I thought I was smart

And I thought I was smart. Why am I wasting my time writing computer programs? Seems like I should try to figure out something like this.

Absurdity of Football

I just received a copy of Madden '09 from my parents from my birthday last month. It is pretty exciting to play, as it learns what you're best at, and drives the difficulty up in those areas to make playing a frustrating, yet more valuable experience.

I was watching the USA Women's basketball team kill New Zealand this morning before church (by like 40 points), and during the telecast, the commentator mentioned that 2 of the USA players weren't playing today because they were Mormon and honoring the Sabbath. While I think that Sabbath observation is respectable, and try to make sure I find a time to rest and find God at least once a week, I don't set myself strictly to a particular date and time each week.

The commentator also mentioned that it reminded him of when the Oakland Raiders drafted a Mormon out of BYU. They didn't mention much about him, but I looked him up, and I think it's hilarious. His name is Eli Herring and it caused him to have to meditate to make sure he wanted to give up the riches the NFL would bring to honor the specific Sunday Sabbath that the Mormon's honor. In the end he did, but it definitely makes me think the Raiders were retarded for drafting him when the definite possibility of him never playing on a Sunday existed.

Thank goodness there are Christians in the NFL, as I'm sure there are other Mormons as well, so that the message can be present sometimes in locker rooms in between towel butt smacks.

Unfortunate Quote of the Day

"We think they should get rid of the God & Country name — it lends credence to the perception of discrimination," Scott said. "Whether they are trying to discriminate or not, perception is everything."

The quote is from this article.

The reason I find it unfortunate, is that I'm sure most of the fair organizers and sponsors would love it to be well-attended by atheists, as it would give them the opportunity to either witness to atheists or simply understand each others' views better.

Should everything drop any notion of a Christian name or custom to avoid offense? Tolerance is shoved down peoples' throats left and right whether it be of gays, different races, religions, etc. (I believe I accept people for who they are, even when I disagree). When can being tolerant extend to letting a name be a name, or honoring differences without choosing to be offended?

Coming soon, the "Day".

Monogenes, pt. 2

This is mostly stolen from another web page.

The word translated in the many English translations of the Bible as "Only Begotten" is in the greek, Monogenes μονογενής.

This is a compound word.

It is often thought that this word comes from two greek words...

monos μονος (only) and gennaō γενναω (to beget, father, procreate)

However, lexicographers believe this to be a false Etymology. (Etymology is the history or roots of a word).

It is more properly, monos μονος (only) genos γενο (kind), the best English phrase to describe this word would be, "One of a kind", or perhaps, "unique".

Only Begotten would be monogennetos. Thayer defines Monogenes μονογενής as, single of its kind, only.

This is supported by New Testament usage: Hebrews 11:17 refers to Isaac as Abraham’s ‘only begotten son’, yet Abraham begat other sons (Ishmael, and by Keturah). But Isaac was Abraham’s unique son, the son especially promised to him and Sarah in their old age, and who would carry on the covenant line.

The translation of monogenes as only begotten is probably wrong. That's why the ESV and NIV translate it as "Only" or "Only Son", and some other translations as "Unique".