Amicus Dei

Those who would divide and conquer the electorate in this primary season will find their 20th century strategy inappropriate and ill-received, for this time, we are not afraid. We are not afraid of each other, but affirm in one another those differences that make us each unique. We are not afraid of ideas or beliefs that differ from our own because a plurality of ideas and beliefs enriches our society.

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A couple of posts ago, I reviewed John Allen Paulos book, Irreligion. Paulos answered his own question — Are there any logical reasons to believe in God? — with an unequivocal, No. In his book, Paulos comes to that negative conclusion by dismantling to his own satisfaction 12 of the logical arguments for the existence of God.

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Debbie and I started a new blog, Eden’s Path, to chronicle our journey toward a sustainable, simple life. The name Eden’s Path is taken from a old Celtic Christian saying that living in this world is like having “one foot in Eden.” We thought that summed up what we were trying to say. At Eden’s Path we’ll explore ways to live more simply — spend less, enjoy it more, slow down, and live our lives in the rhythm of God’s grace.

This journey started when we turned off our cable TV, and began to use that time to think, read, talk, cook, and generally try to live our life “mindfully” as the Buddhists say. Of course, Jesus said something similar when he said, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear.”

There is also a monastic component here, too. Two words described the life of monks — orare et laborare — to pray and to work. So, that’s what we’re trying to do within the limits of our ability. And if it sounds way too serious and grim, we’re actually having a lot of fun! If you’re interested, stop by Eden’s Path, and leave a comment or some helpful hints. We need all the help we can get! — Amicus Dei

In Irreligion: A Mathematician Explains Why The Arguments For God Just Don’t Add Up, John Allen Paulos performs a great favor for Christians: he knocks the props from under the classic arguments for the existence of God. You might think that evaluation strange coming from a Baptist pastor, but let me explain.

This short 158-page book takes on a task far beyond its diminutive size. Paulos begins the book by asking:

Are there any logical reasons to believe in God?

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I’m still on this sustainable life kick, and it’s actually becoming fun. Yesterday I received my new razor – a Merkur double-edge razor like my Dad used when I was growing up. Of course, you have to order these online now, as nobody carries them, but it’s a gem. I got really tired of paying almost $12 for a 4-pack of Mach 3 Turbos, which last a week each. That’s almost $156/year just for razor blades. My new Merkur “1904″ cost $26, plus 10-blades at $6.50, total $32.50 plus shipping. I’ll need to buy 4 more packs of blades in a year, for $26. So, for $58.50, I’m good to go. Savings: $97.50 for the first year, and almost $124 each year after that. Plus, the shave is much, much better. You just have to be a little more careful. Let’s see what’s next…. – Amicus Dei

John Allen Paulos sent me a review copy of his book, Irreligion.  Thanks to Dr.  Paulos and Hill & Wang (division of Farrar, Straus and Giroux)  for their kindness and I’ll post a review shortly.   You might be surprised at what I say.  Or then, again, maybe not.  Stay tuned.

Today is the Virginia presidential primary, and Debbie and I voted just a few minutes ago.  Not many voters today, the poll workers said.  Maybe because we’re in a very Republican area, and that contest looks settled.  But, I wonder if the historic impact of voting choices today on the Democratic side has been realized.  If you vote in the Democratic primary today in Virginia, you are making history regardless of your choice.  A black man whose father was an immigrant, and a white woman are the primary candidates for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States of America.  With all that is wrong with us, this is a very bright moment indeed.  Debbie and I participated in history today, casting ballots of hope.  -- Amicus Dei

It all started when we unplugged the TV cable. We’re now in our fourth month without TV, cable or otherwise. I didn’t even watch the Super Bowl, which apparently was actually super this year. Without cable we don’t get Fox (not a total loss, I might add), and no one invited me to a Super Bowl party, so no SB this year. But, I’m getting off point.

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After an off-hand reference I made to Irreligion, by John Allen Paulos, in my post God Bashing, I received a comment on that post by Dr. Paulos himself, which I am posting here: 

I think you might gain a more nuanced perspective on my book,
Irreligion, were you to read the first chapter (only 3 pages), which is
available on my site (URL above) or through the NY Times at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/13/books/chapters/1st-chapter-irreligion.html?ref=books&pagewanted=all

Thanks. John Allen Paulos

I really like that Dr. Paulos tackles criticism head-on.   And, I did read the first chapter, which I found very interesting.  We certainly do not agree on the issue of faith, but that’s okay.  Although I only mentioned the book and its NY Times review in passing, I do want to be fair.  I have offered to read the book in its entirety, then post a fair-minded review.  Don’t know if the publisher will provide me a review copy or not, but we’ll see.  But, I do like this guy’s style — both in tackling criticism, and his actual writing style, so I am hoping the publisher will cooperate.  I’ll keep you posted.  — Amicus Dei