TN TDOT Name a Snowplow Contest: Last Day to Vote! (published 12-30-2022; article #383)

Introduction

Early this morning, while performing routine fecal plowing, I was listening to News Talk 98.7 FM on one of the three radios on my bathroom sink cabinet top. A news item, aside from shootings in other states reported as “local” news, that caught my attention was that the final day to vote in TDOT's name a snowplow contest is today.

Several days ago, a local television station mentioned the contest. I had flushed the thought, after wondering why TDOT would waste “toilet paper” money on such a silly contest. Well, the thought “back flushed” into my mind today.

Yes, I know that on 12/30/2000 family members and I gathered in the frigid cold for the graveside service for my mother (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932-12/27/2000). Writing this humorous article, however, will help lift my spirits and distract my thoughts from memories of my mother's graveside service.

Name a Snowplow

After my morning fecal plowing, I found, on TN TDOT Department of Transportation, “Name A Snowplow Contest: Voting Begins.” (The “A” should not be capitalized.)

One of three photographs from “Name A Snowplow Contest: Voting Begins.”

The content of that web page includes the following:

Vote for your favorite Snowplow name. Simply check the circle beside the name you like best and hit submit. Voting ends Friday, December 30 at 4:30 p.m. The top four names with the most votes will be displayed on four different snowplows – one in each region. The winners will be announced in early January.

*Select your favorite entry*

The following twenty-five candidates are listed:

Contest Voting*

Big Leplowski; Big Orange; BoomBoomPlow; Brinestone Plowboy; Darth Blader; Don't flurry, be happy; Freeze Slick Mafia; Gatlinbrr; Graceland Growler; Grit & Brine; King Henry; Melton John; MilkNBread; Nashville Plowdators; No More, Mr. Ice Guy! Reba McEnplower; Rhinestone Plowboy; Sleetwood Mac; Snowlene; Snowletta Lynn; Sweet Child O' Brine; Tennessee VolunCLEAR; Thaw Enforcement; Tim McThaw; You're Welcome

Thank you for your submission. A TDOT representative will contact the contest winners.

The website does not say how the 25 candidates were certified or who the other contestants were. I suspect a “TDOT deep-state conspiracy!”

After seconds of “deep contemplation,” I voted for “No More, Mr. Ice Guy!”—twice. I reloaded the website. What do you know? The website allowed me to vote often! Since I hadn't voted early, I decided to vote again. So, I voted once more for “No More, Mr. Ice Guy!” I decided that two votes were enough. Of course, I could have continued to reload the website and vote far more often, until 4:30 PM, but I have better ways to occupy my time.

Of course, I have the following questions. Is this the primary or general election? When did voting start? (I voted twice on the last day to vote.) Should voting have been allowed on one day only? Are only Tennessee citizens allowed to vote? Are illegal aliens, citizens from other states, and people from other nations allowed to vote? (I did not have to present a voter registration card.) Will voting end today at 4:30 PM Central Time or Eastern Time? Was there early voting, before the unknown day that voting started? If so, what were the early voting numbers? What about paper ballots? When will the votes be counted? Who will count the votes? Are they certified to count them? Will there be a recount? What about a tie? Will there be a runoff? What about hanging Internet chad? Will you fine or arrest me, since I voted twice? Those are several questions that come to mind.

Conclusion

On the eve of New Year's Eve in 2022, I remember with sadness my mother's graveside service on the eve of New Year's Eve in 2000. I remember my “adopted sister” and her husband from Missouri visiting at the homeplace before the service. I remember the bitter cold. I remember driving in the funeral procession to the cemetery. I remember blocking the impatient driver who tried to pass the procession. I remember shivering while seated on the very cold metal chair during the service. I remember how my father (Earl Ferrell, 9/17/1927-1/25/2008) looked and what he said. I remember family members gathering at the homeplace after the service. I remember each and every detail.

Should I email TDOT.Comments@tn.gov with a link to this article? If I do and get a reply, I will mention it in a comment. As a public service, I encourage readers in Tennessee to vote early and often! Today is the last day to vote. Readers in other states or nations, of course, are free to vote or not, based on personal convictions.

Mom, of course, would understand why I wrote this humorous article, laced with sorrow, today. Mom enjoyed my sense of humor. Perhaps, once I join my mother and so many others in heaven, I will share this story with her. I will have plenty of time to do so.

Mom Went to See Jesus on 12-27-2000, and Snow Photographs on 12-27-2022 (published 12-27-2022; article #382)

Introduction

At 3:06 PM, as I begin to write, the sun is shining brightly. The temperature is 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 Celsius). The snow (about an inch, or 2.54 centimeters), which fell late yesterday afternoon and overnight, has melted except in shady areas. Molly (our “old puppy”) is now mostly outside or in her basement condominium, no longer an indoor dog. She had been staying on the couch in hibernation mode. Our four days of winter (12/23-26/2022), with highs below freezing, are over. Springtime in winter is resuming.

Presently, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman is visiting her folks. Her youngest sister returns to “Nashvegas” later today. I had not planned to write this article, but I decided to do so.

Mom Went to See Jesus on 12/27/2000

I reread several articles that I have published around this time of the year about my mother (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932-12/27/2000). My brief article from 12/27/2010 is one of my favorites. The entire article is as follows:

Ten Years Ago Today (published 12-27-2010)

Ten years ago today, at 5:15 PM, Mom went to be with Jesus. She was the best mother that I could have ever had. Taken at only 68 years old, Mom could still be alive today, touching the lives of family and friends in her unique way. Mom’s absence has been felt strongly these past ten years.

Mom, I miss you, but I know that you are in a far better place. Tell everyone—Granny, Papaw, Uncle Bobby, Dad, and so many others—that I will see them someday. Life goes on here until we are all reunited there.

I love you, Mom, bunches and bunches!

See Happy Birthday, Mom (published 11-24-2009).

My 11/24/2009 article, “Happy Birthday, Mom,” linked above, is probably my favorite entry that I have written about my mother. Every time I reread the article, tears swell up in my eyes, but I do not cry.

At 5:15 PM today—as I have done every December 27th since 2001—I will pause, be silent for a while, and remember.

I still miss my mother's made-from-scratch, homemade biscuits and her Rice Krispies Christmas wreath, both symbols of her love. I have known many genuine Christians. I try to be one. Mom was and is the most genuine Christian that I have ever known.

Twenty-two years have passed since my mother went to see Jesus. The memory of her loss is with me daily, especially on December 27. Her loss has become easier to place into an everlasting perspective.

The earthly family circle is unbroken. I am trying to do my best to serve God, such as I can and as he allows me, until it is my turn to join the heavenly family circle.

Snow Photographs Today (12/27/2022)

Twenty-two years ago, the weather was cloudy and very cold on Wednesday, December 27, 2000. We had about the same type of weather, maybe a little warmer, this morning. I took the two photographs below at about 10 AM.

The view looks southwest. The backyards of several neighbors are farther to the southwest. Can you see Molly's deck footprints in the snow? Earlier, she ventured outside to “Molly doggy around,” as I call it. She didn't stay out long. Molly liked the warm couch better.

The above is Molly in “partial hibernation mode,” taking it easy on the couch! The old sheet covers the leather couch. My wife was taking a shower at the time. Molly had been sleeping. She still looks sleepy in the photograph.

Don't worry! Once the temperature warmed up more and the sun came out, Molly went back to being a mostly outside “old puppy”! Her dog door is set, so she can come into her basement condominium as desired.

Conclusion

I trust that the TVA rolling blackouts, about which I wrote on Christmas Eve, did not harm anyone that has to use oxygen tanks that don't have battery backups. Mom had oxygen tanks during her final days at home. I am glad that we didn't have rolling blackouts then.

By the way, I learned that the Christmas Eve professional football game, played on the Tennessee Titans' (or “Tin Cans”) home field, was delayed by an hour due to rolling blackouts. The Texans beat the “Tin Cans” 19 to 14. TVA had advised us to conserve energy, turn off unnecessary lights, not do laundry, etc., but the lights at Titan Stadium shined brightly. What hypocrites!

The time as I write now is 4:06 PM. I hear Molly barking in the backyard. I think that I will go outside and have some fun with her.

Don't worry. I will come back inside. At 5:15 PM, I must pause, be silent for a while, and remember. Mom, I still love you bunches and bunches! I will see you again, once I join you.

TVA Rolling Blackouts, 12/23-24/2022: Christmas Eve Commentary (published 12-24-2022; article #381)

 “Unplugged black cord” (1/7/2021), by Kelly Sikkema, on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

“Northeast Tennessee can have a bit of winter. Sometimes, it falls on a weekend.” I have said that during a cool snap ever since Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I returned from Russia (10/1/1994-9/30/1999).

Welcome to a northeast Tennessee winter weekend! It started yesterday. December had been mild, with lows in the 20s to 40s Fahrenheit and highs in the 40s and 50s. Yesterday, in our neck of the woods, the low was 5 degrees (-15 Celsius) and the high was 10 degrees (-12 Celsius). This morning, the low was 3 degrees (-16 Celsius). It looks like the high will be in the low 20s (-5 or -6 Celsius).

Tomorrow, Christmas Day, the weather prognosticators predict the low to be in the mid-teens (about -9 Celsius) and the high to be about 30 degrees (-1 Celsius). They claim that the warming trend will continue until lows reach the 30s to 50s and the highs reach the 40s to 60s. Our winter weekend may stretch into five days, but not a full week.

Our “Brave” Excursions into the “Frigid” Weather

Yesterday, at about 1 PM, I walked to the mailbox to flag up our annual homeowners insurance payment. The temperature was 6 degrees (-14 Celsius). The sun was shining brightly. A cold breeze was blowing. I had on blue jeans, a tee-shirt, and a sweatshirt with socks and shoes. I stayed out in the front yard for a while, enjoying the crisp air and sunshine. If I had stayed out longer, I would have needed a coat. Around 5 PM, I walked to the mailbox to get Mrs. Appalachian Irishman's Kohl's bill (for a Christmas gift). The temperature was still 6 degrees (-14 Celsius), but the sun had set behind the ridge to our north, and the wind was stronger. Bravely, Molly (our “old puppy”) ventured out with me. We didn't waste any time getting back indoors! The lack of sun and the stronger wind were the differences. In the afternoon, my wife drove over to visit her folks. She also did some last-minute Christmas shopping with her youngest sister, who had come in on Thursday.

Today, around noon, I walked to the mailbox to get the junk mail. The temperature was about 10 degrees (-12 Celsius). The sun was shining brightly. There was no wind. I had on the same type of clothes as yesterday. It felt great! Molly, however, chose not to enjoy the balmy temperature with me. My wife was backing the car out of the garage to go visit her folks. Please, dear, don't come back home to tell me that you also shopped for that final, last-second Christmas present that you didn't buy yesterday!

How does all this involve TVA's rolling blackouts? I'll explain and comment. The conclusion transitions to yesterday's family gathering and to final thoughts about Christmas Eve.

Rolling Blackouts, 12/23-24/2022

Yesterday morning, while cleaning up, I heard the WQUT-FM (Tri-Cities classic rock) disc jockey mention that the rolling blackouts took the station off the air for 15 minutes. Later, at 12:01 PM, we experienced a rolling blackout that lasted 15 minutes. No notice was given. We had to take our “collectively equal share” of the “collective suffering.” Thankfully, we faced no more blackouts yesterday.

Today, we have had two rolling blackouts so far at 8:10-30 AM (five minutes longer than the dictated 15 minutes) and at 11:00-15 AM. My youngest brother called after the second blackout to say that they had already endured three today. We had no notifications before the blackouts. My computer has had three KUB reboots so far (one yesterday and two today).

Yesterday and today, around the blackouts, I did some online research. The following are two sources:

“TVA resumes rolling blackouts across East Tennessee.” WATE-TV, by Hope McAlee, 12/23/2022, updated 12/24/2022. Notice that I included the update today. What I saw just after our 11:00-15 AM blackout when I started this draft article was the following:

Saturday

9:50 a.m. Update – The Knoxville Utility Board tweeted that it was informed by TVA that their system is stabilizing and they expect the mandatory electric outages to no longer be necessary after 10 a.m. Saturday.

I'd thought, “Liars! We had a blackout at 11 AM, which is after 10 AM!” In the early afternoon, while writing this article, I saw the following 12:21 PM update:

Saturday

12:15 p.m. Update – TVA said rolling blackouts have ended and thanked everyone for doing their part to help conserve energy and maintain the power grid for 10 million people in the seven states that TVA services.

Noon Update – The Knoxville Utility Board announced that TVA has ended the mandatory outages for KUB’s service area. The City of Oak Ridge also said that rolling blackouts for their area had been terminated.

11:30 a.m. Update – The Knoxville Utility Board issued a statement that TVA has extended the requirement for them to reduce their power load, meaning that rolling blackouts will continue.

All is so far, so good as I type this sentence! I hope that the folks at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) do not change their minds again!

“TVA, Local Power Companies Manage Record-Setting Power Demand.” TVA.com, 12/24/2022, states the following in part:

On Saturday morning, December 24, TVA directed local power companies to implement planned, short duration, intermittent power interruptions to maintain system reliably. This action is similar to steps that TVA and local power companies took on Friday, December 23, to help ensure power system reliability. This measure is expected to be temporary until the highest peak power demands have been met.

During the 24-hours of December 23, TVA supplied more energy than at any other time in its history – 740 gigawatt-hours, or 740 million kilowatt-hours. The cold also produced a winter record for peak power demand of 33,425 megawatts at 7 p.m. CT when the regionwide average temperature was 9 degrees.

We have had stretches of either very cold or very hot weather before when electricity demand was high. Storms, snow, and ice have damaged power lines, which caused power outages. Yesterday and today, however, are the first times that TVA has mandated rolling blackouts. My commentary on this follows.

Commentary on Rolling Blackouts

I wondered, “What is the reason for these new and never-done-before rolling blackouts, without notice, that TVA has dictated?”

“Our Power System,” TVA.com, states in part the following (with my emboldening added for emphasis):

TVA’s power portfolio is dynamic and adaptable in the face of changing demands and regulations. Our emphasis has moved away from traditional coal-based production and toward cleaner forms of power generation, and today the power we deliver is nearly 60 percent carbon-free.

Meanwhile, we’re decommissioning some of our oldest coal-fired units to make way for these new, more efficient forms of power production. It’s a natural evolution—one that fits with our historic mission of providing reliable, low-cost energy that makes life better for the people we serve.

Who is the “our” in TVA's web page title above? TVA is a socialist government entity. We the people manage the government, or we are supposed to do so. The government works for us, or it's supposed to do so. I hope that “our” in TVA's web page title means “we the people,” not “TVA.”

I tried multiple search options but could not find records of annual TVA electric output totals by year. If anyone reading this article can find valid sources, please comment!

I speculate, however, that TVA's electric output has declined, since they have mothballed coal-fired steam plants, such as the John Sevier steam plant in Hawkins County, Tennessee. (The plant was demolished from April 2015 to May 2017.)

TVA, of course, has been under various federal (socialistic) government dictates to produce more “clean energy” and to reduce its “carbon footprint.” These dictates were initially advanced under former President Obama. President Biden continues to advance the mandates. I assume that a majority of Democrats and even some Republicans have been and are in favor of these socialist dictates.

Don't read into my remarks what I'm not saying! I am a conservationist, not an environmentalist. The difference is in the worldviews. I will define my terms and explain. (As an aside, this section serves as the seventh entry in the Worldviews in Conflict topic section.)

A conservationist has a biblical worldview, which values environmental stewardship. As good stewards, conservationists take care of what God has entrusted to us in nature. The ethical use of natural resources to better mankind cares for and manages the environment for future generations. Humans use, manage, and improve the ecosystem. We are not intruders. I am painting with a broad brush, but my definition aligns with other reputable sources that I have viewed online.

An environmentalist, in contrast, has a pantheistic worldview. The creation is worshiped above the Creator. Human needs are lower than the needs of the environment (climate, air, land, water, animals, and plants). Humans are separate from the creation and act “immorally” by disrupting nature. Again, I paint with a broad brush, but ask any “tree hugger” if my understanding is not correct.

Christmas Eve Commentary

That is about enough on the previous and mundane topic! I'm done. Let's move on, shall we? After all, this is Christmas Eve!

Can Christmas Eve be celebrated on the 22nd, not the 24th? Yes, it can, and it was for the Fearghail clan! On Thursday, December 22, 2022, my youngest brother and his family came down to visit, have Christmas dinner (or lunch, as Yankees call it) with us, and open gifts! The decision to visit early this year was motivated by the current bit of winter that started yesterday and by Christmas falling on Sunday this year.

We enjoyed about four hours of great family time! Our nieces regaled us with stories about their current basketball season. My brother and I talked about mischievous things that we did in our teenage years. Further, we reminisced about family memories. Molly was also excited to see everyone. Thanks, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, for preparing a fine meal for the early celebration of Christmas Eve!

Conclusion

My paternal grandparents did not connect to electricity (for lights only) until my father was several years old. Before doing so, they used coal oil lamps and candles for light. In winter, firewood in the fireplace and wood or coal in stoves heated the home, if family members wore enough layers of clothing and had enough blankets on the beds. A rolling blackout occurred if the fire went out before more wood or coal could be brought in to stoke the embers.

If mankind must serve the creation instead of the Creator, environmentalists should give up all their modern electrical conveniences. That would be consistent. They should return to living like my father was raised before his parents connected to electric lights.

If mankind serves the Creator, conservationists should use the environment to improve mankind, replenish the environment, and leave it better for the next generation.

Hey! What do you know? KUB has not done a third rolling blackout today yet.

Merry Christmas to all readers, especially to you, dear reader. The eternal Word was born of a virgin, lived as a man, and ministered, showing us God incarnate. He was crucified for our sins (yours and mine). He rose from the dead and ascended back to heaven. Christmas is the traditional commemoration of Christ's birth.

I do not care for the crass commercialization of Christmas. I do not want Christmas presents. I have the free gift from God. That is enough.

Saturday, 12-17-2022: Big H BBQ Christmas Bash (at Cherokee): Cherokee Lady Chiefs Defeated Phelps (KY) Lady Hornets, 58-34 (published 12-19-2022; article #380)

Introduction

Greetings to local, state, national, and international readers! Thanks for visiting. Locally, we have a little bit of winter. The low this morning was 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The high may reach into the low 40s. Yes, I know that we could have a cold day, if the high were in the low 20s. We can have real winter in northeast Tennessee. Sometimes it falls on a weekend. To local readers, it ain't cold yet! I'll let you know when and if it gets cold around here.

This article, a sports update, was inspired by the text that I saw from my youngest brother this morning. I turn off my cell phone every day around 5 PM. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman tries to remember to do the same. Yesterday, however, I turned off my cell phone a little before 5 PM. That will teach me!

Text from My Youngest Brother

Early this morning, once I'd turned on my cell phone, I saw the text that my youngest brother sent yesterday at 4:57 PM. In it, he shared that their oldest daughter was on television! He sent the website link. (See below.)

At 6:53 AM today, I replied to my brother by text. We exchanged brief pleasantries. His final text expressed that their youngest daughter, on the Bulls Gap Middle School Lady Bulldogs basketball team, “can't buy a spot in the newspaper,” but that their oldest daughter, on the Cherokee High School Lady Chiefs basketball team, “gets in there every time.”

I still wish that my hometown newspaper would include articles and photographs about the Bulls Gap Middle School Lady Bulldogs basketball games. I mentioned both of our nieces in the article from 12/6/2022. (That article mentioned the CoachT.com website that includes the Cherokee Chiefs' 2022–23 Girls' Basketball Schedule). The Bulls Gap Middle School 2022-23 Basketball Schedule is not updated to show scores.

The Saturday, 12/17/2022, Round One Bash

Cherokee High School is currently hosting the Big H BBQ Christmas Bash (12/17-20/2022, Saturday-Tuesday). The first round games were two days ago on Saturday.

WJHL-TV

The text from my youngest brother included the WJHL-TV article and video. Our niece is mentioned prominently in the televised video “Hosts win at Day 1 of Big H BBQ Christmas Tournament.” WJHL-TV News Channel 11 & ABC Tri-Cities, by Nick Dugan, 12/18/2022.

The commentator states that our niece hit “the runner off the backboard!” Nice basket, number 30!

The Rogersville Review

We subscribe to The Rogersville Review, my hometown newspaper. Today, I logged into our account and saw the article and photographs. The article should be in a future edition of the newspaper. The article is “Lady Chiefs Roll Past Lady Hornets to earn round one win in Big H tourney,” The Rogersville Review, by Randy Ball, 12/18/2022.

I selected the photograph below as one of two that includes our niece. The photograph and caption are by Randy Ball.

Ariel Ferrell passing.

The photograph looks as if our niece is passing the basketball directly to me! Did I catch it?

Conclusion

The second round game of the Big H BBQ Christmas Bash is today at 8 PM. The Cherokee Lady Chiefs host the Happy Valley Lady Warriors. The Lady Chiefs are overall 7-5 and district 1-1. The Lady Warriors are overall 3-5 and district 0-1.

We hope that the Lady Chiefs defeat the Lady Warriors! Go Chiefs!

I know that both our nieces practice good sportsmanship. That's how their parents are raising them.

“Respect for Marriage Act:” God's Law Versus 12-13-2022 RFMA Law (published 12-15-2022; article #379)

Photograph (3/29/2019) by Sandy Millar, on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

I was blindsided while watching the news, on the evening of 12/13/2022. Apparently, on that day, President Biden had signed a bill, the Respect for Marriage Act (RFMA), into temporal human law. The new, secular law applies to the United States.

My mind has been on more profound and everlasting thoughts, as I continue my series on Christian evidences. Interestingly, I have been working on my sixth article, which I, Lord willing, plan to publish. That article will affirm that the accuracy of the Bible proves that it is inspired by God.

This article, thus, is a sidetrack, but I must write and publish it. I must take a public stand. I trust that many readers will agree with me. I hope that those who do not will engage me with their comments and reasoning. All relevant comments (in agreement or disagreement) are welcome.

This article places the secular Respect for Marriage Act (RFMA) in the context of God's law on marriage. Like the prophet Elijah, I do not “waver between two opinions.” I follow God. (See 1 Kings 18:21, in context.) This is my sixth article in the “Worldviews in Conflict” topic section.

God's Law

So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27, NIV)

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. (Genesis 2:18, 21-24, NIV)

God created the first man, Adam. Then, He created the first woman, whom Adam named Eve (Genesis 3:20). God performed the first marriage ceremony, as He presented Eve to Adam. “Man” is from the Hebrew “Ish” (איש). “Woman” is from the Hebrew “Ishaha” (אישה), meaning “out of man.”

In answer to the Pharisees' testing question on divorce, Jesus answered, referencing the Genesis 1:27 and 2:24 texts:

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. (Matthew 19:4-6, NIV)

God, however, allowed polygyny, for a time, in the Old Testament. For example, King Solomon “had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.” (1 Kings 11:3, NIV). Polygyny, though allowed temporarily, is not a part of God's law on marriage.

God's law on marriage is that one man and one woman unite as husband and wife. No other option defines marriage, according to the Supreme Lawgiver.

12/13/2022 RFMA Law

What are the details of the 12/13/2022 "Respect for Marriage Act” (RFMA) secular law for the United States? I heard the televised news. I decided to dig into the details.

Congressional Record

I checked Congress.gov for the answers, which found: H.R.8404 - Respect for Marriage Act and Text: H.R.8404 — 117th Congress (2021-2022). In summary, the law defines “marriage” as between two people. It requires state officials, under penalty for non-compliance, to recognize, in any manner, “marriage” between two people of the same gender. The law assures private citizens and religious organizations that their view on marriage (as between one man and one woman) is protected. Finally, the law continues to deny the right to polygamous marriages.

On 7/19/2022, the bill passed the U.S. House by a vote of 267 (220 Democrats and 47 Republicans) in favor and 157 (all Republicans) opposed. Seven House members (all Republicans, including Tim Burchett of Tennessee) did not vote. Source: Roll Call 373 | Bill Number: H. R. 8404.

On 11/29/2022, the bill passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 61 (47 Democrats, 12 Republicans, and 2 Independents) in favor and 36 (all Republicans, including the two Tennessee senators) opposed. Three senators (two Republicans and one Democrat) did not vote. Source: Record Vote Number: 362.

On 12/8/2022, the House agreed to the Senate amendment by a vote of 258 (219 Democrats and 29 Republicans) in favor and 169 (all Republicans) opposed. One Republican House member voted present, and four Republican House members did not vote. Source: Roll no. 513.

On 12/9/2022, the bill was presented to President Biden. He signed it on 12/13/2022, when the bill became “public law.”

The Media

We have heard and read the various media sources. My synopsis and reaction, below, are derived from two articles. The first is: “White House glows rainbow colors after Biden signs Respect For Marriage Act: The Respect for Marriage Act codified same sex marriage and interracial marriage,” by Lawrence Richard, on Fox News, 2/14/2022, 2:03 AM EST. The other is: “Passage of the Respect for Marriage Act Signals That Same-Sex Marriage Will Remain the Law of the Land,” on JD Supra, by Baker Donelson, 12/13/2022.

The Fox News article includes President Biden's statement, during the signing ceremony. President Biden stated, "This law and the love it defends strike a blow against hate in all its forms." He also stated, “Racism, antisemitism, homophobia, transphobia, they’re all connected. But the antidote to hate is love." The article also indicates, which I saw on TV, that the President had invited a “nonbinary drag queen” to attend the Respect for Marriage Act signing ceremony. The “drag queen,” according to Twitter comments, has degraded and harshly attacked the police many times.

My reaction is disgust and amazement! The photographs and video that I saw of the “drag queen” disgusted me. I pray for his or her soul. The presence of that lifestyle at an official ceremony implies the acceptance of that lifestyle. Children do not need to be exposed to or taught about that lifestyle in school! I will not write any further on this. Enough is enough. I hope that the overwhelming majority of folks who saw what I did on TV were as disgusted as I was.

I was amazed by President Biden's remarks. Are his thoughts that shallow, biased, and perverted? They seem to be. His thoughts certainly do not reflect the biblical worldview. The President labels falsely as haters those who oppose the practice of homosexuality. Mr. President, one can hate the sin and love the sinner, by loving efforts to persuade the sinner to repent of his or her sin. (We are all sinners, either having been saved by grace or needing salvation.) Also, Mr. President, do not categorize “homophobia” and “transphobia” with “racism” and “antisemitism,” as they are not in the same category. I suggest, Mr. President, that you become theophobic, by changing your worldview to reflect, in reverential fear, the biblical worldview. Finally, Mr. President, you claim to be a Christian (which I doubt). If you are, I strongly suggest that you study your Bible, using the proper hermeneutical method, repent of your secular, humanistic, and socialist worldview, and follow the biblical worldview. Do this, for your own salvation and for the salvation of this once great nation.

The JD Supra article indicates that the Respect for Marriage Act (RFMA) was introduced, in reaction to the Supreme Court's 6/24/2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. (See my 6/26/2022 article.) The article notes that the Supreme Court had already decided, on 6/26/2015, that “same-sex marriage” was “legal” in the United States. (See Obergefell v. Hodges, on SCOTUSblog for the official record.) The article states further, in part:

The RFMA codifies the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples for the first time under a federal statute and repeals the Clinton-era Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defined a spouse only as a person of the opposite sex and provides statutory authority for same-sex and interracial marriages. The Act requires states and the federal government to recognize and "give full faith and credit" to same-sex and interracial marriages conducted in other states.

and

Under the RFMA, nonprofit religious organizations are not required to "provide services, accommodations, advantages, facilities, goods, or privileges for the solemnization or celebration of a marriage."

The article states that a May 2022 Gallup poll found that 71% of Americans support “same-sex marriage.” The article did not cite the source, but I found it at: “Same-Sex Marriage Support Inches Up to New High of 71%,” on Gallup, by Justin McCarthy, 6/1/2022.

My reaction is no surprise. Of the several questions in Gallup's Religion topic section, I will reference three.

First, “would you describe yourself as a "born-again" or evangelical Christian?” In 2021, 36% agreed and 62% disagreed, with 2% having no opinion.

Second, “which of the following statements comes closest to describing your views about the Bible -- the Bible is the actual word of God and is to be taken literally, word for word; the Bible is the inspired word of God but not everything in it should be taken literally; or the Bible is an ancient book of fables, legends, history, and moral precepts recorded by man?” On 5/2/2022, the answers were 20% actual word, 49% inspired word, 29% fables/legends, and 1% no opinion.

Finally, “do you believe in God?” On 5/2-22/2022, the replies were 81% yes, 17% no, and 1% no opinion.

Most Americans believe in God and think that the Bible (in some manner) is His inspired word. Only 36% of Americans, however, state that they are “born-again” Christians (as if there could be any other kind).

The majority of this once-great nation does not follow the biblical worldview. My first “Worldviews in Conflict” topic article, from 6/7/2022, quoted from the Barna study that indicated that only 6% of American adults have the biblical worldview.

Conclusion

Sixteen years ago, on 6/3/2006, I published my article titled “Marriage Melee,” which was, ironically, my sixteenth article. I would not change one word today. In that article, I had written, in part:

Today, two men or two women may marry. Tomorrow, a man may marry several women, or vice versa. Next week, a group of men may marry a group of women. Next month, a group of men may marry each other. A year from now, a man may marry his dog – or his truck! Who is to say what is wrong?

To argue “there are no absolutes” is an absolute contradiction. Absolutes must exist, in logical reasoning and in the law.

Marriage is, by definition, the union of one man and one woman! Anything else is a perversion.

The “slippery slope” line of reasoning is a logical fallacy. My 6/3/2006 article was not presenting a “slippery slope.” Instead, that article stated then, as I continue to state now: if there is no absolute definition of marriage, then any form of “marriage” is possible.

Secular law has redefined marriage from being between one man and one woman to being between two people (without consideration of gender). In theory, secular law could redefine marriage as one man and a multiple number of women (polygyny). What about one woman and a multiple number of men (polyandry)? (The marriage of one gender and two or more other genders is called, in general, polygamy.) What about a brother and sister marrying? What about a daughter marrying her father? What about an adult marrying a child? This is not a “slippery slope” fallacy. It is a potential reality.

I speculate that, in time, polygamy (as polygyny and polyandry) could become secular law in this nation. It is legal or allowed in 80 nations, according to World Population Review, Countries Where Polygamy Is Legal 2022.

As I stated in the introduction, like the prophet Elijah, I do not “waver between two opinions.” God's law on marriage is that one man and one woman unite as husband and wife. No other option defines marriage, according to the Supreme Lawgiver. God is the majority. Standing with God is the majority, despite what 71% of Americans think.

2022-2023 College Football Bowl Games: List and Commentary (published 12-10-2022)

Image by jorono from Pixabay. Free to use under the Pixabay license.

Introduction

Greetings to each local, state, national, and international reader! Thanks for stopping by. This article is primarily for national readers. By the way, in northeast Tennessee, we have endured rain daily since Monday. Today started as mostly sunny, but the “wonderful” clouds, to which we are so well accustomed, rolled in. At least the annual rainfall is back to above normal. Noah and his family endured rain for 40 days and nights (Genesis 7:12). We have only put up with rain for five days.

Today is the first Saturday without college football of any interest. I'm not interested in the Army-Navy game. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman is back to enjoying her morning-to-early-afternoon cooking, home improvement, and reality television shows, much to my aggravation.

As a public service to national readers, I am publishing the list of 42 (count 'em, 42) college football bowl games from 12/16/2022 to 1/2/2023. The college football national championship game on 1/9/2022, at 7:30 PM, makes 43 total bowl games.

The List

The two sources for my list are NCAA.com (12/10/2022): 2022-23 college football bowl game schedule, scores, TV channels, times and ESPN: College football bowl games 2022: Dates, times, matchups.

My list is easier to read. The eleven SEC teams are emboldened and underlined. There should be only ten bowl games. The ten that should exist are emboldened. The others should go to oblivion. That's my opinion. Feel free to make it yours. The bold blue font, with my question, wonders if Barstool is a TV station! I thought folks sat on barstools.

Friday, Dec. 16 (2 games)
– Bahamas Bowl, Bahamas: Miami (Ohio) vs. UAB. 11:30 AM. ESPN.
– Cure Bowl, Orlando: #24 Troy vs. #25 UTSA. 3 PM. ESPN.

Saturday, Dec. 17 (7 games, 1 SEC team)
– Fenway Bowl, Boston: Cincinnati vs. Louisville. 11 AM. ESPN.
– Celebration Bowl, Atlanta: Jackson State vs. NC Central. 12 PM. ABC.
– New Mexico Bowl, Albuquerque: SMU vs. BYU. 2:15 PM. ESPN.
– LA Bowl, Inglewood, CA: Washington State vs. Fresno State. 3:30 PM. ABC.
– LendingTree Bowl, Mobile, AL: Rice vs. Southern Mississippi. 5:45 PM. ESPN.
– Las Vegas Bowl, Las Vegas: #14 Oregon State vs. Florida. 7:30 PM. ABC.
– Frisco Bowl, Frisco, TX: Boise State vs. North Texas. 9:15 PM. ESPN.

Monday, Dec. 19 (1 game)
– Myrtle Beach Bowl, Conway, SC: Marshall vs. UConn. 2:30 PM. ESPN.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 (2 games)
– Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Boise, ID: Eastern Michigan vs. San Jose State. 3:30 PM. ESPN.
– Boca Raton Bowl, Boca Raton, FL: Liberty vs. Toledo. 7:30 PM. ESPN.

Wednesday, Dec. 21 (1 game)
– New Orleans Bowl, New Orleans: South Alabama vs. Western Kentucky. 9 PM. ESPN.

Thursday, Dec. 22 (1 game)
– Armed Forces Bowl, Fort Worth, TX: Baylor vs. Air Force. 7:30 PM. ESPN.

Friday, Dec. 23 (2 games, 1 SEC team)
– Independence Bowl, Shreveport, LA: Houston vs. Louisiana. 3 PM. ESPN.
– Gasparilla Bowl, Tampa, FL: Wake Forest vs. Missouri. 6:30 PM. ESPN.

Saturday, Dec. 24 (1 game)
– Hawai'i Bowl, Honolulu: Middle Tennessee State vs. San Diego State. 8 PM. ESPN.

Monday, Dec. 26 (1 game)
– Quick Lane Bowl, Detroit: Bowling Green vs. New Mexico State. 2:30 PM. ESPN.

Tuesday, Dec. 27 (4 games)
– Camellia Bowl, Montgomery, AL: Buffalo vs. Georgia Southern. 12 PM. ESPN.
– First Responder Bowl, Dallas: Memphis vs. Utah State. 3:15 PM. ESPN.
– Birmingham Bowl, Birmingham: Coastal Carolina vs. East Carolina. 6:45 PM. ESPN.
– Guaranteed Rate Bowl, Phoenix: Oklahoma State vs. Wisconsin. 10:15 PM. ESPN.

Wednesday, Dec. 28 (4 games, 2 SEC teams)
– Military Bowl, Annapolis, MD: Duke vs. UCF. 2 PM. ESPN.
– Liberty Bowl, Memphis: Arkansas vs. Kansas. 5:30 PM. ESPN.
– Holiday Bowl, San Diego: #15 Oregon vs. North Carolina. 8 PM. FOX.
– Texas Bowl, Houston: Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss. 9 PM. ESPN.

Thursday, Dec. 29 (3 games)
– Pinstripe Bowl, Bronx, NYC: Minnesota vs. Syracuse. 2 PM. ESPN.
– Cheez-It Bowl, Orlando, FL: #13 Florida State vs. Oklahoma. 5:30 PM. ESPN.
– Alamo Bowl, San Antonio, TX: #12 Washington vs. #20 Texas. 9 PM. ESPN.

Friday, Dec. 30 (5 games, 2 SEC teams)
– Duke's Mayo Bowl, Charlotte, NC: #23 NC State vs. Maryland. 12 PM. ESPN.
– Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX: #18 UCLA vs. Pitt. 2 PM. CBS.
– Gator Bowl, Jacksonville, FL: #19 South Carolina vs. #21 Notre Dame. 3:30 PM. ESPN.
– Arizona Bowl, Tucson, AZ: Ohio vs. Wyoming. 4:30 PM. Barstool (a TV station?)
– Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, FL: #6 Tennessee vs. #7 Clemson. 8 PM. ESPN.

Saturday, Dec. 31 (4 games, 3 SEC teams)
– Music City Bowl, Nashville: Iowa vs. Kentucky. 12 PM. ABC.
– Sugar Bowl, New Orleans: #5 Alabama vs. #9 Kansas State. 12 PM. ESPN.
– College Football Playoff (CFP) semi-final:
Fiesta Bowl, Glendale, AZ: #2 Michigan vs. #3 TCU. 4 PM. ESPN.
– College Football Playoff (CFP) semi-final:
Peach Bowl, Atlanta: #1 GEORGIA vs. #4 Ohio State. 8 PM. ESPN.

Monday, Jan. 2 (4 games, 2 SEC teams)
– ReliaQuest Bowl, Tampa, FL: #22 Mississippi State vs. Illinois. 12 PM. ESPN2.
– Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL: No. 17 LSU vs. Purdue. 1 PM. ABC.
– Cotton Bowl Classic, Arlington, TX: #10 USC vs. #16 Tulane. 1 PM. ESPN.
– Rose Bowl Game, Pasadena, CA: #8 Utah vs. #11 Penn State. 5 PM. ESPN.

Monday, Jan. 9, College Football Playoff National Championship Game
– Inglewood, CA: teams to be decided. 7:30 PM. ESPN.

Commentary

Whew! What a list! If you are interested in a historical record (to at least 2015) on the increasing number of college football bowl games, I suggest “Tracking the Growth in College Football Bowl Games,” FBSchedules, by Amy Daughters, 4/8/2015. Bowl games have been growing like mushrooms during a rainy season.

Lord willing, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, Molly (our “old puppy”), and I will watch at least the following two bowl games:

12/30/2022, Orange Bowl: #6 Tennessee vs. #7 Clemson. 8 PM.

12/31/2022, CFP semi-final, Peach Bowl: #1 GEORGIA vs. #4 Ohio State. 8 PM. ESPN.

Go Vols! Go Dawgs!

Of course, I will probably watch some of the other nine bowl games that include other SEC teams.

Conclusion

On college football Saturdays, the television is on football games, even if I am not really watching them. I catch updates while walking past the television. Morning shows are on the stations that provide the news and hype for the games later that day. College football Saturdays have been great for this Appalachian Irishman!

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, however, is now back to enjoying her morning-to-early-afternoon cooking, home improvement, and reality television shows, much to my aggravation.

All good things must come to an end, except the good life in Christ!

Christian Evidences (Apologetics): The Nature of God (published 12-9-2022; article #377; series article #5)

4/7/2017 photograph by Joshua Earle on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Greetings once again to all national and international readers and students of this series on Christian Evidences (Apologetics). Greetings, especially to you, dear student. My prayer is that you are doing well. This is the fifth article in the series.

Two days ago marked the 81st remembrance of Pearl Harbor Day. The infamous date was December 7th, 1941. I remembered. I trust that many other Americans did also.

This article will first summarize the four previous articles in this series. The main purpose of this article is to address what we can know about the character of God through natural revelation.

Secondarily, this article will state and refute the so-called “problem of evil.” It will also address the everlastingness of hell. These sections are included as replies to two standard criticisms by atheists.

This article begins to answer the second topic question in this Christian Evidences series: What is the nature of God? Natural revelation provides certain understandings of God's character.

The full answer to this question, however, will be incorporated into future articles on the third and final topic questions in this series: Is the Bible the solely inspired written word of God? Is Jesus the Son of God?

Summary of the First Four Articles

The first article on 10/28/2022 introduced and explained the purpose of this series. The series will encapsulate my lifelong study of apologetics, in hope that it is read and shared widely. All relevant comments (in agreement or disagreement) and questions are welcome.

The topic question on the existence of God was answered in three articles: on 11/4/2022 by the moral argument, on 11/16/2022 by the teleological argument, and on 11/26/2022 by the cosmological argument. We have three “strong poles” that support the “bright street light.” God exists. The proof cannot be denied logically. It is fact, truth, and faith based on evidence.

The Nature of God: Natural Revelation

Without referencing the Bible, what can we know about God through natural revelation? Later articles will prove the inspiration of the Bible. The Bible provides supernatural revelation about God's character.

We can understand aspects of God's nature by logical reasoning as we observe his creation. (Supernatural revelation in the Bible provides a fuller and more sufficient understanding of God's character.) This section will list what we know about God based on the three arguments that prove his existence.

First, from the moral argument, we learn that God is intrinsically moral and that his absolute moral law, which flows from his nature, transcends (is before and above) all moral laws of human origin. We know that God is good, righteous, and wise. God wants us to be good. He despises and must punish human immorality. This is his wisdom. We should follow his wisdom by doing good.

Next, from the teleological argument, we learn that God is vastly powerful and intelligent. The design in the universe, the earth, and the human body proves that God's supernatural power and intellect created all that exists. He fashioned each and every intricate design of all the immense and countless designs in the universe. Such great power and intellect stagger and overwhelm the mind.

Finally, from the cosmological argument, we learn that God is eternal, spirit, powerful, intelligent, intrinsic, self-sufficient, essential, and transcendent. God is the essential and eternal First Cause. God the Creator has always existed above and before the material universe.

These characteristics of God are known through natural revelation. There is a God, and we can know much about him simply by considering the evidence in his natural creation.

The So-Called “Problem of Evil”

Initially, the plan had been to include this section in the 11/4/2022 article on the moral argument. It is placed here, since it transitions better into the third (upcoming) topic question on the inspiration of the Bible.

Those who deny the reality that God exists (atheists) rely on the so-called “problem of evil” argument in an attempt to convince theists that the God of the Bible does not exist. This section will present that argument and refute it. I place “problem of evil” in quotations, since the argument is not really a problem for the theist. In fact, the “problem of evil” can be used to prove that God exists.

The classic form of the “problem of evil” argument, as often stated, is:

If God is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and perfectly good, then evil would not exist. Evil exists. Therefore, God (as described) does not exist.

That classic form, however, is incomplete. It assumes but does not state that God would eliminate all evil immediately. The atheist must admit this.

The complete form of the argument should be as follows:

If God is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and perfectly good, then he would eliminate all evil immediately. Evil continues to exist. Therefore, God (as described) does not exist.

The atheist must define his terms. Specifically, how does he define evil? Upon what basis does the atheist determine what is evil? Theoretically, if God did not exist, then evil is defined by the subjective thoughts of humans. (The complete statement on this is in the 11/4/2022 article on the moral argument.)

The atheist must affirm that there is no absolute evil. He cannot define evil absolutely. He must affirm that he thinks that there is no absolute moral law.

The “Problem of Evil” Proves God

How can the “problem of evil” be used to prove that God exists? This will be explained. Afterward, the reply will be given to the complete form of the “problem of evil.” The argument from the “problem of evil” that proves that God exists is:

If evil is absolute, then an absolute Moral Lawgiver must exist. Evil is absolute. Therefore, an absolute Moral Lawgiver exists.

The atheist, when pressed, will have to admit that certain types of evil are always wrong. Examples include murder, rape, abuse of children and the elderly, adultery, intent to harm, and so forth. The atheist will vacillate subjectively on certain other types of evil, thinking that what once was wrong now is right (or vice versa).

How does the atheist know, for example, that murder is always evil? He cannot appeal to societal standards. The Nazis thought that it was right to murder Jews. Does the atheist critique the Nazis? He should. If so, how? The 11/4/2022 article on the moral argument relates that the Nuremberg Trials convicted the Nazis of absolute evil by appealing to a “higher law,” God's absolute moral law.

If the atheist admits that certain types of evil are absolutely wrong, then he will prove (perhaps not to himself yet) that an Absolute Moral Lawgiver, God, exists. The fact that absolute evil exists, however, proves that God, the Absolute Moral Lawgiver, exists.

The “Problem of Evil” Is No Problem

Turning the “problem of evil” argument against the atheist, as has been done, is the first answer to the “problem.” The complete answer, which follows, is based on the concept of “faith seeking understanding.” The phrase is attributed originally to Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109), in his Proslogion (discourse), first titled and then subtitled Fides quaerens intellectum (faith seeking understanding).

“Faith seeking understanding” is a rational faith based on evidence that seeks understanding from the Bible, known to be inspired by God. The Christian theist is at liberty to reference biblical concepts in his complete answer, since he is defending the existence of the God of the Bible. Proof that the Bible is the solely inspired word of God will be established in future articles on that topic.

The complete answer to the “problem of evil” is in nine parts. Each part, in order, is an expression of “faith seeking understanding.”

First, God is all-powerful (omnipotent), all-knowing (omniscient), and perfectly good (omnibenevolent). Any reply to the so-called “problem of evil” that limits God's power, knowledge, or goodness is incorrect. God's omnipotence, however, applies to power, not to the illogical. Logical impossibilities are absurdities that are imagined. For example, God cannot create a round square, a ball that is 100% red and 100% blue, or a rock so heavy that he can't lift it. Those examples are called logical contradictions. A logical contradiction is an impossible fallacy that is not subject to power. This is an important point to remember. (See fifth below.)

Second, God acts according to his nature, and he will not violate his nature. See Numbers 23:19; James 1:17. God's nature is good, holy, and just. God will not, for example, lie, deny himself, make a mistake, be unjust, commit evil, and so forth.

Third, God created a perfectly good world with no moral or natural evil. Evil was not a part of God's originally perfect world. See Genesis 1:31.

Fourth, God created humankind in his image. We are everlasting souls, and we have free will to act and decide on our own. See Genesis 1:27; 2:4-25. God is both sufficiently distant and close to us to allow us complete free will. He is not so close as to overwhelm us by his presence, forcing us to do good. He is not so distant that we cannot grasp his presence, encouraging us to do good. Consider Acts 17:27-28.

Fifth, God cannot force us to freely choose to do good always. That is a logical contradiction, not subject to power. For example, God could not have forced the 18-year-old female to freely choose not to turn directly into my right-of-way, which almost killed me on Tuesday, March 29, 2016.

Sixth, moral evil exists in abundance due to the immoral free will decisions that we make. This is intrinsic evil. Moral evil started when we freely chose to sin (violate God's moral law). See Genesis chapter 3. All (of the age to know right and wrong) have sinned. See Romans 3:23; 5:12. The consequence of sin is death. See Romans 6:23.

Seventh, natural evil, distinct from moral evil, includes physical suffering and death due to aging and disease. It also includes natural disasters such as fires, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, blizzards, extreme heat or cold, droughts, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and so forth.

Physical suffering and death exist as the consequence of the first sin and since all (who understand good and evil) choose to sin. See Genesis chapter 3; Romans 5:12. We age, are afflicted with various illnesses, and die. Infants (unborn and born) and children, who do not yet understand good and evil, have never sinned. Their unfortunate deaths are due to illness, injury, natural disaster, or someone's immorality. When infants and children die (the separation of the soul from the body), they (as everlasting souls) live everlastingly with God, since they never sinned.

Natural disasters exist due to the worldwide flood as God's punishment for sin. See Genesis, chapters 6-9. The worldwide flood was God's judgment on the world's evil population (except Noah and his family). God's original creation did not include natural disasters until humankind chose to sin. Before the worldwide flood, the world had become rife with sinful choices. The earth was damaged, and still suffers damage, due to the worldwide flood. See Romans 8:19-22.

Let us pause to consider two questions. Why did God create humankind with free will, knowing that sin would enter the world, that his creation would suffer terrible moral and natural evils due to sin, that a minority would be rewarded in heaven everlastingly, and that a majority would be punished in hell everlastingly? Would it have been better if God had not created?

I have pondered those questions many times. I have concluded that it is better that I exist than not exist. Since I exist, I can speculate about my non-existence. If I did not exist, then I would not be here to consider my non-existence. Since I exist and have saving faith in God, then I will exist everlastingly. It is better, therefore, for me to exist than to not exist, even as I endure the moral and natural evil of this fallen world.

Revelation 4:11 (in the NIV) states that God “created all things” by his “will” (θέλημά in Greek). The King James Version translates θέλημά as “pleasure.” θέλημά means “will, decision, desire.” God willed, decided, and desired to create, knowing that his eternal Scheme of Redemption would result in everlasting salvation or punishment. Consider 2 Peter chapter 3.

I do not question why God created me. I am the clay. He is the Potter. Consider Romans 9:20-21 in context. The Potter formed me as perfect clay. My sin made me imperfect; however, I have accepted the Perfect Gift and live by faith in God's promise. This is my purpose and duty (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Eighth, God ultimately will reward good and punish evil, according to his eternal Scheme of Redemption. See Romans 3:23-24; 5:6-9; 6:23. John Keats, the poet, described the earth, filled with both evil and good, as a “vale of soul-making” (in his April 1819 letter to his brother and sister). God's circumstantial will allows moral and natural evil to exist for a while. God has given us the choice to freely accept or reject his eternal Scheme of Redemption. Ultimately, God will not allow evil to continue to exist. He, however, is granting us time in this temporal “vale of soul-making” to choose good over evil.

Ninth, God has three wills, as the following explains.

1. The intentional will of God was for humankind in the Garden of Eden. Perfect humans had a perfect world, in which to live everlastingly. See Genesis 1:26-31.

2. The circumstantial will of God is his eternal Scheme of Redemption from Genesis to Revelation. God always knew that he would create, that we would sin, and that he would sacrifice himself to save us. The biblical record from Genesis to Revelation unfolds God's eternal Scheme of Redemption. This article is written during the period of God's circumstantial will. God allows moral and natural evil to continue during this period.

3. The ultimate will of God will be the culmination of his eternal Scheme of Redemption. Christ will return. All who have lived or are living will be judged righteously. The unsaved will be punished everlastingly. The saved will be blessed everlastingly. God will eliminate all moral and natural evil completely and finally.

In summary, the complete answer is that God, all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly good, does not eliminate all evil immediately. His grace is allowing us time and freedom to accept or reject him. God, however, will eliminate all evil completely.

Imagine if God eliminated all moral evil completely as it happens. No person would have the time, freedom, or grace to repent of his or her evil and to turn to God in saving faith. Grace would not exist. I am glad that God does not eliminate all moral evil completely as it happens.

By living in the temporal realm, during God's circumstantial will, we face and endure moral and natural evil. If we freely choose God's grace by our faith, then our everlasting reward awaits us. If we freely deny God's grace, then our everlasting punishment awaits us.

The so-called “problem of evil,” therefore, is not a problem to the theist. It can be used to prove that God exists. The complete answer is accomplished by the concept of “faith seeking understanding,” as has been explained. God, in his grace, does not completely eliminate all evil immediately. He, however, will completely eliminate all evil everlastingly at the final judgment.

The Everlastingness of Hell

The atheist, however, struggles with the concept of everlasting punishment in hell. Some theists do also. How could a perfectly good and loving God punish people in the fires of hell everlastingly? Imagine a person enduring the intense heat and fire of a blowtorch blasting against his body everlastingly. Atheists and some theists do not accept that a perfectly good and loving God would allow an everlasting hell to exist. Some theists argue, incorrectly, that hell is not everlasting but that it is the permanent annihilation of the soul.

Heaven and hell are both everlasting. Heaven rewards the saved everlastingly. Hell, originally prepared for the devil and his angels, punishes the sinful everlastingly. Consider Jesus' words in Matthew 25:31-46.

Yes, God is perfectly good, merciful, and loving. He is, however, also perfectly holy, just, righteous, and angered. God created a perfect world for us and created us in his image. Humankind, however, has sinned and continues to sin. God, in his eternal Scheme of Redemption, sacrificed himself to save us. God will reward everlastingly all who accept his grace. He, however, will punish everlastingly all who reject his grace. Consider, among many passages, John 3:16-21.

Physical death is the separation of the body and the soul. Spiritual death is the separation of the human soul from God. Everlasting life is in heaven. Everlasting death is in hell. Our existence, in either location, will not be the same as in our physical existence now. We will have spiritual bodies. Consider 1 Corinthians, chapter 15, and 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10, especially verse 9. The “fires of hell” express the spiritual torment of everlasting separation from God, which is far worse than physical fire.

All people, the saved and the unsaved, are connected to God while alive physically on earth. God grants life and provision to all. See Matthew 5:43-48. Those who reject God's grace by continuing to live in sin must face everlasting separation from him.

Yes, God is infinitely good. He is also infinitely just. In his infinite goodness, God rewards the saved everlastingly. In his infinite justice, God punishes the unsaved everlastingly. Could God's infinite justice punish the unsaved one minute in hell? If so, then what about a year, a decade, a century, a thousand years, or a million years? What about everlastingly? As a sinner saved by grace, I have no right to judge the Righteous Judge by critiquing his infinite justice.

God's infinite goodness and justice are perfectly fair. The atheist's critique of hell will not protect him from what I call “the ultimate acknowledgment of truth.” We will each stand before God at the final judgment. I am ready, not by my righteousness, but because of Christ's righteousness. See Romans 3:21-26 and 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. The atheist will have to acknowledge that God exists at the final judgment, but it will be too late.

Conclusion

The main purpose of this article has been to address what we can know about the nature of God through natural revelation. Secondarily, this article has stated and refuted the so-called “problem of evil” and has addressed the everlastingness of hell.

The psalmist David wrote:

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalms 19:1, NIV)

As has been stated, supernatural revelation in the Bible provides a more full and sufficient understanding of God's character. The full depth of God's nature may be beyond our temporal understanding. The apostle Paul wrote:

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:33-36, NIV)

The saved, however, will know the fullness of God's nature once we are in heaven. The apostle John wrote:

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2, NIV)

Natural revelation is sufficient to understand that God will not excuse sin. The apostle Paul wrote:

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (Romans 1:20, NIV)

The third and final topic questions in this Christian Evidences series will be: Is the Bible the solely inspired written word of God? Is Jesus the Son of God? In those forthcoming sections, God's nature will be explored further. The encouragement to non-believers will continue to be to believe, accept God's grace, and turn to him in salvation.