God’s Will vs. Free will

“God is perfect in grace, in wisdom, in knowledge, in beauty, in holiness, in love, in power, in righteousness, in justice, in all that He is and all that He does. There is no thought or word or deed of God that is less than the ultimate it could be.”

God created man in his own image

To err is human

If God created man in his own image and Man makes mistakes as part of human nature, then by relation, shouldn’t it be drawn that God should then be capable of mistakes and thusly not perfect?

2 Timothy 3:16 states that “All scripture is inspired by God….” In 2 Peter 1:20-21, Peter reminds the reader to “know this first of all, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, … but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

If man makes mistake, is it his will or God’s will that inspires the writings of the bible.

God created man to have free will.

Throughout Scripture the Bible continuously instructs mankind to make righteous decisions by free will.

If god created man to have free will, why did he need to guide the will to write the bible? If god did not guide the will of man, and he did in fact have free will, then it is man that created the bible and not god. Man is flawed, therefore the creation of man inherits his flaws. If the bible was created by man then is the bible flawed?

If god created man to have free will, then the man that kills his neighbor acted on his own with no guidance. If god guided the actions of those writing the bible, then it is gods will they are doing and thusly, free will is not a part of it. If we are acting out god’s will, then the man who kills his neighbor is acting out god’s will. Why would god want man to kill? If god is against the killing of man by man, why would god give us the ability? Does god invoke his will over free will only at his choosing?

Fate and destiny

Fate: an event or a course of events that will inevitably happen in the future.

Destiny refers to a predetermined course of events. It may be conceived as a predetermined future, whether in general or of an individual. It is a concept based on the belief that there is a fixed natural order to the universe.

If god has a plan, then he is guiding fate or destiny for all men. If this is the case, then Man has no free will and we are all a part of God’s plan. But god created man to have free will, there for there can be no Fate or destiny and no master plan of God’s. If there is no master plan, why did god create us? If there is a plan, why would god let those that would do harm run loose? Are events like 9/11 and the Holocaust part of God’s plan?

Faith vs. Religion

Faith is a belief, trust, or confidence, not based on proof or material evidence, but based fundamentally on volition often associated with a transpersonal relationship with a deity, a higher power, a person, elements of nature, and/or a perception of the human race as a whole. Faith can be placed in a person, inanimate object, state of affairs, proposition or body of propositions such as a religious creed.

A religion is a set of beliefs and practices generally held by a human community, involving adherence to codified beliefs and rituals and study of ancestral or cultural traditions and mythology, as well as personal faith and mystic experience. The term “religion” refers to both the personal practices related to communal faith and to group rituals and communication stemming from shared conviction.

So faith is a belief created by a single man, decided by himself on what he believes and what he should follow. Religion is created by a group and this group sets down rules and barriers that those in the group have to follow. Both are created by man, and since man is flawed, these also are flawed.

No man is perfect.

God created man in his images

God is not perfect.

Caveat: These are exactly as the title conveys, Ramblings. They are not formulated thoughts but random ones. I have been up the last few nights and much of this has been running through my head. Before I start getting all the hate e-mails and “concerned” e-mails. I never actually deny the existence of God, only calling into question his will and perfection. Questioning the existence of Fate and Destiny over Free will.

Extra links:
My prior ramblings
an interesting discussion

I am sooooo not a morning person. Someone out there has robbed me of at least an hour of my sleepy time and I would like it back please! Stupid daylight savings grumble grumble. So, I get a call to come into work because of some issues and now they are all done so I am going to take a few to go over the weekend. (Because I know a lot of you want to know) And because I know that everyone is waiting for the Super Hero news, I am going to hold off on it and attack the weekend in order.

First up, we got a Wii! Yes, I have joined the Nintendo revolution and purchased a Wii. (with a little help of course, THANK YOU MISSY!) We hooked it up on Friday and it was up and running in about 20 min. Andrew was shocked to say the least. You see, Lee and Missy and I have been planning this for a while now. She was able to secure one where she works and ship it out. The whole time Andrew had no clue. Our upstairs neighbor had one and we got the chance to play on his for a bit. I was really impressed with the way it makes you get up and move around to play the games. The game it comes with is Wii Sports, which has Bowling, Baseball, Tennis, Boxing, and Golf. When I say that you have to move to play, you have to MOVE to play. when you box, you guard you face, you jab, you punch. Baseball is mostly just Hitting the ball and pitching, but when you are swinging at 50 or so balls, you start to feel it. I am wiped out! After playing for about 30 min, My arm started to hurt. You definitely get the workout supreme with that box.

Andrew played till I don’t know when! I was beat so I had to break but he was having tons of fun with it so I let him go. He complained a little on Saturday, but I think he hid most of it for fear that I would stop him from playing too much. How do I say “No, I don’t want you to play that game that makes you exercise!” While Andrew was playing on Friday night, I took the time to work on the finishing touches for my Super Hero costume. So here is the short version of who and what my super hero was:

As a simple computer technician, he didn’t amount to much. When he heard that the government was doing a special project for data analysts, he applied. The project was simple. Using cybernetics, the analysts would be able to comb through data faster and find links in less time then the average user. Something went wrong though. After the implants were inserted, everything seemed fine, but on the first use, a power surge on the computer he was accessing caused the cybernetics to fuse instantly to his nervous system and become a part of him. He instantly felt more connected to the computer parts. He could see the data and feel it flowing through him. The implants had a storage of 4gigabytes and when data was loaded into that memory, he knew it. he knew it as if he had studied it for years. If the data was not in the memory, he didn’t remember anything about it. He could access computer networks wirelessly and could surf through the internet at lightning speed. He was, in effect, a digital Wizzer. The government instantly saw that this was a benefit and put him to use in the field he was outfitted with a few extra peripherals such as a video surveillance adapter that feeds out wirelessly what he see’s and hears. A prototype computer interface system for accessing systems that are not networked. and a glove that directly interfaces with the internal cybernetics. He now ventures out to criminal locations to access their systems first hand and assist law enforcement from the shadows.

The auditions were on Saturday up at the Dulles Town Center mall. I got there at about 11am. I was dressed as my secret Identity so that I could scope out the competition. there was plenty. They had about 65 people show up for this round. Some of them even came from far and wide. One guy flew in from California because he missed the auditions out there. Another from Florida, and yet another from Connecticut! I would have to say that about 15% of the people there were really good and had great costumes, personality, and heroes. The other 85% were ….ummm…..yeah. Overall it was great fun, and I got to meet a lot of really cool people. I took some good pictures, and stationed Andrew out to take some as well. Not all of them turned out that great but the ones that did are posted in the Gallery. Now, they said they had just over 500 people audition across the country. Of that, they are picking 12. the filming starts around the 1st of April so if I were to hear anything it would be in the next few weeks (they didn’t tell us anything at the audition). While it might be cool to go and do this, there were people there that deserved it much more than I. I just enjoyed getting out and trying it. I wish them luck and if they make it to the show, I will be rooting for them.

Who wants to be a super hero!
Originally uploaded by wizzer2801.

At the auditions

Yup, we finished the trailer last night!
Here it is in all its stupid hobbity glory!

Youtube version

You know those scenes in movies where the main character is standing still and everything around them is sped up so that it looks like he is just standing there while the world moves at lightning speed around him? There are times where I feel exactly like that. It’s like I am just maintaining and the time is just flying by. I suppose it would be a lot worse if time was crawling. The one bonus to all of this is that I have a few things lined up to keep me busy for quite a while.

This is the last weekend I have to get ready for the “Who Wants to Be a SuperHero” audition. I have the basic Idea for what I want my costume to look like, and I have the origin and background all done. This weekend I will finalize all of it and I should be good to go! Wanna know what I will be? Well the SHOW UP! Or wait until after the Audition. I don’t want to spoil anything so only a select few know. Expect pictures either right before or right after next weekend. I will be taking LOTS of pictures. I also have a video cam if I can get someone to come out with me and use it.

The other thing on my plate is a new film project! I don’t even know if I mentioned it but back when we formed “Cheese-It Productions” we were going to start filming Machinima videos in NeverWinter Nights 2. Well, That idea went down the toilet as the engine was crap for filming in. It looked pretty but it ran like a hog and didn’t fit well with what we wanted to film. It was a shame too because we had a few really good scripts written and ready. So, with the advent of Lord Of The Rings Online, we have churned the creative juices yet again and should have the first teaser episode out very soon. Be sure to check out the Cheese It page on myspace, or check back here for more updates.

So here I am, entering week three of the instructor from hell’s class. The class is computer networks and, as I stated in the before post, the teacher has a very un-orthodox grading practice. Well I went a number of rounds in the boxing ring with Him and my Advisor and the teacher’s supervisor all bout this grading policy. Since there was no other class I could transfer to, they advised that I should continue with my current work and they would look at the policy. Well, I wasn’t too enthused but I went ahead anyway. My heart was not really in the projects I did and, while I am not sure I would have earned a C on the papers, I think I did some good solid B work. I was expecting the inevitable C or lower from the teacher, to which I would come back with a grade review and start all over again.

Well, I logged in yesterday to find that my projects have been graded. My IP (Individual project) I got a 120/120 and my DB (Discussion Board) I got a 60/60.

Color me WTF!

Outside of that, this last weekend was pretty standard. Saturday, after the homework was done, I nursed a whopper of a migraine that pretty much shut me down for the rest of the night. I curled up on the couch with the lights dim and watched Forest Gump (because it was on, and the music rocks) with the volume turned down way low. On Sunday I woke to find the sky had fallen. There was about 3-4 inches of snow that fell on Sunday. I had no clue it was coming and the reporters all on TV said “Oh there will be no accumulation!” Umm, did you happen to look outside guys? Regardless, Don, Andrew and I went out to play pool (I love having a truck). While we were out I went ahead and picked up my Pre-Order for Lord of the Rings Online. I am in beta now and it looks pretty damn good. I don’t know that it will be a WoW killer, but the game is a lot of fun, the graphics are amazing, and they have a niche with the Tolkien fans. Expect more on this subject later on.

Ok, so I am pretty frustrated. I got stuck with a teacher that I was warned about by a few other students. He is the only one teaching this course right now so there is no switching and he has the worst grading theory ever. His idea is that if you do exactly what is tasked, you get a C. If you go above and beyond, you may earn a B, if you quote war and peace while solving world hunger, maybe a B+. I have never heard of such an absurd grading scale and have certainly not seen it in any other AIU class. So I have been e-mailing back and forth with the teachers supervisor and my advisor and such to see what I can do about this. Odds are I will be submitting a grade review for every assignment, so won’t that be fun. Ugh, I just want to scream!!!

Deep breath, ok better now. On the flip side, I got a new game for the 360 called Crackdown. They had a demo available for a while now and I really liked the game. It’s like Grand Theft Auto, but you are a cop instead and are fighting gang members. The cool things about it are that 1: it’s a completely open environment, no loading times between areas, and 2: the look of the game is very comic book like. If you get the chance to check it out, do so! And back to reconfiguring servers for me!

Ok, I am writing up the weekend report but I have to interject an idea to get the mind juices a-flowin. Auditions for “Who Want’s to be a Super Hero” Season 2 are coming to the DC area. Dulles Town Center to be exact. (right around the corner). Those who know me know that I am a HUGE comic book fan, and I actually really enjoyed the last season. So I ask you, WHY NOT?? What do I have to loose? (I lost my dignity the last few times I donned the Green lantern outfit). Seriously, It’s not like I have to travel, and Costuming should be a breeze! (Especially if I can get Cricket to help!) If for nothing else, it would be a blast to go and see everyone trying out!

So, here is what I need. Give me Ideas for a great, catchy, and easy to pull off Super Hero! Leave comments, E-mails, IM’s!!!

Well, so many different things happened this weekend that it was almost weird going back to work today. The first main thing, of course was Farpoint! (the weekend is going to be out of order, get used to it). We decided that I needed a little bit of a vacation so Andrew spent the night at his friends place and I took off for Farpoint on Saturday morning(ish). This got me up there just after noon and I was actually able to get a room! (this came in handy for multiple reasons later on). After checking in I went about seeking the rest of the Ghetto Garrison. It was great to hang out with everyone again and just kind of cut loose and relax for a change. It seems like the last few months have had me wound a little tighter than normal.

The first place on the list to check was, of course, the Bar! This is always the central meeting point for any of the GG members, and it held true as always. I met up with Cheeky Monkey Boy, who drove his insane butt up from Atlanta! The conversation came up about Wegmans (located across the street) and Robert (monkey) had never been to one. As we all know, http://www.wizzer.org/2005/02/phase-i.html Wegmans is Glorious. So Naturally We had to go for a visit. On the way back we picked up a large amount of cider (because everyone always brings beer and I don’t drink beer). When we got back (after the Monkey fully admitted how glorious it was), I jumped in line to get an Autograph from Ron Glass. (He played Shepherd Book on Firefly). Then it was game on! Everything after that was kind of a blur, not because I was drunk, but because it all happened so fast and mix together. Most of it was just hanging out and having fun. We got a sound warning while partying in Steve and Rain’s room so we moved to My room which was large enough and in an Odd location, it made it perfect. We had a blast till around 3-4am when I finally crashed out.

The next morning was a little rough, slow start, fond farewells, and a long drive home. I spent Sunday recovering. Monday was set that Doc and Diz would come by to watch some Battle Star Galactica. Before then, though, I headed out to catch Ghost Rider. My Mini review: It was Okay. Not great, not bad, just Okay. The special effects were awesome. I am not a big Ghost Rider fan so I am not sure how close it was to the comics. I was just not all that impressed with the Acting. I guess I would really have to see an issue or two to see if the acting paralleled the comic (if so, I know why I wasn’t reading the comic.)

The last thing to touch on would be a little more personal. Emily and I are no longer together. The final verdict came down on Friday. Whether it was the distance, or personalities, or just too much else going on in our lives, it just wasn’t meant to be right now. This once again shows that Fate hates me as per usual. This is not a spiteful break-up. We still talk, (hopefully more after the hurt on both ends dies down). The idea may be right, but the timing is wrong. In the meantime I have many wonderful memories that are a part of who I am now. I also have lessons learned that help me to grow as a person.

Life goes on.

Well, I know everyone is eagerly awaiting the test results from my Doctors appointment. After a week of waiting I finally got a little slip in the mail. Now they took like 4 vials of blood and were testing for everything. EVERYTHING! Cholesterol, Glucose, Lime Disease, HIV, etc. When I got the slip back, it just talked about the Cholesterol so I was still curious about the other tests. Well, I called and talked with the nurse and EVERYTHING came back golden. Not even any trouble areas that I should look out for. While that may be good news on the surface, the downside is that anything that actually may be wrong with me is most likely in my head. Because you know, that place was spic and span to begin with right?

So this weekend I am taking a little bit of a vacation. Andrew is staying at his friend’s house on Saturday night, and my homework is all done so I am heading to Farpoint! I talked it over with Andrew and he is really looking forward more to DragonCon. So I plan on heading out Saturday morning up to Hunt Valley and with any luck I may be able to pick up someone’s canceled room. Maybe….. if not I am going to be scoping out a floor to crash on if at all possible. Anyone have spare space? I will probably bring my Scout Trooper, but I am not sure if I will be getting geared up. I am mostly going to visit with friends and hang out. So what are your plans for the weekend?