humblepreacher

praying for an atheist

2010-07-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a debate among some as to whether to pray for Christopher Hitchens, an avowed atheist, who has cancer, has written against Christianity, yet is politically conservative. There are some who say no, we should not. That appears to be a minority view. Jesus made it clear that we should pray for our neighbors which would include even our enemies. What is interesting about this is that his brother has returned to the church of England and has written a defense of Christianity.

I would like you to consider praying for Mr. Hitchens that he will recover, and that his heart and mind would be opened to the good news of Jesus Christ.

reading laws

2010-05-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

Have you wondered why our law makers have problems reading laws they supposedly wrote? Or laws others have written? Yet they can "tell" us what is in them. And people wonder why we are so cynical.

question

2010-04-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

Something to think about:

If the Palestinians laid down their weapons, what would happen?

If the Israelis laid down their weapons, what would happen?

of birthdays and holidays

2010-04-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

Today, April 1st, is my wife's birthday. She is happy, sort of - having a difficulty growing older. It is also a holiday, something she isn't happy about. It is National Atheists Day. Well, maybe it isn't a holiday. So what to do about it?

Moody Publishers are having a pray for an atheist idea. And why not! We are to love our neighbors and love our enemies. Not that all atheists are enemies. Maybe you know someone who doesn't believe in God, or is an agnostic. Pray for them. Makes Biblical sense to me.

A great article

2010-03-31T08:29:00.001-07:00

Dennis Prager has written an article that should be required reading for everyone. "On Jews and Christians who embrace the left" can be found at his site as well as Jewish World Review, and Town Hall.com It was published on 3/30/2010.

human rights commissions

2010-03-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

Why do cities and states have human rights commissions? I think I'm missing something. Could it be the politically correct, multicultural ideas so dominant in liberal circles? Davenport, Iowa has one. It decided that Good Friday should be changed to Spring Holiday so as NOT to offend non-Christians. Wow! Certainly cannot have that. But the citizens of Davenport have risen up, those heathens. They have emailed, called, and protested the change. The city counsel has rejected the Commission's suggestion because it wasn't done through the proper channels. What's the matter with those politicians in Davenport? They should have just accepted the multicultural suggestion.

I have a suggestion. Let's get right of both the Commission and the politicians who suggested such.

As Fred Thompson says, Why do they call it common sense when it is so uncommon.

quote without comment

2010-03-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

From Dan Smith on Berean Spirit,

Now, let me get this straight...We're trying to pass a health care plan: written by a committee whose chairman saays he doesn't understand it, passed by a Congress tht hasn't read it but exempts themselves from it, to be signed by a president who also hasn't read it (and who smokes), with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes, with all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and the whole thing to be financed by a country that's broke.

What could possibly go wrong????

socialists

2010-03-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

It seems that if one calls a liberal a socialist, they get really upset. Dennis Prager has a good artilce and included in it is that calling someone a socialist is just defining who they are and that they should accept, not as a dishonor but for what it really is. He also states that the bigger the goverment, the smaller the citizen. Now that is something to think about, especially in light of Europe. He identifies the democrats with the socialists parties of Western Europe, which is where they are taking us (USA).

be careful what you wish for

2010-03-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

The health care bill passed Congress. Yippee. Now we will have government people telling us what doctors to see, when to see them, what can and cannot be done. Glenn Beck stirred up things about the social gospel when he told people that that was a code word for socialism and communism. Most Christian responses were fairly balanced noting that God is indeed concerned with justice.

But, one has to wonder about some. Listening to Dennis Prager (and well worth listening to - visit his Prager University site for 5 minute video lessons), he states that the leftist Jew is more concerned for leftism than for Jewish ideas and that the leftist Roman Catholic is more concerned for leftist ideas than for Catholic social teachings on abortion. Back during the Great Depression, churches often provided help. Then came the social ideas of FDR followed by LBJ followed by Obama, and we have more and more government control over "social" issues - most of which lean left.

Be careful what you wish for because the same happened in socialist and communist countries. Stalin started state churches and closed those that did not support the party line. Hitler compromised with the Lutheran church and attempted to destroy the Confessing church that opposed him. China has the official church and persecutes all others. Here in our nation, churches that support Biblical values are often ridiculed. The Mormons were blamed for the support of the marriage amendment in California because the gay agenda opposed it. If one supports big government, socialist agenda, then you will be praised by the elite of the country in the media, government and university. All others are stereotyped as out of date, hateful and angry. Of course, if you notice, those who are often hateful, out of date, and angry are the ones making the accusations. In D.C., the government has stated that adoption agencies must allow homosexuals to adopt and if they don't, they will not be allowed to provide adoption for anyone, thereby eliminating the Catholic organization.

The government sees itself in control, as god, and anyone who opposes them as enemies. Jesus is Lord, not anyone or thing in D.C., or anywhere else for that matter. By the way, it is those mean conservative Bible believing Christians who were already in Haiti that helped with the survivors of the earthquake, and in Indonesia, and New Orleans. When the government failed, who went anyway? And it is American military power that often goes to the rescue with aircraft carriers that have hospitals and helicopters for rescue, and medical personnel who can give aid. Have you notice that most of these people are conservatives and many Christians?

Do we really want to be like Europe where government controls far too many aspects of life? The bigger the government the smaller the person (Prager). Be careful what you wish for.

blizzards and cold waves

2010-01-08T08:26:00.000-08:00

In December, according to the media, we were going to have a blizzard. Well I survived the blizzard of 09 (want to get a t-shirt that says that). The snow fell, the winds blew, but we survived here in Houston, TX.

Now we are in a cold wave. Tempts are in the 20s and wind chill in single digits. Some people really do need to understand the concept of wind chill - walking around in short sleeves and shorts is not good. We were told that we would have sleet and bridges would freeze. The city was mobilized and began dealing with the possibility. While the sleet didn't materialize (and I'm glad because people do not realize that one must drive slower in such weather), it has been cold. As a Yankee, I'm enjoying it, and I dress for it as well.

All this must be caused by global warming. Oh, that's right...climate change. Ah, climate changes! The weather people have a difficult enough time getting tomorrow right, what makes some of these alarmist think they will get it right in one hundred years? Take God out of the picture and all they can do is announced doom and gloom.

Weather changes...get use to it.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T09:18:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to all.

If you get a chance to listen to an acceppla group called Haven, they have an outstanding Christmas album. I here a part of one song on the Hugh Hewitt show, ordered it. This morning I listened to it. The vocals are excellent. They are from southern California. A few years ago, Bill Geist reported on CBS Sunday morning that there are over one thousand acceppella groups thr0ughout the country. This is a very good one.

Happy New Year!

2 types of leaders

2009-12-04T08:46:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about leaders these days. There are two types. One is the cattle driver. Cattle are driven not lead. They do not follow well but scatter when on their own.

The second is a shepherd. Sheep are lead not driven. Sheep will scatter when driven but follow the trustworthy shepherd. In scripture, humans are compared to sheep not cattle.

Consider some of the leaders I have worked with both in secular and sacred work, it is a lesson few realize. The best results come from a leader who leads by example, not one who barks orders.

my favorite time of the year

2009-11-30T09:47:00.000-08:00

Went to see Mannheim Steamroller last night. Good performance though Chip Davis was not there. We saw them a few years ago and as the leader, he made the show. They have a 25th edition album out of their best - worth having.

There is an accapella group who did a funny version of the 12 Days of Christmas about 10 years ago. Well some Hollywood guy saw it and they have just released their 2nd Christmas album. They are good whether serious or funny. They are called Straight No Chaser. They started at Indiana U., went their separate ways, and now have reunited. It is worth listening to.

labeling

2009-10-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

It is so easy to label someone isn't it? This past week, radio host Rush Limbaugh was labeled a racist because someone read something that someone said that Rush said, yet no source can be found. Of course that never happens in the church, right?

Today, we use the word liberal as someone we do not agree with. The first one to say "liberal" has successfully labeled another person. This poisons the well of discussion because now everything the labeled person says is suspect. It is meant by the labelor to cause this to happen so people will not listen to his point of view. Other words that have become useless by bad use are conservative, legalist, traditionalist, and progressive. With all the baggage found in these words, the only reason people use these labels is to raise questions of those labeled.

A friend and I were talking about this once. He said that he just wanted to be Biblical and go wherever that led. For some this is a good thought; wanting to study the Bible and realize that we might see things differently from our previous understandings and traditions. Others find this frightening for the same reasons.

I doubt that this will change but it is a sad state of affairs that good people now have to live with false labels all for the sake of maintaining control.

Power

2009-10-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

Richard Horsley said this in his book, The Liberation of Christmas: "But biblical texts suggest that people in positions of relative power and privilege (kings, princes, priests, scribes, Pharisees) tend not to test their own prejudices and horizons but to use their power to impose them on others" (p. 148).

When I read that I thought that he could have included preachers and elders. Traditions and traditional views often become laws that cannot be broken because that will cause one to lose his soul. So only certain views are accepted and others rejected because those in power have the control, even though good brethren disagree on various texts. There can be no disagreement. Long gone are the days in which various views are found in brotherhood papers. Only those views that the editors accept are acceptable.

Read blogs by various brethren and you will see that many do not accept the traditional line. People have left churches because they have been criticized for questioning traditions or looking at texts in other ways.

What is forgotten is that Jesus is Lord and He alone has all authority. It is time for us to come to grips with this before we destroy ourselves through bitterness and anger.

hidden people and history

2009-09-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

If you get a chance, take a look at Patrick Mead's series on hidden people and hidden history. It is a really fascinating series. Patrick has two sites, http://patrickmead.net and http://patrickmead.net/tentpegs Both are worth reading.

Caesar worship

2009-09-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

In recent studies, it is becoming clearer that Caesar worship or the Imperial Cult started much earlier than thought. It began with the first Caesar, Augustus, espeically in the Middle East. He was worshipped because he brought peace through his armies to the Roman world. Even the mighty Parthians returned the standards of three defeated generals to Augustus around 26 B.C. Herod the Great built at least three temples and two cities in honor of Caesar Augustus and appears to have been involved in the worship of the Emperor; not surprising since he really wasn't a Jew.

Jesus was declared Lord by His resurrection and part of Paul's message was that Jesus is Lord. This Lord brought true peace, the shalom of God, to people. Eventually this would lead to a conflict between Caesar and the followers of Jesus. Such conflicts continue today throughout the world. Dictators fear Christians and want churches closed and Christians silenced. In the old Soviet Union, many were surprised when the Berlin Wall came down and communism collasped, that one of the first things that happened was the reopening of churches. The opposition to communism was often led by believers in Christ.

There is always a danger in elevating anyone to the role of lord. One of the Herods died a horrible death when that happened to him (Acts 12). Today we need to be careful in how we view our political leaders (and dare we say our church leaders as well?). In the past, we have honored famous leaders. I have been to the Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials as well as Mt. Rushmore. These men are remembered for their leadership but we do not, or should not, worship them. In the U.S., all political leaders are just citizens of the country. They are not to be seen as something special even though they hold an important office.

Unfortunately, these politicians have, to quote the words of that famous American philosopher...
"Dirty Harry," they have become legends in their own minds. George Orwell also captured the current attitude in his book, Animal Farm, where he said that all are equal, there are just some who are more equal than others.

There is only one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. No one else can make that claim, nor should we make that claim of anyone. Of course, saying such could bring conflict with the elites, but it doesn't change the truth - Jesus is Lord.

old guys

2009-07-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Tom Watson tied for first in the British Open Golf Tourament and lost in a play-off at 59. Good for the old guy! As one, it is good to see that life can be lived beyond what society thinks is good. Both Moses and Abraham accomplished much in their "old" age. Now I know that some people will go quietly into old age and others will go kicking and screaming into old age. Either way, accept the fact that we are getting older and enjoy it. Ignore what the youth culture thinks about it. Growing up, we were told never to trust anyone over 30. Those people are now over 60 - maybe we should listen to their advice because they really haven't contributed much to the health of society.

The more one enjoys life, even with its difficulties, the more we are blessed by life through God in Christ. He has blessed us with life and we should be thankful for it.

The Nietzscheans

2009-06-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

Nietzsche's will to power has been the dominating philosophy of the past one hundred years. It is selfish and arrogant. You might have heard about what a U.S. Senator said to a Army General today. The General began to answer Senator Barbara Boxer's question by saying, "Ma'am..." She interrupted him and stated that she wanted to be addressed as Senator. Understand that the word "ma'am" is a term of respect in the military but Boxer implied that the General was showing disrepect. Many who heard this think that it might be the other way around.

Imagine what she might have said if someone told her that Jesus is Lord and she isn't?

be careful what you say

2009-06-08T10:45:00.001-07:00

In Acts 12, one of the Herod's spoke and was praised by the people of Tyre and Si don as a god speaking. He accepted their praise and died a horrible death.

Voltaire stated that his books would become famous while the Bible would become a museum piece. Few have heard of him and his house was bought and used by a Bible society to send out Bibles.

Either the owner or ship's captain said before the maiden voyage of the Titanic that even God could not sink it. It sunk.

A few days ago the editor of Newsweek said that Obama was like God. If I were the President, I would disavow that idea immediately. Paul and Barnabas were thought to be gods in Acts 13 but quickly ran into the audience to show that they were merely men.

As for Newsweek, there appears to be a death wish to a once important weekly. I would encourage the editor to rethink his statement before he sinks with his weekly.

American idol and politics

2009-02-23T10:14:00.000-08:00

In the March 2009 issue of "First Things," George Weigel, a Catholic scholar, as an extremely good article on the recent election. Among the things he said was that it appears Americans voted for an American idol candidate; we having become so interested in "reality" television. Of course, some of this was a reaction to the previous administration. Polished, well dressed, speaks with clarity, these are what many wanted, not someone who stumbled through words and was from, of all places, Texas.

Of course, I read ads for preachers and of late many want the same style, able to speak well, exciting, communicates to all........an American idol as our preacher. Wow! I just can't wait to see where that all leads.

American idol and politics

2009-02-23T10:13:00.002-08:00

American idol and politics

2009-02-23T10:13:00.001-08:00

American idol and politics

2009-02-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

abortion

2009-01-31T19:52:00.000-08:00

Michael Novak had an interesting comment about the President signing an executive order approving of tax payer money paying for abortions overseas. Those funds go to countries who value children and they wonder why Americans want to kill them. They do not see things the way secularists see them and look at us in a negative light. So much for trying to make an improvement on America's status overseas. It gives "the ugly American" a whole new meaning.

Frederica Mathewes-Green offers another view on abortion. She comments on the changing views on abortion, but not what many think. While the boomers are growing older, it is the younger generation that will soon be in control. And they will see that the 49 millions abortions were their brothers and sisters, and that they might have been aborted; they then find common ground with those babies. She goes on to comment that that generation might not to well on the boomers, seeing them as murderers.

Both authors make interesting comments that secularists, and some religionists, might not like. We are getting change but maybe not the kind we wanted. Even several theologians who were supportive of the new President have been disappointed with his recent decision.

Facing Our Failure

2009-01-26T09:20:00.000-08:00

FACING OUR FAILURE

“Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them” (2 John 9-10).
After more than thirty years of preaching and observing people, I have often asked myself why people think the way they do. I have stirred up people by some of the things I have said and have been surprised by the reactions. I have taught texts in which there are more than one point of view that are held by brothers and sisters in Christ, yet only one view is allowed to be taught in a certain place, and if that view is not taught, then the person teaching it is teaching falsely. In fact, the above text is one, which we will look at below.

We in churches of Christ started as a unity movement and developed ways in which we could attain that. We will speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent. We have matters of faith that we see as extremely important, even affecting salvation, matters of opinion where we should agree to disagree, and matters of inference that we understand in some way comes from scripture. Over the years, matters of faith have expanded and matters of opinion have often become matters of faith, at least for some. This becomes very challenging for teachers in particular as to how to work in such atmospheres.

Many issues fall into the above discussion. Divorce and remarriage, singing during the Lord’s Supper, clapping, praying to Jesus, choirs, instrumental music, lifting up hands, women serving as deaf translators in an assembly, children’s worship, celebrating holidays, singing with a piano at home, an elder whose wife has died remains an elder or should he resign, meeting in small groups, the Holy Spirit, Bible translations, and offering an invitation after each sermon have been talked and debated. Many preachers who continue to fellowship each other are often in disagreement, having differing points of view on any number of the above. The problem is that when a preacher holds one point of view, and emphasizes it, the impression left to those in the pew is that this is the only way we can look at it. Those members then enforce this particular view as the only way to see it and anything else is false teaching. “Why such a dogmatic stand?” is a question I have asked myself over the years.

When I attended Sunset (1), the instructors sometimes disagreed with each other on texts and issues, yet not once did they ever label or criticized their fellow instructors as false teachers. My view when I left school was that we can disagree and still have fellowship. It did not take long for me to realize that there are those who see that there can be no disagreement, and if there is, someone is wrong. This has led to very bad attitudes, divisiveness, name calling, and distrust. Again, I have asked myself why such extreme reactions?

Well I’m not the only one who has asked these questions. Todd Deaver is the son and grandson of well known preachers in conservative churches of Christ. He has written a new book called Facing Our Failure (2). In the book, subtitled “The fellowship dilemma in conservative Churches of Christ, he points out that while we have attempted to draw lines of fellowship, we have not been consistent in so doing. We have divided into salvation issues and non-salvation issues, yet, according to Todd, when asked to identify which is which, there is often different lists of what must be believed and what isn’t in that category. With 257 footnotes, he certainly documents his case. If you are interested in the subject of the extent of fellowship, this book is worth reading. His goal in this book is to challenge our thinking about how and why we draw lines. We have just not been consistent in our emphasis on fellowship, and based on our current way of examining issues, we will never be. “Brethren, we are in plain self-contradiction…Unless we are willing to live in religious self-contradiction, we must take our theology back to the drawing board…I realize what the reader is being asked to do is not easy. It is incredibly hard to let go of a belief system that has become integral to our identity. We cling to it all the more tenaciously because we’ve been warned, repeatedly and emphatically, that our very salvation depends on it. Giving up our traditional approach to fellowship, we were taught, is nothing short of apostasy. That’s why the sole purpose of this book has been to destabilize the tradition view” (3).

He is a brave young man and is paying a price for challenging the traditional views. He has not offered a solution at this time because he wants us to debate our interpretative methods first. Others have written about this but are often attacked because of their solutions without dealing with the problem. Todd has decided to hold off on the solution (which I eagerly await in a future book) and debate how we determine fellowship. Pray for him in his quest, and again, the book is worth reading.

Now back to my question as to why people become so dogmatic in their views. The light came on when Todd discussed 2 John 9-10. In churches of Christ, there are two views to the meaning of “the teaching of Christ.” The first view is that John is writing with concerns about those teaching that Christ did not come in the flesh, an early but developing form of Gnosticism (4). The teaching of Christ is that He came in the flesh and that if one did not believe that, there should be no fellowship. This is my view.

The second view is that “the teaching of Christ” is the entire New Testament so that any disagreement with any interpretation of the New Testament is false teaching. In essence, we have to be right on each and ever issue or interpretation, or we will not be saved. “Our salvation depends on it. Why? Because if we teach error regarding the boundaries of fellowship, we have gone beyond the doctrine of Christ and forfeited our salvation” (5). We have developed a legalistic system that requires flawless obedience in every issue. This view affects everything we say and do. That is why if there are two views to an issue, and only one can be right, and I have position or authority, then I can state that I am right and you are wrong; I am saved, since my salvation depends on my rightness, and you are lost because you do not agree with me.

While many of the preachers Todd quotes disagree and would be in fellowship with each other, there are those in local churches who do not hear or see that, and draw tight lines of fellowship because they do not read widely or listen to others who disagree. One will be lost if one does not hold the “right” view of a text. That is why this is legalism. How one sees God in all this plays a role in our understanding. Some view God as the Judge who will follow the law flawlessly and so must we. In reality, we have made our interpretation our god; we bow down to the rightness or wrongness of our views. There is no grace in this system, grace defined as God giving us what we need out of His love, not what we deserve.

We all like to be right in our understanding of scripture, but as we continue to study, we realize that our salvation depends not on my interpretation but in the work of Christ on the cross. Jesus came in the flesh, died, and was bodily resurrected from the dead. Based on that, I walk with Him in the light of His word, humbly learning how to live and believe in my life. I am not perfect and must humbly learn as I continue to study (see Philippians 3:12-14). May God bless us in our walk!

George B. Mearns

(1) That is, the Sunset School of Preaching, now Sunset International Bible Institute.
(2) Self-published, 2008. It can be ordered through eBay.
(3) Facing Our Failure, p. 108.
(4) John writes to churches in Asia Minor in the last quarter of the first century. It is here that Gnostic teaching began to develop and John in all of his books was dealing with it in one way or another.
(5) op. cit., p. 85.

presidents

2009-01-08T17:22:00.001-08:00

We were talking last night about being thankful for our nation. One member commented that not in very many places in this world can one see three former presidents, one current, and one future gathered together to eat lunch and discuss issues. We might not agree with them on everything, or very much, but still, we have a easy transition every four or eight years. So we pray for our leaders that God's wisdom will be learned and followed, and we are thankful for our peaceful political change.

almost over

2008-10-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

The election season is almost over. Here are links to two important articles for your consideration. The first is by Dennis Prager, a Jewish radio talk show host. In an article entitled "There Are Two Irreconcilable Americas," he discusses the differences and goals of the left vs. the right, or red vs. blue. It is worth reading as is most of his articles. It can be found at http://townhall.com under 10/14/2008.

The second is by Princeton University professor Robert George. Entitled "Obama's Abortion Extremism," he examines the extend to which many want to take abortion. I often think about how many statesmen, scientists, doctors, philosophers, theologians, and many other people who could have found, created, discovered any number of things will not because of abortion. There is a culture of death that lusts for more death because Judeo-Christian ethics have been removed. Go to http://townhall.com under 10/15/2008 and read this disturbing article.

Pray for our country.

election

2008-09-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

With the political season in hot pursuit, ads and distortions run rampant. People are getting nervious that the candidate they oppose will be elected. There are warnings of dire consequences if such happens. Now we need to get some perspective on this.

1. God rules. He is King. Jesus is Lord. People have made and lived that proclamation under all kinds of governments. Paul and Peter under Nero and the Roman Empire. Polycarp under the Romans refused to deny Jesus and was burned at the stake. Bonhoeffer and Niemoller under the Nazis refused to change their preaching. Many Christians in various parts of the world live under persecution and hostile governments all recognizing that Jesus is Lord.

2. We need to pray - for whoever gets elected. We believe prayer can change things, even the direction that a country might head under a leader.

3. Vote. I know some think this might not be the best thing and that's okay. I understand. But many of us believe that voting is important. Do not listen to the mainstream media, especially on election day, with all the exit polls, etc. In fact, do not listen to the polls at all. some of that can be distorted to the point of causing people not to vote. For all the talk of the 2000 election, what is often forgotten is that the media declared a winner before the polls in western Florida were closed, and caused some to not vote. The polls are open from one time to another - vote and then listen to the media mouthpieces.

4. When all is said and done, Tues Nov. 4 will be followed, Lord willing, by Wed. Nov. 5. Our task is to live under the rule of God, becoming more like Jesus in our lives.

good speakers

2008-06-30T10:15:00.001-07:00

Has speaking well become the new standard for the pulpit or political office. One person commenting on a presidential candidate mentioned that people listen to him because he speaks well. That would be in contrast to the current president who mispronounces words. Another president was called "the great communicator" but his critics complained that he his speech was deceitful. What about the meaning of words? Words mean something or they mean nothing. We could have shades of Orwell's "1984" or "Animal Farm."

But I see churches wanted great communicators for all generations in a congregation. Many of these churches would love to have the Apostle Paul as their preacher, or would they? Paul admits that he was not a trained speaker, that he had difficulty in public speaking, that he wasn't anything to look at because of some physical disability, and add to that are the facts that he stirred up trouble everywhere he went and was arrested several times. I'm sure some congregations would want to stay away from such a person.

I'm all for clear communication if we are saying what needs to be said. But no matter how you look at it, communicating is difficult, even with people who are intimately familiar with one another. Just consider a husband and wife or parents and children. When a preacher speaks, people hear words and translation them out of their own experiences and definitions. As such, some things can be misunderstood and wrong impressions left. That is why we need to sit down and talk with one another and clarify what we are saying.

Sadly, however, some just want to be entertained by find sounding words. The prophet Ezekiel was told by God that the people of his day loved to hear him speak but will not put his words into practice (see Ezekiel 33:30ff). I fear that too many want a good speaker who says nothing or means something different from what the words he uses mean.

Be careful what you wish for.

free speech

2008-06-25T10:30:00.002-07:00

Did you know that in Canada there is something called the human rights commission. It is currently proscuting a columnist named Mark Stein because he wrote something that some Islamists took as being against Islam. They have also convicted a preacher for speaking out against homosexuality and find him several thousand dollars, told him to apologize and not to speak against it again.

Nothing like that would happen here, would it? Well, New Mexico has a human rights commission who has tried a photographer for refusing to photograph and commitment ceremony between two homosexuals. Virginia also has a human rights commission who tried a video copier for refusing to copy homosexual material. New Jersey civil rights organization has removed the tax exempt status of a church for refusing to allow a homosexual couple to use their property for a commitment ceremony.

Maybe we shouldn't be concerned but then again. There are those who wish to restrict speech on college campuses by speech codes. Some politicians desire to bring back the "fairness doctrine" so that talk radio, which would include Christian radio, would have to be balance between both sides. Why are they afraid of free speech?

I find that those who make the loudest noise about rights being taken away under the current administration have no problem taking away, or supporting such things as human rights commissions, to stop speech that is politically incorrect. Judges overrule the people who vote for propositions, others make laws in contrast to the Constitution, yet are support by those who claim that our rights are being removed.

This reminds me of George Orwell's two books, "1984" and "Animal Farm." One commend from the latter is that all are equal but some are more equal than others. Or like the character in Alice in Wonderland, words are what he determines them to be. Words mean something or nothing. If nothing, then how can we trust what anyone says.

As Christians, if we call something a sin because the Bible does, will we be fined, tried, told to be quiet, even imprisoned for our beliefs? I think this is something to think about, especially as the next national election is coming up. For fine soundly words we might be shooting ourselves in the foot. Gaining back lost freedom might be more difficult than we think.

free speech

2008-06-25T10:30:00.001-07:00

free speech

2008-06-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

Expelled the Movie

2008-04-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

EXPELLED: THE MOVIE
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).
Ben Stein is a political commentator, actor, and speech writer for former presidents. He was approached by a couple of producers to become active in this movie. It is about the conflict in the scientific community between Darwinian evolution and Intelligent Design. People who have spoken about Intelligent Design have been “expelled” from various universities such as Iowa State, George Mason and Baylor, from writing about in newspapers, and from the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.
The movie opens with the building of the Berlin Wall in Germany at the beginning of the Cold War. The comparison is that the Communists in East Germany wanted to keep out Western ideas especially of that of freedom. Our nation was founded on the idea of freedom, freedom of speech and as Mr. Stein says, of inquiry. He and his team interview various experts, both atheists and Intelligent Design.
Among the most famous atheist is Richard Dawkins. He is the most arrogant of the group though others see God as myth, and see those who do not accept their views as ignorant. Dawkins admits at the end of the movie that he might believe in some sense of intelligent design, from another source in the universe. One scientist thinks that one legitimate view of the beginning of things was some molecules riding on ice crystals of some kind.
Mr. Stein interviews a number of Intelligent Design advocates some who have been expelled. We find that there are a number who come from various beliefs; they are not all Christian. They state that their view as been misrepresented in both the media and other areas. Included in the interviews are a number of Christian and Jewish scientists who believe in God.
One can see that in this movie both sides are presented as Mr. Stein travels throughout the United States and France, Germany and Britain exploring the conflict. What we learn from the movie is that a wall has been built by the powers that be in the elite scientific community that is attempting to stop all discussion. One lesson learned is that the worldview of the scientist effects his view of science. It appears that because Darwinian evolution is the accepted view, no questioning is allowed. Interestingly enough, it was Darwin who “rocked the boat” as it were when he presented his views back in the 1800s.
Throughout the movie Mr. Stein asks why not have this discussion? One explained it this way. Imagine a wall going through your brain or yard. Only one side of your brain has an acceptable view and the other an unacceptable view. Everything on the acceptable side can be spoken while the other side cannot even be mentioned. Go back to the Berlin Wall.
There is interesting dialogue throughout the movie, explanations on the basic level, and astonishing comments. Ideas have consequences. The last part of the movie explores this and has brought about controversy. One comment that caught my attention was something to the effect that these things always have the same beginning. The eugenics movement in the early part of the 20th Century, based on Darwinian evolution, sought to eliminate those who were inferior, or who were an expense on families or nations. Some fifty thousand Americans were sterilized because of this view. Planned Parenthood founder, Margaret Sanger, held this view. Today it continues with abortion (an unwanted baby who the mother cannot care for), euthanasia (the elimination of the sick and aged), and now infancide (the killing of born babies if not pleasing to parents). Sex selection in some areas of the world has lead to the aborting of baby girls, for in these cultures, baby boys are more valuable. This will lead to unintended consequences down the road.
Finally, Mr. Stein, a Jew, goes to Germany, where the Darwinian philosophy was part of the murder of millions of people, including six million Jews, in the Nazi concentration camps. The two people he interviews state that Darwinism was an very influential on Hitler and various Nazi scientists. For Stein, this was an emotional and moving moment. He asked the author of a book about Hitler and Darwinism what he thought about this. The author stated that Hitler carried his views to the extreme, that he thought Hitler thought that he was moving evolution along. The author also stated that there was no doubt that Hitler was evil.
Mr. Stein concludes by asking what can we do? This movie is a beginning and I would suggest that as many go see it as possible. Keep in mind, it is a documentary. I know that some good books have been written about Intelligent Design, some by believers and some not. Philip Johnson, a lawyer, has lead the charge in this area from a Christian perspective and his books are worth reading. I’m not much into detail science but if an elite group can force experts in various scientific fields to keep quiet, what can happening in other fields? This is all part of what has been called the cultural war.
For more information on this movie you can go to http://www.expelledthemovie.com/
One additional note. Some of the excuses used by those who expelled people from their teaching positions are excuses I have heard as a preacher. I think that we are in danger of building a wall, if we haven’t already, to try to prevent discussions on various topics. Traditional positions are being defended as law and any who question that are considered “outsiders” and some are attempting to “expel” them. I have written more on this in the next bulletin.

Red Letter Christians

2008-02-20T17:17:00.000-08:00

I finished reading Tony Campolo's new book, Red Letter Christians. I like Tony. I have seen and heard him on tape: he is funny and at times challenging. One of the best books that I read on the meaning of various philosophers came from a book of his about thirty years ago. Tony admits at the end of his new book that he is a conservative Christians, but there is no doubt that he is a political liberal.

The purpose of the book is to discuss various issues. He states that he wants to leave Rome (that is, government) and go to Jerusalem (Jesus), as I understood it. While that is a worthy goal, he rarely left Rome. In fact most of his time is spent discussing what politicians and government can do about various social issues.

First, let me say that if you want a good understanding of the religious left, this is a good book to read, especially if you do not listen to talk radio. There are a number of good ideas in the book, some challenging points that he makes, and some points on issues that need to be dealt with. For instance, on the subject of crime, he suggests that those involved in non-violent crime consider repentance, and eventually pay restitution to the victim, something Chuck Colson and Prison Fellowship have advocated for years. He does make some good suggestions.

However, he spends too much time telling us that government is the answer to problems, especially where the church can and does a better job. I think that he has bought into the stereotype that conservative Christians are hard-hearted. When we consider who responded to the disasters involved Karina and the tsunami in the Indian Ocean, I think that the religious left needs to take another look at its rhetoric. See also Arthur Brooks book "Who Really Cares?"

The second thing that bothered me was is use or lack thereof of scripture. He tells us that Palestine belongs to both the Jews and Palestinians because both are children of Abraham, using Genesis 15. Both Isaac and Ishmael are sons of Abraham. The only problem is that God chose Isaac, the special son, to develop His plan that led to the cross. One could argue over the politics of the Middle East, but this isn't the best use of scripture.

Another thing he does is to ignore scriptures that do not fit his views. In talking about the death penalty, he stated that he is totally prolife. He opposes the death penalty and sees it as a means to destroy a person created in God's image. He quotes Old Testament texts that he sees as extreme and New Testament texts about forgiveness and loving one's enemy. Justice is foremost in his mind on a number of issues. Two things: one, he mentions people create in God's image but does not refer to Genesis 9:6 at all where God states that anyone who murders should be killed because he shed innocent blood, a person created in God's image. Two, he says nothing about the justice for the victim and his family.

He admits that those nearer to people who are being help can do a better job, yet he complains that the government budget spends too much on other things such as military spending. He really doesn't inact with the role of government from Rom. 13.

I'm glad I read the book. As I said, he made important points about issues we need to be concerned with. However, as typical of many, a selective history is not good for understanding what Christians have done throughout history, though not perfectly.

I am convinced that we really have difficulty separating our religion and politics, and that we are influenced by both. I think Campolo hasn't recognized this, even though he claims to be a conservative. Some of his views are not necessarily in the conservative perspective. As a conservative, however, we need to be careful that our views do not cloud our judgment either.

Review of What's So Great About Christianity

2008-01-28T15:40:00.000-08:00

Dinesh D'Souza's new book, What's So Great About Christianity is a good read. He challenges atheists at their strongest attacks with clarity and illustrations that are understandable. He explores the criticisms about Christianity such as the Crusades and Inquisitions and offers a historical perspective we often do not see. He talks about Darwinism and the effects on historical events in the 20Th Century. He looks at Galileo and other scientists and seeks of God in the past, explaining their belief in God.

All in all, it is a good book worth having so as to balance out the arguments often referred to in the media.

Mixing politics and religion

2008-01-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

We have probably all heard of the following: you can't mix politics and religion and we should not talk about either with people.

In today's world, neither is true. Over the next few months, a number of books will be coming out on the subject of Christianity and politics. Interestedly enough, while some of the authors are going to attempt to say that they belong to neither political party, their stands on various issues will reveal that they certainly support one or the other. Politics and religion are intertwined in our society today. Both political parties are seeking the religious vote.

Then we have the religious right and the religious left. One complains about the stands of the other on various issues and the other does the same. Both sides tend to stereotype the other. Dennis Prager warns about what he has observed in the secular realm. The right disagrees with the left and wants to debate, but the left disagrees with the right and sees it as evil, therefore no debate is necessary.

We need to be willing to discuss our differences and recognize that both sides have serious issues and disagreements, but that does not make us enemies.

It will be interesting to see how all this plays out over the election year.

Recently, Biblical scholars have come to recognize that the early church and even Jesus faced political power and issues. John the Baptist was imprisoned by a politician over moral issues. Jesus faced the ruling power of Rome. Paul's preaching used words like lord, salvation, and redemption that were used of Caesar.

I really do not know if we can successfully separate ourselves from politics, nor if we want to. But there is a danger. Depending on government to solve or answer our problems is putting our dependence in the wrong place. I think both the left and right religiously have done this, have been disappointed, and mislead, reading problems the wrong way.

So more comments need to be made and hopefully over the year we can do that.

election year

2008-01-08T14:22:00.001-08:00

This will be an interesting year it being an election year. And more so since many are talking about religion in politics. Over the past few years a number of books have been published criticizing the Christian right, almost to the point of hatred. Dennis Prager states that the right (religious or secular) is mostly willing to disagree with the left and talk about it but that the left sees the right as wrong and therefore evil, and will not discuss anything. While somewhat generalized, it appears to be true.

Then there are the books written by atheists over the last couple of years, likewise criticizing Christianity. There is also books written advocating new texts such as the Gnostics. There are a number of books responding to these being published.

Another group of books coming from both the religious left and right concerns the Christian's role in politics. Among the authors writing are Tony Campolo, Albert Mohlar, D. James Kennedy, Cal Thomas, Os Guinness, and David Klinghoffer. These all should be interesting reads, and more are on the way.

Reading some of these authors past material, I am seeing that it is really difficult to separate one's politics from one's view of Christianity, left or right. They appear to be intertwined. We have often thought that we can divorce religion and politics and have read the Bible in general and the NT in particular in that way. But that view is changing as more Biblical scholars see that the message of Jesus, "the kingdom is near" and of Paul, "Jesus is Lord," were direct challenges to the powers that be. Neither advocated a violent overthrow of either the Herods nor of Rome, but they used terms that could stir up anxiety among the ruling powers.

Paul used terms such as salvation, Lord, and rescue/redemption that the Romans had applied to Caesar, and applied them to Jesus. While some governors could care less about Paul's preaching (The Roman governor of Corinth), others saw it as a threat, especially near the end of the first century.

We will be hearing a lot about this mixture this year. Conservatives leaning in one direction, liberals in another. Hopefully we can talk and learn from each other. I think there are some underlying philosophies that we need to be careful of; for instance that we are created in the image of God and abortion is a challenge to that; that God created the universe and rules, hence global warming might not be all that affected by man. Mars is warming and unless those Martians are getting ready to invade, most think that it comes from activity on the sun rather than on earth. Underlying this is the idea that man can solve all problems without God's help.

I hope to read some of these books on religion and politics and see what can be learned from them. I will admit that I am on the religious right. I have problems with far too much dependence on Caesar (government) for solutions, especially when it is our responsibility. I fear that the desire for the so called social justice issues miss the issues of Biblical justice. Again, the religious left has criticized the religious right for talking too much about abortion - though the most innocent and helpless being is in the womb, created in the image of God. We all should do something to eliminate poverty but is government programs the answer, or are those who are "on the ground" better equipped to handle it.

I look at these and other issues over the year and hopefully learn from them.

A Gathered People reviewed

2007-12-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

A GATHERED PEOPLE
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25).

A Gathered People is the third book by John Mark Hicks, this time with co-authors Johnny Melton and Bobby Valentine (1). This book’s subtitle is "Revisioning the Assembly as Transforming Encounter." The book is a study of the assembling of God’s people. In churches of Christ there has been two views of the assembly: 1) as a legal duty and 2) as mutual edification (2). In recent years these two views have been in conflict with charges of legalism, traditionalism, progressivism, and entertaining worship against each other. Is this the message we want to portray about our time together?

In my view, we have too often looked at the church (assembly) as an institution that must be controlled in every detail and that any violation is unacceptable to God, and therefore to us. In this scenario, the "church" is "perfect" and what matters is what particular leaders place on it, mostly attendance and giving. Little freedom is found because there is only one way to look at things. The idea that the assembly is a family gathered together for encouragement and strength is foreign to the organizational model.

Hicks and company addresses this in a thought provoking way. They see both views as extreme, though they lean much more to the edification model. Rather, they are attempting to make a corrective as to how we should see the assembly as an encounter with God. We have, in the edification model, tended to see worship as an unimportant aspect. We worship everywhere but the assembly. While not the first to suggest this corrective, they are the first to organize it in a systematic way, combining both Biblical and historical sources in understanding the assembly.
Chapter one discusses the conflicts between the two views of the assembly.

We have an assumption that we can skip two thousand years of history and culture and return to the way the church was in the first century. What we do not realize is that we have been affected by both history and culture. Reading through this book, one will see the changes that have occurred in the assembly. Most of us would not want to meet all day on a Sunday, listening to lengthy readings from scripture followed by exposition and singing. We have enough difficulty with going an hour before wrestleness sets in. We have been impacted in a number of ways by those who have gone before us. I knew a professor of architecture at the University of Illinois who told me once that most church buildings have been following the same pattern since the 1400s. The authors mention that some of the early Restoration preachers would rather gather around a table than have a pulpit, certainly a challenge to our mindset today.

In chapters four and five, the authors examine briefly various influences throughout the centuries on the assembly. We can see where those who have gone before us have influenced us in a number of ways. Of course, some will sneer at this, but it is the reality. Culture affects us! Chapter four looks at various aspects of the assembly, including the way it was conducted, from Rome, Eastern, Reform and Puritan traditions. One can see the emphasis and also the changes that occurred. Chapter five looks at Restoration history and how we too have changed since the early 1800s. Some today would be shocked that there is a vast difference over the years. Eventually it led to the five acts of worship that we know today: preach, sing, give, pray, and the Lord’s Supper. Among the changes that occurred are those of song styles, from the more classical to the country sounding Stamps-Baxter, to contemporary music of today.
The foundation of the assembly is discussed in chapters two and three. Chapter two examines God meeting with His people in the Hebrew scriptures. We can see fellowship in Eden in the very presence of God. But after the Fall, we see people beginning to worship and the development of fellowship through worship. When Israel comes to Mt. Sinai, God comes into the presence of the nation. He would be their God and would be with them as seen in the Tabernacle. In Exodus 24, Moses and Aaron and seventy elders are called up to meet with God. Twice it is stated that they see God and they all live (3). In summing up this event, the authors state that "Three themes dominate. First, the passage beings with the invitation and ends with the experience of divine presence. Second, the word of the Lord, both spoken and written, is shared. Third, both altar and table are present" (4). This develops as the theme throughout the chapter as they look at various texts briefly to show these ideas of the presence of God.
Chapter three examines the New Testament view. They approach with the idea of what the gospel or good news is. The text used is Luke 4:18-19 in which Jesus says:

"The Spirit of the Lord is one me, because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim
freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."

This text serves as the theme throughout the book, being referred to at least ten times. They see it as the message of the early church, both preaching and living. The assembly lives out the good news in its coming together. Corinth was ignoring the poor when they assembled and took the Lord’s Supper which violated the good news of Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 11:17-31). Even today, we build our fancy buildings and drive our fine cars, we have our creature comforts, padded pews and air conditioning, and our Sunday best in dress. But what message does this send to the outsider such as the poor? In bemoaning this, they state:
"Unfortunately, our gifts are often more dedicated toward our buildings and support staff
than they are to the poor. Could the church treasury at least tithe to the poor so that our
benevolence ministries are not the last budget item but the first?" (5).

They go on to say that our buildings can be a hindrance to others who find themselves humiliated because of their economic situation. This should not surprise us because humility is one aspect of our lives that seems to be in short supply. Paul challenged the Philippians with this by describing the humble life of Jesus (Philippians 2:5-11).

Chapter six discusses the importance that when we come together, God comes as well. He is not a spectator looking on or judging us by how well we sing. Nor is He the recipient of our praise and focus, though that certainly has a role to play. Rather He is an active participant in our assembly, sharing with, comforting, and accepting praise. Two important texts are discussed in this chapter. One is John 4:23-24 where Jesus states that we worship God in Spirit and in truth. What exactly does this mean? Traditionally we have seen this as worshipping in "the inner being and according to the Bible" (6). They see Spirit as the Holy Spirit and truth as the new reality in Jesus, the new Temple as seen in John 2, not a building but a redemptive fellowship.

The other text is the book of Hebrews. We meet not just with those who gather on Sundays but with a host of beings, from God to angels to those who have gone before. God’s rule has broken in to the presence and we share together as we look forward to the future "Eden" when we will walk in the cool of the Garden with God (7).

Chapter seven is the application of what has been said. Our assemblies should shape Christ in us as well as bring glory to God. Here is how they define it. "First, does it glorify God?…Second, do we please ourselves or others?…Third, do we point the unbeliever to God? (8). The assembly, they conclude, should "encounter God, profess our faith and encourage each other" (9).

There is an interesting appendix of things they did not discuss which can be controversial to many people. They explain that it would take much more exploration to discuss those issues, and while they can be important, a foundation is necessary before such discussions can begin.

The above is a very brief review and the explanations are very short from a book that has much to offer to the student of the Bible who wishes to enhance the assembly. So let me say the following.

One, this is an important book, in my opinion, as a corrective to the assembly as edification model. The authors are supportive of this model but want us to see that God is involved with us when we come together and that worship and praise to Him, while to be done in all things (see 1 Corinthians 10:31), should also be seen as part of the assembly. Involved in that as well is the good news as expressed by Jesus in Luke 4:18-19.

Two, the two types of assemblies discussed have been part of what is known as "worship wars," briefly mentioned in the book. Part of the problem is the attitude that we can skip two thousand years of history and culture, thinking that we are not affected by it. We live in a changing culture, both in society and in the assembly, and this needs to be recognize. I have heard some say that we do not want to be like other groups but if you ever visit or watch their television programs, surprisingly we might not be all that different. We sing the same songs, emphasis the pulpit, and have a similar order of assembly. We need to understand the influences that have led us to where we are.

Three, for some this book will be controversial because it challenges cherished traditions. It will be one of those books that can affect our spiritual lives (10). I hope so! We need to revisit our assembly tradition and see the importance of coming into the presence of God in the Holy of holies, and all that means. Among the controversies will be how we see the assembly, the Holy Spirit, the use of lament which is an important though brief discussion in the book, and a number of other ideas. A complain in a review of another book of the authors complained that they used too many big words. This book is not a devotional, it is meant to be studied. It will challenge us!

Finally, I want to say something about their use of the Old Testament, the Hebrew scriptures. For far too long we have had an attitude that the Old is not as important and does not need to be looked at. I have been told on more than one occasion that I have spent too much time in the Old. This is changing and I am thankful that the authors began with the Hebrew scriptures. We forget, and I think some do not realize, that the Bible of the first century church was the Old Testament. From there Paul taught about the assembly, as this book shows, and that he himself stated that he said nothing more than what the Law and the prophets said.

An interesting study in the book is that of the Jewish feasts (11). They look at the seven Jewish feasts and there importance for the Jewish people when they gathered together. Five come out of the Law of Moses, the names of which we heard throughout the year. There is Passover, the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost, Rosh Hashanah or the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and Yom Kippur. We hear of them but what do they mean? The sixth feast is that of Purim found in the book of Esther. Then there is the Feast of Dedication or Festival of Lights, known today as Hanukkah. Each had meaning for the Jewish people.

This then raises a question. How much did the Hebrew scriptures and Jewish culture affect the early church? That is a question that is being explored more today by various writers (12). I think that we do not realize that the Jewish influences are deep and rich for the first century church, and that having ignored the Old for so long, we have missed important understandings of scripture. Simply saying that since we are New Testament Christians, we do not need to look at the Old except when it supports some case of ours, no longer is a valid idea. Jesus and Paul and most of the other writers lived in a Jewish culture and were influenced and affected by it (13).

I would encourage you to pick up this book. It is thought provoking, challenging, and will help enhance our time together.

George B. Mearns

(1) The other two are Come To The Table and Down To The River To Pray, all published by Leafwood Publishers, Abilene, Texas.
(2) p. 13f
(3) I think that we need to reevaluate our understanding of this text with other texts that state that no one can see God and live. I do not think this is a figurative or spiritual experience, but a eye opening event in the lives of these people. How we see God is important. The legal aspect of the assembly would lean more to an unapproachable God, which I think influences our assemblies.
(4) p. 41
(5) p. 165
(6) p. 134
(7) see John Mark Hicks and Bobby Valentine, Kingdom Come, Leafwood Publishers.
(8) p. 154
(9) p. 166
(10) Several years ago a leading publication of the churches of Christ came out with a list of books that would affect one’s spiritual life. The author intended it as a warning to the dangers found in those books. I read most of them and found that to be true; if followed they would draw us closer to God in Christ.
(11) p. 45-50
(12) Among them is the leading conservative theologian today, N.T. Wright and a number of others. From churches of Christ, Jim McGuiggan, a teacher of mine, has spent much time studying the Old Testament and writing challenging thoughts. John Mark Hicks and his co-authors have been opening an understanding of New Testament texts and ideas with studies in the Old, as this book shows. I am thankful that we have these scholars looking into the importance of the Hebrew scriptures.
(13) Bobby Valentine is examining this on his blog, http://stoned-campbelldisciple.blogspot.com

Blue Laws

2007-11-23T16:38:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up, I lived in a little town next to a big city. This town, like many others, had blue laws. For instance, stores were not allowed to be open on Sunday. After washing clothes on Sunday, it was forbidden to hang them out on a line to dry. One could not mow grass on Sunday. Today we think these rather funny.

To paraphrase Solomon, of the making of many laws there is no end. I visited the University of Illinois law library with a friend. It was a library in its own building with several stories of law books. It is amazing the way more and more laws are made. I was told once that every time we get in our cars, we break a law. And of course there is that notorious IRS and the fact that even their own agents do not know it all.

God gave the Jews 10 Commandments based on two, love God and love neighbor, and then some 600 more; and that was all that was needed. By the time we get to the days of Jesus and Paul, we see numerous laws that various religious leaders followed.

I received the following from Grove Books, an English publisher. Since England has been around a little longer than us, they certainly have had more experience with "blue laws." Under the title of "The UK's top 10 most ridiculous laws" comes the following:

1. It is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament.
2. It is an act of treason to place a postage stamp bearing the British king or queen's image upside-down.
3. It is illegal for a woman to be topless in Liverpool except as a clerk in a tropical fish store.
4. Eating mince pies on Christmas Day is banned.
5. If someone knocks on your door in Scotland and requires the use of your toilet, you are required to let them enter.
6. In the UK a pregnant woman can legally relieve herself anywhere she wants, including in a policeman' helmet.
7. The head of any dead whale found on the British coast automatically becomes the property of the King, and the tail that of the Queen.
8. It is illegal not to tell the tax man anything you do not want him to know, but legal not to tell him information you do not mind him knowing.
9. It is illegal to enter the Houses of Parliament wearing a suit of armour.
10. It is legal to murder a Scotsman within the ancient city walls of York, but only if he is carrying a bow and arrow.

This made sense to the politicians who created these laws and I am sure some cultural factors went into them, but then I wonder: some people just have too much time on their hands, even several hundred years ago. Maybe it is just being in a position to make such laws that causes otherwise rational people to think irrationally. Or maybe they are just irrational to begin with. Maybe we should just do away with the profession of professional politicians and go back to citizen servants, those who would live home and work for a couple of months a couple of times a year, make some decisions, and come home.

Christmas music

2007-11-10T17:11:00.000-08:00

William Studwell states that at least 10,000 Christmas songs, both secular and sacred, have been written and that number might be twice or three times more. He also said that most people, depending on culture, national and international fame, know between forty and fifty. That does say something.

Since this is my favorite time of the year, I enjoy listening to a variety of Christmas music from Acappella to Mannheim Steamroller, some country and some contemporary Christian. Among my favorites are some of the old folk music groups such as Peter, Paul and Mary, the Kingston Trio, the New Christy Minstrels and the Brothers Four. The two middle groups have had me researching a song from each of their cds. It is amazing what we can listen to over and over and then it captures our attention.

Another observation by Studwell is that good and lasting carols occur in groups. America had a group in the middle of the 1800s, England in the middle of the 1700s. However, the 20th century wasn't so good to sacred carols. Almost all the songs that became popular in the 20th century were secular songs around the Great Depression, World War II and shortly after. Considering that the 20th century was very secular, and that secular answers seem to be the ones most tried, the religious aspects of the holiday faded by the end of the century. It has made me think about this change and conflict between the religious and secular we know see.

Of all the songs of the 20th century, only two, in my mind, that were sacred managed to become somewhat popular here in the US. I Wonder as I Wander was one and Mary, Did You Know? was the other. The former can be sung congregationally but I haven't yet heard the latter sung that way.

I have my favorites throughout all of this. If you have any, let me know. We can compare notes.

conflicted conservatives

2007-11-01T17:15:00.000-07:00

I was reading one of my favorite Jewish commentators, David Klinghoffer, commenting on Republican politics. He said that there are two lines of thinking among those who follow politics. One, those who emphasize foreign policy, many who are Jews. Then there is the group who emphasize cultural politics, many who are conservative Christians.

He asks that both sides take a look at the Old Testament prophets and what they emphasized. He noted that Israel was in difficult times and the prophets were not concerned about Babylon and Assyria, knowing that God was going to use these nations as a means of judgment on Israel. Rather, the prophets spoke to the moral and cultural issues in Israel itself, seeking that the nation repent, and return to God.

In this thoughtful articles, he states, "Idolatry manifests itself in every age. Its essence lies in setting up moral authorities in competition with, or to the negation of, God. Today, aggressive secularism possesses all of the classic pagan hallmarks: relativism, nature worship, sexual corruption, and a willingness to sacrifice children for the cause."

That is a powerful statement, in light of what some on the religious left have been saying of late. All we have to do is look at what the political left emphasizes and see this. 1) It really doesn't matter what one believes. 2). Environmentalism, i.e., man is destroy the earth and is responsible for all the ills. 3) Free love and government as the parent. 4) Abortion.

It is something for us to think about. Others have expressed the idea that America is becoming more like ancient Rome and Greece that Israel at this point in time.

authority

2007-10-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

Jesus said that He had all authority (Mt. 28:18). Paul stated that Jesus is Lord (Phil. 2:5-11). If Jesus has all authority, did he delegate any to anyone? We know that God raises up and takes down nations and kings (Acts. 17; Daniel), but does He delegate any authority to anyone else? Some would argue that He delegated authority to elders (Heb. 13:7, 17) but if He did, what kind of authority was it?

I wonder if we have really thought this through. I words betray us when we talk about authority. We have "song leaders" and "prayer leaders" and "leaders at the Table," all of which we have given some type of authority to. But since these are our words and not the Bible's, is this the case?

When I look at Jesus' authority, I realize that His authority was one of service (John 13:1-17). If we are going to claim some type of authority, let's at least claim His. Why should a board of directors called elders rule (dare we say lord) it over a church without concern for or understanding of the congregation. Far too often, these authority figures are out of touch with the members, yet their rule (more, opinions), stand above everyone else. And if there are protests, it is met with either lump it or leave. What happened to service?

Anyone can fall into this trap, deacons, preachers, the rich who want their way. I submit that we have no authority, and therefore, cannot delegate what we do not have. Rather what God wants is servant leaders, humble, seeking the mind or attitude of Christ, and not power. The old saying is correct, power corrupts, and Christians are not immune.

May we become servants seeking what is best of others rather than power.

hello friends

2007-10-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, if this works out, I'll be putting some personal opinions on various subjects on this blog. Like many of you, I have opinions about a lot of stuff - but not an expert in any. I look forward to various ideas and comments.

welcome

2007-10-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm going to try this.