Category Archives: Theology

Popular Culture, Theology

These Songs of Freedom

Redemption is a theme that I can’t get enough of. Redemption specifically colors my world as a believer in Jesus Christ but it is also a powerful theme that captures the hearts and minds of every human being. We all have junk or problems that we need deliverence from. From habits to coworkers to disfunctional relationships we human beings desire the light to rescue us. Modern movies, with all their focus on the anti-hero and the loss of genuine good and the rise of absolute evil after WWII, still wrestle with redemption. Just in the past few years we have seen moives like “The Matrix,” “Hellboy,” “Constantine,” “Garden State,” “Vanilla Sky,” and even recent movies like “Batman Begins” have all presented a forum where the act of redemption is presented in a way that makes us come to grips with what it means to be given a new life. Even “Finding Nemo” gave us a glimpse at a loving father frantically crossing land and sea to bring his son home. Redemption is everywhere.

You may or may not be aware that the second season of Lost began last night. I was immediatley sucked into the story of Oceanic Flight 815, which crash landed hundreds of miles off course on a mysterious desert island, early in its first season. The first episodes gripped me to my very core precisely because they dealt directly with the reality of what it means to be redeemed. What is means to seek redemption.

Today, Tyler Clark, dirctor of the Relevant Network, sent out a wonderful email detailing his love for Lost and his fascination with redemption. I wanted to post this section of the email.

“Three days ago we all died,” Jack said in an early episode. “We should all be able to start over.”

Each castaway has junk. They crashed on the island in need of redemption. Their sins–murder, drug abuse, lying to family, betrayal–have followed them through life, and the island is where they find salvation.

“It feels like these people have sort of sinned in their lives before, and now, they’re in an environment where they can’t talk to the people that they need to talk to,” Damon Lindelof, the show’s co-creator, said last spring. “They can’t close the doors that they need to close.”

Many Christians may be able to identify with Charlie Pace (The Lord of the Rings’ Dominic Monaghan), a rock ‘n’ roll has-been and recovering drug addict. Despite his hang-ups with drug addictions, he is a man of faith. He was once a devout Catholic who sought a life of purity. He remains a believer even though he struggles with his own self-control. Quite symbolically, Charlie recently found a hollow statue of the Virgin Mary with heroin inside. Carrying the symbolism a step further, Charlie found the heroin in the wreckage of a different plane crash transporting drug smugglers disguised as priests.

One promo for the new season features a voiceover of Charlie saying, “How long will it take for redemption? Like the chance to put the past behind me. To start over. Maybe that’s what this is. A second chance. An opportunity to earn forgiveness. They say that everything happens for a reason. I wish I could believe that.”

Many of the show’s actors like the redemption aspect of the show. “I’m a huge fan of redemption stories,” Fox said. “I’m very much into the idea that all of these characters are trying to escape a past version of themselves that you know; they’ve all made mistakes and harbored secrets and told lies.”

While odds are slim that the show will proclaim that redemption comes through Jesus Christ or that anyone will present the Truth of Christ in the faith-versus-science debate, Lost tells a story that allows you to present that truth.

If you would like to read the rest of the article, comment below and I will email it to you. The purpose of this post isn’t to make you a fan of Lost. All though it is a great show, the alphabet channel isn’t paying me to advertise their little show. At the very least I hope this post begins forcing you to rethink what redemption means. Not in the abstract but in the real world. I hope you can begin to see how hungry the world is for a second chance. Our second chance for a new life isn’t found on a mysterious island but in the creator of all things.

Ministry, Theology

Apropo

2 Comments

I removed a few posts from this blog earlier this week. I was deeply disturbed and frustrated that I had to do that. The posts that were removed were posts that dealt with my true feelings, hurts, and concerns about things I am currently experiencing in my life.

This post isn’t really about that though. I believe that this is an issue that goes deeper than just removing sensitive information because it made someone mad or uncomfortable. It is about more than being sensitive to one another. It is about how we treat people who are just trying to be real (When Keepin’ It Real Goes Bad). It goes back to the quote on the left side of your screen. It is about the secrets and hurts that we can’t share with one another. It is about the broken system we perpetuate.

The reality of life is that people get mad. People get angry. People hurt and people hurt one another. On paper, the way we are suppossed to deal with this is to live our lives openly without boundries or fear. Because of Christ Jesus we are free and our lives should echo that reality. We are the body of Christ. Brothers and sisters living their lives together. Off paper though, in the gritty reality of the fall, we don’t truly live this way. We are more like the CIA. We live lives of fear and silence. Of mistrust and loathing.

I was recommended a book called Distant Voices by Leonard C. Allen to help give me some perspective. It tells of the diversity within the early Restoration Movement, a fact that we in the Churches of Christ often forget to pass along in our stories. While placing this book in my online shopping cart another book caught my eye. The introduction to Tradition, Opinion, and Truth: The Emerging Church of Christ by Fred Peatross spoke directly to my hurt feelings today. In it he writes,

In the early years of my Christian walk I was influenced and convinced that Christianity was a rule-bound spirituality that emphasized external conformity rather than an inner change of the heart. Keeping the party’s elaborate system of rules was the evidence of my spirituality. As I grew older I became aware of my desire to do more. I had been cleansed of my sins and saved by grace, but I still felt bad, as if I needed to do something more. I felt that no matter what I did or accomplished, it wasn’t good enough. As I look back, I now realize that this was my first encounter with the inherited legalism of the church in which I grew up.

I continued to study the scriptures and as I did I began to see new truths. Many of my conclusions didn’t parrot the traditional interpretations of the church of Christ. I soon realized that this leagalistic Christian community I was converted in wasn’t a safe place to share my doctrinal thoughts. It was obvious that is you shared your problems, difficulties, or dysfunction you faced the real possibility of judgement rather than love and support. Same-based, perfectionist theology forces you to “keep secrets” for fear of judgement. It majors in judgement and minors in grace.

You’ll not find the church Jesus’ died for in leagalistic religion. You’ll find it in a small group of people called together by the vision of love found in Jesus. Haring a common Father, born through a common new birth, held by a common Lord, they persue a common course- the adventure of loving their neighbor as they love themselves.

As Christians, what are we about? How do we treat one another? I think we have bought in to the lie of religion. We convert to Christianity but we neglect our conversion to Christ. I am reminded of a line from the Irish theologian I am so prone to quote.

“I wanted to meet God but you sold me religion.”

What are we selling? We aren’t salesmen. We are Disciples. Let’s start introducing people to our Savior and rage against the broken machine of religion.

Books, Ministry, Theology

In the Name of Jesus

Over the weekend I finished reading In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership by Henri J.M. Nouwen. Nouwen, an incredible writer, wrote this book to the new Christian ministers who are taking up the mantle as leaders in this post-modern world. As his text, Nouwen turns our focus toward the temptation of Christ in the desert. He believes that leaders today are tempted by expectations and desires contrary to God’s leadership.

Jesus was first tempted to turn stones into bread. Instead of bread, today’s leaders are tempted to be relevant. Chasing after being hip and new takes our focus away from leading others to God. The remedy for relevancy is prayer. Prayer helps us tap into what is truly important. Our egos take a backseat when prayer call shotgun.

Leaders today are not tempted to jump of the roof of their churches but they are tempted to do spectacular things to gain popularity. To avoid this trap, ministers should look to the question and answer session Jesus gave Peter:

After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
He then asked a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”
Jesus said, “Shepherd my sheep.”
Then he said it a third time: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, “Do you love me?” so he answered, “Master, you know everything there is to know.. You’ve got to know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

In John 21, Jesus tells us the secret to popularity and that is ministry; serving the people we lead.

The final temptation for today’s leader is… leading. After this exchange, Jesus tells Peter, ‘When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go.” Becoming a leader for Christ means being led by Christ. Sometimes we are lead where we want to but more often than not we are lead where it is uncomfortable for us. We are not our own. Leading means being led.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who is a leader or who wishes to become a leader. It was a great little read that packed a theological whallop.

Amazon

Books, News, Theology

The Miserable

One Sunday night, the baker on the Palace de l’Eglise was just going to bed when he heard a violent blow against the barred window of his shop. He got down in time to see an arm thrust through the aperture made by the blow of a fist on the glass. The arm seized a loaf of bread and took it out. (The baker) rushed out; the thief used his leg valiantly; (The baker) pursued him and caught him. The thief had thrown away the bread, but his arm was still bleeding. It was Jean Valjean.

As I watched the news that other night I couldn’t take my eyes off of the looters.

I went to my bookshelves and pulled out my old ratty copy of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserbles. I began to read it again. This time with new eyes. Desperation on the pages matched by the desperation in the streets on my screen. It isn’t hard to understand bread, water, food, even candy. Take. Eat. Be well.

I just can’t understand the TVs. I cannot comprhend that kind of lawlessness.

Rants, Theology

Old Glory vs. The Glory

5 Comments

I’ve talked about Tony Campolo on here before. In fact, the YSNYWC class I attended in the story I wrote yesterday was taught by Dr. Campolo. Jordon Cooper had an exerpt from a news story about Camoplo posted on his site. This section reminded me of another tale:

Campolo also objects strongly to churches becoming too patriotic. “We have reached a stage of idolatry when, in any given church in America, you’re going to run into more trouble if you remove the American flag than if you remove the cross,” he told church leaders, according to Christianity Today.

About a year ago I interviewed for a youth ministry position at a church in Dallas. During the interview the search committee told me that they were committed to strengthening their ties with the Hispanic congregation that meets in the chapel of their building. They told me that they were having difficulty making inroads with the Hispanics joining the whites in the main assembly. I thought to myself, “Man! I wish we could make that happen. I wonder what the hold up is.” Sadly, I admit that in my mind I was a little upset at the Hispanics for for what I saw as not trying.

Sunday morning, after I taught class, I walk into the main auditorium. No banners, no crosses, no visuals except for a big American flag sitting on the stage next to the baptistry.

When I mentioned that maybe the reason the Hispanics were “slow” to join the main assembly was because of the red, white, and blue I got a lot of funny looks. I was told, “No, they came to this country for a better life. They should be proud to see the flag.” I suggested that they might think about putting a Mexican flag on stage as well. More stares. Angrier stares.

Long story short, I don’t work there.

Via
Link

Books, Theology

Question Your Existence

In the fall of 2001, I attended my very first Youth Specialties’ National Youth Workers Convention in Dallas. The night before the conference began I began wondering which classes I would attend. As I read the class titles I knew exactly which class I would attend first. Bright and early the next morning I took my seat in “Why Youth Ministers Should Read the Writings of the Existentialist.”

This class changed my life.

I found out a couple of things about myself and about others that day. First, I discovered that I am a complete nerd who enjoys getting up early in the morning and attending classes entitled “Why Youth Ministers Should Read the Writings of the Existentialist.” Secondly, I discovered that every human being questions his/her existence.

Of course youth ministers should read the existentialist. Teenagers question their existence more than anybody.

“Do I matter?” “Who am I?” “Where am I going?”

It isn’t until we’re older and have more bruises that we begin to ask these questions only to ourselves and a bit quieter than before.

After that class I began reading Kierkegaard. Theology, existentialism, philosophy: it’s all there. I keep the Essential Kierkegaard on my desk at work. Every now and then I reach over, open it up, and swim around his work. My favorite are his parables. If Jesus’ parables are about the kingdom, Kierkegaard’s parbles are about how we react to Jesus.

My favorite is about the Duck City.

There is a town where only ducks live. Each Sundy the ducks make their way to church. They waddle out into the street and waddle into the church. Each duck waddles to his/her own little pew and has a seat. The duck choir waddles in followed by the duck minister. He opens up the Duck Bible and begins to read to the congregation. “Ducks!” he quacks. “God has given you wings! With wings you can fly! With wings you can soar like eagles. No walls can confine you! No fences can hold you! You have wings and you can fly like birds!” All the ducks shouted, “Amen!” And they all waddled home.

Powerful stuff.

Everyday I get up. I brush my teeth and head to work. Throughout the day I continually have to ask myself one question:

Do I truly believe in Jesus Christ and His message or am I all quack.

Theology

Drawing Attention

1 Comment

I felt the need to highlight something that is to the left of the words you are reading now.

Don’t respond to caricature- the Left, the Right, the Progressives, the Reactionary. Don’t take people on rumor. Find the light in them, because that will further your cause. -Bono

For better or worse, Bono has a huge influence on the way I see the world. Since moving to this city and taking my first ministry position I have had to learn the lesson of this quote the hard way. See, for the first 2 years I was here I was a Reactionary. The Right would acuse me of perverting the Gospel and the Left would encourage me to go further, running roughshod over anybody who stood in my way. To both groups I reacted. I would lose a night’s sleep over whether or not the song we were going to sing in chapel might cause someone to clap. I backed off of my ministry. I started to distance myself from everyone. My reaction was wrong. Dead wrong.

That is why I live with this quote everyday. Rumors abound, feelings get hurt, sacred cows get eaten- that’s life. It is my job as a minister of Jesus Christ to find the light.

Sure, some may shoot arrows. Some my scream and shout. Often the Left and the Right are two sides of the same coin. They may not admit it, but it is a truth.

Let’s further the cause.

Firm on the Rock, Theology

Fix You

3 Comments

Earlier this week I posted the lyrics to the song “Fix You” by Coldplay. This is one of the great songs off of their X&Y album. Lead singer Chris Martin called it the lynch pin that the rest of the album is built around.

I see this song as a conversation with God. He is telling us that true healing can only come through and from him. He is offering us the shalom, the wholeness of life. God is singing to us all the way through the first bridge:

Tears stream down your face
when you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face
And I…

He can’t finish. He is so overwhelmed with emotion and we break in singing:

Tears stream down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face
And I

Now we are overcome. God sliences us, the world, the noises and distractions around us. He takes us into his embrace and quietly sings over us:

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

That’s just how I hear it. How I experience it.
How I know it.

Theology

For Scott, For Me, and For Everyone Who Needs to be Fixed… The Light Will Guide You Home

6 Comments

When you try your best but you don’t succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can’t sleep
Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can’t replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

And high up above or down below
When you’re too in love to let it go
But if you never try you’ll never know
Just what you’re worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face
when you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face
And I

Tears stream down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face
And I

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Fix You
Coldplay
X&Y

Books, Ministry, Theology

I’ll Take Seminary For $1000 Alex.

8 Comments

Those who know me well know that I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Many times this quest takes me closer to Ken Jennings than to Solomon but I continue to journey on. Right now I find myself having an internal battle.

Do I continue with my “formal” education and pursue a MDiv?

I say “formal” education because I am enrolled in the school of lifelong learning. I entered into this school when I began reading and I haven’t missed a day of class. Yet, I find myself wanting to return to school (at least part-time).

I have looked into Lipscomb and Abilene. Both great schools but I don’t want to study “in house.” I have been accepted to Liberty but, honestly, I can’t bring myself to enroll in classes with good conscience. I wish Dallas Theological had distant learning because Fuller, unfortunately, is a pipe dream.

There is another issue keeping me from returning. See, I have never been one to let school get in the way of my education. For every great teacher or professor that inspired my quest for knowledge I had 10 that crushed the dream. Professors that made me question how they became professors kind of turned me off to graduate studies.

I just don’t want to sit around and discuss high theology at the expense of going out and living theology.

A few weeks ago, Jordon Cooper posted a link to the Personal MBA, a collection of books that, when read and applied, would be the equivalent of a masters in buisness administration. He commented that there should be a Personal MDiv that achieved the same goal for a masters of divinity. He then started to solicit books and authors to create the Personal MDiv promising that Resonate Journal would publish the findings in the coming months. Well, unfortunately someone beat him to the punch. A Personal MDiv wiki-page was setup before Resonate Journal could publish its article.

While Cooper was soliciting ideas I kept glancing at my personal library. Almost 1000 books, many of which ended up on the lists. I had read almost half.

That begs the question: $20 a class (book) for the rest of my life vs. $350 an hour + books + time?

I would miss out on the collaborative learning though?

Correction: Who is to say that I would miss out on the collaborative learning experience? The modern/enlightenment classroom collaborations would be gone but what about the web, local ministers, blogs, book clubs, etc.? (There’s a box?)

What to do? What to do?