Thoughts for Sunday April 30

Thomas Aquinas, one of the most prolific theological minds of any age, once said that Theology was the Queen of the Sciences. Last week I asked what is or what should be the relationship between Science and Faith. A few weeks ago on National Public Radio's Speaking of Faith there was a discussion with John Polkinghorne, "Quarks & Creation", that sheds considerable light on what that realationship might look like. Polkinghorne is both a Theologian and a Physicist. In his conversation with NPR he handles the doctrine of Creation as both a faithful Christian and a responsible Scientist. Not only does he touch on the relationship between Science and Faith, he also addresses the question, the "why," that is being answered in Gensis 1.

On to this week, where we are all about praise. The Westminster Shorter Catechesim asks "What is the chief end of man?" and answers, "...to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever." In otherwords, we were created for worship and praise. The David Crowder Band on their new album, "A Collision," has this song You Are My Joy (Track 15). I found it to be a wonderful expression of what we might say when we find ourselves in "slack-jawed" awe of the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Praise is losing yourself in the greatness of God. Again, this week we are all about praise, we are all about losing ouselves in God. Here is this week's reading.

Thoughts/Questions for this Week:
1.) What are some moments or experiences where you found yourself to be in "slack-jawed" awe of God?
2.) Theology must find expression in our actions, so what would our lives (i.e., our actions, priorities, thinking, etc.) look like if we took seriously that all we have is a gift from God?
3.) What is heaven? Is it just a reward for a life well lived? Is it a destination or a journey? If heaven is the Kingdom of God then are we it's subjects, and if so how should a proper subject behave?