control yourself

I think most people would agree that we are creatures of habit -- we are largely programmed by this world to think the way it does (more is better, look out for yourself, someone hits you, you hit them back, etc). However, most would also agree that we do have free will to make choices we want - but how much free will do we have vs. how much of what we do is because we're responding to what we've been programmed by the world to think?

If you've ever struggled with these types of questions, you will probably enjoy Greg Boyd's books and sermon's. A book that changed the way I think about these things is his book, Letters from a Skeptic - a book of letters between Greg Boyd and his ivy league, atheist dad.

If you're an intellectual, or if you know someone who is and you're struggling with questions like how could a loving God allow natural disasters and all sorts of evil, this book is for you. Also, if you're interested in how religion should or should not mix with politics, Greg Boyd was just featured on the front of the New York times for his new book Myth of a Christian Nation - the article can be read here. Lastly, Greg was recently interviewed by Charlie Rose on PBS along with Rick Warren. You can view that interview here.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (taken from a letter from the apostle Paul to the church in Rome)