Christian the Christian (Christian Squared)

Three People You're Likely to Meet in Your Church (Which One Are You?)

2010-04-14T14:37:00.006-04:00

While it is agreed you will see people with all sorts of different makeups in your church (socioeconomic backgrounds, races, personalities, jobs/careers, ages, etc.), all people attending can in large part be grouped into three major categories that have very little to do with any of those makeups.
They are:

Observer (one who makes an appearance regularly or irregularly, has little to nothing to do with the function of the church and simply shows up for the show, so to speak, and leaves; it's not that they are not interested in the church, but that is their only desired level of involvement; this is usually a temporary phase as they will usually transition into one of the other categories over time or out of the church altogether)
Participant/Contributor (one who understands the mission/purpose of the church and Scripture and wishes to be a part of it, both personally and corporately; it is a growing stage - as they learn more their participation evolves to fill needs and be part of the larger goal or vision)
Consumer (one who is there to consume anything that means something to them; if they enjoy social work, then they serve at every function; if they love a good sermon, then they go to a church with a dynamic pastor; if music what moves them, then they go where the band is exactly their style; consumers are not big into changing, but would rather see the church evolve to fit their needs and often times assumes that others around them have those exact same needs; when the product well runs dry or stale to them, the consumer leaves and looks for another church able/willing to meet their needs)

While these are not fool-proof categories, they are good for our present conversation.

Of the three categories, churches need Contributors and Observers. They are vital to the life and growth of the church. Observers are people who do not usually understand what church or theology are and are observing as a way of learning and deciding. These are not the seemingly cold individuals who show up every week and leave before the prayer is over so as to avoid any contact. These are the individuals who new or old are showing up, observing the religious practices, rituals and beliefs of the church, weighing them with what they see outside the church (to include what is seen in the lives of the believers), comparing them to their own lives and deciding if there appears to be any merit or truth to God, the Scriptures, the church or its mission. The presence of a large number of observers shows participants/contributors are taking their mission and purpose seriously.

Contributors are the people of the church who at one point in their lives were observers or consumers and came to understand the mission of God the Father ("to seek and save that which is lost", to restore man to Himself, and to make possible a relationship between Himself and man). They then changed categories and sought to become regular participants in His church and His mission. How does such a change take place?

Simply put (harder to actually commit to or follow through with): repentance. They realized the folly of their faith/worship and turned away from self worship and self service and began worshipping God.

Consumers kill churches or, worse yet, breed more consumer-based churches. The idea that man is at the center of the Gospel kills churches. God did not seek to worship man by saving Him; Christ's death on the cross and man's subsequent ability to turn to God was all about God's fame, not man's. If churches place the burden of their mission, resources and efforts in reaching the consumers, they will either: (1) kill their church (in the long run), (2) burn their pastors/lay leaders out, (3) mislead thousands with false theology (because their theology is more anthropology, with theological overtones), or (4) create more consumer churches that will do one or all of #1, #2 and #3. Unless consumers repent, they WILL leave churches or destroy churches.

Which one are you?

A participant? Do you read for yourself in Scripture about God's passion for Himself and mission for mankind (to give them His absolute best - Himself)? Do you show up at church looking for ways to serve the elders, leaders and observers? Do you look for ways to be part of the vision of the church? Is repentance a key part of your life (turning from self centered worship and giving worship back to whom it belongs - God)?

A consumer? Do you read Scripture to help get you through the week or make your day a little bit better? Do you show up at church because it makes you feel better and meets some sort of felt need? Do you expect your pastors/leaders to be available to you around the clock (and compare them to other pastors you hear about in the community)? Do you participate in serving or long-rang vision plans of your church only if you think there is something in it for you or your family? Are you overly critical of the programs or ministries of your church?
If yes: Is it altogether impossible that maybe the centrality of your faith has been placed in the wrong place, and you've become one who worships the created instead of the Creator. If this is you, repentance is necessary and reordering your worship is key to becoming a real contributor/participant in God's mission for mankind.

An observer? Are you seeking truth? Looking for answers and trying to reconcile what you understand faith to be with what you read in Scripture or see before you? Trying to distinguish the difference/relationship between morals and faith? Do you have big questions in need of real answers, not just the typical Christian mantra "you just gotta have faith"?
Continue asking questions and seeking answers from true men and women of faith and a Bible-centered church. If there is anything I might be able to do to help you in this endeavor, feel free to email me (christianthechristian.c2@gmail.com) or post a question in the comment section. If you'd like help finding a Bible-based church in your area, email me.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to ask a question or comment!

Photo borrowed from Bilbeny.
________________

Trade in Your Bible for Porn

2010-03-19T14:48:00.007-04:00

Students of the Atheist Agenda club (excuse me, organization) at the University of Texas at San Antonio recently led a campaign to get students to trade in their Bibles or Korans for free porn. They called the initiative "Smut for Smut" stating that the violence in the religious texts are the causes of religious fighting and wars.

While I am not an advocate of the Koran (I believe all religions have some sort of truth in them in that they all usually teach Biblically true morals or lifestyles - love others, stand up against injustice, etc.; however, this is not to be confused with the assertion that all religions are True because it is not logically possible... see my explanation on this by clicking here), but I do not believe it to be smut, and I obviously do not consider the sexuality, violence or anything else in the Bible to be smut, either. (That's another conversation for another day)

Contrary to their organization's public statements, this campaign of theirs has very little to do with actually opening the channels of communication and instead is nothing short of a smear campaign against organized religion. Rather than write for pages as to my response, I will instead summarize my response in a few points and leave the door open for real conversation (feel free to speak your heart/mind by commenting on this post):

Regarding their initiative and hope for dialogue: Logically and respectfully, if their organization's intention truly was to "talk," wouldn't it seem more polite and sincere to just sit down with Christians/Muslims instead of insult them?

A question: Why put porn in people's hands in exchange for their Bibles (is it to be their new "Bible")? Based solely on this initiative, would it be safe to assume that atheist do have a god and authority, but instead of it being a person or entity, it is personal pleasure ("do what feels right")? Since most atheists argue it is possible to have a moral compass and not believe in God, wouldn't this smut for smut initiative speak against such a notion ("let's counter supposedly 'wrong' reading with more 'wrong' reading")? Granted, each of these is its own conversation, but are worthy questions none-the-less.

A point for consideration: the reason the atheist agenda would seek to have people turn in their Bibles/Korans is so that those people are supposedly free to live however they want, with no authority over their lives other than themselves. Since the Bible speaks against sin (living against God), people are forced to make a choice when reading it. They can either (1) ignore those parts of the Bible (focusing on the parts they like better), (2) call those parts and morals of the Bible ancient and no longer relative to our culture, (3) turn their back altogether on (their) faith and embrace their new god - pleasure.

While I wholeheartedly stand against everything the Atheist Agenda stands for and speaks against, at least they know where the heart of the discussion is: God's Word. Now all they have to do is get it out of people's hands - and in this case they hope to replace it with other reading material.

NOTE: Having a Bible is not enough. Nor is it enough to just have one and flip it open in times of anguish. God's Word is our source of Truth, hope, love and understanding of life from Him who created it. The further people grow and walk from it the more confusing life gets and the more relative their truth becomes.

What do you think? Join the conversation. Click here to post a comment or question.

NOTE: The image above is not from the Atheist Agenda campaign. It is an atheist bus tour not related to the campaign I wrote about.
___________________________

Change of Plans

2010-03-11T11:52:00.004-05:00

With the reality of my present schedule, ministry life, family life and my work right now in trying to get a small team of teens adults to Kenya, Africa I have decided to extend my hiatus to the summer.

However, this will be a partial hiatus. Instead of publishing daily entries, I will now try to make weekly submissions. Once things begin to subside in the summer I hope to return to daily submissions.

Thank you all for your patience. Please pray for this endeavor to lead a team to Kenya. There is much ahead of us (in particular training and raising the support necessary to get us there). This is a big deal for our small church as we have never in our 100+ year history sent a delegation of teens overseas before (the last group of adults we sent overseas was 17 or so years ago), nor have we actually planted/started another church before - in the U.S. or internationally. Our prayer is that in June we will be able to do this with our first ever delegation of teens!

Thank you in advance for your prayers!
Until next time...
Christian

_________________

HIATUS

2009-12-11T09:34:00.004-05:00

Faithful C2 readers: I will be back soon. The tail end of 2009 has been full of ups and downs (I was sick with pneumonia, had several ministry challenges, commitments and more). With the Christmas season here and my increased level of commitments (family and church) I have decided to take a small break from blogging and plan to return in January 2010 (3 weeks away). Thank you for your understanding.

Merry Christmas to you all. Happy New Year.

Let us never forget to thank God for His Grace and to live lives dedicated to loving God with all of our thoughts, actions, desires and more. And when we fall short of doing that, let us turn back to Him who has already given us life and Grace in abundance!
Philippians 3:1-14

_____________________

Bud-Bucks? Caribou Cannabis? Green Mountain Hemp? Dunkin Dope? Java Janes? Daily Chronic?

2009-11-14T09:51:00.013-05:00

So it turns out that Amsterdam is coming to America. Legalizing marijuana (for "medicinal purposes" - though it is still banned federally) all but ensured this would happen eventually... well that time is now.

In a sort of "don't ask, don't tell" kind of way, the Cannabis Cafe is distributing medical marijuana and providing a room that is out of public sight for users to get toked, er treat their ailments together... over a cup of coffee, a snack and whatever else they need to cure their munchies... er, deal with the effects of their medical treatment. One day in the not too distant future the cafe plans to offer Cannabis Community College (too many jokes, I'll refrain) to educate their "medicated" constituents on the environmental benefits of hemp and how they can grow it themselves.

Seriously, for those that genuinely see the medical benefits of Pot, how does this benefit your cause? Why not have a Pharmacist on site to handout antibiotics, too? This way you can treat sinus infection and glaucoma AND treat your "case of the munchies" all at the same time.

I'm sorry, but for all the "benefits" medical marijuana may (or may not) have, this goes to show that it is nothing short of a step in the wrong direction. People are not as concerned with the science of Pot as they are the High. To guise a harmful drug as helpful (even if it is for certain symptoms or illnesses, it still presents users with other major health issues - not to mention it impairs their judgment) is dangerous and highly irresponsible.

LEGALIZE POT
Regarding the "people are going to do it anyway, why not legalize it?" argument (which is the real reason this cafe exists - the hobby of smoking weed), I will not waste much time on this other than to say - "really? That is your argument?" Let's see how that "people are gonna do it and it's fun" logic has worked out for the sexual revolution...

Marriages are crumbling at record rates
Pornography is everywhere now (and "sex addiction" is actually a real issue)
STD's and unplanned pregnancies continue to climb (even with all those helpful "safe sex" school talks)
Sexual appetites are such now that healthy, thriving monogamous marriage relationships are boring and inadequate (so they think) to meet their needs
Fetishes are now the norm and the only things really out-of-bounds (for now at least) are things that will land you on the news and in jail (which is still not enough to deter most)

So yes, please - let's go ahead and make a harmful drug the next new norm, too and fight those conservative, disconnected, ignorant nut jobs who only want to suppress "natural desires and pleasures." They have no idea what they are talking about.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question.

________________

The (In)Tolerance of the Movie "2012"

2009-11-10T15:54:00.011-05:00

The movie "2012" opens this week and goes to great lengths to show the end of the world. Based on the idea that the Mayan calendar supposedly predicts the end of the world on December 21, 2012 (or December 23, depending on who you talk with), director Roland Emmerich and writer Harald Kloser bring Kennedy back to the White House (that would be the USS John F Kennedy aircraft carrier as it lands on top of the White House in a massive tsunami), crush people praying for salvation with the Vatican in Rome (irony anyone), and otherwise destroy the world as mankind fights for their survival. In terms of film making and carnage it appears to be a brilliant piece of work. In the preview, however, there is a curious theme that struck me (and was recently confirmed in an interview with director Roland Emmerich): it appears that Emmerich is not much of a fan of faith or religion, evidenced by the religious relics or institutions destroyed in the preview (most notably Christian ones).

One might argue "it's an end of the world movie - churches and statues and such are going to be destroyed." I agree and have no issue with that, however, I do have an issue with the fact that, once again, Christianity is the primary target and one faith group in particular is spared (on screen, at least) - Muslims. The Kaaba in Mecca (the most sacred site in Islam) is intentionally spared by the director (and his co-writer) so as to avoid any death threats similar to those received by the cartoonist in the Danish newspaper for portraying a caricature of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad. It is not that he did not want to destroy the site, but fear for his life led him to consider otherwise. From his interview...

"We have to all...in the Western world... think about this," Emmerich says at one point, regarding his choice to destroy Catholic symbols rather than Muslim ones. "You can actually...let..Christian symbols fall apart"-- actually, the director destroys them, but that's a quibble -- "but if you would do this with [a Muslim] symbol, you would have...a fatwa, and that sounds a little bit like what the state of this world is. So it's just something which I kind of didn't [think] was [an] important element, anyway, in the film, so I kind of left it out."

I'm sorry, but this is plain cowardice. If the director is so bold so as to mock God, His people, and their faith then it would only seem logical that he follow through and finish his product. It was important to destroy Christian symbols, Christian worshippers and mock them for praying, why not extend that same courtesy to our Muslim neighbors, too?

As I've said before - this is the new tolerance: tolerate all, but Christianity. Mock them, loathe them, and destroy them cinematically... there are no problems. Talk bad about a Muslim, mock a Buddhist, loathe a spiritualist and you are nothing but a bigot. See my blog post on the Playstation 3 game "Little Big Planet" and this topic of "tolerance": Offensively Offensive.

Note: Outside of one Tibetan Buddhist monk being annihilated by a giant wave in the preview, I have no idea if Emmerich demonstrates his disdain for religion with any other faiths other than Christianity. The interview does not shed any light on this either as it speaks extensively about Christianity and Islam. One thing is clear, though - he has no problem slamming Christianity and some level of worry or issue with misrepresenting Islam.

PARENTS: This is another example of a director wrapping his personal thoughts, philosophies and beliefs of the world into a nice, tidy blockbuster package. The message this time: "even your faith can't save you" (or "your God is a sham and a stupid crutch"). The major problem we face as parents, however, is not the message but the subtlety (or not so subtletly) in which it is portrayed. As I've said before, the world's loudest philosophers today are movie directors and musicians and they sell a pretty tempting message to the novice listener - namely our children and teens. Use this movie as a way of talking about the communication of worldview. Take your teen (if they're capable of handling the mature subject matter and content) and following the film ask: "What do you think the director thought about religion?" or "How do you think this movies' portrayal of the end of the world compares to the Biblical account?"

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

_______________

Still Out (Hopefully Back Soon)

2009-11-06T09:02:00.004-05:00

As you can probably tell, I am still out. It turns out the chest congestion is actually pneumonia. I am up and about, but still coughing quite a bit and lethargic. I pray I will be back by Monday with regular updates and posts. There has been some crazy stuff happening in the world of "pop culture" that I have tons of thoughts on (some of which may not get their own blog post, depending on other cultural developments):

- Devout, Mormon moms making sexy calendars
- The movie 2012 and religious discrimination, er tolerance
- Education's (Mis)education
- Inmates rescuing a prison guard
- The New/Old Mickey Mouse
- ABC's FlashForward and Predestination

My mind has been racing, but due to health limitations have had no outlet! I look forward to returning soon. Until then...

_____________________

Blog Readers

2009-10-28T09:54:00.002-04:00

I am sorry for the delay in posts. I have been battling severe congestion in my chest for the last week and half or more. I'm hoping to be back regularly soon, but until I'm at full health, my posts are going to be a little less "regular". Sorry for the delay in posts... gonna try to post something by tomorrow regarding the Mormon faith, families, culture and morality.

Blessings...
Christian the Christian

______________

Don't Be Revolted Just Yet - You May Have More in Common with the "Balloon-Boy" Parents Than You Think

2009-10-23T11:21:00.009-04:00

By now most people in the nation (the world?) know of the Heenes, though most probably still only know them as "Balloon-Boy's Parents". Like many across the nation, I was mesmerized by the footage and unfolding story of Falcon, the 6 year old boy who was rumored to have been stuck in his father's weather balloon. I prayed hard for the young man and his parents, who I assumed were worried sick. Then came the reports and images revealing he was not in the balloon, but had possibly been in the basket under the balloon, which pictures showed plummeting back to the earth; I was devistated. I could not fathom what those parents were going through. Fast forward a bit later - the boy is safe in his attic and the parents "relieved" while secretly beginning to listen to the cash registers in their minds go "KA-CHING!"

It was a hoax. A story made up to gain notoriety and hopefully a reality show for their family. The emotional agony once held by the nation has now become a feeling of anger and disbelief: "How in the world could parents consider it in the best interest of their child/children to exploit them and make light of their safety for their own personal gain?"

Sadly, though - if we stop long enough to think about it, parents using (or "helping") their children for personal gain is all too common a story. Too often today parents willingly (though maybe unintentionally) position their children to be their meal ticket one day. The only difference between those parents and the Heenes is that the Heene's plan was intentionally played out on live television (not to mention they lied and violated several local and federal laws). Here are but a few examples of how some parents willingly capitalize on their children's interests/talents:

One of America's biggest examples: Sports! Practice 4-6 days a week, games, hired "specialist" coaches, sports camps, trainers, gym memberships, etc. Sure, the kids like the sports, but at the heart of most of the kids, the desire to succeed is from the dreams and wishes of the parents - in other words, they want to make mom and dad proud.

Beauty pageants. Fake eyelashes, fake hair (extensions or what-have-you), tanning, makeup, posture classes, personal trainers, personal beauty coaches, "healthy diets," constant pageants, talent classes (music, dance, singing, twirling, gymnastics or whatever), etc.

Acting. Acting camps/classes, theater groups, constant auditions, "studying" (obsessing) about current Hollywood culture, dance classes, music classes, personal acting coaches, personal trainers, etc.

Academic achievements. Personal tutors, excessive standards for grades ("nothing less than an 'A'"), special academic clubs, extra long homework sessions, extra trips to the library, additional assignments not given in school, pressure to apply to the Ivy League schools, etc.

The list could go on, but you get the idea. Unfortunately, this is too common a story in the lives of many parents. They consider themselves good parents for investing so much time and money in their child, but motivationally one must wonder who all the work and accolades are really for. This is not to say the parents are bad parents, either... just misguided. Instead of nurturing and guiding a child's desires or interests, they go overboard with ridiculous standards and push their own agendas, dreams or desires (maybe well-intentioned dreams for their children) on to their children.

I have no doubt that for the bulk of the parents who become part of this world that their chief desire is to provide the best life and future for their children. I believe they sincerely love their children, the Heenes included, and only want to provide the best for their present and future. However, I think ALL parents would be wise to reevaluate the future they desire for their children: what does that future look like? Is it what is really best for my children? What must we sacrifice to achieve that? Do we sacrifice too much and lose who we are as a family in the process?

"And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds." (Matthew 16:26-27)

Sports, acting, studying/learning, etc. are not evil endeavors. Matter of fact there is great value in many of those pursuits; however, there is a line we must draw. When they become so important that they become the top priority of our lives (evidenced by how we spend our time, money or resources) we must stop and reconsider our priorities. Have these endeavors replaced God in our lives or worship? Have we redefined who we are (or lead our children to define themselves) based on these achievements? Have these endeavors become idols? Checkout my post on this very common issue (in all of our lives!): "Turns Out Our Hearts Are Idol Factories".

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

Image credit: REUTERS/KUSA
_______________

Time to Audition a New Pastor?

2009-10-20T08:24:00.008-04:00

Typically when people learn that I am a youth pastor they have one of three reactions...

(1) they immediately begin to confess sin as if I might offer them atonement for those sins ("I haven't been to church in a while... I've just been so busy," "I've been struggling with ------- sin, but hey - no one's perfect, right?", etc.), or

(2) they have an "Oh" reaction ("oh - you are?" as they withdraw as if I'm going to investigate their spiritual lives, or "oh... ok?" as in "who cares", or "oh, ok!" as in that's great that there is one of you somewhere), or

(3) they react like a 70 year old gentleman did the other day at the mall and ask "have you heard so-and-so preach before? He is a DYNAMIC speaker! He can preach that Gospel in a way I've never heard before!"

Matter of fact, his statement was actually: "Have you ever heard pastor so-and-so preach? (I said no and that I had never heard of him) Oh, boy he is dynamic! He presents the Gospel in such an amazing way!" I asked how long the pastor had been at his church and he said "oh, he's not our pastor - he was a guest speaker one day. I tell you what - I had no problem staying awake that Sunday! I'm 70 years old, I can fall asleep anywhere, but not when that man preaches because he yells and claps and sings and really gets you excited!" I spoke to him about whether or not he ever serves or encourages the pastor of his church with such kind words and he said "awwww, no. He can't deliver the Word like [Guest] Pastor so-and-so." I tried a couple of times to encourage him to seek more than a song and dance, and to see the value of his faithful Pastor, but he wouldn't hear it and eventually walked away.

This is not an isolated incident. I'm afraid this way of thinking is a major issue in the church! Unfortunately, it plagues almost everyone in and out of the church:

Those who don't go because they find the TV preachers all the spiritual food they need
Those who don't go because church is "too boring"
Those who only go "when Pastor so-and-so is preaching because I understand him better"
Church leaders who still go, but secretly wish their pastor were someone else
Those who frequently change churches until they find one that has a dynamic and exciting pastor
Those who have a new pastor
Those who have a pastor who has been faithfully leading their church for a while
Anyone else I have not mentioned

We live in a world where superstars no longer exist because they have now become idols. Even the church is not immune to this and people attend regularly hoping to be entertained. If the pastor lacks the skills to keep the congregation's attention, the people either leave, zone out, fall asleep, or stagger their appearances.

NEWSFLASH: God did call on Pastor's to be entertaining or dynamic! He called them to be faithful and capable of "rightly dividing the Word" (teaching the whole of Scripture)...

"Do your best to present yourself to God as an approved worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." (1 Timothy 2:15)

You can also read the qualifications for a pastor in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

NEWSFLASH: God's Word is so holy, relevant, true and sharp that it cuts to the real heart of the matter. No person is capable of bringing it to life more than it already does itself!

"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable." (Hebrews 4:12-13)

NEWSFLASH: God is not a fan of entertaining the masses! As a matter of fact, it is despicable to Him. (NOTE: Few churches actually claim to be entertainment factories; today entertainment is hidden behind the guise of being "relevant" or "engaging")

"Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths." (2 Timothy 4:2-4)

It is time we stop auditioning our pastors as if to find our next Church Idol winner. Instead of grading a pastor on "how exciting is he when he preaches?", we ought to be asking deeper questions such as:

Is he a faithful man?
Does he rightly teach the Word of God? (Does he challenge us to dive deeper?)
Is he the same outside the walls of the church as he is inside?
Is he beloved within the community and does he truly care about it?
Does he lead his family well?
Does he minister to his wife and children first and make them top priority?

PARENTS: We are often times the worst offenders! We not only want an exciting pastor to listen to, but a dynamic children's minister and ministry and a youthful, exciting and relevant Youth Pastor and youth ministry for our kids and teens. We so desperately want our kids to like being in church that we demonstrate to them our true priority is making sure they have fun versus worshipping God in a real way that transforms the whole of their lives (or ours, for that matter). Getting kids to show up in church is not the standard we ought to be shooting for! What should be our standard is showing them what a life transformed by God and commited to honoring and loving Him looks like.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

Image borrowed from sam.weiss.
_____________________

Real Church: A Message for the Skeptic, the Latte-Drinking Christian, the Seeker, the Zealot and Everyone Else

2009-10-16T13:40:00.007-04:00

Here is an amazing article about the church that all should read. It speaks about the REAL church and it's got something in it for everyone:

The skeptic
The seeker (one looking for answers)
The Latte-Drinking Christian/Spiritualist
The Social-Club Christian
The imperfect perfect person
The Religious Zealot
The every Sunday Christian
The Tolerant
The Intolerant

Here are two excerpts from this great article (written by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck), which was featured in the Washington Post:

"Here's what Bono, Oprah, and the guru speakers on PBS won't tell you: Jesus believed in organized religion and he founded an institution. Of course, Jesus had no patience for religious hacks and self-righteous wannabes, but he was still Jewish. And as Jew, he read the Holy Book, worshiped in the synagogue, and kept Torah. He did not start a movement of latte-drinking disciples who excelled in spiritual conversations. He founded the church (Matt. 16:18) and commissioned the apostles to proclaim the good news that Israel's Messiah had come and the sins of the world could be forgiven through his death on the cross (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:14-36)."

"We've been in the church our whole lives and are not blind to its failings. Churches can be boring, hypocritical, hurtful, and inept. The church is full of sinners. Which is kind of the point. Christians are worse than you think. Our Savior is better than you imagine."

Read the rest of the article here: "Church: Love It, Don't Leave It"

Want to joing the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

_____________

Once in a "Lifetime" Opportunity to be with Marilyn Monroe

2009-10-15T09:10:00.008-04:00

Die hard Marilyn Monroe fans may not be able to meet the late actress/model, but now they can be with her in death, so-to-speak. That's right. For a couple million dollars, your remains and epitaph can now be directly above the late Mrs. Monroe (and in the same cemetery as other late celebrities such as Rodney Dangerfield, Dean Martin, Farrah Fawcett, Jack Lemmon and more)! Elsie Poncher's late husband was the previous resident (late resident?) of the space, but his wife decided to move him over a spot and auction off his spot to pay her mortgage ($1.6 million mortgage).

I cannot say I find much fault in her desire to provide security for herself and her children; however, I do find it a little creepy to capitalize on other people's idolatry by relocating her late husband's remains which have been buried there since 1986. Where I do have a major issue is the length people are willing to go to be associated with their idols - even though it should not surprise me since people have been consumed with idols since the beginning of time. In the Old Testament people would offer up their best possessions to sacrifice to idols carved with their own hands. Today, instead of sacrificing their best to carved images, people:

Define themselves by those idols (celebrities/culture)
Compare their worth as humans against the fame of their idols
Pay ridiculous amounts of money and absurd amounts of time to read about, meet, or associate with their idols (magazines, movies, buy their music, hang their posters on their walls, follow their every word on Twitter, MySpace or Facebook, follow their news in gossip tabloids, etc.); otherwise known as making sacrifices to enjoy their idols

In the case of this story, people bid millions of dollars (the original winning bid, which failed to materialize, was $4.6 million) to "spend [their] eternal days directly above Marilyn Monroe" (quote from the ebay advertisement for the burial spot).

If this is not the icing on the cake to a culture obsessed with its celebrities, I do not know what is.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

_______________

Are You a "GLEEk"?

2009-10-09T09:13:00.007-04:00

Fox has premiered one of TV's most out-of-the-box crossover hits (for a TV series, that is) in its new show "Glee". Die hard fans (who call themselves "Gleeks") watch the show, catch them again online and download the choir-performed songs to their iPods. It's "Fame" for this generation, but instead of being based in a Julliard-esque school of performing arts it is based in a high school glee club (choir) who sing while performing choreographed moves (trust me - it is not dancing).

I was really excited about "Glee" and even programmed my DVR to make sure I would not miss an episode. The pilot episode was everything it promised to be and, despite some awkward moments, I was hooked (my wife moreso than me). The singing (while obviously staged - especially the musicians), quarkiness, characters, and flow were great. I was well on my way to being a "Gleek". Then came the second, third and fourth episodes and we watched the wheels fall off this wagon entirely. I have serious problems with "Glee" and no longer watch it because of how absolutely uncomfortable it makes me. Here are some of the key issues I have with the show:

It is a melting pot of culturally hot topics. Teen sex (major part of the story), pedophilia (somehow they've made that a joke), homosexuality, cheesy abstinence "promises", Christianity, inappropriate relationships (male students sleeping with and being groped by older, sexy women), a looming affair (it is almost a certainty that the main character, the glee club teacher, is going to leave his wife for a colleague) and more.

It seems the primary purpose of the show is to promote one worldview: "follow your heart" (which should have the subtitle: "regardless of the consequences"). Instead of encouraging virtue it takes the obvious fact that the world is broken and no one is perfect and embraces it, encouraging people to accept it and enjoy it. Instead of encouraging students to guard their heart they use teens as the vehicle for promoting reckless living.

The absolute mockery that is Christianity in the show. Christianity is represented in the show via the (as usual in Hollywood) snotty, pretentious, wealthy, beauty queen Head Cheerleader. To top it off she is head of the abstinence club that teaches the girls (this over-the-top-not-so-subtle joke is unfortunately very true of most girls and guys) to flaunt it, tease it, but don't give it up. This teasing, however, has now led to the Christian cheerleader sleeping with one of the glee members and ending up pregnant. See my take on TV and Christianity here.

The sexuality promoted is anything but subtle. In many of the musical numbers sex is the primary motive of the song choices and the choreography. Here is a small sample:

Male teachers and two male students form a singing group (funny name: "AcaFella" instead of Acapella) and perform the sexually-loaded song "Poison" for all the PTA moms
The students of the glee club sing the HIGHLY sexual song "Push It" by Salt-n-Peppa in front of the entire student body. They grind on each other, grope each other, they gyrate, and the student audience salivates. To see this clip (not recommended), click here: "Push It" from Glee.
Cheerleaders wash cars in cheer skirts and bikini tops while accompanying one of the glee club members as she sings about breaking windows in someone's car
Glee members sing Carrie Underwood's song "Last Name" (about a night of drinking and loose living with a guy whom she doesn't even know his last name) as the female adult in the performance occasionally grabs the male students' butts (I thought that was illegal?) and teases them.

Glee gets away with all of this (and is now beloved by audiences and critics alike) because they intentionally play it over the top (such as the former glee teacher who is fired in the pilot for inappropriate relationship with a male student later stalking Josh Groban on Facebook) and wrap it in the no boundaries genre of comedy. This way they can say "we're not really embracing that stuff, we are mocking it and showing the absurdity of it."

I am not laughing though. How can I? They take everything I am working diligently to protect my children from (and myself, for that matter) and embrace it. They mock the very faith I call vital and have very little regard for the welfare of teens - those who face this broken world daily and don't have life scripted for them. A life where all decisions have consequences (good and bad) and real people are emotionally fragile.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

________________

"Ardi" is Bad Science

2009-10-08T09:58:00.006-04:00

Origin science (trying to discover where we come from, how the earth began, etc.) is a tricky endeavor. Neither of the two major camps in the conversation are unable to prove definitively how anything came into existence.

Evolutionary scientists cannot recreate the Big Bang in a lab, nor can they recreate any primordial soup or massive shock capable of bring nonliving matter to life.

Creationists cannot recreate the divine hand or voice of God in order to simulate their belief that God created everything in 6 literal days.

BOTH camps require significant amounts of faith to believe or follow! Evolution places the fullness of their faith in a non-intelligent, non-biased process that randomly eliminates the weak and evolves over millions of years. Creationism places their faith in an all-knowing, all-powerful, just, holy and perfect God that divinely created all of life and intentionally ordered all of its processes (as revealed in Scripture). COnsidering the ordered nature of the universe (earth's seasons, life cycles, the human body, gravity, orbital patterns, etc.) it seems to me that evolution and all its claims of randomness takes more faith than an intelligent, intentional Creator!
NOTE: There is a third camp - Intelligent Design - that is quite similar to creationism. They claim that life originated in a creator, but who that is and how it happened is still up for debate.

Since Evolutionary scientists cannot recreate the origin of anything, they are searching for the "missing link" - the transitional creature that is a hybrid (of sorts) of two totally different species, but connects the two genetically. The hope in finding such a link is that it will prove that man has evolved from another species. If they can find that, then it will be the foundation for their argument that all of life evolved from nonliving matter into what we see today.

This is why science's latest discovery "Ardi" (short for Ardipithecus ramidus) is causing such a stir. Evolutionary scientists are calling this the most significant find in evolutionary/biological sciences. There are problems with their so-called conclusions and reports, though.

1. The premise/hypothesis in which they work from will only allow for one conclusion.

2. This sort of science is less about reporting findings and more about taking a few, limited bone samples and drawing (or inferring) definite conclusions. For example, from the handful of bones they found of Ardi they have concluded that she walked upright, climbed trees (but didn't swing from them), and was ape-like (though they are unwilling to call her an ape or a human). The bulk of the scientific findings is gathered from digital recreations and not the actual fossils.

3. Reports are from a select few in the world of science and many within the field do not agree with their conclusions.

So who or what is "Ardi" then? According to Answers in Genesis:

Given the number and scope of the papers presented this week on Ardi, it will take some time before creationists are confident in our conclusions on Ardi and her kin. Based on our first look, however, the facts seem solidly behind the idea that Ardi was a quadrupedal ape with relatively little in common with humans (i.e., no more than most apes); the key basis for the alleged Ardi–human link (which even the authors are hesitant to confirm) is the idea that it walked upright—an idea that even evolutionists have criticized. And we can’t forget that all of these conclusions are inferred from digital reconstructions and fallible reconstructions of bones that were in very bad shape. Without having a live “Ardi” to observe, scientists will only ever be able to come to probabilistic conclusions about its characteristics.

To read more about this check out the following links:

A FANTASTIC ARTICLE FROM CREATION SCIENCE (ABOUT "ARDI")

ABC NEWS REPORT ON CREATIONISM AND EVOLUTIONARY SCIENCE CONCERNING ARDI

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

Pic borrowed from MSNBC.
________________

Turns Out Our Hearts are Idol Factories

2009-10-07T15:47:00.009-04:00

ABC News show Nightline has been doing a series on the Ten Commandments and their coverage of the Second Commandment ("no idols") is fantastic! In it they interview Pastor Mark Driscoll (from Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA) and some of the college students in his church about, what he calls, "the MOST relevant (to today's culture) of all the Commandments."

Check out the video interview (featured on ABC's Nightline News!) or read the article here:

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/10Commandments/ten-commandments-pastor-preaches-worship-modern-day-idols/story?id=8712532

This is a must read/watch!

Want to join the conversation? Click here to ask a question or comment!

__________________

How to Fix Jon and Kate (We Can Learn From Them)

2009-10-05T21:09:00.009-04:00

The circus that is Jon and Kate (Plus 8) just keeps getting bigger. This fiasco is like Gremlins (classic movie from 1984 for those unaware) and everyone keeps disobeying the rules:

1. Don't feed the Mogwai after Midnight (we've got 24 hour a day coverage of them and drop everything the moment they wish to give an interview - I think even the president has bigger hoops to jump through to get air time than they do)

2. No Water (ok, this one's a stretch but I'm sure most can craft a witty water joke to accompany this rule, ala "no more beach excursions, Jon," "Just say 'no' to yachts and girls in bathing suits, Jon,' etc.)

3. No bright light (that's all that's in their faces - flash bulbs, camera lights, spotlights...)

I'm not here to be one of the millions to run their mouth to belittle, cripple, bash, humiliate and watch their family collapse even further. I am here to provide three steps for them (should they decide to stumble across this blog) to recover their family. These three steps will not only help save their marriage and family should they be willing, but can help yours as well...

1. STOP TELLING THE WORLD YOUR BUSINESS! Stop the interviews, stop justifying yourselves and stop letting us any further into your world! You owe us no explanation whatsoever. It is not the media's right, nor ours, to have full access to your life and at no point will the public's perception of your life ever be an asset to you finding healing.

2. STOP MANIPULATING. You both claim innocence and wish to be the victim when in reality you have both have cut, hurt, manipulated and crushed each other to oblivion! The only way you will ever have any semblance of hope is if you both stop trying to sway public opinion your way, take responsibility for your own part in your marriage's demise (to this point) and begin to forgive (healing will never take place in your lives or the lives of your children until there is forgiveness).

3. REGROUP! It is NEVER to late to turn around, right wrongs and rethink your game plan . This step is where you both, without name calling or finger pointing and admit you need help! Both of you claim to be believers, so seek the PRIVATE council of a trusted Pastor and ask him to help guide you through this process of renewal, healing, forgiveness, and hopefully restoration!

For the rest of the world who sit by and watch (often negatively and critically as if you would do better under such scrutiny), realize you are no different and your marriages are not immune to the struggles they face. Granted, they have some pretty unique circumstances, but at the heart of it they are still a man and woman, a husband and a wife, a couple with a story and people who hurt beyond words right now. The three steps I mention above apply to all couples - even the non-famous variety...

For us, the difference in our marriages is we do not seek to air our grievances on television - we do it in the company of our friends (with family members, guys with their guy friends, girls with their girl friends, and on many occasions husbands with other women and wives with other men). No, you do not air your laundry to the whole world, just your local world.

Just like Jon and Kate we are all manipulators. We all want it our way and when faced with extraordinary circumstances will do just about anything to get our way. So many times couples tell half truths or lies to coworkers, friends, family members and even strangers to make themselves look like the victim when the reality is both share responsibility in the collapse or falling apart of their marriage.

And just like Jon and Kate - it is never too late for couples who truly wish to find healing and even restoration to regroup and begin again. No foundation is so cracked or damaged that it is unrepairable. Start with a trusted pastor and see where God leads!

If you are a husband or a wife and your marriage is struggling or you are beginning to see stress fractures along the foundation of your marriage and you are not sure who to talk with, feel free to email me and I would love to talk with you through Email, by phone or however you would like. You can reach me at christianthechristian.c2@gmail.com.

EDITORIAL NOTE: I am aware that this seems a bit over-simplified and that not all marital problems are that easy to solve. However, that being said, most cannot truly begin to seek healing because they are too busy living in the past hurts of what was instead of what could be. Many couples punish themselves and do even greater damage when, instead, they could begin to take steps to: (1) worshiping God (even in the midst of the storm), (2) re-learning love and the true value of commitment and covenants, and (3) learning how to forgive and be free of hurt.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

________________

A RADICAL MESSAGE FOR PARENTS: Settle for Less and Receive More!

2009-10-01T11:28:00.008-04:00

This is one of the most powerful article's I've ever read on parenting teens. It is a must read for ALL parents of youth/children - either you have a teen or a soon-to-be teen. There are things that we all need to rethink when it comes to discipling and training our children and this article gives a great foundation to start!

I have read some of Paul Tripp's other books and now plan to add this one (Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens by Paul David Tripp) to my reading list, too - and encourage you to do the same! Here are a few quotes or excerpts from the article (read it in full here - it's a little lengthy, but take the time, please! You will not be sorry for the investment of time):

" What often gets in the way of parenting teenagers is the idolatry of their mother and father."

"The book of Proverbs is very clear in reminding us that teenagers don’t usually hunger for wisdom and correction. I’ve never had one of my kids say to me, “As I was riding the bus home from school I was thinking, ‘Dad, you’re a really wise man. I’d just love to sit at your feet and drink in some more of your wisdom,’ or ‘Dad, I realize that when you correct me you are showing me your love. Would you like to correct me some more?’ ” So what should be my goal here? As a parent I realize that wisdom is crucial to pleasing God, and yet it’s not the thing for which my teenager tends to hunger. So now I’ve got my job description. It’s to sell my teenager something that he is not seeking. And so I decide that I’ll model being a wise man. I want to show him that wisdom is a beautiful and wonderful thing. And I want to sell wisdom to him so that he becomes a really keen consumer. The point I’m making is that in each area of teenage struggle there’s wonderful parental opportunity.

Another characteristic of teenagers is that they tend to be very legalistic. They don’t particularly love God’s law, they frequently debate the boundaries and they’re very boundary oriented. I tell people that if God’s law is like a fence, then my kids grew up with fence marks on their faces. As teens they were always pressing against the fence. Now you don’t solve the problem of teenage legalism by debating where the boundary is. Why? Because a child who is pressing his face against the fence is believing a very significant lie. The lie is that the good stuff is out there and God is keeping him from it. What I need to do is turn his body to the inside of the yard and show him the glory of what God has called us to."

"We also must realize that every teenager is a sinner and is trying to learn how to live in God’s world, learning what it means to be godly and learning the dangers of sin. There’s no possible way that that won’t have a huge impact on my life. And that’s why people don’t like their teenagers."

Read the full article here.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

_____________________________

The Country's Recession and a Great Awakening

2009-09-29T13:53:00.008-04:00

The Associated Press released an article today (by Rachel Zoll) stating that the country's financial woes are not only affecting private religious schools and religious congregations across the country, but they are changing the religious face of the country altogether. Referencing the popular topic of "the declining church," it begins with the following opening lines:

"Organized religion was already in trouble before the fall of 2008. Denominations were stagnating or shrinking, and congregations across faith groups were fretting about their finances. The Great Recession made things worse."

To be clear, all things in the article are not one-in-the-same.

Religious schools are not churches (one's success/failure does not dictate the outcome of the other; not to mention they both serve different purposes).
All congregations are not the same (the article discusses religions and Christian denominations as if they are all the same).
People relocating to another area (and thus another church) is not the same as leaving the faith altogether.
Churches are not programs/ministries
Churches are not extra church/para church organizations (seminaries/schools, Mission organizations, etc. are not the church - they serve the church, but are never ever to be the church)

Is this is this being nit-picky? Isn't this already obvious? No - at least to the author of the article it's not. Church (that being the institution created by Christ, Himself) is not about money or business... even without a building, new programs or fancy sign outside of the building, the church and its purpose still exist. Declining finances does not equal a bankrupt faith. Not only that, but the real "business" of the church is actually MULTIPLYING! Leading people to God is the real business of the church, not exciting programs or ministries.

Rachel Zoll makes an ever-so brief mention of this toward the end of her article (in addition to the money portions where she states that in some communities, giving has gone up) about the real business of the church, but also sells short the movement of God:

"Clergy in different communities say worship attendance has increased with people seeking comfort through difficult times, although no one is predicting a nationwide religious revival."

Why not anticipate a religious revival? Or better yet - an Awakening in a dying and apathetic country so consumed within itself that it has lost its direction.

What the church is seeing now is people who thought they had no need of God because they had nice houses, two cars (or more) per family, a full refrigerator, investments, 401k's, expensive coffees and plenty of credit to spare are watching their lives slip away with the sand.

People are returning to churches and God because they realize now that even with all their plans there are elements outside of their control and only God is infinite and sure. Only God is faithful from beginning to end. God is the only solid foundation that can never be stripped from people. Realizing this, people are returning to Him.

Want to read more about the peril or hard heartedness of financial "security"? Or about the joy of true security in the One True God? Checkout these passages:

"You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. ¹⁸ So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see."
(Revelation 3:17-18)

"“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law."
(Matthew 7:24-29)

Because of our sense of security in being able to do things ourselves without help (saying "look what I did!"): "Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
(Matthew 19:23-24)

For those who are True Followers of Christ, we have this promise: "And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
(Romans 8:38-39)

Even in the midst of suffering, loss, doubt, hurt, or uncertainty the Bible tells us there is great hope and comfort in Him who never fails us. Even if the worst should happen, there is great peace in knowing that no one (not even death itself) could strip us away from God!

If you have questions about how to be a follower of Christ - about sin, forgiveness, real love, mercy, second chances and all the amazing things God is - feel free to comment or email me at christianthechristian.c2@gmail.com.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

_______________

The Jewish Yom Kippur and Christianity

2009-09-28T14:43:00.006-04:00

Today is Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement (seen in Leviticus). While it was the day in which their sin was atoned for through sacrifice, today it is observed through fasting.

Being that Christianity is rooted in the Jewish faith, does Yom Kippur have any significance for us? Absolutely!

Here is a great article on the relevance of the Jewish calendar's Holiest Day for Christians: "Yom Kippur: The Day".

_________________

Jennifer Love Hewitt is Skinny(ier) - You Should Be, Too

2009-09-25T10:16:00.011-04:00

Apparently congrats are in order for Ghost Whisperer actress Jennifer Love Hewitt because she has shed the few, apparently 'unsightly,' pounds that stunned the world when she had the audacity to show up at a beach in a bikini about a year ago. It was a real controversy, indeed. How could the typically very slender J-Love let herself go in such a way? It was tragic! Major news outlets around the globe even reported on it (Fox News, CNN, Chicago Tribune, etc.). Devastating.

In case you missed it ladies and gentlemen, that was sarcasm.

Jennifer Love Hewitt was not a fan of having unflattering - not to mention invasive! - pictures of her splattered all over the world (rightfully so) and so she decided to lose the weight "for health reasons" (at least that was her claim initially). Now that she's lost the weight, however, she celebrates by gracing the cover of the oh-so-health-conscious SHAPE Magazine (key articles in her month's issue: "Bye Bye Belly Flab", "Take An Inch Off Your Hips", etc.). No mention of the increased health benefits in the article - just that she has more confidence as she walks through the world.

I have no problem with weight loss, looking nice or trying to be healthier. My problem is with the air-brushed, unrealistic standards by which women (JL Hewitt included) torture, er set for, themselves. What a shame. Most women are so busy gawking at the mirror as they suck in their stomach and sigh that they miss the big picture.

Who does GOD say you are? What does your husband say about you? (only for those married) How are you doing leading other women/girls to major on the majors in life (honoring God, worshipping Him, loving others, caring for their families, etc.)?

TRUTH: Women openly insult this Hollywood culture ("a size 2 isn't fat!"), then like JLH go home and stare at the mirror in disgust. Those that are losing weight or staying trim do so (almost always) for feeling better about themselves than actual health reasons. That breaks my heart. Women miss it, time and time again! Sadder, yet, is that every woman KNOWS that looks eventually fade, but instead of focusing on the things that matter they spend their "youth" (teens-50's) trying to: (1) remain young looking/beautiful, (2) keep from looking older (one of my teen girls one time told me, in her own words, "ugggh I never want to get old. If I were ugly I'd kill myself." While she were semi-joking, the truth in that statement is unmistakable), or (3) turn back the clock ("hide those wrinkles, hide that cellulite, wear what's fashionable - just like those Sex and the City girls, and flaunt it while you got it!").

Women/Teens, checkout the following passages on the beauty of a real woman. Trust me, Hollywood, personal trainers, and Supermodels have NOTHING on this!!!

Proverbs 31:25-31 (The Virtuous Woman/Wife)

Titus 2:3-5

WOMEN, HUSBANDS, TEENS and especially PARENTS: There is no one way to combat this epidemic that is plaguing this body-obsessed culture. A few things to consider though: (1) in complementing our daughters, do we spend more time talking of their beauty or their virtue?, (2) Moms, do you teach a hypocritical/contradictory message (tell your daughter not to obsess about her looks, but then she watches you spend hours getting ready and worrying about your body image or reading magazines that focus on the shallowness of a woman)?, (3) Husbands, as much as you compliment your wife on her stunning beauty, do you take time to honor her for the amazing woman of God that she is? (4) Do your children/teens hear you (dads) compliment their mom with words of honor, praise and value for her virtue?

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

Image borrowed from: wallpapersmania.com
________________________

Teen Sexuality

2009-09-23T14:06:00.004-04:00

I came across one of the best articles I've read, to date, on teen sexuality (especially girls and their fashion). This is not a "Christian" article, but it deals very well with the overly sexual culture we live in today. Even more interesting is that it was published by a company in the UK (for those who always argue that those overseas... most notably Europe... are far more in touch with their sexuality and do not see it like we do).

This article is a MUST read! Very good. "Lost Youth: Turning Young Girls into Sex Symbols"

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

______________________

Finding Jesus at a Georgia Truck Stop

2009-09-23T11:11:00.004-04:00

Stumbled across this article on CNN and thought I'd post it for you all to read. My uncle has spent his life as a truck driver (and is now a volunteer chaplain in the local jails) and I remember vividly many of his stories and the struggles that the men (and women) face in such a tough job.

Checkout this story about bring Christ to this industry: Finding Jesus at a Georgia Truck Stop

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

_____________________

When We "Christianize" Religion

2009-09-21T15:10:00.007-04:00

EDITOR NOTE: Another long (and this time unexpected) absence. I apologize for the delay in posts, but we had a death in the family last week (my wife's grandmother) and so my wife and I traveled to Tennessee to help with arrangements and for the funeral.

I recently stumbled across an article (thanks to Pastor Mark Driscoll via his Twitter posts, @PastorMark) from the USA TODAY that describes an emerging church practice of Christians participating in Ramadan fasting with Muslims. During the fast Christians go through the same fasting rituals as their Muslim counterparts - including prayer, then break the fast after the sun goes down together. The only difference in the ritual is that Christians pray to God through Jesus Christ whereas the Muslims pray to Allah as instructed by the Koran.

This got me thinking: is it okay for Christians to adopt the religious practices of other faiths as long as they Christianize them (pray to the right God)?

There are several instances where Christians take regular worship practices of other faiths and Christianize them (these are but a few):

YOGA (Hinduism - a form of prayer) is probably one of the biggest, especially since most Americans use it as a form of exercise
Meditation/Centering Oneself (Buddhism and other eastern religions)
Fasting for Ramadan (Muslim tradition that celebrates the giving of the Koran to the Prophet Mohammed)
Karma ("someone does something bad to you, don't worry, it'll comeback to them in the end")... Christians instead say, "don't worry God will judge them" (or believe simply that "if you do good, good will happen to you in return - do bad, bad will happen to you in return")
Superstition (that if we do something incorrectly, there will be immediate consequences - break a mirror, walk under a ladder, spill salt, knock on wood, etc.)
Relativism (or Pluralism depending on the degree of the practice) - blending religious practices from multiple practices/backgrounds

It is one thing for Christians to sincerely approach other religions out of respect, love and humility (something we all ought to do), but it is a completely different venture if we begin to adopt their practices and incorporate them into our own. Three major reasons adoping other practices is dangerous:

1) God has given us all we need, for us to insert new practices or rituals minimizes His Word and role in our lives and completely ignores GRACE! Scripturally, we see such activity in Israel's history as insane or obscene. Over and over again their idolatrous practices (taking religious practices of neighboring countries/religions and blending them into their own) became major stumbling blocks for them. How many times did their doing so lead to their own demise? Every time. Why? Because they got so caught up in the ritual (and false gods associated with them) that they lost sight of God.

2) Christ died to free us from rituals and empty religious practices. Why would we intentionally subject ourselves to ritualistic practices that REQUIRE those rituals as a form of earning favor with their god (or gods)? I believe Pastor Mark Driscoll is absolutely correct (in the article) in saying that observing other religious rituals is completely dishonoring to Jesus Christ.

3) It confuses the world. They see us adopt other religious practices and think that what they are doing to earn favor with God (theirs or ours) must be correct. The Muslim man (Ahmed) confirms this in the article (about Christians participating in Ramadan fasting): "Here is a pastor who wants to understand us, who does not want to convert us, and who is even prepared to walk with us, to fast with us. That is a big gesture."

Anyone who truly knows me knows of my absolute fascination with and respect for truly religious people around the world. I am awed and humbled by their devotion to their faith and practice of faith (though equally brokenhearted by their lostness). As kind, romantic and wonderful a gesture it is for Christians to participate in other religious practices, it is also a dangerous step that is misleading at best and altogether self-centered (dishonoring to God) at worst.

And in closing, while I appreciate Christian's attempts to seek God and grow in their faith, I find that their pursuits that incorporate other religions are typically less about finding God and more about feeling better about themselves or their own spirituality. This, sadly, can have long-lasting and devastating affects to the end goal they had hoped to achieve.

PARENTS: Instead of teaching our children/teens to be hateful toward other religious practices we ought to embrace such knowledge and use what we learn to teach them about the sufficiency of God's love through His Son Jesus Christ. FAMILY ACTIVITY: Research online traditional religious practices, their origins and then compare them with your own practices (those found in Scripture). As a family discuss why we do/embrace certain traditions and reject others.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

_________________

A Broken Pastor

2009-09-11T14:43:00.009-04:00

I stumbled across this blog article today by a Pastor on sabbatical. In it he describes quite transparently the heart of a Pastor. The high moments... the low moments... the questions... the desperation... the expectations (both of self and external)...

I post this to, hopefully, encourage you all to remember those whom are called to lead you, spiritually.

Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. (Hebrews 13:17)

The life of a Pastor is often one of isolation (sometimes by choice, but usually out of protection). They can easily be in a crowded room and be completely alone (him and his family). They do not usually complain because they know their calling and refuse to waiver. They stand in the gap for us sheep (the Flock - the Church)... they labor in prayer on our behalf... they face temptation... they are ridiculed... they are mocked in the media... they are looked up to in crisis, but down upon in prosperity... their stances (especially against sin) are challenged repeatedly by us who seek only what's best for us.

Some ideas for encouraging your Pastor...

1. PRAY for him and his family! Ask him from time to time how you can pray for them. Teach your children to pray for him and his family, too.

2. LIVE the Gospel... instead of "just trying to make it," seek to LIVE the Gospel that Christ gave His life for and confirmed in returning to the living. Christ lives so that we might have a full life (John 10:10) - one that is for HIS glory and not our own (Col. 1:15-16). Pastors (hopefully/prayerfully) do not seek to achieve self notoriety, but instead to lead people to Him who is the absolute best for everyone's life. There is nothing that brings more joy to a Pastor's heart than to see people with broken hearts turn to Him who heals and molds people in His image.

3. TRUST his vision and calling. Most churches hesitate when it comes to change. They cling to what was/is and not what could be. Praise God if your Pastor has a vision and heart to see lost people saved - follow him! Ask how you might be involved. Churches often seek what's best for their own church (or personal lives/families)... a Pastor's heart is to seek how they might profit the Kingdom!

4. ENCOURAGE other church members in their faith. Call "sin" what it is - sin (not an "oops," but a blatant and conscious act that draws us away from God and offends God), fellowship in Truth together, hold one another accountable, pray for their families and together seek out Pastoral council in how you might be a part of His vision (not your own vision - or one that is self-seeking).

5. LEARN with him! Learn how to love the lost, dying, weak, sick, broken, confused, confrontational, impatient, self-seeking and sinful. Learn how to demonstrate mercy and grace and how to extend it to all (regardless of who they are, where they come from or whether or not they even care). Ask him to challenge you in this endeavor. Ask questions (Pastors are always encouraged to see their people hungry for the Word!). Ask for suggestions in ways you might teach your own family (both in Scripture and living out Scripture).

Pastors are MEN called by God - they are not perfect. They lose focus from time-to-time, they hurt, they are anxious, they question their own calling and leadership, they battle pride and they struggle (spiritually, emotionally, and physically). Just as much as they are called to lead us, we are called to be an encouragement to them and to follow them (trusting that they, who are accountable to God, are leading us toward Him)!

To Pastor Trevor (from the article) - I am praying for you and your family, my Brother. I pray God would illuminate your heart with clarity, vision, wisdom and an unquenchable fire!

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

The image I borrowed is actually entitled "The Lonely Photographer", but I found it to be a powerful picture that summed up in many ways what I wrote about regarding the Broken Pastor. Image Credit: bart_azare

______________

Hijacker is a Messenger from God?

2009-09-10T11:30:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, passengers on an Aeromexico jet were taken hostage by Bolivian preacher/Christian musician, Jose Flores (stage name: Josmar). The reason? He was trying to relay a message to the President of Mexico from God: beware an impending earthquake "like none there has ever been." He also reportedly told authorities he had three accomplices: "the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost."

Before Christians wheel out the loony wagon, lock him up and throw away the key forever, they would do well to remember that God using prophets to speak to kings (country leaders) and/or whole countries is nothing new. We read and celebrate such instances throughout Scripture: Samuel to King Saul and (future) King David, Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar, Jonah to Ninevah, Paul to Caesar, to name a few. Their messages were all similar: "Repent and turn to God." Some had messages of impending destruction if they did not repent, others reminders of their first love ("don't forget Him who has saved you over and over again - return to Him").

With that said, I do not think what Jose Flores did and the message of the prophets/messengers of Scripture are the same because of the Bible's New Covenant change. When Christ came and died and rose again everything changed. People are called to repent (turn from sin and love/follow God) through the New Testament church. After the Apostles, it was left to the churches to call people to return to God. There is nothing attached to the call to repentance that is not already in Scripture (namely - the judgment unrepentant people will face is before God in the end). Even if there were (which there's not), it is seen over and over again in the Bible where God warns of destruction to those who are unrepentant, but give them a specific plan: there will be destruction IF repentance does not happen.

Being that God is "slow to anger" and a God of mercy He repeatedly gives chances to repent (the Biblical account of Abraham pleading with God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18:20-33). He also details the destruction and reveals His divine hand working in the midst of the judgment (the Biblical account of the famine in Egypt when Joseph is warned prior and told by God how to protect and preserve the nation during the seven year famine in Genesis 41).

Cutting to the chase: God's judgment is always clear and concise. There is never ambiguity to it and when in the midst of it whole nations know what it happening. There was little offered by Flores, outside of his highly personal God-experience, that leads me to believe his vision or message was of God (not to mention his method of informing the masses was highly unbiblical, ungodly and altogether wrong).

Messages from God are always a funny thing in Christianity. First, they are absolutely real and should not be mocked (1 Thes. 5:20). Second, they are second to the already revealed Word of God (in other words, He is not going to reveal something that goes against what He revealed before in Scripture). Third, revelations from God are confirmed BY GOD (messengers never wander around aimlessly asking "was that God that spoke to me or did I just experience some sort of post-60's head-trip?").

In closing, what happened to the passengers on that flight (and their families at home worrying and the family of Jose Flores) is sad. Sadder, yet, is the damage it does to the reputation of God's messengers (His church) who truly do have a Word from God to share with the masses. Christians are told by God to be aware of what is to come so they can be prepared, but Christians also ought to be wary of sign-watching and being consumed by the latest vision. God has delivered us a SURE Word (the Bible) and nothing in that Word has or will change. It is His promised Word. We ought to be less consumed with a "new" message (which there will not be) and more consumed in loving and worshipping Him, turning from sin and loving and serving those around us (in preparation for what is to come).

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

Image borrowed from Yahoo News
__________________

"Til (In)Convenience Do Us Part"

2009-09-08T15:18:00.005-04:00

"Divorce Expert" Jill Brooke recently wrote an article entitled "For Those Getting Married: Banish 'Til Death Do Us Part'". Citing a 50% divorce rate she claims that the idea of death as the only reason for divorce encourages laziness within marriage, thus leading to the crumbling of half of marriages.

I agree with Mrs. Brooke in her conclusion, but not her premise. I think her claim that marriages collapse because of the phrasing "til death do us part" in their wedding vows is absurd. I think it would have probably been more wise of her to cite couples' failure to uphold the previous portion of traditional vows ("in sickness, in health, for richer, for poorer...") since that is the conclusion she ultimately draws. It is not the death part of the vow that cripples marriages, but (as she correctly states) their failure to serve, pursue, court, romance and live for one another. Instead spouses put themselves at the center of their own universe and leave their beloved spouse behind as they pursue selfish pursuits.

FOR THOSE GETTING MARRIED: EMBRACE 'TIL DEATH DO US PART'

The solution to the divorce problem isn't banishing the pledge of commitment or rewording it. It is fulfilling it and fighting to ensure its success. Here are a few reasons why banishing the phrase is a bad idea (and a proverbial straw man):

1. The problem isn't the phrase - it's the failure to honor it.

2. Banishing the phrase is banishing Him who created marriage - God. Marriage is a covenant relationship between man and wife and God. Before God, man and wife covenant (unending promise) with God to become one flesh together and to live for one another as they both live for God. Biblically, the only thing that ends a covenant is death.

3. Removing the phrase does not promote accountability to the marriage relationship (as Mrs. Brooke states), it removes trust and confidence in the union. The new vow will be "I commit to you until you are no longer committed to me or our union is no longer convenient." If a couple wants to remain accountable to their vow then they ought to: (1) read together what the Author of marriage says about real love, marriage and commitment/covenant, (2) check-in with one another regularly and ask "how am I doing loving, serving, pursuing and ministering to you spiritually? Do I demonstrate to you and those around us that you are valuable to me?"

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

As always, feel free to email Christian the Christian at christianthechristian.c2@gmail.com.

Pic borrowed from here.
_____________________

"To Thine Own Self Be True": Not Truth At All

2009-09-03T14:10:00.007-04:00

William Shakespeare penned the famous line "to thine own self be true" in his work "Hamlet." Since then it (and even prior to it) that ideology has taken on many forms and been placed on many bumper stickers, t-shirts and used in many cheesy Oprah-esque "Book of the Month" books or movies. Its latest incarnation came in the form of an article (blog post) written by Emily Gordon called "I Was in a Coma (and I'm Not a Better Person Because of It)".

In the article she concludes (after an obviously horrifying ordeal) that the meaning of life is to "[live life] to the fullest." Outside of it being highly cliche, her point is noted and not altogether unreasonable. However, then she continues... "but I think we get stuck on what "the fullest" actually means. It isn't something you see in Lifetime movies, where somebody gets sick and spends the rest of her time "touching the lives" of every person she meets. It means seeking fulfillment in all its many forms. All of them -- even fries, Prince movies, celebrity gossip -- are more essential to your being than anything you'd list on a résumé."

The heartbeat of her article and Shakespeare's phrase is: focus on yourself - YOU are the central character of YOUR life story.

While I've never been in a coma and cannot relate personally to such an ordeal, I do understand the rationale behind her misguided view of life. She (along with Shakespeare, Oprah, Ellen and countless others) is simply reciting the HUMANIST manifesto. Humanism (or Secular Humanism), in a very short summary, is placing people and their existence, needs and desires at the center of the story of life. In other words, the purpose of life: "is to live it" or "be happy" or "find what it means to you".

This way of thinking is wrong in so many ways:

#1 - Life is not about YOU. To think it is, is selfish and narrow-minded. What was the purpose of life before you existed? What will it be after you're dead and gone? Surely you cannot think that your sole purpose for existing is to be all about yourself (and if it is, then why have laws or rules? Why not just do whatever we want without the fear of consequences?). Colossians 1:16-17 declares that we exist because God saw fit to create us and that we are here "for Him" (to worship and love Him).

Life is HIS story, not ours.
We are part of HIS story - He is not part of ours.
We exist for HIM, He does not exist for us.

NOTE: A Great book to read regarding this: "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan

#2 - If Life is not about you, then our attention and desire ought to be bigger than ourselves (and not because it makes us feel better - but because it is a primary part of our purpose in existing). Humanists get the Second Greatest Commandment ("love your neighbor as yourself") backwards, though... instead of truly loving others, they love others when there is reward in it for them (whether it be experiencing happiness from making others happy, actual reward/award in return, fulfillment in life, etc.). When we love ourselves first, above all others, and base our love for them simply in "what's in it for me" we miss the true value of what it is to pour into people selflessly (and forsake our calling to do so).

#3 - God is the best we can ever have. Not heaven, not eternal life, not friends and family in heaven... simply put: GOD IS THE BEST and MOST VALUABLE TREASURE we have. All the other things are blessings (His gifts to us). People fall short, we fall short, money and things provide temporary satisfaction (and in many ways bring more heartache), but God is faithful and true - always has been and always will be. He existed before we did and will continue to once our time is done. He is our greatest treasure.

PARENTS: While much more could be said of this topic, I will stop for now. For you, as parents, however, the conversation is only beginning! Are we raising our kids to think the sun and planets revolve around them (as if THEY are man's greatest treasure)? Do we say with our lips "I love God," but live our lives devoted to our real god (ourselves)? For more on this sort of topic, checkout the following archived blog posts:

What Pours from Your Heart?
Culture and Your Teen/Child
The New Daughter Philosophy: "Your Daughter and What She Deserves"
Mom and Dad - Time to Grow Up!

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

Image borrowed from ArtbyChrysti
________________

True Love

2009-09-02T15:32:00.005-04:00

Checkout this remarkable story of love, commitment, and loyalty. I pray my wife and I are able to enjoy this type of love story and endure even longer, together.

Click here to read this beautiful story.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

____________

Would You Still Do It?

2009-09-01T10:54:00.005-04:00

September is the beginning of a lot of things: new school year, new church year (for some churches), beginning of fall, the start of the NFL season, and the beginning of Fall Television (new seasons and new shows).

Every year there is a new, highly anticipated television series that a network hopes will bring home the bacon via high ratings. Most of the new shows flounder (such as one of my favorites that only got one season - "Kings"). This September is no different, with a slew of new shows slated to begin in the next couple weeks. One show in particular that has caught my eye is a new one on ABC called Flashforward.

In the show, the world blacks out for 2 minutes and 17 seconds and when they come to many (or all?) got a glimpse of their future and are trying to figure out (1) how their lives got to that point, (2) what caused the blackout. One part in the preview that caught my attention was a woman saying she saw herself with another man, who was not her husband. Watch the preview:

The idea, the suspense, the plot and characters have me intrigued, but the very brief scene with the woman has my mind racing... would we, if could see the consequences of our choices (or evaluate them in light of present joy or standards), would we still follow through with it? Would we, like the woman, be brokenhearted (even before it happens)? Would we work to prevent it from happening?

As my mind stirs about this, Paul's struggle with his sin and his love for God are in the back of my mind. In particular, the part where he says "when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong" (read about his struggle in Romans 7:14-25). Or the part in Corinthians where Paul reminds believers that we have a choice in pursuing our sinful desires or running from them and toward God (1 Cor. 10:13).

I have no idea what the series has in store or whether or not it is going to be a good piece to discuss sin and consequences, but thus far it certainly catches my attention.

PARENTS: Shows like this that portray sin and consequences are GREAT opportunities to discuss the power of our choices. It is a prime opportunity to discuss choices and their consequences from Scripture (both good and bad): Adam and Eve, Joseph and Potipher's wife, David and Bathsheba, King Asa, Ecclesiastes (Solomon lamenting "chasing the wind"), Peter denying Christ, temptation gives birth to sin which eventually gives birth to death (costs more than we bargained for - James 1:14-15), etc.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

_____________________

"Religion is for Weak People"

2009-08-31T10:17:00.009-04:00

EDITORIAL NOTE: Thank you for your patience, but I've taken an unannounced vacation the last two weeks from blogging due to my pastoral and personal schedule. I'm back now, though, and hope to be submitting daily posts again.

"Organized religion is a sham and a crutch for weak-minded people who need strength in numbers." (Jesse Ventura, former Governor of Minnesota)

This now famous/infamous line spoken by "The Gov" received much air time from the media in trying to stir the religious debate pot for ratings. Usually following the airing of the comment they'd host panels to discuss the controversial comment and invite religious people, atheists, authors, pastors, etc. in to "discuss" the comment in relation to politics, life and eternity.

While this quote is old news, what it represents is very relevant today still and will be until Christ returns.

Like Ventura, many claim religion is for weak-minded, poor, oppressed, or lonely people. Strong-minded, wealthy, powerful, famous/popular, and/or healthy people, however, have little to no need for God. Why would they? They are the makers of their own destiny. They are their own authorities. They are the authors of their own morals and ethics. They are their own creators (they create their own religions at will). Consequently, they are their own God.

Powerful people need no God (nor do they want one) because they are their own God and for them to answer to a deity higher than them would require an ounce of humility, need and emptiness. Today's culture decries need or brokenness as weakness. The reality of these attributes is that they remind of us of our place (we are not God... we are not all-knowing, all powerful, infinite, holy, eternal or ceaselessly creative) and our need for the infinite God of all.

James 4:7-10 tells us that we will spend our lives doing one of two things: (1) SUBMITTING to God, or (2) trying to BE GOD. Based on the Biblical description of who God is, it is a logical fallacy to think there can be more than one God (or someone equal to Him). Powerful people, though, have no need for this God to save them or aid them (that is, of course, until something happens in their life that leaves them broken beyond words - such as loss of family/friends, tragedy, etc.) and no need to worship God because their attention, drive, motivation, desire and hope is all directed in one direction: themselves.

PARENTS: Do your lives represent one that is bent toward God or bent toward being your own God? One that not only talks about having a need for God to save you, but that demonstrates a lifelong allegiance to this One, True God? Our children and teens find brokenness and need a lot more appealing when they see humility lived out before them.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!
________________

What Pours From Your Heart?

2009-08-07T12:31:00.006-04:00

What do you love the most? Who do you love the most?

I have heard various statements about determining the true affections of our lives...

Check your bank account - where the bulk of your money goes is where your heart truly is
Check the account of your life - where the bulk of your time goes is where your heart truly is

While neither of these are foolproof or infallible tests to determine one's true affections, there is something to be said for a VISIBLE faith! People who truly love God are unmistakable. Few question those people's true motivations or heart and they are truly a delight to be around. For other believers (and even non-believers) they are a breath of fresh air!

While I have never met the following gentleman (Joshua Cho) in person (college student I think) I stumbled across him and some friends on You Tube singing a cover of Geoff Moore/Steven Curtis Chapman song "Listen to Our Hearts" and... wow! Check it out:

Again, I know very little bit about him or his friends, but based on his personal you tube profile (also a refreshing and seemingly genuine outpouring of love for God), the collection of songs he sings and shares with others publicly online, and his online conduct and comments (both his and those directed to him) it would seem as though he is a young man with an honest desire to love God with all his heart, mind and soul. Luke 6:45 says that "out of the abundance (overflowing) our mouth speaks" (or live our lives); Joshua's outpouring (and maybe even that of his friends') indicates a heart truly bent toward loving God. What about yours?

If you liked the video/song you can listen or download it (and others from Joshua Cho) free here.

Want to see more videos from Joshua? Visit his You Tube page here.

Parents: Our #1 job as parents is not to teach kids how to establish a religious routine, live life according to a vain morality or empty religious practices (to include going to church just to go). Our calling is to teach them how to "love the Lord with all their hearts, minds and souls." Translation: to love God in every part of their life, public and private, and to desire Him more than anything else. The best lessons, however, are not the ones we teach with our lips but the ones we live. What pours from your heart? If your kids were asked what you loved the most (other than them as a family), what would they say? It's never too late! But it's definitely time to start somewhere!

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

____________________

Culture and Your Teen/Child (From Focus on the Family and CPYU)

2009-08-06T14:55:00.008-04:00

The following article is a dialogue between the folks at Focus on the Family's Plugged In and CPYU's (Center for Parent/Youth Understanding) founder Walt Mueller. This is a great read for parents regarding cultural influences and your teen (or children). Featured in the article: #1 Thread in Most Teens' Lives, Mass Media Use, What Is the Biggest Influence in a Teen's Life in Today's World (not surprising, but also not what you might have expected as an answer), and more! GREAT READ... check it out! (This article was written by Adam R. Holz and originally appeared on the site for Plugged In.)
********************

There are probably very few people on planet Earth who spend as much time thinking about popular culture's influence on young people as Walt Mueller. For more than 30 years, Mueller has been digging deep into how our society's stars and scandals and trends shape the values and behaviors of teens and tweens—and on how parents and children can connect meaningfully during this sometimes tumultuous season of life.

"There is a widening cultural-generational gap that needs to be closed," Mueller notes. "On one side stand parents and adults, many puzzled and scared by the rapidly changing world of children and teens. ... On the other side stand children and teens longing for parents and other significant adults willing and able to help them through the confusing maze of today's youth culture, leading them to an emotionally and spiritually healthy adulthood. I'm convinced it's a gap nobody wants."

To help close that gap, Mueller founded the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding in 1990. He's also written seven books on the subject, including Understanding Today's Youth Culture, Youth Culture 101 and his latest, The Space Between: A Parent's Guide to Teenage Development.

Adam R. Holz: What trends are most influencing teenagers in 2009?

Walt Mueller: A lot of times we look for behaviors—you know, how many kids are doing this, how many kids are doing that, who is sexually active, who isn't. But what I have tried to do lately is to dig a little deeper, to peel back the layers to look at the matters of the heart. Because it's the heart that influences all those other things. As I and those I work with at CPYU have done that, one thing that we've seen more than anything else recently is a single thread woven through the fabric of kids' lives and youth culture: the thread of narcissism.

Narcissism involves a constant obsession with self which really, at its root, is idolatry. It's replacement of the Creator with the created thing—the created thing in this case being the self. And narcissism is about having everything in life focused in service of self and the glory of self rather than bringing honor and glory to God.

Related to that is materialism. When we moved out of the '80s into the early '90s, some commentators were writing about the fact that the so-called "me" decade was over with, along with the rampant materialism that came with it. But that has absolutely not been the case. Materialism still runs deep and wide, and I think it's more ingrained now in the lives of young people and adults than it's ever been.

Holz: How do you think the social networking revolution, as well as mobile communication such as texting and tweeting, are impacting how young people relate to each other?

Mueller: Today's kids have a greater ability to communicate with other people than any other previous generation. You can stay connected 24/7. That can be a great thing in terms safety, in terms of parents communicating with their children. And I think the church is learning how to harness these technologies to help spread the gospel as well. At the same time—and I think research is beginning to show this—it's easier now for people to retreat into physical aloneness. The great irony is that, while this is the generation that has the greatest number of tools to stay relationally connected, they are also one of the loneliest and most isolated generations ever. For many of these kids, when you finally shut everything down, they don't know how to live in the silence and listen to God. And I think it can affect their relationships in some bad ways.

But I would never say that these technologies are an evil thing. I have always encouraged parents and youth workers to see all that stuff as a neutral—a cell phone is a neutral thing, an iPod is a neutral thing, Facebook is a neutral thing—but it depends on how we are using it. Are we using these things to serve the kingdom of the world, the flesh and the devil? Or are we using them to serve and build the kingdom of God? If we become consumed by these things, it can really hurt us deeply. Many people think the answer is to get rid of the technologies when in fact what we have to do is manage them in ways that are healthy and positive and bring honor and glory to God.

Holz: In a world where kids have so many media and entertainment options, do you think popular music is as significant a shaping force as it might have been for previous generations?

Mueller: I would have to say no. I grew up in the late '60s and '70s, and music, for the most part, was it. It was music and television. In the '80s, it was music television. But MTV isn't even about music anymore. What we see now is a shift in which the media world has just exploded in both platforms and types of media. Thanks to social networking sites like MySpace, there are more outlets for music than ever. Kids' tastes have become a lot more unique

Holz: And fragmented?

Mueller: Very fragmented. And so, as a result, you don't have that large, overarching music scene or artists whose albums everyone is buying and listening to. Take Michael Jackson, for example. We just don't have megastars like him anymore.

Holz: Do you think anything has eclipsed music in terms of cultural influence?

Mueller: I would say marketing. Product placement is in everything these days: music, movies, TV. When that's combined with the narcissism and materialism we've already talked about, it's a formidable force. Today's kids have significant disposable income, which is one of the reasons that the youth culture is the most targeted market segment of all. So marketing is the greatest influence because it really is shaping young people's values, attitudes and behaviors.

Holz: How do you think marketing shapes more than just our decisions to buy this or that?

Mueller: The average person sees between 3,500 and 7,000 marketing messages a day. None of us are going to buy all those products—not that day, that week or even in our lifetime. But we will have ingested marketing messages that sell a certain way of looking at life. In that sense, advertisements don't just sell products. They sell a worldview, a way of thinking about life and living life. Especially when it comes to young people, it's this constant barrage of ads that's shaping who they are. These days, I spend a lot more time than I used to telling parents to monitor marketing and helping parents talk to their kids about how to ask good questions about marketing. We have to help our kids learn to manage the world's constant marketing messages so that the marketing doesn't manage them.

Holz: What would you say is the best approach for parents to use in helping their teens navigate this world, and what is the balance between protection and avoidance?

Mueller: Navigating and protection—that is always a precarious balance to strike. We want things to be easy. I have been raised, we have all been raised, in a world where you push a button or you take a pill and everything is fixed. But it's not that easy. Kids have hearts and minds of their own, we can't drag them screaming and kicking into God's kingdom. So now what I have to do as a parent is discern where each of them is at. I have four kids of my own. And each one of them is very different. Because of that, they may need different boundaries, different parameters to both equip and protect them. That means I have to be constantly observing and listening to my kids. So, along with my wife, I have to know the world they live in and begin to try to figure out how each child is going to respond to the influences we see there.

Holz: What has that process looked like in your family?

Mueller: As a parent, you always have to look in the mirror first. You've got to know yourself. And if we hope to know ourselves well, we have to be washing and bathing ourselves in God's Word all the time. I often say that if we want to point our kids in the right direction, we have to have the truth coursing through our own veins. Jesus said that out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. It has to be that way for us to speak truth and for that to flow out of our lives as well. From that foundation, we can begin to talk to our kids about making good choices, seizing every opportunity to teach that we encounter with them.

For example, when my oldest son, Josh, who is now 23, was entering his teen years, he came to me and said, "I heard this great band today, Dad. A friend of mine played this song, and I wonder if I can get the CD?" I asked him what the band was, and it was Green Day. Rather than react negatively, I asked, "What song did you like?" After he told me, I said, "You know, Josh, that song is actually about—and this may embarrass you—but it's about masturbation." He said, "Really?" So I said, "Let me give you something to read on this band. When you're done, let me know what you think. He read the article, and he was old enough to work through it and come to the conclusion that he didn't think he should be listening to that band. So instead of just saying no, I gave him parameters that encouraged him to engage and think critically for himself. And then we talked about it.

I believe that process is key when your kids come to you with an interest. If they express interest in something that you know isn't good or positive, don't overreact. Rather, respond calmly. Think with them and calmly walk through this process with them. They don't naturally know how to do that on their own; it's not inherent in who they are. We had to learn that process too, and now we have to teach it to them.

So remember that your kids are in process and this is going to take some time. Sometimes they will buck the system in terms of what you are trying to teach them. But don't lose sleep over it. Continue to pray for them and continue to walk them through it and talk them through it because that, I believe, is what leads to lasting heart change, not just compliant behavior.

Holz: What would you say to parents who feel overwhelmed by the speed at which the culture in changing and the ways new media and technology are influencing their kids?

Mueller: Well, first, I would say that I understand. I would also say that God has given us a wonderful opportunity by allowing us to live today to shape the way our generation and younger generations respond to these challenges.

In His incarnation, we see that Jesus was a particular man sent by God to a particular place at a particular time with a particular mission. It's the same for us. We are not here by accident. It is by design. We are particular people called by God to be at this particular place in this particular time to deal with these particular things.

Given those truths, we do well to remember that God hasn't called us to live with a spirit of fear. If we believe in God's sovereignty, we'll be biblically concerned and respond realistically rather than having an alarmist pessimism that forces us to separate from the world. Ultimately, being ruled by fear of what's happening around us isn't going to help anything. Yes, there are going to be things we have to say no to and walk away from. Sometimes, we do have to think for our kids and work to steer them in another direction. That is a responsibility God has given us as parents.

But I always tell parents, never forget that one of the great joys of parenting is that God parents you while you parent your kids. If you were to graph your life struggles and graph out the growth points, the greatest growth often takes place in times of confusion, frustration and suffering. You see that when you look in the rearview mirror. So embrace the opportunities.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

_____________

"Please - Humiliate Me, Insult My Wife and Mock My Faith!"

2009-08-05T12:39:00.011-04:00

It is said that life is too short and that we ought to learn to laugh a little - to include laughing at ourselves a bit, so as not to take life too seriously. However, is there a line in the sand, so-to-speak? A point where instead of laughing at our own shortcomings, we become the proverbial "butt of the joke" and the target for public mockery?

This is the reality of shows like South Park, The Family Guy, American Dad, The Simpsons and The Cleveland Show (Fall 2009). Instead of using shows to make insightful observations about culture and life in general, they are vehicles for absolute mockery. They respect nothing and all subjects are open for "laughs" (to include abortion, though Fox wisely opted against airing The Family Guy abortion episode).

Over the last couple weeks I've been discussing worldview in film (peppered with a little TV) with my teenagers in church and last week The Family Guy (just nominated for an Emmy) was brought up several times with a couple students doing their best impression of the characters from the show. I asked them who had seen at least one episode and all students raised their hands. I then asked how many watched it regularly and about half the hands stayed up. One student quickly said "I know I probably shouldn't like it because they make fun of God, like when He hits on girls and stuff, but I can't help it. It's so funny!"

So then I asked how they would like it if some random stranger broke in to their home and trashed the things they value the most. They all responded as one would expect - they wouldn't like it. Then I said - how is what you are doing when you watch that show any different?

Every night you willingly open your door to a stranger to come in to your life and mock, belittle and ultimately trash everything you supposedly value the most: family (no, the "Family" Guy is not a show about promoting family), real friendships, and above all, God! If someone were to literally bash your life publicly on a stage in front of a crowded stadium of people there is no way you'd stay for them keep doing it - you'd walk out. So why do we keep doing it in this instance?

PARENTS: Again, I am not a fan of censorship; however, it is our job to help our teens see exactly what these educators (television, film, music, and the arts: the #1 philosophy teachers of our day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) are telling your kids (and us as adults) to believe. Yes, there is value in some self-directed laughter (and even some things in religion that are laughable), but when our families, marriages, and our faith become a public mockery - we should not be part of the laughing audience.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

___________________

College Majors and God: Do Students' Fields of Study Influence Their Faith?

2009-07-31T15:02:00.006-04:00

I received this article via the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding (great organization that, like this blog, seeks to build strong families by bridging the cultural gap between parents and teens) about whether or not what a student majors in in school has any affect on their faith. This is a very interesting article (a MUST READ for parents and teens!)!! Honestly, the findings of the study are not surprising at all (which is why this blog exists and I am in youth ministry)!

Read the article here: God and Majors.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

Image borrowed from Spectra.
_______________________

TSA Takes Toys from an 8 Year Old Boy/Russian Airline Wants Hot Flight Attendents: A C2 Response

2009-07-30T14:20:00.009-04:00

RUSSIAN AIRLINE GOES SEXY

According to an online report, Russian Airlines company Aeroflot plans to upgrade their flight attendants by hiring "very striking, very eye-catching girls" to serve passengers on their planes. Of course they also plan several other changes as well (uniforms, aircraft changes, customer service, etc.), but a key component of the changes will be in their personnel.

Though I've never flown this airline before, I do fly semi-regularly (a couple times a year). I could care less about what the women who serve me look like. What I could go for, however, is a little better service (or maybe a lot better service). Service on airlines is starting to resemble Walmart: get in, get what little bit you're promised and not a smile or ounce of effort more, then get out! "Thanks for flying "[fill in popular airline company here]!"

To Aeroflot, a few questions:

How do you plan to measure the hottness/sexiness of your potential Stewardesses?

Will there be added financial incentives to women who work hard to keep up their appearances (working out) or add to them (such as through cosmetic surgery or botox)?

Will you offer refunds if passengers aren't pleased with the quality of their eye candy while on board?

As executives, are you pleased to know that men boarding your planes are encouraged by your company to gawk at and enjoy the scenery that is your female employees?

Last one - just to be clear - I assume you will hold your employees accountable for sexual harassment in the workplace, but will encourage it from your passengers?

So the moral of your company's story is: hot women = better bottom lines (all puns intended) and a better standard for customer service? Friendly skies indeed.

TSA Takes Toys From an 8 Year Old Boy

Let's get a couple things out of the way, first.

I am a HUGE Disney fan (my wife and I are, both, former Cast Members/Employees and love visiting their parks - though because of cost have only been able to go once in 13 years).

I generally support the TSA, despite all the annoyances that comes with removing everything down to my shoes just to board a plane (even more annoying when I have to do the same for my kids). I also don't like the 3-D X-Ray machine and don't like being treated rudely by a select few; however, in general most are wonderful and do the best they can to make an annoying situation as comfortable as possible.

My response is less toward the TSA and more toward another blogger (Scott Carmichael) who, while well intentioned, misses the mark in his article regarding the situation. To sum it up, a young boy went to Disney World with his family as a way of coping with the loss of his father to cancer (to that family - my heart breaks for you). On their return trip home, the TSA agents in Ft. Lauderdale confiscated a few toys he planned to carry on to the plane (one being a Pirates of the Carribean sword and the other a toy gun); Disney replaced the toys after hearing about this incident (see why we love Disney!). To add insult to injury, after the agent(s) confiscated the toys they apparently turned around and played with them in front of the boy. According to the TSA's policies (posted in all U.S. airports and online) no weapons or anything resembling a weapon may be brought on to a plane (Mr. Carmichael references these policies in his article).

I understand Mr. Carmichael's view (that the toys were obviously toys, the boy is obviously a boy who was playing with these toys - not a terrorist, and he is also a boy grieving the unbelievable loss of his father); I do not fault him for his view - I even sympathize with it. I simply write to state that in the age we live in, terrorists use anything to harm the innocent (hence the reason they train children to carry bombs). It probably was quite obvious to the TSA agents that this was a normal boy with souvenirs, but their policies do not allow them to make judgment calls (especially when the rules are clear).

This is something I went through personally... a few years back I was in Atlanta on business and decided to buy my then 3 year old son a mini souvenir Braves' bat (wood) to hang on his wall. At the last minute as I was walking out of my hotel room I saw that I forgot to pack the bat and, not thinking about it, I put it in my carry on bag. As I went through TSA Security they removed the bat and told me I could: (1) go back to the counter and ask to put it in my already checked bag (don't know how that would have happened considering my bag was well on its way to the plane, but it was an option), (2) throw it away myself, or (3) turn it over to the TSA agent. Reluctant to do any of them, I turned it over as it was the easiest of the three options. As the TSA agent turned her back with my son's (former) bat in hand, she announced to another agent "look what I got for my grandson!" Yes, that was tactless and mean for her to say, especially seeing how badly I wanted to keep that bat and give it to my son (and yes I was enraged sitting on the plane the whole way home); however, the rules were posted and it was my fault for failing to check the bat with my baggage.

The mom or family in this situation was probably like me - just not thinking. They let the boy bring the toys as a way of clinging a little longer to the trip, putting off the reality of the empty home that awaited him. Thankfully, again, this story had a happy ending since Disney replaced the boy's toys (even though they had no reason or obligation to do so - good job Disney!).

For Mr. Carmichael, I understand your frustration (as I share it, too), but to attack the TSA for doing their jobs (thinking of security when we obviously do not and making sure our planes are safe) is an error. Yes, it was hurtful that the agents carelessly began playing with toys in front of the boy - so call them out for that. Do not call them out for lacking "common sense [at the] checkpoint" when there is no ambiguity in their policies. Their decision was not only smart, but the ethical and responsible thing to do (they have to have the same standard across the board - whether it be Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta, Dallas, Tucson or LAX). Instead, praise their conduct in performing their job duties, but call them out (or the agents responsible) for their gross lack of decency in that situation.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

Photo borrowed from DanialMartin
____________________________

Evolution's New (Random) "Plan": Use Supermodels to Dominate the World

2009-07-28T11:06:00.016-04:00

According to "scientific findings" reported on Fox News, evolution is causing women to get "hotter" and men to stay ugly.

A few things, if I may:

Is this implying, then, that men are the weaker species and will not survive?

Does it also imply that ugly women are a weaker species since "hot" women have "more children than unattractive women" (of which most of the offspring are girls)?

Question: What if an "unattractive" woman gets hot - will she be grandfathered (grandmothered?) in to the Survival of the Fittest plan?

Top notch reporting and video illustration by Fox News: great use of supermodels through the entire presentation of "hot women" and then contrasting it with the shining examples of male hotness - Rodney Dangerfield and Keith Richards! Don't Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Will Smith or, gasp, Robert Pattinson give us men a little evolutionary credit?!?! Are hot guys given a sporting chance at survival?

One other thing... how do the scientists plead in the face of this evidence here: Models and Actresses without Makeup (top notch reporting, indeed, thanks to the folks at AOL Living "StyleList")? *Cue "The Jig is Up music* DUN DUN DUN....

To Quote the Supermodels (as the evolutionary scientists are no where to be found): "CURSES! Foiled again! We would have gotten away with dominating the world if it wasn't for you, C2, and that pesky dog, er, AOL Living!"

The evolution part of the story is a joke and not even worth discussing. Beauty, on the other hand, is very much a worthy topic! Beauty may have been relative to the eyes of the beholder (though that's a conversation for another day), but in the age of Botox, push up stuff, suck stuff in, 20" heels, plastic surgery, air brushing, technology in media and make-up technicians/artists (yes, those are real titles) no one knows what they are beholding. Not to mention the fact that the person being presented is nothing but an image - crafted carefully by photographers, managers, and PR people.

Here is a real, beautiful and virtuous woman who truly demands repect and honor through the beauty she displays in humility and love:

²⁵ [A virtuous woman] is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. ²⁶ When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. ²⁷ She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

²⁸ Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
²⁹ “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”

³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. ³¹ Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. (Proverbs 31:25-31

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

_________________

Your Professional Personality Test: Your Desk

2009-07-27T14:51:00.005-04:00

In surfing the web, er working, I stumbled across this article that says your desk says a lot about you. "That's absurd!" I thought. My curiosity, however, was piqued and the link began to call out to me... "click me...click me..." - so I did. I wasn't impressed with what I read at first, though thought it interesting that I have seen every one of those types of desks before (are we that cliche/unoriginal?). While I did not find my desk, per se, in the article, I did see a portion of my desk in the "Post It Note" desk. I now have to call my wife and see if she was a contributing author for that article (specifically the Post It Note desk because that sounds just like her describing me). Not only do I keep a slew of Post-It notes, but I now have a mini White Board and several "To-Do" Word Documents with various numbers or names.
Here's the problem with my desk of "To-Do's"... I never see them. Somehow my desk always seems to become an honorary bookshelf/file cabinet. No matter how many times I clean it off (or my wife cleans it off after waiting patiently and can no longer take looking at it) it always reverts back to what I now refer to as its "God-ordained purpose." Don't believe me? Take a look...

This was taken just a moment ago. As you can see, there are no post-it notes... at least none that are visible. Trust me, they are there under my library and files (probably a year old and of no use to me anymore, but there none-the-less). So, in its place I use our dining room table (which I am forced to clean every night for dinner) or sit on the couch and work with a stack of papers, books and a trusty homemade Mocha Frappaccino next to me.

So, I wonder what that says about me? Hmmmmm.... I don't think I want to know. I will say in my defense, though, I always get things done (and usually on time!)!

Parents and/or Professionals: Desk-personality tests and joking aside, our desks (and homes) do say a lot about us; however, nothing speaks louder than the person sitting behind the desk or the people living in the homes! Do people that work around us or visit our homes trust us to be people of faith and integrity? People of warmth and unconditional love? Or people that hide behind their desks or the walls of their homes... cold, uninviting and usually too busy to care and be involved in the lives of others?

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

______________

The Strength to Hope

2009-07-24T08:30:00.007-04:00

Each day people are faced with some of the most unbelievable obstacles. Hurt, abuse, moral failure, the dissolution of a marriage, pain, the loss of a job, extreme sickness and death. How do you "deal" with those obstacles? It's not like they just go away.

On Wednesday's So You Think You Can Dance episode dancers Ade and Melissa performed a very powerful piece about a woman's struggle with Breast Cancer. In it you see a variety of emotions and reactions to this battle:

The girl laying down as if she has nothing left (her friend lifts her up)
The girl and friend in despair (hurting)
The girl clinging to her friend for support, trusting in his strength (seen in her literally jumping into his arms on several occasions)
Frustration, as she pounds on the chest of her friend
Faithfulness, as the friend was and carries her through this

I don't usually get dance, but I get this!

Watch the performance...

'SYTYCD' Top 8: Melissa & Ade's Contemporary Performance @ Y! TV

In this piece, the strength the woman receives is from her friend. While it is true that our friends and family are some our greatest sources of support in unbelievable times (as God created them to be), I couldn't help but think about the "friend" in this routine as our God. Obviously this was not the intent of the choreographer (Tyce Diorio), but read the passage below and then watch the performance again and you'll see how I see it like that. FIRST: read this about Jesus Christ, who loves so perfectly...

Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.” No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:34-39)

It is true that we live in a broken (Fallen) world. For those who put their faith and life in the hands of Jesus Christ, there is hope in those unimaginable times that we could never forsee coming. Those moments of despair and feeling alone. Those moments when we say "I never thought this would be my life." There is hope! Even if the worst should happen (death), there is still hope in knowing we can live on forever in the presence of Him who made us just like Him. Jesus Christ came and died (and lives again!) that we might have hope, comfort and boldness in this life and the one to come!

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question.
Want to talk with me personally? Email me at christianthechristian.c2@gmail.com.

__________________

"Eye Candy"

2009-07-21T15:23:00.007-04:00

Ok, so I made my weekly shopping trip to the grocery store today with my youngest daughter (2 years old). Typically this is a trip in which I craftily navigate the aisles with list in hand so that I can try to get what we need as quick as possible (though I've got a lot of my mom in me, so I also want a deal and trying to be thrifty often slows my progress). After two hours (obviously not my fastest of trips) my shopping experience was drawing to a close and my baby and I were grabbing our last item (some ice cream!)... then it happened.

As my I was looking through the Breyer's, trying to select between Fat Free Chocolate or forgetting health consciousness and grabbing whatever I wanted (I chose neither and instead opted for Skinny Cow Chocolate Cones - good stuff!), a woman approached the same freezer to choose a frozen dessert. No sooner had she walked up that two guys passed between us taking several long, childish looks at her. One of them then looked at me and lipped silently (so she wouldn't know he was talking about her) "is that your wife?!?!". Puzzled by the question, I shook my head "no." He then replied in a whisper "I was gonna say... [putting his thumb up indicating approval] nice job, bro!! She [sic] hot!!!".

WHAT?!?! What if she were my wife? In what universe would I (or hopefully any guy) be proud that some random guy (or even one I know) just walked by and stared at my wife, as if undressing her with his eyes, then let me know he approved of her and our marriage? How is that complimentary in anyway? How did he think that would be a manly thing to do (especially with our daughter, if we were married or my wife was the one being oogled as if she were eye candy to be sensually enjoyed by anyone who walks by, right next to me)?

Men/boys... it's getting old. Step up.

***EDITED BELOW***

Need further evidence? This was posted in the comments section by a teenage girl not even two hours after I published the above post:

"That is really frustrating.
I'm a 17 year old girl. Apparently I look a lot older. I don't dress provocatively and don't wear make- up, but yet when I go places sometimes guys ask me if I'm married, etc. It's even more frustrating when I catch them looking at me or have other people tell me that guys were "looking me up and down," when my friends and I go somewhere. There are some places that I don't even want to go to anymore, because of this. To me, it seems as though most guys only want one thing [sex], and that is really annoying."

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question.

__________________

Jimmy Carter takes on Southern Baptists

2009-07-20T15:03:00.011-04:00

According to a recent article, former President Jimmy Carter has parted ways with the Southern Baptist Convention over the treatment of women. A Southern Baptist for 60 years Jimmy Carter has decided he no longer wants to be a part of them, claiming they are nothing short of a bunch of misogynistic men who use their religion to allow for "persecution and abuse of women throughout the world" (likening them to religious groups who truly do abuse, mistreat, disrespect and devalue women). In his essay he not only calls out Southern Baptists, but the integrity of Scripture as a whole (which, sad to say, is at least consistent with his new found beliefs).

"Why would he say such a thing?" you ask? Because SB's do not ordain women (allow women to serve as deacons or vocational pastors) and tell husbands, fathers and/or men to step up and be the Godly, loving, protective, supportive and integritous leaders of their homes they are supposed to be. For him to lambaste the SBC as chauvinistic, power-hungry men is not only an unfair statement, it is a complete misrepresentation of Southern Baptists, in general. Yes, there are always a select few that carry their faith and values too far, then hide behind it as direct instructions from God; however, I think it would have been better for Mr. Carter to double check Scripture before mislabeling an entire group of men and women who speak on behalf of and fight for marriages, family, integrity, children's rights, women (and their rights) and justice worldwide.

To address his claims against the SBC...

Regarding the claim that women are told to "subjugate themselves to the wishes of their husbands" -
No... the SBC does not call on women to subjugate themselves to their husband's wishes, nor does the Bible. To say such a thing is either a misunderstanding of Scripture (at best), or an irresponsible, slanderous, and hateful lie (at worst). The SBC does not tell women to "submit" (the correct word and phrasing) to their husbands either - the Bible does (Ephesians 5:22-33). Southern Baptists only reiterate what the Bible teaches. It's sad how often this passage and instruction is taken out of context though, as if the Bible tells women they are inferior to men and they have no choice but to listen to their husband-boss. This is NOT at all what the Bible teaches. It actually tells women to submit to their husband's supposed to be Godly-leadership (he is to be leading his family with his wife toward the worship and love of God in all things). The other integral part of that passage often left out or ignored by people is that it also calls on husbands to love their wives sacrificially, willing to go above and beyond to care for them, serve them and love them. No where does it reduce the value or worth of a woman, but actually declares man and woman to be of equal worth and value by stating that when the two are married they become "one flesh" (how is one part of a body more valuable than another?).

Regarding the SBC's refusal to ordain women -
Mr. Carter is correct - Southern Baptists do not ordain women (allow them to be Pastors or deacons). However, they do commission them to serve as missionaries all over the world as well as to lead and teach within the church. This has nothing to do with skill or ability (there are several women Bible teachers the could out-preach many men), it has to do with roles. Two reasons to justify this decision by the SBC in reiterating Scripture's teachings:

1. In 1 Tim. 3:1-13 (one of the key passages in Scripture that talks about the role and qualification of a pastor and deacons), Scripture says that a pastor (or "elder"/"overseer" depending on how the word is translated... all three refer to the same position: Pastor) and a deacon is to be "the husband of one wife" (or "faithful to his wife" according to one translation). If women were called on to lead the church as a pastor/deacon, would this passage not say "or the wife of one husband" (or "faithful to her husband")? There is no ambiguity in this passage.

2. A logical/deductive conclusion in the roles of a husband and wife and the roles of a pastor and deacon. How can a woman submit to her husband's leadership at home, but then go to church and lead him? This is, again, not to say a woman takes orders (because she does/should not), but is to be praying with her husband and trusting that he is leading their family toward God. If he leads at home, but she leads at church, it would seem that she should only trust his leadership outside of church (logically speaking, this makes no sense).

There is much more that can be said of this, I will stop now for simplicity sake.

While it is highly unlikely that President Carter sat under poor Biblical teaching in a misled Southern Baptist Church, one could only hope. At least then his slanderous (and unoriginal) accusations could be understood. Unfortunately, it seems, however, that he has simply caved to the whims of popular culture that speaks regularly of redefining family and the worth and role of a woman; the title of his essay only reaffirms his new (or at least newly shared) foundational belief: "Losing My Religion For Equality."

PARENTS: Outside of rejecting Scripture all together (or making false claims about it like Carter did in his essay), I truly believe one of the greatest reasons there is such a strong opposition to God's Biblical model for family is that there are very few families that demonstrate Biblical values and leadership for this world to see. The Lost world looks at the 50% divorce rate (in and out of the church!) and say "the church doesn't have it figured any more than anyone else" and turn their back on Biblical teaching, labeling it as "faulty." I encourage you as husband and wife to read Ephesians 5:22-33 together and ask yourselves (just the two of you): "is this modeled in our home? When people look at our family, is this Biblical-model of family and love that we have for one another obvious?" Additionally, make sure you take time to understand that passage (along with others in Scripture that pertain to marriage and family) and make sure you teach and model for your children a Biblical worldview of relationships, not one that speaks from the authority of ever-changing culture/political correctness.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

Image borrowed from Moonbattery.
_______________

Starbucks Downgrades Their Menu

2009-07-17T08:43:00.008-04:00

Money is tight... coffee is expensive... people aren't spending as much on "the little things" in life (which is where Starbucks makes its bread and butter)... so... Starbucks has a plan: start selling happy drinks in newly named stores. Beginning with three Seattle-based locations, Starbucks will launch new stores under the pseudonym "15th Avenue Coffee and Tea" (because they are trying to give them a hometown feel, it is unclear if all the stores will have this moniker or if each one will have a different name to reflect its location) and will serve coffee, tea, wine and beer.

So much for my local, franchise coffeehouse.

As a pastor I often like to go (though, admittedly, not as often as I'd like due to cost) to Starbucks to read, research, sermon prep, and do office things out of the office. My wife and I also like to hit up the local Starbucks when we go on dates so we can just sit, talk and relax while drinking our favorite "foo-foo coffees," as my dad calls them. With the exception of the always loud music (that, no matter how often I ask them to turn it down, only seems to get louder) I love my coffeehouse! I love the smell, the people, the baristas (who, when I was going often, recognized me as a "regular" and would offer to start my "usual" Grande Java Chip Frappuccino, extra shot, light with light whip coffee before I even stepped to the counter to order it), the big, over-stuffed chairs and the all-around atmosphere. Now, it seems, I'll have to enjoy the new coffee-bar atmosphere as some patrons knock back coffee, while others allow their inhibitions to slip away as they plow through beer and women's beer (wine).

For those automatically jumping on the "he's a pastor and a Christian, of course he doesn't like to drink" stereotypical bandwagon, understand this has nothing to do with my faith. I loathe alcohol because of the number of people I see hurt as a result of people "escaping" through knocking back a couple with friends (in particular behavior brought on by being tipsy/buzzed/drunk - such as flirting with someone that's not their spouse, atypical "fun" behavior that would never be done sober, hurtful conversations, abuse, etc.). The last thing I want to deal with at the coffeeshop is someone looking to "escape" or who doesn't know their limit. I also don't want to bring my children in for their hot cocoa or chocolate milk box knowing they may be exposed to an atmosphere they are not prepared to handle (nor will be).

Here's hoping others feel the same way I do and this idea doesn't pan out. If it does, however, and my local Starbucks becomes "I-40 Coffee and Tea," I'll be traveling an additional 20 minutes to the Carribou coffee (or learning how to brew a better cup of coffee).

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

Image borrowed from kayakman.
______________

Barbara Walters Takes on Bruno

2009-07-15T12:35:00.011-04:00

Number one at the box office this past weekend was Sasha Baron Cohen's latest "docu-comedy" (or mockumentry) Bruno. According to the film's synopsis, he plays a gay Austrian fashion reporter (of sorts) who interviews (ambushes) unsuspecting people in his attempt to become "world famous".

I have no desire to see this movie and this clip from Barbara Walters (ultra "left" journalist who, until seeing this movie apparently, is hard pressed to object to much of anything) only reaffirms my decision.

Checkout Barbara's reaction to Bruno here: http://television.aol.com/tvtop5/babs-vs-bruno-the-view/29528668001

How this sort of "art" is acceptable by anyone's standards is appalling to me as a person, let alone a Believer.

Enough said.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

Photo borrowed from RottenTomatoes.com
______________

The Quest of a Real Man: Albert Pujols Is Fighting All the Right Battles

2009-07-14T14:01:00.016-04:00

So much time is spent in the media highlighting celebrities' and athletes' falls from grace. So many articles and news reports cover mischievous deeds and alleged actions that it seems as though no one can be trusted (famous or not). It's heartbreaking.

Enter Albert Pujols: husband, father, follower of Jesus Christ, First Baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals and arguably one of the best players playing "The Game" (Major League Baseball) today - maybe ever; only time will tell. Unfortunately, steroids has damaged the credibility of the game thanks to several of the game's "greats": Mark McGuire, Barry Bonds, Raphael Palmiero, Roger Clemens and, most recently, Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez, to name a few. Since becoming one of baseball's most feared hitters (he is the only player in Major League history to hit 30 homeruns in each of his first nine seasons), Pujols' name has been included (wrongly, as far as many in sports can tell) in the ring of suspicion for players playing "dirty" (using steroids). Albert Pujols, however, isn't standing by idly as people try to tarnish his image; he's on a quest to clean up baseball, but more importantly demonstrate to anyone willing to listen/watch what a man of integrity looks like.

A recent article in the USA Today (written by Bob Nightengale) does an amazing job of detailing this journey of Pujols. It is a very challenging piece, mainly because of the fire inside of Pujols (which is detailed so well by Nightengale in his article) to prove to the world that not only is he clean, but his integrity and relationship with God is more valuable to him than any dollar amount. Here are some highlights (quotes) from this fantastic article:

On his name being falsely linked to steroids: "...just because Manny made a mistake, now I have to pay? Just because A-Rod made a mistake, now I have to pay? Oh, guilt by association? That's wrong. For people to be suspicious of me because of the year I'm having and for people to say I just haven't been caught, that makes me angry and disappointed."
Pujols, who was tested as a part of MLB's new testing program (for steroids and drugs) six times last season alone, says he is willing to be tested daily to silence the skeptics. He even takes his guarantee that he is clean a step further: "Come test me every day if you want... Everything I ever made in this game I would give back to the Cardinals if I got caught."
On being a Believer, baseball hero and role model: "I want to be the guy people look up to. But I want to be the person who represents God, represents my family and represents the Cardinals the right way. So many people can't wait until I do something negative. I can't understand it. That's sad, because I want to be that poster boy in baseball. Just give me the chance."
About protecting his marriage and family, his reputation and his relationship with God, Nightengale states that Pujols "doesn't drink or smoke. He doesn't have a tattoo or wear earrings. He doesn't go to bars, nightclubs or any place where his character could be assaulted." In his own words, Pujols says "If we're in a hotel and a woman gets on the elevator by herself, I'll wait or the next one. People have their agenda. You have to be careful who you can trust. It's the same thing with pictures. I'll have my picture taken on the field, but not off the field. Nowadays with photo technology, you can do so many things."
Regarding Pujols' reputation among his peers, Nightengale quotes several players and managers who speak highly of his integrity (on and off the field), his legacy as a player and someone who is highly favored and respected.

In an age where so many people live for themselves and live in a manner that ensures their own happiness (some to a degree that doesn't consider anyone but themselves), it is refreshing and challenging to see a man fight for his integrity, his wife and marriage, his children, his respect as a professional and his reputation as a true Believer and follower of Jesus Christ. While I've always admired Albert Pujols professionally (who has been a staple of both my fantasy baseball teams since his rookie year), I am now a fan of the man. A man who fights so dearly for all the right things in life, knowing that fight will be his greatest legacy, is worthy of being watched and emulated (much like Paul encouraged those younger in faith to do with him - "follow me, for I am following Christ").

KUDOS ALBERT PUJOLS! Checkout his family foundation site for more on Albert Pujols and his mission.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!
Or you can email me at: christianthechristian.c2@gmail.com

Images borrowed from profantasybaseball.com and Getty Images.
_________________

C2 Movie Review... Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

2009-07-13T12:00:00.008-04:00

Grade: C- (out of respect to the nostalgia of Transformers... otherwise, I'd give it a D)

The action in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Transformers 2) is awesome and the effects are insane! In typical Michael Bay fashion the cameras whirl around the film's subjects as if trying to induce nausea within audience members (to be honest I actually really like that!), the action and dramatic moments are slowed down (as if, with slow motion, trying to do for dramatic moments what John Woo does for intense action sequences), the explosions are huge and reality seems to be suspended. Unfortunately for this film much of the writing, plot lines and dramatic sequences are ridiculous, at best.

Some major issues with Transformers 2:

(1) The vulgarity and language is significantly elevated (and completely disproportionate to the first movie)... even the Autobots cuss all the time as if they have no other means of communication (so much for "higher intelligence").

(2) The sexual references, innuendo and scenes of sensuality are highly forced, awkward and largely out of place. It's almost as if Bay, the producers and the writers didn't trust the audience to be smart enough to follow the plot without out-of-place sex jokes and humping dogs and robots.

(3) There are several fact-checking issues with this film - some can be overlooked, but some are so bad that they actually make certain parts of the movie laughable (when they don't intend it to be funny). See the yahoo article on the film's major discrepancies.

(4) Women are objectified (as if used solely for their sexual allure for hormone-driven males). One (Allison) is willing to do anything just to hop on top of Sam (Shia's character) and have sex with him (there is a weak reason, but even that doesn't justify the objectification of the "girl"... nor does it make sense in the "Transformers" world, but I can't go into that without spoiling part of the story). Mikaela (Megan Fox) is dressed in just enough to not show everything as she narrowly escapes the Decepticons attacks, but little enough (to include being slumped over a motorcycle in tiny shorts) to entice Sam, other characters (to include one robot who can't control himself and humps her leg) and male viewers. These are just a few examples of the many, many common issues with the objectification of women (seriously, when are directors going to grow up a bit?).

(5) As is the case with many movies and television shows today, the parents are culturally-clueless, intellectual buffoons who "unknowingly" consume marijuana brownies (apparently sold at college bake sales), talk about sex (without consequences) with their teenage son, encourage sleeping around (while trashing monogamy - Sam actually has to defend his decision to remain monogamous with girlfriend Mikaela against his parents!) and are completely inept in every way (thus, the reason the teenage son must save his parents and the world). The only positive part of the parents in this movie is their apparently strong relationship together as husband and wife (their son goes off to college and they are anxious about more time together) and with their son, Sam.

As is the case with the first movie, Bay does try to focus on the power of sacrifice, but ultimately that message falls through the cracks left by the movie's glaring inconsistencies and Bay's unwillingness to sacrifice his own juvenile whims for the sake of a truly great movie. This movie had a lot of promise, but lost itself in trying to be something it never should have been. Now, instead of looking forward to owning this sequel on DVD (which, sadly, I will not be purchasing now), I now can only look forward to Transformers 3 in the hopes that it can redeem this franchise.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

________________

C2 Movie Reviews

2009-07-11T08:54:00.013-04:00

These are various movies I've seen over the past couple months... Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen review coming in another day or so.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (Brad Pitt)
Grade: D

I am very disappointed with this movie. Yes, the effects and acting are superb (without question). The story is very disappointing. It starts out with great promise, but as the story progresses you realize there is not going to be growth in the characters (if anything they go backwards). There are very few good, redemptive qualities about this film. The worldview is highly suspect ("live for yourself above all costs"?) and by the time it ends you are sucked into the character's despair (a praise, I guess, of Director Fincher - he sells you on the story and characters so well that you feel rotten by the end).

BEDTIME STORIES (Adam Sandler)
Grade: C+

I so desperately wanted to give this a B (or higher), but Sandler and company have a lot of trouble keeping in mind that this is a kids' movie. There are far too many adult jokes and themes (Paris Hilton-esque party girl and the "loose" living jokes, her in a very tiny bikini, Sandler fantasizing about him and her - include him jumping in a hot tub with her, etc.). Even worse, many times he is discussing this with (or involving) the children in the fantasies since it is their stories (though they obviously aren't completely in on everything he is hoping for/saying). Outside of that, it is a cute story with a lot of slapstick and silly comedy. My kids loved it, but honestly (thankfully) did not get most of the jokes (since so many were geared toward adults). The Guinea pig was awesome (Bugsy)! Those eyes were CLASSIC!!! Next time Sandler goes into the children's movie genre, I pray he remembers who his audience really is (hint: not the parents! We take our kids to kid's movies to see kid's movies).

YES MAN (Jim Carrey)
Grade: D

It's Liar, Liar except instead of not being able to lie he can't say "no." Honestly this movie is not terrible, but it's hard to like (or enjoy fully) as you feel like you've already seen it. It's a tired comedy. Most jokes are the same. The conflict seems familiar. You aren't overly concerned that there won't be a resolution. It's just a time killer. When it's done you wonder why you kept watching despite that fact that you were never really in to it to begin with and really didn't connect with the characters since you feel like you already did that the last time you watched another Jim Carrey movie.

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (Dave Patel)
Grade: A

A movie that lives up to the hype! This is a great story that deals well with its subject matter. The two main characters are captivating (you almost wish the movie were longer so you could see more of them together). Danny Boyle did a marvelous job of weaving together this great story. Being a sucker for good underdog stories, this movie truly catered to my fancies. Plus, any time integrity is held in high esteem in a film (like it is in this one) it makes even more enjoyable. Another movie we will be adding to our library!

MARLEY AND ME (Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston)
Grade A+

Fantastic movie. I like dogs, but am not a "dog person" (pamper the pet, take them to dog parks, stick 'em in your pocket or purse, etc.) so I wasn't sure this movie was gonna be my cup of tea. My favorite part about it was the marriage relationship between the Grogans (Jen Aniston and Owen Wilson)... probably one of the better marriage movies out there! This is not exactly a kids movie, though. Being that you see much of the marriage relationship, the subject matter may be too mature for children. Teens, however, might respond well to seeing a solid marriage (one that has its highs and lows). Jen and Owen are fantastic. Marley is hysterical! The general message about the movie (which turns out to be more about family/marriage than dogs) is solid (to include the consequences of when we have no restraints - the leash)!! We will be buying this one.

RACHEL GETTING MARRIED (Anne Hathaway)
Grade: F

Sitting through wedding festivities can be a long day (at times)... it's even longer when you know nothing about and care nothing for ANYONE there. THAT IS THIS MOVIE! Yes, Rachel does get married... through the entire movie! You watch ALL of the rehearsal, ALL of the speeches, ALL of the dancing and other festivities. Somewhere in the background is the struggling story of pain, addiction, regret and supposed redemption. Unfortunately, that story is swallowed whole by the agonizingly LONG wedding! The only redemptive part of this film is Anne Hathaway, but not that good that you should sit through this movie. Save your time... go to someone's wedding you care about... at least then you have some fun!

FIREPROOF (Kirk Cameron)
Grade: A+

FANTASTIC movie. Yes, the writing/acting have their moments of cheese... however, as the movie gets going that dissipates (or you at least get used to it). This movie is one of the first true movies about marriage I've ever seen. Usually movies about marriage (not "weddings," as those stop as soon as the couple makes it to the alter and don't actually deal with real romance, issues or marital drama) spend their time bashing it... this movie shows a real couple falling apart at the seams. In a world that takes the easy road, is selfish and only looks out for #1, this movie is a gut-wrenching, powerful example of what it truly means to honor, protect, cherish and desire your spouse! I will be purchasing this one.

GHOST TOWN (Tea Leoni, Ricky Gervais)
Grade: B-

When this movie finished my wife said "that was really cute... I liked that one." Minus the "cute" part, I agree. This movie is fun to watch. It's not knockdown, drag-out hysterical, but you do laugh. Ricky Gervais and Tea Leoni are fantastic and the story is intriguing. Save the silly sneezing (you'll understand when you see it), this movie does a decent job of showing real, selfless love.

EAGLE EYE (Shia LaBeouf)
Grade: C-

Average movie. It should have been called "War Games: Urban Warfare" or something cheesy like that b/c that's all this is... an updated War Games (and a cheesy one at that). The big brother factor is captivating, but no where near as creepy as they could have made it. Shia is the same as he is in transformers, but this time with facial hair. The mystery phone voice (if you've seen War Games, you know who it is, but I'll keep it quiet for those that haven't) is intriguing until you realize who it really is. Billy Bob Thornton and Rosario Dawson seem way out of place (he's above such an average film and she's just miscast). I've seen better and I've seen worse. I give it a C- out of respect to Mr. Spielberg and the original War Games.

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS (Ashton Kutcher, Cameron Diaz)
Grade: B

An unexpectedly enjoyable film to watch. While it's format is that of the typical Rom-Com formula, its worldview and casting set it apart from many other cliche movies. I loved that the entire premise of the film revolved around them not trying to get out of their mistakes and "win" (keep the money), but actually try and make it work. It encourages the harder road (with more rewarding outome) versus the easy way out (Dennis Miller's judge character makes a very true judgment on the sanctity of marriage in today's culture). Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz both play their typical rom-com characters, but their parts fit them well and their chemistry is very believable! The only major mark against it is the constant sexual dialogue and partying scenes (which were relatively tasteful compared to what it could have been). Fun film and well worth the watch.

EXPELLED: NO INTELLIGENCE ALLOWED (Ben Stein)
Grade: B

Does "science" truly discriminate against those who support Intelligent Design ("ID" - explaining that all of life is the result of a designer of some sort, not random chance that begins with a lifeless molecule)? This is the question Ben Stein seeks to answer in this engaging documentary. Yes, there are a few parts where he jumps the shark; however, he does a fairly good job of asking important questions worthy of an answer. My only major complaint is with the short clips used throughout. This film could have been of a higher standard without the silly clips that are added for effect (to either demonstrate the ridiculousness of the other side or attempt to solidify the "right" point). A few things I really liked about it: (1) it's not overly preachy, (2) it calls the initial premise of all science (whether it be Creationism, ID, or evolution) what it is - a worldview, (3) it sheds light on an issue largely unknown to the world outside of science (that the true science as an inquiry for truth is stifled by narrow-minded worldviews that attempt to dictate science versus letting the evidence speak for itself). All-in-all a movie worthy watching and questions very worthy of addressing!

TROPIC THUNDER (Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, Ben Stiller)
Grade: F-

Terrible in every way. No wit. Terrible jokes. Language that probably makes Andrew Dice Clay uncomfortable. An absolute waste of time. Even the highly touted Tom Cruise cameo/role is filthy beyond words. That's all the time I'll spend talking about such an absolute joke of a movie.

TRAITOR (Don Cheadle)
Grade: C

Interesting movie idea that just falls short. First, I very much enjoyed the contrast of faiths and ideologies. Second, the acting was pretty solid, especially Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce and Saïd Taghmaoui (for what material they had available to them). Unfortunately the movie fails to live up to its potential. My biggest complaints are two-fold: (1) the writer/director paint the contrasting ideologies and, in particular, the faiths with too broad a stroke. Christians and Muslims do not fit into such neat, cliche categories, but unfortunately that's how this film portrays them. (2) The movie never "sells" Cheadle's character and the drama present within the film (a writing/directing flaw, not acting); can't say much more than that without giving too much away. This movie could really pull some heart strings and illicit some pretty emotional responses (in a non-sensationalized way), but stays pretty shallow and ultimately misses the mark. Three stars for acting and idea.

WANTED (Angelina Jolie)
Grade: D

I was really looking forward to this movie and its unbelievable action sequences. Unfortunately, the entire film is bathed in blood and language I haven't seen since Tarentino. It's a movie that uses curse/cuss words for one of two reasons (I still haven't figured out which, so maybe it was both): (1) The writer has no idea how to communicate so he attempts to make it cool by just throwing in 5 curse words minimum per sentence. (2) The writer wasn't sure how to make the movie longer than a straight-to-DVD Disney movie (typically 60 minutes in length) so "why not add a bunch of uneccessary and largely out of place swear words." I know the R-rating should have been a clue (or maybe the fact that the MPAA said it was for the bloody violence and language), but I had no idea it was going to be to such an extent that it ruin an otherwise amazing movie. The action, story and effects were insanely awesome, but not enough to sit uncomfortably through the gratuitous whims of the writer and director.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

________________

Burger King: Home of the Inappropriate Values

2009-07-10T14:10:00.012-04:00

"The Snack is Sacred." This is a slogan that was circulating in Spain in Burger King ads. While BK denies this ad was intended to offend anyone (the Hindu community especially), I'm not really sure how else a slogan like this can be taken, other than a jab at Hinduism or Indian culture.

Hindu Goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth)? check.

Goddess stationed above a Burger King burger? check.

Referring to a burger (made from cow) as "sacred" with a Hindu theme (when cows are considered sacred in India and definitely not eaten)? check.

Apparently slamming Mexicans, degrading women, selling sexuality to children (or their parents who apparently always think about sexy women and "square butts" as they consider their dinner options) and essentially ignoring any sense of morality is not enough for Burger King. So it's on to attacking various religions next. Checkout BK's official response (with very appropriate commentary from ad bloggers Ken Wheaton and Emily Bryson York in parenthesis):

"Burger King Corporation values and respects all of its guests as well as the communities we serve (You certainly have a funny way of showing it). This in-store advertisement was running to support a limited-time-only local promotion for three restaurants in Spain and was not intended to offend anyone (Oh, well that makes it perfectly OK, then, doesn't it). Out of respect for the Hindu community, the in-store advertisement has been removed from the restaurants (Translation: We were caught, and it's creating a PR headache, so we guess we'll go ahead and take it down. We would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren't for those meddling kids at the Hindu American Foundation!). "

Enough said. NOTE TO THE EXECUTIVES AT THE HEAD OF BURGER KING: I think it is past time to call a meeting and regroup. I think it is official that the image of BK is nothing short of trash. This is not to say I had much respect left for your company following the sexually-charged ads for kid's meals, but if there was any left it is now effectively gone. Until you pull it together and decide families, faith and children are valuable to your company, my family will have no part of your restaurants.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question.

________________

District 9: This Summer's Yet-To-Be Blockbuster

2009-07-09T12:22:00.010-04:00

Transformers Revenge of the Fallen, Star Trek, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Up, and Land of the Lost

What do these movies have in common?

They were/are all slated to battle it out as the Blockbusters of Summer 2009. Now you can add an unexpected contender to that list: District 9.

Watch the preview below before reading further!

Based on the trailers I've seen and the buzz this film is generating (plus, having Peter Jackson - Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong director - attached as a producer doesn't hurt), this looks to be the next Cloverfield or The Blair Witch Project (low budget films that deliver BIG in the box office). This trailer was the teaser trailer released 2 months ago. The newest trailer reveals more alien-human battles, but this teaser trailer, I believe, clues potential audience members into the worldview that will dominate the film.

Yes, it is an alien flick (with a very unique premise), but what message is the director, producers, and screenwriters trying to communicate using a human-alien struggle?

- Political? (Immigration? Human Rights? War? Terrorism/Imprisonment of Terror Suspects?)
- Social (Tolerance? Racism? Judgment/Fear of the Unknown? Acceptance?)
- Religious (Tolerance?)

I'm very intrigued by this film - mostly because of its highly unique premise and originality (it is a big time story without all the franchise hype). However, because of its potential to be this summer's biggest film (or at least second to the mammoth-of-a-film Transformers 2) it is important to remember that ALL films come custom-packed with a "moral of the story" meant to educate audiences. This is not always a bad thing, but as Christians we are to check all messages/morals against the scope of Scripture.

Is what is being offered as a message, Biblical? God-honoring? God-loving?

PARENTS: Blockbusters are always a ton of fun to watch with our kids/teens, but it is imperative you remember your calling as the primary educators and worship leaders in the lives of your children. Even poor (ungodly) messages in movies can be teaching tools. I remember my Uncle Mark G. one time using the "it doesn't matter what train you take [to get to the North Pole] so long as you get on a train" line from The Polar Express to reaffirm Biblical teaching with his kids. The film might have been talking about Santa's home, but it alluded to heaven/religion. Seeing this he simply asked them as the film was still playing: "is that true? Does it not really matter what train you get on?" - they all replied: "NO (it's not true)! Only Christ is the way to heaven," as they finished the movie. Movies/story telling are a GREAT way to teach discernment; hence the reason Jesus Christ used parables. With movies as one of the primary means of social education, statements about society/the world/culture it is important we realize this and not fall into the trap of "movies are just mindless entertainment." They weren't made mindlessly, we shouldn't watch them that way either.

**This is not to say we should watch all movies or read all stories... some, no matter how good the message is, are not profitable to us as people, let alone believers. Obviously, if there is any question as to the trustworthiness of a film or its content, it's better safe than sorry: skip it and watch something else.

NOTE: District 9 is rated R for bloody violence and pervasive language. It releases August 14th.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

_____________

Eminem's "Beautiful" New Old Story

2009-07-08T13:32:00.008-04:00

Many are calling Eminem's new song/video a departure for him because in it apparently gets in touch with his softer side. While this song is definitely softer than most of his typical fare, the inner battle of hurt and emotion that is waging inside of him is nothing new (as seen in several of his other songs... see his video "When I'm Gone" about his life and his mistakes as an example). The difference now is that his one solace, rap music, is not a place of refuge for him anymore ("I'm so ******* depressed...But I just can't admit Or come to grips, with the fact that I may be done with rap, I need a new outlet..."). A touching point of interest is the setting for this song's video... a struggling (dying?) city, with a bleak outlook and hope appearing to be nowhere in sight: Detroit (Eminem's home city).

I've never been a fan of the content of Eminem's (Marshall Mathers) music, but his talent is undeniable. He is truly a gifted story teller and song writer; however, much of that gift is lost in his struggle to find meaning through angry ranting, vulgarity and a seemingly endless downward spiral. My heart goes out to him. Reading the lyrics to his song "Beautiful" breaks my heart even further. Here is a millionaire artist living "the dream" and surrounded by the world and feeling completely alone and without hope (yet trying to offer listeners hope in being true to themselves).

The cards he was "dealt" (being abandoned as a child, struggling to survive in Detroit, his marriage ending twice, drug addiction, etc.) are no doubt tough, but where Marshall seems to miss it is thinking that this is his lot in life, as if this is God's desire for him. God did not place this life on him, it is the product of a series of decisions made by him and those before and around him (parents, wife, friends, etc.). Now as a man and father he has choices to make... does he continue to live in a world that obviously has not brought him the hope or answers he was looking for? Or go to the Source of life and see if maybe there is more to this life than all that he placed his hope in? The problem is, he is a victim of his own choices and a culture that screams "I don't need help - I can handle this on my own!" In "Beautiful" he says:

Nobody asked for life to deal us
With these bull**** hands they've dealt
We have to take these cards ourselves
And flip them, don't expect no help
Now I could have either just
Sat on my *** and ******* and moaned
But take this situation in which I'm placed in
And get up and get my own

My heart hurts for him. The pain he deals with must be unimaginable and unfortunately it does not sound like it is going to be easing up any time soon. Instead of going to the One who can heal, comfort, forgive and provide answers, he turns back to himself for the same tired answers that leave him "depressed."

Parents: Use this video (be careful searching the song or other videos as many are not edited) and talk about "fate." Is this life nothing more than a random series of events? Or do the choices we make (from the free will given to us by God, the Creator) affect us and the generations that will follow us? Discuss the following quote with your teens and how it applies to them: "The choices we make today dictate the life we live tomorrow" (C2). Eminem says in the song that people should just be "true to you (yourself)"? What does the Bible seem to say about being true to ourselves? Being that God made us in His image, who does He say we are?

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question.

____________

Remembering Michael Jackson: the Accused, the Musician, the Entertainer, the Man, the "Legend"

2009-07-07T15:16:00.011-04:00

One of my first complete memories I have of Michael Jackson is when I was a "tween." My brother, sister, dad and I went to K-Mart to pick up some things and as we walked in they handed my dad a raffle ticket telling him to listen for our number to be called to win free merchandise. As we were wrapping up our trip they announced they would be giving away Michael Jackson's newest album (as in "record" that played on a turntable) "Bad." My brother, sister and I were thrilled (no pun intended) beyond words and begged our dad to stay long enough to see if we'd won the album. Very, very, very reluctant (and tired), my dad stayed as an act of love to his children. As the K-Mart employee read aloud the numbers for the album I'm sure they could hear the squeals from 3 anxious children from the back of the store as one by one we heard our raffle ticket's numbers announced. "WE WON!! WE WON!!" we yelled as we tried to sprint to the front of the store to claim our prize. As soon as we got home my dad allowed us to listen to the album and we danced and stomped our feet and snapped our fingers as the record spun.

Some other shameless confessions: I used to wear a generic, sparkling glove that I got from another album ("Thriller," I think) on one hand as I rode my bike to school; I always wanted one of those red, leather jackets with all the silver zippers (though very glad now, fashion-wise, that my parents never got me one!); like many other kids, my brother and I tried often to mimic Michael Jackson's moves (especially his Moonwalk) as we'd sing and dance to his music; my wife (also like many children) tried to copy his Thriller choreography with friends. I was (and I guess I am, still, to an extent) a fan of Michael Jackson's.

Today was the memorial of the now dead King of Pop. Many during the memorial spoke of the accusations he faced (making note of his being found innocent, despite many sketchy and questionable details) and spoke of him as a victim, in a sense, of undeserved public scrutiny. Many paid tribute to MJ, the musician and consummate entertainer. Some sang a selection of his songs. Some recalled memories of his life and career. Many laughed, many recollected their own memories of his music in their lives... many cried.

Of all the things spoken about and shared during his tribute/memorial, the two things that stood out the most to me were:

The frequent references to God, especially in Smokey Robinson's and Marlon Jackson's speeches. Both men not only spoke of God (which is not unusual in a memorial service), but the hope found in Him in life and death. Marlon even shared with the audience that "the Lord has a purpose for everything, and sometimes we just can't see it or understand it. But it will be made clear to us when we reach that ultimate, ultimate reward of being in His presence. And Michael you are right there... you have finished your work here on earth and the Lord has called you home with Him." While there is much confusion to me as to Who exactly the Jackson family believes God to be and how one might go about knowing Him or being able to enter heaven in death, Marlon's eloquent speech was a very fitting reminder for all people about the sweet hope that is found in that "ultimate reward" of being in God's presence one day (and what an amazing reward that truly will be!).
The finale, of sorts, where children, entertainers, family and friends gathered on stage and sang "We Are the World" and a beautiful rendition of "Heal the World." As they sang of the violence in the world and religious struggle seen across the globe, popular religious symbols appeared on the screen in the background as if to encourage coexistence among varying religions. While I believe it is perfectly reasonable to hope that all religions could (should) be able to leave peacefully together, I would hope that any true worshipper of God knows it is impossible for religions that teach very different messages to agree on their primary message of who God is, how to have a relationship with him (or them in some religions), what heaven is and how one might go there after death. For more on that, see my blog post on whether or not religions can truly "coexist." Here is the video from the Memorial of these songs:

Regardless of what anyone's opinion is of Michael Jackson (believe me - I'm not entirely sure where I stand, either), one thing is for sure: he was a force in the entertainment world (for whatever that is truly worth). The only entertaining figure that I can think of that might rival him is Elvis Pressley. While he'll never be a legend in my book (the only people who are legends in my book are my father, mother, brother, sister, wife and children), I am grateful for his music and the memories I hold of my family as we listened and danced to his music when I was growing up. That being said, he was a man... no different than me or any other person. Now that his time is "up," so-to-speak, his music may live on, but Who he truly believed (and worshipped) God to be is all that matters now. I pray he truly knew God as his family believed he did and that Romans 10:9-10 was the testimony of his heart and life.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

_________________________

A Crash and a Death in Heaven on Earth

2009-07-06T13:38:00.007-04:00

My wife and I are major fans of Disney, aka "the happiest place on earth," aka "heaven on earth". Despite the existential and often naturalistic worldviews in their movies (most of which we do not agree with), few companies truly seek to create the illusion of magic and happiness for children and families. Being former "Cast Members" (employees) of the Disney Company my wife and I witnessed first hand the lengths the company goes to (and the freedom it gives its cast members/employees to) help create a magical experience for families as well as the amount of money they spend to help terminally ill children and their families, as well as underprivileged children.

In the theme parks characters abound, the aroma of delicious food and desserts fill the air, laughter can be heard around every corner, smiles are never in short supply and families (usually) walk happily together enjoying each others company. Millions of people every year flock to Disney theme parks around the world for a sense of escape from routine, hurt, reality and more. They seek a little taste of magic. A little joy in a broken world.

I guess this is why a tragic weekend monorail crash in Walt Disney World (Orlando) seemed so shocking. While this is not the first accident or death in the "happiest place on earth," it is just another reminder that brokenness, loss and hurt extend even into the land of the magic-makers. Despite its illusion of magic and happiness, or "perfection" as one visitor was reported as saying, it is still only a theme park that creates illusions of grandeur and majesty. An illusion is only a facade; an impression of reality. There is but one place perfection truly exists. One place where hurt does not exist and there is no brokenness. As much as we enjoy our little escapes from the reality of a broken world, this incident reminds us there is but one Heaven...

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 21:3-7, 22-27)

PARENTS: As heartbreaking as this tragedy is, you can use this as a way of facilitating a conversation about illusion (magic) and True Perfection (God, heaven, etc.). Read your teen/child the passage about heaven and discuss ways we try to duplicate that here on earth. Discuss also how no matter how good we do at creating the illusion of perfection there is but one God, one heaven and one salvation.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

_______________

The Delay

2009-07-02T14:52:00.002-04:00

Greetings C2 Readers...

I am sorry I have not posted anything new as promised. I returned from the Mission Trip as planned, however, much of our team got sick while in NM and it was passed to me. I am feeling better than I was, but am still battling sinus, ear, throat stuff. I am going to take the rest of this week off and pray I will return Monday with new posts about the world-o-culture and worldview!
Until then...

C2

The New Daughter Philosophy: "Your Daughter and What She Deserves"

2009-06-19T08:34:00.010-04:00

It should be no surprise to us as parents that in just a few short years (if not already) our kids will begin to wish all things were just given to them. It's the "I want it now" culture that deserves only the best. Left in the wake of such thinking is the Biblical school of thought that says "love others as yourself," "serve others," "in order to be first, you must be last," and "true love (romantic, platonic, etc.) is patient, kind, gentle, selfless." The following article (originally titled "Bringing Up Princess: Turning Girls Into Narcissists") does a fantastic job of illustrating just that, through the eyes of our daughters and the "princess industry". It is written by Megan Basham and appeared in the Wall Street Journal. It's a fantastic article (even going after Christian girls and retail culture)!

________________

The princess industry has been booming in the past few years -- not just the Disney dolls and scratchy toy-store ball gowns that are a rite of passage in most American girlhoods, but a brazen new breed of princess products that target a far wider age range and tap into less seemly attitudes. The hot-pink, leopard-print princess backpacks, T-shirts, purses and bedspreads that girls are now buying (or, rather, their parents are buying for them) have little to do with indulging sweet princess fantasies and everything to do with catering to over-indulged princess egos.

Take the popular tween retailer Justice. At malls nationwide, it carries multiple "Princess" tops and accessories that look a lot more like Paris Hilton's attire than Snow White's. No surprise that part of its marketing slogan is "Love yourself."

For only $44 at Nordstrom, you can dress your toddler in a tank top that declares her to be a "Juicy Couture Princess" -- that is, someone whose parents can afford to buy designer shirts that will end up stained with ketchup or jelly. And until recently, numerous Saks stores maintained Club Libby Lu, a spa for 5- to 13-year-old girls offering princess makeovers with tube tops and miniskirts that left girls looking more like Real Housewives than Cinderella. The ailing retailer closed the tween operation in May, but it grossed $60 million in 2008.

Call it trickle-down narcissism. Today, even as the economic crisis continues, many middle-class parents aspire to give their daughters the best of everything, "the best" meaning the most expensive. A quick tour around suburbia will show princess-themed bedrooms (the rhinestoned-and-feathered kind, not the cartoon-character kind) and ostentatious birthday parties, as well as pedigreed dogs being toted in designer bags by 10-year-olds. Maintaining a diva daughter has become one more way to one-up the Joneses.

Sadly, even believing Christians are participating in the princess push. Christian retail outlets like A Different Direction carry "God's Girlz," glamour dolls dressed in princess shirts and spandex with sparkling tiaras on their heads. St. Paul may have exhorted women to be modest in their dress, but many church-going girls proudly wear Christian-marketed clothing imprinted with messages like "Yes, I am a Princess." The small print underneath -- "I'm a daughter of the King" -- is supposed to differentiate the sentiment from secular princess gear (never mind that the King's firstborn declared himself not a prince but a servant of all.)

Of course, it's natural for kids to try to assert their status over others, but it used to be the role of parents to rein in these impulses and teach their daughters that while playing princess is fun, no one enjoys being around someone who acts like a princess in real life. Now researchers are finding that parents are promoting attitudes of superiority in their daughters. Jean Twenge, associate professor of psychology at San Diego State University, tracks the rising egotism on college campuses in her new book, "The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement." She has found that college-age women are developing narcissistic traits at four times the rate of college-age men. She attributes the startling discrepancy in part to parents who put their girls on a pedestal.

Ms. Twenge describes moms and dads who lavish their daughters with unrealistic praise. Parents not only tell girls they are the prettiest and smartest but also train them to see themselves as the center of their worlds through clothes and accessories. "You could label that kind of parenting 'princess parenting,' " she told the Associated Press recently. Ms. Twenge notes wryly that when shopping for her own 2-year-old daughter, about "a fourth of clothing available to her says 'Little Princess' on it."

While there's unlikely to be much harm in indulging in one or two princess products, Ms. Twenge and other experts find that girls immersed in princess culture are embracing the notion of privilege that goes along with it. While parents may hope that princess-pushing will give their daughters confidence in the future, research shows that such girls later have trouble adjusting to professors, bosses and potential mates who don't automatically treat them as royalty.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

FYI: I am leaving tomorrow for a Mission Trip and will be gone a week. I most likely won't get the chance to post anything new next week, but will return June 30. Checkout some of the older posts and comment if you'd like! Until then... C2

Image: Sara Schwartz (appeared in original article)

_____________

Reimagining Consistency

2009-06-18T10:46:00.012-04:00

Like Kelly McGillis from the 80's movie Top Gun, we apparently "can't fight that lovin' feeling" either. We are creatures of habit and Hollywood is banking on that with the slate of movies they have lined up over the next couple of years. The key words in Hollywood right now: remake, sequel, and reimagining.

The following movies are but a few reincarnations of classic films, toys or TV Shows from generations past that have recently or will soon make their way into movie theaters:

GI JOE
Star Trek
Fame (reimagined)
The A-Team
Transformers
Alvin and the Chipmunks (The Squeekwel)
Robin Hood (with Russell Crowe)
Scream (possibly another Trilogy)
Terminator
Three Stooges
Land of the Lost
Indiana Jones (4 and now a rumored #5)
Red Dawn
Mission Impossible (a fourth movie)
Comic Book Movies (Green Lantern, Captain America, Iron Man 2, Thor, Spider-Man 4)
Clash of the Titans (reimagined)
Bride of Frankenstein
Ghostbusters (old GB's will train a new class)
The Karate Kid (with Will Smith's son as the Kid)
Friday the 13th (reimagined)
Halloween (reimagined)
Wall Street (sequel)
Predator (reimagined)
Conan the Barbarian (reimagined)
He-Man (if it can make it past pre-production) (reimagined)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (reimagined)
The Hobbit (Prequel to Lord of the Rings)
Heathcliffe

New stories, new characters, younger/newer/"hipper" new actors, new effects, CGI, better stories... pick your "new" spin; however, it's not the "new" that studios bank on, but the old - the familiar. There is comfort for fans in stepping into familiar characters and story arcs. It's not that people fear change (though that could be the case for some), it is that we are people who want something consistent. That's why when Star Wars released its prequel trilogy and the famous John Williams' theme song started fans lept to their feet in uproarious applause or why they got goosebumps and smiled ear-to-ear when the silhouette of Indiana Jones donned his famous Fedora.

People cling to consistency because it is how we were created. God created us in His image... as a reflection of His divine attributes and character. No matter how life changes or adjusts, hurts or hinders, crumbles or collapses there is great comfort in the God who (1) never changes, (2) never abandons, (3) never sells us out for newer or better, and (4) always loves.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

__________________

The Circus That is Jon and Kate Gosselin

2009-06-17T13:47:00.009-04:00

Kate yells at Jon. Kate yells at her children. Jon cheats on Kate with a school teacher. Kate cheats on Jon with her bodyguard. Kate wears a bikini to the beach. Kate had a tummy tuck.

These are a small snippet of the headlines from the world of Jon and Kate Gosselin (of TLC's Jon and Kate Plus Eight) over the last couple weeks. I do not watch their show and absolutely LOATHE gossip magazine babble so I have kept mum on this subject/topic (despite several requests for me to chime in on the matter) so as not to add to this already out of control circus. Then I saw these headlines today and couldn't keep silent any more:

"First Look: Kate Caught Spanking Kids" (popeater.com)

"EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Caught Hitting Her Daughter" (InTouch Weekly)

Not only are these headlines absurd (one being an absolute distortion of the truth and slanderous), but some paparazzi photographer actually had the nerve to snap pictures of the incident AND PUBLISH THEM! The subtitle to the incident (this caption actually accompanies the pictures on the popeater.com website): "Kate Lays the Smack Down". ARE YOU SERIOUS??

Granted, Jon and Kate semi-agreed to a public life by airing their lives before the world on national television in exchange for money, but at what point does such "coverage" (sorry, tabloid babble is not coverage - it's spreading trash) become inhumane? At what point do people who follow their lives (Jon and Kate) religiously actually become bottom-feeders and lifeless sycophants that feed their own joy on the life (and misery) of others? At what point does someone stop the madness and say "I think what is good and decent is beyond gone in this situation and we've actually contributed to the degradation of our society by continuing to follow it with such intensity." How in the world did it ever become OK to capture a parent disciplining their child on camera and publish those pictures (with captions that detail the apparent horror and helplessness of the other children watching) for the world to see?

Are Jon and Kate perfect? No. Their marriage is not going through anything different that many marriages in America have not gone through (to include the affairs, should those accusations be true). Yes, Jon and Kate bought this life to an extent, but the endless scrutiny, pictures, video (non-TLC video) and "coverage" is not right. Few, if any, American families would ever dare to live out their private moments (such as spanking or disciplining their kids) with a national audience; yet, many Americans will continue to buy in to this debauchery until they are a part of the reason Jon's and Kate's marriage fractures beyond repair. When that happens, its on to another celebrity or couple.
What have we become as a nation? As humans?

PARENTS: Celebrity life and idols is a DANGEROUS world. Our kids often grow up thinking that in order to be someone they need to be one of the glamorized stars in movies, TV or music. As parents, we often times feed that worldview by talking about it, watching it and buying in to it ourselves. We tell our kids with our words that idol worship is bad, but they watch how we live and see lives devoted to movies, music, gossip and entertainment. They hear us talk about how wonderful so-and-so actor/actress is and all about who they are and what they do. They see us read those magazines. Are you, as a parent, part of this very fractured system and culture? If so, maybe it's time to do some serious evaluating and removing of idols in our own lives.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

Image borrowed from TV Week Online.
____________________

"College: It's All About Gettin' Your Drink On!"

2009-06-16T11:50:00.010-04:00

Considering today's social norms it really should not be much of a surprise that incidents of binge drinking is on the rise; however, when you see that of the college students polled almost HALF (45%) have engaged in the activity in the past month it is cause for some serious alarm.

Binge drinking is the consumption of alcohol with no thought of the consequences or responsibilities involved in drinking. It is drinking to the point of passing out, blacking out, losing most cognitive faculties (namely the ability to think rationally) or, worse yet, poisoning or death. It is one of the leading causes for vehicle deaths among college students and assaults (to include sexual assaults).

The article I linked above posed some very good reasons why this increase is happening, but of those listed I believe the most significant reason (that even they point out) is: culture. It is socially condoned, accepted, approved of and encouraged (especially in the media) to “be young,” party, “throw your inhibitions to the wind” and forget the world a while. Rap artist Asher Roth even wrote a tribute song to the socially accepted party scene called "I Love College" (see the lyrics here - explicit lyrics!). Drinking, getting hammered, trashed or wasted is an accepted, social norm - a part of life. Even those who have committed crimes while drunk are more easily forgiven than those doing it sober (as if the drinking excuses the actions or make said actions understandable).

Most teens and college students have no clue how to actually have fun without “liquid courage” (hence the reason Girls Gone Wild has copious amounts of alcohol on hand when filming… very few girls would do what they do on camera without the alcohol). For those that do try to have fun sans alcohol see the fun they have as a lesser fun because the rest of their peers are out drinking or often feel like outcasts when the rest of their peers would rather be at the bar or club (or hosting drunken parties).

Just recently I spoke with a 20 year old female college student who has living arrangements with family but plans to move out in the fall to “have a real college experience.” I asked her what’s a “real college experience” and she said having parties and such all the time (she wanted to live in a house that was a center for partying among her circle of friends and acquaintances). I asked her why she thought that was so important and she said “because it’s what you do when you’re young. This is the only time in your life to do that sort of thing.” She has bought into a social lie and despite my warnings and pleadings with her that the lifestyle she is choosing will have consequences (if nothing else later when she, as a mother, begs and pleads with her own children to avoid this lifestyle) she shrugged me off saying “I won’t let that happen – I’ll be smart about it.”

Of course she will be different. They’ll all be different. That’s this culture’s responsible mantra: “just don’t let it be you.”

To Those Who Are Part of This Lifestyle Now (or want to be): I know consequences won’t happen to you – you will party through college (and/or high school) and graduate with honors, get an illustrious career and have the All-American family. Let’s just say for a moment that “it” does happen to you though (consequences). Let’s say any of the following happen:

You drunkenly decide to drive (you never would have done that sober) and you are caught. Or worse yet, kill or hurt someone. Was it worth it?

You pass out drunk at a party and are assaulted. Was it worth it?

You host a party at which someone is assaulted or leaves drunk and kills or injures someone. Was it worth it?

You’re caught drinking and driving and lose your license and people won’t hire you because of your record. Was it worth it?

Your kid one day asks you “Dad/Mom – did you party and get drunk in high school? Can I?” or as they are strolling the internet (you have no control over who puts what on the internet) or old pics and stumble across pictures of you drunk in compromising acts. Was it worth it?

Many times our picture of the end justify our means; namely, "I won’t get hurt and no one else will either, therefore, it is worth it." Or "something might happen, but it won’t be that bad and I’ll learn my lesson then." Problem is, you have NO control over anything; no control over what happens or what the consequences are. Once the fire is lit, the damage is done. You cannot undo it.

PARENTS: Forget the ridiculous conversation about whether drinking is Biblical or not. It doesn’t matter. Teach your teens and children to love God with all their hearts (Phil. 4:8). Teach them to ask about everything they do: “is what I’m about to do the best possible way for me to love and worship God?” Be living examples of what that question looks like.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

________________

Lakers Win, LA Loses

2009-06-15T14:47:00.006-04:00

Shaq tweets. The Magic crumble. Kobe proved all the skeptics wrong.

These were a few of the highlights of the series known as the NBA Finals. I am not an NBA fan (though if I were to choose a team to root for it would either be the Suns or the Celtics) and could really care less who actually won the series. To be honest, I'm just happy the NBA and NHL seasons are over! Now ESPN and other sports entities can focus on the two best sports on the planet: baseball and the quickly coming football season!

Regardless of my feelings on NBA Basketball I think the fans' reaction/celebration was deplorable! See the pics: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1193086/Fans-riot-streets-LA-Lakers-win-NBA-title.html?ITO=1490

A riot?!?! I know it is not the first time (and unfortunately won't be the last), but I truly do not understand how any conscious-minded human could find it celebratory or joyous to wreck an innocent city, an innocent party's property, waste tax payer money or participate in any activity to "celebrate" that ends up injuring police officers. Even sadder, yet, is the fact that California is crumbling financially and they now have to clean up the carnage of a supposed celebration. Over a game? An eternally meaningless game? Sure it's great that your favorite team won, but in the grand scheme of things it is just a game. So who really won? No one... not the Lakers, not the fans, not California and certainly not LA.

This sort of reaction only demonstrates further the absolute joke that is "Sports." People in Europe and around the world are trampled to death during soccer games? An American sports team wins a championship and the city erupts into a riot? How do we as humans (or Believers, for that matter) make sense of that, stand for it or, worse yet, participate in it?

This is not a Lakers problem, NBA problem, MLB or any other sports league problem. It is a human being problem. A common sense (or lack there of) problem.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

Image credit: Associated Press
______________

Heidi Montag, Spencer Pratt and "Christianity"

2009-06-12T09:18:00.009-04:00

Last week I posted a video and commented on Spencer Pratt's "baptism" by Stephen Baldwin. In the clip and in prior interviews Spencer credits his wife Heidi Montag (Pratt) for leading him toward his new found faith/conversion. Since I don't know much about the couple because I don't watch The Hills or follow celebrity gossip (at least intentionally - it's impossible to avoid it all together) I have no idea if her faith in Christ is genuine or his conversion is legit. What I do know is that their behavior (how they treat other people, crave the spotlight, will do almost anything for the right price tag, etc.) and decisions do not reflect those of people whose desire to love God more than anything else. Instead it seems as though their desire is to love themselves and grab as much attention (good or bad) as possible.

The Latest case-in-point: now it appears that the faithful Mrs. Montag-Pratt has posed in a "tasteful" spread in Playboy magazine. *Cue the corporate eye roll and sigh*

I speak up because I am tired of so-called celeb-Christians dragging the name of Christ through the mud. Those who are "lost" and genuinely looking for answers look at Christians who are self-centered and selfishly motivated and think "if that's what the Christian religion is all about, they can keep it." It seems phony to them, as if it is a ploy to get heaven and live like hell (as if Christianity is fire insurance or a "get out of hell free" card). Granted, no one is perfect, but when so-called Christians trivialize heaven, grace, hell, sin and the love of God it degrades the very faith in which they claim to hold dear.

This would not be a major conversation if Heidi and Spencer both were not using the name of Christ so loosely. Since they are, however, now it essential that Christians speak up so as to clarify what being a follower of Christ looks like. Showing off, pimping yourself out, praying to meet Miley Cyrus as a test to prove if God exists, and many of their other antics are not the behaviors of genuine lovers of God.

I pray, however, that in their youth and ignorance God opens their eyes and that one day (hopefully soon) they will see Truth and desire to truly love God with all that they are.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

Image borrowed from People.

______________

Ministry, Feminism, Carrie Prejean Fired, U.S. Politics, and more!

2009-06-11T10:25:00.009-04:00

Greetings C2 readers... as you have seen I have not been able to post anything in a couple days. With summer beginning and school letting out and an impending mission trip with my church my time has been quite limited. This blog is a passion of mine, but right now I've got to take a couple days or so to get things in order ministerially. Please pray for me and my church and our upcoming mission trip to New Mexico, for our youth ministry (summer is out and things are picking up speed; pray that we God do some amazing things in the lives of our youth and their families) and my family (we've had much go on in the last couple weeks).

There is much going on in the world and culture that I'd love to write about, but the time is not there for me to write full posts. So here are some snippets of things happening that have my attention:

The U.S. government looking to pass hate crime laws that will most likely be a stepping stone to hindering the speech of religion (all religions).
Carrie Prejean is fired for "dereliction of duties". Obviously I don't have a clue as to whether or not Carrie is doing her Ms. USA job or not, but it seems rather convenient. I'm curious if her firing now is what Donald Trump and the organization wanted to do before, but because of the intense media attention (and heated conversation about her marriage stance) they opted to retain her until later. Again, I have no idea, but this seems rather convenient.
lemondrop.com has released a list of TV's "Least Feminist" characters with Friends' Rachel Green (played by Jennifer Aniston) taking the top position, followed by Married with Children's Kelly Bundy (played by Christina Applegate). My brief take: Feminism is a sad movement, especially in our present day. It exists because of the failure of men to see and value women as God created them: valuable, honorable, cherishable, respectable and equal in worth. Unfortunately, many men do not hold them in such a high regard and the result is feminist groups attacking any sort of tradition. This list is somewhat comical, but the values and ideas behind the feminist opinion of what defines a woman ought to be examined seriously in light of the Creator's idea as to who women really are (men too, for that matter, because many of them aren't living up to their God-given role).
President Obama insulted Israel in a picture of him talking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with his feet on the desk (revealing the soles of his shoes). I completely understand the perception of the photo and the apparent insult, though I highly doubt President Obama intentionally set out to insult their nation or its leadership. What's funny to me is aol.com took a poll asking mostly American voters if the pic offended them. In the famous words of Gomer Pyle, "Surprise, Surprise, Surprise": 75% were not personally offended (of 321,000 or so votes). Of course they aren't offended, America is not offended by much (except Christianity - but that's another conversation). Silly poll question.
My wife and I watched the movie "He's Just NOT That Into You" last night. I plan to write a blog entry on this movie in the next couple days (I hope) and its worldview.
There are a slew of movie and television show franchises either being resurrected or rebooted in the next couple of years. I have some input as to why Hollywood is smart for going this way (after all, all they want to do is make money) and why movie goers are most likely gonna buy in... more on this when I post this.

That's all for now... I've got to get back to work. :-) More in the next couple days. Hopefully I will then get back to my regular daily posts. Until then...

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

___________________

Spencer Pratt Baptized By Stephen Baldwin: A Christian Squared Response

2009-06-05T12:42:00.007-04:00

I've seen one episode of The Hills. I've never watched one episode of "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here" (nor will I). I know very little about Spencer Pratt or Heidi Montag. The few times I've seen them on TV, in the news or in an interview they seem completely removed from reality. I had no interest in reading anything about "Speidi," but then I hear about Mr. Montag getting batpized by Stephen Baldwin (actor, speaker, Baldwin Brother who has starred in almost every celebrity reality show made and is a Born Again Believer) and I had to find out more. Here is the video of his baptism.

I never thought I'd actually agree with Janice Dickenson (self proclaimed Original Supermodel), but I don't condone this either. I believe it is a mockery. I do not fault Stephen Baldwin for this (it seems like he was caught off guard and tried to do the best with the situation that he could on live television) and to be honest I can't fault Spencer because he obviously doesn't know better. However, if he was truly serious about his new found "faith" you would think he would actually try to respect it and learn more about it. Instead he just spontaneously decides to be baptized and "washed clean of his filth" and sin (for the record - not what baptism is about) and declares on national television (in an earlier interview) that in testing God to see if He was real he challenged God to arrange a meeting with (no, I'm not joking) Miley Cyrus... "and [Jesus] did it!"

I pray Spencer is serious about his faith, but there is very little that seems sincere or genuine about his conversion (or his personality, if I'm being honest). He seems like a confused and lost individual and his "faith" appears to be more of a publicity stunt (as if the pop world doesn't hear enough about him as it is). If this is the case, as a believer, I pray Spencer would find another vehicle to get attention instead of trying to defile the name and sanctity of Christ's name. If it is a quasi-semi sincere pursuit, then I pray he start reading the Bible and seeking the counsel of a trusted pastor (with his wife, Heidi).

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

__________________

Seeing is Deceiving

2009-06-04T15:52:00.007-04:00

Though I do not get a chance to play very often (hardly ever, now) I do still love video games (especially Madden and other sports games). Recently I was thumbing through the video game magazine “Game Informer” and saw an ad that caught my attention (sorry - I tried to find the ad online, but was not successful).

It is for the game “The Conduit” (coming this month on Wii). The ad shows a scene from Washington D.C. and has the phrase: “Seeing is Deceiving.” While their catch phrase is simply a selling tag line to hook gamers into wanting their game, there is much truth to this statement that extends far beyond the gaming world.

The popular world philosophy right now is “seeing is believing” (has been for a long time). In other words, we’ll believe in something when we can see it:

- When someone lets us down, we require proof of their loyalty before they are trusted again (“I’ll believe it when I see it…”)

- When something is too good to be true we refuse to demonstrate excitement until it comes to fruition (“I won’t be excited until I have those tickets in my hand.”)

This same philosophy is the foundation of spirituality for most. Either they say “I’ll believe it when I see it” (or “I can’t believe what I can’t see”) or “No one can know anything for certain, therefore I choose to only believe what can be seen.” To truly live according to this way of thinking (without exception) is to disown faith altogether. Abandoning faith is impossible! ALL people have faith in something:

- We put our faith in God (or nature) that when we suck air into our lungs it will be there to breath

- We put our faith in the roller coaster car and its operator that we will finish the ride the same way we began – in one piece and alive.

- Archeologists and paleontologists (and those who hold their studies as absolute truth) put their faith in their findings as fact (even when those findings are often limited).

- Evolutionary theorists (or scientists, if you will) put their faith in an event and random occurrences that can never be duplicated or recreated or seen with the naked eye (just like Creationists cannot recreate or duplicate God creating everything by His voice). Truth is, Evolutionists and Creationists conclusions are deductive hopes based on limited information (information that can be studied, but not proven beyond a shadow of a doubt).

Ultimately, seeing is not believing, at least not for much of our lives (no matter how much science wants to state that it is). At some point in matters of life our eyesight and understanding can only carry us so far. The rest becomes a matter of Faith. As I tell my children every day: there is only one Truth. Either there is a God or there is not. If there is, then we all answer to Him.

Regarding our faith, the question for the Believer is: “Is my faith in the invisible God (who became visible through His Son Jesus Christ and now through His Church) reasonable?” For me, based on much studying, reading and the order I see around me in the world I believe it is.

The question for the non-believer/non-religious is: “Is my faith in myself, the limited information I can see/understand and the faith I put in ‘experts’ and their view of the world, existence, life and death reasonable? Do I truly believe the people or my beliefs are sufficient for answering life’s major questions (birth, death, afterlife, the existence of evil/suffering, etc.)?”

PARENTS: Use the two phrases (“Seeing is Deceiving” and “Seeing is Believing”) to discuss with your kids/teens about Faith and Truth. Ask them what they think about each of the phrases and why they feel that way.

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

Image borrowed from http://www.yolochildcareplanning.org/news.htm

__________

Move Over Susan Boyle - This 21 Year Old Girl Really Never Has Been Kissed

2009-06-03T15:00:00.008-04:00

As soon as Susan Boyle broke on to the scene as a web sensation (thanks to her "I Dreamed a Dream" performance on Britain's Got Talent), the immediate subtitle to her amazing performance was something to the effect of "And She's Never Been Kissed." This, of course, was later found to be untrue; however, there is a 21 year old girl in Washington who anxiously awaits her July wedding day to experience her first ever kiss.

Rachel Welch decided at 14 years old that she wanted to wait to kiss anyone until her wedding day. While I know Rachel isn't the only girl or guy to make this commitment, it is awesome to see some news outlets pay attention to a girl and guy with hearts bent toward experiencing real love, passion and intimacy the way God designed it be enjoyed.

My favorite line in her interview (with fiance Todd Ritter) was the one where she answered the objections of Todd's friends who asked "what if she's a terrible kisser? Or what if there are no sparks?" She replied "then we get our whole lives to work on it." AWESOME! Marriage is the place we are supposed to develop sparks and learn how to enjoy all the joys and benefits of sexual intimacy. To think we learn by practicing on others, then marrying someone else is a ridiculous lie that our culture has bought in to without question.

Props to Rachel (and Todd for honoring her and her promise)... this is the foundation of real love!

Share this video with your teens! Also, I encourage you to check out my post "Abstinence is Wrong" for more about this sort of commitment. Singles, take heart - it is never too late!

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

EDITORIAL NOTE: Again, I apologize for the long delay in writing. My parents have been in town and so I've taken some time off to be with them. They left earlier today (bummer), so I am back writing and dialoguing!

vacation

2009-05-28T16:57:00.001-04:00

In case you haven't noticed, I've been a way a few days. My family is in town visiting and so I am taking some time off with them. I will be back blogging next week.

See you then!!

Christian the Christian