Slam Islam
I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but I am. A newly released ABC News / Beliefnet poll shows that "after starting out tolerant, public opinion has turned against Islam." The "percentage of Americans having an unfavorable view of Islam has jumped from 24% in January 2002 to 33% now." More surprising (for me, at least) is that "evangelical white Protestants are 22 points more likely than mainstream white Protestants to express an unfavorable opinion of Islam." While you're perusing the results of this poll on Beliefnet, you might also want to test your knowledge of Islam. (I got 13 out of 18 correct, by the way. How did you do?)
Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
Boo Boo!
Celebrating Halloween is becoming less politically correct for Christians and while I think we always need to be careful about anything supernatural, I wonder if we make too big a deal about this holiday. This article from Salon delves into the history of Halloween - including more than a few that have their roots in the church. And here's another article from the Billings (MT) Gazette that points out how we might have to bail out on a few other Christian holidays if we really want to steer clear of anything with a pagan background.
Celebrating Halloween is becoming less politically correct for Christians and while I think we always need to be careful about anything supernatural, I wonder if we make too big a deal about this holiday. This article from Salon delves into the history of Halloween - including more than a few that have their roots in the church. And here's another article from the Billings (MT) Gazette that points out how we might have to bail out on a few other Christian holidays if we really want to steer clear of anything with a pagan background.
Dr. Jones! Dr. Jones!
Time magazine has a great followup article on the ossuary that is purported to contain the bones of James, the brother of Jesus. The article discusses James background and the scientific testing of the 2000 year old box. Plus, they have some new pictures of the box as well. The reporters, Matt Rees and Matthew Kalman, got to see it "up close and personal" in the apartment of its owner. The coolest thing about the article is that it reveals there are bone chips in the ossuary! For my money, this is the coolest part of the whole deal. Here's what the article says about them:
"The bone fragments lie in the dirt at the bottom of the box like the dots and dashes of some infuriating code. They were there, says the owner, when he bought it. Whoever sold it to his dealer would have removed anything larger, since Israeli collectors and looters alike know that the rabbinical authorities are sensitive about human remains. What is left is these off-white bits. The largest is half an inch wide and three inches long, its inner surface an intricate honeycomb. A reporter holds it gently — who knows whose DNA it might contain?
"It need not have belonged to James. Ossuaries often held the bones of several family members. Looters could have used the box as a handy receptacle while emptying others. Radiocarbon dating might be able to determine whether the chips date to the same approximate period as the box. As for genetic tests, James Chatters, a Seattle-based archaeologist with forensic expertise, says it is "entirely possible" that DNA could be extracted from such fragments. Most likely to be recovered would be the mitochondrial variety, which can provide a catalog of maternal traits. Of course, if the ossuary was biblical, the mother (by the Gospels' most literal interpretation) would be Mary.
"But that testing won't happen. The owner has refused to share the fragments with the world. When the ossuary goes to Toronto next month, the bone fragments will be sitting in a Tupperware container in his Jerusalem-area apartment. "Who needs trouble with the rabbis or with Israeli customs?" The ossuary has delivered enough mystery into the world for now."
Time magazine has a great followup article on the ossuary that is purported to contain the bones of James, the brother of Jesus. The article discusses James background and the scientific testing of the 2000 year old box. Plus, they have some new pictures of the box as well. The reporters, Matt Rees and Matthew Kalman, got to see it "up close and personal" in the apartment of its owner. The coolest thing about the article is that it reveals there are bone chips in the ossuary! For my money, this is the coolest part of the whole deal. Here's what the article says about them:
"The bone fragments lie in the dirt at the bottom of the box like the dots and dashes of some infuriating code. They were there, says the owner, when he bought it. Whoever sold it to his dealer would have removed anything larger, since Israeli collectors and looters alike know that the rabbinical authorities are sensitive about human remains. What is left is these off-white bits. The largest is half an inch wide and three inches long, its inner surface an intricate honeycomb. A reporter holds it gently — who knows whose DNA it might contain?
"It need not have belonged to James. Ossuaries often held the bones of several family members. Looters could have used the box as a handy receptacle while emptying others. Radiocarbon dating might be able to determine whether the chips date to the same approximate period as the box. As for genetic tests, James Chatters, a Seattle-based archaeologist with forensic expertise, says it is "entirely possible" that DNA could be extracted from such fragments. Most likely to be recovered would be the mitochondrial variety, which can provide a catalog of maternal traits. Of course, if the ossuary was biblical, the mother (by the Gospels' most literal interpretation) would be Mary.
"But that testing won't happen. The owner has refused to share the fragments with the world. When the ossuary goes to Toronto next month, the bone fragments will be sitting in a Tupperware container in his Jerusalem-area apartment. "Who needs trouble with the rabbis or with Israeli customs?" The ossuary has delivered enough mystery into the world for now."
Monday, October 28, 2002
Break Out The Trowel
If you're like me (and I know you're glad you're not) you probably spend many waking hours wondering what Tammy Faye is up to these days. Well, this article in the San Diego Union Tribune will give you enough information to satisfy you!
If you're like me (and I know you're glad you're not) you probably spend many waking hours wondering what Tammy Faye is up to these days. Well, this article in the San Diego Union Tribune will give you enough information to satisfy you!
Another Victory for Religious Liberty!
According to this Associated Press article, a Costco employee in Springfield, Massachusetts, has won a victory in her effort to wear her eyebrow ring while at work. As a member of the Church of Body Modification (really, I'm not making this up) she contends that her employer's dress code restrictions violated her religious liberties.
According to this Associated Press article, a Costco employee in Springfield, Massachusetts, has won a victory in her effort to wear her eyebrow ring while at work. As a member of the Church of Body Modification (really, I'm not making this up) she contends that her employer's dress code restrictions violated her religious liberties.
Sunday, October 27, 2002
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
Yesterday was my 48th birthday. (Thanks for all the cards and gifts, by the way!) My daughter, Elizabeth, gave me a book I have been wanting to read - and one she highly recommended. It's called, "Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal." I wanted to know more about the book and it's author, Christopher Moore, so I did a bit of searching on the Web. This interview from the Christianity Today Website provides some good perspective. I should point out that this somewhat irreverent approach to the life of Jesus may not be for everyone, but, as the article points out, I believe the author does approach the subject fairly respectfully.
Yesterday was my 48th birthday. (Thanks for all the cards and gifts, by the way!) My daughter, Elizabeth, gave me a book I have been wanting to read - and one she highly recommended. It's called, "Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal." I wanted to know more about the book and it's author, Christopher Moore, so I did a bit of searching on the Web. This interview from the Christianity Today Website provides some good perspective. I should point out that this somewhat irreverent approach to the life of Jesus may not be for everyone, but, as the article points out, I believe the author does approach the subject fairly respectfully.
Wednesday, October 23, 2002
Y'all Be In A Box
Sometimes the story behind the story is the best part. Monday we learned that an ossuary with the inscription "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus" had been discovered was reported by the Biblical Archaelogy Review. Christianity Today has a good summary of some additional details that have emerged since the story first broke. Of those, a story from Tuesday's Washington Post provides the best background information on where the box came from and how it got into the hands of the French scientist that broke the story.
Sometimes the story behind the story is the best part. Monday we learned that an ossuary with the inscription "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus" had been discovered was reported by the Biblical Archaelogy Review. Christianity Today has a good summary of some additional details that have emerged since the story first broke. Of those, a story from Tuesday's Washington Post provides the best background information on where the box came from and how it got into the hands of the French scientist that broke the story.
Tuesday, October 22, 2002
Remember - With Zombies You Gotta Go For The Head!
World Net Daily reports that "fourth-graders at McNear Elementary in Petaluma City, Calif. will be celebrating the dead in a week-long classroom ritual designed to simulate the Mexican holiday 'El Dia de los Muertos,' or Day of the Dead." As you might suspect, it has stirred up more than a little debate about whether or not it is "an endorsement of particular religious views in violation of the First Amendment." If you want to read more, here is a link to the article.
World Net Daily reports that "fourth-graders at McNear Elementary in Petaluma City, Calif. will be celebrating the dead in a week-long classroom ritual designed to simulate the Mexican holiday 'El Dia de los Muertos,' or Day of the Dead." As you might suspect, it has stirred up more than a little debate about whether or not it is "an endorsement of particular religious views in violation of the First Amendment." If you want to read more, here is a link to the article.
Monday, October 21, 2002
Condi-ments
Here is an interesting article in this month's Christian Reader about National Security Adviser, Condoleeza Rice.
Here is an interesting article in this month's Christian Reader about National Security Adviser, Condoleeza Rice.
Brother's Crypt Keeper
Fifteen years ago a man purchased an ossuary (a limestone burial box for bones) from an Arab antiquities dealer in Jerusalem who said it was unearthed south of the Mount of Olives. Today a French scientist revealed that an inscription on the box reads, "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus." The full story is available from the Biblical Archaeology Review.
Fifteen years ago a man purchased an ossuary (a limestone burial box for bones) from an Arab antiquities dealer in Jerusalem who said it was unearthed south of the Mount of Olives. Today a French scientist revealed that an inscription on the box reads, "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus." The full story is available from the Biblical Archaeology Review.
Saturday, October 19, 2002
GOODNESS GRACIOUS - Part 4
So, what do I believe? Thanks for asking.
Taking a big, huge, honkin' muthah, bungee jump leap of faith, I believe:
* God is real and He is so huge that we can never hope to fully understand Him. Kind of like an amoeba can never hope to understand humans.
* God wants to be known. I don't think He runs the world like a giant video game where He just wants to manipulate things and/or let nature take its course. I'll bet the clues are everywhere. We're just too puny to understand them. Muslims, Hindus and most other religions have half a clue but none have the whole picture. I kinda suspect that even Christians are someday gonna be surprised by some of the things they find out about God. I gotta think that when we get to the other side (whatever that may be) things will make a lot more sense.
* My money is on Christianity. Not the religion. Not a denomination. Not a church. Not Benny Hinn or Jerry Falwell or Billy Graham. Most of those guys are bigger weasels than most of us ever will ever be. Except for maybe Billy Graham who, for a preacher, is as grounded and genuinely spiritual a person as there is.
It's the "faith" part of Christianity that just makes more sense to me. At its core I don't think Christianity is about rules, regulations, a system of beliefs or any of that ritual crap. It's simply about having a relationship directly with God. I don't see Jesus as getting in the way because to buy into Christianity I have to believe He is God. In the end, He's the one I'm after.
So, what do I believe? Thanks for asking.
Taking a big, huge, honkin' muthah, bungee jump leap of faith, I believe:
* God is real and He is so huge that we can never hope to fully understand Him. Kind of like an amoeba can never hope to understand humans.
* God wants to be known. I don't think He runs the world like a giant video game where He just wants to manipulate things and/or let nature take its course. I'll bet the clues are everywhere. We're just too puny to understand them. Muslims, Hindus and most other religions have half a clue but none have the whole picture. I kinda suspect that even Christians are someday gonna be surprised by some of the things they find out about God. I gotta think that when we get to the other side (whatever that may be) things will make a lot more sense.
* My money is on Christianity. Not the religion. Not a denomination. Not a church. Not Benny Hinn or Jerry Falwell or Billy Graham. Most of those guys are bigger weasels than most of us ever will ever be. Except for maybe Billy Graham who, for a preacher, is as grounded and genuinely spiritual a person as there is.
It's the "faith" part of Christianity that just makes more sense to me. At its core I don't think Christianity is about rules, regulations, a system of beliefs or any of that ritual crap. It's simply about having a relationship directly with God. I don't see Jesus as getting in the way because to buy into Christianity I have to believe He is God. In the end, He's the one I'm after.
Friday, October 18, 2002
Out Of Power
I've never been a big fan of John Jacobs and the Power Team - they've always seemed a little too fake and insincere to me. (Plus, anyone who appears on the Trinity Broadcasting Network is always suspect in my book!) So it's hard for me to feel much sadness that they've had to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This article gives the scoop - and don't miss John Jacobs describing the personal sacrifices he'll make to keep the "ministry" afloat!
I've never been a big fan of John Jacobs and the Power Team - they've always seemed a little too fake and insincere to me. (Plus, anyone who appears on the Trinity Broadcasting Network is always suspect in my book!) So it's hard for me to feel much sadness that they've had to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This article gives the scoop - and don't miss John Jacobs describing the personal sacrifices he'll make to keep the "ministry" afloat!
And The Organist Is Playing Backup For Elton John
Most church pianists get to play just once a week (and sometimes Wednesday nights as well, I suppose). Here's a story from the Wilmington Star-News about a woman who "found out the hard way that even if the love of Christ is unconditional," employment with a church is not. Especially if you're playing in a bar to supplement your meager income!
Most church pianists get to play just once a week (and sometimes Wednesday nights as well, I suppose). Here's a story from the Wilmington Star-News about a woman who "found out the hard way that even if the love of Christ is unconditional," employment with a church is not. Especially if you're playing in a bar to supplement your meager income!
Designated Drivers For Jesus
You know, there is a ministry for just about everything under the sun but there's a group of folks in Michigan who have come up with something unique. Last Call Ministries provides free rides home for bar patrons who think driving may not be the best way to get home. They get a free ride and a chance to hear the gospel as well. This article from Christianity Today explains more . . .
You know, there is a ministry for just about everything under the sun but there's a group of folks in Michigan who have come up with something unique. Last Call Ministries provides free rides home for bar patrons who think driving may not be the best way to get home. They get a free ride and a chance to hear the gospel as well. This article from Christianity Today explains more . . .
Monday, October 14, 2002
B.S. At The White House - The Good Kind!
There's an interesting article in today's USA Today about weekly hour long prayer and Bible study sessions for White House staffers. Although only "25 to 50 of the 1,700 people who work in the White House complex -- department heads, secretaries and mail clerks --attend each session" it's encouraging to know these folks are taking time out to gather together to focus on the Word.
There's an interesting article in today's USA Today about weekly hour long prayer and Bible study sessions for White House staffers. Although only "25 to 50 of the 1,700 people who work in the White House complex -- department heads, secretaries and mail clerks --attend each session" it's encouraging to know these folks are taking time out to gather together to focus on the Word.
Thursday, October 10, 2002
This Just In From the Hogwarts School of Hermaneutics
Although most Christians seem more inclined to preach words of caution about Harry Potter, others think there are messages of faith to be found in the books -- the triumph of good over evil, self-sacrifice and love for one's neighbor, for example. A new book by Connie Neal called, "The Gospel According to Harry Potter: Spirituality in the Stories of the World's Most Famous Seeker" (Westminster John Knox Press, $12.95) details it all for you. Or you can get a bit of taste of things from this article in the Medina, Ohio, Beacon Journal.
Although most Christians seem more inclined to preach words of caution about Harry Potter, others think there are messages of faith to be found in the books -- the triumph of good over evil, self-sacrifice and love for one's neighbor, for example. A new book by Connie Neal called, "The Gospel According to Harry Potter: Spirituality in the Stories of the World's Most Famous Seeker" (Westminster John Knox Press, $12.95) details it all for you. Or you can get a bit of taste of things from this article in the Medina, Ohio, Beacon Journal.
I Don't Know What To Think About This Story . . .
You may have seen the Amy Grant / Vince Gill interview on ABC Primetime last Thursday (or maybe you're like me and could care less) but in case you missed it and are dying to hear the story of their respective divorces and marriage, this should satisfy you.
You may have seen the Amy Grant / Vince Gill interview on ABC Primetime last Thursday (or maybe you're like me and could care less) but in case you missed it and are dying to hear the story of their respective divorces and marriage, this should satisfy you.
Wednesday, October 9, 2002
Yah Mo' Be There
Here's a story from the Associated Press that was kinda interesting . . .
LAKE CITY, Fla. — A man who wanted to change his name to God chose a new name when a judge turned down his request. The former Charles Haffey's new name is I Am who I Am.
The former Haffey said after his first choice was rejected in April, he went to the Bible to find a backup. He drew on a passage where Moses asks God who he is and hears: ``I am who I am or I will be who I will be.'' ``That's kind of wordy, so I'm just going for 'I Am Who I Am' as my full legal name,'' he said. ``My first name, of course, would be 'I Am.'''
The 55-year-old said he sought the name change as a way to gain release from feelings of anxiety and rage that have plagued him since he served in Vietnam. ``I was fatally wounded in the mind and the spirit,'' he said. ``I didn't suffer any bodily injury. It's just what I saw, what I did. I killed myself.'' Who I Am said he became a Christian and was baptized in April. It was shortly after that when he decided to change everything, beginning with his name.
Last week, he bought a tombstone to be inscribed with his former name. He plans to plant it in the tall grass on his property. He said it will read, ``'Charles Walter Haffey, born Sept. 23, 1948, and died Oct. 21, 1968, Republic of Vietnam.'''
Here's a story from the Associated Press that was kinda interesting . . .
LAKE CITY, Fla. — A man who wanted to change his name to God chose a new name when a judge turned down his request. The former Charles Haffey's new name is I Am who I Am.
The former Haffey said after his first choice was rejected in April, he went to the Bible to find a backup. He drew on a passage where Moses asks God who he is and hears: ``I am who I am or I will be who I will be.'' ``That's kind of wordy, so I'm just going for 'I Am Who I Am' as my full legal name,'' he said. ``My first name, of course, would be 'I Am.'''
The 55-year-old said he sought the name change as a way to gain release from feelings of anxiety and rage that have plagued him since he served in Vietnam. ``I was fatally wounded in the mind and the spirit,'' he said. ``I didn't suffer any bodily injury. It's just what I saw, what I did. I killed myself.'' Who I Am said he became a Christian and was baptized in April. It was shortly after that when he decided to change everything, beginning with his name.
Last week, he bought a tombstone to be inscribed with his former name. He plans to plant it in the tall grass on his property. He said it will read, ``'Charles Walter Haffey, born Sept. 23, 1948, and died Oct. 21, 1968, Republic of Vietnam.'''
Saturday, October 5, 2002
GOODNESS GRACIOUS - Part 3
To tell the truth.
Is none of this true? Could be but I guess I just have a hard time thinking that in this enormous universe that humans are the ultimate evolution of all intelligence. Somehow it only makes sense there's something more out there. (Not to mention that human beings being the ultimate creation is more than a little sad - not to mention downright scary!)
Is all of it true? Well, maybe but that would seem almost too bizarre to me. I've just never been comfortable with that "all roads lead to Rome" approach to God. I think there is benefit in just about all of them but it's just hard to believe they're all right.
Have you ever heard of Rastafarianism? It’s the religion from which reggae music comes from. Bob Marley. Jimmy Cliff. Toots and the Maytals. All Rastafarians. They believe that a former emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie – a guy who died back in the 70s, I think - is God. AND even stranger – you wanna know one of the ways they worship? Smoking pot. Really. I’m not kidding!
Right or wrong I have always had this image of God looking down and saying, "Look at this? Can you really believe these guys think that smoking ganja will help them understand who I am?" It's gotta make Him laugh. But that's just me.
Although I was never a Rastafarian I did grow up with some pretty strange beliefs. I was a Mormon. Lots of you know Mormons. Some of you might even be Mormons. Like it or not, they believe in some kinda off the wall stuff. Like:
* While they believe there is only one God of this world, they believe there are lots of worlds AND lots of other Gods.
* That when you die, you’ll get to go to one of three kingdoms: Celestial, Telestial and Terrestial.
* AND if you go to the Celestial kingdom, you may even have a chance to become a God of your own world. Just like our God.
Am I still a Mormon? No. But that's another story for another time.
Is there One True Thing out there but we've just not discovered what it is yet? If God is really God - meaning that He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent and maybe even omnivorous - then it seems entirely possible that we barely have a clue about who He is - let alone, how to know more about him.
But the good news is that He does want us to know who He is!
To tell the truth.
Is none of this true? Could be but I guess I just have a hard time thinking that in this enormous universe that humans are the ultimate evolution of all intelligence. Somehow it only makes sense there's something more out there. (Not to mention that human beings being the ultimate creation is more than a little sad - not to mention downright scary!)
Is all of it true? Well, maybe but that would seem almost too bizarre to me. I've just never been comfortable with that "all roads lead to Rome" approach to God. I think there is benefit in just about all of them but it's just hard to believe they're all right.
Have you ever heard of Rastafarianism? It’s the religion from which reggae music comes from. Bob Marley. Jimmy Cliff. Toots and the Maytals. All Rastafarians. They believe that a former emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie – a guy who died back in the 70s, I think - is God. AND even stranger – you wanna know one of the ways they worship? Smoking pot. Really. I’m not kidding!
Right or wrong I have always had this image of God looking down and saying, "Look at this? Can you really believe these guys think that smoking ganja will help them understand who I am?" It's gotta make Him laugh. But that's just me.
Although I was never a Rastafarian I did grow up with some pretty strange beliefs. I was a Mormon. Lots of you know Mormons. Some of you might even be Mormons. Like it or not, they believe in some kinda off the wall stuff. Like:
* While they believe there is only one God of this world, they believe there are lots of worlds AND lots of other Gods.
* That when you die, you’ll get to go to one of three kingdoms: Celestial, Telestial and Terrestial.
* AND if you go to the Celestial kingdom, you may even have a chance to become a God of your own world. Just like our God.
Am I still a Mormon? No. But that's another story for another time.
Is there One True Thing out there but we've just not discovered what it is yet? If God is really God - meaning that He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent and maybe even omnivorous - then it seems entirely possible that we barely have a clue about who He is - let alone, how to know more about him.
But the good news is that He does want us to know who He is!
Sick, Sick, Sick
As a supporter of Young Life, I recognize that if Christian groups are going to be on campus, schools may also have to allow other groups to be there as well. But this article in the San Mateo County Times is more than a bit disturbing! According to the article, a group of San Mateo High School students are trying to stir up controversy by forming a club based on Satanism.
As a supporter of Young Life, I recognize that if Christian groups are going to be on campus, schools may also have to allow other groups to be there as well. But this article in the San Mateo County Times is more than a bit disturbing! According to the article, a group of San Mateo High School students are trying to stir up controversy by forming a club based on Satanism.
Ninety Nine Beat Up Old Hymnals On The Wall . . .
Another of my favorite myths has been shattered - or at least is taking a pretty good beating. I've always thought that many old hymns were set to tunes of old drinking songs of their day. According to this article titled, "Methodists Change Tune On Tavern Hymn Theory" in the New York Daily News, it turns out that it might not be so . . .
Another of my favorite myths has been shattered - or at least is taking a pretty good beating. I've always thought that many old hymns were set to tunes of old drinking songs of their day. According to this article titled, "Methodists Change Tune On Tavern Hymn Theory" in the New York Daily News, it turns out that it might not be so . . .
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