War, What Is It Good For...

...Absolutely nothin'.

Read this article posted to Christianity Today by Riad Kassis, the executive director of the Johann Ludwig Schneller School in West Bekaa, Lebanon. It will break you heart.

How should I respond to my seven-year-old daughter when she is terrified by the news and images of destruction in my country? The bombing of bridges we recently traveled upon, the demolition of our only airport, where my daughter was happily running around just a few weeks ago. What should I say to her when a house was destroyed and 11 people in it killed in one air strike? What should I say to her when a two-year-old child was literally cut in half in a vicious air strike?

I was overwhelmingly silent! But I had to say something to my anxious daughter. I told her not to worry much, that the attacks will only last for a matter of days. As I talked to her, I was thinking of the upcoming meeting of U.N. Security Council. I was so optimistic that the council would put an end to this unequal and disproportionate conflict. I thought of the great nations that are members of the council, with their rich cultural heritages of human achievement and concern for humanity.

So I was completely shocked, greatly saddened, and disappointed when the Council took no stand! Not even a symbolic resolution to condemn the killing of innocents in Lebanon was contemplated. We were told that the council needed days to think the matter over! I wonder what kind of thinking is required when a power station is destroyed, when a civilian car is bombed on its way to a safe place, and when terrified infants and children cry all night as they listen to the bombing of the neighborhood. I wonder whether these members have experienced conflict in tragedies in the Balkans, Sudan, Rwanda, and elsewhere.

I am not much interested in politics, but I am perplexed by the silence of the human conscience. Yet I still hope that the human conscience will be awakened someday. I am encouraged by the ability of the worldwide Christian church to speak about peace and to run seminars on conflict resolution, but disappointed with its ineffectiveness to work for a real and just peace, particularly in the case of the Arab-Israeli conflict. At the same time, I am encouraged to know that many Christian sisters and brothers are concerned for our situation in Lebanon. They are praying and encouraging us, in spite of their helplessness to influence their governments.

We live in West Bekaa, Lebanon, and for the last 16 years we have been involved in peace and tolerance education as we work with hundreds of students and families who belong to various religious backgrounds. Now we experience again the meaning of hatred and war. As I write these words, I hear Israeli jet fighters bombing a nearby bridge and several roads, killing several civilians who happened to be nearby. We are nearly isolated, as roads to other cities and towns are destroyed. Our fear is that in just a few days, food, fuel, medicines, and other needed items will become scarce as the situation worsens and the sea, land, and air blockade continues.

What should I say to my daughter? "My daughter let us keep praying not just for peace, but for the awakening of the human conscience." Would you please join me in such a prayer?

Television images of the war don't tell the real story of what is happening to innocent civilians as the bombs rain down on them. When you see the video game-like images on TV tonight, think of the non-participants who are suffering the consequences of being caught in the middle of this conflict and say a prayer for them.

"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy...In fact, violence merely increases hate...returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars." - Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Book Review: The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience

Let me throw a few stats at you...

The percentage of born-again Christians who have experienced divorce is the same as non-Christians. 90% of divorced born-again folk divorced after they accepted Christ.

In a 2002 study, it was discovered that only 6% of born-again adults tithe.

26% of traditional evangelicals do not think premarital sex is wrong. 13% say it is okay for married persons to have sex with someone other than one's spouse.

17% of evangelicals would object to having black neighbours move in next door.

Only 9% of born-again adults and 2% of born-again teenagers have a biblical worldview.

These situations and more are addressed in Ronald Sider's book, The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience. Why is it that we see so little life change amongst those who consider themselves "born-again" Christians? For me, growing up, being "separate from the world" meant don't smoke, don't chew, don't go with girls that do. And while I believed (and still believe) that most of our evangelical rules have very little to do with authentic Biblical faith, the issues above represent blatant disobedience to scriptural directives.

Have we really embraced what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called cheap grace? Sider believes we have done exactly that, and have turned salvation into a no-lose insurance policy against hell. Just say the sinners prayer and you'll be forgiven forever and there will be no other expectations put on you - we have promoted a "costless faith" as George Barna puts it. In Sider's words, "Salvation becomes, not a life-transforming experience that reorients every corner of life, but a one-way ticket to heaven, and one can live like hell until one gets there."

Sider goes on to consider the concept of the "Kingdom of God" and how Jesus' teaching on the kingdom was far more holistic than our simple get out of hell free card. A concept that Brian McLaren also addresses in The Secret Message of Jesus.

Sider concludes the book by looking at some of the positives that offer a ray of hope for the future. While I appreciate his attempt to end the book on a positive note, I'm afraid the strength of Sider's argument doesn't leave me with a lot of hope for change any time soon.

Also posted to Amazon.ca

The Blogging Blues

It's been very spotty for me lately in terms of keeping this site updated, a problem I'll blame on my new Mac. Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE my new computer - 5 Stars all the way - but it seems that the Blogger software is unable to properly run on a Mac at this time. So, for now I'll have to post from my work computer. Not a problem, as long as I bring it home at night, which, being a bus rider over the summer is a bit of a drag. I'll do my best though so stay tuned...many updates to come...

A Little Short on Cash?

Well head on down to the United Pentecostal Church in Harvey, IL (just outside of Chicago) and get 25 bucks just for showing up. The church "plans to provide the cash to the first 75 people who visit the church for the first time at each of two services, one at 10 a.m. and another at 1 p.m. The only requirements are that the newcomers be 16 or older and that they stay for the entire 90-minute service," writes the Chicago Tribune. What's next, finders fees for each new convert?

Lottery Tickets and Cadillacs

Sounds like the title of a country song doesn't it? Sad to say, it's not. On the way home from church not too long ago we stopped to pick up a loaf of bread. I waited in the car while Rebecca ran into the bakery. As I was waiting I noticed that the lady in the car next to me had a stack of scratch-and-win lottery tickets that she was working her way through. I looked a little closer and realized that she was wearing a fur coat and the car she was driving a passenger in was a Cadillac STS. I couldn't help but think, here's this woman who would appear to have it all but she still wanted more. The fur coat, Cadillac, and I'm guessing big house in the rich part of town weren't satisfying her soul so she was looking for something else to try to fill the void.

Maybe she wanted more or maybe she was just hoping to win the jackpot to pay for everything. I don't know. But I do know that no matter how big the cash prize, it will never make her happy. Just ask the rich young ruler...

"As he was starting out on a trip, a man came running up to Jesus, knelt down, and asked, "Good Teacher, what should I do t get eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus asked. "Only God is truly good. But as for your question, you know the commandments: `Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not testify falsely. Do not cheat. Honor your father and mother.'"

"Teacher," the man replied, "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was a child."

Jesus felt genuine love for this man as he looked at him. "You lack only one thing," he told him. "Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this, the man's face fell, and he went sadly away because he had many possessions. (Mark 10:17-22)

I catch myself wanting "more" all the time, although not as often as in the past. The problem is (if I dare quote a U2 song) too much is never enough. It seems to me there is a direct correlation between having/wanting lots of things and the size of the hole inside. How many older folks say, "we didn't have much when I was a kid but we were happy." Sure, it has become a cliche, but it definitely rings true. All of our stuff can never satisfy our longing to love and be loved, to be known by others, and ultimately, to be in relationship with God.

Book Review: The Secret Message of Jesus

When I first read the title of Brian McLaren’s latest book, The Secret Message of Jesus, a small shudder went down my spine. Is it possible that the man who brought us such memorable and challenging books as A Generous Orthodoxy and A New Kind of Christian had sold out to the ‘how-to-lead-a-victorious-Christian-life-if-you-just-follow-these-10-easy-steps” palaver that has proliferated over the last 10 to 15 years in Christian publishing? As I dug into The Secret Message of Jesus I was pleased to find out that all is well in the world of McLaren.

In Matthew 10:7 Jesus says “the kingdom of Heaven is near.” Most of us have grown up with the understanding that near refers to a future time when Jesus returns and the kingdom of God reigns over the earth. McLaren’s supposition however, is that the “secret message” Jesus preached was the kingdom of God here, now, among you. It is not just a future glory to look forward to but is to be lived out by everyone who chooses to enter into it. In McLaren’s words, “the King is in the kingdom, and the kingdom is among us here and now – for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. The King is present in the mess and chaos of everyday life on earth…bringing healing, sight, perception, liberation, wholeness, wholesomeness, movement, health, fullness, nourishment, sanity, and balance. The incursion of the kingdom has begun.”

If this perception rings true, how then does my perspective of the world change if I am seeking the establishment of God’s kingdom on a daily basis? How do I view my neighbours, my co-workers, my friends? How might this change our traditional methods of evangelism? How does my view of the environment change? What about poverty, oppression, and injustice both at home and abroad?

The Secret Message of Jesus offers a unique perspective on what it means to be participants in the kingdom of God and is an excellent launching pad for discussion of these and other issues as we try to reengage the church with the culture at large. In many ways this is a far more personal book as it challenges us not just to change our theology, but to change our world as well.

Also posted to Amazon.ca and published in RYUN Magazine (September issue).

Book Review: The Da Vinci Code and the Secrets of the Temple

There is no shortage of books refuting the erroneous claims about Jesus Christ in The Da Vinci Code. Robin Griffith-Jones offers a literate response that is not only well measured, but he actually seems to have some fun with the topic. Unlike so many of the other “anti-Da Vinci” titles, which primarily take a finger-wagging approach towards Dan Brown and his novel, Griffith-Jones leads us on a quest through historical evidences that is every bit as intriguing as the novel itself.

From what authority does he write? Griffith-Jones is the Master of the Temple Church in London, as referenced in the Da Vinci Code itself. Although he has none of the authority of his predecessors, Griffith-Jones’ position is directly descended from the days of the Knights Templar and he does an excellent job chronicling their rise and their fall in a few brief pages.

In all, Robin Griffith-Jones has provided a reasonable rebuttal that gets to the heart of the flawed message of the Da Vinci Code in only 123 pages. If only Dan Brown had been so succinct.

Also posted to Amazon.ca

A MAC Attack!

It's been a looooong time since my last post and I'm afraid I don't have a very good excuse, well, actually I do...a new MAC! Yes, I finally took the plunge and got my first new computer in eight years; a shiny new 17-inch Intel Duo-Core iMAC . All of the rumours I'd heard about how user-friendly and intuitive Apple computers are proved to be entirely true. It was such an easy set-up I actually wondered what I'd missed! Since I tend to hold off on these kind of purchases until I can do it big, I splurged and picked up a 30-Gig iPod and a laser printer as well. And this week my Harman/Kardon SoundSticks II arrived via a pretty good deal on eBay. So I'm all suited up to rock the house! Aside from transferring files from the old machine and loading software, the last two weeks have been spent slowly uploading all of my favorite CD's to the hard drive and then onto the iPod. Sweet!

I've also discovered the wonderful world of podcasts and have come across a few that I listen to regularly. My two faves so far though are The Meeting House and The Beautiful Game.

Other than the MAC, we've also redone our spare bedroom, spent a weekend in Toronto at Canada Blooms, and finished the curling season with a 6-1 record. Not to boast too much, but we won our last two games by a combined score of 17-3. Woohoo! Although it's nice to have Tuesday nights free, I'm already looking forward to starting up in the fall again.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something and I've got lots of pictures to post as well so stay tuned!

Microsoft Licence

Tim sent me a fun link at work today. Check out this Microsoft End User agreement. As someone making the move to Mac in the next month or so I find this especially funny!

Bono & The Prayer Breakfast

Bono spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast in the U.S. last week. A lot of people are calling it a prophetic speech and his most public declaration of faith yet. Perhaps even more importantly, he continued to challenge the church and the American leadership to keep working hard to bring justice and not just charity to Africa. Go here for the complete transcript of the speech.

Gay Marriage In Canada

What I'm about to say will upset a lot of people. In fact, I hesitate to post anything at all, but frankly, I'm sick of hearing Christians carry on about the gay marriage issue as if it were the only important issue in the election.

Let me state right off the top that I am in favour of the traditional definition of marriage - the union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others. I believe if homosexuals want to form civil unions, they should be allowed to do so, but do not call it marriage. That being said, we are turning the gay marriage issue into our magnum opus, the defining issue by which we choose to support a candidate. At my parents church, they are even encouraging their congregation to vote for the Conservatives because they are going to change the gay marriage law. Poppycock! I think there are going to be an awful lot of disappointed people when it becomes a backburner issue after the election takes place.

What do we as Christians want to be know for? How much we loath homosexuals or how much we love our enemies and care for the poor and the oppressed? I don't hear many churches up in arms about Canada's shoddy record on foreign aid. Or when was the last time you heard of Christians lobbying their MP to do something about homelessness on our own streets? It seems we choose our issues very carefully, and especially prefer those that don't cause us to question our own motives. I heard theologian Brian McLaren say once that it's time to just shut up and start loving people. I agree.

"You have heard the law that says 'Love your neighbour' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" - Jesus (Matthew 5:43-44, NLT).

"There is still one thing you lack...Sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." - Jesus (Luke 18:22, NLT)

"Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do. I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough." - Jesus (Mark 2:17, NLT)

I'm NOT Gonna' Be In Politics!

I had another call from the CBC tonight that they definitely want me to pose my question in person to Stephen Harper - great news - except for one little problem...the question period is going to be taped mid-morning tomorrow instead of being live tomorrow night. Hello? Some of us have to work during the day! I have two appointments in the morning and a meeting in the afternoon so there's no way I can make it to the taping. Too bad; I was looking forward to asking a very important question to what looks like the next Prime Minister of Canada. Just for the record, here is the final, reworked version of my question:

Mr. Harper,
There has been very little discussion in this campaign about international aid to impoverished countries as well as addressing child poverty and homelessness here in Canada. I have studied the platforms of the three primary parties and it would appear that the NDP are the only party to make a firm commitment to increase foreign aid to 0.7% of GDP by 2015 as outlined in the Millennium Development Goals.

I believe that a country as wealthy as Canada has a responsibility to provide assistance to the poor around the world and here at home. What is the Conservative Party's commitment to the more than 30,000 people worldwide who die of poverty related illnesses every day?