BIG DADDY, J.C., AND THE SPOOK

This is what my friend Shari calls the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The first time I recall hearing about the Trinity, I was a five year old chewing on those little offering pencils and then trying to stick them in my sister's ear. It was explained to me that just like a person could be a son, father, and brother at the same time, so could God. I was never satisfied with this analogy; I'm still not. We often try to put the Trinity into some kind of explainable equation. I don't think this is either possible or wise.

It can never suffice to place God into a simple formulae that we can teach children, or ourselves for that matter. It is simply not possible. It also does not give God the credit of who He is. Christianity has its roots ingrained in the idea that Jesus was God and the Father YHWH of the Old Testament is God and the Holy Spirit sent to dwell in us is God as well. But God is one god in all these fashions. I don't have the Trinity all figured out; nor will I ever (I don't think). But I do know that Jesus, the man who walked on this earth 2000 years ago, was God. He had the authority of the Almighty Creator. Yet, He prayed to the Father, who is also the same God. Confused yet? So am I.

So, how do we explain the Trinity, a concept so important to Christianity, to children? I don't know. I know that my understanding of the Trinity, as a child, placed God in very two dimensional terms. But I'm sure that those were the only terms I was capable of thinking in as a child. But maybe the discussion of the Trinity should be opened up, debated, questioned, reinforced, and cherished by modern Christians. It just seems like we accepted it as converts, but the seeking and questioning just never occurred.

I can't pretend to discuss the Trinity with any kind of knowledge, because frankly, even from my personal experience, it exists - but it's not understandable. I have questioned and sought to understand this aspect of the nature of God, but I cannot say that I've reached anywhere near a full understanding of what the Trinity is. I can only be a man of faith when it comes to the Trinity. It's part of God's nature which we CANNOT fully understand; but trying to fully grasp one facet of an incomprehensible god is worth Christians discussing and learning from one another. I don't have the answer, but contemplating it seems to bring me closer.


P.S. When I ran the spell check for this post [yeah, bet ya couldn't tell I spellcheck ;-)], it tried to replace YHWH with YAHOO - NOT the same thing!!!!

(Almost) Mid-Week Musings

Well, I did it: I joined a gym. This should inspire you!! It has been occupying a considerable bit of my time the past few days, actually, but it's a lot better than spending my afternoons with my X-Files DVD Box Set. This afternoon I did 6.75 miles on the cardio-stuff and some weights. I'm really tired now. I've got some more theology and stuff I've been mulling over the past few days, but I'm still trying to formulate it into understandable posts. So in the meantime, here's a random picture of a sign Marc and I saw in a burger place on a road trip we took Friday. Also here's a sneak-peek of what's to come on the Cruz-Control:

1) This Friday, the Da Vinci Code Movie is coming out. I can't wait to see it. I'm finishing the book for a second time. I will drop my two cents into the coffers of intellectual discussion here on blogger before the week is out.

2) In less than a month, we will experience the date June 6, 2006 or 6.6.06 (or 666). On this day, Hollywood is releasing The Omen, about a child who is the devil-incarnate (I wonder if the children I work with... no, sorry, nevermind!). Anyways, the child is this anti-Christ figure and the movie is opening on the date. As is the latest in the Left Behind novels; "Rapture" is to be released on this day as well. NBC's Inside Edition has aired a series on the implications of a date containing three 6's. So, with all the talk of the End Times that is about to be unleashed, I will offer my insight, albeit a scholarly one on the Last Things. Topics will include anti-Christ and the number 666. So stay tuned, especially if you like Left Behind, because I used to like it too... once.

JESUS WAS A HATER

Yes, you read correctly - Jesus was a hater. But he did not hate the same things that many of his followers hate; he did not condemn many of the things his followers have condemned. But he was a hater.

Jesus hated something that most don't even consider worth noting, certainly nothing we find worth preaching against. Jesus hated when people filled their hearts with things. Jesus hated so see people in spiritual anguish because they filled that Daddy-shaped place in their hearts with money, with prestige, with religion. Jesus hated to see people taken a need placed in our lives by God and trying to fit a man-made concept to plug the hole in their hearts.

However, Christians are not hating what Jesus hated. Christians are instead known for hating things like being "anti-gay," something Jesus never addressed. Christians are not hating when we see others try to fill their lives with stuff. We do not hate it when we see people trying to fill that Daddy-shaped hole in their hearts with money. And we Christians almost always ignore it fellow "Christians" try to do the same thing. Jesus hated just as much when the Pharisees and scribes tried to fill that spot with religion. Many Christians today still think we can do this - if we get enough religion, it will fill that hole in the middle of our hearts.

But that hole can only be filled with a relationship, an intimate relationship with our Creator. So why don't Christians hate what Jesus hated and do everything in our power to see that people get to see the relationship instead of religion? Why don't we preach that money can't fill that hole, that power can't fill that whole - instead of pursuing money and power ourselves?

Hating what Jesus hates does not mean that Christians should hate certain groups of people, it means just the opposite. It means Christians LOVE; love to a point where we want nothing else but to see people's hurting extinguished, their thirsts quinched. And to a point where we HATE to see people put themselves through the agony of filling a God-sized hole in their hearts with stuff. 'Little Christs' should love to such an extreme that we become haters as well.

Funny Part III: Add a Caption

Add a caption to this photo under comments.

A Pacifist's Response

This is my response to this post and the comments that ensued.

I am a Hauerwas 'ilk' as douglas puts it. I'm a "anti-realist' pacifist as you put it. Frankly, I had a lot of stuff to work out before I committed to my conviction. I researched scripture, read ethics, studied history, and most importantly prayed. I wrote my final exegetical paper in NT Studies this semester on Matthew 5:38-48.

I believe that Christ did in fact call his FOLLOWERS to lives of nonviolence - he was not commanding everyone to such a life (he never did so with any of his teachings; he only gave instructions to those who wanted them) . And furthermore, I believe he demonstrated a life of nonviolence. I realize by death on a cross that he was atoning for our sins, but that doesn't invalidate the madates he gave on the Mount of Olives. I do agree with you that pacifists should do a better job of explaining their conclusions from scripture. I don't think that most however are skillful exegetcists. Most people think that it's some kind of a political thing, or even an emotional thing... but the pacifism I hold, I firmly believe in in scripture. It took me nearly 20 pages to write my exegesis on this passage... and I cut it short. But I have done the work and research (Greek and all)... and I DO believe that Christians are commanded to live lives holding to principles of nonviolence, if for no other reason than because it's what Jesus commanded.

Also, I must beg the question as to why I am labeled a nonrealist. I recognize that the Matthean community, and Jesus, were contextualizing everything within an eschatalogial framework. However, despite the reason that the Coming Good Age has not yet arrived, the Kingdom of God is at hand. So, why would it be unreal to obey the mandates of Christ. The only reason I could understand that we are 'nonrealists' is if you take us in the context of today's society and judge us from that viewpoint. However, Jesus said that his kingdom was not of this world. Therefore, we cannot judge ourselves and our actions in this regard, i.e., according to this temporary earthly standards. Futhermore, as Paul writes in Philipians: our citizenship is in Heaven. Throughout the NT, Christians are expected to hold to behavior that is not condusive to life in this world.

For example, in the book of Revelation, Christians were facing imminent persecution if they did participate in emperor worship (Rev. 13). But what does John say, "Well, it's not REALISTIC to hold to first commandment faithfulness, because if you do, you'll be killed"??? NO! He says that Christians are to nonviolently resist emperor worship, even unto death (Rev. 13.10). John didn't allow debate as to whether following the commands of God was REALISTIC or not. He simply said follow them.

But yes, I agree that proper exegesis is necessary when defending the pacifist conviction, and more pacifists should do so. But I must also ask why it's necessary to defend my "anti-realist" pacifist tendencies. It's like asking someone to defend their notion that Christians should love one another. Well, I offer the same two reasons 1) Commanded to do so by Christ, and 2) Demonstrated by Christ. I think the Early Church's pacifist tendencies were the CORRECT interpretation with regard to the issue of nonviolence, and it's just about come full circle, now the pacifists are the ones that must prove their conviction... ironic?, I'd say so.

Big Bird Flu

Last night, ABC tried to scare the mess out of its audience by killing of 25 million people in its made-for-TV movie Fatal Conflict: Bird Flu in America. They tried to convince us that the Avian Bird Flu could wipe out civilization as we know it. They tried to convince me that my life would never be the same if the goverment didn't come up with a plan and SOON for this Bird Flu pandemic that's inevitable.

But to be honest I think we're barking up the wrong tree, so to speak. I don't think what we should be most concerned about is the potential Bird Flu that MIGHT plague us. I think we should be concerned with the pandemic that ALREADY affects children, and it's been infecting right in front of our faces for the past several decades and no one has done anything about it! I'm talking about the Big Bird Flu. This is the infection that makes kids go nuts anytime they see or hear anything about Big Bird. It's madness, I say! It's the Big Bird, not the Avian Bird (which is redundant, isn't it: Avian-Bird?), that we should try to prevent from infecting people. ABC should do a made-for-TV drama about the REAL problem!... just my opinion.

More Funny: The Nature of the Robust Beard

Robust beards have long been a part of mens' faces, throughout history, in fact. Here are some pictures of some Robust Beards; see if you can guess who they belong to. Hint: each person is someone's hero and someone's worst nightmare.

Robust Beard Number 1


Robust Beard Number 2


Robust Beard Number 3

Here's Some Funny: "I Sell Propane"

This has been floating around the blogs lately. It's a clip from a King of the Hill (a terrific show, I might add) episode where Hank and his family are looking for a new church, because of a 'pew' conflict.

Long Days, Longer Nights

"GET AWAY FROM THE WINDOWS. TAKE SHELTER NNNOOOWWW!!!!" Mr. Weatherman told me.

I looked at him like he had eaten my last animal cracker. And I was in no mood for this!

"YOU'VE GOT TO DO THIS NOW!" he said.

"CURSES!" I replied.

Sorry, let me start at the beginning. It has been a couple of crazy past few days. I know I was going to do funny the next few blogs, but I'll do those next. Yesterday, Friday I had two finals - Economics in the morning, English in the afternoon. After answering 75 questions (not too bad) and writing a six page paper in 2 hours, exhaustion consumed me.

But the day was not over... our church had a Kids' Night Out, a fun time when the kids come up to the church on a Friday night and run amok for 4 hours. I always work these nights - kids are cool, sometimes. Actually the kids were great last night. The past few times we've had to have an exorcist on standby because they acted demon-possessed. But I digress... last night was great! I just had the brain power of an goat (goats aren't typically known for their unwavering intellect).

So, I came home, hoping to grab some grape soda and this week's THE OFFICE on my TiVo; but instead I was interrupted by a weather bulletin. A storm was berring down on the Waco area. Sirens went off. The Cruz-Control panicked. I was already running on auto-pilot at 5:30 when KNO started. Now, my relaxing evening was GONE! I listened to Mr. Weatherman order me into my shower to take shelter from the three rotating circulation systems right on top of Waco (pictured above). So I grabbed my cell phone, by wallet, and well, my guitar. I figured I'd write a song in the down-time. The winds tore some shingles off the roof, hail pounded the windows. The funny thing was that the tornado siren sounds an awful lot like the freight train sound you hear with a tornado. Not good for the nerves. Anyways, things finally calmed down and I was able to fall asleep at 3:30am.

But I had to wake up at 7:00am to get to the church for our youth group's car wash. I was lucky, I just held the sign for a while. After 3 and a half hours' sleep, it was a rough morning. Also it rained again this afternoon. People look at you funny when you try to hold a car wash in between to thunderstorms. Anyways, I must sleep now! You'll get funny soon, I promise.

btw, the exorcist thing was a joke =)

Goliath Is Gathering Steam

Finals start today. It's actually about 1:45am and I'm delaying going to bed as much as possible because I know one awaits me upon my awakening. It's crunch-time - stress-time. If I can get through the next week, or actually until Monday with my sanity intact, I'll be alright. But my goliath seems pretty strong right now. I've got 1 essay, 3 essay tests, and 2 multiple-guess tests. Mucho studying to come... blog on some cool stuff with great meaning after finals. Til then, you'll get some random and hopefully funny posts.

Created to Ponder

I watch the sky differently today, knowing that beyond the blue canvas God painted is another world that infinitely stretches across this universe. A world of galaxies in which I am but a small speck. A world entirely created by God. A world loved by God.

And I question why I was made. Why God chose this planet to put me on? Why God had my life cross with those so many great people? Why God still answers my prayers the way he does? Why he still listens to my ramblings? Why God loves me? I can't fathom his creation; so how can I fathom God's love?

But dark thoughts still stir inside of me, and everyone else. I must question why the nations rage at one another? Why children die of starvation? Why girls are raped and men are murdered? I don't understand. There are things in my life that I feel I have gained a greater understand of - by the sole grace of God. But this is not one of them.

I don't understand WHY, to so many questions. So many plague my mind... And the answers always seem to contradict one another.

But still, I can't help but believe that God not only allows these questions to be asked, but that he invites them, encourages them. I can't help but believe that I was created to ponder these things.

CAN YOU HEAR US??!!

Tonight Invisible Children is sponsoring a Global Night Commute. This is taking place in countries across the world ranging from Ireland to Peru to Singapore to the United States as a display of solidarity with the children in Northern Uganda. People in 7 countries will converge on their urban centers tonight (and sleep there) to urge their governments step in on behalf of the children. Because of the situation in Uganda, the children must commute to the cities at night in order to avoid capture by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) - they are simply not safe to remain in their villages after nightfall.

This war in Uganda is simply not one the United States has been willing to get involved in. But the Global Commute in the United States is taking place in most of the major cities across the country. While there, each person will write two letters: one to President Bush and the other to a Senator asking them to please intervene on behalf of the Ugandan children. Currently there are 57,030 people signed up in the United States; 803 so far in Waco, TX.

I'm usually not an advocate of government stepping in where the Christ's Church clearly has a responsibility; but this is different. This situation is one that we can't to much without the help of our government. So, we turn where we can: to our President, our senators, and most importantly to God. If at all possible please join us tonight, in your city, wherever you are. To sign up you can CLICK HERE.

WOW!

That's all I can say. Or I can say that SOMETIMES CHRISTIANS JUST SCARE ME!

This is an absolute hoot! This is an actual voicemail to a pastor from a man who visited a church. To listen CLICK HERE. Enjoy!

P.S. My Bible doesn't have a 1st Acts - I must have a defective Bible!

The Grovester Rocked!

Shaun Groves utterly rocked my face off the other night!!!!! I think it's still somewhere at the Hippodrome. Great to talk with you in person again, Shaun. Keep up the great work your doing for His Kingdom.

Here's some pictures:

Shaun playing at Baylor's Chapel services.

Shaun singing with his guitar (it's just like mine!! Yay!) at the Hippodrome.

Shaun and I after the concert.

"Let's Get Campy!"

I just spent the weekend on a retreat with our college group. We went out to Lake Whitney on Friday and camped - with no television, no cell phone, no blog. It was really nice to just get away from the craziness we use to drown out God and life altogether. About half the group was outdoorsy; the other half (myself included) was not. But we had a great time; just did some fishing and started a new song. There was also so much talk of Brown Recluse spiders among the girls in our party, I began to become paranoid by the end of the trip. Jon led our Bible studies. And God spoke to my heart through the life of Elijah.

First, Elijah was brave: an adjective that rarely describes me. Elijah went in front of one of the worst King and Queen the Hebrews had ever known. He told them that there would be a drought, and then God told Elijah to run for his life. YHWH provided for Elijah and then consumed the offering when Elijah proved the existence of YHWH over the existence of Baal. (Read 1 Kings 17-18 for the full details; the story's really quite remarkable.)

Elijah had moments of doubt, he had questions - he was just like me. Many times I fall into the trap of thinking of the saints in the scriptures as these super-human folks who, because God worked through them, had it all figured out. It's refreshing to realize they could be just as messed up as the rest of us. And that God did not work through them because they were perfect, he worked through them because HE is perfect. It was nice to regroup and just focus of the character of God and the character of our own humanity for the weekend. I don't have it anywhere near 'all figured out,' but God showed me that's OK. All it takes is trust.

Psychotherapy... On Myself

I have done some research, and realized I am suffering from Separation Anxiety Disorder tonight. I took my beautiful Yamaha CPX15 North (pictured here) guitar to my usual guitar doctor (Larry, or as he calls it "gEEtar" - he's from East Texas, I think). She needed some fretwork and a setup before I can do some recording this weekend with her. But I now realize that I am suffering without her tonight (I hope I'm not creeping anyone out - You "geetar" people completely understand, right?). So anyways, I did some research (on google) and found out I am suffering from Separation Anxiety Disorder. Here's what the webpage said:

Developmentally inappropriate and excessive anxiety concerning separation from home or from those to whom the individual is attached, as evidenced by three (or more) of the following:

1. recurrent excessive distress when separation from major attachment figures (MY GEETAR) occurs or is anticipated

2. persistent and excessive worry about losing, or about possible harm befalling, major attachment figures (MY GEETAR)

3. persistent and excessive worry that an untoward event will lead to separation from a major attachment figure (e.g., getting lost or being kidnapped) - (ONCE AGAIN, MY GEETAR)

4. persistent reluctance or refusal to go to school (YES!!!) or elsewhere because of fear of separation

5. persistently and excessively fearful or reluctant to be alone or without major attachment figures (YEP! HERE TOO) at home or in other settings

6. repeated nightmares involving the theme of separation (I'M SURE THEY WILL START TONIGHT!)

7. repeated complaints of physical symptoms (such as headaches, stomachaches, nausea, or vomiting) when separation from major attachment figures occurs or is anticipated

Uh,oh!! I think I qualify!! Now I trust Larry, my gEEtar doctor, completely... but I'm still a bit nervous. Anyone know of any cures? I'd hate to have to call Dr. Phil.

ANCIENT DIARY: SUNDAY

I found this diary among Judas's things. For anyone happpening to read this, I thought I should finish the story. First of all, Judas hanged himself yesterday. Apparently out of guilt from selling Jesus out. But if only Judas knew what happened today.

Simon Peter and I were talking early this morning, when Mary came running. She was panting from running so hard. She was nearly in tears. She thought someone had stolen Jesus's body from the tomb we had put him in. When we heard what she said, we both began to panic. Who would steal the body of our Lord and why??!!! Peter and I ran to the tomb; I could feel that sinking feeling in my stomach and heavy knot in my throat. I outran Peter (I've always been faster than him!), and so I reached Jesus's tomb first. I bent in and looked inside. I could see the strips of cloth Jesus had been wrapped in, but I did not go inside. Peter finally ran up, but he went right on inside the tomb. He saw what I saw, and I followed him inside. It was at that moment that I realized Jesus had come back to life. Some of the things he had said began to make sense, though not all of them. But one thing I knew, Jesus was no longer dead. He was executed on a cross, was dead for three days, but today he is alive!!! I saw him, spoke to him!!!! My LORD is alive!!!!!!

If Judas only knew...

yours,
John

ANCIENT DIARY: SATURDAY

God is dead! God is dead, and it's my fault!!!!!!! It's because of me that my Rabbi is dead!!! It's my fault!! Damn!!!!! What have I done?! Jesus really was different; I understand it all now. Jesus was the second David, the Messiah, and IT'S MY FAULT THAT HE'S DEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jesus healed blind people, he made the lame walk. He was who he said he was. Jesus was God himself. And now he's dead!!!!!!! And it's all because of ME!!!!!!!!!! I just tried to return the 30 pieces of silver to the priests, they wouldn't take it!!!! So I threw it at their feet.

The words of Jesus keep running through my head over and over again - I can't escape what I've done!!!!!! I can't sleep; I can't hear; I can't think.

I CAN'T GO ON LIVING!!!!!!!!...

yours,
Judas Iscariot

ANCIENT DIARY: FRIDAY

Last night I led some Roman soldiers to the Garden of Gethsemane to take Jesus into custody. I kissed him on the cheek, not only to show the soldiers he was the one they were to arrest, but also in a way as a sort of apology of what I'd done.

This morning, the high Priests put Jesus on trial. I watched as much of it as I could. They kept accusing him of things like blasphemy. But over and over again, the government officials did really want to do anything to Jesus. But the crowds started falling inline with the Priests. Ciaphus and the guys kept saying that they demanded Jesus be punished for what he'd done. Everyone became like a mob - shouting and screaming. Jesus was ordered to be flogged. I didn't get a good view of this; the crowds were too heavy. I was able to get just close enough to kind of see what was going on. But I could still hear him scream in pain. This lasted almost an hour. I will never forget hearing the pain than the whips caused him. But I thought it would all be over and then they'd leave all of us alone afterwards. But no.

It wasn't enough. The Priests and the crowds began to demand his execution. Over and over they shouted for him to be nailed to a cross - executed in the traditional Roman way. One official offered the crowd a choice: Jesus or a convicted murderer, I forget his name, Barabus, I think. Anyways, it really wasn't much of a choice. I knew as well as everyone else, what the crowd would chose. Pilate 'washed his hands' of the situation. And I couldn't believe it; they weren't just going to jail or whip Jesus, they were going to kill him!

I followed along the outside of the crowd as Jesus was made to walk to the Hill of the Skull. I saw Mary and John, they were both crying. I began to panic - my heart was beating faster than I thought it could handle. Jesus carried the cross-bar he would soon be nailed to. I couldn't believe my eyes. When we arrived at the hill, the soldiers began to put the cross together. Jesus was laid down on top. I can still hear him screaming as the soldiers drove nails into his wrists. They pounded them as if they were breaking stone. Over and over, I heard Jesus scream. I couldn't believe my eyes. Had it really gone this far?

For those of you who have seen a crucifixion first-hand, you know that death doesn't come quickly. I heard Jesus talking to the two people being crucified with him, I think they were theives, but I maybe wrong. I couldn't tell what he said, I was too far away. Underneath his cross, soldiers were gambling for the clothes they'd just stripped off of him. I think they did this to futher rouse the crowds. Mary broke down. When I saw this, I realized I wasn't dreaming after all. He was really dying. The clouds suddenly grew dark. I felt the earth shake underneath my feet. I couldn't take it anymore! I ran off...

MY GOD, WHAT HAVE I DONE??!!

ANCIENT DIARY: THURSDAY

Thirty pieces of silver. That's what the Chief Priests said they'll give me for him. Thirty pieces of silver, that's the going price of an average slave. Turn my Rabbi over to the others for the price of a common slave? Then again wouldn't I be defending the Jewish tradition, if the problems Jesus is causing are as bad as they say? I mean, wouldn't it be my duty as a pius Jew to turn Jesus of Nazareth over to them?

I still don't know if I did the right thing. Tonight was our passover meal. Things went different this time than they usually do. Jesus did this weird thing, where as he passed around the wine and bread, he said that the wine was his blood and the bread was his body. It kind of made sense and it kind of didn't. Later on, he turned to me and said to go ahead and do what I was going to do. It wasn't until he said that that I realized I had made up my mind to take the money. I decided to turn Jesus over to the high priests. But how did he know? I figured I could get some money out it, be a pius Jew, and well, come on what are they going to do to him? fine him? put him in prison for a little while? It just gets me, how Jesus knew, that's what I was going to do? I ran out mainly out of embarrasment that he knew I was going to turn him in. But I ran out knowing I'd still turn him over, despite the fact that he knew it was me.

But you know, as I think about it, what I can't get past, was that my Rabbi washed my feet. A while back, Jesus knelt down and did the most humiliating job possible. I didn't understand it then, and frankly I don't understand it now. But in that moment, when he washed my feet, I realized he was different. That's why I'm still wondering if I did the right thing turning him over to the high priests.

ANCIENT DIARY: WEDNESDAY

I don't know what to do. I've been following this man around for a while; his teachings are inspiring and the way people come to him is unimaginable. But things are getting rough. We think we're all about to be run out of town at moment. This problem has been growing bigger for some time now. My teacher knows that he's causing problems for our religious leaders, but he doesn't seem to mind. He seems to know that he's going to get us into hot water, but he doesn't seem to care.

It's gotten so bad that several of our religious leaders are starting to ask for him to be brought in on charges. Things are really starting to get messed up; I don't know what to do. I wanted to follow him - I love him, after all, but I'm beginning to wonder if it was worth it in the first place. What if they bring us all up on charges? What if I'm arrested? I hear they are even willing to offer a reward for him. I wonder what they will give to someone who turned him in? I wonder what they would give me - when they realize that I'm one of his students; when they realize that I'm Judas Iscariot?

The Mother of Invention...

is not necessity, it is boredom. Jay, one of my good friends through school, showed me a new game he invented to get out of the monotony of homework. It was fun, so well I share it in hopes that you will try it when you get bored.

Here's how you play...
YOU NEED: 5 Ceramic Turtles (You can get them @the Dollar Store for like a buck each)
4 Florescent Rubber Bouncy Balls (You can get these @ the Pizza Hut for a quarter each)

You arrange the Turtles against a wall like this:

*___________ *______ *______ *___________ *

You can start with one ball at a time. You throw the ball(s) trying to bounce them on the turtles' shells, but without them bouncing or flying out of the playing zone (the two turtles on the end). As your skills improve, you can add more balls and heck, more turtles if you like. Enjoy.

iBlog

Yes! I have finallly hooked up my Mac to the World Wide Web. I usually blog from places other than home b/c it's hard to use blogger without high speed (I previously had dial-up). But in order to get the updates I need for my other Macs and such, and to download my music on myspace, I now have my Mighty Mac (as I call it) online at 28kps. Not a hitch hooking it up to high speed, execept for the fact that the cable guy didn't remember how to make the right connections on Mac, but OS X.4 took care of it! 1.3251 minutes later, I was online. So I am online and I now can laugh at Googleidol.com and ebaumsword.com. And I can blog from the comfort of my home. Yay!

He's Got My Vote!

Vote youth pastor Jon Hicks Governor of your respective states! He is running on the platform: "THE HECK WITH DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME!"

Judging Judas

The news broadcasts were abuzz last night. Yesterday National Geographic announced they they had authenticated a lost gospel: The Gospel of Judas. The news reporters interviewed a few scholars and a serveral Christians to get their reaction (some were freaking out). Then the reports began to focus on a different issue: if what is says it true, mainly Jesus was behind Judas's betrayal, Jesus asked Judas to betray him.

So, I can understand how many Christians might see this as a shock, but I guess I work through this so we can all understand what implications this means. First and foremost, what was authenticated was its antiquity. The Gospel of Judas was written in coptic, it was a Gnostic work, and it's dated to the late 3rd Century/early 4th Century AD. The Gnostic were a frenge group of folks branded heretics around this time. We have several other Gnostic writings including The Coptic Gospel of Thomas. These works are nothing new to Biblical scholars. What was authenticated was that this work is originally from this time period. A score to historians.

What was NOT authenticated, or even considered, was what is says as truth. This work would not have even been considered for inclusion in the Bible because of it's late date. All the works in the NT are dated 1st Century and some, possibly early 2nd Centuries. Nothing later than that is even considered to have merit in truth because it was written too late from the events that took place during Jesus's life. Not even the Didache, written teaching by supposed Apostles, was included, in part because of it's date, and its date is late 2nd Century.

So, yes it's a great thing to find a writing from antiquity like the Gospel of Judas. But it can offer no theological insight (execpt from a Gnostic point of view) for Christians. It's date is too far removed from the time of Jesus, and the community that is originates does not hold any merit among theologians. So, Christians relax; your theology is safe... for the moment.

Seminary Day

Yesterday was Seminary Day at Baylor. It was kind of like those Career Days back in High School. I looked at about four and walked away with stuff from three: Princeton Theological Seminary, Duke Divinity School, and Truett Theological Seminary. I recently threw out Princeton, it's a little too north for me (New Jersey).

But I'm seriously looking into Duke. It's a Methodist school with ecumenical tendencies; which is great because I am a Baptist with anabaptist and lutheran tendencies. Their M.Div. program looks really great and they have an incredible faculty including Stanely Hauerwas and Richard Hays. I'm going to visit the campus either late this summer or the beginning of fall, so that I can apply in the fall if I decide I want to go there.

Truett is also a great school; a good majority of my friends are going there either this fall or next year. Also, Truett has an great faculty, that encourage discussion. Also a plus for Truett is that it's cheap and in Waco.

So, I guess I got some prayin' to do.

Abandoning Politics

I read a book last year that not only changed by political views, but more importantly, my Theologial views. Resident Aliens by Stanley Hauerwas made me think. Hauerwas begins by noting a fact many Christians, including myself, have ingored or are in denial about. Before the 1960s Amercia had existed as a Constantian society. Since the days of Constantine, not only was Christianity the legal religion, it was enforce by laws. Amercia was a continuation of that world.

However, that world ended and Christianity is not longer the driving force of laws within our country. And this is a good thing. Christians can no longer rely on laws to keep a Biblical moral code in order. Rather, they must rely on their witness, and focus first of conversions.

Since Christians are no longer succeeding at made things like gay marriage illegal, thereby legislating morality... more Christians are recognizing that the job of the Church is not to enforce morality on society, but rather their job is to be the people of God. How can Christians impose the moral standards of Christ on a group who does not know or follow him?

So I abandoned politics... frankly I just don't see how much of it really matters. I was an adamant memeber of the "Christian-Right" (whatever that means). Pro-Life. Pro-War. (Which, now in my mind seem to contradict one another.) There are some views I continue to hold, but for different reasons. Laws should be made according to what is best for society, not according to what the Bible says. After all, Jesus said his kingdom is not of this world. Amercia is not a theocracy, nor should it be.

I became a pacifist and realized that what may be best in America's interest (i.e., a war on terrorism) is not necessarily something Christians should be a part of. My anabaptist views have driven me to a point of apoliticalism. I do think that there are issues to be addresses as a society, which we are all a part of. But I just don't believe legistlating Christian morals (learned only through the teachings and relationship with Christ) through the political system of a secular nation is the answer.

Called on the Carpet

Pat Robertson, president of the 700 Club has been in the news lately for some seemingly unChristian words. 1 CORINTHIANS 5:12-13 tells us that Christians have a resposiblity to keep other Christians in line, those who are doing things that harm the kingdom of God... an kind of accoutability if you will. Apparently some Christians are tired of the "Christian Public Figure's" actions and words and are calling him on the carpet over them. The petition reads:

Dear Rev. Robertson,
We appreciate all your hard work and dedication to ministry over the years, but we are now asking that you please retire or at least stop making unfounded, insane-sounding comments and trying to pass them off as mainstream Christian thought such as:

1. Calling for the assassination of foreign heads of state (Hugo Chavez).

2. Telling people God will abandon or punish/destroy them (Dover, PA residents) because they exercised their right to vote against intelligent design supporting school board members.

3. Saying that morbidly overweight, elderly heads of state (Ariel Sharon) have strokes as the result of punishments from God for seeking peace rather than simple cardiovascular disease.

Seriously Pat, you're embarrassing the rest of us Christians who are trying to demonstrate God's love and mercy to a broken world already suspicious of religion and religious people.

Sincerely,
The Undersigned

You can check out the petition by clicking here.

Greetings Fellow Sinners,

I've been reading my way through William H. Willimon's book Sinning Like a Christian. Willimon was Dean of Duke University Chapel before his appointment as Presiding Bishop of the Birmingham Area of the United Methodist Church. He's written a zillon and1 books including Resident Aliens with Stanley Hauerwas, one of the most influencial theologians in my life. Willimon was named one of the "Twelve Most Effective Preachers in the Enlish-Speaking World" by Baylor University (my school, yay!).

"For Christians, sin is not so much inherent in the human condition...; rather, sin is the problem we have between us and God. It is rebellioin agaist our true Sovereign, an offense against the way the Creator has created us to be," writes Willimon.

I picked up this book last weekend as I roamed the halls of Truett Seminary. There were booksellers and folks of that sort there. Sinning Like a Christian is about the 'Seven Deadly Sins.' Willimon notes that the reason they are called the 'Seven Deadly Sins' is because they are sins we cannot shake, we can't seem to get rid of; rather, they are chronic, presistent. The sins of Pride, Envy, Anger, Sloth, Greed, Gluttony, and Lust.

If it were not for the example of Jesus, we would not know that pride be a sin, Willimon writes. He also takes a unique look at lust.

"Lust, along with Pride, has undergone considerable rehabilitation in our own day. No one wants to be accused of Envy or Greed, but Lust has become a quite endearing characteristic of modern enlightened folk like us. In modern life, the damaging thing about lust is surpressing it. In an earlier day, masturbation was a sin. Now, it's a cure."

We've been working our way through the whole sex thing at THE LEAP. One of the main issues we are tackling is lust. This is where all the rest of sexual sins seem to come from, for a guy at least.

But Willimon's book has caused me to look at sin in a different way. We all fall short of God's glory, of His intentions for us. We are prone to depravity. And it is only because of Jesus that we can understand our depraved nature.

"Once there was One who came to us, who touched the untouchables, turned his back upon the world's bright baubles, loved even unto death, and never turned his eyes away from God. And we hated him for it. He came to us with wide-opened hands in gracious invitation, seeking us, both patient with us and hotly pursuing us. And thereby he brought out the very worst in us. And we with one voice cried, "Crucify him!"

Amen and amen.

The Lost Art of...

putting stuff on cats.

This is a real funny! Shari pointed me in the direction of Stuffonmycat.com. I thought that this picture of a boat on someone's cat was a hoot. Check out this website when you're bored.

P.S. for yall animal rights folks, don't worry - they don't hurt the felines.

Death & Taxes

It has often been said that there is nothing certain in life but death and taxes. And well, it's mostly true. The vast majority get hit with one or the other every year... some unlucky people get hit with both in the same year. This year is no different for me.

I spend about 6 hours filing my taxes this year. I'm a student on a meger income, so there's no need for a tax preparer, I just usually do them myself. This year, I decided to go completely online for this process, and well, it saved me 2 hours. What really confuses me is the whole:

Write your name in line6c. If your mother's maiden name is the same and your neighbor's third cousin's sister's boyfriend's dog, check the box in line 45938b (this will not affect your taxes). Write your income less $6000.12 in line 132e. If line 12b doesn't match line 173d, then... you're screwed.

I don't mind the tax thing as I know we couldn't function as a society without them, but c'mon! Do the tax forms need to be so complex that a songwriter can't do them? (I know, songwriter... doesn't say much for the math skills, but that's beside the point.)

Doing my taxes online made it simpler and easier. I know death and taxes are the certainties in life... I just can't decide which I'd like better.

Rant

Curses! I was abducted by aliens again last night. Would that be a cool way to start a blog? I don't know; I just reckon that it would be awesome to be abducted... by extra-terrestrials that is...

I'm a pessimist today... actually I'm usually a pessimist, although I display a bright-side-of-things attitude whenever I'm around others... but even then, deep in the caverns of my mind... I'm a pessimist. For example, today in economics we had to determine effects of certain things of the ecomony. Well, I was trying to figure out whether a rise in business productivity would decrease unemployment... and then I realized... no matter what happens the economy will cycle back around to bad times... people will eventually loose their jobs... and eventually we all die.

So what does it matter? I thought about putting that on the paper. I'm just, frankly not seeing how a shifting supply-side line though the sales of capital gains is going to help me in youth ministry. First in ministry, there's no such thing as captial (money) or gains (getting more). It just won't happen on my salary. And I'm OK with that... (I am enlightened.).

People complain that the world is going down the toilet... I suppose it's true, I've never heard of anything going up the toilet... except that scary snake story I heard when I was a kid... but I digress... My proof that the "world is going downt he toilet": they got rid of the macs in this computer lab... what's the deal?... I must now suffer through the blah of a Micosoft PC that crashes every .015497513 seconds. After Baylor made its deal (read: conspiracy) with Dell, they began to phase out the macs around campus. The only survivors have been the music school, and we took a big hit last year when they changed the midi lab to Dells. What?!! Do you know how hard it is to write, mix and record music on a Dell? Anyways... I must read for my english... blog more later... so to depress you... just unloading my mind on a Monday morning.

One Nation Under God

I stepped into my cold Jeep this morning and switched on the radio for news, as I do most mornings, to listen to the happenings of this as I drove to class. The Mike Gallagher show was on; this morning's topic was the possible conviction and execution of a man in Afghanistan for converting to Christianity. It's ironic that a free-and-democratic Afghan nation would be exactly opposite of what President Bush and Prime Minister Blair intended.

Secretary of State Rice "urged" the President of Afghanistan to intervene, but the way things look, that seems highly improbable. Most conversations have shifted into whether Islam is a peaceful religion. If so, how can it be called peaceful when it executes people for converting to another religion? Others constantly remind us that Christians were once this way - during the Inquisition. I'd like to believe that Christians have move beyond this state... but I'm not so sure. Christians still advocate destruction of people and nations, not for religious views but for political ones. We don't threaten to kill people in our country, but somehow deem it appropriate in reference to another state.

Point: a democracy can still be a theocracy. When people want 'one nation under God' they can vote it into existence. And when a nation becomes a theocracy radical, errant interpretations of holy scripture can become law and cases like the one in Afghanistan become OK and the norm within the society. Our job as Christians, is not to legislate our beliefs and morals to others who are not Christians and therefore don't hold the same ones we do, but rather to live as witnesses to the changes that have taken place in our live because of Jesus the Christ.

So where should Christians stand on this issue? Prayer. I don't believe that guns and wars are going to solve this problem, in fact they haven't done anything to even lessen it. And Christians who advocate taking sucy actions are much different from those of demanding this man's execution. Matthew 5:38-48 demands a standard of peace from all those who follow The Way. A stand of nonviolence and peace is really the only to display a true relationship of the love who is Jesus.

Toasted!

I like toast. It's one of my interests. I don't know what it is about that buttery goodness topped with a bit of grape or blackberry jelly. But it is scrumptious. When a day of stress and hard work ends, there often seems to be nothing that can calm my mind: except toast!!!! Yes, the inventor should be awarded with the "Greatest Invention Since Sliced Bread Award" or something. Anyways, I have two papers to work on... must go... have toast later.

A Week in Review

I took my spring break in Keystone, CO. Here's how the week went down:

Day 1 - Nausea meets Cool Games
Drive Time: 9 hours (Waco, TX to Hereford, TX). We loaded up, I took a weeks worth of clothes and about 20 books and of course Rebecca, loaded in a bus and headed accross this great state of Texas. I don't think that any other state is this massive. We played fun games involving movies and such. Although the game I wanted to try was "HEY COW!" This fun game is easily played in Texas. Here's how you play: you lower you window and as you pass a herd of cattle, one person yells out, "HEY COW!!!" How ever many cows turn to look in his/her direction, that's how many points he/she gets. Sounds cool, huh? Oh, yeah today, I also got extremely car sick and nauseas.

Day 2 - Dramamine is My Friend
Drive Time: 9 hours (Hereford, Tx to Keystone, CO). We slept in a basement of someone's house. Nice people, but no heater in the dungeon. Today's trip was much better, after the discovery of Dramamine. I figured out how it works too - it puts you to sleep so you can't be nauseas. Also I made a startling discovery (actually something I already knew, but was just reminded of), people outside of Texas, or the south rather, are rude. Now dont' take this personally, I realize that this is a generalization and all generalizations are in fact false due to their exceptions, but overall people are rude to each other outside Texas. Maybe it's just because I'm used to the over-friendliness of Texans and I've become spoiled, but I am astonished when we crossed the border at how people can be so rude just the other side of the state line.

Day 3 - God's Glory Shouts His Majesty
Colorado is beautiful. The mountains are gorgeous. There is no way that God doesn't exist. Not only the creation of such beautiful things, but our ability to enjoy them is not random. I skiied for the first time today. I do not know how really to do it... also there were "blizzard-like conditions" when the weather said there would only be flurries (they sound so cute - those darn flurries). Also I managed to run in to the only wall on a bunny slope. I landed in the shovels they used to clear away the snow. Also my ski boots are killing me... they're too tight I think. Maybe it will be better tomorrow.

Day 4 - Baby McGruff meets Star Trek
Skiing is like elongating your feet, making them slick, and then sliding down a mountain. No wonder I can't do it!!!!!!!!!! There are things we each do well. Skiing is not one of them for me. I just wasn't there when God passed out the skiing ability (I must have been in the bathroom or something). I did get bigger ski boots, so that did help! But they still hurt your shins like nothing else. Still I found amusment: in the condo's guest book was written, "Love from Robbie, Nicole, Kai & Baby McGruff." I still don't know quite why this is so funny, but who in the world would name their child Baby McGruff, I mean do they want their kid to get beat up on the playground? Also I found a common connection with a good friend of mine: Star Trek: The Next Generation. I know I'm a nerd. But it was a show I grew up on, in my defense. Good acting and good story lines - not that cheesy for those who haven't seen it as the old show. Anyways, much fun and laughter today.

Day 5 - Me and Rebecca
We wrote a few songs today... I really like one of them. It's based on Matthew 5:38-48. The title is from Bonhoffer's "No Rusty Swords" - I'll post it later. Our group took a picture on the top of the mountain this afternoon. Otherwise just a day of relaxtion. It was beautiful.

Day 6 - Back to Texas
Drive Time: 17 hours 28 minutes (Keystone, CO to Waco, TX). I read a bit of Bloesch's Last Things, and also slept quite a bit. We also got hotel discount coupon guides and found the funny in them. One hotel in Waco adveristed that their minutes from all Waco attractions. My question - where are you in Waco that you're NOT minutes from all Waco attractions(3). I was so ready to get back into Texas, where people are nice. There was actually a noticeable difference when we got back into the Lone Star State. I was never so happy to the Waco Skyline gleaming in the night-light. It's great to be back! I now get to rest from my vacation (a vacation from my vacation?)!

Day 7 - Audrey Hepburn rocks my face off!
I like classic movies; I started liking them in High School when we researched and presented on the history of American film making. Some of my favorites are Harvey, A Night in Casablanca, My Favorite Wife (1940), and Talk of the Town. Well, today we canceled all activited for our youth, and so I went to Hastings and bought a few Audrey Hepburn movies. Wow! Now only is Audrey like super-beautiful, but she's a great actress. If you have time check out Charade and Wait Until Dark; Breakfast at Tiffany's and My Fair Lady are also great. It was wet and muggy outside today, so I pretty much just stayed in and watched Hepburn movies. A perfect end to an wonderful week.

For some reason my last post, posted three times, oh well.

Ski Trippin' I Go

I'm off to Keystone, CO for some skiing and relaxing. Be back in a week.

Ski Trippin' I Go

I'm off to Keystone, CO for some skiing and relaxing. Be back in a week.

Ski Trippin' I Go

I'm off to Keystone, CO for some skiing and relaxing. Be back in a week.

Blind Students Must Pass Driver's Ed

Logic isn't always a part of the package when it comes to people who make rules. Chicago schools are requiring blind students to pass a driver's ed course in order to graduate. "Visually impaired sophomores in Chicago schools are required to pass a written rules-of-the-road exam in order to graduate — a rule they say takes time away from subjects they might actually use," an AP article reported.

My question... what the heck were these officials thinking? It's illogical and absurd to have a requirement like this. Why don't people, myself often included, think before we do things? To read the full article click here.

For Mac Lovers...

For those who love all things mac...

this is absolutely hilarious. Will Microsoft take over the ipod? if so, what would it look like? If you have not seen the light and are still addicted to Microsoft, well, you'll see the funny in it too! Have a laugh, click here.

Close Encounters?

Yesterday, scientists annouced that gysers had sprang from Saturn's moon Enceladus, meaning that under all that ice - there is water. Water, scientists say, is the one major component necessary for all life. So? Is there life in outer space? I'm not talking about the little green men from the X-Files, but ocean and plant life, nothing necessarily intelligent, although intelligent life would be really cool.

I do not have a theological problem with extra-terrestrail life, based on my reading of the creation accounts (Gen. 1&2). I believe God made everything and all his creation delcares his majesty. But how would knowing there's life on other planets, and within our solar system, change our views in relation to one another and God? As a whole, I'm just wondering how Christians would react to such a discovery. Either way, it's put to Christians to be Christ's ambassadors, or represenatives, to the rest of the world. So how would followers of the Way respond? Just a question, what do you think?

Somewhat Evangelical

I am SOMEWHAT EVANGELICAL scoring 100 points in a quiz. I'm not quite sure what to make of that. I do not consider myself to be a dockers-wearing, homeschool promoting, anti-gay union advocating, Republican. But I do watch Fox News! I do not subscribe to a 'rapture' theory nor do I send my money to Benny Hinn. Yet, I am still SOMEWHAT EVANGELICAL. What do you score?

Remember the Alico!

Living in Jerusalem on the Brazos has so many perks. One of which is constantly hearing Wacoans citing the city's many claims to fame. Here are a few:

1) The ALICO Building in downtown Waco was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi.

2) Comedian Steve Martin spent his formative years (0-6) in Waco.

3) President Bush's ranch is about a 15 minute drive from where I am sitting now.

5) Waco is home to such rock stars as the David Crowder*Band and Ted Nugent.

6) Elvis used to party in Waco during his Ft. Hood days.

7) In Waco, people like to play with elephants, and then get on national news when they get hurt because of it.

8) And while most don't care to admit it, the Branch Davidian compound stormed by the ATF agents (lead by gladiator Janet Reno) in April 1993 is Waco best known incident. If you mention you're in Waco, folks never fail to respond, "Isn't that where those nuts from the cult were blown up by the nuts from the government?"

Thus, the mighty city of Waco is well known and envied, though not quite to the extent of L.A. or N.Y. But we are W. So, if you're wild about Waco, come join the fun, and you can hear about Steve Martin's formative years too.


P.S. I've set comments to allow anyone to comment, even though you don't have a blooger ID, so just select ANONYMOUS to submit your comment; just please put your name on the comment so I know who you are.

"I... am enlightened."

Just a few things I've recently learned:

1. Most people would rather be shot in the face by the vice president of these United States, than listen to Cher in another one of her "farewell" tours. If you want to change my mind, click here.

2. Knowledge is power. It's funny how when you learn about something, and your view often changes. Case in point: the hole in the ozone layer of the atmosphere. As it turns out, there is no gigantic hole that is caused by my 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport. I no longer will feel guilty as I pump fuming gasoline into the gussler I call my car, except when it comes to my bank account. Anyway, this propaganda is the result of what happens when scientists don't stick to science and merge into the political realm. This feeding of disinformation would not be around if scientists stuck to science and politicians stuck to politics.

As it turns out, there is a hole over Antarctica, but it is a natural one. It occurs only about four months out of the year when the sun takes a direct angle at the southern polar region. True, the hole when it occurs does increase - sometimes, other years it is smaller. Another claim, that environmentalists and politicians make is that it has been expaning since its creation in the '70 with the increase in use of fossil fuel. Well, true prior to the 1970's we had no evidence of a hole, but we didn't have the technology to detect them to see if there was one until the 70's. Coincidence? Also, if it's as bad as we've all been told, why isn't there any sign of a hole about the North Pole? In fact, ozone amounts have increased over some years - a shift of ozone between latitudes. Even products which are known to cause damage (i.e., CFC's) are naturally occuring on the earth.

The Point: It's not the scientists who have done the research and studied the facts that come to the conclusion that my SUV is the cause of all things evil. Since science is something I generally don't study, I was inclined to believe what others said concerning science, ozone, etc. Now don't get me wrong... I DO think that God made the earth so things are interconnected with one another. Therefore people do damage the earth. But the extreme view that all things on the earth will parish in fire and water because I use too much paper is just plain bogus. It is not the serious scientists that makes these claims, it is those armed with very little information making sensationalist claims and flying off the handle.

Much is the same in Christianity (my field of study). Scholars are some of the most humblist people I know, click here for more. Rather it is those will little information that make outrageous claims, completely unsubstantiated by the facts. Two cases: Women in the church and the Book of Revelation. Women have always had significant roles in the Church including pastoral roles, even in NT times. And the Book of Revelation is not a crystal ball through which we can see the future; rather is the a pastoral letter using the Apocalyptic genre to encourage Christians not to assimilate into the Roman imperial culture. Two other hot issues, these involving Christians pushing for legislation: homosexuality and creation. FACT: Jesus never addressed the issue of homosexuality. Yes, it is discussed in the NT and it is an important issue, but Jesus did not talk about it. However, many Christians first argument is that Jesus said it was wrong... sorry, but if one makes claims about what Jesus said, let's make sure he actually said it. Also the Bible teaches that it is not the job of Christians to make desicions on the moral choices of others outside the Church: 1 CORINTHIANS 5:12. And concering creationism: most scholars do not hold to the fundamentalist position of strict literal interpretation of Genesis 1&2. Rather, they recognize the origins of the traditions and the social contexts of the original accounts of creation. I believe, after much study and research, that the writers of the creation accounts turned traditional creation stories on their heads, proclaiming that YHWH was creator of all things. They did this using a means their audiences would have understood - the creation accounts in the Baal and Marduk cults. I do believe that God created everything, but not that the Genesis accounts are literal, nor were they intended by their writers to be. Many have said that people turn liberal when they study and go to college. But I am not liberal; I am enlightened.

Charles H. Talbert Is My Home-Dog!

There is something about learning at the feet of a great scholar. I have had Charles H. Talbert twice in my time at Baylor. And I have to say that I have the greatest respect for Dr. Talbert. I poured over a zillion (and one) of his books last night as I wrote a critical intoduction to the Gospel of Matthew. Not only is this man a leading scholar in New Testament critcism, he also has a great way of preaching what he believes the NT says.

Talbert has great pieces on topics such as Womens' roles in the Church. Ones of his best books (in my opinion) is THE APOCALYPSE (Westminster John Knox Press: 1994). If you ever see a book by this guy BUY IT!!!!!!!!!

In short, C. H. "The Man" Talbert is just a haus! In other words, he's my home-dog!

Save the Macs!

The Macs are under attack! The Wall Street Journal ran an article yesterday reporting that Macs, due to their increasing popularity, are capturing more attention from programmers who strive to hurt the average American by writing pesky worms. Mac users used to be a small community of common/artsy folks who had stayed out of the computer-virus wars. We simply did not participate - I mean Macs were perfect computers for a pacifist like myself. And we managed to say out of the virus-wars until people began to realize the beauty of a computer that doesn't crash without cause. Folks who are not so artsy have realized the advantage of not having to reformat their hard-drives every time the Blue Screen of Death would pop up.

Yes, Macs are truly wonderful. Much easier to use than those accurséd PCs. But we have a problem - I need to download anti-virus software! The days of ol' are gone; I already miss them. I think I'm going to have withdrawls.

Just War or just war: Part I

We are good at killing. People have always been good at killing.[1] We spend money and man-hours trying to find better, more efficient ways to end lives. I’m not trying to be political; I just suppose it’s part of our human nature, as this has been our history.

NOTE: I am a religion major and my areas of focus have been theology and the New Testament. In other words, I tend to ramble. I will attempt to be pithy and non-academic, as I sometimes will lose even myself. Sorry about all the footnotes – just trying to be academically honest and true to my sources. A list of my sources will be posted after the final installment.

History
Developed Just War theory has precursors in pagan societies, including sixth-century B.C.E. Chinese Taoism.[2] Armed conflict was viewed as a “regrettable necessity,” as “violence would be against the Tao, and he who is against the Tao dies young.” [3] But when, “the use of soldiers cannot be avoided, [the] best policy is calm restraint… The slaying of multitudes should be mourned with sorrow.”[4] In the fourth century B.C.E., the Hindu society codified in the Book of Manu rules for ‘honorable warriors.’[5] Both Plato and Aristotle recognize war as a necessary evil; yet question what justifies going to war.[6]

However, the Early Christian Church was pacifist.[7] Although not entirely uniform in this view[8], it was held by a vast majority of early Christians.[9] Early Christian actions reflect this. A strong light can be cast on Early Christians’ attitude to war by the serious view they took of the precepts of Jesus enjoining love for all, including enemies, and forbidding retaliation upon the wrongdoer.[10]

The Early Church’s philosophy of pacifism began to change at the time of Constantine with the merging of church and state.[11] Because of the integration of the church and Roman Imperial State, and also partly due to the threat of barbarian invasions, Christians in the fourth and fifth centuries took over from the classical world the doctrine of the just war.[12]

Early Church fathers, including Tertullian were pacifists as well, strongly discouraging Christians from participating in military service.[13] He viewed service to the state as idolatrous; “One soul cannot be owing to two masters – God and Caesar.”[14] Just War theory as a part of Christianity is developed by the works of Ambrose and then more fully by Augustine (five hundred years removed from the time of Christ).[15] Christian participation in war became easier to accept as is became more closely tied to the protection of the Roman Empire.[16]

And since the time Jesus of Nazareth walked the earth, his followers have taken three views when it comes to war: Pacifism, Just War, and the Crusade.[17] The idea of Just War by Christians was further refined and implemented, and then taken to an extreme (by anyone’s standards) with the start of the Crusades in the eleventh century. Theologians who discussed the ethic of war laid stress not on the protection of life and honor, as Augustine had done, but on the protection of property.[18] The Church’s ties to the polity of the Roman Empire facilitated a compromise from their earlier practices that eventually led to a reasoning many Christians still hold today: under certain circumstances it’s acceptable for Christians to go to war.

I do not trace this history to say that because of an early tradition, Christians should be pacifists. Rather, I have outlined all this in hopes that we can see what the first Christians, those who lived and walked in relatively the same time of Jesus, believed Jesus meant and how closely they believed his commands should be followed.



------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] So, Sun Tzu, The Art of War 1.1 in War and Peace, 5:301.
[2] Charles, Between Pacifism and Jihad, 31.
[3] Lao Tzu, The Wisdom of Lao Tzu, 562-63.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Charles, Between Pacifism and Jihad, 32.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Bainton, Christian Attitudes Toward War and Peace, 14.
[8] Charles, Between Pacifism and Jihad, 33.
[9] So, Bainton, Christian Attitudes Toward War and Peace, 14.
[10] Cadoux, The Early Christian Attitude to War, 67.
[11] Bainton, Christian Attitudes Toward War and Peace, 14; 85
[12] Ibid.
[13] Tertullian, On Idolatry, 17.
[14] Ibid., 19.
[15] Bainton, Christian Attitudes Toward War and Peace, 89.
[16] Ibid., 90.
[17] Ibid., 15.
[18] Ibid., 106.

In the Arms of Jesus

I walked out of class today confident that not only did a man called Jesus of Nazareth live, but that He was the Son of God - sure that He died, not as a blasphemer on a cross, but as a sacrifice for my life so that I can have an intimate relationship with the creator of the universe. I walked out of class knowing that YHWH was looking down on me, smiling with love.

Dr. Don Greene, science prof here at Baylor for twenty-some-odd years, returned to class today. As many of you know, he lost his 24 year-old son, James, in a parasailing accident a few weeks ago. A incredible man of God, he spoke to us about life & faith today. Showing us pictures and telling us stories, Dr. Greene reminded all of us what he had been reminded of a few seeks ago: life is precious and it can end suddenly. The air we breathe, the noises we hear, the sun we feel, and the rain we smell are all treasures of this gift called life. It's amazing how we sometimes get so busy doing life that we forget what life is. Dr. Greene reminded us how life can end without warning, and it's up to God alone when that time is. I was also reminded of the futility of trying to prove God through science, and the value of faith. And I was reminded that no matter which side of Heaven we're on, we're always in the arms of Jesus.

I Laugh!

Thought these real t-shirts were funny; thought I'd share them!

This is a real street sign: Watch for falling COWS!!!!!!!

It's Coming!

I am working diligently to put together a cohesive, accurate history and argument for pacifism. It will be posted soon!!!!!! In the meantime, here's a picture of a really big cat.

Technology + Cruz = AAAHHHHHHHHH!

Ok, I've been working at this all day. I have set up two links lists, they're on the sidebar. Links aren't easy to set up on this blog; you have to rewrite the computer code.

Also, you can search my blog or other blogs via Google using the bar on the top of the webpage. One of the "Inflate My Ego!" links is my MySpace web page. On this I will post some of my songs that I've recorded. A tentative ALBUM COVER photo is on MySpace - click to see it!

I'll continue to try to make this blog more snazzier. So stay tuned.

P.S. Just War and Pacifism coming soon!

Poets & Poltergeists

The elevator door opens and I step inside. There is motor grease covering the floor and sides of the elevator car. The door closes and I move. I am alone. But the elevator keeps stopping and then going. I get sick. I feel like I am experiencing the morning after a night of partying and inebriation.

I am in front of a large crowd. I am about to perform a concert. My guitar is strapped to me and the mic is hot; soundcheck has already been done. The crowd is angry. They are yelling and screaming at me, cursing. Their screams overwhelm me.

I am back inside the elevator. This elevator was messier than the first. There is motor grease everywhere. But this elevator is different: instead of the doors that close like normal, there is a single metal bar, black with grease, that slides accross my chest. It's too close. I'm clausterphobic. I can't breathe.

I'm in a luggage shop. There is a lady behind the counter that won't sell me luggage. She just keeps talking about her daughter. She won't shut up. I'm going to miss my flight.

Make any sense to you? It doesn't to me. These were some of my dreams this moring. I tossed and turned all night. I couldn't get the past the poets and the poltergeists playing in my head. This happens often, I don't no if it's the artist in me or whatever, but it messes me up most of the day when it happens. The rest of the day wasn't much better. What little energy I had, I spent in an intense critical discussion in my NT class. After a hearty meal at Taco Bell, I went into the office. After Marc and I did some work, I took trip to Barnes & Noble and The Compass, expecting to relax with Java and a few books. Instead, the worker at the compass felt the need to interogate me about my theology (everything from cosmology to eschatology) after she found out I was a religion major. When I answered her questions, she proceeded to try to debate me. I shouldn't have worn a Baylor shirt, it would have saved my headache from growing. I haven't really had much in the way of vigor today. This didn't help any. I guess it was a just a whole day of poets and poltergeists.

Moments of Clarity

God cleared my clouded mind this weekend. He showed me how incredibly blessed I am. I have the most awesome job in the world, some of the best friends in the world, and serve the God from whom all blessings flow. There comes a time in hum-drum of the days, when God will make you look back at where you've been, see where you're at, and give you a glimpse of where He wants you do go. This past weekend was one of those moments for me. Hicksie's D*Now was amazing! (You have awesome kids, man!) But it also caused me to think of what we have here; it made the think of what God's "calling" really means. It means, I learned, doing His work, His way, where He wants you. I also realized what BLESSED means - not always joy, but faith that God is joy!

Should you so be inclined, stop to consider what you have. If you're seeking direction, listen to God more than yourself - He'll talk to you! A few "thank yous" are in order:

Hicksie - thanks for inviting me! God used you and guys to talk to me in a way that I really needed. It was great to see you again!

Shari - thanks for listening to my rants and ramblings on the 4-hour drive home.

Marc - thanks for EVERYTHING - I can't possibly list it all in this blog! You are amazing!

Tony - you are amazing!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the scrumdiddliumcious cake!!!!!!!!!! You are the sauce!!!!!!!!!!

Our LORD has blessed me with yalls friendships. I love yall!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to Hicks I Go...

This weekend I travel to the Wichita Falls area for the Disciple Now of a my friend and fellow youth pastor Jon Hicks. Jon gave me my first oppourtunity for youth ministry here in Waco, when I came to Baylor. Hicksie is amazing, with a love for students that I envy. I know God is going to do amazing things... I anxiously await a touch from our Lord.

Cry, 'Havoc!' and let slip the dogs of war.

OK, let’s have a serious discussion. Over the next several weeks, as time allows, I will be posting several issues surrounding Just War theory (it’s history, etc.), which many Christians claim is a legitimate position. Now, I will be honest – I am a Christian pacifist. I wouldn’t be a pacifist if I was not a Christian, and I have a hard time seeing how someone could be a Christian and not be a pacifist. But I will state my position, hopefully somewhat convincingly in these upcoming posts, along with Just War positions.

Pacifism for me is not a political stance; it’s a Christian one. I fully considered the beliefs and ramifications of this position before I committed to it. And, unfortunately, I’ve taken a lot of heat from fellow Christians about it. But, that’s OK. So, if you don’t agree with me, great! Feel free to comment – it’s all about discussion! All I ask it that you allow yourself to read my position with an open mind… then, if you want to reject pacifism, do so! But listen to the arguments first.

UNDER-Rated!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, Marc - since you have your OVER-Rated list, here's my UNDER-Rated list. These are not necessarily things that aren't rated high, just not high enough. So, here we go...

5) Macs - not Big Macs, but the computers. Apple computers are so much more stable, and easier to use than PCs. Also, no one bothers to write viruses, worms, etc. to infect them. Not only are the graphics far beyond anything PCs offer, but the artistry that can be enhanced by a Mac is incredible. Even for everyday, internet, web-browsing folks, the Mac can do everything a PC can do, only better, and more easily!

4) Yamaha guitars - To heck with Martins (They are sooooooo OVER-Rated!!!). Basically Yamaha offers the most bang for the buck. Their lower line, offers inexpense quality guitars are low prices ($150). And for experienced/professional players, the upper lines are comparable with Taylors at about half the price. The handcrafted lines (LL, CPX, etc.) are beyond belief in sound quailty and action! They're all I play!!!!!!!!!

3) Wayne Kirkpatrick - Who? He's a songwriter. Like Diane Warren (Who?), he writes for anyone and everyone (Michael W. Smith to Whitney Houston to Tim McGraw). He pretty much just sits in a room and writes music! This guy can pen a lyric - not shallow cheezy ones, but deep meaningful ones. He has one CD out; the music has a great message.

2) Captain Billy Wizzbangs - WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The most amazing mixture of bun, meat, and grease on the face of the planet, heck, the universe for that matter! A local establishment, Capt. Billy's has an old-school diner atmosphere. The burgers are made after you over (none of that fast food mess!), skilletted to perfection, and served with a heaped mount of tots (fried to perfection)! Wow, amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If your ever in the area, or the state take a detour to see the Captain - you won't regret it! Ever!

1) Orange-Aid - This little-known orange drink made by Tropicana is not to be imaged! It's hard to find, there are only about three stores in the entire Waco area that stock this stuff! The first time you try it, it may seem like your average orange-flavored fake drink, but watch out! - addiction will soon overcome you. In a matter of sips, you'll be hooked! Competely unique, Orange-Aid will rock your face OFF!!

We Got a Spot on Leno

The greater Waco area recently garnered a spot in Jay Leno’s monologue. The circumstance? A Catholic priest blessed the opening of the new Hooter’s Restaurant. The opening of Hooters has been the subject of much controversy here in Jerusalem on the Brazos. And the whole fiasco has, in my opinion, not been handled responsibly by the clergy in the area. Several spiritual leaders from around the area led a campaign to ban Hooters from coming to town. However, that apparently failed. There have since been calls for the community to boycott and such, but judging from the reports of lengthy lines and number of Baylor students, that hasn’t had much success either.

My first question is this: what business do Christians have telling non-Christians how to live? Secondly, if Christians are resolved that something is wrong (e.g., going to Hooters) why not just not go to Hooters? Won’t that in itself make a statement to others? If we are supposed to be different, let us be different. Simple, right? Which leads me to my third question: What business, then, does a clergyman have ‘blessing’ something that is not healthy to the Kingdom of God? This represents, unfortunately, a major problem in Christianity today. One side is seemingly overstepping its bounds; the other is wavering on its stance. Neither is helpful; both harm. Neither mentality fares well for the Kingdom of God.

HAVE IT YAHWEH

I'm taking a class on the book of Isaiah this semester. One of the major themes of the first chapter and throughout the book is the Kingship of Yahweh. Isaiah 1.3 addresses a people who do not know where to get their needs met. It seems to me that the Church is no different. We do not know that God is the only one who can meet our needs. In order to gain support from more people, the Church has cozied up to money, popularity, fame, and politics. The thinking goes: if we have something common to fight for, then we have something in common, right?

The Church has nothing in common with a pagan culture. The sooner the Church realizes that it needs God, and only God, instead of popular support from the society around it, the sooner the Church can become RELEVANT. The problem is that we do not want others, including God, to get in the way of our doing church. We like our services, our offertories, our Sunday Schools. And heaven forbid we change to allow God to work. We want things our way. The problem with that is the Church is not Burger King. It's not about our way, but Yahweh's. It's only when we seek God instead of comfort that we can become earthshattering to non-believers.