A "Mashup" of Christian Principles with Political Principles

What is a Mashup discussion.  A mashup is a "mixture or fusion of disparate elements"-- often used in music.  What can more disparate than Christianity and politics.  No.  This is not going to be  a political discussion, but instead it will  apply a talk I attended attended at political discussion to the church and Christianity. 

Last Monday, April 16, i attended a "Patriot Breakfast" and talk held at 7:15 AM in the morning at the Prestonwood country club in Plano.  There was a "book report" on CIA activities in the Middle East with formal special forces making extensive comments.  There was also a talk by the Chairman of the Collin County Republican Party.  What follows is the mashup which, I submit is pertinent, and accurate.

1. The Gospel is Local
Though it is true that the gospel needs to be taken to the far reaches of the world, that is not now the only place that real effort needs to be exerted.  It is not  only, the world, the United States, or Texas, or even Collin County, but our own neighborhood that needs attention.    You see at one time our neighborhood and county adhered to Christian principles and values, but no longer.  If we dont discuss these things with our friends and neighbors, there is no hope of retaining them.  So for those of us who cant effect the international or national culture, it is incumbent on us to take the gospel and values to where we live.
2.  The Grassroots Determine the Values/Culture of the Church
This may  be a controversial observation as it is conventional wisdom that the elders and located pulpit minister should determine the values/culture/direction of the congregation.  To some extent this may be true.  But, how long will any organization survive if it goes against the values of its members--not long.  So, here are some reasons the Grassroots---everyday members who actually participate set the values/culture/direction of the church:
a) Leaders are to be servant leaders and not "Lord it over the membership".  
b) Members are given gifts by Christ  and leaders are to "equip the members for work of service" using the gifts and passion member have in a service area (Eph 4). 

If you put these two principles together, it is really at the membership level that the values and culture of the church is set.  It is rare that any value can be imposed from the "top down" and be successful.  Programs imposed from the top are neither desirable nor productive.  Rather real leadership provides channels for the gifts and passion for members to utilize these gifts.  Yes, this may require training, mentoring, and even discovery of gifts. It is then the actual use of gifts that set the values and culture of the church.

The Danger of Personal Agendas- Even Christian Ones

Recently we attended the movie "God's Not Dead:
A Light in Darkness." (  God is Not Dead-- A Light in Darkness  ).  I would suggest the real problem and lesson from this movie may not be so obvious. 

In this movie a church is situated on a public university--there before the university was established.  There is controversy over a religious institution being allowed on this public university.  The board of the school decides to basically evict the church. 

To complicate the matter an unbelieving student throws a brick through the church window in the basement.  It hits a gas value.  A visiting pastor investigates, turns on a light, and the resulting explosion kills this pastor.

Of course this gives the university even more excuse to evict the church as it is now a damaged facility and clearly a source of violence on campus..Since the church owns the land the university must give the church fair market value (part of the historic agreement between the university and the school).  The university wishes to use the land for a new student center, but the real reason is to put to rest the controversy.    

The pastor, whose father also was the pastor before him, decides the church on the campus is necessary to serve students.  There is a student campus minister whose work and facility is at the church.  So..... the pastor decides to file suit to save his church.  Much happens as a result.  The student who did the deed is overcome with guilt and identifies himself anonymously.  The pastor has a public altercation (physically) with him.  The student is sent to jail.  The pastor mounts a public relations campaign on TV to "save the church".  As a result the university president receives death threats.  He has a physical altercation with the pastor.  The pastor engaged his non-believing lawyer brother to handle the suit.  The two brothers get in a verbal altercation centered around their opposite beliefs and the family relationships.  The student who did the deed has a girl friend who is wavering in her faith and all she sees is hurt and controversy.   Things are not looking good.

So...... what is the heart of this problem and what can we learn from this story.   All of the "bad" events stem from the pastors decision that saving/preserving the church on its present location was necessary. His personal agenda to do this led to the altercation between himself and the president.  It is also polarized the community and the student body.  His attitude towards the student who did the deed was certainly not forgiving.  But after all, the student destroyed his church and killed one of his friends.  

How are things resolved?  The pastor realizes his actions have not been Christ-like.  He apologies to the president and to the public at large.  He forgives, in person, the student.  Because of his change in attitude, the president (previously a friend) and he work out an arrangement for the campus minister to have a place in the new student center.  He realizes God is not housed in one particular facility and has no trouble getting help building a new church off campus.

What is the real lesson?  When one pursues personal agendas, danger is there---however worthwhile or the "right way" to do a thing they may seem.  For.... in personal agendas one can forget that we must "love others as we love ourselves.".  In addition, it is the gospel that must be the focus, not a particular project like "saving this church facility" or any other personal or particular  "church"  related goal.

Teenagers, Decision Making and Advocacy

Recently the mass shootings at Parkland school in Florida (1), has resulted in not only protests, but advocacy for action to prevent future mass shootings.  The specific action they demand is more gun control including banning AR-15 rifles. (2).  Whether one thinks this is good policy to prevent mass shooting or not, there is a much larger set of issues.   The first is the maturity of judgement of the teenagers involved.  The second is use of teenagers by those with a political agenda to advance that agenda.  

Do teenagers have the maturity of judgement to weigh in on such a complex and controversial as gun control?  Having very intelligent teens as grandkids,  I approach this subject with some trepidation.  There is no question that certain teens have made a major impact on society at large.  One example is Barbara Johns whose protest led eventually to Brown vs Board of Education. This action ended legal segregation in schools in the U. S.  Isolated cases of major impact is not really the issue.  The question is whether, in general, teens have the reasoning and maturity to judge complex issues having major impact on society.  

There are two sources one can investigate to answer this first question:  1) Research on teen development and 2) Biblical sources.  There is an abundance of research on the development of the teen brain. This research points to two conclusions.  Teens operate more on emotion than on reasoning though no fault of their own.  Rather their reasoning ability does not mature until early adulthood.  Here is a quotation of an article that summarizes these facts (4).

"Many parents do not understand why their teenagers occasionally behave in an impulsive, irrational, or dangerous way. At times, it seems like teens don't think things through or fully consider the consequences of their actions. Adolescents differ from adults in the way they behave, solve problems, and make decisions. There is a biological explanation for this difference. Studies have shown that brains continue to mature and develop throughout childhood and adolescence and well into early adulthood.

Scientists have identified a specific region of the brain called the amygdala that is responsible for immediate reactions including fear and aggressive behavior. This region develops early. However, the frontal cortex, the area of the brain that controls reasoning and helps us think before we act, develops later. This part of the brain is still changing and maturing well into adulthood.

Other changes in the brain during adolescence include a rapid increase in the connections between the brain cells and making the brain pathways more effective. Nerve cells develop myelin, an insulating layer that helps cells communicate. All these changes are essential for the development of coordinated thought, action, and behavior."

The following research references further enforce these conclusions (5), (6).

The second question to ask is whether there is any biblical guidance on this issue.  The bible doesn't address all issues directly so there their may or may not be.  There are however scriptures that indicate that youths may not have  the judgement that mature adults do.

Eph 4:14 "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. "

I Cor. 13:11 "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. "

Proverbs 23:22 "Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. "

These and other scriptures indicate those who are young may not have the reasoning power of mature adults ( I know most teens would object to being called children). We also have the scriptural admonition for the older men and women are to teach the younger men and women.  The import is youth does not always have the knowledge, maturity or reasoning power of mature adults. 

The second major issue is how political activists use teens as political pawns.  Teens may deny this, but young people are used as "pawns" all of the time in high stakes situations.  For example, in divorce proceedings they are frequently one of the chief chess pieces. (7). Whole books have been written on children as pawns in education. (8). Is it any wonder then that this particular issue is being exploited by political activists for gun control. Unfortunately the emotional passion of youth and their enthusiasm are easily commandeered.  This problem says nothing about their sincerity or their passion.  What it should do is generate a large element of caution when the real emotion about mass shootings becomes attached to a particular political position.

What does all of the above have to say to my grandkids.  There are several lessons.  The first is to temper your emotional or "gut" response to any event.  Think slowly and carefully about any reaction.  If it is something of major import, then "bounce" your reasoning off of your parents or someone you trust.   The second is to be very hesitant to join any advocacy, protest, or other activity that has a political element.  Proper research is necessary.   Who is behind any such movement? What are their real goals? Why is youth being enlisted?  Does what is advocated solve the real problem? Is what is being advocated biblical?   Finally,  the advice given to Timothy is also true: "Let no one dismise thy youth." You may in fact be another Barbara Johns 

(1) https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/02/14/injuries-reported-after-shooting-florida-high-school/338217002

(2) https://www.reuters.com/article/us-florida-shooting-students/students-plan-protests-washington-march-to-demand-gun-control-after-mass-shooting-idUSKCN1G20S8

(3) http://www.proyouthpages.com/youthhistorymo.html

(4) https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/The-Teen-Brain-Behavior-Problem-Solving-and-Decision-Making-095.aspx

(5) https://brainconnection.brainhq.com/2013/03/20/decision-making-is-still-a-work-in-progress-for-teenagers/

(6)https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=3051

(7)http://www.drmarlo.com/?page_id=125

(8)https://www.amazon.com/Children-Pawns-Politics-Educational-Reform/dp/0674012496

The Vanity of Things

I was watching the commercials on TV this weekend--no not much time for that.  All of them were telling you that your happiness or health depended upon purchasing their product.   So used sex appeal to lure you.  Some appealed to your pride or vanity.  Some assured you you would have financial security if you only bought their product or lessoned to them. 

But, in the end all were just "things".  And, things are not eternal.  No one takes "things" with them to the grave.  As The Teacher said, all these things one can pursue for happiness is just a striving after wind. 

What matters is God, family, and relationships in this life and in the life that is to come.

The Vanity of Human Wisdom

I recently completed a class on Ecclesiastes--one of my favorite books.  Of course most are familiar with the reframe of "Vanity of Vanities" all is vanity.  However, this may not mean what you think at first.  Being in the winter of my life, the thought that all of life is "vanity" is not a comforting thought.   And, if you are young as all of your grandkids are, this thought is not very inspiring.  Why would God ( Yahweh) leave such a negative thought for us to live by?   And, the conventional wisdom is just "just fear God and keep his commands" , but you life is still just vanity.  I don't think this is the essence of the book.

Rather,  Qohelet ( the Preacher) examined or searched for a "wise way of living" using all of the wisdom of the sages and accumulated by men.  That search is "vanity" and a striving after wind. For all men die.

die.  The key to understanding is found in the book of Proverbs--the other principle wisdom book.  

“Proverbs 8: "22The

Lord brought me forth (WISDOM) as the first of his works,before his deeds of old;23 I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be....

32 “Now then, my children, listen to me;  blessed are those who keep my ways.33 Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. 34 Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.35 For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death"

death." He concludes the Ecclesiastic with this statement: 

13 "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty."

So, if you try to live by man's wisdom only you will find life itself is vanity.  If on the other hand, you seek the Wisdom of God (there at the Creation), life is not vanity.

A corollary of the book is the fact the you will never figure out the Ways of God --no matter your search.  

So, what is the advice to those of you who are young? It is:  

Remember your Creator

    in the days of your youth,

before the days of trouble come

    and the years approach when you will say,

    “I find no pleasure in them”—

2 before the sun and the light

    and the moon and the stars grow dark,

    and the clouds return after the rain;

3 when the keepers of the house tremble,

    and the strong men stoop,

when the grinders cease because they are few,

    and those looking through the windows grow dim;

4 when the doors to the street are closed

    and the sound of grinding fades;

when people rise up at the sound of birds,

    but all their songs grow faint;

5 when people are afraid of heights

    and of dangers in the streets;

when the almond tree blossoms

    and the grasshopper drags itself along

    and desire no longer is stirred.

Then people go to their eternal home

    and mourners go about the streets.

6 Remember him—before the silver cord is severed,
    and the golden bowl is broken;
before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,
    and the wheel broken at the well,
7 and the dust returns to the ground it came from,
    and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

of all mankind

This is a test

testing

Lessons About the Usefulness of Christianity

Recently my wife and I were privileged to attend the Dedication Ceremony for the donation ceremony of Dr. Virgil Trout’s 16,000 volume library.  Dr. Trout has lectured in over one-third of our nations major universities on Christianity, ethics, and Science. (See http://devotionalsforeverydayliving.blogspot.com/2012/10/dr.html for a short bio).   His topic at the dedication was:  The Usefulness of the Impossible.  The impossible was defined as “the Word became flesh” and dwelling among men and impossibility of the resurrection.  The impossible was God becoming man and the Christ after crucifixion being raised from the death.  Both are impossible acts in any natural world sense.  Yet, we have ample evidence of Christ’s existence on earth and testimonies and circumstantial evidence of His resurrection.

What then is “useful” about these impossibilities?  Do they have any practical applications?  Virgil gives five areas that are impacted:  1) History 2) Ethics 3) Science 4) Politics and 5) Religion.  For History they give purpose and direction. For Ethics they provide the basis of respect and conduct of man to man. For Science, a human enterprise, they provide a God created universe to explore and protect.  For Politics, they provide the imperative for man to give to the state what the state needs as good citizens. They provide ethics for the state, and for Religion they are the guide to the relationship with God.  These are the categories Dr. Trout delineated.  What follows are my thoughts.

Some, even Christians, would eliminate the interaction of the Christian with some of these categories.  But Christian are part of creating history.  They cannot escape doing so.  Certainly the purpose of Christians is to use their talents to serve others (Eph 4).   Few would argue that these impossibilities have no effect on the development of ethical principles.  Ethics are just the moral principles that guide our lives.  Without the guidance of God, man develops some crazy rules for right conduct.  In Science it is the very God created “laws” that enable to understand how our world works.  Our understanding of God’s world changes as we grow and develop.  It is good that science that tells to let the land “rest”.  Politics is the “sticky” category for most modern day Christians.  In earlier times, the pulpit and political advocacies were joined.  But like history, Christians live in a political world.  Their actions or inaction contribute positively or negatively.  As Dr. Trout said, it is not an accident we enjoy the liberties we have in the U.S.  It is impossible to separate your personal decisions from what happens politically.  Inaction or indifference is both a decision and an action.  So your Christianity should inform your actions not only morally but politically as well.   Religiously we must love God and love our neighbor as ourselves.  There is absolute truth.  Truth is not relative.

The above just serves to introduce how these “impossibilities” inform every aspect of our Christian lives.  Contrary to the enterprise of  “taking religion out of the public square” Christianity is the very fabric that inform especially our public as well as our private lives.