It's nearing 2am and I'm wide awake. Assisted by some coffee, I'm witnessing the graveyard shift at my local Starbucks. Why? Simply put, I can't sleep. Why? Even simpler, too much on my mind. What? Well... you're just full of questions tonight, aren't you?! Well, blogging tends to be my emotional outlet, so let's see what comes out.
The holidays are such a wondrous time. So much anticipation and deeply-rooted significance with these occasions. And yet, amidst the joy and cheer, there always seems to be something gnawing at the legs that cause this happiness to crumble into a mess of shattered pieces. Perhaps it's just the overwhelming expectations of joy and well being, maybe it's just the natural bathos back into normal life, or maybe it's part of the Mayan Calendar Curse that bursts bubbles... probably not that last one.
But whatever the reason, the holidays (as wonderful and amazing as they are) leave me feeling just a tad blue when they're over. The contrast of togetherness and family time yields to loneliness and mundane monotony plays its full course in just a matter of days. The cycle of smiles and frowns, like the moon, keeps on a predictable pattern. The joy of Christmas turns into melancholy emptiness. Somehow this continues year after year.
Again, I can only speculate as to why. Is it the natural let down after such high hopes and fluttering holiday emotions? Is it only me (or my family) who experience this phenomenon? If it's more of a universal occurrence, then perhaps there's something psychological to it.
Or maybe it's a deeper yearning for something greater than what the holidays have become? Let me venture a thought.
I know that this time of year has been regarded as a time of hope. Not only is it the celebrated memorium of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, being born in a stable in Bethlehem, but it's also the time of year when days begin to lengthen. The reign of darkness (both spiritually and physically) is nearing an end. The hope that these facts can evoke is marvelous.
But our society, namely corporations, have pushed our sentiments to the limit. Stores gear up for Christmas before the previous holiday is even past. I've begun to see Santas and candy canes pop up in stores before HALLOWEEN! Christmas music is pumped on the airwaves before the turkey is carved at Thanksgiving! By the time Christmas rolls around, there are many more Scrooges and Grinches than merry elves because too many of us simply tire of the motifs. The spirit of Christmas has been replicated ad nausium and so has lost its potency. Well... what do you expect?
This is sad... because I believe so many people WANT to experience Christmas. I mean, who honestly wants to BE SAD? I tend to think that people want happiness, joy, hope, the good emotions that come with the season. But these are not emotions that cannot be manufactured by Hallmark. The joy has to come from a more legitimate source.
I say, next year, let's shorten the season. Ignore the holiday up until the week before. Sure, if only a few people do it, the world won't change overnight... but if more and more begin to resist the tradition of commercialization, then eventually there can be an impact! Who knows, maybe the joy of the season will return when we don't experience the emotional burnout from the constant expectations of cheeriness.
Just my two cents (depreciated for inflation). Maybe now I can rest. Thanks for reading! Happy New Year!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Hallowed
It's October. Normally I don't go around announcing the name of the months like some sort of calendar, but this month is different. Every child in the US knows what comes at the end of October. It approaches with ever-gaining momentum as candy pours into stores and is bought up by savvy consumers. It's a celebration marked with costumes, candy, and carved pumpkins.
Of course I'm talking about Halloween. It's a hot-button holiday. The Christian community denounces it by striking the fear of God into kids which only adds to the ambiance for the rest of society who cannot see any spiritual implications from All Hallow's Eve. These two sides feed into each other. The fear that the Church throws out regarding Halloween is soaked up by those who enjoy it, which just makes the Church try harder... Perhaps a new approach to Halloween is necessary?
It's been widely accepted that Halloween finds its roots in pagan superstition. The belief is that the barrier between this realm and the spiritual realm are at their weakest, so the souls that walk this world have a chance to speak before moving on. The costumes and masks sprang up as a way to fool these spirits into not taking any revenge on someone unrecognized.
Pretty spooky, also pretty lame as far as superstitions go. Why atheists don't attack Halloween is perplexing. Seems it'd be right up their alley. Haven't heard a word on it yet... but whatever.
Even so, the Church did adopt this holiday and celebrated it for quite a while. All Saints Day, being November 1st, was a time to commemorate those passed and to honor the saints. Many of the superstitions from the pagan rituals were maintained, but it's hard to escape any and all influence from a reclaimed holiday.
Our dates for Christmas, Easter and St. Valentine's Day are a few examples of holidays reclaimed from pagan/secular influences. Even with a solid amount of Christian emphasis, these holidays retain a great deal of their secular influences alongside the spiritual significance.
Halloween, however, seems to be one holiday that Christians just couldn't keep a hold on... Instead of attempting another takeover of a secular holiday (as the Church HAS done in the past with a good deal of success) the Church seems to be content to disavow the holiday altogether. Ignore the decorations popping up in the neighborhood and relegating any participants with disdain and disapproval.
If you talk with any Pastor for an extended amount of time on the subject of Halloween, you will inevitably hear passages like "Do not have even the appearance of evil." OR "Be in the world, not of the world."
However, we do a great disservice to the world by not engaging it. We think that opposition or pointing out the negatives will somehow persuade the masses that Halloween is terrible and scary. We indulge those who maintain that Halloween is for seances, devil worship, animal sacrifices and summoning spirits. Instead of shifting focus to something productive, the Church has fallen into the same mindset that the world has propagated and has, incorrectly, decided to battle on demonic ground...
The novel approach would be to shift Halloween back to honoring those who have passed, dispelling the superstitious notions of spiritism and by utilizing the holiday for Christ.
Think about this: At no other time in history has our culture been SO preoccupied with the "dead" things. Vampires, witches, zombies and a whole litany of other macabre are at the forefront of our culture. Even history is being brought into this fascination with Abraham Lincoln - VAMPIRE HUNTER! Seriously, we must acknowledge this fascination and realize what our role is supposed to be as Christians.
As Christians, we have abdicated our role of concern. The world seems so much more concerned with the dead than we are. This should not be. Yes, our focus is life. Yes, we are promised eternal life, that is what we strive for, that is what we know. BUT, our MISSION is to seek out the lost, to be a light in this world. IN THIS WORLD, we are to be more concerned with the dead - those lost to sin.
Suggesting a new approach to Halloween does not come lightly. I've been mulling this over for years. I cannot wrap my mind around the accepted approach of denouncing Halloween. I cannot comprehend the reasoning behind separating ourselves from the world on a holiday that could make a POSITIVE impact if the positive message of Christianity were poured INTO it.
The WHOLE point of Christ dying was to TRANSFORM the dead, sinful creature of man into a LIVING witness for Christ. Why have we failed Halloween, Church? Why have we failed to engage culture on the forefront? Are we too scared of the decorations?
Boldly, we must pour in the light and love of Christ in ALL situations. The opportunity for transformation is too rich to pass up. Let's rethink our approach to this day. (It's just as superstitious to imagine that dressing up and giving out candy equates to demon worship...)
Of course I'm talking about Halloween. It's a hot-button holiday. The Christian community denounces it by striking the fear of God into kids which only adds to the ambiance for the rest of society who cannot see any spiritual implications from All Hallow's Eve. These two sides feed into each other. The fear that the Church throws out regarding Halloween is soaked up by those who enjoy it, which just makes the Church try harder... Perhaps a new approach to Halloween is necessary?
It's been widely accepted that Halloween finds its roots in pagan superstition. The belief is that the barrier between this realm and the spiritual realm are at their weakest, so the souls that walk this world have a chance to speak before moving on. The costumes and masks sprang up as a way to fool these spirits into not taking any revenge on someone unrecognized.
Pretty spooky, also pretty lame as far as superstitions go. Why atheists don't attack Halloween is perplexing. Seems it'd be right up their alley. Haven't heard a word on it yet... but whatever.
Even so, the Church did adopt this holiday and celebrated it for quite a while. All Saints Day, being November 1st, was a time to commemorate those passed and to honor the saints. Many of the superstitions from the pagan rituals were maintained, but it's hard to escape any and all influence from a reclaimed holiday.
Our dates for Christmas, Easter and St. Valentine's Day are a few examples of holidays reclaimed from pagan/secular influences. Even with a solid amount of Christian emphasis, these holidays retain a great deal of their secular influences alongside the spiritual significance.
Halloween, however, seems to be one holiday that Christians just couldn't keep a hold on... Instead of attempting another takeover of a secular holiday (as the Church HAS done in the past with a good deal of success) the Church seems to be content to disavow the holiday altogether. Ignore the decorations popping up in the neighborhood and relegating any participants with disdain and disapproval.
If you talk with any Pastor for an extended amount of time on the subject of Halloween, you will inevitably hear passages like "Do not have even the appearance of evil." OR "Be in the world, not of the world."
However, we do a great disservice to the world by not engaging it. We think that opposition or pointing out the negatives will somehow persuade the masses that Halloween is terrible and scary. We indulge those who maintain that Halloween is for seances, devil worship, animal sacrifices and summoning spirits. Instead of shifting focus to something productive, the Church has fallen into the same mindset that the world has propagated and has, incorrectly, decided to battle on demonic ground...
The novel approach would be to shift Halloween back to honoring those who have passed, dispelling the superstitious notions of spiritism and by utilizing the holiday for Christ.
Think about this: At no other time in history has our culture been SO preoccupied with the "dead" things. Vampires, witches, zombies and a whole litany of other macabre are at the forefront of our culture. Even history is being brought into this fascination with Abraham Lincoln - VAMPIRE HUNTER! Seriously, we must acknowledge this fascination and realize what our role is supposed to be as Christians.
As Christians, we have abdicated our role of concern. The world seems so much more concerned with the dead than we are. This should not be. Yes, our focus is life. Yes, we are promised eternal life, that is what we strive for, that is what we know. BUT, our MISSION is to seek out the lost, to be a light in this world. IN THIS WORLD, we are to be more concerned with the dead - those lost to sin.
Suggesting a new approach to Halloween does not come lightly. I've been mulling this over for years. I cannot wrap my mind around the accepted approach of denouncing Halloween. I cannot comprehend the reasoning behind separating ourselves from the world on a holiday that could make a POSITIVE impact if the positive message of Christianity were poured INTO it.
The WHOLE point of Christ dying was to TRANSFORM the dead, sinful creature of man into a LIVING witness for Christ. Why have we failed Halloween, Church? Why have we failed to engage culture on the forefront? Are we too scared of the decorations?
Boldly, we must pour in the light and love of Christ in ALL situations. The opportunity for transformation is too rich to pass up. Let's rethink our approach to this day. (It's just as superstitious to imagine that dressing up and giving out candy equates to demon worship...)
Thursday, September 13, 2012
A Tale of Three Topics
Greetings, readers! My absence had gone virtually unnoticed until a close family member mentioned that I've been neglecting my blog... SO here I am BACK again and I have been given 3 obscure blogging topics to cover in this Comeback Special blog post.
Now, since there are three topics, you may decide to ration these exceptional thoughts throughout your day. I suggest bookmarking this page. OR, even better, just keep the browser open on your laptop/smartphone/iPad or whatever. OR, if you won't be near a computer, print my blog out and staple it to your pants. That's the smartest way.
1. Performance Enhancing Drugs in the Workplace
We're not talking about COFFEE here. We're talking the good stuff. The stuff that's already "illegal" but still used in the sports world. C'mon, if professional athletes can make good use of drugs to progress their careers, why can't the the rest of us?
Let's be honest - at first, this sounds like a GREAT idea. Imagine an office where the mail guy runs 20MPH and can throw mail over 200 yards. Think about a staff that could answer phones, withstand brutal meetings all day and still be able to unload the office supply truck without the aid of dollies and hand carts.
Imagine just being able to type faster than 30 words per minute! (I just googled and learned that 40wpm is considered average... now I feel slow)
Sounds like a super productive work environment, right? Just a few performance enhancing cocktails to go with the doughnuts and you have yourself a thriving hyper-competitive business.
But think about it; the job market is already saturated with inexperienced college grads who are having a tough time making use of their (VERY) expensive education. Thousands fail to jump into the workplace because there aren't enough jobs to fit their years of training.
Do we really want to make the workplace MORE competitive? Do we really want to make it MORE difficult for a poor college student with zero experience to obtain an entry level position with a company? Well, if everyone IN the workplace is nearing superhuman capabilities, that's precisely what would happen.
The job market would be completely run by the few elite, highest performing, enhanced workers while the plain college kids suffer in unending misery. This would ultimately yield a collapse of civilization and result in our next topic...
2. Comparing Socialism and Zombies
At first glance, you would think these two things have NOTHING in common. However, nothing could be further from the truth. With the threat of impending social collapse due to steroid abuse in the workplace, it's only a matter of time before one of these events take place. Here's a point-by-point comparison and how to prepare.
My sister is already in the R&D portion of creating the Borg. While she endeavors on this eventuality I'll butter up the public so that her creation can be accepted by the masses. Here's my reasons why the Borg would benefit society:
Hope you enjoyed this blog. Also... hope you didn't read it all at once. That's a bit of a dose of CRAZY!
Now, since there are three topics, you may decide to ration these exceptional thoughts throughout your day. I suggest bookmarking this page. OR, even better, just keep the browser open on your laptop/smartphone/iPad or whatever. OR, if you won't be near a computer, print my blog out and staple it to your pants. That's the smartest way.
1. Performance Enhancing Drugs in the Workplace
We're not talking about COFFEE here. We're talking the good stuff. The stuff that's already "illegal" but still used in the sports world. C'mon, if professional athletes can make good use of drugs to progress their careers, why can't the the rest of us?
Let's be honest - at first, this sounds like a GREAT idea. Imagine an office where the mail guy runs 20MPH and can throw mail over 200 yards. Think about a staff that could answer phones, withstand brutal meetings all day and still be able to unload the office supply truck without the aid of dollies and hand carts.
Imagine just being able to type faster than 30 words per minute! (I just googled and learned that 40wpm is considered average... now I feel slow)
Sounds like a super productive work environment, right? Just a few performance enhancing cocktails to go with the doughnuts and you have yourself a thriving hyper-competitive business.
But think about it; the job market is already saturated with inexperienced college grads who are having a tough time making use of their (VERY) expensive education. Thousands fail to jump into the workplace because there aren't enough jobs to fit their years of training.
Do we really want to make the workplace MORE competitive? Do we really want to make it MORE difficult for a poor college student with zero experience to obtain an entry level position with a company? Well, if everyone IN the workplace is nearing superhuman capabilities, that's precisely what would happen.
The job market would be completely run by the few elite, highest performing, enhanced workers while the plain college kids suffer in unending misery. This would ultimately yield a collapse of civilization and result in our next topic...
2. Comparing Socialism and Zombies
At first glance, you would think these two things have NOTHING in common. However, nothing could be further from the truth. With the threat of impending social collapse due to steroid abuse in the workplace, it's only a matter of time before one of these events take place. Here's a point-by-point comparison and how to prepare.
- Both seek to destroy free thought
Socialism and zombies both aim at the same weakness - the brain. Zombies tend to devour human brains (that's where the highest concentration of fats are) while socialists simply stifle ANY thought or expression contrary to (insert current dictator here)'s wishes or desires. The socialist numbs the brain with propaganda and mind-altering mantras. The zombie numbs the brain with rancid botulism foaming from its mouth...
The way to fight against zombies and socialist mind control is to USE your head. DON'T go out where zombies are - DUH! And don't let some socialist sway you with fancy arguments about the people's rights. It sounds like social justice, but give a warped individual power over you and you forfeit your individual rights (NEVER trade your responsibilities as a human being for pleasure offered by the Devil), freedom of thought and expression being among the first to be ripped from your cold, dead, zombie hands... - Hordes
The same thing that is horrifyingly true of cockroaches is true for these two groups - If you find one, thousands are nearby...
Zombies tend to propagate in groups because they turn from civilization to undead hungry, brain suckers. Socialists gather in groups due to similar means.
In all seriousness, socialism exists for the sole purpose of making more socialists. The weak build their living off the backs of the strong. Those who work have their earnings ripped from them and it's redistributed to the poor, lazy and those who fancy themselves "in charge." It's tyranny reborn.
Combating each group is, again, the same tactic - single them out. You cannot take on an entire zombie horde. Every comic book, movie, and poorly done webisode shows the most effective way to survive a zombie horde is to bottle-neck them and single them out one by one! You can do the same thing for socialists; get them away from the chanting mobs and challenge their logic and lines of thought until they crack and see the errors of their ways.
*Note, it is almost as difficult to turn a socialist back into a human as it is to turn a zombie back into a human... - PersistenceIt doesn't matter what you throw at zombies, they will still persist until you wipe them out with nuclear force. Same goes for socialists.
Ummm... if the solution didn't seem clear from the description, you have to use nuclear force with either problem.
My sister is already in the R&D portion of creating the Borg. While she endeavors on this eventuality I'll butter up the public so that her creation can be accepted by the masses. Here's my reasons why the Borg would benefit society:
- They could wipe out our zombie/socialist problem
- We could use them as slave labor
- They could build the Enterprise and research warp coils
- Learning would be a thing of the past! We could just connect to the hive mind and download all known information (kinda like on the Matrix, but faster)
- The iPhone would FINALLY have 4G speeds
- They make better doctors - HMO costs CUT!
- Resistance would be futile
- The world could stop worrying about currency since everything was done by the Borg
- With no currency, we could ALL just enjoy life through moral betterment and soul searching
- Everyday would feel like Halloween
- There'd be no need for violence (unless futile resistance was made)
- Bunnies
- War would be at an end
- Peace in the middle east
- Efficiency in the workplace would go up 10 million percent.
- Did I mention - Resistance is futile?
Hope you enjoyed this blog. Also... hope you didn't read it all at once. That's a bit of a dose of CRAZY!
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Four Reasons why Christians Shouldn't Cheer for the Olympics
As Christians, we are called to walk on the side of Truth in EVERY situation. To that end, I've compiled a short list as to why we shouldn't be raising our voices to cheer on America in these 2012 Summer Olympics.
ONE
The whole concept of the Olympics has become a remnant of barbarism amidst these modern times. Look at what's been going on through these sports in the past few years; enhancement drugs, speculations of cheating, doping and what not. Not to mention those poor athelets. In some cultures, they pick prime candidates from children and train them for their entire lives just to compete in the games. That's their whole life. Unending practice, no social life, strict penalties for slacking off when national pride is on the line.
This is not exactly something that Christ would condone or cheer for.
Then there's the flailing morals of the atheletes themselves. London has supplied thousands of condoms to the participants in the games. After competition is complete, the olympic village might as well be called a brothel. Do you think Christians should really be lifting up a cheer?
TWO
The fact that this is a competition represents the sad fact that there will be other countries that will feel inferior due to their lack of medals. As of the 2010 Olympics, 80 countries have yet to win a medal in the olympic games. Eighty! That's a large number. All those preparations and training, all those atheletes who have spent their time and energy to compete, after all that, they still haven't tasted victory.
It's a sad testament to Christian values, which strive to embolden and build people up, when Christians support and cheer for an organization which, by its very nature, ensures that humiliation is heaped upon those countries who can't perform as well. They must endure their shame as they watch victors being adorned with precious metals and applauded for their accomplishments.
Christians shouldn't make themselves a part of something so degrading to the human spirit. In order to lift someone up and allow them to claim victory, someone must be torn down and allowed to experience defeat and humilation. Destroying self-confidence and nullifying years of hard work and training.
We shouldn't be supporting anything or anyone because it might be taken the wrong way from these countries. We shouldn't rub our greatness in their faces.
THREE
Simply cheering for America presents its own problems. Forget the fact that the rest of the world has a particular disdain for our Country, and by cheering for the US of A we solidify and cause ourselves to become in opposition with our fellow nations. When Christians cheer for America, we entrench the notion that American = Christian.
The world has cause to double hate American Christians. Go overseas and you will still find people upset at the whole Spanish Inquisition and the Crusades. I mean, c'mon. We have to stop the hate somehow. We can't become associated with this because it only fuels hatred from countries that desperately NEED to be shown Christian love.
FOUR
This whole cheering for the olympics yields nothing productive for the kingdom. SO just don't do it. Jesus would probably condemn the way we sit idly by the television waiting to see our champions claim victory when there's work to be done, souls to save, people to love. We must do better.
CONCLUSION
False: Sorry, readers. I couldn't help myself. I don't agree with anything I have just written. There is nothing wrong, biblically, with enjoying sports, rooting for your favorite team, or anything like that. This farce was inspired by this guy's blog where he uses a similar (loosely based) biblical logic to explain why the church shouldn't have supported Chick Fil'a. You can check out his blog HERE and see if you agree with his lines of thought.
I don't believe that Christ wanted us to love others at the cost of supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ. I also don't think that God ever wanted us to chicken out on doing the right thing and standing for the principles of holiness, righteousness and redemption just because it might be taken the wrong way by observers or other people.
Go, GOD! Go, AMERICA! Go, DAN CATHY! Continue to stand up for what's right amidst the onslaught of nay-sayers and critics who only want to slow down the advancement of God's kingdom.
ONE
The whole concept of the Olympics has become a remnant of barbarism amidst these modern times. Look at what's been going on through these sports in the past few years; enhancement drugs, speculations of cheating, doping and what not. Not to mention those poor athelets. In some cultures, they pick prime candidates from children and train them for their entire lives just to compete in the games. That's their whole life. Unending practice, no social life, strict penalties for slacking off when national pride is on the line.
This is not exactly something that Christ would condone or cheer for.
Then there's the flailing morals of the atheletes themselves. London has supplied thousands of condoms to the participants in the games. After competition is complete, the olympic village might as well be called a brothel. Do you think Christians should really be lifting up a cheer?
TWO
The fact that this is a competition represents the sad fact that there will be other countries that will feel inferior due to their lack of medals. As of the 2010 Olympics, 80 countries have yet to win a medal in the olympic games. Eighty! That's a large number. All those preparations and training, all those atheletes who have spent their time and energy to compete, after all that, they still haven't tasted victory.
It's a sad testament to Christian values, which strive to embolden and build people up, when Christians support and cheer for an organization which, by its very nature, ensures that humiliation is heaped upon those countries who can't perform as well. They must endure their shame as they watch victors being adorned with precious metals and applauded for their accomplishments.
Christians shouldn't make themselves a part of something so degrading to the human spirit. In order to lift someone up and allow them to claim victory, someone must be torn down and allowed to experience defeat and humilation. Destroying self-confidence and nullifying years of hard work and training.
We shouldn't be supporting anything or anyone because it might be taken the wrong way from these countries. We shouldn't rub our greatness in their faces.
THREE
Simply cheering for America presents its own problems. Forget the fact that the rest of the world has a particular disdain for our Country, and by cheering for the US of A we solidify and cause ourselves to become in opposition with our fellow nations. When Christians cheer for America, we entrench the notion that American = Christian.
The world has cause to double hate American Christians. Go overseas and you will still find people upset at the whole Spanish Inquisition and the Crusades. I mean, c'mon. We have to stop the hate somehow. We can't become associated with this because it only fuels hatred from countries that desperately NEED to be shown Christian love.
FOUR
This whole cheering for the olympics yields nothing productive for the kingdom. SO just don't do it. Jesus would probably condemn the way we sit idly by the television waiting to see our champions claim victory when there's work to be done, souls to save, people to love. We must do better.
CONCLUSION
False: Sorry, readers. I couldn't help myself. I don't agree with anything I have just written. There is nothing wrong, biblically, with enjoying sports, rooting for your favorite team, or anything like that. This farce was inspired by this guy's blog where he uses a similar (loosely based) biblical logic to explain why the church shouldn't have supported Chick Fil'a. You can check out his blog HERE and see if you agree with his lines of thought.
I don't believe that Christ wanted us to love others at the cost of supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ. I also don't think that God ever wanted us to chicken out on doing the right thing and standing for the principles of holiness, righteousness and redemption just because it might be taken the wrong way by observers or other people.
Go, GOD! Go, AMERICA! Go, DAN CATHY! Continue to stand up for what's right amidst the onslaught of nay-sayers and critics who only want to slow down the advancement of God's kingdom.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
I Hate Hate (Hypocrit)
It's about as polarized as they come. On either side there is a bitterness that cuts through any sensible logic or argument. Valid points lost amidst a fury of deeply rooted resentment. Insults hurled back and forth as trenches are dug deeper and deeper and the fight for the last few straggling followers who are yet undecided escalates to a frenzy.
I'm talking, of course, about the continued "dialogue" between the Homosexual rights activists and those who hold to Biblical Truths and morals. What probably started out with the best of intentions as a civil discussion quickly took a bathos turn and has now erupted as one of the biggest Hot-Button issues in our nation.
Why am I talking about this topic, you ask? Well, like everyone else, I have thoughts on this subject and even though my opinions are rarely popular, I am told that I am still entitled to share it at liberty.
So here goes.
There is one issue that I haven't quite been able to wrap my mind around. Maybe some of you can help me understand, and correct me if I'm WAY out of line in my perceptions on this thing called "Reality." But I saw, not too long ago, that the homosexual community strongly desires the right to marry. The right to have unions between man and man, woman and woman, stand on equal ground as that between man and woman. That's a whole can of worms in and of itself, and since I'm a Christian, I don't think there's any point in going into what I think on that aspect of this subject. BUT what I do want to comment on is the comparison the proponents had made about their quest. They said that their fight for equal rights is no different from that of the Black community searching for civil liberties.
Again, correct me if my powers of observation are lacking.
I understand why this comparison could be made. Both minorities lacking representation. Both groups feeling oppressed. Both groups desiring something that they do not have. But I think the comparison ends there...
Does anyone remember way back when, during the first thoughts about homosexual rights? Back in the late 80's early 90's? Anyone? They began talking about homosexuality as the "alternative lifestyle." This phraseology indicates a choice. Then they began to express that this was about "sexual preference." Again, a phraseology that seemed to indicate choice.
THEN, suddenly the phraseology changed. It's NOT a choice. Homsexuals are BORN this way. It's NATURAL. It no longer became about freedom of choice. They changed the rhetoric to say "We have no choice in who we are. Are we not allowed to express who we are?"
Now, I'm not one to say that homosexuals are or are not born the way they are. I'm not an expert on DNA, I cannot with any certainty deny or validate that claim. The thing is, neither can they; nor any expert in the genetic field...
But, from my particular viewpoint, I'm willing to concede on this point in this capacity - I believe that there are people who are born with the capacity and propencity to be attracted to members of the same gender. That assertion does not disagree with biblical teaching at all. But it also doesn't help the homosexual proponents' argument and this misplaced comparison either...
See, the whole point of the civil rights movement was to say (in a nutshell), "We ARE the same (HUMAN BEINGS) as you, and should be treated as such even though we LOOK differently." The crux of the argument for civil rights (and I should say, aptly supported by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.) was that people are people. We are the same despite color or outside appearance. The segregation and treatment of colored people during that period was grossly wrong and detestable. And our nation was made to see the light on that issue.
The whole point of the homosexual movement (in a nutshell) has been, "We are DIFFERENT, but we demand to be treated the SAME." All you have to do is look at the rhetoric leading up to the current time to see this is true.
But, even if someone is born with a predisposition to homosexual tendencies, that does not mean that people are born homosexual. Someone is homosexual when they engage in sexual activities with someone of the same gender. From the biblical perspective, EVERYONE is born with a predisposition to sin. Gay, straight, whatever. And sexual sin is a common one. You're not an adulterer until you engage in sexual activity or lust towards a woman who is not your wife.
All I'm saying is that even straight people have to deal with the sin nature given their apparent orientation.
This is precisely why, given my biblical perspective, I find it so wrong that the homosexual community has made this comparison. Black people truly have no choice. They are born with their color. And simply because of that, they were mistreated. That was wrong.
Homosexuals may be born with a predisposition to be attracted to members of the same sex, but they (like everyone) have the choice to act on those impulses or not. I find it distasteful to liken the fight for equality in sexual preference to the fight for equality of a truly persecuted people group.
At this time, many states that have had laws against sodomy have looked the other way, or removed those laws. It's not illegal to be gay. There are no segregated washrooms for homosexuals. They are not second class citizens. They cannot be fired based on sexual orientation. They cannot be refused being hired either. Seems to me that they have the civil rights in the bag. The only thing they desire is this redefinition of marriage to allow them the same rights for what has been reserved solely for union between a man and woman.
Disintegrate the integrity of marriage based on sexual preference, and you open up the possibility of other, far worse, things. I know people have gone off the deep end and say, hypothetically, where will it end? People can get benefits for marrying animals? Who's to put a stop on love? More legitimately, what about people who decide that polygomy (something we have already taken a clear stance on as a country) is their sexual preference. That they simply have too much love for one man or woman?
What it boils down to is this; if you break the integrity of marriage on the weak argument for sexual preference which is hiding behind this call for "equal rights" then you may as well shatter the whole thing. It'd only be a matter of time. If 3% of the population is all it takes to make this change, then a million polygymists will push for their cause. Will we make an exception for them too? If they holler loud enough will we yield to their cry for equality? What if two hundred thousand who practice beastiality make a march on Washington, will we allow for animal lovers to receive similar benefits? Sexual preference... Equal rights... same thing as the Civil Rights movement? Maybe only in their resolve, definitely NOT in essence.
That's my two cents. Whether or not they're worth anything, only time will tell.
I'm talking, of course, about the continued "dialogue" between the Homosexual rights activists and those who hold to Biblical Truths and morals. What probably started out with the best of intentions as a civil discussion quickly took a bathos turn and has now erupted as one of the biggest Hot-Button issues in our nation.
Why am I talking about this topic, you ask? Well, like everyone else, I have thoughts on this subject and even though my opinions are rarely popular, I am told that I am still entitled to share it at liberty.
So here goes.
There is one issue that I haven't quite been able to wrap my mind around. Maybe some of you can help me understand, and correct me if I'm WAY out of line in my perceptions on this thing called "Reality." But I saw, not too long ago, that the homosexual community strongly desires the right to marry. The right to have unions between man and man, woman and woman, stand on equal ground as that between man and woman. That's a whole can of worms in and of itself, and since I'm a Christian, I don't think there's any point in going into what I think on that aspect of this subject. BUT what I do want to comment on is the comparison the proponents had made about their quest. They said that their fight for equal rights is no different from that of the Black community searching for civil liberties.
Again, correct me if my powers of observation are lacking.
I understand why this comparison could be made. Both minorities lacking representation. Both groups feeling oppressed. Both groups desiring something that they do not have. But I think the comparison ends there...
Does anyone remember way back when, during the first thoughts about homosexual rights? Back in the late 80's early 90's? Anyone? They began talking about homosexuality as the "alternative lifestyle." This phraseology indicates a choice. Then they began to express that this was about "sexual preference." Again, a phraseology that seemed to indicate choice.
THEN, suddenly the phraseology changed. It's NOT a choice. Homsexuals are BORN this way. It's NATURAL. It no longer became about freedom of choice. They changed the rhetoric to say "We have no choice in who we are. Are we not allowed to express who we are?"
Now, I'm not one to say that homosexuals are or are not born the way they are. I'm not an expert on DNA, I cannot with any certainty deny or validate that claim. The thing is, neither can they; nor any expert in the genetic field...
But, from my particular viewpoint, I'm willing to concede on this point in this capacity - I believe that there are people who are born with the capacity and propencity to be attracted to members of the same gender. That assertion does not disagree with biblical teaching at all. But it also doesn't help the homosexual proponents' argument and this misplaced comparison either...
See, the whole point of the civil rights movement was to say (in a nutshell), "We ARE the same (HUMAN BEINGS) as you, and should be treated as such even though we LOOK differently." The crux of the argument for civil rights (and I should say, aptly supported by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.) was that people are people. We are the same despite color or outside appearance. The segregation and treatment of colored people during that period was grossly wrong and detestable. And our nation was made to see the light on that issue.
The whole point of the homosexual movement (in a nutshell) has been, "We are DIFFERENT, but we demand to be treated the SAME." All you have to do is look at the rhetoric leading up to the current time to see this is true.
But, even if someone is born with a predisposition to homosexual tendencies, that does not mean that people are born homosexual. Someone is homosexual when they engage in sexual activities with someone of the same gender. From the biblical perspective, EVERYONE is born with a predisposition to sin. Gay, straight, whatever. And sexual sin is a common one. You're not an adulterer until you engage in sexual activity or lust towards a woman who is not your wife.
All I'm saying is that even straight people have to deal with the sin nature given their apparent orientation.
This is precisely why, given my biblical perspective, I find it so wrong that the homosexual community has made this comparison. Black people truly have no choice. They are born with their color. And simply because of that, they were mistreated. That was wrong.
Homosexuals may be born with a predisposition to be attracted to members of the same sex, but they (like everyone) have the choice to act on those impulses or not. I find it distasteful to liken the fight for equality in sexual preference to the fight for equality of a truly persecuted people group.
At this time, many states that have had laws against sodomy have looked the other way, or removed those laws. It's not illegal to be gay. There are no segregated washrooms for homosexuals. They are not second class citizens. They cannot be fired based on sexual orientation. They cannot be refused being hired either. Seems to me that they have the civil rights in the bag. The only thing they desire is this redefinition of marriage to allow them the same rights for what has been reserved solely for union between a man and woman.
Disintegrate the integrity of marriage based on sexual preference, and you open up the possibility of other, far worse, things. I know people have gone off the deep end and say, hypothetically, where will it end? People can get benefits for marrying animals? Who's to put a stop on love? More legitimately, what about people who decide that polygomy (something we have already taken a clear stance on as a country) is their sexual preference. That they simply have too much love for one man or woman?
What it boils down to is this; if you break the integrity of marriage on the weak argument for sexual preference which is hiding behind this call for "equal rights" then you may as well shatter the whole thing. It'd only be a matter of time. If 3% of the population is all it takes to make this change, then a million polygymists will push for their cause. Will we make an exception for them too? If they holler loud enough will we yield to their cry for equality? What if two hundred thousand who practice beastiality make a march on Washington, will we allow for animal lovers to receive similar benefits? Sexual preference... Equal rights... same thing as the Civil Rights movement? Maybe only in their resolve, definitely NOT in essence.
That's my two cents. Whether or not they're worth anything, only time will tell.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Both Sides of the Coin
They say that if you flip a coin enough times, it will land on either side 50% of the time based on the laws of probability. The outcome simply has to do with chance. But, you could take any set number of times and get some extreme results; like having 20 times of landing on heads.
This is interesting because it doesn't negate the law of probability, it just shows that there are circumstances, due to odds and other factors, that allow for this random and spectacular event to take place.
But if I were to see someone flip a coin and have it land on heads 50 times, I would begin to doubt that there was another side to that coin...
Sometimes, I think this is how people look at God. We focus on the love of God, his promises, his Justice, His grace and mercy. We concentrate on the things of God that make us feel good and fuzzy. We look at Jesus as this smiling guy approving all of our actions and are comforted by what we believe he stands for - acceptance and forgiveness. And, indeed, he does stand for that.
But as we read the gospels, many of us forget the flip side of the coin. We forget about the jealous God of Israel who loves us with such an incredible passion that his rage has burned against whose who had turned against him and rejected him. We forget that God punished with unabashed intensity those who place themselves as enemies of God. We neglect the fact that God's expectations for us are beyond what any of us can accomplish on our own. We fail to realize that failure is not an option...
Our perspective of God is incredibly important. A flawed perspective causes us to cast our own insecurities and incorrectly assume who God is. All through the Bible, it is GOD himself who reveals his attributes and character. He is the Loving Creator, the Provider, the Sustainer of life. He is the Lion of Judah, the Great "I AM." He is the Mighty God, a Jealous God. He is Sovereign, Omnipotent. He is the God of Justice. He is Holy. He is the Beginning and the end. He is Ruler of all.
To just look at half of God's qualities is to commit the sin of myopic perspective. When we only focus on what we determine to be God's predominant attributes (love, grace, mercy, etc...) we skew who God is. He is storing up wrath for the day of judgment. Jonathan Edwards had it right when he wrote "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."
But wait! How can God be full of love AND angry at the same time?
People, He is BEYOND our understanding. He is God. He is able to contain every emotion, express them in complete Holiness at the same time. He is not flawed, nor does he express the petty and corrupted type of emotions that we humans experience. Just as his thoughts are higher than our own, I believe that if we were able to grasp even a taste of the intensity of God's emotions, our brains would explode.
All I'm saying is that for us to deny God the expression of who HE is by putting him in the poorly constructed and shabby box of emotions that we understand is a travesty. God is perfectly capable of revealing who He is.
Anytime I hear someone say "I don't think God is like that." or "I don't think God would do that." I cringe on the inside.
HOW CAN YOU NOT KNOW?!? Are you resting on your own thoughts of God? Have you not allowed HIM to reveal His character and likeness to you? Have you sought Him? Have you even read His word? Do you not know that our God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow? He has already revealed who He is...
It's the "think" that irks me. It signals to me that people are either unsure of who God really is, or they are so lost in the specifics that they aren't letting God speak for Himself. They're determining who God is based on their own understanding... Not good enough.
My challenge to anyone still reading - Stop! For just a minute, stop trying to place God in the box of your own understanding. Stop trying to fit God into your perception of the universe and life philosophy. Stop imagining God as the soft and fuzzy omnipotent father of love. (Not saying that's not part of who he is) But let GOD show you who he is.
This is the difference between having a God we can relate to and understand; a God we're comfortable with and experiencing a God who is beyond our understanding. A God worthy of our respect and awe. In fearful wonder we can approach his thrown and humble ourselves before the Lord God Almighty. Letting God show us who He is will break your world. His power can, then, fully be expressed in your life. His word will wreck your understanding. His will destroys your pomp and destroy the vanity of your intelligence. All this happens when we abandon our preconceived notions and allow God, and His Word, to correct our flawed ideas of who He truly is.
Let God be God. He is beyond even our highest concept of Him. That is much more terrifying than our lack-luster conception, but it is also far more comforting to me.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Brainage Drainage
Umm... I have no excuse. I've had so much on my mind and have simply neglected to post my thought on the blog so so many wonderful (and anonymous) people can read them at will.
...
Sometimes I find that thought disconcerting. Who are you people? Why do you read my blog and don't post a thought or comment? Do you even read it?!? What if peope just click on the page because the title seems interesting and then skim the first line and declare "BORING!" and skip to the next blog?... The potenitality for judgment frightens me... oh well. Who cares?
Anyway, these past few weeks have been a blur of events and a whirlwind of adventure and responsibilities. If you've made it this far, I'm guessing that means you're interested in what's been up. Here's what's what!
Massive preparations have been happening for District Youth camp here in Florida. On Monday, over 70 students fom across the Sunshine State will assemble for a retreat from the culture and civilized world they are used to. I'm responsible to make sure everyone has paid, gets registered and that all the cool things (t-shirts, waterbottles, give-away-ables, etc.) are present and accounted for. Also games and activities. Lots to be coordinated.
That, on top of making sure all my bases are covered for the week I will be gone. On TOP of making sure all my bases were covered this PAST week. I was in Tampa for a conference with all the Wesleyan Pastors in Florida. What a wonderful... uhh... what's the opposite of vacation?
Whatever that word is, that was it. Stuff to be taken care of with different people at that conference. Driving here and there. I love driving. Got to put an extra 600 miles on my car that week. JOY! Was drafted into the worship team for two nights of celebration during the conference. A few hours of practice filled my afternoons. It was a distinct privilege to share that responsibility, but also very taxing (I'm not THAT great a musician. I'm just good at pretending).
BUT! My best friend in the whole world flew in from Wisconsin just to see me for that week. It was good to see her. She and I have been friends for the past... 15-16 years which makes her the oldest surviving participant in the craziness that is my life. She should get a plaque or something, seriously.
Wait, you're wondering why my best friend happened to be down for a random conference? Oh. Well on Friday of that conference, I received my full credentials as an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church. A fairly big deal. My friend and LOTS of family and church family came over to see that service for this occasion. It was heartwarming.
So, this week, I've been pushing to get all my ducks in a row for this youth camp. In the wake of such an eventful week, I'm feeling very weak. There's a billion and a half things that need to be done. Details that need to be finessed, loose ends to tie and I'm just hoping that everything is in place so that things don't crumble like a house of cards. But in my frantic last-minute time frame, I'm slowing down and losing ground in the energy department. Even now, as I sit, sipping some iced coffee at Starbucks, it's all my body can do to stay awake and alert enough to finish this blog. This blog post that has been serving as a distraction and short break from the work that is a necessity for me to finish! AHHH!
Pressure.
These are the weeks that breed hardened and tested endurance. I will relish the fact that a vacation will not be far away after all these things have been accomplished. A chance for relaxation and restoration will be available. Fresh breath can fill my soul again. My mind and muscles can be rejuvenated. My batteries can be recharged for another go. I can hardly wait.
Thanks for reading, by the way. If you have in fact read this far, you are truly a fan. I've said nothing of consequence, but you've obviously developed an interest in my life because you are still devouring my words and thoughts that simply express my comings and goings. Why are you still reading? It's time to comment, let me know that you have been here, leave YOUR mark. Express your thoughts so I can read and enjoy them.
Tell me, what pressures YOU most in your busy weeks? Is it work? Family? Friends? Unforeseen crises?!? How do you relieve yourself of that stress and make it through?
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