Religiosity, a necessity for a Moral Society?

There is an interesting article from an Arizona Campus Newspaper located here. It talks about a recent study done whose results seem to negate the necessity of religion in order to have a moral society. This article brings up some good issues about the effectiveness of religion in society, as well as the idea of America being a Christian nation.

As far as the need for religion in society, I am not sure the data described fully accounts for some of the trends that are seen. A huge factor in the occurrence of high religiosity alongside a high 'dysfunction' should be considered in the light of America's ability and pride in 'freedom', which frequently manifests itself as 'having your cake and eating it too'. Many people are religious in this country, and the freedoms that we have allow people to be more outspoken about this. But, Some of those same 'religious' folk are probably some of the 'dysfunctional' in the studies as well.

Then, if you want to look at whether America is a a Christian nation, well this could open a very long and in depth discussion. I have recently been reading more on this due to my American Church History Class. A good book to read might be Noll, Hatch, and Marsden's Search for a Christian America. To say one or the other I would definitely say that America is not a Christian. I wonder whether it is really possible to have a truly Christian government at all. Would Scripture even allow for that?

That's what I got, what do you Got?....

Evangelism, Calling, and Conversion

I just read this blog which was linked from an emerging church site. IT was talking about the idea of one's intentions regarding relationships in relation to conversion. (please read some teh post and some of the comments) This imediately reminds me of two things. One the movie, Big Kahuna, which is a very intelligent and well written story that bringsup this issue of salesmanship and evangelism. The other thing is teh strategy of Paul as he evangelized the GEntile Roman world. I think that everything that Paul did was to bring about a prescribed end result. Was this unethical? That's hard to pin on Paul. But there are differences in Paul from how we see many practice salsemanship evangelism. First we must look at the unique calling of God on Paul's life. He was an evangelist, an apostle. The only way hew could have been successful in his calling was to convert people (I know that ultimatle God converts people not Paul or anyone else, but you get my drift here) . So in looking at this issue, one must aske themself, "What does God want ME doing as a part of the Body?" The other rather fundamental aspect of Paul's ministry that can often be overlooked in a study of this issue, is teh reason we know much of anything about Paul's ministry. Most of the text that is the New Testament is made up of letters that Paul wrote to those that he began evangelistic realtionships with. Which means his intentions in these relationships were not just for the conversion but the discipleship and of teh believers and glorification of God in Christ. But also evident in these letters si pauls commitment to support systems. Paul new that these evangelistic endeavors needed to have have leaders to remain and care for teh converts and ongoing ministry of the body, as well as continued conversion. You can even see in Paul's writings the pain he feels some times that he cannot be th one to reamin and shepherd thos that he has seen take their first steps in to the Kingdom.
The sad reality of life and evangelism is that sometimes it isn't what God calls us to to see a particular relationship continue on. But in any relationship that begins that should be the honest intentions of teh initiators to continue that relationship until doing so would violate, or hinder teh greater call that God has on our lives........

Struggling with Lordship

Often in contemporary evangelical theology we talk about Being Saved, or coming to know Jesus. This is a glorious and miraculous grace that we are given, but there is also an aspect of a relationship with God that is over looked, Lordship. This can sometimes be a pet issue for me ever since I read Bonhoeffer and was enlightened to the Idea of 'cheap grace'. So, to whatever degree I understand that there is more to a Life with Christ than allowing Him to save me from Hell. But, as much as I understand this, I would say that this probably, like most (maybe all) honest Christians is one of my greatest struggles.
As of late, this struggle has been somewhat hidden. As, I go through seminary and ministry, I am obviously very conscious of me need to be an example. I will constantly throughout my life be in a position to set the standard for many people. ( or at least set A standard) As I read through Philippians this morning, the living Word revealed itself, not necessarily a new way, but in a reminding way. The text reads as follows:

2:3 Do nothing from selfish or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
2:4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

I would have to admit that sometimes, to my own despise, I do some of the things that I know I am 'supposed' to do, just because I know that people area watching. This is shameful for me to think about. I know that sometimes in the heat of this spiritual battle of Life it is acceptable to continue on in righteous action in the absence of the proper 'feeling' or desire. But I would say that it is even at times of laziness. But I furthermore need the Spirit of God to continue to renew my heart and my mind. I must put the interest of other above my own. For that is at least a sign of having been truly crucified in Christ. The Text goes on to give the example of Christ himself, who did not see the importance of keeping the divine status as important as the needs of people.
Lord, let my attitude be that of Christ Jesus himself. May I be emptied of all that I have tried to create in myself and be lead by nothing but the desires and interests of Your will and those you have put around me. For it is the beauty of your will and plan that I seek to see unfold. Praise be to my God and Savior whose selflessness is my example......

My Brain Alive

I took a bit of a break over the summer. I had some stuff goin on but really I just got lazy with blogging. BUt classes start tomorrow and so does 'normal' life.

In my life I don't think that I would ever have said that I was a reader. As a kid I though it wasn't cool to read alot. It wasn't interactive enough. I liked hands on activities. Well, that's almost true, I did watch a lot of TV. Bu tI would just get bored with it. Even through college I never enjoyed reading. Now, its not all bad, I loved how college made me actually read and I loved teh kowledge I gained from reading. But, I was also never a very fast reader. So, I always made reading less of a priority. But something drastically has changed this summer. I decided to take a few summer classes to get a jump on my M.Div. and this required a lot of reading. Actually it required about 2000 pages of reading, most of which was for only one class. And I ended up reading 1200 pages in about 2 weeks. I don't know if this a lot for most people but it an extraordinary amount for me. But rather than drain all the reading energy I have in my brain, it turned something on. I finished that class with a large desire to continue reading. I bought a few books, had more reading for class, and I just kep up the pace.

I have been rotting my brain with TV for so long I guess it took this 1200 page jolt for my consiousness to realize that I actually like reading more than TV. I tried to sit and watch some TV, ya know just veggin out in front of the tube, and it seemed so shallow. And I was watchign news stories and looking ofr content. There just isn't much. So I will opitmistically begin my semester at seminary(which requires a lot of reading) and hope to continue reading for enjoyment. This may not happen, but at least I hope I will keep up my reading apetite until semster break anf then I can hopefully read a few books.

Finals Are really Final!!

I am proud to say that I was the first one done with my History of Christianity Final. It was the toughest one. Everyone was stressed out about it. I was so glad that he gave us a choice on the the essay. Anyways. Finals are over. I Now move into prep-mode for my class in Lisbon. I am sure that my studies will provide many new thoughts and ideas on youth ministry and ministry in general. I will give one thought to ponder for today....

As I listen to the passing conversations around campus during finals week I am pleased t hear my fellow seminarians encouraging each other. When it comes to finals there is a sort of camaraderie that surfaces. People are saying hey how's it going, and oh ya I had that one last semester, let me give ya some advice, or only X more days. But what really caught my ear was this type of comment, "Hey, just do your best, Jesus doesn't;t really care about your grades in Hebrew exegesis" Now, we all do no that yes he does care about our grades, and the other hand not so much. But the people that I hear saying this are some of the same people that kill themselves throughout the semester, and compare grades and compete with others.

Not very profound, but I ma very proud of my self this semester. I know that I could have spent many more hours studying certain classes, and I know that am here to learn and all of that. But I have really been aboe to balance things. This is big for me. But I think that most nights I was able to still spend time with my wife and get a good night sleep. I dis a good job studying but I am learning a greater lesson than who called the council of Pisa. I am learning how to balance ministry and my family, that is what I am really roped of this semester...

*Disclaimer: I have an amazing wife that works a fulltime job so that I don't have to work during the semester.

Original Sin

MORE PROCRASTINATIONS!!! (This is what happens when I try to study Theology while listening to some good kick back music, Oh well)

Original sin Vs. actualized Sin
All sin originates in the ability of man to choose. With out choice we could not sin. But our ability to choose is dependent upon, or varied by the state of our holistic human package. Our physical limitations, spiritual, mental, emotional, etc., all have affect on how we make our certain decisions. This is not to put the blame of our sin on our current condition, some of that is a result of previous choices. The reason that sin is still our fault and we are still to blame for each and every sin committed, from birth to death,(this I am not firm on but will assert for the purpose of this thought process) Is very simply because we are created in god's image, but are not God himself. God admits himself that he is a jealous God. If I am made similar to God and yet are not God then my inclination to be praised,as God is, becomes sin due to the fact that I am desiring praise for myself rather than God. This is why pride is the root of all sin, and Praise is the highest end of man. This still leaves the issue of my assertions about sin from birth. An infant is a human, just as much a human as I am compared to any other. The major differences can be equated to the same basic principles. We are all at different stages in our various realms of development. The more I go through life the more I realize that there is not a point when you cease to develop. One is always in progress in life. Am I saying that an infant can sin just as an 'adult' can? Maybe. Obviously intention and repercussion are different in the actions of infants, but in proportion to their development, as in all people. Or maybe it is just possible for an infant to sin but never does. This plays very well for understanding the salvation of an infant. But, then this means that we have many other humans that live sinless live other than Jesus himself. That may or may not be a problem. Maybe choice is original sin. the sheer ability for man to choose is sin itself. But then we must believe that Jesus could not sin, and God purposely created us to sin. (rather than creating with the possibility to sin and it ultimately being our decision) Another options is that we were created with the choice and with out the deity and that makes our ability to choose original sin. This still means that God created us that way intentionally (I am not asserting that God never thought that we would sin, or that he was surprised at the first sin) Or, original sin carries no repercussions, then it wouldn't really be sin though.

That's it, these thoughts are in progress.....I'll go back to studying now.....

Are Finals Really final??!!

It amazes me how time will pass when you pay way too much attention to acertain point inteh near future. It seems that finals will never be over. I am so anxious to be done and spend a weekend down at the lake. While at the same time I wish that I had soo much more time before I had tot take these stupid things. Hwo ever thought of finals any way? Ok this is all very basic and unoriginal, but I don't care. I would much rather have some other form of testing my knowledge, but that's not going to happen, oh well better keep studying. Sorry for the boring post......

Wanna great way to waste time instead of studying??? Go here , lots of great useless/useful info!

P.E. Not just locker rooms and dodgeball any more!!

I had a very encouraging conversation with my friend Adam (as I normally do) this past week. We get together to talk about what's going on in our lives and help each other talk through things. I believe that it is very important for guys to do that, practice regularly what can be uncomfortable. Any ways, we got to talking about this whole Christian phenomena of 'Quiet Time' and 'Devotions'. This activity which is designed for the individual believer to be more disciplined and purposeful about having a relationship with Jesus, has been a huge struggle (as for many) to do this in the way that one is 'supposed to'. I know this sounds skeptical but let me just make a few statements.

1. Relationships will never be a regular structured thing. (if its truly a relationship)
2. 'Quiet' is one mode of human attitude, some are more prone to this than others.
3. I have never read 'though shalt be quiet before the LORD' or any of its equivalents

Yes, I Know that Psalm 46:10 says 'be still and know that I am God'. But I hardly think that God was saying that the only way to be before him is still. Let's continue...

4. I have heard many times from the Christian culture (yes, literally heard from different believers in different settings) that preparing for a talk or doing theology or other biblical schoolwork is not Quiet Time, I would like to disagree.
5. I have also heard, specifically from theology professors, that theology is not properly commenced without the theologian, at least in attitude, first being on their knees.

What I am getting at is a call for change in our attitude and representation of this time spent with God. It is not just quiet time, it should be thought more of as encounter time. and there is an important aspect of our relationship that should be Personal Encounter time. But this should be emphasized. There is time for time alone, there should also be time for corporate time before God (duh!) There is a place for quiet time, and that should be encouraged for people at different times. (many Jr. Highers need more of that) But IT just bothers me that we restrict young believers to just one way to have a relationship with God

This concerns me not for those who I have gotten some of these ideas from, they obviously understand the relationship that they are trying to have with Our heavenly Father. I am concerned for those that are learning from these voices. What are they learning? that the only way to 'truly' have a relationship with God is if you spend 5 to 55 minutes a day in quiet prayer and reflection on God's word? That's not bad, but What honest sinner can do that everyday. In a word of Assignments, schoolwork, and demands for proper attention and calm dispositions, we are not helping God to find willing participants in a relationship with Him.

Yes, We need to be teaching new believers to study the word and pray and discipline and reflection, YES, YES, YES, Yes, yes, yes, all wonderful and good (I do mean that, don't mistake my many 'yes's for too much sarcasm) But I think that God has a more perfect way, in addition to and along with all that. 1 Corinthians 10:31 'so whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God'. Lets show them how to Seek God in Literally ALL things that we do. From brushing our teeth to caring for the broken hearted, lets hold the bar high and help everyone to hop over. But let's not settle and only focus on one way to encounter God.

The RIGHT Way?!

I have been reading through the book of John lately. As I read through the gospels I really try to read them not as inspirational or theological, though I know those things happen. I really try to connect with the person of Jesus himself, making him more personal. As I read through this and as I go through some of my seminary classes I have had some thoughts about Christians trying to find the right way to do all of this. (religion, relationship, theology, etc...) I am somewhat disturbed by the general attitude of people to feel the need to find ONE right way.(this is not specifically Christian, but human) As I look at Christ and the way that he seems to interact with people I notice that he does not address what we see on the surface. I know that He was God as well as man and that gave him the ability to see more than every other person. But, even beyond that I see that he almost refuses to address what the population is addressing. I see this attitude of "you just don't get it, and I am not going to go along with what you think you get!" Christ says 'you want to know this, well that's fine, here is the real issue'. People seem to always look for what is right and then once that is figured out then we can move on to try and live out that right way. Christ gives another way. Jesus Loves people first. And gives attention to the fact that no person ever gets it right, and looks to grace. We need to be more aware that life is a process and not a program. Yes, we are human and bound by certain constraints, but I see Christ addressing that as well. Somewhere between Matthew 5:17 and 1 Corinthians 10:23 I see Christ saying, "you can have your systems and religions and programs and processes, I don't see anything inherently wrong there, they can help you because of your physical and temporal limitations as humans, but there is no right way" rather as James says, religion that is acceptable to God is caring for the weak and the poor. But, let me say that I am making a distinction between basic gospel truth and our expression of that gospel truth. There is no right expression over any other expression that is in line with the essential gospel. That leaves to be answered, "what is the essential Gospel?"

Lord Jesus, be gracious with me as I assume to put words in your mouth, let your Holy Spirit accompany my words.......

Do We Have the Right To Kill?

Many have seen or heard something about the case of Terri Schaivo. To my understanding this woman suffered something similar to a heart attack more than 15 years ago which deprived her brain of oxygen for a time long enough to cause permanent brain damage. The most recent issue is that her husband has decided to remove the feeding tube that is keeping her alive. he has been reported saying tha his wife would not want to live artificially. The parents of Terri are fighting this decision, without much luck. There is more specifics on this story, I have read an article in catholic news website. I admit I may not know all of the story. But of what I know I feel that this is a terrible injustice. I can understand the removal of medical devices that sustain life. But as far as what I understand is that her body is keeping itself alive, she just needs basic care and food and water. This is something that even those with fully functioning brains need. I do not understand why it is even a question. How can it be legal to starve someone to death. I understand that she may not want to live in a comma or whatever the state is that she is in, but many people do not want to have to cope with their disabilities. But with out knowing what she currently wants or a living will that applies in this situation, how can she be allowed to starve to death? Is there really no value in her life? Is she not capable of affecting others even though she cannot communicate? Shouldn't God decide when she dies, it doesn't seem to He is doing that yet.....

Reflections from 2 Timothy 2:22

Looking at the uses of the word "youth" it is easily seen that foolishness, temptation, and lack of understanding are very prevalent in youth. What is it about youth that causes this? I say, inexperience, lack of vision, true knowledge of consequences. This leads me to think that if one is to teach, truely teach a youth to avoid these pitfalls of youth then you need to give them an opportunity to experience the consequences of life. This is not to say that the best deterrent is a taste of a sinful life, or of certain sins. But experience in the heart of vision can substitute real experience. Witnessing the acts of sin in a way that dispels the myths that lead to sins attractiveness; encounter and witness of those presently living out certain consequences of sins. Experiences such as these can give a 'youth' vision of these biblical principles of caution. Our role is not only to bring the Gospel and scriptures to 'youth' but to use the Gospel and scriptures to ignite the imagination. It is imagination that is lacking in tea resources of 'youth'. Youth need to be able to see it in their own life not just cognitively comprehend, but spiritually, personally, pragmatically connect God's message to their lives, their context, their understanding of the world. Is it a surprise that in the progression of our human depravity and consumerism in this country that at the same developmental stage that the brain is becoming alive and major cognitive building blocks are being formed is the same age that the realm of adulthood is impatient with wandering attentions and dreaming 'youth' that the response is to drug them and find any way possible to 'get them to pay attention and behave'? May be one of the best things that we, as post youths, could do is to create a space where 'youths' can exercise their imagination. Yes, 'youth' needs to take advantage of the wisdom of thoe that have gone before them. But it will invariably fall of deaf ears if it does not become apart of their concept of reality. [I do not intend to imply that in this age we need to have any certain tolerance of post-modernism or subjectivity, just that each person is created individually and we need to be mindful of that difference and uniqueness.]2Timothy 2:22 & Proverbs 7:7

Little Danny and The Work of The Spirit

I have recently been reintroduced to the theology of pedobaptism. While looking into the employment at a Presbyterian(PCA) church I was forced to relook at my views of Baptism. This lead me to ponder the work that the Holy Spirit has done in my life since my 1st/infant baptism. Was the Spirit at work in me from baptism or was I just drawn, beginning at some other point, to My faith? This brings to light a number of theological views, baptism, Soteriology(salvation), and free will vs. the sovreignty of God, Age of accountability.

I am not sure where The Holy Spirit began to work in my life. I would be very eager to say that He began before my conception Psalm (139:13). But the reason I am looking at this is my recent recolection of some events in in my Junior High days. I came to the Lord in Highschool and I never really heard teh gospel message until High School. But, I grew up attending a Lutheran Church, baptised as an infant, confirmed at age 14. looking at Soteriology as a more extended process rather than a singular event(which is what I hold to more) makes me think that the process started in Confirmation classes, atleast more directly.

I would like to contue lookin gin to this more. I will revise and make additions in the future.....

Why are we so divisive?

It is very well known that humans are creatures of habit. And one main habit in societies is to congregate with those that are like us. Its somewhat natural. Whites live around whites. Hispanics live by each other. The Jocks and the cheerleaders make a large divide between themselves and anyone who might no more about a computer than how to check email, sports, IM, and maybe some inappropriate content. We basically ove ourselves so much that we enjoy to be around those that remind us of ourselves. Or, maybe we are just so comfortable that we won't venture out to new things? Yet within this 'love-of-the-like' we hate what can be so much like us yet, not in the way that we like. (if that made sense) We are eternally a breed of creature that holds tight to what is comfortable, and shuns what might challenge us to something better.
Now, I am not saying that it is the greater good to seek out dissonance in life. But, balance my friends is the key. Moving things along. I am predictably intrigued, yet slightly perturbed with a conversation I had today in the midst of slinging the 'Bucks' greatest coffees. I found myself in a very non-heated debate on the idea that Catholicism in not Christianity. Now, we were both in agreement that there definitely are Catholics that are Christians. But on the basis of some vague knowledge of Catholic Marialogy, as it may be called, One of my co-workers was ready to write off Catholicism. Her statement,"But, the pray to Mary, that's not biblical, it's not Christianity" My statement "I understand, would agree to the idea that there are some theological views that, in what I have seen produce some very incorrect practices; I think that you get in to some dangerous territory in making the blanket statement that all of Catholicism is outside of Christianity"
Now, this debate could take many different turns, namely the different views of Biblical interpretation, or the success and practice of assimilating/discipling members of a body to the larger bodies true doctrinal views. And, I don' think that any faith, religion, or organization has really figured that out anyways. But what bothers me and what I would like to bring to light is the divisive nature that is within this debate. There are so many differences and, yes for the sake of assimilation/discipleship, we wouldn't want to confuse newcomers, but why aren't we looking toward unity first. Why can't we seek to form a basis of common belief. Rather than setting apart each and every differing view of faith and trying to hold 'mine' up as the "right" one(and I cringe as I say this)

My heart here, is something close to Philippians 2. "Being in the very nature of God, Christ did not see Equality with God Something to be grasped. He humbled himself for the sake of others." (My own paraphrase) In that spirit we should be seeking to join with others and not draw lines......

Honest Over Thought

I feel the need to explain this title. It may be corny but, oh, well. In short, I feel that I am a person that tries to his hardes to be honest, and I, well, over think things. Not that I de value the practice of a good pondering, I do love to ponder. But when IT comes to living out my thoughts I probably think a little too much before my thoughts become spoken word or action. This being a core flaw of my personality, you, as a reader of my thoughts should atleast have this background to what myight find itself on this site. Enjoy....