biggzipp.com » 2009

Does Satan Exist? Debate Recap

March 28th, 2009 | Category: Faith,Theology,Thoughts

Here’s the link to the video of the debate:

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Nightline/FaceOff/

Here are a two of my thoughts in no particular order:

1. Bishop Pearson’s current belief that “there is no devil” is not that surprising. Pearson’s background, by his own admission, is one of focusing heavily on the devil, seeing the devil in everything, and essentially making light of the devil (by using exorcisms as a super-common, chaotic, weekly event). When certain denominations / groups do this sort of thing, they are essentially treating the devil like a corny, movie villian, rather than a real, dangerous adversary. Pearson essentially saw through his own nonsense, but then ended up more confused. Rather than making sure that he was interpreting the Bible correctly (which would have fixed his problem), he has begun looking for bits of belief from everything (and all his bits contradict each other).

2. Deepak Chopra was called on the carpet by the audience member who asked if he believed his own statements. Chopra said, “faith exists only because of insecurities.” If that’s true, then Chopra must be insecure! All belief systems / world views are based on faith of some sort. Evolution and the big bang theory (Chopra’s beliefs) cannot be demonstrated, they’re accepted at least in part on faith. Chopra made repeated faith statements the entire night (belief in God – as another audience member pointed out), and yet called other faith statements “primitive.” Driscoll was correct to call him pretentious.

John Piper on the 2008 Election; Ben’s Political Manifesto

March 25th, 2009 | Category: Faith,Politics

I think perhaps I confuse a lot of my friends with my political ramblings, so I want to make a sort of political manefesto to clear the air:

I don’t think the Republican Party or the Democratic Party offer much hope for America. I think Jesus does.

I don’t think the ideals of the Republican Party or the Democratic Party represent a Christian worldview. I think parts of the ideologies of both parties are both beneficial and/or horrible depending on the issue we are dealing with.

I hate to think that a majority of the Christians I know seem to be adopting the viewpoints of conservatism in its entirety without deeply considering all the issues. It’s not just a 2 issue thing, it’s multiple issues. (Yes we must be anti-abortion if we believe in the 10 commandments, and yes we will reject the radical homosexual agenda believing that it is destructive to society and sinful, but believing those two things shouldn’t necessarily make us Republicans who adopt wholesale all Republican ideals).

America is not a Christian nation. What is a Christian nation anyway? America is a nation where (at least still at this point) there is freedom for competing ideas. If we take away one group’s freedom, we simultaneously endanger our own freedom.

We should vote to protect a Christo-centric morality in America, but we shouldn’t be surprised if society rejects that morality and votes differently. Moral laws in America are decided upon by vote, so go vote!

Ultimately, as Piper says above, our trust and hope and happiness are not in the political system. We’re involved in the discussion, but not overly involved. I believe we have freedom to embrace some of the policies of a political figure, while hating other policies of that figure. How should you vote? I don’t know. Search your own heart and head, and pray. But don’t pretend as if all Christians must vote one specific way.

Whether it drives people crazy or not, I’m just in the middle, and I’m very much questioning both sides. There’s more that could be said, but this is a start. If anyone is interested to know, I did not vote for McCain or Obama. Comments and discussion are welcome.

Obama Responds to Cheney about Gitmo

March 23rd, 2009 | Category: Politics

On Sunday, March 22nd, President Obama responded to Cheney’s statements that the Obama administration wasn’t taking national security seriously. I think Obama’s statments about Gitmo and human torture are absolutely correct. In fact what Obama says here is exactly what Ron Paul was also saying the entire election. Check it out!

I couldn’t figure out a way to embed this video, but you can see it by clicking the link below.

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Obama_fires_back_at_Cheney_on_0322.html

Tobacco Taxes

March 19th, 2009 | Category: Thoughts

Let’s get one thing straight…This is America, or at least it used to be. So why is it that people are allowing the government to impinge on some many personal freedoms. Specifically, I’m referring to freedoms when it comes to smoking. Most of the country has already banned smoking in restaurants, and while this may seem beneficial for you if you don’t smoke, it should be left up to the restaurant to make that decision or not. If eating establishments want to cater to smokers, they should be allowed to cater to those types of patrons. It shouldn’t be illegal. If you say that it exposes non-smokers to second-hand smoke, then I say don’t go to that restaurant. If you’re a parent, you’re an idiot to take your kids there. Don’t do it, but it shouldn’t be illegal to smoke in a restaurant.

As if bans on smoking inside of buildings and in restaurants weren’t bad enough, the country continues to raise taxes both nationally (and in the case of TN) locally, on tobacco. Coming April 1, cigarettes will cost about $7.50 a pack in Tennessee. That’s ridiculous! If you’re thinking about rolling your own cigarettes to save money, think again. The tax on bags of loose tobacco is about to go up 2200% from about 1 dollar a pound to about 25 dollars a pound. That’s absurd!!!

Is smoking bad for you? If not with careful moderation, yes. But should it be taxed the crap out of? No. That’s an invasion of liberty. I’m not a smoker of cigarettes, but I enjoy a pipe or a cigar now and then. I hope that hobby doesn’t end up costing me an arm and a leg. Honestly I’m not sure how all of this will affect pipe tobacco and cigars, but even if it doesn’t effect them at all, I’m concerned about the infringement on personal liberties that this country continues to support. You may not care about smoking, but you may care about another freedom that will one day be taken away if we don’t stand up for liberty in this country.

Debate: Does Satan Exist? (Feat. Mark Driscoll vs. Deepak Chopra)

March 16th, 2009 | Category: Faith,Theology

There will be a debate on ABC’s Nightline on March 26th about the existence of Satan. The debate will feature Mars Hill Pastor, Mark Driscoll vs. known philosopher Deepak Chopra. This should prove extremely interesting. I’m planning on tuning in.

To get the latest updates about Mars Hill, Mark Driscoll, and theresurgence.com, follow @PastorMark on twitter.

Recent Design Work

March 15th, 2009 | Category: Expression,Graphic Design

These are a couple of new logos / designs I recently completed.

The goal with this design was to try to illustrate the idea of connecting through the logo. This was achieved through a techy / tetris-esque feel that demonstrates movement with the letters.

I intentionally went for a darker / metal theme with this logo. The intent was not to be scary, but rather to illustrate a serious message in an edgy way.

Steven Seagal Facts

March 15th, 2009 | Category: Thoughts

I’m posting this article because the author (Nathan Bloch) writes in a sarcastic tone that can only be described as reminiscient of Wes Stewart, and I like Wes Stewart’s sarcasm (most of the time). Anyway, it’s never not-fun (double negative) to make fun of Steven Seagal. Chris Royalty and Kevin Brown are free to add additional, awesome Seagal facts.

Article

The New Calvinism

March 13th, 2009 | Category: Faith,Theology

Time magazine has proclaimed the “new Calvinism,” as preached by people like Mark Dricoll, John Piper, and Al Mohler, #3 on a list of “10 Things Changing the World Right Now.” If you’re like me, and asking “What is new Calvinism?” Apparently it’s old Calvinism with a slightly different application as it applies to culture and the church at large.

Check out the Time article.

Check out Driscoll’s discussion of Old Calvinism vs. New Calvinism.

Driscoll’s thoughts on the article

New Music: The Virgins, The Dead Weather, NASA

March 13th, 2009 | Category: Music

I’m admittedly not the most up-to-date person when it comes to music, but when I hear something I like, I’m a fan through and through. The latest three bands that have caught my eye (I don’t own the music yet or anything) are The Virgins (saw them on Jimmy Fallen), The Dead Weather (Jack White’s new side project), and NASA (saw them on Carson Daly). The Virgins have a pop-punk 80′s feel that is current and fun, and The Dead Weather have a raw, down and dirty rock feel that is typical of other White-influenced music, and NASA have an awesome remix/hip-hop/sample heavy sound. Check ‘em out and tell me what you think.

Links:

NASA

The Virgins

Article on The Dead Weather in Paste Magazine