To continue our discussion regarding the composition of our solar system, there is apparently John Lewis' theory of "equilibrium condensation" (Sky & Telescope, "My Apologies to Mercury," Feb. 2012, p. 18) which partially explains how certain elements can condense from gas at certain temperatures and pressures relative to the sun, or what would have been the "solar nebula" according to http://burro.cwru.edu/Academics/Astr221/SolarSys/Formation/planets.html
The same Sky & Telescope article cited above states that recent observations by Messenger has found evidence of elements on Mercury that do not fit with the condensation model. Further, as the website cited above describes, Mercury should not have a magnetic field because the elements necessary for such should not have formed there; but it does.
As usual, the more answers found, the more questions arise. However, to ask about the process of formation of the solar system, galaxies, and universe is valid as a believer--to trust in who, but to ask how, that is the aim. One step closer with the theory of equilibrium condensation, thanks to John Lewis.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Psychology and Christianity
Why is it that so many conservative Christians are at war with Psychology? Overall, I think that most Christians have a shallow understanding of psychology from one general psych undergraduate course or less, wherein they have decided that Sigmund Freud was the devil, and so must be psychology. I've heard countless evangelicals say things like, "You don't need a counselor; you need Jesus." Alright, let's extend the analogy: "You don't need a doctor; you need Jesus." Sound ridiculous? It should.
Furthermore, I have heard preachers bash psychological theories from the pulpit, opining that they are self-centered rather than God-centered. Do they also condemn medical theories because they are also focused on the self/body rather than Christ? The problem is, you're assuming that psychology suggests itself as the spiritual answer for humankind. It does not do this just as medicine does not do this, nor any other serious discipline other than theology. Psychology simply is. It is a science whereby observations are attempted to be made to form models and theories that are helpful to us. Take what you find helpful and use it to help others; discard the rest. But please do not throw the drinking water out with the bath water.
It's obvious that many Christians think the spiritual healing Jesus brings instantly transfers to the soul, and that counselors and psychologists could not possibly play a role in God's redeeming, sanctifying work in a believer's life. How could you tell someone that was abused as a child that he/she could not use a counselor or suggest that he/she should not use a counselor and that "all you need is Jesus?" Could it possibly be that Jesus is using the counselor to heal and redeem that person? But ah, here we have it. Is it that you want God to only work within the walls of your church? Do you want to own Him? Let Him work through His people no matter what discipline they are working in, even if it's psychology.
Furthermore, I have heard preachers bash psychological theories from the pulpit, opining that they are self-centered rather than God-centered. Do they also condemn medical theories because they are also focused on the self/body rather than Christ? The problem is, you're assuming that psychology suggests itself as the spiritual answer for humankind. It does not do this just as medicine does not do this, nor any other serious discipline other than theology. Psychology simply is. It is a science whereby observations are attempted to be made to form models and theories that are helpful to us. Take what you find helpful and use it to help others; discard the rest. But please do not throw the drinking water out with the bath water.
It's obvious that many Christians think the spiritual healing Jesus brings instantly transfers to the soul, and that counselors and psychologists could not possibly play a role in God's redeeming, sanctifying work in a believer's life. How could you tell someone that was abused as a child that he/she could not use a counselor or suggest that he/she should not use a counselor and that "all you need is Jesus?" Could it possibly be that Jesus is using the counselor to heal and redeem that person? But ah, here we have it. Is it that you want God to only work within the walls of your church? Do you want to own Him? Let Him work through His people no matter what discipline they are working in, even if it's psychology.
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