I was talking to some friends about mega churches and how big they have to be. He went into detail about youth group size needing to be at least a thousand, then he proceeded to describe the churches' Skating Rinks or Bowling Alleys. I don't remember which, but does that part really matter?
I voiced my displeasure at such an emphasis on entertainment to the extent of having these in a place of worship.
In its defense, he helpfully added, "It's for the youth."
Sometimes, you just can't reason.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Corean Christmas
For me, Christmas week started on Saturday the twentieth. That afternoon I met a small group from our church to help deliver presents to a couple of orphanages. I waited with a Korean mom with three English-speaking kids in front of a van full of presents. The driver would be along shortly.
As we waited, some neighborhood kids strolled by playing with a plastic squeaky hammer and using bad language in Korean. The mother in our group promptly scolded the kids, who apologized. Her kids asked what they said, and naturally she refused to tell them.
Soon the driver arrived, and we were off. Within minutes we drove to the first orphanage, parked, and unloaded presents in a large dining area. I did some detective work by looking at the clock and reading the word "Jesus" and decided this must be a Christian orphanage. A better detective might have noticed the big pulpit behind me, but what can you do.
We shared snacks and called out names as the children ate. As a name was called, we gave out the respective gift. The lady in charge seemed to be asking the kids not to open their presents until Christmas. Some took the advice, but others couldn't wait. All were pleased.
We moved on to the second orphanage, where our church's pastor and his wife met us. We gathered the dozen or so kids, sat in a circle, and the mother in our group read the Christmas story from the book of Luke in Korean. Our pastor punctuated the reading with "this is why we celebrate."
After the reading, we sang a Christmas carol or two, played some games in Korean and English, then exchanged gifts with the children. They'll open them on Christmas day.
The following Monday Beka and I headed to a local church ministry to help bind quiet time diaries. They had "kyu tee" spelled out in Korean, which either meant Q.T., or cutie. I guess quiet times can be adorable.
That afternoon some missionary kids joined us and compared the work to destroying walls with a jackhammer. This was better by their estimation. I proceeded to debate how that was possible.
In the end, they won, as my point of view was vastly outnumbered.
Several hours and books later, we called it a day and made our way home.
Wednesday the twenty-fourth, I started the day as Santa. I half-walked, half-slid down icy steps to the subway, then met one of our school's former secretaries to impersonate the aforementioned Clause at a kindergarten.
I was ushered into a storeroom and shown my Santa suit, then asked to stay there until further notice. Great pains were taken to hide me, costume or no. Our friend later told me the reasons behind this covert op. Apparently, when she was young she asked her parents why Santa looked like her principal at school and her pastor at church. She wanted these kids to avoid such trauma.
The costume fit well enough, but Santa's coat kept slipping open revealing the Batman T-shirt underneath. This really was my plan when I got dressed that morning. The coat would fly open, and I'd be forced to admit "I'm not Santa. Santa's not real. I'm Batman."
The Batman shirt went unnoticed, as Santa's flying hat stole the show. It refused to stay on his head, and many six to eight year olds were amused, not to mention the four or five snickering adults. Oh, yes, I remember you, whoever you are.
I had several bags of presents and a list of names, written beforehand by their parents. I called a name, read good qualities and areas for improvement, then evened out the constructive criticism by forking over the loot. Santa did use his better judgment however, and refused to read "stop picking your nose" off one boy's list. There are some things that Santa needn't mention.
One girl looked like she was about to cry. Thankfully there were only positive notes on the list, but she still refused to smile, even with a present. The Santa hat continued to fly off my head. After the third or fourth time, she gave in and started laughing.
I managed a few more ho ho hos, a "Merry Christmas" or two, and hid until it was time to go home.
Later that afternoon I met some students, teachers and missionaries to sing some Christmas carols at a haukwan (tutoring school) ministry. We sang a few Christmas carols with explanations of what these Christmas carols mean and why they are important to us.
We were pleasantly surprised when we sang Silent Night and Joy to the World. The students joined in, and we learned they were practicing the words in English before they knew we would sing them.
We confirmed that many of them don't celebrate Christmas at home, so we explained what it means to us.
A few minutes later, we said our goodbyes, collected candy canes, and trudged back through the labyrinthine subway tunnels to work our ways to our respective homes.
As we waited, some neighborhood kids strolled by playing with a plastic squeaky hammer and using bad language in Korean. The mother in our group promptly scolded the kids, who apologized. Her kids asked what they said, and naturally she refused to tell them.
Soon the driver arrived, and we were off. Within minutes we drove to the first orphanage, parked, and unloaded presents in a large dining area. I did some detective work by looking at the clock and reading the word "Jesus" and decided this must be a Christian orphanage. A better detective might have noticed the big pulpit behind me, but what can you do.
We shared snacks and called out names as the children ate. As a name was called, we gave out the respective gift. The lady in charge seemed to be asking the kids not to open their presents until Christmas. Some took the advice, but others couldn't wait. All were pleased.
We moved on to the second orphanage, where our church's pastor and his wife met us. We gathered the dozen or so kids, sat in a circle, and the mother in our group read the Christmas story from the book of Luke in Korean. Our pastor punctuated the reading with "this is why we celebrate."
After the reading, we sang a Christmas carol or two, played some games in Korean and English, then exchanged gifts with the children. They'll open them on Christmas day.
The following Monday Beka and I headed to a local church ministry to help bind quiet time diaries. They had "kyu tee" spelled out in Korean, which either meant Q.T., or cutie. I guess quiet times can be adorable.
That afternoon some missionary kids joined us and compared the work to destroying walls with a jackhammer. This was better by their estimation. I proceeded to debate how that was possible.
In the end, they won, as my point of view was vastly outnumbered.
Several hours and books later, we called it a day and made our way home.
Wednesday the twenty-fourth, I started the day as Santa. I half-walked, half-slid down icy steps to the subway, then met one of our school's former secretaries to impersonate the aforementioned Clause at a kindergarten.
I was ushered into a storeroom and shown my Santa suit, then asked to stay there until further notice. Great pains were taken to hide me, costume or no. Our friend later told me the reasons behind this covert op. Apparently, when she was young she asked her parents why Santa looked like her principal at school and her pastor at church. She wanted these kids to avoid such trauma.
The costume fit well enough, but Santa's coat kept slipping open revealing the Batman T-shirt underneath. This really was my plan when I got dressed that morning. The coat would fly open, and I'd be forced to admit "I'm not Santa. Santa's not real. I'm Batman."
The Batman shirt went unnoticed, as Santa's flying hat stole the show. It refused to stay on his head, and many six to eight year olds were amused, not to mention the four or five snickering adults. Oh, yes, I remember you, whoever you are.
I had several bags of presents and a list of names, written beforehand by their parents. I called a name, read good qualities and areas for improvement, then evened out the constructive criticism by forking over the loot. Santa did use his better judgment however, and refused to read "stop picking your nose" off one boy's list. There are some things that Santa needn't mention.
One girl looked like she was about to cry. Thankfully there were only positive notes on the list, but she still refused to smile, even with a present. The Santa hat continued to fly off my head. After the third or fourth time, she gave in and started laughing.
I managed a few more ho ho hos, a "Merry Christmas" or two, and hid until it was time to go home.
Later that afternoon I met some students, teachers and missionaries to sing some Christmas carols at a haukwan (tutoring school) ministry. We sang a few Christmas carols with explanations of what these Christmas carols mean and why they are important to us.
We were pleasantly surprised when we sang Silent Night and Joy to the World. The students joined in, and we learned they were practicing the words in English before they knew we would sing them.
We confirmed that many of them don't celebrate Christmas at home, so we explained what it means to us.
A few minutes later, we said our goodbyes, collected candy canes, and trudged back through the labyrinthine subway tunnels to work our ways to our respective homes.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
He'll Be Back
This old Mad TV sketch still cracks me up and yet remains mostly reverent. Either way, it's appropriate for Christmas, so enjoy.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Culture Wars and... Coffee?
This Burnside blog post gets some good points across on some major culture war issues. And it's funny. Enjoy.
Proposition 9 Passes; Coffee Banned in Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah. After passing by less than 3,000 votes, Proposition 9, which outlaws the sale of all caffeinated beverages, roasted coffee beans, and teas, has sharply divided the Salt Lake community. Coffee drinkers and Starbucks employees have twice staged marches and demonstrations at the Salt Lake City Mormon Temple in protest of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ efforts in support of the Proposition.
Herb Heffernander, an employee of the local coffee shop, Awesome Beans says more protests are planned. “We’re just so mad that they would take this away from us,” says Heffernander. “It’s only motivated by religion and it’s splitting families apart.”
However, the strife is not limited to LDS church members and coffee drinkers; divisions are surfacing among the Mormon faithful.
“Doctrine and Covenants 89 simply states that ‘hot drinks are not for the body or belly’ and doesn’t clearly identify coffee or caffeine,” says Mormon Bishop Franklin Plopshelf. He also suggests that tea should be viewed in light of Joseph Smith’s revelation about herbs, which are for the use of man.
Many Mormons who supported Proposition 9 say it’s about the spirit of D&C 89. “Coffee is destroying this nation,” states Linda Low, a Salt Lake resident who worked on the Yes on 9 campaign. “It’s an abomination.” Low argues that Bishop Plopshelf is more concerned with the image of the church and it’s ability to reach out to the younger generation rather than a strict adherence to scripture.
The Local Coffee Roasters Association of Main Street has vowed to challenge the Proposition in court and more protests are expected. A claim of election law violations against the LDS church as also been filed by the Association, claiming that the church overstepped it’s tax exempt status by entering the political arena. The church has made no comment.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Those Damned Missionaries
My wife was teaching The Good Earth in one of her classes and pointed out an interesting passage. The main character, a struggling Chinese farmer, encounters missionaries. They hand him a piece of paper with Jesus on the cross and nothing else. This has extra meaning when we realize the author was a missionaries' kid who later turned her back on the faith.
Wes Anderson, author of Too Small to Ignore and head of Compassion International, was also an MK. He recalls an incident when his father took him to African villages with the hope of preaching from the Bible. One village was pretty much on the brink of death. Dr. Anderson's dad figured out their water supply was poisoned and took care of it. The people recovered and asked why he took so much interest in them. He told them, and it wasn't long before a church got started.
Later, the dad wrote an update letter to supporting churches telling what happened. To his son's chagrin, he left out the parts about helping people. Sheepishly, he explained the churches in the U.S. wouldn't understand. Young Wes Anderson walked away in tears.
It seems like I'm always having this conversation and always will until the day I die, but doesn't scripture point these things out? It does, and many of us are catching up, but why does it take us so long?
Physical and spiritual needs are both important, and the minute we ignore one we damn ourselves to disobedience. I hope we seek the least of these, but with purpose.
Wes Anderson, author of Too Small to Ignore and head of Compassion International, was also an MK. He recalls an incident when his father took him to African villages with the hope of preaching from the Bible. One village was pretty much on the brink of death. Dr. Anderson's dad figured out their water supply was poisoned and took care of it. The people recovered and asked why he took so much interest in them. He told them, and it wasn't long before a church got started.
Later, the dad wrote an update letter to supporting churches telling what happened. To his son's chagrin, he left out the parts about helping people. Sheepishly, he explained the churches in the U.S. wouldn't understand. Young Wes Anderson walked away in tears.
It seems like I'm always having this conversation and always will until the day I die, but doesn't scripture point these things out? It does, and many of us are catching up, but why does it take us so long?
Physical and spiritual needs are both important, and the minute we ignore one we damn ourselves to disobedience. I hope we seek the least of these, but with purpose.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Culture Wars and Myvalues
I'll have a bit to say on culture wars in future posts as it's a pretty big topic, but the Christmas season and social networks such as Myspace and Facebook serve as a good intro.
Social networks are great. You can start a group or join a cause and invite others to join them. You can also (secretly of course) look down on them when they don't join your cause. Shame.
Some causes have immediate purpose and are fairly personal. My wife recently joined a group explaining her uniquely-named friend is in fact a real person and should be allowed to have an account. It also had an immediate effect as it worked.
Beyond that we get into the tricky part. My "end poverty" out ranks your "keep prayer in the school" and so on. And what shall we call Christmas? Simply put, who has the best cause?
I do think that drawing awareness to things we care about is good, especially when we're strongly convicted about them. I also believe (as I'll discuss in later posts) culture wars tend to lose sight of individual and church wide responsibilities. But the moment I turn the whole thing into a competition I lose sight of the point.
I can click and show my support for feeding the poor, but if I don't show love to people outside of my comfort zone and spend time with them it means nothing.
What's the best way to keep Christ in Christmas? Followers who reflect Him by giving meaningful gifts to each other and to others in need, with purpose. (By the way, I see this happen a lot during the holidays and it encourages me. The church is hungry for opportunities to serve and give.)
It seems common sense, but in an age of point and click, easy entertainment, easy service, easy evangelism, it's worth a shout-out at least.
In the meantime, I have to remember where values need to be. In ending poverty.
No, seriously. My causes are better.
Social networks are great. You can start a group or join a cause and invite others to join them. You can also (secretly of course) look down on them when they don't join your cause. Shame.
Some causes have immediate purpose and are fairly personal. My wife recently joined a group explaining her uniquely-named friend is in fact a real person and should be allowed to have an account. It also had an immediate effect as it worked.
Beyond that we get into the tricky part. My "end poverty" out ranks your "keep prayer in the school" and so on. And what shall we call Christmas? Simply put, who has the best cause?
I do think that drawing awareness to things we care about is good, especially when we're strongly convicted about them. I also believe (as I'll discuss in later posts) culture wars tend to lose sight of individual and church wide responsibilities. But the moment I turn the whole thing into a competition I lose sight of the point.
I can click and show my support for feeding the poor, but if I don't show love to people outside of my comfort zone and spend time with them it means nothing.
What's the best way to keep Christ in Christmas? Followers who reflect Him by giving meaningful gifts to each other and to others in need, with purpose. (By the way, I see this happen a lot during the holidays and it encourages me. The church is hungry for opportunities to serve and give.)
It seems common sense, but in an age of point and click, easy entertainment, easy service, easy evangelism, it's worth a shout-out at least.
In the meantime, I have to remember where values need to be. In ending poverty.
No, seriously. My causes are better.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Wimpy Theology
I was raised in a Christian home with certain notions of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Point number one was "don't water down the Gospel". So, as long as everything included sin and the death burial and resurrection of Christ, our basic Christian-ness remains unscathed. For many years, I agreed. Lately, however, I've begun to not edit but rather expand my definition of what that means. And that's where things get scary.
I've heard of a "wimpy theology", referring to any teaching on God that isn't soundly based on the Bible. But let's go beyond that. Wouldn't a weak theology be one that seems to require nothing of us? One that says "Pray this prayer, then read the Bible, pray, and continue your life as you normaly would"? Don't get me wrong, sin, a need for a Savior, and faith in Him are vital to the Gospel, but isn't leaving out Christ's teachings on people who hear the words and don't do them or those who see others in need and say "be fed" or "be clothed" and keep on walking at least a bit wimpy? Shouldn't all that reading and praying make a difference?
I'm not talking about works based salvation, as that would be a hopeless black hole (see "Adventures in Dogooding" a few posts back for one example). I'm just talking about common sense, sort of. If we have faith, it should make a difference in more than just our heads. But what gets stressed more? Or am I just overreacting? That's always a possibility, so I'm not ruling it out.
Please feel free to comment. A strong theology might include more than I even mentioned. What do you think?
I've heard of a "wimpy theology", referring to any teaching on God that isn't soundly based on the Bible. But let's go beyond that. Wouldn't a weak theology be one that seems to require nothing of us? One that says "Pray this prayer, then read the Bible, pray, and continue your life as you normaly would"? Don't get me wrong, sin, a need for a Savior, and faith in Him are vital to the Gospel, but isn't leaving out Christ's teachings on people who hear the words and don't do them or those who see others in need and say "be fed" or "be clothed" and keep on walking at least a bit wimpy? Shouldn't all that reading and praying make a difference?
I'm not talking about works based salvation, as that would be a hopeless black hole (see "Adventures in Dogooding" a few posts back for one example). I'm just talking about common sense, sort of. If we have faith, it should make a difference in more than just our heads. But what gets stressed more? Or am I just overreacting? That's always a possibility, so I'm not ruling it out.
Please feel free to comment. A strong theology might include more than I even mentioned. What do you think?
Friday, December 5, 2008
Ball Pits and Christmas Cards
Thursday I had the opportunity to tag along with a group taking snacks and diapers to an orphanage. Part of its name actually refers to it as a town, and it has the size to match. We parked near the building where the children were and brought the supplies in it. Then it was time for a tour.
The children range from ages zero to four. A separate building houses unwed mothers. The building we entered kept children, some sensible toys, and the ultimate ball pit on the first floor. Most of the kids kept pretty busy.
One four year old found me and decided to give me a tour of the place. He led me by the pinky until a Poo Bear bicycle caught his eye. Then he decided to ride that instead.
Later he wanted to be held. Every time I'd start to let go, he would get more footing and wrap his arms around my neck. Thankfully, it was time to eat when we had to go, or he might not have let me leave. He has a good sense of priorities.
We promised to return, then made our way to our respective homes.
Friday I joined a meeting with students interested in going on a short-term missions trip to India or the Philippines. I assured those interested in India that India is not on the restrictive travel list. Another teacher added the fact that Mumbai is far and in the opposite direction from where we are going. Of course there were problems nearby, but thankfully those blew over.
Later that day I had some students make Christmas cards for elderly ladies in the Grandma House. I explained I would visit with some students and teachers the following day. Everyone used Korean, some used English, two used Japanese and one used Russian.
The next day a student would remind me the Japanese might not be a good idea, and I remembered some of the ladies were probably alive during the occupation. But I finally decided my students can't help who they are. And they did use Korean as well.
Saturday our PE teacher graciously drove our group to the grandma house, where we brought the cards and some towels as requested, then drank coffee and waited to be put to work. We didn't have to wait long.
We cleaned the floors, and I noted that some of our students consider work punishment. I was impressed as they seemed to enjoy themselves.
An hour later, we rinsed out our cleaning rags, ate some pears, then gathered up our list of Christmas carols. We spent the twenty minute ride teaching the songs to the students, as many didn't know them. This was not a good week for me to have a cold. Regardless, we sang without hurting anyone. That's always a plus.
Three songs passed, and it was time for the residents to eat. That seems to be our exit cue.
We said our goodbyes, then drove off to find a lunch of our own.
The children range from ages zero to four. A separate building houses unwed mothers. The building we entered kept children, some sensible toys, and the ultimate ball pit on the first floor. Most of the kids kept pretty busy.
One four year old found me and decided to give me a tour of the place. He led me by the pinky until a Poo Bear bicycle caught his eye. Then he decided to ride that instead.
Later he wanted to be held. Every time I'd start to let go, he would get more footing and wrap his arms around my neck. Thankfully, it was time to eat when we had to go, or he might not have let me leave. He has a good sense of priorities.
We promised to return, then made our way to our respective homes.
Friday I joined a meeting with students interested in going on a short-term missions trip to India or the Philippines. I assured those interested in India that India is not on the restrictive travel list. Another teacher added the fact that Mumbai is far and in the opposite direction from where we are going. Of course there were problems nearby, but thankfully those blew over.
Later that day I had some students make Christmas cards for elderly ladies in the Grandma House. I explained I would visit with some students and teachers the following day. Everyone used Korean, some used English, two used Japanese and one used Russian.
The next day a student would remind me the Japanese might not be a good idea, and I remembered some of the ladies were probably alive during the occupation. But I finally decided my students can't help who they are. And they did use Korean as well.
Saturday our PE teacher graciously drove our group to the grandma house, where we brought the cards and some towels as requested, then drank coffee and waited to be put to work. We didn't have to wait long.
We cleaned the floors, and I noted that some of our students consider work punishment. I was impressed as they seemed to enjoy themselves.
An hour later, we rinsed out our cleaning rags, ate some pears, then gathered up our list of Christmas carols. We spent the twenty minute ride teaching the songs to the students, as many didn't know them. This was not a good week for me to have a cold. Regardless, we sang without hurting anyone. That's always a plus.
Three songs passed, and it was time for the residents to eat. That seems to be our exit cue.
We said our goodbyes, then drove off to find a lunch of our own.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Feedback, or Death to the Monologue
After a refreshing vacation from blogging on this site I afforded the opportunity to have a thought or two. My default is, when in doubt, listen. I can blabber about my opinions all day, but I would learn nothing. So, I'll add a new format to the mix and see what happens.
I'll ask a question rather than just say what I think. If you're reading this, please comment and let me know your convictions, thoughts and interpretations on the matter. Thinking will ensue. I hope.
Here's the question. Is service a means to an end, or is it a way of showing the Gospel? I've heard people say that doing acts of service such as helping the fatherless and the widow, etc, is "a great way to tell them about the Gospel." But isn't the act a witness, a means of showing the Gospel? The question is, should the service be used only as a lead-in to a sermon, or can it be a witness as well?
Discuss.
I'll ask a question rather than just say what I think. If you're reading this, please comment and let me know your convictions, thoughts and interpretations on the matter. Thinking will ensue. I hope.
Here's the question. Is service a means to an end, or is it a way of showing the Gospel? I've heard people say that doing acts of service such as helping the fatherless and the widow, etc, is "a great way to tell them about the Gospel." But isn't the act a witness, a means of showing the Gospel? The question is, should the service be used only as a lead-in to a sermon, or can it be a witness as well?
Discuss.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
More to Come
I'm slamming on the brakes awhile to allow readers to catch up. I have at least a few more sacred cows to make holy hamburgers for the next few weeks. That should sustain us, providing they're not too rare. In the meantime, read, rehash and ponder away.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Bah, Humbug
It's not even Thanksgiving yet, and I'm sick of Christmas already. Earlier each year, our heads get filled with obligations and lists of things to buy. As Michael Scott from the Office would say, it's a time to measure your value of others by how much you spend on them. Franken what? Myrrh? It's all about the gold.
Maybe Christmas and I got started on the wrong foot. I was an angel in the school play one year and the lights were too warm or my halo was too tight. Whatever the case, we all hit a long note at the end of a song and I dropped like a stinky little snowflake.
I don't remember what I got for Christmas that year.
It's probably the only Christmas I don't equate with what I got. I mean, Nerf fencing swords and diskmen are cool, but should those mark the defining points of a life?
Last year I looked up the origins of Christmas. A long time ago it was pretty wild. It was all about partying hard and getting others to do the same. Eventually it got out of hand and it was discouraged to celebrate it.
In the time of Dickens and like minded writers the "spirit of Christmas" was renewed with a sense of generosity. Remember scrooge? He gave to the poor in the end. He gave according to needs, not whims. At this point in history it seems so un American. I mean, where are the wonderful toys?
Somewhere between then and now the wires got crossed concerning generosity and indulgence. It's hard to tell the difference at times.
I stressed when I shouldn't have. Our school has door decorating contests, and a theme for decorating our doors. My Grinch reflexes kicked in, and I grumbled "something something wasting class time". I overlooked the positive.
Our theme is the twelve days of Christmas, but with a biblical perspective. We get to focus on the basics of why we are celebrating. It's like shaking the etch-a-sketch and starting over. I like it.
I seriously wonder how many times Jesus was tempted to return to earth just to say "Take my name off this holiday."
Maybe I need to go back, and see what needs to be done to focus on the basics. Maybe we all do.
Maybe Christmas and I got started on the wrong foot. I was an angel in the school play one year and the lights were too warm or my halo was too tight. Whatever the case, we all hit a long note at the end of a song and I dropped like a stinky little snowflake.
I don't remember what I got for Christmas that year.
It's probably the only Christmas I don't equate with what I got. I mean, Nerf fencing swords and diskmen are cool, but should those mark the defining points of a life?
Last year I looked up the origins of Christmas. A long time ago it was pretty wild. It was all about partying hard and getting others to do the same. Eventually it got out of hand and it was discouraged to celebrate it.
In the time of Dickens and like minded writers the "spirit of Christmas" was renewed with a sense of generosity. Remember scrooge? He gave to the poor in the end. He gave according to needs, not whims. At this point in history it seems so un American. I mean, where are the wonderful toys?
Somewhere between then and now the wires got crossed concerning generosity and indulgence. It's hard to tell the difference at times.
I stressed when I shouldn't have. Our school has door decorating contests, and a theme for decorating our doors. My Grinch reflexes kicked in, and I grumbled "something something wasting class time". I overlooked the positive.
Our theme is the twelve days of Christmas, but with a biblical perspective. We get to focus on the basics of why we are celebrating. It's like shaking the etch-a-sketch and starting over. I like it.
I seriously wonder how many times Jesus was tempted to return to earth just to say "Take my name off this holiday."
Maybe I need to go back, and see what needs to be done to focus on the basics. Maybe we all do.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Fun with Balloons
The story I pasted a link to below made me smile this morning, and it took me all day to figure out why.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7719755.stm
Post after post, I talk about what the church isn't doing, what it's doing wrong, and what it should be doing instead. I'm sure it seems to some that I'm whining. But as part of the church, I see it as a positive thing. Hey! We could be doing this instead of this. I truly believe, for example, we as the church could do more to support single-parent homes and adoption efforts. But that's only one example. What else can we do, and how could we even start?
I like what these activists did for several reasons.
1. They saw a need. North Koreans are starving for actual news. If only there was something they could do.
2. They thought it through and did something about it. They accurately assessed a need and followed through with meeting it. And best of all,
3. They saw resistance as a good thing. "People are pissed. We must be doing something right." So they keep on doing what they feel they need to.
It's so foreign to me to see people act this way. That's not how you respond to opposition. Aren't you supposed to draw further in to yourself and make movies?
As a spiritual tourist, I find examples like this very encouraging. It's not a complete answer, but it's a good start.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7719755.stm
Post after post, I talk about what the church isn't doing, what it's doing wrong, and what it should be doing instead. I'm sure it seems to some that I'm whining. But as part of the church, I see it as a positive thing. Hey! We could be doing this instead of this. I truly believe, for example, we as the church could do more to support single-parent homes and adoption efforts. But that's only one example. What else can we do, and how could we even start?
I like what these activists did for several reasons.
1. They saw a need. North Koreans are starving for actual news. If only there was something they could do.
2. They thought it through and did something about it. They accurately assessed a need and followed through with meeting it. And best of all,
3. They saw resistance as a good thing. "People are pissed. We must be doing something right." So they keep on doing what they feel they need to.
It's so foreign to me to see people act this way. That's not how you respond to opposition. Aren't you supposed to draw further in to yourself and make movies?
As a spiritual tourist, I find examples like this very encouraging. It's not a complete answer, but it's a good start.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Adventures in Do-gooding
Lately I've felt a pull to pursue living simply. This happened as I could see more examples of materialism hurting others. This summer was the most vivid example, as well as the most effective conundrum.
I was practicing my multi-tasking one afternoon by watching a video while surfing the net. My plans were to play some Playstation later that day. I found a headline on yahoo news and my heart sank. I clicked on the headline to read the story and it sank deeper, if that's possible. How far can your heart sink? Who knows.
Anyway, it turns out that all video game violence isn't fake. A metal used in Playstations, as well as in cellphones and other technological wonders, was mined in the Congo by children. It's even been referred to as the "new blood diamond."
I decided not to play Playstation that day.
The conundrum is what to do with the thing. We haven't used it since, but would it be wrong if we did? The damage is already done. But what's the alternative? Sell it? How would that help anyone?
In the end, all is said and done and I still don't know what to do. Try to do right and you still might have a bizarre Butterfly Effect without Ashton Kutcher (thankfully). You follow conviction, and hope and pray for the best.
My happy medium is moderation. If I don't go out of my way for toys to entertain, I can hope and pray that I am not oppressing others through my actions. Live simply and hope for the best.
It seems logical (in a way) and reasonable. It follows my convictions and God-given concern for others. But it still doesn't resolve the feeling in my gut.
Maybe I just need to take antacid.
Does anyone want a used Playstation? Cheap?
I was practicing my multi-tasking one afternoon by watching a video while surfing the net. My plans were to play some Playstation later that day. I found a headline on yahoo news and my heart sank. I clicked on the headline to read the story and it sank deeper, if that's possible. How far can your heart sink? Who knows.
Anyway, it turns out that all video game violence isn't fake. A metal used in Playstations, as well as in cellphones and other technological wonders, was mined in the Congo by children. It's even been referred to as the "new blood diamond."
I decided not to play Playstation that day.
The conundrum is what to do with the thing. We haven't used it since, but would it be wrong if we did? The damage is already done. But what's the alternative? Sell it? How would that help anyone?
In the end, all is said and done and I still don't know what to do. Try to do right and you still might have a bizarre Butterfly Effect without Ashton Kutcher (thankfully). You follow conviction, and hope and pray for the best.
My happy medium is moderation. If I don't go out of my way for toys to entertain, I can hope and pray that I am not oppressing others through my actions. Live simply and hope for the best.
It seems logical (in a way) and reasonable. It follows my convictions and God-given concern for others. But it still doesn't resolve the feeling in my gut.
Maybe I just need to take antacid.
Does anyone want a used Playstation? Cheap?
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
No Discernment
Censorship reeks of fear. Everything I read or watch has to be "safe", that is, to agree with what I already think. It's impossible to look at opposing views with a balanced perspective. I must spend a lifetime constructing a protective bubble. I must forever remain a tourist.
How can we learn anything if we don't listen?
How can we learn anything if we don't listen?
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Media Frenzy or The Problem with Tourism Part 2
There's a new craze in churches these days. Let's raise money and invest in them moving pictures. After all, more people are influenced by movies these days than anything else.
Here's my issue. The church tends to be out of touch, so much so that it misunderstands what being out of touch really means. It doesn't mean we need more technology and trendier music and "Christian entertainment" to counter "all the liberal garbage out there." It means we ignore those who are in need while we are spending more money on ourselves. Do you want to be relevant? Use the funds to meet the needs of others (see "the big fat 'A'" a few posts back for one example). Do you want to be trendy so people will like you? Watch more TV and ditch a life of faith altogether. One choice is actually an investment.
Here's my issue. The church tends to be out of touch, so much so that it misunderstands what being out of touch really means. It doesn't mean we need more technology and trendier music and "Christian entertainment" to counter "all the liberal garbage out there." It means we ignore those who are in need while we are spending more money on ourselves. Do you want to be relevant? Use the funds to meet the needs of others (see "the big fat 'A'" a few posts back for one example). Do you want to be trendy so people will like you? Watch more TV and ditch a life of faith altogether. One choice is actually an investment.
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Problem with Tourism
This may upset many people, and to be honest, I hope it does so, in the right way. Lately I've had musings on church, racism and irrelevance. It all brought me to thoughts on tourism.
I like to travel, but I hate being a tourist. I don't mean I hate taking pictures or seeing great sites, as those help create memories and prompt unforgetable adventures. I just don't like the distance it seems to require from people.
When you're a tourist, you don't connect with the people who live in that place. You see many as obstacles, or means to an end. At best, they are in the background and don't factor much into your stories. I say "you", but I'm included here as well. It's reducing people to resources, and I hate it.
Recently a staff member at our school was talking about racism, and how many of us teachers couldn't understand because we are American. She was right. No matter where I go, I may even be the minority, but I'll get special treatment. I hate that as well.
I like to travel, but I hate being a tourist. I don't mean I hate taking pictures or seeing great sites, as those help create memories and prompt unforgetable adventures. I just don't like the distance it seems to require from people.
When you're a tourist, you don't connect with the people who live in that place. You see many as obstacles, or means to an end. At best, they are in the background and don't factor much into your stories. I say "you", but I'm included here as well. It's reducing people to resources, and I hate it.
Recently a staff member at our school was talking about racism, and how many of us teachers couldn't understand because we are American. She was right. No matter where I go, I may even be the minority, but I'll get special treatment. I hate that as well.
I try to speak the language of people I come into contact with. I listen, try to learn from what I hear, and respond. I mess up a lot, but as Radall P. MacMurphy from One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest would say, at least I try.
Christians remind me of tourists, again, myself included. I recently watched a Tyler Perry movie and almost applauded myself for enjoying it. Wouldn't it be better to actually interract with people who aren't as WASP-ish as myself? Movies would tell you all whites are stupid or gun-crazed. Yeah, let's leave that one alone. Still, you see my point.
We'll never make a difference if we insist on keeping a safe distance from those who are different from us.
Every Sunday we choose who to sit next to. Every Sunday we find people who are very similar to ourselves and sit by them. This inherant discrimination is shared by all. I'm guilty too, and I hate it.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
the big fat "A"
The most polarizing issue nowadays for Christians as well as many non-Christians would have to be abortion. It's caused argument, or at least lively discussion, and rightly so, as life and death can be some emotional issues. I'd be worried if they were not. I've thought and prayed about this and recently I felt a burden to share some ideas of my own on this topic. And as it would upset many conservatives and liberals alike, it seems to ring true.
I believe strongly that a baby, born or not, is a life. I also believe that it is wrong to take life or ask others to do so. But many Christian churches do that when they demand someone have a baby they can't afford to take care of. It sounds a bit dramatic, but that can be the case. We excell at telling people what not to do, even if it starves them out.
I've been reminded lately of the nature of God. He is compassionate, and He never asks people to "put off" without "putting on". He gives us positive replacements for the things we need to avoid, such as murder. He gives so much more than what He asks for. And we as followers of Christ claim the desire to become more like Him.
These thoughts led me to the idea. How many churches raise funds to support adoption, or single-parent homes? That seems more important than a new flat screen TV or new songbooks. If no one is doing this, we are all judgment without the compassion. It does not seem very pro-life.
I believe strongly that a baby, born or not, is a life. I also believe that it is wrong to take life or ask others to do so. But many Christian churches do that when they demand someone have a baby they can't afford to take care of. It sounds a bit dramatic, but that can be the case. We excell at telling people what not to do, even if it starves them out.
I've been reminded lately of the nature of God. He is compassionate, and He never asks people to "put off" without "putting on". He gives us positive replacements for the things we need to avoid, such as murder. He gives so much more than what He asks for. And we as followers of Christ claim the desire to become more like Him.
These thoughts led me to the idea. How many churches raise funds to support adoption, or single-parent homes? That seems more important than a new flat screen TV or new songbooks. If no one is doing this, we are all judgment without the compassion. It does not seem very pro-life.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Lessons from the Dark Knight (Spoilers and all)
Warning! I'm going to discuss the plot of the Dark Knight. I tried to wait patiently so I could discuss it, so I believe most of the world has reached the statute of limitations on spoilers by now. In case I'm wrong, I'll do some extra butt-covering for good measure.
WARNING! SPOILER AHEAD!
That being settled, I'll move on.
The Dark Knight is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. One of the reasons for this is the deeper issues of morality and human nature. The explosions are cool, too, but that's beside the point.
The scene with the two boats, or the result of Joker's "social experiment", gets me every time. I can never get over who acts first, and what he says and does. I don't cry, but I get pretty close.
Recently my wife and I re-watched the Dark Knight. I explained how I love that scene, and on the second viewing she had a question. Does that scene suggest man is basically good?
I had wrestled with that one as well, so I thought about it.
Not really, I eventually replied. Just that there's hope.
I'll add now that Batman (or the Batman if you prefer) would never suggest people are basically good. He wouldn't do what he does if he thought so. (In the movies and comics, of course. I do acknowledge he's not real.) But there is hope of making the right decision as well.
I recently realized why that scene moves me. It has to be the most convincing and powerful conversion scene I've seen in a movie. No one prays a prayer or anything, but you can see a change of heart.
I'm not saying the character(s) "got saved." But the humility and honesty involved show a true change, a repentance I don't remember seeing done convincingly in any movie, including evangelistic ones. Knowing who you are and taking steps to change it may not be the end all, but it's a good start.
I also like the part about the people in the other boat following suit. It reminds me of the "rest of us", those who think we're not so bad. We have potential to do at least as much damage with our dismissive judgmental whims such as "They had their chance." In the end, we could (and many have) destroy lives. But the end of this tense scene reminds me that there's even hope for us.
WARNING! SPOILER AHEAD!
That being settled, I'll move on.
The Dark Knight is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. One of the reasons for this is the deeper issues of morality and human nature. The explosions are cool, too, but that's beside the point.
The scene with the two boats, or the result of Joker's "social experiment", gets me every time. I can never get over who acts first, and what he says and does. I don't cry, but I get pretty close.
Recently my wife and I re-watched the Dark Knight. I explained how I love that scene, and on the second viewing she had a question. Does that scene suggest man is basically good?
I had wrestled with that one as well, so I thought about it.
Not really, I eventually replied. Just that there's hope.
I'll add now that Batman (or the Batman if you prefer) would never suggest people are basically good. He wouldn't do what he does if he thought so. (In the movies and comics, of course. I do acknowledge he's not real.) But there is hope of making the right decision as well.
I recently realized why that scene moves me. It has to be the most convincing and powerful conversion scene I've seen in a movie. No one prays a prayer or anything, but you can see a change of heart.
I'm not saying the character(s) "got saved." But the humility and honesty involved show a true change, a repentance I don't remember seeing done convincingly in any movie, including evangelistic ones. Knowing who you are and taking steps to change it may not be the end all, but it's a good start.
I also like the part about the people in the other boat following suit. It reminds me of the "rest of us", those who think we're not so bad. We have potential to do at least as much damage with our dismissive judgmental whims such as "They had their chance." In the end, we could (and many have) destroy lives. But the end of this tense scene reminds me that there's even hope for us.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday Mornings
I've got nothing against musicals, if they're good enough. I just never asked to live in one. But every Sunday, that seems to be the case. This particular Sunday was no exception.
We started with the usual barage of praise choruses. They seemed introspective or just plain shallow, or I was just in a crotchety mood. Either way, I decided the most honest way to worship was choosing not to sing.
One song in particular made this choice interesting. The verses were from Amazing Grace, a song I could never have a problem singing. But the chorus was added on by some contemporary Christian singer, as if adding a chorus made it his song now. Did it add meaning? Not really, so I just sang the verses.
We were done singing, and then we were ready for...more singing! But before that, we had to listen to someone else play special music. She played the piano well, but beyond acknowledging that I had nothing major to reflect on. So I watched members of the audience for a clue. Women were watching the fingers move, to see if they could do that. Men seemed impressed, because many of them couldn't do that. One dude was doing a sort of restrained "holy head-banging" nod thing. It was distinct from the sleep nod, so I gathered he enjoyed it. No one else looked bored.
We sang a couple of hymns. I knew or at least hoped the message would be good, as it usually is. But the excessive singing makes it hard for me to focus. I mean, it's exactly like living in a musical. No one sings this much in real life.
The message was good, then we sang our closing song. "They Will Know We are Christians by Our Love." I thought they'd know by our excessive singing, but I hope the other is true as well.
We started with the usual barage of praise choruses. They seemed introspective or just plain shallow, or I was just in a crotchety mood. Either way, I decided the most honest way to worship was choosing not to sing.
One song in particular made this choice interesting. The verses were from Amazing Grace, a song I could never have a problem singing. But the chorus was added on by some contemporary Christian singer, as if adding a chorus made it his song now. Did it add meaning? Not really, so I just sang the verses.
We were done singing, and then we were ready for...more singing! But before that, we had to listen to someone else play special music. She played the piano well, but beyond acknowledging that I had nothing major to reflect on. So I watched members of the audience for a clue. Women were watching the fingers move, to see if they could do that. Men seemed impressed, because many of them couldn't do that. One dude was doing a sort of restrained "holy head-banging" nod thing. It was distinct from the sleep nod, so I gathered he enjoyed it. No one else looked bored.
We sang a couple of hymns. I knew or at least hoped the message would be good, as it usually is. But the excessive singing makes it hard for me to focus. I mean, it's exactly like living in a musical. No one sings this much in real life.
The message was good, then we sang our closing song. "They Will Know We are Christians by Our Love." I thought they'd know by our excessive singing, but I hope the other is true as well.
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