Deism= It is the practice of atheism with the belief in God.
– Justin’s Dictionary of Religious Terms and Paraphernalia
Have you ever been tempted by atheism? No god or person to tell you what to do; you are the standard. You don’t have to depend on anyone but yourself and you don’t have to be accountable to anyone either. When there is a problem you don’t have to ask some god for help…you can do it yourself and get the credit. You don’t have to buy into all this humility, patience and love stuff; you can be your own man/woman and do things your way.
They say that atheism is dying out as a belief, but the practice of it is far more widespread than we ever imagined. Read through the list again. Now carefully and honestly ask yourself if you are a practicing atheist. “How many times have I lived my life like this?” A person may not actually think or say, “I want it my way and no other” but a person often lives that way.
It is all too easy to be a believing Christian but a practicing atheist. We can go about our day believing that God is there yet acting like he is not. We pray like he can help but won’t wait for his timing. When crisis strikes we will have faith enough to say a few words but keep the more practical matters of business to ourselves. In confession, I will wear him gladly on my sleeve but often fail to hide him in my heart.
How many days have I lived centered on my problems and my solutions? How many times have I let the practical rule out the divine? We live in a country founded by Deists of which I am often the worst. I will ask him to bless the building but not the finances, the sermon but not the study, and the program but not the planning.
Some might think I am splitting hairs or that I am too idealistic and young. Yeah it is probably true, but I am not sure that it is a bad thing. I remember a time when I wasn’t so practical. I believed there was a way to graduate college debt free even when all seemed impossible, I believed I could be a pastor despite my checkered past, I believed I could do all things through Christ who strengthens me…and he did. I remember a day when I wasn’t so practical and I intend to return there.
Are you a practicing atheist? Where does the road to recovery lay? Do you see it as a problem or just “good common sense”?
Talk amongst yourselves
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
What should I do?
Here is a real life situation that I am trying to figure out. My church is in the middle of a building project and I have to choice of one of two rooms to base the youth ministry out of. One is the old sanctuary and the other is a triangular room next to the new sanctuary. Both are bigger than the current room and have much higher ceilings.
Sanctuary: Has a pretty old school feel but it has lots of potential. It already has a sound system and screen. We would have to replace the lighting and clear out some stuff. There are some storage rooms to the side and I am considering making one of them a prayer room. The catch is I have already been unofficially warned that I should not do any “youthifying” for at least a year, if ever or I might upset some folks.
Side room: The side room has the advantage of an outside door and it is bare so we can do anything we want to it. The cons are that it does border the new sanctuary so noise level might be a problem, but considering it has no sound equipment in it that might not be so bad. It also does not look that much bigger than our already cramped current room.
The trade offs are pretty simple. Go with the side room and don’t rock the boat but loose space and money or go with the sanctuary and get more space and save money but possibly get stuck with it as is or remodel anyway and make some key folks unhappy. It is a bit of a catch 22 so what should I do?
Deep in my heart I know that style should not matter and that worship can take place in a bare room. Yes, for the believer style should not matter. We should be ready to worship at all times and with all places and styles. But, we are not trying to reach believers are we. It is not the healthy that need a doctor…it is the sick.
I am not sure what room I will take but I do know that that room will be dedicated to the kids in my area. If that means someone’s feelings are hurt because I replace the 60’s wood paneling with something a little modern, so be it. If I have to drain the budget to make a bare room feel inviting, so be it. I am not after the coolness factor I am after the relevant factor. Shouldn’t we be all things to all people?
What do you think I should do? What other things am I not considering?
Sanctuary: Has a pretty old school feel but it has lots of potential. It already has a sound system and screen. We would have to replace the lighting and clear out some stuff. There are some storage rooms to the side and I am considering making one of them a prayer room. The catch is I have already been unofficially warned that I should not do any “youthifying” for at least a year, if ever or I might upset some folks.
Side room: The side room has the advantage of an outside door and it is bare so we can do anything we want to it. The cons are that it does border the new sanctuary so noise level might be a problem, but considering it has no sound equipment in it that might not be so bad. It also does not look that much bigger than our already cramped current room.
The trade offs are pretty simple. Go with the side room and don’t rock the boat but loose space and money or go with the sanctuary and get more space and save money but possibly get stuck with it as is or remodel anyway and make some key folks unhappy. It is a bit of a catch 22 so what should I do?
Deep in my heart I know that style should not matter and that worship can take place in a bare room. Yes, for the believer style should not matter. We should be ready to worship at all times and with all places and styles. But, we are not trying to reach believers are we. It is not the healthy that need a doctor…it is the sick.
I am not sure what room I will take but I do know that that room will be dedicated to the kids in my area. If that means someone’s feelings are hurt because I replace the 60’s wood paneling with something a little modern, so be it. If I have to drain the budget to make a bare room feel inviting, so be it. I am not after the coolness factor I am after the relevant factor. Shouldn’t we be all things to all people?
What do you think I should do? What other things am I not considering?
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Thoughts on Community
Community is a pretty common buzzword these days. You may remember it by such words as fellowship, body life or pot luck. But what is real biblical community and how does it translate into today? We live in an increasingly segmented society. I could stay in my home and only leave to buy the supplies I can’t get on ebay and to feed. To survive we really don’t need other people.
The Gospel calls us to a different kind of life; a life where we are one crucial piece in a greater whole. Some are pastors, teachers, church planters and some are singers, builders, encouragers, cooks but when it all comes down to it we are all ministers in some form or another. The question is not should I get involved the question is where is my place?
This different kind of life is lived with others, not against them. Unity within the Body of Christ is so highlighted in the New Testament one might think it is a pillar of the faith. Christ said we will be known by the love we have for other Christians. Are we still hearing this or are we to busy critiquing the sermon to hear the message? I am convinced that Love is the center of community. It is not bowling every Tuesday or even worshiping on Thursday evening or Sunday morning. I can “do life” with someone 24/7 and never be in community with them. Love for others, whatever the context, is the seed of community.
Biblical community is always looking to Christ and pointing others there too. As a body we are pointing back to the source of this love which is Christ. Our new kind of life does not spring up from our own effort and neither does unity. Does a body survive without a head? Can a fellowship stand without a goal? Lord of the Rings would be a right silly book if an elf, a wizard, 2 men, 4 hobbits and 1 dwarf got together and played cribbage. The body of Christ needs a bigger goal that just being together. I think the great commission is a pretty good one to start with :-)
I know this list is not complete but I do not intend it to be. What else would you add? How else could we foster unity in the Body? Are you sick of the word community?
Talk amongst yourselves
The Gospel calls us to a different kind of life; a life where we are one crucial piece in a greater whole. Some are pastors, teachers, church planters and some are singers, builders, encouragers, cooks but when it all comes down to it we are all ministers in some form or another. The question is not should I get involved the question is where is my place?
This different kind of life is lived with others, not against them. Unity within the Body of Christ is so highlighted in the New Testament one might think it is a pillar of the faith. Christ said we will be known by the love we have for other Christians. Are we still hearing this or are we to busy critiquing the sermon to hear the message? I am convinced that Love is the center of community. It is not bowling every Tuesday or even worshiping on Thursday evening or Sunday morning. I can “do life” with someone 24/7 and never be in community with them. Love for others, whatever the context, is the seed of community.
Biblical community is always looking to Christ and pointing others there too. As a body we are pointing back to the source of this love which is Christ. Our new kind of life does not spring up from our own effort and neither does unity. Does a body survive without a head? Can a fellowship stand without a goal? Lord of the Rings would be a right silly book if an elf, a wizard, 2 men, 4 hobbits and 1 dwarf got together and played cribbage. The body of Christ needs a bigger goal that just being together. I think the great commission is a pretty good one to start with :-)
I know this list is not complete but I do not intend it to be. What else would you add? How else could we foster unity in the Body? Are you sick of the word community?
Talk amongst yourselves
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Going on anyways
You can never know everything, and part of what you know is always wrong. Perhaps even the most important part. A portion of wisdom lies in knowing that. A portion of courage lies in going on anyways. –Robert Jordan
I am not so sure I am a good pastor. Some of you are gasping and others are nudging your neighbor and saying, “bout time he figured it out.” I have been given the impression that a spiritual leader is supposed to have it all together or at least know what he believes…I just don’t. Supposedly a pastor needs to be rock solid and unwavering in his convictions…I am not. If a Modernist were to look at me and classify me (which they love to do) I think they would say I was a seeker and then be very sensitive about what they said around me. J
I have been reading and talking to a lot of my friends and colleges about the so called “Faith Meltdown” that hits in the early twenties It is like the brain secretes an enzyme upon receiving that hard earned bachelors degree and says, “Doubt everything you have ever been told!” I think it hits men the hardest. I have really not dialoged with any women going through this. Maybe they just have the propriety to not voice their doubts to the world or it just hits them later in life. I am also finding that most of the older generation either did not go through this or they forget that it happened. I don’t get much sympathy when I voice that I question the prohibition on alcohol or that I dabble with open theism or that I think Tim LaHaye is an intellectual thief. Maybe they are just doing what their elders did to them.
On the one hand I like questioning. I don’t want to just take everything at face value. I have been trained too well for that. Besides, they tell me that life is too complex to answer every question with, “read the Bible and pray” or “just have faith.” I remember a time when that was all the answer I needed. It worked then…why not now? I am beginning to question the value of questioning everything. When does a little boyish rebellion turn into cynicism? Have I traded my joy in and become jaded?
Can a person just sit aside their doubts and not be intellectually dishonest? I like being a rebel and questing for answers but this new skin gets old pretty quick. I am starting to realize that there needs to be a couple things that you hammer down and honestly don’t touch. I still might not be sure of them but I have to choose to believe and move on anyways. If you have no anchor there is no point casting out to sea.
I have decided that I will always identify myself with Jesus Christ. He has convinced me and I will make his life, death and resurrection a “no fly zone” for doubt. I have sampled a lot of life without him and it is just too empty. I am willing to submit myself to him as an apprentice in the eternal/fullest kind of life he promised. I like the Apostles Creed. I am still shaky on the whole descent into hell but I am finding most people are.
Some would say I am giving up. “Question everything!” they shout, “Jesus is one of many ways…why are you teaching these kids only one path to God?” “He does not answer my questions sufficiently!” I say, “Welcome aboard, he does not answer all of mine either.” I am not sure the point of religion or God is to answer all my questions as if my inquiries into how he runs things are somehow new and important. I don’t know everything but I am not sure that it is God’s job to convince me. When I read the scriptures I see Christ presenting Truth and then allowing people to make up their own mind to believe him or not. I am pretty sure God is confident in his position and his views. Are we going to jump on board or not? Jesus never asked people to question him. I believed he asked them to follow him.
It is said that when the student is ready the master will appear. I believe that when the questioner is ready the answers will appear. Maybe not on this side of the Veil but someday we will see clearly. Can I be patient for that day when my Master has decided to let me know beyond the shadow of doubt? I guess I am just going to have to stick with him to find out.
Some things I am still working on…wanna help me out?
I think I am rejecting the idea of Sola Scriptora (Scripture alone). I find it leads to Bible theism. Besides, I sometimes find God more in nature, people and Lord of the Rings. The Bible is an awesome source for guidance and a great tool to test the spirits so to speak but it is a means to a greater end…knowing God.
I have rejected American (or should I say Modern) individualism in favor of community. Call me emergent but I like people. Do I like them too much though? Where do individualism and community meet? I believe God works on both levels equally.
I have embraced the veneration of Saints. Ok, my version of it. I don’t pray to them but I do find knowing those who have gone before and being a student of past mistakes to be an invaluable tool. I am tired of the evangelical fear of getting a little medieval. What are some other fears that we can cast aside?
Speaking of medieval, I am a now joining the ranks of the self-appointed Medievalists like Tolkien, Lewis and MacDonald. I like sagas and myths and fairy tales and want to reawaken the slumbering giant of Chivalry. (Note I am not equating myself to these men just naming a few of the more famous members of my most noble and ancient Order). Is anyone else with me?
More to come…still thinking…
I am not so sure I am a good pastor. Some of you are gasping and others are nudging your neighbor and saying, “bout time he figured it out.” I have been given the impression that a spiritual leader is supposed to have it all together or at least know what he believes…I just don’t. Supposedly a pastor needs to be rock solid and unwavering in his convictions…I am not. If a Modernist were to look at me and classify me (which they love to do) I think they would say I was a seeker and then be very sensitive about what they said around me. J
I have been reading and talking to a lot of my friends and colleges about the so called “Faith Meltdown” that hits in the early twenties It is like the brain secretes an enzyme upon receiving that hard earned bachelors degree and says, “Doubt everything you have ever been told!” I think it hits men the hardest. I have really not dialoged with any women going through this. Maybe they just have the propriety to not voice their doubts to the world or it just hits them later in life. I am also finding that most of the older generation either did not go through this or they forget that it happened. I don’t get much sympathy when I voice that I question the prohibition on alcohol or that I dabble with open theism or that I think Tim LaHaye is an intellectual thief. Maybe they are just doing what their elders did to them.
On the one hand I like questioning. I don’t want to just take everything at face value. I have been trained too well for that. Besides, they tell me that life is too complex to answer every question with, “read the Bible and pray” or “just have faith.” I remember a time when that was all the answer I needed. It worked then…why not now? I am beginning to question the value of questioning everything. When does a little boyish rebellion turn into cynicism? Have I traded my joy in and become jaded?
Can a person just sit aside their doubts and not be intellectually dishonest? I like being a rebel and questing for answers but this new skin gets old pretty quick. I am starting to realize that there needs to be a couple things that you hammer down and honestly don’t touch. I still might not be sure of them but I have to choose to believe and move on anyways. If you have no anchor there is no point casting out to sea.
I have decided that I will always identify myself with Jesus Christ. He has convinced me and I will make his life, death and resurrection a “no fly zone” for doubt. I have sampled a lot of life without him and it is just too empty. I am willing to submit myself to him as an apprentice in the eternal/fullest kind of life he promised. I like the Apostles Creed. I am still shaky on the whole descent into hell but I am finding most people are.
Some would say I am giving up. “Question everything!” they shout, “Jesus is one of many ways…why are you teaching these kids only one path to God?” “He does not answer my questions sufficiently!” I say, “Welcome aboard, he does not answer all of mine either.” I am not sure the point of religion or God is to answer all my questions as if my inquiries into how he runs things are somehow new and important. I don’t know everything but I am not sure that it is God’s job to convince me. When I read the scriptures I see Christ presenting Truth and then allowing people to make up their own mind to believe him or not. I am pretty sure God is confident in his position and his views. Are we going to jump on board or not? Jesus never asked people to question him. I believed he asked them to follow him.
It is said that when the student is ready the master will appear. I believe that when the questioner is ready the answers will appear. Maybe not on this side of the Veil but someday we will see clearly. Can I be patient for that day when my Master has decided to let me know beyond the shadow of doubt? I guess I am just going to have to stick with him to find out.
Some things I am still working on…wanna help me out?
I think I am rejecting the idea of Sola Scriptora (Scripture alone). I find it leads to Bible theism. Besides, I sometimes find God more in nature, people and Lord of the Rings. The Bible is an awesome source for guidance and a great tool to test the spirits so to speak but it is a means to a greater end…knowing God.
I have rejected American (or should I say Modern) individualism in favor of community. Call me emergent but I like people. Do I like them too much though? Where do individualism and community meet? I believe God works on both levels equally.
I have embraced the veneration of Saints. Ok, my version of it. I don’t pray to them but I do find knowing those who have gone before and being a student of past mistakes to be an invaluable tool. I am tired of the evangelical fear of getting a little medieval. What are some other fears that we can cast aside?
Speaking of medieval, I am a now joining the ranks of the self-appointed Medievalists like Tolkien, Lewis and MacDonald. I like sagas and myths and fairy tales and want to reawaken the slumbering giant of Chivalry. (Note I am not equating myself to these men just naming a few of the more famous members of my most noble and ancient Order). Is anyone else with me?
More to come…still thinking…
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
All hail the mind numbing glowing box
It’s funny to me that we think that an hour a week in church will shape us more than the 40+ we spend in front of the TV – Justin Gentry
I used to be a media junkie. I probably hit the American average (40+ hours) every week if I combined all my time playing videogames and watching movies/TV. Media, at one time, ruled my life and I imagine I am not alone in this confession. I failed to realize that what I am putting in is going to affect my values and my thought processes. I put in garbage and I got out garbage. I still love a good movie but I had to ask myself the question, “What am I shaping my life around; the TV Guide or the Bible?”
It is tough to break away from the iron grip that media has on our lives but are we are trading the power of a healthy relationship with God and others for a glowing box? “Why go to church on Wednesday night when the premier of Lost is on and I might miss the beginning?” or “God forbid I would miss the big game that will mean nothing to anyone in a few months.” We have to decide if we are going to live media centered lives or Christ centered lives. It is foolish at best to think that an hour or two at church is going to shape how you think at all when you are baptizing yourself in ABC and Fox all week.
I know what you are thinking, “I don’t watch those “bad” shows.” I will say good for you but what is 30-60 hours of TV taking the place of? You might just be disconnecting from life for a while but is that at the cost of more important things like relationships with family, spouse, God? Parents; are you watching what your kids are watching? Dropping your kids off at youth group hoping it will turn them around and not keeping track of what they are putting into their minds at home is not helping them at all. TV is not a good babysitter and whether they will admit it now or not they will thank you for a little “family time” when they are older.
We have to center our lives on something and right now most of American is centering it and around the TV. What is the effect that this has on our kids? What message are we sending when we are seen more in front of the TV than anywhere else? What makes the TV more comforting than God/other people?
Talk amongst yourselves.
(and yes I did quote myself)
I used to be a media junkie. I probably hit the American average (40+ hours) every week if I combined all my time playing videogames and watching movies/TV. Media, at one time, ruled my life and I imagine I am not alone in this confession. I failed to realize that what I am putting in is going to affect my values and my thought processes. I put in garbage and I got out garbage. I still love a good movie but I had to ask myself the question, “What am I shaping my life around; the TV Guide or the Bible?”
It is tough to break away from the iron grip that media has on our lives but are we are trading the power of a healthy relationship with God and others for a glowing box? “Why go to church on Wednesday night when the premier of Lost is on and I might miss the beginning?” or “God forbid I would miss the big game that will mean nothing to anyone in a few months.” We have to decide if we are going to live media centered lives or Christ centered lives. It is foolish at best to think that an hour or two at church is going to shape how you think at all when you are baptizing yourself in ABC and Fox all week.
I know what you are thinking, “I don’t watch those “bad” shows.” I will say good for you but what is 30-60 hours of TV taking the place of? You might just be disconnecting from life for a while but is that at the cost of more important things like relationships with family, spouse, God? Parents; are you watching what your kids are watching? Dropping your kids off at youth group hoping it will turn them around and not keeping track of what they are putting into their minds at home is not helping them at all. TV is not a good babysitter and whether they will admit it now or not they will thank you for a little “family time” when they are older.
We have to center our lives on something and right now most of American is centering it and around the TV. What is the effect that this has on our kids? What message are we sending when we are seen more in front of the TV than anywhere else? What makes the TV more comforting than God/other people?
Talk amongst yourselves.
(and yes I did quote myself)
Monday, September 19, 2005
Movie Review: Crash
A Brentwood housewife and her DA husband. A Persian store owner. Two police detectives who are also lovers. An African-American television director and his wife. A Mexican locksmith. Two car-jackers. A rookie cop. A middle-aged Korean couple...They all live in Los Angeles. And during the next 36 hours, they will all collide...
This movie is probably one of the best pieces on racism and society in a long time. It is very intense but it does not have to resort to excessive violence to make its point (a single shot is really all it takes). This movie is not for the faint of heart so most of the Church will miss its message in the curse words, violence and hint of nudity/sexuality.
The movie covers so many different storylines so it is difficult to sum up so I will leave the summary to the movie itself…just see it. On a casting note I always enjoy a performance by Don Cheadle (Hotel Rwanda) and this film redeemed my opinion of Sandra Bullock (various movies I don’t watch) and Matt Dillon (Something about Mary). Great directing and great storytelling; I loved this movie.
Some points of interest or thoughts to ponder:
Was this an accurate film? Seeing as how almost all my fan base are white and middleclass I suppose that it is an unfair question. Well the fact that all my readers are white might answer the question for me…hum. I think it was pretty fair in its treatment of racial tension. Even the bigots were believable.
Do you agree that society has gotten so segregated (not just black and white but people to people). Are the barriers getting thicker or thinner between people and races? How do we address issues of race as they come up in conversations?
Where was the church in all this mess? A “religious figure” was noticeably absent. I think that this sends a message in and of itself. What is it?
There was a definite lack of answers. The movie beautifully/hauntingly gave us the problem but was there a solution? Is there a solution?
Talk amongst yourselves.
This movie is probably one of the best pieces on racism and society in a long time. It is very intense but it does not have to resort to excessive violence to make its point (a single shot is really all it takes). This movie is not for the faint of heart so most of the Church will miss its message in the curse words, violence and hint of nudity/sexuality.
The movie covers so many different storylines so it is difficult to sum up so I will leave the summary to the movie itself…just see it. On a casting note I always enjoy a performance by Don Cheadle (Hotel Rwanda) and this film redeemed my opinion of Sandra Bullock (various movies I don’t watch) and Matt Dillon (Something about Mary). Great directing and great storytelling; I loved this movie.
Some points of interest or thoughts to ponder:
Was this an accurate film? Seeing as how almost all my fan base are white and middleclass I suppose that it is an unfair question. Well the fact that all my readers are white might answer the question for me…hum. I think it was pretty fair in its treatment of racial tension. Even the bigots were believable.
Do you agree that society has gotten so segregated (not just black and white but people to people). Are the barriers getting thicker or thinner between people and races? How do we address issues of race as they come up in conversations?
Where was the church in all this mess? A “religious figure” was noticeably absent. I think that this sends a message in and of itself. What is it?
There was a definite lack of answers. The movie beautifully/hauntingly gave us the problem but was there a solution? Is there a solution?
Talk amongst yourselves.
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