Emitting Some Verbal Behavior: A New Blog

Now that I have completed my 70 weeks of prayer it's time for a new creative outlet for my thoughts. Instead of being about my personal journey (although that will be integrated as it is inextricably tied to my thought process in some way or another) this blog will focus more on general reflections about Christianity, our behavior, education, life, love, humanity, etc. and mostly, giving examples of how these ideas are tied together in some way or another.
The term operant is used in behavior analysis, an empirical way to study and assess behavior. It is generally used to describe behavior that we learn within our lifetime as a product of consequences. It is also a term used to group behavioral responses into categories based on their function (why the behavior occurs). Thus, I think that "Operant Christianity" is a fitting title as I explore Christianity really through behavior (which makes up most of our experiences/how we come into contact with God- by behaving internally or externally or simply behaving in that we are observing others' behavior), I learn about God, and in a way, change my "heart" through behavior within my lifetime (rather than behavior I inherited), and much of how I behave that I would say is a product of my faith could perhaps, be a part of a similar operant- not really- but you could lightly think of it in that way as it all serves the same function (at least in part- I do not dare to think that my behavior is not multiply controlled by other, more selfish factors) - to serve God. I think the term, simply put, describes how we learn to live out the Christian faith throughout our lifetime- through a series of consequences in our contact with the Almighty- both in our private thoughts and in our contact with the world.
Some of what I write may have little to do with behavior analysis and more to do with very immeasurable, abstract ideas. Like I said, this is primarily an outlet for my thoughts- whichever direction they choose to go. But I forewarn you of my use of it to discuss ideas as it is simply a lens through which I see all of reality most clearly and shows how science and religion are in fact, partners rather than the opponents we like to make them out to be at times.

On Hold

This blog is on hold until after November, 2011 because of my 70 week blog post project. I'm sure when that runs out, this blog will soon take the brunt of my need for sharing my philosophical/theological thoughts