I had a friend one time say, "Why can't I just believe it?" Perhaps they were saying they wanted to have faith in God through the Bible. I wish. What they were most likely saying was "Why do I have to understand what is in a particular passage and struggle to apply it in a valid way?"
We want to wear armbands and wave flags. The Bible is one of them. "I believe the Bible" has been a cover that enables unscrupulous people to shut down further inquiry from those who would make them accountable.
Christians have to be more responsible, more enlightened, and yes, less simplistic. Many a Pastor has been matched with an unsuitable church by smiling real big and saying, "I have Jesus in my heart." No further inquiry necessary.
I challenge people to remember that they aren't the first ones to read the Bible. They aren't the first human in history to ask any particular question of the Bible. And, they aren't the first one to answer the question arising from the reading. Humility is in order, and lots of it.
Below is a link to an article that may challenge your preconceived notions about interpreting Scripture.
3 Wrong Ways to Read the Bible
Read for inspiration and embrace Truth!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Watch Your Language
So a sign outside a church says, "Mine Eyes are Forever Towards the Lord." For many people, under the age of 30, this might be a mystery. They might drive past and think to themselves, "What are mine eyes? Are these optical spheres which explode when stepped upon? Are these some weapon, that upon immediate observation appear to be eyeballs in the sand? And what of 'towards the Lord'? Does this mean that such devices are strewn about on the way to the Lord?" That doesn't seem like good news.
Such imaginative difficulties are not too far off from actual ones. Inquisitive people are put off quite often by this type of religious language. Why then would people use it?
I can only think it is proper to do so for historical reasons in contexts in which the historical could be appreciated. To do otherwise might serve only to create distance, profoundly unnecessary distance, between one person and another.
To whom does language belong? Is it only the author or speaker? Or is meaning shared by means of linguistic signs that are mutually understood? It seems to me that if we want to truly communicate, we might want to consider our language, our terminology, our Christianeze way of communicating that others may actually not understand.
Even if we say something nice, we might say it in a way that encourages others to stop listening. As the wise DJ says, "Be yourself so you don't have to be by yourself."
Such imaginative difficulties are not too far off from actual ones. Inquisitive people are put off quite often by this type of religious language. Why then would people use it?
I can only think it is proper to do so for historical reasons in contexts in which the historical could be appreciated. To do otherwise might serve only to create distance, profoundly unnecessary distance, between one person and another.
To whom does language belong? Is it only the author or speaker? Or is meaning shared by means of linguistic signs that are mutually understood? It seems to me that if we want to truly communicate, we might want to consider our language, our terminology, our Christianeze way of communicating that others may actually not understand.
Even if we say something nice, we might say it in a way that encourages others to stop listening. As the wise DJ says, "Be yourself so you don't have to be by yourself."
Sunday, March 27, 2011
KFC: The Best of Sunday
The new KFC commercial jumped out at me during the games. It goes something like this: They saved the best for Sundays: the best games, the best sleeping late, the best shopping, the best food. So, KFC fits in perfectly for your Sunday menu.
So, aside from being a transparent attempt to cash in on Chic-Fil-A being closed on Sundays, the commercial has a glaring omission: The best Christian worship!Or, the Best Family time in Church! Or, the most spiritual day for Christians! Or anything like that could have been included and been true for a vast number of practicing Christians (who are also steroid chicken munchers watching the NCAA Men's B-Ball Tourney).
I noticed that there were no scenes depicting anyone entering or exiting a church building of any type. At least they could have shown a family happily exiting, shaking off their captivity, and diving full speed for KFC! (Believe me, I have experience seeing this type of thing.)
The really odd thing is the punchline in the ad: TGIS- as in, you got it, thank God it's Sunday! So, after leaving God out of Sunday, we all just thank God for it?
As I said today during the message, worship is something for which we were built. I think we are longing to worship in spirit and truth from some place deep within. It is just sad that this natural impulse hasn't translated very much into what people experience in church. Again the classic clash between religion and spirituality. Or is it just laziness? *sigh*
Another consideration for advertisers might be what is the best of Friday- would a Muslim be ill if Friday prayers were not mentioned? Or how about the best of Saturday- does this sort of leave out the Jewish Sabbath? I mean, if you're gonna leave something out...
I guess Sundays are nice, and some of the "best" is saved for Sunday. But I have different reasons for this sentiment than KFC (the junk food formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken).
So, aside from being a transparent attempt to cash in on Chic-Fil-A being closed on Sundays, the commercial has a glaring omission: The best Christian worship!Or, the Best Family time in Church! Or, the most spiritual day for Christians! Or anything like that could have been included and been true for a vast number of practicing Christians (who are also steroid chicken munchers watching the NCAA Men's B-Ball Tourney).
I noticed that there were no scenes depicting anyone entering or exiting a church building of any type. At least they could have shown a family happily exiting, shaking off their captivity, and diving full speed for KFC! (Believe me, I have experience seeing this type of thing.)
The really odd thing is the punchline in the ad: TGIS- as in, you got it, thank God it's Sunday! So, after leaving God out of Sunday, we all just thank God for it?
As I said today during the message, worship is something for which we were built. I think we are longing to worship in spirit and truth from some place deep within. It is just sad that this natural impulse hasn't translated very much into what people experience in church. Again the classic clash between religion and spirituality. Or is it just laziness? *sigh*
Another consideration for advertisers might be what is the best of Friday- would a Muslim be ill if Friday prayers were not mentioned? Or how about the best of Saturday- does this sort of leave out the Jewish Sabbath? I mean, if you're gonna leave something out...
I guess Sundays are nice, and some of the "best" is saved for Sunday. But I have different reasons for this sentiment than KFC (the junk food formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken).
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Ash Wednesday and Lent: A Reality Check
Happy Lent! I hope your Tuesday was as "Phat" as mine! Those West Market Street UMC sausages were well done, just like I like 'em.
Upon us again is Ash Wednesday, a perfect occasion to call on folks to take stock of repentance. Of course, this is a concept in Christianity that requires humility and sobriety, so it may be out of fashion. Today we are used to regret and guilt, shame and anger & etc. I wonder sometimes if we can still repent.
Even worse, can a whole group of people, like a church, repent? Can they set aside the hubris and odd politics that "disables" many of them? Can they put aside their most preciously held beliefs and preconceived ideas and truly take stock? None of this is easy, but it is worth it.
Though difficult, I think Ash Wednesday, and Lent, should be at least an annual "reality check" for a congregation. Are we for real? Or are we Memorex? Or are we phonograph? Or telegraph? Or smoke signal?
Some good questions a thoughtful congregation (no matter how large or small) may ask are:
1- Are we reaching anyone with the good news, and how are we or why aren't we?
2- Are we holding our elected leaders, clergy, and church staff members accountable for the duties for which they've signed up? How do we start doing this or do this better?
3- Are we accountable to those who support the church financially? Or do we just spend the tithe and expect more?
4- What steps do we take to present ourselves to God as a spiritual church? Are we really sanctified?
5- In what ways have we lifted other priorities above unity in Christ? Are we only protecting those with visibly sensitive feelings? Or are we finishing the race?
At MSBC, we have to be realistic about what is being talked about for this spring. A lot of effort is going to be needed from everyone as we fulfill the vision for Magnolia Street Baptist Church. LUBIS is our acronym that helps us think of Loving God, Understanding Jesus, Belonging, Integrity, and Service. But if it is just an acronym, and just memory, then it is like "clanging brass, noisy crashing cymbal." I hope our crashing symbol is not the cross! "May God forbid!"
If we would put actions to most of our words, then we will have something even more attractive and transcendentally helpful to the community as 2011 progresses!
Ash Wednesday and Lent: a reality check? Let me know.
Happy b/c of Jesus,
Pastor James
Upon us again is Ash Wednesday, a perfect occasion to call on folks to take stock of repentance. Of course, this is a concept in Christianity that requires humility and sobriety, so it may be out of fashion. Today we are used to regret and guilt, shame and anger & etc. I wonder sometimes if we can still repent.
Even worse, can a whole group of people, like a church, repent? Can they set aside the hubris and odd politics that "disables" many of them? Can they put aside their most preciously held beliefs and preconceived ideas and truly take stock? None of this is easy, but it is worth it.
Though difficult, I think Ash Wednesday, and Lent, should be at least an annual "reality check" for a congregation. Are we for real? Or are we Memorex? Or are we phonograph? Or telegraph? Or smoke signal?
Some good questions a thoughtful congregation (no matter how large or small) may ask are:
1- Are we reaching anyone with the good news, and how are we or why aren't we?
2- Are we holding our elected leaders, clergy, and church staff members accountable for the duties for which they've signed up? How do we start doing this or do this better?
3- Are we accountable to those who support the church financially? Or do we just spend the tithe and expect more?
4- What steps do we take to present ourselves to God as a spiritual church? Are we really sanctified?
5- In what ways have we lifted other priorities above unity in Christ? Are we only protecting those with visibly sensitive feelings? Or are we finishing the race?
At MSBC, we have to be realistic about what is being talked about for this spring. A lot of effort is going to be needed from everyone as we fulfill the vision for Magnolia Street Baptist Church. LUBIS is our acronym that helps us think of Loving God, Understanding Jesus, Belonging, Integrity, and Service. But if it is just an acronym, and just memory, then it is like "clanging brass, noisy crashing cymbal." I hope our crashing symbol is not the cross! "May God forbid!"
If we would put actions to most of our words, then we will have something even more attractive and transcendentally helpful to the community as 2011 progresses!
Ash Wednesday and Lent: a reality check? Let me know.
Happy b/c of Jesus,
Pastor James
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Heaven is for Real, but is this story?
Lots of people are talking about the book Heaven is for Real, because it another "amazing and true account" of a visit to heaven by someone who has been there and back. Such books are always popular among people who long for more information specifically about the Christian Hope, and those who care about the afterlife in general. Notice this covers quite a few people (a huge audience, or do I mean "market")!
I watched the video from Fox News for "Heaven is for Real" http://video.foxnews.com/v/4419243/heaven-is-for-real. I did not read the book and I never will. I want to be blunt about this: I don't believe the story (and I don't believe stories like this). This one in particular is too contrived, predictable, and rehearsed. Daddy jumps in way too much. In fact, Daddy is in charge. The entire interview lacks credibility, and really makes me kind of weak. I feel almost as if I'm being insulted.
Furthermore, doesn't sound like Revelation 4, but instead comes across as an amazingly human-focused fairy tale designed for comfort. The goal is reassurance. I'm not listening to it, and I recommend others don't either.
But what about little Colton's sister he never knew about? Let me be polite and say there are other explanations that are much more likely. Do you think that things that are vague are sometimes filled in with details to make them sound better?
In summary, always, be extremely skeptical of outlandish religious claims or interpretations. Always think critically for a more plausible option. Do not miss the forest for the trees.
Just because you identify yourself as a Christian, or a believer in God or a better afterlife, are not obliged to accept automatically what is presented to you. I don't.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Paradise and Church Beliefs
In the Revelation Bible Study on Sunday nights, we've had the subject of the afterlife come up. (Go figure.) One church member has said in effect that they believe people don't go to heaven when they die, they go to Paradise. Paradise is a "holding place." When the "great white throne judgment" occurs, then they can go to heaven, but only after they are judged at the end of time along with everyone else. Proof for this is Jesus' language to the penitent thief on the cross, "today you will be with me in paradise."
I might add also 2 Corinthians 12:4, where Paul claims to "know a person" who was "caught up into paradise."
People think of paradise, then, as a place between life and death, where the souls of the saved go as they await the resurrection and final judgments- then they go into heaven. Paradise does not equal heaven.
On Jesus' statement to the penitent thief, what if Jesus was actually saying, "Today (right now) I tell you that you will be with me in paradise (sometime in the future)." After all, this would fit the idea expressed in the Apostle's Creed that Jesus "descended to hell." No mention of a detour to paradise.
The importance of this division between heaven and paradise was exaggerated by Ireneus and Origin, two dead guys from a long time ago. Actually, they are in paradise, still arguing with someone I'm sure.
This idea just sounds too much like limbo to me. Let's start telling people, "when you die you go to limbo." Then we might add, "and its a happy place, so you play bingo." Limbo bingo.
In thinking about the afterlife, one important passage in the Bible is 2 Corinthians 5. I like it because it is comprehensive and doesn't get lost in the speculative details we Americans (and clergy) just love. Paul seems like he is expressing faith in the future with God rather than giving a class on dogmatics. To me, this passage comes close to the normal wish we hear at times of death: "She is in a better place." This is where we get the idea, "absent from the body, present with the Lord." Personally, I wouldn't care if Jesus were in paradise, heaven, or Mebane if I were with him. The important thing is being in the presence of the Lord.
I tend to think that references to heaven, paradise, hell, Sheol, etc. are no real basis for constructing elaborate cosmologies of afterlife geography. But some folks do have fun drawing maps though, like F. J. Dake. More things to be correct about, more things for others to be wrong about.
Even the Baptist Faith and Message isn't overly specific, and doesn't lay claims to some confirmed inerrant grand scenario. Maybe I won't either.
I might add also 2 Corinthians 12:4, where Paul claims to "know a person" who was "caught up into paradise."
People think of paradise, then, as a place between life and death, where the souls of the saved go as they await the resurrection and final judgments- then they go into heaven. Paradise does not equal heaven.
On Jesus' statement to the penitent thief, what if Jesus was actually saying, "Today (right now) I tell you that you will be with me in paradise (sometime in the future)." After all, this would fit the idea expressed in the Apostle's Creed that Jesus "descended to hell." No mention of a detour to paradise.
The importance of this division between heaven and paradise was exaggerated by Ireneus and Origin, two dead guys from a long time ago. Actually, they are in paradise, still arguing with someone I'm sure.
This idea just sounds too much like limbo to me. Let's start telling people, "when you die you go to limbo." Then we might add, "and its a happy place, so you play bingo." Limbo bingo.
In thinking about the afterlife, one important passage in the Bible is 2 Corinthians 5. I like it because it is comprehensive and doesn't get lost in the speculative details we Americans (and clergy) just love. Paul seems like he is expressing faith in the future with God rather than giving a class on dogmatics. To me, this passage comes close to the normal wish we hear at times of death: "She is in a better place." This is where we get the idea, "absent from the body, present with the Lord." Personally, I wouldn't care if Jesus were in paradise, heaven, or Mebane if I were with him. The important thing is being in the presence of the Lord.
I tend to think that references to heaven, paradise, hell, Sheol, etc. are no real basis for constructing elaborate cosmologies of afterlife geography. But some folks do have fun drawing maps though, like F. J. Dake. More things to be correct about, more things for others to be wrong about.
Even the Baptist Faith and Message isn't overly specific, and doesn't lay claims to some confirmed inerrant grand scenario. Maybe I won't either.
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