Category Archives: Philosophy

Evolution and the Problem of Evil

Posted on April 27, 2010 by MzEllen

Evolution and the Problem of Evil One question that human beings come face to face with time and time again, as they face the trials and struggles of life on this earth is the question of evil.  Why would God … Continue reading →

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Theodocies and Evolution…

Posted on April 18, 2010 by MzEllen

The theology of the “Problem of Evil” and the “science of evolution” – somehow getting spewed out as a term paper…

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Message to the Sick, Pope John Paul II – my reflections

Posted on March 22, 2010 by MzEllen

Message to the Sick; Pope John Paul II Pope John Paul II gave his “Message to the Sick” in 1999, in Mexico.  Diagnosed in 1996 with Parkinson’s disease, he did not write words of mere platitudes, he wrote with real … Continue reading →

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Compatibilism vs. Libertarian Free Will…and Eternal vs. Everlasting

Posted on January 25, 2010 by MzEllen

On Free Will and the Sovereignty of God 1. Explain the difference between a libertarian and a compatibilist conception of free will. My study of compatibilism, will, free will and libertarian free will goes deeper than the readings from the … Continue reading →

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Is Religion Necessary?

Posted on January 18, 2010 by MzEllen

Philosophy reflection paper: January 19. 2010 Is Religion Necessary? John Piper once said, “Words don’t mean things…definitions mean things.” In order to answer the question, “Is religion necessary?” we must first define “religion”. Some definitions say that “religion” is “the … Continue reading →

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Evil or Sinful?

Posted on November 9, 2009 by MzEllen

In the wake of the most recent shootings, I’ve been pondering a few things. According to Scripture, we all sin.  Does that make us evil?  Or does it make us sinful? Is there a difference, either according to definition, or … Continue reading →

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“Matter” vs. “Make a Difference”

Posted on September 16, 2009 by MzEllen

Something can “matter” without “making a difference” Having something “matter” is just an emotion…it means that you care. The question then, becomes “do you care enough to act on the emotion?” If so, then the the thing that “matters” also … Continue reading →

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Niebuhr vs. Lewis

Posted on July 27, 2009 by MzEllen

I was just re-reading a couple of articles… Barack Obama said during his presidential campaign that Reinhold Niebuhr was one of his favorite philosophers. I’ve been reading “Mere Christianity” Niebuhr said, “we use evil to prevent a greater evil” and … Continue reading →

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Narrow Paths and Slippery Slopes

Posted on July 9, 2008 by MzEllen

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (ESV) But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find … Continue reading →

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It’s not what you have…it’s how you use it.

Posted on July 4, 2008 by MzEllen

From “Howdie’s Theories“: Some people believe that intelligence is innate. You are either gifted or you aren’t. Smart is a property of who you are. Others believe intelligence is malleable. The first crowd is scared of tasks that cause hard … Continue reading →

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On “Will” vs. “Desire”

Posted on July 1, 2008 by MzEllen

This is sparked by a gender debate, but it became a philosophical question for me all on its own, with its own personal application. There are three words (alphabetically): authority desire will Authority simply is the means by which to … Continue reading →

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Pessimistic Optimism

Posted on April 13, 2008 by MzEllen

Sounds like a contradiction? It doesn’t have to be. In the introduction to “The Essential Reinhold Niebuhr”, he is called a “pessimistic optimist”- the operative word being “optimist”, with the qualifier being “pessimistic”. Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible, … Continue reading →

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