I want to begin with a clearer understanding of simple-mindedness with a quote from Signs of Being Simple-Minded: "Understanding what it means to be simple-minded involves recognizing certain characteristics and their implications for how individuals perceive, process information, and interact with the world. While the term “simple-minded” can carry different connotations depending on context, it generally refers to a style of thinking characterized by a lack of complexity, or depth in one’s … [Read more...] about Avoiding Simple-Mindedness
Wisdom
Is the Web a Source of Wisdom?
We hear very little about wisdom today. Instead, we hear more and more about the importance of information — about the virtues of information and the benefits of increased information. “Big data” and “data mining” are the buzz words of the day. These are quite literally seen by humanity as their savior. But it is important to recognize that information, knowledge, and wisdom are not the same things. I want to lay out the building blocks first from a humanistic … [Read more...] about Is the Web a Source of Wisdom?
Digital Distraction
If there has ever been a group of people that are called upon to use their minds, it is the people of God who have chosen to live His way of life. When I say, “use our minds”, I don’t mean human reasoning or logic; there is to be an emphasis on teaching, thinking, and understanding. Many religious systems are devised by men, who very often downplay teaching in favor of rituals. To them, rituals and traditions are what is most important. But true faith requires that we use our … [Read more...] about Digital Distraction
The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
The Oxford Dictionary defines wisdom as “the state of being wise.” It says that wisdom has to do with judgment, discernment, judiciousness, insight, knowledge and learning. And from a human standpoint, we might agree with these words that define wisdom. But at the same time, we can conclude that mankind on the whole man can’t solve his problems. It appears that mankind simply lacks the wisdom to do so. Man doesn’t know how to achieve peace, put an end to … [Read more...] about The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
Focus on the Goal
The weekly Sabbath is a representation of entering into the Kingdom of God. Its very interesting that God has made the high point of the week, the focus on His Kingdom. But why does God want us to be reminded of this so often and so strongly? An interesting experiment called the “invisible gorilla experiment” by Daniel Simmons and Christopher Chabris will help us understand why. It is very important for followers of Christ to capture it’s meaning. In the experiment there were … [Read more...] about Focus on the Goal
What is on Your Mind Today?
What tends to be on our minds at any given time is somewhat driven by the events in which we are engaged. This is one reason the regular study of God’s Word is essential. World events also play a major part in our thought processes. For example, this week we read of the European Commission President, Jean-Claude Junker, advocating a combined EU military force. In 2010, the then German Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle, had called for the creation of a European army so that in the long term … [Read more...] about What is on Your Mind Today?
Single-Mindedness – A Key to Handling Trials
Some often feel that when a tragedy strikes that the people involved are the worse sinners on the planet. However, the bible teaches that time and chance can happen to us all. “There were present at that season some who told [Jesus] about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you … [Read more...] about Single-Mindedness – A Key to Handling Trials