Isaac Newton:

Isaac Newton

It is very interesting to look at the early scientists in Western Europe in the 17th and 18th Centuries. One of the greats was Isaac Newton: an English physicist, mathematician and committed Christian. It would seem that Newton's science did not get in the way of his faith.

In our series Jesus the Game Changer, we spoke with University of Queensland professor Peter Harrison. He made this comment in regard to Isaac Newton and his faith:

"Isaac Newton, who is perhaps the most famous scientist ever, wrote much more on theological topics than he did on scientific topics, and one historian has remarked that Newton was a 17th-Century theologian who wrote a few small works on science. You get the idea that there was, at the time, no concept of a conflict between fundamental religious beliefs and scientific beliefs. On the contrary, they were regarded as mutually supportive.

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Thanks, Karl Faase.

(From Digital Anvil.)

 Church and State and Nation:

 

 

"We have all of us- the whole Church and the whole community-we've been thrown into the Tempter's sieve, and he is shaking and the wind is blowing and it must now become manifest whether we are wheat or chaff: Truly, a time of sifting has come upon us, and even the most indolent and peaceful person among us must see that the calm of a meditative Christianity is at an end....

It is now springtime for the hopeful and expectant Christian Church--it is testing time, and God is giving Satan a free hand, so he may shake us up and so that it may be seen what manner of men and women we are...

 

Satan swings his sieve and Christianity is thrown here and to and he who is not ready to suffer,he or she who has called him or herself a Christian only because he or she hoped to gain something for themselves and their nation is blown away like chaff by the wind of time."

Niemoller.

[ Speaking to his congregation under Nazi Germany.]

( from Digital Anvil )

100 of the Best Books for Men:

I'm very happy to receive an endorsement for 100 of the Best Books for Men from an icon in the field, and a personal hero of mine:

"David Maywald has earned our collective gratitude for this comprehensive collection of books about boys and men. In my mind, this book puts boys and men's literature on the map for both individual readers and post-modern culture as a whole. There has been a boys movement growing for decades and Maywald tracks it beautifully via his Stages model. I highly recommend this book." 

  

Michael Gurian, Bestselling Author of The Wonder of Boys and Saving Our Sons.

(From Digital Anvil.)

 

Driven1.2 [Pain of it]:

Driven by performance, numbed by addiction and broken by adverse experience, I encountered the supernatural at my lowest point yet later my highest.

From strident atheist to --- a theist. That encounter while on mind-altering chemicals producing nirvana, ecstatic vision and later a supernatural experience reshaped my life- journey.

 

Creating and evolving via elapsed time and transformed  by Love into the new person I am today. 

With my obvious and blind-to-me flaws, mixed attitudes, desperate beliefs and ordinary desires melded into a walking and talking Christian that I hope I am today.

Though, elapsed time, psychiatry and helpful parents, friends and work all provided support and relative calm. But all this while the floodgates of new experiences were opened, reality was being reshaped, renewed and revitalised almost weekly

 

[All methods are candles besides the searchlight that Christianity became.]

 

 As a University student, my mind and poorly formed character took existential blows that wrong beliefs, poor choices and wrong ideals produce.

Life had reached choke-point .

My point of existence was broken by performative living, harmful addictions and poorly-thought-out worldviews.

Although I remember where I came from, yet I have not arrived at the final destination.

Belonging,  meaning and purpose according to Os Guinness are the essential pillars of human life. But I suggest that there is a necessary spiritual component as well. Many of you will shut down in disbelief and click away having read that.

 

Although science and its sister, technology often lead the way in the world, science can not explain nor cure everything. Many reading this will shut down their interest and break away. Though neuroscience has reached sparkling heights, Scripture was there 2,000 years earlier. Oxytocin may be the hormone the brain releases during loving interaction, however it can not  fully explain all the dimensions of  Love.

The  much vaunted Enlightenment period  summed in one word is "reason"

  Life is much more than reason, so it can never be captured and explained by reason alone—crucial and valuable though reason is. Apply reason as carefully and systematically as you like, and there will always be things it cannot explain, things that simply will not fit into its categories, however hard you push, press and pull            Os Guinness 

    

    It was von Neumann who conceived the idea of programming that led to the computer—the notion that you can break down a problem into a series of simple steps that can be manipulated as numbers are manipulated. But what works for a machine does not work for a human being. If only we humans were more logical, or were only logical.            Os Guinness. 

 

 

Well, with the advent of BASIC, Ruby and other digital yet plainer English programming languages, computers released mankind from analog semi- mediocrity and evolved the Western World into a potentially Utopian Global Fiefdom. 

But human logic isn't enough, other elements predominate regally above Reason.

 

 Who hasn't felt an unmet need or experienced a broken heart? Or watched a beloved pet slowly die? How  can science comfort a perceived failure? Isn't there a dimension beyond the spacetime continuum? Is a Black Forest Birthday cake just ingredients or is there more to it ? What about a broke gambler whose debt is more than money? Or a girl whose dance dress is "unflattering" and a Mum who needs me time with two little boy toddlers in tow while husband is at work?

 

Knowing that the impossible just might be possible with a benevolent GOD hidden from view but involved, caring and readily supportive cracks open living hope and releases it from its earthly prison. Not just a caring GOD but with all supernatural resources to unleash.

 That's what i discovered with Christianity.

 

 Clear across the divide between earth and heaven is a mighty and lovely Being whose clear aim is to help the orphan, the harassed Mum, the homeless woman with a  young girl  living in a car and the team of Netball girls whose flagging spirits need another inspired goal to perhaps win the trophy.

Whether you believe or not, the supra -natural is a heartbeat closer than you dare think. Ask GOD humbly and you'll find that He will not deceive you.

Since the Universe is infinite, then heaven lies somewhere beyond and its not  a cosmic address of 42 universal.

By Digital Anvil

Boys and Girls Learn Differently:

 

Boys and Girls Learn Differently! [ A Guide for Teachers and Parents] by Michael Gurian 

First published in March 2001,it was years ahead of its time. In fact, it has taken Australia decades to catch up with this seminal work. My own copy from 2011 is the expanded 10th Anniversary Edition, and it remains one of the most practical, thoughtful and evidence-informed books available for anyone seeking to help children flourish.

Michael Gurian is the author of thirty books and founder of the Gurian Institute, combining neuroscience, developmental psychology, education and decades of classroom experience into a compelling argument: boys and girls share enormous potential, yet they often develop, learn and respond to teaching in measurably different ways. Rather than forcing every child into a one-size-fits-all model, he challenges educators and parents to recognise these differences and teach more effectively because of them...

What makes this book enduring is its balance. Gurian never argues that every boy or every girl is identical. Instead, he explains average developmental differences while encouraging teachers to see every child as an individual. His practical recommendations (covering classroom design, literacy, behaviour, motivation, movement, assessment and family engagement) remain remarkably relevant today.

The scientific foundations for Gurian's work have only strengthened during the last quarter century. Research from neuroscientists such as Richard Haier, developmental psychologists including Anne Campbell, educational researchers such as Leonard Sax, and large bodies of evidence in developmental neuroscience, endocrinology and psychology all point to meaningful average sex differences in brain development, maturation, hormonal influences, language acquisition, spatial processing, physical activity, risk-taking and learning trajectories. Major reviews from organisations including the U.S. National Academies, together with decades of developmental research, reinforce that these differences are real, measurable and educationally significant (even while individuals vary widely).

I had the privilege of attending the 28th Gurian Summer Training Institute in June 2026, where more than 200 educators, counsellors, administrators, teachers and parents gathered to learn from Michael Gurian and his colleagues. The experience reinforced what this book demonstrates so well: understanding sex differences isn't about limiting children, it's about giving every child the greatest opportunity to succeed...

Michael Gurian deserves enormous credit for bringing compassion, intellectual honesty and practical wisdom to a subject that is too often distorted by ideology. Boys and Girls Learn Differently! is an exceptional contribution to education, one that has helped countless teachers better engage their students, and countless parents better understand their children. It deserves to be regarded as a modern classic in educational psychology and child development.

 As any Eastern Father or Mother as well as Western Dad and Mum,you  you already know that girls are different from boys.

Unknown Contributor.

Many thanks.

( from Digital Anvil )

(From Digital Anvil )

A Re-Discovery 2.1 [ A Significant Threshold to Freedom ]

 

A Re-Discovery 2.1:

[ A Significant Threshold to Freedom ]

In recent decades, while many Western cultures are hostile to Christianity, there has been a remarkable but promising resurgence of Christianity.

 

Many in Western countries and some Middle Eastern countries enjoy a newfound freedom embracing Christianity vigorously from different strata and walks of life. 

 

While many return to their spiritual roots, finding solace and guidance in their faith, new Christians arising from a wide-spread 'dissatisfaction' with traditional Islam are relating vivid dreams/visions with a central figure robed in white apparel stating, " I am Jesus." Or " I am Eisa, Messiah."

Anecdotal evidence suggests that these visions/dreams are and have been occurring for decades and are significantly manifesting in numbers too many to ignore.

The underground church in Iran and China, though persecuted and at best vilified, continues to grow and throw off the chains of brutal iron- fisted dictatorship with nothing but belief in Love as the ultimate superpower.

Civil disobedience at best overthrows the excesses of democracy and Christianity overcomes the course of all alternatives to the bedrock of Judeo- Christian values and ethics with nothing but higher - order Love and the so - called Myths of democratic rule.

 
Christian ministries in the USA and other nations relate stories of receiving countless emails and personal contacts from some Middle Eastern persons having watched Satellite TV where death for the Christian convert lurks in the name of Allah. "Death to the Infidel" and death with cruel, war-sized terrorism amid cries of destruction to Israel and the USA  factoring in as well.

Where some alternative news services exist, there is opportunity for a different and truer viewpoint to transform persons long-held misbeliefs. This fact explains the almost universal prohibition or outlawing of Christianity  by totalitarian regimes. The overthrow of the family unit, the destruction of the norms of free speech, freedom of religion and freedom of democracy as occurs in virtually every communist and socialist society to date. Wouldbe dictators know this truth and implement secret programs, secret surveillance and twist rule of law to circumvent these truths, ways of natural justice and  socialisation of youth to prevent the rise of democracy, Christianity and the subsequent freeing of normal life.

 

People everywhere are reviewing their previously held conclusions and rejecting the legacy media false, often biased news.

This resurgence is not limited to any particular socio - economic class or demographic but is a widespread phenomenon bringing people together in a shared sense of spirituality.

 One of the key factors contributing to this resurgence is the freshly awakened search for verifiable truth, meaning and purpose. With a sharp sense of disillusionment in a flip-flopping good-doing and evil-doing world and its relativity, many are asking, "Is it true" and “is it valid for you a-n-d me?” Not my truth and your truth ever syncing.

Though Western societies remain mostly secular and materialistic, many, many individuals find that the altar of material possessions and worldly success are not enough to bring them true, lasting happiness and fulfillment. They are turning 180 degrees to the Christian faith as a source of stability, hope, and a renewed moral compass to navigate the many-times disturbing complexities of post-modern Western life.

 

While pornography rampages like a colossal monster coupled with a sharp decline in marriages since the so-called '60s and 70s sexual, political, social and cultural revolution, an insane rise in daily reliance on alcohol, designer drugs, recreational drugs is the environment for rapid resetting of belief.
The Covid pandemic,  increasingly uncertain politics, human gender dysphoria and human sex- affirming care, have twisted, semi-religious so-called values of tolerance, inclusivity and  exclusiveness-- all are mixed in a variable, troubled societal soup.

 Social injustice and rampant political opportunism are melded together with anti-semitism rising with geopolitical and geo-social upheaval with the recurring wars in the Middle East. Increasingly social unrest dogs most Western and now Eastern societies.
Illuminating present economic disparities in their respective cultures coupled with disparate empathsis placed on arriving populations, not on the natives.
With strong war-caused immigration occurring for more than two decades, the new social and cultural landscape fractures most European nations. A few countries have avoided such calamities.

The return of Christianity is a positive development that is bringing people closer to traditional spiritual roots and fostering a sense of unity and purpose.

Youth suicide is on the horrific rise, with a decades-long decline in familial values. Puzzling as this is, some posit that the loss of structured families with the loss of masculine role models, fathers and strong lack of positive views towards stay- at- home Mums.

Decades of Big - Media promoted  Atheism now no longer presenting a danger to traditional Judaeo-Christianity, which had helped undermine the very foundation of our Western society. However, with this resurgent model of developing Christianity following standard growth patterns, it could lead to a greater realised turning to Biblical Christianity. 

 

The Lighthouse is fulfilling its function!  Nations are being served! 

  

Fueling the resurgence of Christianity is the desire for a closer community and more genuine connection for youth in Gen Z and Millennials. Recent surveys in the UK and AU see 10,000s of Ks of citizens as attending churches for the very first time-Young a-n-d Old.

 Many people long for genuine face-to-face human interaction, instead of screen-mediated connections and weaving a real sense of intimate sharing and belonging in an increasingly digital and ever-alarmingly disconnected world.

While the Internet promised a growing democratisation of humankind, unlimited knowledge, economic opportunity for all, freedom for all, and universal connection are some of the benefits. But many express disillusionment with the skewed results.

 However, churches and para-religious communities are stepping up to provide a space where people can unite, support one another, and form meaningful relationships based on shared values and beliefs.

The resurgence of Christianity is a positive development that brings people closer to traditional spiritual roots and fosters a sense of unity and purpose.

 

A brightly flaring lighthouse in a darkly polarised world divided in too many aspects and overwhelmingly uncertain.

Perhaps this darkest hour is ending with the nearing dawn.

 

by Digital Anvil.

 

If you like or disagree, drop a comment, dissenting is welcome. 

Technology is Good - We Are Not.

Technology is Good - We Are Not - Stephen Driscoll

The technology of Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing. AI is making a deep impact on how we function in modern societies. While Al is growing in its ability to think, from the start it has fundamentally been an excellent mimic.

Artificial intelligence has often reflected back to us a summary of who we are as humankind. As Stephen Driscoll says: “It’s a multibillion-dollar computational human mirror”.

This makes AI not really good or bad - but simply a reflection of the goodness or badness of the humans who created it.

Untrained AI seems to be quite debauched.

Trained AI is a people pleaser - less interested in truth and trained to keep you coming back for more. In fact, I heard recently an AI bot replying to a Christian user that it would be “praying for them”!

So what is a Christian response?

That is to understand the limitations of building something in our image and instead, rediscover ourselves as made in God’s image.

Share this daily-reading.

Thank you,Karl Faase.

(From Digital Anvil.)