Friday, January 25, 2008

Culture and Theology are the Same thing


Often times I hear of a tension between cultural relevance and correct theology.


Could the study of Culture and the Study of God be similar?
If we are really honest we will find God at work amidst culture regardless of the efforts of the 'Church' So does the church study systematic theology more in order to educate the world better on things that God is already doing without the 'Church's' help?

The script of culture will have markers that point to Him. The Scriptures help us interpret those cultural markers and say 'this is that'... or this is God at work as an active agent in the world we live in. There are many redemptive metaphors throughout society, biology, arts, culture, law that point to the human recognition that God is amoung us and active. The importance of the Scripture and theology is to study so we can see these sign posts and know what they mean [and I do not mean eschatologically]. But our efforts should be to study both with equal diligence.

If God is at work amoung us and not 'out there' then theology must encompass a wholistic view where culture has markers to find God already built within it. There is really no such thing as a godless person except for those who understand who He is and choose to ignore Him.

Could it be that there is more godlessness in those that 'know Him' [through disobedience] than through those that some would say have no knowledge of him? When we fail to recognize that God is amoung us and still an active agent in all manner of life, culturally, and otherwise [even in places where some would say he is not] we actually propogate a form of godlessness.

Thoughts?

Thursday, January 17, 2008

In All Honesty!!!



Can I be honest today?




In our engagement with people around us should our focus be on communicating the spirit of Jesus or communicating to them a 'Christian' Worldview? There is a Vaste difference.


I endoevor that my life, my conversations, my expressions of Faith will be about Jesus and not Christianity!


To be honest.... a 'Christian Worldview' is never truly grasped by anyone, but Jesus' spirit can be understood by any person in any stage of life.


To be honest.... A 'Christian Worldveiw' has been what has caused immense harm to cultures and atrocities to people groups around the world for centuries.


To be honest ....a 'Christian Worldview' is about exclusivity, but the spirit of Jesus speaks of a way that is for all.


A 'Christian Worldview' gets involved in political agendas - While the spirit of Jesus is with the poor and oppressed.


A 'Christian Worldview' focuses on proving opposing views wrong - while the spirit of Jesus listens and hears the cry of peoples hearts.


A 'Christian worldview' demands proper behavior and best practice/doctrine - while the spirit of Jesus gives grace for people to grow, and to fail.


And the list goes on... and on ... and on






The spirit of Jesus is quantum. Even in its smallest, minute expression, He is unstoppable.




Please contribute your comments or musings as well.


Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Political What?

Someone asked me the other day what my political perspective was.
I have a very strong opinion on political world views. It is simply this...
'I DON'T CARE!!!'
Some say it is my civic duty to vote and that I am a bad person if I don't vote. I have never made my way to the polls in my entire life and I do not intend to. For this simple reason ... I don't Care!!!

What are you thoughts on politics and our Civic duties?

I could say much about this but I want to gather soem of your thoughts first.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

In honor of a good man


Ok Ok ... this is a little out of the ordinary but once in a while I think its good to have a little fun and remind ourselves as men that we are valuable to our women. Yes they [women] are perfect in every way and we are not, but we do have value. So for those of you who are men reading, this is to boost your confidence in your manliness... and for those of you who are women... remember these the next time you are a little flustered with your man's 'quirks'

Yes, I am the first to admit and probably lead the way, we have our faults: Forgetting anniversaries, forgetting to put the seat down, and a whole bunch of other important things I’m forgetting. But before you go wishing for a world without any of us big dumb apes, take a minute to reflect on all the joy we bring to your world. Like duct tape, men have all kinds of helpful uses, like…

1. We do gross things you don’t want to do
Got a bug that needs squishing? A clogged drain that needs snaking? In this day and age of women doing it for themselves, every once in a while, it’s nice to sit back and let a guy feel like a “real man” and do your dirty work for you. Whether we’re sweating our butt off hefting those ten boxes of Xmas decorations out of the basement or carrying heavy bags of garbage to the curb, men are not above getting grimy for your affection.

2. Our constant desire to have sex with you has got to be good for your ego
Maybe our attempts to have quickies before you run out the door for work aren’t exactly romantic, but what can we say, you drive us wild! What could be a better boost for your self-image than a guy who wants to spend as much time as humanly possible in the presence of your nakedness?

3. We’ll never tell you that you look fat in those jeans
No matter how many times you ask or what size they are, the answer will always be unilaterally, unequivocally NO.

4. We’re easy to please
Fancy dinners? Pricey presents? Save your dough. To bring a big smile to your fella’s face, follow this simple equation: Pizza + PS3 = happy man.

5. We keep you up to date on all the latest gadgets

You don’t want a TV set bigger than your dining-room table? Fine, but we’ll let you know when your computer is hopelessly outdated and which new cell phone doubles as an MP3, takes pictures, and reminds you to call your mom on her birthday all at the same time. It’s like having your own personal electronics consultant—for free!

6. You can squeeze our arms as hard as you like during the scary parts of movies
And aside from making great stress squeeze balls at the theatre, we’re also good for a nudge in the middle of the night when you think you hear some gigantic mouse sneaking around downstairs or someone to run down three stories [in their underwear]to make sure the door was locked [even after you checked three times before going ot bed].

7. We make you laugh your butt off
Sometimes, being an overgrown three-year-old has its benefits, like all the weird faces we can make in the mirror when we are plucking those pesky nose hairs.

8. Whenever you’re upset about work, our response is always, “Your boss is an idiot.”
Guys see things in black and white. We’re not all about understanding the subtleties and layers of an argument. If you’re having problems at your job, we won’t play psychoanalyst and try to get to the root of the problem. We won’t try to figure out if you are doing anything to make the situation worse: If your boss is ticking you off, your boss is obviously a jerk and doesn’t deserve to have you onboard. We know that your are an amazing person and there is no reason in the world that anyone in the world should be giving you a hard time.

9. We nearly always make the first move
Asking someone out, leaning in for that first kiss—all instances that can result in ego-destroying rejection. But even the meekest of men are willing to take the risk when a beauty like you steps into our lives. So sit back and enjoy watching us tremble.
There must be at least 5 more ... Please comment with yours.
excerpts taken from other articles.

Friday, November 09, 2007