Blog is dead.

Well, this blog is boring, I've been getting sick of it and intentionally not posting. So, I've got a site that will hopefully not be as boring. Check it out at:

www.justindetmers.com

Hope to see you there.

MTTC

I recently went to Minneapolis with a bunch of good friends from Riverview. We spent 9 days serving the city through a project put on by a sister church called The Urban Refuge. We helped in various ways such feeding needy people, doing free car washes, spending time with less fortunate children and people recovering from addiction, worshipping and learning, and much more.

The trip was good for us as a group because most of us (Me, well, especially in my up-bringing) live suburban and comfortable lives. (Though we have real but different problems, there is something uniquely Biblical about helping meet physical needs.) It was very humbling for those reasons, but we also bonded as we served, worshipped, and made late night Taco Bell runs together.

It was a glimpse of people living out of their convictions; so often I know I stop at just having a right opinion instead of going further to living it out. Hopefully, this will affect how we live now that we're back.

In the past year or so, I’ve had a desire to do good in the social justice sense, but the shuffle of life and the other needs that I try to meet, often make that difficult. So, it was really touching to do some good, and we also heard teachings by pastors whom spoke about how we should want to prevent and try to stop poverty, violence, and war.

Most of my experience within evangelical circles seems to be one of complacence when it comes to helping have-nots and bringing peace to this world. The argument usually is something like: “'Well Jesus said that we’'ll always have the poor,'” or “'the Bible says that there will be wars...' But the word and Lord also spoke of people sinning in other ways and going to hell --- things which many try to prevent and are rightly bothered by.

It just shows how one can't shrug his or her shoulders and be nonchalant about suffering, materialism, and violence, while at the same time being up in arms with other things such as homosexuality and ‘worldliness’?
I’m reminded of:

1 John 3: 8
“..The Son of God came to destroy these works of the Devil.”

The uneven distribution of wealth and all of the social and racial stratification that occurs in our society are certainly are works of the Devil too, which ought to be destroyed. Even though we can't form a utopia in a fallen world, we can do our very best, because every little bit matters.

7.13

Tonight Dev and I got ice cream and went to Pruess Animal House. We also watched Borne Identity with her dad, Gary, and her bro, Chris and his lady pal, Audrey.

Devon is going to apply for another job; this one being in Haslett, a 4th grade position. She's interviewed a bunch with no luck as of yet. Hopefully she'll get it, I guess we'll keep praying. But, one real good thing that is happening is the sense of contentment that is slowly emerging in our dispositions towards the future and things in general.

Dad's Surgery

My dad had heart surgery yesterday in Ann Arbor, and it went pretty well...he's recovering fine, and if all goes to plan, he'll resume an active and normal lifestyle. Thank You Jesus.
It was quite humbling to take the event in. Only a decade or so ago, I saw my dad as a powerful dude. When I was younger, like most people, dad was a symbol of strength. I never thought I'd be able to beat him arm wrestling or be have big manly hands. (If he was healthy, he'd still might beat me, and my hands are pretty average...but, you get my point) Watching him in his gown with all those monitors, I saw him as frail. It is really amazing how things not only change, but also how finite we humans really are. Not too long ago, I don't think that I could have thought of my dad as old (maybe 'old' in the irrelevant born in the 50's sense), but not old like he may be around to see the next Olympics.
I suppose that in the 70's and 80's, he was a young buck not too different than me now. And it is even harder for me to see 'me' as anything but a young man, but young bucks get old, it's a fact.

Time sucks.

Balance

I've been thinking about journey-ing with fellow Christians and correcting them. I'm seeing how there is a delicate balance between sharing sorrow and being the voice of mercy and forgiveness...but at the same time there is a need for us to really hate sin and deal with it to get it out of our lives. (I mean 'our', not a singular term) It's weird. Finding the balance, knowing when and how to speak or remain quiet, or who to continue to walk closely with and who and when to avoid. We must also consider that sometimes we want to be judgemental, critical, or be way too hard on someone. And the opposite is true, that we don't have a backbone and just want them to like us; maybe this means someone doesn't personally think sin isn't such a bad thing. Or there are certain sins that offend us and others that we have pity towards. I know that I'm easily angered by racism, and then I see some self-righteousness towards the racist...and I'm really only bothered by the former, not the latter.

But we are called to rebuke, dissassociate, and call out sin, keeping the church pure. I think that I have been guilty of not hating sin in my recent past. I 'wasn't judgemental' and didn't present others with convicting truth as much as I probably could. (Partly because I wouldn't want it to come back on me) I think it is fashionable nowadays to not offend people and not really get on someone's case. This has positive aspects, but some real problems.

Growing up Baptist, I knew a lot about guilt and being judgemental. I actually think I became a philosophy major because I wanted to be open-minded.
Seriously.
Like many people, I didn't want to be old-timey, rude, and irrelevant. But, I think that as I was throwing the bath out, the baby went too. Hating Sin. Hating even the garments stained by sin. Calling out and rebuking evil. Knowing the wrath of God rests upon sinful man, who is in truth responsible for sinning against a truly just God. For some, I think that Jesus can seem like a hippy who only gets mad at mean religious people. When we hold that view, I think we lose the fear of God that is really precious.

I read this today:

Psalm 85
10 Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.

Isn't that beautiful???
I was wondering where a balance is in the following 2 verses, because we want mercy and justice. We want to represent Jesus and be God-like to others, loving as we've been loved, endless chances from God...

Galatians 6
Doing Good to All
1Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

1 Corinthians 5
Expel the Immoral Brother!
1It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife. 2And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? 3Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. 4When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, 5hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord. 6Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? 7Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth. 9I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. 12What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."

We need so much love and grace. But, Paul told Timothy that God will use only the 'pure utencils' for noble purposes.

Maybe the balance is found in the lyric of that song, I think Dan Price wrote... 'Your Ways' --- the line that says, "I love Your Ways, Your mercy is as deep as Your justice." Perhaps that is the aim, having mercy and justice be proportional and boundless.

1 Corinthians 13

I forgot about how fundamental this passage should be to life...I had become familiar with it years ago and basically not returned to or meditated on it in a long while. And think I made the error of thinking, "I got it."
With that said, it's troubling to think about how I (and most people) want to be wise and good and respected, and be basically 'be' someone virtuous and valuable. But when I think about how/when/why I get impatient, rude, or keep track of being offended, when I'm irritated or doubtful, and self-oriented...which is way too often, I just feel childish in my understanding of what if means to love God and others. The 'good' stuff is more difficult to be, and remarkably simple at the same time.

Love
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Check it, respect.

Kite has some sweet videos. Check it, especially 3D and the deleted scenes.

http://www.xanga.com/AaronKite

Respect.

The Office and Everclear

This will probably be a week over 60 hours...I hate that. But I watched The Office season finale and bought season 1 one DVD. Sweet. I love this show more than almost any thing it actually makes me happy.

And Everclear is recording and planning to tour. Sweet.

Graduation

After graduating Friday, a bunch of friends and family came over to Devon's parents house for food, beverages, and socializing, to celebrate the ending of my college career. I felt very special.
Thanks to all who came.

Bob and misc.

Last night, Sean spoke at Bob and it went pretty good. We've been discussing the future of the group and what it all may look like or not look like down the road...we don't know but there is the feeling that change is on the way.

And my dad was in the hospital again the week, and he's out. I pray his heart will be healthy.

5K & Finals

I ran in the race for the cure (Breast Cancer) on Sunday @ the capital. I 've been running but not 5K training...I decided to get a good workout. However, I think I finished in the top 20-30...someone told me. It was cool considering in that there was 4,100 people running/walking. But if the college runners and the good HS runners were not in season there would have been a lot of people to cream me. I ran a 19:26, which is probably 2 minutes slower than I would've been a couple of years ago, but it was fun. Mile 1 was 6:15, Mile 2 was 6:29, Mile 3 was about 6:05, and the point .1 was whatever was left.

I have finals this week...studing for Aristotle with the guys from class at Espresso Royale.

Graduate on Friday at 4pm at the Auditorium.

Miller Criticism

I listened to a critique of Donald Miller's book, Blue Like Jazz. It may be worth a listen...maybe not.


http://www.burnsidewriterscollective.com/general/2006/03/mark_coppenger_read_blue_like.php


My take is: (and this is irrelevant if you haven't heard the talk)
Mark Coppenger, the author does make some good points, he's not a dummy...he really does point out inconsitant things within the text. There is also an element of shameful church/Christian bashing that many younger/emergent/non-traditionalists do. I think Miller is a bit guilty of that. There are also some formulaic un-formulas in Miller's writing. Additionally, the right-wingers are in fact brothers and co-workers in God's family. We must have thick skin and compassion for all people

But I don't think Coppenger is really constistant either. If he can be hard on the 'left'-ish Christians, and liberals, and all the others he slams...how is it that he can tell jokes and mock appearances?

Bottom line: Coppenger has many ad hominem (attack the man, not the argumetns)/straw-man (weak or false version of what is being said) arguments...Logical flaws imbedded in some legitimate criticism. (We, I, all do this too) He'd pick on something, and I really think take it out of context and then react to an extreme or inaccurate view of what was being said. He definitly played the victim role that he seemed to accuse Miller of being. There seemed to be a lot of slippery slope arguments, and he also begged the question by saying things like, 'nothing was Biblical', and 'you have to use the Bible sometimes.'

I also think that Coppenger comes from the point of view that anything 'liberal' is dirty and wrong, sounds like the 'Us vs. Them' statements such as: "the liberal media...", "New York liberals..." That is actually a textbook example of a logical fallacy called "poisoning the well" --- 'If comes from there, it can't be true or good.'

There were a lot of uncharatable generalizations, and jokes were used as support for arguments. He'd jump into character to personify someone who seemed to be inclusive, weak-minded, and possess other negative traits to make statements that are easy to contradict. It was wrong for Miller or people who like him, to rip on Bush, but, it is fine for the right to rip on Ted Kennedy and other liberal people. Double-standards.

He tried to say that Miller was a good writer, but then said anyone can write like that, and it's not impressice, well easy; not really "Real", it's "real", but not "Real" --- it was kind of like he was saying, "It was good for people with poor taste in predictable books."

But in the mean time, I think the guy loves Jesus and the church. It sounded to me, (I don't know for sure) that being relevant isn't a virtue to Coppenger; infact, could it be synonomous with selling out serious parts of the faith? But the funny thing was, the arrogance and insensitivity that Miller spoke of, (I've felt too) was alive and well. Not really caring if you're feelings are hurt...I think you're wrong, so I'm going to belittle you.

"That's all I have to say about that."
-Forrest Gump

Busy-ness, DBC, & Donald Miller

Lately I've been so busy. But luckily I had some fun this weekend. I saw Dashboard Confessional on Saturday night at Saginaw Valley. On Sunday, I saw Donald Miller speak at Mars Hill in Grand Rapids. It was really cool to listen to Mr. Miller, and go enjoy a nice time with my lovely wife.

I was very touched and challenged by the teaching, Don seems genuine. I really like the worship too.

Graduation and College

I think I have four weeks of school left. I've been thinking about how strange my college experience has been...it was so much different than what I first thought. I don't have a lot of memories from school --- isn't that wierd? That's because I really haven't had many experiences that stirred emotion, I've basically quietly went about my business for a few years. I've really just got on the commuter lot bus or parked in the neighboorhoods north of Grand River and then went to class, sat quietly by myself and then left. For a social and wordy guy, I haven't really talked much with people, nor they with me. Looking back, I think I haven't been getting an education...I've honestly been trying to set up a life and ministry while I'm going to school. Most people do the life gig after college and never do the ministry gig. I think that's why I've felt like an 'other.'

Even though I'm taking two classes this summer, I walk for graduation on May 5th. I'm realizing that I really haven't felt like a student. I've always lived off campus and have rarely done any student events. I actually feel like an outsider on campus most of the time. I transferred in from LCC originally and I think that explains part of the feeling, but I think the other part is that I lived at home and have spent lots of time in the highschool realm. So, thinking about commencement, I kind of don't want to go. I won't recognize many people, I think I have 1 college friend. I think I've hung out with a total of 3 people that were 'college friends' --- and now one of the guys lives in Wisconsin, and the other in California. With the exception of being in the Izzone, I really have done a lot of student-type activities. I 'went' on Spring break once and I don't have an Ipod, everyone goes on Spring break and has an Ipod, it's a rule.

I've skipped a lot of classes, especially this year, especially this semester. I always feel rushed at school and that I hurry through it. For a guy who likes learning, I think I've done the 'bare-minimum', (to quote Office Space) I wish I had more flare. Marriage, money, and ministry have been put before school, I've actually felt rather guilty by putting time towards school because it takes away from ministry, work, and Dev.

While my current avenues of income are cool, I wish I had something solid around the corner. I don't know what I'm doing in the future, near or far. Part-time jobs are getting old; let's put it this way, "I have an extensive collection of hair-nets and nametags."(Wayne's World) I may just try to go into the workforce, I might get my teaching certificate...I would be a male-model, but as it turns out, I'm ugly. (j/k...I'm beautiful) I know the type of stuff that I want to do with my time, but I don't see that happening as soon as I'd like, if it does happen.

The trick is to be faithful hear and now, to be content and give the Master the return on the few 'talents' I've been given. It's not that I'm not doing that, its just I have to remind myself. I don't want to live my life in mere reaction to circumstance, I think that is a broad and boring road. I want to live with purpose and vision.

By the way, I'm not complaining, I'm just venting and keeping it real. (As the kids say on the MTV) I'm very fortunate to be surrounded by the people that are in my life. I'm just trying to trust the text that tells me that there is a plan for me and that all trails will bless me and prepare me.

ONE

'ONE' at the Wharton Center was amazing. It was so awesome just to look around and see physical proof of God's Kingdom...how it's spread, how the Gospel is alive and well, how God is faithful. I felt that I worshiped in such a meaningful and real way --- it's been months since it's felt that way.

Saturday, I wanted to sleep in, but I got up and spent 6 hours working on my teaching for Wednesday...I have been wrestling with discouragement, asking, "Why am I doing this? Do I have to work this hard?" By God's grace I sucked it up. Today, I feel so glad --- that was time well spent...actually God used ONE to re-validate my life, hopes, dreams, and that sort of thing.

I don't mean to toot my horn, but I can honestly say that I've worked hard in the past year, well even in the past few years I've invested and sacrificed (though I've fallen short many times and in many ways and been ungrateful --- and yes, the good I've done is actually the Spirit working despite me) for Bob, well Riverview, well the Gospel of Christ. Anyway, the feeling I had was one of relief and refreshment. I thought to myself, "Wow; the people of the Living God, unified and on mission. Thank You that I'm somehow part of this --- It's been so worth it. I wish I did more."

I think something has to be said for being faithful to God, (not that I've been) I've flirted with faithfulness compared to the example of those who have walked with and before me...Jesus said that His food was to do the will of the one Who sent Him. That food is satisfying indeed.

4 Jobs & Climbing

So, it's been a while, I went to Kentucky with 7 others to climb...I wish I was better. It was fun, but when my hands are cold, I suck really bad, I don't do cold too well.

I basically have four jobs.
1-Riverview Intern, High School.
2-Sub
3-Track Coach, Holt Varsity, Distance.
4-Personal Care (Assist a guy who is paraplegic)

The last two I've picked up in the last 2 weeks...I prayed for money and work popped up. Cool, but more stress, considering that I have 3 classes at MSU, a wife, dog, and others things to juggle. The coaching is exciting a challenging; having 30 people at different levels is hard to juggle, I love the leadership responsibility and trying inspire people, but I wish I was in better shape, because I'm doing the workouts too. The funny thing is, they think I'm faster and stronger than I am now, so I've been toughing it out and relying on my experience and well, maybe my long legs...I wish training was part of the equation.
And the personal care is going to stretch me. I met a really awesome couple and was really blessed just by meeting them. It's kind of humbling for me, seeing how being active and good at sports has been a way that I've attained worth --- if it was gone, wow.

Later,
JD

March Madness Brackets

http://games.espn.go.com/content/tcmen/2005/story?id=2031159
Check out this story!!!

Last year, this guy won $10,000 doing the ESPN bracket challenge thing, and he was and MSU student. Hopefully I can continue the trend...he picked 55 games correctly, I'll keep y'all posted on how many I get.

Spring Break recap

I had 23 points on my 23rd birthday, my team won and took 3rd in the league. I got a college hoop game for my 360. I subbed twice. Felt bored and insignificant, and then my awesome wife, Dev, threw a surprize party for me. It made me feel special --- it was good to see a bunch of people that I care for all at once.

Spring Break '06

7 days and 7 nights in sunny (actually mostly cloudy) Lansing, Michigan. I don't really have tons to do, except speak at Bob and sub a couple of times at Holt. Well, I have a paper to write and a few appointments, so basically I don't go to MSU for a week, even though I have to study for exams and do work. Well, I may go to IM East to hoop...

I may go to get some more ink on my arm, because I have a birthday this week. In the mean time all I can do is pray that MSU's slump won't continue into the Big Ten tourney and then into the NCAA's.

The Sherminator

My friend, Bobby, who runs for MSU, posted a 1:51.81 to finish 2nd in the 800 m by less than a second at the Big Ten meet. It's crazy that about 3 years ago I beat him in an 800...if we raced now, he'd have his sweats on before I was done.

Annihilation

My friend Sean told me that he doesn't really read my blog anymore because it is usually just current events, which is boring. So below is a paper I wrote. I entered it into a contest at MSU for a $200 prize. I don't think I'll win, but at least this is deeper than my current events...you can read my blog again, Sean.

"Annihilation"

The Hellenistic Greek, Epicurus, famously argued: “Death is nothing to us. It concerns neither the living nor the dead, since for the former is not, and the latter is no more.” (200). Put another way, Epicurus could argue, if death is bad, for whom is it bad? Not for the living, since they're not dead, and not for the dead, since they don't exist anymore. The proposition being made is that when we die, we are annihilated; we cease to exist. This inferences find us ruling out the possibility of post-mortem experiences that could have value attached to them; we must disregard ideas such as: reincarnation, hell, or going to heaven in a little rowboat. With this view in mind the Epicureans, whom were hedonists, could claim that death means nothing because a person simply isn’t there to feel anything that could cause pain or pleasure. This view is often attractive because it reduces the stress caused by dying and thinking about death.
It is my aim to discuss why one ought not to hold this view. I don’t wish to argue that it is flatly wrong or foolish; rather I will give criticism and reasons to reject the idea that death means nothing to us because we are in fact annihilated. I will first make clear what it is I mean by death. Secondly, I will indicate that this view has a presupposition that is being taken for granted. Thirdly, I will accompany Steven Luper in disagreeing with the assertion death is nothing to us. I will side with Professor Luper’s reasoning that if death does mean nothing to us, then life would have to mean nothing as well. (207) Then I will be gracious towards Epicurus, by noting the context and intention of the claim he made. Finally, I will return to the language involved and point out how careful linguistic attention is damaging to the argument, and explain that in order to speak of death having any meaning to ‘us’, ‘us’ is a required precondition to speak sensibly of it. I will offer objections to each of these points and respond to them in turn.
Before we proceed, I must indicate what it is I mean by death. On one hand there is the process of dying which is often feared because it usually involves pain. Disease, violence, and heart attacks have negative meaning to all sane people. All parties agree that this process obviously has an existing agent. But this process needs to be separated from the state of being dead, once a person has passed through that unfortunate process of dying. The debate lies in the state of being dead, not in the process of dying.
If one were to conclude that upon our deaths we are annihilated, it seems a western and naturalistic or materialistic mindset is required. One may suggest that religion is like mythology, the soul would merely be something like a unicorn, something that exists only in fairytales. If death is to mean nothing, we would need to put aside the possibility of dualism; the supernatural needs to be ruled out because if we had souls and were reincarnated or confronted by heaven or hell upon our being dead, that would certainly make death mean something. Many thinkers, such a Kierkegaard, or worldviews (Whether being deistic, pantheistic, or theistic) would have to considered mistaken about essential portions of their ideologies.
Those whom argue that the state of being dead means the deceased is annihilated will often appeal to science. Our consciousness and existence is thought to be a purely physical thing. Once the brain and the body cease, the person is no more because the person is only their flesh. It would be a rather easy conclusion that we are annihilated upon our dying, if in fact we have no souls. But why should this premise be taken for granted?
May we take the advice of Husserl, and bracket, or set aside, scientific attitudes that shade experiences? My fondness for Biology or my resentment towards dogmatic religious people in my childhood, will affect the ‘intentionality’ of my thinking. When we step into any mode of knowing we do not do so in a vacuum. Therefore, this inquiry may require us to search in the realm of metaphysics, the unknowable, (the unobservable), or even what one may call faith.
I imagine that our sciences could be compared to a properly functioning metal-detector that finds metal coins in the ground. Using this device we cannot discover or disprove the existence of bills or credit cards are buried in the earth. Just as one does not search for sharks while in the forest or attempt to see a smell, it may be unreasonable to rule out the metaphysical or supernatural using the natural. It is here I urge us to call to mind entities such as morality, beauty, love, and value.
The concept of good and evil can’t be measured in a laboratory, or tested with a Bunsen burner, but that doesn’t mean Hitler wasn’t evil, or that evil is necessarily some figment of religious imagination. When we see a beautiful painting or nature, we don’t determine its beauty by a litmus test. Furthermore, the love I have for my wife exists as a non-scientific thing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t a reality. Or what about the value of a human life or a great friendship…we cannot measure these empirically either.
It could be argued that logic, reason, and even the scientific method (and the truths we derive from it), are human constructions. But as we rightfully take for granted these entities as realities, may we be slow to rule out other modes of knowing that aren’t testable experiments, observations, and formulas. As a metal detector cannot rule out the possibility of real and valuable currency that is non-metallic, we should not use our uncertainty to conclude there is only what science and an attitude of naturalism allows us.
None-the-less, many would quickly agree that it is unlikely that we have a post-mortem existence. But from the reasons above, using such language may be a poor way to speak and think about this matter. When we speak of likelihood, probability, or the chances of something like this occurring, we are dealing predictable, knowable, and observable terminology. To genuinely claim something of this nature is likely or unlikely may actually show the desires of the person making the claim, instead of predictive odds of a post-mortem existence. Could it be that our intentions are sometimes prior to the core of this debate?
I will now argue directly against the claim that “Death is nothing to us.” (200) Setting the issue of annihilation aside for a moment, I believe that death does matter to us. I’m yet to meet a person who both claims to feel indifferent towards death and at the same time an indifference to life. The Epicureans sought to live lives characterized by tranquility of mind and the enjoyment of temperate pleasures, thus they too had concern for life. This should be noted because it seems quite intuitive that an indifference to death truly requires an indifference to life. Luper states,
“In order to maintain their unconcern about dying, they must avoid any reason whatsoever for not dying…any reason for living is an excellent reason for not dying; so only if they avoid having any reason for living can they avoid having any reason for not dying.” (207)

If death means nothing, it could never be thought of as premature whenever it occurs, or be a relief for someone suffering. In addition, our goals (which certainly mean something to us) typically require a look into future, and the possibility of being dead often does frustrate these goals. Luper shows the ineffectiveness of a death-tolerant view on life when he asserts,
“Even if Epicureans take an interest in working for the welfare of posterity, they remain indifferent to the welfare of posterity. It takes peculiar people to desire to spend time ensuring that some state of affairs holds in the future even though they are indifferent about whether that state of affairs comes to be. As a matter of psychological fact, it may be impossible.” (209)
Additionally, we could be charitable to the intuition that being dead is often something that is to be feared and put off. Because most will suppose that lives tend to matter, I assert that the ending of this meaningful thing must have meaning also. I would like to again pose the question I posed during my presentation, “How could one look to something that almost never provokes apathy as something people should be indifferent about?” (10/20/05, J. Detmers, PHL 492, p.5).
It seems that once an individual with a death-tolerant attitude has arrived at this mindset, he or she should not even feel the need to convince himself or herself that death means nothing. If stepping on a crack means nothing to me (It won’t break my mother’s back) while I walk on the sidewalk, my indifference to stepping on cracks will lead me to avoid worrying about and discussing this issue at length. This is slightly reminiscent of a heart broken teenager constantly claiming that she is completely over the young man who recently broke up with her. One may wish to ask her, “If he doesn’t mean anything to you, why do talk about him constantly?”
An Epicurean or a modern-day person who believes that death should mean nothing to us wishes to speak of a vacuous concept. I assert that if death is annihilation, and nothing to us (us being the dead person), this statement isn’t intelligible. The ‘us’ isn’t existing to experience anything, it cannot mean something or nothing because there is no person to have the meaning. If you want to have some occurrence mean nothing to ‘us’, one needs the ‘us’. I would agree with the claim that “once we are dead, then we are no more, and death means nothing to no one or that former someone.” But what death means to ‘us’ requires an ‘us’ as a precondition to truly speak of it. It seems that for an Epicurean, or a person who holds this view of annihilation, who would like to speak of death having no meaning to ‘us’, would need to be dealing with existing people. To speak of ‘them’, these people would have to be either in the state of dying (living) or existing while in the state of being dead, and thus yet not annihilated. There is a problematic inconsistency in the claim that “Death is nothing to us.”
In the midst of all the criticism, it must be noted that I believe Epicurus meant well by claiming that death should mean nothing to us…this statement could easily help burdened and introspective individuals deal with the fear of death that often puts a damper on living. Epicurus was wise to remind us that while we are living we are not yet dead, and therefore we must not be crippled by something that is not yet upon us. Realizing this seemingly obvious fact could invoke feelings of appreciation, or give reason to be care-free and make the most the time one has. As memory serves me, Epicurus was comforting one of his countrymen, not necessarily trying to make an air-tight claim regarding a very lofty inquiry. Given this context and not having Epicurus on hand to offer a rebuttal, one should be charitable in criticizing his claim that “Death means nothing to us.”
In sum, I have discussed why one should not hold a death-tolerant view, by being critical and giving reasons to reject the idea that “death means nothing to us.” I clarified my language by distinguishing between the process of dying and the state of being dead. Thirdly, I called out an assumption in the premise of the crux of the argument, namely that it is concluded that we are in fact annihilated upon being dead. Fourthly, I specifically disagreed (along with Professor Luper) that “death means nothing to us.” Then before being charitable to Epicurus, I finally examined the linguistic problems associated with discussing ‘us’ in a vacuous state.


Works Cited

Benatar, David. Life, Death, & Meaning: Key Philosophical Readings on the Big Questions. Rowman& Littlefield Pub Inc., 2004.

Aristotle delay

One more thing, my Aristotle prof. was at a conference yesterday, so I have until Tuesday to give a presentation on Book VI. 5 extra days means I can get some sleep.

Copeland

I went to Pontiac last night to see Copeland, and The Starting Line. I liked Copeland, they are talented, but their set was too short...I think they had issues with their keyboard. It was cool to hang with Mike and Robbie. Anyway, I felt old because it seemed like a lot of young kids were there to see The Starting Line. So, I was glad I didn't know any of The Starting Line songs.

And speaking of age, it's Sean's birthday today. Happy Birthday Sean.

El Fin De Semana

What a crazy and hard yet strangly beautiful week I had. I feel weathered, but kind of renewed. This upcoming week should be crazy too...teaching @Bob (On Romans 12) and I have a presentation in my Aristotle class.

Bob is looking exciting because I'm planning on referencing I Heart Huckabees, using a Ben Harper song, and b/c Robbie Schiller is going to share during the teaching... I'm eager to discuss the scripture with him and then together share with the gang...

I got partially sad as I've read through Romans, it used to be my favorite book. I became familiar with it and made the mistake of thinking I 'got it', some how. But I hadn't read it for a while, because I knew 'the jist' of it and I have some verses memorized...but it rocked and comforted me, like an old, wise, and loving friend. I missed it, or should I say Him? These verses got me:

Romans 8
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 5
3...we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Word.

I love this portion of Ben Harper song I've been listening to lately:

Some days have no beginning
And some days have no end
Some roads are straight and narrow
And some roads only bend
So let us say a prayer
For every living thing
Walking towards a light
From the cross of a king
We long to be a picture of Jesus
In his arms so many prayers rest
I long to be a picture of Jesus
With him we shall be forever blessed

With him we shall be forever blessed, indeed.

The 8th

Tonight I'm teaching at Bob (http://www.eriv.net/bob/) on Matthew 7. It is a really challenging portion of Jesus' teaching that always pushes me...Talking briefly with Noel about it yesterday, I was even more reminded of my ignorance towards all nuances and implications of the text. Anyway, I'm excited teach on it...I wanted to go much longer and deeper than my final cut, but hopefully it will suffice. The idea is to drop it like it's hot, (as they say on the MTV)... I hope a lot of people show up with teachable hearts, so they may be wise and blessed by acting upon the goodness. Word.

Also, yesterday I taught Bruno to shake. I'm taking him to meet Dev's second graders on Friday, for her Burf-day (as 50 says), Bruno needed a trick to impress the kids, he's so vain.

Another also...I'm tossing around the idea of starting a new blog or something like that...having a place to essay and think about theology and what-not. I had a good philosophy professor who always said that you don't really know what you think until you try to articulate it. So, hopefully I can work some stuff out in a well thought out and public arena.

Dunk-Shot & thinking ahead

Saturday, I was in the second row when Shannon Brown jumped over PSU's point guard (6' tall) to do one of those dunk-shots. I was about 12 feet away. That, my friends, is getting your money's worth for a ticket!

I also have been thinking a lot about being content with where I'm in life, even though planning for and having vision for the future are priorities in my life. On Wednesday, I'll be going to a job-fair for non-profit organizations and companies, so I bought a suit.

On another note, I've dropped a math class, and now I'm sitting on 10 credits. I plan on graduating in May, but I'll have to take a class or two in the summer. Though it is annoying to have a little more to go, I'm subbing on Fridays, reffing 1-2 nights a week, and doing about 15 hours of Bob stuff each week...I think that a slightly lighter load will allow me to keep my sanity.

Humbling

In the past week or so, I've began to see some of my flaws in a much clearer light. I' ve listened to myself as I talk more than usual (if that makes sense) and I'm seeing how I'm not nearly as mature as I thought. I found this new awareness or perception caught me asking myself, "Do others see me like this? - Wow, people are very gracious to put up with me..." I don't say this in a spirit of self-hatred, its weird, I just thought I was cooler and more 'normal' than I really am, that's all. I think it would be amazing if we had a camera crew follow us around all day, and then at the end of the day, go back and watch the film to reveiw how it went...kind of like in sports. When you stop to think about it, people often do very strange things they don't even notice when they socialize.

I think that part of growing means realizing how lacking and incomplete I really am. Hmm, I'm going to go eat chicken and read Aristotle.

Tech.& Car Problems

The computer in the Dover's lab was acting strange yesterday...if you looked at my blog, the same post was posted 5 tiimes or so. (I fixed it)

And Dev's Honda broke down today. It has always ran well, but this morning about $2,000 dollars of damage happened. (Capital Honda is fixing it)

Hopefully we'll have better luck with cars and computers.

Thursday

Today reminded me of Spring weather, I love Spring weather because I hate Winter weather. Ergo, I loved the weather today... it was as good as Michigan gets in January.

Also, I was walking down campus holding my lunchbox type of thing, and two guys in a crappy red Camaro made fun of me. I couldn't help but laughing too. I realized (as any rational person should) lunch-boxes are for small children, everyone knows that. What a fool I am.

Bruno Sharted!!!

This morning I woke up and sprang out of bed to shut off my alarm clock. I bumped the dresser and was basically disoriented. But the remarkable thing is I scared (sp?) the crap out of my dog, Bruno. His kennel is right next to the dresser and I heard him jump and the whole thing shook and made a loud noise. As Dev got up and inspected the matter...
It turns out that Bruno sharted out of the cage onto the wall when he was startled.
And today is his 2nd birthday...he started it with a bang.

Happy Birthday, Bruno.

I went to Indy...

I tried to catch my cousin Micah's band, The Chinese Express, play a show. They were playing with some other bands, the one that I've heard of was Pillar. Anyway, I missed T.C.E. because of traffic, but I still had a good time, got to see some fam. The show was at my cousin's big church. They have an amazing facility...they had somewhere around 1,500 people for the show.
They have a wing that is just for the youth group...they have an arcade with a bunch of gaming systms, pool-table, soda/snack bar...They also have a coffee shop...all in side the church.
It was pretty cool to see a place that had used resources to give kids a cool place to go where they can be accepted, loved, and safe. I bet you Jesus likes that.
Here's the place where the y.g. meets and a their coffee shop --- pic of me with Aunt Becky, Mikenna, Micah...not pictured is Morgan.

Good point, Rob Bell.

So I’ve been reading through Velvet Elvis, by Rob Bell, and I’m really encouraged and impressed so far. Actually, some of the reading that I’ve done in the past while has really given me hope, it feels pretty amazing when I read something that Bell, Donald Miller, or Brian McLaren writes and I realize that I’ve shared that intuition or have been thinking the same thing for such a long time. It makes me think maybe I’m not crazy, maybe. I suppose for that matter, when Steve or Noel shares something of that nature from the stage or when I'm talking with Sean or JR, that too, kind of gives me chills.

Mr. Bell
“Let’s be honest. When you hear people say they are just going to tell you what the Bible means, it is not true. They are telling you what they think it means. They are giving their opinion about the Bible. It sounds nice to say, “I’m not giving you my opinion; I’m just telling you what it means.
…The idea that everybody else approaches the Bible with baggage and agendas and lenses and I don’t is the ultimate in arrogance. To think that I can just read the Bible without reading any of my own culture or background or issues into it and come out with a “pure” or “exact” meaning is not only untrue, but it leads to a very destructive reading of the Bible that robs is of its life and energy.”

I’ve heard people neuter the word “Biblical”. The phrase “Biblical” unfortunately can become like this trump card that you can use to win an argument or make a point. Granted, I value the Bible as an inspired authority and all that jazz, but so often things get stupid. In high school I used to look for verses that declared homosexuality wrong, and how women were inferior to men. Fact was, I didn’t really care about purity, or I would have been pure, and I was really insecure & chauvinistic…I wanted ammunition to give me reason not to respect women and judge others instead of myself.

I also wanted to prove that the world was created in 6 literal days because that was the interpretation that I thought was the pure and exact meaning. I didn’t really love the creation itself, I didn’t worship God through it, or sit in awe of what He called “good.” Nor did I feel compelled to honer those He created in His image. I actually resented environmentalists. I tended to see it all as an arguing point. There’s no room for mystery…I could articulate the nuances of Moses vision/account. The point of creation is…I’m right.

One person I know doesn’t think interracial marriage is ‘biblical’, because the Bible talks about not being unevenly yoked. There are racist presuppositions that are being administered to the text. I’ve also heard…”You can’t be against the war, war is Biblical.” Meaning that it is impossible for the US to be inappropriate in any actions; how, when, and why we go/went to war is always ethically good, and no one should ever be critical.

I used to look at the Bible as the right and wrong book. It told me I, and people who shared my views, was right, and those who didn’t were wrong. (Ouch) I saw Christianity as a bunch of correct ideas that people had to agree with… I had to win a culture war, take a defensive stance against people, and I look back with regret, Jesus never used truth as a club or as a tool for exclusivity.

As Paul wrote Timothy…the scripture is useful for equipping and etc. in order to do good. The point of the scriptures isn’t to merely have right ideas, but to have right actions. Isn’t that authentic faith, good deeds? I can talk about being a “Christian” because of correct doctrines and right beliefs, but if I treat people well and honor God with everything, isn’t that just shameful lip service?

It seems that the point of the scriptures is that we are to love God and people, not just hold the “right” opinions. That’s what Jesus did. He showed us how to love God and people…He was the personification of texts…

“The word became flesh.” In my opinion, or interpretation, I think that is what I'm supposed to do. Hopefully, I can build up and try to bless people who don't think like me, not make them a project or be irritated.

Looking Back

Here are some highlights from 2005.

Movies:
I Heart Huckabees
Batman Begins
King Kong
Ray
Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices (Documentary)
The Corporation (Documentary)

Books:
Searching For God Knows What (Donald Miller)
A Generous Orthodoxy (Brian McLaren)

Events or whatever:
Marriage (5/14)
Honeymoon
Lower bowl Izzone tickets (w/Kite)
GCLI
Hangin’ with JR
3 more tattoos
Poker
Substitute Teaching

BOB
HSLT
BLT
Teaching the Sin series & Hebrews series
Talking/praying/hanging with and learning from students.

Music:
Jack Johnson
Dashboard Confessional
Bob Marley
Ben Harper

Television:
Daily Show
The Office
Colbert Report
South Park

I’m forgetting much more…

The New Year

We hung out at the Price's...I lost in the poker tournament, but left with a profit from a cash game. It was cool to have a few of my non-Riv. friends and my Riv. friends mingle.

3 cool things

1. I saw King Kong with my pals JR and Dave. I thought it was very good, for the type of film it was supposed to be. Not only were the special effects amazing, but it had a plot and Naomi Watts, who isn't exactly ugly. JR argued that the love that Naomi Watt's character had for the beast was unrealistic...I argue, that if you're willing to grant the existence of King Kong, (letting your imagination be), I think most people would be both indebted to and in awe of a giant gorilla who saved thier life.

2. I went to Indiana this weekend where my uncle Jason told me about the problems he had with his vasectomy, namely bleeding, pain, and extreme swelling. He shared with my family a rather graphic and vivid account of the horror. Awesome.

3. I've been listening to Ben Harper. I don't think I need to explain why this is a good thing. If you were to doubt me, I would probably assume insanity on your behalf.

Finals Week

This week has been so crazy, I can't believe it's almost over. I got very little sleep, but much accomplished. I'm looking forward to the break.

And Kevin gave me a cd with lots of Kanye West songs on it. I like that.

Steven Colbert gets it too!

I'm stealing this from Sean http://www.the-firehead.com/blog/ --- I like his post, by the way. But laugh with us...

Stephen Colbert is a very funny man.

Click here, then click on the video titled “Xmas”, it'll be the 4th little picture on the right. Scroll down a little bit.

The Reason For The Season

I've a lot of people complaining about "happy holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" lately, and it really bothers me. I'm trying to figure out why this would make people mad. Do they really not want people to have happy holidays? Maybe they really don't want people to enjoy Hannukah or Kwanza. Not all people celebrate Christmas...And sometimes, those who do celebrate miss 'the point' worse than those who don't. By the way, isn't the 'point', that people of faith stop and remember the birth of the redeemer. How does that spin into an opportunity to be angry with those who don't acknowledge Him?

Let's see, celebrating African culture is part of an 'agenda' that hates Jesus? Maybe some people of this heritage feel left out of the season. What if, the 'season' was basically about white people and capitalism most of the time?

So, what if the real meaning of Christmas isn't about waging a culture war until the secular world affirms Christianity? (Because that's not their job, nor is it ours to make them) I don't think that these "Merry Christmas!!!"-efforts are about helping athiests and agnostics believe...or about really glorifing Christ on an arbitrary day in the winter...I think it is about catering to the insecurity of those who argue, and 'winning.'

In the mean time I will affrim Christmas by having a pine-tree with lights, drinking egg-nog, telling stories about a jolly fat-man and his magical reindeer, decking the halls, hanging the mistletoe, and buying things I don't need from corporations...all because I'm a good American, oops, I mean Christian.

I suppose it isn't about me arguing with other people either...

With a loving smirk,
Justin

Almost Famous

So, I'm in the Izzone, and I know my pal Aaron Kite. It's pretty cool to go to the games and be up close...it's such a nice break from my busy life. We were on TV and Kite's vid blog is sweet, see December 1st.

Respect.

http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=aaronkite

Frogs in November

Bruno and I went on a walk by the Dover's pond last night and today and we saw a number of large Green Frogs just sitting around. Green Frogs look like Bull Frogs, but they not. Anyway, my guess is they want to get in better hibernation spots and the warm(er) weather will allow them to move around. I was really surprized to see amphibians in November in Michigan.
Also, last night I had a dream that I was catching salamanders, namely a big Tiger Salamander. I think I had the dream about salamanders because I saw the frogs. And when I was young, in the Spring, I'd go out in the woods for hours to look for salamanders, frogs, and the occasionally newt. Fun times.
I realized a few things: I'm a nerd on some sub-conscious level because I liked having a dream about amphibians.

Post Turkey-Day

Well, I'm thankful for all the dudes who helped the Mrs. and I move into our new apartment. It's bigger and better. And we have our pooch, Bruno. I played football with the dudes at Schiller's and was on the winning team not once but twice! I got tackled into the porch once, hit in the throat...lots of fun.

One thing that did suck was the fact that there was no Izzone today. I parked and walked and had my Izzone shirt on, and they turned me away.

Another cool thing was seeing people I graduated with at Harper's and the Post on Friday night; it had been awhile. At Harper's there as a really good band, called Westin-Mowry or something like that...They did some sweet covers, like Bob Marley --- they also played a Jack Johnson song at my request. I ran against their lead guitarist in HS, and we were usually neck and neck...so I talked to him. And later on at the Post a guy named Rufus bought a beer for me and my friends.

Hoop

I was playing at IM East, and got the ball on a fast break and took off towards the basket, and then I went up hard and fast and, and, and I dunked it really hard, but it popped out and shot up in the air, so technically, I bricked it, and this is a run on sentence.

Speaking of hoop --- that MSU Game against Gonzaga was amazing, too bad they lost. The Arizona game was crazy too, but thankfully they pulled it out.

An Observation

I've realized something this week, well, I've paid attention to it. Irritable people are very hard to be around, and joyful people are easy to be around. If it's true for others I know it's true for me, so I'm not above this...

Friday

Subbed at Holt.
Dev and I are moving; if you have a truck, I'd like to use you.
My XBox360 is arriving behind schedule, crap.

Would you like to laugh?

My friend Evan showed me this:

http://www.transbuddha.com/mediaHolder.php?id=1030

Sobering

My good friend Kyle's uncle died today from cancer. May our thoughts and prayers be with him and his...

Time

I was thinking about how time goes by & how sad things can be. I'm not saying this because I'm depressed, but I was thinking about how I'll never live (unless something strange happens) with my family, ever again. I remember vacations, parent teacher conferences, sporting events, Christmas mornings, and birthday parties. I remember the summer times and how we had friends spend the night, halloween, playing basketball & traveling. I remember watching Indiana Jones and getting slurpees after tee-ball/softball games in the summer. I remember when my dad took us to Pruess Animal House to get lizards... I think about pictures of my brother and I when we were younger, how basically I was around him and my family so often. And this happens in every family, I might have children some day that will eventual drift away from me and eachother. This stuff really makes me want to die. I don't mean this in a suicidal way, but life is like trying to hold water in your fist...may heaven hurry to us.

TGIF

I went to watch Holt get spanked by Grand Ledge.
I played hoops earlier today and I'd give the performance a B or B+, for the kind of shape in...in need of work on the jumpshot, but it is coming around.
Devon and I are moving and getting this guy, an 85 lb. 1.5 yr.old, a Shepard/Collie Mix...
His name is Bruno, but I kind of want to call him Batman or Charlie Murphy. His previous owner says that he really likes watermelon.

Most blogs, xangas, & myspaces

I've looked at blogs, xangas, and myspaces of some people I know and then, for giggles, linked from one site to the next...Maybe I'm more of a feminist than I first thought (yes, a mild one), but here are some sad unspoken rules for blogs/xangas/myspaces that some follow...

1. Take provocative pictures of yourself, like you're a piece of meat shown in Maxim magazine.

2. Complain about everything.

3. Tell everyone you love them.

4. Take pictures of yourself looking out of the shot or making a pouty face.

I wish young women believed they're worth more than that. If this strikes a nerve with you, know I'm looking out, and I don't think you have to believe a lie that your are a mere object...You are more than your appearance...you'll be valuable even when you don't thrust images of yourselves on the internet. & Guys need to quit setting up the arena for and perpetuating it.

I'm Uncle Rico

I went to watch my cousin Chelsea run at her regional for cross country...her team won the regional, she was 14th overall & 3rd on the team - Pretty good for a froshman! So, I'll be heading down to Brooklyn to watch the state finals. Going back to races is really strange for me. I get very mixed feelings. First, I'm excited for whomever I'm watching, then I'm analyitcal of who(m) is talented, and then finally reflective about my high school days.

You see, my senior year was about as big as a disappointment as you could expect. I ran so poorly, under achieved...I still have regret. It's wierd. I know that my worth wouldn't increase if I ran to my potential, but I just can't shake that feeling of failure. If I would have ran how I should have, we would have went to state finals.(I feel like Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite) We were ranked somewhere around 13th-15th in the state, and we missed going to states...we would have beaten half of the teams in state finals. I ran poorly all year long, injuries and mental weakness & allergies - mainly choking because I put a lot of pressure on myself.

I find that when I'm stressed and challenged in life, like I am in school and my various other "what-nots" (to quote Rico), I what-if a whole bunch. I'm seeing that insecurity brings out this desire to have accomplishments and the approval of others make me feel redeemed, instead of my faith.