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!!!

Man...I Need to Carpool....Somewhere!

As promised, my fav. scenes thus far from Carpoolers on ABC!






I want OnStar for times just like these!

Split-Screen Sadness

My friend, Mary, has posted the poem from the beginning of Bishop John Shelby Spong's book Jesus For The Non Religious.

I'm copying it here, but please check out her blog because I'm stealing from her what she stole from Bishop Spong:)

No Sacred Cows Here! Just as it should be!

The Lament of a Believer in Exile

Ah, Jesus!

Where have you gone?

When did we lose you?

Was it when we became so certain that we possessed you

That we persecuted Jews,

Excommunicated doubters,

Burned heretics,

And used violence and war to achieve conversion?

Was it when our first-century images

Collided with expanding knowledge?

or when biblical scholars informed us that the Bible does

Not really support what we once believed?

Was it when we watched your followers distorting people

With guilt,

Fear,

Bigotry,

Intolerance,

And anger?

was it when we noticed that many who called you Lord

And who read their Bibles regularly

Also practiced slavery,

Defended segregation,

Approved lynching,

Abused children,

Diminished women,

And hated homosexuals?

Was it when we finally realized

That the Jesus who promised abundant life

Could not be the source of self-hatred,

Or the one who encourages us to grovel,

In life-destroying penitence?

Was it when it dawned on us that serving you would require

The surrender of those secutiry-building prejudices

That masquerade as our sweet sicknesses?

We still yearn for you, Jesus, but we no longer know where

To seek your presence.

Do we look for you in those churches that practice certainty?

Or are you hiding in those churches

That so fear controversy that they make "unity" a god,

And stand for so little that they die of boredom?

Can you ever be found in those churches that have

Rejected the powerless and the marginalized,

The lepers and the Samaritans of our day,

Those you called our brothers and sisters?

Or must we now look for you outside ecclesiastical settings,

Where love and kindness expect no reward,

Where questions are viewed as the deepest

Expressions of trust?

Is it even possible, Jesus, that we Christians are the villians

Who killed you?

Smothering you underneath literal Bibles,

Dated creeds,

Irrelevant doctrines,

And dying structures?

If these things are the source of your disappearance, Jesus,

Will you then reemerge if these things are removed?

Will that bring resurrection?

Or were you, as some now suggest, never more

Than an illusion?

By burying and distorting you were we

Simply protecting ourselves

From having to face that realization?

I still seek to possess what I believe you are, Jesus:

Access to and embodiment of

The Source of Life,

The Source of Love,

The Ground of Being,

A doorway into the mystery of holiness.

It is through that doorway that I desire to walk.

Will you meet me there?

Will you challenge me,

Guide me,

Confront me,

Reveal your truth to me and in me?

Finally, at the end of this journey, Jesus,

Will you embrace me

Inside the ultimate reality

That I call God

In whom I live

And move

And have my being?

"Jesus-Still Too Radical?"

Painting by Lars Justine

_________________

This picture has been getting some interesting reactions both online and off. Commissioned by Heavenly Sanctuary for their "Good News Tour". This painting was used on promotional posters with various sayings, and caused not only negative net reaction, but also out-right protests! My fav. saying (thus the title) on a poster is "Jesus-Still Too Radical?".

Obviously people don't like the idea of Christ washing Osama Bin Laden's feet like he did in humility and servitude for his disciples (even Judas who he predicts will betray him in the next section....hmmmmm!!!???). Some people I have showed this to have found it just as interesting (and I'm sure purposeful) that Christ will or has already washed President Bush's feet being how controversial he and this war is.


I personally applaud this painting! I think it speaks in a language that is hard to swallow, although the message is profound!


You can read more about the painting and an opinion over at Greg Boyd's Blog.


What are your thoughts?

A Snake In The Garden

(or, "not all snakes embody temptation")


I had an interesting experience yesterday on my second lap of the 2 mile loop around the lake. I had my headphones in walking speedily listening to some podcasts when I see a man of middle-eastern Descent holding up his hand for me to stop on the narrow path. I was extremely confuse, but my nice new headphones for my iPhone blotted out what he was saying. So, I stopped, hit pause, and popped my earphones out.

As I did so I looked down to see why he was getting me to stop. In front of me on the dead center of the path was a snake. This wasn't the first time I've seen a snake on the path, but it was the first time that the pattern of the snake rendered it almost invisible on the path. Had it not been for this nice guy stopping me, I might have stepped on it, and perhaps it would have responded in kind!

Now, I insert here that snakes are something I fear! But the guy quietly led me behind the snake. And there we stood, directly behind the snake staring at it while it sat there on the hard pavement trying to draw warmth in the cooling dusk. The man asked, "do you think If i put my bottle (green tea) down in front of the snake people will see it and not miss the snake in front of them?" I thought that was a fantastic idea, so he put it down and we watched to see if it would help and to warn fellow runners. We then began a short discussion! Here is the conversation that ensued:

Dude: See the snake is harmless if you walk behind and keep your distance.

Me: I see, actually, although I have a fear of snakes, but standing here with you looking at it, it actually is quite beautiful.

Dude: Yes, it is beautiful because God made it.

Me: (with a smile) I completely agree.... I've seen snakes here before and never thought of them that way because of my fear. But you know, that's the reason I always come to the lake to exercise. Esp. this time of year, I love seeing the beauty of God's creation around this lake.

Dude: Yes, that's why we bring our child (to which he points to his wife pushing a stroller with a small child further down the path). We show him the colors of the leaves and the birds (ducks, swans, and 2 herring inhabit the area), and tell him that Allah is found in all of them.

Me: You're right, when I'm here I really see and feel God, I'm sure your child will cherish these memories of your walks one day.

We stand in silence for a couple of seconds as the snake decides he's bored with scaring the locals and slithers off to wherever snakes go in the night around the lake. We looked at each other smiled politely as I thanked. I wished him well as he rejoined his wife and continued their route in the opposite direction of me around the lake. As I watched them go I said a prayer to God:

"Lord, thank you for your beauty and presence in your creation. Thank you for these experiences to connect with you and with my brother whom you've also created. Thank you for using something as ordinary as the lake I run/walk around all the time, a snake, and a conversation that I wouldn't have had if the snake hadn't been there, to teach me more about you! I love you God!"
_____________________________________

It's All In The Way You Read It

Profoundly accurate and funny in my personal experience in my Church Saga!

What's interesting is that how you initially read it says more about you than it does the Church!!!! That's some good psychology for ya!

The Great Divorce

Another song that I've listened to over and over again and all of the sudden the words hit me differently today...completely different context than the songwriter's intent (I'm guessing), but struck a chord with me and where I and others are! The Vid is more so you can hear the audio not for the vid. itself...Really look at the lyrics instead!

Nothing Lasts Forever--Maroon 5


It is so easy to see
Dysfunction between you and me
We must free up these tired souls
Before the sadness kills us both

I tried and tried to let you know
I love you but I'm letting go
It may not last but I don't know
Just don't know

If you don't know
Then you can't care
And you show up
But you're not there
But I'm waiting
And you want to
Still afraid that I will desert you

Everyday
With every worthless word we get more far away
The distance between us makes it so hard to stay
But nothing lasts forever, but be honest babe
It hurts but it may be the only way

A bed that's warm with memories
Can heal us temporarily
The misbehaving only makes
The ditch between us so damn deep

Built a wall around my heart
I’ll never let it fall apart
But strangely I wish secretly
It would fall down while I'm asleep

If you don't know
Then you can't care
And you show up
But you're not there
But I'm waiting
And you want to
Still afraid that I will desert you, babe

Everyday
With every worthless word we get more far away
The distance between us makes it so hard to stay
But nothing lasts forever, but be honest babe
It hurts but it may be the only way

Tough we have not hit the ground
It doesn't mean we're not still falling,
Oh I want so bad to pick you up
But you're still too reluctant to accept my help
What a shame, I hope you find somewhere to place the blame
But until then the fact remains

Everyday
With every worthless word we get more far away
The distance between us makes you so hard to stay
Nothing lasts forever, but be honest babe
It hurts but it may be the only way
________________________________

I've been having a LOT of conversations with MANY people that are feeling more and more estranged from the Church. Some have already divorced the mainline Church, and some are still in the Church and are trying to fight this feeling that the Church isn't ministering to them anymore, and neither is it giving them the opportunities to live out their faith as they now are understanding it. This latter group of people honestly LOVE the Church. Both groups of people LOVE GOD! But it seems that I meet a new person that falls into one of these 2 categories.

What's happening seems to be that churches frustrate and hurt these people that are "emerging" into a new understanding of their faith and responsibility to that faith. However, they are finding their church less and less understanding of these people and try to fill these people's needs with the same old approaches. The lack of understanding on the Church's part combined with the frustration (on both sides) because neither party can seem to help each other is leading to a "great divorce" in the mainstream church.

Don't get me wrong, for the most part, those that have been in the Church DON'T want to leave. They would much rather help the Church understand their "emergence" and allow the Church to continue to be the outlet for their exploration, understanding, worship, and missions. But many churches (that means there are some that are succeeding in transitioning to minister to these people) end up alienating these people and pushing them out unintentionally (although the intentional pushing out happens also). At the same time, these people can get so frustrated at the slowness or lack of change within their beloved churches and willingly depart. I will admit that some probably give up too soon, but they are leaving nonetheless.

Thus enter the song above. The idea that (giving both parties the benefit of the doubt that they are both trying, yet still not succeeding) they are forcing a relationship that can't survive. so the idea becomes:
With every worthless word we get more far away
The distance between us makes it so hard to stay
But nothing lasts forever, but be honest
It hurts but it may be the only way

The relationship is ripe with memories of what once was between the two, but sadly no new good memories are being created. The person has built a wall around their heart because they are tired of being hurt and having the feeling of personal worthlessness that they've experienced more and more frequently. They dream every night of their wall breaking down and allowing their love (the Ch.) back in. The relationship on both sides has become dysfunctional, both souls are being stressed and burnt-out by this relationship, and usually if the "great divorce" doesn't happen (initiated by either side), then the sadness can kill them both! (all pulled from the lyrics above).

This is what's happening before our eyes. This is why so many people feel disenfranchised by the Church. I post this to show that it's not always (but sometimes it is) a case of intentional estrangement, but rather a hard decision by one or both parties based on the love that was once there! I challenge Churches not to let these people go! They (most of them anyway) love you so much that they will do anything to help you minister to them and those like them. Yes, their ideas may be alien to you, but if they are ignored more and more, they will give up and leave.

And I know that for every 1 person that leaves there are at least 5 more struggling with the same thoughts that no one is publicly addressing, because these people usually just disappear. Are there one day and gone the next. Why? Because if the Church initiates the divorce, they don't want to look bad in the eyes of their other congregants and bring attention to the problem within their pews. And if it is the initiation of the individual/group who is tired of working to save the relationship that seems one-sided (although it often is), they depart quietly so not to hurt the church that they love dearly!

Just something to think on! It tears me up that this "great divorce" is taking place, and it saddens me even more to know that it becomes a more common reality every day!

"Tough we have not hit the ground
It doesn't mean we're not still falling,
Oh I want so bad to pick you up
But you're still too reluctant to accept my help
What a shame, I hope you find somewhere to place the blame"

Looking Acceptance, But will Settle for Tolerance....

Another Vid. Stolen from Tripp's Blog. Ann Coulter.... hmmmmm. Why is it that these are the Christians that get press time???? I don't think (at least I really pray and hope) that the majority of Christians would not think this way. TA HUH HERRIBLE Theology!!!!




"I don't want you to be offended by that." Well, then just don't say it!

New Rule: think before you speak....I know it will take a while to sink in since I just made that one up off the top of my head!

I think Jeff's comment on Tripp's blog (click on above link for the original post and comment) is getting at something!!!!!!

A New Christian Paradox: The Christian Athiest

This was on my friend, Tripp's Blog. Once again I have stolen from him, so I will lead you to his thoughts on the video.




All I have to say is, "Mr. McLaren, I too (like Tripp) have been thinking the same things! Thank you for always being there to put into words the thoughts trapped inside my head!"

Check Your Brain At The Door

Does this really happen in churches?

Can I say that my interpretation of this is not that people are stupid, quite the opposite actually. I think a majority of the people in our pews are quite intelligent. I had a guy once that was laity in my church where I was leading a Bible Study that tried to look at old stories that we had always heard in new ways. The purpose was to really challenge our understanding of scripture, God, faith, etc... This dude, we'll call him the Fonz, was an awesome older gent. He knew more Old Testament stories and chronology that I did after a Religion degree and a Masters Degree from Divinity School. That's not saying I'm dumb, but he had the memory of an elephant and he was passionate about the bible and the OT specifically.

He didn't check his brain at the door, but he did refuse to challenge his beliefs of his literal and traditional understanding of the OT scriptures. It was a constant debate between him (representing the traditional understanding of say the creation story), and me (representing the views of the bible study material that the group picked to challenge us). I don't blame the Fonz at all for not challenging his held beliefs, I think the problem is that growing up the church(es) he was a part of made him check his critical thinking skills at the door (represented here by the brain).

I use him as an example of a bigger problem I've encountered in Christians. The Fonz was awesome! He was one of those RARE people that you could sit and debate with for an hour and then you could walk out of the room with him and talk lovingly about our families and lives like nothing had just happened. But I've found that kind of person is RARE!

I've been thinking, If I were to start a "church" ( I use that term loosely because I don't think anything I would want to start would look anything like what most of us think of as "church"), It would be centered around teaching people to think critically about the bible and their faith from the ground up! That means beginning with kids! I know they haven't developed critical thinking skills yet, but how would you prepare them? How would you get them ready to use those critical thinking skills in "church" when they DO develop. I think that teaching children would look a LOT different than the programs we see in churches today!

I say this to point out that somewhere along the way, I'm not sure where exactly, people stopped applying critical thinking skills to their faith. They stopped asking questions! Being critical (I mean that in the most academic sense of the word) about what they were being taught in church somehow became taboo. It's almost like after the leaders of the reformation era died, no one stepped up (or at least it was few people) to take their place and to continue to challenge the Church and her teachings. Where is our Martin Luther? Where is our Roger Williams? Where's our Ulrich Zwingli and John Knox? Could I be one? Not sure! Will you be one????

Graphics by ASBO

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face

Happy 100th post people!

I was listening to this song the other day when some of the lyrics jumped out at me. I prob. wouldn't have noticed as much if the conversation hadn't been going on about Heaven, afterlife, Christ as the only way, etc... on THIS POST a little ways back.

God Put A Smile Upon My Face--Coldplay



Where do we go nobody knows
I’ve gotta’ say I’m on my way down
God give me style and give me grace
God put a smile upon my face

Where do we go to draw the line
I’ve gotta’ say I’ve wasted all your time, honey honey
Where do I go to fall from grace
God put a smile upon your face,

yeah
Now when you work it out I’m worse than you
Yeah when you work it out I want it too
Now when you work out where to draw the line
Your guess is as good as mine

Where do we go nobody knows
Don’t ever say you’re on your way down,
when God gave you style and gave you grace
And put a smile upon your face, oh yeah

Now when you work it out I’m worse than you
Yeah when you work it out I want it too
Now when you work out where to draw the line
Your guess is as good as mine

It’s as good as mine
It’s as good as mine
It’s as good as mine

Where do we go nobody knows
Don’t ever say you’re on your way down, w
hen God gave you style and gave you grace
And put a smile upon your face
_________________________
An interesting song and an interesting Video. I don't think that eternity is the main theme here, but is def. a possible interpretation. either way some of what has been said echos in this song. I've italicized those lyrics above.

It echoed this idea of God's love and grace. I also chose to highlight the "It's as good as mine repeat," because of two types of usage. we say it in a lot of ways semi-sarcastically with as another way of saying "we just don't know". However, It can also be said with emphasis on the "IS" part: "your guess IS as good as mine (is).

The reality is that NO one knows for certain what happens after this life is over. For Christians, that's where faith plays a huge role. We can't guarantee ANYTHING for anyone after this life, but we can share the HOPE we have. So we can say "your guess is as good as mine" in 2 ways:
1) meaning we really don't know
2) that your understanding and belief is as good as mine is, since we don't really know.

This is not a statement of "universalist belief" as some are trying to call me, but a sincere statement of the reality of life, no one really, truly knows and without a doubt has the EXACT and ONLY answer. Anyone who claims to is fooling not only others, but esp. themselves.

I HOPE that there is a heaven and an afterlife. I BELIEVE there is a heaven and an afterlife. But do I KNOW there is a heaven and an afterlife? Well...that would kind-of render the first two statements pointless wouldn't it.

Another thing that someone said along these lines that has had me thinking. My good friend Trace made a statement the other night in our discussion group about eternity and "living a way of truth and life." He said, "I can't PROMISE anyone eternity, but I can work to promise them a better life now." He wasn't saying that he doesn't believe in eternity (he does), and he wasn't saying we shouldn't spread that part of the "good news". Rather, he was being emphatic about our focus being on what we CAN do above what we Can't do. Even if we try to tell people about Christ, we CAN'T make them want to follow him. We can't make them choose a better way to live! But we can GIVE them a better life by fulfilling our responsibility in this world to others.

Just a thought I wanted to share.
I believe that God put a smile on my face. :)

In Repair (Pt. 6): Only The Scars Remain

FROM ASBO

I thought that this was appropriate given my ousting from my former employ and the issue of me having a gay friend. I realized when I saw this that I was feeling guilty because I had been treated as if I had done something "sinful" by loving all people no matter what. Geez, I knew that love would one day be my ultimate undoing. You know they say Superman's greatest weakness is not Kryptonite, but his unfailing love for humanity. As Lazlo Bane says, "I'm no Superman", but I sure can relate! Oh well...if you gotta go down, I think I'll let love be my eulogy!

The Label Lament

My mom once had a label maker. She went crazy with that thing. Little labels EVERYWHERE. Every container received a label. The container did nothing to deserve it, but simply because it was a container, it received a label. Everything had a title, whether the title fit the contents of the container or not didn't really matter. It could not stop her labeling frenzy. The best day was when that thing broke!

_______________

Don't Label Me

Don't label me.

For you will find

if you take the time,

that I don't fit

within your rhyme.

Don't bait your trap.

You cannot see

what there is inside of me.

Who I am

Who I'll be.

You think you know

every single time

what there is inside my mind.

behind these eyes

all things unwind.

But no one knows

There is no way

But there you are every day,

can't even hear

what I say;

Yet you try so hard

to tie me down

to place me in your circle round.

no box can hold;

no title sound.

What do I do?

What can I say,

So you won't label me today?

I've been set free

to fly away.

To find new places,

to see things anew.

To experience Go; just us two.

I come back

tell where I flew.

Let others see,

let others know

All the things God can show.

If we're set free

new seed we'll sew.

But don't label us

no names you'll find,

even those you shout behind.

There's no title

down our spine.

We are new,

not seen before,

you cannot find us in the store

of all you know;

of all you're sure.

Don't Label Me!

-by justin bowman

_-_-_-_-_

I never claimed to be a good poet, but I felt inspired:)

I'm getting sick of people trying to place me in their perceived bubble and stick their little label on me. Just because you place a label on me, doesn't make what that label says true (accurate). You can throw a giraffe in a lake and call him a swan, but you calling him that won't make him a swan. (I'm not a giraffe either btw:)

the reality of my life is that spirituality is messy, not nice and neat! It's jumping on a trampoline not holding up a brick wall. It's painting on a new canvas with broad strokes, not paint-by-numbers. I'm a TERRIBLE and messy painter (just so you know)!! It's molding and remolding clay trying to find a better model of myself that looks like the person Christ/God wants to mold me into. It's trying to write a symphony, when you only know how to play the guitar. It's breaking out of the general population of prison, only to have the warden put place you back in solitary confinement. It's cold feet before the wedding. It's opening a book that you want to read only to find that the jacket is not really what the book is. It's spring cleaning at my house. It's operating on Window's Vista Ultimate and not being able to run any software. It looks less like Monet and more like Pollock (both are beautiful and both are art BTW).

These may seem like meaningless ramblings and abstract analogies, but those that TRULY know me well will get all of them (my wife for instance). Others that haven't known me as long will not get ALL of them, but will know what I'm talking about with some. But the random reader and those that think they know me, but are too busy labeling me to truly listen, will prob. not have a clue what those mean! You can Interpret what I may mean by those, but your interpretation and the actual meaning may be off. But unless one tries to get to know me, or simply asks, they will go along with their interpretation of my life and misrepresent the original intent.

AND THAT'S THE POINT! I know me, God knows me even better! So just stop already. I don't claim to know you, I don't try to put labels on people. I hate labels!

In the words of the great philosopher/theologian Tom Petty:

"You don't know what it's like,

no you don't know what it's like

to be me."

No one knows what it's like to be me!

Give Me Love Over, Live Over This

This is an picture that I took while in Ireland. Beautiful mask, but the "tear stains" tell me that she is tired of being forced to wear it. (the things that God uses to speak to my soul)

Photo by justin bowman

A song that I've been meditating on for some time. I've known this song since Coldplay first released it, yet for some reason I really can't stop listening to it. The idea of people being fake, wearing masks, and playing politics (all meaning they are trying to be someone they are not) at times irritates me, and at times saddens me to the core. We are at the same time both the tyrants who force our culture into this mindset, and victims of those who came before and forced us to wear masks in order to fit into people's expectations.

This song is not a song critiquing politics (hence the Politik title), rather it narrates the need we have to be real, and to encounter real people, not those who try to be who everyone else wants them to be (playing politics).

Politik--Coldplay





Look at the earth from outer space
Everyone must find a place
Give me time and give me space
Give me real don't give me fake
Give me strength, reserve control
Give me heart and give me soul
Give me time, give us a kiss
Tell me your own politik

And open up your eyes,
open up your eyes,
open up your eyes,
open up your eyes

Give me one 'cause one is best
In confusion, confidence
Give me peace of mind and trust
Don't forget the rest us
Give me strength, reserve control
Give me heart and give me soul
Wounds that heal and cracks that fix
Tell me your own politik

And open up your eyes,
open up your eyes,
open up your eyes,
open up your eyes
Just open up your eyes

But give me love over,
love over, love over this

-------------------------
In a live version I have he substitutes the last phrase to say:
"give love over, live over this."
live= real
I like both the original and the additional



Highlighted are the lyrics that resound most within me!

Something To Wrap Your Head Around

Just some quotes I've been jotting down over the last couple of weeks. I won't commentate but allow them to speak for themselves for you as they have for me. I am open to your thoughts though! Please share.

In war, truth is the first casualty.
~Aeschylus

When everything gets answered, it's fake. The mystery IS the truth."
--Sean Penn

And when you're looking for your freedom
(Nobody seems to care)
And you can't find the door
(Can't find it anywhere)
When there's nothing to believe in
Still you're coming back, you're running back
You're coming back for more

So put me on a highway
And show me a sign
And take it to the limit one more time
--The Eagles

I'm not afraid of anything in this world
There's nothing you can throw at me that I haven't already heard
I'm just trying to find a decent melody
A song that I can sing in my own company
-U2

The heresy of one age becomes the orthodoxy of the next.
--Hellen Keller

Religion is the recognition of all our duties as divine commands.
--Immanuel Kant


Enjoy, also NOTE, that there is a change in my previous post, the owner of the blog i was referring to ok'd me linking his blog. Read his story, I know he would love to hear your thoughts.

"Puff The Magic Jesus"

NOTE: a change has been made, I have added the link to the blog I refer to below. Take a moment to read his story, I know he would enjoy your thoughts!

I'm not a big fan of "Christian artists" (those fluffy lyricists with mundane musical abilities under a "Christian" label), UNLESS they have the gall to actually challenge the Church, Faith, Society, and the "status quo". Such like John Reuben:

"What About them"




A blogger buddy: Don't Believe Anything I say, uses a quote from this song when talking about how the Church has hurt him. I give the whole song in context in the embedded vid. above, but will highlight the portion of the song that he highlights because it rings true in my life. (BTW, If you listen to the song, you'll see where my title comes from...I am no way degrading the Jesus I follow!!!!!! But I'll leave the Interpretation of what Reuben means by it up to you!)

"What a prosperous, wondrous place
Remember to say grace before we scrape our plates
And ignore the crying outside the door sure
You’ll pray for their burdens but you don’t want to make it yours
Thin lines divide but there’s a world of difference
So crawl back into your happy existence and
feel the bliss of ignorance keep you warm"
-John Reuben

These Tickets Are Hard To Get!

or "Who Would Argue With Oprah On Her Own Show?"

or "Faith From An Ape" (see Later Section)

So, God Tube has become one of my new fav. sites to find some of the crazy things Christians put up. I know a lot of the stuff has good intentions, and many of the videos can be really inspiring. But there are some (like the one I posted on U2) that are just crazy, and really show how ignorant some people can be. I mean that in the most academic sense of the word, and don't hold the person accountable who posted it (they were being creative and sharing what they thought which they have every right to do), but more so the lack of education that happens in the our churches. Not teaching people to think critically= ignorance in the members.


I found this interesting video from Oprah where a couple of people try to "convert" Oprah's beliefs/thoughts on her own program by arguing with her. Interesting technique! I'm sure she changed!

Check it out:




NOTE: I AM NOT SAYING I AGREE WITH OPRAH OR ANY OF THE OTHER VIEWS STATED, I AM SIMPLY DISPLAYING SOMETHING INTERESTING AND WOULD LOVE FEEDBACK. Of course I've heard these Christian arguments before, but Oprah makes some good points because many people are ASKING those EXACT same questions, and this is a great example of HOW Christians respond to those questions. Not with discussion, but with argument. REALLY? How often does that work?

Now Oprah is one of my wife's fav. people, and I respect her for many reasons. One being that she has done more good in our world than many Christians have even thought about doing! An interesting side note: Fox News reported on this subject today...an interesting article/development...worth the read.

Although not a hero of mine, Oprah plugs one of my fav. books: Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. This book WILL mess with your head if you don't throw it down after the first couple of chapters. Yes the premise of a teaching/talking gorilla seems ridiculous, but there is a LOT of reasoning behind his choice of that as the main Character. If you haven't read the book, I highly suggest it!
Oprah states that one of the things that Quinn points out is the mistake of believing that there is only "one way". This book comes at life from an evolutionary psychological standpoint. It asks a LOT bigger questions that that. It asks the mother of all questions...what if we aren't the apex of creation? I mean we are the apex of evolution right now, but what if something comes next? What if we are where the Jellyfish was at one point: the apex of evolution until something evolved to surpass it. EVERYTHING we know, do, think, and believe is all dependant on the idea that humanity is the apex of creation and that everything was made for us. What if that weren't true (meaning in line with Reality)? What would change?

Anyway, I can't do the book justice, and am not promoting my beliefs, but stating that I think Quinn raises some great philosophical ideas that makes a person think. To me personally, it says a lot about our place and responsibility to the environment...but that's for another post.

So...some things to think about. How do we approach people who have questions/ different ideas on faith and beliefs? Is the way in which we approach them in line with our own beliefs (i.e. love God, love neighbor)? Why are Christians so scared of having real conversations! This is just ONE reason that mainstream churches are not reaching postmodern people; why there is a gap between the youth group and the baby-boomers in their pews!

leave your feedback, I'd love to hear ANY thoughts about the video, book, or something mentioned in this post.

We Didn't Start the Fire

A great song from a great artist that brings back many MTV memories.
I really like this video version because of 1) the quotes (read them all and think on them), and 2) because it uses a lot of my favorite Pulitzer photography.




This is what postmodern living is like! It's a reaction to the modern worldview. In postmodern Christianity, it is an attempt to reclaim what was lost in modernity's systematic, binary, and boxed-in thinking. It's an attempt to reclaim authentic faith, and get past the internal battle that rages within us (yes I intentionally use militant like language because it is an appropriate metaphor for this context, and is not insensitive because we are talking about something within ourselves, not waging war on others). To try and get beyond what we've always been taught to believe so that we can see Christ anew. Postmodern Christian leaders are being criticized left and right, when all they are trying to do is free themselves and others to reexamine our faith. Postmodern Christianity, and those that are a part of it, have been under attack by many others of the same faith, but remember, "we didn't start the fire"...we are just trying to extinguish the flames before they totally ruin our faith in religion and Christianity!

Just something to think on.

In Repair (Pt. 5): Don't Look Back In Anger

I've been doing a lot of soul-searching in the last couple of months. Being ejected from a church that you had fallen in love with will do that to you. As mentioned in previous posts of this series (scroll down to begin the series of "In Repair"), I have no anger towards the church that I was at (99% of the people had no clue what really happened (and probably still don't)), towards the few people that caused the problem because of ego or power or whatever the underlying suppressed need was that drove them, and not towards the pastor who refused to stand up for what was right and just, and instead take the easier and possibly safer road out.

I can't say that I've completely healed from this experience, but I think I'm in somewhat of a better place. Not a better place than the church I was in, it was a good church with good people, but a better place spiritually. As any who have read my blog have seen, this event has opened up a whole world of questions and frustration with the Church (the universal Church) as a whole that I had suppressed because I believed in the goodness of people, and in the goodness of the mainstream Church. That's not to say I don't believe that now, but I want to admit something!

I have trust issues now. Issues that I didn't have before. I have a fear of the mainstream Church because I know (not just from my last experience but from many years of being in mainstream churches) that many times the people care more about keeping the status quo of their traditions than they are about doing new things to reach people that they are no longer being effective towards. I know change is hard, but it is indeed necessary!

More than that, I have trust issues with pastors. I'm not the only one who has this because of a similar situation. As I mentioned, a friend told me soon after I was asked to leave my last church, that, "Justin, you can't trust pastors! They are always ego driven and will always choose to act out of self-preservation than out of doing what's right." Again I say that this is the saddest statement I've ever heard, and there are only a few pastors that I have met that don't fall into this category! So there are exceptions to that rule, but I have to admit that the majority of pastors I've met DO fall into this category! So, yeah, I have a little bit of a trust issue with pastors. Can you blame me?

But that's not just coming from someone who has been in the ministry, but many people who have left the mainstream Church have felt these same things. I guess my problem is that I have always been more optimistic than most of my postmodern companions. This doesn't mean that I won't give pastors I meet the benefit of the doubt, but it DOES mean I will be on my guard a lot more than I have been. That's part of the postmodern anti-institutional mindset: people in positions of power no longer automatically deserve your trust. In fact, it's just the opposite: that position of power makes you not trustworthy in the eyes of those who distrust institutions, esp. the institution of the Church. So trust and to a degree respect has to be EARNED... which from a ministerial POV is not a bad thing... we should have had this attitude anyway!

So I said I'm in a better place... well what I mean by that, is even though I have many questions and a few hang-ups, This time in the wilderness has allowed me to finally DO many things that I've only thought about. I, along with a few other people, began a group that is ministering to those that the Church is missing. The postmodern people. I feel like I'm doing true ministry where they are and creating something that no one else (or at least very few people) are creating. Our group looks nothing like a church, and that's fine we aren't a church in the typical sense. But we CAN be church for those that need us to be church for them.

I'm also looking at opportunities career-wise that I would never consider before I came into this time and place in my life. I don't want to tip my hand so I'll leave it ambiguous, but I'm exploring any and all avenues of what the "next step" should or could be. That's not to say I won't get back into the mainstream Church. There are churches out there that have a heart for doing what God calls them to do. That may be a place I want to be! But no matter where God takes me, I rest assured that I'm in his hands. I am healing nicely, the scab is gone and only scars remain... but no anger!

I am not angry at anyone. I DO want closure and some honesty from some people, and eventually I think that time will come. But I can only move forward in my life, not "look back in anger". And since I've never once named the church or the people involved in this incident, I will refer to them/the incident as "Sally". Sally, the above Oasis song is dedicated to you, and also represents the place I am now! I in now way mean this song sarcastically, just honestly it provoked thoughts within me having not heard it in a long time! Sally, you don't know how much I wish things had been different with you, but it is what it is, and I am where I am...following my journey wherever it leads!


Don't Look Back In Anger--Oasis
Slip inside the eye of your mind
Don't you know you might find
A better place to play
You said that you'd never been
But all the things that you've seen
Will slowly fade away

So I start a revolution from my bed
'Cause you said the brains I had went to my head
Step outside the summertime's in bloom
Stand up beside the fireplace

Take that look from off your face
You ain't ever gonna burn my heart out

And so Sally can wait,
she knows it's too late as we're walking on by
Her soul slides away,
but don't look back in anger
I heard you say

Take me to the place where you go
Where nobody knows,
if it's night or day.
Please don't put your life in the hands
Of a Rock 'n Roll band
Who'll throw it all away

I'm gonna start the revolution from my bed
'Cos you said the brains I had went to my head
Step outside cos summertime's in bloom
Stand up beside the fireplace
Take that look from off your face
Cos you ain't ever gonna burn my heart out

So Sally can wait, she knows it's too late as we're walking on by
Her soul slides away, but don't look back in anger
I heard you say.

At least not today.

The Issue of Relativity

Soooo, I've been thinking about the issue of relativity in the postmodern worldview. For many churches and Christians, the idea that "truth is relative" is the biggest contention they have with postmodernity. Well, like it or not, the postmodern worldview is "emerging" no matter how many Christians fight it with their "Truth Wars" of what-nots.

However, I think that a problem with the Christian understanding of this single aspect of postmodernity; "truth is relative", is their lack of understanding, and the poor job that we do teaching and learning about this thing that seems to scare the living day-light out of the Church. One problem is that the Christian use of the word "truth" and "Truth" is loaded and inconsistent.

Let me explain. "truth" (little "t"), is usually used do proclaim accuracy, sincerity, and honesty. So the general phrase, "I tell you the truth...." can be translated: "I tell you in all honesty," or "in all sincerity...". When we are young and have hit our younger sibling in the head with a baseball bat (not that I've ever done that, but I've HEARD of it happening:) while playing baseball in the neighborhood, and you claim it was an accident to your mom; she usually will say "are you telling me the truth?" Meaning, "are you being accurate and honest about the story you are telling?"

Truth, however (with a big "T") is usually coined by religion and should always be known that the hidden assumed word before "Truth" is the word "Absolute". Absolute Truth means "something that is universally true to all people, times, and places; and not subject to being relative." Generally accepted, Absolute Truth means God, although pragmatically speaking, people in Christianity have also hold the Bible to be Absolutely True, as well as specific believed doctrines.

Anyway, both "truth" and "Truth", used interchangeably and incorrectly by many Christian leaders in many Christian groups, were thrown around a lot on my college campus. It is a word that carries many bad memories of people using it to condemn and disregard others who had differing beliefs/understandings.

So let's look at this with new language. Let's talk about REALITY. Reality also comes in two forms, that which is, and that which is PERCEIVED. We will refer to them as "Reality", and "reality". There is a "Reality" out there: that which exists and is. Then there is our perception of "reality": that which we know/understand. The difference is that "Reality" may not change, where as our PERCEPTION of reality can change.

Let's look at a couple of examples. Recently we've been told that Pluto is not a planet. When I was growing up (as with most of you), we were taught that Pluto was the furthest most planet in our solar system. Remember "My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas"? Well now, it's just "My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nine...." Kinda messes up that learning tool for memorizing the names of the planets! But it wasn't that Pluto USED to be a planet, and just now ceased to be a planet. It is that the "Reality" of Pluto was that it never was a planet, we just perceived the "reality" that Pluto was indeed a planet.

Let's look at other misperceived realities. How about Copernicus... He's the guy that let us realize that the solar system doesn't revolve around the Earth, but instead, it revolves around the sun (heliocentric). Oh, and that guy Columbus, didn't he teach us that the earth wasn't flat after all? See, it's not that actual Reality changed, but our perception of reality changed into a better understanding of that specific aspect of overall Reality.

I have a quote on the sidebar that says "position determines perspective". This is a great quote that plays well into this topic. Let me give another analogy. Mt. Rushmore. We all have seen pictures of this national treasure. Let's take an imaginary journey to the site where there are no guardrails to keep us from walking up to the mountain. We walk up to the mountain and with our face 2 feet from the sheer gray wall. What is the reality we see? A rock! So the reality in front of us is that we have a rock. then we take a couple of steps back and our perception changes to show us that our new reality is that the rock is a mountain. reality has now become different to us. Then we go back to where the observation deck is, and once again our perception of reality has changed. Now we perceive this mountain is actually a beautiful sculpture!! This is a fantastic new reality we've discovered. That doesn't diminish the smaller "realities" that we experienced, there is in fact a rock and a mountain aspect to Mt. Rushmore, but these realities by themselves do not in fact reflect the Reality that is Mt. Rushmore.

Now let's take this back to religion. I first want to state that in all other fields of study, this understanding is built-in. That's how progress has been made, because new people come along in Science, History, etc.. and challenge the perceived realities! In Christianity however, there are very few Christians who try to challenge the perceived reality, and those who do are outcast and denounced from pulpits nationwide! The message that sends is that Christians know Universal Reality (speaking of God here) in all of its facets, and there is no need to challenge this Reality any further. The honest truth is however, that they are comfortable with their perception of reality and that be it because of fear, arrogance, or whatever, they do not want their perception changed. I can understand this! When your personal reality is pulled out from under your feet, it can be a frightening and unpleasant thing, but one that ultimately brings you into a new perspective of that Ultimate Reality!

Add to this also, that honestly, no one has, can, or ever will be able to know this Ultimate Reality! That's part of what being a person of faith comes in. We don't have to know everything about God in order to worship him and live the life he wants us to live! In fact, perhaps knowing all that is God would hinder us from living that life, and becoming the person we are supposed to become. We are on a journey, and what is a journey if it ends? It is the journey that motivates us, and once we think we know completely Ultimate Reality, there is no room left for the journey.

So where does this leave us as spiritual beings? to continue the journey and to seek out new perspectives of God both inside and outside our accepted realities! truth and reality can come from ANYWHERE! We say God is Truth and Reality, and we say separately that God is in all things. Does that not mean that aspects of truth/reality can be found in all things? People have found realities in church, nature, philosophy, music, art, etc.... My faith in God and Christ has been enhanced even by some of the profound truths I've found in other religions. The Islam Idea of the holiness and Sovereignty of Allah has put any Christian Theology of God's Sovereignty to shame. The Hindu/Buddhist idea of meditation and enlightenment has brought me new and beautiful perspectives on the realities of God that I've experienced.

So is truth/reality relative? Yes it is, how can it not be? The Bible has not captured all of who God is and all he does into 66 books, confined into human language, held down to a specific culture and time period. God is so much bigger than that! He is still active and revealing himself in the world, and even today, with all the cultures, history, and language, we cannot capture the Reality of God, only perceive differing realities of God. The Bible is an important perspective, a NECESSARY perspective, esp. of Christ!

So before we claim we "know the Truth", maybe we should rethink what that statement is actually saying. no one can know the "Truth", and thus we should be willing to differing perspectives of reality so that we can find truth about Truth in other people!

I know my analogies aren't perfect, but I'm looking for a better way to teach/explain the postmodern idea of "relativity of truth" that has been irresponsibly thrown around and horribly misunderstood!

Your Thoughts?