RustyPang.com

The Sandpit

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:06:00 +0000

This is a movie using a technique called "tilt-shift" photography. It makes real life scenes look like miniatures. The movie was created by Sam O'Hara. For an interview with Sam, go here.

The Sandpit from Sam O'Hare on Vimeo.

Google Wave Overview

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:08:00 +0000

Check out this overview of googlewave. I can't wait for it to hit mainstream. I believe we are seeing the next evolution of information, centralization of information in real-time aka the cloud.

One of my favorite Asians on Youtube

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:05:00 +0000

Zo, Dallas Tea Party Address

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:01:00 +0000

I don't always agree with Alfonso, but this isn't one of those times.

ClimateGate - Chuck DeVore vs. his opponents

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:47:00 +0000

The Call of the Entrepreneur

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:20:00 +0000

This is a trailer for the Acton Institute's documentary on three entrepreneurs.

Government-Managed Capitalism: A Love Story

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:03:00 +0000

Thanks Jay for turning me on to this video.

This video points out the problems with the healthcare bill that is trying to be passed.

Staticy Cat vs. Balloon

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:24:00 +0000

1. video camera Check
2. balloon Check
3. wicked sense of humor Check
4. cat accepting donations now

Lego - The Force Unleashed

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:05:00 +0000

Absolutely the best lego stop animation ever told.

Presentations for Presenters

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:13:00 +0000

Do your hands shake when you talk in front of a crowd. Does your mouth dry up like you ran a 20k without water? Do you wish you could have done better? Well, you aren't alone and public speaking still remains #1 at the top of the most feared things on earth. So, if you do want to get better and you have about and 90 minutes, I suggest watching these two videos below to get some inspiration and insight. The first video is just over an hour and the second about 20 minutes. Both are beneficial and if you want to grow in presentations, watch and learn.

Garr Reynolds speaking to Google employees (Apple's Pro Presenter)

Hans Rosling (Gapminder.org)

Redemption: Old Whitey vs. Young Blackey

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:50:00 +0000

For all those times you see young people acting arrogantly and disrespectfully to older people...well, this blog is for you. This whole thing occurred on Monday, February 19th. I've got to say that I appreciate old timers like him.

Warning: Language and violence will ensue in the first video.

This is an interview by KRON4 with the guy a few days later.

Update: I found this video shortly after posting the blog. HIlarious. The whole thing is viral.

Dave Ramsey - Basics of Biblical Finance

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:39:00 +0000

Here's a great sermon by Dave Ramsey. Enjoy.

Dave Ramsey - Basics of Biblical Finance (Life. Hope. Money.) from sermon on Vimeo.

Up to our iPods in Debt - Thanks to Barbara Boxer

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:14:00 +0000

Google may be the next evil corporation

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:44:00 +0000

I don't know if you have the sneaking suspicion that Google is becoming that Totalitarian Corporation that rules the world with it's mighty Big Brother fist. At least every leftist movie has one right? Well, check out what's developing in their labs right now.

Google Goggles

iPad Keynote in less than 180 Seconds: Incredible, Beautiful, Amazing!

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:25:00 +0000

Recently, my Learning Team at University of Phoenix had to conduct a presentation for a Fortune 500 company and the assignment was to present the most recent Executive Summary. We chose Apple.

In a nutshell, I showed up in classic Jobs keynote style and had some fun presenting our newest thinest Apple product, we called it "The Executive Summary." Anyhow, this started conversations about Jobs style of presentation. We joked about all the repetitious usage of adjectives. Then I came across this video on youtube.

It's nothing new, just an edit of the iPad keynote. I do have to say, that even though this video highlights the superfluous nature of the Apple euphoria, they are considered the best presenters in the market .

Medieval helpdesk with English subtitles

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 10:17:00 +0000

This is for my helpdesk buddies.

The Words of Willy Brown

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:03:00 +0000

Retired Mayor of San Francisco, Willie Brown, has a weekly column in the San Francisco Chronicle Newspaper. On January 3rd he wrote an article responding to 3 things: Napolitano's mishandling of the terrorist that almost blew up a plane, Obama's first year in office, and a Californian New Year's Resolution. This third item is what I am going to focused on. I find it profound that a very leftist democrat, a former mayor of San Francisco has penned these words to his readers:

"If we as a state want to make a New Year's resolution, I suggest taking a good look at the California we have created. From our out-of-sync tax system to our out-of-control civil service, it's time for politicians to begin an honest dialogue about what we've become.

Take the civil service.

The system was set up so politicians like me couldn't come in and fire the people (relatives) hired by the guy they beat and replace them with their own friends and relatives.

Over the years, however, the civil service system has changed from one that protects jobs to one that runs the show.

The deal used to be that civil servants were paid less than private sector workers in exchange for an understanding that they had job security for life.

But we politicians, pushed by our friends in labor, gradually expanded pay and benefits to private-sector levels while keeping the job protections and layering on incredibly generous retirement packages that pay ex-workers almost as much as current workers.

Talking about this is politically unpopular and potentially even career suicide for most officeholders. But at some point, someone is going to have to get honest about the fact that 80 percent of the state, county and city budget deficits are due to employee costs.

Either we do something about it at the ballot box, or a judge will do something about in Bankruptcy Court. And if you think I'm kidding, just look at Vallejo."

Well, Mr. Brown, all I can add to your words are: Why must we have to wait until California is on the brink of bankruptcy before we address the problems in our legislature? Is it not better to forecast the trend and take the steps to avoid the pitfall.

prudence

PRU'DENCE, n. [L. prudentia.] Wisdom applied to practice.

Prudence implies caution in deliberating and consulting on the most suitable means to accomplish valuable purposes, and the exercise of sagacity in discerning and selecting them. Prudence differs from wisdom in this, that prudence implies more caution and reserve than wisdom, or is exercised more in foreseeing and avoiding evil, than in devising and executing that which is good. It is sometimes mere caution or circumspection.

Prudence is principally in reference to actions to be done, and due means, order, season and method of doing or not doing.

How to internet tether your iPhone 3GS on on version 3.1.2

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:45:00 +0000

Warning: AT&T considers internet tethering a violation of the agreement, but since you more than likely have already jailbreaked or unlocked your phone, you may be aware of the consequences. The general rule of thumb (untested) that I have found is internet usage less than 5 GB. I am not responsible for your data usage and this is not a guaranty that AT&T won't discover your tethering and charge you accordingly.

Now, how I tethered and jailbroke my iPhone 3GS. You will need to refer to these two resources:

blackra1n to be downloaded to your computer.
Peaceful Insanity File to be downloaded by your iPhone.

Jailbreaking your iPhone in version 3.1.2

Download blackra1n to your PC.
Plug in iPhone.
Run blackra1n program and click "Let it Rain."
Enjoy your jailbroken iPhone.

Below is a youtube video of a guy thoroughly covering the process and answering some of the commonly asked questions. If you have never done this before or wish to have more information in addition to this post, please watch the video. He does it on an iPod Touch, but it will work for any type of iPhone or iPod Touch.

Step-by-Step Guide for internet tethering:

Open blackra1n and download Cydia. The iPhone should respring (aka soft reboot) after installation.
Open blackra1n and download sn0w app. Run sn0w to unlock iPhone. Note: You cannot tether your iPhone if you do not run this app. Thanks for testing that Brian. Don't worry, you can always return your iPhone back to original Apple specifications through iTunes.
Once unlocked, go to the the website http://m.peacefulinsanity.com/Tether.mobileconfig from your iPhone. Your iPhone screen should look like this:
Click Install and the file will add a profile to your phone that will open up the tethering functionality. Once it is finished installing, reboot your iPhone.
Once your iPhone is rebooted go to Settings-> Network->Internet Tethering. Click On.
Your pc may have the ability to connect via bluetooth, so you have the choice of establishing the internet connection by plugging it in with a USB cable or wireless with a bluetooth signal. I personally prefer the USB because it makes sure the phone always has power.

Notes:

You must have the latest version of iTunes installed. This is because there are special drivers and files that come with it that recognize the iPhone as a modem and it will not work if iTunes is not installed. Thanks Brian for the info on that.
If you have a 3GS and the phone dies, you will have to restore it. Sync your phone regularly to avoid losing valuable data or keep it charged. Nevertheless, it's easy to restore an iPhone, so this may not bother you.
There are other profiles you can download, but this is the only one so far that I am aware of that works for my iPhone. If the profile from Peaceful Insanity does not work, search the internet for the others.
3G speeds are fast, but wifi is almost always faster and doesn't increase your data usage. If you can use wifi, default to it. Tethering should be used as a supplement when other options aren't available.

Status Update Turned Intriguing Apologetics Q&A

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:35:00 +0000

Well guys, FB for all its nonsensical Farmville penguins, Mafia Wars Hits, and What Sex Position Are You's has reinvigorated me with a pleasant surprise. The other day a classmate of mine posted an update that I quoted in my last blog. I thought that the discussion would be beneficial to you who read my blog and like wrestling with the difficult questions of Christianity. So, below is the exchange I had on FB without the other names (privacy is nice).

CLASSMATE: Is grappling with one of the most difficult questions of faith I have ever encountered: if God is good and everything he created is good, then how did evil originate? That is how did evil originate ex nihlo?

FEMALE #1: How did God originate ex nihilo I think is the bigger question!

RUSTY PANG: Hi CLASSMATE, I came across your post this morning and thought I might help if you're interested. The first thing to realize is that you are not the first person to wrestle with the concept of evil and suffering. In fact, you are part of a long list of Christian philosophers, laymen, and pastors; whom all of which encountered a crisis of faith in this area. In other words, you are not alone and there are answers.

Feel free to shoot me any questions you have and I'll do my best to help you.

MALE #1: What brought this question to your mind? We need to get together again before I leave so we can talk cause I will definitely miss those.

FEMALE #2: Won't find that in Webster's! I feel so stupid when I read your posts-UGH! I'll google your Latin? Rusty-Please Enlighten me-friend request me if you don't mind?

CLASSMATE: Ok, the question is, if all things that come from God are good, and nothing evil can come from him, then how did evil get its start? If you say the devil, then if God created him good, how did he turn evil? If pride is evil, then why did God give it to him? It seems that we must accept that God created evil for his ultimate good and therefore can be blamed, or we must acknowledge that evil is part of a good continuum and is thereby good in and of itself and thereby doesn't exist.

RUSTY PANG: The first thing you must do to understand the answer is to reframe the context and definitions from which the question is asked. The best way to do this is to ask first: What is evil? How do you define it?

CLASSMATE: That is what I said. If it is a redefinition, then that takes a worldview shift of epic proportions. As it is, it is easy to see a black and white world but to see it in shades of grey seems to be a very subjective approach and requiring more discernment than simple answer. It is a discussion I am looking for. Maybe God isn't all good and maybe he is more of a "chaotic neutral" character. If he is the author of what I deem as evil then maybe even this idea of a perfect heaven is a farce and perfection is a balance of pain with happiness. That is why I ask the question as I do.

FEMALE #2: This is WAY over my head! Wasn't the devil good until he became jealous.

RUSTY PANG: The "shades of grey" are less subjective than you think. It is true that a continuum from white to dark exists, which you call grey and subjective. But what you are really saying is how your brain interprets the amount of light received by the receptors in your eyes. Such a thing is really more complicated than what we discuss in normal conversation and the only thing that remains subjective is your interpretation of the amount of light. The amount of light is a fixed quantity at the time you see it.

In addition to this, no one interprets darkness or the color black. The reality is darkness is defined as the absence of light. Darkness has no matter, no substance, and only exists in the absence of light. Darkness does not come ex nihilo. Evil is the same.

Most people, including myself, make the mistake of looking at Good vs Evil as a contest between two cosmic eternal forces always fighting for the souls of men. This is like the simple descriptions of light and darkness. The reality is that evil is nothing more than that which is not perfect. Evil is any deviation from the perfect standard (God).

I'd like to pause at this time for questions before I proceed further.

CLASSMATE: "In addition to this, no one interprets darkness or the color black. The reality is darkness is defined as the absence of light. Darkness has no matter, no substance, and only exists in the absence of light. Darkness does not come ex nihilo. Evil is the same."

I love that response. Good logic. So then that begs the question then, how can we live absent of good? I know it is not a cosmic struggle but I want to know:
1. If Eve inspired Adam
2. If Satan inspired Eve
3. Then who inspired Satan?

Or then do you think this is a question of being pulled away by our own evil desires? So then, maybe desire is what perpetrates evil in our lives? Maybe we could start a Buddhist-Christian Monastery. Anyway Rusty, I like your response but then here is the clincher, why would anything deviate if God is omnipotent and omnipresent? What would entice such a behavior? Curiosity perhaps?

RUSTY PANG: "how can we live absent of good?"

We can't. This is the death that was foretold to Adam and Eve before they sinned. Death, like evil, must be redefined. We understand life as a complex system of organic chemistry, but life is not relegated to a simple scientific definition. Life is relationship with God and without the relationship we have death. This is why "the wages of sin are death, but the gift of God is eternal life." When souls are sent to hell, they will not cease to exist. They will exist without a relationship with Jesus and therefore, be dead. This is why we are born "dead," because we have no relationship with Him.

"who inspired Satan?"

If you are asking how did the angels first wrestle with free will? I do not have the answer for this. There is very little in scripture that helps us understand the struggle in heaven other than the fact that Lucifer believed he could be God. I can only respond to man's need for reconciliation because of our desire to sin (aka do things contrary to His nature).

"do you think this is a question of being pulled away by our own evil desires? So then, maybe desire is what perpetrates evil in our lives?"

We are not pulled away from righteousness because some part of us desires the things of God; rather, we are broken from the start. In Psalms 51:5, David writes "Surely I was sinful at birth,sinful from the time my mother conceived me." And in Romans 8:7-8 says, "The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God." Therefore, we are not capable of the Buddhist ideal. We cannot remove our very nature to sin. The only solution is rebirth through the power of the Holy Spirit. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

"why would anything deviate if God is omnipotent and omnipresent?"

I had issue with this myself for some time until I realized it was not about numbers. It was about the standard of true love and the quality, not the quantity. What I mean by this is that true love (God's love) exists only when it is freely given, not stolen or forced. If life is defined by relationship, how can one have a relationship with another if it is forced? God does not need us, but we need Him. He desires us, but we do not desire Him. He has fixed that problem by offering His Son in our place because no man could bridge the gap. He allowed Jesus to become sin and die for us when He didn't have to. He voluntarily chose us. He introduced true love into the world and provided the example that we are to follow. This is why He said, "If you want to keep your life, you must lose it." God is not toying with us like a little kid with ants. My question to you is, knowing that man would turn their back on you, would you still create us? Would you do this knowing that the only solution to the man-made problem was to die for everyone from all time and yet still be rejected by most? This speaks of the tremendous love He has for us. I have to be honest and state that I wouldn't. But then again, we are thankful I am not God.

CLASSMATE: My counter question is: Would you then create something flawed if you could create something perfect?

Even more: if you created the capacity for sin, then you are to blame for its existence, thereby indicting God for the sin on earth since he allowed for its capacity in the first place.

RUSTY PANG: Not at all my friend. Not at all. Are you responsible for transgressions, mistakes, and errors your children make during their lives on this earth? You created them and by doing so, the capacity to commit murder, to steal, or harm. No, each person is responsible for their decisions for good or for ill.

Regarding your question on perfection. This too has to be redefined. The best we, humans, can hope for in this life is perfection in process, not in result or destination. God is perfect and we are being perfected. We are the thing in which perfection is being acted upon. This is why we are told to become "Christlike."

But let us return to your original question: "How did evil originate?" It originated in humanity with the fall at the Garden of Eden and we continue to perpetrate this severed relationship with God by rejecting Him through our behaviors and will. Christianity provides the only plausible answer that explains a source, how it works and what the solution is. I'd like to know how an atheist would explain evil. Or perhaps a Buddhist, or a Scientologist without borrowing from Christendom. It's not that I am trying to demonstrate the superiority of the gospel. In my mind there is no contest. I am only trying to shed light on the chasm from which most religions won't even attempt to address properly. What is the point of arguing why God should be blamed for the capacity to sin when we are the ones sinning? Are we not trying to absolve ourselves from guilt by shifting blame for causation?

Let's assume God is mean and unjust. Does that change the fact He has established rules and laws to abide and to not do so invokes negative consequences? Suppose, I decide I do not like gravity. Does it change my adherence to its laws or effects? No, but I am thankful that our God is not unjust but perfect. I am thankful that I know the creator of the universe and he actually cares about me. I am thankful that He hears my prayers and is not bound by the limits of time or space.

In the end, you must understand that I cannot convince you one way or another. It is a matter of faith/trust in Jesus. Relationship with Him cannot exist without it. This is why He says, "Everything not done in faith is as to sin." God is faithful to see His children through their crises of faith as He will see you through yours. Would you like me to address any more questions?

MALE #2: This was very interesting and thought provoking post. I liked it. I never met Mr. Pang but "Wow" great insight!

MALE #3: I prefer Dunkin' Donuts over Krispy Creame.

In the stream and discussion, concept of Ex nihlo is an incorrect concept. We forget that eternity existed before this creation. It is fair to say that The Heavenly Host existed before (As well as God) creation. The concept that exists oft forgotten is the impact of Free Choice. Satan had free choice. We have free choice. Guess what, Jesus has free choice. The question is do you choose the rebel against God or do you choose to act in faith and follow Jesus.

RUSTY PANG: Thanks MALE #2 for the compliment, but the real gratitude should go to CLASSMATE for having the courage to admit a Christian can struggle with their faith. To bear the intimacies of one's soul so openly on a subject that tends to divide is why I wish to help. We all do our parts.

MALE #1: Ok, I know I’m arriving a little late to the discussion and for that I apologize, but I just wanted to throw my thoughts and questions out there and see what you think.

Is it really a correct thing to say that good and evil exist on a continuum like light? Granted darkness is an absence of light but I don’t believe that it necessarily is the case for evil. God is considered to be a being that is all good and therefore is absent of evil. If a being such as God is absent of evil then why and or how could he create a creature (us) that would consist of a continuum not present in Himself? I mean to say that God is capable of freely choosing between things and it isn’t evil because God is all good and while lacking the capacity for evil still retains the ability of free will (I say it this way because many people use free will as a reason for evil).

“Are you responsible for transgressions, mistakes, and errors your children make during their lives on this earth? You created them…”

Is this to mean that God has an equally limited degree of control to the way we turn out as we have over our children. If God created people ultimately out of nothing and doing so by His own, imagination/desire(?), would He not have the ability to change or form the very fabric of our personalities and moral constructs to that which He chooses? These are things that we cannot do with out children which is why I believe we lack responsibility for the transgressions, mistakes, and errors of our children even though we created them.

“What is the point of arguing why God should be blamed for the capacity to sin when we are the ones sinning? Are we not trying to absolve ourselves from guilt by shifting blame for causation?”

Psalms 51:5, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me,” leads us to believe that by our very nature and that even before we have to ability to act consciously, we are sinful. Wouldn’t that by default assign the blame for the capacity to sin on God since that is how He created us? If we are at birth sinful without action, how can that blame be rested on our shoulders?

RUSTY PANG: Hi MALE #1,

I apologize for not responding sooner. My schedule was as most would say, busy. Okay, now to the brass tacks.

"Is it really a correct thing to say that good and evil exist on a continuum like light?"

Yes. At least as far as any analogy or metaphor can go before it falls apart when analyzed too closely. The purpose of using light versus darkness explains the concept that God could not be any more evil than light can be any form of dark. Darkness exists as the absence of light and evil is much the same.

"If a being such as God is absent of evil..."

This assumption must be addressed before we can continue further because of way it is worded. Perhaps you never intended what I am about to address; nevertheless, it affects the rest of the thought. God is not absent of evil any more than light is absent of darkness. Darkness is like empty space, a vacuum if you will. It has no substance and really is defined as the absence of something else. Similarly, evil can never be described as being God lacking it. You might as well say God lacks the lacking. Although it may be true, it really isn't worth saying. It is better to say that evil is the absence of God or that God is good. This brings us to man and His willing diversion away from God, which by definition is an evil act.

"why and or how could he create a creature (us) that would consist of a continuum not present in Himself? I mean to say that God is capable of freely choosing between things and it isn’t evil because God is all good and while lacking the capacity for evil still retains the ability of free will (I say it this way because many people use free will as a reason for evil)."

God created us, which also means He did not beget us. What this means is that God the Father beget God the Son, not created Him. Although we hear this regularly in the church, the implication is profound and widely misunderstood. Like begets like and like creates unlike. For example, a human begets another human but creates a human statue. God begets the Son, but creates man. The creative act means He created something that may look similar but is different. This includes the capacity to sin. God does not possess free will in the sense that you and I possess free will relating to evil. To possess free will means to have the capacity to choose between no less than two options. God cannot be evil because to be evil means to act contrary to God's nature. He cannot be contrary to himself; therefore, He cannot do this any more than a human can take on the nature of a dog, nor can a dog take on the nature of a human.

"Is this to mean that God has an equally limited degree of control to the way we turn out as we have over our children."

No. Having the power to control another is not the same as exercising it. Additionally, to create a sentient life is to imbue free will.

"Wouldn’t that [Psalm 51:5] by default assign the blame for the capacity to sin on God since that is how He created us? If we are at birth sinful without action, how can that blame be rested on our shoulders? "

Yes, but we are still to blame for our acts of sin. Being "sinful at birth" is also rendered "shapen in iniquity," meaning that my relationship with God was broken from the start. Your question, according to the way you worded it has a faulty assumption. To have the capacity to sin automatically means that you will sin. With the same logic I could say that if I give you the gun with the capacity to murder, you will. This is not so and we know that the choice to murder is different than having the capacity to.

I don't pretend to know everything, so I hope these answers are satisfying.

2 Timothy 4:2

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:07:00 +0000

"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 4:2

Today has been really interesting, at least in the spiritual sense. This morning I responded to a friend's FB post in which he wrote, "Is grappling with one of the most difficult questions of faith I have ever encountered: if God is good and everything he created is good, then how did evil originate? That is how did evil originate ex nihlo?"

Ex nihilio is latin for "out of nothing." This usually refers to the concept of creation in which God created something from nothing. The true creative ability at work, as it were. Anyhow, what spawned out of these conversations has produced some interesting thoughts for me and has forced me to remember my apologetics. Apologetics is defined as the "defense of the faith," or in layman's terms "knowing why you believe."

As these conversations continue to grow and expand, I was reminded of Paul's charge to Timothy (it's at the top) and wondered just how prepared I am at any given time? How prepared are you at any given time to answer the earnest questions of an individual seeking truth? I wish I could say that I had no room for improvement, but that would be a bold faced lie from which I should be tossed from the castle walls. Instead, I will say that today was a good day. Today, I was prepared. Tomorrow, only God's grace can tell, but I thank Him for today.

UOPX Presentation video

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 06:58:00 +0000

This video is a little promo for our mock company LTD Inc. We are an ethics consulting firm.

*Fin + Lewis = Awesome

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 17:55:00 +0000

The other day I was returning from a workout while listening to C.S. Lewis' book: Mere Christianity. The chapter was The Reality of the Law. As I drove home, I was unprepared for the emotional experience that occurs when God drops some revelatory truth on you. In other words, I teared up as I began to realize some things. Now, the chapter's words by themselves did not cause my tears to well up; rather, it was a combination of the concepts presented in the book and the song that followed. You see, my iphone plays the audio files randomly and after selecting a single chapter of Mere Christianity it moved onto the song *Fin by Anberlin. If you are unfamiliar with the song and the lyrics in it, only one word describes it: epic.

Here is a youtube video with the song and lyrics.

The song's message is a series of verses that describe the author's experiences with Christianity. He struggles with God because of the suffering, lying and manipulation perpetrated by Christians. Why does this strike me so strongly? Well, in Mere Christianity, Lewis makes the statement that we look at Christians to find Christ instead of going directly to the source. In other words, we always blame Jesus Christ for the behavior of His followers because we expect them to be like Him. Normally, I do not have a problem with this, but we often take it too far in that we do not acknowledge they are all imperfect people following a perfect being. What is normal is the struggle. What is abnormal is cohesiveness. What I mean by this is that we should expect to see Christians failing consistently the standard that is perfection (Christ), but what separates them from the non-believer is that they are still striving for perfection despite the mistakes and shortcomings. And it is there, in the midst of the pain that we find forgiveness and grace. Christianity and salvation through Jesus is for the weak and broken. Bandages exist for the cut and damaged. Life vests do not save those who are not drowning. Similarly, salvation is for those who need saving.

The author of the lyrics in *Fin is communicating his story of unrealistic expectations of others, but in the end he rediscovers his faith in Jesus. This is evident with his frail and humble words describing his exposure and weaknesses.

"And then take full weight of me
Guard my dreams, figure this out,
It's me on my own. Helpless, hurting, hell.
Will you stay strong as you promised?
Cause I'm stranded and bare.
Meanness is washed up and all that I have
is God. Take this and all"

I get the impression that the reality of christianity has finally hit the lead singer of the Anberlin. It is about a direct relationship with the creator and to judge Him based upon the actions of an imperfect human is about as valuable as having a 3 year old draw the intricate details of the morning sun cresting over the snow capped mountains of Lake Tahoe. The child's picture contains it's own type of beauty in a way, but to compare the depths of colors, details, and magnificence to the being there...well, the source is always better than the drawing of a 3 year old.

Cruel Logic

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:56:00 +0000

I love this video. Ideas have consequences.

Why do governments exist?

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 07:14:00 +0000

A friend recently began a discussion on this topic with me and I thought others might benefit from my response. I did not tell my friend that I would be posting my response on my blog, so to protect my friend's privacy I will not include the original question.

What is God's purpose for government?

It was his idea, so how did He design it to work? What was His purpose behind creating the concept of government? Essentially, I am asking what is the role of government from a Christian point of view?

Well, I also believe in what Romans 13 teaches and I believe that we can find God's position on the matter from that text and a few others. Please read: 1 Kings 21, Daniel 4, and 1 Samuel 8 because I will be referencing them as well.

In Romans 13 we read that God says He establishes all governments and to rebel against them is to rebel against God. Initially, it is easy to see why many Christians feel that to oppose a sitting leader is wrong. However, I do not believe that this is the proper interpretation of the text. If it were, than all women would need to submit to their abusive husbands regardless of their abuse of authority as the head of the family. No, we know that God is not expecting a woman to turn the cheek and take another beating because she is to "submit" to authority. The same is true for the governments that God has established.

If you read 12:19 in Romans it begins to talk about vengeance and taking the authority of wrath into your own hands. Instead, Paul says that we are to "repay evil for good" and to submit to the governing authority because this authority is established by God. As you continue to read it now makes sense when Paul writes "he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves" (13:2). Paul is telling us that we are to leave room for God's wrath (12:19) because He provides it through a government that has a purpose for "punishing evil" (13:4).

Verse 4 is fascinating because we see the explicit purpose of governments: "To condone good and punish evil." Governments should condone (passive) good and punish (active) evil. Meaning, governments bear the sword (God's wrath) as a servant to permit Godly behaviors and punish persons who commit evil acts. Simply put, God's desire of government is a limited one.

Are there other scriptural texts to support a limited government and why should it be limited in nature?

~~Simply put, g~~Governments are one of many social spheres that God has created an order to. Other social spheres are: the family, the church, and the economic. All of these social spheres are based upon the model of the trinity, his very nature. In the government sphere we have: God, the government, and the people. God creates the government and the people and sits the citizens underneath the authority of the government. However, the governing entity is subject to God and the people have direct access to the Lord should the government abuse its power. This is how it should work. Now, let's look at some scriptural support.

Daniel 4 lays out a story of Nebuchadnezzar and his dream. As you progress down chapter 4 we get to the portion in verse 30, which the king says, "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" God immediately punishes King Nebuchadnezzar for his arrogance until he repents (4:34). The lesson of course being that God establishes all authorities and no man should ever boast for himself what God has done for him.

In 1 Kings 21 we read about King Ahab and Naboth's vineyard. The story tells us that Jezebel murdered Naboth because Ahab whined about wanting his vineyard. King Ahab had no right to even buy the vineyard in the Lord's eyes, but he wanted it anyway. In the end, he stole a murdered man's land and used his governmental authority to do it. God then sends Elijah to proclaim His punishment for the sin he committed and causing the nation to sin (21:22).

2 Chronicles 26 tells us the story of King Uzziah and how he abused his authority. He thought that his Kingly authority allowed him to perform the duties of a priest. That sphere is independent from the governmental sphere and Uzziah overstepped his bounds. God gave him leprosy for it.

These last two paragraphs establish that God expects governments, who bear the sword (Romans 13:4), ~~are expected~~ to act within their authorities only. And when they do not, He punishes them for it. Sometimes He punishes them directly, or sometimes He raises up other men to depose them. Either way, God remains sovereign.

The last scripture is 1 Samuel 8. In this section we read about the sinful nature of man that does not trust God as a leader. The sin wasn't because they asked Samuel to replace his sons; rather, it was because they wanted a system of government that resembled the other nations (8:5). This displeased the Lord because their motive was really rejecting Him as king. So, the Lord graciously warns them about what will come from a government in which all governmental authority resides with one man. This section is also fascinating:(11) He will draft an army, (12-13) forced civil service and labor, (14-17) taxes and redistribution of wealth, and (18) slavery.

I don't know if you noticed in verses 14-17 state he will take your "best" and "a tenth" when he taxes you. This is tithing language. The king/government will steal from God what is rightfully His and you will be unable to fulfill your obligations to me. Think about your paychecks when you worked in your past jobs. Who took the first fruits? It grieves me that I am unable to give God my first fruits when I work for another company. The only modern solution today is to repeal the current tax system or become self-employed so that you can give to God first before the government takes its taxes. Now, I'm not opposed to all taxation because we need it to pay for the services that "condone good and punish evil." However, the first step to change is awareness of the problem. We have a major problem in our nation. We are a socialist nation hiding behind a mostly capitalistic economy. We have to come to terms with that before and permanent change can be effected. Christians, most of all, need to understand the purpose of government as God intended.

So, in the end, how do I reconcile my positions against Obama, the left, and democrats? I believe it is my duty as a citizen, a Christian and a human being to legally oppose all governments that function contrary to scriptural parameters as long as the government does not require me to violate scripture. This does not give me the right to call the man (Obama) an absolute moron and idiot. I sometimes stumble in this. However, I don't believe him to be either, especially since he has proved his intelligence and charisma as a lawyer and politician. Nevertheless, I do believe he is a deceiver, or perhaps blind. He should know better because he possesses the ability to reason and all of human history points to the abuse of governmental powers and the atrocities they bring. Why on earth would he and others like him try and gather more power in a centralized government? Simply put, because it is power.

The gospel teaches us that every person has a sinful desire to oppose God in everything (Galations 5:17). The government was God's design. It was His idea. Let's follow His plan.

I had an interesting day yesterday

noreply@blogger.com (Rusty Pang, Awesome Asian) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:41:00 +0000

Yesterday was Vacaville's Merriment on Main
and I had a pretty good time serving up some hot chocolate (with marshmellows) to the public. Our church does it every year, amongst many other organizations that offer free snacks and drinks during the tree lighting. It's a fun time of meeting new people, serving the community and reconnecting with old acquaintances.

Anyhow, why am I writing about this little memory in a blog where I normally keep the topics to economics, politics and religion? Well, to be honest, the blogging became more of an obligation towards the end of summer. I did it because I made a goal of 3 blogs a week for 2009. The first quarter was fun and exciting as most new things are. However, somewhere during the summertime I lost my desire to write about things I am passionate about and it became a burden.

Additionally, I started this blog to express my thoughts about life and many of my friends starting commenting about how they enjoyed the banters, sarcasm and the like. I felt like I was contributing to my little portion of the world. It was fun and I was stirring up so much conversation about topics I love.

I think things started to change when I found myself pissing off people who normally don't talk to me. It was a little weird at first to hear an old high school acquaintance on Facebook come out of the abyss to rant on a post. I thought, well, at least I know them a little better than I did before. Who cares that the only reason I know them better now was because they felt they had to correct me on a position they knew nothing about in the first place. Se la vi right?

Then, all of a sudden, I think it became about drawing people out of the private places they hide their political affiliations and religious bigotry to find out what they really did believe. I am convinced that this is where I may have gone wrong. You see, I became burnt out because I began to believe the purpose of my writing was to stimulate debate and discussion. I realize now that this is only a byproduct of my writing. Add to this that I believed my friends were enjoying my writing and finding it of value, but I had not heard anyone comment or even refute some of what I wrote during the summer. We all enjoy the feedback concerning the things we invest ourselves in.

Recently, I had two friends I haven't seen in a long while tell me they appreciated what I wrote and asked me if I was still blogging. Although my face never showed it, I was deeply touched that in the little time we spoke on Parker Street they asked me about the very writing I abandoned because I thought no one was reading it and I was writing for the wrong reasons. Then it dawned on me...Go back to the basics of doing it because you enjoy it. Address the controversial because that is who you are.

I stir the pot not because that is who I am. I don't need to worry about making sure that I do it. I just need to write my thoughts and let the chips fall as they may. All you clean freaks will understand this: Have you ever walked into a room that was not yours and picked up an article of clothing to place it neatly in an appropriate place? Or maybe leveled that friend's picture frame because it was off even though no one seemed to notice? You like order and cleanliness; so much so, that you do it naturally everywhere you go.

We should all find out what we love and get good at it. How can I get better at communicating how I feel about life if I don't do it? Likewise, you should do the same. Find that thing that makes you tick and do it. And not just do it, but do it well