Better humans through science

Conwy Castle 2001

Better humans through science

Reasons To Believe Newsletter, July/August 2019, Covina, California.

In this issue sent to my regular mail, it presents an article by Joe Aguirre entitled, Ready for a Posthuman Future?

It discusses a new book, Humans 2.0 by Fazale Rana and Kenneth Samples.

The article describes transhumanism as a 'philosophical movement with religious overtones that advocates for the transformation of humans through the use of technology to correct our biological flaws and redesign humans for the technological age.' (2).

This approach is reasoned to use science and technology to bring an end to human suffering and to assist with human development and flourishing. To bring about a utopia. (2).

The article supports the development of biotechnological advances. (2).

I support these.

The article warns however that transhumanism  can serve as a quote 'counterfeit gospel'. (2).

This is a reasonable premise.
---

Related edited comments from my PhD May 30 2013

I can accept that science must use natural and not supernatural means and is clearly often a discipline with different methods than biblical studies, theology or philosophy. One should not expect scientific method to be religious in nature. God is revealed in Scripture to be spiritual in nature as described in John 4:24, therefore God could never be proven to exist through the empirical, scientific testing of matter. Science is therefore a discipline outside of the realm of the supernatural.

Science has made discoveries that have assisted humanity and has helped persons understand many realities.  I embrace science.

My Reformed perspective deduces that human corruption cannot be entirely corrected scientifically but human beings are changed permanently to avoid evil only by the completed regeneration and resurrection work of God. Such as the eventual resurrection of those in the Christian Church (1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4). And the culminated Kingdom of God (Revelation 21-22).

I reason that scientific progress has helped humanity tremendously to live better quality lives, but human beings are capable of committing as grotesque and intense evils as ever in the twenty-first century. This is so, in my view, because scientific knowledge has not as of yet, been able to change the essential nature of human beings.

Even if science, through something such as transhumanism, could perfect the physical nature of persons to avoid evil actions, assuming for the sake of argument human beings have a spirit, it needs to be considered if materially based science could perfect the human spirit as well to avoid all wrong actions. This would appear doubtful.

Therefore the need for the regeneration and resurrection power of the triune, biblical God, that is infinite, eternal and omnipotent is required to restore humanity. To improve everlasting humanity from finite imperfection to finite perfection.
---

Scientism

Forms of transhumanism, or at least, worldviews that heavily emphasize scientific premises and conclusions, at the expense of others, may risk scientism in approach. I am not being dogmatic here connecting transhumanism and like with scientism, in every case.

Blackburn Scientism: A pejorative term for the concept that only the methods of natural science and related categories form the elements for any philosophical or other enquiry. Blackburn (1996: 344).

From Oxford Dictionary Scientism: 1 a a method or doctrine regarded as characteristic of scientists b the use of practice of this. 2 often derogatory, an excessive belief in or application of scientific method. Oxford (1995: 1236).

A person and/or worldview, holding to scientism may abandon the need for a contextual evaluation of Scripture and the revealed word of God in regard to origins and creation; instead embracing scientific explanations alone. Academic disciplines such as biblical studies, theology and philosophy of religion, may be viewed as not significantly providing premises and conclusions that provide knowledge.

BLACKBURN, SIMON (1996) Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Reasons To Believe Newsletter, July/August 2019, Covina, California.

THE CONCISE OXFORD DICTIONARY (1995) Della Thompson (ed.), Oxford, Clarendon Press.

The Babbler

Conwy Castle 2001

Dec 08, 1999

Another good and thoughtful sermon from Pastor Michael Phillips from Grace Baptist Church in California:

Cited

TEXT: James 1:26 SUBJECT: Baxter on the Tongue #6

Richard Baxter was an English Puritan: (12 November 1615 – 8 December 1691)

James 1:26

New American Standard Bible (NASB) 26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not [a]bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. Footnotes: James 1:26 Or control

Cited

This means a babbler is quite a bit like a lazy man. Most lazy men don't lie around all day. They're very busy--busy doing nothing! That's what a babbler does...

Baxter is not saying, "Analyze every word that comes out of your mouth". That's not possible or desirable. Rather, he's saying, "Don't get into the habit of going on and on and on".
---

I am generally pretty quiet and not a babbler. There would be of course, other imperfections I would need to struggle with, in God's grace. But along with the Book of James, I do live by Proverbial concepts in regard to speech and talk. In this I hope to be less tempted to babble.

Two examples...

Proverbs 10:19: New American Standard Bible (NASB) 19 When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

Proverbs 21:23: New American Standard Bible (NASB) 23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

Cited

From there, Baxter goes on to give several examples of vain speech.

1.Random talk. 

Cited

The star of it was in another movie which they have to discuss too. 

To me this reads as 'unimportant talk'. Regardless of a topic, for myself personally, I hope and pray for meaningful speech and conversation.

2.Hair splitting.

Cited

This is a big problem with people who take doctrine seriously. 

Cited

But little things matter less than big things!

Cited

The believer who's always going off about some trifle or arguing over every little word someone else uses, is a babbler!

Phillips here seems to me, is stating that the babbler, in error, often prioritizes little things over big things. Also in agreement with Phillips from previous sermons reviewed, related,is a problem of biblical Christians that prioritize their secondary doctrines to the exclusion, on various levels, of biblical Christians that disagree on those secondary issues.

3.Long-Windedness.

Some pastors should take note. I like Phillips' shorter sermon/lectures. In my personal opinion, many sermons extant today are too repetitive.

4.Wasteful talk. 

Cited

Think of celebrity gossip--Who's dating whom, and so on. It doesn't matter! Most TV talk is this way. "Who shot J.R.?" It doesn't matter!

I reason this strongly connects to 1. Random Talk. I view both as 'unimportant talk'.

5.Excessive joking.

Cited

Baxter is not against joking; not against funny stories; not against laughing. But we mustn't overdo it. Proverbs 25:16 gives the principle, "Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit!"

A wise person knows when to be serious, when to be sad, and when to be funny.

6.Stupid talk.

Cited

Giving opinions on topics you haven't considered. And so on.

A man's got to know his limitations - Magnum Force (1973).

MARTIN, CHARLES G (1986) 'Proverbs' in The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

September 16 2015

Brief on divine omnipotence and holiness

Facebook Graffiti 2009  (There).

2003 The Problem of Evil: Anglican and Baptist Perspectives: MPhil thesis, Bangor University 

For my MPhil surveys, I received fifty each, completed of Anglicans and Baptists who have attended a post-secondary denominational college, University or seminary, or are members of one of those denominations who have studied religion at a post-secondary level.

Statements two and three:

2. God is omnipotent.
3. God is perfectly holy.

These statements had to do with whether or not one believed that God was omnipotent and perfectly holy. Logically (Reasonably), once one believes that God is infinite, then he or she will very likely believe that God is omnipotent and holy beyond measure.

It is not a surprise then that 92% of Anglicans stated that God was omnipotent with 8% not certain, and that 100% of Baptists agreed that God was omnipotent. As well, 100% of each denomination believed that God was perfectly holy.

MPhil 2003

2. God is omnipotent.

May 20 2013 Omnipotence

Cited

Baptist and Reformed theologian Millard Erickson writes that God cannot do any arbitrary thing he desires, as he can only accomplish what is logical and not illogical and contradictory. Erickson (1994: 277) Erickson also reasons, interestingly, that God cannot undo the past,although he may take away the effects and memory of it. Erickson (1994: 277) God cannot logically violate his own nature or fail to live up to a promise. Erickson (1994: 277).

Otto Weber suggests God has unlimited capacity and unrestricted will. Weber (1955)(1981: 440). God is unrestricted in what he determines within self and outside of self. Weber (1955)(1981: 440).

Presbyterian theologian John M. Frame admits the term omnipotence is not in Scripture,[12] but reasons the concept is Biblical. Frame (2002: 515). He deduces that based on the Bible, it is impossible for anything to occur outside of what God has willed to happen. Frame (2002: 515).

August 1, 2019

God is infinite, eternal and spirit (John 4: 24, God is spirit) and does not have finite nature and finite attributes. God in the incarnation, as in God the Son, did take finite, human attributes. But these do not mix with God's infinite nature and attributes.

Therefore, in regard to an objection I have come across in my PhD thesis:

2010 Theodicy and Practical Theology: PhD thesis, the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter 

God in spirit cannot technically ride a bicycle, but could make a bicycle move as if ridden.

God the Son, as God incarnate, could ride a bicycle.

3. God is perfectly holy.

Holy November 30 2016

Cited

Concerning the idea of God being holy, Stanley J. Grenz, David Guretzki and Cherith Fee Nordling (1999) write the term holy is a Biblical idea, generally meaning to be set apart. Grenz, Guretzki, and Nordling (1999: 60). It is described of God who is set apart from his creation, pure from any of the evil within it. Grenz, Guretzki, and Nordling (1999: 60).

I would suggest, from a Reformed perspective, what God allows as an omnipotent being, he therefore wills, but remains moral and holy in nature. This is a compatibilistic, yet Biblical model. Divine motivation remains holy and perfectly good.

As noted in recent entries...

God's part in human problems of evil and suffering were the focus of my European, British, MPhil and PhD theses. God's part in evil and suffering, although God remains infinite, eternal, perfect, holy and good. Being almighty implies infinity and without finity and/or faults related to finity. If God was infinite and contrary to my biblical theology, both good and evil; in my view evil would not be evil at all.
---

Divine holiness and perfection is implied, theologically and philosophically.

As well in biblical terms, God is called holy.

Biblical examples:

1 Peter 1:14-16 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 14 As [a]obedient children, do not [b]be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but [c]like the Holy One who called you, [d]be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

See Exodus 3, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch, for examples in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament.

AUGUSTINE (388-395)(1964) On Free Choice of the Will, Translated by Anna S.Benjamin and L.H. Hackstaff, Upper Saddle River, N.J., Prentice Hall.

AUGUSTINE (398-399)(1992) Confessions, Translated by Henry Chadwick, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

AUGUSTINE (400-416)(1987)(2004) On the Trinity, Translated by Reverend Arthur West Haddan, in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series One, Volume 3, Denver, The Catholic Encyclopedia. 

AUGUSTINE (421)(1998) Enchiridion, Translated by J.F. Shaw, Denver, The Catholic Encyclopedia. http://www.knight.org/advent

AUGUSTINE (426)(1958) The City of God, Translated by Gerald G. Walsh, Garden City, New York, Image Books.

AUGUSTINE (427)(1997) On Christian Doctrine, Translated by D.W. Robertson Jr., Upper Saddle River, N.J., Prentice Hall.

AUGUSTINE (427b)(1997) On Christian Teaching, Translated by R.P.H. Green, Oxford, Oxford University Press. 

ERICKSON, MILLARD (1994) Christian Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

ERICKSON, MILLARD (2003) What Does God Know and When Does He Know It?, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

FRAME, JOHN M. (1999) ‘The Bible on the Problem of Evil: Insights from Romans 3:1-8,21-26; 5:1-5; 8:28-39’, IIIM Magazine Online, Volume 1, Number 33, October 11 to October 17, Fern Park, Florida, Third Millennium.

FRAME, JOHN M. (2002) The Doctrine of God, P and R Publishing, Phillipsburg, New Jersey. 

PHILLIPS, D.Z. (1981) Encountering Evil, Stephen T. Davis (ed.), Atlanta, John Knox Press. 

PHILLIPS, D.Z. (2005) The Problem of Evil and the Problem of God, Fortress Press, Minneapolis. 

WEBER, OTTO (1955)(1981) Foundations of Dogmatics, Volumes 1 and 2, Translated and annotated by Darrell L. Guder, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

Brief on backsliding & apostasy

Conwy Castle 2001

Another audio sermon from Grace Baptist Church and Pastor Michael Phillips. In light of recent news of interest to my circle of influence, I reasoned this sermon on backsliding (and possible apostasy) was relevant. Again, I appreciate Pastor Phillips' reasonably academic, lecture type sermons.

November 3 1999

Cited

Tonight, with the Lord's blessing, we'll complete our study of Richard Baxter on Backsliding. 

Phillips states Baxter was a Puritan. (12 November 1615 – 8 December 1691)

Cited

Thus, tonight, we'll learn what to do if we're not backslidden. Or, how to avoid slipping away from God. The Puritan offers twelve directions.

I will comment on 1. Know the truth

Cited

1. KNOW THE TRUTH

Cited

If you want to "grow in grace", you must study the Bible, think about it, and pray for understanding.

Within a Reformed tradition (and for some within other traditions), the Scripture is the final authority on spiritual and religious matters.

Cited

Why are we so ignorant? For three reasons: 1. We don't study the Bible, 2. we receive many doctrines on the word of men, and 3. we spend too much time on secondary issues.

By God's grace, in my own academic and personal study, I emphasize studying the scripture in context. As well the use of commentaries and sources for the study of the original biblical languages, is crucial. This is done by me on a private level, but with respect for the corporate theology of the Christian Church.

(I am not a linguist but I review biblical languages when needed. In the same way, biblical scholars and linguists need to at times seek to learn reasonable biblically based theology, and perhaps even related philosophy of religion.)

Besides issue 1, issues 2 and 3 are problematic as many individual Christians do not sufficiently, prayerfully study the scripture and related disciplines, and therefore are too prone to doctrinal spin and programming from human beings.

These teachings can place too much emphasis on secondary doctrines.

Cited

The only way to know the truth--and be convinced of it--is to study the Bible on your own, to "prove all things" men tell you (including what I say), and to spend most of your study time on "the weightier matters of the law".

2 Timothy 2:15

New American Standard Bible (NASB) 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Further from the audio message:

If you don't want to backslide, digest God's Word.

Cited

"Eternal Security" or "Once Saved Always Saved" are true doctrines. And precious ones too. But beware lest they become your only doctrines. Let no teaching ever make you forget Matthew 10:21 or Hebrews 12:14, "He who endures to the end shall be saved". "Pursue peace with all men and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord".

A sign of true regeneration (John 3, Titus 3) of a believer, within the atoning and resurrection work of Christ, is perseverance in the biblical faith.

Cited

This, I think, is the most important thing he says. Backsliding doesn't begin with big, gross, and scandalous sins. No, it begins with not reading the Bible one day or giving into an impure thought. These sins snowball and before you know it, you're dangerously backslidden. Or lost. 

The best place to prevent backsliding is at the beginning. Before it grieves the Spirit of God and builds a momentum you can't stop. 

Being lost would be synonymous with apostasy. A rejection of the formerly held worldview, in this case the rejection of Christianity.

Cited

If you're not backslidden, give thanks to God for His grace. But remember, everyone is liable to it--even you. Take the advice Baxter gives, ask God to bless it, and "Grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ".

As I noted in a recent article, edited for this entry...

July 21 2019

As all persons are finite and sinful (Romans) we all can have doubts. But doubts about Christianity do not form a reasonable worldview alone. A worldview must deal with premises and conclusions to prove as reasonable and true. In other words, rejecting Christianity in doubt, is problematic, unless a more reasonable and true worldview can be presented by premises and conclusions, in its place.

I commented on the news of Joshua Harris and his documented online, change of views. Interesting here are comments from 2005 in regard to Harris and his former views from Christian, baptist theologian, Albert Mohler.

Dr. Mohler is a very committed teacher of biblical Christianity. On that key point at least, Dr. Mohler and I are in agreement.

How relevant to Pastor Phillips' audio sermon...

Albert Mohler July 15 2005

Cited

Not Even A Hint is a ground-breaking book of Christian candor and biblical honesty. Once again, Joshua Harris has given young Christians a great gift--a book that combines Scriptural wisdom with a sense of deep urgency. He writes with passion and credibility, and this author does not duck the hardest issues.

Note that Dr. Mohler cites Philosopher Simon Blackburn, an often quoted useful secular reference on this website.

2 Thessalonians 2 discusses a falling away (KJV) that will occur before the second advent of Jesus Christ. I reason modern backsliding and even apostasy within the Christian Church should therefore not be a shocking development.

In basic theological agreement with the audio sermon; may the Lord keep us in the gospel truth, by grace through faith for good works.

BLACKBURN, SIMON (1996) Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

CALVIN, JOHN (1539)(1998) The Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book II, Translated by Henry Beveridge, Grand Rapids, The Christian Classic Ethereal Library, Wheaton College.

CALVIN, JOHN (1539)(1998) The Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book IV, Translated by Henry Beveridge, Grand Rapids, The Christian Classic Ethereal Library, Wheaton College.

CALVIN, JOHN (1543)(1996) The Bondage and Liberation of the Will, Translated by G.I. Davies, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

ERICKSON, MILLARD (1994) Christian Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House. 

ERICKSON, MILLARD (2003) What Does God Know and When Does He Know It?, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

Actually this is not the same photo I have shown for years. Found this second version in my photo album. Conwy Castle 2001.