Glory to the Newborn King!

A cosmological argument is any argument that uses the existence of the world to infer the existence of God. In this episode, we examine two of the three best-known and debated cosmological arguments: Aquinas’ argument from change, and Liebnitz’ argument from contingency. Aquinas sees God as the force that pushes the universe forward, allowing concrete objects to change from potential to actual. Liebnitz asks the question, “Why is there something instead of nothing?” and concludes that God must be fundamental and necessary, since the universe cannot be.

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It isn't obvious what a prudent or wise reader should do with 1984. Is it a warning to be heeded? A commentary on the human spirit? Should we be frightened or inspired? Orwell offers several threads, themes and questions begging to be explored. The three most pressing are reflections on fear, the human spirit, family as a bulwark against tyranny, and the coal-miner objection to capitalism. These reflections are analyzed and discussed.

Episode Notes

• The featured piece is Adagio in G minor by Remo Giazotto (1910––1998). This was suggested to me for 1984 for its ominous strings, and I think it fits well.

George Orwell's classic 1984 warns of totalitarian governments, a surveillance state, and the societal consequences of limiting free expression and diversity of thought. Interestingly, Orwell uses the degradation of the family as a major component to the introduction of totalitarianism, as well as assaults on individuality and objectivism about truth and the external world. This timely tome can be discouraging, but is undeniably thought-provoking and insightful for the pioneers of the 21st century.

Episode Notes

• The featured piece is Adagio in G minor by Remo Giazotto (1910––1998). This was suggested to me for 1984 for its ominous strings, and I think it fits well.

Links

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Have you ever considered your philosophy of romance? Christopher Marlowe's, "The Shepherd To His Love" captures the optimism of a romantic with beautiful poesy. And Sir Walter Raleigh has a pessimistic reply in his subsequent work, "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd." But wisdom is neither naive or pessimistic. Christianity has a profound and beautiful romance story at the heart of its message. God created human beings to reflect himself, and the love between spouses and between parents and children both reflect unique aspects of God's love. Romance is at the core of what it means to be human, and is therefore dangerous and beautiful. A Christian philosophy of romance is needed, and introduced.

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Christianity––or any religion for that matter––is considered nothing more than a preference and a hobby in our secular age. Religious talk seems meaningless and embarrassing. Even many Christians are hoodwinked by secularism. We must engage with the postmodern critique of Christianity, and that means a deeper appreciation for both Nietzsche and Dostoyevsky.

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Kings and rulers may try to thwart God’s plans, but none can stop Him from fulfilling his promises. This Christmas season, give thanks for a sovereign God, who has placed you in a specific time and place in order to receive his grace and love. Eat good food, give good gifts, confess your sins in humility, and love those around you.

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The church looks like a strange thing to a secular world. For Bonhoeffer, the church is a collection of people who sincerely love Jesus and are devoted to his teachings. But as nice as that vision sounds, isn’t it a little naive? A distinction has to be made between the church as an organization and as an organism. The church within the church, which Bonhoeffer rallied against the Nazis, turns out to be a meek yet resilient people with a beautiful vision for community and life.

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Deitrich Bonhoeffer (1906—1945) was a pastor, theologian, spy and conspirator against Hitler’s Third Reich. Bonhoeffer guarded, proclaimed and lived out the Gospel when the fate of Western Civilization hung in the balance. He was executed by the Nazis just weeks before their official surrender in WW2. Bonhoeffer understood that following Christ meant opposing evil, preaching truth, and living fearlessly––and his integrity and insight impact us today.

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John Stuart Mill (1806–1873) penned the most powerful and winsome defense of the freedom of speech, but it is not without its presuppositions. Those assumptions have eroded in our culture, which means the freedom of speech is eroding, too. Are human beings mouthpieces of power and prejudice, or is the truth a valuable common ground from which we can evaluate each other’s ideas? Mill concludes that censorship is hubris and indoctrination is cowardice.

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John Milton (1608-1674) is second only to Shakespeare when it comes to poets in the English speaking world. But before he could write his greatest masterpiece, he lost his vision and fell blind, becoming completely unable to write. As a deeply religious man who loved God, Milton could not understand why God would strip him of his sight and rob him of his chance to pen Paradise Lost. After profound reflection, Milton showcases his vision of God and humility in the only way he knew how: with poetry. Then, he wrote Paradise Lost from behind the dark canvas of his eye lids.

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