For centuries, the standard unit of human existence has been the individual. Descartes'
"I think, therefore I am" was not only an epistemological argument, but also a statement concerning the sovereignty of the individual, "I think, therefore I am".
The case can be made that the Bible presents the standard unit of human existence as the family. In the Old Testament, the individual exists as an extension of the family, not the other way around. Understanding this concept gives depth of meaning to the strong emphasis in scripture placed upon both parenting and marriage. To be terse, my family is more important than I am.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Resurrection and Easter
Easter is about resurrection, and no matter what your "evangecube" tells you, the central moment in all of Christianity occurred on Sunday, not Friday. Most Christians believe that the only reason Jesus rose from the dead was to prove that He was not a wimp. Because you know, "You can't keep a good man down!" They make no real connection between the resurrection of Christ and their own postmortem fate. The real issue, they think, is that "He died for my personal sins."
It's high time that Easter become a little less "personal" and a little more "public." Jesus' resurrection means "life after, life after death" for everyone, no exceptions. There is only one who currently exists in a resurrected state... Jesus. Even Lazarus, who also was raised from the dead, died a second time and now awaits the resurrection just like all the saints.
Modern western Christianity has for some time depicted the "the dead in Christ" as somehow already having arrived at a "final destination." The idea is that Grandma is in heaven and that her journey has ended. The only thing she has to look forward to is being reunited with family and friends through their own deaths.
Believing in resurrection means living in hope. But not a dualistic false hope that welcomes death because of the prospect of seeing Grandma again. The hope of resurrection is not found in the personalized moment of each individual's death. The hope of resurrection is placed in a future moment awaited by all, the living and the dead, a moment that every Easter ever celebrated has anticipated.
It's high time that Easter become a little less "personal" and a little more "public." Jesus' resurrection means "life after, life after death" for everyone, no exceptions. There is only one who currently exists in a resurrected state... Jesus. Even Lazarus, who also was raised from the dead, died a second time and now awaits the resurrection just like all the saints.
Modern western Christianity has for some time depicted the "the dead in Christ" as somehow already having arrived at a "final destination." The idea is that Grandma is in heaven and that her journey has ended. The only thing she has to look forward to is being reunited with family and friends through their own deaths.
Believing in resurrection means living in hope. But not a dualistic false hope that welcomes death because of the prospect of seeing Grandma again. The hope of resurrection is not found in the personalized moment of each individual's death. The hope of resurrection is placed in a future moment awaited by all, the living and the dead, a moment that every Easter ever celebrated has anticipated.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Relational Posture
Until I can realign my communal spine and shift my relational focus away from virtual egotism, I will be abstaining from networking sites such as myspace and facebook. For a few years now, I have done very little pure networking and a ton of self promotion. In fact, I am rather infamous for refusing to network.
I think that for a long time I tried to make me about everyone else and everyone else about me. I am still lost somewhere between the way of Jesus and the American Dream.
I think that for a long time I tried to make me about everyone else and everyone else about me. I am still lost somewhere between the way of Jesus and the American Dream.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Do Your Best
I recently made my contribution to PepsiCo by patronizing a local KFC. What can I say? I'm a sucker for over-sized and over-greased poultry. My service was far less than desirable and irrefutably less than the best that the crew could offer. By the time I successfully procured my essential condiments, I was on the very edge of racial profiling. As I sat down to clog my arteries, however, I began to examine the details of the my frustrating experience and arrived at a few unexpected observations.
1. Employees at KFC and other comparable establishments do not, in fact, typically do their best. But why should they? There is very little demand for their jobs. The current economic crisis, with its unemployment highs, is evidently not bad enough to create a line outside KFC waiting for a chance to work the fryer. What incentive do they have? Their effort is like their pay, "minimum".
2. "The customer is always right" is a modern capitalistic concept not to be appealed to as a timeless principle. We must at least entertain the idea that the death of "customer service" merely marks a transition in our economic structures rather than signaling the end of all civility.
3. I may, in fact, not be doing my best by participating in the big business fast food industry. When did we become so accustomed to expecting so much out of $7? How many people, animals, and systems of decency have to be mistreated and disregarded in order for me fill my American appetite at that price? Oh, and by the way, I expect to get it quicker than fast and with a smile!
1. Employees at KFC and other comparable establishments do not, in fact, typically do their best. But why should they? There is very little demand for their jobs. The current economic crisis, with its unemployment highs, is evidently not bad enough to create a line outside KFC waiting for a chance to work the fryer. What incentive do they have? Their effort is like their pay, "minimum".
2. "The customer is always right" is a modern capitalistic concept not to be appealed to as a timeless principle. We must at least entertain the idea that the death of "customer service" merely marks a transition in our economic structures rather than signaling the end of all civility.
3. I may, in fact, not be doing my best by participating in the big business fast food industry. When did we become so accustomed to expecting so much out of $7? How many people, animals, and systems of decency have to be mistreated and disregarded in order for me fill my American appetite at that price? Oh, and by the way, I expect to get it quicker than fast and with a smile!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Hate
Theologically speaking, the verb “hate” never takes the subject “God.” Hate is not an attribute of God. Despite the best/worst campaign efforts of Fred Phelps and the misguided folks at Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas, God does not hate anyone.
How could He? Humanity is God’s crowning achievement of creation. How could He hate what He took so much pride in creating? The Bible paints a consistent picture of God’s love for and patience with His creation. Even the flood is a testimony to God’s overwhelming desire to preserve creation through love, rather than destroy it through hate. The activity of God in scripture displays the perfect relationship between judgment resulting from the righteousness of God and mercy resulting from the longsuffering of God.
Some people seem to feel as though they need compensate for God’s apparent silence on particular moral issues of society. With their actions they say, “God, if you’re not going to do something about this, then I will!” But God is not silent! Romans 1:18-20 makes it clear with these words,
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”
God has given us the unique ability to innately know our failures. No need to tell the pregnant teenager of the difficulty of her situation. She knows! No need to lecture the drug addict over his poor life choices. He knows! No need to accentuate the negative influence of a fallen leader. He knows!
And what of those who knowingly practice unrighteousness? It’s not your problem! Your problem is your problem! “You have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” Romans 2:1
God would have us live lives that display the beauty of who He is, “the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel.” Romans 1:17 He would have us speak out on behalf of humanity rather than against. He would have us speak of hatred toward things like injustice, poverty, hunger, and disease.
How could He? Humanity is God’s crowning achievement of creation. How could He hate what He took so much pride in creating? The Bible paints a consistent picture of God’s love for and patience with His creation. Even the flood is a testimony to God’s overwhelming desire to preserve creation through love, rather than destroy it through hate. The activity of God in scripture displays the perfect relationship between judgment resulting from the righteousness of God and mercy resulting from the longsuffering of God.
Some people seem to feel as though they need compensate for God’s apparent silence on particular moral issues of society. With their actions they say, “God, if you’re not going to do something about this, then I will!” But God is not silent! Romans 1:18-20 makes it clear with these words,
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”
God has given us the unique ability to innately know our failures. No need to tell the pregnant teenager of the difficulty of her situation. She knows! No need to lecture the drug addict over his poor life choices. He knows! No need to accentuate the negative influence of a fallen leader. He knows!
And what of those who knowingly practice unrighteousness? It’s not your problem! Your problem is your problem! “You have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” Romans 2:1
God would have us live lives that display the beauty of who He is, “the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel.” Romans 1:17 He would have us speak out on behalf of humanity rather than against. He would have us speak of hatred toward things like injustice, poverty, hunger, and disease.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Jesus and Americans
Jesus: Turn the other cheek.
Americans: Favorite Wrestler - "The Cheek Turner"
Jesus: Judge not, and you will not be judged
Americans: Judge first, because first is better than second.
Jesus: Give to the one who begs from you.
Americans: Take away what dignity the beggar has.
Jesus: If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
Americans: Never let anyone force you to carpool to save mileage.
Jesus: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Americans: Pitied are the pacifists, for we will make them look like sons of wimps.
Jesus: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Americans: Hate your enemies and pray that our government will persecute them.
Jesus: When you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you.
Americans: Make sure you write it off on your taxes.
Jesus: Give us this day our daily bread.
Americans: Buy in bulk and save money.
Jesus: Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.
Americans: Build wealth.
Jesus: Seek the kingdom first.
Americans: Seek money first so you can throw more money at the church.
Jesus: Don't worry about tomorrow.
Americans: Prepare for retirement.
Jesus: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Americans: Lead others the way that makes you a more prominent leader.
Americans: Favorite Wrestler - "The Cheek Turner"
Jesus: Judge not, and you will not be judged
Americans: Judge first, because first is better than second.
Jesus: Give to the one who begs from you.
Americans: Take away what dignity the beggar has.
Jesus: If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
Americans: Never let anyone force you to carpool to save mileage.
Jesus: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Americans: Pitied are the pacifists, for we will make them look like sons of wimps.
Jesus: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Americans: Hate your enemies and pray that our government will persecute them.
Jesus: When you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you.
Americans: Make sure you write it off on your taxes.
Jesus: Give us this day our daily bread.
Americans: Buy in bulk and save money.
Jesus: Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.
Americans: Build wealth.
Jesus: Seek the kingdom first.
Americans: Seek money first so you can throw more money at the church.
Jesus: Don't worry about tomorrow.
Americans: Prepare for retirement.
Jesus: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Americans: Lead others the way that makes you a more prominent leader.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Transgression Man
There are no super sinners. Murderers, soccer moms, sex offenders, and little old ladies are all filled with the same basic stuff. There is no one who could never do that. All of humanity is equally inclined to stray from the truth of God and seek self-gratification.
Local news broadcasts are nightly exercises in self-aggrandizement. Our response of shock and horror to the news of local crimes is a salve on the festering wound of our own brokenness. By 7 p.m. we are comforted and ready to laugh along to our favorite situation comedy, knowing that at least we are not like that person we heard about on the news. We are the parabolic Pharisee in the temple praying, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men.” Luke 18:9-14
We successfully project our own feelings of guilt and responsibility upon the incarcerated and marginalized of society. It’s as if criminals are endowed with an extra measure of sinning ability in which on our very worst day we would never be capable of participating. The truth of scripture compels us to always proclaim, “I am no better.” “There is none who does good.” Psalm 14:1
“But I just can’t understand how someone could do that.” Really? “You have no excuse, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” Romans 2:1 There is one who could claim that the heinous acts of men are beyond his comprehension, but Jesus never said to Peter, “I just don’t get you.”
-Who is always there when there is no one else around on which to project your own feelings of guilt?
-Who is always available to be judged so that you can feel better about yourself?
-Who do you call when the failures of others remind you of your own?
Transgression Man, arriving at a moments notice with the super power of sin! Simply speak the words, “I could never do that,” and Transgression Man appears to absorb all personal feelings of guilt and responsibility.
Are you faced with the ugliness of murder, sex offence, domestic violence, and the like? Just call on Transgression Man, and he will assist you in feeling superior to anyone who is guilty of anything you find personally repulsing. With the help of Transgression Man, you can successfully divide all humans into two categories: good people (like yourself) and bad people (people you will never be like).
-Don’t ever let self-reflection and introspection get the best of you. Call on Transgression Man!
-Don’t travel down the path of compassion and empathy. Call on Transgression Man!
-Never feel any responsibility toward anyone but yourself. Call on Transgression Man!
Local news broadcasts are nightly exercises in self-aggrandizement. Our response of shock and horror to the news of local crimes is a salve on the festering wound of our own brokenness. By 7 p.m. we are comforted and ready to laugh along to our favorite situation comedy, knowing that at least we are not like that person we heard about on the news. We are the parabolic Pharisee in the temple praying, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men.” Luke 18:9-14
We successfully project our own feelings of guilt and responsibility upon the incarcerated and marginalized of society. It’s as if criminals are endowed with an extra measure of sinning ability in which on our very worst day we would never be capable of participating. The truth of scripture compels us to always proclaim, “I am no better.” “There is none who does good.” Psalm 14:1
“But I just can’t understand how someone could do that.” Really? “You have no excuse, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” Romans 2:1 There is one who could claim that the heinous acts of men are beyond his comprehension, but Jesus never said to Peter, “I just don’t get you.”
-Who is always there when there is no one else around on which to project your own feelings of guilt?
-Who is always available to be judged so that you can feel better about yourself?
-Who do you call when the failures of others remind you of your own?
Transgression Man, arriving at a moments notice with the super power of sin! Simply speak the words, “I could never do that,” and Transgression Man appears to absorb all personal feelings of guilt and responsibility.
Are you faced with the ugliness of murder, sex offence, domestic violence, and the like? Just call on Transgression Man, and he will assist you in feeling superior to anyone who is guilty of anything you find personally repulsing. With the help of Transgression Man, you can successfully divide all humans into two categories: good people (like yourself) and bad people (people you will never be like).
-Don’t ever let self-reflection and introspection get the best of you. Call on Transgression Man!
-Don’t travel down the path of compassion and empathy. Call on Transgression Man!
-Never feel any responsibility toward anyone but yourself. Call on Transgression Man!
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