Mysteries In This World

Despite what your mama told you, everyone wants to talk about religion and politics.

Last night's Political Pistachio Radio Revolution broadcast was advertised as one that would explore science, government, and history. In relation to science, I wished to establish that not only is science and religion compatible, but that in the case of creationism, the relationship between religion and science is one that studies, and supports, creation, through more evidence than only the Holy Bible.

The two hour conversation erupted into, thanks to a numerous group of listeners calling in, a philosophical discussion on religion and science, and ultimately, about the existence of God, and His influence on America.

Callers ranging from fellow Christians, to those not sure whether or not the universe is home to a divine being, called in to contribute. One caller, calling himself a pastor, used a confrontational style of forcing faith that had me doubting the sincerity of his claims, and recognizing him as being of the kind that gives ammunition to those that oppose Christianity. Others were simply curious of how I came to my conclusions, while others provided information to support my argument.

My original intent was to explore the mysteries of science and religion, and then draw it all together using various examples of scientific and historical evidence that ultimately drew a parallel to government, and the current state of politics.

Little did I expect, when I mentioned God and science in the same sentence, the fire storm that would erupt.

Political Pistachio Radio is known for its informed guests, and intriguing political discussions. The various guests often bring to the table fantastic points of view, and unexpected revelations. My audience, more often than not, becomes highly involved in the discussion.

Lee Strobel, the atheist journalist that set out to prove the ridiculousnous of Christianity, and then became a Christian as a result of his research, has written a number of books regarding his skepticism, and the evidence that supports the Christian Faith. His book, "The Case For Christ," chronicles his journey to faith. His book, "The Case For A Creator," challenges evolution with scientific evidence received through numerous interviews with some of the greatest minds in science. It is from this book that I drew the inspiration for my show last night.

Amazingly, when one places the words science, religion, and politics in the same description, it attracts more than the normal array of listeners. One of the listeners was a little hostile in the chatroom, challenging faith, and asking questions few could muster an answer to. He later called into the program.

He first asked, "If everything is predestined, then what good is prayer?"

I initially responded, "Who said anything about predestination."

I later explained that it is an answer that has a complex nature. In the sense of the big picture, which includes prophecy, we are essentially predestined to follow a certain path which will climax at Armegedden. In the sense that God uses the Holy Spirit to minister to those that would follow Him, there is a certain feeling that there is a predestination regarding who will become believers. However, Biblical text also teaches free will. We have the freedom to accept Christ, or reject Him. Ultimately, it is our choice. I am choosing to write this, and could very well have decided not to. So, in the sense of predestination, there is a certain sense that both answers are correct. We are predestined, yet, we are not. As for prayer, prayer is an important tool, but prayer is not necessarily answered when our requests are for our own will, rather than His. Considering that a Christian believes the most powerful being in the universe is in their corner, regardless of the reason, wouldn't it make sense to at least talk to Him every once in a while? Besides, prayer is often misunderstood. People act like God is some Genie waiting to grant wishes. Prayer is not really just to relay one's hopes, but to fellowship and thank God for His mercy and love.

The second question posed asked, when it comes to healers, why don't amputees get healed? If healers wished to show the ultimate power of God, who could argue with such a miracle?

I qualified my answer by assuring the listener that I am not real comfortable with the "healing" industry, and that I don't believe God is one of chaos, or that He wishes us to portray Him as a circus act. I also believe healers draw attention to themselves, rather than God, and that makes them hardly appropriate in the message of salvation. That said, I also believe that healing occurs, and miracles are still something we see, even today - but I don't think we are willing to see them for what they are. As for healing amputees, a healer, even if legitimate, could not perform such a feat. Healing an amputee would require the creation of limbs, and only God Himself can create. This is why the Jewish church leaders in Jesus' day were angered when Christ healed a man blind from birth. He didn't merely repair damaged eyes, but created vision from eyes that never had the ability to see. Such an act of Creation was evidence of His divinity.

Miracles do happen today, in our modern world, and on tonight's show I will give testimony of such a miracle - one that contains many miracles, and defies the odds in ways that only God could.

Join us live at 7:00 pm Pacific tonight, or catch the archive later, HERE.