Sporting 'traditional' wear for the South African 'spoof championships'!

Tonight I am taking part in the South African 'spoof championships' look here for the rules: http://www.warwick.ac.uk/~phscz/spoof.html

Ours is 'cleaner' than most since we're Christian gentlemen. The dress is formal or traditional, so I decided to wear my kilt (tilt your head ma'm).
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Is radical unity between God and creation (and created beings) New Age, or is it in fact a Biblical view of reality?

A friend emailed me a few days ago to ask a question about some research he is doing. I hope to be able to chat with him in person when he comes down to Cape Town. However, one aspect of our email conversation struck with me.

I have often been confronted (because of the nature and content of my own research) with the question about the quantum theoretical view of reality and fundamentally interconnected and interrelated and some elements of new age spirituality. In particular persons have asked me whether what I propose is not some form of new age spirituality - my response is quite simply NO! I believe that a view of reality in which everything lives, and moves, and has its being in Christ is the only truly Biblical view that one could hold with any Christian integrity (Acts 17:28)! Whilst God is wholly 'other' from creation (in the sense that God is creator whilst we are creation) does not suppose that we are separate from God! There is great unity in distinction! The mystery of the Christian Trinity is a testimony to 'otherness' in radical unity....

Anyway, here's a version of the email that I sent to my friend explaining some of my reasoning, and pointing to some things that I've written about this radical unity between God and God's beloved creation.

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This is a very interesting topic indeed! I have written a few things in this area, and done some research on identity, consciousness and the new science. Here are a few documents that you can download to see some of what I've written on this subject. I prefer to speak of quantum theory and integrative theory rather than pure quantum mechanics (which is a sub-field of quantum science, which in turn is a sub field of quantum theory - one of the things that we learn in the 'new science' is that the boundaries between science and spirituality, or for that matter identity and being, are quite thin, and often don't exist).

A) You can download a copy of my doctoral thesis here: http://www.spirituality.org.za/files/D%20Forster%20doctorate.pdf This has the most detailed discussions I've yet written on some of these ideas (quantum theory, identity, relationship and consciousness). In particular you may find the following of interest:

1. Simply search for 'quantum', 'tunneling effect', 'EPR', 'implicate' or 'Bohm' in the PDF and see what I've written about quantum theory.

2. There is a chapter devoted to your subject (Chapter 3 that is entitled 'Consciousness and the functioning of the human brain: A discussion of biological, physical and philosophical theories relating to individual human consciousness and the brain'. In particular section 3.4.3 is worth considering, the first part talks about computational models of the brain from the perspective of classical physics (i.e., Newtonian physics and Euclidian mathematics), and section two in that same subsection discusses quantum theories of the brain and consciousness in relation to identity - it is entitled 'A holographic model of the conscious brain: A perspective from quantum physics'.

3. Chapter 4 of the thesis is, in my opinion, much more radical than quantum physical (or quantum spiritual) theories of identity and conscious. In this chapter I present and discuss the incredible work of Ken Wilber the integrative theorist who is a brilliant scientist, philosopher, and a deeply spiritual person (Buddhist, not Christian... But we pray!) Section 4.3 is of particular interest, it is entitled 'Holistic consciousness in relation to Ken Wilber's four quadrants of reality'. In summary all of quantum theory would fit into the upper right and lower right of Wilber's four quadrants, then there are the upper left, and lower left which are largely not considered by even the most enlightened of quantum theorists!

4. I also do some work in chapters 5 and 6 on the relationship between all of this 'stuff' and African models of relationship and identity which are much more balanced than those of the dualistic 'West'....

So, that's enough for the thesis.... By the way, it is soon to be published as a book. The working title is 'Why you're not who you think you are: Adventures in neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and theology'

B) I have also done some work on the quantum stuff in one of my recent books entitled 'Christ at the centre - discovering the Cosmic Christ in the spirituality of Bede Griffiths' You can download PDF copies of the book here: http://www.spirituality.org.za/2008/04/copies-of-my-three-most-recent-books.html In this book I devote just short of a chapter to quantum physics (and micro biology in relation to the 'new science'), you'll find it at around pp. 34-52.

C) In my recent little book 'An uncommon spiritual path - finding Jesus beyond conventional Christianity.' you'll find a similar discussion around pp. 79 ff. You can also download a copy of that book in PDF format here: http://www.spirituality.org.za/2008/04/copies-of-my-three-most-recent-books.html

D) Finally, I wrote his paper which gives some insight into the relationship between quantum theory and the evolution of the cosmos from the 'gross' material level to the 'subtler' spiritual levels. This is quite a controversial paper in and of itself... Here I argue that the extinction of humanity may well be part of God's evolutionary plan for the perfection of creation... The problem with us humans is that we tend to centre all of reality upon ourselves (even God)! So, this may be one possible way of placing God at the centre of creation once again.... Anyway, it was more tongue in cheek than serious, plus it got published because it was so contentious! You can download the paper here: http://www.spirituality.org.za/files/Post%20human%20evolutionary%20cosmology%20Teilhard%20de%20Chardin.pdf

Well, there you have it... Since my understanding is clearly that quantum theory is one possible explanation of the breakdown of duality between spirit and matter, and so a measure of identity in which we come to discover the mystery of the person of Christ who draws all creation truly into himself (Ephesians 1:10), and the Holy Spirit who holds all things in constant, present, existence (Colossians 1:16-17), I do believe that there is value in appropriating and understand this new 'language' for the purposes of expressing and grasping the mystery of being fully alive in Christ. I do not think this is 'new age' in any way. I think is fundamentally biblical and scriptural! One of the HUGE problems with the characterization of such spirituality as 'new age' is that it is based more on Western dualism than scriptural unity. Most of the Bible (the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures) does not have the radical dualism between spiritual and profane, between religion and ordinary life, and between divine reality and the created order. This dualism was introduced INTO the New Testament through neo Platonists (of which the Apostle Paul was primary), and the Gnostics - Hebrew is the clearest neo-platonic dualism in scripture.... That is interesting in and off itself since it is supposedly the most 'Hebrew' of the New Testament books, yet it has the most impeccable Greek of all the New Testmanet writtings and displays a clear textual vorlage to the Septuagint and the Greek philosophical schools of the time... But. of you read the chapter listed under B) above you'll get quite a detailed discussion on how we went from Old Testament harmony between God and creation, interior life and exterior life, through the Greek philosophers, to Descartes, Netwon, Francis Bacon, and ultimately Western metaphysics. The point is quite simply that most of the Old Testament, and some of the most 'lucid' elements of the New Testament (which is the majority of the teaching in Christian scripture) proposed an integrated view of reality (which has sadly been lugged in with the 'new age movement' when in fact it is simply Biblical!), not the dualistic view of reality that conservative evangelicals have labeled as orthodox...

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Well, let me know what you think (if you have the mirth to wade your way through my scattered A.D.D thoughts!)

The humiliating path of reconciliation...

'God sets out upon the humiliating path of reconciliation and thereby pronounces the world free. God wills to be guilty of our sin, and takes over the punishment and suffering sin has brought upon us. God answers for godlessness, love for hatred, the saint for the sinner. Now there is no godlessness, no hatred, no sin which God has not carried, suffered, and atoned. Now there is no reality, no world that is not reconciled and in peace with God. God did this in the beloved son Jesus Christ.'

-- Dietrich Bonhoeffer  Meditations on the Cross

The 'holy' mountain

Some African religions have a very close affinity to the land, Shembe for example and the Zion Christian Church both have 'holy mountains'.

I happen to think that all of creation displays the glory of a Holy and majestic God! I do think that God may be particularly fond of some of the mountains in Cape Town... Ha ha!

Here's a picture of thw Helderberg mountain wearing a 'holy halo'! This is just one of the beautiful views I get to see when I have a chance to drop my daughter at school!

Oh, did I mention that I have a ticket to watch the All Blacks (New Zealand) face off against the Springboks (South Africa) in the Presidents Box at Newlands!!!! Watch this space for some photographs!
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... A restless heart

'Lord, you have created us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you'

-- St Augustine of Hippo

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Afrikaans dag in Suid Afrika! Man, dis lekker om 'die taal' te kan praat!

Ja kyk, my Griekse Professor op Universiteit het gereeld vir ons vertel dat ons net Grieks and Afrikaans in die Hemel sal praat... Toe ek hom daaroor uitvra het hy geantwoord 'Dion, in my bybel praat Jesus net Grieks en Afrikaans!

[Yes, well, my Greek Professor at University frequently reminded us that in heaven we shall only speak Greek and Afrikaans... When I asked him about this he answered. 'Dion, in my Bible Jesus only speaks Greek and Afrikaans'] Oh, and whilst I am translating, the cartoon says (Man) 'Tell me the truth, are you having an affair?', (Woman) 'Yes, Pieter, and he is black'.

Ja, well, no fine! (see the wikipedia article on 'South Africanisms')

Today is Afrikaans day in South Africa. I would like to wish all Afrikaners God's richest blessing! Celebrate your language and your culture! It's a gift to our nation, and a rich and colorful strand in the tapestry of our national heritage!

For those who want to learn a few uniquely South African 'slang' (jargon) terms, which are mostly Afrikaans or a combination of Afrikaans and English words, see the list of words here...

I've just copied a few (p.s. some are rude... As with all languages persons most frequently learn the swear words first! In this case, please just ignore those words, as my Catholic, Latin, friend Larry said 'pious auribus offensiva'):

Afrikanerisms

This list of "Afrikanerisms" comprises slang words and phrases influenced by Afrikaans. Typical users include people with Afrikaans as their first language but who speak English as a second language; and people living in areas where the population speaks both English and Afrikaans. Many of these terms also occur widely amongst Durban Indians. Unless otherwise noted, these terms do not occur in formal South African English.

* ag man - oh man; ag as the Afrikaans cognate of "oh", man pronounced as in English
* aweh( pronounced AAAH-WHERE - (said in excitement, as in: Aweh my boss said I can go home early today.) has many meanings or uses hello,goodbye, yes. also affliated to prison use
* baas - boss
* babbelas - hangover (originally from Zulu)
* bakgat - expression of appreciation for something very well accomplished; cool.
* bakkie - a utility truck, pick-up truck, now a mainstream word in South African English
* bakvissie - a giggly teenage girl
* ballas bak - roughly translates to "to bake your balls"; commonly used to suggest relaxation or lying in the sun and doing nothing
* bal hang - doing nothing
* bek - derogatory term for mouth (Afrikaans: an animal's mouth); hou jou bek - "shut up" (literally" "hold your [animal's] mouth"). This translates well into British English as "Shut your gob."
* bergie - from berg, mountain, originally referring to vagrants who sheltered in the forests of Table Mountain; now a mainstream word for a particular subculture of vagrants in Cape Town. When used as slang refers to anyone down-and-out
* bill - used to ask for the cheque; as in: "Can I have the bill, please?"
* biltong - dried meat, similar to jerky (a mainstream word)
* bioscope, bio - cinema, movie theatre (now dated), originally a international English word that became defunct elsewhere, it has survived longer in South Africa as a result of the influence of the Afrikaans cognate bioskoop.
* bliksem - strike, hit, punch; also used as an expression of surprise/emphasis (rude; many consider the word a profanity). It derives from the Dutch word for "lightning", and often occurs in conjunction with donner. Used as a curse in Afrikaans: Jou bliksem!
* blou - to be tired also meaning high or stoned in relation to the american slang term stoned
* boer - literally “farmer” in Afrikaans. English-speaking people use the word to indicate an Afrikaans farmer, especially in a derogatory way, like “country bumpkin”; but Afrikaners use it with much more pride, indicating a person with a deep love of the soil of Africa, a provider of food.
* boere/ "gattas" - the police (plural of boer). Afrikaners (stereotyped as farmers, once dominated the police-force. This usage ties in with the derogatory meaning of 'boer', but Afrikaners use it with much more pride, indicating a person with a deep love of the soil of Africa, a provider of food.
* boerewors - spicy sausage (Afrikaans) farmer-sausage, used as a mainstream word in South African English
* bokkie - (diminutive of "bok", literally meaning "goat" or "doe") a popular term of endearment, comparable to "sweetheart", "honey", etc.
* bosberaad - strategy meeting held outdoors, for example in a game reserve.
* bossies - crazy, whacko, mad. Also a term to describe one who has shell shock. Refers to the time of the South African Border War where soldiers spent time in the bush ("bos/bosse") and would return home suffering battle flash-backs.

Updated 15 August 2008...

Forgiveness

I am currently reading the book 'The Shack'  (see http://theshackbook.com/ for more information).  I have not yet finished it, but thus far it has offered me a wonderful new, fresh, and encouraging perspective on my picture of God and the issues of suffering and pain.

The book is rich with imagery, it is not cliched, and it deals with the reality of our struggle to understand God in a sensitive and honest way.

This quote reminds me of the notion of forgiveness that I am encountering in the book:

Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness. - Corrie Ten Boom

Western Province Rugby coach and players 'on the couch'

It was interesting to hear what the coach and the guys had to say about Western Province, the Stormers, and South African rugby.

Rassie Erasmus gave an exceptional presentation on changes in Rugby style and the difference between building a Currie Cup and a Super 14 team. I had never considered the differences in conditioning and player choice.
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Rassie Erasmus, Stormers coach at the Lagunya Rugby club fundraiser

We had a great time at the Lord Charles hotel for the Lagunya Rugby club tonight! We were raising funds for the Lagunya rugby club from Nyanga. What a great evening... Oh, by the way if anything about sports MEC, Dugmore makes it into the press, he CAN walk on his hands for the length of the stage!

Development in sport is alive and well in the Western Cape (and God still love the Stormers more than any other team - Rassie Erasmus told us so ;-)
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Filming for the Global Day of Prayer and Lausanne DVD's in Cape Town

It is a perfect day in Somerset West, we're filming the 'shorts' for the 2009 Global Day of Prayer and Lausanne DVD's.
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CERN rap video about the Large Hadron Collider creates a black hole of awesomeness!

Been having a tough time figuring out just what CERN's Large Hadron Collider does? Worried that it will create a Mobius strip (a rip in the fabric of space where time becomes a loop)? Just love to jam? Watch this CERN-sponsored rap after the break, and have your universe totally destroyed. Er, but not for real.

[Via Protein Feed]

I thought this was extremely cool! It comes from Engadget!

It's been a while....

It has been about 6 months since I hav taken my bicycle onto the road.

This morning Graham Power, Henrie Jonk and I met at 8 at Steynsrust bridge in Somerset West and did the magnificent ride from Somerset West to Stellenbosch and back. The weather was fantastic and my leg held up extremely well. I was slower than Graham and Henrie, but at least I made it all the way there and back at a good pace.

I thank God for the beauty of creation, and for the evidence of healing in my leg.

In an hour or so we'll head back down to the beach for lunch. I shall have to take my laptop to do a little work - but at least the setting will be perfect!