There is a reason for the season

This piece will be published on Saturday in the Salt Lake Tribune. It is in response to an article printed by Robert Hammer and can be found at http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/50948986-82/believe-christmas-faith-simply.html.csp. By 8 p.m. MST, there were 300 comments on the Tribune's site, which apparently made the editorial leadership realize more on the topic was needed.

            In a Dec. 29 column, Robert Hammer claims that he is “99.9 repetend percent convinced that [God] does not exist.” While I won’t take any particular side with the Mormons, Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims or any other religious group that acknowledges a Supreme Being,  just because it is impossible to empirically prove God’s existence does not mean faith in a Higher Being is a losing proposition.

As Norman Geisler and Frank Turek write in their aptly-titled I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist (Crossway, 2004): “It’s virtually impossible to know everything about a particular topic, and it’s certainly impossible when that topic is an infinite God. So there has to come a point where you realize you have enough information to come to a conclusion, even if unanswered questions remain” (p. 25).

I believe there are good reasons why God’s existence makes more sense than no God at all. For one, Hammer admits that he might be wrong “but I strongly doubt that, too.” By not being so skeptical of his own skepticism, perhaps this mindset deceives him.  

He also complains that, if he’s wrong, he will confidently question God in the end with, “O Lord, why hast thou forsaken me?” Yet how did the Almighty forsake him? Psalm 19 proclaims, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” “General revelation” makes God’s existence abundantly clear.

Imagine if someone made a claim that a particular ballpoint pen had no designer. Do the insides of the pen—including the spring, the reservoir, and the clicker—just magically appear in exact order to form a functional instrument? Obviously, somebody designed each intricate piece. In the same way, the universe’s cosmological design screams for a Designer.

Another reason for the existence of God is time. Those who claim that time is infinite must consider the “Kalam Cosmological argument,” a complex tool constructed by Muslim philosophers in the Middle Ages. How, they asked, could we ever have arrived at “today” if time consists of an infinite past?

If the universe did begin 12 billion years ago from nothing, then how did “something” (the first cell) get created if “out of nothing, nothing comes”? And the idea that things progress rather than digress when left in their natural state defeats the Second Law of Thermodynamics.

I believe the very existence of moral values is one more dilemma for nontheists. After all, from where do morals come? Do they emanate from Mother Nature (the conscience)? What right does something lesser than I have to bind me absolutely?

Some would argue that others can determine morals through governmental laws, but is society always right? I think not, especially in light of Nazi Germany, the slavery and “back-of-the-bus” South, and Kim Jong-il’s North Korea.  Maybe I can determine morals. But what if my name is Jeffrey Dahmer or Brian David Mitchell? If moral relativism is correct, then who really has the right to tell these men that they were immoral?  Only something above us—a Moral Lawgiver—can determine right from wrong.  

Notice that I’m not arguing for a particular God or saying that all theists (representing any number of religions) necessarily know or practice what is moral. I’m merely stating that there must be some set of objective moral laws that exist.   

Finally, while Robert Hammer says he has tried but apparently never experienced the Almighty, I have. By itself, I agree that this is not a good reason for him (or anyone else) to become a believer. Yet this very fact (which is real to me) is just as strong as Hammer’s perspective that God doesn’t exist because he never experienced Him.  One of us is wrong. The consequences could be immense.

New year, New Start, New Life

When Christmas ends, it means that the new year is just around the corner. It's hard to believe that 2010 is over and it's time to head into 2011.

As I contemplate my goals for the New Year, which is not a bad thing to do on an annual basis, I think about how God took us on a mighty adventure this past year. Among other things:

* we had to get our affairs in order, as Terri and I have lived in SOCAL for 22 years together;
* we had to deal with impossible renters in our Utah home, as they did a pretty good job of trashing our home;
* we had to finish the school year;
* we had to make plans for Carissa, and until May, we really didn't know where she would end up (and she finally decided on Grossmont for her sophomore year);
* we had to sell a house, a stretch of faith in this market, and endure negotiations that tested our patience;
* we had to take two trips with rented trucks (driven by my friend Mark--thanks!) and bring all of our "stuff" to Utah;
* we had to paint, repair, and spend a lot of money getting our house in order;

Since June, Terri was able to get a job at Costco, we have started up our Agape Photography business (church directories), we enrolled the kids in the public schools, and we acclimated ourselves to a new home, new church, and new friends. It's been an adventure.

Now we look forward to the New Year and all that God has in store for us. May God bless you in the New Year!

Having a little fun during the holidays

When the apostle Paul said that he became all things to all people that he might be able to win some of them, my friend Randy Sweet and I decided to take this admonition to what some might say is an extreme. Over the past few weeks, Randy (Santa) and I (Buddy from the move Elf) have been making appearances in different places throughout Utah to spread Christmas cheer and, hopefully, get people to look at a website to see if they're on the naughty or nice list. Randy plays an awesome Santa, and I portray the innocent, fun-loving Buddy in an extreme manner, with anonymity as my cover to allow me to be ridiculous while having a lot of fun. Developing answers to their questions ("What's your favorite color?' "Does somebody need a hug?" "What's your favorites food?") and having creativity to banter back and forth has been a highlight of this Christmas season.


The first time we played the roles was in Provo in front of the Missionary Training Center. For about six hours one Saturday, we stood on the front sidewalk, waving at the passing cars, handing out candy, and talking to those MTC teachers who continually passed by. There were a number of good conversations. Although we were hassled in the beginning (an off-duty police officer, or so he claimed, threatened to arrest us for standing on public property), we ended up developing a good relationship with the MTC security detail.


The following week, we spent some time outside Alta High School as well as a busy street corner in Draper and the area around the Draper temple. In fact, it was at the latter place where we were able to have our picture taken with a young girl (whose head was shaved) who apparently is battling some form of cancer. She was as cute as a button, so it was special when she grabbed onto Santa's legs and wouldn't let go. Mom took a picture, and we hope this brightened her day. We knew the present this family wished for this Christmas.


On Friday, we went to Temple Square where a concert with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was taking place and 20,000 people were in attendance. We soon realized that everyone, and I mean everyone, wants their picture taken with Santa and Buddy, so we soon found out that instead of having to hand out Santa Million Dollar bills willy-nilly, we were able get them into the hands almost solely of those who had their pictures taken with us. We stood right outside the Temple Square gate (just across the street from the Conference Centery). Sometimes there were 3-4 families waiting in line for their turn; we estimate that we posed some 300+ times! The power of the symbols we represented was incredible. What was best is that everybody had a good time while we were able to spread some holiday cheer and get tracts (with a solid Christian message) into more than 1,000 hands! All in less than five hours. We were all exhausted, but it was a great feeling.


This is positive evangelism at its best. We plan to go out again on Dec. 23, then possibly to a childrens' hospital or retirement home on the morning of Christmas Eve. Already our minds are working toward how we can do more next Christmas.


What a pleasure to serve the Lord while being creative at the same time!

A Christian icon will be missed in San Diego

When we returned to San Diego last month to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with my family, we made a trek over to Evangelical Bible Bookstore, a mainstay for many years on Grim Ave with probably the best overall selection of Christian books anywhere in town. There is no bookstore like it in all of San Diego or, for that matter, the entire state of Utah.

Yes, they don't carry everything. Owner John Cully is very Reformed, so if you wanted to get him going, you just had to go up to the front desk and ask to see the latest installment of the Left Behind series. The reaction was priceless. (Ok, I don't do that anymore, and he says I've been forgiven.) Yes, they carried no music or videos. So what? I never went there for these things anyway. I only wanted to hold the latest books in my hands and see the available resources. And yes, it wasn't the prettiest store. I remember when it used to be a gold/bullion store, which was quite the happening place in 1980 when inflation hit 15% plus. I know, because I have kept a San Diego Union newspaper article that had a picture with my dad and I waiting in line for our turn to buy gold at $600 an ounce. (Wish I would have saved those coins!) Once gold and silver became less of a commodity thanks to Ronald Reagan, the Coin Exchange became history, which was our gain when a Christian book store moved in.

But even with its quirks, Evangelical was a happy place to visit. It even had a bargain basement; going down there was like going after buried treasure. Today Evangelical is a victim of the times. At the end of the year, owner John Cully will close its doors for good after 40 years in business. When John told me the news at his front counter, I couldn't believe it. He said that people aren't reading as much, and those who still enjoy books find it much too convenient to order on the Internet. (Yes, I'm guilty too--shame on me.) A good day at his store used to be $2,000 gross, as they would hit that total a number of times in any given month. Now they had a hard time making even $1,000 a month. The family was losing money, which is not good if you're a business that wants to stay open. As much as it killed them to do it, the decision was terminal.

John's daughter bemoaned the fact that this store represented not only her life but her inheritance. She would have to find a new career despite being in her 50s.  (Man, did I feel for her.) Now the store would have to be emptied and boxes full of books returned, leaving San Diego with no good place to find such a selection of Christian books. Please don't even mention Joshua's or Family--these stores specialize in the popular and latest fads, but the ownership has little discernment. While I certainly wasn't a fan of every book Evangelical displayed, I knew that by going there I wouldn't have to crawl past huge displays of the latest TD Jakes, Robert Schuller, or (help me God!) Joel Olsteen drivel. No fat, no fluff has been served daily for 40 years in the North Park area.

Culturally, I believe that we're headed in a direction where many Christians are satisfied with the "tasty Jesus" rather than the biblical version. Give me the latest, tickling ears inquire. Tell me how to find success, the 10 steps to financial security, and make my latte' with extra foam. How many Christians at your church have even picked up a quality Christian book (and no, Left Behind and The Shack don't count) in the past month? The past six months? The past year? Don't ask or you might be shocked.

Christian, I challenge you to get into God's Word as well as tackle some good Christian reading. Pick up a Lewis, Piper, or someone who's more than just a Johnny-come-lately. And don't just see the movie version either (though I plan to eventually take the fam to the latest Narnia film). While there may be no more Evangelical Bible Book Store, that doesn't mean we should stop reading...or thinking. And thanks, John, for the sacrifice you and your family made in this very important ministry. I was blessed. May God bless you.

Sheep are nice, but shepherds are necessary

"We all, like sheep, have gone astray." Isaiah 53

The following is an actual paid ad in today's Salt Lake Tribune. Check it out!

"Sheepherder. Experienced Sheepherders wanted to fill 22 temporary positions, from 1/1/11 to 12/31/11. Requires workers to tend/move sheep flocks graving on range; prevent animals from straying; protect flock from predators/bad weather; assist with lambing. Worker/s will be on-call 24-hours a day/7 days a week including Holidays. 3/4 of contract period guaranteed, starting w/arrival at worksite. Employer provides tools, supplies and equipment at no cost to worker; and transportation and subsistence expenses to/from worksite."

Now tell me, does this sound enticing? Well, then, listen to the pay: "$750 Month + Room and Board."

Before you ask me for the phone number, let me remind you: This is 24 hours per day, on call, 7 days a week, no holidays, and it's pretty cold out in Utah during the winter. (Ask this SOCAL boy!) All for $750 a month! This is no joke.

After I read this and stopped laughing, I realized how Jesus clearly called Himself a shepherd. He said in John 10:11 that the good shepherd lays down his life; he added in verse 14 that He knows His sheep. First Peter 5:4 says that He is the "Chief Shepherd," while the writer of Hebrews says in 13:20 called Him great. Listen to how Revelation 7:17 puts it: "For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

The Bible has a lot to say about sheep, using words like clueless, idiotic, and lamb stew (OK, I made those all up). The point is, we're smelly, dirty, and needing lots of attention. Who would want to watch over you for 24 hours a day, with no triple time on holidays?

I find it interesting that, at this Christmas time of year, the story recorded in the Gospels is that angels were sent to mere shepherds and were told, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." I have never thought about why God would have angels go to folks (who today make all of $750 a month) when they could have just as easily appeared to people of higher stature. But wow! These really are special people. And just as Jesus portrayed Himself as the groom and the church as the bride, He used shepherds and lambs to make a point. He had a high regard for shepherds, more than I probably ever would. The point, though, is that I'm the sheep, needing lots of attention, and I needed someone willing to do the dirty work because I couldn't do it on my own.

Left up to me, I reject the offer to be a sheepherder. But Jesus volunteered to watch over His people, taking on such a no-frills responsibility despite the high cost. Could anything be more valuable?