The Constructive Curmudgeon

Dr. Groothuis from Denver Seminary is now blogging atThe Constructive Curmudgeon.

Reviews: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Christianity Today Movies

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opens today. Here's part of a review from Christianity Today:

...it intrigued me to hear the new version of Dahl's book would be directed by Tim Burton and star Johnny Depp, two guys with a bit of a resumé in creepy, trippy, and weird. And so, I viewed Burton and Depp as the two biggest wild cards in whether this movie would be any good.

It turns out that the duo has each succeeded in creating a fable that is not creepy or trippy, but just possessing a gentle weirdness (just wait for the scene with the 'Small World' attraction) that is completely appropriate to Dahl's original book. In fact, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a charming, engrossing, and often laugh-out-loud funny fairy tale that captures the book's spirit while still marking its own territory.

Will it be a hit?

Out of Africa - Christianity Today Magazine

The power is shifting. The moral authority is shifting. This is a great article discussing the shift of power and authority in the church.

Philip Jenkins, in his groundbreaking The Next Christendom, wrote that a 'global perspective should make us think carefully before asserting 'what Christians believe' or 'how the church is changing.' All too often [such statements] refer only to what that ever-shrinking remnant of Western Christians and Catholics believe. Such assertions are outrageous today. … The era of Western Christianity has passed within our lifetimes, and the day of Southern Christianity is dawning.'

In the Anglican Communion, the third-largest Christian body in the world with more than 70 million adherents, there is no better representative of that shift than Nigerian Archbishop Peter Jasper Akinola.

Harry Beasts - Christianity and Harry Potter

The latest Harry Potter book goes on sale at midnight tonight. Thousands of young fans will line up. Media will cover the frenzy. And the debate among Christians will heat up once again. Here are some interesting quotes from John Granger's book Looking for God in Harry Potter as he takes a look at the animal symbols used in the books which point to Christian reality.

Does it seem odd that there are so many symbols of Christ? There is a big difference between symbols and allegorical figures. Allegories are stand-ins or story translations of a worldly character, quality, or event into an imaginative figure or story. There can be only one figure representing the other, consequently, or it's difficult to translate; I cannot have two Hitler figures if I'm writing an allegory of the Second World War, or the allegory fails.

Symbols, in contrast, can be stacked up. If I am telling a fantasy story with a Christian message, I can include characters and beasties and events that all point to the various qualities, actions, and promises of Christ. If the symbols correspond with these qualities, even if they are not consciously understood as Christ symbols, they open us up to an imaginative experience of those supernatural qualities. A variety of these symbols woven into a story that itself echoes the Great Story will powerfully stir the soul because the heart is made by God to be receptive to this message. Our soul radios are always tuned to the frequency of the message.

The Harry Potter stories, in their formulaic journeys that end every year with love's triumph over death in the presence of a Christ symbol, find their power and popularity in the resonance they create in our hearts. We connect with them because they point toward the Truth Myth that saves us. The gospel has rarely, if ever, been smuggled into the hearts and minds of readers so successfully and profoundly.

Sounds as though Granger is rather positive towards the books.

On the other hand, here's what the new pope apparently thinks of Harry Potter:

The Pope has said that the Harry Potter books "erode Christianity in the soul" of young people, a German writer claims.

Bavarian-based Roman Catholic Gabriele Kuby, who wrote a book criticising JK Rowling's blockbusters, said the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger made the comments in an exchange of letters two years ago.

In March 2003, Ratzinger wrote thanking her for sending him a copy of "your informative book". He said: "It is good that you are throwing light on Harry Potter, because these are subtle seductions that work imperceptibly, and because of that deeply, and erode Christianity in the soul before it can even grow properly."

What do you think?

jason clark : As the bombs go off in london, we pray...

"As the bombs go off in london, we pray..."

Read the whole prayer here.

Jesus Creed: Post-Certainty

Excellent post from Scot McKnight on Emergent and truth

Therefore, what the Emergent Christian denies is not that there is truth but that our articulation of that truth is always limited. Truth is personal and therefore our knowledge of God as Person in Jesus Christ through the Spirit and the Church limits our grasp until the Eschaton. And, to compound the whole discussion, genuine truth is the story of God make known to us through Christ and the Spirit in the community where that story is performed in such a manner that humans can grasp the true story of the true gospel.

The Matching Game : Match the church with the statement of faith!

Can you match each church with it's statement of faith?

The sole basis of our belief is the Bible, which is uniquely God-inspired, without error, and the final authority on all matters on which it bears. As the Bible teaches, there is one God, eternally existing in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — each possessing all the attributes of Deity.

God created humans to have fellowship with Him, but they defied God by sinfully going their own way. As a result, we need God's saving grace to end our alienation from Him. Salvation comes only through God's saving grace — not human effort — and must be received personally by repentance and faith.

Jesus Christ, second Person of the Trinity, lived a sinless life on earth and voluntarily paid for our sin by dying on the cross as our substitute. This accomplishes salvation for all who receive grace by trusting in Him alone. He rose from the dead and is the only mediator between us and God. He will return to earth to consummate history.

The Holy Spirit draws sinners to Christ and equips believers for personal growth and service to the church. The church's role is to glorify God and serve those in need. At the end, everyone will experience bodily resurrection and the judgment. Those forgiven through Christ will enjoy eternal fellowship with God. For more details, please ask for our complete Statement of Faith at the information booth.

The Matching Game : Match the church with the statement of faith!
This statement of faith belongs to:
	Willow Creek Community Church - Bill Hybels
	Cedar Ridge Community Church - Brian McLaren
	Saddleback Church - Rick Warren
	Lakewood Church - Joel Olsteen
	Thomas Road Baptist Church - Jerry Falwell
	New Life Church - Ted Haggard
	The Potter's House - T.D. Jakes
	This Poll by hawkenstein
Click here to view results

P.O.V. - Street Fight | PBS

Wow! Another great documentary on P.O.V. This one is just down right crazy! An excellent example of the old phrase "power corrupts!" Catch this if you can!

Wired News: Surviving the Digital TV Shift

Check out this quote from this article on digital TV:

Will people have to throw out their old TV sets when everything goes digital?

Not necessarily. Any TV set hooked up to cable or a satellite system is unaffected. However, any analog TV sets that use an antenna will no longer be able to receive programming over the air after the cut-off date -- unless it's hooked up to a cable or satellite system, or is set up with a digital converter. It's unclear how much those converters will cost when they become widely available at retail.

Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) and Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Connecticut) have already introduced a bill (.pdf) that would provide $468 million in subsidies for digital converters -- but only for low-income households.

We'd hate to have folks not have access to TV! I wonder how many books $468 million would buy? Or how many college educations for low-income households? If we are going to subsidize something for low-income households do we really think it should be digital converters for televisions?

Christianity with Power by Charles H. Kraft

This book was published in 1989 but in my opinion it is extremely relevant to the discussion of the church today. In this work, Kraft shares his struggle to embrace a new worldview concerning miracles and a power ministry paradigm. He was skeptical at first but through cross-cultural missional experiences and classroom experiences with John Wimber as well as dialogue with Peter Wagner, Kraft overcame his reservations and has entered into Christianity with power.

I greatly appreciate this work. I too am often skeptical of much of Christianity that relies on power encounters. I struggle with actually believing that God desires to actually really heal people today. My western evangelical worldview has natural scientific explanations for things. I do not look for the spiritual reasons behind everyday occurances.

Further, I look to modern western solutions to my ills: when I am sick I go to the doctor, or take a drug; when I am emotionally troubled I see a psychologist. Prayer is often a last resort, when the other common sense remedies have failed to work.

Kraft points out that the western worldview is far different then the one of the Hebrews in Scripture. That doesn't make my worldview wrong but it does lead to some unique weaknesses.

As to the timeliness of this book, I kept feeling that this book is significant concerning the worldview shift that is occuring for many within our culture and in evangelicalism. The book autobiographically recounts much of Kraft's worldview transformation and then analyzes worldviews and transitions in worldviews from an anthropological standpoint (Kraft is professor of anthropology and intercultural communication at Fuller).

One of my favorite chapters in the book is called The "What We Think We Know" Problem. Here are some great quotes from this chapter (these appear especially relevant in light of the emerging church discussion):

"It is not so much what we don't know, but what we think we know that obstructs our vision", says Harvard theologian Krister Stendahl. This piece of wisdom has certainly described accurately quite a number of situations in human history. It also points ou the basic problem in a large number of conflicts that have taken place in the history of Christianity. Every time there is renewal, for example, the "what we think we know" problem arises. Typically, the traditionalists who think they know how God behaves become the opponents of the new things God wants to do...

The problem seems to be a human tendency to make rules for God. We learn certain things about how he works, arrive at the principles we think to be appropriate, and then impose those principles on those who seek to follow him as if God himself had endorsed them. We then virtually forbid him to work in any other way...

God simply refuses to be bound by "what we think we know," even if that knowledge is about him. For he knows the severe limitations of that knowledge. It is always constrained by our humanity and derived from our interpretations of but a small selection of God's acts. And all of those interpretations are influenced by our worldview, our experience, our predisposition, our sin, and all our other human limitations...

Our worldview paradigms of perspectives are precious to us. They are like our language, having been passed on to us by people in whom we have trusted over the years. So our first reaction is ordinarily to defend and protect them when they are challenged. This is especially true if we suspect that by changing a certain paradigm, we may run afoul of the opinions of our group. The potential of a loss of prestige is usually sufficient to keep us in line, especially if we are feeling socially insecure.

These thoughts really resonated with me as I continue to wrestle with the ongoing emerging church discussion. It causes me to wonder...how much of the controversy concerns truth, how much concerns the "what we think we know" problem, and how much concerns fear in changing a worldview?

Brian McLaren: D.A. Carson's book and responses

Interested in the ongoing controversy surrounding Brian McLaren and his work? Check out this quick response pointing you to several articles that critique Dr. D.A. Carson's book. Here's a quote from McLaren's post:

D. A. Carson has written a critical review of emergent, and of my work in particular. Dr. Al Mohler has effusively praised Carson's book in reviews and articles of his own. Both reviews are grossly inaccurate and they misrepresent and misjudge my writings, thinking, and beliefs.

The Observer | UK News | Brainstorms turn to showers

The thought police strike again! And to think people get paid to do this!

David Brent would never approve. 'Brainstorming', the buzz term used by executives to generate ideas among their staff, has been deemed politically incorrect by civil servants because it is thought to be offensive to people with brain disorders.

Instead staff at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) in Belfast will use the term 'thought-showers' when they get together to think creatively. A spokeswoman said: 'The DETI does not use the term brainstorming on its training courses on the grounds that it may be deemed pejorative.'

U.S. Churches' Recognition of Independence Day Varies Widely - Christianity Today Magazine

What is the church to do with Independence Day? Memorial Day? I've been thinking alot about this lately. Here's a quote from a Christianity Today article:

First Baptist Church in Euless, Texas, prides itself on its fiercely patriotic approach to the Fourth of July.

Last year, Marines rappelled into the sanctuary, church members in uniform stuck rifles and helmets into a Styrofoam grave site made by a Broadway set designer, and indoor fireworks exploded over a packed house in back-to-back services.

'It's just a big patriotic, feel-good moment,' said Robert Elkins, the church's music director.

First Covenant Church in Oakland, Calif., takes a different approach, allowing a salute to veterans but steering clear of any overtly patriotic messages. 'We want to be as inclusive as possible for all worshippers, whether they're red or blue,' said music director David Leestma.

Independence Day can be delicate for houses of worship. Many worshippers expect some recognition of the holiday, but appearing too nationalistic can alienate others who see God-and-country celebrations as political endorsements.

So what do you think churches should do?

The Mayberry Driven Church (Podcast)

This looks like a very promising podcast blog that I plan on paying a lot of attention to as I minister in Mayberry as well!

This website is for people in ministry who just need to be real and shed the "I AM PREFECT" image that we all get trapped into living. It's about ministry when your not Saddleback and you find yourself up a Willow Creek.

Also check out the George Vlosich III Etch-a-Sketch Art Gallery where I found the Mayberry pic.

MethodX | The Heavenly Banquet

Over the past few days I have been struck with the power of the Word of God. I am currently reading an excellent book called Blue Like Jazz which recounts several people coming to know God through reading the Bible.

God is the hound of heaven who is after us, relentlessly pursuing us. He shows up in the most amazing and unexpected places. Here's a quote from a great article demonstrating how God showed up through the Bible:

God was working with each person during that retreat. Both campers and staff, we were all touched by God's spirit through the words of scripture, through the hugs and smiles and words of one another, through the experiences of the week that affirmed life and love for all of God's people.

My Web 2.0 BETA - Yahoo!

Haven't read or heard any buzz on this today. Give it a try!

LeadershipJournal.net - "I'm Losing My Focus"

This is an excellent article on the need to refocus. I have been trying to do this sometime using David Allen's term "weekly review". I have found this to be an invaluable tool! Burke's recommendations of a half-day away to dream and listen to God monthly as well as annual retreats for planning, personal growth, and refreshing your marriage relationship are great ideas.

Spirituality for All the Wrong Reasons - Eugene Peterson

I think relevance is a crock. I don't think people care a whole lot about what kind of music you have or how you shape the service. They want a place where God is taken seriously, where they're taken seriously, where there is no manipulation of their emotions or their consumer needs.

This strikes me as a strange quote from the author of the Message which is a translation of the Bible seeking to be relevant to our day and age. What is Peterson getting at here?

The Word: John Medeski, the North Mississippi Allstars and Robert Randolph

Time to give some props to one of my favorite bands: Robert Randolph and the Family Band. Here's a review for the cd, The Word. My favorite quotes are in bold.

Jelly review: John Medeski, the North Mississippi Allstars and Robert Randolph: The first ever jam session must have occurred in a church. When the Spirit starts to move, nobody watches the clock. Keyboard player John Medeski, on break from his full time gig with Medeski, Martin & Wood, gathered together the North Mississippi Allstars and pedal steel player Robert Randolph for this high-stepping dance through a session of gospel blues.

Randolph is the real revelation here, as his pedal steel work steers a wide path away from the weeping willow-isms his instrument is usually associated with in the country realm for some squealing blues work. The hand-clapping Sunday service stomper 'Without God' is converted into a Southern rock powerhouse. On 'Waiting on My Wings,' Medeski's clip-clopping organ notes lead a funk workout worthy of the almighty Meters.

As nobody in this band steps up to the mike to sing, all ten tunes are completely instrumental. Without gospel's soul-deep lyrics, this recording sacrifices much of its spiritual impact. Unless you're already familiar with the sermon-in-song messages of these mostly traditional selections, you won't likely receive their originally intended blessings.

But if you want to hear what church might sound like if the Sabbath is ever moved from Sunday morning to Saturday night, this is your fantasy disc.

Here's a quote from the back cover on Live at the Wetlands:

On stage, Randolph is an energetic and inspiring presence, able to convert any beer-drenched, smoke-filled room into a temporary sanctuary. He's a time-stopping, trouble-erasing wizard who engages his listeners to march, press on, stomp their feet, clap their hands, scream. --Rolling Stone

I think this ties into the concept of jubilation that Dr. Platypus discusses in this post here. It'd be great to recover this in our churches. Fortunately great artists are doing it in "beer-drenched, smoke-filled rooms" around the country every Friday and Saturday night!

Encouragement in the church

praisebandchapelnamaan.JPG
Originally uploaded by Drpoulette.

This is an extended quote from an email newsletter I receive each week from worshipideas.com. This little newsletter pointed me to the Bose Personal Amplification system that each of my churches purchased for our PA system (and they sound incredible!).

[Joe Wood, this week's guest writer, leads the praise choir at one of upstate South Carolina's mega-churches, Brookwood Community Church. Brookwood has over 4,000 attendees each Sunday and is similar to Willow Creek.]

"We practiced for six hours and the director was still mad at us."

It was Father's Day, and I was eating at a breakfast that our church provided for the men singing in our once-a-year men's choir. I'd just told the guy next to me how great the group sounded, and that's when he said it. "Yeah, I can't believe we did it in one rehearsal. The last church I was in, we did this; and we practiced for six hours and the director was still mad at us." I was stunned, and really didn't know what to say.

You see, I used to be the same kind of director. I was old school. I was a "crack the whip" kind of director ...
hammering on all the flaws. I think I learned it that way.
After all, I studied music at a Christian college where you felt like you were in trouble all the time. We focused on flaws and "scored points" in finding them. But then, years later, I sang in a volunteer community choir directed by a Jerry Step, a local minister of music. Jerry's primary training tool was encouragement. I think his spiritual gift was encouragement. Jerry would gush over everything we did.
He would even gush over things that I didn't think deserved to be gushed over. It didn't take long for me to long to recognize, though, that Jerry's encouragement motivated us to work harder. His encouragement painted an image of what we could sound like. And before long, we sounded about as good as Jerry had been telling us we did. More importantly, it was fun singing in Jerry's choir. When rehearsal was over, we went home feeling good about what we'd accomplished and looking forward to our next rehearsal.

So I started trying out Jerry's method on the groups I directed. And it worked! I was amazed at how people responded to encouragement. Instead of listening for flaws, I started listening for things that the groups were doing right and pointing that out. When I found a flaw I tried to approach it in an encouraging way ... like complementing someone who was doing it right and explaining to the group what that person was doing. It was transformational! I discovered that my groups made much more progress in an encouraging environment than they had under my old school ways. In fact, they started getting better than I'd thought they could be.

That's when I started to become passionate about working with "average" musicians ... and it's one of the reasons that I'm so excited about the emergence of the Praise Choir in so many of our churches. If you put a bunch of regular people who love singing in a group, and give them encouragement, a vision, good coaching, and music that fits their voices, they can sound great. Mix in their love for God, and passion for worshipping Him, and they can be a powerful voice that encourages the church to worship!

I'm so glad that the guy I was talking with at breakfast had the experience that he had with us on Father's Day. I think now that he knows he has a voice that God can use; and he knows a little bit about how wonderful it is to serve God through praise. Maybe we can lure him into our regular Praise Choir...

How'd the guys do? It was amazing! We rehearsed for an hour and a half on Wednesday night, and about thirty minutes on Sunday morning. We didn't worry about parts. We let them sing melody or whatever part they could find. We just wanted them to sing their hearts. We kept the focus on the praise that we were doing ... not on the technical details of the music. The sound was awesome and the impact was powerful.
How could it be anything else? A men's chorus, passionately opening our services singing "Lord, Reign in Me." By the time we got to the closing chorus of "A Few Good Men" (three of our Praise Team guys sang the lead parts), our congregation couldn't stay in their seats! The choir was blessed. The congregation was blessed. I think God was blessed. And the director didn't even have to get mad.