Turning Things Upside Down

This video is really creatively done. I like how it is delivered and portrayed. It reminds me of how God often turns what I think upside down in my life!



God has faith in his creation. There is hope in us...hope in you....hope in me! Can we rise up to God's challenge in this world. Is his faith in us not enough to drive us into action? How about his love? His mercy? His grace? Who are we going to be in the new year? Are we going to continue this petty arguing, or are we going to replace our egos with responsibility. TRULY act as brothers and sisters in Christ, despite our theological differences? I want to work with all of you. I can put my pride aside for the good of mankind. Can you do the same?
This is the truth!
This is what should be real!

What are your thoughts?

2007 Booklist Superlatives

I thought that I would take some time and share this short list I've compiled of some of the most memorable books out of the many that I read over the past year. For different reasons, these are the books (you will see why) that stood out for different reasons in my journey this year. I hope you enjoy this list. Feel free to add your feedback on any of these books that you may have read, or if you have any suggestions, add a couple of your own books in the comments section! Perhaps I can add those to my 2008 reading list:)

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Best Book On Scripture ( Scriptural Study)

The First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Birth --Borg and Crossan

I'll begin with my most recent read on the list. This book sheds a fantastic light on a parabolic understanding of the Christmas narratives. If you are wondering, no they don't force you believe that the virgin birth is historically inaccurate as a prerequisite to reading. They are more concerned about the questions, "what did these very distinct narratives (Matt. & Luke) mean in the early ch.?" and in light of that, "what do they mean for us today?" The parabolic approach does not diminish the stories, but in fact, reclaims much of what has been lost throughout the many years of watering-down the narratives. Borg and Crossan help the reader to add not only new understandings of these beloved stories, but also a greater depth to some of the understandings that we already have. A fantastic read!

Book That Most Touched My Soul

Illuminations: Expressions of the Personal Spiritual Experience --Mark L. Tompkins and Jennifer McMahon

This book is filled with pictures, essays, poems, paintings, and conversations that are beautiful! They touch on all walks of the spiritual life, not just Christianity. Every time I open this deceptively thin book, I find myself somewhere within the depths of another person's words/images. You will def. be seeing more from this book on here in later posts!

Biggest Wake-Up Call

The World Without Us --Alan Weisman

This was a fantastic book that I listened to on my ipod! Weisman has done a lot of research and had a lot of conversations with experts in their field about what would (theoretically) happen if mankind were to just vanish tomorrow. His attention to imaginative detail explores how nature would reclaim the world from which we have stolen and exploited for our own selfish gain. It explores the relationship between mankind and nature, and asks questions like, "to what extent is what we've done to our world irreversible?". A great book that haunts you every time you are outside. A great premise for a discussion about our role in this world!

Book I Didn't Want To Close

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows--J. K. Rowling

I think we all know why I was sad to put this one on the shelf. The end of a great epic is never a happy thing! Well done JK, well done!

Most Likely To Make A Comeback

Christianity and the Social Crisis in the 21st Century: The Classic That Woke Up the Church --Walter Rauschenbusch

This is a new look at a classic! Bringing Rauschenbusch's great work back into light of the new century, along with essays from a who's who of religious leaders. The revolutionary call of the original publication (that a Christian's responsibility was to bring the Kingdom of God to earth) is somehow still revolutionary today. As much as the Social Gospel Movement was needed in Raushenbusch's time, the call somehow seems even more urgent today as our world becomes smaller and smaller. Poverty, oppression, hunger, corruption... all of these things we can easily see on a daily basis. The responsibility of Christianity to this world is something that has been seemingly ignored by religious authorities in the past. Perhaps now the call will not only be heard, but will be taken seriously. A beautiful and compelling classic, especially when combined with the voices of those actively seeking these ideals today!

Most Likely To Make You Cry (If You Have A Heart)

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier --Ishmael Beah

This book is simply heart-wrenching! The story of Ishmael is one of pain, suffering, and yet somewhere in there we can find hope! An amazing tale of a child abducted into the hell of war in his native country, Sierra Leone. The story of his descent into this horrible life against his will, his salvation by UNICEF, and ascent from the depths towards reclaiming his life is nothing less than inspiring. This is a story that no child should ever have to tale. Yet this book brings us face-to-face with the harsh reality of what is going on in some of these countries. Beah not only keeps us from ignoring these problems, he compels us to find out more and find ways to get involved! Thankfully, his story is much more hopeful than many others and because of that, will bring awareness and hope to other children in these situations. This is nothing short of a reality check to those who want to ignore the troubles of this world, as well as a face, name, and story to put with them. There are some truly funny parts in this book, which makes me admire Beah even more; that he was able to retain his sense of humor after the atrocities that he both faced and was forced to commit. A read you won't regret. One of the 3 books my wife read this year, she would say the true superlative should be, "most likely to make you want to adopt an African child to save it from the possible hell in which they may be forced to live!" That was a little more wordy than mine, but so very true!

Best Book I Reread

Reading the Bible Again For the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously But Not Literally -- Marcus Borg

I read this book back in my college or Div. School days, but in my mountain of reading, I didn't feel like I gave it the attention it deserved. So I finally got back around to rereading it, and well...almost every page is marked, folded and highlighted! A fantastic book that teaches, IMHO, a better and more historically accurate way in which to read, study and interpret the scriptures. As always, Borg makes fantastic points, and doesn't just give you the method and leave you on your own, but walks with you through the major movements of both the Hebrew and Christian texts. This is on my "must read" suggestion list! This book is both challenging for those who have never questioned the literal understanding/ interpretation that most of us grew up with, and eye-opening! The freedom this gives, not only to the reader, but also to the scripture itself, is wonderful. God is allowed to speak anew to us through Christianity's sacred text.

Best Graphic Novel(s)

Spider-Man: Blue--Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale & Watchmen--Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

This category was a toss-up. Both graph. novels are epic stories that are far more than comics. They explore psychology, power, tragedy, responsibility, love, friendship, and humanity in general! If you're into graphic novels, and even if you aren't, you might be surprised by both of these fantastic reads!

Most Hilarious Book (ever?)

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal --Christopher Moore

This is one of my favorite books of all time. I would stay up at night laughing my head off. The book is the fictional story of Jesus' "lost years" growing up according to his best friend, Biff. There are pages and quotes I have underlined (which rarely I do to a fictional book), and the premise of the story is far deeper than being a light-hearted read. The underlying theme is the journey young Joshua goes on in order to figure out what it means to be God's son in the world. Not only do I respect this book because of it's witty nature, but I actually connect with it on a somewhat spiritual level. The idea that Christ had to embark on a journey to figure out what it was God wanted him to do is not unbiblical! Many could (and would) argue that there is evidence that Christ did not know from the beginning that his journey would include the cross or even the inclusion of the gentiles. I connect with the humanity of Christ that moore shows off so well. This is not a book for anyone without a sense of humor when it comes to religion, Jesus, or...well...anything! It is comforting to think that perhaps Christ didn't always have all the "answers" when he wanted them either! If he was fully human, why not have a journey like we all do in life! Maybe the physical journey is fiction, but perhaps the personal/spiritual journey is not! By far Moore's best book!

(BTW... a leather-bound ed. was recently published which makes it look like a Bible/testament/gospel, adding even more to the humor of the book!)

Book That Caused The Most Strife

The Truth War: Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception--John MacArthur

I read this book knowing I would disagree with it, but I had so many people coming to me frustrated with it, and not really knowing why. I didn't think it fair to address the book without fully reading it first! I came to it with an open mind, sincerely wanting to learn something from this book. Instead, I found little-to-nothing that I agreed with Dr. MacArthur on. First of all, the title. Very culturally sensitive (sarcasm)! The idea that Christians are at war to reclaim/uphold "THE Truth" sounds very crusading. I was watching "The Kingdom of Heaven" and was struck by a statement that one person says about the crusades: "This is not war of men, but a war of gods". It really bothers me when someone declares war in the name of God (be it verbally or actually) and the people that they declare war on are their fellow brothers and sisters that simply have a different set of beliefs. My personal opinion is that MacArthur's book is founded on a completely misinformed understanding of postmodern Christianity, but I realize it truly is hard for a modern person to completely understand the postmodern mindset. No wonder we can't come together as Christian brothers and sisters and do great things in this world! We're too busy being at war! A subjective war where the "winner" gets to claim that they are 100% right! I personally don't think ANYBODY has the patent on "Truth" or being 100% "Right". Thus why this book has frustrated so many! Truly, I should write John a thank-you note! Because of him, I have been able to help a bunch of people explore their own emergence into postmodernity. This was the "proverbial straw" for them that led them to ask and explore what they had been thinking and wondering secretly for a long time! I was glad I was there to be a part of that! This book has started some great discussions, and formed some great relationships! So Dr. MacArthur, if you somehow stumble onto my blog, please accept my sincerest thanks, as well as a, "we'll just agree to disagree". :) (and no I did not mean that sarcastically...it is genuine!).

Book I Bought The Most Copies Of

Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith --Rob Bell

It's no coincidence I put this after MacArthur's book. First, John mentions Bell and his wife in his book. Second, this is one of the first books I would send a person "emerging" (or more accurately, recognizing their already begun emergence) in their faith. This is probably why I bought so many copies! I'm just ashamed the Bell didn't show up on my radar until early this past year! I did not make the same mistake with Sex God ! Bell has something that is very hard to find. A simplistic language that people can relate to. He doesn't have to use any of the Pomo tag words, he just speaks and it is always beautiful. Even if one doesn't agree with Bell's theology, there is a lot that people, esp. pastors, can learn from this man! It's not that this is the best book ever written, but it speaks to people where they are, and so many people have responded well to this book, that I find myself thinking of more and more people that I think would enjoy it! It has provided hours of great conversations between myself and others, and I am sure that it will continue to be a relevant book both in my life, and the lives of those I come into contact with! Thanks Rob for your wonderful gift!

And Finally:

The Book I'm Most Ashamed I Read All The Way Through

Death Star (Star Wars)--Michael Reaves and Steve Perry

Ok, so yes, I did read this all the way through. Being the Star Wars fan that I am, I thought it was an interesting concept: the story of the Death Star's construction up until its destruction. Yeah, not so much. But I saw it through to the end! I'm nothing if not dedicated...but those are nights I can't get back:)

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I hope that you've enjoyed this 2007 superlative booklist. I love sharing with others things that I've read, and love to hear what you might suggest in return! Looking forward to a new year with LOTS of books backed up to read, and I'm sure a lot more will come out that will find their own special place on my shelves!

peace and love!

Advent: The Consumerist Dollar

A post from my friend, Tripp's, Blog! Some thoughtful (and if we're honest with ourselves, painfully true) statements for thought. Thanks Tripp for sharing!!

Sobrino on the West's only unquestioned dogma of the Christmas season

"The unquestioned dogma of profit...We are speaking of those fundamentalisms - individualism, comfort, or pleasure (so soft in appearance, but with grave consequences) - that are accepted without justification and unquestionably prized and promoted. We are speaking also of the simplistic and infantile attitudes that may express themselves in very pretentious language, sometimes in the political sphere and very frequently in the religious."

What will we do to uphold this orthodoxy?

"Accept as normal the arrogance and dominance of some human beings with respect to others. And it accepts obedience to the empire's directives as necessary, or at least comprehensible, if we want to be assured of a 'good living,' 'success,' and 'security,' or whatever passes for definitive salvific goods."

What is the practice of this gospel?

"We are dehumanized by our selfishness...Such dehumanization is assumed with an attitude of impotence and naturalness ("that's the way things are!), and it is hardly noticeable since, in contrast to the evils that produced physical death or move people toward it, the evils of the spirit are not so obviously calculable. But they are harmful."

- Jon Sobrino, No Salvation Outside the Poor: Prophetic-Utopian Essays (40-41)

"The Consumptive Church: The Medium Is The Message"

Josh Brown is writing a series on the consumptive church that has generated some fantastic discussion. I have enjoyed his analysis of the modern Church and it has given me pause. He has very eloquently put into words thoughts that I and others have discussed, and then fleshed out some new ideas as well!

A brief intro/synopsis: Everything is theological. The Medium is the message. What does this say about the current state of the Church? What kind of legacy is the Church leaving?

This is a great blog, and Josh and his friend, Nick, also have a podcast that is usually really good with a plethora of guests!

Here's the link to his entry in the "Consumptive Church" Series entitled: The Consumptive Church: The Medium Is The Message

The whole series is worth the read, and is very thought-provoking.

I am now going to reflect on what the legacy of the modern Church will be to future generations. Then ask myself, "as a minister, what kind of legacy do I want to be a part of forming right now?"!!!!!

What do you think of his thoughts? Do you agree or no? I'd love to hear some feedback on this!

"If Less Is More How You Keeping Score?"

An interesting conversation I've been a privilege to be a part of lately is how backwards our society and churches seem to be. It seems that a majority (I know there are exceptions) of people care more about making the rich richer, and ignoring the poor. In most churches that are in the many places I've lived seem to only attract middle class white people. Why is that? Probably because that's the only people they are taking care of. A friend mentioned that in the Baptist church the focus for church leaders, pastors, and deacons is to take care of those within the church body already not going out and helping feed the hungry, help the poor, etc.. I'm not saying pastoral care isn't important... but how can a pastor be an example of how to go out and effect the world and live like Christ, when the MAIN expectation of him/her is to ONLY take care of every little bruise and bump within his/her flock. How can the deacons be that same example that Christ was to us when they are preparing goodies for their deacon families at Christmas (who are all middle to upper-middle class and can afford to by bread) when there are so many people that NEED that bread! A backwards conundrum.

As much as conservative evangelicals create a bubble separate from the emerging reality around them, and claim that society and culture hasn't influenced them, it is simply not true. Our churches in America (esp. the south) are entrenched in the modern consumerist way of thinking. We still haven't learned what Christ came to teach us!

A song from Eddie Vedder (of Pearl Jam fame) that Really hits home on a lot of this. Sorry, couldn't find a vid. with better pictures, but it's the lyrics that are important! I'll highlight what I like the most, but the WHOLE song is phenomenal. Think about the lyrics!

Society--Eddie Vedder (Into The Wild Soundtrack)



It's a mystery to me
we have a greed
with which we have agreed

You think you have to want
more than you need
until you have it all you won't be free

Society, you're a crazy breed
I hope you're not lonely without me

When you want more than you have
you think you need
and when you think more than you want
your thoughts begin to bleed

I think I need to find a bigger place
'cos when you have more than you think
you need more space

society, you're a crazy breed
I hope you're not lonely without me
society, crazy *indeed*
I hope you're not lonely without me

there's those thinking more or less less is more
but if less is more how you keeping score?
Means for every point you make
your level drops
kinda like its starting from the top
you can't do that...

society, you're a crazy breed
I hope you're not lonely without me
society, crazy *indeed*
I hope you're not lonely without me
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Take the highlighted text above and add it to these thoughts:

"Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last." -- Luke 13:30

"Looking at his disciples, he said:
"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. --Luke 6:20-22

Along with this in the same section:

"But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.
Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets." --Luke 6:24-26

"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." --Matthew 11:30

"The yoke of Jesus is not burdensome, not heavy, but sometimes it is hard!" --Rob Bell
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Art By Jon Birch @ ASBO

The Unlikelihood Of Christmas: Repainted

Ok, so most people that know me know I'm not big into "Christian Music". Now I love music with spiritual meaning, but am not fond of the bands who are under the "Christian" label. I have all kinds of theological issues with that terminology, but we'll save that...

Mostly I find that "Christian Music/Artists" are full of fluff...probably not their fault as it is all they have been exposed to in their religious upbringing... the music that they could best relate to was "rockish" yet sub-par and the language that they heard being used was fluffy "church language", not authentic dialog.

So yeah, that's in short my beef with Christian artists. As a musician, call me a snob, but I like solid music, and I really like meaty, thought-provoking lyrics! Now that's not to say there are not good artists under the "Christian Label", indeed there are. Mat Kearney started under a Christina label but went to the secular branch (reaching a bigger audience that would turn away from the religious tag...music companies are smart...they know their audience), yet did not change anything in his music. The big dogs just thought he was "bigger" than the "Christian" label.

Anyway, I say all that to say that when a "Christian Artist" does come out with something musically and lyrically solid, then my little ears perk up. There are some emerging artists that have been given the freedom, and found the necessity to shed the fluff for a more authentic (to themselves personally and spiritually) approach.

One band that I liked when they first came out, kinda lost interest in for several years, and then recaptured my attention was Jars of Clay. I loved their first album... still do in fact. I had the next 2 Cd's, and then just stopped. But then came Redemption Songs. What they did was remarkable; they took songs with authentic lyrics (Hymns of all places!!!), and made them more relevant musically (read not organ/classical approach) while producing quality music!

Now they are doing it again with their new CD, Christmas Songs. Especially with the hymn, Love Came Down At Christmas. Hey if the formula works, why mess with it?

But to add to it, not only are they reimagining and repainting a classic hymn, but when I saw the video I was at first like, "what the heck".... but then on my second watching I was blown away with what they had done...and so simply!

They took the unlikely story of Christmas, and made it relevant by making this gift of love that came at Christmas (represented by a heart) and repainted the story in an even more unlikely way!!!!! I don't mean unlikely in a negative term, but according to the story, EVERYTHING that happens, happens in the most unlikely and unexpected ways! That's part of the beauty of the narrative!

My fav. part..."Mary" rides into town, not on a donkey, but on a unicorn!!!! yeah! Also like that the guitar is singing the guitar part. 3 "wise men" coming in a rocket? Oooo Oooo and the Dinosaurs being a part of the nativity (showing what is parabolic about Christ being born among animals in a stable: that all of creation was rejoicing in the Emmanuel-birth of their creator)! All like it was imagined like a child... I think that baby Jesus later on said something about faith like a child...in fact didn't Jars of Clay write a song to that effect???

sorry...I'm back....Just so much there! Enjoy!

So I present to you (via YouTube):
Love Came Down At Christmas--Jars of Clay

Noodles For My Noggin (1)

Some recent quotes that have popped out at me in my journey:
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"That's not Truth, it's just a fact." --Zen saying by Charlie Crews (character on NBC's "Life")

"They tell me nothing is perfect
Then tell me why is it a word
Oh- Yesterday's news is tomorrow's blues
And now they're perfectly blurred" --Ben Harper "Temporary Remedy"

"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
--Albert Einstein

"The greatest generosity is non-attachment" --my fortune cookie

"It may easily come to pass that a vain man may become proud and imagine himself pleasing to all when he is in reality a universal nuisance." --Spinoza Ethics, III Proposition 30

"They will question thee concerning concerning the soul. Say: "The soul is the concern of my Lord, and you have been given of knowledge but a little." --The Koran 17:85

"There's a sign on the wall but she wants to be sure
'Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings.
In a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings,
Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven.
Ooh, it makes me wonder,
Ooh, it makes me wonder."
--Led Zeppelin Stairway to Heaven

Advent: A Fisher Price Nativity

Several years ago I somehow decided that each year I would do something different in studying the story of the nativity during that advent season. I've been doing this practice for 6 years now, and each year I find something new and amazing about the story/stories that I didn't notice in years prior. It is always an amazing study of discipline to try and find 4 weeks of new things to learn and teach in a story that everyone is so familiar with. What I've found is that there is a lot to these stories that they never taught me growing up. Things that I never hear churches say about the nativity, and interesting tidbits that get lost in our modern day representations of the Christmas pageant. So I will try to do at least 4 advent entries between now and Christmas to allow everyone to see what I am being taught anew this year as I'm preparing for the Christ-child to be born again (metaphorically) in my life as he should be each day!

One thing that was pointed out recently startled me, and after talking with others, I'm not the only one who has skimmed over this interesting detail in the birth narrative.

From Luke's gospel:

Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus

"1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

Luke 2 (cont...)

"39When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him."

COMPARED TO MATT.'S VERSION:

Matt. 2

v. 13-18- after being born in Bethlehem (no journey TO Bethlehem in the Matt. Version), they are told to flee to Egypt because of Herod's wrath and infanticide.

The Return to Nazareth

"19After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."
21So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."

(both NIV)

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Did you catch it? I hadn't. The story we're all familiar with has Mary traveling to Bethlehem because of the royal census. In Luke Joseph and Mary LIVED in Nazareth and had to make this very inconvenient journey to "O' Little Town of Bethlehem."

Now look at Matt.'s version again. No traveling to Bethlehem, it's like they already were there! Interestingly enough, also no mention of a manger, stable, inn, anything. They are there and Jesus is born. (I had seen that before). But even more interesting to me this year is that last part after returning from Egypt. They were returning home(?) to Bethlehem when they get this strange message that its still not safe to go there, so they must now go some place new! Go to Galilee, to Nazareth so that Christ can be called a "Nazarene" in fulfillment of a prophecy.

So where were Mary and Joseph from? I don't point these things out in order to show inconsistencies in the 2 narratives for the purpose of discrediting the Christmas story (although they are inconsistent with each other), but rather to make a point about how we APPROACH the pageant of Christ! We approach it much like we do the rest of Christmas. We want it nice, pretty, and wrapped up neatly! Just think of how 99% of children's (and most adult books) illustrate the birth narrative!!! No animal poo on the ground, baby is sleeping nicely, Mary still has on all of her make-up to accent her Swedish complexion, and so on...

WE APPROACH THE NARRATIVE LIKE IT'S A FISHER PRICE NATIVITY!

But the stories aren't tidy. Most of the time the way the Church has approached the Christmas story is 1) to pick one of the accounts over the other, or 2) (and more often) to cram both stories together and "make them harmonize". This is why the birth narrative we know is based less on scripture and more on tradition. 3 wise men? No mention of only 3! Chalk that one up to tradition...they've even been named outside of the Bible!" Wise men (they're magi...big difference in the 1st century BTW) in the stable??? Yep, tradition...they came and saw Jesus in a house. Lyrics to many traditional Christmas songs about the shepherds following a star... nope, Shepherds were told by the angels, Magi followed the star. And we could go on and on.

When we "harmonize" the 2 stories we are doing ourselves a disservice; we are robbing ourselves of what these two very distinct narratives have to offer. Maybe it's time to reread and re-experience these two beautiful and distinct stories through fresh lenses. Maybe we need to reread what we've become all too familiar with. Perhaps it is time to separate these stories, and stop forcing the two to become one!

I pray that this Christmas you will experience the birth of the Christ-child anew as I do every year, and am doing now! Here's to thinking outside of the box, and seeing a whole new nativity!

Feel free to leave your thoughts and/or Christmas ideas...things that you have sen or are meaningful to you in this beautiful narrative!

MY APOLOGIES TO ANY WHO READ THIS BEFORE I PROOFED!!! THE SPELLING ERRORS WERE HORRIBLE!

A Test Of Tolerance

Or: "I can't believe I find myself agreeing with Bill O'Rielly."

FIRST OFF: HAPPY 5,000th hit!!!! Soooo many people to thank... There's God of course... you the readers, and... oh yes... I'm being told to get on with it...
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I woke up to this article on Mitt Romney on the front page of the News and Observer.

I know this isn't "new news", but I was in the gym tonight when on CNN's Prime News , Bill Keller pops up and is again saying that "A vote for Romney is a vote for Satan"! Really? Satan? I should so write him in! (j/k), and just after I publish a post on Satan, Keller proves me wrong:P

Here again we have a "Christian" who has a very public platform spouting off at the mouth and, in the eyes of many, "representing the perceived views Christians". I tell you, these people just get under my skin. In no way is Keller, and many other Christians showing a loving attitude! I was looking for the clip from that show, and ran into this O'Rielly clip instead. Now I don't watch a lot of good ol' Bill, because...well I don't usually agree with him. But I find myself saying a couple of "Amen's" during this clip from back in June:




Now I never get into politics here, and I'm not now... I am not endorsing any candidate. What I am doing is defending my fellow man. The religious right has tried for years to turn our country into a "Christian country", when there never was an official religion! As a matter of fact, that is prohibited by the first amendment; "Establishment Clause"! (yes I did more research than just wiki). It just so happens that there were (and are) more Christians residing in the U.S. than not. That doesn't make it a Christian country. I won't go into other arguments against our country being founded as a "Christian nation". But that was not our forefathers intent!

I also bring in Article VI, which says: "No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States." I read this to say that we should not be voting on someone based on their religious affiliate! I feel bad for Romney!

If you are reading this Mitt... I, as a Christian, do not consider you to be running on the card with Satan! I apologize for Keller and others like him who know nothing of love and tolerance although they may preach it. However, he is entitled to his say, as much as I hate it, protected also by the first amendment! Oh Paradox, will you never cease!

I don't want to get political on this, so I'll go social. As much as I applaud O'Rielly (did I just say that??) for standing up to Keller, I really think that the media plays a big role in this. Keller said this back in May, and he's STILL getting airtime on major News Networks??? What the crap? It reminds me of a child who only wants attention. If you ignore that child, they learn that they have to change their behaviour in order to receive attention in a proper manner. However, if you keep paying that child attention whenever he or she acts up, they will continue to act up because you have rewarded their efforts. You don't have to read a book on psychology or parenting to learn this...just watch The Dog Whisperer!

God's Gonna Cut You Down

A video that I really like:
I really like what's said at the beginning of the video although I'm not a big fan of the language of "God cutting you down". Anyway, I still like a lot of the lyrics, and really like the video:

Johnny Cash-God's Gonna Cut you Down


My fav. lyrics:
Well my goodness gracious,
Let me tell you the news.
My heads been wet with the midnight dew.
I've been down on bended knee, Talkin to the man from Galiee.
He spoke to me in a voice so sweet,
I thought I heard the shuffle of angels feet.
He called my name and my heart stood still,
When He said "John go do my will"

You can throw your rock, hide your hand,
Workin in the dark against your fellow man.
But as sure as God made black and white,
What's done in the dark, Will be brought to the light.
_______________________________

What's interesting to me is the people that are in this video. A "who's who" of celebs. Each bring something unique to this song.
My fav. part of the video is Bono, in all of his genius. I love the painted angelic wings around him (I think he is making fun of himself in that), and then what he writes on the wall:
"Sinners make the best saints". Profound!

In light of what is said in the beginning about the "poor and down-trodden", the inclusion of the variety of celebs. is even more amazing. All successful and many controversial in their entertainment fields. It makes me think about who we idolize as Americans! I don't know exactly how judgment works from God, it's not my place to know... But i do know that when Christ talked about who was blessed, it was the poor, meek, persecuted, etc... I also know that when he issued his woes it was to the wealthy, stingy, and pious religious leaders of his day! I just want to make sure that I am being with the blessed and not the woed... I want my life to reflect that I care about the things that Christ cared about... If not then perhaps I deserve to have God "Cut me down"!

The Number of the Beast

Yes, that reference tells you that I've been playing way too much Guitar Hero III.

I've been thinking about this a while now, and have decided that I would start this venture for my own personal growth. I want to reexamine some of the questions I was asked during my inquisition at my last church where I was asked to resign (they didn't call it an inquisition, it was called a "conversation"...but what else is it when you are being pelted with questions, you have to answer, and there is no further exchange besides moving to the next question in order to find some way underhanded way to boot you from a church?). I've already talked some about how I answered about Heaven, Salvation, and "The way, The truth, and The life" passage here (mostly in the comments section). But I've been revisiting in my head and in my journal some of those questions I was asked, and how I answered them. I don't feel the need to justify my answers, but wanted to examine what they were and perhaps expound on them more. Perhaps even a conversation or 2 will take place that will help these thoughts in progress develop even more.

One question that I was asked is, "do you believe in Satan/the Devil?" (Not sure exactly which word they used?)

Something about myself is that I am aware that everything in our lives seems to be a reaction to something else. Usually something happens in our lives and the choices we make afterwards in how we act and what we believe, usually stem from that one or series of occurrences! For me, the idea of Satan and the power that he had had been force-fed to me most of my church-going life. Somewhere along the line (not sure when), I decided to stop giving Satan so much credit.

So how did I answer that question? I said, "I choose not to acknowledge him in my personal life because... (we'll get to that in a second), but do not completely deny his existence." So that was my general answer. I did go into a little more detail, but will go into even more detail here. Know that I am answering the question the same...just now in more detail.

Growing up in churches, ALL I ever seem to remember hearing about is "hell this, and Satan that." I was asked the other day when I "decided to follow Jesus." I replied, "every day!" Not satisfied with the answer the pastor clarified, asking, "when I was baptized." I said, "when I was 14." I was then asked what made me make that decision to "ask Jesus into my heart." I replied, "guilt, fear, keeping my butt out of hell!" Now I didn't say these things in my inquisition, but this is part of a better understanding of what I did say. To me, there is a big difference between "getting saved" and, "deciding to follow Christ". If you can't feel my tone, I'll give you a break and let you know that, like most PoMo people, I really don't like the way these statements have been used in the modern era. I think that what they have come to mean is something far less that what Christ offers, and what the Cross means!

Anyway, somewhere along the way I decided that we (Christians) had been giving Satan too much power, far more than I think God would give him. Now, there is far more to the understanding of Satan than they teach you in Sunday School. The history (not the story of Lucifer-Satan-Devil that tradition has passed down to us, but the historicity of Satan and his historical development) is very interesting. I'm not saying that such a being doesn't exist, I'm just saying if you study the Bible closely, and study the history of comparative religions you will find that the way society and Christianity in particular uses and understands Satan, is not always how he was understood by our ancestors. So that eventually came to play a part in my already developing understanding of Satan, and in relation, sin.

The bigger part that informed my choice of personal approach to Satan in my own life was the religious language that I would hear being used by many Christians. It seemed that every time someone made a mistake or "sinned" (I say it that way as to leave what the definition of sin is open to interpretation and free from my judgementalness), they would lay the blame on Satan. "Satan made me do it," or "I was tempted by the devil." No one seemed to want to take responsibility for their own actions, iniquities and failures. Those statements say to me that, "I am subjugate to a more powerful spiritual force, and what can I do about that? So, chalk up my mistake to failing to defeat this greater force and I'll take no responsibility in my actions."

Eventually I started to see myself falling into this same trap. But the Christ I was reading about gave us power over our own actions. He also called us to take responsibility for our actions or in actions, and to reconcile ourselves to those we hurt before "coming to the alter". (perhaps more on that in another post). So I decided to stop giving the devil so much credit for my mistakes, because then I was only giving him and my sinfulness more power than it deserves.

So, I chose not to acknowledge Satan in my personal life. Each mistake that I made, each person that I hurt was a result of my own actions/in actions and my own choices! I no longer accepted that I was some sort of victim of a greater ineluctable being. So thus, the answer I gave, "In my own personal life, I chose not to acknowledge/accredit Satan for my own wrongdoings."

Now I did addendum this thought by saying that I don't discourage others from acknowledging Satan. If it helps them come to terms/understand evil in this world, and entices them towards action against it, then I encourage it! If it keeps them from being crippled by self-inflicted guilt in their lives, then I embrace them in that understanding. But I do encourage people to take responsibility for their iniquity, and not to give Satan more credit and power in their lives than he deserves!

Alien: Deleted Scenes

In honor of Jeremy... You make me laugh!




from Family Guy!!!!

Where's Waldo: Justin Edition

A friend found this on YouTube and called me up to tell me that I'm inadvertently in this video. This was from a Rob Bell thing I went to last week. IMHO, I thought the OVERALL message of what he was saying was great. It was a message free from guilt and full of healing. These guys really should have bought a ticket!

You can find me walking past around the 7:20 mark.




Understand, I don't make fun of these people! It saddens me to see these methods used. I listened to them and just shook my head saying: "and that's one BIG reason why a lot of people here/I know don't go to church and don't want to be a Christian...because this is what they think of!" It hurts me so to think of the means that they chose to spread their "good news". Yelling at people they're going to hell as they walked by (because to many, that was all they heard), is not what I would consider good news. The second preacher even told me that Rob Bell doesn't love me?!!? I never thought he did... but I guess he thought I needed to know that for sure. It's OK Rob... my life is not dependent on your love!!!! I'm not angry with you:)

However I was told immediately after that that God indeed was angry with me, but God loved me (I guess in response to where Rob doesn't??). Interesting message! I think I'll stick with thinking more on the main event that night: the depth and beauty of Rob's message! I really don't agree with what these guys say about Rob's content... but what can you do? I do give them props for the dramatic Star Wars style crawl at the beginning. And Its always good to be reminded that everyone there was damned to hell... always a crowd-pleaser!

P.S. Some of the comments on the YouTube vid. page are worth the read. I really like that people pat these guys on the back for "speaking the truth in love". I found nothing loving in my experience with them. One was even offered a hug by the guy standing beside me, and the preacher in blue pushed him away! Man! Perhaps I should go back and study what the bible means when it says "speak the truth in love". I'll get back on that one!

In Repair (pt 7): Offering

My friend and mentor TM has an awesome post over in his blog "twist of faith". It is a great post, but since I've read it I am haunted by the ending little story he tells of his daughter! I paste it here (but check out his whole post).

"And I am awed by Bailey's faith. By way of testimony, a couple of Sundays before her baptism, she took an offering envelop and filled out her name and put $0 on the amount line. Then, she wrote the following on the back and placed it in the offering plate: 'I love this church and I never want to leave!'"

Now I know how I like to rant about the Church sometimes (well...a lot, actually), but it's only because I love it so much. Granted, I don't love the institution, and I could care less about the buildings themselves (although there has been many Cathedrals in NY and Europe that have left me breathless), but I love the concept of what the Church should be...and in some cases/places, are!

Bailey's gesture represents how I feel about the Idea of the "church as community". If that church is a good place, a place I can trust, a place that is truly attempting to accomplish God's work of Kingdom Building in this world...then it is a place I want to offer myself fully and completely to! It is a place where I want to sit myself in the offering plate/basket/box and give my all to that community and its work! It is finding those places that I keep saying that is the hard part!

This is how I feel about church membership. I have completely removed myself from what it means in churches (at least in the Baptist world), because it seems to mean nothing more than having your name "on role" so that they may count you among their numbers! At my last 2 churches I separated the dates of me getting hired by the church and the time that I joined the ch. as a member. At my last ch. I did not join for a couple of months after I was hired....on purpose. I (or more specifically and realistically, the pastor (since no one ever complains to the person whom they are complaining about)) received complaints and questions as to why I had yet to join. When my wife and I did join shortly after, I stood up and made a statement about why I had put time in between. It went something like this:

I was hired by this ch. to do a job. I am paid to do that job. But I come before you today asking to be accepted, not as a hired minister, but as a fellow member. I separate these two things because to me, to be a member is to say that I am FULLY dedicated to being a part of the mission and ministry of this community beyond the duties of my job. To be a member is to be an active and engaged part of what it means to be ___insert name of ch. here______! To pull my weight as whatever part of the body I am called and needed to be!

Although I don't really hold to the old ways of membership, I need that place in my life where I can offer myself fully and completely to that community. Fortunately, the discussion community that I'm so lucky to be a part of, has, and is still becoming that place for me. I am fully dedicated to the success (not measured by any traditional markers, but by fulfilling the needs of those who's paths we can cross, whatever they may be) of this group. Still, I keep my eyes open in search of other communities that are doing what they are being called to do, where I will be accepted and loved unconditionally, where I can sit in their offering plate!

Thanks TM for sharing your stories!!!

A Cold and Broken Hallelujah

This is one of the most covered songs (originally by Leonard Cohen)...Alison and I were discussing why it is covered by so many people when we saw this on the HD Music Channel. I have to say that I'm a big Bon Jovi fan (well, at least back in the day...not so much their new stuff), and this rendition fits his voice well!

The most famous version of the song is by Jeff Buckley, as heard in such Movies as Shrek and TV Shows as House, which is interesting since it is a pretty explicit song in its sexual imagery!

Hallelujah
I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you
It goes like this: the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Maybe I've been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

There was a time you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you
I remember when I moved in you
The holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Maybe there's a God above
And all I ever learned from love
Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew you
It's not a cry you can hear at night
It's not somebody who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
________________

First of all, this is a beautifully deep and haunting song. The simple chorus, singing Hallelujah repeatedly does what music does best: speaks straight to the soul!

There are several things that really make this one of my favorite songs.

The biblical imagery in the first couple of verses are amazing! The music echos and embodies the words and story of young David the musician captivating his audience with his music, which is what this song does to me. You also have the young innocent David in the first verse juxtaposed to the story of David and Bathsheba in the second verse. The purity of David's music and praise is in stark contrast to the lust-driven account of the man's failure to overcome his primal desires.

Also in the second verse is found reference to the Greed-driven exploitation (if you read the story, she used her sexuality to her benefit) of Sampson by Delilah.

The refrain changes as the perspective (and I would argue the time and characters as well) changes. Again, a haunting and realistic account of a relationship. The imagery once again is vivid as the artist's perspective of the relationship shows that it has now become a "cold and broken hallelujah". The most devastating lines to me are:
Maybe there's a God above
And all I ever learned from love
Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew you

What kind of love is this? The reference to God and doubt in the same reference as this failed love is no accident. The love that this person has experienced is no longer beautiful. It's no longer sacred. It's no longer holy! It began as something beyond words, and digressed into a "cold and broken hallelujah".

Rob Bell says that everything is spiritual. The Jews had (and most still don't have) no understanding of a dualistic life. He says, "if you were to ask Jesus how his spiritual life was going, he would be like, 'uh... what other life is there?' We're created spiritual. If you're alive, if you're human, then YOU ARE SPIRITUAL!" (Everything is Spiritual Tour on DVD).

Everything is Spiritual! Everything is made by God. Everything in that sense is Sacred and Holy. Love is sacred. Relationships (both friendships and lovers) are sacred. Worship is the attitude in which you approach life. It is being holistic about loving God and loving neighbor in everything you do. It is acknowledging that EVERYTHING is spiritual, not just in word or thought, but by your actions!

Everything is spiritual. Being spiritual means being worshipful. Worship is praise. Praise is Hallelujah! Everything is/can/should be an act of worship and praise. Love as an act of worship. conversation as an act of worship. Playing sports, hanging out, eating a meal together; all acts of worship. Love is worship. Relationships are worship. Yes, even sex is worship, because God created it and called all he created "good".

But when something sacred is used to hurt, to manipulate, or used for selfish gain it becomes warped in it's created purpose. It becomes stained, tainted, "cold and broken". When "love" harms others, it becomes a "cold and broken hallelujah"! There are so many times where we use love to hurt others.

Frederick Buechner says that, "sometimes love is doing something for someone when they need that thing done, and sometimes it is simply leaving them alone." What may seem like the "obvious" "loving" thing to do, may not always be the case. What is loving to us, may in fact be hurtful to someone else.

I think about this when I see protesters and street preachers tearing down a person that just gave a wonderful presentation that could lead many people present at that conference to God simply because they did not agree with everything that they "know" about God and that person's theology. I recently heard a speaker who talked about the reconciliation that God offers and how God is not angry with us. We were encouraged to let go fo the things that we allow to hold us down, that we no longer have to "appease the gods" by punshing ourselves. There were people there who needed to hear that they were free from the gods of expectation, glory, approval, wealth, etc... I'm sure that this message was healing, refreshing, living water that they needed to hear. God is not angry with you, he loves you. Yet as we left there were protesters and a street preacher yelling that indeed God was angry with us! (see pic below)

People professing to be Christians who lash out hatefully at those who are homosexual, choose to have an abortion, believe in differing theologies, are of a differing ethnicity/religion/denomination; all using the name of the loving God; create a "cold and broken hallelujah".

There are so many ways to distort and destroy the sacredness of what god has bestowed upon us. Yet, in the name of religion, faith, and Christ, we continue to do that.

Everything is spiritual!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

The Matrix Trilogy: ASBO Style

I really don't think that these need any of my blabbery, Mr. Birch has done a terrific job here with his Matrix spoofs! All 3 are on target in ways that people think of/approach faith, Christianity, Church, life and reality! Mr. Anderson and Mr. Smith would be proud.

Maybe Since LIfeway Has Noticed, Churches Will Too!

In a recent article in USA Today entitled: "Young adults aren't sticking with church", a survey done by the Conservative Southern Baptist Publisher, Lifeway, that, well.... many young adults aren't sticking with church! This is an interesting article that co-ops well with my posts: "The Great Divorce" and "How Can People Think This About Christians?". here are some excerpts:

Seven in 10 Protestants ages 18 to 30 — both evangelical and mainline — who went to church regularly in high school said they quit attending by age 23, according to the survey by LifeWay Research. And 34% of those said they had not returned, even sporadically, by age 30. That means about one in four Protestant young people have left the church.

Seven in 10 Protestants ages 18 to 30 — both evangelical and mainline — who went to church regularly in high school said they quit attending by age 23, according to the survey by LifeWay Research. And 34% of those said they had not returned, even sporadically, by age 30. That means about one in four Protestant young people have left the church.
"This is sobering news that the church needs to change the way it does ministry," says Ed Stetzer, director of Nashville-based LifeWay Research, which is affiliated with the publishing arm of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Among dropouts, nearly all (97%) cited life changes, such as a move. Most (58%) were unhappy with the people or pastor at church. More than half (52%) had religious, ethical or political reasons for quitting.
Dropouts were more than twice as likely than those who continued attending church to describe church members as judgmental (51% for dropouts, 24% for those who stayed), hypocritical (44% vs. 20%) or insincere (41% vs. 19%)

"Too many youth groups are holding tanks with pizza. There's no life transformation taking place," Stetzer says. "People are looking for a faith that can change them and to be a part of changing the world."
These findings fit with findings by other experts.
"Unless religious leaders take younger adults more seriously, the future of American religion is in doubt," says Princeton sociologist Robert Wuthnow in After the Baby Boomers, due in stores in September.
______________________

Also in the fall edition of Leadership Journal (put out by affiliate Christianity Today), There is an article on a similar survey that Leadership has done. The article, entitled "5 Kinds of Christians", outlines 5 categories of those that label themselves as Christians in America. I think that their findings are interesting. Amazingly enough, each category (5) makes up 1/5th of all Christians surveyed. I find the equal distribution in their finding noteworthy.

The labels are as follows:

ACTIVE CHRISTIANS (19%)--believe salvation comes through Christ, committed churchgoers, bible readers, accepted leadership positions [in their churches], feel obligated to share their faith (or at least 79% out of this 19% do so).

PROFESSING CHRISTIANS (20%)-- believe salvation comes through Christ, focus on personal relationship with God/Christ, Similar beliefs to "active Christians" with different actions, less involved with ch.-both attending and serving, less committed to bible reading and sharing of faith.

LITURGICAL CHRISTIANS (16%)-- Predominantly Catholic and Lutheran. Regular churchgoers. high level of spiritual activity , mostly expressed by serving in ch. and/or local community. Recognize authority of ch. (this last statement is a reaction to the growing distrust of young/postmodern people in all institutions and the authority modernity gave them).

PRIVATE CHRISTIANS (24%)-- Largest and youngest segment. Believe in God and doing good things. Own a bible, don't read it. Spiritual interest, but not within ch. context. Only 1/3 attend churches at all. Almost none are church leaders.

CULTURAL CHRISTIANS (21%)-- little outward religious behavior or attitudes. God aware, but little personal involvement with God. Do not view Christ as essential to salvation. Affirm many ways to God. Favor universality theology (the article never distinguishes what they mean by this. This word (even here on my blog by others) has been thrown around in the Christian realm as if it has a singular definition, when in fact the world definition is very diverse. see Universalism (disambiguous), and Universalism (religion and theology). I believe the definition they are using here (which is not a precise definition, but the common Christian usage) is that they don't believe that Christ is the ONLY way to heaven).

"When Leadership Mag. discussed these results with "leading pastors and religious experts" (although who they are and how these people obtain the "leading" and "expert" titles is left unexplored?), 3 critical issues emerged:

1) the local church is no longer considered the only outlet for spiritual growth. 2)Churches must develop relational- and community-oriented outreach.3)lap people have to be better equipped to be God's ambassadors."

___________________________

May I say "DUH?" Is this not what we "young people" have been telling churches for a while? Again, see past blog post above. I personally find these results a little inaccurate. Perhaps not in their percentages, but in their labels and application of the labels. I'm sure that many of the points in those titles are accurate, but the viewpoint is still from the inside (of the institutional ch.) out, not the other way around. The biasness needs to be taken into account. Obviously you can see in the article that the "Active Christian" category is the preferred goal, and I agree that Christians should be more active, but does being an "Active Christian" mean being ALL of the sub-points presented in that category?

Just some things to point out having been in both the "inside" and the "outside":

1) Overemphasis in church involvement as being a definition of a "good Christian". One of the reasons that many younger people are not involved with the local church is because they cannot find a church in their area that will meet their needs. Why go to church if it isn't feeding you spiritually where you are? See the beginning article and how many people view churches/Christians (as well as my second blog post listed above for another survey), which is not a positive image for the churches. Many times young people depart from churches or just never go because of their perception of Christians and churches. Unfortunately, there are so many churches and Christians that maintain the stated perceptions that it keeps people from even seeking out the churches and communities that will feed them spiritually. I propose that some of these non-churchgoers are looking for "alternative communities" that are spiritual and perhaps labeled Christian/Christ-followers but refuse to label themselves as a "church" because of the negative perception that comes with that label!

2) Underemphasis in missional work as being a marker of a "Committed Christian". The "Active Christian" is said to be a "committed churchgoer", "bible-reader" and "faith-sharer". What's missing? Is showing up in the pews 50/52 Sundays the REAL marker of a "good Christian"? Is a daily devotional an ACCURATE way to measure a "good Christian"? What about the fruit that one bears? No mention of that in the "Active Christian", and, in fact, it seems to be replaced with "leadership positions". So being a Sunday School teacher that shows up every Sunday is a better Christian than the person that misses church one Sunday a month because they volunteer at a soup kitchen? What about those who are actively involved with social justice issues, who spend their whole weekend writing a letter to their congressman on behalf of liberation and poverty issues? What about those that refuse to tithe to their churches because they don't like the 80%/20% ratio (80% of all tithing goes towards church maintenance and 20% goes outside of the church for missions)? Instead they spend their energy and their money helping those with HIV/Aids?

Don't misunderstand me. I believe that being an active part of a healthy and active community (church in the purest understanding of the concept) is vital. Perhaps we've lost some of the aspects and importance of community vitality in modernity's emphasis on the personal! A subject for another time, but I wanted to make that clear.

Maybe it's just me, but I think it's time to reexamine how we measure what makes someone a good Christ-follower and what doesn't. Numbers, attendance records, and not missing a personal morning devotional are all terrible markers of measurement for churches. Yet this is still the markers that many churches and Christians use to measure "success" (notice I didn't say "measure spiritual growth) and use this criteria to label individuals! Maybe there-in lies a portion of the problem! Labeling people... seems like I wrote something about that too!

Anyway, Just thought I would share these findings with anyone who reads. I'd love to hear your thoughts on these findings and this post!

Ode to Consumerism and Vanity :P

Two videos that are a blast from my past. Guys that would MC and perform at a yearly convention that I would attend in undergrad. Enjoy!

I'm Gonna Celebrate Being Alive

Was traveling to my parent's house today to celebrate thanksgiving and we were listening to Brett Dennen...She said when this song came on, "what a perfect song for thanksgiving day!" So I share it with you all. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sorry about the random pictures. The only copy of this song on YouTube I could find where you could really hear the words.

Blessed-Brett Dennen


I welcome the sun
The clouds and rain
The wind that sweeps the sky clean and lets the sun shine again
This is the most magnificent life has ever been
Here is heaven and earth and the brilliant sky in between

Blessed is this life and I'm going to celebrate being alive

I dwell in the darkness
I let in the light
I sleep in the afternoon and become the noise in the night
I trespass in temptation suffer in sacrifice
But I awake each day with the new sunrise.

Blessed is this life oh, and I'm gonna celebrate being alive
__________________________________________
One of the comments under this video on YouTube:
"this song makes me truly love the world and gives me the knowledge that i am something great and becoming greater by the moment thanks to Brett ...."

I know I am blessed, as I looked at my wife, and saw a lot of family today. I think about all of them and my friends who have stood by me through all the crap that I've been through in my last church, and the uncertainty of tomorrow, but I am still thankful! I celebrate being alive! I'm hopeful! I'm loving life and loving God!!!!! As the person above states, I celebrate in the knowledge that God has made me into "something great (for him/in his eyes), and becoming greater by the moment...." because of Him!

Yet in my blessed state...I can't help but think of all the people who have little or nothing to be thankful for today. So I ask myself this question: "what will I do so that at least one person next year who does not feel blessed, will be able to feel what I feel on this Thanksgiving day? How will I help them celebrate Thanksgiving and be blessed by this time next year?"

To modify the Spider-Man mantra; with great blessings comes an even greater responsibility to bless others!

Share and share alike!
Do unto others...
"What you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto me."

Celebrate being blessed today... Share that blessing wherever and whenever you can!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!