Categories
Christian Living

Don’t Make God Boring

Don't make God boring

To me, God is a mystery: a beautiful, elusive mystery. I cannot possibly comprehend all there is to know about him. I will never have an answer to every question people ask about him or fathom how he functions.

I’m okay with that. In fact, I celebrate it.

There’s an allure to not knowing.

If a person could fully understand God, that wouldn’t make him much of a god, would it? Complete comprehension of who he is would reduce him to our level.

Who wants to follow a god like that, something only slightly more complex than you or I?

A god we fully comprehend would be boring.

But my God isn’t boring, and I’m quite intolerant of people who try to make him that way. These are the scholarly, intellectual types who write books that attempt to subject God to structure, to force him into a box (or book) they can hold.

They even have a name for this: Systematic theology. I’m not sure if their puny, pitiful efforts amuse God or anger him. What I do know is I don’t ever want to fall into this trap.

I would never try to quantify my wife or attempt to delineate who she is. That would be futile and quite boring. Besides, my efforts would most likely irritate her. I love her and that’s what matters.

I don’t know anyone who would formulate a “systemic theology” of his or her spouse, so why do some people think they need to quantify and delineate God?

Why do some people insist on taking God, with his mystery, illusion, and allure, and make him boring? Please, don’t ever do that.

Today, and every day, may we truly celebrate who God is, embracing his unfathomable depths and his endless layers.

Let’s just love him.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
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Categories
Reviews of Books & Movies

Book Review: Hope for the Flowers

Hope for the Flowers

Hope for the Flowers

By Trina Paulus (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

Hope for the Flowers is a delightful allegory offering messages on multiple levels and applicable to all age groups. It is a short book that can be read in about fifteen minutes and is simply, yet effectively, illustrated by its author Trina Paulus.

As such, it can function nicely as a children’s book, as well as a clever and profound teaching tool for teenagers and adults of all ages.

The story chronicles the life pursuits and relationships of two caterpillars, Stripe and Yellow, searching for meaning and purpose in their lives.

It is about struggle, yearnings, single-minded focus, diligence, perseverance, making mistakes, enlightenment, letting go, and ultimately…well, let’s not spoil the ending.

This book is a great addition to anyone’s library. Buy two: one to keep and one to give away!

[Hope for the Flowers, by Trina Paulus. Published by Paulist Press, 1973, ISBN: 978-0809117543, 160 pages.]

Read more book reviews by Peter DeHaan.Save

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
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Bible Insights

God Speaks Through Visions

God speaks through visions

God not only speaks to us through audible words and inaudible words, but he communicates to us through images and scenes. These may happen in our waking hours or when asleep.

God used a dream to show Joseph (son of Jacob) the future, with his parents and brothers bowing down to him. God also communicated to Joseph (Jesus’ father) through dreams, first to go ahead and marry Mary and later to escape to Egypt.

Daniel saw images sent from God.

Peter had a vision telling him to let non-Jews know about Jesus.

Of course, most of Revelation, the last half of Daniel, and much of Ezekiel contain visions portending the future that God gave to his prophets.

In the Bible, God spoke to his people through visions, dreams, and images. His power isn’t diminished now. What he did then, he still does today.

God speaks to us. How he accomplishes it doesn’t matter.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

Categories
Christian Living

Skipping Church but Experiencing it Anyway

skipping church

Today, I will not go to church, at least not in the traditional way. This Sunday morning I am sitting in an airport, waiting for a flight to take me home.

Even so, the church will happen. It might be through a seemingly random interaction with someone at the airport.

It could be through silent reflection at 35,000 feet. Maybe my church will be in words said to a stranger or a deed done that will brighten someone else’s day, giving them hope or encouraging them to persevere.

What I do know is that I must be intentional about looking for these church opportunities. I cannot withdraw into my own little bubble, as is my preferred mode when flying.

I must look for an opportunity. I must be open to God’s prompting and willing to act. Then the church will take place. God will be worshiped and his kingdom, advanced.

Although I will skip going to church today, I will not neglect God. Instead, he will give me a different kind of church experience. Although likely lacking song and sermon, it may be even more profound and powerful.

Whatever church looks like for you today, may you truly worship God in spirit and in truth, wherever you are or whatever you do.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

Categories
Reviews of Books & Movies

Movie Review: The Passion of the Christ

The Passion of the Christ

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

The Passion of the Christ portrays the final day of Jesus’ (James Caviezel) life, with ample flashbacks to happier times spent with his mother, friends, and disciples.

The main storyline closely follows the Bible record and dramatically shows the physical terror and suffering that Jesus endured so that mankind could have a chance to live.

Director Mel Gibson shines in powerfully presenting an accurate and faithful rendering of Jesus’ pain and agony.

The graphic nature of this is not sugar-coated or glossed over but gives one pause over what is lacking from the standard Sunday School lesson of the Good Friday account.

The film is compelling and powerful, but because of its graphic nature, it is the best film that I will never watch again. Nevertheless, I am glad to have viewed it and recommend that every adult watch it at least once.

[Read more reviews by Peter DeHaan of other faith-friendly videos and movies.]

Discover more about celebrating Jesus and his passion to save us in Peter’s new book, The Passion of Jesus. It is part of the Holiday Celebration Bible Study Series.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Categories
Bible Insights

God Speaks Through Inaudible Words

Speaks Through Inaudible Words

In addition to speaking to us in audible words, God can also communicate to us inaudibly, implanting his words into our minds through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes it’s instructions to do something, as with Phillip in the desert and Peter at Antioch.

In other instances, he reveals words for people to tell others. For example, God directed Peter what to say when questioned by the religious leaders. He gave wisdom to Stephen, revealed the future to Agabus about a famine, and directed Paul as he spoke to Elymas.

Other times God’s messages can be private communication, such as God revealing to Paul what awaited him in Jerusalem.

This is all through the work of the Holy Spirit, who directs all who follow Jesus.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
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​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

Categories
Christian Living

Celebrating the Apocrypha

Celebrating the Apocrypha

The Apocrypha is a group of Old Testament books that are not in all versions of the Bible, such as the modern Protestant and Hebrew Bibles.

They are, however, part of the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox versions of the Bible.

Since much of Christianity deems these writings as holy and inspired, I think it’s worthy to consider them. These books are:

I understand the Apocrypha books were part of the original King James translation of the Bible, but they were later deleted.

Furthermore, the Apocrypha was part of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, which was in use during Jesus’ time.

So, why were these books expunged from the Bible? The justification is that since they aren’t in the Hebrew Bible and there are no versions of them written in Hebrew, they were removed.

I think that was a bad call. These books contain some epic stories and can add flavor and depth to our understanding of God. We should embrace them rather than reject them.

(Read the Apocrypha books in The New Jerusalem Bible or New American Bible.)

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
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​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Bible Insights

What is the Apocrypha in the Bible?

Bible FAQs with Peter DeHaan, PhD

Question: What is the Apocrypha?

Answer: The word Apocrypha isn’t in the Bible. The Apocrypha is a group of Old Testament books that are not in all versions of the Bible, such as the current Protestant and Hebrew Bibles.

They are, however, part of the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox versions of the Bible. Since much of Christianity deems these writings as holy and inspired, it’s important to consider them.

These books are:

Roman Catholic Cannon

The Roman Catholic Bible (see the New American Bible, as well as the New Jerusalem Bible, Douay-Rheims, and Good News Translation) includes the following books of the Apocrypha:

Eastern Orthodox Cannon

Interestingly, the Apocrypha books were part of the original King James translation of the Bible but were later removed.

Furthermore, the Apocrypha was part of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, which was in use during Jesus’ time.

What happened to them? Why were these books removed? The justification is they aren’t in the Hebrew Bible and there are no versions of them written in Hebrew. Hence their removal.

I think that was a bad call. These books contain some epic stories and can add flavor to our understanding of God. We should embrace them rather than reject them.

To read a version that includes the Apocrypha books, consider Common English Version (CEB).

[See more Bible FAQs for answers to other frequently asked questions.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

Categories
Reviews of Books & Movies

Movie Review: Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Jesus Christ Superstar

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

A hippy-styled acting troupe steps off their bus in the Israeli desert to perform a rock opera about the last days of Jesus, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Being a traitor, it is not surprising that Judas gets a few things wrong and possesses a skewed sense of his worth in this historic saga.

Even though we know how the story will end, the journey is both our reward and our pleasure. In an anachronistic manner, Superstar treats us to juxtaposed realities of the modern with the ancient.

Despite a dated 70s feel to the directing and choreographing, the music is timeless and inspiring. Whether you watch it for the first time or the tenth, the message and the music are sure to mesmerize.

[Read more reviews by Peter DeHaan of other faith-friendly videos and movies.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

Categories
Bible Insights

God Speaks Through Audible Words

God speaks

God can speak to us in spoken words, just as he did in the Bible. Consider God’s affirmation of Jesus at his baptism and later at the transfiguration. God also spoke to Saul (Paul) at his conversion.

In a less happy moment, God had a conversation with Adam and Eve, as he gave them their punishment for sinning. Many centuries later God verbally proclaimed his sentence against Nebuchadnezzar, just as Daniel predicted.

God often spoke to Moses, such as on the mountain and through the burning bush. In many other instances God spoke to his people through angels, acting as his emissaries.

Last, consider Isaiah’s prophecy that, in the future, God would cause the people to hear his voice.

This is the most encouraging example of all, showing us that what happened in the Bible will also happen in the future.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.