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.

Book Review: the Jesus Storybook Bible

“Many years later, another Son would climb another hill, carrying wood on his back. Like Isaac, he would trust His Father adn do what his Father asked. He wouldn’t struggle or run away.

Who is He? God’s Son, his only Son – the Son He loved.

The Lamb of God.”

– from the narrative of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22)

Almost 3 years ago I was a completely overwhelmed soon to be father charged with the task of properly raising his children and showing them the truth of the Gospel. As any parent [in this situation] does I began to seek help in the form of childrens’ Bibles. I was convinced I could begin the Westminister [shorter] catechism after their first birthday and my wife was truly worried. We were given a slew of childerens’ Bibles and resources that over the last couple years and I have throughly frustrated with the vast majority of them, even to the point of taking a sharpy to a few of them because they were heterodox (to say the least).

*Fast Forward*

With the birth of our second child a close friend (who had heard many a rant on the insufficiencies of children resources) purchased a certain children’s Bible for our kids. This friend has been a wonderful resource in the past, so even though our kids have no shortage of Bible books, we went ahead and added this to their repertoire. I can now excitedly say that The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name has been wonderful for the kids and for us, too.

One of the unique things about this version that I love is the Introduction. Sally Lloyd-Jones, who developed The Jesus Storybook Bible, takes time to explain to readers what the Bible is and what the bible is not. They go on to explain the misunderstandings that “some people think the Bible is a book of rules…but the Bible isn’t mainly about you and what you should be doing.” They continue, “Other people think the Bible is a book of heroes” but explain that most of them have major flaws. This all leads up to one of my favorite excerpts:

“No, the Bible isn’t a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all a Story. It’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave prince who leaves his palace, his throne – everything – to rescue the one he loves. It’s like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!”

This has been one of the most creative resources I’ve read for children. It’s filled with magnificent and thoughtful illustrations and it doesn’t just help us teach our children the Bible, it teaches them how to read the Bible and how we fit into God’s story. What a wonderful gift to give our kids! simply put parents, this resource is the single best I have seen to help kids discover the BIG PICTURE of the Bible.

If you have kids, want kids, think about kid, know people who have kids, work with of for kids please purchase this book.

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

are we that narcissistic?

The scenes of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan are apocalyptic and the more I watch them the more my heart breaks. Over and over the scenes become worse and as I listen to the commentary a question hit me. Are we really this narcissistic? It seems everything that we talk about when it comes to Japan inevitably points back to [the United States]. Gas prices, Nuclear fallout, wondering if that “could happen here”, the falling [US] dollar, etc. I am not pointing the finger just at you but myself also and I am just asking you to please take 8 minutes, watch the video, read the prayer, and just reflect and pray on those [directly] affected by this crisis and not ourselves. Before you begin please take a second and clear your head…let the images affects your heart and compel you to pray deeply.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG8vLbYxmpQ&feature=player_embedded]

The power of moving water is greater than most of us can imagine. Nothing stands before it. We are driven to our knees:

Father in heaven, you are the absolute Sovereign over the shaking of the earth, the rising of the sea, and the raging of the waves. We tremble at your power and bow before your unsearchable judgments and inscrutable ways. We cover our faces and kiss your omnipotent hand. We fall helpless to the floor in prayer and feel how fragile the very ground is beneath our knees.

O God, we humble ourselves under your holy majesty and repent. In a moment—in the twinkling of an eye—we too could be swept away. We are not more deserving of firm ground than our fellowmen in Japan. We too are flesh. We have bodies and homes and cars and family and precious places. We know that if we were treated according to our sins, who could stand? All of it would be gone in a moment. So in this dark hour we turn against our sins, not against you.

And we cry for mercy for Japan. Mercy, Father. Not for what they or we deserve. But mercy.

Have you not encouraged us in this? Have we not heard a hundred times in your Word the riches of your kindness, forbearance, and patience? Do you not a thousand times withhold your judgments, leading your rebellious world toward repentance? Yes, Lord. For your ways are not our ways, and your thoughts are not our thoughts.

Grant, O God, that the wicked will forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Grant us, your sinful creatures, to return to you, that you may have compassion. For surely you will abundantly pardon. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus, your beloved Son, will be saved.

May every heart-breaking loss—millions upon millions of losses—be healed by the wounded hands of the risen Christ. You are not unacquainted with your creatures’ pain. You did not spare your own Son, but gave him up for us all.

In Jesus you tasted loss. In Jesus you shared the overwhelming flood of our sorrows and suffering. In Jesus you are a sympathetic Priest in the midst of our pain.

Deal tenderly now, Father, with this fragile people. Woo them. Win them. Save them.

And may the floods they so much dread make blessings break upon their head.

O let them not judge you with feeble sense, but trust you for your grace. And so behind this providence, soon find a smiling face.

In Jesus’ merciful name, Amen.

HT: Desiring God