I’ve replaced the header images both on this blog and on my Avocation blog. I had to finagle a half-transparent box just to make the text readable on both sites, but I don’t think it looks half bad (note that I haven’t looked at it in IE yet). One down side is it breaks when you increase or decrease your text size. I’d love to rip this all down and start over, but I don’t have the time, and I think this small change will keep me satisfied with this layout for a few months more.

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In case you haven’t heard, Pat Robertson recently made some rather idiotic comments on Ariel Sharon’s recent medical crisis. In a nutshell, Robertson is claiming Sharon’s health problems are God’s punishment for “dividing the land of Israel.”

In answer to Robertson, there’s a well-written and insightful open letter popping up on several of the Evangelical blogs I read. The letter wasn’t written in direct response to Robertson’s recent statement — in fact, it was written in 2002 — but it’s contents are surprisingly relevant. I’ve read it a few times and agree with it whole-heartedly.

It should go without saying that Robertson doesn’t speak for all Christians when he makes these kind of comments, but this letter really explains what the position of Christians should be with regard to events in Israel. It also states clearly why Robertson and those who agree with him are wrong in their thinking and stand in oposition to the clear statements of the Bible with regard to this issue.

[Hat tip to Between Two Worlds and Theologica.]

My wife and I had a lovely first wedding anniversary this past weekend. We spent a few days at the Anniversary Inn in Logan, Utah. It’s a very romantic place and we’d recommend it to any couple.

As an anniversary gift, Janene bought me a new Bible. I have a couple of study Bibles, but this time around I was looking for something lightweight with less distractions. Those study Bibles get pretty bulky and I’m starting to think study notes (and even cross-references) distract too much from the actual text of scripture. I’m excited about studying the Bible by itself and not relying on those “crutches”.

I also wanted a new translation. As I’ve mentioned here before, I really appreciate the diversity that currently exists in Bible translations. I try not to get attached to any one translation for too long, and lately I’ve been really intrigued by the English Standard Version.

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Some of you may know Janene and I have been involved with a mid-week Bible study group for the past two or three years. The lady who originally organized and led the group moved to Georgia over a year ago, and in the absense of leadership our group has been meeting very sporadically since then. In order to kick-start things, the group has asked me to begin leading the studies.

As a group we’ve decided to start a study of the book of Hebrews, and I’ve consequently been studying the book as often as I get the chance. I taught the first part of the first study, Hebrews Overview, a few weeks ago. For those interested in reading them, I’ll be posting them on JoeyDay.net (see Bible Studies) and probably here as well.

For some time now I’ve been wondering (and I dare say worrying) whether or not others might justifiably label me an anti-Mormon. I came across a definition today that allayed my concern somewhat, but I want to post it here and see if people agree with it.

From the pamphlet Defending the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — A Reference Guide by Wayne D. Arnett (a joint publication of FAIR and SHIELDS):

bq. Anti-Mormon: One who opposes, attempts to find fault with, and passes judgment on the beliefs and faith of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ by way of lectures, pamphlets, books, films, etc.

So, do you agree with the definition? Whether you agree with the definition or not, would you label me an anti-Mormon? Why or why not? Don’t be afraid to be brutal.

Well, my “I ♥ Mormons” mug arrived in the mail sometime in mid-October and I’ve been keeping it on my desk at work. As some here had predicted, it has indeed been a conversation starter. It certainly added a fun bit of character to my workspace and none of my LDS co-workers were offended by it (or at least none admitted to being offended).

Unfortunately, this morning as I was walking to the break room to fill it with coffee, I fumbled and dropped it on the floor in the hallway. It shattered into two large halves and a dozen smaller shards. I casually remarked to one of my Mormon friends that this may have been a sign from God that I should stop loving Mormons, to which he smartly replied that it was more likely a sign that I should stop drinking coffee. Touché.