What is God's Language?

Hi there,

At our last meeting on November 20, 2010, we discussed “The Language of God” by Francis Collins.

In this interesting and well written book, Francis Collins puts forward his views on how science and belief in God are compatible. In it, he shares his personal conversion from agnosticism to theism and raises some arguments for the idea of God as well as responds to several objections to belief in God. He examines various issues such as moral law, the big bang, the origins of life, evolution and DNA, and concludes that DNA sequencing only shows us something of how God operates but doesn’t explain the source of things that make humanity special and the universe itself.
He finally considers theistic evolution, which he believes is ‘science and faith in harmony’ and encourages believers that science and faith are compatible and that faith makes sense.

I enjoyed reading "The Language of God" and found it packed with lots of information geared towards finding harmony between the existence of God and science, especially in our current world, where science and the existence of God are at war. In addition, I found parts of the main text and appendix to be a good resource of information in knowing more about the human genome and the science of embryonic and adult stem cell research and cloning. I therefore feel more equipped and comfortable in holding “the unavoidable” discussion of God vs. science which usually crops up during conversations with non-believers.

I think it is a good book to be read by all – Christians, theist, agnostics, atheist, creationists etc.

If you have read “The Language of God”, please share your comments with us.



Stay blessed,

Ope







The language of God
by Francis S. Collins


Synopsis


Dr. Francis Collins, head of the Human Genome Project, is one of the world's leading scientists. He works at the cutting edge of the study of DNA, the code of life. Yet he is also a man of unshakable faith in God and scripture.
Dr. Collins believes that faith in God and faith in science can coexist within a person and be harmonious.
In The Language of God he makes his case for God and for science. He has heard every argument against faith from scientists, and he can refute them. He has also heard the needless rejection of scientific truths by some people of faith, and he can counter that, too. He explains his own journey from atheism to faith, and then takes readers for a stunning tour of modern science to show that physics, chemistry, and biology can all fit together with belief in God and the Bible.
The Language of God is essential reading for anyone who wonders about the deepest questions of faith: Why are we here? How did we get here? What does life mean?

Comments on "Gladys Aylward:The Little Woman"

I was moved by Gladys’s level of faith, humility, obedience and determination to serve God at any cost. She was convinced that God had called her to go to China to preach the Gospel and was undeterred by the criticism and contrary advice of others.

Believing that it was her calling from God, she was determined to make it to China by all means, trusting that God will meet all her needs. Her journey was filled with every kind of obstacle you can imagine, but these did not deter her. It was a testimony of God making a way where there seems to be no way.

She was humble and obedient and never once doubted that God was not there with her all the way. Her Life truly shined as an amazing example of being willing to submit and give it all for her Saviour. How amazing!

Kind regards,

Ope

"Gladys Aylward"

Hi there,

I just love the fact that we get to read a variety of inspirational books in Activate. This has given me the opportunity to read books I would not readily pick up to read and broaden my horizon. Having said that, we have just finished reading yet another fantastic book, “Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman”. What an amazing woman!

Please share your comments and thoughts with us if you have read this book.

Thanks.

Kind regards,

Ope



Synopsis:

A solitary woman. A foreign country. An unknown language. An impossible dream? No, God's call on the life of Gladys Aylward. With no mission board to support or guide her and less than ten dollars in her pocket, Gladys Aylward left her home in England to answer God's call to take the message of the gospel to China. With the Sino-Japanese War waging around her, she struggled to bring the basics of life and the fullness of God to orphaned children.
Time after time, God triumphed over impossible situations, and drew people to Himself.
The Little Woman tells the story of one woman's determination to serve God at any cost. With God all things are possible!

The Prodigal God

Hello,

We have just finished reading "The Prodigal God". This is a short book structured around Jesus' parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 and explains how to adapt ourselves to live in relationship with the Father.

If you have read “The Prodigal God”, you are welcome to share your thoughts. Please leave a comment.

Kind regards,

Ope




Synopsis

In THE PRODIGAL GOD, New York pastor Timothy Keller uses the story of the prodigal son to shine a light on the central, beautiful message of Jesus: the gospel of grace, hope and salvation.

Keller argues that the parable of the prodigal son, while Jesus’ best-known parable, is also his least understood. He introduces the reader to all the characters in this timeless story, showing that it concerns not just a wayward son, but also a judgemental older brother and, most importantly, a loving father.

This short but powerful book is a reminder to the faithful, an explanation to the seeker, and finally an invitation to all – both older and younger brothers – to enter in to the ‘unique, radical nature of the gospel’: the reckless, spendthrift love of God.

The Shack

Hello,

There was a lot of hype about “The Shack” when it was first published that it caught my attention. I didn’t get round to reading it then and therefore was quite glad when it was chosen as our reading title. A very thought provoking book. Please share your comments and thoughts with us if you have read "The Shack".

Kind regards,

Ope


--------------------------------------








Synopsis.

The Shack is a fictional story that seeks to provide answers to the age-old question, “Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?” Mack, the main character, has lived under the burden of The Great Sadness since the abduction and murder of his daughter four years previous. He then receives a note from God (”Papa”), inviting him to return to the shack — the scene of his daughter’s murder — for a time together. When he returns to the scene, Mack is treated to a weekend encounter with the Godhead. Each member of the Trinity is present: “Papa” – a large African-American woman (representing the Father); ”Sarayu” – an ethereal woman of Asian descent (representing the Holy Spirit); and “Jesus” – a Middle Eastern man with carpentry skills. Most of the book is Mack’s dialogue with these characters from this point on. They discuss many topics, but ultimately help Mack to deal with The Great Sadness. By the time the weekend is over, Mack is a changed man.

Left Behind?

Hello!

Happy New Year to you all.

We have just finished reading “Left Behind” by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.
This is a novel of the earth’s last days. The story is built around the “end times” in a fictional context around the theme of the “Rapture”.

I need to stress that Left Behind is a “Fiction Story”. However, the subject of this book really makes you stop and ask yourself where you are in your walk with God.

A must read for all Christians or for anyone who has any questions concerning Christianity.


Love and blessings,

Ope