Disagreements

I recently participated in an exercise that I think will ultimately lead me to becoming a better person. I checked out three books that were authored or edited by people I strongly disagree with: an atheist, a group of gnostics, and a democrat. "Letter to a Christian Nation" is a short book written by an atheist to a Christian audience spelling out of the ills religion in general and Christianity in particular have visited upon society. It was interesting to read a perspective like that, and it did bring to light some of the areas that I realize Christians need to improve on in order to more effectively spread the Gospel of Christ. "The Gospel of Judas" is a reprint of a third (I believe) century document that tells the story of Christ from the perspective of Judas Isacariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus. In short, Judas did a good thing because he freed Jesus from the fleshly world so that He could return to the spiritual world. The third book was Barack Obama's "Audacity of Hope." I have not yet completed Obama's book. Although I disagree with virtually every opinion Obama holds, I really appreciate his attitude.

Of the three, I must say I find the most validity with gnosticism (that is not saying much). I have just seen too much in my limited experience on this earth to say there is no god of any kind. Something is out there; I obviously believe that God is the Creator and Jesus is His Son. Politically, on a very simplistic level, I just cannot accept the basic tenets of liberalism as I understand them. With gnosticism, it is such a detailed and involved thought pattern that it intrigues me. Plus, if you disagree with a gnostic, they can say, "I have secret knowledge that you just do not understand." How great is that? I am really not being persuaded by gnosticism, but it is a rational, logical explanation of spirituality.

It has been interesting reading these perspectives. I have gained a greater understanding of where other people are coming from while at the same time becoming more grounded in my own positions. It also helps me in my own self-reflection by leading me to ask, "Why do I believe this way? Is it valid or appropriate?" Now, I am going to go back to reading the people I know I can 100% agree with: those who maintain Michael Jordan is the greatest athlete ever.

So?

Well, I updated to the new form of blogger two weeks ago and the end result has been that I have been unable to log in and blog since then.

So here are my two questions? 1. While I am sympathetic to any and everyone who is going through distress in their life, why is it news that Britney Spears shaved her head and got a tattoo? 2. Why are the sexual choices of any athlete newsworthy?

In the case of Spears, it seems to be that she is the victim of the same problem many young athletes have. Anyone who comes into a lot of money and fame really quick do not always know how to handle it. I find it interesting, though, that so many people automatically equate shaved heads and tattoos with depravity. Must be generational. I myself have often thought about shaving my head. However, a friend once told me I would look like a roll-on anti-perspirant if I did. Also, my wife has promised an end to "happy" marriage if I were to shave my head. In the case of tattoos, if I wasn't so cheap and wimpy I would get one. I even know what and where (an eagle on the ankle). I digress. I do feel bad for Spears. I just don't know why her life is news. What is it about fame?

I guess the same is true with Amaechi. As a professional basketball player, he had received more press since my last post than he ever did when he was in the NBA. He wrote a book and wants to make money. In fact, he should thank Tim Hardaway for his comments; they have probably helped book sales. It would not be hard to deduce my beliefs on homosexuality. My feelings towards homosexual people are nothing like Hardaway's comments. While I believe the Bible teaches homosexuality is a sin, it is not held up as a greater sin than any other. There is also no teaching that says "Hate those who sin." Christians are taught to avoid evil. We are taught to run from temtpation. But Jesus Himself prayed that Christians would be protected in the world, not removed from it. While I may not agree with Amaechi's lifestyle choice, I know I don't agree with Hardaway's comments of hatred. I know there has been stuff in my own life that I believe to be sinful. I am working to correct that.

I guess that is my issue overall. I am working on living my life the way I believe my God wants me to live my life. I do not have time to be wrapped up in the lives of people I do not know. Don't get me wrong, I am honored when I am invited into the lives of other people. Performing weddings, being visited to hospital beds, preaching funerals, receiving phone calls, praying, crying, laughing with people, I live for these things. That is how I want to be involved in other people's lives. I don't need all that gossip stuff that flies off the shelves at my grocery store, even when so-called "respectable" news agencies try to report those things as news.

Hope all the rambling makes sense, even if you don't agree.

Two quick things

1. I am preaching again tomorrow the 11th and next week the 18th. If you wish, you will be able to find the sermons at princetonchurch.com

2. Last week, I tried to watch the Super Bowl. I saw most of the first quarter before falling asleep. It's one of the negative side effects of working overnights; I have not seen a football game from beginning to end for two full seasons now. (I know, I know, you are all totally sympathetic.) However, my wonderful wife actually watched the entire game from start to finish, and was totally into it! She told me about the game, how it unfolded, how good a game it was, and so on. I don't know if she realizes this, but now that I know how much she likes football I have a football watching partner for life!

God shaped vacuum

I am coming to a realization. I say "coming" to it, because I realize what it is happening, but I am growing more and more in peace with it. First, let me share this quote from Blaise Pascal which was used in the sermon we heard this past Sunday: "There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus."

I have shared the developments at work over the past couple of posts, and I am indeed NOT taking the overnight coordinator's position. Right now, the only regret for that is the fact that I will not be making more money. From a shortsighted perspective, the money would help with bills, debt, etc. However, I would probably be making the same amount I was making when I was preaching at Lawson Road. When there, Shawna and I were wondering how we could make more money. The problem is not the fundage or lack thereof. The problem is that we have not been content.

There has been a hole, a vacuum, in my heart. I was filling it with a substance for quite a long time. Now that the substance is absent (19 months!) there is still a vacuum. What will I try to fill it with? Money, for all of its positives, will not do it. No created thing will. The only thing that can fill the vacuum is the Creator of all things. I love the was Paul says it in Philippians 4:11-13: "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Contentment. What a wonderful feeling. Whether in need or in want, I am okay because God is with me. I don't need to make more money, no matter how much it would help financially. I need to trust in God more. In the past two years, I am positive that we have not made enough money to do the things we have needed to do. However, they have all been done. Something has been going on that is greater than us. For that, I am thankful.