You have probably read about all the controversy surrounding President-elect Obama's choice of Pastor Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration. It is an interesting controversy that has been underscored well in the blog of Dr. Albert Mohler (www.albertmohler.com).
Rick Warren (who became famous because of his books "the Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life") is not someone with whom I always agree. However, he is a man who is committed to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and has worked hard to help those who are hurting, including those with AIDS. Warren is on the "front lines" of compassionate service and his church commits heavily to addressing social ills. It would seem like he would be a very good choice for the President-elect.
The reason Pastor Warren is being vilified is because of his view on Gay-Marriage. This (along with views of abortion) have become the new litmus test of acceptability. These two social and moral issues create a dividing line between those who are acceptable and those who are not.
With this reality the question is: what will we do? Option 1: We could capitulate to public pressure and embrace these behaviors. I believe this is to abandon the authority of God's Word to embrace the God of public opinion. It is unacceptable.
Option 2: We just won't talk about those issues. I need to be careful here. I don't think it is a good idea to ALWAYS talk about these issues. To make Gay Marriage and Abortion the central issues of the Christian faith is again a compromise with the truth. The key issue of the Gospel is Christ and Him crucified. Our message should constantly be pointing to Jesus. He alone is the way of salvation . . . not a conversion to a particular viewpoint on a moral issue. (In other words, you can oppose abortion and Gay Marriage and still find yourself in Hell when you die).
However, to simply refuse to talk about these issues is to in essence deny what the Bible teaches. To never speak about abortion or Gay Marriage seem the equivalent of never speaking out against slavery, or living in Germany and saying nothing about the genocide being committed against the Jews. These are important issues that give us the opportunity to uphold a Biblical mindset.
If we will not talk about these issues at all, what will be our response when we are told that any church or Pastor that refuses to marry two people of the same gender will be stripped of his legal rights to marry; or in the case of the church, be denied tax exempt status? Will we then choose to simply capitulate to our culture?
Option Three: we LOVINGLY seek to explain the Biblical positions on the value of life and the design of Christian marriage. We should affirm the Biblical viewpoint without attacking those who do not understand it.
Might this lead to people vilifying us? It might. It might put us in the cross hairs of controversy. But as long as that is a battle over what is right and true (as opposed to being about politics) it is a battle we must fight.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Shack
While I was away to do a family wedding I read the wildly popular book, The Shack by William P. Young. Because the book is getting a somewhat controversial response from the Christian community I thought I'd add my two cents.
I enjoyed the book and even think I would like to read it again some time. It is important in reading any work of fiction such as this to remember that it is a novel. These things did not really happen. Much of the offense that some may take to the book come because they are reading it as a theology text and not a novel.
The book centers on an encounter that the main character Mack has with the Triune God. Some are offended that God the Father is depicted as a black woman and the Holy Spirit is portrayed as an Asian woman. (The Son is portrayed as a man). Papa (God the Father) explains that He can appear in any form He so desires. In Mack's case, appearing as a Black Woman is non-threatening and therefore more effective.
The depiction of the Trinity is really quite heartwarming. The love and the oneness is quite touching. One of my favorite parts is when they have their "devotions" and the Son expresses his love for the Father.
The book is an easy read . . . but it is deep at the same time. The pictures that are drawn are informed by a pretty solid theology.
The struggle with the problem of evil seemed very honest and insightful. At one point Mack asks if Papa is justifying what happened. Papa responds, "I'm not justifying the situation, I'm redeeming it." That's a very good line.
There was only one spot that troubled me. Papa is explaining to Mack that he is no interested in formal or institutional religion. He tells Mack He is not looking for "Christians" but for those who will enter into a relationship with Him. The author is being careful (chapter 12) but some may conclude that it doesn't matter what you believe. I don't think that is what the author is saying at all. He wants us to understand that it is not a particular dogma that must be believed . . . it is God that must be believed. It is a section open to heretical conclusions.
Other than this I found the book interesting, engaging, enjoyable and also instructive. The pictures explode our stereotypes and I think picture God in a way that invites intimacy and love.
If people read the book and conclude theology doesn't matter; the book has been harmful. I think the message of the book is that theology matters but we must never forget that the purpose of theology is not academic information. The purpose of theology is to lead us into relationship with God. If we understand the book, it is an enriching read.
I enjoyed the book and even think I would like to read it again some time. It is important in reading any work of fiction such as this to remember that it is a novel. These things did not really happen. Much of the offense that some may take to the book come because they are reading it as a theology text and not a novel.
The book centers on an encounter that the main character Mack has with the Triune God. Some are offended that God the Father is depicted as a black woman and the Holy Spirit is portrayed as an Asian woman. (The Son is portrayed as a man). Papa (God the Father) explains that He can appear in any form He so desires. In Mack's case, appearing as a Black Woman is non-threatening and therefore more effective.
The depiction of the Trinity is really quite heartwarming. The love and the oneness is quite touching. One of my favorite parts is when they have their "devotions" and the Son expresses his love for the Father.
The book is an easy read . . . but it is deep at the same time. The pictures that are drawn are informed by a pretty solid theology.
The struggle with the problem of evil seemed very honest and insightful. At one point Mack asks if Papa is justifying what happened. Papa responds, "I'm not justifying the situation, I'm redeeming it." That's a very good line.
There was only one spot that troubled me. Papa is explaining to Mack that he is no interested in formal or institutional religion. He tells Mack He is not looking for "Christians" but for those who will enter into a relationship with Him. The author is being careful (chapter 12) but some may conclude that it doesn't matter what you believe. I don't think that is what the author is saying at all. He wants us to understand that it is not a particular dogma that must be believed . . . it is God that must be believed. It is a section open to heretical conclusions.
Other than this I found the book interesting, engaging, enjoyable and also instructive. The pictures explode our stereotypes and I think picture God in a way that invites intimacy and love.
If people read the book and conclude theology doesn't matter; the book has been harmful. I think the message of the book is that theology matters but we must never forget that the purpose of theology is not academic information. The purpose of theology is to lead us into relationship with God. If we understand the book, it is an enriching read.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Holiday Blahs
It is common around the holidays for people to feel a sense of the blahs. The weather is often depressing, gift giving has a source of stress, financial demands are oppressive, and activity often seems non-stop. The blahs are the result from this weariness.
I try to keep reminding myself to "just say No!". In order to maintain my focus on what is truly important at Christmas: worship and family, I have to say No to some other things. Those of you who know me know that I could be better in this area of my life. However, I am learning that it really won't matter if I am at every activity or respond to every request. I won't even be missed in most of those situations. However, I will miss out on other things by trying to fulfill every obligation.
Too often Christians seem to feel that every invitation/opportunity has come from the Lord and therefore we must try to meet that responsibility. I think one of the best weapons in the arsenal of Satan is the weapon of "overcommitment" or "busyness". If Satan can keep us so busy running doing "good things" He can keep us away from the one who IS Good.
Enjoy your Christmas and carve out some time to take it all in.
-Bruce
I try to keep reminding myself to "just say No!". In order to maintain my focus on what is truly important at Christmas: worship and family, I have to say No to some other things. Those of you who know me know that I could be better in this area of my life. However, I am learning that it really won't matter if I am at every activity or respond to every request. I won't even be missed in most of those situations. However, I will miss out on other things by trying to fulfill every obligation.
Too often Christians seem to feel that every invitation/opportunity has come from the Lord and therefore we must try to meet that responsibility. I think one of the best weapons in the arsenal of Satan is the weapon of "overcommitment" or "busyness". If Satan can keep us so busy running doing "good things" He can keep us away from the one who IS Good.
Enjoy your Christmas and carve out some time to take it all in.
-Bruce
Sunday, December 14, 2008
On Preaching Doctrine
I hear people (even Pastors) say: "I don't want to hear doctrine; I just want to follow Jesus!" It sounds pious but is actually a nonsense statement. How are we supposed to follow Jesus if we don't know who He is or why He came? To learn that stuff we must first learn doctrine.
I think there are some problems with doctrinal messages: first, they tend to bore. Sometimes foundation work is tedious. People do need to think more deeply than our sound-bite society encourages. However, sometimes doctrine is boring because the speaker is reflecting on a deeper level than the people are equipped to handle. Sometimes, when preaching doctrine, we get caught up in trying to prove how smart we are. The result is a group of people who marvels at the intelligence of the speaker while failing to understand anything that is said. The goal of communication is . . . to communicate! We must speak so people can understand . . . that doesn't mean we should simply stop speaking about stuff that stretches the mind.
The other problem with doctrine is that people don't care. The main reason people don't care is because they don't really want a carefully defined picture of God or the gospel. They like their theology to be somewhat like a lump of clay that they can mold however they see fit. I hope, I pray, you see how idolatrous this has become.
I encourage you to do little work on understand what you believe and why you believe it.
I think there are some problems with doctrinal messages: first, they tend to bore. Sometimes foundation work is tedious. People do need to think more deeply than our sound-bite society encourages. However, sometimes doctrine is boring because the speaker is reflecting on a deeper level than the people are equipped to handle. Sometimes, when preaching doctrine, we get caught up in trying to prove how smart we are. The result is a group of people who marvels at the intelligence of the speaker while failing to understand anything that is said. The goal of communication is . . . to communicate! We must speak so people can understand . . . that doesn't mean we should simply stop speaking about stuff that stretches the mind.
The other problem with doctrine is that people don't care. The main reason people don't care is because they don't really want a carefully defined picture of God or the gospel. They like their theology to be somewhat like a lump of clay that they can mold however they see fit. I hope, I pray, you see how idolatrous this has become.
I encourage you to do little work on understand what you believe and why you believe it.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Gay Marriage
Perhaps you have seen, read, or heard about the Newsweek article that argues that the Bible should not be used to restrict marriage to one man and one woman. The article (it is really more like and editorial because it states opinion and not the result of real research) is one more step in the attempt to get us to step away from Biblical authority.
It is interesting that Religion Editor Lisa Miller quotes several liberal (not politically but theologically . . . theological liberals tend to water down the authority of Scripture and diminish the nature of Christ) scholars but no Bible-believing scholars. In fact, when she was invited to be interviewed on the Laura Ingram show along with Dr. Albert Mohler (President of Southern Baptist Seminary), Miller said she would not come to the interview if Mohler was included! One wonders if this indicates that Miller knew she was distorting what the Bible says.
I encourage you to go to Dr. Mohler's site http://www.albertmohler.com/ and scroll down his blog postings to the one that says "Turning the Bible on its Head -- Newsweek Goes for Gay Marriage". It is an enlightening Biblical response to the Newsweek editorial.
Christians believe homosexuality is sin. Christians do not hate homosexuals. Many Christians understand the desire homosexuals have for civil unions. We understand the "benefits" stuff. However, the idea of special rights for homosexuals . . . giving them a privileged and protected status in society crosses a line. The desire to water down and diminish the Christians view of marriage also crosses the line.
The Homosexual agenda is promoted everywhere. You cannot watch a television program without some kind of gay cast member. The strategy is to make this so commonplace that we will consider it to be normal and simply another lifestyle choice. As this happens our commitment to Biblical truth will give way to political correctness.
Homosexual Marriage may become commonplace. But the fact is that lying is commonplace, infidelity is commonplace, cheating is commonplace, materialistic indulgence is commonplace. Society has accepted and even promoted some of these things. Even if laws were enacted to make these things legal . . . they would still be wrong.
It is interesting that Religion Editor Lisa Miller quotes several liberal (not politically but theologically . . . theological liberals tend to water down the authority of Scripture and diminish the nature of Christ) scholars but no Bible-believing scholars. In fact, when she was invited to be interviewed on the Laura Ingram show along with Dr. Albert Mohler (President of Southern Baptist Seminary), Miller said she would not come to the interview if Mohler was included! One wonders if this indicates that Miller knew she was distorting what the Bible says.
I encourage you to go to Dr. Mohler's site http://www.albertmohler.com/ and scroll down his blog postings to the one that says "Turning the Bible on its Head -- Newsweek Goes for Gay Marriage". It is an enlightening Biblical response to the Newsweek editorial.
Christians believe homosexuality is sin. Christians do not hate homosexuals. Many Christians understand the desire homosexuals have for civil unions. We understand the "benefits" stuff. However, the idea of special rights for homosexuals . . . giving them a privileged and protected status in society crosses a line. The desire to water down and diminish the Christians view of marriage also crosses the line.
The Homosexual agenda is promoted everywhere. You cannot watch a television program without some kind of gay cast member. The strategy is to make this so commonplace that we will consider it to be normal and simply another lifestyle choice. As this happens our commitment to Biblical truth will give way to political correctness.
Homosexual Marriage may become commonplace. But the fact is that lying is commonplace, infidelity is commonplace, cheating is commonplace, materialistic indulgence is commonplace. Society has accepted and even promoted some of these things. Even if laws were enacted to make these things legal . . . they would still be wrong.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Illinois Governor
We have all watched the story about the alleged abuse of power for the Governor of Illinois. I know a person is innocent until proven guilty, but he sure sounds guilty to me.
It seems to me that the story about Governor Blagojevich illustrates how a conscience can become dulled by repreated compromise. When you make even little compromises with what is right it becomes easier to justify even greater compromise. This is why a person can say, "I haven't done anything wrong" even when it seems apparent that he is guilty of the most blatant abuse of power.
There is a warning here for all of us: We must beware of those small compromises in our own lives. Are you "fudging the truth"? Are are you pushing what is legal? Are you walking close to the edge of what is appropriate behavior. If so, be careful because you too could find yourself drifting into a mess just like the Governor of Illinois.
It seems to me that the story about Governor Blagojevich illustrates how a conscience can become dulled by repreated compromise. When you make even little compromises with what is right it becomes easier to justify even greater compromise. This is why a person can say, "I haven't done anything wrong" even when it seems apparent that he is guilty of the most blatant abuse of power.
There is a warning here for all of us: We must beware of those small compromises in our own lives. Are you "fudging the truth"? Are are you pushing what is legal? Are you walking close to the edge of what is appropriate behavior. If so, be careful because you too could find yourself drifting into a mess just like the Governor of Illinois.
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