A Poem for Christmas

For God So Loved The World

For God so loved the world

That He gave His only Son . . . 

How, then, can I sow hatred?

For God so loved the world

That He gave His only Son . . .

Whom, then, can I not love?

For God so loved the world

That He gave His only Son . . .

What, then, can I withhold?

For God so loved the world

That He gave His only Son . . .

Where, then, is His love not found?

For God so loved the world

That He gave His only Son . . .

When, then, will we understand?

For God so loved the world

That He gave His only Son . . .

Why, then, do we not care?

The Problem of Inclusive Language

I've been pondering the trend toward inclusive language. And I've become a bit puzzled. It seems that things may be backfiring. 

For example, it's OK to refer to someone as human. Why don't we use human and huwoman? We've taken human as a generic term that is inclusive rather than gender specific. 

Then we use chairman and chairwoman when we know the gender of the chairperson. But that final word presents a problem. We treat it as generic rather than distinguishing a person from a perdaughter. Why? 

Maybe it would be easier to just define some words as generic and no longer gender specific. It seems that when we try to fight the way languages are structured, we're emphasizing gender specific issues rather than removing them. 

Which brings me to the old joke (best told orally but I'll attempt it in print): 

Why do we sing AMEN at the end of the songs at church rather than AWOMEN? Because they're HYMNS and not HYRS. (Hiss! Boo! Go away! NOW!)

The Problem of Systematic Theology

More and more I am driven to the conclusion that systematic theology is one of the major impediments to authentic Christian faith today.

Systematic theology seeks to organize knowledge about God in such a way that we have encompassed God within our own understanding.  God becomes reasonable.  God is defined.  God is comprehended.  God is under control.

However, God in His wisdom did not provide us with a theological text book. He gave us the Bible, a compilation of stories and poetry.  That is because authentic theology is acquired by osmosis rather than by reason and logic. We come to know God by repeatedly encountering Him in the stories of the Bible and the stories of our own lives.  We come to know God separately from, maybe even before, our coming to know about God.

An example of the problem:  In my youth Southern Baptists were aware of the difference between a personal relationship with God and an objective understanding about God.  That awareness affected Baptist practices. Baptists insisted that a personal experience with Jesus was the prerequisite for baptism and church membership, not rote recitation of an approved creed.  For that reason, Baptists were uncomfortable with and even suspicious of those who practiced confirmation, insisting upon a personal confession of faith rather than knowledge of a catechism.

In recent decades things have changed among Southern Baptists.  A person's personal faith and relationship with God is now decried as emotional subjectivism, lacking the substance and validity of intellectual acceptance  of systematic theological statements concerning the nature of God. Commitment to correct propositional statements about God is now seen as what defines a Christian.  The result is that the emphasis has come to be centered upon an intellectual affirmation of theological pronouncements formulated by a few and voted upon and approved by a majority of the representatives from local congregations, a majority of whom have limited understanding of the implications of the actions they have taken. Propositional statements have superseded personal relationships.

The sad result is that now Southern Baptists are more confident in their knowledge about God while knowing God, Himself, less and less.

Where we once looked to God to define who we are to be, we now look to systematic theology, and it's derivative Baptist Faith and Message, to define who God must be.

The servant seeks to rule the Master.

Sadly, this rebellion is not limited to Southern Baptists.

What Creates Such Hatred?

Watching the unfolding identification of the Boston bombers, I can't help but wonder what it is that is causing so many people who came to this country at a youngish age as their families fled dangers in their homelands to become so embittered against the USA that they join terrorists groups. There have been numerous Somali youth recruited and others from middle eastern countries. I find it hard to believe that they came with their families intentionally planning to become terrorists. Something happened. 

 Could it be that we have been to unloving to them? Have we alienated them by the way we speak about other countries, ethnic groups or religious groups? Shouldn't the way we live our lives and relate to them be creating a sense of acceptance and a growing love for their new homeland instead? Many come to this country and become even more devoted to it than masses of people who were born here and never develop an appreciation for the treasure they have. 

We need to prevent future terrorist events, not simply by increased security and restrictions on immigration, but by winning the hearts of our neighbours.

Boston and the World

The pouring rain and the wind blowing so hard this morning inspired Kathy and me to decide not to go out to our Tai Chi class.  Instead we watched the memorial service in Boston.  I'm glad I did.  It was very inspirational over all.  I especially appreciated the youth choir and some of the scripture passages used.  The tributes to the brave heroes who rushed to the aid of others were uplifting.

The most significant insight for me came when I heard the Muslim leader speak.  He told of having just received his US citizenship and the pledge to service all new citizens make when they swear the oath of allegiance to their new nation.  He challenged all citizens to join in service to their communities.  But more importantly, he told how as a 7 year old student, long before he came to America, he encountered a car bomb on his walk home from school one day. Monday brought those memories back to him.  It struck me that we  as Americans are feeling so unique in our tragedy and feeling especially targeted by this rare attack.  Yet, for many in our world, bombings and terrorist attacks are a regular part of their lives.  Car bombs.  Suicide bombers.  Attacks of other kinds upon innocent non-combatants who are directly targeted or happen to be near targeted individuals.  It's the life they have to live.  Day in.  Day out.  It's their normal.

The attack in Boston could have been much worse.  Not every bomb attack in our world happens near some of the best medical facilities in existence. Most happen away from trained medical people or where there are no brave volunteers rushing to give immediate assistance.  It is a truly blessing that the bombings in Boston did not kill more people.  Give thanks for the resources that were readily available on Monday.  Remember, others are seldom so blessed in resources.

My prayer is that as we work our ways through the anger and pain, sorrow and grief of our national experience of terror, as we raise ourselves to the determination to overcome our fears and defeat the bomber's effort to demoralize us, my prayer is that we will remember those around our world who also live in danger of terror strikes and join in solidarity with them in striving to overcome evil with good.

Let us look beyond ourselves and pay tribute to those other victims of terror in our world.  Let us work with more diligence to eliminate the specter of terror that is so common in our world today.

And, rather than being instruments of revenge, let us join our souls in St. Francis of Assisi's prayer, "LORD, make me an instrument of Thy peace. . . ."

The Cock Crows

To the extent that we are comfortable in contemporary American culture, we deny Christ.  This is a warning to those of us audacious enough to appropriate the name "Christian" and a rebuff to those of us who make claim to any degree of spiritual maturity.

PASS IT ON

Jesus told us to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. (Mt. 10:16) Too often, whoever, we tend to be as venomous as vipers and as dumb as dodos. A case in point is the way we thoughtlessly pass on e-mails and things we read on the internet or hear on talk radio or TV.

That introduces the issue of gossip and slander. The apostle Paul groups these two actions with other evil characteristics of "God-haters" and those who "invent ways of doing evil." (Rom. 1:29-30) That's a crowd I'm sure we'd rather not be a part of.

James warns against the power of evil unleashed by an uncontrolled tongue. (James 3:5-9) In today's world the power of the tongue surely must include e-mail, Twitter and posts on blogs and Facebook. Uncontrolled use of them is as damaging as uncontrolled use of the tongue.

Paul reminds us that everything we do should be done for the glory of God. (I Cor. 10:31)

In light of these observations, let me suggest guidelines for us to follow before we click "send," "forward" or "post."

1. Be sure what we're about to disseminate is true.

Don't assume it's true because a friend said it or sent it. They may not have checked the facts.

Don't assume it's true because you read it in a favorite magazine or on a favorite website. Don't assume it's true because you heard it on talk radio or TV. The media has it's own agenda that may strictly adhere to the complete truth.

Search for the factual evidence yourself from a variety of sources.

2. Ask yourself if spreading this message will edify those who will receive it and enrich society as a whole. Most importantly, ask if spreading this is good for your own soul.

3. Finally, ask yourself if propagating this information or message brings glory to God.

If you answer "no" to any of these questions, don't send, forward, tweet or post it. Let it lie. This could result in less clutter in our inboxes, fewer hurt feelings and lower blood pressure.

If you find that this set of observations and guidelines is true, beneficial to society and can bring glory to God --

Pass It On

Time to come home

Here's another reason the U.S. must leave Afghanistan. LEAVE NOW!

The Best Money Can Buy

We have the best government money can buy. Unfortunately, money doesn't buy the best government for the people. It buys the best government for those wealthy enough to pay for it. That is not democracy. That is an auction.

9 August 1975

My, how young and thin we were then! Kat says she took me "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, in health." She's gotten 5 out of 6 (though I'm worse than she took me for then) and is holding on in hopes of "for richer." If that's what she's holding on for, I've got her for life! ;-) Best thing I ever did was marrying her!

The Path to Spiritual Maturity

Contrast the attitude expressed in this video with the attitude prevalent among our "Christian" Right and many churches in the USA today. Does real persecution produce love of enemies and forgiveness while self-love and hatred produce false feelings of persecution?

Zimbabwean farmer forgives men who had beaten him up

Will WE Christians in the USA ever learn to love our enemies and forgive them? (Yes, that includes Al Qaeda, Republicans, Democrats, rich man, poor man, beggar man thief.)

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U.S. Senator's Top 10 List of Corporate Tax Avoiders

U.S. Senator's Top 10 List of Corporate Tax Avoiders

Here's why we have a budget deficit. Rather than cut services to the poor (who provided the big business profits by receiving low wages and benefits), shouldn't we get the big boys to pay their share? After all, they get plenty of benefits from the taxes WE pay.

A Message for Our Leaders

Please join me in reminding our government leaders to consider this scripture passage as they make decisions.

“So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me,” says the LORD Almighty.

Malachi 3:5 New International Version

You can find senators' e-mail addresses at:

Senators of the 112th Congress

Other leaders can also be found at dot gov sites (If in doubt, Google it -- or Bing it.)

Mubarak Pulls A Mugabe

Hosni Mubarak has pulled a Robert Mugabe and refused to relinquish power even against the will of the people. Personal pride overrules love of country.

How long, O LORD, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, “Violence!”
but you do not save?
Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
so that justice is perverted.

Habakkuk 1:2-4 New International Version

Is The USA A Christian Nation?

Many today argue that the United States of America is a Christian nation. Is this true?

Early in his ministry Jesus laid out what his job description:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

because he has anointed me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

and recovery of sight for the blind,

to release the oppressed,

^19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

^20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, ^21 and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:18ff New International Version)

The Gospels show that spiritual, physical and psychological healing was a major part of his work.

Justice was also of great importance. He condemned the religious leaders for being preoccupied with ritual practices but neglecting justice. (Luke 11:42)

Jesus instructed his followers to give to all who ask. (Luke 6:30ff) They are not to resist those who act violently against them, and if sued, they are to give even more than the suit demands. When impressed into service, they are to give service above that demanded. The old rule of "a tooth for a tooth" is superceded. (Matthew 5:38ff)

Jesus' followers are not to judge others. (Matthew 7:1-2) Rather they are to be merciful. (Luke 6:36)

They are to bear lasting fruit. (John 15:16) The Apostle Paul delineates what characterizes this fruit:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version)

These qualities must be clearly evident in the lives of his followers.

Jesus commanded his followers to love one another. (John 15:12) Not only are they to love one another, they are to love their enemies! (Matthew 5:43-44) This is the criteria by which they will be known to be his true followers. (John 13:35)

Jesus makes it quite clear that he clearly expects his followers to live out the life he has described, and lived himself. “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?

(Luke 6:46 New International Version)

It is not the shibboleths we shout but the deeds we do that determine whether or not we are a Christian nation.

On the basis of our deeds, we definitely are NOT a Christian nation.

Would that we were.

A 21st Century Demoniac of the Gerasenes?

They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!”

Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

Mark 5:1-17 New International Version

As we reflect upon the tragedy of 8 January 2011 and offer prayers for those killed and injured and their families, let us not forget another set of victims of this horrific incident. Let us offer our prayers and compassion for the family of the young man who did the shooting, and for him also.

Imagine for a moment the pain of the shooter's family as they take upon themselves a part of the guilt for his actions. Feel the pain of a mother whose son has committed such an evil act. Try to experience the feelings of a father who sensed something wrong, sought to find his son and control him, yet failed. Ask the questions they are asking, "What more could I have done?" "What did we do wrong?" "Why did this happen in our family?"

Try for a moment to understand the torment of the soul that has driven a young man to be filled to overflowing with frustration, hatred and violence. What would it take for you to lose control your yourself in such a way?

When the local people in the region of the Gerasenes could no longer live with the uncontrollable violence of the young demoniac in their community, they drove him out to live among the dead. That was their solution. Isolate the problem.

When Jesus encountered the young demoniac, his solution was to cure the problem. Remove the forces that drove the man to violence. Restore his sanity and restore him to society as a positive contributor rather than a disruptive, destructive agent.

Jesus considered the life of one demoniac to be more important than the economic gains of the community. He was willing to sacrifice a whole herd of pigs in order to restore one rejected man.

The community had a different set of values. The loss of their unclean wealth was more than they could bear. Pigs were more important than a mad man. So they begged Jesus to leave before he could possibly encounter any more societal rejects and sacrifice more of their profits in restoring them.

Unfortunately, we are more like the Gerasene community than Jesus. We are glad to reduce responsibility for the violence to the acts of a mad man rather than examine the role of violence in our own actions. What words do we use about those with whom we differ? How do we use power to restrain others? How do we deny the humanity of those who differ from us in culture, ethnicity, religion or politics?

Why are we unwilling to provide mental health care which could prevent the suffering of many and reduce the chances that their agony could lead to violence? Are our profits so important? What pigs are we protecting?

What is the value of a human life?

Those of us who profess to follow Jesus have no option but to behave as he behaves. We cannot dismiss this shooter as simply a "nut case." We must pray for him. We must begin to strive to love those suffering with mental illnesses. And we must join in the effort to reform our society so that those with mental illnesses have the treatments they need and that their families have the assistance they need in compelling their suffering loved one to enter into treatment.

Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.”

Be It Hereby Resolved

I have resolved to give Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck the attention they deserve. From now on I will avoid reading, listening to or watching anything related to them.

Mitch McConnell and the Bible

Why is it that every time I hear Mitch McConnell speak I'm reminded of Isaiah 5:20-21?

Author: More teens becoming 'fake' Christians

Worth a careful read. Why did Jesus cry out, "My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me!"? Are we ready to be in the same position? Might we? How would we respond? Or do we just want to feel good and feel better than others? H-m-m-m-m-m-m . . .

More Teens Becoming 'Fake' Christians

A Dream and A Nightmare

Martin Luther King had a dream. Glenn Beck is a nightmare.