Category: earth sciences

Litanies of Philosophies #3

Friday, February 28, 2025

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:…” (1 Corinthians 2:6 KJV).

What wisdom really matters—and what wisdom really does not?

Corinth was approximately a two-day trip west of Athens, the intellectual capital of the ancient world. Philosophers spent much time going to, from, and through Corinth. Here, as a port city, ideas from around the globe were exchanged. The Corinthians, like the rest of the Greeks, held man’s wisdom in high esteem. Imagine, if you will, a statue of a human brain erected there, with worshippers assembled around it to bow and pray. Also known as “free-thinking” and “humanism,” man is his final authority in this system: he believes he is accountable to no one but himself. What he rationalizes will stand and what he does is for his evaluation alone.

Read 1 Corinthians chapter 1: “[17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. [18] For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. [19] For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. [20] Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? [21] For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. [22] For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: [23] But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; [24] But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. [25] Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

Let us go back to the original problem pinpointed in Romans chapter 1….

Litanies of Philosophies #2

Thursday, February 27, 2025

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:…” (1 Corinthians 2:6 KJV).

What wisdom really matters—and what wisdom really does not?

As a trained scientist (geologist, Earth scientist), I can guarantee you the scientific method concentrates solely on the natural world (not the spiritual world). It is a process of first observing an event, then recording what information you have gathered, and finally hypothesizing (speculating how the incident operates). Through subsequent experiments, you increase learning by amassing more data or information, thereby allowing you to modify your hypothesis or reject it entirely and form a new explanation (which can be tested, then accepted or discarded). Of course, contrary to popular belief, this is not a foolproof, airtight, “beyond-all-suspicion” belief system. Scientists rely heavily on their brains, which are imperfect. Long-held views, accepted by most “experts,” might be disproven later and totally abandoned. Science textbooks are regularly updated to reflect this flux!

Do you remember the aforementioned scientist and educator who influenced me in my university days all those years ago? Unquestionably, he tried to understand an evil society and desperately sought to improve it, but human effort is insufficient to comprehend and overcome sin. Philosophy is simply man making full use of his limited intellectual capacity, endeavoring in his own strength to figure out his origin, life, and purpose. Such a quest has been likened unto a blind man in a dark room looking for a black cat that does not exist! It is truly a hopeless, fruitless search.

Paul the Apostle himself, addressing philosophers (“intellectuals”) in Athens, preached in Acts chapter 17: “[26] And [God] hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; [27] That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: [28] For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” Think of a blind person stretching forth arms and fingers, groping for a wall, door, window—anything to indicate location or orientation.

Such is the wisdom of this world….

Litanies of Philosophies #1

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:…” (1 Corinthians 2:6 KJV).

What wisdom really matters—and what wisdom really does not?

Back in my early university days (over 15 years ago now!), I was exposed to the scientific career of a famous educator. Our professor played an online video of this long-time researcher, and I was simply fascinated with his insight and experiments. Although not working in my discipline (he was biology-oriented whereas I was geology [Earth science]- oriented), he investigated phenomena I grew to find interesting as well. Even after graduating college, I watched a couple dozen of his online videos as he lectured about scientific principles in his field of study. Undoubtedly, he was an educated, brilliant man—in the eyes of the world, that is. He alluded to the Bible just once, albeit it was a misquote (a religious tradition he assumed was Scripture).

After all these years, I recently did an internet search to see if he was still living. Now over age 90, he was very much alive—long retired from professorship, but still giving lectures and active in his research. Less than a week later, I saw his name in a list of notable deaths. It was a bit startling to me, but, then again, he was quite advanced in age. When I located and read his obituary—some 1,300 words, or almost three pages—it went on and on about his childhood, education, career, and retirement. He attended and graduated from prestigious institutions of higher learning, spending decades as a distinguished professor at a private university. In addition to hosting a television series that would be used to train other “intellectuals,” he wrote hundreds of scholarly articles and a few textbooks on the subject. Moreover, he received numerous awards and led organizations of professionals in his field of study. He and his wife (also highly educated) traveled the world for speaking engagements. The obituary closed without a solitary reference to anything “religious” or “spiritual.” Like many, he was indeed filled the wisdom of men, but was he bursting with the wisdom of God? Obviously not.

Let us see how today’s Scripture is applicable today….

#Eclipse2024

Monday, April 8, 2024

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1 KJV).

Today—weather permitting, of course!—a total solar eclipse will be visible here in North America (Canada, United States, and Mexico)!

As someone who has been interested in science ever since his junior-high school days over 20 years ago—and even graduated university with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geology (Earth science)—I think it only appropriate to dedicate one devotional to this unique celestial phenomenon. We as Bible believers can study the natural world through the eyes of faith, and have a much greater appreciation of its beauty and functionality than those who prefer to be “non-religious.”

In a spectacular display of literally astronomical proportions, today, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun in a special way. The Moon will temporarily cover the Sun, the Moon’s shadow casting upon our continent a brief “nighttime” followed by a return of daylight. As long as we use special equipment (uniquely designed eyeglasses or lenses), or watch a livestream video of it, we can safely observe one of these wonders of the LORD God’s natural world. The next event like this that will be seen from our geographical position is scheduled for 2044, so be sure to take advantage of today’s opportunity… if possible!

The mathematical precision necessary for the occurrence of a solar eclipse—or even lunar eclipse (Earth’s shadow thrown onto the Moon)—is mindboggling. Angles, sizes, and distances must be just right; hence, these events are quite rare. Our Creator designed these heavenly bodies with incomprehensible skill, and, even in their fallen state, the systems of our natural world and their respective movements are truly stunning.

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:20,21). By the way, let us be sure to walk in the spiritual light we have, lest come to pass a more severe (and eternal) eclipse than that of the Sun—the darkening of our foolish heart!

A Whale of a Tale? #14

Monday, November 20, 2023

“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40 KJV).

Let us consider one of the most misunderstood and most ridiculed accounts presented in the Holy Bible….

Overall, Bible deriders are not interested in meaningful dialog or establishing truth. Instead, they are just determined to rid themselves of Scripture. If they can find fault with it, they can dismiss it and ignore its claims against them. They want to discredit its testimony, for they prefer not to face accountability. If the Bible is wrong about “great fish” and “whale,” they assume it is wrong when it speaks against them and their sin. Anything to soften the Bible appeals to them. That is sin nature at its very best, friends!

The translators of our English (King James) Bible knew our language well—plus the source languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Consequently, we should be thankful for their work. They took God’s words and handled them with the utmost respect when transferring them into English. We need not (and should not) grow upset with these men if they were more familiar with our language than we are, or that the English Bible utilizes our language in ways we are too immature to appreciate or comprehend. Jonah’s animal was a “fish” (aquatic creature—Jonah 1:17, Jonah 2:1, and Jonah 2:10), a “whale” (a large aquatic creature—today’s Scripture), and a “great fish” (a large aquatic creature—Jonah 1:17). All of these are acceptable translations. The only error exists in the minds of people who value human wisdom over Divine wisdom. They do not intimidate us into joining their camp of endless skepticism.

Finally, Jonah’s inclusion goes far beyond a neat story to tell little old ladies and small children in Sunday School. The Prophet Jonah represents his stubborn nation, Israel, miserably failing to reach the Gentiles with the Word of God. Still, Jonah was converted by means of a storm and death—and he eventually went to and evangelized Nineveh! Likewise, in the ages to come, wayward Israel will be turned around to serve as God’s channel of salvation and blessing to the world (Isaiah 60:1-3; Zechariah 8:20-23; Matthew 28:18-20)! 🙂

A Whale of a Tale? #13

Sunday, November 19, 2023

“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40 KJV).

Let us consider one of the most misunderstood and most ridiculed accounts presented in the Holy Bible….

According to The Oxford English Dictionary—widely regarded as the authority on the English language—the primary definition of “fish” is “a limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins living wholly in water.” Yet, under the same entry, we read: “used in names of invertebrate animals living wholly in water, e.g. cuttlefish, shellfish, jellyfish.” “Fish” is a broad term for all creatures confined to water, including the aquatic animal that swallowed Jonah (Jonah 1:17; Jonah 2:1; Jonah 2:10). Nonetheless, in today’s Scripture, Jesus Christ said it was a “whale.” Why?

We normally think of a whale as a warm-blooded mammal that breathes air, has hair, and feeds its young with milk. This is not a fish in the strictest sense, but, generally, a whale is a fish because it lives in water (the Old English “fisc” applies to animals living exclusively in water). Jonah 1:17 qualifies it as a “great fish.” Before we throw a tantrum when the Bible utilizes “great fish” and “whale” interchangeably, we need to have another English lesson. “Whale” can be used in the sense of “a whale of a…,” as in an extremely good example of a particular thing. For example, a “whale of a tale” can be used to describe a preposterous, make-believe story (which is what [ignorant] Bible ridiculers consider Jonah’s Book!). “Whale” might also be employed as “have a whale of a time”—enjoying yourself very much. This data can be found in The Oxford English Dictionary, provided someone truly desires to learn the truth. Neither Jonah 1:17, nor Jonah 2:1, nor Jonah 2:10, nor Matthew 12:40 is in error.

“Whale” means “enormous, big”—and the creature that swallowed Jonah was massive. The adjective is equivalent to “great” in “great fish” of Jonah 1:17. In fact, it has been suggested Jonah’s animal might have been one of the “great whales” (sea monsters, mammoth marine beasts) God created in Genesis 1:21. However, the scoffers are not interested in reasoning and thoughtful discussion….

A Whale of a Tale? #12

Saturday, November 18, 2023

“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40 KJV).

Let us consider one of the most misunderstood and most ridiculed accounts presented in the Holy Bible….

According to basic scientific data, a whale is a warm-blooded marine mammal whereas a fish is a non-mammal that is usually cold-blooded. Seizing upon this “enlightenment” as grounds for their position of unbelief, critics of the Scriptures have incessantly carped we do not have the “perfect” Word of God because Jonah on four occasions classifies the creature as a “fish” (see Jonah 1:17, Jonah 2:1, and Jonah 2:10) but Jesus taught it was a “whale” (today’s Scripture). To them, this is an outright contradiction. Is it really?

It is no secret a great many people have thoroughly (!) delighted (!) in their proud (!!) skepticism as touching Jonah, laughing heartily at the expense of sound Bible doctrine. Yet, they would have better spent their time actually professing Bible and linguistical ignorance (“I do not know!”) and doing some research instead of exhibiting Bible and linguistical ignorance (“let me show you I do not know!”). We Bible believers need not be intimidated or apostate, cowering at the feet of so-called “intellectuals” who are infatuated with self, self, self. Using a renewed mind, we arm ourselves with a simple, logical, sound defense rooted in faith.

Taking an English dictionary, we notice “fish” has for one of its definitions: “(loosely) any of various other aquatic animals.” In other words, “fish” is a general or broad term for any type of animal that lives in the water. It is a less precise term, granted, and awkward when compared to the scientific classification system of naming lifeforms, but “fish” can include any and all types of marine animals. In fact, a whale is defined as a “marine mammal” and… horrors!!!… the dictionary says a whale has a “fishlike body.” It just gives us chills, friends. Whales and fish, while quite different, have similarities. Even lexicographers admit it.

Hence, how unfair and hypocritical we are if we protest God using the same phraseology we do….

A Whale of a Tale? #11

Friday, November 17, 2023

“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40 KJV).

Let us consider one of the most misunderstood and most ridiculed accounts presented in the Holy Bible….

To quote one of my university geology professors from long ago, “We know more about the Moon than we do our own oceans!” Nearly three-quarters of Earth’s surface is water, and these areas and their contents are still largely unfamiliar to us. Oceans tend to be deep and dark, with the immense pressure at those depths making exploration even more difficult. It is impossible to imagine what strange lifeforms of all sizes are down there right now—or were down there and have since gone extinct (died off entirely).

Consider the Mariana Trench, in the western Pacific Ocean (east of the Philippines and southeast of Japan). In one place (known as Challenger Deep), this underwater canyon is actually deeper than Mount Everest is high! In the case of the Mediterranean Sea (on which Jonah’s ship floated—notice it launched from Joppa, Israel [Jonah 1:3]), there are similar underwater trenches or canyons. The lowest point of the Mediterranean is called Calypso Deep, south of Greece and in the Hellenic Trench, with a maximum depth of some 3 miles (5 kilometers)! What kind of organism could have possibly lurked in the Mediterranean Sea to swallow the Prophet?

As touching the precise identity of the creature with which Jonah interacted, there has been a great deal of dialog and derision. The whole matter can be summed up as this. On four occasions, the Book of Jonah reports it was a “fish” (read it twice in Jonah 1:17, once in Jonah 2:1, and once in Jonah 2:10). However, some have stumbled over the Lord Jesus’ remark in today’s Scripture because He calls it a “whale.” It is thus complained these are not exactly the same animal. Surely, they say, Jonah or Jesus was mistaken. Is there any way to resolve this alleged discrepancy? Again, we must do some study, make an effort to allow ourselves to be taught, and be thankful for the resulting enlightenment….

A Whale of a Tale? #10

Thursday, November 16, 2023

“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40 KJV).

Let us consider one of the most misunderstood and most ridiculed accounts presented in the Holy Bible….

Getting back to the little Book of Jonah yet again: “[1:17] Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights…. [2:1] Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly,…. [2:10] And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.”

A simple, straightforward reading of the last verse of Jonah chapter 1 and all of chapter 2, leads us to the obvious conclusion. Jonah was physically dead for those three days and three nights. That fish’s belly was Jonah’s vaulted crypt! In like manner, so was the Lord Jesus Christ actually physically deceased and literally buried in a cave for three days and three nights (today’s Scripture; cf. Matthew 27:59,60; Mark 15:45,46; Luke 23:52,53; John 19:40-42). As in the case of Christ’s inground interment, Jonah’s physical body was in the fish’s belly but his soul and spirit were elsewhere.

Following that period of three days and three nights, God brought Jonah back to life (just like Christ). Jonah’s soul and spirit were reunited with his physical body, after which he prayed (chapter 2 was spoken in hindsight—notice the past and past perfect tenses of the verbs in verses 2-7). At the close of chapter 2, the three days and three nights having expired, the LORD commanded the fish to vomit (yuck!) Jonah onto the coast. Read chapters 3 and 4 to learn what the Prophet did with his new life. Suffice it to say, that rebel was truly converted or transformed for God’s glory!

Having clarified whether Jonah was alive or dead in the fish’s belly (he was dead!), we can now turn our attention to the heated debate over whether the creature was a “fish” (Jonah 1:17; Jonah 2:1,10) or a “whale” (today’s Scripture). As always, the controversy can be settled only if we use our renewed mind….

A Whale of a Tale? #9

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40 KJV).

Let us consider one of the most misunderstood and most ridiculed accounts presented in the Holy Bible….

Read a portion of Jonah’s prayer in chapter 2: “[1] Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly, [2] And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. [3] For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. [4] Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. [5] The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. [6] I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God….”

Jonah cried “out of the belly of hell” (verse 2). God has “brought up [Jonah’s] life from corruption” (verse 6). This sounds like someone dying and living again, does it not? In fact, it corresponds to Christ’s own death and resurrection in today’s Scripture! According to Luke 16:19-31, Hell was in two compartments in time past: believers’ souls were confined to Abraham’s bosom and comfort, whereas unsaved souls were enclosed in flames and torment. Jesus’ soul and the believing thief’s soul went to the comfort side when they died—a place also known as “paradise” in Luke 23:43, whose occupants have since relocated to the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2,4). The point is, Jonah died and went to “hell” (paradise side), perfectly matching Jesus in “hell” (paradise side; see Psalm 16:10 and Acts 2:22-31).

When Jonah died and lived again, he was really serving as a type (preview, picture, foreshadow) of Jesus dying and living again….