularly comfy). Ambience is an important factor for a restaurant (it's importance is roughly proportional to the price), and Fresca's scores very well in the category.

The Foothill Ranch location has been open for 3 weeks, and the day I went there was a line out the door. But, of course, I should know that showing up at exactly 12-noon is never good if you want to avoid rubbing elbows with everyone else on their lunch hour. The process is typical: wait in line, order your food, pay the cashier, take a number, find a seat; wait for your number to be called, and then go pick up your food. Despite the crowd, the staff were hustling, and my food was ready in probably not much more than 5 minutes. Way to go.

Prices are typical for dining in this class: $6-7 for a combo plate with beans, rice, and chips; $2 tacos; #3.50-5.50 burritos, etc. Certainly not a great deal, but certainly in line with what other restaurants are charging these days. (And besides, they have to pay back those interior decorators and builders somehow, right?)

One nice little "bonus" for a good Mexican fast-food restaurant is if they have a decent "salsa bar." Fresca's has a very fine one, with at least 6 different varieties of salsa (from mild to scortching hot), each with a uniquely different flavor. I sat and snacked on chips and salsa while I waited for my number to be called--which, as I said, wasn't very long.

I ordered the #1 platter: Tres Enchiladas. This entree comes with one each of chicken, steak, and cheese enchiladas, and is served with rice, black beans, and chips. The presentation was nice, the food looked very appetising, and the portion was just right. However, I have one complaint, and that is the meat was fairly unsatisfactory. The chicken was a bit dry--probably overcooked--and both the steak and chicken were fairly tough. Good meat quality is one of my biggest demands. One expects mediocre meat at McDonalds, but when someone is spending more, one expects more. Meat should be tender, juicy, and well seasoned. Unfortunately, mine was none of these. Even though the overall flavor of the dish was very good, poor meat pretty much overwhelms everything else. (Perhaps most people don't notice anymore. But once you've had really good meat cooked right, it's hard to settle for less.)

I will go back to try Fresca's again. If the meat is better then this restaurant may become part of my regular rotation. If not, there's plenty of competition out there for my lunch-hour dollars.

I plan to end each review with a quick summary. I will rate the establishment with scores between 1 (horrid) and 5 (phenomenal) in five categories. Here's a summary of Fresca's:

Atmosphere (decor, comfort, and cleanliness): 4.5
Service (promptness, attitude): 4.5
Price: 3.5
Food (presentation and taste): 3
Overall (average of the above categories): 3.9

Advice? Check it out. Perhaps your exprience will surpass mine.

2006 Fall Presbytery

Tonight I depart for my first Presbytery meeting. The church which I help lead is a mission work of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARPC), a denomination with its roots in the Scottish Reformation and, surprisingly, still intact after 273 years.

If you wouldn't mind, please pray that I would have a safe trip, that the meetings would maintain unity centered on biblical truth, charity, clear-headed thinking, wise decision-making, and that Christ's Kingdom here on earth would be furthered.