Friday, December 15, 2006
"X'mas" - Trying to Take Out Christmas!
Okay, for the archaic illiterates in my church - X'mas is not some marketing conspiracy to "X" out Christmas. Yeah, yeah, I can hear you all screaming "but, Christ must!" The X is the Greek upper case letter "chi" from which the Greek word "Χριστος" or "Christos" is spelled from. This is the Greek word from which we translate the English "Christ" from. "Χριστος" means "anointed one." So please, stop the "Kill the Da Vinci Coders" and such - crawl out from under your KJV rock once in awhile and catch a breath of fresh air. So kids, nothing wrong with "X'mas," it's quite nice actually.
Friday, October 06, 2006
The Real Jesus . . . circa 1999
This is a Jesus ad from England that ran back in 1999. That's my brother! Click here for the site that begat this madness. Don't forget to check out black Jesus, bar code Jesus, and oh yeah Rasta Jesus.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Man Shot 68 Times Dead
Apparently, Anglio Freeland, became a "cop killer" (also "cop dog killer") suspect the moment he bolted after he was pullled over. After 500 officiers scoured the woods looking for him, plus 24 hours of manhunt, 9 officiers of the SWAT team pumped 110 rounds of lead at him - 68 of which were hits. That's a 61% hit/miss percentage for those keeping score at home - almost as bad as a drive by shooting (but that's another conversation). Food for thought, what caused these officiers to "cease fire"? Polk County Sheriff, Grady Judd responded with this "I suspect the only reason 110 rounds was all that was fired was that's all the ammunition they had . . . we were not going to take any chance of him shooting back."
Let's do some math here, 110 rounds divided by 9 cops = 12.22 shells/cop. Assuming they might be using the Glock 22 (.40 caliber sidearm of choice by America's finest), there is actually a 15 round mag capacity. So, come on guys, you didn't really squeeze the trigger hard enough! Where'd the 25 extra rounds go? Or perhaps they were all carrying HK MP5 A4's which would totally cut that number down, since the sub-machine gun has a carrying capacity option of 15 or 30 rounds for your clip! If we went with the 30 round clips, we are still sitting with 160 rounds or so in our chambers. C'mon Judd, was that all the ammo they had?
Note to all "would be cop killing suspects" - cops take care of their own, even if you might not be guilty. Shoot first, ask questions later - by the way that was meant for the cops.
Click here for the Fox News article.
Let's do some math here, 110 rounds divided by 9 cops = 12.22 shells/cop. Assuming they might be using the Glock 22 (.40 caliber sidearm of choice by America's finest), there is actually a 15 round mag capacity. So, come on guys, you didn't really squeeze the trigger hard enough! Where'd the 25 extra rounds go? Or perhaps they were all carrying HK MP5 A4's which would totally cut that number down, since the sub-machine gun has a carrying capacity option of 15 or 30 rounds for your clip! If we went with the 30 round clips, we are still sitting with 160 rounds or so in our chambers. C'mon Judd, was that all the ammo they had?
Note to all "would be cop killing suspects" - cops take care of their own, even if you might not be guilty. Shoot first, ask questions later - by the way that was meant for the cops.
Click here for the Fox News article.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
A Soldier's Prayer From a Writer's Pen
I believe the scene was the day before the 54th went into battle. The former slaves "freedmen" of the 54th were gathered around in the stillness before the battle. Morgan Freeman (in the movie "Glory") begins to pray the following words while in the background the humming of the tune "O Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord" is simmering:
"Tomorrow we goin' to battle.
So, Lordy, let me fight
with the rifle in one hand...
and the Good Book in the other.
That if I should die
at the muzzle of the rifle...
die on water or on land...
I may know that You,
blessed Jesus Almighty, are with me."
Men of the 54th - rest in peace.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
The "Rodney King School of Theology"
The school of thought which espouses the "Can't we all just get along?" brand of theology. Coined by Christian signer turned "theo-blogian" Steve Camp during a blog-rant-reply session here.
This is the paragraph that birthed this profound piece of theologizing:
"Let's not reduce though this discussion to the Rodney King School of Theology - 'can't we all just get along?' I find this common on Christian blogs. Nice is considered more important than truth (which I am not suggesting that you or candleman affirm). There is nothing wrong with fiery debate over key issues facing us. Where are the Christian Limbaugh's and Hannity's? That in part is what the vision for this blog is--a place where vigorous debate can occur without the touchy feely sentimentality associated with many Christian blogs."
Hey, how about the LAPD School of Theology? Espousing the "beat-the-crap-out-of-you-and-stay-the-hell-up" brand of theology? Truth is, if "the man" gots a gun, if his beatdown is hard 'nuff, I'd "stay-the-hell-up" too. Hmmmmm.
Pablo - You can be all you can be . . .
"Pablo, you can be all you can be . . . in the terra cotta army." A German art student only known as "Pablo" snuck undetected into the subterranean resting place of the infamous tomb of the Chinese terra cotta warriors in Xi'an. Pablo sure looks alot like Ben Stiller. Click here for the article.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Here's What the Pope Said
ALTOETTING, Germany (AP) -- Pope Benedict XVI said Tuesday that Islamic holy war was against God's nature and invited Muslims to join in a peaceful cultural dialogue.
In a speech at Regensburg University, Benedict made an unusual reference to jihad, or holy war -- a concept used by today's Islamic extremists to justify suicide bombings and other attacks.
Benedict's address was about faith and reason, and how they cannot be separated and are essential for "that genuine dialogue of cultures and religions so urgently needed today."
Citing historic Christian commentary on holy war and forced conversion, the 79-year-old pontiff quoted from a 14th-century Byzantine emperor, Manuel II Paleologos.
"The emperor comes to speak about the issue of jihad, holy war," the pope said. "He said, I quote, 'Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.' "
Clearly aware of the sensitivity of the issue, Benedict added, "I quote," twice before pronouncing the phrases on Islam and described them as "brusque," while neither explicitly agreeing with nor repudiating them.
"The emperor goes on to explain in detail the reasons why spreading the faith through violence is something unreasonable," Benedict said.
"Violence is incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul," the pope said, issuing an open invitation to dialogue among cultures.
The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said the pope was not giving an interpretation of Islam as "something violent," although he said the religion contains both violent and nonviolent strains.
Benedict did not touch directly on the current controversy over Islamic extremism, although it is an issue he follows with concern. Last year in Cologne, Germany, he urged Islamic leaders to take responsibility for their communities and teach their young to abhor violence.
Last week, he told a gathering of Christian, Muslim and Jewish representatives in Italy that no one can "use the motive of religious difference as a reason or pretext for bellicose behavior toward other human beings."
Benedict will make his first visit to a Muslim country in November, when he is scheduled to travel to Turkey.
Gerlinde Axmann, a 40-year-old social worker, watched Tuesday's speech on one of the large screens set up in a square near the cathedral.
"That was a very important start to dialogue with Muslims amid the terrorist threat," she said, calling Benedict's appeal to reason "a building block toward finding a way to argue with each other without using weapons."
"I think it's very important for him to bring these things up in society," she said. "Muslims aren't going to take us seriously until we become conscious of our own values. For example, they take the pope much more seriously than others in the West."
Click here for the complete article from CNN.
Note to Self: When annoyed, in doubt, underpaid, disillusioned, blatantly ignorant, disregarding of life itself . . . JIHAD!
[Indonesian Muslim protesters hold up signs during a rally outside the Vatican embassy in Jakarta September 18, 2006. The sign on the right reads, "Let's crucify Paus (Pope)". REUTERS/Dadang Tri]
For more on Al-Quaeda's official response to Pope Benedict's call to rational discourse among different faiths, click here.
Here we go again . . . burn Hollywood, burn.
In a speech at Regensburg University, Benedict made an unusual reference to jihad, or holy war -- a concept used by today's Islamic extremists to justify suicide bombings and other attacks.
Benedict's address was about faith and reason, and how they cannot be separated and are essential for "that genuine dialogue of cultures and religions so urgently needed today."
Citing historic Christian commentary on holy war and forced conversion, the 79-year-old pontiff quoted from a 14th-century Byzantine emperor, Manuel II Paleologos.
"The emperor comes to speak about the issue of jihad, holy war," the pope said. "He said, I quote, 'Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.' "
Clearly aware of the sensitivity of the issue, Benedict added, "I quote," twice before pronouncing the phrases on Islam and described them as "brusque," while neither explicitly agreeing with nor repudiating them.
"The emperor goes on to explain in detail the reasons why spreading the faith through violence is something unreasonable," Benedict said.
"Violence is incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul," the pope said, issuing an open invitation to dialogue among cultures.
The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said the pope was not giving an interpretation of Islam as "something violent," although he said the religion contains both violent and nonviolent strains.
Benedict did not touch directly on the current controversy over Islamic extremism, although it is an issue he follows with concern. Last year in Cologne, Germany, he urged Islamic leaders to take responsibility for their communities and teach their young to abhor violence.
Last week, he told a gathering of Christian, Muslim and Jewish representatives in Italy that no one can "use the motive of religious difference as a reason or pretext for bellicose behavior toward other human beings."
Benedict will make his first visit to a Muslim country in November, when he is scheduled to travel to Turkey.
Gerlinde Axmann, a 40-year-old social worker, watched Tuesday's speech on one of the large screens set up in a square near the cathedral.
"That was a very important start to dialogue with Muslims amid the terrorist threat," she said, calling Benedict's appeal to reason "a building block toward finding a way to argue with each other without using weapons."
"I think it's very important for him to bring these things up in society," she said. "Muslims aren't going to take us seriously until we become conscious of our own values. For example, they take the pope much more seriously than others in the West."
Click here for the complete article from CNN.
Note to Self: When annoyed, in doubt, underpaid, disillusioned, blatantly ignorant, disregarding of life itself . . . JIHAD!
[Indonesian Muslim protesters hold up signs during a rally outside the Vatican embassy in Jakarta September 18, 2006. The sign on the right reads, "Let's crucify Paus (Pope)". REUTERS/Dadang Tri]
For more on Al-Quaeda's official response to Pope Benedict's call to rational discourse among different faiths, click here.
Here we go again . . . burn Hollywood, burn.
Elton John says "NO" to Marriage
Elton John says he’s glad he got hitched to long-time partner David Furnish. Just don’t call him “married.”
“I hate people saying I’m married,” John told the London Mirror. “Marriage is a heterosexual term for men and women. We’ve got a civil partnership. It’s not a religious ceremony and I didn’t want to get married. I just wanted a lifetime commitment.”
He says he expected an outpouring of hatred from the public, but it never happened. “I thought I might get the odd flour bomb but there was no negative reaction,” he said. “It was the nicest day of my life, with all the people I love most.”
Taken from Jeanette Walls MSNBC Gossip column, click here for the article.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Notable quotes from Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin
taken from The Associated Press/Canadian Press on Tuesday, September 05, 2006
A selection of quotes from television star and wildlife enthusiast Steve Irwin, who died Monday after being fatally stabbed in the chest with a stingray's barb:
"Crikey!" - his catch phrase, exclaimed repeatedly during his television show whenever something interesting happens.
"I get called an adrenaline junkie every other minute, and I'm just fine with that."
"I have no fear of losing my life - if I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it."
"I've worked with more dangerous snakes than anyone in the world and I've never been bitten. It's a gift."
"I bled a lot. I got hit across the face. We couldn't film for seven days. I got hit, whacked, underwater, across the face. I finished the shot, got into the boat and blood started coming out." - on one particularly close shave.
"Crikey, mate. You're far safer dealing with crocodiles and western diamondback rattlesnakes than the executives and the producers and all those sharks in the big MGM building." - comparing dealing with deadly animals with show business.
"Crocodiles. I've been catching them since I was nine. No problem."
"Fear helps me from making mistakes, but I make lot of mistakes."
"It is all about perceived danger. In front of that crocodile I was in complete control. Absolute and complete control. That is my profession. I would be considered a bad parent if I didn't teach my children to be crocodile savvy because they live here, they live in crocodile territory." - On the 2004 controversy in which he was filmed holding his infant son while feeding a snapping crocodile:
"To hear people say that it was a publicity stunt, that I'm just like Michael Jackson, well, it just tears me up. It makes me sick to my stomach to be compared in that way." - On the same incident.
Rest in Peace Crocodile Hunter - you OG hard core.
A selection of quotes from television star and wildlife enthusiast Steve Irwin, who died Monday after being fatally stabbed in the chest with a stingray's barb:
"Crikey!" - his catch phrase, exclaimed repeatedly during his television show whenever something interesting happens.
"I get called an adrenaline junkie every other minute, and I'm just fine with that."
"I have no fear of losing my life - if I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it."
"I've worked with more dangerous snakes than anyone in the world and I've never been bitten. It's a gift."
"I bled a lot. I got hit across the face. We couldn't film for seven days. I got hit, whacked, underwater, across the face. I finished the shot, got into the boat and blood started coming out." - on one particularly close shave.
"Crikey, mate. You're far safer dealing with crocodiles and western diamondback rattlesnakes than the executives and the producers and all those sharks in the big MGM building." - comparing dealing with deadly animals with show business.
"Crocodiles. I've been catching them since I was nine. No problem."
"Fear helps me from making mistakes, but I make lot of mistakes."
"It is all about perceived danger. In front of that crocodile I was in complete control. Absolute and complete control. That is my profession. I would be considered a bad parent if I didn't teach my children to be crocodile savvy because they live here, they live in crocodile territory." - On the 2004 controversy in which he was filmed holding his infant son while feeding a snapping crocodile:
"To hear people say that it was a publicity stunt, that I'm just like Michael Jackson, well, it just tears me up. It makes me sick to my stomach to be compared in that way." - On the same incident.
Rest in Peace Crocodile Hunter - you OG hard core.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Who will disarm Hezbollah?
Here's an interesting look into the situation in Lebannon currently. Time magazine posted an article discussing the actual existing military framework left in Lebannon. Here's one stat for thought:
Military Budgets
Lebannon: $542 million
Israel: $8 billion or $8,000 million
Just crunch some numbers here, a unarmed F-16 back in 1998 was going for $18.8 million a piece. Back in 1998, Lebannon could have purchased around 28 fighters (not including hardware and salaries for the pilots). Israel on the other hand, would be able to purchase roughly 200 F-16s (fully loaded with air-to-air missiles, salaries for pilots and support crews, maintenence costs, etc.) - they would still have change left over for tanks. They actually only ordered 107 back in 1997 (the F-16I at $45 million per), click here for the info. The F-16I's got delivered back in 2003, their range enables them to hit targets deep as Libya and Iran.
Click here for the Time mag article.
Military Budgets
Lebannon: $542 million
Israel: $8 billion or $8,000 million
Just crunch some numbers here, a unarmed F-16 back in 1998 was going for $18.8 million a piece. Back in 1998, Lebannon could have purchased around 28 fighters (not including hardware and salaries for the pilots). Israel on the other hand, would be able to purchase roughly 200 F-16s (fully loaded with air-to-air missiles, salaries for pilots and support crews, maintenence costs, etc.) - they would still have change left over for tanks. They actually only ordered 107 back in 1997 (the F-16I at $45 million per), click here for the info. The F-16I's got delivered back in 2003, their range enables them to hit targets deep as Libya and Iran.
Click here for the Time mag article.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Mel Gibson & the L.A. County Sheriffs
For those of you in the know, skip this. For those of you still wondering what happened, check it out here. Plenty of people pissed off and doing more damage than Mel did while drunk - note to self, DON'T GET DRUNK! Aside from the fact that the Bible has much to say regarding drunkenness . . . and also much knowledge gained from watching your typical Friday night party . . . late night philosophy while tanked makes for some interesting reactions.
The part that got me was the L.A. County Sheriff's "Sarge" busting out the video camera to tape the incident. Perhaps to cover his butt in case Uncle Mel freaks a "Lethal Weapon" psychotic, smackdown fest? No, I think not. When was the last time any L.A. County Sheriff busted out a video camera (in addition to the one in the squad car) just to "capture" special moments with their suspect? Come on already! L.A. County Sheriff's call their buddies and do a Rodney King when nobody is watching! As if 1 L.A. County Sheriff deputy could not handle Mel Gibson . . . "uh oh, I think I need to call for back up." This is L.A. for crying out loud - the land where the "5-0" lays the smackdown for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Gimme a break! I'm surprised the deputy didn't call in his L.A.P.D. buddies to join him in a break dance - break every bone and do the "Humpty-hump" all over him! The deputy should be arrested for giving the Sheriff's a bad name - plus, the "Sarge" probably made some good $$$ from his "youtube" of Melly Mel.
Dude should've "Mad Max'ed" . . . too bad for the drunken remarks . . . anti-semitic (or racial slurs about Chinese for that matter) remarks during a drunken rampage isn't all that bad . . . he could've killed someone while driving.
The part that got me was the L.A. County Sheriff's "Sarge" busting out the video camera to tape the incident. Perhaps to cover his butt in case Uncle Mel freaks a "Lethal Weapon" psychotic, smackdown fest? No, I think not. When was the last time any L.A. County Sheriff busted out a video camera (in addition to the one in the squad car) just to "capture" special moments with their suspect? Come on already! L.A. County Sheriff's call their buddies and do a Rodney King when nobody is watching! As if 1 L.A. County Sheriff deputy could not handle Mel Gibson . . . "uh oh, I think I need to call for back up." This is L.A. for crying out loud - the land where the "5-0" lays the smackdown for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Gimme a break! I'm surprised the deputy didn't call in his L.A.P.D. buddies to join him in a break dance - break every bone and do the "Humpty-hump" all over him! The deputy should be arrested for giving the Sheriff's a bad name - plus, the "Sarge" probably made some good $$$ from his "youtube" of Melly Mel.
Dude should've "Mad Max'ed" . . . too bad for the drunken remarks . . . anti-semitic (or racial slurs about Chinese for that matter) remarks during a drunken rampage isn't all that bad . . . he could've killed someone while driving.
Monday, July 31, 2006
I'm Trying Hard to Like the Old White Guy
Okay, we have this old white guy preaching at our church once a month-ish. I can stand the Salvation-Army-prohibition-on-alcohol-shoved-down-my-throat, I can stand the old school high value and usage of the KJV (as though these were God's own spoke words), I can even stand the old school expectations that hymns are somehow more "acceptable to God" than praise songs. I say that I can stand - I don't agree but I can stand. What I can't stand are the blatantly "white"-centric remarks that begin each sermon. "I was born in New Westminster, when I was young it was known as BRITISH Columbia (total spoken volume emphasis on 'British') Blah, blah, blah, blah . . . it's so good to see that Chinese now know the Lord." That's where I lose it. Yeah, we Chinese used to swing on trees until you white folk saved us and taught us how to be civilized. Arrogant, self-centered . . . I don't need some old white guy who thinks he is more spiritual than me preach that he's better than me - expressed indirectly through his wrinkled "white"-centric tendencies. Funny thing is that the guy is involved with teaching ESL - perhaps I just can't stand him because he is "the Old White Guy." If I could only find a baseball bat with the words "post-colonial" written on them - I'd lay the smackdown on this bad boy.
Technical Definition of "Gossip"
What is gossip? Really, what does it mean - technically? Someone shared with me that gossip is talk or chatter that is malicious in nature. I didn't really catch the entire definition, but something about that particular definition didn't sit right with me. It sort of sounded like this: "I didn't gossip because my intent was not malicious." I disagree.
Malicious = deliberately harmful; spiteful (used to describe something: malicious gossip)
The word "gossip" does not refer necessarily to something malicious in nature.
Gossip = to talk socially without exchanging too much information; a report (often malicious) about the behavior of other people; rumor or talk about others of a personal, sensational, or intimate nature
Gossip often reflects the shallowness of character and the self-righteousness of a person's heart - spoiled kids love to gossip, stay-at-home moms tend to gossip, and people with control problems like to gossip (and often with malicious intent to demonize their opponents thereby re-establishing control in the void).
Malicious = deliberately harmful; spiteful (used to describe something: malicious gossip)
The word "gossip" does not refer necessarily to something malicious in nature.
Gossip = to talk socially without exchanging too much information; a report (often malicious) about the behavior of other people; rumor or talk about others of a personal, sensational, or intimate nature
Gossip often reflects the shallowness of character and the self-righteousness of a person's heart - spoiled kids love to gossip, stay-at-home moms tend to gossip, and people with control problems like to gossip (and often with malicious intent to demonize their opponents thereby re-establishing control in the void).
Saturday, July 29, 2006
What is a morally bankrupt government?
Okay, so we have a bunch of these Anti-Israeli war machine protests popping up all over the country. One of the catch phrases I've heard from the local Arab/Muslim protest guy (I think from Toronto) with the megaphone say: "Israel is a morally bankrupt government!" Alright, that kinda makes sense - but then is Lebannon a morally wealthy government? What would you do if a known terrorist group started launching shoulder held missiles at your country? Say about 100 per day? Hitting random targets along the border. And let's add that they are a political party within the federal structure of the country next to yours. Oh and by the way, their prime directive includes annihilating your nation and setting up a government next door to yours with ideology that will certainly wipe you off the face of the planet. Plus, they are in bed with 2 other neighboring countries who hate your guts - like really hate your guts. Pretty confusing? What is a morally bankrupt government? Is it one that chooses to protect it's citizens? In that case, both Lebannon and Israel are quite guilty of that - since Lebannon has allowed for Hezbollah to flourish and rearm itself financially, politically, and militarily after the Israeli withdrawal back in 2000 . . . for what reason? Perhaps to protect its citizens? How does a terrorist group such as Hezbollah develop into such a military machine similar to an army without "somebody" (think Russell Peters) allowing it to happen? They have weapons that put small third world countries to shame - firepower, they have a military rank and file - structure, they have financial backing - cash money . . . no we are not talking about Nike or Microsoft, we are talking about Hezbollah. And another thing, its quite arrogant of them to call themselves "Party of God." I'm not suggesting that there is a simple solution to this, but c'mon already - what's up with the fear mongering and the fuel dumping on a critical global firestorm?
Friday, July 28, 2006
Body Odor & Ear Wax - That "Gwai Low/Low Faan" Factor
Okay, I've heard it for years - typically from my Chinese Aunts (both from my extended family and church). White folks smell "different" from Asians. I don't even want to go there. But then again, it has been scientifically proven. Yes, can you believe that? Click here for the article from the NY Times.
But then again my mother-in-law believes that white people smell because they eat cheese. If cheese smells, people who eat cheese must smell too. Good ole' Chinese wisdom . . . good grief.
But then again my mother-in-law believes that white people smell because they eat cheese. If cheese smells, people who eat cheese must smell too. Good ole' Chinese wisdom . . . good grief.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Leadership Dialogue Rant #1
Okay, I admit that I didn't expect this one coming. After "preparing" the leadership several months ago with a ream of my personal philosophy of ministry, resume, theological stance, blah, blah, blah . . . I realized tonight that perhaps they did not read any of the material when they hired me on. Which is okay . . . for now. A few highlights of the comments we wrestled through tonight:
- "Last Sunday's worship was terrible!" This was the first of a series of comments. Most of these comments were rant in nature - not the welcoming type that encourages fellowship and open sharing. Rather the type that forces everyone to clam up due to it's intensity and shock 'n' awe value. This was followed up with a ton of "back up" data composed of phrases such as "those people" or "they" or "some people." Apparently, "they" think (and the "they" represented "99%" of the congregation) that if things don't change "they" will leave. I responded by sharing that I received a few positive responses from people - statistically speaking, it is impossible that 99% of the congregation hated it. Talk about sensationalism. Maybe its just me, but I've never felt that coercion and manipulation worked - actually I did at my last church, they beat me to a pulp (but that's another story). Obviously, I was totally in the mood to sing "Kum Ba Yah" at this point - and this was just the beginning. I thought that at the conclusion to a 3 part series on worship - which emphasized that worship was not about our choice of music, style or tradition - people would be more in tune with the fact that worship is essentially about God and not about us. Back to the drawing board. I also felt that the comment was rather arrogant because it implied that someone besides God had to capacity to judge whether or not something was acceptable or not . . . or better yet judge something to be terrible. Does someone have a god complex?
- "Too many new songs, too contemporary, I don't understand why we have to sing praise songs that just repeat the same phrase 7 times." I responded by saying that if it required for me to sing hymns all day and all night in order to achieve or vision of a healthy community . . . I would. But a better way, a more Christian way, would be to find common ground. Then I was told that I better learn some hymns. I responded by saying "you can learn some praise songs." This seem to fan the flame that seem to have been burning for a few days by then. I have a problem with people who get into the whole "new" versus "old" debate. It usually involves phrases such as "our church has never done that before . . . [and it never will]." There is something so out of touch with culture in that type of an attitude. Presently, we worship in a church that is immersed in culture - the ethnic groups represented each morning, the types of instruments sitting on our stage, the different age groups, and the fact that we all have different values that shape who we are. Here's food for thought: Hymns used to be new songs, hymns were contemporary at one point in time.
- "Because of all the new songs at the summer camp, I felt like I was baby sitting!" Okay, by this time their is an obvious air of angst and frustration in the air. This is no longer about "terrible worship" it is slipping into the realm of "I'm-gonna-get-so-personal-about-this-one-that-I'm-gonna-bring-you-all-down." What does summer camp have to do with "terrible worship?" It was a different context entirely. The one reaction I did have was that perhaps I was too spiritually immature and inferior to fellowship with the "Baby Sitter" - then I thought, "gheesh how arrogant, high and mighty, holier-than-thou of you to say that!"
- "Remember, we ARE a Chinese church." Strike three - I still don't know what this has to do with "terrible worship." Is it a comment about the conservative nature of the church? Is it a blatant admission to the arrogance and racism of Chinese? What does this mean? Perhaps this was a poor attempt to insinuate "we are conversative" -what I did hear and see was "I am a legalist and fundamentalist." Perhaps we should respond by building a 12 foot wall around our compound to keep out the non-Chinese. But I chose to share about a certain Mennonite church in Vancouver that woke up one decade and realized that their neighborhood had become entirely Chinese. For a Mennonite raised in a German-speaking church, this is a HUGE thing. Think about singing, reading the Bible, preaching entirely done in German - they had to make a choice. Either the REAL God of Israel only speaks German OR God might actually know some Chinese too. Fortunately for Killarney Park, they chose the latter. I have hope that we ARE the "body of Christ" - a community that reflects the beauty and tapestry of God's creation - socially, economically, racially, psychologically, etc. I just didn't feel like getting into the whole "Chinese-really-aren't-the-center-of-the-universe-get-over-it" debate.
- "We need to address the dress code." This was an issue that provided some good dialogue. I have always felt that going down the road of "Christian leaders should . . . dress, talk, smell, look, act . . ." was the WRONG direction. This can easily lead towards the direction of legalism and shallow spirituality with no depth. It also begs the question, "what if Christian leaders do not fit the rules and qualifications you have set out?" Does the person who creates the rules have God-like powers to rewrite what should and should not be? No. Unfortunately, extreme legalism breeds a conformist mentality based on fear and guilt - there is a complete failure to truly love and accept.
Round 1. Fight!
- "Last Sunday's worship was terrible!" This was the first of a series of comments. Most of these comments were rant in nature - not the welcoming type that encourages fellowship and open sharing. Rather the type that forces everyone to clam up due to it's intensity and shock 'n' awe value. This was followed up with a ton of "back up" data composed of phrases such as "those people" or "they" or "some people." Apparently, "they" think (and the "they" represented "99%" of the congregation) that if things don't change "they" will leave. I responded by sharing that I received a few positive responses from people - statistically speaking, it is impossible that 99% of the congregation hated it. Talk about sensationalism. Maybe its just me, but I've never felt that coercion and manipulation worked - actually I did at my last church, they beat me to a pulp (but that's another story). Obviously, I was totally in the mood to sing "Kum Ba Yah" at this point - and this was just the beginning. I thought that at the conclusion to a 3 part series on worship - which emphasized that worship was not about our choice of music, style or tradition - people would be more in tune with the fact that worship is essentially about God and not about us. Back to the drawing board. I also felt that the comment was rather arrogant because it implied that someone besides God had to capacity to judge whether or not something was acceptable or not . . . or better yet judge something to be terrible. Does someone have a god complex?
- "Too many new songs, too contemporary, I don't understand why we have to sing praise songs that just repeat the same phrase 7 times." I responded by saying that if it required for me to sing hymns all day and all night in order to achieve or vision of a healthy community . . . I would. But a better way, a more Christian way, would be to find common ground. Then I was told that I better learn some hymns. I responded by saying "you can learn some praise songs." This seem to fan the flame that seem to have been burning for a few days by then. I have a problem with people who get into the whole "new" versus "old" debate. It usually involves phrases such as "our church has never done that before . . . [and it never will]." There is something so out of touch with culture in that type of an attitude. Presently, we worship in a church that is immersed in culture - the ethnic groups represented each morning, the types of instruments sitting on our stage, the different age groups, and the fact that we all have different values that shape who we are. Here's food for thought: Hymns used to be new songs, hymns were contemporary at one point in time.
- "Because of all the new songs at the summer camp, I felt like I was baby sitting!" Okay, by this time their is an obvious air of angst and frustration in the air. This is no longer about "terrible worship" it is slipping into the realm of "I'm-gonna-get-so-personal-about-this-one-that-I'm-gonna-bring-you-all-down." What does summer camp have to do with "terrible worship?" It was a different context entirely. The one reaction I did have was that perhaps I was too spiritually immature and inferior to fellowship with the "Baby Sitter" - then I thought, "gheesh how arrogant, high and mighty, holier-than-thou of you to say that!"
- "Remember, we ARE a Chinese church." Strike three - I still don't know what this has to do with "terrible worship." Is it a comment about the conservative nature of the church? Is it a blatant admission to the arrogance and racism of Chinese? What does this mean? Perhaps this was a poor attempt to insinuate "we are conversative" -what I did hear and see was "I am a legalist and fundamentalist." Perhaps we should respond by building a 12 foot wall around our compound to keep out the non-Chinese. But I chose to share about a certain Mennonite church in Vancouver that woke up one decade and realized that their neighborhood had become entirely Chinese. For a Mennonite raised in a German-speaking church, this is a HUGE thing. Think about singing, reading the Bible, preaching entirely done in German - they had to make a choice. Either the REAL God of Israel only speaks German OR God might actually know some Chinese too. Fortunately for Killarney Park, they chose the latter. I have hope that we ARE the "body of Christ" - a community that reflects the beauty and tapestry of God's creation - socially, economically, racially, psychologically, etc. I just didn't feel like getting into the whole "Chinese-really-aren't-the-center-of-the-universe-get-over-it" debate.
- "We need to address the dress code." This was an issue that provided some good dialogue. I have always felt that going down the road of "Christian leaders should . . . dress, talk, smell, look, act . . ." was the WRONG direction. This can easily lead towards the direction of legalism and shallow spirituality with no depth. It also begs the question, "what if Christian leaders do not fit the rules and qualifications you have set out?" Does the person who creates the rules have God-like powers to rewrite what should and should not be? No. Unfortunately, extreme legalism breeds a conformist mentality based on fear and guilt - there is a complete failure to truly love and accept.
Round 1. Fight!
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Invites to Join the Big Boys
Okay, if we invite one group, we need to invite them all. That's how the Taliban did it. If Hezbollah gets to join the government, let them all join as well - such as Hamas. It would seem that Israel doesn't mind contributing millions of dollars to Palestine just to blow up some of "their" buildings. I never thought I'd see the day when terroists sell out and join some government - assimilate into the system. If anything, I feel sorry for the Lebanese people - they are the only government in the region that allows for both Islamics and Christians to serve in public office together. Every other place you go to (except for Israel) you might just get shot running for office if you are a non-Islamic. So Hezbollah comes in with a seed group of soldiers from Iran, give them 2 decades or so, now they are a political party. Think of the NDP, but deadlier, with a mission to establish a militant Islamic state here in British Columbia - one that smells just like Iran. Crazy thoughts, eh?
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Re: Being Special & Aimlessly Wandering
Had an interesting conversation with a fellow this morning. Hooked up late in the morning at the neighborhood Tim Horton's to do a meet-n-greet customary for new pastors integrating into a new community. Anyhow, everything about this conversation revolved around one thing - nothing deep or philosophical, just the same ole' plain thing . . . "I know what I should do but I'm just lazy." Yep, that's the whole conversation - all 3 hours worth. There is a ton of stuff that any of us could probably stuff into our melons for whatever it is worth, but if you are just lazy . . . does it even matter? So I sat across from the fellow thinking weird thoughts . . . such as, "gotta grow up already" or "that's life buddy" or "just do something man, anything would do." Anyhow, we somehow got on the topic of architecture . . . sure enough, the discussion found its way to the phrase "form and function." If memory serves me correctly, the actual phrase is "form follows function." The fellow across from me adamantly added ". . . AND meaning." Whoosh, like a speeding bullet - what the?
"And meaning?" I responded by saying "if you have form and function, doesn't meaning just emerge?" Aside from the fact that I questioned whether or not the lazy mind would even thoughtfully consider meaning . . . I can already hear it, "putter-putter-spew-spew-cough-cough" (sound of mental engine stalling and seizing). I don't remember ever hearing a response. I didn't think that it was time to engage in the finer points of existentialism. Then again, being lazy could be similar to the sense of alienation experienced as a result of being unique in the indifferent "crowd" or "others."
"And meaning?" I responded by saying "if you have form and function, doesn't meaning just emerge?" Aside from the fact that I questioned whether or not the lazy mind would even thoughtfully consider meaning . . . I can already hear it, "putter-putter-spew-spew-cough-cough" (sound of mental engine stalling and seizing). I don't remember ever hearing a response. I didn't think that it was time to engage in the finer points of existentialism. Then again, being lazy could be similar to the sense of alienation experienced as a result of being unique in the indifferent "crowd" or "others."
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