Let There Be Thought: Biblical Metaphysics and the Story of Creation

Let There Be Thought:  Biblical Metaphysics and the Story of Creation

Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that deals with abstract concepts such as being, knowing, substance, cause, time, and space; it deals with the concept of the undefined.  Metaphysics attempts to clarify how we understand our existence in the world.  Branches of metaphysics include:

• Ontology: the study of the categories of being such as physical objects, minds, classes, properties, relations, space, time, proposition, and events
• Cosmology:  the study of origin, universal structure, and nature
• Natural Theology:  the study of God or gods, the nature of religion, and the existence of the divine, and other spiritual issues
• Universal Science:  the study of logic and reasoning

Epistemology, the study of the nature of knowledge as a justified belief, is a foundational principle of metaphysics.  Two common questions associated with epistemology are: 

• What is knowledge?
• And how can it be acquired?

For individuals who practice religions that include a sacred text, spiritual knowledge and revelation can be gained through the text’s revealing word.  Specifically for Christians who believe in the metaphysical interpretation of the Bible, the stories within the Bible are considered to have parable like meanings.  The goals of the stories within the Bible are designed to illustrate moral and spiritual lessons that can help us to live better lives.  Instead of focusing on the Bible as a series of literal events that took place in antiquity, Christian metaphysicians seek to find the hidden spiritual meaning of the stories.

The story of creation is discussed in Genesis 1:1-31; in this story, God uses the power of thought to create.  God spoke this world into existence, and he created man in his image.  If man is therefore created in the image of God, the heart of God dwells in mankind.  As a result, man also has the power to create through the thought process.  The power associated with thoughts and the words we speak are demonstrated in the creationist story

.

Genesis 1:1-3

          “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  The earth was formless and empty….. And then God said let there be light……”

These verses represent our minds before we opened ourselves to God consciousness.  Once we become aware of the presence of God in us, we therefore come into the light.

Genesis 1:6

Then God said, “Let there be a (firmament) space between the waters, to separate, the waters of heaven from the waters of the earth.”

God affirmed that there would be space between the waters and heavens. We must also affirm that God is in us and works through us.  We cannot control what happens to us or around us, but we can control what happens in us and through us.  There is also power in speaking affirmative thoughts which manifest into actions and results.

Genesis 1:9

“Then God said, let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear. And that is what happened.”

This verse represents the concept of focus, which is provided through concentration and attention.  In order see “dry ground” or clarity, we must allow our mind to flow into one place.  This is done through study, prayer, and meditation as a means of achieving revelation.

The remainder of the creationist story describes the manifesting creative power of thought and man's dominionative power on this earth.  God consistently creates by saying:  “Let there be….”  Thoughts tend to manifest before words are spoken; controlling our thoughts can help us to control the words that we speak.  We must be careful what we speak, because “death and life are in the power of the tongue…Proverbs 18:21.”

Genesis 1:31    

                                              

“Then God looked over he had made, and he saw that it was good…”

When we align our thoughts with the presence of God in us, it will be good.  We do this by understanding the principles of light, affirmation, concentration, and attention. The creationist story is one example of how Christian metaphysicians use biblical interpretation in order to gain insight into the mind of God.  The process combines natural theological principles with the study of ontology, cosmology, and universal science.  From the standpoint of the metaphysician, “the kingdom of God is (NOW) at hand…. (Mark 1:5).”  It exists in the minds of each us, and we must thrive to live a Christ like life.  

Course Review: God and Mankind: Comparative Religions

God and Mankind:  Comparative Religions

I have already completed my first course!

The course consisted of 8 lectures that are approximately 43 minute each.  The course description is below:

Photo Copyright:  The Great Courses

God and Mankind:  Comparative Religions

"How do the major religions answer unanswerable questions? What can we gain from their answers? Why are we here? What is my purpose? Where do we go when we die? Will I be forgiven? Will we ever discover the source of the mystery? Each of these questions raises countless more."

"God and Mankind: Comparative Religions by Professor Robert Oden is an ideal starting point for gaining some progress in considering these questions. And if you've been thinking about them for a while, as so many do, you will likely discover he has many fresh insights to offer you.  Professor Oden, who holds degrees in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, and Theology, has taught at Harvard University and Dartmouth College over a long and exceptionally distinguished career as both teacher and college president."

More about Dr. Rorbert Oden:  http://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/god-and-mankind-comparative-religions.html

8 Lectures:  Topics of Discussion

·         Why Nothing Is as Intriguing as the Study of Religion

·         Orienting Humanity—Religions as Spiritual Compasses

·         Religious Heroes 1—Gilgamesh and the Dawn of History

·         Religious Heroes 2—Moses and Jesus

·         Pondering Divine Justice—Do We Suffer for Naught?

·         Defending Divine Justice—Religious Accounts of Suffering

·         Religious Rituals and Communities 

·         Bringing It All Back Home

Link to course:  http://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/god-and-mankind-comparative-religions.html

General Thoughts: 

As a starting point, I thought that the lectures were pretty interesting.  I was previously aware of the similarities between the story of Noah and the Arc and the Flood of Gilgamesh, but I was not aware of aware of the complete story of Gilgamesh as a literary figure.  I will be further reviewing perspectives on the Epic of Gilgamesh and stories in the Bible.   Not only do I plan to do more research on Gilgamesh, but I would also like to re-listen to the lecture on Moses and Jesus.  Dr. Oden also discussed concepts of Buddhism, Hinduism, as well as Islam.  Since these concepts are new to me, I will completing the Cultural Literacy for Religion:  Everything the Well Educated Person Should Know course next. 

One of the reasons that I plan to re-listen to the lecture on Moses and Jesus is because of the last lecture.  The lecture entitled:  “Bringing It All Back Home,” was the most interesting to me, since I already teach American History. The concepts of Puritans comparing themselves to the Israelite's is of particular interest.  It provides insight into the mindset of our colonial predecessors.  I plan to write my first research article on this topic; it is tentatively titled:  Puritan Exodus:  Journey to the Promise Land.

Dr. Kristy K. Taylor, DHsc, PhD Candidate, University of Sedona 

Celebrating National Health Education Week 2013: An On Campus Conference Style Learning Experience

Last week was National Health Education Week (NHEW), and the week's theme focused on the role of health educators in implementing the Affordable Care Act.  National Health Education Week is sponsored by the Society of Public Health Education (SOPHE), and it has been celebrated since 1995 during the 3rd week of October. Promoting NHEW on campus and in the local community is a great way to bring attention to health education and literacy issues.  As a Health Education Professor and Certified Health Education Specialist, I feel that its is important to make a conscious effort to promote NHEW each year on campus.  

This year, I held an on-campus conference to for NHEW with the goal of increasing student awareness of organizations within the Glades and throughout Palm Beach County that address health disparities. The presenters consisted of on-campus faculty and staff as well as community organizations.  I also did two presentations for the conference:  A History of Medicine in America and How Health Insurance Works.  In addition to the conference, there was also an information table set up with numerous brochures for students to take on various health topics.  All of the events were well attended by students, and it provided a great learning opportunity for them to learn about how these organizations affect their community, volunteerism, and upcoming opportunities in service learning.  In addition, students were able to ask questions to gain practical knowledge, and they were encouraged to share what they had learned to begin making a difference in their own communities.  Below is a list of events that the students had an opportunity to attend, and I would like to personally thank each of the individuals and organizations that presented during the week. 

Information Table

Palm Beach County Victims Services

We Help Community Corporation

Alzheimer's Community Care

Date and Time of Event	Organization	Title of Presentation
9:00-10:15 Monday  10/21	Bridges of Belle Glade	"Early Childhood Development Ages 0-8/Financial Literacy"
11:00-12:15 Monday 10/21	Palm Beach County Victims Services, Ms. Angeletta Sewell	"Domestic Violence Awareness"
12:30-1:45 Monday 10/21	American Red Cross	"Red Cross: Who We Are, What We Do, And How We Do"
2:00-3:15 Monday 10/21	Enroll America, Ms. Katie Visik	"The Affordable Care Act:  What You Need to Know"
3:30-5:00 Monday 10/21	Movie and Discussion	"Sick Around America"  Synopsis:  As the worsening economy leads to massive job losses—potentially forcing millions more Americans to go without health insurance—FRONTLINE travels the country examining the nation's broken health care system and explores the need for a fundamental overhaul.
9:00-10:15 Tuesday 10/22	Dr. Steshenko, PBSC Professor	"Common Sense for Healthy Living:  Natural Remedies for a Healthy Life"
11:00-12:15 Tuesday 10/22	We Help Community Corporation, Dr. D.M. Walker	"Home Buying Seminar and Discussion on Housing in the Glades"
12:30-1:45 Tuesday 10/22	Ms. Vanger Simmons, PBSC Professor	"Career Options Workshop:  Occupational Wellness"
2:00-3:15 Tuesday 10/22	Alzheimer's Community Care-Mr. Robert Summers	"Alzheimer's Disease and the Alzheimer's Community Care Association"
3:30-4:45 Tuesday 10/22	Movie and Discussion	"Food, Inc."  Synopsis:  In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment.
9:00-10:15 Wednesday 10/23	Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County	"Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County Information Session"
11:00-12:15 Wednesday 10/23	Focus Group "Student Forum," Dr. Bennett and Dr. Moore	"Our College, Our Campus, Our Future"
12:30-1:45 Wednesday 10/23	First Care Women’s Clinic, Sandi Davis	"Whole Person Health"
2:00-3:15 Wednesday 10/23	PBSC Counseling Center, Ms. Jeannie Hoban	"Mental Health and Life Skills"
3:30-4:30 Wednesday 10/23	Dr. Kristy Taylor, PBSC Professor	A History of Medicine in America
5:00-6:45 Wednesday 10/24	Movie and Discussion	"Suicide Tourist"  Synopsis:  Five months after being diagnosed with ALS, Craig Ewert arrived in Switzerland for his scheduled suicide. A story about struggling to live ... and deciding when to die.     Discussion:  End of Life Planning, Ethics, Morals, and the Things We Never Expected
9:00-10:15 Thursday 10/24	Planned Parenthood, Mr. Al Davis	"Your Sexual Health and Planned Parenthood"
11:00-12:15 Thursday 10/24	Comprehensive Aids Program, Dr. Yolanda De Venanzi	"All you want to know about HIV and AIDS "- Free HIV/AIDS testing will also be done on site. Sponsored by CAP the Comprehensive AIDS Program Of Palm Beach County, Inc.
12:30-1:45 Thursday 10/24	Mr. John Pearson, PBSC Learning Specialist	"Managing Stress and Passing the Test:  Test Taking Skills Seminar"
2:00-3:15 Thursday 10/24	Dr. Kristy Taylor, PBSC Professor	"How Health Insurance Works:  The Basics for Informed Consumers"
3:30-4:45 Thursday 10/24	Movie and Discussion	"Sick Around the World"  Synopsis:  "In the debate over health care, what might the U.S. learn from the successes and failures of five other capitalist democracies? "

How to Identify the Characteristics of High Risk Learners in Higher Education

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The relationship between students and faculty is the corner-stone of student success and retention rates. For faculty it is important to develop relationships with students early on, since generally students will only be in the class for a short period. Faculty must be able to recognize the characteristics of high-risk learners and offer the proper interventions to aid them. When dealing with high-risk learners, faculty should be willing to communicate and make referrals to advisors and other college resources as appropriate.

A high-risk learner is a student who may exhibit several of the following characteristics in the classroom:

• signs of low self-esteem

• feelings of alienation, as if they do not belong

• struggling with reading comprehension

• struggling with writing skills

• a lack of organizational skills

• language barriers

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Changing the Delivery of Remediation Education at Colleges: Widening the "Open-Door"

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Many colleges are reconsidering the definition of "open-door" when it comes to student enrollment and remediation courses. While remediation courses are helpful in building up student skills in general education areas such as Reading, Mathematics, and English, some colleges are changing their approach to how remediation education is done. At the 2-year and 4-year level, having an open-door policy means that the college offers a variety of resources to help students build the necessary skills they need in order to be successful in higher level courses.

Not only do these post-secondary institutions offer remediation courses, but they also provide learning labs and additional one-on-one tutoring based on student needs similar to that of universities. In the past, the open-door policies offered by these institutions have always had a controlled, sequenced structured approach, with students being placed in remediation courses based on placement test scores. The new approach to improving how remediation courses are delivered provides colleges with a variety of options based on state recommendations. Several of these options are to:.....  CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS ON EZINEARTICLES.COM

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How Post-Secondary Health Education Courses Can Be Used to Enhance Job Readiness Skills

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As the focus on wellness and preventative care becomes the norm in order to reduce healthcare costs, colleges and universities can also get involved by promoting health education courses that are already available on campus. Post-secondary institutions whose primary mission is to graduate students, who are workforce ready, should include a wellness component within the course of study. Many of the people investing in wellness education programs are employers seeking to reduce their own healthcare expenses for employees. Employers invest in wellness programs for their employees to boost morale and increase productivity. Workplace wellness programs not only help to increase productivity and ultimately affect a company's revenue, but the programs also help to cut long-term healthcare costs for employers that provide healthcare benefits. One study indicated that for every $1.00 spent on wellness programs, healthcare costs are reduced by $3.37. In addition the cost of absenteeism is reduced by $2.73 for every $1.00 spent; with over 130 million individuals in the workforce, wellness programs can save employers a significant amount of money each year (Baicker et. al, 2010).  CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS ON EZINEARTICLES.COM

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Critical Thinking in Post-Secondary Education: It's About More Than Job Readiness Skills

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The goal of post-secondary education at the community college level has primarily been to equip students with the skills that they need for the workforce. Offering courses of study that allow students to be workforce ready, not only helps to increase completion rates but it also helps to boost economic development in the communities in which the graduates are hired. For this process to work effectively, college administrators, educators, and business leaders must share similar goals. While workforce readiness is important, students should also be able to think critically and problem solve as an everyday life skill.

Critical thinking is the process of evaluating information and making decisions based on effective observation, reasoning, and analysis. A key feature of thinking critically is the communication process, which can provide the necessary clarity for individuals to ask in-depth questions that lead to sound conclusions. Critical thinking promotes rationality because thinkers are able to raise important questions, identify problems, evaluate information, think open-mindedly, and communicate with others in order solve problems effectively. In addition, critical thinking promotes accountability, responsibility, and organization for making decisions since students must be actively engaged in the process.  CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THIS ON EZINEARTICLES.COM

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What Is a Meta-Major and How Does It Work?

Meta-majors consists of a group of academic classes and sequence structures that introduce students to a broad set of career options, while meeting the academic requirements across multiple areas of study. The courses allow students to explore a wide variety of career options, with the purpose of choosing a profession based on their interests, skills, and talents. In addition, Meta-majors help to promote STEM initiatives which emphasize courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Meta-majors can also be helpful in boosting completion rates among all students, to include those enrolled in developmental education courses since research indicates higher graduation rates among students who identify a program of study within their first year. Meta-major programs can be designed to help students navigate through the confusing process of choosing the appropriate classes, by providing them with a structured learning sequence and relevant course options to choose from. Students begin their studies with "gateway" courses such as English Composition and College Algebra before moving on into the meta-major areas of studies. It would also require that students who are unsure about what classes to enroll in consult with campus advisors for guidance.

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