I drive all over New England for my work. A benefit of this is my getting to see a wide range of areas, towns and the culture that inhabits them. One of the things I regularly enjoy doing is looking at the signs of the different churches I drive by. Often they will have a Bible verse, a witty statement or sometimes a convicting statement. In many ways, this little snippet of text on their signs can tell you a lot about the church and the culture of the people in an area.
The Ferengi Rules Of Acquisition
The Ferengi are an alien race in the world of Star Trek. They first appear in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Here’s a brief snippet about them:
“Their home planet, Ferenginar, is the center of the Ferengi Alliance and is governed by the Grand Nagus and a Commerce Authority made primarily of the Council of Economic Advisors (formerly Board of Liquidators). Like most of their culture, their religion is also based on the principles of capitalism: they offer prayers and monetary offerings to a Blessed Exchequer in hopes of entering the "Divine Treasury" upon death, and fear an afterlife spent in the Vault of Eternal Destitution.”
Bear with me please … I do have a life, honestly.
Survivor's Guilt
Recently a loved one of a close family member died of cancer. It was a prolonged period which lead up to the ultimate end - death.
It affected me. I’m not really sure why, considering I’m not that connected to the person other than through the ties of family. But, I think it was the catalyst that caused a new and fuller reaction within me for the first time: Survivor’s Guilt. Why am I still living after my bout with cancer and he isn’t? Surely he’s more deserving than I. He probably was a much better person than I. Why am I allowed to live but not him?
Unleavened, All The Time
Star Trek Christianity
I like the Star Trek series. However, the world of Star Trek presents a version of society that will never have any basis in actual reality. For example, they have “evolved” to the point where money is no longer necessary. That’s a great fantasy which will never find reality.
Perhaps our Systematic Theologies have as much basis in Scriptural reality as a life with no need of money in Star Trek’s reality. Could it be we’ve created our theologies to fit our preconceived notions of what we want Scripture to say?