The Defective LEGO Set - The Necessity of Faith to Complete Logic

Grant me a moment to make a confession.

I LOVE LEGOs!

Ever since I was a lad, I've been fascinated by construction. The simple fact that we can take unassuming materials and synthesize them into something of greater use blows me away. As a child I was impressed by innovations and the inventors who brought them to life. That we could design and create using the minds and faculties given us still puts me in awe. Although today my awe is not of the materials, nor of our making, but of that greater Creator who has placed in us this ability as a reflection of Himself.

Still, I enjoy those little plastic building blocks. I have all of the Bionicle: Glatorian and Matoran first runs, with most of the vehicles as well as some of the Creator series plus whatever still exists in my parents' attic/basement. So . . . I'm a nerd but I figure being 24 doesn't mean I can't be 12 sometimes and I'm constantly being inspired by some of my kids' creations.

The great thing about LEGOs is that one brick is worthless by itself but, when combined with others, they can form a spaceship, a fire station, or a castle. They are the foundational materials for creation when placed in the hands of someone with a brain (which most people have - thus why zombies are a fear of those who don't use it).

Herein lies the point of this post: playing with LEGOs is analogous to working with logic.

In every situation we are presented with a problem. These problems have at least one solution each. To reach these solutions, we apply logic to the situation. We use combinations of the building blocks provided in the problem statement with those from our memory of similar experiences to reach each of the potential solutions following set patterns of logic. This is kind of like using the same blocks provided within a LEGO set to build different models by following different sets of instructions or developing our own models with those blocks using instructions from our memories to access new solutions based on how it "should" look. Essentially, we rearrange building blocks of thought to help us through the day and the methods we use to rearrange these blocks are made up of their own sets of blocks. It is all continual construction from fundamental discoveries mostly made early in life and some suppressed to the subconscious for those who don't choose to actively use logic. As such, we should be able to choose all of our outcomes through a simple completing of the set.

It seems simple (or I can break it down to seem simple); however, this process is marred by one problem: our LEGO set is defective.

Blocks or instructions in our minds are missing or faulty. We don't have complete knowledge in every situation and, by virtue of others' missing pieces, most of our interactions become further steeped in mystery. Logic fails where knowledge is lacking. In this system the best we can achieve is a few extra blocks to work with later.

So where does faith fit?

Faith is an action taken based on belief. It recognizes the imperfection of knowledge in our logic process and follows the path highlighted by belief. Faith says, "no," to all of the lesser but clearer options and says, "yes," to an option not seen by natural logic. Or, as the author of the epistle to the Hebrews puts it, "Now faith is the substance [building block] of things hoped for [the desired outcome], the evidence of things not seen [the logic path to that desired outcome]" (Hebrews 11:1 NKJV, emphasis and inserts mine).

Now faith may seem illogical to many as it takes a step to the side of natural understanding and holds onto a supernatural ("beyond/outside of the natural") understanding. Faith may even seem counter-active at a smaller scale but can work up to a positive outcome on a larger scale.

Case-in-point: Genesis 22:1-18

Here we have the case of Abraham. Told to sacrifice the "impossible" child of he and his wife's old age to the God who gave him this gift in the first place. The entire situation doesn't make sense. God has promised Abraham that He will make him a father of many nations through Isaac and yet here He is commanding Abraham to slaughter and immolate the boy. AND ABRAHAM IS GOING THROUGH WITH IT!

Obviously Abraham isn't being logical. Or is he?

Abraham knows that:

1. God gave him Isaac (an improbable gift) in the first place.
2. God made him a promise in Isaac that is based on the boy's survival.
3. God has told him to sacrifice Isaac.

Numbers 2 and 3 appear to contradict in the realm of natural logic and this is precisely what piques Abraham's interest. We have evidence of Abraham's thought process from what he says to his servants in verse 5: ". . . we will come back to you" (emphasis mine).

Abraham, recognizing the oddity of the situation, goes with it knowing that he will get Isaac back no matter what happens. He could not necessarily see the end result but he knew Isaac had to make it through and that it is worth it to obey God (that's how he got Isaac in the first place). Abraham took his "leap of faith" to complete the defective LEGO set. He figured that God would give him back Isaac in some way but he didn't know how, nor did he know why he was being asked to do this. He completed the logic using faith so that he could move through and beyond this decision. From this, Isaac was given a positive example of faith and his father's love. Abraham received his son and the blessing was passed on.

Everyone fills their logic gaps with something. Either emotions, 'feelings', or some other form of faith. Abraham acted on his faith in the relationship he had with God - Whom he believed had the perfect knowledge to complete logic.

It's impossible to avoid choices.

You have to fill the gaps with something.

How will you complete your defective LEGO set?

Rabbit Hole Verses - I Peter 3:8

"Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind." - I Peter 3:8 (NRSV)

I have a habit during service of turning to the passage being discussed, catching sight of a verse, and mentally getting lost in it for the next few hours. Thankfully, I have a multi-threaded mind so I can continue to follow along in the service and conduct myself in other functions. Usually I just mull these over and then move on without recording the instance. Today's verse I feel compelled (and have time) to analyze and write about. Let's break it down:

First of all: "Finally"

It may be odd to begin at an end but it is important to note that this verse comes at the climax of a guide that began as an encouragement to those who, having not seen, still believed during the trials that they continued to suffer. "Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." - I Peter 1:8-9 (NRSV).

Peter instructs his audience to recall the prophets of old who, though made aware that this promise was to culminate at a latter time, still rejoiced in their labor toward that glorious day (10-12). From this foundation, he puts forth that our minds must be prepared for action so that we may live in the promise and not return to ignorance and its fruits (13-16). Peter also explains that we are capable of living in this way because Christ picked up our tab (17-21). With this he introduces his major topic and the secret to enduring this time of trial before the glory is revealed: "Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart." - I Peter 1:22 (NRSV)

And there it is: the secret is love. Peter is writing to let us know that, because of Christ's sacrifice, we actually have an excuse (and an ability) to love each other and that this is what will help us to continue. Our souls have been purified through obedience and that which will sustain this state within us is love, is community.

Peter gives instruction on cleaning inner-house (2:1), on developing a positive self- and communal-image (2-10), in dealing with living in an antagonistic society (11-25), and in preserving peace in the union of marriage (3:1-7). But then we come to "Finally . . ."

Second of all: "all of you"

This is where Peter signifies that this is not optional. It's not a "well that works for you, but I've got my own way" type of thing. This isn't merely relative to a specific time or place or sub-group, this is a universal command to those who would claim Christ.

Third (and, technically, fourth) of all: "have unity of spirit, sympathy"

Sympathy means (from dictionary.com):

1.harmony of or agreement in feeling, as between persons or on the part of one person with respect to another.

2.the harmony of feeling naturally existing between persons of like tastes or opinion or of congenial dispositions.

3.the fact or power of sharing the feelings of another, esp. insorrow or trouble; fellow feeling, compassion, or commiseration.

4.sympathies: a.feelings or impulses of compassion. b.feelings of favor, support, or loyalty: It's hard to tell where your sympathies lie.

Here Peter calls us to truly be a community - feeling with one another and sharing in each other's struggles. He calls us to be considerate, to be compassionate, and to be loyal to one another. There is a charge here to think; a charge to put my mind to serving the man to my left and the man to my right because they are more than just loose associations - they are a part of who I am. Consider: when you get a cut on your foot, you adjust the way your body operates to help that foot to heal. Some parts carry more weight, some parts move into action to apply aid. Your entire body is affected. If this didn't happen, that cut would continually rip open, becoming deeper and more severe each time. The cut would eventually become infected and either be lost or act as a gateway to a greater disaster. If the body doesn't choose to act, it will be forced to act. In the same way, we - as a body - must choose to be compassionate to the other parts of the body or we will be drug down with them when they fail.

Fifth of all: "love for one another"

This call for mutual love is not merely a weak echo. Love, like faith, is often a word we treat as a simple noun and not as the action verb that it is. This is a call to choose the action of love. A call to remember that our responsibility is to do everything that is in our power (which we have been given in great abundance) to love each other. Although we cannot control the actions of others, we can - and must - control ourselves to strive for peace and, most of all, truth. Love cautions; love corrects. Love is not silent. Love builds up. Love maintains. Love sustains.

Sixth of all: "a tender heart"

Peter calls for awareness - that we should not be blind or deaf or numb to that which afflicts the rest of the body. Again, we must be considerate, compassionate, and loyal that the body may survive and grow. We should not ignore the needs of our greater family be they physical, mental, or spiritual - even needs of discipline.

Seventh of all: "and a humble mind."

You're not perfect. Deal with it and move on. You can be wrong. To survive we must be teachable; willing to take the correction from those of tender heart - those who have felt the suffering we may have even come to ignore. As Solomon passed on to his son, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body." - Proverbs 3:5-8 (NRSV)

And, if you just skimmed through that last verse thinking, "Oh, I've read this before, I know it," then look again. Read it and let it sink in. Take on the humble mind, drinking in deep the beauty and novelty of the passage (and noticing that I didn't cut it after verse six as many are in the habit of doing).

Get lost in the Word and come out with a story to tell.

New Poem "Instruction Ignored"

Had some inspiration and felt like doing some writing.

This is a villanelle (a certain poetic form) that might be good for sharing with those who don't listen to authority.

For those who don't know: fey, in this context, is referring to a state of being in unnaturally high spirits - a demeanor once thought to precede death. This is not a reference to any manner of enchanted creatures. Also, bairn is another term for children.

Instruction Ignored

by Shannon Nichols

When night is new and long waits the day,

Where sorrow grips what is lost by time,

The storm comes and all is washed away.

Longing for that child's caution in play,

Kind Mother warns in old tale and rhyme,

When night is new and long waits the day.

Yet now at dusk with help of youth's fey,

"Ye child forget of sweet lover's chime:

The storm comes and all is washed away."

At peak of pitch with no wit to say,

Cries of fear reveal neglect's cold crime,

When night is new and long waits the day.

As winds are chased through skies darkened gray,

As when seas chop at the tides' forced climb,

The storm comes and all is washed away.

Bairn were fond of, on beach by the bay,

Caverns' nocturnal myst'ries sublime,

When night is new and long waits the day,

The storm comes and all is washed away.

Understanding and Knowing

There is a vast difference between understanding something and knowing it. You may have noticed this. Think about the last funeral you attended (not the last funeral you will attend, hopefully, lest I need to Smite (Evil) a zombie blog reader).

If you were close to the dearly departed, then you probably had many near-strangers telling you that they 'know what you're going through' or 'know how you must be feeling.' Some of them just might know - they may have had a very similar experience. However, people typically mean that they understand that you have 'lost' (I hate that term*) someone to whom you were close and that they understand how they might feel or how people are expected to feel (given the culture and previous observations) in similar situations. Their understanding is based less on shared experience and more on a general idea of the experience. They 'know' but they don't know.

You may have also been that person who 'knows.' I have been on many occasions.

I remember when my childhood friend's dad passed away. I could imagine how I would feel in that situation but, sitting at the funeral (next to my dad), I realized that I could not know my friend's pain at that moment. I don't think I will ever know it. His relationship with his dad was different than the one my dad and I share. I can understand my friend but I cannot know him*. I 'know' but I don't know.

I also recall a time where something I only understood became something that I know. This is an experience that I have been hesitant to share but have felt impressed to do so for awhile (even before this blog began) as it starts with a fantastic question and leads to several more - especially for anyone who works with people, has loved ones, is living, etc.

It happened back in October of '09 (about 5-6 months ago). I had been working with the youth at my church's home site for awhile (since that July, although I have been working with the youth ministry at my church for much longer, I had also been involved in ministry elsewhere for a bit) and, as I was driving to church that night, I was talking to a friend of mine. He asked me an unexpected, thought-provoking, yadda yadda, question.

"If something were to happen where one of the youth would have to die - you can't take their place and you can't avoid it - who would you choose? And you have to choose."

I said that this question was thought-provoking. It is, but only when you think about it afterward and what your response means. It is when you analyze it.

The answer itself, however, may not require much thinking or deliberating time. It didn't for me. I knew who it was almost instantly.

The answer hurt.

I don't simply mean that I felt a little sad or guilty for choosing this individual. I know why I chose the individual; I know that I was correct in my choice.

The answer hurt because of all that made it correct.

I went through the entire gambit of painful emotions: hurt, sorrow, anger, worry, etc.

I wept heavily.

"Why ask me this?"

"Because I want you to think about it. Because you need to think about it."

Ouch.

"You know the answer."

"Yes, and I know you do too. But you've never thought about it and you need to."

"Why? What's going on?"

"First, tell me about it."

"Ugh. Okay, but first I'm going to tell why I DON'T want it to be this individual."

"I figured that's where you would start."

"This boy . . . there's just something different about him. He reminds me of why it's worth my time to make this 45 minute drive to this church twice a week. He's a reminder of the purpose given to this life I'm living.

"But there's more. He's, in some strange way, a reminder of who I am - something like a mirror in terms of personality and thought and emotion*.

"But even more. He's a reminder of the Promise. As much as I can see myself in him, I can see something greater forming and that reminds me that there is something greater forming in me.

"He's been a willing, but not selfish, receiver of my love overflow. I've poured more into him in this short time than I think I have gotten to for any person at any other point. I've poured more into him in every term: love-wise, time-wise, faith-wise, hope-wise, thought-wise, prayer-wise, etc. And he keeps receiving and it is so good to give.

"And even more. He's like a son* and I've been given a promise in him."

"And yet you chose this individual, why?"

"Because of all that I've just said. Because of what I've sown. Because, from all that, I can be certain that he is the right choice. Because I now know I would not be taking his life from him. He would give it."

"But you've said that you've been given a promise in him."

"That's right. And You made the promise. And I know You won't break it. So even if he dies, I'll have him back."

For those readers who have yet to figure this out: My friend in this conversation is God and, if you've never gotten into a conversation with Him like this (personal/informal), you should really try it*. This may also help you to better understand why I said "Why? What's going on?" I was concerned that this was a warning or preparation for something else.

"So why did you want me to think about this?"

"Because of the fact that until you thought about it, you didn't know it. You had to go through it first. The concept existed without you being aware and, by being made aware, you can actually enjoy its fruit."

"So what is this fruit?"

"Think to what you have understood but haven't known until now. What was this question like?"

And then it hit me.

Father Abraham has many sons and many sons have father Abraham but it all started with one son in whom he was given a promise.

We see that promise back in Genesis 15:5-6: "He brought him outside and said, ‘Look towards heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness." (NRSV)

Now, I have understood Genesis 22:1-19 for awhile. Abraham is willing to sacrifice the son he loves (referred to as his 'only son' three times; the 'only son' of the promise; the 'only son' of his faith) because of a command. I understood Hebrews 11:17-19 where it says, "By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom he had been told, ‘It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named after you.’ He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back." (NRSV)

I understood these in a completely detached sense - I didn't know them until God asked me that question and made me face that situation.

The fruit is that I now know what Abraham knew. The fruit is that I have had my faith confirmed. The fruit is that I now know the answer to that question God asked me. The fruit is that I'm sowing into something that IS bearing fruit. The fruit is that I now have a better grasp of what He did for my sake.

God asks the best questions.

*-And now I have an idea for a future post.

Bună Ziua! (Romanian for 'Hello!')

Welcome to Spirit & Steam - a place for learning about faith and function!

To begin explaining what this blog is about (or to justify its existence and your readership), it is important to note that, as I was developing the foundational concepts for this site, I discovered that it served two main purposes - one to the author; another to the reader. These purposes are rooted in our identities (or assumed identity, as it may be) and serve well as an introduction.

The purpose of the blog as it concerns me, the author:

For me, this blog serves as a place to release some intellectual steam. I have a degree in engineering physics and a wealth of knowledge/understanding/interest of other fields, particularly in areas of philosophy, theology, and psychology. However, I am acting in my current field of calling - that is, teaching public high school science and working in youth ministry. Obviously, I am presently working in environments where I cannot freely discuss a variety of topics at my full level of thinking. So - to relieve some pressure and prevent mental atrophy - I have created Spirit & Steam as a place where I can discuss a wide range of topics at a depth of understanding; all with a focus of mutual growth for author and reader.

The purpose of the blog as it concerns you, the reader:

For you, this blog is a playground of spiritual, intellectual, and practical topics to explore, discuss, and build upon. The idea here, too, is variety. Variety in opinion/theory, ideas, topics, perspectives, methods, and resources; all with a focus of mutual growth for author and reader. This is a place where discussion is encouraged. Note that discussion involves listening (in this case reading) as well. I strongly urge readers to remember that often disagreements occur due to misunderstandings: make certain you know what the other person means. ASK QUESTIONS! Questions are amazing tools for mutual understanding. Use this as a place for personal growth through experience and discussion.

I do not claim expertise in any area as I find claimed or assumed expertise is often shown to be nothing more than the opinion of one with strength stemming from other areas (intellectual bullies). Again, this is a blog for mutual growth and beneficial discussion.

This blog will raise questions and alternatives to common assumptions. My alias, Captain Stormfield, was chosen due to Mark Twain's classic work An Extract from Captain Stormfield's Visit to Heaven, in which Elias Stormfield learns a bit about the irrational and often non-scriptural expectations people have of Heaven.

Let it be known that not all of the things I post here can necessarily be considered my beliefs but are to be seen as ideas to bounce around. I will undoubtedly post on topics challenging the firmly held beliefs of many (including my own) for the sake of personal growth and understanding. I want to develop my own thinking and help others to develop their thinking as well.

Don't (or, maybe, do) take this blog personally. Let it enrich your life, your faith, and your mind as I know it will mine.

Given my personal background and interests, a variety of topics and styles will appear here. I'm a believer of Christ (note the 'of' which implies more than just 'in', which we will find out more of what that means to me as time progresses), so a lot of focus will be around faith (the 'Spirit' of Spirit & Steam). Still under that heading: I'm more specifically a scientist, so a lot of focus will be around practical and investigatory matters (the 'Steam'). I'm also a teacher and youth worker and I hope to one day be a dad, so there will be some focus of development and children. I'm a fan of the genre known as 'Steampunk' (further reason for the site design and title), a gamer, a lover of a wide variety of music, a creative writing enthusiast, a film buff, and so on. With that said, expect various oddities in analogy, post format, and topic.

Please take the time to follow or subscribe to this blog on the right menu bar to receive updates. Also, please check out the other blogs I've linked to. Especially check out my friend Kyle's theology/philosophy blog - blogGnosis - as he inspired/shamed me into finally doing my own blog.

I will say "la revedere" with this:

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth." - II Timothy 2:15 (NRSV)