The American Spectator:
"The real kudos however belong to Tina Turner, Rene Russo, Ben Stein, and Evan Holyfield, and others who for years publicly professed their faith before it became Major Box Office. Likewise for billionaire John Templeton. And,top model Thom Fleming, who, with other young, bold-face names, was attending weekly Bible Study sessions on New York's Upper West Side before it was cool to be reverent."
Yikes! Now Hollywood is going to jump on the bandwagon. It's going to be cool to make religious movies and talk about your faith.
In my younger days, I would have thought, "Cool!' Now I cringe. Another day, another formula, another dollar.
3.30.2004
Weblog: Passion Provokes Neo-Nazi Confession - Christianity Today Magazine:
"Norwegian killer confesses to bombings after viewing The Passion"
Sounds like the movie is having a profound affect on many people!
"Norwegian killer confesses to bombings after viewing The Passion"
Sounds like the movie is having a profound affect on many people!
3.29.2004
This is an excellent interview with Tony Jones on the state of youth ministry. Jordan Cooper posted much of it on his blog.
Leisure Pursuits of Today's Young Man:
Yet another sign of a significant cultural shift underway.
"The television industry was shaken last October when the ratings from Nielsen Media Research showed that a huge part of a highly prized slice of the American population was watching less television. As the fall TV season began, viewership among men from 18 to 34 fell 12 percent compared with the year before, Nielsen reported. And for the youngest group of adult men, those 18 to 24, the decline was a steeper 20 percent."
Yet another sign of a significant cultural shift underway.
3.27.2004
Back from Texas! So nice to be back in Wray. We had a great time in Dallas with friends, Brownsville with family, and South Padre on the beach with our kids. My wife got to say her goodbye to her grandad. Fortunately he remembered her even with his advanced Alzheimer's. My wife and I had some wonderful talks on the long drive and I learned many a good thing from Sacred Marriage. I'll be blogging about it in the coming week so stay tuned!
3.17.2004
3.16.2004
First, we planned a two-part sermon series, "Understanding the Passion," to bookend both sides of the movie's release. Next, we booked 47 theater screens for members to take their lost friends to. Third, Kay and I personally invited over a thousand lost community leaders of Orange County to a VIP premiere showing, including every mayor, congressman, superintendent of schools, other community leaders, and four billionaires, most of whom I'd never met. Then, in anticipation of all the lost friends brought by members, we added two more services to our regular weekend schedule of nine. Finally, we prepared a three-week small group curriculum on The Passion for follow-up.
The results? Over 600 unchurched community leaders attended our VIP showing; 892 friends of members were saved during the two-week sermon series. Over 600 new small groups were formed, and our average attendance increased by 3,000. That's catching a wave!
No doubt, some will defend their failure to use this moment and this incredible tool for Christ with personal, theological, or philosophical defenses. Some churches would rather be cool, hip, or cutting-edge, than reach more people for Christ. To those I would ask, What matters most? Where's the fruit? Many young pastors would be shocked to learn that the largest Gen-X church in America is Saddleback with over 20,000 names under 29 on our church roll.-Rick Warren, from Catching The Passion Wave on ChristianityToday.com
Jesus didn't say it was by our clever outlines, memorable mnemonics, snazzy programs, and special effects that we would be known as his disciples, or that he would be known as sent from God. Rather, he said, it was by our love that we and he would be known, and by our fruit: our good works that shine in darkness and inspire all to glorify God. -Brian McLaren, from Passionate, but Not for Mel's Movie
Do these guys know that they don't even speak the same language? It's clear that Warren sees emerging worship as trying to be cool, hip, and cutting-edge. And I fear that sometimes that is what it looks like. Like all "movements" what people see is the external programatic elements (i.e. the Emergent Conference) last week.
Following the event via blogs, it did feel gimicky. It did feel like we are trying to be hip, cool, cutting-edge. But what if we are not trying to be any of that? What if we are trying to be authentic? what if we are trying to express ourselves in meaningful and powerful ways that are true to who God has made us?
We must be kind, in this discussion. The authentic mode of operation for moderns is formulaic program. Saddleback and Rick Warren are doing what comes naturally to them. Great! May God bless them.
The authentic mode of operation for many postmoderns is relationship. We seek to love people into the Kingdom not program them into it. Obviously these are not mutually exclusive. But programs and relationships are always in tension in the church. And this discussion between McLaren and Warren highlights that tension.
3.15.2004
As a pastor, I am handed many books to read. I have recently decided to try to read every one that is handed to me. The first one I read was The DaVinci Code. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am planning on presenting a one day seminar at the church about the book and the historical reliability of the New Testament.
I was also handed Shattering Your Strongholds. I do not like this book at all! I have skimmed the book and found very little in it that is worthwhile.
I am glad that I have read it so I can give my honest opinion to the person who gave it to me.
I was also handed Shattering Your Strongholds. I do not like this book at all! I have skimmed the book and found very little in it that is worthwhile.
I am glad that I have read it so I can give my honest opinion to the person who gave it to me.
I am studying Luke 15:1-3; 11-32, the Parable of the Prodigal Son for my sermon on March 28. Once again it is a powerful example of experiential storytelling.
Jesus leaves it open ended so that we enter the story and answer the question ourselves. What a powerful story.
"…this narrative presents neither son as a model uniformly to be followed or avoided. God delights in the repentance of prodigals, but he would prefer that they not have to sink so low before coming to their senses. God cherishes the faithfulness of those who obey his will but does not want them to despise the rebellious who have repented. The parable is strikingly open-ended. Did the older brother come in the house and join the festivities? Jesus does not say, and it misreads the parable to attempt to answer the question. The important fact is that the invitation remains for all who hear or read and are willing to respond and rejoice." Interpreting the Parables, Blomberg, pp. 178-179.
Jesus leaves it open ended so that we enter the story and answer the question ourselves. What a powerful story.
Wired News: Don't Trash It, Tote It
Powerful idea for helping people and the environment. Okay church, let's think of cool things to do like this!
"...she decided to see if she could create jobs for the poor and help the environment at the same time in a developing country where recycling is virtually nonexistent and garbage poses a serious health threat.
For now, her line of trash products consists mainly of bags, wallets and pencil cases made from the brightly colored soft plastic pouches that once contained beverages, fabric softener, detergent and soap. The project is adding backpacks, lunch boxes and computer cases made from empty toothpaste tubes.
Retail prices start at $1.20 and go up to $10, barely covering production costs, Wizer says. She pays scavengers about $1.50 per kilogram of trash, about six times what they can earn at the garbage dumps that dot Jakarta's surroundings.
A middleman takes a big cut but provides the scavengers free housing in tiny, squalid shacks sandwiched between a posh hotel and the elite international school in South Jakarta.
'I want to inject some money into this desperately poor segment of society,' Wizer says. 'I want them to be able to send their kids to school so that they won't have to scavenge.'"
Powerful idea for helping people and the environment. Okay church, let's think of cool things to do like this!
I am feeling rather discouraged today. Sundays are busy days in a rural two church pastorate. I preach at the Presbyterian Church at 9:30am and then the Christian Church at 11:00am. Following the Christian Church service, we finished up our Baptism/Confirmation/Pastor's class. I went home for an hour and then returned to the Christian Church for youth group. Three girls showed up.
I am discouraged because I don't know what to do when three girls show up for youth group. I used to work with large youth groups in the suburbs. We had a fun time sitting and talking, but I want to do so much more for these kids out here.
I know there are many youth in this town that do not go to church. But it seems like there is little chance of attracting them to the church. After reading Mark Miller's book Experiential Storytelling I have felt greatly challenged to create experience for the youth out here to enter into the story of Jesus and the church. The hardest thing now days is drawing a crowd to come.
I am hoping to start a worship experience for younger people in our community this summer. Maybe this will create the momentum that we need.
I am discouraged because I don't know what to do when three girls show up for youth group. I used to work with large youth groups in the suburbs. We had a fun time sitting and talking, but I want to do so much more for these kids out here.
I know there are many youth in this town that do not go to church. But it seems like there is little chance of attracting them to the church. After reading Mark Miller's book Experiential Storytelling I have felt greatly challenged to create experience for the youth out here to enter into the story of Jesus and the church. The hardest thing now days is drawing a crowd to come.
I am hoping to start a worship experience for younger people in our community this summer. Maybe this will create the momentum that we need.
3.14.2004
MSNBC - The Afflictions Of Affluence:
"affluence's afflictions endure and remind us of an eternal truth: it matters, as individuals and as a society, not just how much wealth we have but how well we use it." Amen.
"affluence's afflictions endure and remind us of an eternal truth: it matters, as individuals and as a society, not just how much wealth we have but how well we use it." Amen.
3.13.2004
Joseph Baretti Quotes - The Quotations Page:
A great quote to keep in mind for all of us! Reminds me of the Apostle Paul: "I am the chief of sinners." (Something to that effect!)
I hate mankind, for I think myself one of the best of them, and I know how bad I am.
-Joseph Baretti, quoted in Boswell's Life of Samuel Johnson
A great quote to keep in mind for all of us! Reminds me of the Apostle Paul: "I am the chief of sinners." (Something to that effect!)
Death Toll in Madrid Train Attacks Rises to 200
Another terrible story.
The evening news makes it impossible to deal with the problem of evil in abstractions. The problem of evil faces us every day and night in every form of the media. So how do we answer this age old problem?
Greg Boyd's thinking and writing on this subject is really intriguing to me. I don't know if I have truly become an open theist (I am pastoring a Presbyterian Church, though I am ordained in the Christian Church Disciples of Christ) but I am definitely leaning toward this theological understanding.
I am still reading through and wrestling with Boyd's book God at War. It is a challenging read.
Another terrible story.
The evening news makes it impossible to deal with the problem of evil in abstractions. The problem of evil faces us every day and night in every form of the media. So how do we answer this age old problem?
Greg Boyd's thinking and writing on this subject is really intriguing to me. I don't know if I have truly become an open theist (I am pastoring a Presbyterian Church, though I am ordained in the Christian Church Disciples of Christ) but I am definitely leaning toward this theological understanding.
I am still reading through and wrestling with Boyd's book God at War. It is a challenging read.
This is cool new software thatI learned about on Jordan Cooper's website! I am looking forward to using this software to blog more effectively and quickly.
Farmhands can be gadget geeks, too.
It's nice to see tractors getting technology props! My grandpa's brothers actually invented the Steiger tractor.
This city boy has been amazed at the amount of technology regularly used out in the sticks.
It's nice to see tractors getting technology props! My grandpa's brothers actually invented the Steiger tractor.
This city boy has been amazed at the amount of technology regularly used out in the sticks.
3.12.2004
There Is No Now: An Existential Crisis @ e-Church.com
Very cool article over at e-church. Ever since I studied astronomy in college and had my mind blown by the possible implications of Eintein's theory of relativity, I have been fascinated by these discussions.
These theories are fascinating and may have incredible consequences for our understanding of God and what is considered supernatural.
In college and while reading Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time, I began to postulate that there is the scientific possiblity for a being to exist everwhere all the time both in the past, the present, and the future. The thought occured to me that we are always in motion. If we are not moving ourselves, then we live on a planet which is moving, and a galaxy that is moving.
So maybe to be everywhere all the time both in the past, the present, and the future means to be at rest. Perhaps God is stationary, at rest. To be at rest in a moving universe would give you quite a different prespective on what is going on in that universe.
Furthermore, it would affect how you understand "now" as the article on e-church points out. For a being entirely at rest, what would time be like or the perception of time be like? Is it possible that every moment in time could be defined by this being at rest as "now"?
Perhaps, a being at rest would also be able to experience different dimensions to our universe. If this is the case than what appears supernatural to us is actually child's play to the other being.
"Let us consider a 2-D world. To jail a criminal in such a world a circular boundary would have to be placed around the criminal. To extricate the criminal, all a 3-D creature has to do is to peel him off the 2-D world, and redeposit him elsewhere on his world. This feat, which is quite ordinary in 3-D, appears fantastic in 2-D. No one in the 2-D world understands what the up direction means. The internal organs of a 2-D creature would be visible to us. It would be trivial to reach inside a 2-D creature and perform surgery without cutting the skin. Viewing this 2-D flatland, notice that we are omnipotent. The 2-D creature cannot hide from us. He would see us as having magical powers." For more go here.
Well, time to change gears and focus my attention on Luke 13:1-9 for this week's sermon.
Very cool article over at e-church. Ever since I studied astronomy in college and had my mind blown by the possible implications of Eintein's theory of relativity, I have been fascinated by these discussions.
These theories are fascinating and may have incredible consequences for our understanding of God and what is considered supernatural.
In college and while reading Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time, I began to postulate that there is the scientific possiblity for a being to exist everwhere all the time both in the past, the present, and the future. The thought occured to me that we are always in motion. If we are not moving ourselves, then we live on a planet which is moving, and a galaxy that is moving.
So maybe to be everywhere all the time both in the past, the present, and the future means to be at rest. Perhaps God is stationary, at rest. To be at rest in a moving universe would give you quite a different prespective on what is going on in that universe.
Furthermore, it would affect how you understand "now" as the article on e-church points out. For a being entirely at rest, what would time be like or the perception of time be like? Is it possible that every moment in time could be defined by this being at rest as "now"?
Perhaps, a being at rest would also be able to experience different dimensions to our universe. If this is the case than what appears supernatural to us is actually child's play to the other being.
"Let us consider a 2-D world. To jail a criminal in such a world a circular boundary would have to be placed around the criminal. To extricate the criminal, all a 3-D creature has to do is to peel him off the 2-D world, and redeposit him elsewhere on his world. This feat, which is quite ordinary in 3-D, appears fantastic in 2-D. No one in the 2-D world understands what the up direction means. The internal organs of a 2-D creature would be visible to us. It would be trivial to reach inside a 2-D creature and perform surgery without cutting the skin. Viewing this 2-D flatland, notice that we are omnipotent. The 2-D creature cannot hide from us. He would see us as having magical powers." For more go here.
Well, time to change gears and focus my attention on Luke 13:1-9 for this week's sermon.
3.11.2004
This is an incredible book on marriage. Definitely one of if not the best I have ever read! It is refreshing to read a book that doesn't seek to have answers (i.e. 5 ways to have a great marriage) but rather wrestles with the bigger picture of marriage and how it helps shape us as disciples. Here's a great quote:
"Christianity involves believing certain things, to be sure, but its herald, its hallmark, its glory is not in merely ascribing to certain intellectual truths. The beauty of Christianity is in learning to love, and few life situations test that so radically as does a marriage.
Yes, it is difficult to love your spouse. But if you truly want to love God, look right now at the ring on your left hand, commit yourself to exploring anew what that ring represents, and love passionately, crazily, enduringly the fleshly person who put it there.
It just may be one of the most spiritual things you can do."
Police Are Investigating Hit by Bertuzzi on Avalanche Player:
"Moore was at the center of a controversy a month ago after delivering a questionable blow to Vancouver's captain, Markus Naslund, who led the league in scoring at the time. No penalty was called, but Naslund, who was struck in the head, missed three games with a concussion. At the time, Bertuzzi called Moore a punk and said he was glad the teams had two games remaining.
Vancouver's Brad May said of Moore after that game: 'There's definitely a bounty on his head. Clean hit or not, that's our best player and you respond. It's going to be fun when we get him.' May later said his comments were tongue-in-cheek."
Yeah right! Why don't people stand by what they said anymore? He meant it when he said it. He would have still meant it had Moore not been severely injured. Just stick to your original story and apologize that things got out of hand.
I feel terrible for Bertuzzi. But I feel even more terrible for Moore. News in Denver is that he will be transported to Craig Hospital, a hospital which specializes in spinal cord injuries.
Currently a high school girl from our town is in this same hospital. She was in a single car roll-over accident and was thrown from the vehicle. She broke to of her vertebrae and suffered severe spinal cord damage. She has lost the use of her legs and may never walk again.
Hopefully the skilled people at Craig Hospital will be able to help her. Pray that God would heal Erin.
"Moore was at the center of a controversy a month ago after delivering a questionable blow to Vancouver's captain, Markus Naslund, who led the league in scoring at the time. No penalty was called, but Naslund, who was struck in the head, missed three games with a concussion. At the time, Bertuzzi called Moore a punk and said he was glad the teams had two games remaining.
Vancouver's Brad May said of Moore after that game: 'There's definitely a bounty on his head. Clean hit or not, that's our best player and you respond. It's going to be fun when we get him.' May later said his comments were tongue-in-cheek."
Yeah right! Why don't people stand by what they said anymore? He meant it when he said it. He would have still meant it had Moore not been severely injured. Just stick to your original story and apologize that things got out of hand.
I feel terrible for Bertuzzi. But I feel even more terrible for Moore. News in Denver is that he will be transported to Craig Hospital, a hospital which specializes in spinal cord injuries.
Currently a high school girl from our town is in this same hospital. She was in a single car roll-over accident and was thrown from the vehicle. She broke to of her vertebrae and suffered severe spinal cord damage. She has lost the use of her legs and may never walk again.
Hopefully the skilled people at Craig Hospital will be able to help her. Pray that God would heal Erin.
3.10.2004
Google Search: out in the sticks
Out in the sticks is #1 on Google for the search terms "out in the sticks!" Now I really know I'm out in the sticks!
Out in the sticks is #1 on Google for the search terms "out in the sticks!" Now I really know I'm out in the sticks!
Fast Company | How Google Grows...and Grows...and Grows:
"The challenge is negotiating the tension between risk and caution. When Rosing started at Google in 2001, 'we had management in engineering. And the structure was tending to tell people, No, you can't do that.' So Google got rid of the managers. Now most engineers work in teams of three, with project leadership rotating among team members. If something isn't right, even if it's in a product that has already gone public, teams fix it without asking anyone."
I've read a lot of blogs lately discussing leadership in the emerging church. Looks to me like Google is on to something. It's the idea that "Great People Can Manage Themselves."
It appears that much of the church today fits the MO of "no, you can't do that." I know in the PCUSA it is really like that!
Emerging churches will and do have a very different leadership model. Google does it with teams of three. 1 Corinthians 14:26 talks about this in our corporate worship: "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church."
Craig Blomberg in his commentary on 1 Corinthians states: "If gifts are given to every believer for the corporate edification of the gathered community, then there must be opportunities for church members to exercise those gifts in public worship."
Blomberg continues by quoting Chafin: "If Paul were writing the average congregation today, his advice would have to work the other side of the street. Rather than an unstructured spontaneity that creates bedlam, he would be confronted with a well-regulated order of worship that often creates boredom. The smallest of churches often prints or mimeographs for its members a program of everything that is going to happen during the hour and the sequence in which it will take place, and once it has been printed it becomes a sacred thing to those who planned it. And the likelihood of the Spirit's leading anyone to say or do something that was not anticipated on Tuesday when the stencil was cut is very remote."
Blomberg warns (and this is perhaps how Paul "negotiating the tension between risk and caution"): "Verses 27-33 remind us, at the same time, that however creative or flexible the structure of worship may be, duly recognized leaders must have the authority to intervene and correct when Scripture is contradicted or disobeyed."
Well, just some thoughts on leadership in the church. Wouldn't you just love to attend a church that had the culture of Google's business as described in this article?
"The challenge is negotiating the tension between risk and caution. When Rosing started at Google in 2001, 'we had management in engineering. And the structure was tending to tell people, No, you can't do that.' So Google got rid of the managers. Now most engineers work in teams of three, with project leadership rotating among team members. If something isn't right, even if it's in a product that has already gone public, teams fix it without asking anyone."
I've read a lot of blogs lately discussing leadership in the emerging church. Looks to me like Google is on to something. It's the idea that "Great People Can Manage Themselves."
It appears that much of the church today fits the MO of "no, you can't do that." I know in the PCUSA it is really like that!
Emerging churches will and do have a very different leadership model. Google does it with teams of three. 1 Corinthians 14:26 talks about this in our corporate worship: "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church."
Craig Blomberg in his commentary on 1 Corinthians states: "If gifts are given to every believer for the corporate edification of the gathered community, then there must be opportunities for church members to exercise those gifts in public worship."
Blomberg continues by quoting Chafin: "If Paul were writing the average congregation today, his advice would have to work the other side of the street. Rather than an unstructured spontaneity that creates bedlam, he would be confronted with a well-regulated order of worship that often creates boredom. The smallest of churches often prints or mimeographs for its members a program of everything that is going to happen during the hour and the sequence in which it will take place, and once it has been printed it becomes a sacred thing to those who planned it. And the likelihood of the Spirit's leading anyone to say or do something that was not anticipated on Tuesday when the stencil was cut is very remote."
Blomberg warns (and this is perhaps how Paul "negotiating the tension between risk and caution"): "Verses 27-33 remind us, at the same time, that however creative or flexible the structure of worship may be, duly recognized leaders must have the authority to intervene and correct when Scripture is contradicted or disobeyed."
Well, just some thoughts on leadership in the church. Wouldn't you just love to attend a church that had the culture of Google's business as described in this article?
Samuel McChord Crothers Quotes - The Quotations Page: "Try as hard as we may for perfection, the net result of our labors is an amazing variety of imperfectness. We are surprised at our own versatility in being able to fail in so many different ways.
Samuel McChord Crothers"
A great quote for all of us imperfect disciples to keep in mind as we seek to create the perfect church.
Samuel McChord Crothers"
A great quote for all of us imperfect disciples to keep in mind as we seek to create the perfect church.
Amateur Celebrities Pick a Movie and Join In:
"Movieoke, karaoke's very young American-born cousin" On the day I finish Mark Miller's book "Experiential Storytelling" I run across this story. We are truly seeing the emergence of an experiential culture and I agree with Mark that the church is dreadfully behind.
I think in many ways this is why so many younger people are drawn to liturgical worship. I am a denominational mut but I have really started to embrace liturgical worship because it is (or at least can be) experiential.
I went to a wonderful AMIA church in Denver called Wellspring planted/pastored by a good friend of mine from seminary, Billy Waters. I took me several weeks to realize we were doing the same thing each week. The liturgy was so powerful and spoke to me in different ways each week. Plus Billy leads in such an awesome way! I know liturgy is often dead and boring, but in the hands of a true liturgist it is a beautiful and experiential thing.
"Movieoke, karaoke's very young American-born cousin" On the day I finish Mark Miller's book "Experiential Storytelling" I run across this story. We are truly seeing the emergence of an experiential culture and I agree with Mark that the church is dreadfully behind.
I think in many ways this is why so many younger people are drawn to liturgical worship. I am a denominational mut but I have really started to embrace liturgical worship because it is (or at least can be) experiential.
I went to a wonderful AMIA church in Denver called Wellspring planted/pastored by a good friend of mine from seminary, Billy Waters. I took me several weeks to realize we were doing the same thing each week. The liturgy was so powerful and spoke to me in different ways each week. Plus Billy leads in such an awesome way! I know liturgy is often dead and boring, but in the hands of a true liturgist it is a beautiful and experiential thing.
3.09.2004
Mary Magdalene
Does Mary Magdalene meet the requirements for being an apostle? She knew Jesus when he was alive. She saw Jesus after he rose from the dead. Aren't these typical tests for apostleship?
I guess the question remains whether Jesus sent her as an apostle or not. If he did, would it have been all that bad? And is it possible that the men in the early church didn't support her for whatever reason (most likely cultural)?
Wasn't Peter wrong in Galatians for looking down on Gentiles? The apostles weren't perfect. Not everything they wrote was infallible or even inspired (i.e. Paul's missing letters to the Corinthians). So is it possible that their culture biased them to any ministry that Jesus intended for Mary Magdalene to have?
Could it also be that she had a significant ministry but none of it was recorded? This is the case with almost all of the apostles anyway. This would make her no different than the others, except for the fact that she was a woman.
It is difficult to reconcile the lack of mention of Mary Magdalene outside of the gospels with the possibility of her being an apostle.
However, the key issue for me is how comfortable is the Church universal in the possibility of her being an apostle or being intended to be an apostle? Obviously the Catholic church would not be ready to accept this idea. Neither would Southern Baptists.
I am very comfortable with this possibility. It definitely is an intriguing possibility, but is it really a topic that the church needs to circle the wagons on?
Does Mary Magdalene meet the requirements for being an apostle? She knew Jesus when he was alive. She saw Jesus after he rose from the dead. Aren't these typical tests for apostleship?
I guess the question remains whether Jesus sent her as an apostle or not. If he did, would it have been all that bad? And is it possible that the men in the early church didn't support her for whatever reason (most likely cultural)?
Wasn't Peter wrong in Galatians for looking down on Gentiles? The apostles weren't perfect. Not everything they wrote was infallible or even inspired (i.e. Paul's missing letters to the Corinthians). So is it possible that their culture biased them to any ministry that Jesus intended for Mary Magdalene to have?
Could it also be that she had a significant ministry but none of it was recorded? This is the case with almost all of the apostles anyway. This would make her no different than the others, except for the fact that she was a woman.
It is difficult to reconcile the lack of mention of Mary Magdalene outside of the gospels with the possibility of her being an apostle.
However, the key issue for me is how comfortable is the Church universal in the possibility of her being an apostle or being intended to be an apostle? Obviously the Catholic church would not be ready to accept this idea. Neither would Southern Baptists.
I am very comfortable with this possibility. It definitely is an intriguing possibility, but is it really a topic that the church needs to circle the wagons on?
New Hubble Images Show Deepest View of Universe, Scientists Say
Very interesting! I especially like how the Space Telescope Science Institute is sharing the information this image offers. It will be fascinating to see what new things this image teaches.
Very interesting! I especially like how the Space Telescope Science Institute is sharing the information this image offers. It will be fascinating to see what new things this image teaches.
LeadershipJournal.net - Passionate, but Not for Mel's Movie:
"Jesus didn't say it was by our clever outlines, memorable mnemonics, snazzy programs, and special effects that we would be known as his disciples, or that he would be known as sent from God. Rather, he said, it was by our love that we and he would be known, and by our fruit: our good works that shine in darkness and inspire all to glorify God."
Excellent points as always by Mr. McLaren.
"Jesus didn't say it was by our clever outlines, memorable mnemonics, snazzy programs, and special effects that we would be known as his disciples, or that he would be known as sent from God. Rather, he said, it was by our love that we and he would be known, and by our fruit: our good works that shine in darkness and inspire all to glorify God."
Excellent points as always by Mr. McLaren.
Canucks.com-News - Game Recaps
It's interesting how differently the Canucks are reporting the hit on Steve Moore. Here's how ESPN puts the hit, "Bertuzzi sought revenge when he punched Moore in the head from behind while skating at center ice. Bertuzzi jumped on Moore's back and drove him face first into the ice, knocking him unconscious" versus the Canucks, "After unsuccessfully attempting to goad Moore into a fight, a frustrated Bertuzzi threw a gloved punch from behind that knocked the Colorado centre unconscious, and sent him crashing face-first into the ice."
The "crashing to the ice" phrase sounds pretty passive compared to "jumped on Moore's back and drove him face first into the ice." Good thing we have video and can see what really happened for ourselves!
It's interesting how differently the Canucks are reporting the hit on Steve Moore. Here's how ESPN puts the hit, "Bertuzzi sought revenge when he punched Moore in the head from behind while skating at center ice. Bertuzzi jumped on Moore's back and drove him face first into the ice, knocking him unconscious" versus the Canucks, "After unsuccessfully attempting to goad Moore into a fight, a frustrated Bertuzzi threw a gloved punch from behind that knocked the Colorado centre unconscious, and sent him crashing face-first into the ice."
The "crashing to the ice" phrase sounds pretty passive compared to "jumped on Moore's back and drove him face first into the ice." Good thing we have video and can see what really happened for ourselves!
3.08.2004
Consider the Turtles of the Field, Sojourners Magazine/March 2004
This is a powerful article on Christians and ecology by Brian McLaren. I found this via Tim Keel's blog. I have been giving these issues a lot of thought lately and my old conclusions are being greatly challenged. McLaren does a great job describing why evangelical Christians miss the boat on these issues.
I have 2 books in my library that I have yet to read but am looking forward to reading which I think will have more to say about this issue for me. They are When The Kings Come Marching In by Richard Mouw and Christianity Incorporated by Michael Budde & Robert Brimlow. A book that I have read that started my thinking in round about way to some of these issues is Mustard Seed Vs. McWorld: Reinventing Life and Faith for the Future.
This is a powerful article on Christians and ecology by Brian McLaren. I found this via Tim Keel's blog. I have been giving these issues a lot of thought lately and my old conclusions are being greatly challenged. McLaren does a great job describing why evangelical Christians miss the boat on these issues.
I have 2 books in my library that I have yet to read but am looking forward to reading which I think will have more to say about this issue for me. They are When The Kings Come Marching In by Richard Mouw and Christianity Incorporated by Michael Budde & Robert Brimlow. A book that I have read that started my thinking in round about way to some of these issues is Mustard Seed Vs. McWorld: Reinventing Life and Faith for the Future.
Dr. Dobson's Newsletter: Marriage on the Ropes
A member in my congregation gave me this newsletter from Dobson to read. Frankly, Dobson is one of my least favorite Christian celebrities.
In this newsletter, Dobson describes the possibility of gay marriage becoming legal as “my worst fear.”
But aren't there far greater things to fear? What about less than 19% of those born after 1964 attending church regularly?
If you were Dobson wouldn't you feel very discouraged? Almost every social ill he has fought so hard has come to pass and has come to be accepted in our society.
This quote from Brock's NIVAC commentary Luke addresses this issue, referring to Luke 13:31-35:
We often treat the battles in our society as life and death matters, where we must win from the standpoint of appearance or “all is lost for righteousness’ sake.” But Jesus’ death has already brought the way to life, regardless of the specific environment we are asked to function in. Victory is ours no matter what happens in the world. The point is important, not as an excuse to withdraw form engagement in society, but to encourage the engagement with the right perspective on what victory is. Victory comes in faithfully representing him, not in winning the argument or vote. Jesus’ own life is the model here. No level of intimidation or rejection could keep him from completing his appointed rounds.
A member in my congregation gave me this newsletter from Dobson to read. Frankly, Dobson is one of my least favorite Christian celebrities.
In this newsletter, Dobson describes the possibility of gay marriage becoming legal as “my worst fear.”
But aren't there far greater things to fear? What about less than 19% of those born after 1964 attending church regularly?
If you were Dobson wouldn't you feel very discouraged? Almost every social ill he has fought so hard has come to pass and has come to be accepted in our society.
This quote from Brock's NIVAC commentary Luke addresses this issue, referring to Luke 13:31-35:
We often treat the battles in our society as life and death matters, where we must win from the standpoint of appearance or “all is lost for righteousness’ sake.” But Jesus’ death has already brought the way to life, regardless of the specific environment we are asked to function in. Victory is ours no matter what happens in the world. The point is important, not as an excuse to withdraw form engagement in society, but to encourage the engagement with the right perspective on what victory is. Victory comes in faithfully representing him, not in winning the argument or vote. Jesus’ own life is the model here. No level of intimidation or rejection could keep him from completing his appointed rounds.
Who We Are
"1) Regular churches often have a pretty bad reputation in today's society. There are a number of reasons for this. If you ask the general public, they will often say churches are boring, pointless, full of hypocryts or really pieous people, and full of legalism. Whether or not these accusations are justified is not important. What is important is that most churches do not realize they have this image, therefore they do nothing to attempt to change it.
2) Do you like the same music your grandparents liked? The same TV shows? Probably not, or at least mostly not. You're a different generation with different tastes in clothes, music, television, etc. Church is no different. The types of music and preaching that really reach some people are unattractive to other people. Newer generations often feel out of place in the existing traditional churches.
3) Finally, many churches have an aversion to change. People in general just like to keep things the way they are. As a result, churches split or die before they change to accomodate the masses who fail to come each week."
This hits my churches right in the gut!
"1) Regular churches often have a pretty bad reputation in today's society. There are a number of reasons for this. If you ask the general public, they will often say churches are boring, pointless, full of hypocryts or really pieous people, and full of legalism. Whether or not these accusations are justified is not important. What is important is that most churches do not realize they have this image, therefore they do nothing to attempt to change it.
2) Do you like the same music your grandparents liked? The same TV shows? Probably not, or at least mostly not. You're a different generation with different tastes in clothes, music, television, etc. Church is no different. The types of music and preaching that really reach some people are unattractive to other people. Newer generations often feel out of place in the existing traditional churches.
3) Finally, many churches have an aversion to change. People in general just like to keep things the way they are. As a result, churches split or die before they change to accomodate the masses who fail to come each week."
This hits my churches right in the gut!
Who We Are
Every week 77 churches close their doors forever, while only 29 new churches are started. For those of us who aren't very good at math, that makes a net loss of 48 churches a week (2500 churches a year).
In fact, a breakdown of age groups attending church shows that less than half of the US actually attends church.
65% of Builders (people born before 1946)
35% of Boomers (born 1946-1963)
15% of Gen-X (born 1964-1982)
4% of Gen-Next (born 1982 - present)
I shared these statistics in my sermon yesterday. It is always interesting to watch builders show more disgust then concern over statistics like these. And usually their solutions (if you can call them that) are to return to "the good old days."
I don't get it! How could returning to "the good old days" possibly be the answer? Isn't that the problem from the perspective of the younger generations?
Every week 77 churches close their doors forever, while only 29 new churches are started. For those of us who aren't very good at math, that makes a net loss of 48 churches a week (2500 churches a year).
In fact, a breakdown of age groups attending church shows that less than half of the US actually attends church.
65% of Builders (people born before 1946)
35% of Boomers (born 1946-1963)
15% of Gen-X (born 1964-1982)
4% of Gen-Next (born 1982 - present)
I shared these statistics in my sermon yesterday. It is always interesting to watch builders show more disgust then concern over statistics like these. And usually their solutions (if you can call them that) are to return to "the good old days."
I don't get it! How could returning to "the good old days" possibly be the answer? Isn't that the problem from the perspective of the younger generations?
From Experiential Storytelling
Modernity has placed a lab coat on most preachers. After peering at the Bible under the microscope, they continually find more evidence and facts to disseminate to a waiting audience. The pressure each preacher faces is to come up with more and more points to explain what the text means.
Why not take a breather for a time and let the story speak for itself in a language those gathered can understand? When presented without all of the trappings of exegetical interpretation, the biblical text is freed from the limits of our minds and is open to the organic beauty of the infinite Word.
Yet another great quote from this great book! I am hoping to develop more creativity in my churches and my preaching. But rural America is notorious for tradition and resisting change! I am hoping to begin a youth worship service this summer when we get back some of our college students. I am really excited about this opportunity and hope that it would bring in some of the younger people in our community that the churches here are completely missing.
Ideas and prayers for this endeavor would be greatly appreciated!
Modernity has placed a lab coat on most preachers. After peering at the Bible under the microscope, they continually find more evidence and facts to disseminate to a waiting audience. The pressure each preacher faces is to come up with more and more points to explain what the text means.
Why not take a breather for a time and let the story speak for itself in a language those gathered can understand? When presented without all of the trappings of exegetical interpretation, the biblical text is freed from the limits of our minds and is open to the organic beauty of the infinite Word.
Yet another great quote from this great book! I am hoping to develop more creativity in my churches and my preaching. But rural America is notorious for tradition and resisting change! I am hoping to begin a youth worship service this summer when we get back some of our college students. I am really excited about this opportunity and hope that it would bring in some of the younger people in our community that the churches here are completely missing.
Ideas and prayers for this endeavor would be greatly appreciated!
3.06.2004
Experiential Storytelling
A sermon tells people what to think. A story forces people to do the thinking for themselves. It can feel dangerous because it allows for interpretation. But one of the adjectives used to describe the Holy Spirit is "counselor." Do we trust our people and the Holy Spirit enough to allow them to think for themselves? Can we leave something open-ended, knowing the conclusion might not come until later that day, week, month, or year? Can we allow people to own the stories? Or do we do all of the interpreting and leave nothing to the imagination?
I was always criticized for not applying enough in my sermons in seminary. Yet I felt that people are smart enough to come to their own conclusions and the Holy Spirit can be trusted. I must say that this has carried over into my ministry. I do work on application, but many times people draw applications that I never intended, yet the Holy Spirit is working in their lives in ways I couldn't anticipate, plan for, or imagine.
My wife and I went on a Catholic marriage retreat several years ago at an Ignatician retreat house. We were given hours of togetherness and very little instruction. We were suppose to practice silence except at meals. We spent much time alone as a couple. No small sharing groups. Very little content. Just us and God. It was the most powerful marriage retreat I have ever experienced!
Yet Protestants freak out with this. We feel like we need to teach, have break out sessions, have small group interaction and fill up every moment of the retreat with content. God forbid we might trust him to do something apart from our efforts!
Unfortunately, this mentality is pervasive in our churches today. I believe pastors must diligently prepare their messages each week seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. But I also know there is a limit. We must trust the Holy Spirit to make up for our limitations. We must trust the Holy Spirit to be at work in people's lives often inspite of ourselves and our sermons.
A sermon tells people what to think. A story forces people to do the thinking for themselves. It can feel dangerous because it allows for interpretation. But one of the adjectives used to describe the Holy Spirit is "counselor." Do we trust our people and the Holy Spirit enough to allow them to think for themselves? Can we leave something open-ended, knowing the conclusion might not come until later that day, week, month, or year? Can we allow people to own the stories? Or do we do all of the interpreting and leave nothing to the imagination?
I was always criticized for not applying enough in my sermons in seminary. Yet I felt that people are smart enough to come to their own conclusions and the Holy Spirit can be trusted. I must say that this has carried over into my ministry. I do work on application, but many times people draw applications that I never intended, yet the Holy Spirit is working in their lives in ways I couldn't anticipate, plan for, or imagine.
My wife and I went on a Catholic marriage retreat several years ago at an Ignatician retreat house. We were given hours of togetherness and very little instruction. We were suppose to practice silence except at meals. We spent much time alone as a couple. No small sharing groups. Very little content. Just us and God. It was the most powerful marriage retreat I have ever experienced!
Yet Protestants freak out with this. We feel like we need to teach, have break out sessions, have small group interaction and fill up every moment of the retreat with content. God forbid we might trust him to do something apart from our efforts!
Unfortunately, this mentality is pervasive in our churches today. I believe pastors must diligently prepare their messages each week seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. But I also know there is a limit. We must trust the Holy Spirit to make up for our limitations. We must trust the Holy Spirit to be at work in people's lives often inspite of ourselves and our sermons.
3.05.2004
Amazon.com: Books: Pastoral Visitation (Creative Pastoral Care and Counseling Series)
I finished this book earlier this week. Let me just say that it was a difficult read because it is so overly didactic and boring. The book is best when the author shares stories about pastoral visitations she has done. It is also excellent when she shares ideas about being intentional with pastoral visitation, such as visiting with people much like a doctor would to assess their spiritual health.
The book included helpful lists of concepts and ideas to keep in mind when visiting with folks and ways to seek to be a pastor in these visits. In other words, the author does provide some ideas and resources for engaging people below the surface.
Yet, this is already a short book and it could have been shorter! I will take some but not much from this book. Part of my difficulty with the book may be my lack of interest or education in pastoral counseling which to me, fills the majority of the discussion in this book.
As a young pastor, I was hoping for some help in this area. I got some, but can still use a whole lot more.
I finished this book earlier this week. Let me just say that it was a difficult read because it is so overly didactic and boring. The book is best when the author shares stories about pastoral visitations she has done. It is also excellent when she shares ideas about being intentional with pastoral visitation, such as visiting with people much like a doctor would to assess their spiritual health.
The book included helpful lists of concepts and ideas to keep in mind when visiting with folks and ways to seek to be a pastor in these visits. In other words, the author does provide some ideas and resources for engaging people below the surface.
Yet, this is already a short book and it could have been shorter! I will take some but not much from this book. Part of my difficulty with the book may be my lack of interest or education in pastoral counseling which to me, fills the majority of the discussion in this book.
As a young pastor, I was hoping for some help in this area. I got some, but can still use a whole lot more.
The Blackmun Papers: Friends for Decades, but Years on Court Left Them Strangers
Sad story of a shattered friendship. Unfortunately, this is often common among clergy as well. How often do we allow differences in opinion, philosophy, or methodology to ruin our relationships? To ruin our relationships with our colleagues in ministry?
I am only in my 30's and yet I have lost many good friendships because of these kinds of differences. As the emerging church emerges, how many more friendships will be shattered because of different philosophies or methodologies?
I struggle with this because we see Jesus praying for our unity. I struggle with this because Jesus came to reconcile us to God and to one another. The church should practice reconciliation. It should be a place were differences of opinion, philosophy, and methodology are appreciated. That means the emerging church appreciates the ministry philosophy and methodology of the modern church and vice versa. So can we do this?
I greatly respect the senior pastor I used to work for. We have enormous differences in opinion, philosophy, and methodology. These differences led to my leaving the church under much frustration, anger, and pain.
Yet when I visited the church after being gone for nearly a year, this pastor pulled me aside, encouraged me, said he believed that what I was doing was a great use of my gifts, and ended by asking, "Are we okay?"
I said, "Yes."
I think we could all use more conversations like this one.
Sad story of a shattered friendship. Unfortunately, this is often common among clergy as well. How often do we allow differences in opinion, philosophy, or methodology to ruin our relationships? To ruin our relationships with our colleagues in ministry?
I am only in my 30's and yet I have lost many good friendships because of these kinds of differences. As the emerging church emerges, how many more friendships will be shattered because of different philosophies or methodologies?
I struggle with this because we see Jesus praying for our unity. I struggle with this because Jesus came to reconcile us to God and to one another. The church should practice reconciliation. It should be a place were differences of opinion, philosophy, and methodology are appreciated. That means the emerging church appreciates the ministry philosophy and methodology of the modern church and vice versa. So can we do this?
I greatly respect the senior pastor I used to work for. We have enormous differences in opinion, philosophy, and methodology. These differences led to my leaving the church under much frustration, anger, and pain.
Yet when I visited the church after being gone for nearly a year, this pastor pulled me aside, encouraged me, said he believed that what I was doing was a great use of my gifts, and ended by asking, "Are we okay?"
I said, "Yes."
I think we could all use more conversations like this one.
Christian History Corner: Is Christianity Oppressive to Women? - Christianity Today Magazine
This is an excellent article on this subject. In our small town, we have a weekly newspaper. Currently, the Southern Baptist pastor writes a "column" for the paper. I'm sure he pays to have this printed so it functions more as an info-mercial for the Baptist church.
Recently, he wrote about the roles of men and women in Christ and in the church. Several women in my churches were upset. I was upset. It is amazing how backwards and behind the times these pieces sounded, even in rural America which manages to be behind the times anyways.
I am tried of the equal in worth, different in function or role arguments. At least the church fathers were honest as were the reformers. They believed women were inferior and they said it.
Some argue that to argue for an egalitarian view over a traditional view is to allow our culture to shape our beliefs over Scripture shaping our beliefs. Yet traditionalists no longer argue that women are inferior. They argue that women are of equal worth but have different roles. Hasn't culture changed their argument? Or have they found something in the Scriptures that changed their argument that the church fathers and reformers missed?
This is an excellent article on this subject. In our small town, we have a weekly newspaper. Currently, the Southern Baptist pastor writes a "column" for the paper. I'm sure he pays to have this printed so it functions more as an info-mercial for the Baptist church.
Recently, he wrote about the roles of men and women in Christ and in the church. Several women in my churches were upset. I was upset. It is amazing how backwards and behind the times these pieces sounded, even in rural America which manages to be behind the times anyways.
I am tried of the equal in worth, different in function or role arguments. At least the church fathers were honest as were the reformers. They believed women were inferior and they said it.
Some argue that to argue for an egalitarian view over a traditional view is to allow our culture to shape our beliefs over Scripture shaping our beliefs. Yet traditionalists no longer argue that women are inferior. They argue that women are of equal worth but have different roles. Hasn't culture changed their argument? Or have they found something in the Scriptures that changed their argument that the church fathers and reformers missed?
3.04.2004
create your own personalized map of the USA or write about it on the open travel guide
Here's my map of states I've visited. I know I have visited more but many where when I was not even a year old.
3.03.2004
Op-Ed Contributor: For Priests, Celibacy Is Not the Problem
In the 1950's, according to a study by Ben Gaffin Associates, 40 percent of Americans (Protestants and Catholics alike) rated the sermons they heard as "excellent." In 2002, according to the National Opinion Research Study, 36 percent of Protestants still found their sermons excellent, compared to just 18 percent of Catholics.
Is the decline in excellent preaching due to poor sermons or outdated methods of proclamation? Clearly there are many pastors and priests who can't preach their way out of a paper bag. But there are many effective communicators (at least with moderns) who will need to retool in order to communicate with postmoderns.
In the 1950's, according to a study by Ben Gaffin Associates, 40 percent of Americans (Protestants and Catholics alike) rated the sermons they heard as "excellent." In 2002, according to the National Opinion Research Study, 36 percent of Protestants still found their sermons excellent, compared to just 18 percent of Catholics.
Is the decline in excellent preaching due to poor sermons or outdated methods of proclamation? Clearly there are many pastors and priests who can't preach their way out of a paper bag. But there are many effective communicators (at least with moderns) who will need to retool in order to communicate with postmoderns.
Op-Ed Columnist: Marriage: Mix and Match
"If we're serious about constitutional remedies for marital breakdowns, we could adopt an amendment criminalizing adultery. Zamfara, a state in northern Nigeria, has had success in reducing AIDS, prostitution and extramarital affairs by sentencing adulterers to be stoned to death.
Short of that, it seems to me that the best way to preserve the sanctity of American marriage is for us all to spend less time fretting about other people's marriages — and more time improving our own."
I agree with some clarifications and questions. I agree that we should spend time improving our own marriages and less worrying about the marriages of others (unless you are a pastor or a caregiver and spend time counseling married and soon to be married couples). Yet what is the goal of improving our marriages? Is it our personal happiness? Our spouse's personal happiness? If happiness is the goal in a marriage, then we will continue to see divorce in record numbers because of our superficial understanding regarding the purpose and function of marriage.
Marriage serves as a picture of God's love for us. It serves as a word-picture of reconciliation between us and God. In this sense it is a sacramental relationship.
Ultimately, the purpose of marriage is our holiness not our happiness. It's purpose is to shape us more and more into the image of Christ. Make us more and more Christ-like. So if we marry a difficult and challenging spouse, we have all the more opportunity to experience holiness. (Thanks to Gary Thomas' great book, Sacred Marriage for educating me on this).
So the ultimate question for me regarding gay marriages is this: Does a gay marriage serve to represent God's redeeming work in the world? Does a gay marriage serve to demonstrate God's reconciliation? Does a gay marriage serve to make each partner more holy or is the goal personal happiness?
All of these questions can be applied to heterosexual marriages as well. And many if not most marriages will be found lacking.
"If we're serious about constitutional remedies for marital breakdowns, we could adopt an amendment criminalizing adultery. Zamfara, a state in northern Nigeria, has had success in reducing AIDS, prostitution and extramarital affairs by sentencing adulterers to be stoned to death.
Short of that, it seems to me that the best way to preserve the sanctity of American marriage is for us all to spend less time fretting about other people's marriages — and more time improving our own."
I agree with some clarifications and questions. I agree that we should spend time improving our own marriages and less worrying about the marriages of others (unless you are a pastor or a caregiver and spend time counseling married and soon to be married couples). Yet what is the goal of improving our marriages? Is it our personal happiness? Our spouse's personal happiness? If happiness is the goal in a marriage, then we will continue to see divorce in record numbers because of our superficial understanding regarding the purpose and function of marriage.
Marriage serves as a picture of God's love for us. It serves as a word-picture of reconciliation between us and God. In this sense it is a sacramental relationship.
Ultimately, the purpose of marriage is our holiness not our happiness. It's purpose is to shape us more and more into the image of Christ. Make us more and more Christ-like. So if we marry a difficult and challenging spouse, we have all the more opportunity to experience holiness. (Thanks to Gary Thomas' great book, Sacred Marriage for educating me on this).
So the ultimate question for me regarding gay marriages is this: Does a gay marriage serve to represent God's redeeming work in the world? Does a gay marriage serve to demonstrate God's reconciliation? Does a gay marriage serve to make each partner more holy or is the goal personal happiness?
All of these questions can be applied to heterosexual marriages as well. And many if not most marriages will be found lacking.
3.01.2004
Op-Ed Columnist: Stolen Kisses
Slippery slope arguments put forth by many Christians are often ridiculous and weak. I agree with this article's criticism of such arguments.
Yet I appeal to Scripture and not to public opinion or common practice for what is right and wrong behavior, knowing full well the inherent difficulties in interpreting and applying the Bible to our modern daily lives.
Slippery slope arguments put forth by many Christians are often ridiculous and weak. I agree with this article's criticism of such arguments.
Yet I appeal to Scripture and not to public opinion or common practice for what is right and wrong behavior, knowing full well the inherent difficulties in interpreting and applying the Bible to our modern daily lives.
Op-Ed Columnist: Not Peace, but a Sword
"The Passion of the Christ" is a bloody film. It is shocking. It is very emotive. But to become angry at the Jews like the crowds which are described in this article, and like those he references at Oberammergau is to totally misunderstand the suffering of Jesus Christ. Christ himself in the gospels and in Gibson's movie prays to God saying "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
To blame the Jews of deicide and to further persecute them for the death of Christ is absurd. All of humanity is guilty in the death of Christ. Satan and his rebellion against God and our rebellion against God sent Jesus to the cross.
Unfortunately there are many who will misinterpret Gibson's film as there have always been those who misinterpret the Bible. So because something can be misinterpreted, does that mean we shouldn't speak of certain things?
I am sometimes misunderstood in the sermons I preach. I have had to apologize for insensitive remarks. I have had to try to explain myself and my meaning further. Sometimes we come to an understanding. Other times things can't be worked out.
It's amazing how every time this happens there is a filter that the other person has that they listen to my sermon through. We all have filters. We all have lenses we view the world through. Because of this, books, articles, and movies are all subject to misunderstanding. I guess because of this we should all just keep our mouths shut. Including the op-ed columnists.
"The Passion of the Christ" is a bloody film. It is shocking. It is very emotive. But to become angry at the Jews like the crowds which are described in this article, and like those he references at Oberammergau is to totally misunderstand the suffering of Jesus Christ. Christ himself in the gospels and in Gibson's movie prays to God saying "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
To blame the Jews of deicide and to further persecute them for the death of Christ is absurd. All of humanity is guilty in the death of Christ. Satan and his rebellion against God and our rebellion against God sent Jesus to the cross.
Unfortunately there are many who will misinterpret Gibson's film as there have always been those who misinterpret the Bible. So because something can be misinterpreted, does that mean we shouldn't speak of certain things?
I am sometimes misunderstood in the sermons I preach. I have had to apologize for insensitive remarks. I have had to try to explain myself and my meaning further. Sometimes we come to an understanding. Other times things can't be worked out.
It's amazing how every time this happens there is a filter that the other person has that they listen to my sermon through. We all have filters. We all have lenses we view the world through. Because of this, books, articles, and movies are all subject to misunderstanding. I guess because of this we should all just keep our mouths shut. Including the op-ed columnists.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
