End?

Does consciousness continue after brain death? If so, is this evidence for existence of the mind outside of the physical brain? And, ultimately, is this potential evidence for life beyond death?

“End? No, the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path. One that we all must take. The grey rain curtain of this world rolls back and all turns to silver glass. And then you see it – white shores and beyond - a far green country under a swift sunrise.”
Gandalf

Cardiac arrest study
Cardiologist Pim van Lommel became unexpectedly interested in the continuity of consciousness after death during his medical internship when a patient was successfully resuscitated in the cardiac ward by electrical defibrillation. The patient regained consciousness, and was very, very disappointed. He told the doctor about a tunnel, beautiful colors, a light and beautiful music. [1] Sometime later, after hearing similar reports, van Lommel and others initiated a study which ultimately involved 344 consecutive survivors of cardiac arrest in ten Dutch hospitals. The purpose was to investigate the frequency, cause and content of near death experiences (NDEs). A short standardized interview was conducted within a few days of resuscitation in which patients were asked whether they could recall anything during the period of unconsciousness.

Result
The result was that 62 patients (18%) had some memory during clinical death. An American study found similar results involving 116 cardiac arrest survivors, 11 of which (10%) reported a detailed, in-depth experience. In the Dutch study, about 50% reported awareness of death, 30% moving through a tunnel or met with deceased relatives, and 25% had an out-of-body experience. A longitudinal follow-up study found that, after two and eight years, those patients who previously reported NDEs and were able to be re-interviewed recalled the events almost exactly. So, the experiences were not ephemeral, but enduring and impactful.

Long term changes
Some fascinating positive changes occurred in all patients who had been resuscitated. There was a highly significant decrease in fear of death and a significant increase in belief of an afterlife. Other significantly increased attitudes and interests included: meaning of life, acceptance of others, love and empathy, family involvement and appreciation of ordinary things. Recognizing the transitory nature of this life – as well as the reality of the next – seemed to enhance the importance of both.

Biblical example?
Some have speculated that the Apostle Paul’s reference to a man caught up to the third heaven may be an example of consciousness beyond the physical brain (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). Without more information, it is impossible to know for certain if this man’s soul (mind) actually left the body or the experience was merely a vision, completely contained within the physical brain. In fact, in verse one, Paul (probably the same “man”) prefaces this anecdote by mentioning “visions and revelations”.

How significant is this?
NDEs are fertile ground for bizarre spirituality (astral projection, reincarnation, etc.) and this issue is far from resolved. Nonetheless, it is clear that many of the main proponents today are not spiritist frauds, but cardiologists and other medical professionals, who recognized the phenomenon only after convincing evidence. In addition to Dr. van Lommel, other studies have been conducted with reports indicating the reality of conscious experiences after medical death. As far back as 1978, Cardiologist Maurice Rawlings reported his findings which, similar to those of van Lommel, were unexpected. Rawlings found that, immediately following resuscitation of cardiac arrest patients, some reported the usual experiences (looking down on one’s body, tunnel, light, and a beautiful city), but others reported very disturbing hell-like images (darkness, fire, heat, demons, and fear). Dr. Rawlings concluded: “Contemplation of death while we are still in good health affords us an excellent utilization of time and objectives during our short pilgrimage on earth.” [2] Whether or not recent medical research provides evidence of life after death, it is incontrovertible that all will die and the risk is incalculable to enter that great beyond without certainty of one’s destination.

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7)
“I was dead and behold I am alive for ever and ever” (Revelation 1:18)


[1] Pim van Lommel, Ruud van Wees, Vincent Meyers, Ingrid Elfferich, “Near-death experience in survivors of cardiac arrest: a prospective study in the Netherlands”, Lancet, 2001; 358: 2039-2045.
[2] Maurice Rawlings, M.D., Beyond Death’s Door, (New York, NY: Thomas Nelson, 1978), 117.

to burn or not to burn - how should Christians respond

So, the Reverend Dr. Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center (DWOC) in Gainesville, Florida decided not to burn Qur’ans on 9/11. Even after Jones stated “We will definitely not burn the Quran, not today, not ever", about 600 protesters gathered in Afghanistan where Afghan security forces opened fire, killing two [1]. If the Qur’an burning was a publicity stunt, it was a huge success. Jones, who pastors a church of about 50 – the average number of people in line at WalMart at any given time – became world famous as fast as you can say “Death to America, the Great Satan”. He flew to New York City to appear on NBC’s “Today Show”, received a personal telephone call from General Petreaus, and a public request by President Obama to reconsider. If he never intended to burn one Qur’an, he received the notoriety so many long for.

The website for the DWOC advertises a book by Jones entitled “Islam is of the Devil” and other similar items for sale [2]. DWOC first stated the Qur’an burning is an act of love: “We are using this act to warn about the teaching and ideology of Islam ... We do not hate any people, however. We love, as God loves, all the people in the world and we want them to come to a knowledge of the truth. To warn of danger and harm is a loving act" [3]. While that may be true, the method used to convey this “warning” is offensive and counterproductive for showing God’s love to others.

What should be the response of Christians to other public acts designed to shock and draw attention, such as waving signs stating “God hates fags”? General Petreaus warned that burning Qur’ans “would undoubtedly be used by extremists in Afghanistan – and around the world – to inflame public opinion and incite violence” [4]. Conversely, others have correctly noted there were no Qur’an burnings on September 10th, 2001. To be fair, where were the riots and threats of violence when a crucifix was placed in urine and called “art” [5] and when Christian churches were burned in Sudan? [6] Jesus gave us direction when he stated, “whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also” (Matthew 5:39).

Numerous Christian leaders have, not surprisingly, denounced the Qur’an burning. Though too numerous to mention, a few include: Franklin Graham, Pat Robertson, Joel Osteen, Southern Baptist Convention, Focus on the Family, the Vatican, and even Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin. An inter-faith group including Baptists, Jews and others met with Attorney General Eric Holder to also denounce the Qur’an burning. This is commendable and, at informationaboutgod.com as well, we strongly repudiate the methods employed by Dr. Jones as inappropriate for followers of Jesus Christ.

So, how should Christians respond to those with different beliefs? What about those who actively seek to harm us? Jesus said, “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you …Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.” (Luke 6:27-31) Everything we do must be motivated by love. Paul famously wrote, “if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3). Jesus told the story of the good Samaritan and the vast majority of true Christians hold to those values. A very small sampling - of many - Christian organizations who have no plans to burn Qur’ans; rather, have actively worked to help meet the physical needs of those in dire situations in predominantly Muslim nations include: Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision, Compassion International, Lutheran World Federation, Catholic Relief Services, Operation Blessing, Joyce Meyer Ministries, Episcopal Relief & Development, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and many others. Christians are admonished to “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” and “never pay back evil for evil” (Romans 12:14, 17). That is our response.

[1] CNN wire staff, “2 killed in Afghan protest over Quran burning”, posted 12 Sept 2010, http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/09/12/afghanistan.quran.protests/index.html?hpt=T2#fbid=UwXIRd6Mfv6&wom=false
[2] Dove World Outreach Center website, accessed 7 Sept 2010, < http://www.doveworld.org/ >
[3] Joshua A. Goldberg, writing in The Christian Post, “Christian Leaders repeat calls to halt 9/11 Quran Burnings”, 6 Sept 2010.
[4] Rahim Faiez and Robert H. Rei, “Thousands of Afghans in anti-Quran burning protest”, Associated Press, 11 Sept 2010.
[5] < http://www.usc.edu/schools/annenberg/asc/projects/comm544/library/images/502.html >
[6] “A Rebirth of Hope”, accessed 12 Sept 2010,

the least of these

“Be at peace, brother. We will have a happy supper with the Lord tonight.”
John Bradford to John Leaf, England, July 1555. [1]

On Friday August 6, 2010, the bodies of ten aid workers were discovered in the remote northern Afghanistan province of Badakhshan. Six Americans, one Briton, one German and two Afghan interpreters were killed while working as part of a medical mission. The only survivor of the group was a local translator who offered proof of his Muslim faith by quoting the Quran, according to the Associated Press. The Taliban took credit for the executions, alleging the charity workers were proselytizing poor villagers. A Taliban spokesman stated, “They were Christian missionaries and we killed them all.” [2] The workers were part of International Assistance Mission (IAM), “an international charitable, non-profit, Christian organisation, serving the people of Afghanistan, through capacity building in the sectors of Health and Economic Development”, in existence since 1966. [3]

According to the IAM website, all foreign workers are unpaid volunteers, some spending their own money to live and work in Afghanistan. The medical team was en route to Kabul following a 15-day mission providing eye care to rural villagers. Victims who have been identified are New York optometrist Tom Little, Colorado dentist Thomas Grams, Pennsylvania's Glen Lapp and Britain's Dr. Karen Woo. Grams had quit his dental practice in Durango, Colorado, to volunteer full-time, providing impoverished children with free dental care in Nepal and Afghanistan. Woo also gave up her job in London to work with Afghans. Optometrist Little had worked in Afghanistan for three decades, even learning to speak fluent Dari, one of the two main languages in that region. He supervised a network of IAM eye hospitals and clinics around the country. An associate of Grams and Little stated, "The kids had never seen toothbrushes, and Tom brought thousands of them. He trained them how to brush their teeth”. [4]

We commend these brave men and women and pray that those in Afghanistan who were touched by their selfless acts will recognize the love of God shown through their lives. “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.” (Revelation 12:11)

[1] John Foxe, Foxe’s Christian Martyrs of the World (Westwood, NJ: Barbour Books, 1989), 124.
[2] Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “Taliban Strategy: Kill aid workers”, August 8, 2010, p. A1.
[3] < http://www.iam-afghanistan.org/our-mission-values >
[4] MSNBC, “Christian Group denies Afghan Taliban claims over dead workers”, posted 8 Aug 2010, < http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38612681/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/ >

Hard luck and Caesar's household

“Hard luck and bad news have followed me from town to town
All my life my luck’s been down I’m getting so weary
I don’t have one friend, folks turn their backs when I’m around
When I walk by the grass turns brown” [1]

When circumstances in life turn bad, a natural reaction is to become discouraged, angry, depressed, and wonder why God let us down. We may also wonder why our service to God (working in the church, tithing, charity, etc.) has not spared us from hard times. The Apostle Paul certainly could have gone through these emotions and questions when he found himself in prison at Rome for “bringing Greeks into the temple” (Acts 21:28), though essentially, for preaching about Jesus. Rather, he chose to use the imprisonment as an opportunity.

A particularly interesting comment is made by Paul later during his imprisonment: “All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.” (Philippians 4:22) As Caesar was considered in Roman times to be godlike, it seems unusual for Paul to mention some of his attendants. Craig Keener points out that “It most likely refers here to the Praetorian Guard … if Paul was in Rome at this point, anyone who guarded him … would naturally be exposed to his teaching. Even Caesar’s slaves wielded more power and prestige than most well-off free persons; the Praetorian Guard itself held the prestige of the Roman military’s elite, often rewarded by Caesar himself. Paul’s greeting would impress his readers: his imprisonment has indeed advanced the gospel”. [2] So, Paul had a very unique opening to spread the gospel.

Philip Schaff comments that Paul “often refers to his bonds, and the coupling chain or hand-cuff (ἅλυσις) by which, according to Roman custom, he was with his right wrist fettered day and night to a soldier; one relieving the other and being in turn chained to the apostle, so that his imprisonment became a means for the spread of the gospel…” [3] This was probably not one of the choice assignments for a guard. Imagine being chained to a prisoner in a cell for hours at a time. But Paul, rather than lament his situation, turned it into a chance to talk to each of the guards about Jesus. He likely spoke with many guards over time. At some point, Paul was permitted to live in “his own rented quarters” (Acts 28:30-31). During these two years of imprisonment, from approximately 61-63 A.D., Paul wrote letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon and may have also written Titus and I Timothy.

Paul explained, “that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” (Philippians 1:12-14) Rather than blaming God and giving up when the situation became bad, Paul turned it into a chance to spread the gospel and lead people to salvation. In our lives, a depressing situation may be a unique opportunity to do something significant.

[1] Larry Norman, Hard Luck and Bad News, Something New Under the Son, 1981
[2] Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary New Testament (Downer’s Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), 567.
[3] Philip Schaff, History of the Church, Volume I: Apostolic Christianity. A.D.1-100, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), § 93.

As a man thinks in his heart?

“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he”, states the Bible in Proverbs 23:7. Sermons have been preached and doctrines taught on the concept that we become what we think in our heart. Even the Buddhist philosophy admonishes “right thinking” as one component of the eight-fold path. However, other translations of this portion of Proverbs convey a different meaning: “for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost” (NLT 2007, NIV 1984, ESV 2001). In fact, this translation seems to fit more accurately with the context of the passage. Reading the verses immediately preceding and following 23:7 indicates the writer is cautioning the reader when associating with a selfish person:
“Do not eat the bread of a selfish man, or desire his delicacies; for as he thinks within himself, so he is (for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost). He says to you, ‘Eat and drink!’ But his heart is not with you. You will vomit up the morsel you have eaten, and waste your compliments.”
This hardly seems like positive encouragement for us to become what we think in our heart.

This passage advises us to be careful when with certain types of people because they are not what they appear to be on the surface. The clause “as he thinks within himself, so he is” warns that this man’s inner thoughts are different from the deceptive false front he presents. These verses do not teach the power of positive thinking. In fact, the deceptive man mentioned in this verse acts differently from his inner thoughts.

But, is the concept still accurate and is it supported in other passages of the Bible? Actually, there is less Biblical support than one might think. In fact, several biblical passages that mention thinking lead to different outcomes. For example, Jesus said, “whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him” (Luke 8:18). The thoughts of this person obviously did not lead to action. Paul similarly mentioned positive cognitions that failed to benefit this person: “For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” (Galatians 6:3). Again, here is a person who thinks he is something he is not, in contradiction to the common meaning attributed to Proverbs 23:7.

But wait, doesn’t the Bible state that we speak what the heart believes? Yes, there is some biblical support for that; for example, Jesus connects the heart with speech (Matthew 12:34, 15:18). So, what is in the heart (mind) will at some time leak out of the mouth. And, we know from experience that belief can determine behavior. But, that is not always sufficient - as James points out, we show belief by actions (James 2:17-18). So, thoughts and beliefs do not automatically lead to the behaviors we desire. Thinking – and even believing – must be followed by conscious decisions to put them into practice in reality.

On the other hand, psychology does seem to support the concept that thoughts can lead to behaviors. Much of the basic theory of cognitive psychology is derived from the notion that thoughts determine the interpretation of events, which lead to feelings, which can then determine behavior. Aaron Beck, the father of cognitive psychology wrote: “In cognitive therapy it is generally maintained that beliefs have a profound impact on feelings and behaviors.” [1] Though, psychologists will often employ behavioral techniques enabling clients to follow accurate thinking with appropriate action.

The bottom line here is the importance of considering the context and proper translation of biblical passages, especially when basing an entire doctrine on one or two verses of dubious clarity. Mistakes have been made in other areas similar to this (e.g., baptism for the dead and faith of God). Furthermore, we should not take for granted what we have been taught; rather, “examine everything carefully, hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:21).

[1] Aaron T. Beck, Fred D. Wright, Cory F. Newman, and Bruce S. Liese, Cognitive Therapy of Substance Abuse (NY, NY: The Guilford Press, 1993), 169.

praying to a painting

La Basilica in the town of Higuey, Dominican Republic, contains a painting of Jesus’ mother Mary, entitled La Virgen de la Altagracia, patron saint of Republica Dominicana, made by a 15th century Spanish painter. As my wife and I visited while celebrating our anniversary, the tour guide stated many people – including his own mother - pray to this painting, hoping for Mary to make intercession. Thousands visit annually on January 21st to celebrate Our Lady of Altagracia Day, when the beautiful architecture of La Basilica is illuminated after dark.

Some of the most spectacular paintings and edifices in the world are religious. Fortunately, it is not necessary to pray to a saint or visit a building to communicate with God. In fact, all believers are saints: “to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:2). And, we are all priests: “He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (Revelation 1:6). All believers have one great high priest (Hebrews 8:1) and no need for any other. Each of us has the indescribable privilege of communicating directly with God, as Jesus said, “you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; for the Father Himself loves you” (John 16:26-27). James encourages believers to “draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). And, we do not need to visit a building to meet God: “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you” (1 Corinthians 3:16).

The veil of the temple was torn (Matthew 27:51), providing access to God for all who believe in Jesus Christ. In the words Bob Hartman, leader of the greatest rock band ever:
He paid the ransom due and tore the temple veil in two
and opened up the way for me and you.
It is finished.

Aliens and oaths

“At any given time, there are around 1,500 aliens on the planet”, said Tommy Lee Jones to Will Smith in Men in Black. Many aliens live in the United States today – some legally and others not – though most are not from the Alpha Centauri system or the Crab Nebula. Immigration is a political hot button topic these days. Of course, all residents of this nation were aliens at one time, even American Indians who likely traveled across Asia and the Bering Strait thousands of years ago. As Tommy Lee goes on to say, “Most of them are decent enough; they’re just trying to make a living.” That is true today – many undocumented visitors in the USA are simply trying to make a better life for their families, while others have decidedly more malevolent intentions. The general public may never know how many potential terrorist attacks have been stopped by analysts, agents and concerned citizens.

The 9/11 hijackers were living as enemies within the borders of this nation. However, it is interesting to note that these devoted followers of their god partook of the sins of Western civilization which they vociferously denounced. For example, in the days prior to the attacks, United Airlines hijacker Marwan Al-Shehhi purchased at least $435 worth of porn videos and toys from the Video Outlet in Deerfield Beach, Florida (from FBI timeline). Mohammad Atta downed $48 in vodka at Shuckums Oyster Bar and Restaurant in Hollywood, Florida, telling the bartender, “Of course I can pay the bill, I’m an airline pilot”. [1] According to the USA Today, “The night before terrorists struck New York and Washington, three men spewed anti-American sentiments in a bar and talked of impending bloodshed at a strip club known as the Pink Pony and Red Eyed Jack's Sports Bar in Daytona Beach. "They were talking about what a bad place America is. They said 'Wait 'til tomorrow. America is going to see bloodshed’”, stated the manager to the FBI. [2]

For those immigrants who truly want to become productive citizens of the USA and assimilate into American life, there are several requirements. Once those are met and the application is filed, the last step to citizenship is for the individual to swear the oath of allegiance. The oath begins with this phrase:
“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen…” [3]
When an individual has renounced all other allegiances and sworn loyalty to the United States, he or she then becomes a citizen.

The Bible instructs believers to live as aliens and strangers in this world. Christians should not assimilate into society, engaging in the same behaviors as unbelievers. Peter tells us: “I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.” (2 Peter 2:11) In the next verse, he continues, “keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles”. Are we living up to that admonition? It is easy to feel at home, especially in Western societies wherein life is generally good. Do we sometimes love the world and the things of the world as John commands us not to do (1 John 2:15-17). While living as aliens, we do not seek to destroy society through terrorism; rather, we seek to change people from the inside out. To do that, we cannot live as those who have no hope. We need to renounce prior allegiances. And, like an immigrant to the United States who changes allegiance, the Apostle Paul informs that we also have switched: “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household” (Ephesians 2:19). How then should we live?

[1] Ian Ball, Telegraph online, “FBI tracks down the Florida lair of flying school terrorists”, 14 Sept 2001,
< http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/1340519/FBI-tracks-down-the-Florida-lair-of-flying-school-terrorists.html >
[2] USA Today newspaper, “Manager: Men spewed anti-American sentiments”, 14 Sept 2001, < http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2001/09/14/miami-club.htm >
[3] U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, “Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America”, updated 8 Mar 2010, accessed 25 May 2010, < www.uscis.gov >