"So, a Presbyterian walks into a bar..."

Time to Pay the Piper

I don't usually take on politics or anything close to it, mostly because there are so many things that are far more important to discuss.  But the time has come for us all to admit something...it's time to "pay the piper" for years of extravagant living, extravagant borrowing, and saving nothing.  And that's just our elected representatives!

Don't blame it all on them, however.  Those same descriptive phrases apply to vast swaths of the American public.  The average American family has eight (8) credit cards.  EIGHT!  Does anyone agree with me on the completely stunning and ridiculous magnitude of that number?  Americans also currently have a negative savings rate.  What that means is that most Americans put living expenses on those credit cards each month, literally spending more than they make.  And we blame the government for doing the same thing!  (lots of exclamation points; have you noticed?  I think they are needed.  This is an exclamation point kind of situation.)

Our financial system is dead, and we need to admit it.  The Federal government is doing its best to slow down the death, but dead it is.  When you are falling off of a 1000 foot cliff, it doesn't matter whether you are falling in slow motion or at 32feet/second/second.  The end is still the same.  It's not the fall, but the stop at the end, that kills you.  Which leads me to a quick digression...did you know that some doctors and emergency rooms call injuries resulting from a fall "rapid deceleration injuries?"  Strange, but true.

Let's think about what has happened recently; the financial system, long upheld by mortgage-based securities began to collapse as it became apparent that those "securities" weren't.  Almost inexplicably, the Feds decided to pick and choose between which companies should fail and which should receive an injection of taxpayer money to allow them to continue their devastating business practices.  Then the Feds decided that we needed a massive injection of taxpayer funds to save the whole system, all while the markets were losing 50% of their value.  Now we have the Madoff Ponzi scheme, wherein $50 billion went up in smoke, probably expensive Cuban cigar smoke.  "For Sale" signs are rapidly going up all over Palm Beach, Westchester County in New York, and tony enclaves all across New Jersey and Connecticut.  Finally, just this morning, the news broke that many states are closing in on bankruptcy in their unemployment fund accounts.  This is because our wonderful state legislators cannot keep their hands off of any pot of cash in sight.  Now THEY are asking the Feds for more of our money to keep the obligations they made and for which all of us are taxed regularly.

The system is dead.  As one of my friends used to say, "D-E-D!"  Dead.  So what do we do now?  Mor on that in another post soon.  There is a way out.  It will hurt, but it is there.  God's grace surrounds us, and His common grace can give wisdom to even those who do not acknowledge Him at all.  Pray for that.

The Deadly Hourly News Cycle

Do you find it as hard as I do to keep up with news cycles these days? I am old enough to remember when the news cycle was timed in days, or a week. I remember when we bemoaned the advent of "the 24 hour news cycle." Now we have an hourly news cycle, at its longest. We are subjected a constant feed of the frailties and sin of the world on a moment by moment basis.

One good result of this seems to be that it drives me to prayer more often. I honestly don't say that as a "holier than thou" strike; it is simply true that, when faced with sin and its results as often as we are, in our own lives as well as others' lives, we are driven to prayer more often. But what else does this constant drip do to us? I think it may be one of the causes of a lot of blue days and depressed decision-making. I know that it makes me want to shut it off and read rather than listening to any more of it. I also believe that we are seeing the "lawyer-ization" of America, wherein we all know something about the law, and we want what is OURS!

What is this cycle doing to our churches? Does it affect them? The real question, it seems to me, is "How can it NOT affect our churches?" People are seeing their thresholds for the tolerance of their own sin lowered daily. What was once unthinkable in most of our churches or in the lives of our people, now seems not only thinkable, but standard practice. Combine this with a preaching of "cheap grace" or the speaking (I cannot call it preaching) of all the psychobabble, felt-needs people out there, and Scripture, in all its glory and relevance, is becoming marginalized.

I know that most of you are thinking, "Wow! This sounds like a great rant from the 80s," and maybe you are right. But maybe, just maybe, we need to be speaking to this now and forever. The simple fact is this...in many (most?) of evangelical churches, we are losing our grasp on Scripture as a basis for daily living. It is more of an add-on now, something considered down the line somewhere, but certainly not as a first recourse.

I pray that our churches will be inundated with God's Word, His true Word and not a modern interpretation/amalgamation/what-else-can-we-throw-in-there version. I got a funny email from a fellow pastor recently. It is phrased in terms of what people in a church SAY to a pastor, and what they really MEAN. One of them hits home with what I am thinking. Here it is...

What They Say: “I’m looking for a church that preaches the Word!”
What They Mean: “I’m looking for a church that preaches MY view of the Word. I think the BLANK translation should be used...I think BLANK should be talked about a lot while BLANK should be ignored. And if you ever stop preaching my view of the Word I will leave and tell others that you don’t preach the Word!”

I pray that we will all flee back to God's Word, and what it says, not what we want it to say. Furthermore, beware the minute by minute news cycle. It is sucking the life out of many people in many ways.

My Kindle and Me

I am a reader.  I always have been.  It is one of the gifts my parents gave me for which I am eternally grateful.  They encouraged reading, kept great books around the house, and sent me to schools where being well-read was a priority.  I am not as voracious a reader on all subjects as many people I know, but I am a reader.  I carry a book or book with me wherever I go, just in case I encounter some down time in an airport or anyplace else.

Several months ago, I was given an Amazon Kindle as a gift.  For those of you who don't know, the Kindle is the first truly readable electronic book reader.  No headaches from staring at a computer screen.  No Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from manipulating a mouse or keyboard.  Kindle is shaped like a book and reads like a book.  For purists, and I am still one of those, there is no "feel" of the page or of the binding of a book, large parts of the sensual pleasure of reading a real book.  For my "serious" reading in theology, history, biographies, etc., I still prefer a book.  But then again, I also read one newspaper daily that is ACTUALLY PRINTED ON PAPER.  Yes, I know, how ANALOG.  But there; I've admitted it.  At least you know what sort of Luddite you are dealing with here.

One review I read on the Kindle had a line with which I agree wholeheartedly, being an undying "Mac head:" it is going to take Apple to come along and perfect the Kindle.  But for right now, count me as a Kindle fan.  Here's why...CONVENIENCE.  I can essentially take a 150,000 volume book store with me wherever I go, as well as all the books I am currently reading, all in one small, book-sized and -shaped package.  The number of volumes available through the Kindle are growing every day.  Also, many classic volumes from Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Dante, Shakespeare et al are available at various sites online for free.  You have to go through a couple of steps to get them on your Kindle, but they are still free.

Someone said to me one time, "Well, I can't underline or take notes on a Kindle."  The answer is, "Yes, you can."  Kindle has a handy feature that allows you to take notes on any passage.  It also has several dictionaries, thesauruses (thesauri?) and other tools available for any word in any book.  Quotes can be clipped and stored right along with notes taken.  All of this can then be handily transferred to your computer via firewire for whatever purpose you might wish.  Also, any document you would like to read on your Kindle can be sent to Amazon and who will then put it in Kindle format and send it to your Kindle, all for free.

Kindle does a lot of this via a world-wide "Whispernet," a built in cellular or satellite communications system that allows you to buy and download a book in seconds from most places in the modern world.  Add to that the fact that Kindle books are all under $10.00, and you have quite a deal and a very handy device.  One drawback is that it takes a few weeks for new releases to be released on Kindle, so if you want a new release when it is released, you have to go buy it.  Another strong feature, at least in my view, is that Amazon tracks your Kindle library.  This allows you to delete books from your Kindle once you are done with them, but then re-download them in the future at no cost to you.  Once paid for, a book can be downloaded time and again.

All in all, I have to give Kindle high marks for what is the "Model T" of it's genre.  I have to admit that for some types of reading, I have become a bona fide Kindle addict.  Check out the Kindle, you might like it.  And be on the lookout for the "perfected" model sure to be coming out soon, hopefully by the folks at Apple.

Multiculturalism?

As I write, I am sitting in the Third World Cafe at 53rd and Kimbark in Chicago, IL.  I am here with a son who is visiting the University of Chicago as a potential student.  As I walked around the campus of this incredibly beautiful campus, and the equally beautiful Hyde Park neighborhood, I am aware of several things.  One is how much I would love to be part of a community like this; homes old and close together (for the right reasons), sidewalks, tress changing color and dropping their leaves; in short, a community with an identity, a history and a future.

I am also keenly aware of how totally out of place I am in this community.  I am sitting in a cafe, right across from an Arab man reading a book called "The Venture of Islam" and furiously underlining and making notes.  I am aware that if I ever wanted to be a minority, this is the place.  I am a Christian, white, Southern male, that most reviled of all creatures in these United States.  I don't think I am making this up, but people honestly look at me and I can FEEL them sizing me up.  I held the door for a woman entering the same building as I was, and she almost fell over with surprise that someone like me would do that.  She was African American, in some sort of traditional dress, and beautiful.  And, as I said, VERY surprised.  In this cafe, I wonder how many would revile me if they were to really know my demographic?

On Tuesday I was told a chilling story by a pastor friend in Atlanta.  Last year he was at Speaker's Corner in London.  He was with a friend who was speaking about Christ to the crowd.  A Muslim man from Morocco pulled up his ladder and began to dispute with the Christian, as is the habit at Speaker's Corner.  When my friend sought to speak to the Muslim man after the debate, and offer him the right hand of fellowship, his hand was refused, and the Moroccan said to him, with pure hate in his eyes, "When we take over, I will personally hang you and your family."  Then he turned and walked away.

Wait a minute, isn't it people like me and my demographic that are supposed to have disrupted entire nations and regions by having thoughts like these?  Funny, but I have never once thought of hanging someone and his family because he believes differently from me.  To the contrary, I pray for him, pray that God will unerringly call him to be His own.  Yet I am seen as the oppressor, I am seen as the imperialist, I am seen as the face of intolerance.

In a place where people avoid me because of what I look like, and shout at me from street corners because of the political bumper sticker on my car, it is very hard to not feel that the world is upside down.  Then I realize: we KNOW that already, which is why we have a Savior who can and will make all things right in His time and in His ways. 

Pray for our cities.  Pray for our church.  Pray for our enemies.  Pray that they would see redemption, not perdition.

Finances and Faith

So, here we are in what most of the chattering classes are calling a "financial meltdown."  I must admit, I am in my 50s and I haven't seen it this bad in my life.  Unless of course you count the late 70s with 20% interest on mortgages, etc., etc.  Thanks, Jimmy!

It seems to me that this is a time for Christians to watch and learn from those around them.  It also seems to me like this is one of those times when we might see the distinction between "professing" believers and those who have fully placed their trust in Christ Jesus.  I know, I know, that sounds very elitist, very harsh and all that.  I admit it.  But here's why I say it...there are a lot of threats out there on a day to day basis.  BUT, threaten people's FINANCES, and you will see some amazing stuff.  Finances and how we handle and react to problems there are the best indicator of where a person truly is than almost any measure I know.  It has often been said, mostly by cheesy pastors, that if you want to see what a person really worships, look at his bank account.  Where does the money go?  For most of us, it goes to...US.

But take a situation like we are in now, where people can do absolutely nothing about what is happening globally, and new faces emerge from some.  All of a sudden, professing believers find it hard to give anything to the church; they find it hard to even attend.  Many see no connection at all between the markets and the Kingdom of Heaven, when in fact, there is a huge connection in that the Lord of all creation is most certainly the Lord of the financial markets.  Remember, a person doesn't have to acknowledge the fact that Christ is the sovereign Lord over everything to make it true; it is true whether it is acknowledged or not.  And markets are made of people who are reigned over by our Lord.

What will be interesting to see is who acts like they actually live in a covenant community, and who won't?  Who will be willing to move another family into their home with them, especially a family who has lost their home due to  the taking of an ill-advised mortgage?  Who will be willing to give more to the church, knowing that in giving more he is being a blessing to more?  Who will put off personal purchases to help a family down the street make it over this hurdle?  We can "profess" faith all we want.  But James puts it best when he asks us the question, "So what are you doing to back up that profession?'  Faith without works is dead, and now is the time for our faith to be put to work.

If there is any time for us to not only heed, but rest completely in the following passage, it is now.

Matthew 6:25-34
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?  26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?  27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?  28  And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,  29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

 34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Stay at the foot of the Cross.

Times of London, Sarah Palin and Creationism

As anyone half-conscious knows, the naming of Sarah Palin as the GOP Vice Presidential nominee has generated much "ink," both real and virtual, around the world.  The general "take" from many mainstream media outlets world-wide is that the US may be getting ready to elect, as I read on one foreign blog, a "hillbilly" to the second highest office in the land.  For those of you out there who are proud hillbillies, like me, this is generally thought to be a bad thing.

This morning I came across a couple of blogs from writers for the Times of London.  The blogs can be found here and here.  One writer, Sarah Ebner, is a former BBC producer who writes about navigating the British educational system, and the other writer, Oliver Kamm, is a former investment banker (there seem to be a growing number of those these days!) and lead writer for the Times.  Both blogs have to do with Sarah Palin and that much-to-be-feared concept...CREATIONISM!  (Cue dramatic music indicating looming evil here)

I do not want to address the debate over creationism itself, but rather the incredibly shallow and self-referential nature of the complaints about Palin and creationism.  In the first of the two blogs, the writer breathlessly recites the "evidence" of Palin's son Trig, a four-month old with Down's Syndrome, and her pregnant 17-year old daughter as showing that Palin is DEFINITELY pro-life.  To the writer, this is the first sign of real trouble.  Problem is, you don't have to see this "evidence" to know that Palin is pro-life; all you have to do is ask her. 

The writer then goes boldly on to write that many are in disbelief that Palin actually has the gall to suggest that creationism and Darwinian evolution be taught side by side in the classroom.  That this is even a semi-reasonable suggestion is blithely dismissed with the following two paragraphs...  

The major problem is that evolution can be proved (or at least explained), but creationism can't. It's akin, say some, to allowing children to debate if the world is flat or round, nd giving both sides equal credence.  And says Massimo Pigliucci, who blogs for Live Science (and he is certainly not alone on what he thinks) it's superstitious nonsense, which says something about the evry core of education.

Teaching children right or wrong leaves little scope formiddle ground.  There are lots of other issues on which compromise can happen, but others where it simply can't.  Is creationism one of these?

I simply love the fact that Ms. Ebner passes off "explaining" something as the equivalent of "proving" something.  I can explain in great detail how my molecules can diassemble themselves and allow me to transport myself, through advanced mind-melding techniques, to any place in the world that I choose.  However, "explaining" it doesn't "prove" it, anymore than "explaining" the theory of Darwinian evolution "proves" that true.  Speaking of "superstitious nonsense!"  Try following some of the leaps of faith, yes FAITH, needed to embrace the religion of Darwinianism!

This brings us to the second author, Mr. Kamm.  He begins his blog with somewhat of a bang, if not a Big Bang (get it?), by stating this about a fellow author and blog-fellow...

I'm very much in disagreement, however, with [the] view that "if liberal values and democracy are to be defended, their Christian roots have to be vigorously defended, upheld and reasserted."  On the contrary, one of the most vital principles of liberalism is the secularist insistence, codified in Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom of 1786, that there be no religious test for public office.

This statement presupposes much, but one main error it makes is in believing that the fruit of a specific school of thought can be separated from the thought itself without irreparably damaging the fruit.  Let's put it this way...on what basis can we defend Western, liberal democracy if we out of hand dismiss with the philosophy and theology from which it sprang?  Isn't this removing the tree from the branch and expecting the branch to thrive?  Do we simply take the "good" of liberal democracy and suppose that, once we separate it from the "bad" old Chistian theology that birthed it, it will live on in the specific incarnation in which man, or Mr. Kamm in this instance, has "looked at it and declared it 'good?'"  Mr. Kamm also misses, or intentionally leaves out, the fact that the writer of the quote against which he is reacting did not call for a "religious test" for candidates, merely that the values which gave birth to modern liberalism be espoused freely.

Separating a fruit from tree in this manner is yet another way to espouse a dying, post-modern pre-supposition that all power is derived from words carefully spoken by the new generation of sophists, modern politicians.  You really need to read the post, and many of the comments, to take in the magnificent dismissal of anything having to do with what one might term "evidence" to dismiss all things not considered sufficiently moderate for Mr. Kamm's approval.

One hilarious assertion comes when Mr. Kamm takes on "intelligent design," which he describes as thinly-veiled creationism.  He wonders why,  if "intelligent design" is so scientific, it is not being published in peer-reviewed scientific journals?  Mr. Kamm, in this brief argument, adopts the charade promulgated by many members of the publishing academy, in ignoring the fact that intelligent design articles are simply not accepted by the editorial boards of peer-reviewed journals because the editors utterly reject any suggestion that intelligent design is scientific.  You can see the circular logic at work here, "No publishing in scientific journals = not 'real' science" combined with those same scientific journals refusing publication of articles that disagree with their own scientific religion.  It's a neat trick, but easily seen through.

I tire of witnessing these battles over and over.  I just thought that these blogs were two brilliant examples of self-referential, and even self-reverential, writing about matters of theology, philosophy and politics.  These poor folks write from a rut of presuppositions that determine the outcome of all their writing, without even once considering any arguments to the contrary.  Sounds a lot like they have become what they abhor, a community of fanatics running about calling for, and holding in print, witch trials for all who disagree with their "orthodoxy." 

All I can say is, "Come quickly, Lord Jesus."

2557 and counting

Today is the seventh anniversary of 9/11/01, as we all know.  It stirs up a lot of things in me, as I am sure it does in many of you.  I have a lot of conflicting emotions and thoughts.  First, I thank God that we have made it 2557 days without a recurrence.  I am thankful for that above all.  But I struggle with other  thoughts and reactions to others.

How do I appropriately respond, as a Christian and an American, in that order, to those who honestly believe that the buildings were "brought down" by demolition teams commissioned by the current administration?

How do I appropriately respond to those who say that America has a basic problem in the world and needs to see 9/11 as a "wake up call?"

How do I appropriately respond to those who say that America has always painted its enemies as being 10 feet tall with fresh blood dripping from razor-sharp fangs?

What is truly the appropriate response to militant Islamism, seeking a global caliphate?  Is it true that if we sit down at the same table and shake hands, that threat will go away?  I think the answer to the last question is, "Don't be ridiculous.  Of course that won't solve it."  But then again, there are many I love that believe that it will.  Looking at a realistic picture of Europe and their immigrant Muslim population these days bears out my thinking in that area, I believe.

I read an article this morning by preeminent classics scholar and author Victor Davis Hanson.  You can find it here.  I think that he brings up good questions and provides illuminating commentary on the issues. 

One thing I do know for certain is that we need some sort of national consensus, excepting the "bomb throwers" on both sides, on how to deal with militant Islamism and the security problems it poses to us and the world, or we will cease to have any sort of coherent response at all.  And frankly, that scares me for my children and grandchildren, if I have any.

I thank God that He has shown us the end of the story, and that it is His end and His will that prevails.  I must admit a certain amount of fear for the time period between now and then, whenever that may be.

It's the Ego, Stupid

Back in 1992, Bill Clinton's famed "war room" ran with one phrase in mind, that phrase on a large banner on the wall of the room.  That banner famously (infamously?) said, "It's the economy, stupid."  This was a way of reminding everyone associated with the campaign that their main talking point was the faltering economy.  As we now know, the economy began recovering late in the Bush administration, but Clinton got to take credit for it.  Such is the world of politics.  Timing is everything.

Which brings us to the present.  Former Vice-Presidential and Presidential candidate John Edwards has decided that it is time to "come clean" on an extra-marital affair he had during his most recent campaign.  So, in true trial-lawyer-turned-politician style, he "confessed" on national TV.  On a Friday night.  During the 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremonies.  Attaboy, John.  I bet you're glad you got that one over with.

Since the brave confession, pundits and reporters alike have been asking the question, "How could this man do this while his wife has incurable cancer?"  Well, ole John answered that one in his mea culpa when he pointed out that he had the affair while his wife was in remission from her cancer.  Oh, well then.  That makes it MUCH better. 

Another question that springs to mind, as well as to the lips of some TV news types is, "Why do these men think they can get away with this?"  And to that question the answer is simple.  "It's the EGO, stupid!"  Black, white, old, young, gay, straight, Republican or Democrat, it doesn't matter.  What matters is that most of them seem to suffer from overwhelming, all-encompassing, malignant EGO.  They believe the fertilizer their press people put out and they think the rules do not apply to them.

The real question is, "When will WE learn?  When will we throw all the bums out and elect people who have a clear view of the American people and their real issues?  When will they learn that the money they spend is ours, not theirs by some forsaken birthright?"

I heard it all summed up in one statement a couple of weeks back.  A Senator was speaking about how "hard" it was to be criticized for taking unpopular stances.  His answer contained one word that should make us all rise up and shout, "No more!"  He said, "Well, when you enter this profession you come to expect that and deal with it." 

Did you catch it?  He called his elected job a PROFESSION.  To me, that speaks volumes.  When did he get elected to a life office?  When did he put in the hours of schooling and practice that most real professionals undergo to earn that title? 

When our politicians see themselves as "professionals," my friends, it might be time for us all to head for the hills.  The inmates are truly in charge of the asylum, and it can only go downhill from here.

I'm back, and venting on the Olympics

Sorry for the long absence.  It has been a busy life lately, as I am sure all of you know and experience yourselves.

I had the great privilege of being at the Opening Ceremonies of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.  I have been a pretty thoroughgoing Olympics freak for most of my life, mostly because I love sports, all sports.  At this point, I am reminded of Ernest Hemingway who declared that the only true "sports" were mountain climbing, auto racing and bull fighting, and that all the rest were just "games."  OK Ernest, whatever, I guess I like GAMES then, as well as sports.

Ok, back to the point.  After my much-anticipated attendance at the Opening Ceremonies in 1996, I was struck by one main thing...the IOC (International Olympic Committee) takes itself WAY too seriously, and the Opening Ceremonies are nothing more than a grand worship service directed at man and the IOC.  It is a lollapalooza of an event, no doubt, but the theme is "ain't man great?!" 

This became grotesquely evident during the reign of Juan Antonio Samaranch, an old crony of Generalissimo Francisco Franco in Spain, who, according to Chevy Chase, is STILL dead (that's for you old folks like me).  Ole Juan Antonio demanded that he be called "His Excellency," that wars be halted during his Olympics, had the "Olympic Hymn" brought back to life, and a put into play a whole bunch of other anthropocentric "theology."  This is nothing more than the hijacking of a wonderful event for the propagation of a bankrupt world view.  The part of the ceremonies directed by and toward the IOC are nothing more than a regurgitated Enlightenment ceremony declaring that man, and the IOC, are the measure of all things. 

Sadly, I can hardly watch the ceremonies anymore.  last night, I chose to go to a missions conference instead, and was far more educated, invigorated and serene than I would have been watching the ceremonies.  I must admit that I also am sickened by the fact that a totalitarian regime like Communist China has been issued this big, wet, international kiss of approval.  Check out those in Tibet, Darfur and numerous prisons around China to see why I feel this way.

I am just glad the dang ceremonies are over with so now I can watch sports, or games, or whatever the heck they are.