A picture of a tree

“All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree.” Albert Einstein

And what is the name of that tree? That is the real question. When I imagine this tree, I see a bright, full, strong tree growing beside a river. It is set apart from others, having privileged access to the water, its roots growing deeper and its branches reaching higher each year. The animals of the forest come and rest under its shade in the long, hot afternoons. The birds nest in its broad, stable branches where the squirrels play in the evenings.

There are many who have heard the name of this tree. Many have whispered the name over the years, looking long and hard for it. Some have found it and as they recount the story of their search, others laugh and mock or just nod quietly in understanding. Many have even died in defense of that tree, not that any could destroy it; this tree stands beyond the reach of any destructive intent but not so far from any who search for its shade. I have seen young people who sit and marvel at its beauty day after day and others who wander far from it, discontented and lost. I have heard the words of old men who did not believe in its existence and others whose every word was the rustling of its leaves and the flowing of its sap.

The name of the tree is Truth and it is rooted deep in the eternal and unchanging Word. It was planted before the beginning of time and served well the Creator in the founding and forming of our universe. It breathes life and speaks to everything in our search for understanding. Its branches are science, math, history, philosophy and art, but also, mercy, justice, compassion and love. It eludes many who think they are wise, and many who think they know nothing are standing in its shade.

Merry Christmas!

Here's is what Simeon said when he saw the baby Jesus for the first time: Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples... There was nothing else in the world worth looking forward to, nothing else that Simeon could have needed - only Jesus. He is the answer to everything.

Merry Christmas from the Madsen family

Last night we went to the Christmas Eve service at a local international church. Silas loves to sing and though he doesn't pronounce most of the words, one is very clear, "Jesus". After sitting though the service, singing along with my high school choir's songs, it came down to the closing prayer. The pastor used Jesus name several times as he prayed and each time we heard an echo from Silas - Jesus, Jesus. What a beautiful name to repeat: Jesus, Immanuel, God is with us. What a simple gift: a child in a dirty, dark, cold stable. What an incredible hope: "For my eyes have seen Your salvation". And it's all wrapped up for us in the words of a little boy, at the heart of this day that the whole world celebrates, and most of us miss the whole point...

We wish you a Christmas filled with the presence and joy of our beautiful Savior, Jesus. May He keep you close to Him today and through the New Year.

assumptions of faith

Everywhere I look there are people debating the existence of God. Many discussion boards have some faith related topic as well. And though many posts are not worth anyone's time or energy, there are a few interesting thoughts. So, since I haven't written here in a while let me respond to one of them:

"And while the object of faith is not logical, faith itself is an evolutionary byproduct that is itself constrained by logic. Everything in this universe is constrained by a logical model." Alexander Ross, in Facebook group (six degrees of separation) asks for one logical reason to believe in God.

faith in physics

While he or anyone may assume that our universe is "constrained" by a logical model, we have no proof of this, especially in the area of faith. "For faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." What we can know (at least in part) is that what is measurable can, to some degree, be explained by a logical model. Why is that so when we, as logic driven humans, had no part in the origin of the universe? By what freak of "chance" did our universe ever depend on logic for its existence!?

The "constraining" element by definition would be something which is outside of our understanding.

Now we can address the realm of faith. For just as science attempts to create logical models for physics and biology and language attempts to create logical models for communication, so does theology attempt to create logical models for faith. (Remember also that science cannot address origins because it is outside of its realm of measurability.) So what many attempt to do is create a logical model for faith based on the "constrained" assumptions of science - and arrive at no solution. If we begin with the "constrained" assumptions of theology, we are at least comparing apples to apples.

So what are the theological assumptions we can begin with? One, it is necessary to have this discussion in the first place. Two, there is a problem with the world which is called by various names though it is really the same thing: deception, pride, selfishness, abuse, corruption, evil, sin. Three, there are many who claim that they have found the answer to this problem but have either proved themselves false or have been proven insufficient for the need. Four, there should be one solution which is universal and timeless, which by its existence negates all other options (and being TRUE would be forever intolerant). Five, if a solution to the problem exists, it must come from beyond or above the material world and the knowledge contained in it in order to triumph over it for the good of all.

These theological assumptions lead us to the realm of faith. Faith in what or Who does make a difference because it will lead us to think and act in specific ways. If you believe that there is no God, then you will act as if nothing we do or say has any ultimate value or meaning. If you believe that there are many gods (like the pantheistic Greeks) you may behave as if you are a god yourself, which is nearly the same as believing there is no God at all. If you believe that there are many gods (like primitive tribes), you will forever live in fear of the possibility of offending one of them. If you believe in the god of Islaam, you will (among other things) follow Mohammed's example (scary!) If you believe in the Christian God, you should act as if each person is a sinner fallen short of God's glory and are equal in the need for pardon and a restored relationship with Him. This last has proven to be the effective solution to the issue in assumption #2 (above).

It is interesting to note that every person and group falls on one of two sides: truth seekers and truth suppressors. Truth seekers tend to believe that they are finite and cannot claim to know everything but are interested in learning and the promotion of learning. Truth suppressors tend to claim that they know in order to gain personal, political or even religious power.

For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." Romans 1:17 ... That is the way I want to live and it appears that faith is an indispensable element.

But all this talk is silly when we compare it to real people of faith! Take a look at what is happening to those who believe around the world at persecution.com and try to tell them that God does not exist!