by Bret Capranica | Jul 12, 2005 | Culture, Psychology
Excessive gambling among victims of Parkinson’s disease can now be linked to one of the most popular drugs used to treat the malady. In fact, a number of excessive behaviors, like sex and shopping, can also be attributed to the drug Mirapex among Parkinson’s patients. The article linked above gives a number of “testimonies” of people caught up in virtually unrestrainable urges to excessively gamble (among other excessive behaviors). As soon as they stopped taking the drug, the urge was not as strong. As you might expect, a California attorney is filing a class action lawsuit against the drug company. This is an amazing drug. What the study did not indicate (at least the article citing it) was whether any of these people ever had any excessive impulses before the drug. A biblical evaluation would suggest that the impulse has always resided within. The behavior was no doubt already a part of their lives. Perhaps the drug so affected these people that their will to be self-controlled simply succumbed to the already residing desire to sin. Jesus said, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” [Mark 7:20-23] According to the popular “course of this world,” it appears that the excessive nature of our American behavior can never be a result of indwelling sin. In other words, we must find any...
by Bret Capranica | Jul 11, 2005 | General Theology, Personal
My wife, Kelly and I have begun reading John L. Dagg‘s Manual of Theology. Dagg, writing in the late 1800s, produced the first systematic theology by a Southern Baptist. Tom Nettles perhaps overstates his applause for Dagg, but says, “For clairty, cogency, and sincerity of expression, no theological writer of the 19th century surpasses John L. Dagg. . . . He died in June of 1884, as one of the most respected men in Baptist life and remains one of the most profound thinkers produced by his denomination.” Here is the opening quote from his Manual. The study of religious truth ought to be undertaken and prosecuted from a sense of duty, and with a view to the improvement of the heart. When learned, it ought not to be laid on the shelf, as an object of speculation; but it should be deposited deep in the heart, where its sanctifying power ought to be felt. To study theology, for the purpose of gratifying curiosity, or preparing for a profession, is an abuse and profanation of what ought to be regarded as most holy. To learn things pertaining to God, merely for the sake of amusement, or secular advantage, or to gratify the mere love of knowledge, is to treat the Most High with...
by Bret Capranica | Jul 10, 2005 | Culture, General Theology
How should we pray about this storm? Al Mohler has some pertinent thoughts from his blog linked above. What appears a random choice of natural elements is really a sovereign system of divine intentions. Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father” (Matthew 10:29). Within the wrath of hurricane Dennis, a branch will not break apart from God’s divine intentions. I have friends and family who will feel Dennis’ impact today, the Lord’s Day. I pray that the goodness of God through the tragedies that strike will become very clear today, even now. Easy to say while on the left coast, right? Well, it was only a month ago that the earth shook us during offertory. God is in complete control and His purposes may be beyond our tracing out on this day. Yet, the tangled mess of a multitude of circumstances will one day be seen as the perfectly orchestrated tapestry of God’s grace. And in awe we will bless His holy...
by Bret Capranica | Jul 7, 2005 | Miscellaneous
Phil Johnson, Grace to You guru, and the author behind the Pyromaniac mask has spent the past week in London, England. Having been reading his reports all week about his ministry at Spurgeon’s Metropolitan Tabernacle, I was instantly curious to know of his well-being and responses to the terror attacks in London. Phil chronicles his reports from this tragic day. Pray for he and his wife Darlene as they make their way back...
by Bret Capranica | Jul 7, 2005 | Miscellaneous
I just received this most encouraging e-mail from Christianbook.com: “Coming soon! “The Prayer of Jabez, Fifth Anniversary Edition” by Bruce Wilkinson Rediscover the simple prayer that has transformed millions of lives. In the fifth anniversary edition of this international best- seller Bruce Wilkinson will introduce you to Jabez, a simple man who sought God’s blessing and was overwhelmed by His response. Put this prayer into practice and experience the Lord’s remarkable results! Save 36% off the retail price of $10.99. Our price: $6.99!” Yahooo! If Jabez could only see how his prayer is being used – he would probably be “a simple man who sought God’s blessing and was overwhelmed with our response.” I guess people’s borders did not expand enough in the first five...
