I think many people are surprised to hear that I believe in God and that I am a Christian. I think this is because many assume that autism and belief in God are somehow incompatible. In fact other autistic writers, such as Temple Grandin, have written about their own spiritual beliefs and practices.
I struggled for a long time with the concept of God - I wasn't interested in something that I could not see or hear or touch directly. As a teenager I began to read the writings of G. K. Chesterton, an early-20th century English journalist who wrote at length about his own journey into faith and defence of Christian ideas - and found myself gradually more and more receptive to the possibility of faith.
I became a Christian at Christmas 2002, aged twenty-three. At that point in my life I had arrived at the conclusion that Christianity was true. Extremely challenging and puzzling concepts (for many if not most people) such as the Incarnation and the Trinity made a lot of sense to me. It seemed right that God would choose to come into the world, to reveal Himself to us, in a way that we could all of us relate to - as a man among men, a human life lived like other lives: as a child, a worker, a friend, a teacher, a Son.
In the Trinity there was the idea of God as being both a mystery and a reality that each person could in their own way relate to: the living, breathing personification of Love and of Relationship. God wasn't something unknowable or untouchable but a tangible presence: the idea of Trinity was something I could picture in some way in my head, and understand and accept.
Faith isn't easy - but I consider it a blessing and a gift. Quite often, in sudden unconscious moments like an awakening, I realise that I am a member of the mystical body of Christ - something far bigger and greater than I can begin to comprehend, but nonetheless something in which I do not feel a stranger, but at home.
55 comments:
I did a speech for Toasmasters this morning on autistic savantism, and included you in it. Everyone was blown away by your recitation of a good piece of pi. Maybe you can expect some extra hits on your site this week.
Sean
This was a brave piece, and very interesting to me. I've been raised as a Catholic, but don't really know what I believe and what I can accept. It seems to depend on my mood and circumstance, although I am optimistic that there is something bigger than us, maybe just because I can't bear the thought that there isn't...
I often find it easier not to think about it, because I go round in circles, and I am dreadful at trying to explain to other people what I believe in, as I never know what is going to come out of my mouth, and I rarely agree with myself one it is voiced, as it doesn't represent what is in my head.
BTW I just read an extract from your book in The Week magazine, and will go out and buy it this weekend. I saw your documentary (and were you on Richard and Judy too?)
Kindest regards,
Katie
PS what does 9 look like? It's my birthday, but I've always hated it, because I adore even numbers.
Unfortunately, being a Christian or even having religious views has become taboo in our society. People immediately think you believe the world was created in 7 days of our reckoning.
I have the same problem as a Muslim, people read that as TERRORIST and immediately think Jihad.
The call of the Quran is relevant today more than ever before when it calls all believers (not Muslims alone) to unite in inculcating the values shared by divinely revealed religions which cannot be monopolised.
Hi Katie,
I draw the number nine in my book - in fact I draw each number from 1 to 12, one at the top of each of the twelve chapters. To me, 9 is big and dark blue. It's also tall and symmetrical.
God and religion are two very separate issues. One can't be denied, the other mans fancy.
Intepretation of the bible alone is a joke. Taken literally its full of contradictions, viz-a-viz Old testament. Read any otherway and its pure speculation.
As a fellow Christian, I was extremely interested, and indeed identified, with what you wrote.
Tell me Daniel, how do you interpret the phrase that "Christ died for you"? Could salvation have been arranged in a different way do you think?
Although I instinctively understand the phrase, I still wrestle with it sometimes
Love, Light and Peace
JDC
The concepts of the Incarnation and salvation are very big and challenging and I'm not sure that it's possible to go into them in any substantial way in a paragraph or two. In short, I believe that the universe and everything within it was created as an expression of God's creative life and love.
How can you reconcile "three in one" when three parts of a "trinity" do not represent a whole number but only each a fraction of a whole number?
When in the end even the son himself shall be subdued unto God, how can they then be co "equal"?
Hi Rexred,
I think one useful analogy is the concept of time - past, present and future - no part a fraction of what time is but each needed to make up what 'time' is.
Very interesting Daniel. (the time aspect of numbers) makes me think of time as being circular with a beginning and an end.
Can we really though equate the ethereal 'invisible' creator of time with the creation?
Is not the creation only an imperfect image of the true object it represents?
I wasn't comparing God to the concept of time, only using time as an analogy to help explain the Christian understanding of the Trinity.
I don't know that God is 'ethereal' or that creation is meant to represent Him. Rather, God is love and love is by its very nature creative.
I watched Heaven & Earth this morning (Sunday) and found your 'testimony' very interesting.
I recently came to the conclusion (with the help of my wife) that I have Asperger's syndrome, again a high-functioning form of Autism, leading to difficulties with social interaction but with the benefit of enhanced abilities in certian fields.
I also became a Christian in 2003 and am especially interested in what path led you to God and which books or aspects of the Bible mean the most to you.
Kind regards
You are a three fold being. Body, mind and spirit.
Time is divided into past, present and future.
Space is likewise divided into three: here, there and the space between.
It is defining and describing this 'space between' that becomes elusive. The moment you begin defining or describing, the space you describe becomes 'here' or 'there.' Yet we know this 'space between' exists. It is what holds 'here' and 'there' in place - just as the eternal now holds 'before' and 'after' in place.
Daniel, God has given you a special gift and you are using it for so much good. I admire your commitment to God, our planet, and to learning.
I saw a special about you on television. I believe it was the Discovery Channel. I was impressed with you abilities, but most of all I was impressed on how you are using those abilities for selfless purposes. We can all learn a lot from you.
Sincerely,
Mike
U.S.A.
Hi Andrew,
I think reading the books of G K Chesterton as a teenager had the greatest influence on my subsequent decision to become a Christian. As for books of the Bible, I think the Gospel accounts are among my very favourite.
I find it odd that you ascribe to mainstream Christianity (being extremely intelligent it seems) considering Jesus was Jewish and therefore would NEVER consider himself God (as any Jew would not consider themselves God...they'd have been killed outright during that time)...remember how Jesus replied to the man who called him "good teacher"; he stated, "No one is good but the father."
Now why would he say that? Is he schizophrenic? I don't think so...its logical that he was saying he was subordinate to God...which directly violates trinitarian teaching and belief. There are countless other examples in the Bible.
You really should do more research on this one...concentrate specifically on Translation of the Bible or lack of proper translation. Having learned Biblical Hebrew in my studies and a bit of Greek made things much easier when examining scriptures that are untainted by doctrine.
Find the Book Truth in Translation on Amazon.com and let's see if you views stay the same.
The Trinity makes no sense. There can only be One God with no partners.
Jesus never claimed to be God but was a Messenger of God to tell people to worship God.
Generally those who associate any partners with God will be in big trouble when they die. The things they call on beside God (eg Jesus, Buddha, idols etc) will not be able to help them in the least on the Day of Judgement.
And they will have to answer to God for denying God's unshared soverignity and power over all things.
Anonymous, you say that Jesus couldn't possibly have claimed divinity because he'd have been attacked and even killed by other Jews for making such a claim. Of course you're correct about the Jews finding such a claim intolerable and this is what the Gospel accounts say was the reaction of Jews to Jesus's claims:
"I and the Father are one. The Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them 'I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning me?' The Jews answered him, 'For a good work we do not stone you, but for blasphemy; and because you, being a man, make yourself out to be God.' (John 10:30-33)
As for Jesus saying 'No one is good but the Father' it came after Jesus was approached by someone calling him 'good Master'. Jesus was asking him to think carefully about what he was saying. After all if Jesus really was good and 'no one is good but the Father' then, well you get the idea.
Muslim, Christians say that there is One God, but that He consists of 3 persons just as one cube consists of 6 squares.
You're incorrect to state that Jesus never claimed divinity:
'You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world' (John 8:23)
'I tell you the truth Jesus answered, before Abraham was born, I am!' (The Hebrew word for God - Yahweh - literally means 'I am')
(John 8:58)
'I and the Father are one' (John 10:30)
Daniel,
I appreciated reading your post this morning, including your gracious response to the various comments.
My son has a couple of friends with autism (one with Apserger's syndrome) and I found your blog after looking you up on Wikipedia. Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences and insight into this issue.
God bless,
Angus
"I and my Father are one."
there are 2 parts to the statement. I take it to mean the Creator and His cretion are one; united. We, with Jesus are that creation. The Father creted the son. "On that day you will realise I am in my father, you are in me and I am in you."
TL
'I and the Father are one' (John 10:30)
of the same mind daniel
"in agreement"
satens a Powerful Deceiver be careful
GDP
Good afternoon Daniel. Saw you on The Science Channel last night. As with the other posters here (and your other threads) I am fascinated with your gift and could ask you a thousand questions. A collective sigh of relief as I say that I will not attempt to do that now.
I will say that, as a Christian, I am so proud of how you gently handle diverse opinions and pointed questions. I wish the media would show Christians to be the kind, loving, accepting people the vast majority of us are.
May God continue to bless you Daniel.
In Christ,
Steve
Hi Daniel. Last night, I saw your documentary 'The Incredible Brain' and was particularly amazed by your ability to associate numbers with visual images as well as emotional experiences.
This got me thinking, have you ever read the Quran? Recently Muslims have discovered some interesting correlations between words and numbers. For example, the chapter and verse which talks about iron corresponds to the element's atomic weight and atomic number.
I was therefore wondering whether you find any associations between words and their corresponding chapter/verse reference. For example, chapter 2 is called 'The Cow', ch.13 is 'The Thunder' etc. Or perhaps specific verses eg. 2:164 which talks about the night and day, ships, rain and wind. www.al-islam.org/quran
Good luck with all your future work.
Deus_Ex,
I don't believe in reincarnation or past-life regression.
Ali Hadi,
I have read some of the Koran in English translation. Parts of it are very beautiful. I would not be surprised if a few parts had some interesting connections and this is seen with any large amount of words. For example it is possible to find intriguing connections in 'Moby Dick' if you look hard enough.
Hello Daniel,
I just watched a show on tv about you (in Australia) and decided to read a little more about you.
Having done that, Im convinced that you are an exceptional man, blessed by God with amazing abilities.
I was stunned to read that you are a Christian! Praise God!
With your awsome mind, patience and articulation, I see you being used by God as a powerful tool for Christ's purposes. Think C.S Lewis, but bigger.
Looking forward to chatting with you one day. Stay staunch brother! God bless! Im praying for you!
Yours in Christs bride, eternal life, love, and being super pumped for God.
John
Me again....I love the number nine, it's my ruling number in numerology but even before I knew what numerology was I liked it. I am interested in the way you see it, I always saw it as very strong and interestingly blue as well.
A subject which provokes even more thought... Love it!. Just wondering if you've read "Conversations with God" By Neal Donald Welsch?. I believe that god is everywhere, we are God and God is us, therefore, earth has the potential to be heaven. A very wise bard once said: The perfection of humanity already exists, it's up to us to remove the veils which make us think that it does not. Every faith believes in God personified, wether it be in form of Prophet, Son or body - they're all right, and we all have the ability to be Christ-like.
Daniel, next time you're at the library or have access to video documentary resources it would behoove you to absorb as much knowledge as possible on the rich gamut of primatology. Paying particular attention to apes and expecially pan paniscus chimpanzees.
In addition, what study have you done with regard to time and the universe?
As clever/gifted as you are the tenent remains 'the more you know, the less you know'. At 26, do you really have a handle on earths macro/micro-context?
Other questions: How do you reconcile your homosexuality with christianity? What parts of your bible do you consider rubbish?
tim
I understand you are "gay" Daniel. How do you reconcile being a Christian with being "gay". Or is this not true?
I don't believe that we are God and haven't read 'Conversations with God' (which would mean having a conversation with oneself?)
Hi Tim,
Actually I'm 27. I don't claim to know everything or to be an expert in either science or religion.
Not sure what you mean when you ask me to study primates and the age of the universe. I'm well aware that the universe has been calculated to be billions of years old and accept that without difficulty. I don't consider the Bible a guide to cosmology (or biology).
The Bible is an extremely rich and complex work written over a long period of time by many different people. It's not light reading but it does capture the complexity - the highs and the lows - of what it is to be human.
I'm not a literalist. Too often people read a book not as it is, but as they are. I like the teachings within the Gospels and try to follow them as best I can.
Finally, I don't believe it incompatible to be both gay and christian. I know that there are a handful of texts within the Bible that condemn same-sex activity (as there are texts that condemn the eating of shellfish), but these are open to debate and shouldn't be read in isolation.
Contemporary mainstream Christianity (code for the Anglican Church and a few other protestant churches) seems to be very accepting of a homosexual lifestyle. This is probably one reason why the Anglican Church is in decline. The Churches that are growing are the ones that have a reasonably literal interpretation of the Scriptures.
Consider the first commandment that God gave to man (and woman) "Go forth and multiply". Practically impossible for homosexuals. Consider also God commanded us not to commit adultery (Old Testament) and fornication (New Testament). In other words, sexual union outside of marriage is not lawful in Gods eyes.
Practicing homosexuals are attempting sexual union outside of marriage.
I say "attempting sexual union" because it is not really possible. The sexual organs of the male and female are incomplete. The male needs the female organs and the female needs the male organs for sexual union to be complete. Oral sex, anal sex and masturbation are all an attempt at sexual union, without being complete (for obvious reasons).
Two of my very good friends are homosexual. I am not homophobic. I just try to point out to my friends, (and you, Daniel) that homosexuality is not in keeping with Gods plan for man.
Daniel, croire en dieux est actuellement la seul réponse à " qui,ou quoi, a creer l'univers? ", mais pourquoi plus le christianisme que le judâîsme, ou autre ... ? Aprés il ne faut pas oublié non plus que dans le christianisme, rien n'est rigoureusement, ou réellement tangiblement écrit ! Aprés j'espère q'au vus de ce qu'il se passe a travers le monde, "dieux" a mentis en disant avoir créer l'homme à son image ! Le christianisme créer sa communauté par "l'influence". Et enfin la religion, quel quelle qoit, et souvent la source de guerre et d'émeutes ( cf. actualité )
amicalement
Hi Murray,
I wouldn't consider myself 'Anglican' and disagree anyway that Anglicanism is especially tolerant of homosexuality.
You refer to a 'homosexual lifestyle' whilst the truth is that sexuality - either heterosexuality or homosexuality - is a fundamental, constitutive aspect of a person's identity. There is a very large amount of scientific evidence to support the idea that sexuality is fixed prenatally - in other words that both heterosexuality and homosexuality are inborn, and not chosen. I didn't choose to be gay in just the same way that I didn't choose to be blue-eyed or right-handed.
Homosexuality is natural. It has been reported in many hundreds of species throughout nature, including dolphins, sheep, fruit bats, penguins, beetles, orangutans, bison, elephants and ostriches.
It has a biological function, or else it would not be here. Child-rearing is time-expensive and difficult. Those who do not reproduce can help look after other members of the society. Many gay children care for their aging parents whilst their siblings are busy raising their own offspring.
God did indeed tell Adam and Eve to 'go forth and multiply'. It does not follow however that the only permissible function of sexual union is reproduction.
In the time of the Old Testament there was little settled belief on the possibility of an afterlife. Many people believed that one lived on only through one's heirs. Not having children was considered a curse, something to be avoided at all costs. In this context it is little surprise that homosexuality was considered negatively.
However in Isaiah God tells us that having children is not an essential part of becoming part of His family:
'(Do not) let the eunuch say "Look, I am a dry tree." For God says "To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths and choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant, to them I will give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than of sons and of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off."'
Eunuchs were men were who incapable of having children. They were often castrated, but not always. Some scholars believe the word would have been used to describe gay men as well.
In the New Testament Jesus says (regarding marriage between a man and a woman):
'Not to all men is this applicable, for there are some eunuchs which were so born from their mother's womb...'
Jesus did not say anything about homosexuality other, perhaps, then that gay men should not be made to marry women.
Of course, I agree that cheating on one's spouse is wrong.
Ultimately, we humans are made to crave intimacy with another. I do not believe that sexuality is meant for reproduction alone (or else it would be forbidden for couples past childbearing age). It is also an expression of mutual, experiential love and trust between the partners.
Dear Zd,
I'm sorry to hear that you think sexuality is for reproduction only. Make sure to tell everyone past the age of 50 that they must desist from any sexual union, even within marriage.
I agree that nature tells us a lot about sexuality - just look at the hundreds of species throughout the animal kingdom that have gay relationships, including the birds and the bees.
Hi Daniel,
I found your site through the joys of hyperlinking, and your story and abilities are remarkable. However, I was even more delighted to find a smart gay Christian willing to speak out about his beliefs.
While I agree wholeheartedly with your Biblical analysis and defense of your identity, I did want to challenge you to reconsider the idea that "heterosexuality and homosexuality are inborn not chosen." It seems like this dichotomy doesn't encompass people who become gay later in life or those who like both men and women.
I believe that humans are born with no default sexual preference (i.e. even heterosexuality isn't "natural.") I would argue that choosing sexual partners and mates based on personality and personal preferences rather than gender alone allows human beings to form the most optimal social groups. Human genes are very complex, as are human social dynamics. Many possibilities may explain the range of human sexual behavior.
That said, you make great arguments about the decontextualized misinterpretation of the very few Biblical passages about homosexuality. Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement.
Our minister at church presented a wonderful, sensitive talk yesterday entitled "Is God homophobic?" I was impressed with it and feel it captured the essence of the topic carefully and lovingly.
Basicly, he said God does not approve of any sexual relationship (hetrosexual or homosexual) outside of a committed marriage relationship. While Jesus never mentioned homosexuality himself, several places in the old and new testament place people who practice homosexual union in a list with other unacceptable activities. No worse, no better.
This underlines the truth that we all come to god as imperfect. We are all unclean by God's standards, and are in need of Jesus sacrifice to renew a relationship with God.
To my understanding, this makes a tough standard for a gay person to follow, since marriage is defined biblicly as between a man and a woman. It would seem that a gay person would have to remain cellibate to avoid sin.
Of course people who have committed some form of sin mke up a large part of the population (everybody) so I don't think it helps God's cause to point a finger at gays or gluttons or selfish people or murderers. I figure I have enough of a battle keeping my own life committed to God without worrying about railing on someone else's relationship -- other than as an encourager.
So I encourage you to keep up the good work, I am excited by your strong voice and kind spirit.
Van!!
I wish you a loving and life-long relationship with Neil. Keep reading the Gospels. When we keep our eyes on what Jesus was, did, and said, we can't go wrong.
God bless you.
Debbie in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Hello Daniel,
I wish to thank you for this entry, I first learned of you from a CBS documentary today (Google is a powerful entity). I was captivated with the story, but was surprised and then relieved when they mentioned your partner. Being a Gay American and happily mated (as I've termed it) for two years, I was happy to see that someone I could relate to on the sexuality level was turning heads in the scientific community. When I stumbled across your blog, and found this entry -- it has changed me. I come from a family of strong beliefs, and my partner's family is as well. Where I am the long lost son to my ersatz mother, my true mother only tolerates him because I have a prestigious job and decent income. For the longest time my mother pushed the topics that you have references about homosexuality being a sin, and your thoughts on the matter have (for lack of a better term) clicked with me. I see that in my ersatz family, their belief is strong but they are accepting and intelligent. Within my own family, they are shallow and ignorant. You have given me something to talk about with my confidant. Thank you, you've helped me understand a bit about my own family and trials by just being yourself. Have a wonderful day, kind sir.
Chris, North Carolina USA
Hi Daniel, I saw you on "Sixty Minutes" this evening. I live in Altadena, California. I am gay and very happy to read your thoughtful responses to those who think it impossible to be both a Christian and gay. I told my father when I was eleven I thought I was gay. He said not to worry about it, that I was too young to know. At age eighteen, I "came out," but then became an "ex-gay" when I got "born again" at age 21. I was told that I couldn't be both gay and Christian. For sixteen years I was celibate, did missionary work in Majuro, Marshall Islands, and Tonala, Mexico, and finally at a mission agency in Pasadena, CA. My father encouraged me to accept myself as gay. I told him I didn't want to hear it and that I felt Satan was using him to tempt me. Finally, six years ago, after nearly marrying a woman which would have been disastrous for both of us, I accepted myself as gay. Both my parents are very accepting and one of my two sisters has come out as lesbian. I know I've used this space to tell my story, but I'm just really happy that you have faith in a loving God and that you love your partner mentioned in the "Sixty Minutes" program. You are my brother and I'm grateful. Sincerely, Brian Kraemer
Did you know there are over 2000 languages in the world that have never been put into written form. They are only spoken languages. There is a Christian group that is working to put all unwritten languages into written form, teach the people to read and write their own language, and translate the Bible and basic health and agriculture materials into the language. Daniel, would you have any interest in giving some people group their language in writing and the Bible? The program is described at http://
www.sil.org/sil/
and the England school at http://www.eurotp.org/uk/
and http:
//www.sil.org/training/
show_program_page.asp?by=96
the UK office for Bible translation is
http:
//www.wycliffe.org.uk/index.html
I am stewardmin@yahoo.com
Daniel, I just read the latest blog from someone representing the Summer Institute of Linguistics, the academic arm of Wycliffe Bible Translators. Several years ago, as an ex-gay, I went through their month-long training program as part of an application process to join their mission work. They were very kind to me, but told me that I could not be a missionary for them because I was "tempted homosexually." I had been celibate for over ten years at that time, but because I admitted that I was "tempted" to be gay, they had to deny me the privilege of working with them on the missionary field. I pointed out that even Jesus was "tempted in all ways as we, but was without sin," but that didn't change their policies. It would be just like God to entrust you, a gay man, with his message of love to an unreached people while so many contemporary Christians are unwilling to call us brother. I wish you well in all you do, Daniel. If you ever feel like emailing me directly, my email is linus_blanket_2001@yahoo.com. Your gay brother in Christ, Brian Kraemer
I trust I did not represent in the previous post that I "represented" SIl organization. I do not. However, anyone may take their courses and benefit from their knowledge and one would not have to be with their organziation to make a written language for people who do not have their language in written form and to translate the Bible and basic health and agriculture literature for them.
There are other agencies involved in the language creation and translation work or one could start their own agency. The work needs to be done and there is a possibility that the normal l5 years it takes in a single language could be vastly shortened by Daniels gift. Brian - you could still do this work too.
Daniel,
I just enjoyed the incredible piece "Brainman" on the Science Channel (for the second time) and found your blog after poking arount the web to see what kind of projects someone as gifted and talented as yourself might be working on these days.
The way you see numbers and languages fascinates me and strangely gives me plesure just learning about people who have such an effortless grasp on them.
To me, languages and numbers are two of the most beautiful expressions of the infinitely creative nature of God.
I am overjoyed to learn that you are a believer in Jesus as the Christ foretold in the Scriptures.
This leads me to a few questions:
Can you read the Hebrew / Greek / Aramaic languages? And, if so do you prefer to read and study scriptures in their modern interpreted forms or rather from the ancient texts? Also, have you ever considered apologetics as a possible application of the amazing blessing of intellect that God has given you? Lastly, do you have any "favorite numbers" or find yourself preferring some numbers to others? I for example am strangely drawn to the number seven, seventy seven, twenty one and three. For almost childish reasons, I just prefer these numbers to others. Do you share in any such experiences?
Best regards,
7forward
This is in no offense to you, Daniel. You're one of my heroes, one of my most respected individuals in the world. But, haven't you ever wondered if "religion" itself is just a part of evolution? Considering I've yet to see a non-mammal animal worship any higher power (with exceptions to Chimpanzees due to research lately, but really doesn't count as a counter-balance for the fact they're our most common-cousin). Religion is just an aspect of evolution to progress in survival, an "inter-need", if you will, to follow certain order and guidelines to prosper ones-self and ones community. Moreover, this internal-gene nagging consistently to our urge to believe in a other, to make us seem less confused and insignificant. In summary, I'm asking "Why religion?" A brilliant young-gentleman like yourself shouldn't worry himself with the wise tales of so-called "prophets" and wasting your precious hours on a Sunday while you could be benefiting man-kind.
Hi Daniel.
I can identify with the struggle of faith. I was raised around Christianity, but not in it. For a long time I wanted very much to believe, but couldn't. I saw others finding comfort in Christ, but felt that I could not myself. I couldn't rationalize it and couldn't accept what I couldn't rationalize.
Faith is trully a blessing from God. If we will open our hearts/minds even a little he will give us an experience that is concrete or rational enough for us to believe. God's love for us is trully amazing!
I'd really like to know more about how you came to accept God's truth.
Interestingly, I became a Christian about two years ago at 23 also.
:)
Valleigh
Daniel - after coming across your story on the internet, I read all the articles, listened to the interviews and watched all the video I could find. I was so awed, not only by your talent, but more so by your insight into your own need and the personal foritude which caused you to endure the course you chose for yourself in order to overcome and excel in your life. The last video I watched was your appearance on David Letterman. I was filled with such pride as I watched how you handled yourself in your dialog with David and how warmly you were received by the audience because of your own warmth and genuiness. I could tell that you made a meaningful connection with them and they enjoyed you. I also heard that in the voices of those who have interviewed you on radio or in the documentaries. Only you really know how far you have come, and you have every reason to be proud of yourself. I too am a Christian, and I see so clearly the heart of God's love toward you Daniel -- how God has held you close to himself and how he has raised you up from a life of uncertainty and fears to grow progressively confident and strong. Let your greatest joy be that God has favoured your life Daniel, shined his love upon you for an example and testimony of the weak being made strong, the cast down being lifted up. Never forget, through all the attention you will continue to receive, that this is something that your Lord has done for you. Your brother in Christ, John Bouchard.
Hey Daniel,
Would you please pass along the following commentary to Neil:
Dear Neil,
I don't know ya, nor have I read D's book. I got here byway of a Google video and the intuitive synchlinks that would have me speak are strong. I've reviewed some of the authoritative comments which appear on this page and realize that, undoubtedly, you have too. Sorta weird how something so simple as loving somebody can make for so much debate. Nevertheless, I would say to you, "Thanks for being here for Daniel. Thanks for helping him feel less alone in a strange land."
INTEND INTENT
LOVE LOVE
M
Hello Daniel, have just had a quick browse at your blog and it looks interesting.
I am a Christian and I have just started my own blog about christianity in my local area.
Feel free to have a look. If you put a link to my blog on your site I will do likewise with your blog.
Hi
I am a teacher. I teach children with severe special needs (autistics among them).
I am studying making the teaching of RE meaningful.
I have had people say to me that religion isn't appropriate for special children, and also that autistics can't have faith.
Points of view that I'm sure you'd disagree with!
I'd be very interested in hearing your thoughts on what makes you faith meaningful to you and how RE could be meaningfully taught in schools.
Presently a lot of how we teach isn't pertinent to people with autism, and a lot of it isn't meaningful in any great way to anyone, it is an amassing of facts.
I'd be very grateful for any thoughts you could offer me.
Yours sincerely
Jo
I would like to make a comment to "muslim said" about half way down the page. The doctrine of Christianity does not suggest that there are three Gods, but that there is one God with three parts. St. Patrick used clover to teach this. It has three leaves branching from a single stem. Personally, I believe that the trinity describes the 3 functions/ forms that God serves in the world around us. God the father is the omnipotent ruler of heaven and Earth. Jesus was God in a form in which he could communicate directly with man kind. The Holy Spirit is God's form in which he works inside of man to guide him in ways that are true and right. God is omnipotent. He can exist everywhere at once, in all of time at once, and in each of his forms at once. What we perceive as different forms is really one God working in different ways to achieve his purposes in the universe. A trinity is used to explain this because mankind associates different forms and functions with different beings. So to say "three in one" is not the most accurate description of what we are trying to describe, but it is comprehensible to man, who can in no way fathom God in full.
Daniel, i saw your documentary and was HIGHLY impressed, at your amazing abilities. I want to also say, that you being a believer in jesus makes me think of you as a great man. Daniel, you are an inspiration to many, and i hope you keep it up. God bless. Sincerely, Dan Gomez
Dear David,
I am so happy to read your blog on this. I too am Asperger's as well as Christian.
I have come in contact with other Aspies and it breaks my heart that so many of them are into other religions such as; witchcraft, magic.
I have started to use the gift that God has blessed with me with since he created me and, I am working on various Christian comics. Mainly, in English and Japanese.
With these comics that I am working on, I do not intend on being God and try to change anyone, I only want anyone who sees these comics to just know that He is in control of this sinful world.
I'm glad to know that I am definitely not alone on this journey. :)
Dear Daniel,I have two questions I would like to pose please, 1) would your special abilities be a help in theoretical physics like string theories and 2) when you sleep, do you have dreams like other people? I love you standing up for your Christian beliefs - good for you! good for us! - and it's good to see God choosing to bestow His special gifts upon a gay man and people of all stripes and colours, not just the "doctrinal correct". God bless you in all your endeavours. Look after yourself - lots of private time - and don't let yourself be exhausted by "testers".
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