I love tuning forks.
I seriously do.
During my brief time at Radford University, I belonged to A Cappella groups that would perform in public places, most of which didn't warrant the use of a full size pianos to get our starting notes. So we brought tuning forks. If you don't know what they are, google it. Go ahead ... I'll wait.
In the movie Tin Cup, Kevin Costner's character says that a well-hit golf shot is like a tuning fork going off in your loins. And it's a funny way to think of golfing, but I know what he means. I've only had 1 or 2 golf shots where I felt the "That's what it's supposed to feel like" after the swing. I've felt it more playing disc golf, where when the driver releases out of your grip off the tee, holds that tight line down the fairway and makes the turn at the perfect moment. It's not a technical moment. It's something you just feel.
You know that feeling?
Reading Chapter 2 of "Love Wins" by Rob Bell, I had one of those moments, but it was the first time I can remember that was a spiritual tuning fork moment. To summarize, if you haven't read the book yet, Chapter 1 deals with the not-so-simple nature of salvation/faith. By the way, this was what I read last time that wouldn't allow me to continue reading. Chapter 1 asks a lot of questions. Chapter 2, on the other hand, begins answering them , starting with the nature of Heaven and how we relate to it.
Rather than paraphrasing, here is a trail of quotations that led to my moment...
"How we think about heaven, then, directly affects how we understand what we do with our days and energies now, in this age." ~p44
"Taking heaven seriously, then, means taking suffering seriously, now. Not because we've bought into the myth that we can create a utopia given enough time, technology, and good voting choices, but because we have great confidence that God has not abandoned human history and is actively at work within it, taking it somewhere." ~p45
"Jesus teaches us to pursue the life of heaven now and also then, anticipating the day when earth and heaven are one.
Honest business,
redemptive art,
honorable law,
sustainable living,
medicine,
education,
making a home,
tending a garden --
they're all sacred tasks to be done in partnership with God now, because they will all go on in the age to come. In heaven, on earth. Our eschatology shapes our ethics. Eschatology is about last things, ethics are about how you live." ~p46
"A proper view of heaven leads not to escape from the world, but to full engagement with it, all with the anticipation of a coming day when things are on earth as they currently are in heaven." ~p47
When I got to the words "They're all sacred tasks", I had to stop reading, because I started sobbing uncontrollably. It wasn't crying. It was deeper than that. It was like a tuning fork being struck in the deepest part of my spirit and resonating "I knew it. Thank God someone said it."
Rachel loves photography, not because of the prestige, but because of the deep belief that she is helping to shape this age (aion) and will change the world using that medium. For her, it is a sacred work with sacred purpose. Because of her perspective, she probably will change the world...
I love tending to people and anything that is alive. When I care for my wife, our dogs, the rose bushes and the lawn, there is a part of me that knows that I'm "about my Father's business." They're each a sacred work; which I sense that I'm partnering with Him every time I do them.
There is something intensely freeing about seeing seemingly secular, mundane, ordinary tasks as sacred tasks. It's a feeling and a heart understanding that I hope I never lose.
For those that can remember the movie Chariots of Fire, it's saying the same thing as what the character Eric Liddell is known for saying: "I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure..."
For all the skeptics, Rob Bell is not saying that Heaven doesn't exist. What he is saying is that Heaven is much more expansive than the current popular tradition of it, which is simply a place away from here that we'll eventually go if we're good enough.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
"Love Wins" by Rob Bell, First Impression
Yes, I know, it's been a while since I posted a blog. Please forgive me for springing this new post on you so suddenly.
If you follow me on twitter or are a friend on Facebook, you know that I've been trying to get my hands on a copy of "Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived" by Rob Bell. It took me a few days and a few trips, but Barnes & Noble came through today.
I sat down to start reading, and I stopped 20 minutes later. But it wasn't because I was offended or offput by anything that was said. I was so astounded at the preface to this very controversial book that I had to stop. I'll read it 2 or 3 more times before I make my way through the remaining 190 pages, because it's worthy of the attention.
Rather than quoting text or citing specific examples, I'll leave you with a brief first impression, in the form of a series of statements. Guess what that means... you're going to have to read it your darn self (that is, if you want to agree or argue with me).
I believe that Rob Bell has a greater grasp of the complexity of scripture than his most skeptical theologians and/or scholars.
I think that the reason this book has so enraged the Evangelical community is that the author asks questions that have been largely tossed aside by others. The preface is 80% questions and 20% research or statements. The danger with tossing aside questions about Jesus and the nature of salvation is that we can also toss aside the people sincerely asking them as well.
Most of the quotations that I've read in blogs, tweets and articles that are in opposition to the orthodoxy of this book are found in the first 10 pages. I wonder how many of those critics didn't actually make it throught the rest of the book...
If you follow me on twitter or are a friend on Facebook, you know that I've been trying to get my hands on a copy of "Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived" by Rob Bell. It took me a few days and a few trips, but Barnes & Noble came through today.
I sat down to start reading, and I stopped 20 minutes later. But it wasn't because I was offended or offput by anything that was said. I was so astounded at the preface to this very controversial book that I had to stop. I'll read it 2 or 3 more times before I make my way through the remaining 190 pages, because it's worthy of the attention.
Rather than quoting text or citing specific examples, I'll leave you with a brief first impression, in the form of a series of statements. Guess what that means... you're going to have to read it your darn self (that is, if you want to agree or argue with me).
I believe that Rob Bell has a greater grasp of the complexity of scripture than his most skeptical theologians and/or scholars.
I think that the reason this book has so enraged the Evangelical community is that the author asks questions that have been largely tossed aside by others. The preface is 80% questions and 20% research or statements. The danger with tossing aside questions about Jesus and the nature of salvation is that we can also toss aside the people sincerely asking them as well.
Most of the quotations that I've read in blogs, tweets and articles that are in opposition to the orthodoxy of this book are found in the first 10 pages. I wonder how many of those critics didn't actually make it throught the rest of the book...
Thursday, September 30, 2010
"Tolerance" is Overrated; A Top-10 List
You know what I don't want to tolerate? Tolerance being counter-intuitive. It seems that in the name of tolerance, we're scared to oppose anything, because being intolerant seems to be the easiest way to become an American pariah. Well, I guess that means I'm doomed to a life of unpopularity.
Bunny trail: I think the "Coexist" bumper sticker using religious symbols is just plain ignorant. Take a world religions class people. Read a book. Then form an opinion.
Back on track. Every belief is not equally valid. Either Jesus is the Savior of the World or He isn't. Either it is OK to kill infidels in Allah's name or it isn't. Not every belief system has equal merit, nor should they be given equal air-time. And in special circumstances, giving ground in the name of tolerance is actually offensive.
I'm sure you've all, by now, heard plenty about the Mosque being constructed at Ground Zero (the site of 9/11). Rather than ranting about it here, I figured the most constructive use of my words would be to make a list of things as/more insensitive and offensive than having a Mosque at Ground Zero. These all could be argued from the standpoint of understanding and tolerance.
10. The Handgun Appreciation Club (with indoor shooting range) at Columbine High School
9. The Andrew Jackson's Colonization Museum at any Native American reservation
8. Lebron James singing the national anthem at the 2010 Cav's home opener.
7. Changing all of the tour guides' uniforms at the Holocaust Museum to resemble Nazi Officers.
6. "Bloody Sunday's", an Irish pub in the heart of London, England.
5. A Michigan recruiter at a booth during Ohio State's Club Fair
4. A US munitions factory in Hiroshima or Nagasaki, Japan
3. A national law mandating that every "Martin Luther King Jr Blvd" in the country be intersected by "James Earl Ray Road".
2. "Hutu Gravedigger Services" in Rwanda, advertising "No one has more experience."
1. A Jewish Synagogue next to the Kaaba in Mecca, with a likeness of Mohammad wearing a Yarmulke
Tolerance should never take priority over respect; or better yet, love. And not all perspectives are worth listening to. Why allow something unloving and disrespectful in the name of tolerance? I think our response to those building Park51 should be "You are welcomed to build, as soon as Israel is allowed to build a Synagogue at Mecca." That should delay the project a while...
Bunny trail: I think the "Coexist" bumper sticker using religious symbols is just plain ignorant. Take a world religions class people. Read a book. Then form an opinion.
Back on track. Every belief is not equally valid. Either Jesus is the Savior of the World or He isn't. Either it is OK to kill infidels in Allah's name or it isn't. Not every belief system has equal merit, nor should they be given equal air-time. And in special circumstances, giving ground in the name of tolerance is actually offensive.
I'm sure you've all, by now, heard plenty about the Mosque being constructed at Ground Zero (the site of 9/11). Rather than ranting about it here, I figured the most constructive use of my words would be to make a list of things as/more insensitive and offensive than having a Mosque at Ground Zero. These all could be argued from the standpoint of understanding and tolerance.
10. The Handgun Appreciation Club (with indoor shooting range) at Columbine High School
9. The Andrew Jackson's Colonization Museum at any Native American reservation
8. Lebron James singing the national anthem at the 2010 Cav's home opener.
7. Changing all of the tour guides' uniforms at the Holocaust Museum to resemble Nazi Officers.
6. "Bloody Sunday's", an Irish pub in the heart of London, England.
5. A Michigan recruiter at a booth during Ohio State's Club Fair
4. A US munitions factory in Hiroshima or Nagasaki, Japan
3. A national law mandating that every "Martin Luther King Jr Blvd" in the country be intersected by "James Earl Ray Road".
2. "Hutu Gravedigger Services" in Rwanda, advertising "No one has more experience."
1. A Jewish Synagogue next to the Kaaba in Mecca, with a likeness of Mohammad wearing a Yarmulke
Tolerance should never take priority over respect; or better yet, love. And not all perspectives are worth listening to. Why allow something unloving and disrespectful in the name of tolerance? I think our response to those building Park51 should be "You are welcomed to build, as soon as Israel is allowed to build a Synagogue at Mecca." That should delay the project a while...
Monday, July 26, 2010
Christians are the Worst...
It's been a while folks. Good to see you again. Yes, I'm loosing weight. Thank you for noticing and speaking up. Encouraging bunch of people...
Now for the matter at hand.
Imagine that you work at Chili's. (Ok, I'll give you a few seconds to think about those Fajitas ... soooo good) Sunday afternoon, you go in to work. You make between $3-$4 per hour plus tips. Now imagine 12:43 in the afternoon rolls around. A well dressed, seemingly happy group of 7 walk in, and are seated in your section. Everyone gets soft-drinks, except for the one guy who asks for water, 2 slices of lemons and splenda stirred in. They get appetizers, entrees, but no dessert, because let's face it ... nap time is coming. Throughout the meal, they talk about the church service they all just attended, the message, the worship, and maybe a little gossip about that one family. You know the one.
Then you hand them their single check an hour later. It totals up to $78.75 pre tax, and $84.45 after tax. While you wait on other tables, they greet you as they walk out the door. You make your way back to the table, and discover something interesting. They have left $.55 as a tip to round up to $85, and a gospel tract for you to read.
That hour of your service, combined, was worth $3.55.
Do you read the tract?
If you think this is a baseless hypothetical situation, I DARE YOU to ask anyone who is a server in a restaurant. You'll hear stories that miror this. Even better, ask them what day they dread working the most. They will almost unanimously tell you Sunday. Why? Because Christians are the worst people to serve. They're demanding, condescending and cheap.
We're demanding, condescending and cheap. Right after service, where hearts are uplifted, lives are changed and people encounter the Living God, we let ourselves get away with being demanding, condescending and cheap. For a people who serve the best God, why do we let ourselves get away with being the worst?
For the servers out there, please know this: When Christians treat you this way, it's shameful. It is not behavior endorsed by the Bible we read, the God we serve or the values we strive to uphold. God's love for you is greater than that Bible tract. Your time is worth more than we've made it. We appreciate your service, because believe it or not, YOU are an example to US of how to serve others. Sometimes we just forget that as a people, we represent the God who didn't come to be served, but to serve and to give His life for many. Forgive us for forgetting.
To the Christians out there: don't you think it's time we changed the tides? After all, we are a people who once were lost, but now are found! We serve the God who formed the heavens and the earth, and the Savior who bore the sins of all mankind. Do you realize that we're known by our actions, not our intentions? No one cares about our theological disposition; rather, they care about and are impacted by the practice of our religion. Isn't it time that we let Sunday be a day that others look forward to also? Imagine how great it would be if Sundays were the day that servers looked forward to working, because of how generous those Christians are.
We serve a generous God, let's allow ourselves to be generous to the world He's called US to serve. We are a people overwhelmed by God's mercy, so let's pass that on, even if they spill your drinks or get your order wrong. Twice. We are a people transformed by nothing less than an encounter with God Himself. Let's give people more than tracts to believe in. Let's be a transformed people, no matter where we go.
As a complete aside, the mathematician won't let me conclude this blog post without a tipping lesson. Do you know how to tip 15% on $84.45? Yes, I said 15%. Think of it as a minimum, because traditionally, it was. If you can't afford to tip, then you can't afford to go out to eat. Buy groceries, go home and have a great afternoon with your family & friends.
If you have a smartphone, just use that calculator and multiply $84.45 x 1.15. Pay that amount. If you prefer to do the mental math, then do, but get it right: Add 10% and 5%. 10% is easy to come by ... $8.45. Now round it up to $9 (you big spender you). Then cut that number in half to find the 5%, and add it on. $9 + $4.50 = $13.50
If your server is average, just tip 15%. If they're above average, go ahead and tip 20% ($18). If they're really amazing, tip 30% ($27) or more and let their manager know ... compliments go a long way.
We serve the best God. Let's be the best at serving the world around us, even while they're serving us lunch.
Now for the matter at hand.
Imagine that you work at Chili's. (Ok, I'll give you a few seconds to think about those Fajitas ... soooo good) Sunday afternoon, you go in to work. You make between $3-$4 per hour plus tips. Now imagine 12:43 in the afternoon rolls around. A well dressed, seemingly happy group of 7 walk in, and are seated in your section. Everyone gets soft-drinks, except for the one guy who asks for water, 2 slices of lemons and splenda stirred in. They get appetizers, entrees, but no dessert, because let's face it ... nap time is coming. Throughout the meal, they talk about the church service they all just attended, the message, the worship, and maybe a little gossip about that one family. You know the one.
Then you hand them their single check an hour later. It totals up to $78.75 pre tax, and $84.45 after tax. While you wait on other tables, they greet you as they walk out the door. You make your way back to the table, and discover something interesting. They have left $.55 as a tip to round up to $85, and a gospel tract for you to read.
That hour of your service, combined, was worth $3.55.
Do you read the tract?
If you think this is a baseless hypothetical situation, I DARE YOU to ask anyone who is a server in a restaurant. You'll hear stories that miror this. Even better, ask them what day they dread working the most. They will almost unanimously tell you Sunday. Why? Because Christians are the worst people to serve. They're demanding, condescending and cheap.
We're demanding, condescending and cheap. Right after service, where hearts are uplifted, lives are changed and people encounter the Living God, we let ourselves get away with being demanding, condescending and cheap. For a people who serve the best God, why do we let ourselves get away with being the worst?
For the servers out there, please know this: When Christians treat you this way, it's shameful. It is not behavior endorsed by the Bible we read, the God we serve or the values we strive to uphold. God's love for you is greater than that Bible tract. Your time is worth more than we've made it. We appreciate your service, because believe it or not, YOU are an example to US of how to serve others. Sometimes we just forget that as a people, we represent the God who didn't come to be served, but to serve and to give His life for many. Forgive us for forgetting.
To the Christians out there: don't you think it's time we changed the tides? After all, we are a people who once were lost, but now are found! We serve the God who formed the heavens and the earth, and the Savior who bore the sins of all mankind. Do you realize that we're known by our actions, not our intentions? No one cares about our theological disposition; rather, they care about and are impacted by the practice of our religion. Isn't it time that we let Sunday be a day that others look forward to also? Imagine how great it would be if Sundays were the day that servers looked forward to working, because of how generous those Christians are.
We serve a generous God, let's allow ourselves to be generous to the world He's called US to serve. We are a people overwhelmed by God's mercy, so let's pass that on, even if they spill your drinks or get your order wrong. Twice. We are a people transformed by nothing less than an encounter with God Himself. Let's give people more than tracts to believe in. Let's be a transformed people, no matter where we go.
As a complete aside, the mathematician won't let me conclude this blog post without a tipping lesson. Do you know how to tip 15% on $84.45? Yes, I said 15%. Think of it as a minimum, because traditionally, it was. If you can't afford to tip, then you can't afford to go out to eat. Buy groceries, go home and have a great afternoon with your family & friends.
If you have a smartphone, just use that calculator and multiply $84.45 x 1.15. Pay that amount. If you prefer to do the mental math, then do, but get it right: Add 10% and 5%. 10% is easy to come by ... $8.45. Now round it up to $9 (you big spender you). Then cut that number in half to find the 5%, and add it on. $9 + $4.50 = $13.50
If your server is average, just tip 15%. If they're above average, go ahead and tip 20% ($18). If they're really amazing, tip 30% ($27) or more and let their manager know ... compliments go a long way.
We serve the best God. Let's be the best at serving the world around us, even while they're serving us lunch.
Friday, February 12, 2010
An Unemployed Man's Perspective on Daytime TV
First of all, let me just publicly dispel a myth I held going into being unemployed. You would think that once you didn't have a job, you'd have all the time in the world to do the things you enjoy, since, after all, you finally had the time you were lacking when it wasn't consumed by commute and committed employment. That's bunk. The structure that school or employment provide are what drive motivation to do all those other things apparently. I haven't been this lethargic in ... well ... I can't even remember.
Being unemployed stinks. I'm not gonna lie. It just plain stinks.
What's worse, since I'm unemployed we can't afford normal people TV, so we're forced to use antenna TV. There isn't a whole lot on during the day. The only show I really even care about is Dr. Phil. The rest of the day is filled with what I like to call "drama TV" (the View, Tyra, Days of Our Lives, Maury, etc). So since it's all there is to watch, I started watching.
Did you know that Jerry Springer is STILL on TV?
WHY is Jerry Springer still on TV?
The guy who spearheaded the brawling drama TV movement is still doing his thing, provoking screaming fist fights between lesbian love triangles, spurned lovers, and midget rodeo transsexual Olympians. Girls flash the camera to get Jerry Beads. Seriously? We're still funding this crap? And what's worse, there are at least 3 other shows that specialize in the same stuff. And that's WITHOUT counting the judge and divorce court genre...
I could blame Jerry for ruining TV as we knew it, but the truth is he's still on the air because he keeps finding people to be on the air with him. People call in and want to be on the Springer show with their drama, and he obliges.
Truth be told, I think we're to blame for his presence. After all, they don't supply the drama, we do. As much as I hate it, I've become wholly convinced that our American culture no longer revolves around values, but around drama. We don't care about character nearly as much as we want to get to know characters.
Thinking back over my life, I don't know a venue, whether it be school, church, or family, where I can't pinpoint people who seemed as if they couldn't go a month, week, or sometimes even a day without some kind of drama. I'm sure you know people like that. Maybe it's you. Tune in next week to find out if it is...
No, seriously, think back. Why is it that we can't get through a day without some kind of a plot twist? Wouldn't it be AMAZINGLY REFRESHING if we could just do the mundane and boring for a week straight? Wake up, go to work (I wish), commute home, have a family dinner, enjoy some downtime, go to sleep and then do it all over again. Or how about this: Go to church, greet people, laugh, sing praise and worship, grow through studying the Word, go to lunch, go home, grab a nap, and do it all over again next week.
Why is there always gossip? Or fights? Or mistrust? Why do we let things like this keep our attention? Or why is it that we know characters on TV better than we do the members of our own families?
Honestly, I need YOUR perspective on this. Please answer the following questions in the comment section, especially if you're able to think back and remember life prior to sitcoms and reality TV (i.e. if you're older ... just sayin'): Why do you think drama has such a high place in our society? Is it a greater problem to be bored with the routines of life or exhausted from the emotional swings of living dramatically?
And on a completely separate note, I have to confess: I do watch the View. It's easy to tolerate after you've seen the Tyra show. At least The View has both sides represented. You don't know the "liberal bias" until you've seen it masquerading in designer dresses, dramatic eye makeup and heels.
Being unemployed stinks. I'm not gonna lie. It just plain stinks.
What's worse, since I'm unemployed we can't afford normal people TV, so we're forced to use antenna TV. There isn't a whole lot on during the day. The only show I really even care about is Dr. Phil. The rest of the day is filled with what I like to call "drama TV" (the View, Tyra, Days of Our Lives, Maury, etc). So since it's all there is to watch, I started watching.
Did you know that Jerry Springer is STILL on TV?
WHY is Jerry Springer still on TV?
The guy who spearheaded the brawling drama TV movement is still doing his thing, provoking screaming fist fights between lesbian love triangles, spurned lovers, and midget rodeo transsexual Olympians. Girls flash the camera to get Jerry Beads. Seriously? We're still funding this crap? And what's worse, there are at least 3 other shows that specialize in the same stuff. And that's WITHOUT counting the judge and divorce court genre...
I could blame Jerry for ruining TV as we knew it, but the truth is he's still on the air because he keeps finding people to be on the air with him. People call in and want to be on the Springer show with their drama, and he obliges.
Truth be told, I think we're to blame for his presence. After all, they don't supply the drama, we do. As much as I hate it, I've become wholly convinced that our American culture no longer revolves around values, but around drama. We don't care about character nearly as much as we want to get to know characters.
Thinking back over my life, I don't know a venue, whether it be school, church, or family, where I can't pinpoint people who seemed as if they couldn't go a month, week, or sometimes even a day without some kind of drama. I'm sure you know people like that. Maybe it's you. Tune in next week to find out if it is...
No, seriously, think back. Why is it that we can't get through a day without some kind of a plot twist? Wouldn't it be AMAZINGLY REFRESHING if we could just do the mundane and boring for a week straight? Wake up, go to work (I wish), commute home, have a family dinner, enjoy some downtime, go to sleep and then do it all over again. Or how about this: Go to church, greet people, laugh, sing praise and worship, grow through studying the Word, go to lunch, go home, grab a nap, and do it all over again next week.
Why is there always gossip? Or fights? Or mistrust? Why do we let things like this keep our attention? Or why is it that we know characters on TV better than we do the members of our own families?
Honestly, I need YOUR perspective on this. Please answer the following questions in the comment section, especially if you're able to think back and remember life prior to sitcoms and reality TV (i.e. if you're older ... just sayin'): Why do you think drama has such a high place in our society? Is it a greater problem to be bored with the routines of life or exhausted from the emotional swings of living dramatically?
And on a completely separate note, I have to confess: I do watch the View. It's easy to tolerate after you've seen the Tyra show. At least The View has both sides represented. You don't know the "liberal bias" until you've seen it masquerading in designer dresses, dramatic eye makeup and heels.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Generational Knowledge of Tragedy
Something dawned on me today when I heard that celebrity musicians will be covering "We Are The World" to benefit relief in Haiti. When the original song was performed, I was 4 years old, and I remember singing the song, but I had no idea what it was for. I didn't know that it was meant to raise funds for famine in Africa. I also only vaguely remember the Challenger disaster, because I was only 5. My parents, on the other hand, can tell you exactly where they were, and when they talk about it, still get tears in their eyes.
Where were you when JFK died?
Where were you when you heard that the Challenger exploded?
Where were you when the Towers Fell?
Where were you when you heard about the earthquake in Haiti?
When I talk about the JFK assasination, I only speak with facts. I only know basic information. I don't know what it's like for my president to be killed and not know who to blame.
On the other hand, I can tell you exactly what I felt at the moment when the Twin Towers were attacked, who I called, who I tried to console, and how many times I cried for no reason and too many reasons all at the same time.
Do you realize that the children being born today will have no emotional connection to or rememberance of the World Trade Center? In the world they live in, the Twin Towers never existed. To them, it's just history. This realization gives me a greater appreciation for the Hebrew culture found in the Bible. They didn't have CNN. They didn't have YouTube. They didn't have social media, Newspapers or any other way to preserve the past. They had scribes that would reproduce letters and books BY HAND. The main way they remembered was to tell stories. They told stories over and over and over again, with as much vivid language as they could muster to reproduce the sights, sounds, smells and emotions of their past in the hope that the future generations would remember, learn and pass it on.
When I have children, I hope that I have the courage not just to teach them how to live in the present, but also to teach them about the events that created the world they live in in the hopes that they can take that information and remember, learn and pass it on.
Where were you when JFK died?
Where were you when you heard that the Challenger exploded?
Where were you when the Towers Fell?
Where were you when you heard about the earthquake in Haiti?
When I talk about the JFK assasination, I only speak with facts. I only know basic information. I don't know what it's like for my president to be killed and not know who to blame.
On the other hand, I can tell you exactly what I felt at the moment when the Twin Towers were attacked, who I called, who I tried to console, and how many times I cried for no reason and too many reasons all at the same time.
Do you realize that the children being born today will have no emotional connection to or rememberance of the World Trade Center? In the world they live in, the Twin Towers never existed. To them, it's just history. This realization gives me a greater appreciation for the Hebrew culture found in the Bible. They didn't have CNN. They didn't have YouTube. They didn't have social media, Newspapers or any other way to preserve the past. They had scribes that would reproduce letters and books BY HAND. The main way they remembered was to tell stories. They told stories over and over and over again, with as much vivid language as they could muster to reproduce the sights, sounds, smells and emotions of their past in the hope that the future generations would remember, learn and pass it on.
When I have children, I hope that I have the courage not just to teach them how to live in the present, but also to teach them about the events that created the world they live in in the hopes that they can take that information and remember, learn and pass it on.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Why Pat Robertson Was Wrong...
For those that haven't heard, Pat Robertson recently made a pair of statements regarding the destruction in Haiti resulting from the 7.0 earthquake and it's tremendous aftershocks. Rather than paraphrase, please click the link below to be redirected to the most unbiased YouTube clip I was able to find showing what was said...
Pat Robertson's Two Cents...
Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot.
In voicing my repulsion of Mr. Robertson's words to friends, on two separate occasions I was told that he was right to say what he said. While I value the relationships I have with these friends, I have to stand in strong opposition to their conclusion, because I believe that it reflects poorly on the heart and mind of those who belong to Jesus' church.
Pat Robertson is one of the loudest voices on the globe maintaining a Christian paradigm, and the strength of my response is directly proportionate to his elevated status and the representation he is of all Christians. My goal is to make sure that people know that not everyone maintains his over-simplified view of this catastrophy.
I won't lie. I'm stirred up about this, and I believe rightfully so. And if I'm wrong, I'm wide open to divine guidance and correction. Until then, I'll rant away. Rather than spend more time crafting another response, I'm simply going to use one I already released to a dear friend:
I vehemently disagree with the belief that "We should defend the truth of his words." Historical facts are far from the fullness of the truth. It's not that his words were ill timed ... it's that they were deplorably inappropriate coming from a man redeemed by grace. To be wholly forceful, his words were unbiblical. I stand on Luke 13. Please take the time to read it.
Also, it is worthy to note that I stand behind the words of Charles Spurgeon, a voice certainly more prominent than my obscure opinion. Here's a link for his commentary on Luke 13. Also a worthy read.
Jesus was asked what He thought about Galileans who were murdered and whose blood was then mixed with sacrificial blood as a warning to the Jews by Pilate. The common belief of the day was that bad things happen to bad and deserving people, and that the worse the punishment, the worse the sinner. "Those dirty Galileans deserved it." Racism mixed with legalism. How despicable.
Jesus doesn't tolerate that belief for one moment. He cut through their cultural bigotry and did what He did best ... show God to a people desperate to hear from Him. He sited 2 different recent events to dismantle their belief...
"Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered this fate? I tell you no..."
"Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? I tell you no..."
Do you suppose that those who were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina were greater sinners than anyone else? Do you suppose that the souls who were lost to the earthquake in Haiti were more vile offenders than anyone else who walks the planet? I tell you no.
It is appropriate, at times, to vocally oppose the voice of those prominent in the Church. Paul the Apostle did it without apology. Martin Luther did it at the cost of his own life. We have a responsibility to confront anti-biblical Christian ramblings, regardless of the mouth that those words proceed out of.
Did Haiti have a Vodou blessing pronounced upon their independence? I can't find it, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. Regardless, it's a historical fact that wouldn't affect my theology for the following reasons:
In Haiti, 80% of it's people profess Roman Catholic Christianity as their religion, and another 16% profess a Protestant Christian denomination. 50% of the population is said to practice Vodou (voodoo). Using those numbers, and the current projected death-toll of as many as 200,000 souls, here's how the simple math of the "God's Judgment" statement plays out...
80,000 Roman Catholics with no affiliation to Vodou perished
80,000 Roman Catholics who practice Vodou also perished
16,000 Protestants with no affiliation to Vodou perished
16,000 Protestants who practice Vodou also perished
8,000 people who did not profess or practice any religion also perished.
Normally in my posts I come across as smug and sarcastic, but I'm crying as I write this, because the numbers are sobering to me that I am overwhelmed. You see, I believe in a God that was willing to spare a city from destruction because of 10 righteous people. And I believe He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Me personally? I would rather do what the Apostle Paul did on Mars Hill concerning the nameless God, only in reference to Bondye the great but unknown and removed Vodou deity and try to instill hope in a place of desparation, eternal life in a place of so much death, and love to try to mend the grief they are facing. Have you seen any of the live broadcasts from Haiti? Have you heard the wailing in the background from those in mourning?
But what do I know, I'm just a man who once had a contract with Satan and who now stands forgiven as a child of God because of Jesus Christ.
Bad form Pat, bad form. Your "optimism" isn't welcome.
Pat Robertson's Two Cents...
Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot.
In voicing my repulsion of Mr. Robertson's words to friends, on two separate occasions I was told that he was right to say what he said. While I value the relationships I have with these friends, I have to stand in strong opposition to their conclusion, because I believe that it reflects poorly on the heart and mind of those who belong to Jesus' church.
Pat Robertson is one of the loudest voices on the globe maintaining a Christian paradigm, and the strength of my response is directly proportionate to his elevated status and the representation he is of all Christians. My goal is to make sure that people know that not everyone maintains his over-simplified view of this catastrophy.
I won't lie. I'm stirred up about this, and I believe rightfully so. And if I'm wrong, I'm wide open to divine guidance and correction. Until then, I'll rant away. Rather than spend more time crafting another response, I'm simply going to use one I already released to a dear friend:
I vehemently disagree with the belief that "We should defend the truth of his words." Historical facts are far from the fullness of the truth. It's not that his words were ill timed ... it's that they were deplorably inappropriate coming from a man redeemed by grace. To be wholly forceful, his words were unbiblical. I stand on Luke 13. Please take the time to read it.
Also, it is worthy to note that I stand behind the words of Charles Spurgeon, a voice certainly more prominent than my obscure opinion. Here's a link for his commentary on Luke 13. Also a worthy read.
Jesus was asked what He thought about Galileans who were murdered and whose blood was then mixed with sacrificial blood as a warning to the Jews by Pilate. The common belief of the day was that bad things happen to bad and deserving people, and that the worse the punishment, the worse the sinner. "Those dirty Galileans deserved it." Racism mixed with legalism. How despicable.
Jesus doesn't tolerate that belief for one moment. He cut through their cultural bigotry and did what He did best ... show God to a people desperate to hear from Him. He sited 2 different recent events to dismantle their belief...
"Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered this fate? I tell you no..."
"Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? I tell you no..."
Do you suppose that those who were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina were greater sinners than anyone else? Do you suppose that the souls who were lost to the earthquake in Haiti were more vile offenders than anyone else who walks the planet? I tell you no.
It is appropriate, at times, to vocally oppose the voice of those prominent in the Church. Paul the Apostle did it without apology. Martin Luther did it at the cost of his own life. We have a responsibility to confront anti-biblical Christian ramblings, regardless of the mouth that those words proceed out of.
Did Haiti have a Vodou blessing pronounced upon their independence? I can't find it, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. Regardless, it's a historical fact that wouldn't affect my theology for the following reasons:
In Haiti, 80% of it's people profess Roman Catholic Christianity as their religion, and another 16% profess a Protestant Christian denomination. 50% of the population is said to practice Vodou (voodoo). Using those numbers, and the current projected death-toll of as many as 200,000 souls, here's how the simple math of the "God's Judgment" statement plays out...
80,000 Roman Catholics with no affiliation to Vodou perished
80,000 Roman Catholics who practice Vodou also perished
16,000 Protestants with no affiliation to Vodou perished
16,000 Protestants who practice Vodou also perished
8,000 people who did not profess or practice any religion also perished.
Normally in my posts I come across as smug and sarcastic, but I'm crying as I write this, because the numbers are sobering to me that I am overwhelmed. You see, I believe in a God that was willing to spare a city from destruction because of 10 righteous people. And I believe He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Me personally? I would rather do what the Apostle Paul did on Mars Hill concerning the nameless God, only in reference to Bondye the great but unknown and removed Vodou deity and try to instill hope in a place of desparation, eternal life in a place of so much death, and love to try to mend the grief they are facing. Have you seen any of the live broadcasts from Haiti? Have you heard the wailing in the background from those in mourning?
But what do I know, I'm just a man who once had a contract with Satan and who now stands forgiven as a child of God because of Jesus Christ.
Bad form Pat, bad form. Your "optimism" isn't welcome.
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