The "Occupy" Movement

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

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?

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!

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

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

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:

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

Have and Have Not

"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

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

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

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