Religion and Arrogance of Man

An atheist ridiculing Christianity once stated how anyone could believe that a God could be His own Son, create the planets by Himself, and take people from the Earth to the Heavens in the blink of an eye.

Imagine two hundred years ago if someone said that someday there will be boxes sold that will have moving pictures and sound coming from them, that there will be machines that fly hundreds of miles, and a hand held device that can let you talk another person far away. Or just try explaining the internet, and you would be shunned or become the village laughingstock, or worse. Minds two hundred years ago could not conceive of these innovations of today, so it is like trying to reason with an atheist.

The skeptic has elevated mankind and his intellect the highest form of belief on the planet. The Universe and its vastness with complex living organisms, thousands of galaxies and stars, the regeneration of life and the miracle of the human body, and the idea there is a Grand Designer is ridiculed. If Man cannot grasp or touch something in a cold, scientific method, then it it is to be dismissed as fantasy, or illusion of a world of myths and stories. They worship on the alter of the physical world and their own comprehension of it within the realm of their own intellect. No Higher power exists, and it seems a very lonely and cold way of having an outlook on life.

In John 3:1-21, Jesus talks with the Pharisee Nicodemus and the concept of being born again. Nicodemus thought Jesus meant literally born again, and asked Jesus how this was so.  "If I have told you people about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?," was His reply. I think the same concept applies to Man in general as well. There is enough proof of a God around us. The oceans deep, mountaintops crowning the clouds, the emerging butterfly from a cocoon, a newly born baby, a bluebird in flight, the endless expanse of the Universe, the gracefulness of a gazelle, and the ingenuity of technology from man from the depths of his developed mind. 

I'm glad there is an all seeing Heavenly Father above guiding and loving us, rather than us floating in this galaxy alone by our own devices and shallow understanding.

Why Limit God,? Part Two

WHY LIMIT GOD

WHY LIMIT GOD?

Occasionally an athlete will praise God in an interview or be seen praying at a sporting event. Some skeptics will comment that an athletic contest is infinitival compared to the tragedy in the world, such as war, crime, and hungry children. Why, they ask, isn't God more concerned about such sadness than who wins a football game?

I would respectfully disagree, and perhaps they miss the point. To say God can only concentrate on the bigger issues in life and not be concerned about our trivial desires, such as the outcome of a game or an award limits His sovereignty and power. He is omnipotent and all powerful. If He can know when the lone sparrow falls, He can be willing to give your wish. What is important to you is also, I believe, important to God. He wants acknowledgement, just like a parent wants his child to tell him his wishes.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 states: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." In everything. Not just the all important things or world changing concerns, but everything. If He wants you to give thanks in everything, why just pray for the large issues. It's not that he will accommodate us every time, or cater to our every whim, but He wants for us to seek Him as an acknowledgement of our love of Him. If something is only important to one person, it is important to God as well. He seeks in us a relationship much like a worldly father would do anything for us out of love. Prayer is our way of recognizing his love for us as He seeks our love.

God wants us to acknowledge Him, and to come to him with our desires. I something is on your heart, even if its trivial to other people, seek Him out in prayer, and I'm sure He will be glad to hear from His child.

Nobody Asked Me, Revisited

Legendary New York sportswriter Jimmy Cannon wrote a column when sports news was slow called “Nobody Asked Me, but…” It contained random observations on whatever struck him as odd, something unusual, or just to point out an absurdity. So, in the spirit of this writer, I’d like to add my own.

What’s the difference between “pre owned cars” and "used cars"?

Why don't men call another guy "mack" or "bub" anymore? And why is it acceptable to call another person "dog"?

“Complimenting” a woman she lost some weight lately is like “complimenting” a man on how great his toupee looks.

Why do people spend time in libraries talking of all places? And why are libraries the place people talk the loudest? Before cell phones, Blue Tooths (Teeth?), Ipads, and texting, people actually sat down to read a book in quiet.

Isn’t Secretaries’ Day easier to say and less awkward than Administrative Professionals’ Day? (more precise)

A great place to be left alone is sitting up front and center in most churches.

People who insist you take your shoes off at their house even if they are clean should be obligated to provide their guest with slippers.

Why do people with the biggest pickup trucks have to always diagonally park next to your car? They’re making you take your life in your hands when you back up because you can’t see around them.

Do people who tie ropes from one pole to another downtown to save sitting space for a parade expect other people to actually abide by them? How about showing up early instead?

Why do comedians have to cuss so much if they are funny to begin with? Red Skelton and Jonathan Winters seemed to do alright without it. So called sophisticated “adult humor” is really just stuff we thought was funny in the seventh grade.

Are men still expected to remove their caps while eating (or church)? Tipping your hat in the presence of a lady will just get you funny looks. As a corollary, why do men with full heads of hair rarely take off their hats?

Movies used to rely on plot, dialogue, character development, and comic relief to be entertaining. When half the movie is explosions and shooting, I feel like asking for my money back. 

It’s an awful irony to many people that you can’t smoke inside, and yet can’t drink outside.

Why are there so much poker games on ESPN, and yet no roller derby?

How did “gambling” suddenly become “gaming”? Checkers is a game. Blackjack is gambling.

Professional comedians who have to use shock value such a cussing to tell a story isn’t really funny at all, and is cheating their audience.

I remember the worst thing that could happen to you in school was a paddling by the teacher.

My idea of texting is writing a note to a friend.

I remember when most athletes had real names. If Jackie Robinson were playing today, he’d be “J-Rob.”

A Message for the Friendly Church

Dear Friendly Church,

thank you for the friendly welcome since I literally set foot in the door. From the smiling greeters who insisted I sign in as a guest, to being constantly talked at since sitting down. But hear are a few items I wanted to share with you as a single person coming in alone to visit your church.

First, we are not all social misfits unable to make friends who rely on the intervention of strangers to socialize. I think most of us are well adjusted people who come to church to worship, pray, and to reflect on how to  conduct our lives, as well as seeking grace from our Lord. Not everyone who enters wants constant attention, asked personal questions on their spiritual walk, and their testimony.

Granted, I appreciate the effort you put into it, and know their are some people on the other side of the spectrum that will never come back if they don't make personal friends with half the congregation. It's a noble goal to make people feel recognized and appreciated. It can be a delicate balance, and I know you need to grow as a church, so I suggest an even approach.

Last, let visitors set the agenda. Instead of seeing new people as potential members, try reading people as to what they want to do. People give off hints of when you are doing something uncomfortable. People want genuine friendship and conversation, not forced chatter from an usher because they are supposed to welcome someone from a list of instructions. Sometimes fellowship is best left for the coffee social after church or a small group, not during worship service.

Seeking Grace

There comes a time of reflection, and wanting to right the wrongs you have done to others in life. There may be roadblocks in doing so, such as distance, whether emotional or physical.

An event occurred several years ago where a girl I was in a relationship sat down in a booth across from me in a diner, with nobody else around. It was a perfect opportunity to apologize for the wrongs I had done. What were those things? Well, let's say I was inattentive, and didn't appreciate what I had. When you're twenty years old, you go through a lot of changes and feelings, and distractions happen. Rumors can flourish from people with their own agendas. Nonetheless, I threw the window of asking for forgiveness shut. Instead I just stood up and walked away, embarrassed and a little ashamed after so many years.

In retrospect, maybe I did the right thing. What right did I have to intrude into her life anymore than I did? I had my chance years ago, and instead forgot what was important. Now she moved on in life, and I was a bad memory. In Alcoholics Anonymous, part of their Twelve Steps is to seek the forgiveness of those you have wronged, unless it would cause harm to those by bringing up events in life that caused distress. I don't know if I could have caused more pain by asking for grace, so I took the easier way and left with not saying anything. Now I wonder what might have happened. I like to think she would have said everything was good now between us, but that is left to hope.

Receiving grace is an unequaled gift one hurt person can give another. Perhaps the hardest person to forgive is oneself, because you can blame nobody else.

The Other Side of the Debate

The Other Side of the Debate


The gay marriage debate is seemingly endless, and has taken so much publicity, as it seems a tweet from the most minor of celebrities have to weigh in on it. It would seem that speaking for gay rights is a good career move as a sure way to receive publicity, as well as curry favor with casting powers in Hollywood.

The gay rights crowd, like other groups, have seemingly owned the issue so as to define it so that opposing points are discarded. The left that prides itself on tolerance and civility and is decidedly not when it comes to those that oppose their personal viewpoints. For instance, the term "homophobe" is very presumptuous. Let psychologists diagnose phobias. The Right has played defense too long in apologizing for its beliefs. True, there are many hatemongers who perform acts of violence and spiteful language against homosexuals. But many who oppose homosexuality do so out of legitimate moral and religious reasons, not hatred of any person.

The Evangelical right has been the scapegoat for crimes against gays and unfairly so. Matthew Shepperd, who was violently assaulted and murdered by thugs who were drinking and playing pool, acts not associated with Evangelical Christians. It seems some unscrupulous gay rights activists exploited his death so criticize conservative Christians speaking out against the gay lifestyle would be branded as accomplices in his death. If Christians are responsible for acts of violence against gays because they proclaim it as sinful, are Christians also responsible for murder when a man catches his wife with another man because they spoke against adultery too?

The reason I'm opposed to gay marriage is because it is not an act of privacy in the house. Marriage is a public institution; a endorsement by society that publicly recognizes the union. If homosexuality is another lifestyle, then organizations such as religious adoption agencies who have to provide services to gay couples, businesses would be forced to provide benefits to couples. One Christian who owns a well known dating service is now being forced tho include gays, despite his religious beliefs.

The venerable Boy Scouts of all institutions are under attack. They too have their right as a private organization to associate with who they choose. The Constitution is not just a document of inclusion, but one of individual protection. The Boy Scouts should not have to explain it policies as a private group as if they are accountable to the public. Any school that denies them the right to use their facillities should be considered as disguised blessing, as it could give the churches an opportunity to open their doors to them, and be in an environment of where the Gospel is proclaimed. It is a shame that an institution such as the Boy Scouts has to defend itself, and denied the opportunity to use a public facillity because the officials have the power to deny them due to differing beliefs.

Now politicians in Chicago and Boston are saying Chik Fil A franchises are not welcome in their cities, which is an incredible display of arrogance. Imagine a politician that believes he has the power to grant who can operate a business within the confines of his city just because they exercise their First amendment right sets a dangerous precedent. I'll even say it is un American, something I'm very reluctant to say. To be clear, Chik Fil A does not refuse service to gays. Instead, they contribute money and espouse their religious beliefs, like any other American citizen or institution is entitled to. What's next: denying a business a license because the owner stole the Mayor's girlfriend when they were in high school?

The Judeo-Christian system has traditionally rejected homosexuality as sin. The sacred texts were not written fifty years ago. They predate the Constitution. They were not created by taken by polls of believers. Many Christians oppose homosexuality because the Scriptures say so, not because they wrote the Scriptures. The many Christians who speak against gay marriage are not hatemongers or bigots. That is the language of intolerant liberals who feel they are empowered to define the issue exclusively. Those Christians labeled as intolerant are instead devout, genuine people of faith who love people, but speak against their actions they believe them to be wrong.

The Triumph of Marketing

Christian culture has adapted a new nomenclature to keep up with evolving times, or "being relevant." If a word offends or turns someone off, like any good marketer, we change the name. Just as selling used cars has now become selling "preowned cars,"the savvy church promoter has his own set of buzzwords.

For example: people don't worship in churches; they are now called centers (for that matter, they don't worship either, they have an experience. And Christianity is no longer a religion either: it's now "a relationship," often with an addendum "not about rules." (by the way, if Christianity has no rules, then it's alright to drink and gamble? Well, no, they say, that's not really what we mean). And if it's a relationship instead of a religion, does the First Amendment protection of freedom of religion still apply to Christians? According to the Encarta World English Dictionary, religion is defined as the following:

re·li·gion [ ri líjjən ]   

1. beliefs and worship: people's beliefs and opinions concerning the existence, nature, and worship of a deity or deities, and divine involvement in the universe and human life
2. system: an institutionalized or personal system of beliefs and practices relating to the divine
3. personal beliefs or values: a set of strongly-held beliefs, values, and attitudes that somebody lives by

Synonyms: faith, belief, creed, conviction.

This attitude extends to church design as well. What ever happened to steeples, bells, and stained glass. Modern churches look so homogeneous and  indistinguishable from YMCAs and malls. It's as if we are trying to hide who we are and our heritage. I know people are wary of churches for various reasons, but the attitudes of the worshipers are what counts. Churches are not called churches anymore in some circles; they're now centers, or given one word names, such as "\Mountain," "Ocean." Denominational churches want to hide their identity, too. In selecting a church, it's good to know if it is Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, or Unitarian. Although  you find out quick once you stepped inside, at least it saves time. And what does a nondenominational church stand for?

Dress is another factor. A very casual dress code has come about over the years that it has made the concept of "Sunday best" obsolete. Camouflage, shorts, tee shirts, and yes, ball caps (during the service no less, but more on that later). Women in dresses and white gloves? That's irrelevant. Today everybody dresses for two hours of comfort. Their is arguments whether Paul meant men should not wear coverings in church, or long hair. "Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.... For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God."
(1 Cor. 11:4, 7). However, Paul argued that when in Rome do as the Romans do, too. It is not legalism to follow basic courtesy and manners. Nothing in the Bible states you must stand when you pledge allegiance to the flag, or holds a door open for a lady. I don't believe God wants to micromanage our lives. People who abide rules of common courtesy should not be considered pharisees. 

Sunday used to be a special day, when men dressed in suits, and women their dresses. People who call wearing fine clothes as stumbling blocks are the sometimes the same people who drive expensive SUVs to church, and not think how a poor family would feel when pulled up in the parking lot. Today, grown men dress like teenagers, and women dress like men, and listen to a man in a Hawaiian shirt on a stage. The magic of Sunday morning is now like a day at the mall.