The Theology of Calvin . . . and Hobbes (Self-Centeredness)

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The Harm We Do to Ourselves – A Pirate Story

A seaman meets a pirate in a bar, and talk turns to their adventures on the sea. The seaman notes that the pirate has a peg-leg, a hook, and an eye patch. The seaman asks “So, how did you end up with the peg-leg?”

The pirate replies “We were in a storm at sea, and I was swept overboard into a school of sharks. Just as me men were pulling me out, a shark bit me leg off”

“Wow!” said the seaman. “What about your hook”? “Well…”, replied the pirate, “We were boarding an enemy ship and were battling the other sailors with swords. One of the enemy cut me hand off.”

“Incredible!” remarked the seaman. “How did you get the eyepatch”? “A seagull dropping fell into me eye.”, replied the pirate. “You lost your eye to a seagull dropping?” the sailor asked incredulously.

“Well…”, said the pirate, “…it was me first day with the hook.”

 

Time for a Great Commercial — Thinking of SELF?

Okay. I admit. I have a lot of admiration for good commercial-makers! And how about those lines?
“I secret Santa-ed myself!”
“I shouldn’t have. I have been very good this year!”

Aren’t you glad God thought of US when He sent His Son! ‘Cause we aren’t good. Have a great day!

 

What Are You Afraid of? (A short video parable)

I believe this is a male cardinal. He sees his own reflection in the garbage can — and is certain “that other bird” is a threat!

Isn’t it true that the greatest threat we often face as Christians is . . . ourselves? We may elevate our own view of ourselves above what the Lord says about us. Or we may fight the work of God in us, especially if that work involves some suffering and challenges.

It is true that right now we see “only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (I Cor. 13:12). But when the only face we see is our own, we are no better off than a cardinal banging his beak against a garbage can!

 

The Foolishness of Brad Pitt on Religion

What do you think? Does Pitt have a point? Where would you agree with him? What about this quote upsets you? (Post your comment below).

 

The Wisdom of Brad Pitt

Thoughts?  Comments?  Here’s what I think of his comment:

One of my faithful readers has asked me to express my response to Brad Pitt’s perspective.
First of all, I’m sorry that he sees religion as something from which one needs to be “untethered.”  I believe Christianity provides freedom to do what is right, not slavery to one’s passions and self-interests.
Second, he substitutes “a discovery of self” for faith.  I guess when one is a multi-millionaire, that might be easier to do, but my discovery of myself shows me that I need a Savior, one who can forgive me and give me power to live a life pleasing to Him.
Third, I don’t believe we have the strength and wisdom in ourselves “to handle any situation.”  Being made in God’s image means that we are capable of many great and mighty things, but should not lead us to replace God with ourselves.  That’s idolatry.
Fourth, I certainly agree that we have only one life on this earth, but disagree with Pitt’s implication that this life is the only one there is.  Believing in another world should not make the Christian irresponsible in this world, but it sometimes, unfortunately, does.  I’m reminded of C.S. Lewis’ comment that:  “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth and you will get neither.”