PURPOSE

The picture above symbolizes the Bible being the lens by which we view all of life. All of us view life through particular lenses, whether through a lens which we inherited from our parents, our cultural backgrounds, our previous experiences, our prejudices, our education, or whatever other lens we consciously or subconsciously see. My conviction is that there is no other foundational source of truth than Scripture, and that despite its misuse and misinterpretation throughout the centuries, God has preserved his Word through these ancient writings–these writings are in fact the Word of God. So to interpret life as the way God sees it is good and pleasing, and worthy. This is one reason why I study the Bible: to understand God’s perspective and view life as he would.

Having said that, the purpose of Discourse is to manifest how we can love God with our minds. Love is often seen as purely emotional, but in fact, love is cognitive, contemplative, and conscious. Love is a decision that involves our minds. It is not mere sentimentality or affection–I think affection for God is extremely significant for true faith (just think of a married couple without any affection). But loving God also means expanding our knowledge and understanding of him and his created order, and to use our minds for evaluating the world he created for us. Again, think of a married couple, this time those who are fascinated with each other and want to know each other more, even after decades of marriage. Think also of the curiosity of a little infant who has just entered this seemingly vast and endless world, wanting to touch, see, hear, taste, feel, know, and experience the world God created for her, even in the midst of suffering and pain. And as this infant grows, she learns to discern truth from error. To pursue love is to pursue truth and knowledge. And so to love God is not just with our minds, but it is no less than with our minds. I invite you to join me in this lifelong quest to love God with all of our minds.

— Dave