50% Student/Employee, 30% Internet/Online Community Member/Video Gamer, 10% Family Member, 9% Athlete/Club Member (for students), 1% Christian

Unfortunately, the above numbers are typically more true, than not; in particular the 1% Christian part. I don’t believe Christians set out to be 1% Christian, but somehow their lives have developed so that only 1% of their time/effort/thoughts are Christ-centered, the rest is merely “life.” This is what I refer to as “Categorical Christianity.” Categorical in that they live their lives in categories: “right now I am being an employee, later I will be a student, after that I will be a Christian.” Yes, I know that Christians rarely throw away their title of “Christian,” but rarely do I see it influence or become the foundation of the other “areas” of their lives (with the exception of maybe being persuaded to be more moral – not doing as many “bad” things). In family life, relationships/marriage (to include deciding WHO to marry), school, work, online communities and other areas/categories, faith is something that is typically done on Sundays (and occasional Wednesdays or other days). Here’s how this (categorical Christianity) plays out in everyday life:

• Christians support rights more than Biblical standard (such as a well known Christian politician supporting a woman’s rights over protecting the lives of unborn children)


• Christians choose to date/marry non-Christians rather than pursue a relationship where God is supreme according to both partners (yes, I know many non-believing spouses become believers because of their spouse’s faith, but so to do many marriages crumble because of such foundations… it even crippled a nation – checkout King Solomon dividing Israel in 1 Kings)


• Christians embrace being entertained above purity, choosing to accept and allow movies, music, television, fashion, etc. into their lives that rarely reflect anything of Godly character


• Christians choose to work (or anything – school, clubs, sports, etc.) over church (yes, I know – “you don’t have to go to church to be a Christian,” but obviously it must have some sort of importance otherwise Christ wouldn’t have created it… this is another conversation for another time, so I’ll digress for now…)

These are but a very FEW examples (I didn’t even really touch family, friends, school, jobs, etc.). In each of these examples, a Christian’s faith is categorized – separated from their lives and/or decisions. I’m not saying Christians should live according to a bunch of Christian rules and regulations, but that their so-called “faith” (the “Rock” upon which they are supposed to build their lives) ought to be the foundation for their lives and decisions. That it ought to be: more important than anything else, the goal/drive of their lives and the place from which they make their decisions.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” (James 1:22-26)

And that’s what being a 1% (Categorical) Christian is all about, Charlie Brown…

Back Again

I apologize for the delay in posts. I've been out of town for a week and away from the world wide web. Just got back in last night and will have another post in a day or so.

My Musical Shindig (Music that's moved me lately)

Music has been a major part of my life since I can remember. From hearing my dad play “Born Free” repeatedly on his Oldes Trumpet (no, not “old” though it was that, too :-) ) to listening to music with him (while occasionally listening to he and my mom belt out the tunes) like Alabama, Chicago, old school Aerosmith, The Carpenters, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, country artists whose names I cannot remember and more.

As a child I also began to play music so instead of just listening to it, I began creating music on trumpet (though I must admit it took some years before “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and “Hot Cross Buns” actually sounded audible and worthy of any sort of audience). Even as a Christian music has played a pivotal role in my growth as a Believer. Groups or artists like Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, DC Talk, Jars of Clay and Audio Adrenaline were major influences in my early Christian life in a time where I looked to find music that represented my faith.

I’m not sure what it is about the power of music, but it truly has the power to communicate and move someone. The power to speak what is on the minds and hearts of the listener, though they may not be poetic enough to say it in quite such a creative manner. I am a HUGE fan of music!!! I love music of most varieties (though country is still a work in progress I must admit, despite living in the South and being raised on a healthy musical diet of it): Rap, rock (thanks in large part to my wife), classical, jazz, big band, alternative (which is now becoming more “indie rock,” I suppose), R&B, hymns, etc.

On occasion I find groups or artists whose “voice,” so to speak, speaks above the rest…whose content speaks volumes, captivates my attention and speaks for my heart... whose music is original and creative and seeks to distinguish itself from the rest… whose artist/band members’ lives only confirm further the message they share in song. A group or artist whose music has something to say but doesn’t allow message or music to override the other (such as a song with great content/message but poorly played/arranged music or great music and message with terrible/poorly written lyrics). Few groups get it just right and I think I’ve got a few that I think you’re going to enjoy as well. These are some of my favorites... some of these are a little older, some newer, but check them out and see what you think:

David Crowder Band
Amazing lyrics and music, this band is a fun and has a unique sound to them. If you know me personally you know I have all their music and listen to them often. If they had to be contained in a genre, I’d probably label them (hesitantly): alternative/worship.
http://www.davidcrowderband.com/

Toby Mac
One of the three members of DC Talk, this man is a very gifted musician. Not in a classical way, but with turn-tables, producing/arranging skills he has redefined Christian hip-hop. Most importantly is his unwavering love for God and the passion in which He seeks to worship Him. Creative lyrics, amazing beats, and a healthy dose of reality fill his albums. Genre: Hip-hop, rock/rap, etc.
http://www.tobymac.com/

My Favorite Rap Artists:
Each of these guys have SOLID lyrics (many times talking about deep theological stuff versus just becoming a happy Christian)! They are all very good and from the same label (CrossMovement Records/Ministries). I usually have one or more of them playing in my youth group each Sunday!
Lecrae - http://www.reachrecords.com/index.php
Flame - http://www.flame314.com/
The Ambassador - http://www.theambassadoronline.com/
d.a. T.R.U.T.H. – http://www.datruth.net/
Phanatik – http://www.beaphanatik.com/

NEWBIE PICK - Leeland
I’ve recently come across an band that has risen to the top of my MP3 player and Windows Media Player play list: LEELAND. I featured one of their songs in youth group two weeks ago and have listened to their album a few more times since. Their lyrics are thoughtful and deep, their music is creative and different and their hearts are sincere! The lead singer (Leeland) is 20 (they released their first album when he was only 16) and was recently recruited by Michael W. Smith to help him write six of the songs on his newest album. http://leelandonline.com/

Some of my favorite songs from their new album:
“Let it Out Now” (http://www.ilike.com/artist/Leeland/track/Let+It+Out+Now – somebody’s own video to their song… only have the link so you can hear the song)
“Brighter Days” (http://www.ilike.com/artist/Leeland/track/Brighter+Days)

And that's what me diggin' music is all about Charlie Brown...

TV Abandons Marriage

The Parents Television Council has released its findings in their independent study regarding Sex on Television. Not surprisingly, sex in marriage is being abandoned in favor of non-marital sex, sexual dialogue, adultery, etc.

This is definitely not news to anyone as all you have to do is watch television to see this trend being lived out. However, when the numbers are put together it is rather heart-breaking.

One term they used in their study was "the Family Hour" (8:00-9:00pm) - I had forgotten all about that hour. I haven't heard it used in so long that I forgot that it existed (I bet most teens have no idea what I'm talking about). Long gone are the days of The Cosby Show (a show I used to watch regularly with my family) and other family-friendly programs.

Now instead, these are the options we get to pick from (something most teens look at adults and say "what's the big deal?" because they're so used to seeing/hearing it):

- The Family Hour contained the highest frequency of references to non-married sex as opposed to references to sex in marriage, by a ratio of 3.9:1. During the 9:00 and 10:00 hours, the references to non-marital versus marital sex averaged 2.5:1.

- Verbal references to non-marital sex outnumbered references to sex in the context of marriage by nearly 3 to 1

- Scenes depicting or implying sex between non-married partners outnumbered scenes depicting or implying sex between married partners by a ratio of nearly 4 to 1

To see the full report, click here: https://www.parentstv.org/ptc/publications/reports/sexontv/marriagestudy.pdf

It's a 24 page document, but the first 2 pages contain the bulk of their findings.

MY TWO CENTS:
I'm not advocating for the removal of sex from television or think its taboo (sex). What I am advocating for is television shows, networks, advertisers, etc. to put sex in its proper context: the marriage relationship between a husband and wife. Celebrate sex for what it is designed to be and in what relationship it is to be enjoyed. Don't glamorize it as a consequence-free endeavor and primary way to share feelings with others (or just to get lusts satisfied).
Bring back the healthy, marital relationship where husbands like Cliff Huxtable (from The Cosby Show) love and honor their wife and chase her upstairs after noting excitedly "Hey, hey... the KIDS are ASLEEP!". Give teens something to look forward to in marriage ("I can't wait to have someone that loves me like that") versus talking bad about marriage and sex in marriage ("I don't have sex, I'm married") or saying/acting bluntly "who needs marriage? Have fun now!"

GOOD JOB PARENT TV COUNCIL on this report!!!

And that's what I think about marriage on TV ought to be Charlie Brown...

Protesting Sexuality?

Over the weekend a member of our church emailed me about a gentleman who is petitioning our local mall to ask its Abercrombie and Fitch store to remove an inappropriate picture from the front of its store. Since getting that email several local news stations have picked up the story and have aired further coverage on it, to include others’ view of the ad. To be clear, I have never been a fan of Abercrombie. I like their clothing (the kind that actually covers bodies in a stylish fashion, not the kind that appear to be suffering from an apparent fabric-shortage), but struggle supporting what they endorse and stand for, so I never shop there.

So... I am writing this entry for a few reasons: (1) Clarify why I support the petition, (2) to discuss where I think the petition is lacking, (3) and to call on Christians to take this a step further.

Why I Support the Petition:

First, I appreciate that the petition is addressed to the Triangle Town Centre Mall. I do not petition Abercrombie (as I’ve already stated – they are who they are and the only thing that speaks to them is $$... sales are up, so nudity and sexually suggestive ads and catalogues will be too), but I do petition the mall to enforce its own code of conduct. Patrons and models in window ads ought to meet the same criteria for appropriateness. If any ad (regardless of store) does not meet their criteria for decency (as established by their posted codes of conduct) then the mall ought to enforce its policy. Regardling their claim that the ad is "legal" - of course it is legal. It's private property, they have the "right" to post almost anything they want. The issue is not whether or not it's "legal" but whether or not it's appropriate.

Second, I think all people ought to work to protect innocence (or in America’s case, reinstate it) and sexuality. Some opponents of the petition state that people shouldn’t protest sexuality – I agree wholeheartedly. However, this ad isn’t “sexuality,” it is voyeurism and it objectifies sexuality (instead of celebrating it in its right place and relationship: marriage).

Third, I appreciate that the petition is simple in its request: move the picture inside the store and put a more appropriate one in its place (such as one that has, oh I don’t know, a picture of their clothing in it – I digress). It is a very smart and reasonable request that doesn’t try to regulate or legislate the store’s morality (or lack thereof).

Fourth, it is a well organized campaign that, for the most part, keeps the main thing the main thing: making the mall a family-friendly place.

Where I Think the Petition's Reasoning Falls Short
I think my main issue with the petition is a fairly minor one that deals more with the petitioner’s argument. I believe the originator of the petition and complaint, Mr. Jimmy Stopper (I love the irony of his last name with this issue), makes a hasty generalization in his appeal to the public for support by claiming (in CAPITAL LETTERS) that “every child is FORCED to look at [the picture]”. I agree that the picture (as are several pictures/ads in the mall from time to time) is inappropriate and ought not to be available to the eyes of the general public. However, to claim that anyone is “forced” to look at it is entirely inaccurate and an irresponsible use of wording. All that sort of claim does is seek to appeal to the emotion which inevitably evokes an emotional response from all sides that rarely meets in the middle for dialogue.

Call on Christians to Take It a Step Further
I am not here to encourage readers to sign the petition themselves (that is a personal call). There are bigger issues at stake here that I want to address that have nothing to do with picketing, boycotting or petitioning: namely the worship of the One, True God with our whole hearts, minds, souls and strengths. Matter of fact, if worshipping and following Him were happening, there’d be little to no need for any sort of protesting actions. So my call is to Christians of all ages (in particular those who typically consume culture blindly, arguing, “they’re just clothes – I don’t support what they stand for”) to CONTEND FOR THE FAITH with your lives.

Live…
1. …like GOD matters more to you than anything else.
2. …like He is the Creator and gives us the responsibility to not only be (responsible) consumers/participants of culture, but to also be creators and influencers of culture!
3. …like we have a choice in who and/or what we worship by choosing to walk the “narrow path” that leads to Life.
4. ...lives of integrity (in public or private, with our choices of entertainment and clothing, in our relationships, etc.).

For more info about the petition/advertisement…

The Petition’s Page (Move the Picture):
http://www.movethepicture.com/index.php

One local news station’s coverage of the petition:
http://www.abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6303025

And that's what "protesting sexuality?" is all about Charlie Brown...