How You (and Your Family) View the World

I was watching The View today (yes, I know… a hole must now be punched in my Man Card), and in it they brought up Jesus Christ and Satan. To begin the conversation Whoopi G quoted "spiritual guru" (whatever that is) Dr. Deepak Chopra as saying:

“Healthy people don’t have a need for Satan… healthy people need to confront their own issues, understand themselves.”

Cue Barbara Walters asking the rest of the table if they believe in Satan or Jesus Christ (Elisabeth and Sherri said “yes,” Whoopi nodded in interest, Joy cast jokes). Following this exchange, however, Barbara quoted a “study” (from the Bonner Group?) that stated the following:

• Only 9% of all adults have a “Biblical Worldview”
• Only 1% of adults 18-23 have a “Biblical Worldview”

While there are many things that can be asked about the truth of these numbers (Who is the Bonner Group? What was their sample group? Who was their sample group? etc.), based on my own experience in church ministry, campus ministry and family ministry, I think these numbers are closer to accurate then not.

How many people in our churches actually have (and LIVE according to) a Biblical Worldview? How many could actually describe what a Biblical Worldview is?

How would you, or your teens/kids answer the following questions:

1. Who is God?
2. Who is Jesus Christ?
3. How did the Universe come into existence?
4. What is man?
5. Why is there evil in the world? If yes, where does it originate?
6. Is there life after death?
7. Is there a such thing as Truth and if so, how can one know it, truly?

EVERYONE has a worldview… everyone has a thought on life and how it came about, how we are to function in it and what happens when our life ends. Our worldview drives how we answer questions about: love, relationships, worship, social justice, hope, spirituality, family, ethics, morality, etc.

What’s your worldview? What the worldview of your family?

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

Additional Resources for you to use:

What Is Your Worldview? (Answers In Genesis)

What's a Worldview Anyway? (Focus on the Family's The Truth Project)

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Coming to Grips with My Reality TV Fascination

I think the time has come for me to admit it... I am a fan of reality TV. I've tried to deny it for some time, but as my wife and I were surveying our favorite TV shows I realized the majority of them were reality shows, for different reasons (we don't watch much TV, but much of what we watch, it turns out, have been/are reality shows). Kid Nation, though no longer on (great material for talking about matters of Faith with my children), Survivor (my all-time favorite! It always amazes me how far people will go, and how much they will sacrifice for the right price and better yet, to see those who refuse to compromise), American Idol (though this does occasionally wear on my nerves, I enjoy the back stories and those who use the platform for eternal purposes- such as Mandisa), Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares (I love watching family-run restaurants who are falling apart pull it together as a business, and especially a family), Beauty and the Geek (not last season's, but the ones before where "beauties" were challenged to look and dive deeper than superficial looks - didn't care much for the Geek makeover part, though it was entertaining to see), and some others on occasion (if time allows - I don't necessarily set the DVR for them).

Why I like reality TV.

I know "reality" is not reality; however, there is something to be said for taking real people as they are and putting them in pressure situations and seeing what they're made of. That is why I love Survivor so much - real people forced to be in close proximity with other real people in less than ideal situations to "outwit, outlast and outplay" the others for $1 million. What are they willing to do/not do for the LARGE sum of money? Will they lie? Steal? Cheat? Hurt someone? Deceive? Something I tell people all the time - trials reveal much about one's true faith. Scripture says it like this: "Out of the abundance of our hearts, our mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). In other words - whatever we've filled our hearts with will come out (either trickling or gushing)... if it's selfishness, ungodliness, hate, contentious thoughts, etc. - then that's the abundance that will come pouring out (trials put our real-selves out there to be seen). If it's patience, kindness, gentleness, etc. (fruits of the spirit, Galatians 5) - then that's the abundance that will be seen and demonstrated in rough times and good times. I love to root for those who refuse to compromise their integrity, dignity, faith (though most people of faith on TV are not genuine, and often misrepresent Christ, and the church, entirely), even if it costs them the competition, the prize or whatever.

Some shining moments of Reality TV for me:

• American Idol. A girl ("Bikini Girl") shows up to her audition for AI two episodes ago in a TINY bikini (producers made sure to show her from all angles - cheap!). Usually when someone shows up in a gimmicky outfit it means they can't sing and just want to exploit themselves for 2 seconds of fame (being on the rejects video). This girl, however, sang fairly well and made it to the next round (WHY the bikini and cheap sell-out?!?!). My favorite moment for her audition came when the new judge called her out for exploiting herself (noting that the male judges won't remember/recognize her with clothes on) by asking her name "because to them all you are is 'Top' and 'Bottom'". Score one for modesty!

• So You Think You Can Dance. A youth pastor (if memory serves me correctly) auditions and performs a dance that tells a story from the Old Testament (I forget which one). As soon as the judges find out it's Bible-based the hating began and he represented well! He never backed down, he didn't become disrespectful, he defended his choice to have his female backup dancers clothed and told them he refused to give up his faith for a competition. Score one for true Christianity on TV!

• American Idol. A 27-year-old man lives at home with mom to take care of her due to her medical condition. No dating. No partying. No personal life. Is it a sacrifice? You better believe it. Does it consume his life? It IS his life - all he does is care for her. But he's a Biblical picture of what it means to care for "widows and orphans" (a challenge given to the family). I do not think he's a Christian, but it wouldn't be the first time a nonbeliever was used by God to "confound the wise." (Note: I'm not saying this is the case, but it certainly is a beautiful demonstration of real love.) Score one for real love and family!

• Survivor. Any time a contestant remains true from beginning to end, refusing to compromise who they really are (I'm not talking about the "this is who I am - I don't change for no one" arrogance, but true integrity). Score one for true integrity!

Shows That Grate My Nerves:

Any bachelor/dating/love/marriage show. It amazes me the lengths people go to to win the affection of some stranger and how poorly love is represented on the shows. Just pull some people out of their real lives (away from their family and friends who they will eventually return to) and give them alcohol, a hot tub, absurd getaways with a stranger, opportunities for sick make-out sessions and you have a romance reality show. *CUE my audible "BLAH" and cup of water because I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.* This is a blog post of its own, so I'll depart from this one for now (TEENS in my youth group - we will be going through this a little more in depth in the next couple weeks in a new series called "The Love Myth"; PARENTS - teach and demonstrate to your teens/kids what real love looks like).

Note for Parents:

Reality TV is a great tool for teaching Biblical values. As kids watch people make decisions and reap the benefits/consequences of those choices it provides a fascinating conversation starter (and a great way for you to check your own Biblical worldview). Often times we find ourselves rooting for who the producers of the show brainwash us to root for (the one doing the deceiving, playing the game - as if real life should not be a factor, the relationship that has only superficial foundations versus one that is based in a Biblical definition of love, etc.). I love watching appropriate Reality shows with my kids and talking about the Bible as it applies in real life! NOTE: This only applies to shows with any redemptive qualities to them. Many of the love shows do not have this and could be more harmful than helpful for young, impressionable minds. Also - don't forget about the more impressive lessons that can be learned by kids/teens by you TURNING OFF the TV and spending quality time with them!

That's all for now... blessings!!!!

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Why Christians Ought to See "The Dark Knight"

I AM BACK... the trip was amazing! I have seen some things that have truly broken my heart and redefined prayer in my life. Thank you for your patience in my absence. I am now back on schedule (1-2 posts/week). HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

To begin: I am NOT a comic book junkie. I don't know what happened to Iron Man in issue #354 or Superman in issue #417… I do not know Captain America’s or Green Lantern's alter-egos’ names… I do not know which comics are actually still in circulation; however, I do like many comic book movies. I love GOOD movies with amazing stories and that are solid technically (directing, cinematography, effects, music, etc.), and recently many of the comic books-turned-movies have been enjoyable.

"The Dark Knight" is no ordinary, “enjoyable” comic book movie. It is a masterfully done piece of art that is probably the BEST good vs. evil movie I've ever seen. Politics aside (as many have alluded to the potential political message seen throughout the film), Christopher Nolan has directed a true masterpiece of a movie that I believe all Christians ought to see.

Superb acting aside (yes, Ledger’s Joker is worthy of all the hype), here's my rundown of why this film is one of the best (newly added to "my favorites" list) and why Christians ought to see it:

• Evil is portrayed as it truly is – pure evil. No real motive or reason for its cause – just the absolute lack of good. (Matter of fact, seeing it this way helps the viewer see how easy it is for good to blur the line of evil for its own sake… I digress.)
  


• I have not, in recent memory, seen evil portrayed in such a manner that the resulting anarchy/chaos actually become their own character(s). As the story and city seemingly come unglued, the audience is masterfully put in a shaky position of choosing its side (and for many, the good side is not as easy to identify as originally thought).
  


• The middle characters (supporting cast) do an amazing job of painting a grey line right down the middle of good and evil. If doing evil allows for good, is it really evil? Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhal), Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), Alfred (Michael Caine) and even the citizens of Gotham each come face-to-face with this question. How would you respond in such an event?

As a Christian this movie is even more enjoyable (though I am not a big fan of violence) because of how it wrestles with good and evil. It does not paint an easy to follow, cliché line of good. Instead it grabs the audience and puts them in a position where they are forced to see (maybe even test) their own ethical/moral values.

While the Bible does not paint an ambiguous line of what is good, many times Christians repaint the line for God according to their own definition of "good." That is what this movie shows, but (as Nolan beautifully illustrates) if good is ever going to conquer evil, there can be no compromise.

EDITORIAL NOTE: Just to be clear (though I know this is obvious to most), The Dark Knight is rated PG-13 for scenes of violence.

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"New" Britney - Same Message

Britney Spears - “America’s Sweetheart” - is back, apparently, and her new song/video “Womanizer” is all the buzz. Reviews are positive from critics and music bloggers to ecstatic Britney fans alike. And what lessons has she learned from her struggles (anyone remember “bald Britney”?, losing her children, being caught in several public incidents, etc.)? Apparently none. Her music has not matured and neither has she, unfortunately.

“Womanizer” represents everything parents ought to teach their daughters and sons to NOT to be, or look for in potential spouses: flirty, morally lost, selfish and focused only on sexual attraction (not real love, intimacy, etc.). The song's lyrics have a hint of hope to them as she tells the womanizer she has no time for him; however, she ultimtely blows it by telling him "no" in a flirty manner while playful acknowledging that she does like him and want him. Since I have no desire in promoting anyone watching the video (lyrics can be found here), here are a few highlights from it:

• Britney appears entirely nude throughout the majority of the video, laying down and moving provocatively (she wasn’t able to cover everything, so the strategically placed “blur” helps her
  
• “Morning after Britney” shows her in a shirt and bra cooking breakfast for the “womanizer” man who she apparently slept with
  
• “Office Britney” dances provocatively around the office, flirting with the “womanizer” and posing for his iPhone pics while sitting on the copy machine and making a copy of what’s under her skirt (yes, she shows the camera the copy)
  
• Britney and dancers (male and female) dance sexually around the “womanizer” while kissing him and each other
  
• "Morning After Britney” exacts her revenge by making her bed while he’s in the shower (yes it shows that too) and showing him who’s boss by not sleeping with him again

• There are several other over-the-top and suggestive sequences, but I think you get the idea

So, let me get this straight… Britney proves to the womanizer (the man) that she is “all woman” by stripping, sleeping with him, dancing sexually around him, teasing him, then walking away? So the essence of her value as a woman is in her sexuality?

What about her motherhood?

Being a wife (former wife)?

Loving others less fortunate?

Loving God (the One she said she used to love with all her heart as a child/teen)?

My heart hurts for her… I thought after all she had been through, Britney was going to come out of it all with better understanding and clarity of mind. Instead, we get the same, sexually-driven Britney who speaks sweetly in interviews, but has no idea who she truly is or what she’s truly worth.

Parents: Since most of your teens and tweens have (or will have, soon) heard this song. Read the lyrics and use it as a conversational tool. Discuss what God describes as valuable. Who they are in Christ. What marriage is and why they ought to look forward to sexuality in that type of relationship versus what's seen in this video (and other TV shows). Here are some Bible passages for you to check out to help: 2 Timothy 2:21-22, Ephesians 1:3-14, James 1:22-25, 1 Peter 3:3-5

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MOVIE REVIEWS: "Definitely, Maybe" and "John Adams"

First, a note on my movie reviews. Since my wife and I rarely make it out to movies (kids, $$ - $10 per person adds up quick!, etc.), many of my reviews are of movies on DVD. My primary concern is first with its message (what worldview is being offered?) and then with its technical and creative elements (was it good? well written? creatively done? how's the cinematography? did the medium properly portray the message, or did it hinder it? etc.). On to the reviews (which will pop up here and there in my blog)...

DEFINETELY, MAYBE

(definitely, well, maybe 3 stars)

sticking with the cliche star-rating system

I am quite conflicted... I have 2 ratings for this movie. First, the positive: 4 stars for acting and creative story line. Make no mistake about it, this IS a typical Romantic Comedy, but with a creative approach (can't say much without spoiling it - no it's not THAT big of a twist, but an interesting one).
Now for the not-so-positive feedback: 2 stars. There are several issues with this movie. First, its utter lack of understanding of what love is. Second, its reliance on the child to be the redemptive hero (with not so wise advice - "dad, trust me, you're not happy"). Third, all the characters' consistent lack of moral direction is ASTOUNDING (and why would the dad talk at length about such a lifestyle with his CHILD?!?!). Fourth, as it is with most Hollywood movies now, there is very little consequence for such poor morals. I did, however, appreciate the film at least making an attempt at pointing out the dad's moral flaws on occasion - even better was that it was his daughter busting him ("you did THAT?"), then forgiving him ("I still love you"). How often we forget our decisions not only affect us, but those around us (and some times not even until years and years later). So as you can see, I am conflicted, so I split the difference and gave it 3 stars.

JOHN ADAMS

(5 Patriotic Stars)

PHENOMENAL! I thoroughly enjoyed the first and second discs of this series and look forward to watching the remaining two episodes. To be honest, I was quite nervous watching another HBO series (the others have been unwatchable due to the ridiculous amounts of nudity, sex, language, etc.), but this one has set a new standard! Episode 2 is particularly powerful - especially the scene where the forefathers declare independence... not at all how I pictured that scene taking place (what a powerful scene!). Paul Giamatti is a gem of an actor - every time I see him he's better and better. The cast assembled for this mini-series was brilliant - Tom Wilkinson (as Ben Franklin? Who knew?!?! Good pick!), David Morse (would have NEVER pegged him as George Washington, but WOW! Great performance), Laura Linney... really good cast. Even better is the amazing view of God they had (my fav. line to date in a movie is in this; Abigail Adams to her son as he was leaving: "Remember, you are accountable to our Maker for every decision you make."). The forefathers, though not perfect (or played as perfect), had an amazing sense of their place in this world and their accountability to God. Both my wife and I are loving this (and that says a lot because my wife does not typically enjoy historical pieces)... on to Disc 3!!!