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Ash Wednesday Sermon 2012 "Why I Hate Lent"

2012-02-22T18:24:00.000-08:00

Yes, the title of the sermon is deliberately misleading....This is not a theological masterpiece, but I do believe it gets to the heart of the matter. Here is the Scripture and the Sermon:

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. ²“So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. ³But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

⁵“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. ⁶But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

¹⁶“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. ¹⁷But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

¹⁹“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; ²⁰but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

SERMON

They say that confession is good for the soul. So, let me make a confession. I don’t like Lent. I never have. Don’t get me wrong. The concept is great. Maybe I phrased it poorly. Maybe I should have said, “I have never been a fan of how Lent is observed.”

In a few minutes, we have the part of the service where I give you ideas for how to observe Lent. I don’t want to spoil it for you, but it’s going to involve things like prayer, reflection, fasting, repentance, and giving up things you like.

I’ve always felt weird at Lent. I’m not good at giving up things I like. One year, before I was a pastor, I realized that I loved going to church. I asked my pastor if I caught God in a technicality if I were to give up going to church for Lent. I only got a blank stare followed by a nervous chuckle for a response. Seriously, however, I love chocolate. Trust me, you don’t know how much I LOVE chocolate. How is giving that up going to bring me closer to God? I tried it before. I found myself resenting God because I gave it up supposedly for Him, even though He didn’t ask me to it, and I was miserable. My fast lasted almost the better part of an hour. I finally gave into my temptation after about 40 minutes of torture. Then I worried that God hated me. I thought I was an evil and horrible person. Basically I missed the boat of the real meaning of Lent. Lent isn’t about giving up one thing, it’s about a relationship with God.

As a child, I attended a church where Lenten discipline was strictly encouraged. Actually, we were guilt tripped into observing Lent. The logic went something like this - If Christ could give up his life for us, we certain could give up chocolate for him – or so we were told. To my 7 year old mind, my sacrifice seemed much more severe than his…he only suffered on the cross for 3 hours….they wanted me to do this for 40 days.

As the years went on, and I started to understand what Lent was supposed to mean, I found myself feeling more and more guilty, because I couldn’t, or maybe wouldn’t, give up even the smallest things. What was the point? I’d ask. God isn’t going to like me more because I give up something so trivial as chocolate.

When the movie “The Passion of the Christ” came out, we got to see in graphic detail the brutal torture Christ went through. Suddenly, giving up chocolate seemed pointless in comparison. Christ gave everything…What could I give that could even come close? Then, suddenly I realized the answer. I have nothing to give that could be even close to what Christ gave. And in case you haven’t figured it out, neither do you. All of this fasting, praying, and giving things up isn’t to give something back to God…it’s to bring us closer to God. Isn’t it sad that it took a movie for me to get that? It’s so clear in the Bible – if only we’d realize what discipleship is all about. Yes, Christ tells us to take up our own cross…but it’s the cross of discipleship. Discipleship may involve suffering, and yes, even death, but our death does not bring redemption like Christ’s. It’s just our passing from one life to the next.

In our Gospel reading, Jesus directly addresses how we should practice our piety. Now that’s a fancy word – “Piety.” All it means is the stuff you do to grow spiritually. That could mean good deeds, prayer, worship, devotions, reading your bible, and so forth. Basically, he tells us not to be show-offs.

We sure live in a “show off” culture! Watch a football game…someone makes a touchdown (in other words, does his job), and acts like he saved the world. Watch a politician win an election, (that is convince more people that he or she is a better candidate), and you’d think this person thinks he or she is the 2^nd coming. If you ever had to write a resume, you probably know what I’m talking about. Your previous jobs go from being a normal everyday job to one that changes the entire rotation of the Earth. We feel that if we don’t show off, even a little, we’re not noticed. We need to be “bigger than we really are.”

Maybe that’s true. Maybe people won’t notice us if we don’t show off. But, that’s the point of the Gospel tonight. Jesus is telling us that people shouldn’t notice us. Only God should notice us. And there’s nothing too small for God to notice.

Maybe I’ve never been a fan of Lent because of how many people treat this season. What should be a holy time turns into a “show off” time. We’ve all seen it, and probably most of us, me included, have done it – we act miserable because we can’t eat that piece of chocolate. We let everyone know that we’re giving more to the church or that we took the money set aside to buy a new (and obviously “well deserved) TV and donated it to charity. Our faces look paler, we break into a sweat, we look tired, our expressions are dismal, and plain and simple, some of us are just no fun to be around. Then the issue of sin comes up. While people should recognize their own sins more, many seem more critical of the sins of others. Through fasting and reflection on themselves, they “magically” get insight into how others should live their lives. I’m not quite sure of the logic there, but I’ve seen it happen way too many times. And they’re never kind about pointing it out. It’s always blunt and usually rude. I have to wonder if they just ate the stupid piece chocolate they gave up in the first place if they’d be more bearable to the rest of us.

So, whatever you choose to do this Lent, and I highly encourage you to do something – give up something, set aside a time of day to pray every day, fast one day a week, donate to the needy, volunteer…something. Even if you have to change it to something else, please remember that it’s not for God to love you more, it’s for you to get closer to knowing God.

Tonight, we’re going to start Lent by placing ashes on our foreheads. Ashes are a symbol of sin and the fact that we all return to the ground – that is we all die. But, I’m sure it’s no accident that the ashes will be in the shape of a cross. That shows us that even though we sin, even though we die, there is the one who died on the cross that made forgiveness and eternal life possible.

There’s nothing magical about these ashes. They won’t do anything to you except serve as a reminder. They’ll remind you that you belong to God. And though you’ll wash the ashes away, you can never wash God away. Even when you try to chase God out of your life – and we all do that from time to time – God just won’t leave. And for that, we can be thankful.

Duke University - Perkins Library Rare Book Room Hebrew Text Exhibit

2012-01-20T18:13:00.000-08:00

At Duke University in the Perkins Library Rare Book Room, there was an exhibit of modern and old Hebrew Texts. These are some of the artifacts on display.

This is a Torah Scroll of the Book of Exodus - Shemot ( שְׁמוֹת) in Hebrew meaing "Names" - From the first sentence in Exodus ("These are the names of the sons of Israel...")

This scroll is from the 1700's and is entirely hand-written on the skin of a kosher animal.

All synagogues have at least 1 Torah scroll. (The Torah is the first 5 Books of the Old Testament - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). Torah means "Law." This is where Jewish people find the 613 commandments.

This picture is taken from the scroll above. This is from Exodus 15:1-18, the "Song of the Sea," the song sung by the Israelites after crossing the Red Sea.

Notice how the text is written. It's written in an artistic manner to symbolize the Israelites in the middle column and the sea on both sides open so that they can cross.

Title Page of the Talmud. The Talmud is a central text in Judaism. It contains Rabbinic teachings on many aspects of Jewish Law including commandments, how to follow those commandments, ethics, tradition, and so forth. Click here to learn more about the Talmud.

This line says "Talmud Babali" (meaning Babylonian Talmud)

This book is 1 of 16 in this version of the Talmud.

Here is one page from the Talmud above. Jewish Scholars will generally study 1 page of the Talmud per day. Reading the Talmud is difficult but fascinating because it contains Biblical Verses, commentaries on those verses, commentaries on the commentaries, and even opposing viewpoints. The main section is in the middle, and the commentaries are on the sides.

Here is a Children's Book, "Peter Pan" in Hebrew. The Hebrew letters look different from the Hebrew you may have seen. That is because this is written in Hebrew "cursive." It is similar to how we can print or write in cursive in English

This picture is the title page of the Zohar - a book on Jewish Mysticism known as Kabbalah. Click here to read about the Zohar. The top line says "Sofer HaZoahr" ("Book of the Zohar")

This is a page of Jewish art from 1923. It is the Biblical Book "Song of Songs," (also known as "Song of Solomon"). It was illustrated by an artist named Ze'ev Raban (See picture above for information)

This is an illustrated copy of the Book of Jonah. The picture is a representation of the world of the Lord coming to Jonah. It's hard to see in this picture, but the "cloud" above Jonah looks like wind and a fish (foreshadowing Jonah being swallowed by the fish later in the book).

This is the first verse of Jonah. The Hebrew is hard to read in this picture. Here is what it says (Remember, Hebrew is read Right to Left):
וַיְהִי דְּבַר-יְהוָה, אֶל-יוֹנָה בֶן-אֲמִתַּי, לֵאמֹר. (Transliterated: Vayihi, davar Adonai et-Ye'honah, ben Amatai le'amod) (The world of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amatai saying...)

A Reflection on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

2012-01-15T19:33:00.000-08:00

It's not a secret. I'm a white male. I grew up in an area where racial and cultural diversity just didn't exist. I never had a serious conversation with a black person until I was in high school and worked at a summer camp. I wasn't avoiding blacks or any other races...Diversity simply did not exist where I lived.

I went to college. There I encountered various races, but as is human nature, we tend to gravitate towards those with whom we have something in common. All of my friends in college were white. I talked to other races, but I wouldn't say any were close friends. Even though diversity did exist in this college, it was still only in isolated pockets.

In the part of Pennsylvania where I spent my first 22 years, diversity was a non-issue. It just didn't exist. To be diverse meant (to me back then) that I had friends from different social crowds. Different genders. Different sexual orientations. Race was really a non-issue. I didn't avoid it. It just didn't exist. In the small cases where there was racial diversity, it was really treated as a non-issue. All of our cultures, though few in number, melded into one culture.

I learned about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a young age. Probably in elementary school. We were taught racism is wrong, but we never had to deal with it. Quickly, I began to like the image I had of Dr. King. Non-violent, God loving, Stood up for others at his own risk.

(Background info: Even before I declared myself a pacifist, I was one. I was not violent. People said I was a wimp. I just believed it was wrong to hurt someone despite what they did to me. I also believed in God from a very early age. Of course as a 5 year old, my belief was very naive, but the seeds where there. I was also one who befriended the ones that others didn't like. If I didn't befriend them, I would at least be nice to them...but this isn't about me).

It wasn't until around 2001 that Dr. King became real to me as opposed to being a mythical figure. In 2001, this small town white boy, all of 23 years old, began to teach in urban Dayton, OH where I was the minority. It was a culture shock. A HUGE culture shock! At first, I just tried to survive. Then, my entire life changed.

These "poor," "gang member," "abused," "angry," students became people to me. I finally had a breakthrough in what Dr. King said - paraphrasing him - that all races should be able to exist together.

Instead of "saving" these kids, I realized I was called to befriend them. To show them that people do care. That violence can be overcome by love.

I failed a lot and succeeded much less. I lost kids to the street. I lost kids to jail. I lost kids to unmentionable demons.

But, from them, I learned more than they could ever learn from me. They accepted me. Not because I was white...not because they had to...but because in my classroom, race was an issue that was ok to talk about. I got many questions such as "Why do white people....(fill in the blank)." We laughed together. We sang together (I taught music). We argued. We talked about what it was like to be who we are.

Dr. King is one of the most influential people who allowed my story to be lived. Because he struggled, I could interact and befriend other races. Because of his life, my life is better. Though he died years before I was born, he has impacted my life.

He made me more free because he made my brothers and sisters free.

He broke down many of my walls because he broke down the walls of oppression of my brothers and sisters.

Some say a white male has nothing to say about these issues. They may be right. Maybe I'm speaking out of turn. Maybe I should be silent. Maybe I should just praise what Dr. King did for other races. But, I cannot be silent, I cannot stop from speaking, and I owe it to his legacy to praise what he also did for me.

Because Dr. King lived and struggled, I have friends...close friends...that only 40 or so years ago would have been taboo. Because Dr. King lived and struggled, I taught over 1,000 precious children of all races. Because Dr. King lived and struggled, my life is better for having known people of other races - whether we became close friends or even a 1 time meeting.

Of course, others can say Dr. King made their lives better much more than I can. Others can use the same water fountain that I use because of him. Others can go to the same places I can because of him. These were never issues for me...but whatever hurts our brother or sister also hurts us.

Thanks to Dr. King, I have a larger family.

Broken Hearts

2012-01-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

Everything I say here really happened. I left out names to protect privacy of others.

This past week was by far, the hardest week I've ever gone through. There were countless broken hearts in the figurative sense. There was 1 broken heart in the literal sense.

The story begins over 10 years ago. My friends met at the University of Zimbabwe in Africa. They had classes together, and the husband, in his own words met his "soul-mate." When I got to know them, the love they shared was obvious. He must have been right.

What followed was your usual "love story" of dating, engagement, and marriage. Then, to be adventurous, they decided to come to the USA to live for a few years. They wanted to see the world. They didn't intend to make America their home, but through a long course of events in their personal lives, and in the political situation of Zimbabwe, they became residents here. They had jobs, a house, and became Americans by culture. To see them, the only hint you'd have that they were not from America was their accent.

This couple had children. Twin boys. But really, they didn't know they were going to have triplets - the third one didn't come out of her womb - he came from my wife's. The third is my son - He calls those boys his best friends. My son is white, the twins are black, they don't see a difference. I wish we could all be like that. Through our sons, who first played together at church in the nursery, my wife and I became close friends of this couple. We had moved to NC after losing our teaching jobs because of budget shortfalls, and this couple was the first to befriend us in our new situation. Even after we moved from that town to where I am now pastor, we have kept this friendship. But I'm digressing.

5 years ago, my friend, the mother of the twins, developed heart troubles. No one could diagnose why this happened...it "just did." No genetic defects, no accident, no known health causes. At first it was controlled with medicine and diet. A few years later, there would be a pacemaker. And just last month, the heart condition became so bad that she was put on the transplant list. Being the person she was, I was I was told by a mutual friend that when they prayed for a heart to be found, she did not want someone to have to die so she could live. The pastor had to change his prayer to "Thy will be done..."

Within a day of being put on the transplant list, a match was found. She went through 8 hours of surgery. When we got the text message that she came through and was doing as well as could be expected, my wife and I broke down in tears in front of our church choir. A miracle had happened.

I visited her in the hospital. I am totally serious when I say that if you didn't see the machines and wires and tubes hooked up to her, you'd never know she was sick. Her husband called her "the prettiest heart transplant recipient ever." He was right. She also kept her sense of humor despite the obvious physical and emotional pain. When I told her she looked good, she looked at me, rolled her eyes, and with her lovely humor and happiness, in a small whisper, she called me a liar. I laughed. She gave a faint smile. Had she not been on so much medication and treatments, I can hear the laugh she would have given.

She went home by Christmas. She spent Christmas with her children, her husband, and her 2 mothers who were here from Zimbabwe. Technically one was mother-in-law, but they were so close that mother is the best term. She celebrated New Year's with her family. She began walking around the block to get her needed exercise to speed up recovery.

Progress was slow, but she was getting better. Then one day she woke up with a severe headache. She didn't suffer long. That headache was her brain bleeding. They had been told by the heart surgeon that anything could happen in the first month or so despite how well she was doing - though medicine has advanced so much, there are still a lot of "unknowns." She didn't suffer long.

At the hospital, the doctor said most likely she would not make it through this, but he could try a surgery that only had a slight success rate if the family wanted him to try. They wanted him to try. Despite the skilled hands of the doctor, the surgery was not a success. After a day, it was determined there was no brain activity. She was only alive by machine. After saying their good-byes, she passed away peacefully. She was only 39.

Through this couple, I made a good friend in another pastor. We attended licensing school together and became fast friends. He too, was from Zimbabwe, but now lives in America. He has a church of many Zimbabweans.

So that they could plan the dual-culture funeral (half done "American style" by their home church pastor; half done "African style" by the pastor from Zimbabwe), I came with the Zimbabwean pastor to visit the husband and the American pastor. I was worried I would be intruding. He told me that in Zimbabwe, when someone dies, people will come and stay with the family for weeks at a time. I could not over-extend my welcome.

I learned a beautiful cultural tradition. As we were sitting, people would look at one another and clap their hands in a certain fashion. I didn't understand, so I smiled. Finally, not knowing if I was supposed to clap, I asked the Zimbabwean pastor. He laughed at me (that's the kind of friends we are - we are so close that even when we laugh at - not with - the other, we know it's in good nature and in love). He explained the clapping is similar to how we wave or nod to someone so that we don't have to yell across the room. If it's done close to the person, it's similar to a bow or nod of the head. It's a greeting and sign of respect.

Over the next few days, I tried to stay out of the limelight, but that was not easy. Countless Zimbabweans who now live in America came to the house. My family stuck out for obvious skin tone reasons. They found out I was a pastor, and in their culture, the pastor is a highly respected office. I went from being "friend" to "Pastor" in their eyes.

Quickly, this community to which I have no ties (other than my friends) welcomed me as one of their own. They taught me Shona words. They told me I am now an official "Zimbabwean" no matter what.

The most beautiful pre-funeral service I ever experienced happened as my family visited one night. Guitars and a keyboard were brought out. The secret leaked that I'm a musician. I was invited to play the keyboard. I didn't know any of the songs - they were all in Shona (with some English mixed in), but I could play by ear - the chord changes weren't too difficult. I began to truly feel part of the community. I forgot about my skin color. We were all one community - one family. We played music, they sang traditional Shona church songs, folk songs, and customary funeral songs. This was not a sad time. We celebrated life - the life of my friend. We prayed. We shared memories. When someone spoke in Shona, one of the people would translate quietly to me so I could understand.

My family made friends. The women embraced my wife. The countless children played with my children. The men invited me into their discussions. They even switched to English just for me.

The funeral service was heartbreaking. A husband lost his wife. 2 young boys lost their mom. Hundreds of people lost a friend.

When someone dies, we tend to elevate their character and make them seem better than they were. That was not the case here. My friend was the type of person we all strive to be. She had faults, she wasn't perfect, but she was darn close to being perfect.

The funeral service was also healing. The family left behind will be taken care of. God will take care of them. Their church family will take care of them. Their Zimbabwean community will take care of them.

My friend died too young. Was it God's will? I don't know. I doubt it. I think God allows bad things to happen - I think God remains present in those situations and comforts us, guides us, and loves us. Why? Because what we see, feel, and experience is not the entirety of God's plan. While we see life and death as 2 distinct categories, God sees life and death as a continuous path without separation. We will all die. When we get to the "other side," there will be no divide. Our lives can go on. Until the final resurrection, the only difference is that our souls are separate from our bodies. One day, God will rejoin them and redeem all of creation. How? I have no idea. I don't want to know. I just believe.

To my friend: We loved you while you were with us. You were a wonderful friend to us. You treated us like family. You were family to us. Your husband and boys will always be part of us! Thank you for being our friend! We love you.

To her family: We love you. We don't look the same, we don't speak the same, I'll probably never be able to talk to you on a phone...your accent is too thick (yes, that is meant to be humorous...but it's true). You are our family. The distance between us is sizable, but we will still see each other. We love you.

To my new Zimbabwean friends: Thank you for accepting us. Thank you for welcoming us into your culture and your lives. Thank you for the jokes, the hugs, the Shona lessons, and most of all for your love. We love you.

To God: We don't understand. We're sad. We're confused. We've blamed you. We've yelled at you. This doesn't seem fair. It's not fair. But, I know you see the whole picture. I know you will redeem even this. You have a lot of explaining to do someday, but I trust in your goodness and power! We love you!

Abolish Fear

2011-12-19T06:06:00.000-08:00

At the time I'm writing this, Kim Jong Il died less than 24 hours ago. The GOP Presidential Candidates are blasting one another saying "this one" or "that one" can't be trusted. They're all saying Obama will destroy the nation. The Democratic Party is touting that the Republicans will decimate the middle class if elected. The nation is still in an economic crisis. Congress and the President can't agree on a tax "holiday" deal. Several European countries are facing financial meltdown which, I'm told, would affect the whole world. Bradley Manning is fighting his case against the US Government who says he put the nation in grave danger by leaking war secrets. Our military has recently left Iraq, and people are worried about what will happen. Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons and has recently captured a US Spy Drone. Many houses were robbed last night. In the past few weeks, there have been murders less than 100 miles from my house.

I could go on, but what's the point? What can we do about it? Elect the right people? Join the military? Get the right house security system? Reinvest money so we're guaranteed a healthy retirement? Buy a gun? Hide? Be afraid? -- These are all things that the powers that be want us to do.

They want us to fear. They want us to be afraid we don't have enough...we aren't safe enough...our kids won't love us if we don't get them what they want...we're not good enough...we don't look handsome or pretty enough...and on and on.

Does it have to be that way? Do we have to make EVERY decision based on fear? When someone disagrees with us, does that make them evil? What if a rogue nation gets a nuclear weapon? - We should fear that, right?

But, the time has come! The time has come to stop living in fear! The time has come to live in hope!

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love (1 John 4:8).

There is the answer. Simple. "Perfect loves casts out fear." Perfect love abolishes fear. Where there is love, there is no fear.

But, love of what? What do we have to love so that we don't have to be afraid? Well, I could probably give you a shorter answer of what we don't have to love. But I won't take that route.

We need to love God. God has been faithful to all of us, and yet we wonder if God will "come through" again. Will God provide? The simple answer is "yes." The One who created us did not create us as a "cosmic joke" to watch us struggle and suffer alone. When we feel alone, we may be - in the worldly sense - but we're never truly alone from God. It may feel like it, it may seem like it, we will go through struggles - even struggles that seem so great that we feel we can't cope - BUT, we're NOT alone.

We need to love others. We need to love those who have hurt us. We need to love those who have done evil things. But to do this, we need to know what love is.

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

That's how Paul describes love, but what does it mean? It doesn't mean we have to tolerate evil. It doesn't mean we have to sit silent when injustice happens. It doesn't mean that we look at the world with rose colored glasses.

When we see evil, we need to speak the truth. When someone wrongs us, we should speak up. When things in this world are not right, we need to work to make them right. BUT, we don't need to fear!

Bad things will happen. But, until God decides that the time has come, the sun will rise tomorrow. And when God decides the sun will no longer rise it will because God's light will block out the sun. If we lose our money, life will go on. Tougher? Yes! Impossible? Hardly! If there is a national security issue, we may be hurt...but, we don't need to fret and worry about it.

Over 2000 years ago, the entire picture of life was given a new frame. Rather than what we see, we now can know with certainty that there is more. Because Christ was born, ministered, died, and was resurrected, life now has new meaning. Death is not death. Death is just the end of one existence. We can leave this existence and know that we can have a better existence. All we have to do is accept it.

All we have to do is quit playing the "Fear Game." Fear cannot win if we refuse to play the game.

Christopher Hitchens 1949-2011

2011-12-16T05:06:00.000-08:00

I saw on TV today and read that Christopher Hitchens has died of cancer. I have not read more than a few statements he's made, and I've seen him in a few interviews, but I know of the work he has done. His work is basically to undo the work I do. While some try to bring people to faith, others, like Hitchens, try to bring people away from faith.

You would probably think that I'm glad a person like this is dead. I have to confess for a few seconds my mind did take that route. But, then I realized the purpose of my faith and realized that despite his actions and despite his claimed belief (or non-belief as it may be), I hope that God will show him mercy.

Hitchens doesn't deserve mercy. He's attacked every organized religion known to man either directly or indirectly. He's attacked many religious leaders including Mother Theresa (Who could attack Mother Theresa???). He is probably responsible for thousands, if not more, abandoning or choosing not to accept faith.

Again, let me say it: Hitchens doesn't deserve mercy. But, neither do I. And I would guess...no...actually I'm certain...you don't deserve mercy either. No one deserves mercy. Or, better phrased, no one earns mercy. If God is as great as Christians claim (despite the fact that Hitchens wrote God is Not Great), then any tarnish we have on our being makes us unworthy of mercy. And, being human, there is not one of us who hasn't sinned. Sure, some sins are bigger than others. Some sins hurt others while others hurt only ourselves or are even seemingly victimless, but they're sins none the less.

Hitchens doesn't deserve mercy - he hasn't earned mercy - Neither have I. He has mocked God in his writing and lecturing (not just the Christian God, but any religion that worships any God). I have mocked God too. I have been selfish when others needed help. I've ignored God through not praying, not worshipping, and not loving others. I've been blessed to have a comfortable life. I really don't lack anything I need...But I don't always thank God for that. In fact, I seem to always ask God for more (as if God is some Cosmic Super-Wal-Mart). I know Jesus as Savior, but I don't always act like it. I don't always "let my light shine" so others can see it. Heck, sometimes I completely and knowingly hide "my light." I don't always represent Christ as his ambassador on earth. And when I do represent Christ, it is often flawed and only a half-attempt. I often put my own desires ahead of others' needs. And sometimes, when I do what God asks of me, I do it begrudgingly with a bad attitude.

By reading this, you'd think Hitchens and I are one in the same (except I believe in God - though I don't always act like I do). And, maybe that's the point. Maybe we are one in the same.

The difference between us is simple, though. I believe in a God who sent his Son to atone for our sins. I don't always understand it. I don't know exactly how this atonement works (despite the great examples I cited on my Theology Final - any understanding of "how Christ works" is purely theoretical). All I know is that atonement does work. Forgiveness from God does happen. Despite my sins, God still loves me and guides me and calls me.

I also believe that somewhere (and probably for his whole life), God called Hitchens. From all human perspectives, Hitchens "hung up" on God. He said he was not an atheist...he was an anti-theist. Not only did he not believe in God, but he tried to destroy the concept of God.

By all human perspectives, we can guess that Hitchens' soul will be separated from God forever. He deserves that...but so do I. Then I remember the Christian Hope. That God will redeem all people. No, I'm not a Universalist - I believe every person has a choice between God and No God. I believe every person has the chance to decide his or her own fate. Simply put, every person will have the opportunity to choose Heaven or Hell. From what I know, I think Hitchens chose Hell. But I hope that somehow, God got to him - in his last few moments - and changed his mind. I hope that despite wasting his life to discredit God, in some way, God got to Hitchens and convinced him to choose God.

Hitchens had talents given to him by the Creator. Hitchens heard the Gospel Message of Redemption. By all signs, he rejected it. By all signs, he didn't use his God given talents for God, but rather to mock God. But still, until I face the Lord on judgement day, I won't know if Hitchens was somehow forgiven. I can't know if he made a "deathbed conversion," or even if God showed him Divine Mercy despite all he's done. That knowledge is not for me to know.

As Jesus said - Before you take the dust out of someone else's eye, get the plank out of your own. I have enough of my own Christian life to fix before I can pass judgement on someone. Even someone so easy to pass judgement upon - like Hitchens.

All I can know is that God will be fair in judging him. And I know God will be fair in judging me. I can know that through faith in Christ, I am saved. I can have near certainty of what my verdict will be before the great Judge. But, I'm not one of God's prosecutors. I don't have access to the evidence in other cases. All I can do is hope, for Hitchens' sake, that God was able to turn his heart before it was too late.

The Muppet Manifesto

2011-12-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

I really owe a debt to Fox Business Network. All of these years, I thought the Muppets were an innovative and entertaining bunch of puppets. But, little did I know...They're Communists! I am so grateful to the geniuses of the "Fair and Balanced" Fox network for showing me the err in my ways because obviously, I'm not smart enough to think for myself!

As a child of the '80's, among other Saturday Morning Cartoons, I was a fan of "The Muppet Babies." Looking back, I remember their adventures on which they would embark in their imaginations in the confines of their nursery. How was I, a mere child, to realize this was a cartoon enactment of a Marxist Utopian vision? What is worse is that they had me indoctrinated. Rather than choosing childhood friends for the necessary business networking I would need, I would play with everyone. And to make matters worse, I shared my toys! How stupid was I? Shouldn't I have known that if a child couldn't afford certain toys, that was his or her problem? I was only contributing to the welfare state through my sharing.

Come to think of it, my entire family is indoctrinated in Anti-American beliefs because of childhood cartoons. Up until today, my children would watch "Dora the Explorer." Thanks to Fox for opening my eyes! I now see that through Dora's adventures (and her cousin Diego), they are preaching a doctrine of illegal immigration. Through teaching Spanish, my children may grow to think that God did not ordain the English language to be the language of the Chosen Land - America!

I was too old for the "Telletubbies," but thankfully Jerry Fallwell, the great man of God that he was, proved to the world that they were promoting a Homosexual agenda based upon the dismantling of our Sacred American Values.

The article in the link above also shows how American Hating Environmental Extremists have infiltrated our minds in the childrens' network Nickelodeon. How dare this second rate network teach our children that caring for the environment is not sinful? God gave us this environment to do with as we please! God ordained the Oil Companies to pollute...oops...I mean discard waste as they please! Nickelodeon's "Big Green Help" is nothing more than an attempt to convince to our children that Large Corporations are not God ordained.

So, thank you, Fox! From now on, my children will watch ONLY the "O'Reilly Factor!" I wouldn't want them to do anything to protect the environment or those in need...because, after all...poverty is a choice! All donations from this family to any charity are hereby cancelled!

Long live Big Business!

...And Knowing Is Half the Battle...

2011-12-05T06:29:00.000-08:00

I think it's a well known and well established fact that I'm a Christmas Junkie! For me, the only problem with Christmas is that it only comes once a year.

When some people hear me talk like this, they think I'm into Pagan rituals at worst, or too secular at best. I suppose there may be truth to the secular thing, but really...If you think I'm going to worship a pine tree (no matter how well it's decorated), you are more crazy than I am (and trust me...I have issues). If you think I'm going to pray to Santa Claus as my personal savior, then am I really the one with the problem?

Yes, Christmas does have some pagan traditions thrown into it. Christmas is not a pure celebration of Jesus' birthday. But, do you really think I can't separate the secular from the religious? Does anyone really think that I bow down to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? If you do, then kindly send me a letter or e mail with the following line: "Dear Tom: The purpose of this correspondence is to sever all ties between us. Within the next few days, you will receive any and all items that I may be borrowing from you, and I ask that you reciprocated this gesture."

So...How does a Christian navigate the pagan stuff and the Jesus stuff? How do we enjoy the secular parts of Christmas while still celebrating the birthday of the Lord? Honestly, I don't think it's that hard. So, I've neatly packaged some Frequently Asked Questions so that you too can enjoy the Christmas season and not have to feel guilty.

Can I still have a Christmas Tree and be a Christian?
The long answer is "yes." The short answer is "yes." The first Christmas Tree that has been documented was put up in 1441 in Estonia. In the Middle Ages, German Churches often used an evergreen tree in their Christmas Plays and called it a "Paradise Tree." The Paradise Tree was often used to depict the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil from the Genesis account of the Garden of Eden (Hardly a pagan tradition!).

Some will say that the Christmas tree originated as an Asherah Pole (a pole dedicated to a Pagan Canaanite goddess). I can't rule out for certain that there isn't any crossover, but see the following images and decide for yourself:

Christmas Tree

Asherah Pole

Well, what about Merry Xmas...Isn't that taking Christ out of Christmas?

Well, in English that may be the case...or at least appear to be the case. But technically, Merry Xmas may be more correct. Try to follow me;

1. X is also the Greek Letter Chi.

2. Chi is the first letter in the word Christos (Greek for Christ)

3. The New Testament was written in Greek.

Therefore, while English speakers may have trouble seeing Merry Xmas, I would guess that Greek speakers (or those that know the above facts) would understand that Xmas = Christmas.

And while we're on the subject. Jesus' name wasn't Jesus. Try to follow this:

Yeshua

1. Jesus name in Aramaic (a cousin language to Hebrew) is Yeshua (a name that we would translate as "Joshua" in English).

2. When the New Testament was written in Greek, the name was translated into Ieasous (basically pronounced ee-Ay-sous).

3. When Latin became the official language of the church, his name was translated to Iesu. (The jump from Greek to Latin isn't as easy as I described, but this will do for now).

4. Then, the name was translated into English, and we get "Jesus." Again, it didn't happen as neatly as it appears here, but this is only a basic answer.

Well, someone may say, "The debate over Xmas isn't about the name "Jesus," but about the name "Christ." OK...here goes:

1. Christ (Christos in Greek) means "covered in oil," or "anointed." Like I said before, the New Testament was written in Greek. Jesus may have known Greek (It was the primary language of the Roman Empire after the fall of Alexander the Great's empire), but he would have spoken in Aramaic (similar to Hebrew) which was the "local language" in Israel.

2. When the disciples and others realized who Jesus was, he was called "Messiah" (mashiach in Hebrew/Aramaic). Messiah means "anointed one."

3. When the New Testament was written, Christ was the closest Greek word to the Hebrew/Aramaic "maschiach."

Jesus - though He probably didn't look much like this.

So, in all honesty, English speakers don't call Jesus Christ by a name that he would have been called back in the 1st Century.

What about all the gift giving? Isn't that a little too secular?
Yes...you're right on that one. This practice is probably from the Roman Custom of giving gifts on the New Year. But, it's been adapted into Christian practice from the Gifts of the Magi (the 3 Wise Men). Definitely, Americans tend to go overboard in gift giving and receiving. This is where Christians must step back and realize that giving gifts is OK, but it's not the purpose of Christmas.

Isn't the Date of Christmas from a Pagan Holiday?
Maybe...and Maybe not. First of all, I'd have to ask you which date are you talking about? Different Christian traditions celebrate Christmas on different dates. In the Eastern Orthodox Churches, Christmas is on January 6 (others celebrate on January 7 or January 19 - all this is because of the use of different calendars). I'm guessing that if you're reading this, you're probably wondering about December 25.

December 25 is probably not the date of Jesus' birth, but it was set as the date of Christmas somewhere in the 4th Century. There are 2 theories as to why (I tend to believe that both have some truth to them, but having not lived in the 4th century, I don't know for sure.

1. December 25 is exactly 9 months of the Church's Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Babies wait 9 months to be born in normal circumstances. So, maybe when they saw the date of the Immaculate Conception, they counted 9 months and gave us Dec. 25.

2. December 25 is also around the time that the Pagan Romans would celebrate the Winter Solstice. It's possible that the date was set to bring Pagans into the Christian religion.

If you're a Christian, how do you justify engaging in practices that may be pagan?
Well, first of al, I don't engage in pagan activities. All aspects of Christmas point me back to Jesus. When I put up my Christmas Trees (yes, that's plural) and look at their beauty, I'm reminded of Jesus. When I give gifts, I see Jesus in the eyes of others. What some people call the "Christmas Spirit" (OK, I use that term too), I see as the Holy Spirit at work in our lives.

If you need more justification, read 1 Corinthians 8. Paul is talking about eating meat sacrificed to idols. He basically says it's not a sin to eat this meat as long as you know the idol is nothing and that God is God. But, he says that you shouldn't eat it if by eating it, you would cause someone else to worship an idol. So, using that reasoning, as long as I know trees, gifts, Dec. 25, etc. are all because of Jesus; I'm not worshipping a pagan god. If, however, someone comes to visit me and would start to worship one of my Christmas Trees, then I'd cover it up because it's causing that person to sin.

What about people saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas?"First, "Happy Holidays" doesn't offend me because I know why I'm celebrating the holiday. Second, most likely this person is just giving a customary greeting without much thought behind it. For example, when someone says "How are you?" to me; do they really want me to tell them how I am? Or, am I just supposed to say "Fine," and move on? Third, "Happy Holidays" can be a short-cut to saying "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" since they're so close together.

Now, do I say "Happy Holidays?" Not usually. Actually, I can't think of a time I've said it. But, I don't rule out that I may say it. But, again, if I say it, I really mean "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."

What if I'm speaking to a Jewish person? I'd probably wish them a Happy Hanukkah. But that's not evangelizing the Gospel some would say. Well, you don't get people to the faith by offending them. God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) are so good that I don't think we need to scare people or offend them into the faith, but rather show them how loving the faith is. Insulting them is not a way to show how loving Christianity is. Plus, we humans really don't convert anyone...that's God's job. We just spread the message. If it's a message of love, then there is no fear (1 John 4:18).

Is it a coincidence that Santa and Satan have the same letters?
Go away!

Merry Christmas!!!!

If We Don't Like It, Why Do We Do It?

2011-11-26T15:45:00.000-08:00

I saw a very wise FaceBook post today from a teenager. It said something to the effect of this: "We spend Thanksgiving thanking God for all we have, then we spend Black Friday buying stuff because we don't have enough." (Not an exact quote, but the message is the same).

The Holiday season, is my favorite time of year! I love the lights, the movies, the food, the time with family, watching my kids play, and how everyone is just a little nicer. But, sadly this comes with a price. Every year, we try to "outdo" ourselves from years past. We try to give bigger presents, we try to put more people on our Christmas Card List ("Hey, I ran my shopping cart into your leg at the grocery store...can I have your address so I can send you a card???). We try to find the perfect toy for our kids, nieces, nephews, and so forth. We try to find meaningful gifts for spouses or partners. And the whole time, we don't like doing it.

Most people, when you ask them what they want for Christmas, will say they don't really want anything. Or that they just want some family time. But yet we insist this person is just being modest, and we buy a present anyway.

I'm just as guilty as the next person. I think my wife and I spent at least 2 hours in the toy aisles to find Christmas toys for our 2 young children. Trust me...with 3 sets of grandparents, a loving church family, and an extended family, these children do not lack for toys. Heck, my daughter right now is playing with a plastic case that holds toy cars...not the cars...she's playing with the case.

Black Friday has turned into a national holiday. To this day, I refuse to participate in all the very early morning shopping, but I sometimes venture out in the afternoon. Trust me, though the police may not be called as often in the afternoon, it's as busy as ever.

Whenever you ask if people enjoy this rush/run-around/'more, more, more" attitude, the answer is often a definitive NO!. But yet we do it.

We know that Christmas is Jesus' Birthday...not ours. We know that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season," but yet we lavish presents on others. We "don't have time" to go to Church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day because there is too much running. And, before anyone gets made at me for saying this, before I became a pastor, and Christmas Eve became part of my "job," I did the same.

Why do we do the things we don't like to do? Why do we break our bank accounts to buy toys and gifts that will either a) not be used, b) break, c) sit on a shelf or in the closet after a brief period of enjoyment? I will admit that I have cut back, but I still feel like I have to buy the "perfect gifts."

What are we afraid of? Are we afraid that if we don't get the "perfect gift," people won't love us? Are we afraid that life won't be complete if we don't please everyone at least materialistically?

Maybe we're wired that way? How often do you hear the following: "Hey, this tastes nasty...try it." Or "Wow, this hurts...do it." Are we so masochistic that we do things we don't like in some act of self-sacrifice? If that's the case, then why don't we buy for the homeless? Pay a bill for the poor? Then we can spend our money, not exactly like it, but accomplish something positive.

I don't have an answer as to how to Simplify the Season. Parties are fine. Presents are fine. But, they've come to dominate us rather than be true expressions of love. What happened to the days of finding 1 meaningful present (homemade, pictures, poetry, etc.) and giving that to the ones we love? Sure, kids can have toys. But, do they need toys that cost more than most houses?

I don't have the answers...I have the questions...What can we do?

If "Sesame Street" Gets It, Can Christians Get It?

2011-11-21T06:50:00.000-08:00

Every year, I look forward to the Holiday Season. Pure and simple, this time of year makes me happy. Once November comes, I hound my wife until she lets me put up the Christmas trees (Yes, that’s plural…At last count, we have 3 decorated trees and a cactus about to be decorated). Every year, I try to find the perfect spot in the house for our Nativity Scene. We have a handmade Nativity Scene made from a cloth pattern that was cut out and stuffed by my wife’s Grandmother who went to be with God this past year. Though we have several Nativity Scenes, this one is my favorite, and this year it has even more special meaning. I also have my large collection of Nutcrackers. I’ve lost track of how many I have…just know that there are A LOT!

But wait! What about Thanksgiving, you ask? Don’t worry; I celebrate Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving - the turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie. I just like my Thanksgiving with a little bit…ok…a lot of Christmas mixed in with it.

Basically, I turn into a child this time of year. I find myself competing with my own young children as we decorate the Christmas Trees. I want to put up the “cool ornaments.” I have to remind myself that I’m the dad now, and that rather than competing with my children, I should enjoy watching them cram 5 or 6 ornaments on the same branch, or watching them put all the ornaments no higher than 2 feet off the ground. But, secretly, I’m excited for them to go to bed so I can go back and reposition the ornaments for a “more balanced Christmas Tree.”

But, this year, I feel different. I wonder if I’m chasing a dream that doesn’t exist. Even now, I’m typing this beside one of my trees (lights on, of course), but it is with a heavy heart. I guess I owe you some background information.

A few weeks ago, my family and I went to Wal-Mart for groceries, and to pick up some supplies we needed. My 5-year-old son saw a toy he wanted, but I told him we didn’t have enough money to get it. To be honest, our bank account could have afforded the toy, but I told him it was too expensive…a response many parents give their children. A few minutes later, he saw a small stuffed bear with the Duke University Logo on it. As a Duke Divinity School student, I couldn’t pass this up. I let him put it in the cart. Even when I told him he could have that little bear he asked a few times if we had enough money for it. I said “yes,” and went on.

After the shopping trip, my wife and I decided to treat the kids to lunch at a fast food restaurant. Once my son heard that we were eating out, the first question was, “Do we have enough money?” Suddenly, it hit me. It hit me like a ton of rocks. My son, who doesn’t really understand money, was worried that we didn’t have enough. I almost cried at the anxiety I caused him to have. By dismissing his “gimme’s” with “we don’t have enough money,” I made this little boy anxious about a subject he shouldn’t’ have to worry about. I felt horrible. I stopped dead in my tracks and explained the best I could that we have enough money to take care of him, and that he doesn’t have to worry about money. I tried to explain the difference between buying an expensive toy and buying groceries, but I think I only confused him.

Ok, that’s the background information.

As I see the news this year, daily, I see stories of people in America (not to mention around the world) who don’t have enough money for basic necessities. So many people are out of work, and no relief is in sight. The problem has apparently gotten so bad that “Sesame Street” has introduced a Muppet to address childhood hunger. While I wish shows like “Sesame Street” could focus on things like letters and numbers, I applaud them because SOMEONE gets it.

Americans are so quick to blame the state of the poor on the poor themselves. “They wouldn’t be poor if…” (fill in the blank – “they would find a job,” “they weren’t lazy,” “they just buckled down,” or add your own). Even many Christians say the same. In fact, some of the most unsympathetic people on the issue of poverty that I’ve met are professing Christians. “Why should I have to feed someone else’s kid?” they ask. “Taxes are stealing my money and giving it to people who are too lazy to work.” Remember…I’m speaking about Christians who say these things.

I wonder if these Christians read a book…an important book…the Bible. I’m sure if they dug hard enough into the text, they’d find God’s words on the issue of poverty. Spoiler Alert: I’m going to tell you what God says – God tells humans that they are to help the poor.

Somehow, anyone who finds these passages isn’t a “True” Christian (according to some). Those who advocate these passages are “just trying to steal the money from hard working people and give it to the undeserving.” Undeserving? Isn’t there something in the Bible about ALL people being created in the Image of God?

This year, a record number of people in America don’t have enough food (including many children). They go to bed hungry. They go to food pantries to get basic necessities. They choose between needed medication and supper – which is more important? “Sesame Street” recognized this reality…why can’t the entire Christian Community get it?

Thanksgiving will come this year, and a record number of families will not have a traditional dinner, unless it comes from a charity or organization. Christmas will come, and a record number of children will not wake up to a tree with presents under it. Some Christians say that this is just “too bad” for them…survival of the fittest…it’s not their problem. Others will write a check and give it to some charity so that they don’t have to actively get their hands “dirty.”

The time has come to stop this mindset in our churches. Either we take God seriously or we don’t. Or, paraphrasing Stephen Colbert: we tell God we just don’t want to obey the commands on caring for the poor.

The poor ARE our responsibility. I grant that some are poor because of bad money management or bad and sinful choices. But, God doesn’t seem to differentiate one type of poverty from another. Writing checks to charities is good…don’t get me wrong about what I said earlier…but, working WITH the poor is better. This doesn’t even mean you have to leave your own comfort zone to find the poor. They sit in our pews at church every week. They live next door to us. They work with us. Their children are friends with our children.

We can’t save everyone; I get that. Actually, we can’t save ANYONE. Only God, through Christ, in the Holy Spirit can do that. But, we can point the way. We can make a difference. Let me rephrase…We WILL make a difference. If we answer God’s call, we make a difference for the good. If we ignore God, we make a difference for the bad.

If “Sesame Street” get’s it, can we Christians get it? If “Sesame Street” is doing its part to minister to the poor, couldn’t professing Christians do a little more? Please, Church, follow Elmo’s lead and make a difference!

Some Questions for the "Occupy Movement"

2011-11-18T19:10:00.000-08:00

Let me begin by saying I think I support a lot of what the Occupy Movement is trying to accomplish. I say "I think," because there is not one coherent message but rather a myriad of messages being sent by the protestors (To be fair, that is their goal - as I heard on an interview on NPR, the protestors want a wide range of issues to be discussed). I'm not sure if I support HOW the Occupy Movement is trying to accomplish their goals. I have some questions. I'd like answers. Please, feel free to share your answers to my questions or to pose questions of your own. Here are my questions:

1. It's obvious that corporate greed has gone viral. It's obvious that there is exploitation of the "weak" so that the "strong" can gain more power. While it is human nature to lash out in these situations, what can we do to bring reconciliation? Rather than resorting to the tactics of "the powers," can we find a new way that would bring solidarity and mutual respect? (Yes, I'm an Idealist...and a Christian - and I don't see separation between the 2).

2. How will the 99% know when the struggle is over? Do we wait for corporate executives to step down? Do we wait for more fair labor laws? What is the signal that the struggle is over...or at least that it's ready to enter another phase?

3. I understand the "Occupy Wall Street" movement. On Wall Street, they are protesting in the very place the decisions of greed and corruption are being made. I don't understand occupying other cities and towns. In stead of occupying part of a city/town/campus, could we occupy the poor neighborhoods that are ripe with gang activity, drug activity, and other self-medication/survival techniques? Instead of staying separated from the masses, can we bring the masses together in a show of solidarity and brotherly and sisterly love? Can we reach out to the forgotten in a tangible way? I realize that is the goal, but in the midst, I fear the faces and names of the truly suffering have been forgotten. Can we go into poor neighborhoods and help them to reclaim their neighborhoods from the evils that envelop them? Dare I ask this???? Can we even consider living among the poor? Befriending them? Loving them?

4. I know all of the protestors do not share in the Christian Faith. I'm sure there are various faiths represented and even people of no religious faith. But, as a Christian, I would feel a little better about this movement if we brought Jesus into the picture. I've seen hints of this, but only hints. Can other faiths bring their Deity into the picture (I DO NOT mean that term, "Deity," to be disrespectful - but rather, it is just a simple term to encompass all religious faiths). Are the 99% just vying for power? or are the 99% struggling for equality? There is a difference. If the 99% enslave the 1%, then nothing has been solved...only, the roles have been reversed.

5. I understand the movement wants a lot of issues to be discussed, not just 1. But, can there be some sort of unified statement? What do you want accomplished? Why do you want it accomplished?

While there is (justified) anger, we also need to remember that we are called to forgive. Forgiveness DOES NOT mean that we overlook injustice. Forgiveness DOES NOT mean that we allow exploiters to walk away without punishment. Forgiveness DOES mean that we see the humanity in the oppressor. Forgiveness DOES mean that although the oppressor may need punishment (fines, jail time, boycotts, etc.), we do those things not out of revenge but out of love. Yes, we can punish in love. It's possible...and it's what Jesus expects of us. Forgiveness DOES mean that we can allow the sins of the past to not determine our future. We don't forget...that is impossible in most cases...but we do forgive. A rabbi (and I don't remember which rabbi this was) said of forgiveness (and I'm paraphrasing): Forgiveness does not mean that we forget, but it means that we can continue the rest of our lives without feeling like the past has to be un-done.

Can this movement lead to a Better World...not just one with the roles reversed???

Repeal the No Child Left Behind Act - An Update

2011-11-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

I want to thank all of you who wrote to our representatives about the concerns of the "No Child Left Behind Act." Here are some updates:

1. Our voices are being heard. I've received automated responses from several politicians. That's not necessarily good news in that these responses do not directly address our concerns, but it is acknowledgment of receiving our letters and e mails.

2. Today, the phone rang, and I looked at my caller ID, and it said "US Capitol." I assumed it was going to be some automated polling system. But, it was a staff person of Sen. Burr acknowledging my correspondence and he gave me information that this issue is in committee.

Of course, none of this means the NCLB will be repealed or even amended, but it does show that when citizens act, our voices are heard. Making a difference is not always about winning...It's also about being heard.

The "Occupy" Movement

2011-10-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

I get it. I really do. I understand the frustration. I understand the concerns. I empathize. I sympathize. I even agree with most of what is being said and most of what is being done.

Social activism can be a great thing. It can bring about real change. Our nation would not be a nation if it were not for some social activists who protested and rebelled against the king.

Voices need to be heard. Faces need to be seen. Worries need to be vented. People must be held accountable.

It's obvious that there is a major economic disparity in this nation (and all nations for that matter). Whether or not it is justified is a matter for debate. From a Biblical perspective, those who "have" owe a debt of care to those who "don't have." We are commanded to take care of the poor, the widows, the orphans, the hungry, the tired, and so forth. The strong are NOT to victimize, take advantage of, exploit, abuse, etc. the weak.

When the Strong in some way abuses the Weak, it is the duty of all People of Faith to hold the abusers accountable for their abuses. Though I rarely address those of a different faith or of no faith, I would argue that it is the duty that in a "government for the people, by the people, and of the people," we as American Citizens are compelled to call out injustice where we see it and work to make it right.

That leads us to the "Occupy Wall Street" movement. While I wouldn't demonize all big business, there is sufficient blame within "Wall Street" for the state of the economy of our nation and the economy of the world. While people should be proactive (when possible) to take care of themselves, more often than not, that includes working for "Wall Street." Of course there are exceptions of those who have risen out of desperate situations due to their own ideals, fortitude, and most importantly (whether they know it or not), the Grace of God

The problem, however, is not "Wall Street." The problem is much larger that "Wall Street." The problem is the Greed, Exploiting of the weak, Cheating, and Lying of "Wall Street." Some are guilty, some are not. The forces driving the immoral to act immorally are what we should be fighting...in our own lives first, and then in the lives of those in power.

Is there a better system? I don't know. But, I do know that the current system CAN be reformed if "we the people" hold our government leaders, company leaders, and ourselves accountable. We may not bring about the "perfect world," but we can bring meaningful change.

Having said all that, I want to address the "Occupy Wall Street" movement. Many call the protesters "lazy," "worthless," "bums," and other names. In some cases, I'm sure these labels, while not Godly (since, after all, each person is of infinite worth to the creator), may be accurate in terms of description alone. But in most cases, this group includes regular, hard working people who want a job with decent benefits and the ability to care for their family and loved ones. They believe that while CEO's probably should make more money than the average worker, the average worker is still a person of infinite worth. The average worker deserves to be treated fairly.

The people who are Occupying the Real Wall Street are not perfect. Every one of them (and anyone reading this) is most likely carrying a cell phone (made by "Wall Street"), wearing clothes (made by "Wall Street"), drive a car (made by "Wall Street"), and own other seemingly contradictory items. Sadly, we cannot totally escape supporting the same system that exploits children into slave labor in Third World Countries. We cannot totally escape shopping from stores that buy from suppliers who have immoral procedures. We are often forced to buy items (of necessity or convenience) that were produced by exploitative means. Unless we form self-sustaining farms (or dare I use the term "communes"), we cannot be totally innocent...even if we have the best of intentions.

Abraham Joshua Heschel, a Hassidic Rabbi who was active in the Civil Rights movement, said many times that "Some are guilty, all are responsible." Most often he was speaking of the Holocaust, the genocide that he narrowly escaped by coming to America just before the beginning of the Holocaust.

In this way, he is right. We are not all guilty of corporate greed, exploitation of the weak, and unethical business practices. The average person did not cause the major recession and joblessness attacking the world. But, we have all supported this greed. We buy from those companies, we live lives of relative comfort (when compared to other nations).

The Occupy Wall Street Movement, I believe is for the most part well intentioned. It takes faces and voices directly to the place where these exploitative practices happen. It forces "Wall Street" to see the face of the average citizen. Whether you agree or not with what they stand for, no one can say that the protestors are in the wrong place.

What does concern me is the "Occupy" movement going on around the nation. Again, I believe these people are well intentioned and have the welfare of all of humanity at heart. But, I fear they are not answering the call of the Gospel.

Yesterday, walking on Duke's Campus, I saw an "Occupy Duke" event going on right outside of our large Chapel. In principle, I can't argue with these people. But, in practice I can. For those unaware, Duke is a university made up of privileged students. With tuition so expensive, one either has to be wealthy or have a healthy scholarship to attend. I will admit that many students of middle to lower economic classes can attend Duke because of the generous scholarships available. I will not hide the fact that I attend Duke on scholarship.

Still, the "Occupy Duke" movement, while well intentioned, projects a very different image. As I walked by, I was glad to see students exercising their rights and voicing their opinions. But, then I saw something that disturbed me and made me question this particular movement. Sitting outside of a very expensive tent was a student using his laptop computer. Obviously these students still have class obligations, but the image projected does not take that into consideration.

I think, at least in this case, there is a better way. Instead of occupying a courtyard of a privileged university, why not "Occupy a Shelter?" Why not stand in solidarity with our less fortunate brothers and sisters? Why not stand in solidarity in actuality rather than figuratively? Why not "Occupy a Housing Project," or the "other side of the tracks?"

Again, I get it. I understand the argument. I understand the intentions. It is the image I question. Wall Street is appropriate - That's where decisions affecting all of us originate. The other cities of the nation, I'm not so sure. A university made of privileged students - while noble, is not the place to project. The privileged must join the less privileged if they are truly in solidarity.

Response From Sen. Kay Hagan

2011-10-13T15:36:00.001-07:00

This is the response I got from Sen. Kay Hagan regarding this post and subsequent letter I sent (See blog post and letter - Here)

October 11, 2011

Dear Friend,

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns on the No Child Left Behind Act. I greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts on this important issue.

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (H.R. 1) was signed into law on January 8, 2002. Most notably, this law takes student performance into account when determining school effectiveness and educator accountability for schools receiving federal funding. States are required to provide all students with highly qualified teachers and measure student performance by administering standardized tests. Each year schools must achieve adequate yearly progress (AYP) by having a higher percentage of students than the previous year score at least proficient on the state-issued tests.

No Child Left Behind was a good faith effort by lawmakers to measure and improve the effectiveness of schools. However, many unintended consequences have arisen since the law's enactment. Namely, it does not identify or give credit for progress made by a student and the teacher throughout the school year and instead focuses on arbitrary levels of proficiency that must be met regardless of students' previous levels of achievement. Furthermore, it allows states to determine what standard they will be held to, which has resulted in some states lowering their benchmarks in order to more easily meet proficiency targets. Like you, I believe education is critical to the future success of our country and I want to ensure that our students are taught effectively and receive a high quality education.

You may be interested to know that I am leading a group of moderate Democratic Senators in shaping education reform. Most recently, we unveiled a Statement of Principles, with the support of Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and we are pushing for these goals to be included in the reform of No Child Left Behind. Specifically, these principles include turning around our lowest-performing schools, creating an accountability structure based on individual student progress, supporting teachers and leaders in high-need schools, allocating more resources to the schools with the most students in need and fostering innovation that will move us beyond the status quo. These are commonsense ideas that will move us closer to providing all students with a high-quality, well-rounded education. As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, I am actively involved in discussions on education reform and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues so that the children of North Carolina receive the education they deserve.

Again, thank you for contacting my office. It is truly an honor to represent North Carolina in the United States Senate, and I hope you will not hesitate to contact me in the future should you have any further questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Kay R. Hagan

Dear Politicians, What is a Child?

2011-10-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Politicians,

I have a question for you. You probably will give me a circular answer. You probably won't give me a straight answer. Most likely you'll just laugh the question away.

What is a child?

Is a child a test score? Do we really need to rank our children? Aren't they too priceless to be ranked by a test? Does that test define the child? Can't we use a test to see how we can help a child? Doctors do that. They give tests. They get the results and then make decisions. I forgot. Teachers are lazy and not smart enough to do anything like that.

Is a child a robot? Should they receive inputs and produce outputs? No real understanding? Just regurgitation?

Is a child like every other child? Do they all learn the same? They don't all look the same. They don't all talk the same. They don't all live the same lifestyles. Why do you want them to perform the same?

Is a child just a number? I can count them as well as you can. But I see people. I see future. I see hope. Why do you hate those things? Are you afraid they'll take your job? I wish we could let them. They have a lot to teach us.

Wait! Didn't Jesus say something about letting little children come to Him? Didn't he mention something about having faith like a child? Does that mean something? Oh, I forgot. We worship him, but not his ideals. His teachings are misinterpreted by Communists and Fascists. You just use his name to get elected. I'd watch out if I were you, or you're going to have some serious questions to answer some day when you meed Jesus face to face. I know some of you are serious followers...but not all of you.

Is a child someone who improves? Why don't we expect them to walk the second we put their 2 tiny feet on the floor? Why don't we expect full sentences after the first time we talk to them? I guess we're too easy on them. We don't expect enough.

Is a child affected by his or her environment? Would it make a difference if a child doesn't have a bed? A stable family? Food? Safety? You're right, actually taking care of the real problems would require you to work too hard. You deserve your vacations. You deserve your high salaries. Don't show us the results. Stop by my house after work, I'll just hand some money to you.

So, politicians, my friends...What is a child? Will you answer me?

Love,
Me

Repeal The No Child Left Behind Act! - A Call to Action!

2011-10-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

Please read the entirety of this post concerning the No Child Left Behind Act to become familiar with the issue. At the end of the post, there is a "Call to Action" with specific ways you can make a difference.

The "No Child Left Behind Act" is a legalized crime which America has virtually ignored or complained about while still "playing its game." The time for this victimization of our youth needs to end! There needs to be no compromise...It must be repealed.

Introduction: Before entering the ministry, I was a public school music teacher for 10 years. I taught in a variety of settings from high-poverty schools to schools that served wealthier areas. From the onset of the No Child Left Behind Act, the quality and content of education in America has declined. I have witnessed young children at the point of emotional breakdown due to a test. Sadly, I was also part of the problem. As a teacher, I made decisions to support this immoral law in order to move up in the ranks, to keep my job, and to receive good evaluations. As citizens, Christians, and people concerned about our fellow humans, we are called to take a stand in the face of evil. Yes, the No Child Left Behind Act is EVIL. I will provide some background information and details below, and that will be followed by CONCRETE ACTION that we must take.

Abraham Joshua Heschel:

“Some are guilty; all are responsible.

Background: (Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCLB)

President George W. Bush proposed the legislation for the No Child Left Behind Act (referred to as NCLB for the remainder of this post). A Bipartisan group of congressional representatives sponsored the bill: Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), Rep. George Miller (D-CA), Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH). The NCLB passed the House of Representatives on May 23 2001 (384-45) and the Senate (91-8) on June 14, 2011. It was signed into law by Pres. Bush on January 8, 2002.

The goal of the NCLB was that by 2014 EVERY CHILD will test at or above grade-level. It does not take a rocket-scientist to know this is impossible. This means EVERY CHILD, even severely disabled children, are to test at an arbitrarily decided grade level standard.

The NCLB requires standardized testing of all government funded schools each year. This means that all students must take the same test (by grade level) in the same conditions. Provisions have been made for students with special needs.

The NCLB also requires Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). While this sounds positive, here is an example of what it actually means: The 5th Graders who take the test THIS YEAR must perform BETTER than the 5th Graders of LAST YEAR. There are NO provisions made for any issues that the students may have (i.e. This year's class may have more special needs than last year's class. The majority of this year's class may have been transferred from a different school, etc.).

The NCLB further requires that each sub-group (any gender/racial/economic group that has 20 or more students AND any Special Education and Limited-English Proficiency group that has 40 or more students) must meet its goal, or the school fails to meet AYP. For example: If there are 20 sub-groups, and 1 does not meet its goal, that school DOES NOT meet AYP.

The main focus of the NCLB is Reading, Writing, and Math. Science is also assessed in some cases. Because of this mandate, and because of the Economic Recession, 71% of schools have reported lowering the time of instruction given to subjects such as history, foreign language, art, music, physical education in order to give more resources to Math and English (Reading and Writing). At times, the teachers of these "non-essential" (as defined by the testing mandates of the NCLB) courses are forced to tutor in the tested subjects rather than teach in their area of expertise. Students who are below expectation in tested subjects are routinely pulled from non-tested classes.

The NCLB Under the Obama Administration

In September, 2011; President Obama announced that states could have wavers on NCLB requirements. While this may be a step in the right direction, much more drastic action MUST be taken. Next I will outline just a few reasons:

Why the NCLB MUST be Repealed - Not Reformed! (10 Reasons - But there are MANY More)

1. There is a large disparity between the races and economic classes. 72% of African-American children attend high poverty schools. Less that 25% of these students match up to their Caucasian peers in terms of test proficiency. This is a RACIST and CLASSIST law promoting Government Sponsored Discrimination. (See Chart 1 and Chart 2 for a visual graphic of this point)

2. Statistically, the "Bell Curve" is a phenomena that should be expected when performing statistically-valid tests upon large populations. In simple terms, that means that few should be at the very bottom and few should be at the very top with the majority rating in the middle. Draw the outline of a bell. The sides are low, but the middle is large. The NCLB REQUIRES that ALL STUDENTS should be at the "high performing" level.

3. In several states, approximately 50% of the schools were ranked as "failing." The term "failing" is a misnomer and inaccurate (and immoral). To be considered a "failing school," the school has to not achieve AYP several years in a row. Therefore, a school with a high population of severely mentally disabled students would be a "failing school" even if every other sub-group reached expected goals each year.

4. More than 1/3 of our nation's schools DID NOT meet AYP guidelines for the 2009-10 school year (that is the most recent data that I found that is available) (See HERE for updates to this statistic as more details arise). The states failing to reach AYP in 2009-10 in at least 25% of schools are: AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, Washington DC, DE, FL, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OR, SC, VA, VT, WA, WY. That means almost 66% (counting Washing DC as a "state") did not have at least 25% of their schools reach AYP. If 66% of America's states do not have at least 25% of their schools meet AYP guidelines, could it be possible that the assessment is flawed and not the schools themselves?

5. The Arts and Physical Education SHOULD be seen as valuable in their own right, but in order to further my argument, I will use them to show that they enhance education, not detract from it. There is no question that the Arts, Physical Education, and Sports, play a positive role in lessening school drop-outs, keeping students' interest in school, and promoting school spirit. Using music alone as an example (though similar benefits can be found in Physical Education, Visual Arts, etc.), one can see that the NCLB robs students of vital educational opportunities. This Article shows the benefits of studying music. The following famous scientists studied music: Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Robert Oppenheimer. Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan played clarinet and saxophone and studied at one of the world's most Prestigious Music Schools, Juilliard. Brian May, Ph.D in astrophysics, who is Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom was lead guitarist for the rock band Queen.

6. The NCLB is "legalized emotional abuse" on the most delicate children. Children know when they cannot perform, and when faced with such high stakes testing, those who cannot reach an unattainable goal undergo severe emotional and mental pain, often manifesting as physical sickness.

7. The NCLB is a "1 Shot" test. You pass or fail. Some states allow retakes, but entire lives are at stake based on one test. The US Government criticizes similar practices in China and did so during the Cold War with the USSR, but our government engages in very similar practices through the NCLB.

8. Many teachers are leaving the profession because of the NCLB. I am one of them. My reason was not solely due the the NCLB because I left teaching to become a minister, but in 10 years of teaching, though I enjoyed teaching the children, the job became more and more unbearable.

9. Tested goals are based on political wrangling, NOT on educator-approved, researched topics.

10. The NCLB is based on fear. I can recall countless meetings as a teacher where we were admonished, told to work harder with less resources, and even yelled at because of a test score. Do other professionals undergo this treatment? Do other professionals have to buy their own supplies with their own money? The NCLB is also based on fear for the students. Many constantly worry whether they are "good enough" or "smart enough." This leads to emotional breakdowns, stress-induced illnesses, weakened immune systems, and bullying. All of this is Government Sanctioned.

Solution:

The NCLB must be repealed...not tweaked...not re-imagined...But COMPLETELY REPEALED. This is not to say there shouldn't be accountability. Accountability should be demanded of our schools and our teachers (just as in any other profession). But that accountability must be fair. Whatever plan for accountability we have should be based on Proven Academic Research. Rather than a political law, we need an educational law. Educators (school teachers and administrators, university education professors, educational experts) should have the main say in what goes into the replacement of the NCLB. That only makes sense. Why should our government representatives (most of whom only have the qualification that they once went to school) be allowed to dictate educational policy? I have a bank account...Do I get to be the President of a bank? Of course not...that's ridiculous. As citizens, as Christians, as moral people, we have the duty to demand our legislators and president to repeal this law and then engage in non-partisan discussion with people who know about the art and science of teaching and learning in order to draft a new accountability law.

A Call To Action:

Humans CANNOT look evil in the eye and not identify it for what it is. There is no redeeming quality of the NCLB. Therefore, I propose that anyone who reads this take the following actions:

1. Write a letter or e mail to your legislators and the president. You can find their contact information here: Congress President

(If you do not want to write your own letter, please COPY AND PASTE the following letter and fill in the blanks as necessary) (If you do not want to use your own e mail, create a free account in one of these places: Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail)

Dear ___________________________:

I am writing to you concerning the No Child Left Behind Act. Since President Bush signed the NCLB into law in 2002, our nation's schools have suffered greatly.

Mere children are forced to take a high stakes test which leads to great anxiety and worry. Teachers and School administrators are chastised based on unattainable test results. Subjects such as art, music, physical education, history, and others have been slashed. And, the measuring criteria are not adequate indicators of student learning. In fact, in 2009, 66% of our states (including Washington DC as a "state") did not have at least 25% of their schools meet Adequate Yearly Progress. This indicates that there is a fundamental flaw with this law.

The NCLB needs to be completely repealed. Tweaking, adjusting, and offering waivers does not go far enough. The NCLB must be repealed and replaced by a reliable and statistically valid system of accountability based on current research in the field of education. Educators must be part of the process in writing a new law.

Please take this request seriously as today's children are tomorrow's leaders! Repeal and Replace the NCLB!

Sincerely,

______________________________

2. Inform friends and family of this information about the NCLB and other resources you may find. Encourage them to write to or e mail their representatives and the president.

3. Daily, pray the following Prayer(s)

46. For the Care of Children (From the Book of Common Prayer)

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the

joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient

wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love

whatever is just and true and good, following the example of

our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

47. For Young Persons (From the Book of Common Prayer)

God our Father, you see your children growing up in an

unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways

give more life than the ways of the world, and that following

you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to

take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance

for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you,

and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen.

22. For Sound Government (From the Book of Common Prayer)

The responses in italics may be omitted.

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we

may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to

other nations of the earth.

Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors

of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative

authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their

duties.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our

laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and

foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to

fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding

and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and

justice served.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to

accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they

may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for

the well‑being of our society; that we may serve you

faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.

For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as

head above all. Amen.

4. Keep Faith, Love, Joy, Peace, and Hope alive. Working for this cause will not be easy. We will lose before we win. Keep the faith that God will convict the hearts and minds of those in power to make a change for the betterment of our society and our children.

5. Stay educated on this topic! Encourage others to do the same. Encourage others to take action. If you know of an action to take, make it known!

One God - Diverse Communities

2011-10-07T17:42:00.000-07:00

This week, I will have the pleasure of a pastor from Zimbabwe preaching our Revival services at my church. He preached last year, and our "small country church" fell in love with this man who has such a different background from all of us.

Many of my people were born and raised in rural North Carolina. Most of them are at least familiar with farm life.

I come from a rural background, but not a farming community. My "rural-ness" was in the woods. I then lived in an urban setting for several years.

None of us have extensive travel to other countries. Some have been on short vacations to other nations, but none to my knowledge have been on long visits to other nations.

Sadly, we become accustomed to "our way" as being the "right way." Having a cultural foundation is a good thing. Having roots is good. Being "stuck" to our own ways is where danger enters.

The pastor who is coming lived most of his life in Zimbabwe in Africa. He was born when the country was still under colonial occupation and called Rhodesia. He was there when Zimbabwe gained its independence. He was raised in tribal and modern African customs.

Through God, our diverse communities and backgrounds will become one united in God's message. The difference in accents, race, worship styles, political views, etc. will be unimportant as we all worship God and see God from each other's point of view.

Psalm 2 - A Psalm for All Times - A Meditation

2011-10-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

I do not want to "give away" this Sunday's sermon, but given the times we are in, and the times Israel was in when this Psalm was written, I don't think it can be read, contemplated, and prayed about too many times.

Psalm 2

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Psalm 2

The LORD's Chosen King

¹Why do the nations plot, ^[a] and why do their people

make useless plans? ^[b] ²The kings of this earth

have all joined together

to turn against the LORD

and his chosen one.

³They say, "Let's cut the ropes

and set ourselves free!"

Nations and humanity have largely put God into a box. God is "appropriate" sometimes, but not when it's inconvenient. God, however does not see it this way. Nations strive for power, resources, political influence, but in the majority of cases, these are selfish pursuits, not for the betterment of society.

The same can be said of some revolutionary movements. While the intentions may be understandable and even commendable (getting rid of oppression, working for self-determination, calling out evil), they will ultimately crumble if God is not at the center and the guide of these movements.

⁴In heaven the LORD laughs

as he sits on his throne,

making fun of the nations.

Humans thing that God can be "outsmarted." Humans think that God can be controlled or ignored. At all of this, God laughs. Picture that in the best way you can. It has to make you smile if you are on God's side.

⁵The LORD becomes furious

and threatens them.

His anger terrifies them

as he says,

⁶"I've put my king on Zion,

my sacred hill."

⁷I will tell the promise

that the LORD made to me:

"You are my son, because today

I have become your father.

⁸Ask me for the nations,

and every nation on earth

will belong to you.

Jewish readers say the "son" referenced is Israel, Christians say the "son" is Jesus. Both are right. Israel was to be a light to the nations and a witness to the one true God. As Jesus came from Israel, this is one way (and the main way) that God has been revealed to humanity. This is NOT to take away from Israelite/Jewish influence on our understandings of God and God's power. The fact that the Jewish people have stayed in existence for thousands of years despite several violent oppressions and genocides attests to the power of God and is a witness to God from which we can all learn.

⁹You will smash them

with an iron rod

and shatter them

like dishes of clay."

This vivid imagery tells the truth of God's power. Nations are no match to God. While nations and governments are imperfect reflections of God's desires for justice, they rise and fall upon God's will.

¹⁰Be smart, all you rulers,

and pay close attention.

¹¹Serve and honor the LORD;

be glad and tremble.

¹²Show respect to his son

because if you don't,

the LORD might become furious

and suddenly destroy you. ^[c] But he blesses and protects

everyone who runs to him.

In order for a nation to survive and prosper, it must give reverence to God. It must serve God's purposes. It is the duty of all citizens...not just governments to carry out this call. When nations go astray, it is the duty of citizens to call the nation back to a right relationship with God.

This is not to say that God demands a theocracy. Theocracies are most often tainted by human interpretation of God's will. Human interpretation will always be flawed, but by putting God's commands and God's love at the center of our decisions, our nations can be blessed.

Footnotes:

Psalm 2:1 Why. . . plot: Or " Why are the nations restless?"
Psalm 2:1 make useless plans: Or " grumble uselessly."
Psalm 2:12 Serve. . . you: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verses 11,12.

Have and Have Not

2011-10-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

"I have three things I'd like to say today. First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don't give a shit. What's worse is that you're more upset with the fact that I said shit than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night." - Tony Campolo

As of September, 2011, 750,000 people in Somalia are on the brink of starvation and 4 million people desperately need aid. Click Here for an article explaining this situation.

What does the Church do in this situation? What does this situation say about the Church ?

NOTE: For the remainder of this post, "Church" (with a capital "C") will mean all Christian believers regardless of denomination or geographical location.

Sunday Morning: I woke up this morning. I slept soundly, and I was even fortunate enough to get to sleep a little later than usual. I got out of bed (a very comfortable bed, by the way), went out into the living room, gave my wife and kids a hug and kiss, and then I poured myself a large mug of coffee. I sat down, thought of the plans for the day, stressed out a little, watched some TV, and then decided I was hungry for breakfast. I chose a bowl of cereal, though I could have also chosen oatmeal, a bagel, bacon and eggs, toast with peanut butter, jelly, or butter. I could have eaten one of the several varieties of granola bars that are in our pantry. But, I chose cereal. I put milk in it too. It was good!

I then got ready for the day...I dressed, shaved, brushed my teeth. Then, I walked across the street to church. I'm the pastor...I do that on Sundays. When I got there, I poured myself another cup of coffee. I decided against having one of the danishes that were there...but I had the option. They looked great! I just wasn't hungry.

As Sunday School began, I went to my church office to do final preparations on my sermon, and I prayed that God would keep me focused on the message I was to deliver. At 11 AM, I went into the church sanctuary and led the worship service. Everyone in my congregation drove to church. Everyone had breakfast, just like I did...or if they didn't, it was by choice. After some hymns, announcements, and a children's sermon on the 10 Commandments, I delivered the main sermon. The point of the sermon was to challenge the congregation (and myself) to be a counterculture to the world. As the Church, we should look different, act different, and be different from the world. We should be the light for the world and not let the world determine our worth or actions. We should be in genuine compassionate ministry to all the world.

After church, I shook hands of my congregation members, ran a meeting, and then came home to eat lunch. I had a peanut butter and banana sandwich. I love them! I then went back to church with my family for our annual Youth Fun Day. At 5 PM, we all at pizza from Pizza Hut.

That Same Sunday: Someone from Somalia was on a 25 day walk to get to Kenya where they hope to find something to eat. This person lost one of her children, her husband, one of her parents, or siblings. This person had to leave home, friends, family, and all he knew to walk 25 days to find food. At that same time, one of those walkers from Somalia to Kenya dropped to her hands and knees from exhaustion and starvation. Her family wanted to help her, but she told them to go on. They all knew it was over...at least for her. A father and a husband who promised his family a better life didn't have the strength to stand after taking a short rest. He told his family to go on ahead of him...he'd catch up later. They all knew he wouldn't catch up. They all knew he wouldn't ever stand up again. But they pretended that they believed he would catch up, and they walked on.

Some of the people who have already made this three week walk were sitting in a refugee camp at the same time. One person couldn't sleep last night. She suffered so much loss that even though she lived, she feels she would be better off dead. Another person searched the camp for a family member. He knew he'd never find his loved one, but he looked none the less. Some of the refugees went to a feeding center in the camp. They got a tasteless gruel which they ate as if it were a gourmet meal. Others took the food they received and hid some of it. Would there be food tomorrow?

In another nation, a rich nation, a child was upset because he wanted chicken nuggets and not spaghetti. He refused to eat. The family put the left-overs in the refrigerator, but it all won't be eaten. Mom will take some for lunch tomorrow, but the majority will be thrown away. A grocery store threw out tons of food in the past week because it was past its prime. It wasn't rotten, it just wasn't as good as customers demanded.

What does the Church do in this situation? What does this situation say about the Church?

10 Books Every Christian Should Read

2011-10-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

This list is inspired from THIS ARTICLE IN THE Huffington Post of the 25 Books Every Christian Should read, accessed on on October 1, 2011. I have adapted their list for this Blog post.

Besides the Bible, these are Christian Books that I believe Christians should read:

1. On the Incarnation by St. Athanasius - In this book, Athanasius gives an account on the reasons for the Incarnation of Jesus Christ as fully God and fully man.

2. Confessions by St. Augustine - This work narrates Augustine's journey to faith in Christ. It is written in poetic language as a "letter" to God. It details his struggles and successes in his faith journey.

3. The Sayings of the Desert Fathers - In the 3rd-5th Century, some monks fled to the desert to try to live their faith through ascetic practices. This book collects many of their sayings.

4. Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin - While I have fundamental disagreements with Calvin's doctrine of predestination (that from the beginning of creation, God predestined some to salvation and some to damnation), this is a monumental work from the Reformation Period that exalts the sovereignty of God.

5. Dark Night of the Soul by John of the Cross - John of the Cross was a Spanish Monk in the 16th Century. This work is based off of his poem of the same name which describes the feeling that many, if not all Christians, experience from time to time - the feeling that God is not present in their lives. But, John poetically describes that this season of loneliness ultimately results in a divine union with God.

6. The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton - Merton's spiritual autobiography that led him to become a Trappist Monk.

7. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis - The author of the Narnia Series of books gives a basic, common language approach to the fundamentals of the Christian Religion.

8. Getting Involved With God by Ellen Davis - This book is a journey through parts of the Old Testament and makes it relevant for today's world. Davis shows that the God of the Old Testament is the same God we worship today.

9. What is Christianity? by Adolf von Harnack - Harnack is a Theological Liberal in every sense of the word in this book. He is highly influenced by the Enlightenment Period with the explosion of science. Harnack tries to make sense of the Bible in light of scientific developments of his time. While I appreciate his attempt, he fails to recognize that the scientific laws were laws created by God and God can break these laws at any time. I would not base my faith on this book, but it is helpful to understand post-Enlightenment religious thought.

10. Hannah's Child by Stanley Hauerwas - While not technically a "theological work," this may be Hauerwas' most true theological work. In 2001, Hauerwas was named Time Magazine's "Best American Theologian." Hannah's Child is his memoir of his study, family life, and career.

Why I Freed Myself From Labels

2011-09-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

Within the past year, I have decided to free myself from all labels, and I invite you to do the same! (OK, not entirely true...I still identify myself a s a man...that label gets to stay)

Maybe at one time, a label was a way of self-identification that stood for a particular ideology, but as time has passed, the lines have blurred, and labels are now stereotypes rather than a means to self-identify with a particular ideology.

True, some labels should remain. Job titles can stay. A doctor is a doctor (though that doctor should qualify the label with the type of medicine practiced - pediatrician, psychiatrist, surgeon, etc.). A construction worker is a construction worker, a computer programmer is a computer programmer - All of these labels are facts, though qualification would be helpful in each case. Gender titles can stay (A man is a man, a woman is a woman - sure, there are surgeries out there to change that, but in the majority of cases, you are one or the other). I should qualify gender. Gender titles can stay as long as they are mere factual descriptions and not meant in a way to demean someone or exaggerate oneself. Age titles can stay (a child is a child - that's a fact...an adult is an adult - that's a fact). Again, age titles should follow the same premise as gender titles.

Labels start to get misconstrued when we get into issues of religion and politics. I'll use myself as an example. First, I'll discuss religion (I'm a pastor, after all, and that IS my job). I am a United Methodist. Being United Methodist makes me a Christian. So, which am I? I guess it depends on who is asking the question. I would hope that if one knew I am a United Methodist, that person would know I'm a Christian. But, sadly, that is not the case. There are many United Methodists (and Baptists, and Catholics, and Presbyterians - If I left out your denomination, fill it in here) who do not act like Christians. I would even venture that some United Methodists (or other denominational members) ARE not Christian. That is most likely a minority, but I'm sure it exists. They may attend church, participate in its ministries, but do not have the faith. I'm not speaking of the doubts we all have from time to time, but rather a denial of the faith.

Even the term "denomination" is problematic. There are many non-denominational churches in existence today. But, if the definition of a denomination is a group of Christian worshippers who share common theologies and world views, then each non-denominational community would in fact be a denomination (or maybe more correctly "denomination-like").

In our denominations, it would be hard to find a solid majority who share the same theology and world views. For example, the Catholic church is fundamentally Pro-Life. I know for a fact that there are practicing and faithful Catholics who are Pro-Choice. Does that make that person "less Catholic?" To others, that person may not be true to the Catholic doctrine, but to the person, he/she finds that faith to be his/her identity. Due to this issue and others like it, maybe in our identification we should say "I attend a (insert denomination here) church," rather than saying "I am a/an (insert denomination here)."

With all of this in mind, I've chosen to rid myself of all political and ideological labels. By saying "I'm a Democrat," or "I'm a Republican," or "I'm an Independent," a person (in American politics) is stating more than their voting habits. Sadly, the "more" is usually unintended because of stereotypes associated with each party. For example, I am a Pro-Life (though I'm sure there are situations where I could be convinced to be Pro-Choice, but that is the exception rather than the rule), Anti-Death Penalty, Pacifist, Christian who loves NPR, The Colbert Report (when I have time to watch it), and secular music. I am for social justice, but I also believe that those who are not hampered by a condition they cannot control (including illness, discrimination, unemployment in an economically "dead" area, etc.) should take personal responsibility for their lives. For those who are unable due to unavoidable reasons, I am the first to say we owe a duty of care to those people. I believe we should spend liberally on education, and conservatively on defense. I believe that while I may not like various foreign governments, it is not our place to actively work to overthrow them. Of course, we owe some sort of duty of care to oppressed citizens of those nations, but our care ends before we determine their "new" government. I believe in ecological conservation, but I believe that "progress" will use natural resources. Rather than exploiting our natural resources, we should treat them with care. I believe we are the UNITED States of America. That doesn't mean we all need to agree, in many situations we need to agree to disagree. You don't have to vote the way I do to be equally valued. Does all of this make me Democrat? The Democratic officials would find problems with some of my beliefs. Does this make me
Republican? They too would have issues with my beliefs. Many would impose the "Independent" label on me, but yet I find that problematic in that it sounds too indecisive.

All in all, this is to say that the stereotypes of modern labels have become misconstrued and too narrow. Most of all, I shun the use of "Liberal" and "Conservative." What do they mean, especially when they come to religion? Again, using myself as an example...I believe that I (try to) follow Jesus the best I can in the way He taught. I am, however, not a Biblical Literalist (usually associated with the stereotype of "Conservatives"). I believe the Bible to be 100 per cent true. But to be true, each detail does not have to be literal. Yes, there are literal passages...and if I guessed a percentage, probably 80 per cent or more passages in the Bible are literal. But, the Bible is also Theological. Some statements are made to prove a theological concept about the character of God and not to give a historical account (stereotypically a "Liberal" stand). Does that make me a "Liberal?" Does that make me "Conservative?"

As far as labels go, I don't care what label I "should" wear. Labels mean nothing to me anymore. What was once probably a way of identifying oneself with pride has become a way to align with an "all or nothing" ideology. In some cases "all or nothing" is the way to go. In the face of evil, it is our duty to be completely against it. In more "grey" situations, it is not so easy. That is where the beauty of civil debate, cooperation, and compromise come into play.

So, what labels describe me? I don't know...and I quit searching for an answer.

Dear America...You're Such a Paradox

2011-09-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

Dear America,

This is my love letter to you. Every word is written in love.

Has anyone ever told you, O Land the I Love, that you are such a paradox? Has anyone ever told you that in this Sweet Land of Liberty, none are totally free? Has anyone ever told you that this One Nation Under God all too often forgets who God is? Has anyone ever told you that you are a paradox?

We Hold These Truths To Be Self-Evident That All Men Are Created Equal...except the poor, the tired, the hungry, the homeless, the handicapped, the minorities, the gay, the pacifist, the dissenters, the jailed, the needy, the mentally ill, the ugly, the Christian, the Muslim, the Jew, the Buddhist, the Hindu, the weak, the activist, the quiet, the foreigner, the list goes on...

We Pledge Allegiance to One Nation Under God...Who is this God? America, will you tell me? Is it Mammon - the God of Money? Is it Zeus - the God of Power? Is it a no-name carpenter who walked the dusty roads without a place to lay his head, relying on the generosity and hospitality of others, relying on his direct connection to the Father, who healed the sick, the lame, the demon possessed, who was murdered like a criminal in the most embarrassing way possible, but did not let death be the final story, who arose from the grave, who empowered millions in the past, who still empowers us today? America, you tell me that is your God, but are you sure? Did he kill? Did he fight? Did he hate? Does he remember the sins of the past? Does he destroy? Does he over-consume? Does he drop bombs? Does he ignore? America, this surely can't be your God.

O Beautiful For Purple Mountains Majesty...unless there's something you want in that mountain. Then it's not so beautiful anymore. There are, as you say, more mountains. Our Spacious Skies are storage bins for your pollution, our Amber Waves of Grain are plots on a map - places where you drill, baby, drill. Our blue seas are uncharted territory, ripe with opportunity - places for you to take and not put back, places for you to leave worse than you found it.

You say you're a land of Liberty and Justice For All. Who is all? Answer this for me, America. Surely you don't mean All. Is it justice if all don't have the same rights? You didn't say there were conditions to receive your justice. You didn't say we have to look a certain way to receive your justice. You didn't say we have to hold to one belief to receive justice. You did say that Justice means Innocent Until Proven Guilty. What is Proven, America? Does it mean there is no doubt? Does it mean there is little doubt? Does it mean that doubt doesn't matter? Answer this, America.

You said Give Me Your Poor, Your Tired, Your Hungry - Did you mean it? You couldn't have really meant it, could you? Your poor are a disgusting stain that makes your clothes look filthy. You could fix it, but you must like that stain. Does it make your eyes glow? Your tired and hungry in the land of abundance must be the ones to blame. It's surely their own fault. Survival of the fittest. Kill or be killed. That's what you really meant, America, right? The Poor, the Tired, The Hungry try to come here. Why do you welcome them in words but then arrest them? Wasn't your God a stranger in a strange land? Oh, wait...I was thinking of the one you only give lip service.

You are the land of the American Dream. But dreams only happen during sleep...right? Get a good education and you too can make it. But statistics don't show that. You want the best schools, but you won't pay for them. You want the best teachers, but you blame them. You want the best students, but you deny them. Are your children not worth it? Find a job and you'll make it. That's what you told us. What did you do with the jobs? Why do you send them to other places? You say it's good business. When I question that, you call me Un-American.

You say I have the Freedom of Speech and Liberty - But that only means if I speak the company line, right? Why do you call me a dirty red communist if I think we should share? I always shared my toys. Am I a communist for that? You say if I want to make the poor people's life better that I'm a pathetic liberal. If I question your wars, you say I'm just short of treason. If I question your laws and decisions, you say I'm an anarchist. If my friends don't look like me, you call me a fake. If I Love My Neighbor As Myself, you call me a wimp. Why do you say these things?

You have us yell "USA, USA!" But what does that mean? The U is for United. If we are United why do you divide us? Why is there us and them? Why do you make us form little cliques? Watch our little children play, America. Maybe we can learn something together. Something about unity. Something about acceptance. Something about justice. Something about life.

O, America, you'll read this and say I hate you. But nothing could be further from the truth. I love you, America. I want to help you, America. I am from you, after all. I want to work with you to make you the best America you can be. I want to look at the flag with pride every time I see it. Not just sometimes.

It is true, America, my real citizenship is not with you. My real citizenship is in a place you claim to know. Maybe you've heard of it. Maybe you think you know it. Maybe you really do know it. I don't know. But, you don't act like you know it.

I know you won't be perfect, America. I can live with that. Look at me. I'm not perfect either. We can be "not perfect" together. It's like a journey. But, can we try to help each other get a little better each day? You can help me, and I can help you. Let's both be less of a paradox. Can we try?

Love,
Me

Thomas Merton - The Merton Prayer

2011-09-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

- Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude"
© Abbey of Gethsemani

Book of Revelation Bible Study

2011-09-19T18:30:00.000-07:00

This is an introduction to a Bible Study of the Book of Revelation. The intent of this study is to give a representative voice to the most popularly accepted interpretations of Revelation. The intent is NOT TO say that one way of interpreting Revelation is THE correct way.

Revelation has become the most popular book of the Bible that most people have never read. Most people will trust what someone tells them rather than read it for themselves and see what it says. Having said that, I'm NOT saying that people who teach/comment/write on this book are wrong. In fact, reading or hearing what someone else has to say may be a good start. But, eventually, in order to understand Revelation, one needs to read it.

Yes, you will be confused. But, the same can be said of any Book of the Bible. The beauty of the Bible is that each time you read the same passage(s), you will learn something new, or you will have something reinforced that you already knew if you go at it with a prayerful attitude.

What follows is not the most scholarly introduction to Revelation. It may not even be what you are looking for. If that is the case, that is fine. If you find it helpful, I'd like to know. This guide was constructed for a specific group of people, and I'm not sure if it would be helpful to others or not. Your comments would be appreciated!

As with anything on this Blog, feel free to use anything you find for your own study or to share with others. You don't have to cite me, but I would like to know how things are or are not helpful.

***NOTE: Sometimes spacing or formatting doesn't translate well when copying and pasting from MS Word to the Blog format. I've tried to correct it as best I could, but depending on your browser, you may have formatting issues. If there are questions, leave a comment and I will answer.

Introduction

The Book of Revelation

Revelation is the last book of the Bible. It’s one of the most confusing books to read. If you find it confusing, that’s a GOOD thing! It was meant to be confusing. Revelation was written so that only some would understand. It doesn’t contain any “secret knowledge” per se, but the knowledge it contains was written so that only a certain group would understand it.

The good news is that Christians (and now, anyone who really wants to know) can understand the Book of Revelation. What was once written for the earliest Christian communities still has meaning today. While situations have changed, the message of Revelation remains the same.

Over the past few years, there has been A LOT of emphasis on Revelation! There have been novels, movies, devotionals, and other Christian literature concerning the prophecies in Revelation. While some of the above mentioned media is better than others, try to read Revelation to see what it means for you. While reading The Book of Revelation, try to cast out any preexisting thoughts you have about this book. Try not to put Revelation “in a box.” Some have said that Revelation means 1 thing and 1 thing only. But, in line with all Holy Scripture, while God inspired 1 author for 1 purpose, the book’s meaning has grown to encompass all people. This is what is meant when it is said “The Word of God is alive!” (Hebrew 4:12).

Some find Revelation to be scary. Who wouldn’t find vivid images of Dragons and Beasts and Battles to be scary? But, Revelation was not written to instill fear. Revelation was not written to scare generations of people. Revelation was written to give hope.

Without trying to spoil this study, read Revelation 21-22. Soak in the imagery that is presented…allow your mind to paint a picture. Allow yourself to be immersed in the vision of the New Earth and the New Heaven. Think of the sights and sounds. Think of what you would feel and touch. Even allow yourself to imagine the smells and tastes. Think of the emotions you would feel if you were part of this story.

Fast Facts: The Book of Revelation

Authorship: Written by John. It may be John the disciple and the author of the Gospel of John and the 3 Letters of John. Scholars, however, believe that it was written in John’s name because the author came from John’s community. This is determined by analyzing writing styles and theologies (teachings about God) of the books in question.

Date of Writing: No one knows for sure when Revelation was written, but it is fairly certain it was written sometime between 54-96. It was written when Christians were being persecuted. It is possible that Revelation was written in many stages and compiled at the end of the 1^st century into 1 book.

Why Revelation Was Written: The Roman Government was persecuting the new Christians. Emperors Nero (54-68) and Domitian (81-96) were particularly harsh and violent towards Christians.

Revelation is still important today because it has a lot of information for us, but it wasn’t originally intended for us. The same can be said about every book in the Bible. WE were not the intended audience by the author, but God intended for it to apply to us in the “here and now.”

Style of Writing: Revelation is an Apocalypse. Apocalypse is Greek, meaning “Revelation.” This is a revelation from Jesus to John. This style was popular in Jewish and Early Christian writing. An Apocalypse has strange images, confusing language, and symbolism. There is usual also a huge emphasis on the future where God wins. This style was important because apocalypses were written for a specific group of people using “codes” they would understand.

In the Old Testament, Ezekiel has Apocalyptic elements, and Daniel is the only other book-length Apocalypse.

Revelation was written to the 7 Churches in Asia. Much of Asia was controlled by Rome.

1. Pergamum

2. Thyatira

3. Smyrna

4. Sardis

5. Philadelphia

6. Ephesus

7. Laodicea

****All these cities are in modern day Turkey****

(NOTE: The majority of the information on this page comes from David E Aune’s introduction to Revelation in the Harper Collins Study Bible)

Methods of Interpreting the Bible

There are many methods scholars and readers of the bible interpret meaning from what they read. Almost every reader of the bible prefers one method over the others, but it’s important to remember that each method can be useful.

The goal to interpret a passage or book of the Bible is to see what it means for us rather than making it say what we want. Of course, we can see ourselves in many of the passages (That’s a good thing!), but the goal is to see what God saying.

Here are some methods used to interpret the Bible:

1. Historical-Critical Method: What was the historical significance of a passage? What did it mean to the people who originally read it? Can that meaning somehow transfer to now? (Ex. “Mind your ‘p’s’ and ‘q’s.’” To us that statement means “watch your manners – or some variation. BUT, in history it was important for people who set the type on a printing machine not to mistake “p” for “q” and vice versa).

2. Literary Method: What kind of writing are you reading? A song? A story? A poem? A prophecy? How does the style of writing affect the meaning? (Ex. “I called them a million times before they answered” – Did the person really call a million times? Or does “a million” mean “a lot” of times?).

3. Literal Interpretation: The Bible means exactly what it says. (Ex. One who uses this method would probably say the world was created in 6 24 hour days).

4. Allegorical Interpretation: Some passages are interpreted as stories to teach a lesson. The events may or may not have really happened. (Ex. “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” may or may not have really happened, but it teaches an important lesson – don’t lie!).

5. Narrative Theology: The Bible is the story of God’s people in community. The overarching story is most important. When and why a passage was written is not as important as to what it means now. This relies on a STRONG belief in the Holy Spirit’s continual teaching. (Ex. We can all probably tell someone what happens in “The Wizard of Oz” without giving each detail).

6. Dispensational Interpretation: During different times, God chooses to work in specific ways for that period. (Ex. Creation, The Flood, Moses, Jesus, The Future).

7. Original Language/Grammar: The Bible was written in Hebrew and Aramaic (similar to Hebrew) in the Old Testament, and Greek in the New Testament. To use this method, one has to look at the original language and see what it means. (Ex. “Tengo mucho calor” means “I’m very hot” in Spanish. BUT, literally, it means “I have much heat.” Without knowing this, people may wonder why someone is carrying around a bunch of heat – whatever that is anyway).

There are more methods than these…this is just a beginning. All methods have some good reasons for using them, and all methods have problems. A combination of several is probably the best way to learn from the Bible.

Revelation Study:

Bible Study is a LIFELONG process. One reading of ANY Biblical book will only give you one perspective. All of your questions won’t be answered in this study. Even if you read/study Revelation (or another book) multiple times, new questions will arise. Again, that is what makes the Word of God alive!

Revelation has some specific methods of interpretation:

Historicism- The events of Revelation are ongoing events for all time.

Preterist- Revelation mostly refers to the events when it was written.

Futurist- Revelation describes future events.

Idealist, or Symbolic- Holds that Revelation does not refer to specific people or events, but is an allegory of the spiritual path and the ongoing struggle between good and evil.

Radical Discipleship- Revelation teaches us to stay faithful without giving into the world.

Academic Snobbery

2011-09-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

I guess it's something I should expect. Going to the Divinity School of a major research university, one would expect to encounter academic snobbery. After all, we have top notch professors who are THE go to authors for Biblical and Religious Scholastic endeavors.

But, what I've found is that it is not the professors who are the snobs. Of all the professors I've had, every one has been approachable and willing to answer even the most basic question. They are people of deep faith, and yet humble enough to realize that faith is a journey, not a destination. Almost every class begins with a prayer, and that prayer often mentions that we are sorry for the times we have let our own pride take hold of our being. Of course, I can't speak for all professors, but the ones I've had do not allow their academic accomplishments define who they are. They are first mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, neighbors, friends, teachers, etc. who also happen to be top of their field.

Where I have experienced this Snobbery is from some of the students. Now, don't get me wrong. Going into this Divinity School, I expected a certain level of academic rigor. I also know that I'm coming from a pastoral point of view while others wish to become academics themselves. However, I think both can, and should complement the other. The pastorally focused students can remind the academically focused students of the practical, every day nature of our faith. The academically focused students can remind the pastorally focused students that the theories, histories, and philosophies are important to understanding our faith.

Of course, there will always be competition in a major university. People wouldn't be there if they were not "top of their game." Students at these universities would not get to "rub shoulders" with world renowned professors if they did not have some level of academic excellence.

That being said, I think it is important for us all to refrain from Academic Snobbery. That "I'm more intellectual than you are because I found a finer point in one of the theological readings" attitude. I'm not sure if these students are trying to "prove their worth" to others? to themselves? But, it's not working!

If a world renowned Professor does not need to "show off," what business do any of us students have in showing off? Yes, we should do our best. Yes, we should find the nuances of our faith in the writings of the various disciplines. Yes, we should talk about them. But, this endeavor should be one of mutual concern...one where all bring something to the discussion to shape and form understanding for all involved. After all, God is not a competition. Positions to teach or preach about God may involve competition, but the study of God is not.

Grass, Cements; Rocks and Gates

2011-09-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

^{Summary of my sermon from 9/11/11}

^{Matthew 16:15-18}

¹⁵He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ ¹⁶Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ ¹⁷And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. ¹⁸And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.

When God created the world, one of those creations was plants and vegetation. Arguably, grass may be the most common forms of plant on the earth. Almost everywhere you go, you will find grass. It fills our yards, it fills our forests. You can even find grass in some of the most remote and desolate places. Grass grows in the desert, and our prairies and steppes are covered with grass.

Anyone who tries to "manicure" their lawn will find that grass is a constant battle. That which man tries to do is always at the mercy of God. The sidewalks and roads we create are always under the threat of grass growing. I've even seen grass grow in places one would thing is completely impossible.

When we see grass growing in the cracks of our sidewalks, we often try to pull it. But, much to our dismay, within a few days, it's back with a vengeance. So, we go out with our various "weed-be-gone" products and spray the grass, but still, that is only a temporary solution.

What goes on below the ground may be a mystery to us, but it is only one small way God proves that His power is ALWAYS at work. We place the sidewalks, but God created the grass. The grass will always work.

I've even seen grass growing in cracks on roads. I'm no construction expert, but I've driven past road construction sites. Building a road is no small task, and the pavement is inches thick. That does not even mention the stones and flattening of the earth below the pavement. Even the mightiest constructions of humans are always at the mercy of God.

In the above scripture, Jesus said his church will be built on a rock. Is Peter that rock? Or is the truth which Peter spoke the Rock? That is up for theological debate, and not something I'll take up here. But, think of the image of a rock.

To the audience to which Jesus spoke, no image described strength greater than a rock.

Jesus did not say the church would be built on sand, or mud, or even a foundation of bricks. It would be built on a rock. Another of God's creation which boasts of strength.

Jesus goes on to say that the gates of Hell will not prevail against the church. What is a gate? Have you ever been attacked by a gate? Unless your attacker was some deranged psychopath, gates are not offensive weapons. Gates are defensive measures. So what? What does this imply? It implies that Hell doesn't do much attacking, but rather it tries to defend itself with a gate...one which cannot stand when attacked by the Church.

While Hell and Evil do attack, their attack is little more than the lashing out someone does when backed into a corner. This lashing out can be serious for a time, but God eventually wins every time. Just like the grass of God's creation breaks through the sidewalks of human design, the Rock of the Church will always break through the Gates of Hell.

We Want to Forget the Day we will Always Remember

2011-09-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

9/11/2001 - A day we want to forget...A day we will always remember.

What can I say about this day that has not already been said? I considered a reverent silence on this subject, but I'm not so sure that is appropriate. Nor am I sure it's appropriate to even comment on what happened. I don't want to rehash old wounds for the sake of going through those emotions again, but yet I don't want to forget how that day changed the world.

What can I say to a man or woman who lost a spouse on that day? What could I say to children who lost a parent that day? What could I say to a parent who lost a child? What can I say to people who lost friends and loved ones? What can I say to a nation that lost its sense of security? What can I say to Muslims who had nothing to do with this attack who have been mistreated? What can I say to the soldier who was called to active war duty? What can I say to innocent civilians in other nations who lost loved ones in a war in which they had no stake? What could I say to the innocent families of terrorists who saw the terrorist as "daddy," or "husband," or "brother," or "son?" What can I say to innocent New York City residents both then and now whose city was under attack? What can I say to those in Washington DC whose city was targeted? What can I say to the small town of Shanksville, Pennsylvania where a plane being used as a weapon crashed? What can I say to children born after the attacks but live in a completely different world from the one adults grew up in?

We all remember where we were when the planes hit the Twin Towers. Most of us thought the first crash was due to pilot error, or a problem with the plane. Then came the second plane. Then, we knew it was a coordinated attack. I remember that I was teaching at the time. I had a 4th grade class in my music room when their homeroom teacher came and delivered the news. I had to wait over an hour before I could get to a TV.

For some reason, the attack on the Pentagon has not been as much of a conversation topic, but none the less, lives were lost. People who were just doing their daily work died. Those people also had faces, names, and family and friends.

The small town of Shanksville, PA was also attacked. This was not an attack on them, per se; the plane was bound for another "high profile" target. But, the passengers attacked the terrorists and the plane crashed into a field.

I was near Shanksville just over a week before the attacks. I was visiting a friend in Somerset, PA, just a few miles from Shanksville. My visit was a peaceful one. It was to visit an old friend and relax from the job search I was doing. I got my rest on that trip. I spent quality time with a good friend. And by the grace of God, I was called by a school district that hired me while I was there. Just over a week later, the entire small, safe town changed.

I don't want to look at 9/11 as a sacred event...It is completely the opposite. People who felt victimized for whatever reason decided to act violently, and not just violently, but also to spread fear. Their plan worked...for a while at least.

What can we learn from 9/11? Here are some thoughts:
1. 9/11 shows us the destructive nature of violence. What if these people entered into dialogue with those whom they saw as "the enemy?" What if they used their talent for violence to be a talent for peace making? Can we do the same? It's easy to hate our enemies (both in the international sense as well in our personal lives). We probably won't do anything as drastic as the 9/11 attacks, but can we dialogue with and pray for our enemies? Can we be the peacemakers?

2. We must never think of 9/11 as a "Holy Day." It's a day to remember and memorialize those who were lost. It's a day to feel sad. It's a day to pray. It is a day that our country will not (and should not) forget. But, as we remember this day, we need to be of the Anti-9/11-Terrorist-Mindset. We need to use this day as a springboard for doing good...for loving more...for praying more.

3. We need to remember that we were NEVER at war WITH Afghanistan and Iraq. I will not go into political right vs. wrong here, but we were NEVER at war with these countries. We were/are at war with individuals from those countries. We cannot say that ALL Iraqis or Afghanis are bad. In the same way, we can not say that ALL Americans are good (or bad). All societies have good and bad. We need to remember that just like us, the normal Iraqi or Afghani had nothing to do with these attacks. The average person in both nations wants to lead a life of meaning and to better their lives for their children and younger generations as we do.

4. Islam is not the enemy. I will refrain from the term "Radical Islam" because I'm not sure what it means. In the same way, I refuse to use "Liberal," "Conservative," or "Fundamentalist" as they apply to religion or politics. Islam is not our enemy. True, those who attacked us were Muslims, but their religion did not attack us. When the Christian Terrorist attacked innocent civilians in Norway, Christianity was not the enemy; the terrorist was. We should not fear or hate Islam. Muslims obviously have different theologies and customs from Christians. We need to love our Muslim brothers and sisters as we love our Christian brothers and sisters. We need to show them (and the whole world) God's love. We will disagree on many important issues, but hate must never come into the dialogue.

5. Whether you are pro-war (I mean that in the sense that you feel that war is sometimes justified - NOT that pro-war people see war as the only solution), pacifist, or a Just War advocate, we all need to be Pro-Peace and Pro-Love. From veterans I've talked to, war is "hell on earth." While those I talked to saw their service in war as a duty, they saw it as a last resort after diplomatic solutions failed. We need to remember that Christ calls us to love our enemies. Every believer needs to determine what that means. But, even those who see no moral conflict with war can see that we must first strive for peace. We need to remember that Christ calls us to forgive. Not just to forgive the easy things, but to also forgive the hard things.

A word on forgiveness: Forgiveness doesn't mean we forget what happened. It doesn't mean that we don't still harbor feelings of pain. Forgiveness is what we extend in saying "You hurt me...but let's work this out." It's what we do when we realize we cannot judge and sentence anyone to eternal reward or punishment and accept that only God has that right. Forgiveness is not letting your heart be hardened beyond repair because of the evil done to you. Forgiveness is ugly! It makes us go through emotions and internal battles we do not want. But yet, Christ tells us to forgive.

On this 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, join God's side. Spread love to those who need it. Give comfort to those who mourn. Love your neighbor as yourself. And who is my neighbor??? The world is our neighbor.

Also remember that in Christ we do not need to be afraid. What the terrorists wanted to steal is something that cannot be taken from us unless we give it away. "Perfect love casts out fear." Love God enough that God's grace and blessings free you from your fears.

Psalm 137 - The Psalm Everyone Wants to Ignore

2011-09-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

My comments will be in Red Italics...the Psalm will be in regular print.

Psalm 137 is the Psalm that most Bible readers will pass over. Or, people will read it and recoil at the brutality that is part of this Psalm. While all of that is understandable, Psalm 137 still stands in the Canon of Scripture. How do we deal with it? What do we do with it? Can we read it as part of Holy Scripture?

Of course, those questions require a deeper answer than can be given in a few sentences, but hopefully this will serve as an introduction to further research, study, and prayer.

There are a few things to remember when reading ANY Psalm:

1. The Psalms are songs. We read them in English, but they were Ancient Hebrew Songs.

2. The Psalms are poetry. The rhyme and rhythm isn't always obvious in an English translation.

3. The Psalms are prayers. Even today, we can read these prayers written long ago and make them our own.

How should you approach Psalm 137? I would suggest that you just dive in and read the whole thing from beginning to end. The only information that may be necessary is that this Psalm is a prayer about the Hebrew experience when they were held in captivity in Babylon.

So...Jump in...Read it...I will make copy Psalm 137 again with comments.

Psalm 137

¹By the rivers of Babylon— there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion.

²On the willows there we hung up our harps.

³For there our captors asked us for songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”

⁴How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?

⁵If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither!

⁶Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy.

⁷Remember, O Lord, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem’s fall, how they said, “Tear it down! Tear it down! Down to its foundations!”

⁸O daughter Babylon, you devastator! Happy shall they be who pay you back what you have done to us!

⁹Happy shall they be who take your little ones and dash them against the rock!

Now, you've gotten through it. How did it make you feel? Probably somewhat disturbed. That's fine. I'll re-print the Psalm and add my own commentary in red italics. This commentary is only from my own perspective and relates to the way we modern readers can let this Psalm apply to our own lives.

Psalm 137
¹By the rivers of Babylon— there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion.
   Obviously, none of us are in exile in Babylon. Most of us probably aren't even near a river. The majority of us most likely have never been to Zion (Israel).
   Even though the comments above may be true, most of us ARE in exile. If we're not in exile now, we have been, or we will be. Our exile may not be physically away from home, but exile takes many forms (in the figurative sense): Depression, Anxiety, Failure, Lost Relationships, Feeling Distant from God, Feeling Distant from Life, Not Meeting the Standard...etc. We long to go back to the days when we were Vibrant, Respected, Winners, Happy...etc. THAT is our exile.
²On the willows there we hung up our harps.
   If you are a musician, you know the power of this verse. Musicians love to make music...it brings joy. Hanging up your instrument is like putting part of yourself away, or out of commission.
   If you're not a musician, imagine how your "exile" is causing you to put away the things that make you happy...Hobbies, Relationships, Sanity, Peace within Yourself...etc.
³For there our captors asked us for songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
   Do those who hold you in exile mock you? Maybe your "captors" aren't people but situations. Does the same pain keep coming again and again as if it's mocking you? Do you want to do/experience the things that make you happy, but something is tormenting you? Maybe you're tormenting yourself. Maybe your own mind is torturing you.
⁴How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?
   While you want to pretend nothing is wrong, you just can't. How can you be happy in this "exile?"
⁵If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither!
⁶Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy.

   The Psalmist is writing that he/she must remember the homeland...the sacred city. You also remember "how it used to be." That's a good thing! God wants you to remember the joy of life. God wants to be connected to you. God wants to be part of your life. Don't forget your "Jerusalem."
7Remember, O Lord, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem’s fall, how they said, “Tear it down! Tear it down! Down to its foundations!”
   Pray to God. Tell God your deepest feelings. Don't be shy. Don't feel bad about being honest. God can take it. Even if you're angry with God, God can take it. Give God all your fears, anxieties, worries, sadness. Tell God why you're "in exile."
⁸O daughter Babylon, you devastator! Happy shall they be who pay you back what you have done to us!
⁹Happy shall they be who take your little ones and dash them against the rock!
   Be even more honest with God. Tell God what you want to happen. Your "exile" has taken away what is precious to you. It is OK to want bad to come to your "enemies" as payback. It is OK to tell God how you honestly feel. Don't hold back!

   Go back and read verse by verse. Make the verse apply to you. Make the Psalm YOUR prayer.

   How do you feel? Probably still hurting. But, pray this Psalm several times...Meditate verse by verse. There will be catharsis. You will come to terms with your exile.

   The story doesn't end here. The Israelites returned home from their exile. Your exile is not permanent. Keep your eyes focused on Jerusalem. Keep that glimmer of hope alive. Tell God exactly how you feel. Let God lead you from this point to a place of peace...back to your Jerusalem.

Dan Brown's "The DaVinci Code" - A Review

2011-09-01T14:46:00.001-07:00

Over the past several years, I've seen many publications critiquing Dan Brown's book The Da Vinci Code. As the years go on, more books and commentaries seem to be published. Not wanting to be left out in the cold, I will add my own review and critique of this book.

I believe that you will gain the most benefit from this review if you read it in one sitting if at all possible. Tom

My Review: It's fiction.

Letter Sent to Presidential Candidate Former Senator Rick Santorum

2011-09-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

Rick Santorum, a former US Senator is running for the presidency in 2012. After reading a quote he made about education, I sent him the following e mail via townhall.com and his Presidential Campaign FaceBook Page. Ironically, there is no link to contact him on his official Campaign Website.

Dear Senator Santorum,

In this article (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/05/rick-santorum-iowa-2012_n_919266.html), you were quoted as saying that our “schools indoctrinate our children.” You went on to say that surveys show that students find socialism to be better than capitalism, and the ultimate reason is that is because “they don’t understand America.”

From this website (http://www.ontheissues.org/senate/rick_santorum.htm#Education) , I found your voting record while you were in the US Senate of the votes pertaining to education. From that website, I have selected just a few issues from 2001-2005:

*You Voted NO on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)

*You Voted NO on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)

*You Voted NO on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)

*You Voted NO on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors. (May 2001)

*You Voted NO on funding student testing instead of private tutors. (May 2001)

*You Voted NO on spending $448B of tax cut on education & debt reduction. (Apr 2001)

If this account of your voting is inaccurate, I would appreciate a correction.

Senator Santorum, I have to agree with you that our schools DO, in fact, indoctrinate our nation’s children. But, that indoctrination does not stem from a fundamental flaw with public education, nor does it stem from inadequate teachers (I will grant you that there are inadequate teachers, but that is not our immediate problem).

As for my background, I have been a public school teacher for 10 years. During those years, I taught mainly in high-poverty communities with few exceptions. I hold a BA in Music Education, an M.Ed. in Educational Administration, and I am working on my M.Div. degree in Pastoral Ministry. I am proud to be serving as the pastor of a church, and I am even more proud to be the husband of a former teacher and the father of 2 small children ages 2 and 5.

As stated before, our schools do indoctrinate our children. What you call socialism, teachers call “sharing.” From day one of Kindergarten, children are taught to share their toys, learning materials, and ideas. While you see this as a Communist plot, we call it “learning to work with others,” something that sadly you and many other politicians failed to learn as is proven almost every time the nation requires cooperation across party lines.

Your voting record may indicate why children say that socialism is better than capitalism. As I said, most of my teaching career was in high-poverty communities. Because of the lack of funds to these schools (and your voting record is clear that you supported this lack of funding), we had to ration things such as paper and pencils. Teachers continue to be limited in the number of copies they can make because the school budget does not allow for such “luxuries.” Senator Santorum, from your own record, it is obvious that you took part in creating this situation. So, rather than “survival of the fittest,” and allowing the “more motivated” students have access to the pencils and paper, many of us teachers used socialistic techniques such as “rationing,” “sharing,” and “recycling.”

You voted to fund private tutors rather than reducing class sizes, but yet the “No Child Left Behind Act” states that ALL students should be competent in the tested subjects. Do you find it ironic that by stating that all must be equal, The NCLB Act supports a socialistic agenda? I’m certain, however, that you were only using socialism to actually root out the “lower performing students,” and allow the “gifted students” to rise up as would be part of a true capitalistic agenda based on competition and success through personal effort. Through the NCLB, you can, in effect deny funding to those schools that do not perform as arbitrarily decided by people who have little to no educational background. Sadly, you did not make it clear to teachers or school administrators that this was your agenda. So, in the spirit of socialism, schools attempt to teach EVERY child to reach his or her highest potential, and schools have jumped aboard and teach to the arbitrary standards (which, as I’m sure an expert on education such as yourself would know are not statistically valid measures of actual educational goals). Despite the large class sizes, teachers try to give their time equally to all students with added time during their lunch breaks, planning periods, or recess to assist the lower performing students. So that we know unequivocally that you do not support these socialistic techniques, will you please go on the record and state that education is ONLY for those who can compete at the top notch?

Again, as one who sees public education as the enemy as it is in its current form, I, and many Americans would like your answers to the following questions:

*Though you attended Butler (PA) Area School District in your youth, you graduated from Carmel High School in Illinois (a Private Catholic School). Though I don’t think many would begrudge your private education, could you please let the public know how this qualifies you to legislate public school policy?

*As a person of faith and a pastor, I believe most certainly that God created the universe. If you will permit me to assume that from your “Santorum Amendment” to the NCLB which basically says that schools should be required to teach Intelligent Design and promote the idea that the evolutionary theory is flawed, why do you also state “Compassionate Conservatism relies on healthy families, freedom of faith…(emphasis is my own)” (November 17, 2005: "The Conservative Future: Compassion".http://townhall.com/columnists/ricksantorum/2005/11/17/the_conservative_future_compassion)? How does promoting this religious belief in public education allow for “freedom of faith?”

*In order for schools to be able to avoid vicariously teaching socialistic concepts such as sharing, rationing, and recycling, would you please go on the record that you in fact support funding schools so that each student can have his/her own piece of paper, pencil, textbook, etc. and that teachers will be provided with adequate educational essentials so they do not have to spend money out of their own pockets (taking away from their families and their own wellbeing)?

*Finally, so that the idea of competition to achieve a desired end can be taught and practiced, will you please go on the record and advocate for the complete repeal of the NCLB which in fact promotes a socialistic agenda saying that ALL students are equal?

Senator Santorum, as an American, voter, former teacher, current parent, person of faith, and pastor, I ask that you address the above questions so that America does not fall into the abyss of what was once the Soviet Union under communism.

I will pray that you make wise decisions during your presidential campaign and in whatever may follow.

Jeremiah 29: An Old Testament Call to Passive Resistance

2011-09-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

This is a paper I wrote concerning Pacifism in the Old Testament from Jeremiah 29:1-9 (and some following verses). The formatting may not be great on here since the cut/paste feature doesn't seem to be an exact process. If there are questions about the sources, make a comment, and I'll do my best to clarify.

“Jeremiah 29: A Call to Passive Resistance”

Jeremiah 29:1-9 is a letter written from the prophet Jeremiah to the first wave of exiles in Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar. Patrick D. Miller argues that this letter is telling the exiles “Do not resist; carry on your lives; learn to come to terms with your situation.”[1] While I agree with Miller on the second point, I disagree with his first point, which is the most fundamental point to the entire passage. I will argue that resistance is exactly what Jeremiah intends to incite through this letter. Jeremiah is not calling for armed resistance, nor is he calling for rebellion or even civil disobedience. Instead, Jeremiah is calling upon the exiles to maintain their Jewish[2] identity in an act of passive resistance to the Babylonian oppressors who hold them hostage. As is often the case, when once culture dominates another, especially by force, the “victim culture” loses its identity at worst, or at best, they often maintain some of their identity with concessions and adaptations to the oppressor’s culture. God, through Jeremiah’s letter is calling upon the exiles not to fall into the trap of losing any of their identity as God’s Chosen People. I will begin by setting the stage for the context of this passage with a brief historical setting. Following the historical background, I will give evidence of tactics used by oppressors to remove the identity of those whom they oppress. I will then give evidence of how this passage advocates resistance in a non-violent manner to the status quo until a time in which God will set the exiles free. Following that, I will explore the part of the passage that says that the welfare of Babylon will be the welfare of the exiles.[3] I will also include a section that discusses the dangers of misreading this passage in which an oppressor could “wrongly justify” their oppression using this text. I will finally discuss how this text speaks to people today through its overt message as well as through its imagery to maintain identity as a form of non-violent resistance.

In 597 BCE, Babylon deported a first wave of exiles from Judea into Nebuchadnezzar’s Kingdom of Babylon[4] (roughly located in modern day Iraq). Ten years later in 587 BCE, Jerusalem was destroyed[5] and a new wave of exiles was taken into Babylon. For some reason, the Babylonians allowed correspondence (of which this passage is an example) between Judean and the exiles in Babylon. This unlikely arrangement can be explained by assuming that the Babylonian authorities wanted to keep the exiles informed of events in Jerusalem, possibly to demoralize them, and they also wanted to remind Zedekiah, the King of Judea, that Babylon had the real power, and holding hostages was one method of proving that and making sure that tribute payments were paid to Babylon.[6] The exiles were held in Babylon until the Persians led by Cyrus assumed control and issued a decree in 538 BCE releasing the hostages back to Jerusalem and providing them with funds to rebuild their Temple.[7]

“Build houses…plant gardens…take wives…have sons and daughters...take wives for your sons…give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease...”[8] Each of these commands in Jeremiah’s prophetic letter invoke God’s commands of maintaining the Jewish identity and culture amid oppression and exile. Each command also explicitly tells the exiles that while they are to live peaceably among the Babylonians (“…seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare,”[9]), they are not to become influenced by the Babylonian culture, identity, or religion. The exiles are to remember their identity and to produce a new generation of Jewish people, while still under oppression. While violent resistance may produce a quick end (either end to the oppression or an end of the Jewish people through destruction by the Babylonians), God is commanding the Jewish people to resist through passive means by in maintaining their Jewish identity through forming communities by building houses, planting gardens, continuing to have children, allowing their children to marry, and maintaining their daily lives.

We can look at other historical situations to see the tactics used by oppressive regimes to gain control of those whom they oppress. During China’s Cultural Revolution from the 1960’s to the 1970’s, led by Mao Zedong, the Chinese leadership further oppressed Tibet, which they had annexed in 1950 into the nation of China in the name of “liberation.” This so called “liberation” turned out to be oppression of the Tibetan people, religion and culture (along with that of most people in China). Tibetan artifacts that were at least a thousand years old were destroyed, and the Chinese Communist regime even convinced some of the Tibetan citizens, including Buddhist Monks, that this was the right thing to do. Names were changed and transcribed into Chinese, and thus, were pronounced with a Chinese accent.[10] Almost anything tying Tibetans to their native culture was eliminated or put under strict regulations by the Chinese Communists. In a different book, Alex Haley’s semi-autobiographical novel, Roots gives several examples of losing one’s identity in the face of oppression. One such powerful example is a scene where a slave in the American South named Samson approaches the character Kunta Kinte. Samson tries to convince Kunta that his name is Toby, the name given to him by the slave master. Kunta continues to hold that Toby is not his name; his name is Kunta Kinte![11] By taking away his name, the slave master is, in effect, trying to dismantle Kunta’s identity as an African and to convince Kunta that his identity is an American Slave as he had already accomplished with Samson. Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr. states that oppressors begin oppression by first taking away the names and stories of the oppressed.[12]As we’ve seen in the two previous examples of Tibet and American Slavery, Rev. Wright is correct on this issue. Rev. Wright’s sermon discusses how slave traders and then later, racist people unwilling to integrate with former slaves or their descendents treated the African-Americans as sub-human. When cultural roots, histories, shared stories, and names are taken away from a group of people, generations will be “lost” by forced-integration into the oppressive culture.

If we read Jeremiah 29 intertextually with the book of Daniel, a book that is also set during the exile, we see the names of the Jewish Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah being changed by Babylon’s chief official to Beltesheazzar, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, in an attempt to take away their Jewish identity.[13] Though the actual historicity of this passage can be put into question, and many consider this to be a mythic tale, the underlying message cannot be discounted. Oppressors attempt to change identities of those whom they oppress. In another intertextual reading with Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar had a large golden statue made of him. He commanded that at the sound of the music, everyone was to fall down and worship this statue. Seeing this as idol worship and staying true to their roots, Daniel and his friends refused to worship this statue. After being interrogated by Nebuchadnezzar, the four exiles were thrown into the Fiery Furnace heated seven times hotter than normal, but they were left unharmed through divine intervention. In this apocalyptic story, we can see yet another account of an oppressor (in this case, Babylon, the same oppressor in Jeremiah), attempting to wipe away the culture and personhood of those under their oppression.[14] Babylon attempted to wipe out the very religion and roots of the Jewish people under their control.

As the exiles in Jeremiah 29 build houses, have children, let their children marry, and increase in population, they are resisting these oppressive tactics that would cause them to lose their identity. By maintaining their identity under unfavorable conditions, the exiles are passively resisting the Babylonian oppressors. In keeping homes and having families, they can hold onto their own names, culture, and religion (even just if at home), and they are holding onto the message passed from generations before that no matter what the Babylonians do to them, they are a different, special, and Chosen People of the one true God. As they have their children marry and reproduce, they are maintaining their historical link to the Promised Land to which they hope to someday return. Through oral tradition, they can keep traditions, stories of Israel and Jerusalem, and the hope of return alive. Through these acts the exiles are not allowing the Babylonian culture to totally defeat them through forced enculturation. Though they have been defeated in might and strength, by following God’s commands in this letter, they can never be defeated as a people with names, culture, religion, and history. Even today, the Jewish people in the Diaspora hold special feelings for Israel, Jerusalem, and especially the hopeful rebuilding of the Temple.

The idea of kinship cannot be understated in the identity of the Jewish people (or any other “tightly knit” ethnic/cultural/religious group). Kinship of all Jewish people has been important throughout history since antiquity. The Jewish People hardly (if at all) distinguished between “good Jews” and “bad Jews.” All of Jewish heritage are, and have been, identified as Jews.[15] Accordingly, the exiles in Jeremiah 29 see themselves as a people united by that very kinship. This is proven through three observations of the text. First of all, the exiles were taken into Babylon from one “nation (Judea),” and/or one city, Jerusalem. Judea, and especially Jerusalem was central to Jewish life, culture, and religion. The Temple in Jerusalem was seen as the house of God on earth. Second, these people believed in the God of the Jewish people, Yahweh. One can see proof of this by merely scanning the passage and seeing that the letter from Jeremiah is speaking of this one God. Had they not been unified by belief in this God, this letter would hold no credence as a prophetic letter. These people were the Chosen People ofthis God. They were chosen by God to be the vehicle that would allow God’s justice to spread to the whole world as a “light to the nations.”[16] Third, by maintaining their culture through the construction of houses and forming communities and families separate from the Babylonians, the Jewish people are asserting their kinship with one another. As they kept community with other Jews, these exiles kept their roots central to their being. Kinship assumes a shared history and/or a shared story. When a culture loses its history, they die.[17] When a new history is given to the younger generations, those generations “die” to their native culture as well. Rev. Jeremiah Wright explains this using the current experience of African-Americans. Through centuries of oppression, their homeland and native culture has been called inferior to Western standards. As this is drilled into the minds of people, they begin to accept it as true. Each generation loses a little more of their history as each generation passes, thus causing even more of a loss of identity. After losing identity, the exiles, (African-Americans in Wright’s example) take on the fashions, culture, and lifestyles similar to those of their oppressors.[18] Despite the tactics that the Babylonians used, the exiles in Babylon continued to maintain their culture and identity, and they remained a people, and no less, the Chosen People of God, with a shared history, story, and culture.

Probably the most controversial and confusing portion of Jeremiah’s Letter to the exiles is where God, through Jeremiah tells the exiles to seek the welfare of the city where they are exiled and to pray for its wellbeing because their own wellbeing is tied to that city.[19] This must have come as an unwelcomed surprise to the exiles. It is difficult to imagine God telling an obviously oppressed group of people that they are not only to live in harmony with their captors, but they are also to pray for them. Logic would say that they must have wondered if this was a real command from God or the uttering of some false prophet. Jeremiah counters this thought by writing that the prophets and diviners among the exiles (who are prophesying a quick return) are not from God, and they are not to listen to them.[20] William Holladay describes this letter as a “Rude Letter” from God.[21] Holladay says that in verse 7, the English translated word “welfare” is actually the word “shalom” (Hebrew for “peace”).[22] In light of this, Holladay paraphrases Jeremiah’s letter to imply: “Ah, you are listening for ‘peace be to you’ but you listen for it in vain until you do some work of your own…(My own emphasis added).”[23] I argue that Holladay is emphasizing the need for peace and peaceful resistance. Thich Nhat Hanh, a nominee for the Nobel Peace Price by Martin Luther King, Jr. writes, “Evil is never overcome with evil to produce peace.”[24] War and violence only quiets or subdues the losers. Sometimes the losers are subdued forever, but many times, the losers are only subdued until they can gain enough strength to again lash out, but this time with more anger than before. In fact, Biblical/Christian Pacifism is not rooted in efficacy (violence often produces results quicker than passive resistance), but rather it is rooted in a particular interpretation of God’s will as discerned through the Bible. Patience in the face of oppression “is not a means to a greater good, but it is the good itself.”[25]Jeremiah, through God’s leading, realized that the good must be honored in telling the exiles that their resistance was not to be violent. Jeremiah realized that Babylon should not be subdued by force, but that through patience, endurance, and passive resistance, the Jewish people would be vindicated.

By telling the exiles to seek the peace of Babylon and to pray for them, and by further explaining that the exiles’ peace is tied to Babylon’s peace, God, through Jeremiah’s Letter is commanding that they not take up arms or violence against their oppressors. Much like most cultures today, the exiles, and even the Babylonians, built their civilizations upon the lie that “we, not God, are the masters of our existence.”[26] Almost all nations and cultural groups, whether religious or not attempt to be the masters of their own existence through trying to manipulate their circumstances in social orders, laws, treaties, and so forth. Despite Jeremiah’s letter at least some of the Jewish exiles still held to the thought that they, and not God, would one day avenge their situation. They even composed a Psalm saying, “Happy shall they be who take your little ones and dash them against the rock!”[27] This Psalm came as a result of tormenting of the exiles to “sing us [the Babylonians] one of the songs of Zion.”[28] Understandably, the exiles wanted to return home, and while returning home, they wanted to return revenge. God’s precepts, however, do not work that way. Ellen Davis gives and interpretation of this Psalm and others like it. She says that these “cursing Psalms” are a cry for vengeance asking God to act.[29] Reading this text through the lens of Christ, we can see that the call to “turn the other cheek”[30] is not unique to the New Testament, nor is “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”[31] This is an Old Testament example of the call to live in voluntary subordination (similar to Christ’s teachings previously cited). When doing so, the subordinate group holds the moral authority over the dominant group calling upon them to forsake their “domineering use of that status.”[32]

Even though this passage speaks to a specific situation, we must also explore the potential dangers of interpreting it wrongly. Though it is God’s will that the exile took place,[33] it should not be interpreted that every (or any) oppressive situation is God’s will. One could take this passage out of context and use it to justify oppression and attempt to subdue those being oppressed by saying that their situation is “God’s will.” Oppressors have often used biblical interpretation to justify their wrongs. For example, slavery has been justified using Genesis 9:22-27 (Noah’s curse of Ham’s descendents), the book of Philemon (Paul returning Philemon’s slave Onesimus), and 1 Timothy 6:1-6 where Paul tells slaves to regard their masters as “worthy of honor.”[34] Though slavery was a cultural norm in the Biblical period, hardly anyone would argue that such oppression of a human is acceptable today. So must one see Jeremiah 29. God ultimately causes the exile and oppression for the peoples’ unfaithfulness. The exile is not merely a military conquest with the victor claiming the resources and people. This is an act of God after repetitive prophetic warnings. Repressive regimes must not use this text to legitimate their oppression and say that it is “God’s will.”

Though Jeremiah 29 calls for non-violence, it is not a call for religious people to be silent in the face of oppression. The vindication of the exiles is prophesied in Jeremiah 50:1-3 where God says that Babylon’s idols will be put to shame, and a nation from the north (most likely the Persians led by God’s decree) will destroy Babylon. The reader must remember that though God uses human sources to carry out this vindication and revenge, the action originates from God and not from humans.

“The word of God is living and active…”[35] Just as the call for non-violent resistance applied for the exiles in Babylon so too, it applies today. The world is ripe with injustice and oppression. If we are to take the words of Jeremiah seriously, we must look at our own situations and use Jeremiah 29 as a model for seeking justice and an end to oppression. Again, quoting Stanley Hauerwas fromThe Peaceable Kingdom, Patience in the face of oppression “is not a means to a greater good, but it is the good itself” (page 146). Violent action may be more efficacious and bring a quicker solution, but violence is against the Will of God. We are not to seek our own vengeance, but rather we are to allow God to have the vengeance. Romans 12:19 says, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” As followers of God, we must either allow God to be God, or we must forsake the covenant and be our own “gods.” But, if we choose the latter, we must be ready to face the consequences. As Jesus said in Matthew 26:52b, “…for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Violence never has a good end. Even if violence quashes an oppressor, there will always be oppressors and evildoers who will fill the vacuum of the one who was destroyed and blood will always be on the hands of the one who uses violence. Even in our own figurative exiles to “Babylon” (whether in the form of oppression, addiction, conflict, or any other wrong), we must turn to the words of Jeremiah 29 and only resist passively.

If Jeremiah’s letter ended in verse 9, the exiles then and those in exile (figurative or literal) now would not see hope in their passive resistance. Fortunately, Jeremiah includes more in this letter. Verses 10-14 go on to say, “For thus says the Lord: Only when Babylon’s seventy years are completed will I visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.” As people of God, we, just as the exiles, can take comfort in knowing that God has a future for us, and that future is for our benefit and not our harm if only we live up to our end of the covenant.

Works Cited:

Richard A. Burridge, “Being Biblical?: Slavery, Sexuality, and the inclusive community,” HTS Theological Studies (HTS 64(1), 2008).

R.E. Clements, Interpretation: Jeremiah (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1988).

Ellen F. Davis, Getting Involved With God (Lanham Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc.: 2001).

Alex Haley, Roots (New York: Gramercy Books, 2000).

Thich Nhat Hanh, Living Buddha, Living Christ (New York: Penguin Group Inc., 2007).

Stanley Hauerwas, The Peaceable Kingdom (Notre Dame: The University of Notre Dame Press, 1983).

Martha Himmelfarb, “Judaism in Antiquity: Ethno-Religion or National Identity,”The Jewish Quarterly Review, Winter 2009.

William L. Holladay, “God Writes a Rude Letter,” Biblical Archaeologist, Summer 1983.

Thomas Laird, The Story of Tibet: Conversations with the Dalai Lama (New York: Grove Press, 2006).

Patrick D. Miller, Commentary on Jeremiah, The New Interpreters Bible: A Commentary in Twelve Volumes, vol. 6, Leander E. Keck, ed., et. al. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2001).

Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., “Faith in a Foreign Land,” Words from the Pulpit, (Summer 2007).

John Howard Yoder, The Politics of Jesus: Second Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1994).

Dr. Anathea Portier-Young, Class Lectures (Duke Divinity School: 2011).

Works Consulted:

B.O. Banwell, “Prophets of Non-Violence,” Journal of Theology for Southern Africa.

Walter Brueggemann, The Prophetic Imagination (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2001).

Rachel A. R. Bundang, “Home as a Memory, Metaphor, and Promise in Asian/Pacific American Religious Experience.

Stanley Hauerwas, The Hauerwas Reader, ed. John Berkman and Michael Cartwright (Durham, Duke University Press, 2001).

John Lamoreau and Ralph Beebe, Waging Peace: A Study in Biblical Pacifism(Newberg, OR: Barclay Press, 1981).

Victor H. Matthews, Social World of the Hebrew Prophets (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 2001).

[1] Patrick D. Miller, Commentary on Jeremiah, The New Interpreters Bible: A Commentary in Twelve Volumes, vol. 6, Leander E. Keck, ed., et. al. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2001), 792.

[2] The term “Jewish” may be anachronistic to the time period of this passage; however, these exiles and their descendents are the people who are known from antiquity to modern times as the Jewish People. This possibility of the term “Jewish” originating in this time period was discussed by Dr. A. Portier-Young in a class lecture on January, 28, 2011 giving the Historical Overview of that time period.

[3] Jeremiah 29:7.

[4] Miller, Commentary on Jeremiah, The New Interpreters Bible: A Commentary in Twelve Volumes, 791.

[5] R.E. Clements, Interpretation: Jeremiah (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1988), 171.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Dr. Anathea Portier-Young, Class Lecture: Historical Overview (Duke Divinity School), January 28, 2011.

[8] Jeremiah 29:5-7.

[9] Jeremiah 29:7-8.

[10] Thomas Laird, The Story of Tibet: Conversations with the Dalai Lama (New York: Grove Press, 2006), 348-349

[11] Alex Haley, Roots (New York: Gramercy Books, 2000), 214.

[12] Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., “Faith in a Foreign Land,” Words from the Pulpit, (Summer 2007), 242.

[13] Daniel 1:7.

[14] Daniel 3.

[15] David Goodblatt, Elements of Ancient Jewish Nationalism (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2006), 19-26; quoted in Martha Himmelfarb, “Judaism in Antiquity: Ethno-Religion or National Identity,” The Jewish Quarterly Review, Winter 2009, 68.

[16] Isaiah 51:4.

[17] Jeremiah Wright, 241.

[18] Ibid., 242.

[19] Jeremiah 29:7.

[20] Jeremiah 29:8-9.

[21] William L. Holladay, “God Writes a Rude Letter,” Biblical Archaeologist, Summer 1983.

[22] Ibid., 145.

[23] Ibid., 145-146.

[24] Thich Nhat Hanh, Living Buddha, Living Christ (New York: Penguin Group Inc., 2007), 75.

[25] Stanley Hauerwas, The Peaceable Kingdom (Notre Dame: The University of Notre Dame Press, 1983), 146.

[26] Ibid., 142.

[27] Psalm 137.

[28] Ibid., vs. 3.

[29] Ellen F. Davis, Getting Involved With God (Lanham Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc.: 2001), 27.

[30] Matthew 5:39.

[31] Matthew 5:44.

[32] John Howard Yoder, The Politics of Jesus: Second Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1994), 186.

[33] Mentioned intermittently from Jeremiah 1-27.

[34] Richard A. Burridge, “Being Biblical?: Slavery, Sexuality, and the inclusive community,” HTS Theological Studies (HTS 64(1), 2008),159.

[35] Hebrews 4:12.

Moral Injury in War

2011-08-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

This link is to a video of Stanley Hauerwas discussing the moral injury of war. Hauerwas is a Professor at Duke Divinity School in Christian Ethics.

Music and Scripture Meet: 4'33" and Genesis 1

2011-08-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

Genesis 1:1-2 – “In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters (NRSV),” can be put into an artistic conversation with a composition by twentieth century experimental composer, John Cage, called 4’33” (Four Minutes and Thirty-Three Seconds). The void (as described below) created by 4’33” and the “music” that comes from that void can be compared and contrasted with God’s creation of the heavens and the earth from nothing but a formless void.

John Cage (1912-1992) was an American composer who at one point (and most famously) in his career focused on indeterminacy, a compositional technique where “music” is determined only by limited, if any, guidelines, giving much freedom to the performer(s).[1] Cage held a very liberal view of the definition of music. He said that music is “’sound’ defined in the broadest possible sense, encompassing all types of incidental sounds [talking, machines, movement, etc.—My examples] as well as ‘normal’ musical events…”[2] Indeterminacy, according to Cage, is such a radical compositional technique that it allows the composer to abandon all control and allow the listener to hear the sounds as Cage’s composition, 4’33” (Four Minutes and Thirty-Three Seconds) may be the signature piece of his musical philosophy.[3] In 4’33”, the performer(s) bring their instruments and/or body to appear ready to play or sing, and then they remain silent for four minutes and thirty-three seconds. The music is found in the silence created by the performer(s) in such things as the conversations, laughing, coughing, other sounds of the audience, the chair creaking sounds, the sounds of the heating or air system, and audible sounds from outside. John Cage’s musical influence came as a result of his fascination with Eastern religions and philosophies including the I Ching [Book of Changes], Chinese book of oracles, Eastern mysticism, and especially Zen Buddhism.[4] Though this piece is not directly influenced by a Judeo-Christian worldview, it is very reminiscent of the Creation Story in Genesis 1.

In the first two verses of Genesis 1, the “formless void” is a major detail. This detail serves to proclaim God’s infinite power. It describes God’s transcendence above all things (and non-things) because of being an all-powerful God who can even take nothing, a concept that is very difficult for humans to understand, and create all that exists. The absolute power of God may be most evident in this passage (Genesis 1:1-2) from the Priestly source of the Torah.[5]

Just as 4’33” creates “music” out of a void, God creates the heavens and the earth from a void. God’s power and majesty is declared in the ability to create everything out of nothing. From the great abyss, God made all that exists. In 4’33”, John Cage allows his definition of music to be created out of silence. In both cases, where there is nothing, a new creation comes into being. Gods creation comes into being through God’s spoken word in the formless void, while in 4’33” the music emerges from nothing; silence.

Though 4’33” and Genesis 1:1-2 have much in common, there are significant differences. Genesis 1 tells of a creative God who knows exactly what the “final product” will be. God goes through an ordered process in creating all of creation. In contrast, every performance of 4’33” will, by definition of the compositional style, be different and indeterminable. In the remaining verses of Genesis 1, God creates the heavens, earth, and their inhabitants in a specific and well-defined order. By contrast, John Cage shuns any notion of order and definition in this composition. What is heard or what is not heard is by accident and by chance. However, both the Scripture and the composition are meant to be taken seriously. Though there are significant differences, there are significant commonalities. Readers and/or listeners have misunderstood both. Some people read Genesis as a “science or history book” of creation rather than its “narration of ancient Israel’s traditions and concepts of the past”[6] and it’s amazing description of God’s power. Similarly, listeners have misunderstood 4’33” to be humorous or have even rejected it as a music altogether rather than recognizing it as revolutionary composition. A simple youtube.com search [by typing “4’33”” in the search menu] can prove this through the many performances on this sight.

While reading Genesis one day, and especially these two verses, my mind as a trained and former semi-professional musician and music teacher was immediately drawn to my first experience of “hearing” 4’33” in a Twentieth Century Music History Class in my undergraduate education. The professor played this composition (and yes, there are recordings of 4’33”) and then explained the significance of this piece. Both the composition and the Scripture are reliant on “nothing” whether “nothing” is a formless void or a time of silence. And, out of “nothing” something is created. The final result of 4’33” is different from Genesis 1:1-2 in that the “music” is undefined while God’s final creation is defined (later in Genesis 1), but both form the creation of a work of art out of nothing. In 4’33”, John Cage does not need a certain grouping of instruments or vocalists or even a musical score to perform this work; only silence is needed. Similarly, in Genesis 1, God does not need anything to make the greatest work of art of all: the heavens and the earth. All God “needs” is God’s own spoken words, “Let there be…”.

[1] Robert P. Morgan, Twentieth Century Music- A History of Musical Style in Modern Europe and America, (New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1991), 359.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid., 363.

[4] Ibid., 362.

[5] Footnote from The Harper Collins Study Bible, NRSV, Harold W. Attridge, ed. Revised Edition, (New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2006), 5.

[6] Harper Collins Study Bible, 4.

2 Conversations Most Pacifists Will Have

2011-08-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

OK, I admit it, I used the word “donkey” so I didn’t begin with the word I really meant… “ass.” But, when someone comes out as a pacifist, or if they say they are exploring pacifism, the following is usually the conversation. This eventually leads to the pacifist calling the tormentor an “ass” or vice versa.

The Donkey Conversation #1 (This idea of this conversation is borrowed from John Howard Yoder’s What Would You Do?).

(Key: P=Pacifist, NP=Non Pacifist)

NP: So, you’re a pacifist?

P: Well, yeah, I’m pretty sure this is what God expects of us.

NP: So what would you do if someone were holding a gun at the head of someone you love?

P: Well, I guess I’d be upset.

NP: You wouldn’t shoot them?

P: I don’t have a gun, and I doubt spitballs would do much good in this situation.

NP: OK, you have a gun.

P: Well, I’d expect the person would break in without much warning and I wouldn’t have time to grab the gun even if I wanted it.

NP: OK, forget about how it happens, but you have a gun, and someone is threatening to kill someone you love.

P: Am I a good shot?

NP: Yes…a very good shot.

P: OK, that’s easy…I’d shot the gun out of the criminal’s hand.

NP: You’re not that good…

P: How do you know…have you ever seen me shoot a gun?

NP: No…but that’s not the point…Why wouldn’t you just kill the criminal?

P: Because it never works that way. If I shot, the criminal would shoot at the sound of my shot, and then we’d have 2 dead people.

NP: You’re being impossible. OK…if you shoot, the criminal can’t. If you don’t shoot, the criminal will.

P: Oh, well you’ve made it easy. I know exactly what I’d do. I’d dance.

NP: Dance? Why would you dance at a time like this?

P: Have you ever seen me dance?

NP: Well, no…but what does dancing have to do with this situation?

P: A lot! I can clear a room if I start dancing. The criminal couldn’t stand seeing my gyrations that he/she would have to leave. Trust me, my dancing should be outlawed!

NP: That’s stupid. That’s not how the scenario goes.

P: Why do you get to make up how it goes? Are you going to break into my house?

NP: Of course not…I’m just trying to prove that…Ugh…You know, you’re being a smartass!

P: Well, that’s because you’re being a dumbass!

The problem with the above conversation is that it implies there are only 2 options. Kill the criminal or the criminal kills the loved one. But, I’ve never heard of a situation working like that…ever! Criminals don’t enter with much warning, so unless one keeps a gun on a holster at all times, the chances of getting to the gun would not be great. Even if one could get to the gun, what if it scares the criminal into killing the loved one? And then, come to think of it, aside from very few instances, I’ve never heard of a home invasion where the sole purpose was to kill one person. Most home invasions are to steal goods or money.

So, while the above may be someone’s vain attempt to “prove” that someone can’t be a pacifist, the logic and flow of events is quite unlikely. It fails to prove anything. The problem comes when the pacifist agrees to fall into the trap of this conversation by allowing that it “could happen” just this way. In that event, many pacifists will admit they would kill to save a loved one. But, we must remember that the logic of that conversation (and most like it) is flawed and inaccurate.

The Donkey Conversation #2

If one who claims to be a pacifist “wins” conversation #1, the following conversation usually ensues…assuming that the non-pacifist doesn’t mind being called a “dumbass,” doesn’t storm off, or doesn’t bring severe bodily harm to the pacifist (thus challenging how passive the pacifist truly can be).

NP: OK, what if our country was invaded by some other country?

P: That would stink.

NP: What would you do?

P: Probably try to be somewhere safe, or at least as far away from the battles as I can get.

NP: You mean you wouldn’t defend your country?

P: I didn’t say that…

NP: Not directly…but you said you’d get away from the fighting.

P: Why do I have to be near gunfire to defend my country?

NP: You’d have to shoot the opposing army.

P: I don’t have a gun, remember?

NP: What if you did?

P: Well, if I were to use a gun (which I wouldn’t), I doubt a shotgun or hunting rifle is going to match up to military weapons.

NP: OK, fine…You have a machine gun…or a grenade launcher…or….

P: You mean they’re just handing those things out to anyone? And we’re worried about an invading army? It seems we have other issues to worry about now.

NP: The nation needs defended, so the government is giving weapons to people to defend it.

P: What if one of those weapons is given to the person who came into my house to shoot my loved one?

NP: What does that person have to do with this conversation?

P: Well, if that person is so deranged to invade my house just to kill a loved one or to be killed, what would stop that person from doing it in a time of war?

NP: Because that person is now defending the country…like you should be doing.

P: Why does this person hate me so much? And what happens if the country is successfully defended? Would that home invader come back?

NP: You’re being a smartass again!

P: Well, you’re being…oh, never mind.

NP: So you wouldn’t defend the nation?

P: I didn’t say that…you did.

NP: OK, so you would?

P: I would defend freedom and fight oppression.

NP: So you would fight?

P: Of course I’d fight (assuming the invaders were oppressors – come to think of it, what if they were just lost, and people started shooting at them, and they started shooting back…what if it’s not an invasion at all but a misunderstanding?).

NP: I’m going to ignore that and just ask how you’d defend the country.

P: By fighting the oppression.

NP: So you’re not a pacifist? Gotcha!

P: Yes I am…Pacifists fight.

NP: How? Are you going to throw stones at the invaders?

P: That would be violent…I doubt I’d do that.

NP: So, what would you do?

P: Fight.

NP: How?

P: Speaking out, protesting, creating disturbances to the oppressors, you know…stuff like Gandhi did.

NP: Well, that stuff is illegal under the invaders.

P: And shooting them isn’t?

NP: Well, of course it is…but at least shooting would work.

P: Not necessarily…what if the shooters on our side are bad at aiming? Or we have inferior weapons?

NP: We don’t…don’t you see that we have the best military in the world?

P: Well, then why aren’t they defending the country?

NP: They are...they just need our help.

P: If they need our help, then technically they wouldn’t be as good as the invaders.

NP: OK, fine…you’re really irritating me…they don’t NEED us, but to be patriotic you’d have to fight.

P: I already told you I would and how I’d do it.

NP: But your way won’t work!

P: First of all, how do you know? And second of all, why is your version of success the only acceptable success in this event?

NP: We don’t want them taking us over!

P: Right! So that’s why I’d speak out, protest, etc.

NP: How can “fighting” that way work?

P: Well, I guess a lot of that has to do with God. What about “turning the other cheek,” “loving our enemies,” “blessed are the peacemakers,” and other stuff like that?

NP: You’d love our invaders?

P: Well, I’m probably not going to marry any of them…my wife wouldn’t approve anyway. I certainly wouldn’t like what they’d be doing, and I probably wouldn’t want to have tea and crumpets with them, but yeah, I’d love them the way I love all of God’s creation. It’s not perfect love, but I’d try none the less.

NP: So now you’re bringing God into this?

P: I didn’t bring God in…God’s always been in.

NP: Not in this scenario…

P: How is God not somehow involved in everything?

NP: OK, fine, God is involved, but God wants you to shoot the enemy.

P: You talked to God??? You mean you actually heard God say that???

NP: Of course I didn’t talk to God…well, I pray…but…you know…you’re very difficult…I guess I just can’t talk sense into you.

P: You’re probably right. You can’t talk sense into me. And, didn’t Paul say something about God using the foolish to shame the wise?

NP: I really want to hit you now!

P: If you do, I’ll turn the other cheek, but you’ll have to look me in the eye when I do.

NP: Ugh!!!! (Storms off).

When countered with biblical evidence against killing (“Turn the other cheek,” “Thou shalt not kill,” “Blessed are the peacemakers,” etc.), it is hard to claim that it is God’s will to wage war. The Book of Joshua may be thrown in as “counter-evidence” to defend killing. If that happens, we have to take a close look at what Joshua is really about. Is the killing a true genocide? Does it symbolize “killing idolatry?” Aren’t those people also God’s creation? And, even if it does condone killing, notice that the killing is directed solely by God. Never does a person decide whom to kill.

Conclusions:

1. 1. It seems that God desires pacifism even in the face of danger. One can do a long detailed study, but there are enough small anecdotes that prove this. Heck, Jesus even yelled at Peter after he cut off the guard’s ear…the same guard who was arresting Jesus. Then, if that wasn’t enough, he put the ear back on the guy.

2. 2. People often say pacifism won’t work. That depends on what the definition of success is. By not killing, a person succeeds at not having blood on his or her hands. If the definition of success is winning an intended goal, there are examples such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi who never fired a shot, and both of them succeeded.

3. 3. There is still the question of “duty of care.” If we had a time machine and could kill Hitler to save all those he killed, would it be ok to kill? That is a tough question, but also an impossible question. There is no way of knowing if by killing anyone (including Hitler) if the intended results will prevail. What if one of the other Nazis came into power after Hitler’s death and was more brutal? This does not mean caring for the weak or those who can’t defend themselves is forbidden. But, look at how Jesus defended the woman caught in adultery. She was supposed to be stoned. He got in the middle and said whoever hasn’t sinned could cast the first stone. He put himself at risk while still defending the woman. Each scenario is different, but there is always a non-killing option.