Medieval helpdesk with English subtitles

This is for my helpdesk buddies.

The Words of Willy Brown

Retired Mayor of San Francisco, Willie Brown, has a weekly column in the San Francisco Chronicle Newspaper. On January 3rd he wrote an article responding to 3 things: Napolitano's mishandling of the terrorist that almost blew up a plane, Obama's first year in office, and a Californian New Year's Resolution. This third item is what I am going to focused on. I find it profound that a very leftist democrat, a former mayor of San Francisco has penned these words to his readers:

"If we as a state want to make a New Year's resolution, I suggest taking a good look at the California we have created. From our out-of-sync tax system to our out-of-control civil service, it's time for politicians to begin an honest dialogue about what we've become.

Take the civil service.

The system was set up so politicians like me couldn't come in and fire the people (relatives) hired by the guy they beat and replace them with their own friends and relatives.

Over the years, however, the civil service system has changed from one that protects jobs to one that runs the show.

The deal used to be that civil servants were paid less than private sector workers in exchange for an understanding that they had job security for life.

But we politicians, pushed by our friends in labor, gradually expanded pay and benefits to private-sector levels while keeping the job protections and layering on incredibly generous retirement packages that pay ex-workers almost as much as current workers.

Talking about this is politically unpopular and potentially even career suicide for most officeholders. But at some point, someone is going to have to get honest about the fact that 80 percent of the state, county and city budget deficits are due to employee costs.

Either we do something about it at the ballot box, or a judge will do something about in Bankruptcy Court. And if you think I'm kidding, just look at Vallejo."

Well, Mr. Brown, all I can add to your words are: Why must we have to wait until California is on the brink of bankruptcy before we address the problems in our legislature? Is it not better to forecast the trend and take the steps to avoid the pitfall.

prudence

PRU'DENCE, n. [L. prudentia.] Wisdom applied to practice.

Prudence implies caution in deliberating and consulting on the most suitable means to accomplish valuable purposes, and the exercise of sagacity in discerning and selecting them. Prudence differs from wisdom in this, that prudence implies more caution and reserve than wisdom, or is exercised more in foreseeing and avoiding evil, than in devising and executing that which is good. It is sometimes mere caution or circumspection.

Prudence is principally in reference to actions to be done, and due means, order, season and method of doing or not doing.

How to internet tether your iPhone 3GS on on version 3.1.2

Warning: AT&T considers internet tethering a violation of the agreement, but since you more than likely have already jailbreaked or unlocked your phone, you may be aware of the consequences. The general rule of thumb (untested) that I have found is internet usage less than 5 GB. I am not responsible for your data usage and this is not a guaranty that AT&T won't discover your tethering and charge you accordingly.

Now, how I tethered and jailbroke my iPhone 3GS. You will need to refer to these two resources:

1. blackra1n to be downloaded to your computer.
2. Peaceful Insanity File to be downloaded by your iPhone.

Jailbreaking your iPhone in version 3.1.2

1. Download blackra1n to your PC.
2. Plug in iPhone.
3. Run blackra1n program and click "Let it Rain."
4. Enjoy your jailbroken iPhone.

Below is a youtube video of a guy thoroughly covering the process and answering some of the commonly asked questions. If you have never done this before or wish to have more information in addition to this post, please watch the video. He does it on an iPod Touch, but it will work for any type of iPhone or iPod Touch.



Step-by-Step Guide for internet tethering:

1. Open blackra1n and download Cydia. The iPhone should respring (aka soft reboot) after installation.
   
2. Open blackra1n and download sn0w app. Run sn0w to unlock iPhone. Note: You cannot tether your iPhone if you do not run this app. Thanks for testing that Brian. Don't worry, you can always return your iPhone back to original Apple specifications through iTunes.
3. Once unlocked, go to the the website http://m.peacefulinsanity.com/Tether.mobileconfig from your iPhone. Your iPhone screen should look like this:
4. Click Install and the file will add a profile to your phone that will open up the tethering functionality. Once it is finished installing, reboot your iPhone.
5. Once your iPhone is rebooted go to Settings-> Network->Internet Tethering. Click On.
6. Your pc may have the ability to connect via bluetooth, so you have the choice of establishing the internet connection by plugging it in with a USB cable or wireless with a bluetooth signal. I personally prefer the USB because it makes sure the phone always has power.

Notes:

• You must have the latest version of iTunes installed. This is because there are special drivers and files that come with it that recognize the iPhone as a modem and it will not work if iTunes is not installed. Thanks Brian for the info on that.
• If you have a 3GS and the phone dies, you will have to restore it. Sync your phone regularly to avoid losing valuable data or keep it charged. Nevertheless, it's easy to restore an iPhone, so this may not bother you.
• There are other profiles you can download, but this is the only one so far that I am aware of that works for my iPhone. If the profile from Peaceful Insanity does not work, search the internet for the others.
• 3G speeds are fast, but wifi is almost always faster and doesn't increase your data usage. If you can use wifi, default to it. Tethering should be used as a supplement when other options aren't available.

Status Update Turned Intriguing Apologetics Q&A

Well guys, FB for all its nonsensical Farmville penguins, Mafia Wars Hits, and What Sex Position Are You's has reinvigorated me with a pleasant surprise. The other day a classmate of mine posted an update that I quoted in my last blog. I thought that the discussion would be beneficial to you who read my blog and like wrestling with the difficult questions of Christianity. So, below is the exchange I had on FB without the other names (privacy is nice).


CLASSMATE: Is grappling with one of the most difficult questions of faith I have ever encountered: if God is good and everything he created is good, then how did evil originate? That is how did evil originate ex nihlo?

FEMALE #1: How did God originate ex nihilo I think is the bigger question!

RUSTY PANG: Hi CLASSMATE, I came across your post this morning and thought I might help if you're interested. The first thing to realize is that you are not the first person to wrestle with the concept of evil and suffering. In fact, you are part of a long list of Christian philosophers, laymen, and pastors; whom all of which encountered a crisis of faith in this area. In other words, you are not alone and there are answers.

Feel free to shoot me any questions you have and I'll do my best to help you.

MALE #1: What brought this question to your mind? We need to get together again before I leave so we can talk cause I will definitely miss those.

FEMALE #2: Won't find that in Webster's! I feel so stupid when I read your posts-UGH! I'll google your Latin? Rusty-Please Enlighten me-friend request me if you don't mind?

CLASSMATE: Ok, the question is, if all things that come from God are good, and nothing evil can come from him, then how did evil get its start? If you say the devil, then if God created him good, how did he turn evil? If pride is evil, then why did God give it to him? It seems that we must accept that God created evil for his ultimate good and therefore can be blamed, or we must acknowledge that evil is part of a good continuum and is thereby good in and of itself and thereby doesn't exist.

RUSTY PANG: The first thing you must do to understand the answer is to reframe the context and definitions from which the question is asked. The best way to do this is to ask first: What is evil? How do you define it?

CLASSMATE: That is what I said. If it is a redefinition, then that takes a worldview shift of epic proportions. As it is, it is easy to see a black and white world but to see it in shades of grey seems to be a very subjective approach and requiring more discernment than simple answer. It is a discussion I am looking for. Maybe God isn't all good and maybe he is more of a "chaotic neutral" character. If he is the author of what I deem as evil then maybe even this idea of a perfect heaven is a farce and perfection is a balance of pain with happiness. That is why I ask the question as I do.

FEMALE #2: This is WAY over my head! Wasn't the devil good until he became jealous.

RUSTY PANG: The "shades of grey" are less subjective than you think. It is true that a continuum from white to dark exists, which you call grey and subjective. But what you are really saying is how your brain interprets the amount of light received by the receptors in your eyes. Such a thing is really more complicated than what we discuss in normal conversation and the only thing that remains subjective is your interpretation of the amount of light. The amount of light is a fixed quantity at the time you see it.

In addition to this, no one interprets darkness or the color black. The reality is darkness is defined as the absence of light. Darkness has no matter, no substance, and only exists in the absence of light. Darkness does not come ex nihilo. Evil is the same.

Most people, including myself, make the mistake of looking at Good vs Evil as a contest between two cosmic eternal forces always fighting for the souls of men. This is like the simple descriptions of light and darkness. The reality is that evil is nothing more than that which is not perfect. Evil is any deviation from the perfect standard (God).

I'd like to pause at this time for questions before I proceed further.

CLASSMATE: "In addition to this, no one interprets darkness or the color black. The reality is darkness is defined as the absence of light. Darkness has no matter, no substance, and only exists in the absence of light. Darkness does not come ex nihilo. Evil is the same."

I love that response. Good logic. So then that begs the question then, how can we live absent of good? I know it is not a cosmic struggle but I want to know:
1. If Eve inspired Adam
2. If Satan inspired Eve
3. Then who inspired Satan?

Or then do you think this is a question of being pulled away by our own evil desires? So then, maybe desire is what perpetrates evil in our lives? Maybe we could start a Buddhist-Christian Monastery. Anyway Rusty, I like your response but then here is the clincher, why would anything deviate if God is omnipotent and omnipresent? What would entice such a behavior? Curiosity perhaps?

RUSTY PANG: "how can we live absent of good?"

We can't. This is the death that was foretold to Adam and Eve before they sinned. Death, like evil, must be redefined. We understand life as a complex system of organic chemistry, but life is not relegated to a simple scientific definition. Life is relationship with God and without the relationship we have death. This is why "the wages of sin are death, but the gift of God is eternal life." When souls are sent to hell, they will not cease to exist. They will exist without a relationship with Jesus and therefore, be dead. This is why we are born "dead," because we have no relationship with Him.

"who inspired Satan?"

If you are asking how did the angels first wrestle with free will? I do not have the answer for this. There is very little in scripture that helps us understand the struggle in heaven other than the fact that Lucifer believed he could be God. I can only respond to man's need for reconciliation because of our desire to sin (aka do things contrary to His nature).

"do you think this is a question of being pulled away by our own evil desires? So then, maybe desire is what perpetrates evil in our lives?"

We are not pulled away from righteousness because some part of us desires the things of God; rather, we are broken from the start. In Psalms 51:5, David writes "Surely I was sinful at birth,sinful from the time my mother conceived me." And in Romans 8:7-8 says, "The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God." Therefore, we are not capable of the Buddhist ideal. We cannot remove our very nature to sin. The only solution is rebirth through the power of the Holy Spirit. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

"why would anything deviate if God is omnipotent and omnipresent?"

I had issue with this myself for some time until I realized it was not about numbers. It was about the standard of true love and the quality, not the quantity. What I mean by this is that true love (God's love) exists only when it is freely given, not stolen or forced. If life is defined by relationship, how can one have a relationship with another if it is forced? God does not need us, but we need Him. He desires us, but we do not desire Him. He has fixed that problem by offering His Son in our place because no man could bridge the gap. He allowed Jesus to become sin and die for us when He didn't have to. He voluntarily chose us. He introduced true love into the world and provided the example that we are to follow. This is why He said, "If you want to keep your life, you must lose it." God is not toying with us like a little kid with ants. My question to you is, knowing that man would turn their back on you, would you still create us? Would you do this knowing that the only solution to the man-made problem was to die for everyone from all time and yet still be rejected by most? This speaks of the tremendous love He has for us. I have to be honest and state that I wouldn't. But then again, we are thankful I am not God.

CLASSMATE: My counter question is: Would you then create something flawed if you could create something perfect?

Even more: if you created the capacity for sin, then you are to blame for its existence, thereby indicting God for the sin on earth since he allowed for its capacity in the first place.

RUSTY PANG: Not at all my friend. Not at all. Are you responsible for transgressions, mistakes, and errors your children make during their lives on this earth? You created them and by doing so, the capacity to commit murder, to steal, or harm. No, each person is responsible for their decisions for good or for ill.

Regarding your question on perfection. This too has to be redefined. The best we, humans, can hope for in this life is perfection in process, not in result or destination. God is perfect and we are being perfected. We are the thing in which perfection is being acted upon. This is why we are told to become "Christlike."

But let us return to your original question: "How did evil originate?" It originated in humanity with the fall at the Garden of Eden and we continue to perpetrate this severed relationship with God by rejecting Him through our behaviors and will. Christianity provides the only plausible answer that explains a source, how it works and what the solution is. I'd like to know how an atheist would explain evil. Or perhaps a Buddhist, or a Scientologist without borrowing from Christendom. It's not that I am trying to demonstrate the superiority of the gospel. In my mind there is no contest. I am only trying to shed light on the chasm from which most religions won't even attempt to address properly. What is the point of arguing why God should be blamed for the capacity to sin when we are the ones sinning? Are we not trying to absolve ourselves from guilt by shifting blame for causation?

Let's assume God is mean and unjust. Does that change the fact He has established rules and laws to abide and to not do so invokes negative consequences? Suppose, I decide I do not like gravity. Does it change my adherence to its laws or effects? No, but I am thankful that our God is not unjust but perfect. I am thankful that I know the creator of the universe and he actually cares about me. I am thankful that He hears my prayers and is not bound by the limits of time or space.

In the end, you must understand that I cannot convince you one way or another. It is a matter of faith/trust in Jesus. Relationship with Him cannot exist without it. This is why He says, "Everything not done in faith is as to sin." God is faithful to see His children through their crises of faith as He will see you through yours. Would you like me to address any more questions?

MALE #2: This was very interesting and thought provoking post. I liked it. I never met Mr. Pang but "Wow" great insight!

MALE #3: I prefer Dunkin' Donuts over Krispy Creame.

In the stream and discussion, concept of Ex nihlo is an incorrect concept. We forget that eternity existed before this creation. It is fair to say that The Heavenly Host existed before (As well as God) creation. The concept that exists oft forgotten is the impact of Free Choice. Satan had free choice. We have free choice. Guess what, Jesus has free choice. The question is do you choose the rebel against God or do you choose to act in faith and follow Jesus.

RUSTY PANG: Thanks MALE #2 for the compliment, but the real gratitude should go to CLASSMATE for having the courage to admit a Christian can struggle with their faith. To bear the intimacies of one's soul so openly on a subject that tends to divide is why I wish to help. We all do our parts.

MALE #1: Ok, I know I’m arriving a little late to the discussion and for that I apologize, but I just wanted to throw my thoughts and questions out there and see what you think.

Is it really a correct thing to say that good and evil exist on a continuum like light? Granted darkness is an absence of light but I don’t believe that it necessarily is the case for evil. God is considered to be a being that is all good and therefore is absent of evil. If a being such as God is absent of evil then why and or how could he create a creature (us) that would consist of a continuum not present in Himself? I mean to say that God is capable of freely choosing between things and it isn’t evil because God is all good and while lacking the capacity for evil still retains the ability of free will (I say it this way because many people use free will as a reason for evil).

“Are you responsible for transgressions, mistakes, and errors your children make during their lives on this earth? You created them…”

Is this to mean that God has an equally limited degree of control to the way we turn out as we have over our children. If God created people ultimately out of nothing and doing so by His own, imagination/desire(?), would He not have the ability to change or form the very fabric of our personalities and moral constructs to that which He chooses? These are things that we cannot do with out children which is why I believe we lack responsibility for the transgressions, mistakes, and errors of our children even though we created them.

“What is the point of arguing why God should be blamed for the capacity to sin when we are the ones sinning? Are we not trying to absolve ourselves from guilt by shifting blame for causation?”

Psalms 51:5, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me,” leads us to believe that by our very nature and that even before we have to ability to act consciously, we are sinful. Wouldn’t that by default assign the blame for the capacity to sin on God since that is how He created us? If we are at birth sinful without action, how can that blame be rested on our shoulders?

RUSTY PANG: Hi MALE #1,

I apologize for not responding sooner. My schedule was as most would say, busy. Okay, now to the brass tacks.

"Is it really a correct thing to say that good and evil exist on a continuum like light?"

Yes. At least as far as any analogy or metaphor can go before it falls apart when analyzed too closely. The purpose of using light versus darkness explains the concept that God could not be any more evil than light can be any form of dark. Darkness exists as the absence of light and evil is much the same.

"If a being such as God is absent of evil..."

This assumption must be addressed before we can continue further because of way it is worded. Perhaps you never intended what I am about to address; nevertheless, it affects the rest of the thought. God is not absent of evil any more than light is absent of darkness. Darkness is like empty space, a vacuum if you will. It has no substance and really is defined as the absence of something else. Similarly, evil can never be described as being God lacking it. You might as well say God lacks the lacking. Although it may be true, it really isn't worth saying. It is better to say that evil is the absence of God or that God is good. This brings us to man and His willing diversion away from God, which by definition is an evil act.

"why and or how could he create a creature (us) that would consist of a continuum not present in Himself? I mean to say that God is capable of freely choosing between things and it isn’t evil because God is all good and while lacking the capacity for evil still retains the ability of free will (I say it this way because many people use free will as a reason for evil)."

God created us, which also means He did not beget us. What this means is that God the Father beget God the Son, not created Him. Although we hear this regularly in the church, the implication is profound and widely misunderstood. Like begets like and like creates unlike. For example, a human begets another human but creates a human statue. God begets the Son, but creates man. The creative act means He created something that may look similar but is different. This includes the capacity to sin. God does not possess free will in the sense that you and I possess free will relating to evil. To possess free will means to have the capacity to choose between no less than two options. God cannot be evil because to be evil means to act contrary to God's nature. He cannot be contrary to himself; therefore, He cannot do this any more than a human can take on the nature of a dog, nor can a dog take on the nature of a human.

"Is this to mean that God has an equally limited degree of control to the way we turn out as we have over our children."

No. Having the power to control another is not the same as exercising it. Additionally, to create a sentient life is to imbue free will.

"Wouldn’t that [Psalm 51:5] by default assign the blame for the capacity to sin on God since that is how He created us? If we are at birth sinful without action, how can that blame be rested on our shoulders? "

Yes, but we are still to blame for our acts of sin. Being "sinful at birth" is also rendered "shapen in iniquity," meaning that my relationship with God was broken from the start. Your question, according to the way you worded it has a faulty assumption. To have the capacity to sin automatically means that you will sin. With the same logic I could say that if I give you the gun with the capacity to murder, you will. This is not so and we know that the choice to murder is different than having the capacity to.

I don't pretend to know everything, so I hope these answers are satisfying.

2 Timothy 4:2

"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 4:2

Today has been really interesting, at least in the spiritual sense. This morning I responded to a friend's FB post in which he wrote, "Is grappling with one of the most difficult questions of faith I have ever encountered: if God is good and everything he created is good, then how did evil originate? That is how did evil originate ex nihlo?"

Ex nihilio is latin for "out of nothing." This usually refers to the concept of creation in which God created something from nothing. The true creative ability at work, as it were. Anyhow, what spawned out of these conversations has produced some interesting thoughts for me and has forced me to remember my apologetics. Apologetics is defined as the "defense of the faith," or in layman's terms "knowing why you believe."

As these conversations continue to grow and expand, I was reminded of Paul's charge to Timothy (it's at the top) and wondered just how prepared I am at any given time? How prepared are you at any given time to answer the earnest questions of an individual seeking truth? I wish I could say that I had no room for improvement, but that would be a bold faced lie from which I should be tossed from the castle walls. Instead, I will say that today was a good day. Today, I was prepared. Tomorrow, only God's grace can tell, but I thank Him for today.

UOPX Presentation video

This video is a little promo for our mock company LTD Inc. We are an ethics consulting firm.