Tag: SDA
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Marvel Jesus
I’ve been a big fan of Marvel movies since 2008’s Ironman came out. Something about the story telling of superheroes makes me feel like a giddy kid inside. Deadpool and Wolverine was no different. In this movie, at one point, Deadpool makes the statement “I…am….Marvel Jesus.” It was comical and got a little chuckle out…
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In search of truth, what are you willing to give up?
“It’s hard to hear God’s voice, when you’ve already decided what you want Him to say” As I delve deeper into theological history, and read more from various theologians and scholars, this phrase will often bounce back into my consciousness. How often do people approach “Bible study” with an idea of what they want to…
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When and where is traditional Christianity found?
“We need to get back to traditional Christianity!” Have you heard this, or some version of this phrase? I sure have. What do “they” mean when they say this? Quite often there is no coherent answer when pressed for one. I know what I’m hearing behind those words, and it’s generally not positive loving things.…
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Interpretation is for everyone
I used to be the plant engineer at a small company. One of my duties was running the maintenance department. There were anywhere from four to six people who reported to me. The main job of our maintenance department was to fix whatever was broken. Often some of the guys would be skittish about attempting…
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The Prosperity Gospel’s roots go deep.
The term prosperity gospel is most likely a familiar term to most readers. This term is an umbrella term which encompasses a number of ideas that equate sincerity/vitality of one’s Christian faith and associated actions with material, career, life, relationship, and health success. Most people think of Joel Olsteen, his private jet, and his calls…
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Our concept of Satan comes from where? (part 1)
The more I read and think about our modern idea of Satan, the less sense what I read in the bible makes. I thought I’d lay out some interesting notes on this Satan that we think of today. Let’s start with the word Satan itself. It’s translated from the Hebrew śāṭān. Which means “The Adversary”…
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Embracing Doubt: A lesson in hope from Job
Lesley Hazleton (RIP), a self described “accidental theologist”, has a wonderful ted talk on “Doubt is essential to faith“. I saw it for the first time around ten years ago. This was pre-deconstruction, however the message still rang true in my head. Even though I hadn’t started to strongly doubt yet, I was beginning to…
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The Failed Prophecy and the False Choice
I remember as a mid 20’s engineer, fresh in my first “real” engineering job, being given a document by an angsty coworker. This document was a huge list of grievances against SDA, Ellen White, and just general biblical failures. I went through and attempted to answer each one but there were a few I simply…
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Reconstruction: Out of the ashes
According to ancient legend, the phoenix is an immortal mythical bird. One day it grew bored of living in paradise and wished to travel to the mortal world. Not long after arrival, the Phoenix became aware of its immortality and wanted to renew himself. He built a nest and waited for the sun god Ra…
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Creation: An Exploration of Issues
The Bible has a particular way it conveys creation. Well actually it has several ways it does this. Sometimes they don’t agree. In any case, a plain reading of the text can leave the reader, the curious scientifically minded reader at least, with a number of questions. To set the stage, let’s establish the traditional…
Space For Doubt 