Miracles Never Cease

I'm not sure which is more frightening...that someone thought these porcelin items would be a good idea to produce, or that there are those out there looking to buy stuff like this. But what is REALLY funny and disturbing is the "entire collection" of Jesus porcelin figurines. Go ahead, name the sport...you can find a Jesus to match. My favorites? Its a toss-up between golf & martial arts. Go ahead...do your own shopping and pick your fave! I'm disappointed that curling didn't make the list...

You can view these "works of art" here...
(Apparently, another funny tid-bit...all of the "children" in these figurines are Caucasion. Not to worry...more politically correct figures are on the way. Wonder if they'll stick with the Caucasion Jesus, or if they'll make him look, well, like a Jewish middle-east resident??)

rapture

Are you ready??

Political Science 101

DEMOCRATIC
You have two cows.Your neighbor has none.You feel guilty for being successful.Barbara Streisand sings for you.
REPUBLICANISM
You have two cows.Your neighbor has none.So?
SOCIALIST
You have two cows.The government takes one and gives it to your neighbor.You form a cooperative to tell him how to manage his cow.
COMMUNIST
You have two cows.The government seizes both and provides you with milk.You wait in line for hours to get it.It is expensive and sour.
CAPITALISM, AMERICAN STYLE
You have two cows.You sell one, buy a bull, and build a herd of cows.
BUREAUCRACY, AMERICAN STYLE
You have two cows.Under the new farm program the government pays you to shoot one, milk the other, and then pours the milk down the drain.
AMERICAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.You sell one, lease it back to yourself and do an IPO on the 2nd one. You force the two cows to produce the milk of four cows. You are surprised when one cow drops dead. You spin an announcement to the analysts stating you have downsized and are reducing expenses.Your stock goes up
FRENCH CORPORATION
You have two cows.You go on strike because you want three cows.You go to lunch and drink wine.Life is good.
JAPANESE CORPORATION
You have two cows.You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk.They learn to travel on unbelievably crowded trains.Most are at the top of their class at cow school.
GERMAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.You engineer them so they are all blond, drink lots of beer, give excellent quality milk, and run a hundred miles an hour.Unfortunately they also demand 13 weeks of vacation per year.
ITALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows but you don't know where they are.While ambling around, you see a beautiful woman.You break for lunch.Life is good.
RUSSIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.You have some vodka.You count them and learn you have five cows.You have some more vodka.You count them again and learn you have 42 cows.The Mafia shows up and takes over however many cows you really have.
TALIBAN CORPORATION
You have all the cows in Afghanistan, which are two.You don't milk them because you cannot touch any creature's private parts.You get a $40 million grant from the US government to find alternatives to milk production but use the money to buy weapons.
IRAQI CORPORATION
You have two cows.They go into hiding.They send radio tapes of their mooing.
POLISH CORPORATION
You have two bulls.Employees are regularly maimed and killed attempting to milk them.
BELGIAN CORPORATION
You have one cow.The cow is schizophrenic.Sometimes the cow thinks he's French, other times he's Flemish.The Flemish cow won't share with the French cow.The French cow wants control of the Flemish cow's milk.The cow asks permission to be cut in half! .The cow dies happy.
FLORIDA CORPORATION
You have a black cow and a brown cow.Everyone votes for the best-looking one.Some of the people who actually like the brown one best accidentally vote for the black one.Some people vote for both.Some people vote for neither.Some people can't figure ! out how to vote at all.Finally, a bunch of guys from out-of-state tell you which one you think is the best-looking cow.
CALIFORNIA CORPORATION
You have millions of cows.They make real California cheese.Only five speak English.Most are illegals.Arnold likes the ones with the big udders.

Another Tribe, Another New Testament

I'm a big fan and believer in the little-known efforts around the world to translate the Bible into native languages. There are a number of groups I'm aware of that work in this important arena, including Pioneer Bible Translators, Wycliffe Bible Translators, and New Tribes. I have acquaintences & friends in the first two organizations, who labor in Indonesia and Papau New Guinea. Here's a short story from Mission Network News about a people group that will soon receive its own New Testament....

Papua New Guinea (MNN)--New Tribes Mission reports success in a Papua New Guinea New Testament translation project that has lasted seven years. The completed efforts arrived in the form of 15-hundred copies of a beautifully bound Asengseng New Testament. The New Testaments will soon be on their way for a two-month voyage to West New Britain in Papua New Guinea. Their arrival will occasion a joyous celebration for four Asengseng elders -- Giaman, Krosli, Wisnamli and Tawin -- 20 Bible teachers, and the believers in ten local churches who are eagerly waiting to get the new Book in their hands.In preparation for this, Bible teachers last year began working toward chronological teaching at Elihi, another village in Asengseng. Pray for the literacy classes which are continuing in various villages throughout Asengseng - both teachers and students.

If you would, pray for those working in villages around the world, learning languages, teaching literacy, and slowly making God's Word come alive.

You Know You're Church Is A Redneck Church...

IF the finance committee refuses to provide funds for the purchase of a chandelier because none of the members knows how to play one.
IF people ask, when they learn that Jesus fed the 5000, whether the two fish were bass or catfish, and what bait was used to catch 'em.
WHEN the pastor says, "I'd like to ask Bubba to help take up the offering,"
five guys and two women stand up.
IF opening day of deer season is recognized as an official church holiday.
IF a member of the church requests to be buried in his 4-wheel-drive truck because "It ain't never been in a hole it couldn't get out of."
IF the choir is known as the "OK Chorale".
WHEN in a congregation of 500 members, there are only seven last names in the church directory.
IF Baptism is referred to as "branding".
IF high notes on the organ set the dogs on the floor to howling.
IF people think "rapture" is what you get when you lift something too heavy.
IF the baptismal pool is a #2 galvanized washtub.
IF the choir robes were donated by (and embroidered with the logo from) Billy Bob's Barbecue.
IF the collection plates are really hub caps from a '56 Chevy.
IF instead of a bell, you are called to service by a duck call.
IF the minister and his wife drive matching pickup trucks.
IF the communion wine is Boone's Farm "Strawberry Hill".
IF "Thou shalt not covet" applies to hunting dogs, too.
IF the final words of the benediction are, "Y'all come back now!! Ya Hear"

Efforting for Clean Water

This is a cool opportunity to literally save a life. The Living Water International folks are challenging us to drink nothing but water for 2 weeks, and to donate the money we would have spent on soft drinks, etc. to the effort to provide clean water in places around the globe where it doesn't exist.

Anyone want to join me? Together, we could pool our $, and make a difference. Click the pic above to go to the site. Click here to watch a video that might stimulate your interest.

Middle East Mess

I'll admit it - I have little idea what's going on (or why its going on) in the Middle East. I usually think that just makes me not-so-smart, uninformed, or apathetic. But I think I'm really just more the average American.

This article struck a chord with me, and you should read it. It's from Christianity Today and is entitled Another Point of View: Evangelical Blindness on Lebanon. Make sure you read the opening disclaimer, and keep in mind that this is simply another point of view, not necessarily mine. I'm not smart enough or informed enough to really have a point of view on this and many things (oddly enough, that doesn't seem to stop some people from having the "definitive" answer to any and all things!)

The Trifecta Brush with Fame

I've had my share of rather random brushes with fame. But this one was the triple whammy. There's a lot to the story, and I won't bore you with too much minutiae, but I happened to be in Great American Ballpark last night for the Reds/Mets game. It was a long night - a lengthy rain delay, hot & sticky, etc. But then in walks Dennis Miller, Ron Howard, and Tom Hanks. We were fortunate to see them early on, before the masses caught on that they were in attendance. They walked right by us on at least 3 occasions. I did a polite wave and said "Mr. Miller" and received a wave in return. Unfortunately, my camera was not working properly to do me much good, and when I could get it to cooperate, the thugs/security (which I understand is very necessary for these kind of people...the throngs of folks trying to get near them was kinda funny to watch) wouldn't let you get too close. So I got a couple of great shots of the back of their heads! Anyway, my son actually stuck his hand out as the entourage was leaving and got the customary "hand bump" from Hanks. Pretty cool. Somewhat larger than life, but in a regular guy kinda way. The pic above is from the Cincinnati Enquirer story, with a link to the interview...

The crowd was kinda funny, once the word was out that Hanks & Co. were in attendance. When things would get quiet enough, you would hear someone yell "Wilson!" or "Run, Forest, Run." I think I even heard an "Opie Cunningham" reference (from back when SNL was funny). Interestingly, no one mentioned The Terminal...though the length of the game last night (Reds pulled it out with 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th) started to feel like The Terminal.

On a much more exciting & interesting note, I snagged my first-ever foul ball in the top of the 9th inning (at approx. 12:35 am) off the bat of Julio Franco, who I think has been playing baseball since its invention. The smile on my son's face when I placed that in his glove.....priceless!

Most Influential Churches?

I'm not sure this new list really matters, but there is a site/magazine that puts out their yearly take on the "50 Most Influential Churches in America". I'm not sure the measuring stick that's used, nor am I convinced there should be one. What we don't need are more examples of churches we should all try to copy. I'm also convinced that a church of 15o people in a town of 1,000 can be just as influential as a chuch of thousands in a major city. But it makes for interesting chat. Check out the list...strangely enough, from what I know of a few of these places, I would agree that they're influential and are playing an important role not only in their location, but they're also "mixing it up" with our culture. Ball is now in your lap...

World Cup Soccer - Zidane - Headbutt

I didn't see this live, but its all over the news. Dude really clocks the guy. This Zidane guy is one of the best players supposedly. Guess anyone can lose it in the heat of the moment!

Firework Fun

Want to do your own on-screen fireworks show? Check out this link and have a rousing good time......

TOP TEN LEAST POPULAR CHURCH-SPONSORED FIREWORKS DISPLAYS
10. Disciple sparklers
9. Janitor Bob's burning of pile of flammable, secular cleaning supplies
8. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in that old sparking electric furnace, stored in church garage
7. Youth group shoots bottle rockets at floundering Noah's Ark
6. David slays Goliath by telling him to light fuse and not get away
5. Book of Romans Candles
4. Exploding M-80 causes donkey to bolt during triumphal entrance into Jerusalem
3. Moses loses a finger lighting Spinning Burning Bush
2. Finale has Lazarus shooting out of tomb on an exploding shell
1. Joseph and the Amazingly Flammable Dreamcoat

Copyright 2006 Dave Tippett (djtippHA@yahoo.com). Permission is granted to send this to others, with attribution, but not for commercial purposes.

KY's Republican Governor

Just returned from a 24-hour trip to a Christian convention in Louisville, KY. I don't make it to this event often, but when its close, I find it a little encouraging and fun. I guess it was fine. We did get to spend a little time with folks we've known over the years. I do get sort of tired of the questions "so how big is your church" and my favorite question "so what is it you do now?" That one has no easy answer, so I get to describe in detail the "unique" position I have. All in all, it was fine.

One moment of shear annoyance took place during one of the main sessions I attended. I'm not sure the attendance - I would guess approx. 8,000 - 10,000. Wayne Smith, a popular retired preacher who is a treat to hear, was introducing Ernie Fletcher, his friend and the governor of Kentucky. He started by saying that "Ernie Fletcher is the first Republican governor of Kentucky in 50 years." And then it happend...people applauded. Some 9,000 Christians all packed into a room, sharing their joy that finally the great state of Kentucky was being led by God's chosen party - the Republicans.

I've got nothing against Fletcher - he read scripture & prayed and seemed like a good guy. And all Smith did was point out the fact that there hasn't been a Republican in that office in KY in a good long while. What irks me is this on-demand triggered response from the crowd. As though somehow there was now hope for Kentucky, since the God-party was in power!

How did the church of Jesus become only about two causes: abortion & homosexuality? I agree, those are issues that should concern us. (I contend a lot more is being done by Biblical "one-anothering" than by legislation, but I know there is much debate here...) But the poor & disenfranchised, the environment, and a host of other problems in our country and in our world are important issues as well, and those are issues that "we Republicans" tend to avoid. Funny, Jesus had a lot more to say about those issues than he did about the "pet" issues the Republicans have used to get the evangelical Christian vote. Just a question...has anything changed??

(The image above is a bumper sticker...you can get it here)

Church Sign Generator

From time to time, I've documented my disdain for various church signs that I've driven past. Nothing like a "God always checks his knee-mail" slogan on a church sign to just make me feel all cheery about how we're communicating the Gospel to our culture.

But I've decided to join in on the fun. Someone sent me the "Church Sign Generator," which enables me to put whatever I want on a church sign (there are also links there to make George Bush, Chuck Norris, etc. say or think whatever you want them to say or think!) Anyway, its kinda fun. Here's my own attempt at a generated church sign, with a phrase that I heard a guy years ago use every time he got in front of a microphone. He had the uncanny ability to use this quote in any sermon.

Enjoy!

Road Icons

Here's an interesting contest of sorts. You can send in pics of religious-themed places and perhaps win. I think you can win...maybe its just a bunch of pics. Anyway, here is a link to a few. Some and interesting; others just make you want to say "hmmmmm." You can draw your own conclusions. Click on the "Take the Trip" and see some examples. Here is the world's largest 10 Commandments in Murphy, NC. You can also see the World's Largest New Testament there, too.

A Reading Maniac

Just returned from vacation. In the days leading up to my time away, and also while sitting in the sun by the lake, I polished off four books. All were good, all very different. A brief synopsis:

"Confessions of a Reformission Rev." by Mark Driscoll
Wow, this book was incredible. I couldn't put it down. It's the story of Mars Hill church in Seattle (www.marshillchurch.org), and is one of those books I can't stop recommending to everyone I know. Including you. This is church-on-purpose like none other. Not only that, but Driscoll is just flat out hilarious at times. I had a couple of those laugh-so-hard-you-can't-tell-anyone-why-you're-laughing kind of things. My kids actually asked me if I was OK. An oxygen tank would have been nice, I think. All in all, its a story of how a church happened. It wasn't/isn't easy, and Driscoll makes sure we know that. He's certainly not afraid to barbeque a sacred cow or two. Which is one of the reasons I liked it so much. His previous book, The Radical Reformission, is also a terrific book.

"The DaVinci Code" by Dan Brown
Frankly, I enjoyed the book. And managed to escape with my faith in tact! Come on, its fiction. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next! Funny how a few weeks after the movie premiered, is anyone still ranting and raving about it? I found it to be a fun yarn, and wasn't at all offended or threatened by what to me was obviously fiction. Plus, I like to use the word "yarn."

"The Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Claiborne
Along with a few other radicals, (subtitle of the book is "Living as an Ordinary Radical), Claiborne and friends founded The Simple Way, a community in the inner city of Philadelphia. Claiborne spent some time with Mother Theresa, and is one of those who went to 'find his own Calcutta,' so to speak. So they're doing it, its radical, and its extremely interesting and attractive. This was a different read, but well worth it. Oh, and he also went to Iraq and just went around ministering to people. God is definitely working through these folks, and you'll be challenged if you read the book. I can recommend it (not sure I can recommend just getting on a plane and going to Iraq!)

"Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith" by Rob Bell
I'm not one to call a book an "important" book, but I feel like this one is. It's actually my second time through it, this time with a highlighter. He makes me think, as he has many others who have commented about the book. It's just full of thought-provoking stuff that helps me see things a little differently than my conservative, evangelical, fundamental upbringing. Many things to quote, and some might lose emphasis if out of context, but here is one section...

"I think that the way of Jesus is the best possible way to live. This isn't irrational or primitive or blind faith. It is merely being honest that we all are living a "way."

• I'm convinced being generous is a better way to live.
• I'm convinced forgiving people and not carrying around bitterness is a better way to live.
• I'm convinced having compassion is a better way to live.
• I'm convinced pursuing peace in every situation is a better way to live.
• I'm convinced listening to the wisdom of others is a better way to live.
• I'm convinced being honest with people is a better way to live.

Anyway, its a read that I think is important - too much worth quoting. His point above is that we all are following a "way." The way of Jesus is just a better way. Period (uh, not necessarily the way of Jesus that's described by many on the fundamental right-wing...)

Pacman

Pacman

I'm a proud descendant of the Pac-Man generation. Someone sent me this, and I found it insightful. It never occured to me that Mr. or Mrs. Pac was actually frightened from the colorful blobs that chased them around. I wonder how Mario felt about those barrels being thrown by that large monkey??

Roaring Lambs VI - Go See 'Triple Espresso'

Around 10 years ago or so, my wife and I were at a conference in San Diego. We paid the extra fee for the evening banquet and entertainment, which would be hosted by 3 comedians that we had seen previously, and had always enjoyed. We were treated to a fabulous off-broadway-type show that these three guys created, called Triple Espresso. It was a blast!

Turns out, these guys were rather serious about their comedy. Triple Espresso has been a long-running show in both Minneapolis and San Diego, and has begun to travel to other cities.

Sunday night, we took a group of friends to Indianapolis to see the show, and we were not disappointed! Though not the original cast (I guess those 3 creators just sit back and cash the checks...), these guys were very good. They have around 30 or so actors that they have trained to perform Triple Espresso, which makes it possible to have it running simultaneously around the world.

I'm a big proponent of Christians flavoring our culture (OK, I stole the whole thing from Jesus!) We need Christians who write, act, sing, paint, whatever. Problem is, most Christians who do these things only do so for other Christians! And we wonder where the "salt & light" influences in our culture have gone. Mostly, they're holed up in an obscure Christian bookstore that only a small segment of our society would ever enter in the first place. But one of the things I like most about Triple Espresso, (which is not some sort of Christian event at all), is that its good art - written and produced and directed and acted (for the most part) by Christians. Roaring Lambs, serving the most creative being in the universe, using their God-inspired creativity. Not to mention that you'll laugh a lot!

The Indianapolis run has been extended due to popular demand! It runs through June 25th at the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre, located downtown, almost next door to Circle Center. Well worth your time and money (not exactly cheap, but a terrific night out...if you're one of my baker's dozen of people who actually read this, I have coupons for $5 off if you're interested...)

Check out Triple Espresso at their site for clips, comments, etc.

School Overcrowding "A Good Problem?"

School is winding down. Today happens to be the last day for my kids. Next year, I will have kids in 3 different school buildings. That should be interesting. This year, my two youngest were in one of the brand new "mega, Taj Mahal-type" schools that have been built with my tax dollars. It's very nice & all. And huge.

Recently, I've been at 3 different school program-type events at the aforementioned Taj Mahal school. Just for the 2nd & 3rd grade program, the new, large gymanasium was packed, standing room only. Wall to wall people.

The principal steps up to the mic and says "Isn't this a great problem to have?"

Well, frankly, no, its not a good problem to have. Somebody please explain to me how this problem is good. Granted, every school program that I ever attended at our quaint old school that was shut down last year was also crowded. But many of those had the entire school and their parents shoved into the gym (one that was much smaller). Not to mention smaller classrooms, etc.

So after this first year in the Taj Mahal, our school system has decided to move some 150 or so kids to a couple of other schools. On the surface, this seems like a good idea to aleviate some overcrowding. I suppose it would be if they chose to use that decrease in number to ease the classroom numbers per teacher. But in their wisdom, that isn't happening. In fact, instead of making the classes smaller, they will stay the same. The result of moving kids out will actually leave empty classrooms.

I guess there are mysteries in life that are hard to explain. I'm not sure which leadership group I'm least impressed with...my local school system, or that guy who somehow got re-elected as mayor of New Orleans. (names withheld to protect the guilty).

Clay Faken on Idol

OK, so we are AI watchers at our house. There really isn't much that we can watch together as a family, and the music dna in our system warrants that we tune in.

The finale had a particularly funny moment, combining one of the early round "bad" singers with one of the current stars that the show is responsible for launching. If you didn't see it, it was kinda funny. The guy's name is Michael Sandecki, who claims to be a Clay Aiken look-alike. Apparently, it was enough for Clay to change his hairstyle. Here it is...

http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2730200

Engineers Crack The "Woman Code"

How do you spell ESPN?

My family has proudly resisted having cable TV for a number of years now. Not a moral decision as much as a financial one. Honestly, there are times when its challenging (UK basketball season is tough...this year was tough for lots of reasons...) But here is a reason NOT to have cable TV. I just heard with some level of amusement that ESPN 2, "The Deuce" as its called by those in-the-know, is covering the Spelling Bee. Come on, Curling is a lame enough sport. But the Spelling Bee?

I can just imagine some of the words that might come up on ESPN's version:

S-T-E-R-O-I-D
O-V-E-R-P-A-I-D
U-N-D-E-R-A-C-H-I-E-V-E

Feel free to add your own words to the list.

A Mystic Funny

Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail and with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath.

This made him (oh, man, this is so bad, it's good)...A super-calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.



(more at www.mikeysfunnies.com)

Bird Flu Hits Florida Retirement Village

Top 10 Surprises In "The Da Vinci Code"

TOP TEN SURPRISES IN "THE DA VINCI CODE"
By Dave Tippett
10. In Last Supper painting, Da Vinci drew himself in background as waiter preparing the bill
9. In the painting, James seen listening to iPod in background
8. In movie, TV in background has old "Andy of Mayberry" episode on, the one where Aunt Bea warns Opie to not be involved in no heresy
7. One disciple at Last Supper table seems to have Nike swoosh on his sandal
6. Da Vinci’s "Mona Lisa" revealed to have been first wife of that American Gothic farmer guy with the pitch fork
5. Was discovered that Da Vinci was insanely jealous of the ancient ancestor of Thomas Kincaide and their better-selling "The Soft Lighting Last Supper" painting
4. Da Vinci's followup painting was first velveteen Elvis
3. The Books of Judas and Mary Magdalene traced to goofy teens on MySpace.com
2. "Code" actually just Da Vinci’s ATM card pin
1. Closer examination of Last Supper’s tablecloth reveals food strains that map out who shot JFK
Copyright 2006 Dave Tippett (djtippHA@yahoo.com).

More Da Vinci Drivel

Infuze is an online newsletter that I typically enjoy. They have a blog that has some interesting thoughts about all things Da Vinci, and some of it was interesting. A couple of quotes...

"Maybe I'm a bad Christian and I'll have to answer for this someday on the
other side of the pearly gates, but the number one thing that makes me
uncomfortable is that this seems like a great opportunity for Christians to line
up to say stupid things. You know... people like Pat Robertson... but that's
just an example."

"In all seriousness, the main concern seems to be that the unchurched will
see this movie and accept it as gospel truth, and I say if anyone takes The
DaVinci Code as gospel truth, whether they are the unchurched or stereotyped
preacher's kids, then they aren't especially intelligent. I read "The Lovely
Bones" by Alice Sebold. It wasn't scriptural in any way, shape, or form, but it
didn't shake my faith, or brainwash me into thinking that the biblical
description of Heaven was untrue.

It doesn't matter who or what you follow. It doesn't change the fact
that this is still just a novel.

And you know what else doesn't matter?It doesn't matter if Jesus got
married and had kids or not.I still believe that Jesus Christ was a man with no
home, who didn't have a place to take a wife, and was tempted in every way
(including sexually) and yet did not sin.But if Jesus got married and had a
family, He would be no less of a Savior to me, or to you.

There's a big, huge, ENORMOUS difference between a historical
discrepancy, and a supernatural one.Either Jesus suffered, died, and rose again
to save you from your sins, or He didn't.

A wife and kids doesn't change that."

You can read more here, and don't hesitate to read the critical reviews (scroll down to "Bloodbath at Cannes! Critics Crucify 'Da Vinci'!") \

Here's a free download that sums up some of the sticking points...

Save on Gas

Here's an ultra-practical article that I found worth the effort to share. Two guys tested several common theories or myths about saving gas in your car, and these are worth knowing about. Now, if I can just get my lawn to stop growing so I wouldn't have to spend $5 or so every time I mow! Read about it here, and be a good steward. Oh, and go ahead and eat your veggies, too.

Glad When Its All Over

Plenty of fuss about Da Vinci. I do hope to see it eventually. Its hard to escape all that's being said about the film. Brian McLaren weighs in, another voice I respect and like to hear. Always edgy, always controversial, never spoon-feeding Sunday-school answers. His thoughts from "Sojourners Journal".....

Brian McLaren on The Da Vinci Code
An interview by Lisa Ann Cockrel

With The Da Vinci Code poised to go from bestseller list to the big screen on May 19, pastor and writer (and Sojourners board member) Brian McLaren talks about why he thinks there's truth in the controversial book's fiction.

What do you think the popularity of The Da Vinci Code reveals about pop culture attitudes toward Christianity and the church?

Brian McLaren: I think a lot of people have read the book, not just as a popular page-turner but also as an experience in shared frustration with status-quo, male-dominated, power-oriented, cover-up-prone organized Christian religion. We need to ask ourselves why the vision of Jesus hinted at in Dan Brown's book is more interesting, attractive, and intriguing to these people than the standard vision of Jesus they hear about in church. Why would so many people be disappointed to find that Brown's version of Jesus has been largely discredited as fanciful and inaccurate, leaving only the church's conventional version? Is it possible that, even though Brown's fictional version misleads in many ways, it at least serves to open up the possibility that the church's conventional version of Jesus may not do him justice?

So you think The Da Vinci Code taps into dissatisfaction with Jesus as we know him?

McLaren: For all the flaws of Brown's book, I think what he's doing is suggesting that the dominant religious institutions have created their own caricature of Jesus. And I think people have a sense that that's true. It's my honest feeling that anyone trying to share their faith in America today has to realize that the Religious Right has polluted the air. The name "Jesus" and the word "Christianity" are associated with something judgmental, hostile, hypocritical, angry, negative, defensive, anti-homosexual, etc. Many of our churches, even though they feel they represent the truth, actually are upholding something that's distorted and false.

I also think that the whole issue of male domination is huge and that Brown's suggestion that the real Jesus was not as misogynist or anti-woman as the Christian religion often has been is very attractive. Brown's book is about exposing hypocrisy and cover-up in organized religion, and it is exposing organized religion's grasping for power. Again, there's something in that that people resonate with in the age of pedophilia scandals, televangelists, and religious political alliances. As a follower of Jesus I resonate with their concerns as well.

Do you think the book contains any significantly detrimental distortions of the Christian faith?

McLaren: The book is fiction and it's filled with a lot of fiction about a lot of things that a lot of people have already debunked. But frankly, I don't think it has more harmful ideas in it than the Left Behind novels. And in a certain way, what the Left Behind novels do, the way they twist scripture toward a certain theological and political end, I think Brown is twisting scripture, just to other political ends. But at the end of the day, the difference is I don't think Brown really cares that much about theology. He just wanted to write a page-turner and he was very successful at that.

Many Christians are also reading this book and it's rocking their preconceived notions - or lack of preconceived notions - about Christ's life and the early years of the church. So many people don't know how we got the canon, for example. Should this book be a clarion call to the church to say, "Hey, we need to have a body of believers who are much more literate in church history." Is that something the church needs to be thinking about more strategically?

McLaren: Yes! You're exactly right. One of the problems is that the average Christian in the average church who listens to the average Christian broadcasting has such an oversimplified understanding of both the Bible and of church history - it would be deeply disturbing for them to really learn about church history. I think the disturbing would do them good. But a lot of times education is disturbing for people. And so if The Da Vinci Code causes people to ask questions and Christians have to dig deeper, that's a great thing, a great opportunity for growth. And it does show a weakness in the church giving either no understanding of church history or a very stilted, one-sided, sugarcoated version.

On the other hand, it's important for me to say I don't think anyone can learn good church history from Brown. There's been a lot of debunking of what he calls facts. But again, the guy's writing fiction so nobody should be surprised about that. The sad thing is there's an awful lot of us who claim to be telling objective truth and we actually have our own propaganda and our own versions of history as well.

Let me mention one other thing about Brown's book that I think is appealing to people. The church goes through a pendulum swing at times from overemphasizing the deity of Christ to overemphasizing the humanity of Christ. So a book like Brown's that overemphasizes the humanity of Christ can be a mirror to us saying that we might be underemphasizing the humanity of Christ.

In light of The Da Vinci Code movie that is soon to be released, how do you hope churches will engage this story?

McLaren: I would like to see churches teach their people how to have intelligent dialogue that doesn't degenerate into argument. We have to teach people that the Holy Spirit works in the middle of conversation. We see it time and time again - Jesus enters into dialogue with people; Paul and Peter and the apostles enter into dialogue with people. We tend to think that the Holy Spirit can only work in the middle of a monologue where we are doing the speaking.

So if our churches can encourage people to, if you see someone reading the book or you know someone who's gone to the movie, say, "What do you think about Jesus and what do you think about this or that," and to ask questions instead of getting into arguments, that would be wonderful. The more we can keep conversations open and going the more chances we give the Holy Spirit to work. But too often people want to get into an argument right away. And, you know, Jesus has handled 2,000 years of questions, skepticism, and attacks, and he's gonna come through just fine. So we don't have to be worried.

Ultimately, The Da Vinci Code is telling us important things about the image of Jesus that is being portrayed by the dominant Christian voices. [Readers] don't find that satisfactory, genuine, or authentic, so they're looking for something that seems more real and authentic.
Lisa Ann Cockrel is associate editor at Today's Christian Woman.

'Da Vinci' undermines faith, survey says

Story on MSN that's worth noting. Again, its fiction. But it can open doors for conversation, and this survey at least should be considered for what its worth. One quote:

“An alarming number of people take its spurious claims very seriously indeed,”
said Austin Ivereigh, press secretary to Britain’s top Catholic prelate Cardinal
Cormac Murphy-O’Connor. “Our poll shows that for many, many people “The Da Vinci
Code” is not just entertainment.”

Read the article.

Born Again Chickens

Once again, I'm somewhat speechless. My friend Kyle, one of the faithful dozen, sent this link to Walmart's music catalog (where he finds some of the stuff he sends me is a complete myster). This is apparently legit, though I'm unclear on who actually might purchase "Praise & Eggs" by the Born Again Chickens. Although, they cluck a mean version of "A Mighty Rooster Is Our God."

Really, aren't they worried about lightning striking them on the spot? Now that's what I call fried chicken! Other song titles include "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Poultry" and "Onward Christian Chickens, Marching 'Cross The Road." I'm not sure which bothers me the most - that this even exists, or that Walmart carries it at all!

I'm looking forward to Volume II: "I Could Cluck Of Your Love Forever," featuring all the hottest, most overdone new worship songs of the church.

You have to check out this site...Walmart does give you a chance to hear the songs, which I assure you is eggciting (sorry....just yolkin' around).

If you need me, I'll be out having an omlette somewhere.

Brush With Fame

Today my kids had a piano recital. All 3 of them, and they did awesome. Halfway through I happened to look behind me (to apologize to whomever was behind me as I stood to do the dad-thing and videotape another of my kids), and who should be sitting behind me? None other than the divine Mrs. G - Gloria Gaither! That's right, Gloria herself apparently has a couple of grandkids who take from the same teacher our kids take from! Not too often that your kids get to perform in the presence of someone who's in the hymn book!

(This sparks an idea for future posts. I've had an eclectic bunch of "fame-brushes" over the years, and from time to time, as I remember them, I'll let you know. Of course, fame is relative...probably half of my "faithful dozen" readership is thinking "Gloria who?" And one of those faithful readers actually works in Gaitherville, so I'm sure he's thinking "Big deal." But I press on....)

You say Gas-tro-scopy, I say Gastros-copy

Regardless of how you say it, I'm a proud participant of my first of hopefully very few "scopes." I know these are fairly routine (actual procedure on the paperwork I was given is Esophagogastroduodenoscopy). But anything invasive beyond a lengthy dental appointment is new for me. Please allow me to spare you all of the details, but know that I was nervous, and once it was over (a.k.a. once the drugs worked themselves out of my system), I realized it was really no big deal. But knowing that a stranger stuck a camera down my throat and looked around in my stomach, well, that's just plain weird. They even checked out parts of my digestive system that I forgot I had...hadn't heard the word "duodenum" since 7th grade health class!

Couldn't help but think a little about Psalm 139 - God knows me inside & out. Sure, there are others who know me. But inside & out? Do we realize how much effort it is to know someone "inside & out?" I paid attention to how much effort went into my "procedure," and it was monumental. All just to look around my upper digestive tract. But God just knows. He knows my thoughts, my dreams, and I can't believe I'm about to type this, but God knows the state of my "duodenum."

Weird? Possibly. But I need a God that big, don't you? A God that isn't that big, well, is more of a little "g" god. They type I worship that really doesn't deserve it, the type of god I put in my life that's full of what appear to be perks, status, and bonuses. But not the God who put me together, the God who knows me inside & out.

All in all, its good to be scoped from time to time. Been scoped lately?

My Country Weekend

I'm not much of a country music guy. I don't know why - the foundation was firmly poured in my life for it to happen. I have vivid recollections of Merle Haggard and Charlie Pride playing from the 8-track in the Vega glove compartment. No kidding. But, somehow, I escaped.

This weekend, my friend Rob was in town to play guitar for a concert that featured a female country artist from our area, as well as a couple of other singer/songwriter folks.

Well, it was my friend Rob (who has a couple of terrific tunes 'out there' being considered by various recording artists). And, I had some tickets. So my son and I went to the downtown theater to get our groove on. Or whatever you do when you go to a country music event.

Admittedly, its a lot of country music. I felt like I should be eating peanuts and throwing the shells on the floor, waiting for my name to be called for my non-smoking table for 4.

But talent is talent. It was very good, and they even coaxed Rob to do his song "Three Months And A Winnebago" (great song...coming to a Texas Roadhouse jukebox near you...). I had the privilege of meeting all of the folks involved, and they couldn't be nicer. It would help if those performing country music were jerks, and if some out there are the 'Barry Bonds' of the country scene, I'm unaware. These folks couldn't have been nicer to chat with. Rob was able to catch up and crash with the wife and I - since he did sing in my wedding, my casa is always his casa.

So, I'm not on any bandwagons just yet. For now, Rob's tunes on my mp3 are about as country as I go, along with the soundtrack to O Brother (more bluegrass than country). But it was a nice forray into a cross-cultural experience (more Dale Jr. jackets than you could shake a stick at).

The website(s) for the artists that night are:

• Joey Martin
• Wynn Varble
• Rory Lee Feek

Barbara Blog Blasted

If you read the Christianity Today article (I pasted it here a couple days back) from Barbara Nicolosi, you might guess that it set off a firestorm of response. Check out some of the email thoughts from readers, on both sides of the fence:

Lisa Rutherford: Bravo!!!! This article was so on target, I practically want to frame it. I just hope the word gets out and enough people do it.

Annie Fitzsimmons: The Da Vinci Code is a FICTIONAL NOVEL.It is pure entertainment, and that's it! Why are Christians flipping out and figuring out how to "othercott" it or "evangelize" through it? Let's talk about the gospel in our churches and go see whatever movies we'd like to see.

David Christy: What an excellent commentary. Thank you so much for a clear voice with specific content, rather than the unending "Dialogue for Consensus" that is literally killing us all.

Dennis Payne: I believe Nicolosi is missing the point for many in the Christian community. We should prepare ourselves and learn our church history that "the church" has neglected to teach. I know our Scriptures very well, but I have been caught off guard with church history. Until now, it hasn't mattered, but to prepare for the movie, I'm reading the book, because we have zero credibility to talk about DVC unless we have read it. I challenge every Christian who wants to make a difference with the outcome of DVC to dive into our church history, read the books and don't be afraid to share with anyone who would ask.

Dan Portnoy: Getting bent out of shape isn't helping anybody. I think this movie is a great way to bring conversations about coworkers' spiritual thoughts out around the water cooler. What an opportunity.

More HERE

Of course, 2 of my "certified dozen" readers had some interesting things to say. I would like to personally invite my friends Jeremy and Chris to go to the movie with me. Maybe we'll invite Barbara, though she'll be seeing the cartoon flick, or the the "one starring the Scientologist looney, or the one where Hollywood can make a "killing" glamorizing a national tradgedy." (quote courtesy of Chris P)

Warning Labels

Saved this "warning label" from a candy bar that was part of a gift basket. It was some sort of Hershey's Dark Chocolate, very tasty as I recall. Wondering if most things in my life should have labels like this...would it help?

"The natural antioxidants found in tea and certain fruits like berries and
grapes can also be found in Hershey's Extra Dark. This is good news;
however, like most indulgent treats, Hershe's Extra Dark should be enjoyed in
moderation."

Can we get warning labels like this on fried chicken, buffets, etc?

Barbara's On Fire About Da Vinci

Maybe you've read some of my talk about Barbara Nicolosi. She's an outspoken film guru and very involved in working with aspiring Christian filmmakers looking to infiltrate Hollywood. I like to read her a great deal. She has some interesting takes in Christianity Today (I think its also from her blog) about The Da Vinci Code. She's apparently got a few issues. I do like Barbara. I wonder how much of her take here is based on her Catholic background - I've yet to read the book, but I understand Catholics take somewhat of the brunt of the beating. Anyway, I do respect her opinion, though it isn't the one I have had up to this time. Her thoughts are worth considering, so here they are....interested to hear your reply!
-l

Let's "Othercott" Da Vinci
Many Christians see The Da Vinci Code as an opportunity for evangelism; others say it's a chance to engage the culture. Rubbish. Da Vinci is dangerous, so I'd like to suggest a better alternative.By Barbara Nicolosi posted 05/03/06

Related:• Da Vinci Code special section

I've read and heard a lot lately from Christians who suggest that we should be willing to "engage" The Da Vinci Code, so that we can be a part of the "cultural conversation." Believers are touting the upcoming movie as an "opportunity for evangelism" and even an incentive to bolster our own faith.

Baloney.

This film is based on a book that wears its heresy and blasphemy as a badge of honor, and I intend to stay far away from it.

I get lots of calls to do interviews about The Da Vinci Code, but I duck as many of them as I can. Basically, I hate talking about DVC because I have a personal relationship with Jesus—and he isn't a proto-feminist goddess-cultic with a weak personality that could have been simply co-opted by power-hungry misogynists.

I love Jesus. It makes me physically sick to entertain discussion about the ways in which the defining acts of his life—his Passion, Resurrection and establishment of the Church—could be a diabolical scam that he never anticipated nor experienced. It would make me sick to hear salacious lies about anyone I love; how much more my Savior?

Besides that, I don't think we should encourage people in the terrible sin against the Holy Spirit of speculating that things that are holy are evil, and that things that are evil are holy. Isn't that what is going on here? How is that not painful for anyone who knows the Lord?

Don't debate the Devil
DVC as great opportunity for evangelism? Hmmm. The climate of evangelism is not consistent with a posture of defiance and cynicism. Is slander an opportunity? Is angry superiority an opportunity? DVC represents all the "opportunity" that the Roman persecutions offered the early Church. Rah.

And here's another thing that troubles me about the "opportunity for dialogue" stance. The debate is all on hell's terms. I am somebody who reads about exorcisms. I don't know why. I just do. And one of the first rules of exorcism is that you never answer the Devil's questions. You don't debate the Devil. You do not give evil the authority to question God.

DVC represents a debate in which the questions start with Satan's presumptions. I find it beyond naive to convince myself that the folks who are lapping up DVC are on a "search for truth." They're not. They are on a crusade to validate their own rejection of the authority of Christ and the Church.Here's a typical DVC-inspired dialogue. See if you can find a search for truth in it.

It usually starts with something like this: "Everybody knows that the Church Fathers were liars. Can you prove the compilation of the Bible wasn't pure politics?"

And just when you start saying, "Well, I don't agree that the Church Fathers were--", the questioner moves on with eyes flashing unnaturally, "Why is the Church so afraid of women, huh? Why has it suppressed them since the beginning? Answer THAT!"

You clear your throat and say, "Well, I wouldn't say that the Church is afr--

"But they've moved on: "The fact is, there is no evidence for the Resurrection. Have you ever read the Gospel of Mary Magdalene?""Well, no, but--"

"See you people are all brain-washed." [Exhalation of disgust.] "How so many people could be so stupid is amazing to me."

When you debate with Satan, there is no opportunity for anything but people digging their heels into the sludge of chaos and confusion.

Scandalizing the sheep
I also hate the idea that some of the sheep would be scandalized away from Jesus by this idiotic story. And they will.The sheep have been bred as teeming little narcissist lambs who stubbornly consider themselves "special," no matter how mediocre their understanding and living out of their life of discipleship. We have a global pasture full of sheep pasturing themselves, with coats shamefully besmirched by loving their sins.

They bleat defiance and pride of their filth, and insist that Jesus is indifferent to their degradation and shame: "Who knows, Jesus is probably just like us!" They don't know, and don't know that they don't know, or don't know, and don't care that they don't know.

And now The Da Vinci Code comes along to sheepish ears that are primed and ready to be told that holiness is impossible. And that is why this book is a success. It says to people, "If Jesus was a sham, then anything is permissible." (Ref. "You shall be like gods!")

I thought of this when I read a recent DVC rant from Mark Shea, who wrote that "the most maddening thing about this book is the thought of somebody losing their faith over this—this!—stupid piece of dimestore erudition. If you are going to risk your eternal soul, it should at least be over something noble and romantic and big. If you are bound to damn yourself, then at least let it be over a torrid and star-crossed love affair, or out of tragic hubris that sought know What Man Was Not Meant to Know . . . But to lose your soul over this cartoonish, illiterate, dishonest piece of hack drivel?"

I recently attended a DVC event at a local Evangelical church. Several panelists gave long speeches about how Christians should welcome DVC as an opportunity for dialogue, then opened the floor for questions. A woman began her question by saying, "I don't have any problem with the fact that Jesus had sex . . ."

Unbelievable! Yeah, let's all march our troops into "dialogue." The fact that our troops are completely disarmed for a fight seems to be irrelevant! Many of our Christian sheep will be ripe for slaughter from DVC. All they will have to go to battle with is the Bible. But DVC undermines biblical authority by saying that the Bible was the product of a purely political process. This debate will shake the faith of many who are not prepared for it.

An alternative "boycott"
So, what can we as Christians do in response to the release of this movie?

Some are suggesting a protest. But the problem with this option is that it doesn't work. Any publicity is good publicity. Protests not only fuel the box office, they make all Christians look like idiots. And protests and boycotts do nothing to help shape the decisions being made right now about what movies Hollywood will make in the next few years. (Or they convince Hollywood to make *more* movies that will provoke Christians to protest, which will drive the box office up.)

Some suggest that we simply ignore the movie. But the problem with this option is that the box office is a ballot box. The only people whose votes are counted are those who buy tickets; if you stay home, you have thrown your vote away, and you do nothing to shape the Hollywood decision-making process regarding what movies will make it to the big screen.

Some suggest that we go see the movie so we can be better prepared to discuss it, to "engage the culture," so to speak. But if you've read this far, you already know how I feel about this. The problem with this option: No one's listening. They think they know what we're going to say already.

But I'd like to offer another option.

On DVC's opening weekend—May 19-21—you should go to the movies. Just go to another movie. That's your way of casting your vote, the only vote Hollywood recognizes: The power of cold hard cash laid down on a box office window on opening weekend.Use your vote. Don't throw it away. Vote for a movie other than DVC. If enough people do it, the powers that be will notice.

The major studio movie scheduled for release against DVC is the DreamWorks animated feature Over the Hedge. The trailers look fun, and you can take your kids. And your friends. And their friends. In fact, let's all go see it.

Let's rock the box office in a way no one expects—without protests, without boycotts, without arguments, without rancor. Let's show up at the box office ballot box and cast our votes. And buy some popcorn, too.

As for The Da Vinci Code, don't go see this stupid movie. Don't pay money to have the insidious lies of the enemy introduced into your heart and mind. Let's "othercott" DVC on May 19 by going to see Over the Hedge instead.

This commentary was adapted by permission from Nicolosi's online blog, Church of the Masses.
Barbara Nicolosi is the founder and director of Act One, an organization whose mission is to train committed Christian writers to work in the Hollywood film industry.

Jerseys For Jesus

Just when you thought it was safe to enter your local "Christian" retailer, along comes this.... thanks, I think, to my friend Kyle for giving me this insightful information for the gift-giving season, just in time for Mother's Day! I thought this was a joke, but it appears to be legit. Apparently you can customize your order, so you can get a Rahab the Prostitute, Balaam's Donkey, or my favorite Bible name, Cushanrishamathaim (I promise, he's in there...) Just think, your church league softball could actually have the Davids vs. the Goliaths, the Pharisees vs. the Sadducees, and the ever popular Pharoah vs. Moses!

If you happen to be on the outside of Christianity looking in and actually stumble across this, let me be the first to apologize. This shouldn't happen. I doubt its what Jesus had in mind as he was slowly dying an excruciating death on the cross. The life he calls us to is infinitely more transforming than any apparel we might wear (which, unfortunately, for many Christians is about as deep as it gets).

The Gospel of Judas

Though it hasn't exactly been a huge topic of conversation, The Gospel of Judas has come up on several occassions in the past few weeks. Lee Strobel had some interesting thoughts that I thought were worth posting. You can read more of Lee's stuff (he's all over The Da Vinci Code) by going to his informative site...

Question: I know you're spending a lot of time discussing The Da Vinci Code right now, Lee, but I also recommend that you put some information about the Gospel of Judas in your newsletter. I remember seeing it on the front page of USA Today and my heart dropped into my stomach. It is somewhat controversial (one of the many things regarding Christianity that is these days). It should absolutely be investigated.

Answer: Thanks so much for the question; in fact, we got several along these lines. Here’s the way I look at this issue: Imagine if I were to create a document called The Real Story of John Wilkes Booth, in which I claimed that Abraham Lincoln actually invited Booth to assassinate him in order to ensure he would be fondly remembered by history.

Now imagine that in the year 3821, someone discovers a copy of my document and declares, “Wow, here’s new evidence that casts doubt on Lincoln’s character! Apparently, there was a secret conspiracy between him and Booth!”

Silly? Of course. It’s as ridiculous as claiming that the newly disclosed Gospel of Judas can tell us anything about the historic Jesus.

That’s because the Gospel of Judas was written about a century and a half after the life of Jesus – and it was created amidst a Gnostic community whose distorted version of Christianity was consistently at odds with the historical record.

Disclosed with much fanfare by National Geographic, the Gospel of Judas paints Judas Iscariot as the greatest disciple of Jesus – and even says Jesus invited Judas to betray him. The document is steeped in Gnosticism, which taught salvation through obtaining secret knowledge rather than through Christ’s death and resurrection. Specifically, the Gospel of Judas was produced by a sect called the Cainites, who loved the villains of the Old Testament. Explained scholar Craig Evans, who was part of the National Geographic team:
“They do this because they believe that the god of this world, in stark contrast to the God of Light above, is evil. Accordingly, anyone that the god of this world hates and tries to destroy – such as Cain, Esau, or the people of Sodom – must be good people, people on the side of the God of Light. The Gospel of Judas evidently shares this perspective.”

Oooookay. Not exactly orthodox Christian theology! Clearly, the Cainites were creating stories to fulfill their own biases.

Scholars have dated this particular copy of the Gospel of Judas to 300 to 320 A.D. However, this could very well be the same Gospel of Judas that Irenaeus, a Christian bishop, warned against in 180 A.D. Interestingly, Irenaeus was alerting people to the fact that this was “a fictitious history.” (Appropriately, Irenaeus’ writings were titled Against Heresies.) So here we have a contemporary – and a respected and discerning Christian leader – specifically condemning the Gospel of Judas as being bogus.

Unfortunately, some in the news media propagated reports that the Gospel of Judas might actually shed light on the real Jesus and Judas. One network’s text crawler at the bottom of the screen made this outrageous assertion: “The Gospel of Judas was edited out of the Bible in the fourth century.”

Wow – some newswriter has been taking The Da Vinci Code too seriously!

One problem was that commentators called the Gospel of Judas “authentic” – and, yes, it is authentic in the sense that it is a real Gnostic document dating back to the late second century at the earliest. But people heard the word “authentic” and assumed this meant “authoritative” – which it clearly isn’t.

Evans put the matter into perspective. “No doubt some popular writers will produce some fanciful stories about the ‘true story,’ but that is all that they will produce – fanciful stories,” he said. “Even James Robinson, who is no traditional Christian by any stretch, dismisses the Gospel of Judas as having no value for understanding the historical Judas.”

Whoa, I ate the bunny

Easter Funnies

Easter Thoughts

Just came up for air from a long but exciting Holy Week. Started with a Thursday night family communion time, followed by a Good Friday night viewing of The Passion of the Christ. We bring in a giant screen and open it up to anyone who wants to come. Though attendance is never what I hope it might be, it is a powerful night. This Friday the film ran while a big storm was happening outside, so you were never quite sure if the thunder was part of the film or not!

Sunday was a long day, but good. I guess I'll never fully understand the Christmas/Easter phenomenon of people coming to church in droves on those two holidays. Is there an assumption that they're "covered?" Is there some deep-down hope that lightning will strike and suddenly God will be a legitimate presence in their lives (he already is...just not acknowledged.) Or, is there some mystical, unexplainable magnetic pull about a resurrected Savior that none of us can fully escape, particularly those who have no time or interest for the things of God the other 51 weeks and 6 days of the year? It's just a question.

The story of hope that permeates the Easter event is the foundation upon which millions of Christians have rested for centuries. Has there ever been a time when that message of hope hasn't been more needed?

Roaring Lamb VI

OK, so I've already listed Barbara Nicolosi as a Roaring Lamb. Chritianity Today has a great interview with her about her role in Hollywood. It's not a long read, and is very interesting. She mentions her take on several films (some I'm unfamiliar with) that do a terrific job of getting God into the conversation. She also had some insight into films like End of the Spear which keep them from being a home run. Read it.

Roaring Lamb VI

OK, so I've already listed Barbara Nicolosi as a Roaring Lamb. Chritianity Today has a great interview with her about her role in Hollywood. It's not a long read, and is very interesting. She mentions her take on several films (some I'm unfamiliar with) that do a terrific job of getting God into the conversation. She also had some insight into films like End of the Spear which keep them from being a home run. Read it.

Autistic Basketball Player

Not sure if you've seen or heard about this, but its inspiring. Heard the coach today on sports radio, and saw the video last week. It's one of those that won't get old.

Go to www.cbsnews.com and click the High School Hero video. The kid's name is Jason McElwain, and the story is by Steve Hartman (in case CBS is stupid enough to remove this video and make it hard to find). It's short, but it will be a Rudy moment for you. Money back guarantee!

My Famous Wife

I had no idea my wife was this famous. Or potentially wealthy!

Watch this video clip, just the first part of the story where Anna Nicole Smith's real name is mentioned in the story from the Today Show.

Remarkable. I had no idea......

Noted Individuals Who Have Been Homeless

Came across this list and had to chuckle a little. "Noted" is a key word...not sure who many of these folks are (or were). But the other part that struck me is where most of them lived or found shelter during their homelessness. The large majority stayed in their cars.

Hmmm, if you're hollywood wife kicks you out of the house and you sleep in your car, does that make you homeless? I'm sure there are lots of homeless folks who would like to have a car! Anyway, good to know that folks like Frenchie Davis (OK, so I actually know who she is), can rise above and make something out of herself...

Here is the list so you can peruse for yourself

Super Bowl For The Homeless

Sunday night was by far one of the coolest events I've ever been associated with in my ministry tenure. Our Community Outreach Team spent the past couple of months preparing to host clients from three area homeless shelters for a roll-out-the-red-carpet Super Bowl party. We had the giant screen (9 x 12), 25 XL pizzas, and enough nachos, shrimp & misc. snack foods to feed an army. We sent our vans downtown to transport everyone out to our place. It was a very, very cool moment when 80 or so of our guests came streaming in to join us for the game. I enjoyed it. The only thing that would have made it better would have been the Colts playing in the game. But that really didn't matter, either. Amazing how so often we can't get folks involved to serve, volunteer, donate time or money for a variety of program ideas. But for something real, involving real people? We had more volunteers than we knew what to do with, and more baked goods & food than could possibly be eaten. Hard to describe how special those few hours were.

Not Sure I Get It

The uproar over the Danish political cartoons is puzzling. The logic behind the riots is this:
Cartoons were drawn, one of which depticts Muhammed with a bomb in his turban. Apparently, this is a slap in the face to the tenets of "peace" in the Islamic faith & culture. So how do they respond? More death, riots, and burning down foreign embassys. I'm not sure the cartoons themselves are a slap in the face to Islam. The real slap in the face is the reaction of many Muslims (most are extremists, or at least incited by radical groups...see Condy Rice and her thoughts for more there).

Funny how Christians have been ridiculed, mocked & written off for centuries, both in print (including cartoons), Hollywood, and academia. Have there been "radicals" who cast us in a negative light? Sure. But many of us in the trenches dig in our heels even further and choose to just be Jesus. To love others, even those who don't love us. My hope is that the millions of Muslims in the world will be influenced by the voices of tolerance & peace in their midst, and will ignore the voices of militant hate working to entice them to violence. It wouldn't be a bad thing if the teachings of Jesus began to penetrate and bring the truth into clearer view.

OK, if you really want to see the cartoons in question, you don't have to look far. However, here are some cartoonist responses to the issue. Many are thought-provoking in their own right. And here's one that stuck out to me. Seems like these images would provoke disgust in the minds of Muslims. http://www.cagle.com/news/Muhammad/main.asp

Bubble Bursting

Chances are, if you're like me, you missed this important item. Fortunately, its not too late to celebrate with young and old alike. Today, January 30th, is National Bubble Wrap Day. Is there a Hallmark card for that? Anyway, here is a fun, anxiety-releasing opportunity to pop some bubbles.
Enjoy!

Brokeback Molehill

I don't plan to see Brokeback Mountain. I did think Barbara Nicolosi's review was interesting. She's a film critic of sorts, runs a training institute called Act One that attempts to aid Christians to get involved in the film culture, and is an interesting read at times. I stole the Brokeback Molehill line from the title of her review. Read if you're interested. Just remember, the world at large can comment on these things, so I certainly don't endorse a lot of what you might read from those commenting on her thoughts. I do think what Barbara says is worth chewing on, and I just thought the whole Brokeback Molehill thing was witty & clever.

Resume faux pas

In the event (unlikely or not) that you're putting together a resume any time soon, I suggest a proof reader. These are funny...

RESUME FAUX PAS
Typos and Grammar Slips:
"Suspected to graduate early next year."
"Disposed of $2.5 billion in assets."
"Proven ability to track down and correct erors."
"Accomplishments: Oversight of entire department."
"Strengths: Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining composer."
"I am a rabid typist."
"Here are my qualifications for you to overlook."
"Work History: Performed brain wave tests, 1879-1981."
"After receiving advice from several different angels, I have decided to pursue a new line of work."
"Accounting cleric."
"As indicted, I have over five years of experience analyzing investments."
"Am a perfectionist and rarely if if ever forget details."
"Accomplishments: Completed 11 years of high school."
More Resume Blunders:
"Fired because I fought for lower pay."
"Size of employer: Very tall, probably over 6'5"." (one of my favorites...)
"Please disregard the enclosed resume--it is terribly out of date."
"Finished 8th in my high school graduating class of 10."
"Qualifications: No education or experience."
"I am relatively intelligent, obedient and loyal as a puppy."
"My compensation should be at least equal to my age."
"Reason for Leaving: It had to do with the IRS, FBI and SEC."
"Reason for Leaving: My boss said the end of the world is near."
"Reason for Leaving: The owner gave new meaning to the word 'paranoia.' I prefer to elaborate privately."

100th Post

Not sure what to make of the 100th post. Seems like I should have some sort of prize for the first person to leave a comment on this milestone. Of course, having actual readers who might leave comments would be needed. (I have somewhere around 15 people or so who have actually acknowledged checking in from time to time; occasionally, the random comment from parts unknown).

After one year and 100 entries of drivel, what have I learned? What's it all mean? Can't we all get along?

1. I'm busy. Too busy to "wax eloquent" like I hoped I might. Being thoughtful and thought-provoking is time consuming, and my time is consumed with other pieces of my life, the majority of which are more important.
2. I can't be totally honest. I just can't. Some of it is who I am and the expectations of what I might say or might not say. If I were espousing a totally anonymous blog, that might be more likely, and then my readership of 15 or so loyal folks would diminish to those who "blog surf" or just happen to google something that brings my petty thoughts onto their search list. Truth of the matter is, I can't always say what I'm thinking (like, for instance, I want to go off on what a jerk Ron Artest is...in Christian love, of course...)
3. Sometimes, you get some great conversations going through this medium. Really, some of these thoughts have spilled over into verbal conversations with others that have been rewarding and life-enhancing. Hey, if we're not growing, we're either standing still or drifting backwards. We help each other along and help shape & develop each other's thoughts & worldviews. It's a good thing. This endeavor has aided that.
4. Spammers are evil. I thought they had discovered every possible way to bug me. Then they went and spammed the blog comment boards. Are these people dialoging with Satan himself? (Of course, I did get some new ginseng vitamins from Tibet that I wouldn't have known about otherwise.)
5. From time to time, when you express your opinion, people don't like it. Nothing real new here - been doing that verbally for some time. But I'm real comfortable with it. As long as I'm allowed to disagree with the opinions of others, too. Again, I think we all grow a little in these conversations.
6. I sometimes sound angry. I'm not sure why. I seem to have a significant number of "beefs" to get off my chest. But if you looked up Blog in the dictionary, isn't that sort of what it means anyway (judging from some - not all - that I read?) I'm really not all that angry. Discontent at times? Sure. Unable to just let injustice go without mention? Absolutely. Think things could be better? You bet. But angry? Nah, I'm a little too laid back for that. (though this whole Brad & Angelina thing is getting me there...)

Oh, duty calls. I'm busy, remember? All I can think of for the moment. Probably more than is necessary, anyway. If you need me, I'll be busy rejecting all trade offers, all the while being unwilling to play for the team I'm on. Go figure.

A More Excellent Way

Daniel is a hero of mine. No, not the new controversial TV show. The original guy, one of a few in history whose name adorns a book of the Bible. Not bad credentials.

Daniel was a teenager when he and countless other Jews were taken captive and marched across the desert to Babylon. Imagine a devout God-follower finding himself in a pagan city. How pagan? Worship there consisted of going into temples and sleeping with prostitutes. Imagine what the shady side of town must have been like!

But the Jews found themselves slaves in this sewer of a city. Daniel found himself in the dungeon of the palace, and yet managed to honor his God through a variety of circumstances (read the first 6 chapters of Daniel and see several examples).

Though his steadfast faith is impressive and encouraging to us all, its not the thing that impresses me most about Daniel. He was involved in the politics of day. He was an advisor to the king. In fact, on more than one occasion (dream interpretation, lions den briefing), the pagan kings he served acknowledged and even worshipped "the God of Daniel."

Funny, he didn't have any stronghanded lobbyists in his back pocket. There was no several-billion-dollars-a-year budget for any sort of "coalition" designed to get him or his buddies elected or selected to office. What was his approach? He was consistent in his love for God and his obedience to him*. And when opportunities to witness presented themselves, God worked powerfully.

Can we learn from Daniel? Certainly. He was involved in the culture (in this case, politics), and he helped shape it. We need people in the business of culture shaping. NOT culture brow-beating and guilt-tripping. But folks being salt & light at all levels of our communities.

Chuck Colson has a terrific piece in today's Christianity Today regarding Christians and their involvement in all things political. He calls it "A More Excellent Way: Changing The Law Isn't Enough." If you have a moment, which is all it will take, click over and read it.

*I realize that there are many out there who get the most notice in the media (and cast a cloud over the rest of us who are trying to live life the most excellent way) who justify their "bold" behavior as simply being obedient to Christ. That's an unfortunate reality. Perhaps if they got to know the heart of Christ more closely they might not just change their tactics, but also discover how thrilling it is to actually be effective and introduce people to Jesus!

Old Friend In The News...with Rod Parsley?

In college, I worked in the recruiting offices and travelled with various singing groups throughout the Midwest, trying to convince impressionable HS students to consider our small college. For a few of those years, my boss was a guy named Russell Johnson. I have all sorts of RJ stories. Legend has it (of course, never proven, but legend nonetheless) that he would promise kids the world to come to our school. "Oh, you like horses? We're planning to build stables some day." That sort of thing. My favorite part of the deal was travelling with Russell. On more than one occasion, I remember eating on his expense account. Sweet times.

So imagine my suprise when I see a blurb on my daily Christianity Today blurb that has none other than RJ and Rod Parsley in the same byline!

Seems the fellas are under attack for allowing a Christian who just happens to be running for office (Governor of Ohio, to be exact) to speak at their church, among other things.

I really don't care to express much of an opinion*. I like Russell, and I have friends and family that attend his church. Parsley scares me a little. But what's most interesting is what some in our country can get away with (Hillary, Rev. Jackson, Ray Nagin, Sharpton, et al), while others become front-page criticism (i.e. if you're caucasion, and you're a Christian, and a public figure, every action and word is monitored.... do we really think Jesse Jackson is preaching? He's promoting candidates and his agenda 24/7).

OK, I actually typed the numbers 24/7. Look out....I'm bound to cut loose a "fo shizzle" before you least expect it.

Here's the Parsley/Johnson article from the Dispatch. Go get 'em, Russell...
http://www.dispatch.com/print_template.php?story=dispatch/2006/01/16/20060116-A1-00.html

(*OK, I guess I do have some opinions...see the post above "A More Excellent Way.")

Leadership at its Worst

I profess to being a leadership junkie. I suppose its because I'm not a great one, and want to be better. So I read, listen, and try to hang out when possible with those who lead well. Great leaders are inspiring.

But as inspiring as great leaders are, bad leaders make me nuts. Like most Americans, my heart broke for New Orleans and the entire gulf region. Plenty of blame to go around for why things happened they way they did in the Big Easy. Yes, Bush, Brown and others didn't spring into action liked we hoped, regardless of the fact that this was an unprecidented event in our history (we can hope that all will learn from past mistakes.)

If ever a leader needed to be replaced, New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin is the guy. How could you watch the hurricane coverage and listen to his babbling and not realize that he was the wrong leader for the wrong time? I gave him the benefit of the doubt. It was a horrific situation, he probably worked with little sleep, and maybe when a mic is shoved in your face under those circumstances, you say something in a way that you wish you could re-phrase.

But this past week, I couldn't believe what I heard from Nagin. Not only was he blaming God for sending the hurricanes (scoot over Pat Robertson et al, you've got a new friend), but his vision for a rebuilt New Orleans is one of a "chocolate" city. In case you missed it, those are his exact words.

No need to comment on the racist stupidity of Nagin's remarks. More interesting to note is that it wasn't front-page news. No scandal. No outrage. Buried in the "oh by the way" section at the back of the paper. And yet, for far less cutting "so-called" racist remarks, many of other races and even genders have been ridden out of town. I just don't get it.

Nagin needs a vacation. A really long one. Maybe there's a spot for him back at the cable company he once owned. Pray not just for the rebuilding of New Orleans, but for wise, non-corrupt leadership to emerge that uses the billions upon billions of federal and donated funds to make the region even better than before.

Here's an article with his actual words... http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060116/ap_on_re_us/katrina_nagin

Letterman and the Colts

The Monday night Late Show after the Colts debacle with the Steelers was humorous. Letterman's opening monologue joke was "At least now I'm the second biggest dissappointment to come out of Indianapolis." Funny. He's had some sort of Colts take each night this week. In fact, tonight he has Mike Vanderjagt and Hunter Smith in studio, and they'll be kicking field goals in the street! Although I find that funny, and appreciate that Vandy doesn't take himself too seriously (like jumping off a building, etc), one can't help but hope he has limited time to talk. His track record isn't good for team unity and such. And let's also hope that he stays away from the hotel mini-bar. The upside is that Hunter Smith is with him, and will hopefully keep him in check. That is of course until he cashes his last Colts check, since free agency will probably take him elsewhere (though, if he were a real man, he would play for less next year to make up for the "wide right")...

Roaring Lambs V

It's not often that a story about missionaries is a major Hollywood release. End of the Spear hits theaters this Friday. I've been looking forward to this for awhile. The release commemorates the 50-year anniversary of a true story. In 1956, five missionaries dared to make contact with the most savage tribe in history, the Waodani, wo live deep in the Amazon basin of Ecuador. After an initial friendly contact their excitement quickly turned to fear, and all five men were killed.

Soon after, a wife of one of the slain men, and a sister of another, went to live with the Waodani. Within two years, the tribal homicide rate dropped more than 90 percent. This story was made famous by LIFE magazine and the book Through The Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot (wife of Jim, one of the slain missionaries).

End of the Spear is the story from the Waodani perspective. My hope is twofold: first, that these kinds of movies aren't used just as evangelistic events, but part of a process. If we can take a friend, or encourage them to go, and have conversation about it after, that's a good thing. Second, I hope the film does well, particularly week one. Many small films like this can take off if they show up in the top 5 or 10, or if word of mouth pushes the momentum. These kinds of stories get God in the conversation. I hope the Christian community will embrace & support these kinds of efforts.

Movie trailer can be seen at www.endofthespear.com

Unfortunately, it is a small movie, and doesn't even show up on many sites "Upcoming Movies" lists. I'm hopeful that its well done and attracts attention, but more importantly, that it makes God famous ( Isaiah 26:8).

Here's an mp3 interview with Steve Saint. His dad was one of the missionaries that was speared. He later developed a close personal relationship with the Waodani that killed his father. Amazing story....Steve is very much involved in the film project, and serves as its off screen narrator.

http://media.gospelcom.net/mnn/interviews/01-19-06SteveSaint.mp3

Roaring Lambs IV

Though I haven't seen the new animated movie Hoodwinked, I know several who have. Reviews are mixed, but overall good. What's interesting to me is the back-story around the movie. Several Christians in the mix, hanging out with some big-names that did the voices. All in all, a respectable flick that did very well on its opening weekend (2nd to Glory Road). Many of the creators of Hoodwinked are grads of Anderson University. Very cool. Looking forward to seeing it soon. Does it compare to the Pixar & Disney stuff? Most critics say no. But for a small start-up studio, what should we expect? I'm sure its a few steps up from flannelgraph. Two good articles about the film...

http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/filmforum/060119.html
http://www.anderson.edu/events/news/2006-01-11.html

I guess they had a free premiere last week here in Anderson. My friends who went to the free premiere didn't bother to let me in on the deal. Of course, these same friends don't take a family of 5 to the movies, and have no idea the economic impact on my very thin wallet. I promise, however, to see it and support Christians in the arts (after all, I saved all that money from NOT going to see Left Behind volumes 1-?). The next movie I'm planning to see? Check out the above entry...

iBelieve I've Had Enough

You knew it was coming. A designer named Scott Wilson has figured out a way to "show your faith in a more fashionable way." He created a lanyard that transforms the iPod Shuffle into a crucifix. Nothing new...I've been telling people for years that my Sony Discman is symbolic of the stone that rolled away from the tomb!
Fortunately (or unfortunately for Wilson), I believe Apple has shelved the Shuffle.

Where Have I Been, Anyway?

OK, so I was gone for a while. Took a little "vacation" of sorts. Traveled in vans with 27 other people across the country to Juarez, Mexico, just across the border from El Paso, TX. It's about a 9-day total experience, one that I've participated in around 15 times or so (I've lost count). This one was special because 4 of the 5 of my family went along. First time for Trevor, second time for Corbin. It was awesome, as it usually is. If you're unfamiliar, we go into poverty-striken neighborhoods and build houses. Not the typical "American" house. But typical for the other 95% of the world. That's part of the experience - learning that we literally have everything we could ever imagine yet still aren't content, and learning that people who have next to nothing are content. Here's the family we built for this time. Single mom raising 3 kids. I'm terrible with remembering names, but the little guy is Edgar, and the older, very shy son is Tony. They're standing in front of the finished product, a two-room, 11 x 22 house that we built in about 3 days - concrete floor, slab & stucco walls, solid roof. We attached this to their older, much smaller, 1-room house (made of pallets and covered with insulation), so now they have 3 rooms.

I don't know if you've done much of this sort of thing, but you should. Yeah, you'll change the lives of a family. But you'll benefit so much more. And so will the world.

(PS - Me and the fam are in the back left of the group photo...)

Let's Pull Out Now!

From someone named Robert Kaughman in the Decatur, IN newspaper...

"If you consider that there has been an average of 160,000 troops in the Iraq theater of operations during the past 22 months and a total of 2112 deaths, that gives a firearm death rate of 60 per 100,000. "The rate (deaths by shooting) in Washington, D.C. (among others) is 80.6 per 100,000. That means that your are about 25% more likely to get shot and killed in our nation's capitol, which has some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation, than you are in Iraq.

"CONCLUSION: We should immediately pull out of Washington, D.C.!"

Opportunity to Help

Back from a lengthy time away. More about that later.

Here's a blurb I received, along with a link with ways to help. This is huge, and an equally huge opportunity. Pass along to others.


Heavy snow to hit Pakistan earthquake victims Pakistan (MNN) -- More than two million survivors of the earthquake that hit the Kashmir region of Pakistan face even more trouble. Weather officials expect heavy snow as unusually cold weather tightens its grip across much of Asia. It could also cause problems for a team heading there from Strategic World Impact[1] . SWI's Kevin Turner. "They don't have winterized tents, no stoves for heat or cooking, children without winter clothing, literally children are standing in the snow without shoes." Turner says while Pakistan is predominately Muslim, he believes Christians can make a difference there. "They're absolutely flabbergasted when they see Christians are coming in to assist them. These people think well, '(they're) Americans; we're Muslims. They can't stand us.' And so, the fact that we can be in there gives us ample opportunity to proclaim the love of Christ physically and also proclaim it verbally because the Bible says, 'how shall they know unless they hear.'" Funding for relief supplies is needed. Go to our website to help.
Full Story: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/8187