Class Warfare
Text: Acts 13:42-52
Rev. Dr. John E. Manzo
September 2, 2007
Every so often in political debates one person or group usually steps up and claims that another person or group is engaging in class warfare. It is almost as if this is a new thing that someone just dreamed up.
Class warfare is obviously one class of people in conflict with another class of people.
It can be a conflict between rich and poor.
It can be a conflict between races.
It can be a conflict between ethnic groups.
It can be a conflict between political parties.
Virtually anyone, at any time can claim that they are in a conflict with any one else and claim it to be class warfare.
We have this kind of scenario in our passage today. Paul and Barnabas are preaching to both Jews and Gentiles. The Jews reject the preaching of Paul and Barnabas as blasphemy and sinful whereas the Gentiles embrace it. Paul and Barnabas further say that they were commanded by God to preach first to the Jews and since the Jewish community would not embrace the Gospel, they were pushed aside for the Gentiles. In how they are speaking, they are not saying that God is rejecting them, but that the Jewish community was rejecting what God had laid out for them.
In that realm the Jews saw the Gentiles as unclean heathens and to be pushed aside for unclean heathens was just more than they could handle.
God does not bring about conflict, people do. Conflict is not from God, but often comes as a result of people’s reaction to God or God’s way. And people react in very different ways to God.
In the time leading up to the Civil War and through the war itself Christians, from both the North and the South firmly believed that they were doing God’s will. From the pulpits in the South, their Bible told them that God not only permitted slavery, but expected it and blessed it.
From the pulpits in the North, their Bible told them that God hated slavery and expected all people, of all races, to be a free people.
Of course, the Southern Bible and the Northern Bible were the same Bible. It wasn’t the Bible that caused the division, it was people’s response to it.
During World War II the average foot soldier of the American Army and the average foot soldier of the German Army found that they had something in common.
The average soldier in the German Army, and I’m not talking about the radical Nazis, believed that they were fighting for God and country and that God wanted them to fight against the godless Communists. Most could not understand why the Americans and the British did not join them to fight against the Soviet Union because this was something that God truly wanted.
Among the German soldiers were many religious medals, were Bibles, and copies of prayers that they carried in their pockets. When they began to lose the war many of them wondered aloud whose side God was really on.
The average soldier in the American Army was fighting against the evils of the Nazis. They were fighting to keep freedom alive in nations where the Nazis had conquered and terrorized the population. Among the American soldiers were many religious medals, were Bibles, and copies of prayers that they carried in their pockets.
The God of the German Army and the God of the American Army was the same God, the one God we all Worship. It wasn’t God who caused the conflict, it was people.
When we read this passage from Acts of the Apostles we see conflict among the people. It’s important to recognize that God is not the one who caused the conflict; it was the reaction of people to God.
People’s divisions over God and their response to God is always tragic. Jesus had several fervent prayers in the Bible. One of the most fervent was in John 17 when Jesus prayed that all may be one. I often think that when Christians decide to fight one another, to become hostile with one another, we ought to read and reread that prayer and ponder if the conflict is worth defying Jesus’ prayer for. I greatly suspect that if we truly did that, God’s people would fight a lot less.
There is a second aspect to this narrative. Paul and Barnabas were humble and practiced humility. They did not engage sides, they did not engage the conflict, they simply and humbly preached God’s Word.
The leading cause of conflict among Christians does not come from the Bible and does not come from God. It comes, as I said before, from people’s response to God and God’s Word. The bigger problem however, the thing that colors that response almost more than anything else, is spiritual arrogance.
Spiritual arrogance comes when we believe that our view, our perception, our response to God is the right one. And, if we are right, that means they are wrong. No matter where we are coming from, when we begin to go down this road, we are dancing in the world of spiritual arrogance.
Almost twenty years ago I was reading a book by a theological historian named Malachi Martin. Martin is one of those people who weaved history and theology together in some remarkable ways. He made an observation about 20th century Christianity that was really interesting at the time and I didn’t totally get it back then. But his observation stuck with me.
He said that the two most lethal words that were being bandied about in Christianity were the words liberal and conservative. His use of the worth lethal in regards to these two words really jumped out.
He pointed out something pretty interesting.
First, the words liberal and conservative are not Biblical words. Neither word shows up in the Bible.
Secondly, he observed that the words liberal and conservative did not show up in church history until very recently.
The conflict between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches was theological and about where authority resided in the church. The words or concepts behind liberal and conservative never entered the debate.
During the time of the Protestant Reformation Luther did not use the words liberal and conservative in his writings, his preaching, or his discussions. His issues were very precise, very theological, and very much core issues of faith. Was he liberal because he wanted to change Christianity or was he conservative because he wanted to go back to ancient Christianity? We don’t really know because he never really engaged the words liberal and conservative.
Martin makes the observation that the reason the words do not show up for most of the history of Christianity is because they are not theological, Biblical, or spiritual words. They are political words. They are words, be design to form a wedge.
For better or worse, our democracy is based on wedges. We have multi-party government to intentionally have differences of opinions and wedge issues. It, in so many ways, keeps us safe from tyranny.
But the Gospel, by design, is not about wedges. It is, by design, a Gospel which shares the belief that God loves us and wants to be loved back. The Gospel, by design may lead to people responding in wedge-like fashion, but it isn’t, by design, intended to drive wedges. It is intended to live out Jesus’ prayer that all may be one. When we use political words, wedge words, we actually promote a spiritual arrogance more than we share the Gospel.
Paul and Barnabas preached and there was conflict. Let us know, however, that God does not promote conflict; God’s people in how they respond to God, often do. When we fight, it is not God’s will, but our will. We need to learn and live the humility that God challenges us to embrace. God’s people do, on occasion fight. We need to recognize that the fight comes not from God, but from within ourselves, and is not to be exalted, but is to be recognized as tragic.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
Economic Forum with Baron Hill
Representative Baron Hill hosted an economic forum at IUS this morning. I've never really attended something like this and found it to be very educational.
I was most interested to hear why he was opposed to the current bill, the Children's Health Insurance Program. He actually supports the funding, but opposes the fact that they seem to what to fund it entirely from tobacco sales. Mr. Hill explained that if it were spread out amongst other groups he would vote for it. His main difficulty with the tobacco funding is because his region includes many tobacco farmers and there is an economic and cultural issue in addressing this.
I am sure that he's correct. It is also correct, however, that over the years many industries and farms have had to change their focus. Economics and culture can and does change.
It is painfully obvious that something needs to happen quickly with health care.
People and employers are playing higher premiums than ever before; and getting less service for this higher premiums.
Physicians are confronted with sky-rocketing costs of maintaining a practice. Doctors have to pay almost obscene premiums for malpractice insurance, purchase equipment and supplies, and maintain a staff. Many have half of their staff working exclusively on dealing with insurance companies. Doctors work long hours and are maxed out. Most do well, but most are not nearly as wealthy as they are perceived to be. Some specialists are, but most 'family doctors' work long hours and don't make nearly as much as many people presume.
One of the great prevailing myths that we have is that health insurance companies exist to provide coverage to patients by helping pay bills. Health insurance companies exist to make money for their stock holders. In order to have an income they must offer a product. It is, however, in the best interest of health insurance providers to pay out as little as they can.
Additionally, most health insurance providers offer 'sick care' but do not offer 'prevention care.' Money gets paid out to sick people but rarely for healthy people looking to remain so.
Meanwhile, health insurers have the highest profits ever. Pharmaceutical companies have their highest profits ever.
SERIOUS discussion needs to take place. We are in a national health care crisis. We are not GOING to be in one, we ARE in one now. The only thing it will do is to get worse.
I do not know the answer to the problem. I truly don't. I do know this. Any serious attempts at reform are going to be confronted by the insurance and pharmaceuticals in a huge way. We will be bombarded with ads telling us how great everything is and how the government is out to destroy health care as we know it. The will even bring out the 'socialized medicine boogey man' to frighten people and will tell you that if you need an MRI in Canada or England, the next available one is in 2010 (which is bogus, btw).
We have to have the ability to overlook the shrill commercials and the scare tactics of these industries and force our leaders to actually lead and help fix a badly broken system.
As for Mr. Hill, I'm not sure that I agree with his rationale, but I'm glad he was willing to stand before a group of people and honestly tell us what he thought and why he thought that.
I was most interested to hear why he was opposed to the current bill, the Children's Health Insurance Program. He actually supports the funding, but opposes the fact that they seem to what to fund it entirely from tobacco sales. Mr. Hill explained that if it were spread out amongst other groups he would vote for it. His main difficulty with the tobacco funding is because his region includes many tobacco farmers and there is an economic and cultural issue in addressing this.
I am sure that he's correct. It is also correct, however, that over the years many industries and farms have had to change their focus. Economics and culture can and does change.
It is painfully obvious that something needs to happen quickly with health care.
People and employers are playing higher premiums than ever before; and getting less service for this higher premiums.
Physicians are confronted with sky-rocketing costs of maintaining a practice. Doctors have to pay almost obscene premiums for malpractice insurance, purchase equipment and supplies, and maintain a staff. Many have half of their staff working exclusively on dealing with insurance companies. Doctors work long hours and are maxed out. Most do well, but most are not nearly as wealthy as they are perceived to be. Some specialists are, but most 'family doctors' work long hours and don't make nearly as much as many people presume.
One of the great prevailing myths that we have is that health insurance companies exist to provide coverage to patients by helping pay bills. Health insurance companies exist to make money for their stock holders. In order to have an income they must offer a product. It is, however, in the best interest of health insurance providers to pay out as little as they can.
Additionally, most health insurance providers offer 'sick care' but do not offer 'prevention care.' Money gets paid out to sick people but rarely for healthy people looking to remain so.
Meanwhile, health insurers have the highest profits ever. Pharmaceutical companies have their highest profits ever.
SERIOUS discussion needs to take place. We are in a national health care crisis. We are not GOING to be in one, we ARE in one now. The only thing it will do is to get worse.
I do not know the answer to the problem. I truly don't. I do know this. Any serious attempts at reform are going to be confronted by the insurance and pharmaceuticals in a huge way. We will be bombarded with ads telling us how great everything is and how the government is out to destroy health care as we know it. The will even bring out the 'socialized medicine boogey man' to frighten people and will tell you that if you need an MRI in Canada or England, the next available one is in 2010 (which is bogus, btw).
We have to have the ability to overlook the shrill commercials and the scare tactics of these industries and force our leaders to actually lead and help fix a badly broken system.
As for Mr. Hill, I'm not sure that I agree with his rationale, but I'm glad he was willing to stand before a group of people and honestly tell us what he thought and why he thought that.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Ironically...
Ironically, Leona Helmsley's dog is now worth more than Michael Vick.
Ironically, Senator Larry Craig's public statements and the police transcript do not match up. It is notable, however, that perhaps Senator Craig's voting record is not completely hypocritical. He is opposed to gay marriage but has never made a speech or voted on random gay sexual encounters in public rest rooms.
Ironically, Miss South Carolina is more famous than whoever it is who won that beauty pageant.
And not in the realm of ironic, but in the realm of ranting. The New York Mets were 6 games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies. They had a four game series. If the Mets swept them, and it is very difficult to sweep a four game series from a good team, they would pretty much have assured that they would clinch the division. If the Mets split with them, all remained the same with a month left....no big deal. If the Mets lost 3 out of 4 they would only have lost 2 games. Bad, but not awful. If they got swept, they'd be in trouble as they would have given, as a wrapped gift, a path for the Phillies to clinch the division.
And the Mets got swept. Now they go to Atlanta and they have only one a third of their games against the Braves. Smoltz will pitch against Glavine, so the Braves will win on Sunday. On Saturday the Mets have Mike Pelfrey pitching and he is 0-7. And they have a bullpen leakier than the Titanic.
All this and the Yankees swept the Red Sox.
Ugh.
Ironically, Senator Larry Craig's public statements and the police transcript do not match up. It is notable, however, that perhaps Senator Craig's voting record is not completely hypocritical. He is opposed to gay marriage but has never made a speech or voted on random gay sexual encounters in public rest rooms.
Ironically, Miss South Carolina is more famous than whoever it is who won that beauty pageant.
And not in the realm of ironic, but in the realm of ranting. The New York Mets were 6 games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies. They had a four game series. If the Mets swept them, and it is very difficult to sweep a four game series from a good team, they would pretty much have assured that they would clinch the division. If the Mets split with them, all remained the same with a month left....no big deal. If the Mets lost 3 out of 4 they would only have lost 2 games. Bad, but not awful. If they got swept, they'd be in trouble as they would have given, as a wrapped gift, a path for the Phillies to clinch the division.
And the Mets got swept. Now they go to Atlanta and they have only one a third of their games against the Braves. Smoltz will pitch against Glavine, so the Braves will win on Sunday. On Saturday the Mets have Mike Pelfrey pitching and he is 0-7. And they have a bullpen leakier than the Titanic.
All this and the Yankees swept the Red Sox.
Ugh.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Observations on Three Folks
Person One: Lauren Caitlin Upton
Well Lauren Caitlin Upton sure made the news. Miss South Carolina was asked a question concerning how a large number of Americans cannot find the United States on the map. She started down the wrong path when she began surmising that the problem was that too many people didn't have maps. After that her answer really went south. Badly. Very badly.
She's 18 years old and very pretty. She was on national TV and had a bad case of brain freeze at the worst possible time. She's been called dumb. She's been called blonde. People have had their laughs. But she's 18 years old. People need to cut this girl a break and get over the fact that she made a mistake. It's easy when TV hosts laugh at her; they're on national TV all the time. But she's an average girl who is very pretty and was in a beauty contest. First time on national TV and her brain froze. Again. Cut her a break.
Person 2: Lisa Nowak
She drove across the country to confront a woman who was dating a man she secretly loved. In the end no one was hurt, she was arrested and humiliated across the country.
Lisa Nowak is a naval officer who was also an astronaut and flew into space on the space shuttle in 2006. She had gone through a painful divorce and had a school girl crush and pretty much lost it. If you read the events of that day it becomes painfully evident that she lost it. She flipped out and was majorly dumb.
She is pleading temporary insanity and, frankly, I hope this works. I truly do. This story to me reminds me that we have very smart people enlist in the armed services and who willingly serve their nation by flying into space---an incredibly dangerous and stressful job. When they lose it, when they unravel, we are there to completely destroy them. Lisa Nowak is a reminder that we seem to delight in shooting our wounded. My heart really goes out to her.
Person 3 Senator Larry Craig
The problem with running on family values...
The problem with getting on TV and calling then President Bill Clinton, "a naughty boy..."
The problem with being anti-gay when you are gay...
I actually feel sorry for this guy to a point. It is painfully obvious that he did what he pleaded guilty to. It is painfully obvious that he is highly embarrassed by this whole story.
It has been thought by many for a long time that Senator Craig was and is gay. But he ran on an anti-gay platform and was gung-ho traditional family values. (Not quite sure what those are, but, okay.)
His friends and colleagues are showing their love and support by guiding him to the gangplank. His friends are suggesting that he take a long walk down a short pier. Mitt Romney, demonstrating his compassion, fired him from his campaign and blamed Bill Clinton. You have to be impressed by Romney's sheer chutzpah on that one.
The biggest problem I have with this man is hypocrisy. I frankly do not care what his sexual orientation is. I just wish:
He'd be honest to his wife and family.
He'd be honest to the people.
He'd be honest to himself.
And he'd apologize to those people he bashed.
Hypocrisy is deadly. I suspect he's finding that out.
Well Lauren Caitlin Upton sure made the news. Miss South Carolina was asked a question concerning how a large number of Americans cannot find the United States on the map. She started down the wrong path when she began surmising that the problem was that too many people didn't have maps. After that her answer really went south. Badly. Very badly.
She's 18 years old and very pretty. She was on national TV and had a bad case of brain freeze at the worst possible time. She's been called dumb. She's been called blonde. People have had their laughs. But she's 18 years old. People need to cut this girl a break and get over the fact that she made a mistake. It's easy when TV hosts laugh at her; they're on national TV all the time. But she's an average girl who is very pretty and was in a beauty contest. First time on national TV and her brain froze. Again. Cut her a break.
Person 2: Lisa Nowak
She drove across the country to confront a woman who was dating a man she secretly loved. In the end no one was hurt, she was arrested and humiliated across the country.
Lisa Nowak is a naval officer who was also an astronaut and flew into space on the space shuttle in 2006. She had gone through a painful divorce and had a school girl crush and pretty much lost it. If you read the events of that day it becomes painfully evident that she lost it. She flipped out and was majorly dumb.
She is pleading temporary insanity and, frankly, I hope this works. I truly do. This story to me reminds me that we have very smart people enlist in the armed services and who willingly serve their nation by flying into space---an incredibly dangerous and stressful job. When they lose it, when they unravel, we are there to completely destroy them. Lisa Nowak is a reminder that we seem to delight in shooting our wounded. My heart really goes out to her.
Person 3 Senator Larry Craig
The problem with running on family values...
The problem with getting on TV and calling then President Bill Clinton, "a naughty boy..."
The problem with being anti-gay when you are gay...
I actually feel sorry for this guy to a point. It is painfully obvious that he did what he pleaded guilty to. It is painfully obvious that he is highly embarrassed by this whole story.
It has been thought by many for a long time that Senator Craig was and is gay. But he ran on an anti-gay platform and was gung-ho traditional family values. (Not quite sure what those are, but, okay.)
His friends and colleagues are showing their love and support by guiding him to the gangplank. His friends are suggesting that he take a long walk down a short pier. Mitt Romney, demonstrating his compassion, fired him from his campaign and blamed Bill Clinton. You have to be impressed by Romney's sheer chutzpah on that one.
The biggest problem I have with this man is hypocrisy. I frankly do not care what his sexual orientation is. I just wish:
He'd be honest to his wife and family.
He'd be honest to the people.
He'd be honest to himself.
And he'd apologize to those people he bashed.
Hypocrisy is deadly. I suspect he's finding that out.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
I Found Jesus!
Michael Vick's speech, a heartfelt speech about the remorse that he felt, was quite good. He expressed a sense of humility and wrong doing that he had not expressed before. Good for him.
The thing that bugged me a bit was the, "I found Jesus," line.
I am obviously not opposed to people finding Jesus. Good, excellent, great. My sense, however, is that it's often a cheap line. It seems that when a celebrity is in trouble and rehab is not an option or a solution, they suddenly find Jesus. "Hey, I messed up but now I'm in rehab so I'm wonderful," is replaced by, "Hey, I missed up but now I found Jesus so I'm wonderful."
As most people who work at rehab and most people who have successfully been through rehab will tell us, is that showing up is great, but rehab is a long, painful, and difficult journey. The first step is showing up----but it's only a first step.
The same is true of discipleship. In reading much of what Mother Teresa wrote in her letters, discipleship, for her, was a long, painful, and difficult journey. Just saying, "I found Jesus," is just showing up. It's a great first step, but I'd love to know several things about Michael Vick.
Did he start going to church? Does he own a Bible? Does he pray more than just when he needs something? Has he given money away to charity, most especially the poor? Has he worked in a soup kitchen or anything like that?
Just finding Jesus because finding Jesus makes us 'feel good,' or 'look good' to others is not really finding Jesus. I hope for Michael Vick's sake he really did find Jesus and has begun walking down a genuine path of discipleship. But don't boast that you found Jesus until you've traveled down the road a bit.
The thing that bugged me a bit was the, "I found Jesus," line.
I am obviously not opposed to people finding Jesus. Good, excellent, great. My sense, however, is that it's often a cheap line. It seems that when a celebrity is in trouble and rehab is not an option or a solution, they suddenly find Jesus. "Hey, I messed up but now I'm in rehab so I'm wonderful," is replaced by, "Hey, I missed up but now I found Jesus so I'm wonderful."
As most people who work at rehab and most people who have successfully been through rehab will tell us, is that showing up is great, but rehab is a long, painful, and difficult journey. The first step is showing up----but it's only a first step.
The same is true of discipleship. In reading much of what Mother Teresa wrote in her letters, discipleship, for her, was a long, painful, and difficult journey. Just saying, "I found Jesus," is just showing up. It's a great first step, but I'd love to know several things about Michael Vick.
Did he start going to church? Does he own a Bible? Does he pray more than just when he needs something? Has he given money away to charity, most especially the poor? Has he worked in a soup kitchen or anything like that?
Just finding Jesus because finding Jesus makes us 'feel good,' or 'look good' to others is not really finding Jesus. I hope for Michael Vick's sake he really did find Jesus and has begun walking down a genuine path of discipleship. But don't boast that you found Jesus until you've traveled down the road a bit.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Randomness
El Duque keeps pitching well for the Mets. Officially he's listed as 37 years old and is from Cuba. No one really believes that he's 37. I think that having played baseball against Fidel when they were both children makes it seem impossible...
Actually, he's fun to watch. He throws from so many angles and uses so many speeds he drives hitters crazy.
Top Chef was stunning the other night. Sara, who has been marginal at best, won and did a great job running a kitchen AND keeping Howie in line which was no small feat. Actually, he had so undercooked some lamb that he would have lost it for the team----until she made him do it again. He did, it was good, and they won. But Tre, who was one of the best of the chefs and a person who I thought had the most solid chance to win, was voted off the island. Too many simple mistakes and he was gone. Really too bad, however, as he was one of the best. And, very shocking, but Hung has been decent to be around the last two weeks. Actually, during a challenged, he had to cut chickens up and wow. This guy has knife skills...
Mirapex is a drug used to treat restless leg syndrome. You are supposed to consult your doctor if you have impulse control issues and lose control eating, or practice excessive gambling, or have excessive sexual urges. I'd make a joke that maybe Lindsay, Britney, and Paris all must suffer from restless leg syndrome, but I won't. That would lack class.
The thing is, I hate to say it, whenever I see a Mirapex commercial I'm always wondering if it's really a commercial or a skit on Saturday Night Live.
Well, Michael Vick pleaded out. What a fool!!! I don't even know what else to say.
Actually, he's fun to watch. He throws from so many angles and uses so many speeds he drives hitters crazy.
Top Chef was stunning the other night. Sara, who has been marginal at best, won and did a great job running a kitchen AND keeping Howie in line which was no small feat. Actually, he had so undercooked some lamb that he would have lost it for the team----until she made him do it again. He did, it was good, and they won. But Tre, who was one of the best of the chefs and a person who I thought had the most solid chance to win, was voted off the island. Too many simple mistakes and he was gone. Really too bad, however, as he was one of the best. And, very shocking, but Hung has been decent to be around the last two weeks. Actually, during a challenged, he had to cut chickens up and wow. This guy has knife skills...
Mirapex is a drug used to treat restless leg syndrome. You are supposed to consult your doctor if you have impulse control issues and lose control eating, or practice excessive gambling, or have excessive sexual urges. I'd make a joke that maybe Lindsay, Britney, and Paris all must suffer from restless leg syndrome, but I won't. That would lack class.
The thing is, I hate to say it, whenever I see a Mirapex commercial I'm always wondering if it's really a commercial or a skit on Saturday Night Live.
Well, Michael Vick pleaded out. What a fool!!! I don't even know what else to say.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Mother Teresa
I had heard about the content of Mother Teresa's diary a while back. It was said then, as it's said now, is that she wrestled with doubt through a long stretch of her life. Suddenly today when an incredibly devout woman who spent her life doing good amongst the poorest of the poor, she is cast on the front page with an almost gloomy report of her doubt.
The landmark study of faith was done by a man named James Fowler where he labels six stages o faith development. You can read them here: http://faculty.plts.edu/gpence/html/fowler.htm
Many people find Mother Teresa's doubt to be shocking because we live in a day and age when many people appear to be stuck at what Fowler calls Stage 2, Mythic Literal Faith.
What begins to happen when people grown and transcend mythic-literal faith is that they begin to doubt. They reattain a sense of faith as they grow and then go through more periods of doubt. Often, when we find people who have never had any doubt, the sense may be that they haven't grown beyond Stage 2 in their faith development. Moving from absolute assurance (stage 2) and allowing ourselves to question and doubt is a step many people do not desire to take.
Mother Teresa, however, did not fear growth. In fact, her life was focused on growing in her faith----and in growing in her faith she experienced doubt.
On another level, well, no kidding. She was constantly in confrontation with a world that honored wealth and power and she was working with the poorest of the poor. The people no one wanted. The more ignored people in all society.
As I look at this amazing woman I can't help but admire her and her faith journey. It only occurs once in several life times when we really see a person who walked the walk very much like Jesus.
The landmark study of faith was done by a man named James Fowler where he labels six stages o faith development. You can read them here: http://faculty.plts.edu/gpence/html/fowler.htm
Many people find Mother Teresa's doubt to be shocking because we live in a day and age when many people appear to be stuck at what Fowler calls Stage 2, Mythic Literal Faith.
What begins to happen when people grown and transcend mythic-literal faith is that they begin to doubt. They reattain a sense of faith as they grow and then go through more periods of doubt. Often, when we find people who have never had any doubt, the sense may be that they haven't grown beyond Stage 2 in their faith development. Moving from absolute assurance (stage 2) and allowing ourselves to question and doubt is a step many people do not desire to take.
Mother Teresa, however, did not fear growth. In fact, her life was focused on growing in her faith----and in growing in her faith she experienced doubt.
On another level, well, no kidding. She was constantly in confrontation with a world that honored wealth and power and she was working with the poorest of the poor. The people no one wanted. The more ignored people in all society.
As I look at this amazing woman I can't help but admire her and her faith journey. It only occurs once in several life times when we really see a person who walked the walk very much like Jesus.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Baron Hill and Children’s Health Insurance Program
The Children’s Health Insurance Program is important legislation is a program aimed at increasing health insurance coverage for children. President Bush is promising to veto it. Strong Congressional support is needed to make this bill veto proof.
I was shocked and appalled that Baron Hill has voted against this legislation. He is going to be at IUS from 9 - 11:45 to have a town hall meeting discussing economic issues in Indiana. I personally think that this is important legislation as children's health care is getting worse and worse. I'm planning on attending that meeting. If you think that this is important, please plan to attend as well.
I was shocked and appalled that Baron Hill has voted against this legislation. He is going to be at IUS from 9 - 11:45 to have a town hall meeting discussing economic issues in Indiana. I personally think that this is important legislation as children's health care is getting worse and worse. I'm planning on attending that meeting. If you think that this is important, please plan to attend as well.
Commercials in Support of the War
Wow. The last couple of days I've noticed that there are commercials on TV in support of the war in Iraq.
Somewhere logged in there amidst nightly ads for McDonalds, Viagra, and Target we have soldiers (or people acting to be soldiers) speaking of their service in Iraq and how important our mission there is.
This war is a controversial war. The American death toll stands at over 3700 people and it is added to each and every day with between three and four people being killed.
War under the best of circumstances is horrible and tragic. Most rational people would say that World War II was very much a just war and needed to be fought. In hindsight most sane people do not question our involvement and see it as a war that needed to be fought. It was, however, still horrible and tragic.
We can debate whether or not we should have gone into Iraq in the first place. That argument still rages. It's pretty much a mute argument at this point, however. We are there. What we did in the past we did in the past and cannot be changed. Wringing our hands over should or shouldn't is pretty much a worthless activity.
The President has made it clear that he plans to stay in Iraq. He is the Commander and Chief and can keep the troops there as long as Congress is willing to fund the war.
Congress has had, frankly, silly little debates on the war but has not shown that it has the gumption or desire to remove funding for the war so the war continues and will continue.
Sadly, debate over the war has become a cynical little game for politicians and it is dreadful. There should not be commercials promoting or attacking the war. Individual leaders who choose to run for office based in staying in or getting out are fine. They can make their positions. It is disgraceful, however, when soldiers who have fought for their country are paraded in front of a camera to speak for the war in general, either pro or con. Disgraceful.
Amidst the ads for Budweiser, dualing Levitra bathtubs, and the autumn's new TV lineup, there are no commercials exclusively about the war.
I happen to decry the over-coverage of Paris, Lindsay, and Britney and now the war has been diminished to little 30 second ads.
Disgraceful!
Somewhere logged in there amidst nightly ads for McDonalds, Viagra, and Target we have soldiers (or people acting to be soldiers) speaking of their service in Iraq and how important our mission there is.
This war is a controversial war. The American death toll stands at over 3700 people and it is added to each and every day with between three and four people being killed.
War under the best of circumstances is horrible and tragic. Most rational people would say that World War II was very much a just war and needed to be fought. In hindsight most sane people do not question our involvement and see it as a war that needed to be fought. It was, however, still horrible and tragic.
We can debate whether or not we should have gone into Iraq in the first place. That argument still rages. It's pretty much a mute argument at this point, however. We are there. What we did in the past we did in the past and cannot be changed. Wringing our hands over should or shouldn't is pretty much a worthless activity.
The President has made it clear that he plans to stay in Iraq. He is the Commander and Chief and can keep the troops there as long as Congress is willing to fund the war.
Congress has had, frankly, silly little debates on the war but has not shown that it has the gumption or desire to remove funding for the war so the war continues and will continue.
Sadly, debate over the war has become a cynical little game for politicians and it is dreadful. There should not be commercials promoting or attacking the war. Individual leaders who choose to run for office based in staying in or getting out are fine. They can make their positions. It is disgraceful, however, when soldiers who have fought for their country are paraded in front of a camera to speak for the war in general, either pro or con. Disgraceful.
Amidst the ads for Budweiser, dualing Levitra bathtubs, and the autumn's new TV lineup, there are no commercials exclusively about the war.
I happen to decry the over-coverage of Paris, Lindsay, and Britney and now the war has been diminished to little 30 second ads.
Disgraceful!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Tiki & Eli or Make that Eli & Tiki
I was surprised by the comments of Tiki Barber on Saturday night. The question was about the leadership of Eli Manning and Tiki pretty much proclaimed himself as the team leader (last season) and he made a comment that on one occasion Eli's pre-game speech was actually comical. It struck me as a bit mean spirited. Eli, to his credit, blew off Tiki's comments and he also made some observations about Tiki's leadership last year.
Tiki Barber is a class guy and was a great running back. When Tiki was drafted by the New York Giants Rodney Hampton was their main running back. Barber was drafted in the second round and was seen as the second coming of Dave Meggett. Meggett was drafted in the 5th round by the Giants in 1989 and was very much a part of their Super Bowl team. Meggett was great out of the backfield on third downs. He ran draw plays and was an excellent receiver and punt returner. Tiki Barber was not a huge guy and many people believed that he'd be the some kind of change of pace player that Meggett was and, like Meggett, it was presumed that Barber would not have the size and endurance to be a feature back.
Tiki, however, became the best running back in NY Giants history and demonstrated that he did have the ability to be the feature back. Great player.
The thing is, last year, while playing really well, Tiki got carried away with, well, Tiki. Tom Coughlin, his coach, is not the easiest guy to get along with or like, but Tiki seemed to delight in taking shots at Coughlin with the press. Actually, Barber seemed to like to take a lot of shots at his team and many people believed that when he told the world that he was retiring, his leadership ability bid a fond farewell.
Enter Eli Manning, the quarterback, Peyton's little brother.
Peyton Manning is a great player. Great passer, great play maker, great leader. He has a dynamic and fiery personality.
Eli has a bigger arm and has made some great plays and some awful plays. He has a very different personality from Peyton. Where Peyton is fiery and dynamic, Eli is very, very cool. I remember, years ago, watching Joe Namath and Johnny Unitas play. Namath was fiery and dynamic; Unitas was cool. Both were great.
Eli is young. He's had great moments and bad moments. It isn't all that atypical of a young quarterback. I'm wondering, if by getting Eli mad at him of Tiki Barber is finally showing the leadership to his former team that he failed to give them when he was playing last year.
Tiki Barber is a class guy and was a great running back. When Tiki was drafted by the New York Giants Rodney Hampton was their main running back. Barber was drafted in the second round and was seen as the second coming of Dave Meggett. Meggett was drafted in the 5th round by the Giants in 1989 and was very much a part of their Super Bowl team. Meggett was great out of the backfield on third downs. He ran draw plays and was an excellent receiver and punt returner. Tiki Barber was not a huge guy and many people believed that he'd be the some kind of change of pace player that Meggett was and, like Meggett, it was presumed that Barber would not have the size and endurance to be a feature back.
Tiki, however, became the best running back in NY Giants history and demonstrated that he did have the ability to be the feature back. Great player.
The thing is, last year, while playing really well, Tiki got carried away with, well, Tiki. Tom Coughlin, his coach, is not the easiest guy to get along with or like, but Tiki seemed to delight in taking shots at Coughlin with the press. Actually, Barber seemed to like to take a lot of shots at his team and many people believed that when he told the world that he was retiring, his leadership ability bid a fond farewell.
Enter Eli Manning, the quarterback, Peyton's little brother.
Peyton Manning is a great player. Great passer, great play maker, great leader. He has a dynamic and fiery personality.
Eli has a bigger arm and has made some great plays and some awful plays. He has a very different personality from Peyton. Where Peyton is fiery and dynamic, Eli is very, very cool. I remember, years ago, watching Joe Namath and Johnny Unitas play. Namath was fiery and dynamic; Unitas was cool. Both were great.
Eli is young. He's had great moments and bad moments. It isn't all that atypical of a young quarterback. I'm wondering, if by getting Eli mad at him of Tiki Barber is finally showing the leadership to his former team that he failed to give them when he was playing last year.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Arrivederci Michael Vick
Arrivederci Michael Vick. It looks like you have found a way to destroy a potentially great career. If nothing else, you managed to squander a huge opportunity.
With his contract playing for the Atlanta Falcons as well as many endorsements, Michael Vick's guilty plea is going to cost him over $130,000,000.00.
All for dog fighting and gambling about dog fighting. Not only dog fighting, however, but for unimaginable cruelty to the animals after the fights. From witness statements, Michael Vick seemed to enjoy finding novel ways to kill the dogs.
It does boggle my mind. For one, I cannot fathom $130,000,000.00. As a struggle to put two kids through college having enough money to purchase a college is beyond the realm of imagination to me.
What's sad about this is that Michael Vick is truly a talented young man and a very gifted athlete. People question how 'good' he is----and the jury is still out. But he's also young and it often takes great quarterbacks years and the right coaches and the right system to truly blossom. I'm steamed at Bobby Petrino for leaving U of L, but I do believe that if any coach could really help Michael Vick become an outstanding NFL quarterback, it would be Bobby Petrino. Vick has been one of the most exciting players in the game and under the mentorship of a great offensive coach, who knows what he could have accomplished.
As it stands now, Michael Vick will never play for Bobby Petrino. He would most probably never play for the Falcons again and it is very questionable if he will ever play in the NFL again. Additionally, he most probably will be serving jail time---and state charges which could add to the jail time, are pending. The only football he might be playing is flag football with other inmates. He will, undoubtedly be the best player in the prison.
The sad reality is, however, as he runs around the prison yard, dazzling fellow inmates with his great moves, one can only bow one's head and say, "What a waste."
With his contract playing for the Atlanta Falcons as well as many endorsements, Michael Vick's guilty plea is going to cost him over $130,000,000.00.
All for dog fighting and gambling about dog fighting. Not only dog fighting, however, but for unimaginable cruelty to the animals after the fights. From witness statements, Michael Vick seemed to enjoy finding novel ways to kill the dogs.
It does boggle my mind. For one, I cannot fathom $130,000,000.00. As a struggle to put two kids through college having enough money to purchase a college is beyond the realm of imagination to me.
What's sad about this is that Michael Vick is truly a talented young man and a very gifted athlete. People question how 'good' he is----and the jury is still out. But he's also young and it often takes great quarterbacks years and the right coaches and the right system to truly blossom. I'm steamed at Bobby Petrino for leaving U of L, but I do believe that if any coach could really help Michael Vick become an outstanding NFL quarterback, it would be Bobby Petrino. Vick has been one of the most exciting players in the game and under the mentorship of a great offensive coach, who knows what he could have accomplished.
As it stands now, Michael Vick will never play for Bobby Petrino. He would most probably never play for the Falcons again and it is very questionable if he will ever play in the NFL again. Additionally, he most probably will be serving jail time---and state charges which could add to the jail time, are pending. The only football he might be playing is flag football with other inmates. He will, undoubtedly be the best player in the prison.
The sad reality is, however, as he runs around the prison yard, dazzling fellow inmates with his great moves, one can only bow one's head and say, "What a waste."
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Was Jesus a Capitalist?
Recently, at a small college out west, a professor, Andrew Paquin, was fired. Bill Armstrong, a former United States Senator is the President of the college and fired Paquin because Paquin had students read works by Jim Wallis and Peter Singer. Singer is an atheist and an animal rights activist and a professor at Princeton University who very much promotes being gentle with the environment. Wallis is an Evangelical Christian who believes that the primary teaching of Jesus in the Gospels is caring for the poor. Radical stuff this caring for the poor.
Armstrong fired Paquin because he was teaching things not consistent with the philosophy of the college. Actually I really don't have an issue with this. Colleges have a right to set their own agendas and hire faculties consistent with those agendas. I tend to think that great education takes place when students are exposed to a wide range of thoughts from a wide range of writers, but that's just me. The school, and Armstrong, had every right to terminate Paquin.
What disturbs me is that in explaining this termination comes from this. Armstrong felt that by exposing students to these authors it was undermining the college's commitment to the free enterprise system and to quote:
“I don’t think there is another system that is more consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ,” Armstrong told the Rocky Mountain News. “What the university stands for, among other things, is free markets.”
Free markets and capitalism are what are more consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ than any other system?
In the early days of Pope John Paul II politically conservative people applauded the Pope in his attacks on Communism as a system which corrupted lives of people. They were, however, mortified when he later turned and claimed that Capitalism did the same thing. In essence he was saying that neither system was consistent with the teachings of Jesus.
I am not opposed to capitalism but Jesus was not a capitalist. He wasn't a socialist either. From a political perspective if Jesus spoke at the Republican Convention the paint would blister from the walls from the heat of his words to them. If Jesus spoke at the Democratic Convention the paint would blister from the walls from the heat of his words to them. The fact that political parties are able to recruit clergy to pander to their agendas does not indicate in any way that anyone is being faithful to the teachings of Jesus.
Jesus, in reality, was an economic anarchist. A thorough reading of the Gospel of Luke, which last I saw, was still in the Bible, indicates that Jesus had issues with money. His preferred use of money seemed to be something one got rid off.
Frankly, as a Christian, I'm getting tired of people in politics who take random quotes from the Bible to validate their opinions, opinions often inconsistent with the totality of the Gospel. This idea of pronouncing something "Christian" because "I found a verse" does not honor the Word of God, but frankly dishonors it by making it little more than little verses, placed in cookies, and served after chow mein.
Armstrong fired Paquin because he was teaching things not consistent with the philosophy of the college. Actually I really don't have an issue with this. Colleges have a right to set their own agendas and hire faculties consistent with those agendas. I tend to think that great education takes place when students are exposed to a wide range of thoughts from a wide range of writers, but that's just me. The school, and Armstrong, had every right to terminate Paquin.
What disturbs me is that in explaining this termination comes from this. Armstrong felt that by exposing students to these authors it was undermining the college's commitment to the free enterprise system and to quote:
“I don’t think there is another system that is more consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ,” Armstrong told the Rocky Mountain News. “What the university stands for, among other things, is free markets.”
Free markets and capitalism are what are more consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ than any other system?
In the early days of Pope John Paul II politically conservative people applauded the Pope in his attacks on Communism as a system which corrupted lives of people. They were, however, mortified when he later turned and claimed that Capitalism did the same thing. In essence he was saying that neither system was consistent with the teachings of Jesus.
I am not opposed to capitalism but Jesus was not a capitalist. He wasn't a socialist either. From a political perspective if Jesus spoke at the Republican Convention the paint would blister from the walls from the heat of his words to them. If Jesus spoke at the Democratic Convention the paint would blister from the walls from the heat of his words to them. The fact that political parties are able to recruit clergy to pander to their agendas does not indicate in any way that anyone is being faithful to the teachings of Jesus.
Jesus, in reality, was an economic anarchist. A thorough reading of the Gospel of Luke, which last I saw, was still in the Bible, indicates that Jesus had issues with money. His preferred use of money seemed to be something one got rid off.
Frankly, as a Christian, I'm getting tired of people in politics who take random quotes from the Bible to validate their opinions, opinions often inconsistent with the totality of the Gospel. This idea of pronouncing something "Christian" because "I found a verse" does not honor the Word of God, but frankly dishonors it by making it little more than little verses, placed in cookies, and served after chow mein.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Randomness
I love being about to do random stuff.
Tony Snow is stepping down from being the White House Press secretary. Talk about thankless jobs. He said that he needs to be in a position to make more money. I sadly suspect that he is grappling with the possibility or probability that his life span is going to be on the short side and he's looking to provide for his family. Confronting one's mortality when one's mortality is SO there, right in front of you, is painful to be sure.
The coal mine disaster in Utah is just so sad. Evidently this mine has been a disaster waiting to happen. Now rescuers are among the dead. The disaster waiting to happen did happen. Federal inspections and expectations of mine safety are, surprise surprise, not up to standards and those mine was an ongoing problem.
Recently a flight on its way to NYC was diverted to Baltimore because of weather. The plane was left out there for hour after hour. It was hot and the AC was not working. There was no food and no water and the commodes were overflowing making the plane smell like....well, it smelled not so good. The people signed a petition to the captain who was locked away up front that they were angry. He would not come back and not respond. They began to chant and pound their feet, etc. They had been out there for over 5 hours and were hot, thirsty, and miserable. The pilot called for help.
The help came. 10 officers from Homeland Security who were breathing threats of arrest to the passengers. I guess, ultimately, they weren't arrested, but Homeland Security sure gives me great hope.
This was the group who missed the fact that the Civic Center in New Orleans was a disaster...and they didn't even know it two hours after it was broadcast on CNN. (I think, in fairness, Homeland Security doesn't watch CNN, but Faux News which ran a tribute to Tom DeLay instead.
This is the group who tells us that taking our shoes off and having our shoes inspected pre-flight makes us safe.
This is the group that banned a mom and baby from a plane because the baby had water in her sippy cup.
This is the group that gives me the hope that my loved ones and I are far away from anything that happens because Homeland Security might miss the fact that it happened. That is unless Faux News actually goofs and reports a news story.
I do not want Michael Vick to take the plea agreement. They have him and if he goes to trial he's going to have his behind nailed in a big way and has the potential to serve lots of time in prison. Frankly, for the horror of what he's done it would be good for him to go away for a while.
One upside. Whatever flag football team he goes on in prison has to be the prison yard favorite this year.
I recently read Randall Balmer's book, Thy Kingdom Come. This is one fine book. It gives a great insight into the rise of the Religious Right and its impact on Christianity and American politics. I have always found Balmer to be very thoughtful and knowledgeable. This book is no exception to my thinking.
And finally, how I could I forget Britney Spears. She's been in rehab and some magazine has her topless (discreetly) in a pool with some guy holding a drink. I'm wondering what she was in rehab from....escape from IQ or escape from thinking??? Ugh.
Tony Snow is stepping down from being the White House Press secretary. Talk about thankless jobs. He said that he needs to be in a position to make more money. I sadly suspect that he is grappling with the possibility or probability that his life span is going to be on the short side and he's looking to provide for his family. Confronting one's mortality when one's mortality is SO there, right in front of you, is painful to be sure.
The coal mine disaster in Utah is just so sad. Evidently this mine has been a disaster waiting to happen. Now rescuers are among the dead. The disaster waiting to happen did happen. Federal inspections and expectations of mine safety are, surprise surprise, not up to standards and those mine was an ongoing problem.
Recently a flight on its way to NYC was diverted to Baltimore because of weather. The plane was left out there for hour after hour. It was hot and the AC was not working. There was no food and no water and the commodes were overflowing making the plane smell like....well, it smelled not so good. The people signed a petition to the captain who was locked away up front that they were angry. He would not come back and not respond. They began to chant and pound their feet, etc. They had been out there for over 5 hours and were hot, thirsty, and miserable. The pilot called for help.
The help came. 10 officers from Homeland Security who were breathing threats of arrest to the passengers. I guess, ultimately, they weren't arrested, but Homeland Security sure gives me great hope.
This was the group who missed the fact that the Civic Center in New Orleans was a disaster...and they didn't even know it two hours after it was broadcast on CNN. (I think, in fairness, Homeland Security doesn't watch CNN, but Faux News which ran a tribute to Tom DeLay instead.
This is the group who tells us that taking our shoes off and having our shoes inspected pre-flight makes us safe.
This is the group that banned a mom and baby from a plane because the baby had water in her sippy cup.
This is the group that gives me the hope that my loved ones and I are far away from anything that happens because Homeland Security might miss the fact that it happened. That is unless Faux News actually goofs and reports a news story.
I do not want Michael Vick to take the plea agreement. They have him and if he goes to trial he's going to have his behind nailed in a big way and has the potential to serve lots of time in prison. Frankly, for the horror of what he's done it would be good for him to go away for a while.
One upside. Whatever flag football team he goes on in prison has to be the prison yard favorite this year.
I recently read Randall Balmer's book, Thy Kingdom Come. This is one fine book. It gives a great insight into the rise of the Religious Right and its impact on Christianity and American politics. I have always found Balmer to be very thoughtful and knowledgeable. This book is no exception to my thinking.
And finally, how I could I forget Britney Spears. She's been in rehab and some magazine has her topless (discreetly) in a pool with some guy holding a drink. I'm wondering what she was in rehab from....escape from IQ or escape from thinking??? Ugh.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Karl Rove's Legacy
People tend to leave footprints or legacies. It is, of course, impossible to tell what a person's long term legacy will be.
When Harry Truman left office most people presumed his legacy was going to be a bad one. As time went on, however, people looked back on his straight talking common sense approach to things and came to appreciate it. Now everyone wants to be the next Harry Truman.
George H. W. Bush, not unlike Truman, left office with a negative legacy. As time has gone on, however, his foreign policy decisions and ability to interact with other world leaders has improved his legacy. Ironically it was his own son's truly bad foreign policy decisions and inability to interact with other world leaders that great improved the Elder President Bush's stature.
Karl Rove is leaving the White House. On one hand people say he was brilliant. He guided George W. Bush to victory as Governor of Texas, helped create a Republican majority in Congress, and helped Bush win two terms in the White House. His strategy was to run towards the base and not seek middle ground. It was successful in winning elections and in passing some legislation.
However, it estranged the center and has made it completely impossible to accomplish anything else. Good policy often comes when people work together and grievous errors are made when only one perspective is ever examined and other opinions are vilified. Much of the hostility we see in Washington DC these days comes as the result of the strategy of Karl Rove. He may take pride in that legacy-----but if my legacy was an ability to please one group of people and create hostility with another, I'd be ashamed of myself.
The second legacy he has left behind has been a legacy of making sure everything and everyone is in synch politically. Experienced FEMA leadership and staff were replaced by people who were more attractive politically. The same thing took place in the Justice Department. The policy at FEMA became a Katrina sized disaster. Attorneys at the Justice Department now regularly LOSE their cases because the experience, competent lawyers were replaced by politically loyal appointees who great lacked the experience and often the education needed to do their jobs. These departments became more political and lost sight of the fact that their primary job was to serve the people of the nation. Katrina demonstrated politics and service. The Salvation Army which truly does try to serve people demonstrated that they make serving others a priority. They were the first people on the scene to provide food and comfort. Their legacy of service is long and honorable. FEMA's however, was forever tarnished.
If my legacy was that I lived my life assured that the people around me agree with me and by doing so I failed to serve others well, I'd be ashamed of myself.
I suspect that Karl Rove will leave the White House with his head held high and his chest puffed with pride. If his legacy was mine, I think I'd leave with my head bowed and devastated at the number of people whose lives I have damaged.
When Harry Truman left office most people presumed his legacy was going to be a bad one. As time went on, however, people looked back on his straight talking common sense approach to things and came to appreciate it. Now everyone wants to be the next Harry Truman.
George H. W. Bush, not unlike Truman, left office with a negative legacy. As time has gone on, however, his foreign policy decisions and ability to interact with other world leaders has improved his legacy. Ironically it was his own son's truly bad foreign policy decisions and inability to interact with other world leaders that great improved the Elder President Bush's stature.
Karl Rove is leaving the White House. On one hand people say he was brilliant. He guided George W. Bush to victory as Governor of Texas, helped create a Republican majority in Congress, and helped Bush win two terms in the White House. His strategy was to run towards the base and not seek middle ground. It was successful in winning elections and in passing some legislation.
However, it estranged the center and has made it completely impossible to accomplish anything else. Good policy often comes when people work together and grievous errors are made when only one perspective is ever examined and other opinions are vilified. Much of the hostility we see in Washington DC these days comes as the result of the strategy of Karl Rove. He may take pride in that legacy-----but if my legacy was an ability to please one group of people and create hostility with another, I'd be ashamed of myself.
The second legacy he has left behind has been a legacy of making sure everything and everyone is in synch politically. Experienced FEMA leadership and staff were replaced by people who were more attractive politically. The same thing took place in the Justice Department. The policy at FEMA became a Katrina sized disaster. Attorneys at the Justice Department now regularly LOSE their cases because the experience, competent lawyers were replaced by politically loyal appointees who great lacked the experience and often the education needed to do their jobs. These departments became more political and lost sight of the fact that their primary job was to serve the people of the nation. Katrina demonstrated politics and service. The Salvation Army which truly does try to serve people demonstrated that they make serving others a priority. They were the first people on the scene to provide food and comfort. Their legacy of service is long and honorable. FEMA's however, was forever tarnished.
If my legacy was that I lived my life assured that the people around me agree with me and by doing so I failed to serve others well, I'd be ashamed of myself.
I suspect that Karl Rove will leave the White House with his head held high and his chest puffed with pride. If his legacy was mine, I think I'd leave with my head bowed and devastated at the number of people whose lives I have damaged.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
An Official Mrs. Degree ----And It's Troubling!
I read of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary that seems to be offering an official "Mrs. Degree." It is a course of study, for women, to enable them to become, well, read this from the Washington Post:
One of the nation's largest Southern Baptist seminaries, the school is introducing a new, women-only academic program in homemaking _ a 23-hour concentration that counts toward a bachelor of arts degree in humanities. The program is aimed at helping establish what Southwestern's president calls biblical family and gender roles.
We hear this a great deal. We have to get back to a Biblical model for marriage and the family." It is troubling! Marriage in Biblical times was very, very different. I question anyone who wants to go back to that model.
What are some of the differences?
For one, in Biblical times, people got married very young. VERY young. Most people got married when they hit the age of sexual maturity. For girls it was usually at age 13 or 14. For boys it was around 15 - 16. Pre-marital sex is really not mentioned in the Bible because it was pretty much a non-issue. When people hit the age of sexual desire society did not expect them to wait 10-15 years until they got married. They simply got married at the young age.
Secondly, in contemporary times people marry for love. We meet someone we love and we pledge love and commitment to that person until death. Then, the marriage was arranged. It was usually arranged by a father who would literally pay a young man to take his daughter. This became known as the dowry. (The bride's family paying for the wedding comes from this!) The young woman would go from being her father's property and become her husband's property.
Thirdly, the woman as property issue. Women, in Biblical times, were property of their husbands. The women had no more rights than the man's cow or chickens. Cows and chickens had no rights and neither did the women. Women had no control over who they married and how they were treated in marriage. Even adultery laws were postured in a way that it was rare for a man to be punished but common for a woman to be punished. Life in Biblical times, was cruel to women.
Fourth, men had no responsibilities toward their wives. One of the most controversial documents in the early Christian Church was Paul's letter to the Ephesians. It stirs controversy now because Paul tells women that they are subjects of their husbands. In that day and age the women were subjects of their husbands and these words caused no ripple. However, when Paul went on to tell men to 'love their wives.' Men were not expected, in Biblical times, to love their wives. Actually, men had no responsibilities of fidelity to their wives. Prostitution was rampant and men could visit prostitutes and not be seen as guilty of committing adultery. As long as the prostitute was unmarried (and not the property of another man) the man was free to do whatever he desired. Interesting to note, if he tired of her, he could have HER stoned for adultery and not be harmed himself.
There were some great Biblical marriages.
Abraham passes off his wife Sarah as his sister. Sarah was attractive and he preferred that men 'play' with her thinking she was his sister rather than defend his wife.
David had an affair, impregnated Bathsheeba, and conspired to have her husband killed.
Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines.
It was an age of a lot of polygamy and a great deal of abuse.
In the New Testament we know that there were wives of the apostles, but these women are not mentioned. It never mentions if Jesus does or doesn't have a wife. Paul was never married and he strong encourages people not to marry unless they really need to.
Thus we have the Biblical model of marriage. As opposed to the model of marriage in 2007.
Now people marry for love and strive to continue to grow in love.
Now husbands and wives are equal in every way.
Now violently abusing one's wife is a criminal offense.
Now marriage is a deep and abiding partnership with two people growing.
Now fidelity is expected by both partners.
Here is what I think is going on at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
First, the men have set up standards for what they want marriage to be and pretending that they are putting forth a Biblical model. They use random Scripture quotations to validate their own opinions. This is an obscene use of Scripture to get what they want.
Secondly, they are looking to make marriage into the TV version of a 1950's couple. Ozzie and Harriet. Father Knows Best. Man goes off to work in his suit and mom gets dressed up to clean the bathroom, do the shopping, and have meat loaf on the table every night. Well, maybe not meat loaf every night, but you catch my drift.
Thirdly, the men want to assure that the man is the head of the household. My experience with people who want to hold forth this kind of vision of marriage is that they believe that a man must do whatever he needs to do to be the head of the household. Domestic violence, in this world, is tolerable if women do not behave.
Ultimately people marry and make choices in how they want to conduct their marriage. What others do is not up to me to determine or judge. What this school is doing, to me, is very troubling and a frightening trend.
One of the nation's largest Southern Baptist seminaries, the school is introducing a new, women-only academic program in homemaking _ a 23-hour concentration that counts toward a bachelor of arts degree in humanities. The program is aimed at helping establish what Southwestern's president calls biblical family and gender roles.
Coursework will include seven hours of nutrition and meal preparation, seven hours of textile design and "clothing construction," three hours of general homemaking, three hours on "the value of a child," and three hours on the "biblical model for the home and family."
Seminary officials say the main focus of the courses is on hospitality in the home _ teaching women interior design as well as how to sew and cook. Women also study children's spiritual, physical and emotional development.
This "Biblical model for the home and family...."We hear this a great deal. We have to get back to a Biblical model for marriage and the family." It is troubling! Marriage in Biblical times was very, very different. I question anyone who wants to go back to that model.
What are some of the differences?
For one, in Biblical times, people got married very young. VERY young. Most people got married when they hit the age of sexual maturity. For girls it was usually at age 13 or 14. For boys it was around 15 - 16. Pre-marital sex is really not mentioned in the Bible because it was pretty much a non-issue. When people hit the age of sexual desire society did not expect them to wait 10-15 years until they got married. They simply got married at the young age.
Secondly, in contemporary times people marry for love. We meet someone we love and we pledge love and commitment to that person until death. Then, the marriage was arranged. It was usually arranged by a father who would literally pay a young man to take his daughter. This became known as the dowry. (The bride's family paying for the wedding comes from this!) The young woman would go from being her father's property and become her husband's property.
Thirdly, the woman as property issue. Women, in Biblical times, were property of their husbands. The women had no more rights than the man's cow or chickens. Cows and chickens had no rights and neither did the women. Women had no control over who they married and how they were treated in marriage. Even adultery laws were postured in a way that it was rare for a man to be punished but common for a woman to be punished. Life in Biblical times, was cruel to women.
Fourth, men had no responsibilities toward their wives. One of the most controversial documents in the early Christian Church was Paul's letter to the Ephesians. It stirs controversy now because Paul tells women that they are subjects of their husbands. In that day and age the women were subjects of their husbands and these words caused no ripple. However, when Paul went on to tell men to 'love their wives.' Men were not expected, in Biblical times, to love their wives. Actually, men had no responsibilities of fidelity to their wives. Prostitution was rampant and men could visit prostitutes and not be seen as guilty of committing adultery. As long as the prostitute was unmarried (and not the property of another man) the man was free to do whatever he desired. Interesting to note, if he tired of her, he could have HER stoned for adultery and not be harmed himself.
There were some great Biblical marriages.
Abraham passes off his wife Sarah as his sister. Sarah was attractive and he preferred that men 'play' with her thinking she was his sister rather than defend his wife.
David had an affair, impregnated Bathsheeba, and conspired to have her husband killed.
Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines.
It was an age of a lot of polygamy and a great deal of abuse.
In the New Testament we know that there were wives of the apostles, but these women are not mentioned. It never mentions if Jesus does or doesn't have a wife. Paul was never married and he strong encourages people not to marry unless they really need to.
Thus we have the Biblical model of marriage. As opposed to the model of marriage in 2007.
Now people marry for love and strive to continue to grow in love.
Now husbands and wives are equal in every way.
Now violently abusing one's wife is a criminal offense.
Now marriage is a deep and abiding partnership with two people growing.
Now fidelity is expected by both partners.
Here is what I think is going on at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
First, the men have set up standards for what they want marriage to be and pretending that they are putting forth a Biblical model. They use random Scripture quotations to validate their own opinions. This is an obscene use of Scripture to get what they want.
Secondly, they are looking to make marriage into the TV version of a 1950's couple. Ozzie and Harriet. Father Knows Best. Man goes off to work in his suit and mom gets dressed up to clean the bathroom, do the shopping, and have meat loaf on the table every night. Well, maybe not meat loaf every night, but you catch my drift.
Thirdly, the men want to assure that the man is the head of the household. My experience with people who want to hold forth this kind of vision of marriage is that they believe that a man must do whatever he needs to do to be the head of the household. Domestic violence, in this world, is tolerable if women do not behave.
Ultimately people marry and make choices in how they want to conduct their marriage. What others do is not up to me to determine or judge. What this school is doing, to me, is very troubling and a frightening trend.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Barry Bonds*
Barry Bonds* broke Hank Aaron's all time home run record. Now, perhaps the two biggest records in baseball, single season home run record and the all time home run record are held by Barry Bonds*.
I don't know how I feel about this. To be sure, Barry Bonds* has been one of the most feared hitters in baseball. Early in his career, with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bonds* was an outstanding hitter. The incredible number of intentional walks he has received have come because managers and pitchers alike have fear pitching to him. No matter what any of us think about him, Barry Bonds* has been a major talent.
Then he grew. A lot. Even his head got bigger. His back got a tad quicker and his bulk increased. Others have said that he took steroids. He has denied it. There has been no blood evidence----tho' with the very feeble testing done by Major League Baseball, this is no great surprise.
This record has been broken and frankly, seems tainted. Frankly, I hate to see that he broke it. Sadly, if Barry Bonds* truly deserves the record, we are all being unfair. But no one hates a cheat. Alas, I suspect, whether it's in the record books or not people will always have one idea on how the record of Barry Bonds* is remembered.*
I don't know how I feel about this. To be sure, Barry Bonds* has been one of the most feared hitters in baseball. Early in his career, with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bonds* was an outstanding hitter. The incredible number of intentional walks he has received have come because managers and pitchers alike have fear pitching to him. No matter what any of us think about him, Barry Bonds* has been a major talent.
Then he grew. A lot. Even his head got bigger. His back got a tad quicker and his bulk increased. Others have said that he took steroids. He has denied it. There has been no blood evidence----tho' with the very feeble testing done by Major League Baseball, this is no great surprise.
This record has been broken and frankly, seems tainted. Frankly, I hate to see that he broke it. Sadly, if Barry Bonds* truly deserves the record, we are all being unfair. But no one hates a cheat. Alas, I suspect, whether it's in the record books or not people will always have one idea on how the record of Barry Bonds* is remembered.*
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Fantasy Facts
I keep finding myself bemused by the fact that there seems to be an abundance of what I call 'fantasy facts' roaming the world, on the media, and most especially on the radio. To my chagrin I often hear these fantasy facts from Christians who seem to be advocating that Christians ought to be lining up for lobotomies in the very near future.
Some of the fantasy facts that are roaming around:
The intellectual and scientific case for evolution is beginning to fall.
I guess that I missed this memo. Everything that I read is that evolution is a foundational statement in biology. I've read of no scientist with credible credentials and a measurable IQ raise questions about this. For one, the case against evolution demands that we throw out years and years of dating fossils and affirm that the world was created 6000 years ago despite fossil evidence to the contrary. It means that despite fossil evidence, people and dinosaurs walked the planet at the same time. Oh, and in my Bible, Genesis states that we have a roof over us. I actually met Neil Armstrong and he's a very honest man who never mentioned going through a roof.
We deal with the fact that there is a great deal of revisionist science out there. If science doesn’t give you the answer you want, change the answer.
Global Warming is a myth
Again, to believe this is to believe that scientists are wrong and that the climate changes that we are experiencing globally are really not what scientists think that they are. I’ve read about the scientists who claim that global warming is a myth and I found out who employs most of them. Exxon. Mobil. Shell. BP. Duh.
That separation of church and state was not the desire of the founding fathers.
I find this one to be amazing. Thomas Jefferson declared in the Declaration of Independence that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. This passage makes many people state that Jefferson’s ‘Creator’ was the God of Christianity. These words were not divine revelation to Jefferson. They were, in fact, an adaptation of words written by the English Political Philosopher John Locke who wrote that these rights are life, liberty, and estate (property.) Jefferson would probably not have declared himself to be a Christian or, if he did, he didn’t see himself as much of one. Jefferson edited a version of the Bible to his own liking and found doctrines of Christianity, such as the Trinity, to be absurd and silly. Ben Franklin used to attend revivals because he found them to be entertaining and wrote that it is wise not to carry much cash to them as the preachers were very adept at getting people to part with their money. Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration was very much for a separation of church and state and James Madison, who was a close friend of Jefferson’s, a political ally with the same beliefs, was the primary author of the Constitution.
Interestingly enough it was the Baptists who were real proponents of a strong separation of church and state. Roger Williams, who founded the First Baptist Church in America (in Providence, Rhode Island) was a fierce opponent to mixing church and politics. He fled New England Congregationalism because he found that the Congregationalists of that era were denying people the right to vote unless they joined a Congregational Church. I find that the founding people of this country espoused religious freedom and or a freedom from religion. We are encountering a lot of revisionist history (like the revisionist science) to remake something in an image that we desire.
Lastly, Satan dominates the media.
With this I agree. As long as media people keep selling to Rupert Murdoch, this will not change. Such notable legends as the New York Post, Faux News, and such remind us that there is demonic oversight of much of the media. It goes to show you that not everyone is wrong all the time and that some fantasy facts may actually be true!
Some of the fantasy facts that are roaming around:
The intellectual and scientific case for evolution is beginning to fall.
I guess that I missed this memo. Everything that I read is that evolution is a foundational statement in biology. I've read of no scientist with credible credentials and a measurable IQ raise questions about this. For one, the case against evolution demands that we throw out years and years of dating fossils and affirm that the world was created 6000 years ago despite fossil evidence to the contrary. It means that despite fossil evidence, people and dinosaurs walked the planet at the same time. Oh, and in my Bible, Genesis states that we have a roof over us. I actually met Neil Armstrong and he's a very honest man who never mentioned going through a roof.
We deal with the fact that there is a great deal of revisionist science out there. If science doesn’t give you the answer you want, change the answer.
Global Warming is a myth
Again, to believe this is to believe that scientists are wrong and that the climate changes that we are experiencing globally are really not what scientists think that they are. I’ve read about the scientists who claim that global warming is a myth and I found out who employs most of them. Exxon. Mobil. Shell. BP. Duh.
That separation of church and state was not the desire of the founding fathers.
I find this one to be amazing. Thomas Jefferson declared in the Declaration of Independence that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. This passage makes many people state that Jefferson’s ‘Creator’ was the God of Christianity. These words were not divine revelation to Jefferson. They were, in fact, an adaptation of words written by the English Political Philosopher John Locke who wrote that these rights are life, liberty, and estate (property.) Jefferson would probably not have declared himself to be a Christian or, if he did, he didn’t see himself as much of one. Jefferson edited a version of the Bible to his own liking and found doctrines of Christianity, such as the Trinity, to be absurd and silly. Ben Franklin used to attend revivals because he found them to be entertaining and wrote that it is wise not to carry much cash to them as the preachers were very adept at getting people to part with their money. Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration was very much for a separation of church and state and James Madison, who was a close friend of Jefferson’s, a political ally with the same beliefs, was the primary author of the Constitution.
Interestingly enough it was the Baptists who were real proponents of a strong separation of church and state. Roger Williams, who founded the First Baptist Church in America (in Providence, Rhode Island) was a fierce opponent to mixing church and politics. He fled New England Congregationalism because he found that the Congregationalists of that era were denying people the right to vote unless they joined a Congregational Church. I find that the founding people of this country espoused religious freedom and or a freedom from religion. We are encountering a lot of revisionist history (like the revisionist science) to remake something in an image that we desire.
Lastly, Satan dominates the media.
With this I agree. As long as media people keep selling to Rupert Murdoch, this will not change. Such notable legends as the New York Post, Faux News, and such remind us that there is demonic oversight of much of the media. It goes to show you that not everyone is wrong all the time and that some fantasy facts may actually be true!
Saturday, August 04, 2007
A Failing Infrastructure
There is something frightening about the bridge collapse in Minnesota that goes beyond that particular tragedy.
New Orleans was able to survive Katrina. It was unable to survive an inadequate infrastructure set up to 'protect' the city.
Recently, in New York City, a steam pipe exploded causing major havoc and death in the mid town region. It was a failure of infrastructure.
The bridge collapse in Minnesota is just the latest example of a failing infrastructure.
The President, in a recent veto on something, spoke about how government is inadequate and shouldn't be called upon to fix things, etc., etc., etc.
Well, here's the news flash. The government is in charge of the nation's infrastructure. Be it local, state, or federal, our roadways are the responsibility of the government and they are failing us. Miserably and tragically.
I do understand that people do not want to pay high taxes. Frankly, I do not want to pay high taxes. The issue is, to me, that elected officials, in government, ought to believe in what they are working for. A President, who is the head of the government, who doesn't believe that the government can do anything good and worthwhile, ought not be there. I would like to have a person who has some convictions that he or she can actually do something to improve the lives of people. Or at least keep them safe.
I am concerned at the moment because our government is really doing a poor job.
The response to Katrina was beyond awful and remains so.
Our infrastructure is rapidly deteriorating and nothing is being done about it.
Recent drug issues and tainted food have shown that the FDA is way understaffed, inadequately trained and funded, to do an even reasonable job.
Homeland Security is run by a man who, an hour after CNN and MSNBC had run footage of the disaster of the civic center in downtown New Orleans, had no awareness that this was taking place. None. Zip. His idea of competent security is to have us board planes barefoot and dump baby sippy cups.
Career attorneys who have gone up against the justice department in courts for years have said that government attorneys have always been well trained and formidable. Most of these career, government attorneys have left the justice department and been replaced by poorly trained individuals who cannot even argue a case.
Walt Kelly, who created Pogo, summed it up better than anyone. We have met the enemy, and he is us.
New Orleans was able to survive Katrina. It was unable to survive an inadequate infrastructure set up to 'protect' the city.
Recently, in New York City, a steam pipe exploded causing major havoc and death in the mid town region. It was a failure of infrastructure.
The bridge collapse in Minnesota is just the latest example of a failing infrastructure.
The President, in a recent veto on something, spoke about how government is inadequate and shouldn't be called upon to fix things, etc., etc., etc.
Well, here's the news flash. The government is in charge of the nation's infrastructure. Be it local, state, or federal, our roadways are the responsibility of the government and they are failing us. Miserably and tragically.
I do understand that people do not want to pay high taxes. Frankly, I do not want to pay high taxes. The issue is, to me, that elected officials, in government, ought to believe in what they are working for. A President, who is the head of the government, who doesn't believe that the government can do anything good and worthwhile, ought not be there. I would like to have a person who has some convictions that he or she can actually do something to improve the lives of people. Or at least keep them safe.
I am concerned at the moment because our government is really doing a poor job.
The response to Katrina was beyond awful and remains so.
Our infrastructure is rapidly deteriorating and nothing is being done about it.
Recent drug issues and tainted food have shown that the FDA is way understaffed, inadequately trained and funded, to do an even reasonable job.
Homeland Security is run by a man who, an hour after CNN and MSNBC had run footage of the disaster of the civic center in downtown New Orleans, had no awareness that this was taking place. None. Zip. His idea of competent security is to have us board planes barefoot and dump baby sippy cups.
Career attorneys who have gone up against the justice department in courts for years have said that government attorneys have always been well trained and formidable. Most of these career, government attorneys have left the justice department and been replaced by poorly trained individuals who cannot even argue a case.
Walt Kelly, who created Pogo, summed it up better than anyone. We have met the enemy, and he is us.
Friday, August 03, 2007
NFL Hubris
Wow. NFL Hubris. I'm amazed at the hubris of some individuals in the NFL.
The Hubris of the Year award goes to Brady Quinn. Quinn had a decent career at Notre Dame. There were a couple of concerns about him. First, he has maintained a strong reputation of choking in big games. He lit up the scoreboard on inferior teams, but when he faced big games against tough defenses, he disappeared. Many questioned his arm strength and felt that he might have had success because he was in a good system. He anticipated going really high in the draft but many teams in need of quarterbacking helped didn't choose him. Finally, in the 22nd round, the Browns, his favorite team growing up, drafted him. Nice ending to the story. In the first mini camp Brown's coaches were concerned. It was a bit windy and Quinn's passes were floating around in all different directions. The questions about his arm strength resurfaced.
So, one would presume, Brady Quinn was humbled by his low draft status and initial poor performance with the Browns. One would presume that Brady Quinn would have been the first player in camp working hard to prove his critics wrong and determined to show the world that the rest of the NFL erred in underestimating him.
Ah, but hubris is such a funny thing. Brady Quinn is home, holding out. The Browns are looking to pay him as a 22nd round draft pick (which is was) which would a a lower salary than someone chosen higher (even though all first round quarterbacks make a lot of money.)
But Quinn is holding out. He thus proves several things.
Other teams look justified in passing him by and that in addition to choking in big games and having a suspect arm, he's an imbecile. It's funny how hubris lowers one's IQ.
Then there is Michael Strahan. Now, Stahan has played for my team, the New York Giants and unlike Quinn, Strahan has made his bones in the NFL. Michael Strahan is the single season sack leader in NFL history and has had, most probably, a Hall of Fame career. He also did it in the largest media market in the country. Strahan has been a great player with an outstanding NFL career. Unlike Quinn, Strahan's greatness is not all in his head.
But Michael Strahan is holding out. Michael Strahan is 36 years old and probably entering his final year in the NFL if he doesn't retire now. His contract calls for him to earn $4,000,000.00 this coming year. This works out to a feeble $250,000.00 a game for a defensive end.
Strahan is holding out and proclaiming that the Giants are betraying him by not paying him more.
Strahan is being hit by hubris as well. As great a player as he is, he's only played, at best, half of the previous two seasons. He's been injured in both seasons and there are obvious questions if he will be able to play an entire season for the Giants this year. The team, by keeping him, is paying a lot of money for a player who may or may not be able to perform, let alone well, for an entire season. But Michael Strahan wants more. So he's holding out, threatening to retire. The Giants are saying that he's welcome to come back after paying a fine for holding out, and that they want him to come back. But, if he chooses to retire, they are willing to let him and they are going to wish him a great life.
As a Giants fan I see the Giants as a team that is rebuilding. They had three older players who they need to be replacing to move on. Tiki Barber was one and he retired. Amani Toomer, who missed a large portion of last season due to injury, is back, but they drafted a WR to essentially replace him in the next year or two, and then there is Strahan. They will miss the ability of Michael Strahan, but in fairness they have not had him for most of two seasons and will be without his services in the near future anyway.
Michael, your hubris is getting in the way of your common sense. This is the NFL, which stands for Not for Long for older players who think that they are more valuable than they really are. When it's your time to retire, go out with class and not with a blue face because you are holding your breath like a small child who didn't get his way.
The Hubris of the Year award goes to Brady Quinn. Quinn had a decent career at Notre Dame. There were a couple of concerns about him. First, he has maintained a strong reputation of choking in big games. He lit up the scoreboard on inferior teams, but when he faced big games against tough defenses, he disappeared. Many questioned his arm strength and felt that he might have had success because he was in a good system. He anticipated going really high in the draft but many teams in need of quarterbacking helped didn't choose him. Finally, in the 22nd round, the Browns, his favorite team growing up, drafted him. Nice ending to the story. In the first mini camp Brown's coaches were concerned. It was a bit windy and Quinn's passes were floating around in all different directions. The questions about his arm strength resurfaced.
So, one would presume, Brady Quinn was humbled by his low draft status and initial poor performance with the Browns. One would presume that Brady Quinn would have been the first player in camp working hard to prove his critics wrong and determined to show the world that the rest of the NFL erred in underestimating him.
Ah, but hubris is such a funny thing. Brady Quinn is home, holding out. The Browns are looking to pay him as a 22nd round draft pick (which is was) which would a a lower salary than someone chosen higher (even though all first round quarterbacks make a lot of money.)
But Quinn is holding out. He thus proves several things.
Other teams look justified in passing him by and that in addition to choking in big games and having a suspect arm, he's an imbecile. It's funny how hubris lowers one's IQ.
Then there is Michael Strahan. Now, Stahan has played for my team, the New York Giants and unlike Quinn, Strahan has made his bones in the NFL. Michael Strahan is the single season sack leader in NFL history and has had, most probably, a Hall of Fame career. He also did it in the largest media market in the country. Strahan has been a great player with an outstanding NFL career. Unlike Quinn, Strahan's greatness is not all in his head.
But Michael Strahan is holding out. Michael Strahan is 36 years old and probably entering his final year in the NFL if he doesn't retire now. His contract calls for him to earn $4,000,000.00 this coming year. This works out to a feeble $250,000.00 a game for a defensive end.
Strahan is holding out and proclaiming that the Giants are betraying him by not paying him more.
Strahan is being hit by hubris as well. As great a player as he is, he's only played, at best, half of the previous two seasons. He's been injured in both seasons and there are obvious questions if he will be able to play an entire season for the Giants this year. The team, by keeping him, is paying a lot of money for a player who may or may not be able to perform, let alone well, for an entire season. But Michael Strahan wants more. So he's holding out, threatening to retire. The Giants are saying that he's welcome to come back after paying a fine for holding out, and that they want him to come back. But, if he chooses to retire, they are willing to let him and they are going to wish him a great life.
As a Giants fan I see the Giants as a team that is rebuilding. They had three older players who they need to be replacing to move on. Tiki Barber was one and he retired. Amani Toomer, who missed a large portion of last season due to injury, is back, but they drafted a WR to essentially replace him in the next year or two, and then there is Strahan. They will miss the ability of Michael Strahan, but in fairness they have not had him for most of two seasons and will be without his services in the near future anyway.
Michael, your hubris is getting in the way of your common sense. This is the NFL, which stands for Not for Long for older players who think that they are more valuable than they really are. When it's your time to retire, go out with class and not with a blue face because you are holding your breath like a small child who didn't get his way.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Random Thoughts
Tom Glavine was set to win game number 300. And it all rested on the right arm of Guillermo Mota. Guillermo Mota? He who has an ERA higher than the Dow Jones?
Guillermo Mota? Ugh.
Robin Roberts has breast cancer and we do need to keep her in our thoughts and prayers. Robin Roberts is one of the finest people on TV. She replaced another one of the finest people on TV, Charlie Gibson, when he very deservedly became the anchor of the ABC Evening News. He has quietly moved into the number one slot.
Dick Cheney told Larry King that he hasn't made any mistakes. This was after a very well thought out, articulate question from Larry King. I must confess, King knocked me over with the question, I very much underestimated him. But we can all rest easier now knowing that Cheney is perfect and obviously things are going as planned. It's funny because both Bush and Cheney have decreed that they haven't made any mistakes. This means the response to Katrina was, as planned. The war in Iraq has gone, as planned. The Harriet Miers nomination went as planned. Etc.
Nicole Richey has proclaimed that the father of her baby to be is a rocker, Joel Madden. I was really holding out for Frederic Von Anhalt.
Rumor has it that Paris Hilton is going to get cut off, financially, from her grandfather. This means that she'll have to make a living using her, ahem, talent. What can I say?
The sad thing about Lindsay Lohan is that this gal actually does have talent. She has been quite good in several movies that she's made and can sing reasonably well. She can act and she can sing and had a bright career ahead of her. Now.
Speaking of Lindsay, I heard that in addition to her ankle alcohol detecting device she has a nose piercing that is really a coke detecting device.
I sure do feel relieved that Dick Cheney hasn't made any mistakes. I bet that he wouldn't have brought in Guillermo Mota to protect the lead.
Guillermo Mota? Ugh.
Robin Roberts has breast cancer and we do need to keep her in our thoughts and prayers. Robin Roberts is one of the finest people on TV. She replaced another one of the finest people on TV, Charlie Gibson, when he very deservedly became the anchor of the ABC Evening News. He has quietly moved into the number one slot.
Dick Cheney told Larry King that he hasn't made any mistakes. This was after a very well thought out, articulate question from Larry King. I must confess, King knocked me over with the question, I very much underestimated him. But we can all rest easier now knowing that Cheney is perfect and obviously things are going as planned. It's funny because both Bush and Cheney have decreed that they haven't made any mistakes. This means the response to Katrina was, as planned. The war in Iraq has gone, as planned. The Harriet Miers nomination went as planned. Etc.
Nicole Richey has proclaimed that the father of her baby to be is a rocker, Joel Madden. I was really holding out for Frederic Von Anhalt.
Rumor has it that Paris Hilton is going to get cut off, financially, from her grandfather. This means that she'll have to make a living using her, ahem, talent. What can I say?
The sad thing about Lindsay Lohan is that this gal actually does have talent. She has been quite good in several movies that she's made and can sing reasonably well. She can act and she can sing and had a bright career ahead of her. Now.
Speaking of Lindsay, I heard that in addition to her ankle alcohol detecting device she has a nose piercing that is really a coke detecting device.
I sure do feel relieved that Dick Cheney hasn't made any mistakes. I bet that he wouldn't have brought in Guillermo Mota to protect the lead.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Genius
Bill Walsh died. Bill Walsh was truly a great football coach. His work with the San Francisco 49'ers and the building of the West Coast Offense was innovative and effective. His coaching and his abilities transformed the NFL.
What concerns me is that he is labeled a 'genius.'
Bill Walsh was very smart, very capable, etc. Despite the fact that his team was often matched against my team, I appreciated his great coaching ability. But genius?
Albert Einstein was a genius. He transformed math and his brilliance was and is legend.
Thomas Edison was a genius. Whenever we go to the movies, listen to music, turn on a light bulb, or wrap something in wax paper, we participate in the genius of Thomas Edison.
I marvel at the many geniuses in the world of medicine and science.
I'll even go as far to say that J K Rowling is a genius. It is rare to watch a set of classic literature come into being and a generation recognize it. And, frankly, the way she laid out a story, created an entirely new reality in her novels, and pulled things together is brilliant.
As much as I love football, and I do love football, and as much as I appreciate excellent and creative coaching, it is not the world of genius. Geniuses change the world and change lives, they don't change football games.
Bill Walsh was a very creative and outstanding football coach and he did impact the game. But let's get a way from the genius label and honor him for what he was. A great coach.
What concerns me is that he is labeled a 'genius.'
Bill Walsh was very smart, very capable, etc. Despite the fact that his team was often matched against my team, I appreciated his great coaching ability. But genius?
Albert Einstein was a genius. He transformed math and his brilliance was and is legend.
Thomas Edison was a genius. Whenever we go to the movies, listen to music, turn on a light bulb, or wrap something in wax paper, we participate in the genius of Thomas Edison.
I marvel at the many geniuses in the world of medicine and science.
I'll even go as far to say that J K Rowling is a genius. It is rare to watch a set of classic literature come into being and a generation recognize it. And, frankly, the way she laid out a story, created an entirely new reality in her novels, and pulled things together is brilliant.
As much as I love football, and I do love football, and as much as I appreciate excellent and creative coaching, it is not the world of genius. Geniuses change the world and change lives, they don't change football games.
Bill Walsh was a very creative and outstanding football coach and he did impact the game. But let's get a way from the genius label and honor him for what he was. A great coach.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Christians and Hate Crimes
I recently read that Christians ought to be opposed to hate crime legislation. The argument was that hate crime legislation would be a deterrent to freedom of speech and would impact the issues that Christians hold near and dear. I found myself highly troubled.
First, most obviously, I liked and celebrate freedom of speech. My having freedom of speech enables me to write here, it enables me to have significant conversation, and it enables me to preach freely each Sunday morning. Free speech is something I cherish.
I also believe, however, that Christians need to consistently be opposed to hatred in all forms. One can speak freely and effectively and one can speak forcefully without resorting to hate or hate language.
Sometimes people try to justify hate language by saying that Jesus uses the word 'hate' several times.
Some of the times Jesus was speaking to his disciples and telling them that others were going to hate them because of him. That hate that they were experiencing or going to experience would, one day, lead to their deaths. One cannot say that he was promoting hatred. He was, in fact, proclaiming that many of those who followed him would be victimized by hate.
But there are other passages, such as Luke 14:26:
Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.
Or Luke 16:13:
No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
Jesus uses the word hate in a seemingly very powerful way. However this is part of the joy of dealing with a Bible that has been translated into English from an ancient language, in this case Ancient Greek. Ancient languages, such as Ancient Greek have far fewer words than English does. Greek has three different words for love but uses the same word for brother, sister, cousin, aunt, or uncle. Often, when we read 'love and hate' in the same sentence, we encounter Greek's lack of nuance in differentiation. If I were to ask which kind of ice cream do you like best, vanilla or chocolate, you might say that you like chocolate better. If I asked if you'd eat vanilla you'd probably say yes, but you like chocolate better. In ancient Greek the only way to state this would be that you love chocolate and hate vanilla. You really aren't expressing that you hate vanilla, you prefer chocolate. In these references the language does not clearly express Jesus' point. Sadly many people use the word 'hate' in these passages in an attempt to justify their own usage of hate language.
The thing is this. When Christians try to justify hate they are not behaving as Christians. They are blaming God for their own bad behavior. When we use vicious language towards anyone, in any way, we simply cannot claim that God is speaking through us. Frankly, when we behave like that, our only prayer can be that God is speaking despite of us.
My prayer is that one day there will come a day when we won't ever need to ponder hate crimes because they do not exist.
First, most obviously, I liked and celebrate freedom of speech. My having freedom of speech enables me to write here, it enables me to have significant conversation, and it enables me to preach freely each Sunday morning. Free speech is something I cherish.
I also believe, however, that Christians need to consistently be opposed to hatred in all forms. One can speak freely and effectively and one can speak forcefully without resorting to hate or hate language.
Sometimes people try to justify hate language by saying that Jesus uses the word 'hate' several times.
Some of the times Jesus was speaking to his disciples and telling them that others were going to hate them because of him. That hate that they were experiencing or going to experience would, one day, lead to their deaths. One cannot say that he was promoting hatred. He was, in fact, proclaiming that many of those who followed him would be victimized by hate.
But there are other passages, such as Luke 14:26:
Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.
Or Luke 16:13:
No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
Jesus uses the word hate in a seemingly very powerful way. However this is part of the joy of dealing with a Bible that has been translated into English from an ancient language, in this case Ancient Greek. Ancient languages, such as Ancient Greek have far fewer words than English does. Greek has three different words for love but uses the same word for brother, sister, cousin, aunt, or uncle. Often, when we read 'love and hate' in the same sentence, we encounter Greek's lack of nuance in differentiation. If I were to ask which kind of ice cream do you like best, vanilla or chocolate, you might say that you like chocolate better. If I asked if you'd eat vanilla you'd probably say yes, but you like chocolate better. In ancient Greek the only way to state this would be that you love chocolate and hate vanilla. You really aren't expressing that you hate vanilla, you prefer chocolate. In these references the language does not clearly express Jesus' point. Sadly many people use the word 'hate' in these passages in an attempt to justify their own usage of hate language.
The thing is this. When Christians try to justify hate they are not behaving as Christians. They are blaming God for their own bad behavior. When we use vicious language towards anyone, in any way, we simply cannot claim that God is speaking through us. Frankly, when we behave like that, our only prayer can be that God is speaking despite of us.
My prayer is that one day there will come a day when we won't ever need to ponder hate crimes because they do not exist.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Frederic Von Anhalt
Frederic Von Anhalt is in the news again. He is Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband who recently claimed that he was the father of Anna Nicole Smith's baby. He wasn't.
Recently he said that he was stripped, robbed and left naked in his Rolls Royce by three women.
Recently there have been reports that Britney Spears might be pregnant again. I suspect that Frederic Von Anhalt will take the credit for this.
Oh, and Nicole Richey may be pregnant. Frederic Von Anhalt probably has stated that he is the father.
Of course, Lindsay Lohan was found with cocaine in her pants pocket. Like most people she doesn't have a clue whose pants she is wearing on any given day. (Duh!)
I, however, do believe her. The pants belong to Frederic Von Anhalt.
Recently he said that he was stripped, robbed and left naked in his Rolls Royce by three women.
Frederic Von Anhalt called police around 10 a.m. Thursday to say he'd been driving near the Bel Air Country Club when he was flagged down by three women in a white Chrysler convertible with Florida plates, said Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Kevin Maiberger.
Von Anhalt said he thought the three women wanted to pose for a photograph with him, but when he started talking to them, one of them pushed a gun into his neck.Recently there have been reports that Britney Spears might be pregnant again. I suspect that Frederic Von Anhalt will take the credit for this.
Oh, and Nicole Richey may be pregnant. Frederic Von Anhalt probably has stated that he is the father.
Of course, Lindsay Lohan was found with cocaine in her pants pocket. Like most people she doesn't have a clue whose pants she is wearing on any given day. (Duh!)
I, however, do believe her. The pants belong to Frederic Von Anhalt.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Amazing
I have a new here. Her name is Mika Brzezinski. She works for NBC News and appears (doing the news) on Morning Joe on MSNBC. Mika Brzezinski is the daughter of Zbigniew Brzezinski who worked as the National Security Adviser during the Carter Administration. She is a journalist who takes the news seriously. She grew up in a serious home, and is a serious journalist.
Last month, when she was called on to do the news the lead story was the release of Paris Hilton from prison. She crumbled the top pages of the lead story and refused to do it. She moved on to the next story which was, actually, a significant piece of news.
In the next hour, after refusing to lead with this story, the producers of the show gave her the news stories and they again led with the Paris Hilton prison release story. This time she walked across the studio and put the story in the shredder. Then she went on to give the real news.
I say this because here are some of the major news stories right now.
There is further evidence of a dramatic cover up in the case of Pat Tillman. The cover up was worse than previously thought.
The war, of course, continues.
The FBI Director's testimony directly contradicted what the Attorney Journal said.
Obama and Clinton are having a major feud and their rhetoric has grown increasingly ugly.
The stock market plunged 300 points yesterday.
Baseball, football, and basketball, the three largest sports in the United States are all dealing with major scandals.
The lead story today was about Lindsay Lohan.
We need more journalists like Mika Brzezinski.
Last month, when she was called on to do the news the lead story was the release of Paris Hilton from prison. She crumbled the top pages of the lead story and refused to do it. She moved on to the next story which was, actually, a significant piece of news.
In the next hour, after refusing to lead with this story, the producers of the show gave her the news stories and they again led with the Paris Hilton prison release story. This time she walked across the studio and put the story in the shredder. Then she went on to give the real news.
I say this because here are some of the major news stories right now.
There is further evidence of a dramatic cover up in the case of Pat Tillman. The cover up was worse than previously thought.
The war, of course, continues.
The FBI Director's testimony directly contradicted what the Attorney Journal said.
Obama and Clinton are having a major feud and their rhetoric has grown increasingly ugly.
The stock market plunged 300 points yesterday.
Baseball, football, and basketball, the three largest sports in the United States are all dealing with major scandals.
The lead story today was about Lindsay Lohan.
We need more journalists like Mika Brzezinski.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
More Random Thoughts
I see that there are several hundred copies of the latest Harry Potter book that are missing a conclusion. These were the books edited by David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos.
Lindsay Lohan was arrested again for drunk driving and they found cocaine in her car. It was not her's, she has told everyone. If a person with no record of alcohol or drug abuse was stopped and they found drugs in the car this might be an excuse worth giving a listen. But for an addict....
Paris Hilton, I read, is re-releasing some porn video she made with additional footage to it. I heard that both the members of the Paris Hilton fan club are very excited about this.
Oh, and Britney Spears had some sort of meltdown and appeared to be 'out of control.' This is news?
It is amazing that soldiers die in Iraq each day, we are at war in two countries, and these are the lead news stories. Okay, the Harry Potter book missing pages may actually be news. It was the hugest release of a book ever and that IS news. But Lindsay, Britney, and Paris?
Bobby Petrino left the University of Louisville with a program poised for greatness to coach the Atlanta Falcons. The big question was if he could coach Michael Vick to the potential greatness the young man may have had in him. Now he's going to have a starting QB of Joey Harrington who has amassed a 68.1 QB rating and has demonstrating a tremendous talent for hitting open defensive backs for completions. For those who take Bill O'Reilly as a serious voice of reason in the nation, hitting open defensive backs for completions is a jesting statement for saying that he throws a lot of interceptions.
The allegations against Michael Vick are very serious and awful. We recoil at cultures which eat dog as meals. However, in nations, especially poor nations, this is very cultural and acceptable. They may find our fondness of cooking lobsters alive to be offensive. I can understand hungry people eating animals.
But this isn't the same thing. This is betting on dogs with the hope and expectation that one dog would kill the other. Watching two dogs fight to the death is NOT entertainment. It's grotesque. To make matters worse, surviving but mangled dogs were killed, again for entertainment purposes, in a wide variety of ways.
If Michael Vick was indeed involved in this he ought never play football again and should spend some serious jail time. My only fear is that I wonder how many other players are involved in similar such activities.
Lindsay Lohan was arrested again for drunk driving and they found cocaine in her car. It was not her's, she has told everyone. If a person with no record of alcohol or drug abuse was stopped and they found drugs in the car this might be an excuse worth giving a listen. But for an addict....
Paris Hilton, I read, is re-releasing some porn video she made with additional footage to it. I heard that both the members of the Paris Hilton fan club are very excited about this.
Oh, and Britney Spears had some sort of meltdown and appeared to be 'out of control.' This is news?
It is amazing that soldiers die in Iraq each day, we are at war in two countries, and these are the lead news stories. Okay, the Harry Potter book missing pages may actually be news. It was the hugest release of a book ever and that IS news. But Lindsay, Britney, and Paris?
Bobby Petrino left the University of Louisville with a program poised for greatness to coach the Atlanta Falcons. The big question was if he could coach Michael Vick to the potential greatness the young man may have had in him. Now he's going to have a starting QB of Joey Harrington who has amassed a 68.1 QB rating and has demonstrating a tremendous talent for hitting open defensive backs for completions. For those who take Bill O'Reilly as a serious voice of reason in the nation, hitting open defensive backs for completions is a jesting statement for saying that he throws a lot of interceptions.
The allegations against Michael Vick are very serious and awful. We recoil at cultures which eat dog as meals. However, in nations, especially poor nations, this is very cultural and acceptable. They may find our fondness of cooking lobsters alive to be offensive. I can understand hungry people eating animals.
But this isn't the same thing. This is betting on dogs with the hope and expectation that one dog would kill the other. Watching two dogs fight to the death is NOT entertainment. It's grotesque. To make matters worse, surviving but mangled dogs were killed, again for entertainment purposes, in a wide variety of ways.
If Michael Vick was indeed involved in this he ought never play football again and should spend some serious jail time. My only fear is that I wonder how many other players are involved in similar such activities.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Harry Potter
I have heard that lots of preachers are upset about Harry Potter and the damage the books and movies are doing.
Hogwarts!
I mean hogwash!
The main theme of the books has been that what makes a person 'good' is by having a strong quality of character and being willing to sacrifice one's self for one's friends. I've read and listened to a lot worse theology than that!
I have seen all the movies and read all the books. I stayed up till 1:30AM to finish book 7.
Wow.
Books 1 and 2 are children's books but quite enjoyable for adults. Book 7 is a book for adults but quite good for kids as well. The final tale of Harry Potter is incredible!!! I don't want to share the details but if you have read the others, read this one. If you haven't read any of them start now at book 1. You will be very happy that you did.
Hogwarts!
I mean hogwash!
The main theme of the books has been that what makes a person 'good' is by having a strong quality of character and being willing to sacrifice one's self for one's friends. I've read and listened to a lot worse theology than that!
I have seen all the movies and read all the books. I stayed up till 1:30AM to finish book 7.
Wow.
Books 1 and 2 are children's books but quite enjoyable for adults. Book 7 is a book for adults but quite good for kids as well. The final tale of Harry Potter is incredible!!! I don't want to share the details but if you have read the others, read this one. If you haven't read any of them start now at book 1. You will be very happy that you did.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Top Chef
One of my favorite shows is "Top Chef." I find this to be an intensely competitive show with very, very fine chefs competing. I liked the young woman they sent home. Her name was Lia and she seemed to be talented and has a sweet disposition. The reality of this show, however, is that it's all about the quality of the food and she ended up at the bottom twice.
There is some good stuff made in restaurant chains. It's not always original and not always very exciting, but I do like some of them. My two daughters are employed by chains and they have been treated well and I have enjoyed meals at both their establishments.
That having been said, I think it's awesome when independent restaurants (and chefs) open their own places with their own novel cuisine. It makes for exciting possibilities. I am excited that we are beginning to see places such as these open in downtown New Albany. It would be wonderful to see downtown revitalized because restaurants have becoming a drawing card to the downtown.
There is some good stuff made in restaurant chains. It's not always original and not always very exciting, but I do like some of them. My two daughters are employed by chains and they have been treated well and I have enjoyed meals at both their establishments.
That having been said, I think it's awesome when independent restaurants (and chefs) open their own places with their own novel cuisine. It makes for exciting possibilities. I am excited that we are beginning to see places such as these open in downtown New Albany. It would be wonderful to see downtown revitalized because restaurants have becoming a drawing card to the downtown.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Senatorial Slumber Parties
Wow. We had a Senatorial Slumber Party. Some Senators actually stayed up all night debating the war in Iraq. It will, of course, come to nothing.
A couple of things are obvious.
The Democrats have not shown the testicular fortitude to truly stand up to President Bush. If they truly do object to the war, if they truly want to bring the troops home, they have the capacity to cut funding to the war. As this is a resolution that actually needs to be passed, Republicans cannot block the vote. A simple vote to begin the process of removing troops will not pass muster. This is the coward's way out.
The Republicans have also not demonstrated a great deal of testicular fortitude in this. They are very good at finding microphones to state that things need to change and that we are moving in the wrong direction, etc. When it comes to votes, however, they run and hide behind their ability to block votes. They are unwilling to put their votes where their mouths are.
Then there is the interplanetary travel of Joe Lieberman. Nuff said.
The officials in D.C., I dare not use the word 'leadership,' as they are not entitled, have a priority. Vote for party over country. Party loyalty is more important than serving one's nation.
It is pathetic.
A couple of things are obvious.
The Democrats have not shown the testicular fortitude to truly stand up to President Bush. If they truly do object to the war, if they truly want to bring the troops home, they have the capacity to cut funding to the war. As this is a resolution that actually needs to be passed, Republicans cannot block the vote. A simple vote to begin the process of removing troops will not pass muster. This is the coward's way out.
The Republicans have also not demonstrated a great deal of testicular fortitude in this. They are very good at finding microphones to state that things need to change and that we are moving in the wrong direction, etc. When it comes to votes, however, they run and hide behind their ability to block votes. They are unwilling to put their votes where their mouths are.
Then there is the interplanetary travel of Joe Lieberman. Nuff said.
The officials in D.C., I dare not use the word 'leadership,' as they are not entitled, have a priority. Vote for party over country. Party loyalty is more important than serving one's nation.
It is pathetic.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Sen. David Vitter
Senator David Vitter of the DC Madam Escort Service fame has been and will continue to be the subject of numerous jokes on late night talk shows. David Letterman, Jay Leno, and the Comedy Channel, live for such moments. They are still making jokes about President Bill Clinton!
To his credit Senator Vitter has admitted he has done this and according to he and his wife, she was well aware of his behavior many years back. The joy of being in public is that past behavior often does have a habit of returning. To his credit, he admitted his sin, has moved for forgiveness, and wants to move on with his life and career.
He did some things, however, in his statement, which were wrong.
For one, he blamed his political enemies for feasting on this. Please. When a Senator has run for family values from the party that promotes family values and from a party which attempted to eviscerate the previous President for his escapades, Senator Vitter would be naive to believe that he was going to get a free pass. When one does wrong and when one truly does repent, one falls on one's sword and blames no one for anything else.
Secondly, he was alarmed on how the press chased him, even to church. When you are the centerpiece of THE story in town and you have been in hiding, guess what happens when you come out of hiding? Duh!!!
Finally, I'd have liked to have seen some humility in this. "I have run on family values and did not practice what I preached. I have judged others harshly and now that I find myself in the spotlight of judgment I realize how uncomfortable those folks were. For that I am truly sorry!"
He didn't quite get around to that. Jesus said, 'Judge not lest you be judged.' Wise advice to be heeded.
To his credit Senator Vitter has admitted he has done this and according to he and his wife, she was well aware of his behavior many years back. The joy of being in public is that past behavior often does have a habit of returning. To his credit, he admitted his sin, has moved for forgiveness, and wants to move on with his life and career.
He did some things, however, in his statement, which were wrong.
For one, he blamed his political enemies for feasting on this. Please. When a Senator has run for family values from the party that promotes family values and from a party which attempted to eviscerate the previous President for his escapades, Senator Vitter would be naive to believe that he was going to get a free pass. When one does wrong and when one truly does repent, one falls on one's sword and blames no one for anything else.
Secondly, he was alarmed on how the press chased him, even to church. When you are the centerpiece of THE story in town and you have been in hiding, guess what happens when you come out of hiding? Duh!!!
Finally, I'd have liked to have seen some humility in this. "I have run on family values and did not practice what I preached. I have judged others harshly and now that I find myself in the spotlight of judgment I realize how uncomfortable those folks were. For that I am truly sorry!"
He didn't quite get around to that. Jesus said, 'Judge not lest you be judged.' Wise advice to be heeded.
Monday, July 16, 2007
The Danger of Anti-Intellectualism
The word 'intellectual' has become an almost obscene word in so many circles. When you call a person an intellectual it seems to mean that this is a person who can not be trusted because they have way out ideas.
In Congress, in recent years, complex issues are ridiculed for being complex.
Complex ideas are diminished to black and white, it's one thing or another.
Complex, abstract thinking has been replaced by simple, precise thinking.
Fundamentalism, be it Islamic, Jewish, Christian, or any other group eliminates the idea that there are complex theological positions in play and reduces things down to clear black and white doctrines. The Bible has all the answers and if you don't believe me I'll tell you exactly what they are.
Universities that have taught students not only to tolerate but appreciate ambiguity and condemned and we have many schools that teach students the 'facts' and tolerate no ambiguous thought. It's either this or that.
This whole movement of late has been to condemn intellectualism and ambiguous thinking as, well, evil. And this is dangerous.
First off, the world is a complex place. Anyone who has studied theology, deeply, can tell you that the Bible is filled with nuance. If you take it verse for verse, word for word, you can eliminate the nuance, but when you read long statements sans chapter and verse (as it was written) it becomes much more nuanced, much less precise.
Ethics is ambiguous. No matter how one slices it, ethics is an ambiguous subject when all factors are taken into account. Philosophical ethics is dissed for being too abstract but real life tends to get messy and ethical codes have to have some play in them or they do not work. They never have.
What frightens me are the people who KNOW the answers for sure. They know exactly what God meant when this was written, they know exactly what God has planned for them, and they know exactly how to fix what is broken.
So, for those who know everything exactly, here are some problems our society faces.
Iraq. We invaded a sovereign nation where the citizenry now hates us and there is a civil war going on. (A civil war is defined as people of one nation fighting against each other. No matter how people try to spin this as not a civil war, it's a fact that people in Iraq are fighting each other.) We invaded Iraq. We stay in and the unrest continues and our troops get killed. We withdraw and there is a potential things get worse. What do we do?
Our health care system has some of the best technology in the world, many of the finest doctors and facilities and we are not close to being the best nation at providing health care to our population. How do we solve this?
Social Security looms as the baby boomers retire. More people will be drawing out than putting in and we will face a disaster in the not too distant future. How do we solve this?
Our leaders are more interested in confronting gay marriage and flag burning as major issues and not poverty, health care, social security, or security in general. How do we get the bozos out and put smart people in their place?
Oh wait, that's the problem. We'd need smart people and smart people are often intellectual, and thereby dangerous.
In Congress, in recent years, complex issues are ridiculed for being complex.
Complex ideas are diminished to black and white, it's one thing or another.
Complex, abstract thinking has been replaced by simple, precise thinking.
Fundamentalism, be it Islamic, Jewish, Christian, or any other group eliminates the idea that there are complex theological positions in play and reduces things down to clear black and white doctrines. The Bible has all the answers and if you don't believe me I'll tell you exactly what they are.
Universities that have taught students not only to tolerate but appreciate ambiguity and condemned and we have many schools that teach students the 'facts' and tolerate no ambiguous thought. It's either this or that.
This whole movement of late has been to condemn intellectualism and ambiguous thinking as, well, evil. And this is dangerous.
First off, the world is a complex place. Anyone who has studied theology, deeply, can tell you that the Bible is filled with nuance. If you take it verse for verse, word for word, you can eliminate the nuance, but when you read long statements sans chapter and verse (as it was written) it becomes much more nuanced, much less precise.
Ethics is ambiguous. No matter how one slices it, ethics is an ambiguous subject when all factors are taken into account. Philosophical ethics is dissed for being too abstract but real life tends to get messy and ethical codes have to have some play in them or they do not work. They never have.
What frightens me are the people who KNOW the answers for sure. They know exactly what God meant when this was written, they know exactly what God has planned for them, and they know exactly how to fix what is broken.
So, for those who know everything exactly, here are some problems our society faces.
Iraq. We invaded a sovereign nation where the citizenry now hates us and there is a civil war going on. (A civil war is defined as people of one nation fighting against each other. No matter how people try to spin this as not a civil war, it's a fact that people in Iraq are fighting each other.) We invaded Iraq. We stay in and the unrest continues and our troops get killed. We withdraw and there is a potential things get worse. What do we do?
Our health care system has some of the best technology in the world, many of the finest doctors and facilities and we are not close to being the best nation at providing health care to our population. How do we solve this?
Social Security looms as the baby boomers retire. More people will be drawing out than putting in and we will face a disaster in the not too distant future. How do we solve this?
Our leaders are more interested in confronting gay marriage and flag burning as major issues and not poverty, health care, social security, or security in general. How do we get the bozos out and put smart people in their place?
Oh wait, that's the problem. We'd need smart people and smart people are often intellectual, and thereby dangerous.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Robyn Blumner's Latest Column
Robyn Blumner is a columnist for the St. Petersburg Times. She writes a column for their Sunday edition each week. To me, she is my weekly must read. I find her consistently interesting and provocative. She has the ability to be highly critical of both the right and the left and do so with amazing insights. Her latest column is a brilliant one. She says many things this week far better than I can.
www.sptimes.com/2007/07/15/Opinion/We_are_a_nation_of_th.shtml
www.sptimes.com/2007/07/15/Opinion/We_are_a_nation_of_th.shtml
Friday, July 13, 2007
Heroism
This morning on the radio I heard the exchange between Officer Joel White and others immediately after Officer White had been shot.
He knew that Officer Frank Denzinger had been shot and was not responding. One can only presume he feared the worst. His actions on the radio were amazing. He was not saying "Help Me!" as much as he was warning any responding officers that they were driving into grave danger. He, Officer White, sounded like he believed that the shooter was going to come and finish him off and that he might be beyond the point of being helped. His concern was more for the other responding officers.
We have heard of the selfless response of Officer Frank Denzinger pushing a relative of the shooter to safety and putting himself at greater risk, and we now have heard the selfless response of Officer Joel White. If these two men are representative of those who protect us we are protected by very, very fine human beings indeed.
He knew that Officer Frank Denzinger had been shot and was not responding. One can only presume he feared the worst. His actions on the radio were amazing. He was not saying "Help Me!" as much as he was warning any responding officers that they were driving into grave danger. He, Officer White, sounded like he believed that the shooter was going to come and finish him off and that he might be beyond the point of being helped. His concern was more for the other responding officers.
We have heard of the selfless response of Officer Frank Denzinger pushing a relative of the shooter to safety and putting himself at greater risk, and we now have heard the selfless response of Officer Joel White. If these two men are representative of those who protect us we are protected by very, very fine human beings indeed.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Harry Potter
One thing that is wonderful about being on vacation is the ability to go to the movies at 11AM. Today I went to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I loved it. They made the longest book into the shortest of the Harry Potter movies and did a really good job. They left out many interesting but unnecessary details to tell the story. It is a dark and compelling drama and keeps the viewer riveted.
I'm looking forward to the release of the final book. I really do want to know what happens. Ms. Rawlings, please do not kill off Harry and his two closest friends. That would be awful!!!
I'm looking forward to the release of the final book. I really do want to know what happens. Ms. Rawlings, please do not kill off Harry and his two closest friends. That would be awful!!!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Ecumenism's Major Hit
The ecumenical movement just took a major hit.
Pope Ratzinger reissued comments he had made in the past concerning 'true churches.'
His document states that the Orthodox Churches are defective and Protestant Churches are not 'true churches.'
He would hate Brian McLaren's wonderful book "A Generous Orthodoxy," because to him there is nothing generous about orthodoxy, and there is nothing generous about the grace of God, and nothing innately generous in Jesus. The church, to him, is one church standing on one principle. McLaren's book is brilliant AND generous because he chronicles virtually all the expressions of Christianity and finds something unique and beautiful in each movement of Christianity.
The thing to remember is, at its core, Christianity is a movement. Or ought to be a movement. Jesus didn't come so much to establish a new world religion but to reform Judaism. Judaism, ironically, was in the midst of a huge reform at that time and Christianity moved in a new and different direction. Somehow when we drive throughout cities across the world and see churches, large institutions I suspect that Jesus would have been surprised.
I was raised and my post high school education was in Roman Catholic Seminaries. I went to a Roman Catholic Seminary College and a Roman Catholic Seminary in the 1970's. It was an amazing, dynamic, and incredible fertile and exciting time to be studying in RC institutions. The RC church was in the midst of great reform and there were exciting conversations. When John Paul was elected to be Pope in 1978 that excitement and reform did not only die, it was crushed. JP ordered his trusted advisor, Ratzinger, to crush any signs of life. When Ratzinger was elected Pope he decided to finish crushing what little JP had missed.
Ecumenical dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church is over. But some people live in dreamland. I quote from the MSNBC website:
Father Augustine Di Noia, undersecretary for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, said the document did not alter the commitment for ecumenical dialogue, but aimed to assert Catholic identity in those talks.
It is, in my mind, a total disgrace. Most Roman Catholics are not arrogant and recognize that they have much to learn from others----and much to give. Their Pope is an embarassment.
I refuse to call him "Benedict." St. Benedict was a great man, a holy man, and a uniter. Pope Ratzinger does not deserve the name until he learns from Benedict's generous spirit.
Pope Ratzinger reissued comments he had made in the past concerning 'true churches.'
His document states that the Orthodox Churches are defective and Protestant Churches are not 'true churches.'
He would hate Brian McLaren's wonderful book "A Generous Orthodoxy," because to him there is nothing generous about orthodoxy, and there is nothing generous about the grace of God, and nothing innately generous in Jesus. The church, to him, is one church standing on one principle. McLaren's book is brilliant AND generous because he chronicles virtually all the expressions of Christianity and finds something unique and beautiful in each movement of Christianity.
The thing to remember is, at its core, Christianity is a movement. Or ought to be a movement. Jesus didn't come so much to establish a new world religion but to reform Judaism. Judaism, ironically, was in the midst of a huge reform at that time and Christianity moved in a new and different direction. Somehow when we drive throughout cities across the world and see churches, large institutions I suspect that Jesus would have been surprised.
I was raised and my post high school education was in Roman Catholic Seminaries. I went to a Roman Catholic Seminary College and a Roman Catholic Seminary in the 1970's. It was an amazing, dynamic, and incredible fertile and exciting time to be studying in RC institutions. The RC church was in the midst of great reform and there were exciting conversations. When John Paul was elected to be Pope in 1978 that excitement and reform did not only die, it was crushed. JP ordered his trusted advisor, Ratzinger, to crush any signs of life. When Ratzinger was elected Pope he decided to finish crushing what little JP had missed.
Ecumenical dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church is over. But some people live in dreamland. I quote from the MSNBC website:
Father Augustine Di Noia, undersecretary for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, said the document did not alter the commitment for ecumenical dialogue, but aimed to assert Catholic identity in those talks.
“The Church is not backtracking on ecumenical commitment,” Di Noia told Vatican radio.
Does this man live in dreamland? Dialogue only takes place when two or more parties come together, recognizing that no one is totally correct and that we all have much to learn. If one is totally correct and the only correct one in the room, there is no longer dialogue.It is, in my mind, a total disgrace. Most Roman Catholics are not arrogant and recognize that they have much to learn from others----and much to give. Their Pope is an embarassment.
I refuse to call him "Benedict." St. Benedict was a great man, a holy man, and a uniter. Pope Ratzinger does not deserve the name until he learns from Benedict's generous spirit.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Christian is a Noun
Christian is a Noun
Text: Acts 11:19-30
Rev. Dr. John E. Manzo
July 8, 2007
Several years ago I heard a talk from a minister named Erwin McManus, one of the leaders of the Emergent Church movement. I’m not going to talk about the Emergent Church movement or it would take too much time and no one would still have a clue as to what I was talking about. But McManus is an interesting character in that movement.
He is the founding pastor of a church in Los Angeles named Mosaic. There is a fascinating quality to Mosaic. They do not call themselves a church. They do their thing and have their ministries and if people tell them that they are a church, they are a church. But to them, to be truly faithful is to have others see you as a church rather than innately being called a church.
In Acts 11 there is a similar scenario. The followers of Jesus are given the name Christian from outsiders. It is not a name that they have given themselves and many saw it as a derogatory term for the followers of Jesus.
Christians. They were called Christians for the very first time. The word Christian is not used a great deal in the Bible. Christian is used only twice and Christians is once in the passage we read from today. In both cases there is something that the word Christian has in common-----Christian is a noun.
Do you remember English class growing up? A noun was a person, place, or thing. A Christian, by definition, is a person who follows Jesus Christ.
Except the word Christian is used less often as a noun and more often as an adjective; a word which describes a noun. And, frankly, one of my great rants is that the word Christian has become cheapened. In 1 Peter 4:16 he writes, “Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name.” The word Christian is a noun, a word which speaks to us of a person who follows Jesus Christ. To those on the outside, the word Christian was a term of mocking; but Peter says to use it to glorify God. He infers that we, as Christians, bear the name Christian and ultimately bear the name of our Savior.
But the word Christian has been cheapened. Instead of being a noun the word has become more often used as an adjective to describe items that really have no relevance to Christianity. I did some research to find some items that bear the title Christian. It is not an exhaustive list but it short is a long list.
I found:
Christian backpacks Christian punch balloons.
Christian bouncy balls. Christian squeeze earth balls.
Christian yo yos Christian rulers
Christian ties Christian pencils, pens, and magic markers.
Christian shirts Christian lip gloss.
Christian jewelry. Christian wallets
Christian coffee mugs The Christian diet.
And I have always heard that there was such a thing as Christian breath mints. I couldn’t believe it. But they do exist.
The thing is, if you read the Bible, if you read the stories of Jesus and embrace the sacrifice of Jesus then you realize that Jesus didn’t come to endorse products. Actually, Jesus’ teachings on money were quite interesting----Jesus had issues with money and would not have been pleased to endorse products.
I don’t mind of people have products which symbols which remind them of their faith----but don’t call the products themselves Christian.
Historically, as Christians, we have proclaimed to the world that Jesus suffered on the cross for us. Martin Luther called the words of John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life, “ a brief summary of all of Christianity.
Jesus came for people. Jesus died for people. Jesus was raised from the dead for people. God sent the Holy Spirit into the world for people.
Jesus did not come for product placement. Jesus did not die on the cross for backpacks, yo yo’s or bouncy balls. Jesus was not raised from the dead for the sake of pencils, pens, magic markers, or even coffee mugs. The Holy Spirit did not come into the world so that every family can be inspired to own a punch balloon or have fresh breath. And, if my chance you get a sense that I get greatly incensed by this gross commercialization of the name of Jesus Christ than you are correct.
We might, at times, need to use the word Christian as an adjective. We refer to the Christian Church, but the Christian Church has been in existence for 2000 years with the express purpose of carrying the message of Jesus Christ into the world. Christians have a specific kind of Worship and to refer to that Worship as Christian Worship is, by my standards, acceptable. Sacred Music is sometimes referred to as Christian and I can live with that. There are times, very limited times, when the word Christian may be used to describe something.
But it’s rare. The word Christian is a noun. Jesus came for people and invited people to be disciples and any almost other use of the name Christian, any other use of the name of our Savior and Lord, frankly, is intolerable to me.
Secondly, we need to recognize what being a Christian truly means.
Sometimes the things we refer to as Unchristian are interesting. Not being nice is labeled to be Unchristian. If your view of Christianity is about being nice all the time, please don’t read the gospels or you’ll find yourself uncomfortable with a lot of what Jesus said. He wasn’t always particularly nice.
I’m not saying it’s not a good thing to be nice, but it really doesn’t rise to the level of Christianity or not.
Being a Christian is becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. The word disciple is often a word not used with a great deal of understanding. Most of us, now, would define a disciple as a person who follows someone. Christians, we would say, are disciples of Jesus Christ. Followers.
But a disciple is more than a mere follower. In Biblical times a disciple was a person classified as a student of someone. In fact, the Latin word, discipila, is literally translated as student. But this was not the same way we refer to a student at any kind of school. A disciple, in Bible times, was a person who literally sat at the feet of another for many, many years and learned virtually everything the person knew. Socrates had a famous disciple named Plato, who in turn had a famous disciple named Aristotle, who in turn had a famous disciple named Alexander the Great.
Acts of the Apostles tells us that St. Paul was a student, a disciple of the great Rabbi Gamaliel.
Being a disciple of Jesus is not just following, but it’s almost literally sitting at the feet of Jesus and learning. Being a Christian is sitting at the feet of Jesus for a lifetime learning everything there is to know and come to know Jesus as best as we are humanly capable. It is not a brief decision but a lifetime commitment.
Going back to where I began, I was taken by Erwin McManus’ comments. He told a story about flying from the east coast back to Los Angeles when he was seated in the plane with a young man who was flying to Hollywood to become a big star. Or hoped he would be a big star.
The young man asked McManus what he did and McManus didn’t want to get into a long theological discussion so he told the guy that he was an author.
In any case as they made the trip the young man told McManus that his family was concerned for him as he didn’t know a soul in Los Angeles and was away from home on his own for the first time in his life.
Mosaic, at that time, met on Sunday evenings in a restaurant that was closed on Sundays. McManus told him that a group of his friends get together on Sunday nights at this one restaurant and talked and sang and hung out. He invited the guy and gave him the address.
To McManus’ great surprise the kid showed up the following Sunday night and watched McManus give a talk and was impressed that the guy he met on the plane was so well thought of by this group of friends that they were interested in what he had to say.
The kid came the next week and the same thing transpired.
He came a third week and the same thing transpired and the young man walked up to Irwin McManus and said, “Hey I figured it out! This is a church and you are the pastor!”
And he kept coming.
What made the story unique was that the young guy figured out it was a church by what was happening, what was talked about, and how people interacted with each other.
As Christians perhaps that is the way we need to see how we fit the role of Christianity. Our lives as Christians is not by the back packs we carry or the breath mints we use, but by what we do with our lives, what we talk about, how we interact with each other, and where we set our priorities. Being a Christian ought not be something we proclaim about ourselves; it ought to be something people recognize about us.
Text: Acts 11:19-30
Rev. Dr. John E. Manzo
July 8, 2007
Several years ago I heard a talk from a minister named Erwin McManus, one of the leaders of the Emergent Church movement. I’m not going to talk about the Emergent Church movement or it would take too much time and no one would still have a clue as to what I was talking about. But McManus is an interesting character in that movement.
He is the founding pastor of a church in Los Angeles named Mosaic. There is a fascinating quality to Mosaic. They do not call themselves a church. They do their thing and have their ministries and if people tell them that they are a church, they are a church. But to them, to be truly faithful is to have others see you as a church rather than innately being called a church.
In Acts 11 there is a similar scenario. The followers of Jesus are given the name Christian from outsiders. It is not a name that they have given themselves and many saw it as a derogatory term for the followers of Jesus.
Christians. They were called Christians for the very first time. The word Christian is not used a great deal in the Bible. Christian is used only twice and Christians is once in the passage we read from today. In both cases there is something that the word Christian has in common-----Christian is a noun.
Do you remember English class growing up? A noun was a person, place, or thing. A Christian, by definition, is a person who follows Jesus Christ.
Except the word Christian is used less often as a noun and more often as an adjective; a word which describes a noun. And, frankly, one of my great rants is that the word Christian has become cheapened. In 1 Peter 4:16 he writes, “Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name.” The word Christian is a noun, a word which speaks to us of a person who follows Jesus Christ. To those on the outside, the word Christian was a term of mocking; but Peter says to use it to glorify God. He infers that we, as Christians, bear the name Christian and ultimately bear the name of our Savior.
But the word Christian has been cheapened. Instead of being a noun the word has become more often used as an adjective to describe items that really have no relevance to Christianity. I did some research to find some items that bear the title Christian. It is not an exhaustive list but it short is a long list.
I found:
Christian backpacks Christian punch balloons.
Christian bouncy balls. Christian squeeze earth balls.
Christian yo yos Christian rulers
Christian ties Christian pencils, pens, and magic markers.
Christian shirts Christian lip gloss.
Christian jewelry. Christian wallets
Christian coffee mugs The Christian diet.
And I have always heard that there was such a thing as Christian breath mints. I couldn’t believe it. But they do exist.
The thing is, if you read the Bible, if you read the stories of Jesus and embrace the sacrifice of Jesus then you realize that Jesus didn’t come to endorse products. Actually, Jesus’ teachings on money were quite interesting----Jesus had issues with money and would not have been pleased to endorse products.
I don’t mind of people have products which symbols which remind them of their faith----but don’t call the products themselves Christian.
Historically, as Christians, we have proclaimed to the world that Jesus suffered on the cross for us. Martin Luther called the words of John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life, “ a brief summary of all of Christianity.
Jesus came for people. Jesus died for people. Jesus was raised from the dead for people. God sent the Holy Spirit into the world for people.
Jesus did not come for product placement. Jesus did not die on the cross for backpacks, yo yo’s or bouncy balls. Jesus was not raised from the dead for the sake of pencils, pens, magic markers, or even coffee mugs. The Holy Spirit did not come into the world so that every family can be inspired to own a punch balloon or have fresh breath. And, if my chance you get a sense that I get greatly incensed by this gross commercialization of the name of Jesus Christ than you are correct.
We might, at times, need to use the word Christian as an adjective. We refer to the Christian Church, but the Christian Church has been in existence for 2000 years with the express purpose of carrying the message of Jesus Christ into the world. Christians have a specific kind of Worship and to refer to that Worship as Christian Worship is, by my standards, acceptable. Sacred Music is sometimes referred to as Christian and I can live with that. There are times, very limited times, when the word Christian may be used to describe something.
But it’s rare. The word Christian is a noun. Jesus came for people and invited people to be disciples and any almost other use of the name Christian, any other use of the name of our Savior and Lord, frankly, is intolerable to me.
Secondly, we need to recognize what being a Christian truly means.
Sometimes the things we refer to as Unchristian are interesting. Not being nice is labeled to be Unchristian. If your view of Christianity is about being nice all the time, please don’t read the gospels or you’ll find yourself uncomfortable with a lot of what Jesus said. He wasn’t always particularly nice.
I’m not saying it’s not a good thing to be nice, but it really doesn’t rise to the level of Christianity or not.
Being a Christian is becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. The word disciple is often a word not used with a great deal of understanding. Most of us, now, would define a disciple as a person who follows someone. Christians, we would say, are disciples of Jesus Christ. Followers.
But a disciple is more than a mere follower. In Biblical times a disciple was a person classified as a student of someone. In fact, the Latin word, discipila, is literally translated as student. But this was not the same way we refer to a student at any kind of school. A disciple, in Bible times, was a person who literally sat at the feet of another for many, many years and learned virtually everything the person knew. Socrates had a famous disciple named Plato, who in turn had a famous disciple named Aristotle, who in turn had a famous disciple named Alexander the Great.
Acts of the Apostles tells us that St. Paul was a student, a disciple of the great Rabbi Gamaliel.
Being a disciple of Jesus is not just following, but it’s almost literally sitting at the feet of Jesus and learning. Being a Christian is sitting at the feet of Jesus for a lifetime learning everything there is to know and come to know Jesus as best as we are humanly capable. It is not a brief decision but a lifetime commitment.
Going back to where I began, I was taken by Erwin McManus’ comments. He told a story about flying from the east coast back to Los Angeles when he was seated in the plane with a young man who was flying to Hollywood to become a big star. Or hoped he would be a big star.
The young man asked McManus what he did and McManus didn’t want to get into a long theological discussion so he told the guy that he was an author.
In any case as they made the trip the young man told McManus that his family was concerned for him as he didn’t know a soul in Los Angeles and was away from home on his own for the first time in his life.
Mosaic, at that time, met on Sunday evenings in a restaurant that was closed on Sundays. McManus told him that a group of his friends get together on Sunday nights at this one restaurant and talked and sang and hung out. He invited the guy and gave him the address.
To McManus’ great surprise the kid showed up the following Sunday night and watched McManus give a talk and was impressed that the guy he met on the plane was so well thought of by this group of friends that they were interested in what he had to say.
The kid came the next week and the same thing transpired.
He came a third week and the same thing transpired and the young man walked up to Irwin McManus and said, “Hey I figured it out! This is a church and you are the pastor!”
And he kept coming.
What made the story unique was that the young guy figured out it was a church by what was happening, what was talked about, and how people interacted with each other.
As Christians perhaps that is the way we need to see how we fit the role of Christianity. Our lives as Christians is not by the back packs we carry or the breath mints we use, but by what we do with our lives, what we talk about, how we interact with each other, and where we set our priorities. Being a Christian ought not be something we proclaim about ourselves; it ought to be something people recognize about us.
Facts and Hypothesis
I find it fascinating that people seem to confuse facts and hypothesis.
Facts are verifiable and essentially non-negotiable. Hypothesis is a theory that can be argued. Often when people argue a hypothesis they can be very compelling and very convincing. No matter how compelling and how convincing they are, however, a well argued hypothesis is still a hypothesis and doesn't become 'fact' until it can be totally verified.
I'll give an example.
There were some hypotheses that came into play at the end of World War II concerning Japan. The theory was that if the United States invaded Japan we would suffer 1,000,000 casualties and the death toll amongst the Japanese would be mind-boggling. The experience in Okinowa gave planners pause as so many of the Japanese civilians jumped off cliffs to their deaths. We had built three atomic bombs. We tested one and President Truman decided to drop the other two on Japan in a hope to end the war. People still debate whether this was a correct decision and/or a moral decision.
Here are the facts. We dropped two atomic bombs on Japan. Fact.
Many people were killed and two cities were devastated. Fact.
Shortly thereafter Japan surrendered and the war ended. Fact.
Was it a correct decision? It achieved the goals. If that makes it correct, it was correct. Was it moral? Here is where hypothesis steps in. We can theorize the ethical correctness and will do so endlessly. We can argue if it was a good decision or a bad decision and we can make hypotheses and argue them and that's all well and good. As long as we are aware that the facts and the hypotheses are different, it's fine.
I've been listening to people debate on the President's commutation of Scooter Libby's prison sentence. Lots of hypotheses are flying around and being argued. Talk radio has lit up the airways and people like Rush Limbaugh are stating that Libby did nothing wrong.
The problem is, that is his hypothesis and it flies in the fact of a fact.
Libby was prosecuted. We can argue whether or not he should have been, but he was prosecuted. Fact.
He went to trial. We can argue whether or not he should have gone to trial, but he did go to trial. Fact.
He was convicted of a crime by a jury. We can argue whether or not we believe he was guilty, but he was found guilty by a jury. Fact.
I'm weary of people saying he did 'nothing wrong' when he was tried and convicted. His trial and his conviction are not theories to be argued, they are cold, hard facts. He was convicted and that is also a cold, hard fact.
Whether or not one believes that Scooter Libby ought to have gone trial is great theater but we need to get past this talk radio culture of believing that hypotheses are facts and learn that facts are not negotiable.
Facts are verifiable and essentially non-negotiable. Hypothesis is a theory that can be argued. Often when people argue a hypothesis they can be very compelling and very convincing. No matter how compelling and how convincing they are, however, a well argued hypothesis is still a hypothesis and doesn't become 'fact' until it can be totally verified.
I'll give an example.
There were some hypotheses that came into play at the end of World War II concerning Japan. The theory was that if the United States invaded Japan we would suffer 1,000,000 casualties and the death toll amongst the Japanese would be mind-boggling. The experience in Okinowa gave planners pause as so many of the Japanese civilians jumped off cliffs to their deaths. We had built three atomic bombs. We tested one and President Truman decided to drop the other two on Japan in a hope to end the war. People still debate whether this was a correct decision and/or a moral decision.
Here are the facts. We dropped two atomic bombs on Japan. Fact.
Many people were killed and two cities were devastated. Fact.
Shortly thereafter Japan surrendered and the war ended. Fact.
Was it a correct decision? It achieved the goals. If that makes it correct, it was correct. Was it moral? Here is where hypothesis steps in. We can theorize the ethical correctness and will do so endlessly. We can argue if it was a good decision or a bad decision and we can make hypotheses and argue them and that's all well and good. As long as we are aware that the facts and the hypotheses are different, it's fine.
I've been listening to people debate on the President's commutation of Scooter Libby's prison sentence. Lots of hypotheses are flying around and being argued. Talk radio has lit up the airways and people like Rush Limbaugh are stating that Libby did nothing wrong.
The problem is, that is his hypothesis and it flies in the fact of a fact.
Libby was prosecuted. We can argue whether or not he should have been, but he was prosecuted. Fact.
He went to trial. We can argue whether or not he should have gone to trial, but he did go to trial. Fact.
He was convicted of a crime by a jury. We can argue whether or not we believe he was guilty, but he was found guilty by a jury. Fact.
I'm weary of people saying he did 'nothing wrong' when he was tried and convicted. His trial and his conviction are not theories to be argued, they are cold, hard facts. He was convicted and that is also a cold, hard fact.
Whether or not one believes that Scooter Libby ought to have gone trial is great theater but we need to get past this talk radio culture of believing that hypotheses are facts and learn that facts are not negotiable.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Some Helpful Hints
It's funny. No one ever comments. Oh well.
I have two helpful hints for people. I love being helpful.
First, do you love to cook but tend to be a klutz? Afraid to cut yourself while chopping those veggies?
Here's a helpful hint. Have someone else hold the food in place for you so that you are free to chop away and not have to worry about cutting yourself.
Secondly, people often find themselves sitting in church or sitting in the movie theater and they develop cough. And they don't want to cough and don't know a good cough suppression methods.
Here's a helpful hint. Drink a quart of prune juice. You'll be too terrified to cough.
You're welcome in advance for these helpful hints.
I have two helpful hints for people. I love being helpful.
First, do you love to cook but tend to be a klutz? Afraid to cut yourself while chopping those veggies?
Here's a helpful hint. Have someone else hold the food in place for you so that you are free to chop away and not have to worry about cutting yourself.
Secondly, people often find themselves sitting in church or sitting in the movie theater and they develop cough. And they don't want to cough and don't know a good cough suppression methods.
Here's a helpful hint. Drink a quart of prune juice. You'll be too terrified to cough.
You're welcome in advance for these helpful hints.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
The New M Phone
M Phone from Microsoft
Microsoft is releasing its competition to the I Phone. Their new product will be called the M Phone.
The M Phone will be designed to synch with Outlook enabling people to keep their contacts and calendar on their phone. All outgoing e-mails and phone calls from the M Phone will automatically add people to your contact list allowing you to max your memory within three months.
The calendar will be able to track your dates leading up to 2010 at which time users will be charged a nominal fee of $100.00 per year for each year.
Optional ear pieces are available with a simple software up grade to M Phone 1.0MX at a nominal fee of $100.00.
M Phone is secure. If anyone else tries to use your M Phone it will self destruct in 10 seconds.
You’ll be amazed at M Phone’s ability to access the Internet, You Tube, and MSNBC News Reports. For a nominal fee of $100.00 per month you can watch unlimited videos on a 1.5" x 1.5" screen.
The M Phone will be able to not only send a receive e-mails but can send attachments, fully downloadable on PC’s and M Phones. For a nominal $100.00 per month fee this service will be available.
M Phone runs on an exclusive network with clear coverage and excellent signals. To maintain this high quality M Phone users will only be able to speak to other M Phone users thus making other cellular services and home phone numbers obsolete.
Microsoft is releasing its competition to the I Phone. Their new product will be called the M Phone.
The M Phone will be designed to synch with Outlook enabling people to keep their contacts and calendar on their phone. All outgoing e-mails and phone calls from the M Phone will automatically add people to your contact list allowing you to max your memory within three months.
The calendar will be able to track your dates leading up to 2010 at which time users will be charged a nominal fee of $100.00 per year for each year.
Optional ear pieces are available with a simple software up grade to M Phone 1.0MX at a nominal fee of $100.00.
M Phone is secure. If anyone else tries to use your M Phone it will self destruct in 10 seconds.
You’ll be amazed at M Phone’s ability to access the Internet, You Tube, and MSNBC News Reports. For a nominal fee of $100.00 per month you can watch unlimited videos on a 1.5" x 1.5" screen.
The M Phone will be able to not only send a receive e-mails but can send attachments, fully downloadable on PC’s and M Phones. For a nominal $100.00 per month fee this service will be available.
M Phone runs on an exclusive network with clear coverage and excellent signals. To maintain this high quality M Phone users will only be able to speak to other M Phone users thus making other cellular services and home phone numbers obsolete.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Scooter Libby
Scooter Libby is not going to jail. He ultimately may be pardoned by President George W. Bush.
I actually do find myself pleased at this and my reaction does surprise me.
I recognize that it appears that a great deal of time and effort was wasted in this. A diligent prosecutor made his case, the judge, a law and order judge, presided, and a jury found Mr. Libby guilty. The judge sentenced Libby to the typical prison term for the crime and gave him a lecture about how officials are supposed to act.
I scoff at those who called this a witch hunt. Amazingly many of the people who called this a witch hunt were after Bill Clinton's scalp for lying about, well, a, ahem, experience with Monica Lewinsky. This wasn't a witch hunt. A grand jury found ample cause for prosecution and the case went forward and a fair trial was had.
What does impact me, however, is that I believe it is most obvious that Scooter Libby was the fall guy. He was going to go to prison for the crimes of others. He participated in the crimes, but was only one player.
What is bizarre about this is that George W. Bush has always played the role of Mr. Law and Order. He has less commutations and pardons given than any modern day President. As the governor of Texas he willingly carried out executions on people even when their defense attorneys had spent the trials passed out and sleeping through the trial. He said that he was sure that the trials were fair. When Karla Faye Tucker, a convicted murderer who had become a prison evangelist and who by all accounts had truly turned her life around, asked for clemency he denied it. She did not ask to be freed but asked to be able to continue doing ministry in the prison. Many people almost begged Mr. Bush to spare her. He made fun of her and had her executed.
But Scooter Libby is not going to jail. I'm sure he's happy. Frankly, I can't blame him. Perhaps now he can find some more honest work than working for the Bush Administration. I heard that Joe's Fly By Night Used Car Sales is looking for help....
I actually do find myself pleased at this and my reaction does surprise me.
I recognize that it appears that a great deal of time and effort was wasted in this. A diligent prosecutor made his case, the judge, a law and order judge, presided, and a jury found Mr. Libby guilty. The judge sentenced Libby to the typical prison term for the crime and gave him a lecture about how officials are supposed to act.
I scoff at those who called this a witch hunt. Amazingly many of the people who called this a witch hunt were after Bill Clinton's scalp for lying about, well, a, ahem, experience with Monica Lewinsky. This wasn't a witch hunt. A grand jury found ample cause for prosecution and the case went forward and a fair trial was had.
What does impact me, however, is that I believe it is most obvious that Scooter Libby was the fall guy. He was going to go to prison for the crimes of others. He participated in the crimes, but was only one player.
What is bizarre about this is that George W. Bush has always played the role of Mr. Law and Order. He has less commutations and pardons given than any modern day President. As the governor of Texas he willingly carried out executions on people even when their defense attorneys had spent the trials passed out and sleeping through the trial. He said that he was sure that the trials were fair. When Karla Faye Tucker, a convicted murderer who had become a prison evangelist and who by all accounts had truly turned her life around, asked for clemency he denied it. She did not ask to be freed but asked to be able to continue doing ministry in the prison. Many people almost begged Mr. Bush to spare her. He made fun of her and had her executed.
But Scooter Libby is not going to jail. I'm sure he's happy. Frankly, I can't blame him. Perhaps now he can find some more honest work than working for the Bush Administration. I heard that Joe's Fly By Night Used Car Sales is looking for help....
A Sign of Not so Good Things
Sunday marked a sign of not so good things. Maybe this isn't the biggest story of the week, but it certainly has gotten my attention.
On Sunday Yankee's third baseman Alex Rodriquez, one of the highest (if not the highest) paid professionally athletes on the planet was playing against the Oakland A's in New York. His wife, Cynthia, came to the stadium to watch her husband play. She wore a T-shirt with the words 'F@*% You" on it.
The New York media, obviously, has been following this as have the Yankees, etc.
Several things come to mind.
A-Rod has been booed once or twice in Yankee Stadium. He has put up big numbers but during the post season his productivity has been very poor. Many/most Yankee fans will say that paying him all of this money and building the offense of the team around him has been a mistake. Thus he has been booed a few times. He's also been cheered.
He's also making millions and millions of dollars to play a game. The people sitting in the stadium are paying good money to watch a game. They don't need to be insulted by his wife or any other play or any other player's family members.
But, most of all, people take children to baseball games. Baseball has been a part of the American landscape for a long time. Great plays of almost mythical proportion are burned in our memories.
Bobby Thompson hitting a game winning and playoff winning home run off of Ralph Branca in 1951. Or Mookie Wilson grounding the ball down the first base line and going through the legs of Bill Buckner. The second memory I remember all so well. It was late, my wife and 1 year old daughter were asleep upstairs. I had my finger on the 'off' button of the TV so I could immediately switch it off and not watch the Red Sox celebrate on the defeat of the Mets, and suddenly the game changed directions. I woke both of them up screaming and dancing downstairs. (Red Sox fans had a somewhat different reaction to this great event, by the way...)
Baseball has an almost mythic quality and the love of the game is passed on from generation to generation. Wearing T-shirts with obscenities on them to a ballpark is an affront to all those introducing their children to this very American game. Shame on her.
On Sunday Yankee's third baseman Alex Rodriquez, one of the highest (if not the highest) paid professionally athletes on the planet was playing against the Oakland A's in New York. His wife, Cynthia, came to the stadium to watch her husband play. She wore a T-shirt with the words 'F@*% You" on it.
The New York media, obviously, has been following this as have the Yankees, etc.
Several things come to mind.
A-Rod has been booed once or twice in Yankee Stadium. He has put up big numbers but during the post season his productivity has been very poor. Many/most Yankee fans will say that paying him all of this money and building the offense of the team around him has been a mistake. Thus he has been booed a few times. He's also been cheered.
He's also making millions and millions of dollars to play a game. The people sitting in the stadium are paying good money to watch a game. They don't need to be insulted by his wife or any other play or any other player's family members.
But, most of all, people take children to baseball games. Baseball has been a part of the American landscape for a long time. Great plays of almost mythical proportion are burned in our memories.
Bobby Thompson hitting a game winning and playoff winning home run off of Ralph Branca in 1951. Or Mookie Wilson grounding the ball down the first base line and going through the legs of Bill Buckner. The second memory I remember all so well. It was late, my wife and 1 year old daughter were asleep upstairs. I had my finger on the 'off' button of the TV so I could immediately switch it off and not watch the Red Sox celebrate on the defeat of the Mets, and suddenly the game changed directions. I woke both of them up screaming and dancing downstairs. (Red Sox fans had a somewhat different reaction to this great event, by the way...)
Baseball has an almost mythic quality and the love of the game is passed on from generation to generation. Wearing T-shirts with obscenities on them to a ballpark is an affront to all those introducing their children to this very American game. Shame on her.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Chef Competition Shows
I do not watch Survivor. I watched it in its first season and I believe I watched one other season. It was their 'all star' season of sorts. But I'm not a fan. I've never watched the show American Idol and the only person I know who was on there was the guy named Sanjaya. If they all sing like him, wow.
But I've become a fan of Top Chef and The Next Food Network Star. Part of my problem is that I like to eat and so I've come to love cooking shows. I used to be a big fan of The Frugal Gourmet years ago. He was my favorite TV minister.
Top Chef and The Next Food Network Star are quite different. The contestants on Top Chef are competing to be high level chefs in great restaurants. They don't need to have endearing personalities, but they must perform, culinary wise, in a very high level with complex recipes.
The Next Food Network Star requires people who can make very tasty, but simple food that the average person can make at home. The thing that stands out about this show is that they must cook well, but they must perform on camera at a very high level. Personality is important.
Some things have impressed me greatly.
I enjoy cooking and can be decent at it. Watching these people, on both shows, and the level that they cook at, I am very much an amateur. When I see them, especially on Top Chef and what they create, I'm dazzled. On the other show the ability to put things together quickly, on camera, wow.
A lot of these competition shows are pretty bogus to me....but this is a show where very skilled people compete with one another at very high levels. They've hooked me for sure.
But I've become a fan of Top Chef and The Next Food Network Star. Part of my problem is that I like to eat and so I've come to love cooking shows. I used to be a big fan of The Frugal Gourmet years ago. He was my favorite TV minister.
Top Chef and The Next Food Network Star are quite different. The contestants on Top Chef are competing to be high level chefs in great restaurants. They don't need to have endearing personalities, but they must perform, culinary wise, in a very high level with complex recipes.
The Next Food Network Star requires people who can make very tasty, but simple food that the average person can make at home. The thing that stands out about this show is that they must cook well, but they must perform on camera at a very high level. Personality is important.
Some things have impressed me greatly.
I enjoy cooking and can be decent at it. Watching these people, on both shows, and the level that they cook at, I am very much an amateur. When I see them, especially on Top Chef and what they create, I'm dazzled. On the other show the ability to put things together quickly, on camera, wow.
A lot of these competition shows are pretty bogus to me....but this is a show where very skilled people compete with one another at very high levels. They've hooked me for sure.
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