| Team | Pick | Grade | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Anthony Bennett | F- | Points deducted for: - Choosing Bennett. - Passing on Trey Burke. |
| 2 | Orlando Magic | Victor Oladipo | B | Points awarded for: - Choosing a stud in Oladipo. Any B1G fan knows how good he is. Points deducted for: - Passing on Trey Burke. |
| 3 | Washington Wizards | Otto Porter | F | Points deducted for: - Being the Wizards. - Passing on Trey Burke. |
| 4 | Charlotte Bobcats | Cody Zeller | F-- | Points deducted for: - Reaching for skinny, weak Cody Zeller. - Passing on Trey Burke. |
| 5 | Phoenix Suns | Alex Len | F | Points deducted for: - Passing on Trey Burke. |
| 6 | New Orleans Pelicans | Nerlens Noel | B | Points awarded for: - Not discriminating against someone with a reconstructed ACL. Points deducted for: - Being named the Pelicans. - Passing on Trey Burke. |
| 7 | Sacramento Kings | Ben McLemore | F | Points deducted for: - Choosing a non-leader onto a team without leadership. - Passing on Trey Burke, who did this against McLemore. Hah! |
| 8 | Detroit Pistons | Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | D | Points awarded for: - Choosing a player with a cool name. Points deducted for: - Passing on Trey Burke. |
| 9 | Utah Jazz (via Minnesota) | Trey Burke | A++++ | Points awarded for: - Choosing the John Wooden National POY - Choosing a Michigan Man. - Choosing the best point guard in the draft. - Being a great pick-and-roll fit for Trey. - Being willing to sacrifice two important picks for this important player. |
| 10 | Portland Trailblazers | C.J. McCollum | B | Sorry, wasn't paying attention to this pick because I was too busy being excited about Trey Burke. Here. Have a B. |
| 11 | Philadelphia 76ers | Michael-Carter Williams | D | Still wasn't really paying attention. But hey MCW, remember that Final Four game where you were supposed to shut down Trey Burke? Hah! |
| 12...21 | Who cares. Didn't know these players, and it wasn't really time for Tim Hardaway Jr to be picked yet. | |||
| 22 | Brooklyn Nets | Mason Plumlee | F | Points deducted for: - Last few Duke big men are bench-warmers. Why will Plumlee be any different? - Passing on Tim Hardaway Jr. |
| 23 | Indiana Pacers | Solomon Hill | D | Points awarded for: - Choosing a player with a Biblical name. Points deducted for: - Passing on Tim Hardaway Jr. |
| 24 | New York Knicks | Tim Hardaway Jr. | A++ | Points awarded for: - Choosing a Michigan Man. - Being a big market team that will allow for maximum exposure. Points deducted for: - The inevitable Melo ball-hogging that will reduce Timmy's opportunities. |
| 25-60 | Welp. No more reason to watch the draft! Congrats Trey and Timmy! |
Saturday, June 29, 2013
NBA Draft Grades - A Michigan Fan's Perspective
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Is Substitutionary Atonement Unjust?
Christians often take substitutionary atonement for granted. However, this essential Christian doctrine can be a stumbling block for non-Christians and a point of contention for anti-theists, as substituionary atonement seems to fly in the face of personal moral responsibility, which is what we believe society to be built upon. Here are a few introductory reasons why substitionary atonement as decreed by God isn't immoral or unjust.
If God accepts Jesus' death as punishment for our sins, doesn't that make God unjust because we didn't receive the punishment we deserved and Jesus was punished undeservedly?
1. If God defines justice, what he says is just is just.
The easiest reason that substitutionary atonement is just is "because God says so". I know it sounds like a cop-out answer, but if we presume a God that is in fact God and is the ultimate judge and definer of justice, if God says something is just, it must be so. To deviate from this conclusion, you need to either claim that God knows justice but is acting unjustly and then lying about and denying His injustice (which seems incredibly petty for an all-powerful being) or you need to admit to holding a greater knowledge of justice than God himself.
2. Jesus is God, and that changes everything.
Although it may be temping to compare substitutionary atonement with paying off someone else's debt or a Tale-of-Two-Cities-esque dying in place of another, the fact that Jesus is God, holy and morally perfect, changes everything. Jesus dying for sinners is much more than Ned Stark dying for one of his bannermen (an illustration, no spoilers) and is even much more than Ned Stark dying for a Lannister. So while it certainly seems to be true that one man dying in the place of another man is unjust, we need to remember that Jesus is no ordinary man. In fact, Christianity actually affirms that one sinful man cannot provide substitutionary atonement for another sinful man, meaning that my death cannot wipe away the penalty of your sins, nor can your death mine. Jesus' deity and moral perfection make him the only worthy substitutionary atonement, the only death God will accept in the place of a sinner's.
At this point, it is still possible to make the same objection as before - how can it be just even for a morally perfect God to die for a sinner? At this point, we must admit the greatness of the mystery and the finitude of our knowledge and say "because God says so." [See point 1].
3. Yes, it certainly is injustice, in a sense.
Upon reflection, the moral perfection of Jesus, our substitutionary atonement, seems actually to make his death even more unjust, and most Christians have been deeply moved when considering the weightiness of this matter. It is true - Christ died a death he did not deserve so that those who live for him can live lives they do not deserve. It is also true - Christ was executed after a fake trial with false testimony. So in two different senses of "injustice", there certainly is "injustice" in Christ's death for us. However, in the grand legal aspect of justification, we can rest assured that God's wrath for our sins has been satisfied.
In the end, Christ's substitionary atonement, though problematic for the non-believer, causes the Christian to be immensely and humbly grateful that we have a God that loves us so. If you have friends that are struggling with this issue, I hope that God opens their eyes and you can witness their skepticism miraculously turn to gratitude.
If God accepts Jesus' death as punishment for our sins, doesn't that make God unjust because we didn't receive the punishment we deserved and Jesus was punished undeservedly?
1. If God defines justice, what he says is just is just.
The easiest reason that substitutionary atonement is just is "because God says so". I know it sounds like a cop-out answer, but if we presume a God that is in fact God and is the ultimate judge and definer of justice, if God says something is just, it must be so. To deviate from this conclusion, you need to either claim that God knows justice but is acting unjustly and then lying about and denying His injustice (which seems incredibly petty for an all-powerful being) or you need to admit to holding a greater knowledge of justice than God himself.
2. Jesus is God, and that changes everything.
Although it may be temping to compare substitutionary atonement with paying off someone else's debt or a Tale-of-Two-Cities-esque dying in place of another, the fact that Jesus is God, holy and morally perfect, changes everything. Jesus dying for sinners is much more than Ned Stark dying for one of his bannermen (an illustration, no spoilers) and is even much more than Ned Stark dying for a Lannister. So while it certainly seems to be true that one man dying in the place of another man is unjust, we need to remember that Jesus is no ordinary man. In fact, Christianity actually affirms that one sinful man cannot provide substitutionary atonement for another sinful man, meaning that my death cannot wipe away the penalty of your sins, nor can your death mine. Jesus' deity and moral perfection make him the only worthy substitutionary atonement, the only death God will accept in the place of a sinner's.
At this point, it is still possible to make the same objection as before - how can it be just even for a morally perfect God to die for a sinner? At this point, we must admit the greatness of the mystery and the finitude of our knowledge and say "because God says so." [See point 1].
3. Yes, it certainly is injustice, in a sense.
Upon reflection, the moral perfection of Jesus, our substitutionary atonement, seems actually to make his death even more unjust, and most Christians have been deeply moved when considering the weightiness of this matter. It is true - Christ died a death he did not deserve so that those who live for him can live lives they do not deserve. It is also true - Christ was executed after a fake trial with false testimony. So in two different senses of "injustice", there certainly is "injustice" in Christ's death for us. However, in the grand legal aspect of justification, we can rest assured that God's wrath for our sins has been satisfied.
In the end, Christ's substitionary atonement, though problematic for the non-believer, causes the Christian to be immensely and humbly grateful that we have a God that loves us so. If you have friends that are struggling with this issue, I hope that God opens their eyes and you can witness their skepticism miraculously turn to gratitude.
And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain!
For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Monday, June 17, 2013
ACL Post-Surgery Week 2
Today is the two week anniversary of my surgery. Since last Friday, I've been staying in my apartment with my Mom, and since there really hasn't been anything exciting or that different from my last post, I'll just update a bit about my progress.
Progress
Walking - I can walk much more normal now, and can walk a bit longer than I could last week, where I was basically only walking to the bathroom and back.
Sitting - Kind of surprisingly to me, sitting has been more uncomfortable than I expected, and I can't seem to sit for more than an hour or two. I think its a combination of the compression of my tube socks on swelling and having my legs bent for a long time, but it's hard to say what exactly the problem is. I was expecting to return to work this week, but since I can't sit for long, I think I'm going to wait a bit more before I go to work.
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| What my scars look like right now |
 |
| Some interesting bruising on my ACL leg |
Hardships
Sleeping - I've had difficulty sleeping the last two weeks mainly because I move a lot in my sleep, and I wake up every time I shift positions because of the soreness of my knees. I wake up a few times a night, every two hours or so, moaning and groaning and shifting positions. It's pretty frustrating and annoying not being able to sleep well, but I make up my poor sleep with daily naps.
Social Withdrawal - For an extrovert like me, being locked up in a room for two weeks isn't easy, even with my parents to keep my company. Having people over for Bible study this week and going to watch pickup were super exciting for me and provided a huge emotional lift.
 |
| Watching friends playing ultimate |
Next Steps
I'm going in for my two week checkup at the doctor's office tomorrow, and I'm hoping that I'll be cleared to drive and maybe not have to wear these fashionable yet annoying tube socks anymore.
I'm going in for my two week checkup at the doctor's office tomorrow, and I'm hoping that I'll be cleared to drive and maybe not have to wear these fashionable yet annoying tube socks anymore.
 |
| Tube socks for compression I've been wearing for the last two weeks. |
Previous Posts
Thursday, June 13, 2013
ACL Post-Surgery Week 1
As usual, this post is a few days late. Here's a recap of what my first week post-surgery was like, along with some fun pictures. Thanks for all the texts and phone calls of concern and encouragement. They've meant a lot!
Monday - Surgery Day
Having stayed the previous night in the hospital hotel connected to the hospital, I arrived at the outpatient surgery center at 7 AM. Before long, I was brought to the back for surgery prep, changing into the fashionable surgery gown, having my IV inserted (which was very uncomfortable), and having my knees shaved.
After waiting for a bit, I said goodbye to my parents and was wheeled into the surgery room, where I immediately felt like a NASCAR in a pit crew, with a bunch of different doctors and nurses working on different parts of me. A little tranquilizer and anesthesia later, I was asleep.
...And I woke up shivering with a hurting throat at around 11:30 AM. We stayed in one of the hospital rooms until 7 AM the next morning, when I was wheeled to the hospital hotel room that we would stay in until Friday. I ate a lot of food, took a lot of medication, and all in all, felt pretty good because of all the painkillers I was on.
Tuesday - Friday - Hospital Hotel
We spent the next few days in the hospital hotel. Each day basically went like this, with some book reading sprinkled in between the eating, exercises, and the sleeping.
9 AM - Wake up and use the bathroom. Also, breakfast.
10 AM - Daily Exercises #1
12 PM - Lunch (Fast Food / Hotel Cafeteria)
1 PM - Nap
3 PM - Daily Exercises #2
6PM - Dinner (Fast Food)
8 PM - TV (Cop Show or NBA Finals)
10 PM - Daily Exercises #3
12 AM - Sleep
The days in the hotel were particularly difficult, and I was in a lot of pain doing just about everything because I was off of those awesome super-strong painkillers that I had in the hospital. Also, my knees bloated up with swelling because the draining tubes had been removed before I left the hospital. Good thing my parents were there to help me do just about everything, including doing some exercises of their own!
The hardest part of the whole ordeal was probably using the bathroom. Its awfully hard to get down on the toilet when you can't bend your legs, and even harder getting up! the first few days, I needed both of my parents to grab an arm each to drag me to my feet after being on the toilet. It's pretty funny thinking about it now, but it totally sucked then.
Friday - Going home
After stopping in at the doctor's office for physical therapy Friday morning, we drove back to Fort Wayne, where the next few days were basically spent as they were in the hotel, just with good home cooking instead of Hardee's and McDonald's. I'll post more about my time at home soon. And by soon, I mean when I feel like not procrastinating!
Monday - Surgery Day
Having stayed the previous night in the hospital hotel connected to the hospital, I arrived at the outpatient surgery center at 7 AM. Before long, I was brought to the back for surgery prep, changing into the fashionable surgery gown, having my IV inserted (which was very uncomfortable), and having my knees shaved.
 |
| Just seeing this picture makes me queesy |
 |
| They shaved all my knee hair! |
After waiting for a bit, I said goodbye to my parents and was wheeled into the surgery room, where I immediately felt like a NASCAR in a pit crew, with a bunch of different doctors and nurses working on different parts of me. A little tranquilizer and anesthesia later, I was asleep.
...And I woke up shivering with a hurting throat at around 11:30 AM. We stayed in one of the hospital rooms until 7 AM the next morning, when I was wheeled to the hospital hotel room that we would stay in until Friday. I ate a lot of food, took a lot of medication, and all in all, felt pretty good because of all the painkillers I was on.
 |
| Watching Pacers-Heat Game 7 in the hospital |
 |  | |
| Draining tubes from my knees | Where the tubes drained |
Tuesday - Friday - Hospital Hotel
We spent the next few days in the hospital hotel. Each day basically went like this, with some book reading sprinkled in between the eating, exercises, and the sleeping.
9 AM - Wake up and use the bathroom. Also, breakfast.
10 AM - Daily Exercises #1
12 PM - Lunch (Fast Food / Hotel Cafeteria)
1 PM - Nap
3 PM - Daily Exercises #2
6PM - Dinner (Fast Food)
8 PM - TV (Cop Show or NBA Finals)
10 PM - Daily Exercises #3
12 AM - Sleep
 |
| Hardee's for dinner...the second time. |
The days in the hotel were particularly difficult, and I was in a lot of pain doing just about everything because I was off of those awesome super-strong painkillers that I had in the hospital. Also, my knees bloated up with swelling because the draining tubes had been removed before I left the hospital. Good thing my parents were there to help me do just about everything, including doing some exercises of their own!
The hardest part of the whole ordeal was probably using the bathroom. Its awfully hard to get down on the toilet when you can't bend your legs, and even harder getting up! the first few days, I needed both of my parents to grab an arm each to drag me to my feet after being on the toilet. It's pretty funny thinking about it now, but it totally sucked then.
Friday - Going home
After stopping in at the doctor's office for physical therapy Friday morning, we drove back to Fort Wayne, where the next few days were basically spent as they were in the hotel, just with good home cooking instead of Hardee's and McDonald's. I'll post more about my time at home soon. And by soon, I mean when I feel like not procrastinating!
 |
| Sprawled out on the back seat on the way home |
Previous Posts
Sunday, June 2, 2013
My ACL Reconstruction
Twelve hours from now, I'll be having my ACL reconstruction surgery! This whole experience feels like an adventure to me, so I'm pretty excited for this surgery and the next couple weeks of rehab (see the "what I'm looking forward to section below). I also obviously can't wait until I'm fully recovered so I can get out on the field and play! Here's a rundown of some of the details of tomorrow.
Hospital - Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital
This hospital is located in downtown Indy. Too bad Game 7 of Pacers-Heat isn't in Indy, or we would be able to hear the awesome cheering and rioting after the Pacers beat the Heat.
Surgeon - Doctor Shelbourne
I found him on this US News page of top orthopedic surgeons in Indiana. According to the ranking, Dr. Shelbourne's deemed "among the top 1% in the nation in his specialty." He specializes in knee surgeries and have done tons of ACL reconstructions. He's the Purdue team surgeon and even knows Dr. James Andrews! Pretty cool.
Procedure - ACL Reconstruction with Opposite Knee Patellar Tendon Graft
Basically, they're going to take the Patellar tendon from my good right knee and put it into my left knee as an ACL. The patellar tendon graft is the what AP and RGIII and most professional athletes get. Because the graft is coming from my opposite leg, I will need to rehab both knees to fully recover, and the patellar tendon of the graft should heal completely.
Surgery Timeline
6:30 AM - Check in at hospital
9:30 AM - Surgery
11:30 AM - Wake up with a new ACL
I'll be in the hospital until around 6 AM the next morning, so sorry ahead of time if I don't respond to the various texts of support that I am expecting from you all.
What I'm looking forward to after the surgery
- Pacers/Heat Game 7
- Reading a Dance of Dragons
- Reading Metaxes' Bonhoeffer
- Not working for 2 weeks and spending time with family
Hospital - Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital
This hospital is located in downtown Indy. Too bad Game 7 of Pacers-Heat isn't in Indy, or we would be able to hear the awesome cheering and rioting after the Pacers beat the Heat.
Surgeon - Doctor Shelbourne
I found him on this US News page of top orthopedic surgeons in Indiana. According to the ranking, Dr. Shelbourne's deemed "among the top 1% in the nation in his specialty." He specializes in knee surgeries and have done tons of ACL reconstructions. He's the Purdue team surgeon and even knows Dr. James Andrews! Pretty cool.
Procedure - ACL Reconstruction with Opposite Knee Patellar Tendon Graft
Basically, they're going to take the Patellar tendon from my good right knee and put it into my left knee as an ACL. The patellar tendon graft is the what AP and RGIII and most professional athletes get. Because the graft is coming from my opposite leg, I will need to rehab both knees to fully recover, and the patellar tendon of the graft should heal completely.
Surgery Timeline
6:30 AM - Check in at hospital
9:30 AM - Surgery
11:30 AM - Wake up with a new ACL
I'll be in the hospital until around 6 AM the next morning, so sorry ahead of time if I don't respond to the various texts of support that I am expecting from you all.
What I'm looking forward to after the surgery
- Pacers/Heat Game 7
- Reading a Dance of Dragons
- Reading Metaxes' Bonhoeffer
- Not working for 2 weeks and spending time with family
Previous Posts
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