About the boy

Using modelling software normally applied to solving crimes, scientists have come up with an image of how Jesus might have looked as a 12 year-old boy.

Do such images add anything to our understanding of Jesus? The temptation is to say no. They tell us precious little about God, God's work in the world, and spiritual truths. However, before writing off its value entirely, an image of Jesus is suggestive of i) his actual existence; ii) his true humanity; iii) something of his emotional make-up (there are at least some vague temperaments you can read from a face; and iv) his 'presence', something that the New Testament mentions briefly (e.g. Luke 2:40, 52).

So, without claiming too much, perhaps an image of Jesus' boyish face might have some value in attracting a person to the really valuable task of finding it who this boy grew up to be.

More images here and here.

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Planning for catastrophe

When US judge Richard Posner wrote his book, Catastrophe: risk and response (OUP, 2004), he had no idea that a tsunami would kill 300,000 within months of its publication. However, he would have said (and now has that we should have been more prepared. Posner's basic argument is that there are events which have a very small probability of occuring, but whose impact is so dramatic that it makes sense to get ready for them. To give a crude example, if we knew that a tsunami would hit once every 300 years and kill 300, 000 people, that is 1000 people a year who need to be factored into the defence/health care budget.



Working out how to prepare for such events is difficult, but not impossible. For instance, some say much more money should be spent on asteroid watch and elimination (anyone see Deep Impact?) More generally, it warrants serious examination of global environmental issues such as warming, diminishing oil supplies and species extinction, and whether or not enough is being done about them.



What happens if we apply 'catastrophe planning' to Christian belief. Even if you think there is but a small risk that there is a God to whom the creatures of the universe will give account, what kind of planning might you do to prepare for such a possibility? Would it not be worth expending resources now in order to prepare for possibilities then?



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Being spiritual, being well

A report late last year from a research conglomerate involving Anglicare, Edith Cowan University and others studied the connections between spirituality and well-being. Reading the report, I was struck by how weak the correlations are. It's all quite complex, but the data seems to suggest that being spiritual (rather than religious) doesn't much enhance your satisfaction, sense of purpose or personal growth. If you have orthodox religious beliefs, you are likely to be more optimistic and concerned for others. but if you are "religiously dogmatic" you may have lower self-esteem and personal growth than if you are not.



This makes the apologetic line "Christianity is good for you" hard to maintain except slightly and in some specific areas. It may be better to stick with the approach that looks for the real, the true, the beautiful and the good.



Download the report here.



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Converted to what?

Champion of atheism for 50 years, Professor Anthony Flew, has declared at age 81 that he is a theist. There's a fascinating interview with him and Gary Habermas here. I wonder whether Flew is at the beginning or end of his journey.



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Tsunami apologetics

The discussion has been broad and deep over the problems surrounding God and the tsunami.

I've previously described the cluster of issues called 'the problem of evil' as the hardest question in the world.

Most people feel (or even think) that the existence of evil in the world casts serious suspicion on God's existence.

I'm working on some material on natural disasters for the Case magazine, but here's a question I'd appreciate responses to:

What aspect of God is called into question by evil? Is it his love? His power? His justice?

I'm interested in specific answers.





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New Year's Resolution

CASE is back from our holidays with a number of heady resolutions.

Resolution #23: To have an entry here every second day.



Oh no, what have I done?

Please keep me to it.





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A Christmas lament

I've published a Christmas lament in the Sydney Morning Herald. It suggests that Christmas cheer comes less easily when we widen our vision around the world. Apologies for being a party-pooper!



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