"Born Again" As Bragging Rights?

While Jesus speaks plainly about the necessity of new birth in following him. Is there a stigma attached to the term: "Born Again Christian" in our current context? Are there things that are un-willingly being communicated when this term is used to identify one's self as a follower of Jesus?

Frank D. Macchia writes: "The many churches today that tout the 'born again' experience as a way of distinguishing themselves as the awakened ones from the 'worldly' churches should take heed. Even the most awakened churches exemplified in [the book of] Acts had to live from a perpetually painful and humbling conversion experience, one that couaed them to depart from long-held and even cherished beliefs. To use the born-again sloan as a cheap means for self-aggrandizement runs completely contratry to the true nature of converstion. Conversion should bring about humility, critical self-evaluation, and openness to the other to see what God would teach us about the expanding horizon of the Kingdom of God in the world."

Hell of A Conversation

I recently got into a conversation with someone about the "nature of hell". They asked what I thought/believed and so I shared with them how I understood the Scriptures and the Christian tradition on this matter.

I articulated that much of our "theology" and imagery of hell stems from Greco-Roman and Medieval Christian influence than it does on what the Scriptures point towards. As the conversation went on they were frustrated and defensive that my posture did not take on a more "literal" approach. For them, a very fiery hell is a "necessary" belief.

So my questions for you: What is your understanding of the nature of hell? What does the Scripture say? What is gained/what is lost in your particular view as it relates to our understanding of God? Is their room for different opinions?

As a primer to the conversation read what New Testament Professor (and Baptist Minister) Klyne Snodgrass has to say...

As always let us be charitable and gracious in our discussion.

"Image Is Everything"

Back in the 80's tennis legend Andre Agassi was the poster boy for Canon's EOS Rebel camera. Agassi's "rocker" look (hot pink spandex, big glam-rocker hair, and Oakley Blades) was the perfect illustration for the camera's tag line: "Image Is Everything".

This tag line has not only been useful in building a camera brand but it has also been useful for churches seeking to develop a "brand" leading them into a market of successful church growth. Many churches (like any organization) focus on their "target audience" and then work to find ways in which to package their product in such a way that it is relatable and sell-able to their target audience.

In some respects I agree with the "Image Is Everything" mantra (I would perhaps articulate it another way: "Perception is reality") however I wonder in what way this phrase best serves the call of the Church.

For large companies, as well as for followers of Jesus and the Church, it is important to know how they are being understood, viewed, and preceived in their community/world. If the perception of a particular church is that they are judgemental, mean-spirited, and self-focused the leaders of that particular church may want to find out why and make the necessary adjustments so that the true nature of the church is put on display.

Yet large companies also function by selling people an image of how they want to be perceived in order to sell more of their product(s). When companies are driven by the sales numbers of their product (and what the "consumers are saying") they often re-tool their particular product so it becomes more user friendly, more accessible, and more consumer oriented. This leads to many great products that serve my lifestyle, however when this serves as the mode of operation for churches it shifts our focus from being Christ centered to self-focused. In short, when practiced by the church, this business practice leads to idolatry.

Jesus called his disciples to follow after him by "picking up their cross", as Bonhoeffer would put it: "a bid to come and die". I wonder what the branding experts would have to say about that marketing slogan.

Reason #39 Why I Love Muskegon:

ROLLER DERBY BABY!!!!

Saturday, February 13 the Skee Town Skirtz are taking on the Flint City Derby Girls!

From 1961-75 Roller Derby made its way as a rough n tumble sport and then again came back for one season (1989-90). The Roller Games I remember was televised with a figure 8 track, Wall of Death, and an alligator pit (See the Roller Games video).

With team names like: the T-Birds, Maniacs, Vandals, and Rockers, roller derby was always about attitude, collisions, and entertainment.

Come support our local girls: "Tamara Hurtsworse", "Brat Michaels", "Concussion Muffin" and others.

We're bringing the kids (under 10 are free) and fully expecting that Lilly's experience will result in her setting some new life goals.

If you were a roller derby skater, what would your "nickname" be?

A Prayer of Devotion

In reading "The Divine Hours" by Phyllis Tickle I came across this prayer that I wanted to share:

O Lord my God, to you and to your service I devote myself, body, soul, and spirit. Fill my memory with the record of your mighty works; enlighten my understanding with the light of your Holy Spirit; and may all the desires of my heart and will center in what you would have me do.

Make me an instrument of your salvation for the people entrusted to my care, and grant that by my life and teaching I may set forth your true and living Word. Be always with me in carrying out the duties of my faith. I prayer, quicken my devotion; in praises, heighten my love and gratitude; in conversation give me readiness of thought and expression; and grant that, by the clearness and brightness of your holy Word, all the world may be drawn in to your blessed kingdom.

All this I ask for the sake of your Son our Savior Christ Jesus. Amen.

Response: Haiti

Today in the nation of Haiti children are waking up as orphans, parents are grieving the loss of their children, people are crushed in body and in spirit. Images of suffering (that we have the luxury of escaping) surround those in the midst of the Haitian ruins. Today people are crying out in pain, terror, and deep anguish as they witness first hand the weight of nature's worst offering.
(see pictures of the devastation in Haiti)

The magnitude of this destruction forces me to ask questions: "How could this happen? God, where are you?" I'm compelled to find answers in some way. Someone/something has to be accountable be it some kind of supreme deity who "controls" all things or the person that makes outrageous and insensitive claims about the people bringing it upon themselves (see Pat Robertson's comments). Someone/something has to be responsible. Someone/Something has to give an account for the suffering.

As I read the scriptures and understand the scope of the Christian tradition I am reverted back not to the "why" but to the "who". "Who is this 'God'?" Scripture tells us that the nature of God is one that does not "willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone" (Lam. 3:27), that his care is for the poor, the oppressed, the orphan, the widow, the suffering, and the afflicted (Ex. 22:2, Lev. 25, Deut. 15:7; Ps. 10:14; 34:18; 68:5). Jesus reminds us that the posture of God is a loving father (Mt. 7:9-12) driven by a redemptive love that rebuilds all that was lost (Jer. 33, Rev. 21:1-5) in the midst of a broken and fragmented creation (Rom. 8:20-22).

As God's nature comes into clearer focus I am less compelled to seek responsibility from "others" for the suffering but rather ask a new set of questions:

How will I give an account for the suffering that I have witnessed?

The prophet Micah calls us to act in ways (both in word and deed) that exude mercy, justice, and humility. James, the brother of Jesus, writes that true, "faultless" religion is not expousing unhelpful theologies on a TV show, but rather happens when we "look after orphans and widows in their distress" (Jas. 1:27).

How will my identity in Christ move me in response?

We may feel like we are a helpless to the events in Haiti but here are some suggestions on how you can respond:

1. Read/inform yourself on the tragedy and suffering: The more we understand the depth of destruction (both immediate and to come) the more we find ourselves in solidarity with those in need. (check out various stories at TIME)

2. Give to an organization already at work in Haiti (American Red Cross, Covenant World Relief): As people who have been given so much we have the opportunity to leverage our resources to make a difference. Although finding funds to give may be difficult maybe you can find creative ways to give (instead of buying bottled water over the next few months or doing various home improvements around the house, use that money to aid in the relief and rebuilding effort in Haiti).

3. Pray: Pray that the world community steps up in the aid and rebuilding process. Pray that the resources and supplies given, get to those in need. Pray for all the relief workers who are present in Haiti. Pray for open transportation routes so that the injured can get treatment and supplies can move freely. Pray against the spread of disease. Pray for those who are in deep mourning over the loss of loved ones.

May our response to our brothers and sisters in Haiti reflect the God we serve. Peace.

"Is Your Church Growing?"

I can't think of another question that makes me shrivel quite like this one: "Is your church growing?"

The question doesn't bother me because I am somehow unconcerned with the development of people and communities, it bothers me because of what often lingers beneath the surface of this question.

Somewhere over the course of church development in the Western world we have made it our primary responsibility to be growth focused. Some would argue that this is a good thing because "numbers represent people, and people represent souls." Yet this question is one that is poorly framed because it places our focus on the results, and further, what we should do to attain those results.

When our focus is misplaced on results it can lead to churches doing "whatever it takes" to get people to come to their church. This mode of operation leads to Churches that exist to give "customers" what they want.

Perhaps instead of asking the question: "Is your church growing?" or "How do I make my church grow more?" we should be asking: "What are we doing with what we've been given?" Our focus as church communities should be on stewardship while allowing God to be in charge with directing the results. Yes, stewardship involves being aware of results/growth trends, however it does not base its posture or dictate its mode of operation on simply achieving "high marks".

Stewardship reflects an obedience to God's directive in our life and in the life of our church. This kind of obedience does not always reflect the kind of growth trends that one would equate to as "successful"...sometimes in calling people to follow after Jesus and his kingdom the crowd thins.

Listen to these words of Barry Black: "Remember, Noah preached for 120 years and was only able to convince seven people to go into the ark with him. And yet he was successful, I believe, because he was faithful."

Hume Tells Tiger To Change Faiths

This past Sunday morning on Fox News, Brit Hume was asked if he thought Tiger Woods could make a comeback. Hume replied:

"The extent to which he (Tiger) recovers depends on his faith. He's said to be a Buddhist; I don't think that faith offers the kind of forgiveness and redemption that is offered by the Christian faith... So my message to Tiger: turn to the Christian faith and you can make a total recovery and be a great example to the world." (see the 1 min video)

Brit Hume has received a lot of praise for his comments and also a lot of criticism. Hume and others have sited the criticism as another example of Christianity under attack in America. So my questions for you:

Are these comments appropriate for a news anchor? Is there any warrent to those who are offended by these remarks? Are the criticisms of Hume's remarks an example of Christianity under attack in America? Is "Christianity" the answer to Tiger's problems?