Allow me to re-introduce the Christ

Yesterday, Palm Sunday, was a great reminder of who Jesus is. Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem takes place in the days before the Last Supper or the Passover celebration, marking the beginning of his Passion week. If you remember the text Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. Traditionally, entering the city on a donkey symbolizes arrival in peace, rather than as a war waging king arriving on a horse. Furthermore, this was a charged situation because Jesus came during the beginning of the Passover week. In the narrative of the Exodus, the Bible tells that God helped the Children of Israel escape slavery in Egypt by inflicting ten plagues upon the Egyptians before Pharaoh would release his Israelite slaves; the tenth and worst of the plagues was the slaughter of the first-born. The Israelites were instructed to mark the doorposts of their homes with the blood of a lamb and, upon seeing this, the spirit of the Lord passed over these homes, hence the term “passover”. Many believed that Jesus would be the “angel of death”but instead the were seeing the lamb that was slaughtered. So I just wanted to take this time to re-introduce you to Christ.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNJ5oi1cw2I]

Hook Up, Shack Up, Break Up

A few weeks back my wife and I were out on a date and I pulled out my phone, plugged it in to my audio system and proceeded to serenade my wife from my Neo -Soul channel on Pandora. I know some of you reading this are jealous because I don’t do this to you but she is my wife. In the middle of belting out a song my wife stopped me and informed me that the song was a break up song and probably not appropriate for our time together. Though I was sending the wrong message in that moment I was so glad that I do not have deal with the dating culture that pervades our world today.

The other day I read an article entitled “More college ‘hookups,’ but more virgins, too” on USA Today’s website. The article paints a picture of the already brutal reality of relational life on campuses with the detailed insights provided by statistical analysis from multiple research sources. One source reports that by the end of their senior year, more than 70% of college students (both men and women) report having had at least 1 hookup… with the average being over 7 for women, and almost 10 for men. Apparently, students prefer using the term “hookup” or “friends with benefits” as a way of leaving room for interpretation regarding the extent of sexual activity that was engaged in.

I grieve for this generation of young people who participate in this broken relational system, and even believe it to be the only option, especially given that they appear to be unaware of the mounting baggage that they will carry forward, especially into marriage, and the challenges it will produce. Having been apart of this culture I personally know the damage it does and continued effect it has on myself and my wife. As much as I am grieved, I believe God aches all the more.

This is not what God envisioned when creating us as relational beings — in God’s own image. But……………

it does not appear that everything is lost. The article also pointed to a reason to have hope, virginity, among college students, is trending upward and quickly. Yes that’s right, nearly 25% of seniors surveyed made the claim that they are virgins. Why? The article does not say. It is probably due to religious or moral convictions/values, but the reality is that some young adults are choosing a different, very different, relational path for their pre-marital journey.

This was a wake-up call for me as I began leading amongst College, Young Professionals and Singles. I always thought Christ followers and sexuality was a simple choice until I became one. From poor past decisions, “Christian sex”, to re-virginizing this process is not as clear unless you have not entered into a sexual relationship outside of marriage. So the questions began popping up in my mind:

How do we offer another way-out, or is hooking up just ok?
What do you think?

the spoken word

The word “rap” is really just a shortening of the phrase “Rhythm and Poetry” and means “fast read” or “spoke fast”.
Rapping can be traced back to its African roots that is centuries older than hip hop music. The griots, or West African historians, were delivering stories rhythmically, over drums and sparse instrumentation for centuries before the American development of Hip Hop. Such connections have been acknowledged by many modern artists, modern day “griots”, spoken word artists, mainstream news sources, and academics. Spoken word as it is known today did not evolve until the late 1980s and early 1990s with the emergence of “poetry slams,” where spoken word artists would square off incabaret-style duels. Since its inception, the spoken word has been an outlet for people to release their views outside the academic and institutional domains of the university and academic or small press hegemony. The spoken word, or slam poetry, evolved into the present day soap-box for people to express their views, emotions, life experiences or information. The views of spoken word artists encompass religion, politics, sex and gender. A spoken word piece can be powerful with the right emotion behind it but, at the same time, a lack of emotion can set a poem apart. It all depends on the topic. Life experiences are best, especially when the person has actually lived through the experience. Lastly, spoken word is used to inform or make people conscious of some aspect pertaining to life.

You may be asking yourself why I’m giving this so much interest, and the reason is simply to educate and inspire you. So starting today I want to place some spoken word so you can hopefully begin your week off right. Enjoy!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igCj3jsbcqs&feature=player_embedded]

5 ways we treat the Bible

Daily I come across people who refer to the “good book”, they use it for so many things but not as their ultimate authority. The average American household has 3 Bibles in there possession, yet we don’t really know how to use them. This really goes for those who claim Christ as their saviour, we are the worst offenders by far. Over and over I have had conversations and pointed to the truth found in God’s word and the response is “I know, I know but ___________”. I am not pointing the finger solely at you but myself as well, so I wanted to look at five [common] ways we treat the Bible instead of our ultimate authority.

Hors d’oeuvres: Many people treat the Bible as a hors d’oeuvres tray. I recently was at a event for a friend of mine and she had hors d’oeuvres on the table. It was an assortment of cookies and I was elated, shortbread, coconut, upscale sandwich cookies, etc… man they were great. So if you know me I have this weird thing where I have eat most things in sets of 2 and I was looking over the cookie picking them out 2 by 2 with a childlike excitement, “I want this one, and this one, but not these….” or, “I really like this part in Philippians 4 about doing all things in Christ but I really don’t like this part about being crucified with Christ.” This is how a lot of people treat the Bible, like an hors d’oeuvres tray, remember the Bible is not your authority of you pick and choose what parts you like.

Hobbies: I have a few friend that have hobbies and they are interesting to say the least, sometimes they actually turn into careers. When I spend time with those friends I tend to get sucked into that activity with them (whether I like it or not). What happens is we get all fired up about said hobby and in a few years its gone and the only way you remember it is when you move and come across those old materials. Many people treat the Bible this way we say “Man there was a time in my life when I was so fired up about the Bible. I was digging into it and I saw things I never saw before, it was so satisfying to me and then somewhere along the line I just stopped using it. I mean I kept carrying it around…” Many of us treat the Bible like this.

Rental Car Insurance: Question: How many of you that read this blog have ever bought the rental car insurance? If you have, really? Here is my rational for NEVER buying it. I’m already being [price] gouged for the rental of this car and now they want me to spend the extra $40 per day to protect me from something that hasn’t happened in years. I mean what are the chances that I have an accident today? No seriously? A lot of people treat the Bible the same way. We say “What are the chances that I’m really going to need that thing today? I guess technically I should get up and spend some time in God’s word but I think I’ll just get some coffee and rush out the door.” We have this view because we look at the Bible as technically needed (or optional) but we think that chances are we will be alright without it.

Seat-belt: I have to admit something, I where a seat-belt NOT always because I want to. What about you? I consistently where it for 3 reasons:

The reminder bell in my car won’t shut off unless I where it (if I were skilled enough I might actually uninstall it)
The reminder light just keeps flashing, and flashing, and flashing, and flashing, and flashing…
Finally, the police. They are there to protect and serve (me tickets if i don’t click it).

I mean seriously, I press my clothes and look all nice and this stupid thing wrinkles everything! ARGH! Many of us treat the Bible the same way. We say “I read the Bible because its the Law, I have to read it because I can’t get the flashing and dinging (or guilt) to stop until I do. So in order to silence the alarm everyday I spend a few minutes in there just to satisfy my guilt.”

Algebraic Equation or x = [(√4ac+b²) – b]/2a: Ok we are all grown up here right (physically at least). When is the last time you actually used this equation in your daily life. We all had to study Algebra in High school and some of us in college and many of us (not all) do not use it today. It seemed like a waste of time then and it seems like a waste of time now. Since leaving the Information systems field I have not once had a use for any of these formulas and many of us look at the Bible in that same light. “It’s really complicated and I guess I’m supposed to need it sometime in the future. They also say it’s good for my mind but I have never really figured out what that has to do with my life.”

Listen, if you view as:

Hors d’oeuvres tray: Something to pick out what you like and dislike
Hobbies: Something to do for a while and then eventually put aside
Algebraic Equation: Something so complicated and convoluted that I’ll never use it again.
Seat-belt: Something I have to do (guilt)
Rental Car Insurance: Something I don’t really need so I’ll chance it

Then today is a great day to come back to the Bible itself. Come back to God’s word being the priority in your life and let it be your [sole] authority. Is God’s word your authority?

He could have let me drown

Gospel music can be an extremely broad term. Most of the attention is focused on music that sprung from the early African-American church and inspired a host of modern day choirs and contemporary gospel/R&B sounds. [Black] Gospel Music and soul music are inextricably linked from the smooth sounds of Sam Cooke to the dancing, acrobatic vocals of Kirk Franklin, gospel music does more than just sound sweet–it literally moves its listeners. Whether it’s swaying with the choirs, tapping along with the quartets, or simply raising hands to the rhythm of soul-stirring crooners, gospel is one genre of music that needs to be both seen and heard. Once narrowly defined as religious, gospel has transcended those limits to become a profound force in American music and popular culture.

Gospel music has a history which can be traced to the 18th century. During this time, hymns were lined and repeated in a call and response fashion and the spirituals/ work songs came on the scene. Enslaved Africans attended their masters’ worship services, which was the main influence on spirituals and work songs. At these services they would grow closer in their understanding of Christian doctrine and role that music played in that experience. The worship music (hymns) of the masters became the backdrop for the music the enslaved Africans would use at their eventual worship meetings. As we listen to gospel music today with its sometimes downtrodden themes, it continues to be curious how such beauty and richness can emanate from troubled times.

In the tradition of the [black] church, call and response in singing and in speaking has been and continues to be a foundation on which the gospel is delivered. Through this participatory delivery system beliefs are reinforced. There is an expectation that when there is agreement with either the spoken word or song because of either its content or its contexts that verbal affirmation will be given. Those who are witnessing, speaking, or singing are encouraged by the responses and those who are about to experience issues are empowered to be victorious.

Gospel music can stir many different emotions. The audience for this spiritually moving idiom continues to grow as do the types of venues where it can be heard. Gospel singers and listeners, making a joyful noise to the Lord is what the music is about and it invites the participation of all to come together, honor the past, look forward to the future, and through song, renew our faith.

Check out a great example below:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3L1mXV8UUA]

Rob Bell is not a universalist…

Update: A careful and devastating review of Bell’s book can be read here (it is a PDF file).

Note: I’ve added an update at the end of this post.

… let me explain. I know that many of you that read this blog are familiar with the name above. As a college student I was first exposed to Rob Bell and his thought provoking questions through his Nooma videos and multiple books. I remember when I first encountered Nooma I felt they were a breath of fresh air in what was (in my opinion) silly evangelical media. I remember being taken back by his speaking ability, his thoughts, and his creativity. Someone who thinks like me (way outside the box), is willing to challenge evangelical norms and not just accept what he was spoon fed.

I also remember when I was just beginning my theological education that multiple professors warned me about Rob Bell and other emerging types. I heard them, but I defended him and others vociferously and for the most part most of the pastors and teachers I defended have proven to be extremely orthodox in their theology.

Well if you have not heard (or just don’t care) Rob Bell is in the center of a pretty large brouhaha about where he stands theologically. Many people are throwing around the words “heretic”, and “universalist” and it is getting the attention of the likes of USA Today, Good Morning America, NY Times, CNN, Fox News and MSNBC. Honestly, I think this is a good thing and not a bad one.

I also know many of us younger Christ followers barely have any stomach for controversy, let alone strong words about a serious topic. If there is no way to be simultaneously bold and humble; if there is no way to be a gentle, caring person while still speaking in clear tones about hurtful error; if there is no way to correct those who oppose sound doctrine without being a moral monster; if there’s no way to love truth and grace at the same time, then there’s no way to be a biblical Christian. Let me be clear, not every judgment is sinful and not every truth is cruel.

It seems that most people I talk have expierieced Rob Bell’s books and videos and this what makes this issue so pressing. Clarity on the important issues he raises (and misunderstands) is absolutely necessary. I think the clear and overwhelming rejection of Bell’s views by orthodox Christians (with very lengthy responses) indicates that this is clearly in error on several points. I think Lisa Miller of Newsweek frames this whole brouhaha in a simple format when she asked Rob Bell in their interview, “Aren’t you just a mainline Protestant posing as an evangelical? Aren’t you just saying what Episcopalians have been saying for fifty or sixty years?” (Be sure to read the whole interview here. I don’t think he answers the question she asked, but his answers and ideas are worth reading)

Bell has largely recast and tweaked the view that many mainline Protestants have held for a hundred years: that because of God’s love, he saves everyone, regardless. This is not new. This is not groundbreaking. This is not revolutionary. In many ways, Rob Bell’s Love Wins is simply mainline Protestantism with better haircuts and cooler music.

In the end Rob Bell is right about one thing: what you believe about heaven and hell says a lot about what you believe about God. That’s why theological error of this magnitude cannot go unchecked.

Checkout the video below for Rob Bell in his own words…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg-qgmJ7nzA]

Update: Based on some conversations I have had with friends I decided to clarify where I see Rob Bell standing in. Rob Bell is not a Universalist. He more clearly an “optimistic inclusivist” (some might say a “mostly” universalist or christian universalist, the latter is an oxymoron). Either way clearly is not within the stream of orthodoxy but defiantly along the line of the early 20th century mainline denominations. A Universalist clearly states that they believe that regardless what someone believes they will go to heaven, don’t pass go, don’t collect $200, just straight in. I know this is splitting hairs but it is important for us to be precise while criticizing anyone. Bell consistently says that God’s love will eventually win in light of Jesus Christ. My initial response is sorry Jewish people (Hitler), Russians (Lenin and Stalin), Cambodians (Pol Pot), Ancient Near Eastern world (Genghis Khan), and anyone who actually believed the Bible. This view reflects a morally repugnant diety who has no claim to Holiness, heterodox in thinking, and humanistic at best. Similar, better constructed, and clearer statements were made at the Parliament of World Religions in 1893 or later in Karl Rahner’s concept of the Anonymous Christian and I would rather refer you to those documents instead.