Tag Archives: philosophy

When God Seems Dead…

Posted on January 18, 2014 by expressyourself4him

In the upcoming movie  God’s Not Dead, based upon a true story, a college philosophy professor presupposes God is dead.  Not surprising by today’s standards, one student who refuses to sign a paper agreeing with his assumption, faces an uphill battle which may cost him more than just a good grade.  As a result, God is put on trial in Philosophy 150, with one defendant testifying to his existence.  The outcome will be determined this spring for those who are interested.

For the rest of us, life tends to bring periods when God seems distant, far removed from our situation, acting as if He doesn’t care or doesn’t exist.  Yet, this thought is nothing new, questioned by countless of individuals throughout history, even a famous king.  According to David, godly people had vanished from his kingdom, with no one in his sight, Psalm 12:1.  Instead, liars using flattery to get ahead in life had taken over society, frustrated David as the wicked prospered and the righteous were disappearing, Psalm 12:2-4.

Since God’s ways are not man’s ways, Proverbs 19:21, the Lord will arise from his apparent slumber.  When God does return, He and only He will judge mankind according to what they have said and done, Matthew 12:36.  For now, you have a life to live, “like sand through an hour glass, so are the Days of our Lives,” one of the few soap operas I watched.  Anyway, the closer individuals begin to experience John 10:10, the more people will realize God’s not dead, he’s alive in those who shine the love of Jesus, Matthew 5:13-14.

by Jay Mankus

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Three is All I Can Handle

Posted on September 17, 2013 by expressyourself4him

While this blog could refer to the exact amount of children my wife and I decided to have, its not.  This is a quote from one of my students, complaining about writing a 5 paragraph composition for homework.  As a zealous teacher, searching for perfection, I was quickly disappointed when I discovered only 30% of my class regularly turned in their essays.  Grasping at straws, I turned to teenagers to see where I verged off course.  To my surprise, their response was almost unanimous, “three paragraphs is all I can handle.”

Prior to this decision, I spent a week working with Dr. Vito, who held a PhD in Curriculum from Penn State University.  His knowledge of rubrics transformed each of my assignments, concept of ungraded work altered my philosophy of teaching and explanation of scope and sequence led me to delete any units that didn’t fit into my courses.  Once I added “the Voice,” an individual within each of my classes who served as the pulse of their student body, I received instant feedback.  This leadership position became the eyes, ears and heart of classmates, providing an honest, yet realistic view inside the minds of students,  Their input revolutionized my communication with young people, making my last 2 years a success.

Before exiting teaching, conversations with English teachers convinced me to limit 9th grade assignments to 3 paragraphs, 11th grade to 5 and Honors to 6 total.   These experiences helped me recognize that long winded writers can quickly lose their audience.  Thus, I try to compress my thoughts to a 3 paragraphs.  On occasion, 4 or 5 paragraphs may be necessary for complex issues, but for now I will continue to practice KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid.  I want to thank everyone who has shared, visited or commented on my blog.  Since I am more than half way to a thousand, I will continue to write until the Lord moves me in a different direction.

by Jay Mankus

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You’ve Got To Bring It!

Posted on September 8, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Survival of the fittest was coined by British philosopher Hebert Spencer after reading On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin.  In reality, this term is an alternative way of saying natural selection.  However, from a modern translation, in order to survive and rise above others to become the cream of the crop, you’ve got to bring it every day.  Whether you are an administrator, athlete, blue collar worker or a student with great expectations, you can’t take a class, day or play off.

As a former professional athlete and high school coach, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to recognize if someone is dogging it.  Just take of peek to observe students walking down the hall to use the restroom.  Those walking slower than a senior citizen are stalling, wasting as much time as humanly possible.  On the other hand, the highly motivated are back in a flash, hoping they didn’t miss anything important.  If this pattern of complacency, laziness and minimal effort continues, these individuals will not succeed, put to shame and overshadowed by the overachievers in life.

The Bible was well ahead of its time, introducing a similar concept to the world by the end of the first century.  Jesus talked about striving for perfection during his sermon on the mount, encouraging the crowd to put their heart and soul into every aspect of life, even those people you despise or hate, Matthew 5:43-48.  As an avid sports fan of track and field, the apostle Paul addresses two sides to this topic.  From a mental approach, Paul focuses on the concentration necessary to acquire the proper attitude as you compete in life, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.  Then, from a moral stand point, Paul adds work ethic with a devotion for your creator in Colossians 3:17, 23.  When you put these three passages together, the message is quite clear, “you’ve got to bring it!”

by Jay Mankus

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Look Up; Not Within!

Posted on June 15, 2013 by expressyourself4him

As a coach and teacher, the me, me, me mindset can become tiring.  Former NFL running back Ricky Watters became infamous in Philadelphia following his post game comments, “For who, for what?”  More concerned about his own health than stretching out to make a play, a generation of professional athletes have adopted this motto.  Yet, Psalm 123 provides a different philosophy, looking beyond yourself.

While professional athletes do have a shorter shelf life than blue collared workers, it is the Lord who preserves one’s life, Psalm 123:2.  Although free will does exist, the Lord is ultimately in control, ushering his angels to protect God’s people.  On the other side of the spectrum, naturalism claims truth comes from within.  The attractiveness of this worldview has led many into relying on science and knowledge.

The famous painting known as The School of Athens created by Raphael in the early 16th century articulates this internal battle.  As Plato points toward heaven, affirming the principles of the Bible, Socrates seeks gnosis, a secret wisdom from within.  Today, this debates continues, with public opinion slanting things in Socrates favor.  However, I still believe in the God above, whom calls people to look up, not within!

by Jay Mankus

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Know What You’re Looking For

Posted on March 25, 2013 by expressyourself4him

A man and a woman’s idea of shopping are often world’s apart.  Women tend to enjoy the experience, searching for bargains, savings and obtaining the best deal.  Meanwhile, men tend to follow what I call the “In and Out Philosophy;” going into a store, buying what you’re looking for and getting out as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, not all stores carry the product you are searching for or don’t have them in stock when you need it.

Like shopping, stereotypes often tamper with your beliefs.  It only takes one negative experience to shift your trust from one store to the next or from one person to another.  Dirty laundry has always existed, usually developing into reputations that influence your opinion about someone, something or a specific retail store.  However, be careful that you don’t fall prey to gossip or else you might miss what you are looking for.

According to John 1:43-46, Nazareth did not have a ringing endorsement, especially from those who lived outside of this first century town.  Buying into the hype, Nathanael became narrow minded, disregarding anyone who had been born or raised here.  If it wasn’t for his friend Philip, Nathanael might have gone through life like Jesus’ own brothers and sisters, who rejected the idea that he was the promised Messiah.  Instead, be like Andrew and Peter in John 1:40-41, who knew what they were looking for and once they found Jesus, quickly followed the Son of the Living God!

by Jay Mankus

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