I’m pages away from finishing a marvelous book by John Piper entitled, “Desiring God” and a few nights ago I stumbled across something tucked away in one of the book’s appendices that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about.
First, a bit of preface.
Without delving too deep, Piper defines what he calls Christian Hedonism as the way by which “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him,” furthering the idea that man’s chief end is to glorify God. He goes on to explain the following:
We all make a god out of what we take the most pleasure in. Christian Hedonists want to make God their God by seeking after the greatest pleasure — pleasure in him.
By Christian Hedonism, we do not mean that our happiness is the highest good. We mean that pursuing the highest good will always result in our greatest happiness in the end. We should pursue this happiness, and pursue it with all our might. The desire to be happy is a proper motive for every good deed, and if you abandon the pursuit of your own joy you cannot love man or please God.
The Difference Between Worldly and Christian Hedonism:
Some people are inclined to believe that Christians are supposed to seek God’s will as opposed to pursuing their own pleasure. But what makes Biblical morality different than worldly hedonism is not that Biblical morality is disinterested and duty-driven, but that it is interested in vastly greater and purer things. Christian Hedonism is Biblical morality because it recognizes that obeying God is the only route to final and lasting happiness. Here are some examples of this from the Bible:
Luke 6:35 says, “Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great.” It is clear when Jesus says “expect nothing in return” that we should not be motivated by worldly aggrandizement, but we are given strength to suffer loss by the promise of a future reward.
Again, in Luke 14:12-14: “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your kinsmen or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor… and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” That is, don’t do good deeds for worldly advantage; rather, do them for spiritual, heavenly benefits.
-John Piper
Beyond that, I’ll let you read the book for yourself and draw your own conclusions if you find yourself searching for deeper meaning. The subject of this blog entry is not about Christian Hedonism directly, but rather about a quote within “Desiring God” that I found ASTOUNDING and haven’t been able to get out of my mind since.
Piper writes:
In “The Simple Life”, Vernard Eller delights himself in some of the great parables of SØren Kierkegaard. One of his favorites is the parable of the lighted carriage and the starlit night. We could also call it the crisis of Christian Hedonism. It goes like this:
“When the prosperous man on a dark but starlit night drives comfortably in his carriage and has the lanterns lighted, aye, then he is safe, he fears no difficulty, he carries his light with him, and it is not dark close around him. But precisely because he has the lanterns lighted, and has a strong light close to him, precisely for this reason, he cannot see the stars. For his lights obscure the stars, which the poor peasant, driving without lights, can see gloriously in the dark but starry night. So those deceived ones live in the temporal existence: either, occupied with the necessities of life, they are too busy to avail themselves of the view, or in their prosperity and good days they have, as it were, lanterns lighted, and close about them everything is so satisfactory, so pleasant, so comfortable — but the view is lacking, the prospect, the view of the stars.”
This parable BLEW MY MIND. What a potent dose of perspective these words are! And furthermore, which man am I? Am I MISSING OUT completely on the beauty that lies around me because I choose to live in a temporal existence occupied with the pleasures/necessities of life versus an awareness and enjoyment of God?
Piper summarizes:
Eller comments, “Clearly, ‘the view of the stars’ here intends one’s awareness and enjoyment of God.” The rich and busy who surround themselves with the carriage lights of temporal comfort, or the busy who cover themselves with troublesome care, cut themselves off from what Kierkegaard calls “the absolute joy”:
What indescribable joy! — joy over God the Almighty… for this is the absolute joy, to adore the almighty power with which God the Almighty bears all thy care and sorrow as easily as nothing.
Wow.
If you really mull this over, it’ll have you tossing and turning in no time — and the more you think about it, the more profound it becomes.
I’m a thinker, not a talker. Mind pictures, exemplums and allegories hit home. This one was a grand slam.
I’m unbelievably excited about this.
It was great Adam :)) I always get inspired by you.. Thank You…
I will also read the Book, it’s quiet Interesting.. :DD Thanks for sharing Adam…
YOU BLOW MY MIND.
;D
I’ve read this book too… I think I could read it again and get just as much out of it as the first time. I hate that I forget what I learned, and what was blowing my mind when I read books like this.
Btw, I highly recommend The Forgotten God, by… hmm… that guy. Oh yeah: Francis Chan. Thanks, google.
I am really sorry because I keep on commenting, however I was really inspired by this blog entry… I was so touched especially in the part where some verse of the Holy Bible was there, God is really great.. Praise God :DD
Besides I really love this lines..
“I’m a thinker, not a talker. Mind pictures, exemplums and allegories hit home. This one was a grand slam.” It was so good I just want to repeat it over and over again…
Thank you, Adam. I needed to be reminded that God is in control of all things. All of the earthly worries that we are bound to here on earth are really nothing when you look at the BIG picture. My husband is in the Army and today I found out he will be leaving for Afghanistan for the fourth time. Sometimes I get so caught up in my own sorrow I forget to look up and admire the stars. I am often reminded that as Christians we are working for a greater good. For a time and a place where all will be made right and there will be no more war, sorrow, death or sad goodbyes. I too hope to one day stand before the Father and know that I did not labor my life away for my own good but for the love of Christ.
Preach it, bro. This is glorious truth.
your friend,
Noelle
Pumped to see this, Adam.
I know you met Louie G. at the Tabernacle show in Atlanta. I hope you’ve seen his DVD series “How Great is Our God” and “Indescribable.”
Those are RIGHT up your galaxy alleys. I love it!
Come to @Passioncity Church sometime! (515 garson drive, atlanta ga)
I don’t have any words Adam. No words at all
I love this. I’ve always had a fascination with the stars and using them as an analogy for the happiness that following God brings is just brilliant to me. This is beautifully inspiring and came at the perfect time. :)
BRB *run find this book* and… Adam, you should write a book too, seriously =)!
It encourages me much to see you continually growing in your relationship with Christ. :) Thank you for being so inspiring.
I think this is a much needed reminder for all Christians. It is easy to get drawn into worldly comforts and pleasantries to the point where we forget our true joy should be found in Christ and our purpose on this earth. And what a beautiful depiction that parable paints! So awesome to read this this morning. Definitely a reminder I needed to hear. Love to hear you talk about your faith, don’t ever stop sharing your light with the world!
Thanks for the inspiring post! I needed to read that today.
Thank you Adam :) You always bring hope through your writings. Always “grand slams” to me. But really, it’s not you I see shining through your work, but Christ himself. :) And He is glorious in you.
I love the parable! I love looking to the unknowable. I’m reading a book called “Edge of Glory” by Randy Alcorn, and it’s almost one big parable about our life on Earth, and how much we are missing around us in the spiritual realm as well as working forward to our eternal home. It’ll set your mind ablaze :) I promise!
Love,
Stephanie
I’m a 14 year old atheist. But i can still understand the beauty in that quote. Amazing. xx
I’m so appreciative whenever you post about this…especially in this world of celebrities who say they’re Christians but don’t walk the walk! You talk the talk and walk the walk…keep on keeping on, Adam… you are in the greatest position imaginable to share your faith!!
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:13-16
thank you for this another blog post. i read that Bible verses. you are such an inspiration to us adam. spread the Gospel! xoxo
amazing stuff! great thing we all need to be reminded of once in a while. (:
Oops, the book is called “Edge of ETERNITY” :) check it out!
Wow . . . This was an absolutely wonderful blog . . . I am sitting here at my computer with wide eyes and a shocked expression. That is so profound, I’m still trying to fully comprehend what has been written. Thank-you so much for putting this on your blog, Adam. I feel like I know you more and more with every single blog you write . . . especially ones like this.
Prayers from your sister in Christ,
Becca
Adam-
You have no idea how much you inspire me. This is exactly what I needed to hear today…. Thank you so much for your wonderful thoughts. Much love and God Bless <3
…Dear God! What an incredible loss to be clinging to these tiny lanterns in the seemingly abysmal darkness, when all around is the glory of God and we’re choosing not to see it, choosing not to see it for these excuses of light, these flames that are inconsequential and distracting.
Why would we ever want to exchange the world for Him?
I am blown away.
Indeed.
Thankful for your sharing :)
Less of me and more of Him…
You are a Fairy!
John Piper is an amazing Christian man! Thank you for sharing this wonderful excerpt! It makes me want to read the whole book and certainly will try to get it soon. Yes, it’s only when we move out of our comfort zones that we can truly move closer to our Heavenly Father! I often visit a local country chapel that is situated near the woods; it is not used presently for services. There is an old pump organ inside the chapel which I love to play. I have spent many hours praying and worshipping in this old wooden church. Nothing compares! And the view of the stars at night is incredible. We must seek God and His glory and in order to find both, we must give up wastefully spent time and energy. But the joy is to have our hearts touched deeply and our spirits moved to new heights! Nothing else in this world can match these moments with our Creator!
PS. I second what Gabriel said!
Come to PCC when you’re in the neighborhood of the worlds largest aquarium ;)
Dreams Don’t Turn to Dust comes on before our gathering practically every week :-)
Oh Adam, You really have such a beautiful mind…
How can i not love you.. ;p
That Parable blew my mind too,,,
If we stick from the earthly things such as money and flesh, our eyes will be blind of the heavenly things…thus make us like the prosperous man. If we want to be like the poor peasant, we must walk and live spiritually to see and comprehend the simple life.
God Bless Your beautiful mind and soul,,, Adam.
This really clicked with what has been going in my existance right now…
I said it once in the last blog and now I shall say it again: OUT. OF. MY. PLEASE. MR. YOUNG.
xD But seriously, nice post.
Hey, it cut off the HEAD part in my ranty get out of my head post…=( Me no likey, me no likey at all.
Amazing, I can’t wait to go find this book and read it. :)
Oh goodness thanks for this! so amazing! i think i will read that book now. :) i totally get that we may be so comfortable using what light we have with us but we cant see the whole picture and that is no good at all! :( i want to be able to see god and the beauty he is doing in this world thanks so much adam!! u know these are my favorite types of posts so please keep it up! You are great and such a good man of god. You are one of my role models thanks so much well maybe i should be thanking jesus! :) your sister in christ. <3
well, in my humble opinion, and it written in my believe that
“works for worldly things as you live for forever, and works for the after life as you die tomorrow”
it means like, you are allowed to pursue your happiness to live in this world, but don’t forget to remember God who has given us pleasures in our life. Share our pleasures to the people and don’t hope anything return from them. Only to God, we hope everything.
Just be Grateful, and He will increase the pleasures to us.
we’re all know, everything has to be balanced. world and the after life. we work for those things.
love you!
You are such a gifted writer. Thank you for sharing your faith and your insights. Your blog always feels like a great conversation with a trusted friend.
Also, a belated thanks for your post this summer on introverts. I understand my brilliant introverted son so much better after reading your words.
I have to have my daughter read this! She is a Philosophy major/Biblical studies minor at college.
In contrast to you and my daughter, I am not a deep thinker (unless it involves some scientific or computer principle!) but I love doing the Lord’s work for the sake of doing what HE wants and not because I’m expecting some earthly reward.
One of my favorite singers (after you!) is Chris Rice. He has a song called “The Face of Christ”. In it he alludes to these verses: Matthew 25:35+36+40: “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” Verse 40:”And the King will say, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”
The needs of the world are desperate but as I look over a roomful of tired, hungry people, I get immeasurable happiness at being given the opportunity to do God’s work and be His hands and feet. Who knows; anyone of those I serve may be Jesus himself. :)
FYI: My church is doing a church-wide study emphasis centered around “The Simple Life” starting next week. Sounds good!
Simply incredible.
I am now adding this book onto my “must read” list.
As always, thank you, Adam, for your eloquence in word and leading an exemplary lifestyle. You’re in my prayers, friend.
Anybody wants to come and find some stars with me?
Thanks Adam
This book was definitely one of several game changers in my life. I’ve discovered that in order to get out of the effect of the “lights” speaking allegorically, I had to travel outside the glittering light of this American life to a developing country particularly to developing countries where the “peasants” not only have not much “artificial lamp light” and thus can see the beauty of the stars, but where they are also persecuted for their faith… and have no other option but to rely on the Creator of the stars to work miracles on their behalf…
That is brilliant. I really love John Piper’s stuff, and I cannot help but agree with this. Have you read “Don’t Waste Your Life?” That is an amazing book. Between that and “Crazy Love” (Francis Chan), my perspective was radically challenged.
Anyway, inspiring post. There are few people who I can relate to as well as you, so you’re a big encouragement. Keep up the good work and keep fighting the good fight!
Wow, all right, I want to read that book now, I know its sitting on one of our shelves somewhere.
Thanks for sharing Adam, may you be richly blessed as you seek the One who gave Himself for you.
~Anna P.
We did this book as a bible study, I really enjoyed this particular allegory as well…
overall though the book was really eye opening to me about how I should live my life…we tend to live with the mentality and belief that following God is a sacrifice of joy, when in fact it IS our joy, and greatest Joy!
I often read your blog and I love how christ centered your blog, and your career in general is. Your music and life is a ministry: never forget that! I pray for you and your band always!
Alex
Wow. I love this. It’s exactly along the lines of what I’ve been experiencing lately. Hard times are certainly not comfortable, but they’re also when at least I seem to experience God most fully. That alone makes it worth it.
I absolutely loved this…reminds me of a quote I often use that says “I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars.” I thoroughly enjoyed it :)
See this side of you I can relate to. The fan-girls are all like “He is soooo CUTE!” “Look at his mucles!”, and I turn slightly red. Because that man is a stranger to me. He is good looking, he is talented, and he is famous; everything I am not. He is not the guy I know.
But this guy, the guy who wrote the article above, I relate to. He loves God and wants to know him more, and I can compleatly relate to that.
O.K. I have no idea what I am trying to say… Never mind, I’ll just read the book. It sounds awesome.
Adam Young, you are too cute!!
My pastor was talking about something like this yesterday and it made me really think. Thank you for sharing this, it was really something, especially about the man and the carriage. I would rather see the the stars and be my guide. And I think you are living and choosing the right path. Like always I think God has great plans for you! So never give up! Always love you!
Jennifer Rose, I love your quote! It was really amazing!
First off: Wow. I was hearing things pertaining to this subject all last week, so this entry really HIT HOME with me. This blog is the climax of it all, you could say. So thank you, Adam. I needed to hear that. :)
Secondly: I have GOT to read this book! It sounds absolutely amazing. But then again, it’s John Piper. Why wouldn’t it be amazing?!
By the way, I’m a thinker too. :D I adore allegory and mental imagery. Hey! Maybe that’s why I’m reading/commenting on OWL CITY’S blog! Haha. If you haven’t read it already, you’d LOVE The Pilgrim’s Progress (lots & lots of allegory). :)
Adam,
I, like @xemma368x am a 14 year old and an atheist. I don’t believe in the existence of God. But a wise man once told me “Never insult a person’s beliefs, not unless they insult yours.” So I won’t. I don’t believe you, but I believe in the conviction, hope, and mind behind it. I personally found this entry a window into what you really believe. That wise man also said, when told I was going to read the bible in school “for the literary content”, “Good! You should read it. You should not grow up ignorant of other people’s beliefs, and what those beliefs are based on.” So I will try to understand. This helped me understand a ton. It shows me where certain things in history have come from, and it is an insight to your motivations and actions.
Adam, I don’t think you have to worry about not pursuing happiness in your God. You are one of the most dedicated Christians I could ever [hope to] meet. I hope that if I ever get to meet you, it would be for longer than just an autograph, a breathless “you mean the world to me”, and a hug/photo. I hope I could just sit and discuss with you your beliefs, mine, and just our views on life in general over some coffee and a box of munchkins. I know, religions aside, we would identify with each other very much.
Love,
Jess
wow, you amaze me. I love the fact that you could easly lose sight of God by becoming famous and there for living for the world, but you dont. You seem to be a amazing christain man who loves God with all your heart, soul and mind!!!!! And that is way i love you and your music so much!!!!! :)
All I can say is wow! That’s just, wow!
I am totally going to look into this book, and read it! It sounds incrediabley interestingly, wonderful and enlightening, but yet informational and thought provoking!
Thanks! And wow again! lol
~laurianna
God Bless!
Adam, you inspire me as a singer, a writer, and most importantly as a Christian. You’ve helped me more than you can with my Christian walk. This especially inspires me to “fast” from the “lanterns” in my life to get closer to God. My greatest hope in life is that I will one day meet you (if not in this life at least in the next) to tell you how much you mean to me. Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
Wow. As soon as I read this I SWEAR, in the middle of a thunderstorm, out broke an oasis of pink hued clouds in the sky.
I’m not a Christian person specifically, but a person of all “religion”/ways of life.
I really don’t mean to sound like a know it all, but I’ve been chasing my happiness for quite some time now, and I hope that you find it also Mr. Young, because it is SO much fun to do.
Love your music today, and I honestly don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Keep doing what you do.
I’ve never heard that parable until now, but it’s really fantastic! It really goes well with the sermon series my pastor has been preaching on. Great find, and thanks for sharing!
I gotta say, though, I love the fact that you post God’s good word on your blog. With so many people reading each week, it’s such an amazing way to spread God’s glory! Way to go! :)
OH, to add on to what I put above: Mr. Young, I support your being a “Christian” man, but please don’t take this the wrong way.
If you do really read these comments please consider investigating the original form of Christianity because VERY much of modern Christianity it tainted and is not as it originally was. I suggest the book “Medu Ntr”.
Please please consider this Mr. Young, and all the Christians above who are strong believers that a white man is our God.
If you think about it, the first person on Earth HAD to be a black woman because a white person CANNOT produce any person of ethnicity. When a black person, for instance, marries a white person, the baby is more black than white.
The first person had to be a woman because a man cannot reproduce, and for those Christians who believe we are God’s children, we technically would be “God’s” wife’s children, because, of course, a man can’t reproduce.
Please, people above and Mr. Young, consider what I am saying because it really will open your eyes and make you realize everything that appeared invisible before.
I truly hope that you all don’t take offense to what I am saying. I am not saying anything like, “your religion is fake”. I am simply saying read more into what you think you are woshipping/living by.
I am only 13 years old, and I am enlightened.
WOW. That parable is amazing. Your posts always get me thinking. There are so many complicated things in the world around me to get me depressed, but you always get me to look at the simple and beautiful things in life. Thankyou so much.
It would mean so much to me if you’d check out my blog. My friend (who regularly comments as Lorelei AKA GalaxyGirl) wrote you a letter that I posted on there.
http://orangeintheovercast.blogspot.com/
Bear hugs!
Madd :)
I grew up with the idea of Christian Hedonism (since I go to Piper’s church), but I have to say that I’ve never actually read Desiring God. I’m glad that you are so deeply enjoying it! It’s great that you love to engage your mind and expand your comprehension of the world and of God.
Blessings!
I totally know what you mean about being a thinker over a talker. Stuff like this does really hit home with me.
The problem is, there’s this other part of my brain (I believe Neal Stephenson described it as “the crawly part”) that says “BUT HOW COULD YOU GET DOWN THE ROAD WITHOUT THOSE CARRIAGE LIGHTS?!?!?! ARE YOU CRAZY!?”
What a neat parable – love the imagery and the message!
You inspire me to get into a better relationship with God through your happiness and contenment in Him. You’re truly a great role model. Thank you Adam :)
Adam I bet you’re reading my mind. This piece SPEAKS TO ME. These days, I’ve been wondering if life without regrets equals to offending God. Cos the way the world views “life without regrest” is do whatever we want and enjoy the happiness of life… But Christian Hendonism is what I REALLY NEEDS. Thank you Adam. You just solved my worries and wonders. You blogs are what exactly I need, or let’s say what the WORLD needs.
Dear Adam,
This book sounds amazing; I will definitely need to check it out! I’ve been mulling over the darkness of the world and how we need to be the bright lights in this dark world, but I totally forgot that it’s easy to slip into the “light” of worldly goods, and out of God’s light. I’ve been challenged lately, and I really needed your words of encouragement. Thank you for continuing to help me in my quest to be a good disciple for God, and I really hope you do more of these blogs about your religious findings, they are so helpful. God bless you, Adam, and I will continue praying.
Love,
Madeline
Hi.
It’s me again.
I’m surprised I’m commenting again because like I said yesterday, I really don’t do things like this.
Still I have to say that I spent the summer going through Piper’s Desiring God and this post also hit home, rather coincidentally. God’s timing is amazing. I had to read this tonight. Thank you so much for sharing. Like I said yesterday, it’s doubtful you will ever get around to reading this but if you do, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It says so much about our Lord that you are so outspoken and firm about your faith, to him be the glory.
Christine
Mr. Adam,
You are one awesome dude, and seeing you spread God’s word and your knowledge and findings just brings me so much joy. He’s doing so many amazing things in you.
Your brother in Christ,
-Joe
I must confess that at first, I found the expression “Christian Hedonism” to be new and a little shocking. But what Soren Kierkegaard stated long ago is so true. Absolute joy – absolute pleasure – is knowing Christ. Unfortunately, most people let mundane things obscure this reality. Thanks again Adam for pointing us to Him. GOD BLESS YOU!
Adam,
Thanks so much for posting this. It’s such an encouragement to hear things like this from a person like you. My brother was just at the Desiring God National Conference in Minneapolis and is coming home with lots of good news from Mr. Piper. We’re actually doing his Blazing Center bible study right now! Our family has enjoyed reading the works of John Piper for many, many years, and he’s such a burst of amazing-ness (for lack of a better word hehehe) from God. Thanks again, Mr. Young :)
By the way…Maui, Hawaii would still love to see you <3…Unfortunately, not all of us can fly to Oahu :( But believe me, we wish we could! also, my theologically pumped little sister FREAKS OUT whenever you do posts like this…She was also very happy when she heard that you go to Bethlehem Baptist, because she loves John Piper as much as she loves you..hahaha kinda like me! :D
I was just thinking that the above parable reminds me of the story of when Jesus went to visit Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42).
Mary couldn’t stay away from Jesus, she hung on his every word and wanted to be near Him. Meanwhile, Martha was in the house fussing over dinner and scolding Jesus for not having Mary help her.
I am so much like my biblical namesake that it can be no coincidence that I was named Martha. Far too often I get wrapped up in the fussy details of earthly life and forget to stop and listen to Him just as Mary did. Let me not forget, Lord and call me Dear Martha when you need to remind me!
Very very inspiring.
I’m sure we all have something to think about after this.
Thankyou for sharing…makes me think….I will look up at the stars as I leave for work now in the pre-dawn.
Thank you Adam. I really, really, needed this. I find nowadays I’m losing sight of what it means to be a Christian, letting myself get wrapped up in the ways of the world and every Sunday I’m reminded what I do is wrong, promise to change and then I forget about it the moment the week starts again. It’s a cycle that’s left me completely exhausted these past few months and I’m trying so hard to break out of it. I stalk your blog regularly now, not because I’m a crazy fangirl but your faith in God is just so amazingly encouraging. So thank you. I’m printing out that parable and sticking it on my wall :P
ADAM. That was amazing.
Joy is something amazing, and this just screams Gods Joy in your life:)
Thanks for sharing!:)
Praying for ya!
IL C YOU IN NOVEMBER!
CarrieLynn
Amen brother! I get inspired by things like this as well! It gives me the God feeling, or “God chills” (if you know what that is you’re awesome!) I am also happy to see you are so open about your relationship with Jesus. God has given you a spotlight, and He can change many many lives through you if you allow. Keep preaching, keep sharing! God bless ^_^
Adam,
WOW! That was amazing! I needed that; it really hit home! Thank you for posting this. Please keep posting stuff like this. Keep your eyes on Christ!
Keep Writing!
Livy
Thanks for the post! Refreshing.
Ah…Dear Adam,
I always forget how I was created to live and then I find something to remind me.Most of the time I’m not looking or I don’t even realise I need to be.However,when I discover that little something,that push I need to humble myself into remembering how small I am and how big God is,I feel,presicly,rotten.The reason I feel so low is because I know I’ve let him down by not giving God my everything.I owe Him that and I will never be able to pay Him what He deserves,so He cancled my debt and I choose things that won’t matter the day after tomorrow over a deep,fullfilling,personal and eternal realtionship with the God who created the universe.I don’t deserve that but I can have that and I would rather light up a bunch of silly lanterns that will block my view of Him.It just makes me feel small.And I need to feel small.I am small.I want to desire God and make him the center of my life.
Thank you so much for this entry;it has been so encouraging to me.
P.S. That little something(in this case) that put my perspective in its appropriate place and pushed me back into a mindset that wants to live life neverendingly praising my creator was this blog post…..Just so you know cool this is for me.
Prince Charming,
When you come with your carriage, id prefer if to be private, My friends already tweeted you enough after they saw your response to me and I was embarrassed and all tingly inside and id really just prefer to be alone. ;)
http://imfearfullyandwonderfullymade.tumblr.com/post/10757236143/adam-young
I would add one more thing. After reading your blog, I got on the phone and ordered John Piper’s book. Adam, what you have written here is so good that it has made me want to read more.
Adam,
Thank you so much for all of your insights! It is truly amazing to see God working in and through your life! To think of all the people you are able to reach is amazing, what wonderful plans God has for His children!
I appreciate your honesty and venerability in your eloquent writing, and I can definitely relate to the more introspective nature of your blog. Piper is a great author and I really enjoyed this post! I wish you had an upcoming show in Washington State! Thank you!
Adam, thanks for posting this without making excuses but also without throwing barbs. I have much to think about.
Adam, thanks for taking the time out of your day to write this. It’s beautiful. Loved the quote and the parable, love your transparency and wide eyed innocence even more. These things are something to ponder over and over. We (and I include myself in that ‘we’) spend way too much time on the temporal, meaningless material things in this world that really don’t mean a thing instead of basking in and enjoying the breathtaking beauty that God has placed all around us.
Of course, now I have to go and get that John Piper book.
Thanks again, Adam. Grace & peace,
Pam M.
Wonderful and inspiring quote. I recently read Honestly, by Johnnie Moore, in which he asks the question “what if we really lived what we say we believe?” This is the key to enjoying God; living as if he really matters. If you’re interested, here is a link: http://dld.bz/ansdr
This is great adam, inspiring!
I am just like you: I’m a thinker, not a talker. There are so many deep things you could think about. Take it from me, I do it all the time. Keep reading intruging books like that one.
Thanks for posting your book review on your blog.
By the way, I like the part about the starry sky. Looking at the stars is the greatest thing in the world. I can’t even imagine being too preoccupied in something tempory to never notice the stars, much less never realizing God’s glory.
Thank you for being a dreamer-and a thinker like me.
I have never been a very religeous person. I do believe in God. This is a very inspiring article. I have always been more of a thinker myself, although I do normaly like to express my thoughts and ideas. I do enjoy reading each and every one of your blog posts because they make me think. Well, most of them anyways. Some of the funny ones just make me laugh!
-Katie the polar bear girl
This was profound and made my day! I am always deeply touched by your heartfelt ways of exspressing your love for Jesus. You make me want to go shout it from the rooftops that He’s my Savior.
And I love John Piper’s books…you should seriously consider reading his book “Pierced by the Word” if you already haven’t!
Love never fails. <3
-Rebekah
Wow Adam, that was astounding.
Thank you so much for sharing this gem with all of us. I will definitely be picking up Piper’s book for a read of my own.
This will be running through my mind for awhile, as I so often miss the stars because of the lights I surround myself with. You, via Piper, challenged me to change that.
See you at Cedarville this November,
Josh(E)
Wow….
I’d say more words, but just the one seems to encompass everything I’m thinking right now.
I have to admit, I hate using the term “Christian Hedonism” because it’s just as ironic as a name such as “Atheist Christianity” or “Protestant Catholicism.” Still, it’s very strong biblically and it shows your willingness to let your relationship with Christ grow at warp speed and NEVER stop.
Cool parable too. Why be interested in so many temporary things when you can walk in the LORD and get the full vista of life?
Stay strong in Him.
I love how your posts always remind me of the last book in the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis- The Final Battle. Just constant reminders to step back and look at the big picture. Praise God you’re a thinker and a writer :) Keep it up, brother.
Amen.
There will be signs in the sun, moons, and stars…
Luke 21:25
Wow. I’ve been living that way. It’s good and fun but late at night it keeps me awake with a deep kind of unsatisfaction and longing for something more. Hm. This one will have me thinking for a while.
Hey Adam,
Thanks for always knowing just what to say when to say it! ;D You smart cookie, you!!
I wrote you a letter!!
http://orangeintheovercast.blogspot.com/2011/07/dearest-adam.html#comments
<33333333333
God, is not a dictator, neither are his commandments a ”dictatorship” for the masses to fear. God never wanted to be “feared” ….just respected….. as we should respect one another, after all, we were all made in his image! We take so much for granted, when life itself is a gift!
Once again, you put things into words so perfectly it leaves me deeply thinking of the true meaning to life.
And it also leaves me thinking, “Am I blinded by my own carriage lights?”
Keep fighting the good fight, Mr. Young. The world will tear us down, but we just stand up and fight again. Thank you for being such an inspiration to your listeners.
glad Adam’s doing something other than daydreaming. :P
I really like Don Piper’s books, a profound thinker and a man with quite and exciting life including dying and coming back to life. Oh what I would give to have that experience!
this issue is EXACTLY what my husband and i have been talking about lately. this post was so helpful–thanks adam!
Your posts are inspiring. Can I ask for your permission? I am currently reposting some of your blog entries in my blog. I hope it would be ok with you.
I was blessed with your blog entry.. I also questioned if w/c was I in the 2…the Peasant or the rich man…jajaja..Thank you…
Adam,
“I’m just a shell as far as I can tell.”
I’m in love with this statement. I’ve been listening to this song on repeat for some reason lately, trying to unlock all your little secrets. But lo and behold, I was in Bible study yesterday & it all clicked!
Then, I was far out into the country and got to see all the stars winking at me so beautifully behind some sneaky clouds. The lighted carriage and starlit night popcorned into my brain & appreciation and awe swept over me.
God is speaking to all of us through you – making your blog an addiction! Words are so powerful and you don’t waste a second of them.
You really are a moonlighter. A flashlight from above to shine on all those who walk the night.
Your dear friend in Christ,
Melissa
shanksh for dat. :)
we have like 12 copies of that book. it’s a good one. no doubt about it.
Blogs like THIS one are why I keep coming back and reading more.
Keep writing, keep thinking, keep seeking!
Your blog entry here makes me so glad :) Excellent.
It’s also like God is an amazing original masterpiece. There are tons of prints, photocopies, and imitations out there. They seem pretty astounding to the eye that doesn’t look to God, but when that person does get to know Christ those things of this world lose their radiance. It’s not that those things aren’t pretty cool, but that they simply pale in comparison with Him.
The effects of your walk with Christ are so encouraging and hope-giving to many!
wow thank you for writing this post, its a good reminder for me personally and i needed it. thanks :) i always enjoy your posts.
God Bless you ^^
Huh. That’s funny, I was thinking about this kind of stuff for the past couple of days. It’s like twin telepathy. But… not. At all.
Thank you Adam for your wonderful, poetic, thought provoking posts. You continually inspire me.
We should pursue this happiness
The first time I read this entry, I was a little thrown off. Is this passage saying that we should abandon things that keep us feeling safe and covered in our world so that we may be less oblivious more spiritual aspects of life?
I’ve always wanted to be closer to God, but have always felt so many restrictions, and so many “rules” that it almost felt as though Christianity was a chore, something that you HAD to do in order to have an afterlife.
I believe in Jesus-I want to be a REAL Christian, somebody who devotes their life to God because they want to, not because they feel they have to. The first time I read this entry, I didn’t know what to say, and I left a couple comments along the lines of “Adam Y U SO AWESOME?” and “You know just what to say”. But frankly I’m frightened that I’ll never figure out how to really understand Christianity, and truly find God, especially with all the distractions around me, like stressing about school. I have a lot of thinking to do. :/
Adam,
After I read “Desiring God” the first time, I was in awe. Piper is amazing and reading his books have really helped me in my Christian walk. It makes me so excited to see someone with that fame you have being lit on fire for Christ. What an encouragement that is to me! I highly recommend Piper’s book “Hunger for God” as well.
May God continue to bless you as you serve His Kingdom. I’m so thankful that Christ has given you the gifts you have…because listening to your music helps brighten many of my days :)
In Christ,
Meg
Adam,
I, like @xemma368x am a 14 year old and an atheist. I don’t believe in the existence of God. But a wise man once told me “Never insult a person’s beliefs, not unless they insult yours.” So I won’t. I don’t believe you, but I believe in the conviction, hope, and mind behind it. I personally found this entry a window into what you really believe. That wise man also said, when told I was going to read the bible in school “for the literary content”, “Good! You should read it. You should not grow up ignorant of other people’s beliefs, and what those beliefs are based on.” So I will try to understand. This helped me understand a ton. It shows me where certain things in history have come from, and it is an insight to your motivations and actions.
Adam, I don’t think you have to worry about not pursuing happiness in your God. You are one of the most dedicated Christians I could ever [hope to] meet. I hope that if I ever get to meet you, it would be for longer than just a breathless “you mean the world to me” and a hug/photo. I hope I could just sit and discuss with you your beliefs, mine, and just our views on life in general over some coffee and a box of munchkins. I know, religions aside, we would identify with each other very much.
Love,
Jess
Thanks for being a great example to all of us. You are so inspiring to me. I love reading your dramatic blog posts.
Really? We’re doing this again?
I suggest a wonderful read titled “The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins. I can almost guarantee that it’s a much more insightful read than anything by Piper could ever hope to be.
Because wondering what an invisible cosmic overlord wants from insignificant mortals is a worthwhile endeavor, and not completely pointless in the least. Oh no, never! Not at all!
I have no problems with your beliefs, Adam. But your blog posts seem to automatically assume that all your listeners are Christians. I am left with a feeling of complete ineptness and betrayal, as if my personal beliefs mean nothing to you, that you have to completely ignore my own demographic when you focus on ONLY your Christian followers.
Way to make an entire group of people feel alienated, Adam. I can’t be the ONLY one who feels this way.
No, Caitlin, you’re not.
Believing and worshiping a personal god is one thing. Consistently shoving your beliefs down the throats of your fans and providing only marginally non-biased reading content for those of us who are either non-religious or of alternate religions really speaks mountains about your target audience.
If that is who you want to attract, Adam, then please become an exclusively Christian singer. Not only will you get more listeners who appreciate ALL of what you do, but you will ultimately avoid awkward blog responses like this. It is extremely disconcerting to see these kinds of entries. None of this holds any personal value to me. I am not a Christian. I’m sure many of your fans aren’t.
Now I expect the “If you don’t like, then don’t read it!” comments to be sent my way, but that’s just fine. You’re not the ones being completely ignored by one of your heroes, so why would I expect any of his Christian fans to understand?
This book is a joke. I’m sorry, I simply have to be honest.
The God of the Bible approves of such things as slavery, rape, murder, stoning, and theft as long as it is does in God’s name. None of these are “pure” or “good” as Piper describes, unless you decided to completely abandon your entire moral code.
And since Jesus never claimed to replace the law set in place by the Judeo-Christian God, and stated himself that he was sent to enforce God’s law, that means he approves of such things, as well.
I cannot take any of Piper’s claims seriously. Caitlin, I have read The God Delusion, and statements like this sum up the “Goodness” of the Christian God very nicely: “The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully. Those of us schooled from infancy in his ways can become desensitized to their horror. ”
Adam, I cannot believe you endorse this book, let alone believe a word of it.
to All you folks who are saying that Adam is “leaving you out” by talking to a “christian” audience… consider the fact that Adam is not ashamed of what he believes and he is sharing what is of value to him. If you can’t handle it then you don’t really care about him, so just be quiet and listen to his music and don’t take everything so personally.
Secondly, if you’re going to say that he is “neglecting his non-christian fans” CONSIDER AGAIN: all of the musical artists who do the exact opposite. There are MANY MANY who are blatantly against God and Christianity. Us Christians shouldn’t get on there and start an argument! It’s not worth it. If you appreciate someone;s music LEAVE IT AT THAT!
Adam is just like ANY OTHER PERSON on the planet who has a blog – he just has a LOT OF FANS who want to read every word he says! If you don’t agree with him, suck it up and deal with it!
Everyone is allowed to speak their mind, why not Adam??? Hello??
ADAM: Thank you for being who you are! And for standing unashamedly for what you believe. I want to be like that…
You make me think of the simplicity of the country life.
Once I sat in a cane chair,drunk in the milky moonnight, I was totally lost in your THE YACHT CLUB . How endearing it was!!
This reminds me of my favorite hymn. It says, “I wander through the still of night, when solitude is everywhere. Alone beneath the starry light and yet I know that God is there. I kneel upon the grass and pray; an answer comes without a voice. It takes my burden all away and makes my aching heart rejoice.” Your testimony of Christ is so much better than your music. You seem like the type that would make sure all of your lamps are put out so you can star gaze.
@ Anna
That is an extremely childish response. We are his fans. We are who made him what he is. Without us, he would still remain an unknown. And what the hell are you on about? You as a Christian are not being opressed. If an artist is not Christian, then that’s the end of it. Are you telling me you get angry when a non-Christian or casual Christian artist doesn’t mention God? That’s bull! Get off your high horse and get over it!
Everyone here has a right to speak their minds, including us! Just because you don’t agree with doesn’t mean you get to tell is to shut up. Adam needs to realize that his fans are less than happy with him right now. If he wants to be a Christian artist, then fine, he can do that. But as long as he shows any dissociation from God in his music, the I for one am consistently going to speak up whenever he says something that offends me as an atheist listener.
It personally offends me whenever Adam gets up like this and goes all “insanely religious”. He should be able to appreciate every one of his fans, but he only seems to be addressing the Christian ones. Not to mention, Adam has changed too much since starting his blog. He did not once mention religion before 2009, or really even early 2010. I miss the old Owl City. It was much more obscure and metaphorical. Nowadays, he’s either completely religious or just…not really himself. It gets me down, because Owl City factors in way too much in my life for him to be like this without me saying something. I feel like he’s not really himself anymore.
I was wondering when Caitlin would show up. Are we going to be discussing the whole basis of religion again? I hope not. I think the past few Christian-oriented posts have proved that these discussions don’t get us anywhere. Nobody is going to have their major beliefs swung by a few comments. I’d rather discuss how this affects Adam and ourselves. But go ahead and argue if you want. That’s what we’ve always done.
Wow. Thanks for sharing, Adam. Love the allegory! God is good, and keep growing in faith, brother!
note – I know there are a lot of controversies going on because of this post, but I encourage you as a sister-in-Christ to continue to shine Christ’s light in the world. God IS glorified in your posts, and I am sure that I am not the only Christian who has been encouraged by your example to live for Him in your everyday life and especially through your blog. Keep fighting the good fight, and may God cause you to grow more and more like Him each day.
@Rose T
I Don’t think Adam means to offend anyone when he shares his religious beliefs with us. And I especially don’t think that he favors any of his fans at all. I understand why these entries might throw you off though. Sometimes it’s hard to hear religious views of others. I for one get a little frightened because I’m still learning and making lots of decisions toward my relationship with Jesus. Adam appreciates all of his fans, that’s something I admire so much about him. He doesn’t judge people for their religion or anything, I simply think he felt compelled to share this realization with someone, and I’m pretty flattered he shared it with us! I’m excited every time Adam shares his heart with us, he has such a great heart! I just wanted to ask you though, how do you suppose Adam has changed? And also your name didn’t happen to be a Doctor Who reference did it? ;D
It is a well-thought parable indeed.
I have been through a very deep depressing period for the last eleven months. I had been so absorbed in my worldly problems that I had forgotten to love God, even though I pronounced His name numerous times every day. I have been so depressed that I did things such as hurt myself, and also think about suicide almost all the time… But only yesterday did I stop to think that whatever sadness I was feeling… it would have been something if it was for God, but it wasn’t! I was so in love with worldly things and persons, that I forgot that my utmost love should go to God! Why was I thinking “No, I shouldn’t commit suicide because I would go to hell.”? I should have been thinking: “I cannot commit suicide, because the purpose of this act would be directed at worldly pleasures, and not God!” An action is always astray and incomplete if it is not committed to gain God’s pleasure; that IS the way to true happiness.
I was so lost. Actually, it’s so easy to get lost nowadays, isn’t it? It’s becoming tougher and tougher to keep in touch with reality, the REAL reality, the one that is inside you, and not the superficial one you can hold in your hands.
I too am asking myself: am I holding my own light, or the light of God? Am I the rich (wo)man with the lanterns, or the star peasants on the streets? I don’t want to pursue what is temporary… I want the pleasure to stay forever in my heart, and not on my hands.
@ Lorelei
No, it isn’t, it’s actually from a book I read for school. You would probably like it, it’s called Dreamhunter. And what I meant was, Adam does seem to becoming a wholly Christian artist (pun not intended) – which is not something I want. I know very well Adam doesn’t know who I am, and therefore doesn’t care what I think. But I want to put it out there that not only was he more open to all sorts of fans in the beginning, not just atheists and christians but muslims and jews and all other sorts of religions. I am not unnerved or frightened by Adam’s religious posts. He’s not judging or ridiculing his non-christian fans, he’s probably just inadvertently alienating them. Adam is my hero and my idol, and it hurts me to see him with beliefs that are SO DIFFERENT from mine. But I know for a fact that it would destroy Adam and therefore Owl City if he ever stopped being christian. Ironic, isn’t it?
@ Fatima
It has to be based in truth in order to be a realization. What with being based in REALITY and all. Which this definitely isn’t. Believe what you want to believe, but I for one know what’s real and what isn’t.
Adam is basically instructing all of his fans to put HIS God before anything else in their lives. That is not cool. And not anything I wish to be a part of. Bring back the old nonpartisan Owl City!!!
You never find Adam quoting Gandhi or some of the great philosophers of our history. No, it’s always something about the Bible and what he finds to be “in” at the moment concerning Christianity. He has a lot of influence over young minds, and he’s using that to his advantage. Jesus himself even compared his followers to sheep, and if he’s not careful, Adam is going to contribute to yet another generation of non-thinking, non-independent, conformist followers to an archaic idealism that is 2000 years out of date. Following your shepherd is NOT the best idea, you know. Because ultimately, you will either be stripped of your wool, your natural protection against the elements, or cut up and fried for veal. Never once have I seen Adam endorse thinking independently, and that’s why I find posts like these extremely dangerous. If he were to think outside the box for a few minutes, and maybe suggest a wider variety of reading material other than the Bible or things that are “divinely” inspired, then perhaps he wouldn’t be faced with so much opposition. Like it was stated before: There is a HUGE different between sharing your faith, holding it for yourself, and shoving it down people’s throats, even if it’s unintentional.
@ Rose T.
I have to disagree. I think he would be the same Adam even if he wasn’t a Christian. If you are an atheist/agnostic, since we know that God is not a factor when it comes to the music he creates, eliminating it from his life would provide no change. Something actually has to exist in order to provide inspiration for an external entity. If Adam suddenly woke up and decided to approach his music from a more secular light, I really don’t see it making any difference to his music.
@Brandon
I have to agree with you on your comment concerning Adam’s creativity. He’s lost it. He could do so much more if he just dropped his beliefs. If he DROPPED them. If something world-crashing happened to him to suddenly make him lose faith, well I’m scared to know what would happen. But if he had grown up in a non-religious household, or had the, um…independence to question religion, he would probably still be the successful dreamer he is today. It’s really hard to rethink the past after taking out such a big factor, so I apologize if my theorizing is a little bit rough. School doesn’t really leave time for thinking, you know?
@ Caitlin
EXACTLY. I think he was best at “Maybe I’m Dreaming” and his Sky Sailing stuff.
@Caitlin- Adam is not INSTRUCTING anyone to do anything, he’s EXPRESSING his OWN beliefs. My comment was directed at him, as a person who understands where he’s coming from (or at least, after reading this post, I feel like I do). I know a lot of you here are not at all spiritual like Adam is, or like me, but know that by expressing our beliefs we are not OFFENDING you, or making you the victims of our unending ‘nonsensical’ chatter.
Anyway, your reality is what you want to be real, my reality is quite different.
However, I don’t want anyone to take it as an argument, rather just a conversation between two people of similar faith. (Me to Adam)
Let Adam be whoever he wants to be. Owl City is ours, but before being ours, it’s Adam’s.
There are 4 atheists here, Fatima. Me, Caitlin, Brandon, and Jess.
@Fatima
Adam says in this blog that he assumes his listeners will go out and read this book after observing what he has to say about it, and then tells them that he knows they will reach the same conclusion as him – that it was so profound and inspiring! he doesn’t say “if” you read it, “he specifically says “when” you read it. Did you just miss that part? Whether intentionally or unintentionally, he is very heavily influencing the actions and beliefs of other people. And I do not in any way think that is a good thing, because this book implies that everyone should drop everything and give their lives and souls to God. I take that as a minor form of deception, and I for one do not endorse such behavior. Whether he’s expressing his beliefs or not, he’s doing it in the worst way possible.
“Anyway, your reality is what you want to be real, my reality is quite different.”
On the contrary, reality is NOT what you want to be real. Reality is the same for EVERYBODY. Just because you choose to believe that gravity doesn’t exist, doesn’t mean you won’t become a stain on the sidewalk if you choose to jump off of a tall building. What is real is real, and what isn’t real isn’t real. If something exists, it should be apparent to ALL observers. Not to a select few who have supposedly “seen the light”.
I retract one of my statements. Adam states,
“Beyond that, I’ll let you read the book for yourself and draw your own conclusions if you find yourself searching for deeper meaning.”
However, his assumption that anyone who reads it will just be blown away by how profound and deep it is, still stands. He is making a wild assumption card here, and one that I believe he should know better than to throw out there. I would like Adam to start suggesting more meaningful pieces that ALL of his fans can enjoy. But that would involve stretching his wings and getting his hands on more secular or open-minded material. It could open doors for him, and I would personally feel proud of him if he did so.
I understand that it is frustrating when someone we follow and enjoy listening to and hearing their thoughts and words starts saying things that we don’t believe, can’t relate to, or simply just seems to be saying things aimed at one audience that is not us. I get that.
I guess I just see this from a different perspective. I love when people are genuine. I love when people express how they truly feel through their artistic method be that song or just a blog. Whether that be feelings of anger at a situation, dissapointmet, joy, good feelings, ugly feelings, apathy, God loving excitement or God anger and disappointment. I just want to hear how people are truly feeling. Where THEY are at.
Jess, I LOVED your first post on this entry for that reason. It was real. You didn’t hide that you disagreed but you said it with the utmost respect and honor, appreciating another’s genuineness. The same reasons I appreciate Adams post.
I appreciate blogs for this reason. I don’t know if Adam had a specific goal in mind for his blogs, but I know many keep blogs to express how they feel. If we desire for Adam to cater to both non Christians and Christians or if we desire for him to cater to only Christians or to only non Christians, then I believe we are desiring for him to be less genuine, less real. That’s not what I truly desire and I am betting that is not what most if us truly desire either.
@ Ash
I am with you in that I do not want Adam to be less “genuine”, as you put it. I realize that Adam uses this blog to express whatever emotion he may be feeling at the time. However, that does not mean that as his fans, we are not allowed to point out how WE feel concerning his latest post. I do not feel that he would be any less ADAM by trying to bring a more universal and diverse discussion to the table, instead of just relying on old books and verses to make a point. Yes, it is extremely hard for me to read these posts that are just so blatantly against everything I know to be true. I don’t need God to be happy, but Adam consistently implies that happiness, love, and true humanity cannot be found unless I start to think like him. I cannot appreciate his genuineness in his faith, because I personally find so much wrong that with it, that I’d go so far as to say it physically pains me to read it sometimes. I know not everyone feels this way. But I do understand that when I post something online, I have to be open to any scrutiny or judgement that I might get as a result. Those of us opposed to his ideas have a right to say what we want without being jumped upon or ridiculed for having an alternate opinion. I appreciate Adam’s music, his imagination, and his creativity every day. But I do not appreciate being left out of every other religious post, because I am not religious, thus none of this applies to me.
I definitely agree. You shouldn’t be jumped in or ridiculed for whatever opinions you have. I don’t know many who can disagree well to be honest. Few, but not many.
It’s hard because following someone like Adam is very different than other relationships we have in our lives. People we see and talk to on a regular basis, if they talk about religious things then they probably talk about other things enough too that the religious talk is not such a huge deal. But someone like Adam whom we only read his blogs or hear his songs, if he talks about these things then it is hard to balance that with other conversations because THiS is all we have to encounter him with. Am I making sense? I don’t know, just some thoughts.
I appreciate your honesty Caitlin. Curious as to where you’ve been in life and what led you to where you are today.
Wow. You guys are blowing this way out of proportion.
He doesn’t say “If you’re atheist, I hate you, and you can go die in a fire.” he’s just talking about what he believes. He believes that with God, you can find true happiness. Atheists believe that it’s possible without God. Big deal, there’s two different view points. Every time I see a song or whatever someone makes about why they don’t think God is real, I disagree, but I don’t get all offended.
His posts might have changed because his faith got stronger. That wasn’t hard to figure out.
Also, you can’t assume that his parents FORCED him to be Christian. For all you know, they never really talked about it with him, and he became like this on his own.
Last, if you don’t like the post, don’t read it! it’s not a requirement. He’s not forcing Christianity at you, that would be if he went up to you and shoved a bible in your face and started shouting at you that you better convert, or else. I’ve had that happen, and this sounds nothing like it :P
@Angie
The immaturity behind your post is astounding. Not only are you claiming that we’ve said things that we never said, but you are exaggerating our points to the extent that none of what you say is what we actually think. I suggest you get over yourself, because we have a right to express our opinions. We’re not the ones blowing this way out of proportion, my friend, YOU are. Plus, the “You don’t have to read this point, you should just ignore it” excuse is exceedingly lame. If we didn’t care about Adam, we wouldn’t read it, and it wouldn’t be such a big deal for us. If YOU can’t handle what we have to say, how about following your own advice and avoid reading OUR posts. That seems like a much more common sense thing to do.
@Brandon
Yeah, I’m pretty sure being offended is a little bit of an over reaction. I’m not claiming any of you said something you didnt. I don’t have a problem with you expressing your opinions, like I said, I dont think what you said was offensive, i just think that “shoving it down our throats” is an overstatement.
So wait… I’m confused. first you get offended at Adam expressing his opinion, and when i reply to it, you go “I’m only expressing my opinion!” …. please, tell me how that makes sense.
I’m not saying “shut up and go away and stop reading this blog.” I’m simply “expressing my opinion” as well.
Apparently being offended isn’t an overaction, because apparently, I’m not the only one who feels that way. It’s also really not an overstatement to say that Adam is shoving his beliefs down our throats. Would you be saying the same thing if Adam suddenly converted to Islam and decided to quote verses from the Quran? I would guess not. “Shoving down someone’s throat” is a figure of speech anyway, so who are you to judge the level of extremity of that statement? It is simply meant to say that Adam is forcing his beliefs on us unknowingly. Not all of his posts are religious, and we as readers don’t know otherwise until we start reading. We have no choice but to read it, unless we want to avoid the blog entirely. And how unfair is that? I LIKE Adam’s non-religious posts. It’s extremely difficult to avoid the ones that don’t apply to me.
It makes sense if you actually read what was posted earlier. None of us have ever said Adam couldn’t express his opinion. But that also doesn’t mean we can’t respond to it in kind, with objections and negative statements regarding the content of his posts. When you post something online, you need to realize that not everyone will agree with you.
So complaining about us complaining is pretty pointless on your part, is it not?
@Caitlin- first off with the reality thingy, of course I believe in gravity and that sodium plus water gives you sodium hydroxide, but the reality I was talking about here is not the ‘superficial’ reality, I was talking about the bigger universe, since for me there is a bigger universe where God is in control of everything. But that’s just me, being a person who believes in God. I am in no way arguing with Newton’s theories or whatever.
Secondly (this should have gone first though, I apologize), you have a point… He may be subconsciously trying to tell his readers to go read that book, but this is not an order. It’s a suggestion. Since this is his blog, he may express his feelings in a really open way, so of course he would say it like that. But ultimately the choice is yours – he’s not gonna stop selling his albums exclusively to Christian hedonists or whatever, and if he did then I guess I won’t be getting any of them… As this is his blog, he can’t really stop his train of thought and double-check on the if’s and when’s. I for one, admire him even though I don’t think I’ll ever read that book… Not to mention that I’m not even Christian =/
The thing is, this whole event was a source of profound happiness for him, so he thought he could share it. And yes I agree he sounds like he is trying to preach, but then again, when something makes you very happy, wouldn’t you want to spread the joy? For example, say I just love this person, as he has brought a lot of happiness in me. So it’s normal I would go out there telling everyone to love and be loved – I want to share that joy. I want everyone to feel what I feel. But I can’t really expect all of them to listen to me.
Anywho, I’m quite nervous when I read religious writings because one sentence could change my life, or it could make me question life, or it could make me angry because I strongly disagree.
But hey, freedom of speech.
There are some people who keep saying what Adam should do with Owl City, just because he wrote one entry about religion. Why are they so afraid of it again? Read, or don’t read. Say you don’t agree, but stop telling him to stop being himself.
Correction to the above post, i meant *start selling the albums exclusively, not stop… or just stop selling his albums to those who dont agree with him in this matter.
Another thing- as a matter of fact I did miss the part where he says “when” you read this book. I read the entry again and again, I keep seeing if’s. =/
“Beyond that, I’ll let you read the book for yourself and draw your own conclusions if you find yourself searching for deeper meaning.”
“If you really mull this over, it’ll have you tossing and turning in no time — and the more you think about it, the more profound it becomes.”
He’s demonstrating our freedom of choice here.
He is bound to influence people. He is a musician. It’s really up to people whether they want to be influenced or not, willingly or unwillingly- if they don’t, they should just stop following this blog or stop listening to his music.
Influence, and change, is imminent. You can keep away from it only if you live a secluded life.
@Brandon
just because you start reading something doesn’t mean you have to finish. And actually, if he converted to Islam, i would totally read it. I think other religions are interesting. Unlike you, I don’t find opposing views upsetting, I like to hear them.
@Rose T.- Ehm I dunno if you were being sarcastic or whatever, but I’m not atheist O.o I used to care less about God before, but I believe I’m quite spiritual now.
@Caitlin- sorry I didn’t read your second comment. Anywho, don’t you think you’re being a little too dictating over him? Not all his blogposts are about religion. Not all of his thoughts, or anyone’s thoughts, can be agreeable to. Not all of his songs can blow you away…
It all just comes down to being Adam expressing his beliefs. And maybe he has been in touch with secular things, but maybe they didn’t really faze him, and they instead brought him to this conclusion.
You don’t have to be raised in a strictly religious family to love God… I know I wasn’t, and my family members are very much different from me in this case… For me it was an evolution. An evolution derived from the outside world, and not just some common ‘ethics’ you are forced to grow up with. And for many spiritual people I know, it had been an evolution too. As for those whom I know were raised in such a condition, they tend to be more attracted and agree to secularism more than anyone, really. Or hypocrisy.
@Adam, just as long as you’re not offending anyone, I respect you. :) Love from Italy!
@Rose T. AH sorry for my last reply to you above! I keep missing the punctuation… Ugh. Misunderstood what you had said. Anywho, ehm, what would I do with that knowledge anyway? O.o
I just read all of these posts and they make me sad. Why can’t some people realize that Adam is NOT trying to force this down anyone’s throat! He just read an amazing book and he is stating his thoughts and contemplations on it. Please don’t get mad at him.
Let him believe what he believes and stop arguing about it.
Thank you everyone who understands Adam.
Adam-If you are reading these posts please don’t be discouraged. I love your songs and they totally reflect your joy in this amazing world of God’s. :)
So thankful to the Lord that He has given you the opportunity to share the love of Christ with the world! Keep it up=]
To all the Christian crybabies whining about the people showing opposing viewpoints things concerning Adam’s blog:
Grow up. If Adam has a right to say what he wants in his blog, all of his fans are allowed to respond to it as they wish. They are not being hateful or putting him down, THEY ARE STATING THEIR OPINIONS. If Adam has a right to free speech and expression, then so do they! Quit being hypocritical babies and practice what you preach.
Also, no one can control what they take offense to. I’m offended by anything concerning any religion, because I feel that it’s all a bunch of nonsense. But that doesn’t mean I, or anyone else, should have to filter myself because I don’t like something. Adam has some really interesting posts, but I also find that the religious talk is getting old. It doesn’t express the kind of person he used to be, which was an open man to all of his fans. Only recently has he started becoming gungho religious, and I definitely don’t like it. I can look past it, however, if he keeps creating good music. But if his music starts gravitating more and more towards God, then I’m out of here. All I have left to say is every one of you passing judgement on atheists, agnostics, or whatever else they may believe, take a look at yourself first. I’m sure every one of you has complained about something or another on someone’s private life before. And you can’t say that you haven’t, because you’re human, and if you say otherwise, you’re lying. Let people say what they want to say, because they’re not hurting anyone.
I completely agree with Chris. But here, at least this time we’re not [yet] discussing the barest roots of religion. Because honestly, IT’S BORING AND TAKES US NOWHERE. I just want people to understand that I don’t honestly believe a word of what Adam is saying. If you do, that’s fine, your choice, but I can think on my own. And thank you, Ash, I really needed to show that I can and will tolerate the Christian beliefs if you guys stick to it and don’t try to “shove it down our throats”-which seems to be what some of the atheists/agnostics think.
I really enjoyed this post :)
If you haven’t yet read them, you might also enjoy The Community of the King by Howard Snyder or Every Bush is Burning by Brandon Clements.
Come on, already. Can we stop acting like 5 year olds and get over the fact that Adam Young posted another Christian blog? Okay, so if might not be all that great. Don’t go crying over spilt milk. He’s done it, get over it. Even though I don’t totally agree with what he says, I’m not going to go spend my life on this blog just to tell everyone I don’t like it. It destroys the beauty of this blog. It’s like coating the original Mona Lisa picture with spray paint just because you think her eyebrows don’t look right. Come on. Get over it!!!!!!!
Adam, I am so sorry that this has to happen every time you even whisper something Christian. It’s gotta be tough to see all your fans moaning and groaning and whining whenever you mention your beliefs.
Oh, sorry. Let me correct that. It’s gotta be tough to see SOME of your fans moaning and groaning and whining whenever you mention your beliefs.
And @ Chris:
Am I a Christian crybaby? Uh . . . . . no. I am a no-religion person getting sick and tired of all the whining that the NON-CHRISTIAN fans post!
That quote is absolutely divine!!! :D I love how it truly points out that it’s when things are the darkest that they can also be the most beautiful and enlightning. :)
Thanks for another phenomenally uplifting blog, Adam!! :)
Your sister in Christ,
HP
@ Oh Brother
Do you seriously think that Adam has the right to say what he wants about religion, but not the rest of us? It’s just a few people who happen to not agree with all this “divine” stuff standing up for our own opinions. And this doesn’t happen every time he whispers about Christianity. No, we protest when Adam gets up on his roof and shouts “EVERYBODY GO FIND JOY IN GOD BECAUSE WE OWE HIM ONE!”.
This is probably the biggest mistake I’ll ever make in my life…but oh well…
@Rose T.
I feel I should shed some light on WHY Adam gets up on his roof and shouts “EVERYBODY GO FIND JOY IN GOD BECAUSE WE OWE HIM ONE!”
In many Christian circles, there are these things we call “Spiritual Gifts”. We believe that these are gifts that we have been given by the Holy Spirit, that we may better serve Christ. My gift is the gift of a Prophet. The Prophet’s gift is that of, well, Prophecy. Prophecy is “reporting something that God spontaneously brings to mind”. This doesn’t necessarily mean like a vision or a dream or something like that, but basically telling others what we believe God has laid on our hearts. And we’ll tell no matter what people think of us, no matter what people say. As I said, I have this gift, and I suspect Adam may have it, too. And so I completely know how it feels. He’s just found something out about God that he’s really fascinated and excited about, and he just wants to tell the world. I mean, think about it this way. Suppose you discovered…I dunno…a cure for cancer or something. Would you want to just keep that to yourself? No, you’d want to scream it to the world, shout it from the rooftops, etc. For a Prophet, even the smallest thing seems worthy of screaming from the rooftops. And as a Christian, what Adam has discovered in reading this book is no small thing. It’s something really big for him. My point in saying all this is that Adam is not trying to shove what he believes down your throat. He’s not purposely trying to offend anyone, and he’s not trying to convert you. He’s just, as he said “unbelievably exited about this”.
However, you have every right to you opinion. Just thought I’d put in my two cents; take it or leave it. :)
@Rose T. Also, you’re completely right about your right to say what you want about religion. Freedom of speech works both ways. :)
This is truly inspiring. I think as Christians we need to set our focus on God. And sometimes just really look at the stars.
Adam, you’re an inspiration. Keep presenting the truth of the gospel man. Everyone needs to hear it, and if you can make an impact by using your music and your blog, do it. Please don’t think I’m praising you as a person. It’s The Holy Spirit who does the work. But He uses humans like me and humans like you along the way. Thanks for your testimony Adam. I’ll be praying for you,
im 13 and reading jayne eyre…hmmm….i wonder how long that will take…but after seeing the movie twice in teh cinema i was inspired to readit…but i read lot soo tis not too bad.
Thank you Alexandra.
@EVERYBODY: I feel like I’m standing in a crowd of arguing people. I NEED A LOUDSPEAKER.
I believe that people should question religion, and dig deep to find out whether or not what a religious group teaches is truly from the Bible. There are many blatant lies told about God and it makes me so mad and upset to see Him ridiculed and to see people think of Him as tyrant or someone who just doesn’t care about humans.
I think it’s time that people pray to God through Christ, read and meditate on the Bible, and then critically examine the teachings they believe.
I’ve read some comments on this heartfelt post of Adam’s that have shocked me deeply. I’ve never heard God be blasphemed so brutally.
Imagine if someone with evil intentions spread vicious lies about you and everybody started to believe them. You’d be angry and sad and want everybody to question what the lier has said, do their research, and come to an accurate conclusion about you, right?
Satan has manoeuvred people to spead all kinds of lies about God that many people believe. So wouldn’t Jehovah God be so happy if you delve into His Word to find the Truth about Him? The Bible is not an easy book to understand, so pray for Holy Spirit and ask Him to help you understand what you are reading and find the Truth. Then, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” -John 8:32.
I know that nobody might ever read this, but it’s my duty and my pleasure as someone who has found the Truth to defend God’s Holy Name.
@Madd
“Satan has manoeuvred people to spead all kinds of lies about God that many people believe. So wouldn’t Jehovah God be so happy if you delve into His Word to find the Truth about Him? The Bible is not an easy book to understand, so pray for Holy Spirit and ask Him to help you understand what you are reading and find the Truth. Then, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” -John 8:32.”
You are making blanket statements about the world based on your worldview, as if the rest of should just up and believe that Satan, let alone God or Jesus, exists without any form of demonstrable evidence. Thus, the rest of your post encouraging us to think critically and do our research means absolutely nothing. Perhaps to you, Satan has held the world hostage, but that’s what you believe – not the majority of people living on Earth. It is statements like these, that “Satan has maneuvered” and “God loves” and “Jesus saves” that completely destroy the credibility of any Christian speaker.
The truth, we don’t know it Satan maneuvers, God loves, or Jesus saves. They MAY do all of these things, but we do not know for a fact without demonstrable reproducible evidence that they do. You speaking as if we should just all accept the contrary is why I disrespect people with a spiritual worldview. You don’t say you THINK God exists, or that you THINK Satan oppresses, but you KNOW these things are true. The fact is, you can’t KNOW. So you and everyone else need to stop speaking as if you do.
That is the whole point of these complaints. People need to stop acting as if they know something to be true, when really, we have no freaking idea! All we have to go on are old documents and the personal testimony of many different people. That’s not evidence. So the best we can do is SUSPECT that God may exist, or Allah may exist, or a Flying Spaghetti Monster may exist. Even if Adam doesn’t mean to offend anyone, he shouldn’t get on here and tell us what should be true for all of us, because it’s just NOT. There is no such thing as Christian Hedonism. Pleasure exists in the world, and we have no evidence to suggest that there is a distinction between otherworldy and earthly pleasure. Pleasure is an emotion, and it is felt through natural means. Trying to put labels on different kinds of ways that people feel pleasure and satisfaction is looking way too far into it. What the Bible considers sins are things even other animals feel in nature. Animals lust, or in their more accurate case, instinctually feel the urge to mate. Animals murder, or in their case, kill in order to survive. We have no way of knowing that there is an otherworldly being putting labels on what types of pleasure or murder or feelings should be deemed acceptable. All I ask of you Christians, including Adam, is to not speak as if you KNOW that you’re beliefs are without question, without better explanations, without opposition.
@Brandon
I do not like to get into wars of any kind, but I must in this case because you are wrong, my friend. The best we can do is have the utmost faith, for without it, what else can we have? Suspecting is a weak and utterly hopeless thing that means almost nothing. The reason we act that we KNOW our beliefs are without question is because we do. We have absolute, unshakeable, unquestionable faith in God and we trust Him completely. We cannot act or suspect that God is real and that He is there because the core of Christianity is faith and belief. Not everything must be a proof or be proven. It must be a sad, hopeless existence to not experience this kind of absolute trust. Marriage is built on the very basis of faith and trust, for aren’t you trusting that that person will be faithful and good to you for the rest of his/her and your life? How depressing is it if you can’t trust someone like that merely because it can’t be proven that they won’t cheat on you? Without trust and believing someting is undoubtedly true, marriage isn’t even an option unless you’re looking for a short-term or meaningless “commitment.” Sometimes you just must trust, and believe that it is for the very best. I’ve found that becoming a Christian and having that beautiful faith has drastically changed my life for the better. I was skeptical at first, but I now find that God truly listens to my prayers. They are answered in ways that I know could not have happened had He not been listening and acting on what I asked. My faith has been rewarded. I have my own personal proof and experiences. Why not try for yourself and then judge? What have you to lose? May God bless you and the others and reveal Himself to you in wonderful ways so that He will change your minds and your hearts.
@Madd
Your faith is amazing, and your argument was great, I totally agree.
@Madeline 18: Well, I was going to reply to Brandon, but you said almost everything I was going to say. :P The one thing that you didn’t say that I wanted to say is this: Just like we have Faith that God does exist, an atheist has Faith that He doesn’t. Just pointing out that Faith works both ways. Just wanted to throw that in.
@Madeline18
@Alexandra
I definitely agree with you both, but I’d like to approach this from a different angle.
@Brandon
I don’t mean to be rude, but I WILL speak as if I know because I DO know. I KNOW FOR A FACT that God, Satan and Jesus exist. I know that Satan manoeuvres, God loves and Jesus saves. I do not have “blind faith.” I am not naive. And I wouldn’t share my beliefs if I was not absolutely positively sure that they are true.
There is “demonstrable reproducible evidence.” For example:
If God didn’t exist, we wouldn’t be on this planet.
If Jesus didn’t exist, we wouldn’t have any hope.
If Satan didn’t exist, we wouldn’t have any problems.
Though the Bible was physically written by humans, it is certainly not a “personal testimony.” 2 Timothy 3:16 says that “all Scripture is inspired of God.” How could Daniel, an ordinary human, prophecy exactly when Jesus was to be born 483 years in advance? The angel Gabriel told him this, and, of course, God told Gabriel in the first place. (Daniel 9:22-25)
There is a definite “distinction between otherworldly and earthly pleasure.” Hebrews 11:24-26 says, “By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called the son of the daughter of Pharaoh, choosing to be ill-treated with the people of God rather than to have the temporary enjoyment of sin, because he esteemed the reproach of the Christ as riches greater than the treasures of Egypt, for he looked intently toward the payment of the reward.” So Moses didn’t want “the temporary enjoyment of sin,” but he chose the type of pleasure that comes from obeying God and being reproached by faithless people just like Jesus was.
That’s another common lie about the Bible. It does not consider lust a sin if it is toward one’s marriage partner. (Proverbs 5:19) Why would God condemn something He created?
Everybody has a right to express their beliefs and opinions. Therefore I will disregard your statement “all I ask of you Christians, including Adam, is to not speak as if you KNOW that you’re beliefs are without question, without better explanations, without opposition” because of that right. “As for us [Christians], we cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard.” -Acts 4:20
By the way, I don’t fully agree with the idea of Christian Hedonism. The primary cause for us wanting to give Him our all should be that we love Him and want to please Him, not that we want to achieve happiness. Christian Hedonism seems to be a rather selfish concept. But since He is “the happy God,” he pays us back with boundless joy when we obey Him. (Psalm 62:12, 1 Timothy 1:11)
I really feel like I need to step in here, because there are some very extravagant and hefty claims being made at the moment, and I cannot sit by and keep my mouth shut in light of them.
@Madeline 18
“The best we can do is have the utmost faith, for without it, what else can we have? Suspecting is a weak and utterly hopeless thing that means almost nothing. The reason we act that we KNOW our beliefs are without question is because we do. We have absolute, unshakeable, unquestionable faith in God and we trust Him completely. We cannot act or suspect that God is real and that He is there because the core of Christianity is faith and belief. Not everything must be a proof or be proven. It must be a sad, hopeless existence to not experience this kind of absolute trust. Marriage is built on the very basis of faith and trust, for aren’t you trusting that that person will be faithful and good to you for the rest of his/her and your life? How depressing is it if you can’t trust someone like that merely because it can’t be proven that they won’t cheat on you? Without trust and believing someting is undoubtedly true, marriage isn’t even an option unless you’re looking for a short-term or meaningless “commitment.”
I fear you are sadly mistaken about what true “faith” entails. What you are experiencing is indeed blind faith. You have no good reason to believe that a God exists, or Allah exists, or any deity exists, because reality does not demonstrate that any of these are real. You are also extremely ignorant in your statement that it must be a sad and miserable existence to live without some kind of God to have faith in. Atheists are not miserable closet emo kids that cut themselves all day because we don’t have God. We live very meaningful lives, thank you very much. Furthermore, faith is built on trust in something that can consistently be proven to not fail you. You cannot ever KNOW that a spouse will not cheat on you, and to hope for otherwise is complete and total nonsense. However, there are certain people in my life that have consistently proven themselves to be worthy of my trust, because they have not done anything to warrant my distrust. THAT is real faith. Is there any guarantee that they won’t betray me? Not at all. There is always a possibility that I could be stabbed in the back, but based on consistent results that I have yet to get stabbed in the back, then MORE THAN LIKELY they will continue to remain trustworthy until the evidence proves that they cannot be trusted.
That is true faith. A faith in an otherworldy being is not real faith, because its dependability cannot be measured, observed, or reproduced by more than one individual. Any personal experience you THINK you may have with such a being is observed by you alone, and since each personal experience is different depending on who you talk to, this is not a reliable means to determine whether or not this GOD (if indeed he exists) is a reliable enough entity that it deserves my undying love and devotion. So a few people managed to survive a natural disaster. Oh, it must be the work of God, and they survived because they had faith! Well, what about all the other thousands of believers that may have died at the hands of a tornado, flood, tsunami, hurricane, etc.? Did they just not have enough faith? Oh, well then they should have prayed harder, I suppose!
You know what I have faith in? The emergency crews that come to rescue survivors trapped in the debris and rubble after a tornado hits a community, who risk their lives to save people who may have died if they hadn’t been there to dig them out. They won’t find everyone, but thanks to them, people who have died would survive instead! That is the real miracle! I have faith in the doctors that take care of me when I am sick, because they have gone through years of tedious medical training to gain the knowledge that it takes to know what’s wrong with my body so they can fix it. I have faith in my friends and loved ones to always have my back if I am feeling sad, scared, depressed, or angry, because they have been there in the past, and will continue to be so in the future. When was the last time you thanked public service officials for keeping you safe? When was the last time you thanked a doctor for curing a painful medical condition with his years of expertise? When was the last time you thanked the actual person responsible for your good fortune, rather than thanking God, who more than likely did nothing at all?
THAT is true faith. I was a Christian for MANY years. And I have been an atheist for about seven. My life is no more or less fruitful as an atheist than it was as a Christian. Because every time I prayed, even after I accepted this Jesus as my savior, I never heard a word. Never saw miracles. Never heard a voice in my head telling me that it loved me and wanted me to suck up to it for the rest of eternity. So are you telling me that my personal experiences were, and still are, less meaningful than yours? Would you tell me that the personal experiences of someone in another faith are bogus, because you “KNOW” that your deity exists and both of us have to be wrong? Please pardon my French, because I have no intention of being hostile, but screw that notion!
@Madd
Please do not quote Bible verses at me like they should mean anything to someone like me. Obviously you feel like you have something to prove, and that’s fine, but for someone who has read that mythology book twice over and found not one scrap of truth in it, I do not appreciate you quoting scripture as if it should mean something to me. You are sadly mistaken if you think it does. I don’t take the time to read it usually, because I feel as if it’s a waste of my time.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but I WILL speak as if I know because I DO know. I KNOW FOR A FACT that God, Satan and Jesus exist. I know that Satan manoeuvres, God loves and Jesus saves. I do not have “blind faith.” I am not naive. And I wouldn’t share my beliefs if I was not absolutely positively sure that they are true.”
No, you do KNOW FOR A FACT that God, Satan, and Jesus exist. That is called WISHFUL THINKING and IGNORANCE. The most devout Wiccan could say that they know the Goddesses exist with as much determination and passion as you, but you both can’t be right. Just like the people who KNOW that they saw aliens or Bigfoot cannot be right until it has been PROVEN to the scientific community with credible evidence that such is the case. Try using your faith or God or Satan or Jesus or the Bible in a court of law as evidence and you will lose your case faster than you can say “AMEN”.
Also, you cannot provide scripture from the Bible as proof that it is not personal testimony, let alone that anything it contains is true, because the Bible has not been proven itself to be a reliable authoritative source of information about reality. Again, try using the Bible against the latest scientific findings concerning the age of the Earth, and there is absolutely no contest! The Bible is not consistent with the tangible evidence we have discovered by observing the natural world. It has not been determined to be reliable, thus no one can logically or sanely use it to make deductions about the real world. No one would use the Cat in the Hat as proof that Thing 1 and Thing 2 aren’t just fairytale creatures. You cannot use the book that tells you something is true as the PROOF that what it says is true. It does not work that way, my friend.
I personally don’t care what your book says is sin or not sin, and once again, just like I told Madeline, do not quote scripture at me. If you would like to provide extrabiblical evidence for your claims, I will accept those as worthy considerations. But nothing you’ve provided so far holds any weight in the real world, or to me personally and thus I must refuse it.
Just like Brandon says: None of you KNOW anything. And despite how much you’d like to convince yourself, and everyone else here otherwise, you CANNOT say that you do. Does that mean God doesn’t exist? No. Not at all. However, chances are, based on what the most intelligent minds on this planet would deduce and the evidence (or lack thereof) that we’ve uncovered since the advent of our species, that it is most likely the case that he doesn’t. To walk around claiming that you’ve had this great revelation that allows you to talk with a being in the stars is right up there with talking to yourself on the cuckoo crazy meter. You must take ALL things in life with a grain of salt, and until you’ve considered ALL alternatives and learned ALL there is to know about opposing viewpoints, you really KNOW nothing at all.
seriously cant believe people are still debating this…
wow. just, wow.
@Alexandra
It does not take faith to not believe in God. Just like it doesn’t take faith for you not to believe in Allah or Krishna or Zeus or any other deity. That is complete and total nonsense.
I have to side with Caitlin here. She is perfectly right in what she said. To worship and serve God requires faith, in various degrees in accordance to the actual faith of the believer. If the sky is wide that it will be embraced but it if is shallow then it will be only be [with relative lackluster] understood.
Conversely, to not believe in God and any other deity requires belief. There is a difference.
Faith, like belief is [and can be] immersed in passion, zeal, conviction and confidence. The disparity is, faith requires your soul. Belief does not [though it may originate from it].
Adam,
Beautiful post, once again…
I read this to some of the other girls in my Bible study, and though I probably mumbled and might have even turned red (like you said, “I’m a thinker not a talker”) I HAD to do it. I felt loads better after I had finished stumbling over the words and could breathe again, I am so very shy.
Again thank you for writing about things like this.
But, my word, I’ve just been reading some of the other comments, and really truly honestly, they make me SICK. Not because I am arrogant, judgmental or intolerant, but because my heart is breaking for those who are ‘putting you down’ so to speak because you choose to follow and share about what you believe in with honesty and sincerity and a genuine fire for our wonderful Lord.
“Ah, but that the world could be full of such followers of Christ…”
-Esi Tayte
I do understand how they might feel left out (I certainly know how it feels) but, seriously KEEP THE FAITH, Adam. The only opinion that matters is HIS. “Well done good and faithful servant” will sound ever so much sweeter than the approval of a whole world of fans.
I for one am supporting you.
Stay encouraged,
Madeline
First of all, this is Adam’s blog. So I guess we don’t have to debate intensely like this. People have their own faith. Just appreciate them. Let God bless the ones who are right about this whole thing.
Second, Adam, keep your faith and @Madd, I agree with you. And now, for you have written this post, I want to read this :D
Keep the faith and believe in God.
-anggi XD
@Madeline
We are not putting Adam down. If you are angry, that is your own problem for misinterpreting our purposes at every turn. Quit being so judgmental and at least try to see where we’re coming from before you get all righteous and SICK.
@Caitlin,
Oh, believe me, I am not being judgmental! I personally hate it when people are judgmental and honestly try never to be so! Please, please forgive me if I appeared that way.
As far as being ‘sick’ I couldn’t quite think of a better word and simply meant that my heart was aching and my stomach was turning to see the opposition that was created by a simple blog post. This truly is spiritual warfare.
I KNOW where you are coming from having questioned God myself. But, eventually I came to the realization that I can’t make it on my own. People often say that ‘religion’ is a crutch, but I say that if you are broken you need a crutch and I was broken. He has now become my Friend as well as my Savior.
I am not saying that you must believe in God or Jesus, or trying to force anything on you, but as for me, I will follow Him with my whole heart regardless of what anyone says.
Again, forgive me for seeming judgmental or angry or even futilely righteous, I assure you I am not, I really believe what I am saying.
I am truly open to discussion and interested in what you have to say, please explain what you believe to me.
~Madeline
*Pardon, this last comment was from Madeline, not Emmy.
Okay, I am officially confused as to whom I’m even talking to.
There is nothing wrong [because in a dull torn world, it becomes right when individually expressed by a warm Christian Spirit], fallacious [because true logic is the logic that is infused with indomitable belief that oft translates to faith in light of the greats who graced us with their excellence], inappropriate [because the truest of love can be found in the interspersion of the glorious link between the devotee and the Devoted and when pursued with purity it can make you a Saint].
When you approach the King with sincerity, love and appreciation you will recieve the same. An unkown face has the sky if you’d not find yourself in them.
When you praise Jesus the Christ in such a way that Adam Young has done, is doing and will forever continue to do, Jesus praises you.
In Love and Fear,
James.
@Caitlin:
“It does not take faith to not believe in God. Just like it doesn’t take faith for you not to believe in Allah or Krishna or Zeus or any other deity. That is complete and total nonsense.”
I’m sorry, but I must completely and utterly disagree with you. To me, faith means believing in the unseen. Believing in the impossible. And for me, to believe in a God that I have never seen, never touched, requires faith. The faith to believe that there is some deity out there watching over the whole world. And I believe that is takes faith to believe that there ISN’T a God as well. You’ve never seen Him, you’ve never touched Him, so you can’t PROVE He doesn’t exist. Science does not exist without observation. You can’t say that Bigfoot exists without observable proof. However, you also cannot say that he DOESN’T exist without observable proof. You just have to have faith that he doesn’t, or that he does. I’m sorry, but I completely disagree with you. We HAVE to have faith to believe that God exists, or to believe that He doesn’t, or have faith that He does. That’s my opinion, but you’re entitled to your own. Not trying to start a fight. :)
“No, you do KNOW FOR A FACT that God, Satan, and Jesus exist. ”
Let me ask you this, Caitlin, do you know for a fact that they don’t? The thing here, Caitlin, is that one of us is right and one is wrong. And the fact of the matter is, if we’re wrong (Christians), we’re not gonna be in much trouble when we die. We’re gonna go in the ground never to awaken again. But Caitlin, let me ask you this: What if you’re wrong? I know this probably won’t mean anything to you, but let me tell you that I am praying for you. Please know that I’m not angry with you, and I’m not trying to put you down as a person just because you don’t believe what I believe. But Caitlin, I believe that there is a literal burning Hell, and that if we don’t accept Christ we’ll go there. As ludicrous as that may seem, I believe it’s true. And if my beliefs are right, I don’t want you to go there. The fact is, we have to choose. That’s one amazing thing about God. He gave us a choice. He doesn’t force us to follow Him, He gives us the free will to choose what to believe. He gives us freedom. Unlike so many people think, God is not a dictator. He doesn’t pick and choose who gets to go to Heaven and who doesn’t. He gives every individual person a choice. And whatever happens to us because of our choice is our fault, not His. But I’ve gotten off on a rabbit trail. Like I said, I know this probably won’t mean anything to you but I’m praying for you. I stopped believing in God once in my life, and plenty of people told me they were praying for me, and I really didn’t care, didn’t really want them to. But that didn’t stop them, and you can’t stop me. ;) (Please know that was said in a friendly, joking tone, not in a “Just try and stop me! Just try!” tone. That’s what the smiley face was for. :P)
“The most devout Wiccan could say that they know the goddesses exist with as much determination and passion as you, but you both can’t be right. ”
Yeah, actually, we can. I believe in the existence of demons. And since Wicca is a Satanic worship (so I believe), I believe that the “goddesses” that they’re talking to are really demons. I don’t care what they call themselves, goddesses, gods, even Jesus. I really don’t think demons are above lying. So yeah, we can both be right.
Again, I’m not trying to pick a fight with you, but everyone on this blog has the right to express their opinions. Including me, including you. I’m not calling you stupid or ignorant or anything, and I’m truly sorry if I’ve offended you at all. :)
@Alexandra
“I’m sorry, but I must completely and utterly disagree with you. To me, faith means believing in the unseen. Believing in the impossible. And for me, to believe in a God that I have never seen, never touched, requires faith. The faith to believe that there is some deity out there watching over the whole world. And I believe that is takes faith to believe that there ISN’T a God as well. You’ve never seen Him, you’ve never touched Him, so you can’t PROVE He doesn’t exist. Science does not exist without observation. You can’t say that Bigfoot exists without observable proof. However, you also cannot say that he DOESN’T exist without observable proof. You just have to have faith that he doesn’t, or that he does. I’m sorry, but I completely disagree with you. We HAVE to have faith to believe that God exists, or to believe that He doesn’t, or have faith that He does. That’s my opinion, but you’re entitled to your own. Not trying to start a fight. :)”
The burden of proof lies on the one making an extraordinary claim. There is no point attempting to disprove what doesn’t exist because something actually has to demonstrated to EXIST for it to be testable and demonstrable. The burden of proofs falls on you because you are the one making the claim that an otherworldy being exists. The stance of atheism is the REJECTION of that claim, thus I do not have to prove or disprove ANYTHING, because the default position is that God does not exist until proven otherwise.
“Let me ask you this, Caitlin, do you know for a fact that they don’t? The thing here, Caitlin, is that one of us is right and one is wrong. And the fact of the matter is, if we’re wrong (Christians), we’re not gonna be in much trouble when we die. We’re gonna go in the ground never to awaken again. But Caitlin, let me ask you this: What if you’re wrong?”
I don’t. That is the wonder of discovery! You are somewhat right. Only one of us can be right. Or neither of us could be right. We could all be swimming around in a world created by Cthulu only to be tortured forever when we die because Cthulu loves to immerse himself in pain! However, based on what I know of the world and what has already been proven by the scientific method, chances are, I am not the one who is wrong. Also, you are trying to use Pascal’s wager against me, and that simply does not work. It is a flawed and illogical way of thinking, and let me explain why:
If I consider that God could exist, and so I worship him simply because the alternative means burning in hell for eternity, then I must consider that ALL DEITIES could exist because they are all EQUALLY plausible. What if YOU are wrong? What if Allah is the one true creator and all of us are going to hell unless we worship him and treat women like crap? Millions of people certainly think so. What if you’re wrong, and the Shinto belief that people are God, because the world is God, and life is energy, thus we are all divine, is the true path? You could be wasting a lot of time talking to an invisible person that never answers. OR OR OR what if they are ALL wrong? What if there is no God? Given religion’s track record, I would go with THIS answer.
“Yeah, actually, we can. I believe in the existence of demons. And since Wicca is a Satanic worship (so I believe), I believe that the “goddesses” that they’re talking to are really demons. I don’t care what they call themselves, goddesses, gods, even Jesus. I really don’t think demons are above lying. So yeah, we can both be right.”
This is exactly what I’m talking about. You know absolutely nothing about the Wiccan belief system. At least not enough to make these unfounded and ridiculous claims that are simply untrue! It is not a Satanic form of worship. They are not worshiping Satan! That is absolute nonsensical garbage, and I cannot believe you would make such a statement without learning the truth first. Worship of Satan is SATANISM. WICCANISM is another beast entirely!
Wiccans worship a Goddess and her consort, a God, or multiple goddesses. They do not recognize Satan or any other all-evil supernatural entity, INCLUDING the Christian God and demons! Their prime symbol is the exact opposite to the symbol used by Satanists. It is the upright pentagram — a 5-pointed star with two points downward and one up. Sometimes it is enclosed by a circle to form a pentacle. Their groups are called covens, not grottos or temples as in Satanism. Their rule of behavior is called the Wiccan Rede: “An it harm none, do what thou wilt.” i.e. do whatever you wish, as long as it harms no one, including yourself. Unlike Satanists, Wiccans are not allowed do dominate, manipulate, control, or harm others.
This obviously proves my point. A great majority of Christians were indoctrinated at a young age to believe in God, and even if they research or look into other faiths, their minds are already biased and clouded by their beliefs. Even if we try to get them to consider alternatives, it usually doesn’t work because they, like you, are already convinced that you hold absolute truth and thus will never be swayed no matter what alternative evidence presents itself. That is the definition of ignorance. While I don’t know you, and can’t say whether or not you are ignorant, you made the mistake of speaking untruths to these readers as if you know what you are talking about. Well, I’m sorry, you don’t. I will also go further to say that this destroys your credibility as a source of reliable information for just about any other religion other than your own. If you misinterpret the truth this drastically, how in the world can you claim to know that a God exists using those same powers of observation and deduction that created such a flawed misinterpretation of Wiccanism in the first place?
Lastly, again I ask, PLEASE stop speaking as if you hold some ultimate wisdom above those of alternate viewpoints. Speaking as if God is a real person does not fly with me, as you already know, and if you ever suspect to get anywhere with me, or other nonbelievers, you’re going to have to admit that this is what you BELIEVE and what you THINK is true; not necessarily what actually exists.
@Caitlin:
“The burden of proof lies on the one making an extraordinary claim. There is no point attempting to disprove what doesn’t exist because something actually has to demonstrated to EXIST for it to be testable and demonstrable. The burden of proofs falls on you because you are the one making the claim that an otherworldy being exists. The stance of atheism is the REJECTION of that claim, thus I do not have to prove or disprove ANYTHING, because the default position is that God does not exist until proven otherwise.”
You’re right, I agree. (Never thought you’d hear THAT on this blog, didja? ;P)
“If I consider that God could exist, and so I worship him simply because the alternative means burning in hell for eternity, then I must consider that ALL DEITIES could exist because they are all EQUALLY plausible. What if YOU are wrong? What if Allah is the one true creator and all of us are going to hell unless we worship him and treat women like crap? Millions of people certainly think so. What if you’re wrong, and the Shinto belief that people are God, because the world is God, and life is energy, thus we are all divine, is the true path? You could be wasting a lot of time talking to an invisible person that never answers. OR OR OR what if they are ALL wrong? What if there is no God? Given religion’s track record, I would go with THIS answer.”
You’re right. WE HAVE TO CHOOSE. You can choose not to worship any God at all. You can choose to worship Jesus Christ, Allah, Zeus, Buddha, whomever you choose. I choose Jesus. You can choose whoever you want, that’s none of my business. It’s not my choice, it’s yours. I don’t want to shove my religion down your throat. That’s not what I’m trying to do AT ALL. I’m just trying to show you my side of things, just as you’re trying to show me yours. What I’m saying is, one of the choices is right, and it’s up to us to choose. I’m not gonna tell you who’s right and who’s wrong for sure, I’m gonna tell you who I believe is right and wrong. And I believe it’s Christ, I believe Christ is the right way. And that’s MY decision. Just as choosing to be an atheist is yours. I try not to condemn you for your belief, and I ask that you try to not condemn me for mine.
“Worship of Satan is SATANISM. WICCANISM is another beast entirely! Wiccans worship a Goddess and her consort, a God, or multiple goddesses. They do not recognize Satan or any other all-evil supernatural entity, INCLUDING the Christian God and demons!”
You are missing my point ENTIRELY. Yes, maybe they think that they’re worshiping a goddess or whatever, but I believe that they are being deceived by demons. That’s what I meant when I said that I don’t think demons are above lying. The call themselves a goddess, or a god, I have even heard of some that have called themselves Jesus. Regardless of what they call themselves, regardless of what one may think they are, I believe that they are demons. That’s what I’m saying. No, I don’t think Wiccans say, “Oh, let’s all go out and pray to Satan!” But from my perspective, as a Christian, believing that there are only two spiritual sides, Satan’s and Christ’s, they are being DECEIVED by Satan and his demons, whether they know it or not. Thus, to me, it is a Satanic worship. I hope you understand what I mean.
“…if you ever suspect to get anywhere with me, or other nonbelievers, you’re going to have to admit that this is what you BELIEVE and what you THINK is true; not necessarily what actually exists.”
Did you even read my post thoroughly? Over and over and over again, I said, “This is what I BELIEVE”.
“I believe that there is a literal burning Hell…”
“…I believe it’s true.”
“I believe that is takes faith..”
“… just because you don’t believe what I believe.”
“I believe in the existence..”
“..since Wicca is a Satanic worship (so I believe) I believe that the “goddesses” that they’re talking to…”
And that’s not even all the times I said it! I DO NOT consider my belief to be the 100% truth. I BELIEVE it, so it is truth FOR ME. I’m not gonna tell you that what I say is the ONLY way to go, the ONLY truth. Only that it is what I BELIEVE.
“Speaking as if God is a real person does not fly with me, as you already know..”
And ma’am, speaking as if he is not a real person does not fly with me. You’re not the only one here that is having your beliefs debated.
I’m still not trying to pick a fight with you, and again, I am VERY sorry if I’m offending you. (I know this just sounds like a disclaimer at the bottom of every post, but I just want you to know that I’m not getting angry with you.)
@Alexandra
“You’re right. WE HAVE TO CHOOSE. You can choose not to worship any God at all. You can choose to worship Jesus Christ, Allah, Zeus, Buddha, whomever you choose. I choose Jesus. You can choose whoever you want, that’s none of my business. It’s not my choice, it’s yours. I don’t want to shove my religion down your throat. That’s not what I’m trying to do AT ALL. I’m just trying to show you my side of things, just as you’re trying to show me yours. What I’m saying is, one of the choices is right, and it’s up to us to choose. I’m not gonna tell you who’s right and who’s wrong for sure, I’m gonna tell you who I believe is right and wrong. And I believe it’s Christ, I believe Christ is the right way. And that’s MY decision. Just as choosing to be an atheist is yours. I try not to condemn you for your belief, and I ask that you try to not condemn me for mine.”
I am not condemning you, as I do not believe there is anywhere you could be sent to be condemned.
“You are missing my point ENTIRELY. Yes, maybe they think that they’re worshiping a goddess or whatever, but I believe that they are being deceived by demons. That’s what I meant when I said that I don’t think demons are above lying. The call themselves a goddess, or a god, I have even heard of some that have called themselves Jesus. Regardless of what they call themselves, regardless of what one may think they are, I believe that they are demons. That’s what I’m saying. No, I don’t think Wiccans say, “Oh, let’s all go out and pray to Satan!” But from my perspective, as a Christian, believing that there are only two spiritual sides, Satan’s and Christ’s, they are being DECEIVED by Satan and his demons, whether they know it or not. Thus, to me, it is a Satanic worship. I hope you understand what I mean.”
On the contrary, I am not missing the point. Just because you BELIEVE they are being deceived by demons, does not mean they are! You specifically said that you believe Wiccans are a SATANIC faith group. There is no getting beyond what you’ve said, or trying to turn around your words to mean something else. You made the blanket statement that Wiccans are somehow associated with Satan and demons, when that is simply not the case. I don’t know if you’re trying to cover up with another story or what, but you made a false claim. Admit to that fact, and you will only be a bigger person. What you THINK and what are FACTS about the faith are two different things entirely, and you CANNOT make false claims about opposing views without someone calling you out on it. It doesn’t matter that you think Wiccanism is associated with demons; the transcribers of the faith do not, and they are the ones participating in the rituals and practices. This is why you actually need to research these things to learn more and be able to speak intellectually with others about it; otherwise, it just makes you look uninformed.
“Did you even read my post thoroughly? Over and over and over again, I said, “This is what I BELIEVE”.”
Yes, and there have also been many instances where you said that “God does this” or “Jesus does that” as if they are physically walking around performing actions that everyone should be able to observe. These are depictions of absolute truth, and is what I cannot tolerate. Your occasional uses of “I believe” cannot be overshadowed by the more frequent use of the proper nouns God, Jesus, Satan, etc. followed by a verb that indicates action.
“And ma’am, speaking as if he is not a real person does not fly with me. You’re not the only one here that is having your beliefs debated. ”
I’m not the one making the extraordinary claim. Unless something has been proven to exist, I can refer to it as a nonexistent entity until the contrary has been proven true. Whether or not you like it is not substantial enough reason for me to discontinue my criticism for such a being. However, your criticism for my disbelief is in no way founded, because I am accepting a negative default position of not accepting anything that I cannot observe with my senses – I make no positive claim that a supernatural being exists, as there is no substantial evidence that has convinced me otherwise, thus my disbelief and referral to such a being as nonexistent is completely justified. I don’t claim to know that unicorns exist, and since nothing has turned up to prove that they do, I accept the default position of not believing in them until I see one. If you could provide me with a unicorn, or in your case God, then I would change my mind immediately, in light of this new evidence.
In closing, absolute truth is simply that: Truth that is observed by all and witnessed in the same manner no matter how many times it occurs. It is infallibly true and its existence cannot be denied no matter who you. Example: Gravity. Relative truth, however, is another matter entirely. It is not the same for everyone, and changes according to circumstance and external influence. Example: God For the sake of all that is good in this world, Christians, please do not mistake the two.
@Caitlin
@Alexandra
This is what I was afraid would happen. We have officially spiraled into discussing the barest roots of religion. Obviously you guys aren’t going to prove anything to each other. All that’s going to happen is you both keep throwing more quotes at each other to prove your point.
@Caitlin
I totally agree with Jess. I think Adam would be ashamed that we’re fighting like this on such an upbuilding post.
I don’t like arguing, and it’s clear that we’re not going to agree. I don’t want to keep adding more fuel to this fire by keeping on debating, so you just believe what you want to believe and I’ll believe what I want to believe.
Do you guys think Adam didn’t post this week because we were fighting? :O
PEACE! LOVE! OWL CITY!
@Caitlin:
I’m done. Don’t think I’m chickening out, or that I don’t have anything to say, because believe me, I do. I have PLENTY to say. But I think it’s time I drop out of this. You’re never going to see things the way I do, and I’m never going to see things the way you do. I’m still praying for you, and I’m sorry if I’ve offended you at all through our debate. But it’s time I drop out. God bless. :)
@Jess and Madd:
Look, conflict exists in this world. And as a Christian, I believe I have a responsibility to defend my God. And I think Caitlin believes it’s her responsibility to try and turn me to the more logical explanation (I’m not saying that sarcastically, just so you know). So yes, we debate. And there is nothing wrong with that. Everybody has the right to defend what they believe.
@Lorelei AKA GalaxyGirl
Gosh I hope not! <:((
@Alexandra
I know. Well, at first there isn't anything wrong with it, but if you just keep on debating, everybody gets upset. And if no one is listening to each other, it's pretty useless trying to prove your point. I just hope Adam hasn't been reading this because he'd be upset if he knew that he'd kind of indirectly triggered a full-fledged religious arguement like this. :/
EVERYBODY GO LISTEN TO SOME PORT BLUE OR SOMETHING BECAUSE WE ALL NEED TO CALM DOWN. I feel better now.
@Madd:
“And if no one is listening to each other, it’s pretty useless trying to prove your point.”
Which is partly why I dropped out. :P
And Adam didn’t start this, we did. It’s not his fault at all. He has the right to say whatever he wants, and if things get crazy when we reply to him, that’s our fault. Adam, if you read this…sorry. Didn’t mean to cause strife on your blog. I sincerely apologize for my own part in this, and hope you can forgive me.
@Alexandra
I didn’t mean it was his fault. It’s just that if he had posted something non-religious we might not have gotten into this. But it’s still our fault. And yes, he has the right to say whatever he wants, and I hope that if he did read this, it won’t make him hesitate to post something about his love for God next time. It’s really encouraging. :)
..Oh dear. I sound like I’m contradicting myself, don’t I?
BEAR HUGS ADAM!
I am so excited to see that you fiercely chase him! Go deep. His love has no bounds!
I suppose Jess is right. We really aren’t going to get anywhere with this, are we? I sure hope Adam’s not neglecting his blog because of us. I am incredibly sorry, Adam, if this upset you. But Alexandra, I guess we were all just defending our own opinions, too.
@Madd
YES! LET’S CHILL NOW PEOPLE. CALM DOWN. PORT BLUE ALL AROUND.
Everyone has different different beliefs and views, but instead of everyone trying to prove themselves right we should all try to be OPEN to each other’s views, right?
PEACE<3 LOVE<3 OWL CITY<3
dear Adam,
this is not a blackmail..
but i wish i could kidnap you and ask you to write me an essay.
from,
a girl~
Peace love and Owl City? That’s my catchphrase on Flipnote Hatena :D!
@Rose T.
And you had every right to. We all did.
@Lorelei AKA GalaxyGirl
I agree. But Dolphin Park would be just as good. ;D
“For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Cor. 4:18
Dear Adam,
Have you by chance read “The Screwtape Letters” by C. S. Lewis?
If you are a thinker and not a talker you might appreciate this striking book as much as I did.
Juliette
P.S. What is your favorite book anyway? I am a die hard “Pride and Prejudice” lover, not to mention “Lord of the Rings.” Have you ever considered writing a book? Would you mind sharing some of your random, yet eloquent, writing styles with me?
This is might sound a little strange, but when I was about 5 I used to think that God was the North Star because it helped show people the direction they were supposed to go in. Since God kind of does that I kind of assumed He was the star because it was so bright. I just felt like writing this because the writer used the stars as a metaphor. (and I like writing stuff)
Oh shoot. I’m really sorry about the last comment I just noticed there was a blog argument about peoples beliefs. Really sorry, probably was not good to bring that up even if it just was some thing I thought as a kid. I’m not trying to re-start the discussion or anything… Guess I need to be more aware of my surroundings. Maybe I’m worrying over nothing, but I just want to make sure.
Okay, so I just got back on here to check out Adams ‘new’ blog, and found that there was none. Shiver me timbers. I DO hope it isn’t true that he didn’t post anything since we were fighting!!!!! :((
So anyways I was going to come back with some marvelous reply @ Rose T., but since everyone has made up, I suppose it would be wrong and stupid. Anyways, I’d like to apologize to Rose T. for posting stuff that shouldn’t have been posted and contributing to the fight. And I’m really glad that everyone’s happy now. I suppose that I just got involved because it made me so mad that people were fighting on this blog! Anyways, that’s all I have to say…
…besides this. @ Laura, I don’t think you need to worry about starting the “fuel to the fire” thing all over again. It was just a harmless thought. And thank-you for sharing it!
If I may, Mr. Young, I hope you write something soon! Your writing is so encouraging! I hope that whole conversation above (that is way behind all of the participants now, I think) has nothing to do with you not blogging. Peace and love to you and keep up your good work!
-Your sister in Christ
@Laura
aw that’s cute! xD that reminds me of the song Galaxies :P
I love you Adam! I think we have a lot in common. Check out my blog http://saaraajuddha.blogspot.com/ :)
@ Oh Brother
I’m sorry, too, for getting in your face about your opinions. It was really immature of me. I probably shouldn’t have said what I did either. I apologize for my rashness and anger.
*I apologize sincerely*
Adam this made my day!!!!!!
I recently noticed that the stars seem to shine the brightest right before the sunrise, in the early morning between 4:30 and 5:30. I first noticed this when I was backpacking a few weeks ago before school started. The first time I noticed this they seemed unnaturally bright. It was awesome because they were so vivid. The second morning I noticed this backpacking I remember muttering “the stars are always brightest before the sunrise” and then thinking it sounded like a good title for a song or book..so I kept it in the back of my mind. As the weeks have past I have noticed this again and and again. I will sometimes wake early in the morning and just walk to wake up. The stars are super bright. I remembered the phrase a few mornings ago that I had uttered a few weeks back when I saw the stars shining so brightly. I decided to write it on my white board when I got back to my room. It has truth to it. More than just stars.
Then just a few moments ago I came across this post. AHH!!!
It fires me up to see you being bold and talking about GOD! Wish I could hang out with you or something. Be encouraged!
I have always loved the stars. My family attends camp with our church each year near the end of the summer, and one of my favorite parts of the whole thing is the star-gazing. When you’re out so far into the woods that city lights don’t exist, and shooting stars are as common as colds.
It’s when I’m lying out in the middle of a field with the entire expanse of heaven stretched open before me that I find God is most vocal in His silence. I watch the constellations rise, marvel in the beauty of the night sky, and am struck over and over again with how small I truly am in the big scheme of things.
“What is man that thou art mindful of him…”
I’ve never been a huge fan of the dark, or rather what could be hiding in the dark, but I’d risk the cold and vulnerability for even a few minutes under the stars. And it saddens me that there are those who spend too much time in the lighted carriage to see the vast wonder and sheer beauty of the night sky.
Perhaps it takes a bit more bravery to venture into the night without a lantern, but I think it’s more than worth it to see God’s hand in all His creation.
@ Rose T.
Wow, I didn’t really think you’d respond to my apology! . . . .Yes, I forgive you . . . . and I probably have more to apologize for than you. . . .
great adam!.. love how you are taking a stand .. for what you believe in.. , in the secular world its very rare to see that.. but thanks for not being afraid … you should do a hill song cover.. . maybe inside out , or search my heart.. ? if you have time look up those songs..
I’ve been reading all these intruging comments and debates and I’m really glad everyone eventually came to a peaceful conclusion. I’m just going to encourage everyone to look at the vast, glorious night sky one night and just think about how our incredible planet of life could be here. I don’t want to start another disscusion on whether God exists or not, I just want to challenge each and every person who has read this blog by Adam (what an awesome guy) to look at this awe-inspiring universe and just think about how amazing this is. Doesn’t it look like the work of an artist!? Makes our life seem so insignificant, doesn’t it? Thank you Adam for writing Galaxies-that song pretty much sums up what I feel. :)
@ Emily
If that artist also felt creating black holes that can suck up entire cosmos and genetic defects that create cancerous tumors are something to be proud of.
@Bilyeu:
Come on, man. We’re done with this, don’t start another argument.
Well, now that we aer done with that…I’ll just leave this here: http://vimeo.com/11170354
I’m not starting anything. You wanna be the one to tell Emily to stop associating with a grand master artist instead of remaining neutral? If not for that comment, I wouldn’t have said anything. I undertook her challenge. Go ahead, do it.
I actually find arguments like these really interesting, despite the fact that people are virtually screaming at each other.
However, I will say that there is nothing more annoying than when people claim that THEY are right, and the other side is definitely wrong. It goes both ways.
No one wants other people to shove their religious beliefs in their face, but it is interesting to read about what you’re saying. However, I, as a person with no religious affiliation, will not be convinced by your arguments if you are a Christian. I will simply read them and dismiss them, and applaud the non-Christian arguments.
But again, debates open up so much insight. I just wish people could do it without blowing it up into an argument about who’s right and who’s wrong.
Regarding this post, I will honestly say that when Adam posts religious posts like these, I don’t read them. I’m sorry, but it doesn’t apply to me and I don’t really find it inspiring. I really do miss his old posts about the going-ons of his life in general.
With you all the way, Abby.
@Bilyeu: There was no reason for Emily to “remain neutral”. She wasn’t debating, she was commenting on a religious post, answering with her own religious beliefs.
@Abby: I agree. But I think it’s important to remember that we Christians don’t exactly want non-religious beliefs (or lack thereof) shoved in our face. I’m not saying that that’s what you’re doing, because you’re not, I’m just saying that we need to remember that everything you just said goes both ways.
Of course, I know! Everything goes both ways. I try not to do that, as long as the other person doesn’t try to tell me to believe in God all the time (as an example). Especially around my Hoot Owl friends; most of them are Christian, so I refrain from saying anything about my beliefs and keep quiet when they tweet about God.
Yeah, I get what you’re saying. :) No hard feelings on anything? :)
When I read your posts it reminds me that you’re not just another fame-obsessed celebrity. You’re my brother in Christ. :)
Hey Adam! I love reading your blogs and I think we have much in common! Check out my blog at: http://saaraajuddha.blogspot.com/ :) and by the way, I love feedback!
Hi there Adam,
This post really hit home. I really truly thank God for someone like you in the industry. Jesus bless you abundantly.
“Only be strong and very courageous.” (Joshua 1:7)
Love,
Joyce,
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this excellent blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will talk about this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!
Hey there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I genuinely enjoy reading your articles. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same topics? Many thanks!
Thank you Adam, for never failing to encourage me with your love for God. You’ve truly got a heart of deep love for God and your heart is able to inspire others to search for God and to fall in love with Him. God’s telling me right now that He is immensely proud to be a father of such a loving son. God bless you! (:
Love,
Janella
I’ve said that least 4862427 times. The problem this like that is they are just too compilcated for the average bird, if you know what I mean
Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your content seem to be running off the screen in Safari. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know. The design and style look great though! Hope you get the issue fixed soon. Many thanks
Hey, there.
I’m a little confused. Some of the things John Piper says I do have to agree with. But I did some research on Hedonism and he’s wrong about a lot of things. http://www.thefaithfulword.org/studyhedonism.html
(Check out the chart towards the bottom of the page)
I’m a bit conerned for your faith, Adam. ‘Cause Christianity can be twisted around in so many ways nowadays, it can be dangerous. We want you on the right path to His glory.
In the meantime, keep up your brillant work. I know no other than you.
~SorenLorin
Oh…
And Hebrews 13:6. :)
My youth group has been doing this study for the past few months =)
I’m wondering when (or if) we’ll get to this… I just read that quote like 10 times, trying to get more of it each time, and it’s now overtaking my thoughts.
I’m so glad stuff like this makes you excited, Adam. You are truly a light in this dark world. ♥
Hey there, You’ve done an excellent job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this website.
Hello there, You have done a great job. I’ll definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.
I’m really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one these days..
One thing I’ve noticed is always that there are plenty of fallacies regarding the banking companies intentions when talking about property foreclosures. One myth in particular is the fact the bank needs to have your house. Your banker wants your cash, not your property. They want the amount of money they lent you with interest. Preventing the bank will simply draw some sort of foreclosed realization. Thanks for your posting.
Outstanding post however I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Thank you!
Ahh, I love the mind images. My mind’s eye is a dear friend of mine.
I find it amazing that everyone views this and loves it, even if they aren’t Christian. It’s amazing. :’)
Adam, you bless us tremendously with the way you allow the Lord to use you for his plans. The few times I remember to read your blog, I feel God speaking right to me, calling me back. I am often brought to tears.
Whatever the world says, your heart belongs to the One who is sovereign and He is always proud and eager to call you his own.
Whilst reading this post, several things came to mind. The one thought that stood out the most was the lyrics to Hillsong’s “Hosanna.”
“Heal my heart and make it clean/ Open up my eyes to the things unseen/ Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart from what breaks yours/ Everything I am for your kingdoms cause/ As I go from nothing to eternity”
I know in my heart that our joy comes from living a life that brings God glory. As we abandon our own desires and dive deeper and deeper into life with Christ, our hearts are transformed to be like His.
I think I’m typing this more for myself as a reminder, but I just wanted you to know this blog post really shook me spiritually.
Hiya, I’ve broken up with my GF about year ago and I thought I wont make it. Pardon me if this bothers you, I just wanted to share. But that I’ve found an ebook. Yeah, an ebook. I was never into books too much, but this one… This is different. After reading it… after reading it I was able to see what I’ve done wrong and… and I got her back :). This book really changed my life, as it doesn’t effect only your relationship with GF but your relationships overall. Best spent buck in my life. If you are having same problems as I had… Just try it out. I think its just too cheap anyways. Lol I got her back with this. My gf. I cant thank it enough. I found it here http://tiny.cc/exgfback
It will not Christian Louboutin only bring you the satisfy of the vision but also the spiritual Christian Louboutin OTK Platform Boots Purple happiness.
love your sermon…. :)