Controversial Christianity

Palm Sunday...revisited

2009-04-05T21:21:00.003-04:00

As I've said before, I LOVE Palm Sunday. If not THE favorite, certainly tied for my favorite day on the Church calendar.

I very literally get goosebumps when I think about the person of Christ getting the treatment approaching what the conquering Christ will receive upon His return.

But as this is Controversial Christianity, I don't think even Palm Sunday (more correctly, "Holy Week") should escape the controversy, so...

Let me start by saying the name "Holy Week" has always bothered me. By its very name, it implies that the other 51 weeks aren't holy. I'm pretty sure God doesn't grade on a scale, nor does He 'weight' the questions.

But, that really isn't too bad, it just proves that the Church cares more about a 'sound bite' than good grammar.

Here's the part that has bothered me for several years now. I am not trying to minimize the wonderful, powerful, and amazing sacrifice (no pun intended) that was made when Christ opted to die for us, but...

...He had an advantage. As God Himself, He had full knowledge of where he was going to go at His resurrection. Maybe better said, He knew what He would give up if He did not fulfill the prophecy. He was not acting on faith alone. He was not accepting the will of God blindly. He was God, He came from Heaven, and knew that in a few days He would be back in Heaven. That's a pretty strong incentive; and, I believe, a pretty significant advantage.

I've heard stories of missionaries who have given their lives while preaching the "good news" in Africa (or even America and England). These individuals willingly gave their lives in pure, blind faith. Again, I'm making no attempt at minimizing Christ's actions.

...Was there another way? Within the confines of my human-bound brain, and a limited one at that, I've always wandered, why? In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays, "...if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me...." [39]. Not once, nor twice, but three times in that passage of scripture. Luke records, that Christ sweat blood in His earnestness. With all the power of Heaven and earth (and beyond), there wasn't another way?

God is God, and I don't doubt that. In fact, it is because of that, the whole thing always seemed a bit odd. All He had to do was snap His fingers--less, think it; and the result could have been the same. I'm thankful--literally, eternally thankful--of Christ's role as sacrificial lamb; but it seems to me that the 'cup' could have passed him. In fact, it seems to me that Jesus could have stayed at God's right-hand.

The quick answer is: "It happened to fulfil the prophecy." First, I'm pretty sure that God could have found a thousand other ways to fulfil that (those) prophecy(ies). Even more so, HE is who gave the prophecy, and HE did so with Jesus' earthly life in mind. So, He could have given different prophecies. He could have deemed and in turn prophesied that the savior of man would be a purple pigeon, and the result could have been the same.

Other thing I've heard from pulpits for years is something like: "Since Christ has been human, He is able to better intercede on our behalf." Not only is that a bunch of hogwash, it is close to blasphemy. My belief structure is one of an omnipotent God; not a God that needs "on-the-job training" to better understand His own creations. So, I dismiss this stance out of hand.

Please don't take my words as flip, or trite; they are simply thoughts of "why?" Hey, its a blog with the name 'controversial', what do you want?

I don't believe there will be a press conference in the sky, where God will 'entertain' questions from us; but this, I humbly believe, would be a good answer. I wonder if even in my heavenly form, my mind will be able to comprehend God's ways? I accept the God would not be God if I could understand Him. I not only accept it, I need it. But I do hope that as I walk with Him, I will slowly understand more. Thanks to Christ's sacrifice, I've got all eternity to work on it.

Always Remember: "Whose you are, and at what cost."

Damage Done By Display

2008-04-02T08:39:00.006-04:00

This is an article I wrote several years ago for my corps newsletter. It has appeared in different periodicals and newsletters since then, with essentially the same text. So, here it is again will very little editing since its first appearance in 1993.

Whether Biblical bumperstickers are within the confines of Christianity or not is still uncertain to me. In Matthew 6:6 the Bible says: "...When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen...." In the proceeding verse it warns against praying "on street corners to be seen by men." I am not sure that this public display of "Christianity" is necessary or right. However this is not the topic of this article, the topic is what happens once these billboards of "Faith" are on display.

I can't tell you the number of times that as a car goes zooming past me, all I can make out is that: "The Lord is my Co-Pilot" bumpersticker. [Don’t even get me started on the idea of God as Co-Pilot!] What does that say to the non-Christian--"Well, there goes one of those self-righteous so and so's." Speeding is a law and breaking that law is a sin. The Bible says to obey man's law in at least three places. The most popular is probably Romans 13:1: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established." That does NOT say: "Well, if the law is silly one or is not enforced, you need not obey it because you are "Christians." Quite the opposite, because you are a professing believer in Jesus Christ, you need to set the best example, follow the laws made by our Civil Authorities.

In Titus 3:1, we find Paul instructing Titus to remind God's people to, "...Subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good...." It isn't just speeding; how many times have you allowed someone other than yourself to use your vehicle--children, sibling, neighbor, anyone. Do you only allow "Christians" to use your vehicle? Let's say that while your brother, who is not a believer, has your car, he gets cut off in traffic; he then proceeds to flip-off the driver of the other car. You wouldn't (and didn’t) do that, but the impact is the same because everyone who saw the action also saw that, "Jesus is Lord" bumpersticker or license plate. The damage is done. You might as well have done it yourself. BillyBob, who got flipped off, has no way of knowing that it isn't a Believer in the car. He has, however, added more ammunition to his "Can't convert me" arsenal.

What can you do? I believe that a witnessing is an important part of the walk toward Christianity; but somewhere people got suckered into mass marketing. My witness is a very personal thing, it cannot be summed up or expressed in writing, much less on the limited area of bumperstickers or license plates. The way I act in traffic, on the elevator, at the workplace and at-home is a witness in itself. If you are truly striving to be Christ-like, people will be able to notice something, without the "He is Lord" tags—your life can be the fragrance of Christ.

Get out the rubbing alcohol and razorblade or the screwdriver and get that misplaced billboard off of your vehicle.

Always Remember: "Whose you are, and at what cost."

Good Friday

2008-03-21T13:07:00.003-04:00

One of the most sacred days on the Christian Calendar, Good Friday is often misunderstood by many--inside and outside of the Church.

Since this is "Controversial", let me start with the use of the Cross to symbolize Jesus. I've never really understood this obsession. This is another case of the Church taking an existing tradition with a very negative world image and altering it to fit the need. Don't get me wrong, I understand that Christ's death was a pivotal point in the history of the world. A deciding factor in God's perfect (though mostly unknown) plan. But the cross wasn't invented for Jesus--thousands of others were crucified before Him and thousands more after Him.

In much the same way Baptism and Halloween were both pagan traditions the Church took and manipulated for their purpose. [Unfortunately, we've given Halloween back.] I realize that baptism was used as a tool to bridge the immense gulf between the poly-theist and mono-theist (Christ-centered) faiths. But is was still a pagan tradition--but that is a conversation for a much later time. [But that little teaser, should be enough to tick off a few folks--though that isn't my purpose.]

Back to the cross. Yes, the old testament scriptures give some prophetic guidance as to the event, but they mainly point to a death of disgrace. Let's be honest, what form of public execution isn't seen through an eye of disgrace? Public beheading did take place back then. Can you imagine if that form of execution would have been used? We would all be wearing little axes on our necklaces, or have them dangling from our rear-view mirrors.

So if Christ's torturous death on the cross isn't so special in my eyes, do I hold Good Friday in the same esteem as so many others who call themselves Christian? Yes!

As I see it, Good Friday has three imperative aspects--and none of them involve a cross per se.

The willing, complete, and perfect sacrifice of the Christ--God's Son, part of the Trinity. How He presented Himself is not so important to me, except to the degree in which it fulfilled prophecy.
The tearing of the shroud. That curtain that once separated God from His people was ripped asunder through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. This event alone allows us to speak directly to God, through the intercession of His Son, and the 'groans' of the Holy Spirit.
Christ's dissension into Hell--and the subsequent vanquishing of our burden of sin which put Him there.

Good Friday is indeed "Good"--for us. But when we celebrate the cross rather than the man on it, we loose the point, and soil His total sacrifice.

PS: What ever happened to all those dead folks who were resurrected at the moment of Christ's death?

Always Remember: "Whose you are, and at what cost."

Palm Sunday

2008-03-21T13:03:00.004-04:00

It is Palm Sunday...one of my very favorite days in the Church Calendar.

The crowd cheering the coming Messiah, Deliverer. The masses glimpse the freedom from bondage they so desperately crave. Of course, they fail to see that their bondage to the Romans was nothing compared to their spiritual bondage--the very bondage Jesus came to deliver them from.

I get chills when I think about my Jesus--eyes, arms, and heart open wide--pushing through the crowd of excited Jews and Gentiles alike. All rightfully praising His name. All the while the Pharisees look on with scorn. I imagine Jesus seeing them out of the corner of His eye, and His smile growing broader knowing that this outpouring of love so bothered them. I strain to imagine the energy (maybe even that of the Holy Spirit) buzzing in the air when Jesus answers their rebuke with: "...the stones will cry out." (Luke 19:40)

Can you imagine? Not only will every knee bow, and even tongue confess that Jesus Chris is Lord, but all of God's creation--the stones themselves--will declare the sovereignty of my Jesus! The same Jesus that has granted me the rights as His Co-heir!
I LOVE Palm Sunday!!!

Always Remember: "Whose you are, and at what cost."

Happy New Moment

2008-01-06T22:25:00.000-05:00

This article is actually from my most recent Friday Funnies (Jan 4). But I liked it so much I decided to post it hear as well...though it isn't too controversial.

Happy New Year, Happy New Week, Happy New Day, Happy New Hour, Happy New Moment; yes, Happy New Moment. My two small children have little or no since of time. My wife mentioned going to Disney "in a couple years" to our 3 1/2 year old. Now he regularly askes if we are going to Disney "tomorrow". When we say something like: "Do you know where we are going Saturday?" His answer will almost certainly be an excited "Disney!?!" Tomorrow means very little to him, much less next year.

We are all God's children, and we too can (maybe should) loose the perspective of time. God's time is not our time ( 2 Peter 3:8, Psalm 90:4), we cannot wrap our mind around 'always has been, always will be.' It is too easy to try to break up eternity (and all its consequences) into years, decades, or even millennia--but those are our concepts, God's is eternal and infinite.

We have New Year's Resolutions: We are going to loose weight, be better with money, spend more time with family, etc. But because they are anchored to a "year" we almost always fail. Tomorrow is much to easy when we have a whole year to get it done. The same is true with Christian living and the discipline God's children are called to.

We have to be true to each moment, we have to be the reflection of Christ this very moment and only for a moment--but moment after moment. When we try to be Christ-like 'today'; well, that isn't over until we crawl into bed, there's still plenty of time. Besides, we aren't going to do anything truly bad, right?

In the time since you started reading this, at least a couple moments have past, were you reflecting Christ? NOW, is a new moment, Happy New Moment...reflect Christ in this moment...just this moment, until the next one and then reflect Him again...only for a moment.

Live in the moment. Loose your since of time, know that this moment is God's moment, we are just its steward. We are called to reflect our Savior. We are called be His children..."Are we there yet?"

In the time since you started reading this, at least a couple moments have past, were you reflecting Christ? NOW, is a new moment, Happy New Moment...reflect Christ in this moment...just this moment, until the next one and then reflect Him again...only for a moment.

Live in the moment. Loose your since of time, know that this moment is God's moment, we are just its steward. We are called to reflect our Savior. We are called be His children..."Are we there yet?"

Always Remember: "Whose you are, and at what cost."

True Paradigm: Inconsistent Christians

2007-08-24T00:15:00.000-04:00

True Paradigm: Inconsistent Christians

I have not read anything from this blogger other than this specific article, but it is worth a few minutes of your time to read, and even longer to ponder....

Who put what in

2007-08-23T22:58:00.000-04:00

Financial stewardship is a topic I spend a great deal of my life on. I work with this issue in both my personal and professional life. Because stewardship (financial in particular) is one of my passions, this will without a doubt be a first of many posts on the topic.

In this post, however, I want to look at something that has created a great deal of conversation (read: controversy) whenever I bring it up.

In Mark 12: 41-44 (and Luke 21: 1-4, but I prefer Mark's account), we read the popular account often dubbed "The Widow's Offering" or "The Widow's Mite." There are a number of lessons in these four short verses, but keeping to this blog's name sake, I want to look at an often overlooked portion of this passage.

In the 41st verse we read: "Jesus sat...and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury." He was watching who put what in the equivalent of the offering plate. Let me say that again--He watched. In fact, we see this wasn't a passing glance, as the scripture tells us he was actively watching. So much so, that it is implied He choose His seat specifically for this view.

Since I am too simple minded to believe that the scriptures just through in fluff when it seems needed, I have to believe there is a point to this passage's inclusion, a lesson that is often overlooked. I am no Bible scholar, but I think the lesson related to Public Accountability.

I think Jesus is sharing with us that there is importance to openly making offerings to His Church. But this is a VERY slippery slop. Because in today's society, as in Christ's day, when humans do things in public it can very easily become a point of pride...a prideful display. This is NOT what Jesus wants.

However, I think there is something to be ask about actions taken in "the light." rather than in the 'secret' (from man not God) of "the dark." Financial stewardship, I think, is one of those things that may need to be done in "the light."

I think you can see some ways in which the church has attempted to cast light into the shadows. In fairness, these actions most likely had other intended purposes as well, but all the same...

For example, many churches ask their congregation to sign a 'pledge' card for the coming fiscal year. Often times, this card asks specifically if the amount pledged is "a tithe," "a tithe and an offering," "or striving to be for tithe." For now, set aside the tithe concept (I'll get on that soap box in a later post(s), I promise.).

Another example is the fact that offering envelopes are printed with a place to write your name. I have counted my church's offering for years, and I can tell you there are very few who pay with cash.

Another example is simply the collection of offerings at all. Most denominations still pass an offering plate around the sanctuary. The collection tool being passed from one person to the next, applying--to some level and degree--peep pressure.

I think these all trace their roots back to this passage--even if subconsciously. However, I can't help but believe their is something more I am missing in this portion of scripture.

We are commanded to financially support the building of God's Kingdom, but are we also commanded to make a public proclamation of it--or to have a public proclamation of support made? Is anonymously slipping our offering into the plate God honoring?

I would say "yes" the first, and "no" to the second. I believe that there should be some sort of congregation-wide knowledge of where the church's money comes from. Specifically who, how much, and how often. I also stand on this passage to infer that anonymous giving is considered charity, but would not qualify as our offering. OK, saying it is not God honoring is probably over doing it, but I think you get the point.

We are all called to Christ with a spiritual gift; and, I believe, a calling to support God's work in specific ways, financial support is only one way we are called to support. But in this way, I believe we are called to a VERY specific type and amount of support. It is only in living up to that calling that we will receive a full measure of God's blessings. No, He won't love us any more, but we will feel better, and His blessings will be more abundant and bountiful.

Always remember, "Whose you are and at what cost"

The power of the mind

2007-08-12T20:42:00.001-04:00

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

I love this passage, it is a powerful passage, and can be the basis for dozens of sermons, blogs, and/or devotionals.

As you might guess, I want to look at an often times more controversial side of this passage--the power of the mind.

Romans 12:2 clearly talks about the importance of thoughts. The Apostle Paul, spent a lot of time on the power and influence of the human mind. The mind is the basis of the will. Paul (and King David in the OT) is insistent that our minds dwell on God. If our mind is on God, and our mind is the basis of our will, then our will will be God's will.

To help me with this I found a secular source far better than any I found in the "Bible Bookstore" circles. The book that I found and strongly recommend to you is Jeff Olson's The Slight Edge.

In that book, we find steps to help with focusing our mind, in turn our will; at the root our philosophy. Mr. Olson stresses the importance of what Steve Covey calls: "Integrity in the moment of decision." The idea is that the cumulative effect of the small decisions is far greater than the major decisions we so often fret about.

I challenge you to read Jeff Olson's book is, apply his steps to your Walk With Christ. Of course, you can (should) apply this to every area of your life. Then again, your Walk should cover every aspect and area of your life.

Jeff Olson's background is network marketing (fancy name for MLM). The Slight Edge is aimed at helping build yourself and your business, but its techniques could be applied to so many things. I would love to hear from you about how these techniques could be applied to Evangelism.

Always remember 'Whose you are and at what cost'

Gold -- VS -- Lead -- VS -- Salt

2007-08-08T16:12:00.000-04:00

I have spent my life struggling with the dreaded disease: "Keep Up With The Jones". Mine seems to be a more advanced case of "Show Up The Jones". I have wanted (and still want) the nicest car, most stylish clothes, highest grades, whatever made me look like I had more money (or was smarter, or better, or...) than anyone/everyone around me. To make matters worse, I have (almost) always attended a Church which promotes and lives a minimalist life. Our chapels are often multi-function rooms, there is rarely stained glass, and you won't find gold or silver anywhere--very sparse, very functional. I learned that money spent on pretty gold decorations could be better spent feeding Christ (Matthew 25). Not bad right? Right, but I always got a bit confused when I read the Old Testament.

Throughout the Pentateuch [there I go again] and elsewhere in the Old Testament we read over and over again where God gives very precise directions on how His Temple is to be built and furnished. Gold is the most common descriptor we find, but other "precious" metals and jewels are also named and demanded.

Each time I would read this, I would look around our Chapel and wonder how my church had gotten it so wrong. I grew up in a primarily Catholic community. I have attended Mass with friends and knew first-hand how ornate and beautiful their chapels are. Those folks had it right....Right?

But what about whole "Feed my sheep" and "I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink" thing? I was really frustrated by this seemingly contradictory set of commandments. But, then again, I've always been a little slow.

From science's earliest days, Alchemists have worked to create precious gold. The base heavy metal most frequently referenced in these attempts is lead. There is, of course, no comparison between the value of lead and gold. I quick glimpse on the market shows gold trading at over $675.00 per ounce; whereas lead is a measly $0.875 -- big difference. But these are values our society has placed on these items. You don't have to look too far back into history to see when salt (you know that stuff we throw out on the sidewalks and scatter on roadways) was far more valuable. In fact in a fascinating book (that sounds really boring), Salt: A World History, by Mark Kurlansky we can see when salt was the most precious thing.

Society places values on material, these values are ever changing. I feel God views all of His creation as equal, save man--the species not the race. That is to say, God does not value Gold, or Salt, or Platinum, or whatever anymore than dirt, or leaves, or rain drops. These are intrinsic values humans place on God's perfect creation. If I were to guess, I would guess this need to value is rooted in man's original sin and the resulting need to quantify and rationalize God's existence. But I digress....

God's specific command to adorn His Temple with gold and silver and jewels, had nothing to do with gold or silver or diamonds, or even salt. His command...His goal...His desire was to teach sacrifice--no matter how superficial it might be.

God didn't command those "precious" gifts because they were precious to Him, but because they were precious to the giver. God wanted His chosen people to give to Him sacrificially. God was demonstrating that all they need to hold dear is in His Temple--not the gold, but His living Spirit.

This is just as true today. God was modeled this sacrificial love and giving. God has proven time and time again to His children, that all they need is in Him.

Oh, I'm not down on the big fancy Churches, some folks need that to feel closer to God. Let's face it, God certainly deserves all that we can give Him and immeasurably more. However, I can say with confidence that my life is more precious than gold in the only eyes that ultimately matter--God's.

Always remember 'Whose you are and at what cost'

And it begins...

2007-08-03T20:17:00.000-04:00

...right or wrong, the Apostle Paul is credited for first assigning us the name that would later be translated to "Christian".

Frankly, I don't care who dubbed the title; I don't feel I can carry the name. Oh, I want to, but can't. Why? My (limited) research has shown me that the word "Christian" means "Christ Likeness". While I openly admit I have a rampant ego, even I can't claim to be like Christ. Oh, I can try to be like Christ; I can strive to be like Him; I can even move closer to Christ likeness. I cannot, however, claim to be 'Christ-like.'

There is nothing wrong with the word/title. I'm certainly not saying you (or you, or even you over there in the corner) are not a Christian. All I'm saying is--"I'm not."

Oh, you say, then explain the title of your blog. OK, Christian and Christianity are two VERY different things. The former refers to a person, a descriptor--a personal proclamation--one with a very intense and heavy definition. The later is a name give to a collection of beliefs--a thing (if you will), not a person--beliefs specific to those of us who believe that Jesus Christ is the only Son of God and who through His suffering and death make an atonement for our sins, so that whosoever will, may be saved. [Sorry, slipped into the the brainwashed mode of doctrine, but it is still correct].

Of course, you might argue that no one (with the exception of yours truly) uses so precise of a definition today; and you would probably be right. In fact, I would argue that the vagues so often presented or projected when referring to "Christians" is reason enough not to want to be called a "Christian". "Christian" means so many different things to so many people, that it falls short of even a marginally apt descriptor. Does that bother you as much as it bothers me?

Here's a test, the next time you in a group of people you don't know ask ten or even five people to tell you what the word "Christian" means to them, and I bet you get as many different answers. Why would you want to be called something for which you or those around you can't decipher an accurate meaning? Talk about a 'recipe for disaster'. How many converts do you think you can win (and keep) with such a recipe?

Again, I'm not saying the label "Christian" is bad. I just saying 1) I don't measure up to its true meaning; and 2) the common meaning is...well, there is not real common meaning.

Thus, I doubt you will ever see the label "Christian" in my posts. Oh sure, you will see it in articles I quote, or in comments posted to this blog, but you won't see them in my posts.

Are you a Christian? Or are you like me, and striving to become Christian?

Always remember 'Whose you are and at what cost'

In the beginning

2007-08-02T21:35:00.000-04:00

Not that I'm worthy of starting in the same way as the Bible, it is just that I felt it was strangely appropriate.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to stop by and take a look at "Controversial Christianity". It's not that I want to be particularly 'controversial', hateful, or even augmentative; it's just that from time-to-time it seems to me that we need to shaken up. We need to question what we believe, and why we believe it. No, I'm not taking about the fundamentals of Christianity, rather the things that divide us into different groups--worshiping the same God. I'm also talking about the things that seem taboo in today's worship service, or smoothed over in Bible study (if not completely ignored).

Without a doubt, what I will post here will be controversial, but then by its very definition, I have (at least partially) achieved my goal. I don't mind 'raising your ire' if you are thinking through your

Oh, there is one more reason why I decided to create this blog--for years now many of these things have been rolling around in my head. This give me a place to get them out of my head and into the world. With all the above in mind, please feel free to post your comments, observations, and/or thoughts. I would hope that this can develop into a somewhat interactive medium.

Well, that's it for now...nothing really controversial this time. I'll save that for my first real post.

Always remember 'Whose you are and at what cost'