That I May Run, Rise, Rest

I am for the Boston Red Sox

2007-10-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

Let me begin by saying that the Philadelphia Phillies are and will always be my home team and my first baseball love. Having said that, however, I am rooting for the Boston Red Sox in the World Series (as I type this, they just became the American League Champions). Why? Because I love baseball towns. Both Philadelphia and Boston are classic baseball towns. It's hard to define the characteristics of a baseball town - you just know one when you see it.

Colorado has several strikes against it in this regard. For starters, Colorado is not a town, it is a state. For some strange reason, the team chooses to be known as the "Colorado Rockies." What the heck is up with that? That's a problem. It also comes down to character. As an example of the stark contrast in character between a team from a baseball town (a great one at that) and one that is not even from a town, check out this video:

There's a personality and energy that is characteristic of a real baseball town. It's just a simple joy that expresses itself in fun loving self-forgetfulness. It's Phillies fans doing the Mummer's Strut up Broad Street when the fightin' Phils became National League Champions in 1993. It's the Red Sox doing jigs and line dances. Take a look:

So come Wednesday night, I'll proudly join Red Sox Nation in cheering the Boston to victory.

What's in a name?

2007-09-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

I am of the opinion that the name of this blog was one of my (not incredibly frequent) strokes of genius. You might be of the opinion that you're not quite sure where it comes from. Problem Solved!

The (catchy) title for the blog comes from a poem by George Herbert called "Trinity Sunday." George Herbert was a member of Parliament, an Anglican vicar, and a metaphysical poet. Personally, he also happens to be one of my favorite poets. I remember writing explications of several of his poems during my British Literature course. It was one of the first times I realized how much better you can understand things by simply paying attention and making the effort to let the poet speak for him (or her) self. Thank you liberal arts education!

So here's the poem in its original form:

Lord, who hast form’d me out of mud,
And hast redeem’d me through thy bloud,
And sanctifi’d me to do good;

Purge all my sinnes done heretofore:
For I confesse my heavie score,
And I will strive to sinne no more.

Enrich my heart, mouth, hands in me,
With faith, with hope, with charitie;
That I may runne, rise, rest with thee.

This prayer continues to be important in my life. Hence the title. I hope I make more sense now and I hope that you will make this prayer your own.

Good (non-musical) Listening

2007-08-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's because of a long daily commute or the introduction of the iPod into my life, but I've spent a lot of time over the past year downloading and listening to podcasts, lectures, sermons, and other non-musical things. It may also be an indication that I am boring, but if I have to be boring I may as well go about it in an exciting way. So here are some links to websites that (in my humble opinion) have really good stuff to offer to help keep us all sharp:

Center for Christian Study (University of Virginia, Charlottesville). If you are ever driving through Virginia, make sure to stop in Charlottesville and at Center for Christian Study which is nestled into UVa's "grounds" (http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifas they insist upon calling them). Their bookstore is heavenly. For now, download some of their lectures.

Intercollegiate Studies Institute. My employer (up until yesterday). For the more conservative, libertarian, and agrarians among you, their extensive lecture library is online and downloadable in audio and video formats.

The Gospel Coalition. Check it out. This is a great site. Enough said.

Tim Keller Resources (from Steve McCoy at Reformissionary.com). If you have never listened to a Tim Keller sermon, you're missing out. I can't tell you how much these sermons have shaped the way I think and (I hope) the way I live the Kingdom lifestyle.

Veritas Forum Media. This is a great organization doing good work on top college campuses across the country. The lectures range from extremely dull and dry to captivating. I recommend John Stott, N.T. Wright, or Bill Edgar on Jazz and Rock.

Second Presbyterian Church Sermon Podcast. I'm not sure how to link to an iTunes podcast, but you should definitely listen to Sandy Wilson.

I haven't really needed to download sermons from my very own home church. Since tomorrow is my last Sunday there for a while, though, I plan on starting. You should consider it too.

I think that's enough for now. Hope you take a look at some of these. What podcasts do other people listen to all the time? Let me know.

2007-08-15T17:09:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a little while since my last blog post. Between vacation in Ocean City with my family and vacation in Jackson Hole with Rebekah's family, there hasn't been much in the way of extra time. On top of all of that, there's been a pretty significant change in my "career development" that has happened so quickly that I've barely had time to take it all in.

On August 30th, I will begin a position as an Undergraduate Admissions Counselor at Wheaton College. So that means I'll be leaving my job at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute and the City of Brotherly Love and moving back to Chicagoland after a little over two years away. It is at once very exciting and a little overwhelming for me and Rebekah. She is working on lining up a job in the Wheaton area (any leads would be much appreciated!) and we both have a lot of work to do in the next two weeks.

Funny-ish sidenote: During a phone interview with the director and assistant director of admissions, I was in Wyoming at a MUCH higher altitude than usual. The air was a little thin. So on top of the usual interview jitters, I occasionally sounded like I was running up stairs with a pile of cinder blocks on my back while trying to answer their questions.

Anyway, that's what's up. It will be sad to leave my family, my church, my Philadelphia friends, and my youth group kids. But even though it's hard to leave, I have seen God's hand of guidance through this whole process. This is the right move to make. I'll try to be a bit more regular about posting on this site. In the meantime, call or email me if we haven't talked for a while and please pray. More to come soon!

What Gandalf Taught Me

2007-07-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

"Are you angry with me, Gandalf?" [Pippin] said as their guide went out and closed the door. "I did the best I could."

"You did indeed!" said Gandalf, laughing suddenly; and he came and stood beside Pippin, putting his arm about the hobbits shoulders, and gazing out of the window. Pippin glanced in some wonder at the face now close beside his own, for the sound of that laugh had been gay and merry. Yet in the wizard's face he saw at first only lines of care and sorrow; though as he looked more intently he perceived that under all there was a great joy: a fountain of mirth enough to set a kingdom laughing, were it to gush forth.

The Return of the King, J.R.R. Tolkein

This is one of my favorite passages from The Lord of the Rings. It made me happy for days after I first read it, and has been on my mind ever since. It is a favorite for me because Gandalf in those dark hours at Minas Tirith (the scene which the above lines recount) is an ideal to which I aspire: a life and an outlook that is at once sorrowful at the brokeness of a Creation under siege, yet full of mirth and joy and laughter underneath the lines of care.

Too often we who follow Jesus and believe his Gospel are guilty of being sour, dismal, and gray. On one end of the spectrum are those who feel it is their Christian duty to root out heresy and hunt down wolves in sheep's clothing - or even just those who don't mind alcohol and who read versions that are not the King James. The internet is full of these types. With the heavy battles they fight day in and day out, they seem suspicious of any hint that life on earth might be fun and that joyous laughter might be a manifestation of the kingdom of God.

At the other end of the spectrum are those Christians who are deeply concerned with the often unjust ways the world works. From poverty and disease, to war and slavery, they know in detail the reasons to mourn the brokenness of creation. Too often, though, they can't see any reason for mirth or joy with all the horrors in the world. Why, they ask, should I laugh when the world seems so broken?

Now - as someone passionate about both orthodoxy and justice - I must confess that I am very sympathetic with each of these groups. It is good and right to mourn the unfaithfulness of the church and injustice around the globe. But underneath the lines of care ought to be a fountain of mirth and a swelling ocean of joy. Jesus is risen! The curse is broken! As C.S. Lewis put it, death has begun to work backwards. One day the church will have all its mistaken beliefs and practices corrected, one day God will wipe away every tear of sorrow and put all the world right. Read Isaiah 35 or Revelation 22 if your supply of laughter, joy, and delight needs replenishing.

So, as we battle for truth, let us remember that the war is already won and confidently fight with love and joy - not to destroy but to take many prisoners to the One who can set them free. As we work for justice, let us labor with tears in our eyes and joy in our hearts as the servants of the true King who is putting his broken creation together again.

G.K. Chesterton was said to win arguments and disarm sour audiences with the force of his mirth and the power of his laugh. What a difference it might make to our theological and social battles if we let the lines of care burst forth with the mirth that will set whole kingdoms laughing. So remember Gandalf who fought the powers of darkness and led a great struggle against tyranny - let your face display deep lines of care and a deeper fountain of joy that the whole story has a happy ending.

Arkansas to Ocean City 2007

2007-06-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

So I flew down to Memphis last week by way of Atlanta. After spending nearly 12 hours in the Atlanta airport, I finally made it to the Mississippi Delta; Hughes, Arkansas; and Rebekah. Early the next morning, we said goodbye to Rebekah's roommate Danielle and began our drive to Philadelphia.

Rebekah took us from Knoxville, TN (which - might I add - is not a very nice looking city) to southern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley (which is a very nice place that we like a lot).

We made it to Philadelphia on Sunday and unpacked the U-Haul. We tried to drop off said U-Haul, but every drop off location was closed. So, we spent 2 hours careening down the Atlantic City Expressway with an empty U-Haul hitched to the car. It was noisy ... but good. Rebekah was especially amused when I attempted to drive, not crash into anyone with the U-Haul and eat a rapidly melting Chipwich all at the same time. Here are a few photos from the beach:

Just after sunset:

The moon over OCNJ:

My bro and my Dad:

The Jersey Shore:

My Photography

2007-06-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

I occasionally take some pretty good photos - mostly when I'm not trying hard to take good photos. I like the prehistoric feel to this one. This was taken in the parking lot of my workplace which is in the "chateau" (aka "du Pont") country near Wilmington, Delaware. For that reason, I imagine this turtle having a French accent and a name like Pierre.

Periodical "What the Heck?"

2007-03-08T18:52:00.000-08:00

Conservative Evangelical leader Dr. James Dobson - along with other representatives of the Religious Right - has sent a letter to the chairman of the National Association of Evangelicals requesting that they either move to rein in Rev. Richard Cizic, head of the NAE's Washington office, for his advocacy on the climate change issue or demand his resignation. Cizic has been vocal on behalf of the NAE in support of calls to action and admissions that climate change is a result of human activity. According to the letter, by having a position on climate change, Cizic is "threatening the unity" of the NAE. It should be noted that none of the letter's signatories are members of the NAE.

So, what's the big deal? Is Cizic letting climate change dominate his time and his work in bringing Evangelical conviction to bear on the Washington political scene?

I really do not understand all the fuss. Is a position on climate change that differs from the views of some prominent leaders really a big problem? Would we be better served by an NAE spokesperson who focused solely on pro-life and marriage issues? While I think those are surely important issues (especially, in my opinion, the abortion issue), if someone is in Washington speaking for me, I want him or her to speak with thoughtful evangelical conviction on all the issues currently facing our society.

With the recent resurgence of interest in William Wilberforce, one would think that Evangelicals would learn that real societal change comes from taking consistent positions on EVERY issue of the day. Wilberforce and the Clapham Saints were leaders of hundreds of efforts to make the world a better place - from the abolition of the slave trade to the humane treatment of animals. Why - according to some leaders - should we limit ourselves to three or four pet issues today?

I really do not understand. I want my biblical worldview to inform every area of my life from the way I raise a family to the way I decide what car to drive. Can't I be pro-life and a creation care advocate at the same time? Can't I believe in free enterprise and social justice? I hope I can.

Call to Prayer

2006-12-18T16:49:00.000-08:00

Please pray for the two men who remain lost on Mount Hood in Oregon.

All three men are both experienced climbers and strong Christians. Kelly James, who's body was found yesterday, is the brother of the president of Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando.

Pray for the two remaining men, all the families, the searchers, and all involved.

Getting Together in Philadelphia

2006-12-10T17:59:00.000-08:00

Brittany, Kendra, Ryan, and Me in Center City, Philadelphia

Food For Thought

2006-11-07T15:54:00.000-08:00

"As an option for the private field, as the protagonist for certain values, Christianity can enjoy considerable success. Churches can grow. People can be encouraged, as the posters in General Eisenhower's day used to put it, to 'join the church of your choice.' All this can happen. And yet the claim, the awesome and winsome claim of Jesus Christ to be alone the Lord of all the world, the light that alone shows the whole of reality as it really is, the life that alone endures forever - this claim is effectively silenced. It remains, for our culture, just one of the varieties of religious experience"

-- Lesslie Newbigin, Foolishness to the Greeks, pg. 19

The Great Booklist of 2006: A Literary Retrospective

2006-10-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

Well here is the long awaited book post. I think I'll just list things, provide some comments, and then rate them (out of five stars ... five being the best):

1. Seeking the Secret Place: The Spiritual Formation of C.S. Lewis - This is the newest book by Lyle Dorsett. It was great. For those of you into C.S. Lewis, this book provides a fresh perspective on his life as a disciple of Jesus. 5 Stars.

2. The Story of Christianity Volume Two: The Reformation to the Present Day by Justo Gonzalez. This book was good as a broad overview of church history from a not entirely Western perspective. Gonzalez is from Latin America (Cuba, I believe) but received his Ph.D. from Yale in Historical Theology. Sometimes it gets bogged down in details but, overall, it's a pretty useful book. 3.5 stars.

3. On Paradise Drive: How We Live Now (And Always Have) In the Future Tense by David Brooks. I really liked this book. David Brooks is a creative thinker and a great writer. His cultural analysis seems to be spot on. If you graduated from Wheaton you must read this book! 5 Stars.

4. For All God's Worth: True Worship and the Calling of the Church by N.T. Wright. Even if you don't always agree with N.T. Wright, he has great things to say. I'd say this is another "must read" book. 5 Stars.

5. The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. This book is volume one of two (currently) and focuses on the early life of Theodore Roosevelt. When it didn't make me feel like a slacker (TR was a New York State Assemblyman, a published historian, and a respected ornithologist by the time he was 24), it was inspirational. If you like biographies of Presidents, this is a good one. 4 stars.

6. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Did I read this? Yes. Was I entertained? Somewhat. But it is still a silly book. It's a popular novel that wishes it was entirely historical. It's full of suspense but it's not really well written. 1 Star.

7. Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense by N.T. Wright. This is a great introduction to the Christian faith. It is also a reminder of those things that are really important. Jesus really is the main character of all history. Read this book to find out how to join Him as He continues to renew all things. 4.5 stars.

8. Sidewalks in the Kingdom: New Urbanism and the Christian Faith by Eric O. Jacobsen. If you are one of those people who is into true neighborhoods and thinks that it is good for Christians to live in a way that is concious of the world around them, read this book. 4 stars.

9. Imagine: A Vision for Christians in the Arts by Steve Turner. This is not a long book but it is a worldview shaping book. I might be biased as a very important person in my life is an artist, but I think you should all read this book. 5 stars.

10. Fit Bodies Fat Minds: Why Evangelicals Don't Think and What to Do About It by Os Guinness. I like Os Guinness a lot. But this book was a yawner. There are any number of more interesting titles that address the same topic. 2 stars.

11. "Fundamentalism" and the Word of God by J.I. Packer. If you're wondering about the doctrine of Scripture, this is a necessity. J.I. Packer lays out the strong case for the traditional Evangelical view of the Bible. I agree. I think he clearly shows that the Bible teaches that it is the Word of God and is to be received by believers as authoritative. 5 stars.

12. The Work of the Pastor by William Still. This book is out of print but I think it ought to be in print again. Anyone considering pastoral ministry should read this. It's practical, witty, and pokes through a lot of nonsense that comes from many corners of the church these days. 4 stars.

13. Worship: Reformed According to Scripture by Hughes Oliphant Old. I really liked this book, but it's not for everyone. It is incredibly interesting to see the roots of Christian worship practices. For instance, Dr. Old starts his discussion of things like Baptism and Daily Prayer in the Old Testament and works his way up to the Reformation. I like it. 4.5 stars.

14. Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour. This is the story of a Palestinian Christian who grew up around the founding of modern Israel. He became a priest and has spent his life working to bring peace and justice to everyone in that area of the Middle East. I really liked this book. It was recommended to me by Dr. Gary Burge as the book to read to start understanding the church in the Middle East. 5 stars.

I have a bunch of books in progress now and I have about two months to finish a few more. So maybe I'll update and add to the list! But this is good for now. Enjoy!

Where is Andrew?

2006-10-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a while since I've updated this totally awesome blog. One of the reasons for my lack of posting has been a concerted effort to secure a new job. And now the time has come for me to leave my post at the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals and take up a new job at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. For some reason, I always end up working at organizations with very grand names. I guess I'm just a grand guy.

Anyway, I'll be starting next Wednesday. It should be exciting.

Another reason for the silence on my blog has been a lack of interesting things to write about. There have been plenty of interesting things though. None of them, however, are ripe enough to write about. So here's what I'll do in the next few days:

Andrew's Book List for 2006. Therein I will tell you what I've read, what I thought, and what you should read. Don't expect anything too intellectual like Kurt's. But it should be more interesting than nothing. Look for it soon in a bloglines account near you!

Stand Against Torture

2006-09-22T19:36:00.000-07:00

I've recently had my eyes open to what I believe is an instance of the current state of affairs being "not the way things ought to be". The Bible and Christian tradition makes clear that torture is always wrong, all the time. All throughout history, torture has never been an option. Now, it seems, we are toeing that line. What does that say about us as Americans? More importantly, what does that say about those of us who are followers of Jesus?

It breaks my heart that there could even be a debate about the use of torture in the interrogation and detainment of POWs. It breaks my heart even more that many on the right (the Christian right) are not saying anything about it. The arguments in favor of using some forms of torture (or "alternative interrogation" or however you want to label it) almost all seem to be practical: "we need to torture them to get information that could save lives" or "we'd get much worse if we were their captives" or "they are trying to kill us".

This reasoning clings to safety and security over goodness and mercy and disregards those values that give meaning life (regardless of whether or not that life is "safe" or "dangerous"). I want my life to be one of goodness and mercy, I want the fellowship of believers to promote goodness and mercy througout the world, and I want my country to stand up for goodness and mercy for all people - regardless of the cost. America has truly done this in the past (though imperfectly) and I believe we can do it again. The church will always stand for these things because they are some of the things that the Lord of the church stands for. I stand for these things and, therefore, I stand against torture in all its forms.

If you're interested in reading more about a biblical response to these issues (from the perspective of a pastor with a long career of military service under his belt) read the articles at these links:

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

The Evolution of Dance

2006-07-22T05:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun way for you to spend 6 minutes:

Worship Songs These Days

2006-07-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

Just a short thought:

There are two main things that bother me about many contemporary worship songs:

1. Sometimes it seems that we are singing things that just aren't true. I do not always worship God with all of my heart; I do not seek to follow Him alone. I wish that was true - and I know that it will be true in eternity - and I know it can be increasingly true as the Holy Spirit works within me - but I can't sing many of those words with true integrity.

Some songs need to be scrapped or rewritten entirely.

2. Some worship songs should not be used in corporate worship because they defeat the purpose of CORPORATE worship. It's good to sing "I love you, Lord" during times of private worship, but doesn't it often turn the worship of the community of believers into private individualism?

One of the things I appreciate most about World Christian Fellowship at Wheaton College (an organization that played a major role in my life during my time there) is that they are very intentional about making sure that the singing reflects our belief that when we worship we join both with those in the room with us and those brothers and sisters all around the globe. We often changed the personal pronouns "I" and "My" to the more community forming "We" and "Our".

Many songs were made into prayers on behalf of the church around the world. Many assumptions about worship and the church were challenged. Many lives were redirected. And all because a few words were changed from the individual to the communal.

Memphis to Philadelphia #1

2006-06-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

Crossing our first state line (the mighty Mississippi River) from Arkansas into Tennessee

Our campsite in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Note to self - and to all who might be reading this:
When you make reservations for a "mixed use" campground in a national park you will be surrounded by about 300 people whose idea of camping is making the great outdoors as much like the great indoors as possible (by way of RVs or gigantic tents with washers, dryers, and sometimes a wait staff). Just so you know.

This is my friend J.J. the Smoky Mountain Llama. He and I became pretty close ... check back soon for the full story.

Global Warming

2006-05-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some good links to help us think about how Christians should deal with global warming:

1. Dr. Philip Ryken had a very well-balanced article that you can read here.

2. Your's truly gives his view here.

That was a little shameless self promotion on my part. Hope you enjoy!

Our Calling

2006-05-22T15:59:00.000-07:00

We are called, simply, to hold on to Christ and his cross with one hand, with all our might; and to hold on to those we are given to love with the other hand, with all our might, with courage, humour, self-abandonment, creativity, flair, tears, silence, sympathy, gentleness, flexibility, Christlikeness. When we find their tears becoming our own, we may know that healing has begun to happen; when they find Christ in being held on to by us, whether we realize it or not, we are proving the truth of what Paul said: God made him to be sin for us, who knew know sin, so that in him we might embody the saving faithfulness of God

- N.T. Wright, For All God's Worth

Rebekah and Andrew in Arkansas

2006-04-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

These next two were taken in downtown Memphis. Ha Ha. No, this actually gives you a good feel for what eastern Arkansas (and the Hughes, AR metropolitan area) looks like. If you look closely you might be able to make out the smears on the windshield of the numerous large bugs whose lives were ended on Interstate 79 by a silver Ford Escape.

City Night

2006-03-30T06:02:00.000-08:00

"Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."

Jeremiah 29:7

Predictability

2006-03-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

I don't like it when people are predictable.

Granted, I often fall into the predictable category on many occasions (i.e. "I knew you were going to say that", or "let me guess, no cheese, lettuce or mayonnaise"). I'm not talking about that kind of predictability. That comes from people knowing you well and being with you often. That's nice.

The kind of predictability I'm talking about is more of a "party line" mentality. It appears all across the spectrum of human experience, but it is most bothersome to me when it shows up in the Church. Let me give some examples:

1. Some theologians and church leaders from the traditional and conservative wing of the American evangelical church assume that if you are a member of their denominations you must, therefore, wear suits, appreciate only certain kinds of music for worship, read long tomes by Charles Hodge, and only speak about theology in certain ways. You must NEVER, therefore, use the terms "missional" or "narrative", change the format of worship services, or have a tatoo. This is definitely a bit of hyperbole meant to highlight the differences. I am a member of a traditional and conservative denomination, I like suits, and I appreciate the very old hymns. I also count many of these people as my friends and role models.

2. Some theologians at the other end of the evangelical spectrum seem to think that they've discovered truths long forgotten by the Western church. Traditional churches, they believe, have no idea what it means to be "authentic", "a community", "missional", or "pursuing shalom". Maybe churches made up of older people have all of these things, to a certain extent, just in a way that is less cutting edge. You wouldn't think so to read some from the emerging church movement. Again, also hyperbolic. But you get the idea.

Both sides are very fond of recommended reading lists. I am also very fond of such things. But both sides also imply that Christians need to choose their list and steer clear of the other. You can't read B.B. Warfield one day and Lesslie Newbigin the next. Some books are "dangerous" (Blue Like Jazz on the one side, and anything critical of the emerging church on the other). Telling me not to read something is a pretty sure way to guarantee that I'll read it.

I really don't like predictability. This is why I like people like Donald Miller, Phillip Ryken, Tim Keller, the guys at liberti, Mark Driscoll, and Aaron Messner. These guys are not predictable. They are surprising, challenging, and refreshing. You might listen to one sermon where they exhort people to cling to the truth of the Gospel and another sermon where they call people to be involved in social justice and communal ministry in poor neighborhoods. That's the way things should be.

Party lines and predictability are bad because they impose the beliefs of mortal men and women on the hearts and minds of other mortal men and women. Only the most delusional individuals or movements claim to have it all together theologically or spiritually. Our only sure guide is God's Word. Tradition is helpful, debate is helpful, innovation is helpful, but all of these must be measured up against the perfect standard of Scripture.

Burnside Writer's Collective

2006-03-15T13:44:00.000-08:00

Donald Miller and some others have a new website called the Burnside Writers Collective. It has articles, reviews, a promising social justice section, and some pretty funny and insightful observations on American culture. Here's an example from Donald Miller:

I recently pitched a book to a publisher entitled “A Billion Little Pieces.”

Because readers have grown suspicious of the memoir genre, I began my book with a pledge of honesty, referring vaguely to the controversial memoir with a similar (though numerically inferior) title.

My pledge read:

“In an age when authors embellish historical accounts for dramatic effect, and in so doing delude hope for recovery, the author of this book swears to be forthright in every turn.”

The first sentence of my book then read:

“The moist breeze woke me, and though my vision was tinged red through the bubble-blood rings round my left cornea, I squinted to see I was gripping the wing of a 747 landing at Denver International Airport. ‘How did I get here?’ I wondered to myself, and ‘Why does that building look like a circus tent?’”

Christians and the Care of Creation

2006-03-08T17:39:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that I wasn't always sold on the existence of global warming. At times it seemed like just another political issue that exists for the convenience of choosing a side. If you were a liberal Democrat you thought that global warming was a big problem; if you were a conservative Republican you thought that global warming was silly and imaginary. But sometimes real life issues don't fit conveniently on one side of the aisle or the other.

That's why I was glad to hear about the Evangelical Climate Initiative. The statement they produced (to read it, click on the title of this post) a few weeks ago basically says that global climate change is a problem that will eventually have a big effect on the world - especially on those from the world's poorest regions. I'm inclined to agree.

But I was even more excited when I saw the list signatories. Some made their expected appearance (Brian McLaren, Ron Sider, and others). Others were pretty surprising: Timothy George, Clive Calver, and Leith Anderson. Not exactly you're typical "liberal" evangelicals. But one signatory takes the cake. Allow me to reproduce the line as I read it:

Duane Litfin, Ph.D., President, Wheaton College, Wheaton IL.

Wow. I have to say that Dr. Litfin lends this statement a lot of credibility. I know how careful he is about making his views public. He would have to be convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt that climate change is a man-made problem before he would agree to sign the statement. I respect Dr. Litfin for his willingness to lend support to ECI.

Another observation: not everyone is supportive of this declaration. Other influential evangelicals like Charles Colson and James Dobson disagree with the stance taken by ECI. Why? Well, it seems to me there are two reasons:

1. They argue that the scientific data is not conclusive enough to say that human beings are the major cause of climate change. Thus it is wrong to make pronouncements and recommendations for action.

2. ECI was supported by the Hewlett Foundation, an organization that also provides significant support to Planned Parenthood.

Okay, number 2 is a problem. ECI is life-affirming and Planned Parenthood is clearly not. But should the source of funding cause us to disregard the entire statement as a tool of pro-abortion advocates? No.

Number 1 might also be accurate. We truly do not have as much scientific data as we might want. But if there is going to be a miscalculation involved, shouldn't we err on the side of caution? Maybe some groundbreaking new finding will show us that global warming is not as big a problem as some think. If that happens will we bemoan the fact that we "wasted" time cutting down on pollution, researching alternatives to fossil fuels, taking care of our global neighbors, and thinking biblically about our role in Creation? I highly doubt it. And those are the types of things that ECI calls on believers and churches to start thinking about.

So read the statement, think about the world that God made, and take some action!

Awesome Letters

2006-02-28T05:48:00.000-08:00

Click on the Title to Spell With Flickr!

Blue Like Jazz: A Review of a Review

2006-01-25T17:08:00.000-08:00

The main point of this post is to take a look at the recent review by 9 Marks Ministries of Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller.

First of all:

THE GOOD:

I truly appreciate and affirm the concern shown for biblical truth and orthodoxy by the writer of this review. Many issues about Donald Miller's methodology and content were brought to light for the first time. Truly, we can not pick up a copy of Blue Like Jazz, read it, and declare that to be the apex of our spiritual growth and our systematic theology.

There are several aspects of the book of which Christians should be wary and cautious. The reviewer is absolutely correct to say that younger generations need to know Jesus - Jesus who lived, died, rose from the dead, ascended, and will return. We should not base our knowledge of Jesus on Blue Like Jazz but rather on the solid rock of Scripture.

THE BAD:

Wasn't there anything that Donald Miller said that was helpful or right-on or worth reading? The reviewer seems to think not, calling the book "cool" but "extremely unhelpful". I've read Blue Like Jazz and I found it to be a very encouraging book. True, it is not a complete picture of Jesus and there are several troubling theological and philosophical issues that make appearances throughout the book. But think about it clearly:

Is Blue Like Jazz something that your non-Christian friends would read? Will people who read it (Christian and non-Christian alike) start to think about deeper theological and spiritual issues?

If we are honest, the answer is a resounding yes.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis is not a complete and final theological foundation for Christians. Neither is Blue Like Jazz. But both of these books ought to drive people to their knees and to their Bibles. God saves sinners through the proclamation of His unchanging and perfect Word and sometimes He uses authors with some quirky views to get sinners to pay attention.

THE CONCLUSION:

Read Blue Like Jazz and accept it for what it is at it's best: a winsome, fresh, and challenging look at the Christian life. Read critical reviews and accept them for what they are at their best: sincere words of caution and pastoral concern.

Tomes and Not-So-Tomes

2006-01-18T20:15:00.000-08:00

Are you, like me, obsessive readers of reading lists?

Here are some books recommended by Dr. Philip G. Ryken.

If you're bored with the same old theological tomes (and let's be honest, who isn't sometimes?) check out some reading about the Missional Church.

Here's what Sam Storms recommends.

Desiring God Ministries thinks you ought to read quite a lot.

That ought to keep you occupied for the next few decades.

The Evangelism Linebacker

2006-01-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

Do you remember that series of Reebok commercials that began during the 2003 Superbowl featuring "Terrible Terry" Tate, the Office Linebacker?

I thought those were pretty funny. In fact, I thought they were some of the funniest Superbowl commercials I've seen.

Well, leave it to American Evangelicalism to come up with a clip for sermon illustrations based on the Terry Tate concept.

Some of it is, well, lacking in essential comedic timing. But overall it's a pretty funny clip. You should watch it.

"Pride comes before the fall! That's OLD TESTAMENT!"

A Book You Should Read

2006-01-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

It's easy to think of C.S. Lewis as an ivory tower intellectual whose success depended upon his well-trained mind. Did books like Mere Christianity, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Four Loves depend merely upon a piercing intellect? Or was there something more?

Lyle Dorsett believes there was.

Based on years of research, interviews, and personal experience with the writing of C.S. Lewis, Dorsett tells a well-documented story of a man who was first and foremost a Christian who sought to draw close to God. Lewis knew that God was the source of everything he did. Dorsett shows how intentional Lewis was about incorporating Scripture, prayer, the life of the church, and spiritual guidance into his incredibly busy life.

The book asks a question that has gone unanswered until now: "how did C.S. Lewis grow as a Christian?". We know about his conversion and we know that the books he wrote continue to make an eternal impact on the lives of many, but how did C.S. Lewis grow in grace?

I highly recommend Seeking the Secret Place. If you are a fan of C.S. Lewis or if you want to learn how one man grew as a believer, read this book.

(For a more in-depth review, read what Sam Storms has to say)

Wheaton, Rome, and J.P. Hochschild

2006-01-10T14:23:00.000-08:00

Wheaton College made the front page of this Saturday's Wall Street Journal Weekend Edition. The story, which is well worth at least a skim, concerns Dr. Joshua Hochschild, a former Wheaton professor who was given a terminal contract after converting to Roman Catholicism.

Hochschild converted during my junior year and was the favorite professor of many philosophy major friends of mine. He was, I believe, an excellent professor and a trusted advisor to many. Everything I heard about him from friends leads me to have the utmost respect for him as a person and a scholar.

But I think that Wheaton College did the right thing.

A college can't turn it's back on 150 years of history just because they want to retain one professor. The decision to open faculty positions to Roman Catholics (or those from other Christian traditions) rests with the Board of Trustees and the Wheaton Community as a whole. A change like this should not be made lightly but with prayer and godly wisdom.

So I agree with Dr. Litfin on this one. I have been concerned about the way the administration makes decisions about Wheaton faculty (three in particular come to mind), but this is not one of them.

Read this post for more(including links that show how some other Wheaton professors view this topic).

(photo credit - Wheaton College - www.wheaton.edu)

Funny Stuff!

2006-01-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

Jonathan Edwards: Light and Heat

2006-01-09T16:26:00.000-08:00

"Our people don't so much need to have their heads stored as to have their hearts touched and they stand in the greatest need of that sort of preaching that has the greatest tendency to do this."

Jonathan Edwards

Christmas Reflection: Music

2005-12-19T19:58:00.000-08:00

In the next few posts, I'd like to focus on three aspects of Christmas that are particularly important to me: music, light, words and family.

In my mind, you cannot have Christmas without music. At least you can't have a proper Christmas without proper music. There are three kinds of Christmas music: songs that capture by their words or tunes (hopefully both!) the essence of Christmas; fun songs ("Jingle Bells", "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town", etc.) that are good for driving, for baking cookies and for otherwise lightening the mood; finally, there are Christmas songs that should be destroyed (this would probably be a pretty hefty list ... and everyone has their pet peeves ... contemporary Christian music is responsible for many that would end up on my list).

Here our focus is upon the first type of Christmas music. Music like this helps us to remember with our emotions the Incarnation of our Lord and Saviour.

When we listen to Handel's Messiah or beautiful carols from Medieval Europe, we remember the angels who broke the silence of the night with songs of God's glory. Music like this helps us to remember God's transcedent majesty.

When we listen to guitars play folk carols or children singing the simple songs of Christmas, we call to mind the scene below the angels: a baby in a manger, a poor peasant family, shepherds in the fields. The Word became flesh! The God served by multitudes of the heavenly host, the Creator of all things, a baby.

As you listen to Christmas music, perhaps you might pause and consider both the immanence and transcendence of God that echoes in our hearts this season.

Advent Reflection

2005-12-12T16:19:00.000-08:00

Let's take a break from revolutionaries for now. We'll get to the really important revolutionaries after a little while.

Advent is a season of waiting. I have been trying (imperfectly and inconsistently) to get myself into a mindset of waiting during the past few weeks. Some apects of my life right now really help me to do that. I'm in that weird stretch of time between college and a real full time job (I have a feeling that those of us in our early 20s will all have a few years where things seem "unsettled"). I'm waiting for important things to happen. This helps me to wrap my mind around the idea of waiting.

On the other hand, we live in a culture where great masses of people have no desire and no great need to wait for anything. I don't need to wait to buy things. Credit cards, Google and Amazon make sure of that. If I have a desire for really delicious food, I can easily drive to the grocery store or make anything from scratch. For most people in the world today and throughout history, good food that goes beyond the bare essentials is a rare luxury that was worth waiting for. Many characteristics of our American culture try to distract us from times of waiting. Instant gratification is par for the course.

But we are called to wait.

During Advent, we remember the first coming of the One for whom God's people spent centuries waiting. We look back with great joy at the turning point in all human history.

During Advent, we prepare our hearts to grow in grace. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we turn aside from sin and darkness. We look to Jesus every day for our salvation. We put on the armor of light.

During Advent, we join with all creation and groan in eager expectation of the revealing of the sons of God. We wait for the second coming of our Savior. We live as citizens of the Kingdom of God in our everyday lives.

Advent is for the past, the present, the future. We wait with hope and with joy - knowing that He came and that He is coming again.

Revolutionary #4 - Marva Dawn

2005-12-08T20:04:00.000-08:00

First impressions can be way off sometimes. If you told me a few years ago that the petite chapel speaker who started out by making us do something really kind of dorky (I think she had us pass the peace in some unconventional way ... I've grown since then) would write the kind of words that explode as you read them, I would have laughed myself silly.

Marva Dawn is a theologian who provides words to the thoughts that have been growing within my head and my heart these past few years. For instance, one of my more interesting topics of thought concerns the use of music and other forms of art in the worship of the church. Marva Dawn sums it all up:

"By singing songs from other Christian ethnic groups and from all epochs of our faith - going all the way back to our roots in Judaica and forward to the angels' songs in Heaven recorded in the Revelation - we learn the global and timeless dimensions of the people of God" (A Royal "Waste" of Time, 182).

Three cheers for Marva Dawn's ability to put some muscle on the skeleton of a thought that has been simmering in my brain for quite some time!

Revolutionary #3 - Gary Burge

2005-12-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

Dr. Gary Burge is Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College. I am indebted to him for many reasons. Allow my nerdy mind the privelege of making a list:

1. Dr. Burge, unlike many professors, teaches by provoking. He forced many in my class on Jesus of Nazareth to seriously doubt the accuracy of the Gospels. He did this by presenting the main beliefs of modern scholars so well that we thought they were his own. Not only did this force us to read and research outside of class (for the sake of our own peace of mind) but he also set us up to be blown away as he singlehandedly dismantled all these arguments in one class period. Amazing.

2. Dr. Burge makes being really nerdy seem cool (the guy had us watch an episode of Star Trek for crying out loud). Maybe someday I will perfect this useful art.

3. Dr. Burge challenges the image of the scholar as someone who isn't willing to take a position on controversial issues. He holds positions on EVERY issue. From New Testament scholarship, to ordination of women, to the Israel/Palestine conflict, Dr. Burge has views and will take you on if you disagree. Sometimes I really disagree, sometimes I agree, sometimes I change my views. Regardless, I am always forced to think.

Advent and the Christian Year

2005-11-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

I have decided to go liturgical this coming Christian Year. I will use the Daily Office of the Book of Common Prayer as my guide (though neither the ESV nor the NIV include books like Tobit and Wisdom so I'll definitely be maintaining my Evangelical Presbyterianism).

I found this great series of posts from Mark Roberts on the significance of the liturgical calendar with special emphasis on Advent. They are great. Credit for the very helpful chart on the right goes to Mark Roberts as well. If you appreciate the relationship between art and worship (as I know one very special person who is reading this does) then you should take a look at the chart and click on the link to read the posts.

I'm excited to start in a few weeks. You should start too.

Revolutionary #2 - Leland Ryken

2005-11-14T22:11:00.000-08:00

Well it's been a few days. I, for one, feel that I should only post when I have good things to say and when posting doesn't prevent me from actually having a life. I've also been trying to think of who really ought to be on my revolutionaries list. It's been tough.

Having said all that, there must be some of you laughing yourselves silly that I chose as my number 2 revolutionary a mild mannered professor of English Literature from Illinois (side note - the use of the word "some" is actually wishful thinking on my part).

Leland Ryken taught me how to read clearly. He showed me that prose and poetry can be understood if you only know what you're looking for. I remember freshman year when I wrote my first poetry explication paper for British Literature class. I put a lot into that paper. It was, in a dorky sort of way, thrilling to see how a complex poem made sense after hours of reading and still more hours of organizing everything I began to see.

Fast forward to senior year. I took Dr. Ryken's Literature of the Bible course. He was somehow able to do the same thing for the Bible that he did with British Literature. The words of the Bible took on a new richness in a spiritually invigorating way.

Dr. Leland Ryken changed the way I approach reading and writing; for that I am ever grateful.

Revolutionary #1 - Bono

2005-11-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

Bono is the lead singer for U2. I love U2. Their status as international rock stars is well-established and well-deserved. That's not why Bono is on my favorite revolutionaries list (though his notoriety has granted him a platform as a revolutionary).

As much as I am able to discern, Bono is a Christian. If you've ever doubted that, and I have, read this clear testimony of faith from World Magazine. He may hold surprising views on certain issues, he may be incredibly rough around the edges, but he seems to have the essentials of the faith down firmly.

Bono's concern for justice, wholeness, and peace within the world makes him, in my mind, a revolutionary Christian. I remember a providential turn of events from sophomore year at Wheaton. I was taking Third World Issues, confronted with the overwhelming needs of the world, wrestling with how the church was called to respond to those needs. Things seemed bleak.

Just as the course was winding down, Bono came to Wheaton as part of his kick off tour for DATA (debt, AIDS, and trade in Africa). Thousands of people packed Edman Chapel and God reminded me that the church can and must respond to human need in the world.

Sure, some of the celebrities there wanted to have a pet "issue", some of the actions we were called to take seemed a little silly (can't we do more than just write to our congressional representatives? Yes), and a lot of it was emotional hype. But I will always remember that Bono took part in shaping my thinking and changing my views about the role of the church in meeting the world's deep needs.

My Favorite Revolutionaries

2005-11-07T10:49:00.000-08:00

Webster's defines "revolution" as "a sudden, radical, or complete change; a fundamental change in the way of thinking about or visualizing something; a change of paradigm". Revolutionaries bring those changes to pass. My posts over the next few days will focus on those revolutionaries who have been influential (you might say revolutionary) in my own life.

Get excited!

Favorite Anglican #3 - John R.W. Stott

2005-11-04T07:52:00.000-08:00

John Stott is Rector Emeritus of All Souls Church in London. There are so many reasons why he is on my list of favorite Anglicans! Here are a few:

1. He is highly respected as a reasonable and compassionate voice for Evangelical Christianity. David Brooks wrote a New York Times Op-Ed that contrasted Stott with other (unfortunately far more vocal) evangelical leaders like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson.

2. He is the founder of the Langham Partnership. This organization provides scholarships to church leaders from the southern hemisphere to study for their Ph.Ds in the U.S. and Great Britain. They then return home equipped to build solid indigenous churches and seminaries. I think that someday soon people will be traveling to places like Uganda and Liberia to attend seminary. We'll see what happens.

3. He writes excellent books. I am almost finished Christian Mission in the Modern World. I would recommend it to anyone who wants some clarity on how things like evangelism and social justice fit together within the church (I'll give you one word: mission). Read that. Also read Basic Christianity.

More could be said but enough already has.

John R.W. Stott: today's Favorite Anglican of the day.

I was once a treehouse, I lived in a cake

2005-11-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

It's about time for a funny topic. Of all the funny topics in the world, llamas rank pretty highly on my list. Songs about llamas are even better!

Favorite Anglican #2 - N.T. Wright

2005-11-03T06:37:00.000-08:00

Norman Thomas Wright, the Bishop of Durham, may very well be among the most important New Testament scholars of the present day. He writes everything from short paperbacks to massive tomes (tome: a volume forming part of a larger work, especially : a large or scholarly book. From Webster's Dictionary). I, for one, have only experienced his shorter books. And they are great!

I highly recommend For All God's Worth and The Challenge of Jesus. Read them both. The first will help you to understand what the church is all about (worship and mission) and the second will make it clear to you that the Gospel accounts of Jesus are very true.

Now, let me be clear, I disagree with N.T. Wright on the New Perspectives on Paul. I think that he (and others in that group) are correct in their assesment of the problems within the church today, but that the Old Perspective on Paul (when rightly understood) offers faithful and practical solutions to those problems.

Regardless of disagreements, he's an important guy with great things to say. Therefore:

N.T. Wright: today's favorite Anglican of the Day.

Favorite Anglican #1 - J.I. Packer

2005-11-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

James Innell Packer (I'll bet you always wondered what the "I" stood for!) is a British born theologian who currently serves as Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver.

He falls into the category of "favorite Anglicans" for two main reasons:

1. He is, indeed, an Anglican. He may very well be the most important evangelical Anglican theologian of our time. He is a friend and supporter of Anglican bodies in the Global South (and endorsed the Anglican Mission in America). All of this is enough to qualify him as a favorite Anglican.

But there's more!

2. He writes good books. Thus far, I have only read Knowing God, but I hope to soon read Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God and Fundamentalism and the Word of God. Those seem to be his most well known and widely read works.

J.I. Packer: today's favorite Anglican of the day.

My Three Favorite Anglicans (details to follow)

2005-11-01T20:11:00.000-08:00

J.I. Packer, Professor of Theology, Regent College

N.T. Wright, Bishop of Durham

John R.W. Stott, Rector Emeritus, All Souls Church

Reformation Day "Appeal Letter"

2005-11-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,

It's that time of year again. Leaves are turning bright orange and deep red, pumpkins grace the front of nearly every house, and children everywhere will go from door to door tonight to celebrate Reformation Day.

It was nearly 500 years ago that Dr. Martin Luther struck the match that unleashed a consuming fire across the continent. Since he nailed his 95 theses to the door of the castle church at Wittenberg, children throughout the world have commemorated the anniversary with "theses or treats".

Moving from house to house, each young person is equipped with a hammer, nails, historic looking parchment, and a large pillowcase. After the children announce their intentions to nail theses to the door if denied a significant amount of candy, fun loving residents have 2 minutes and 30 seconds to provide heaping handfuls of Snickers bars or Reeses cups or face being condemned with the Holy See. As one resident recently told our field workers, "I'd much rather give candy to kids than be roped in with Johann Tetzel and papal indulgences!". A delightful tradition if ever there was one!

Sadly, many children today lack the resources to purchase the hammers, nails, parchments, quill pens and, yes, even the pillow cases they need to celebrate Reformation day aright. Their parents divert the funds that would go to proper Reformation Day observance to frivolous budget items like "college funds", "private school tuition", and "food".

Won't you join me to bring delight to these deserving upper-middle class children? All you need is a checkbook and a sharpened quill pen!

$50 can provide ONE PILLOWCASE to a child, $75 will ensure that they have the HAMMER and NAILS they need, a gift of $475 will provide one deserving child with EVERYTHING he/she needs to commemorate this important date in church history! The power is in your hands!

You can easily make a difference by sending your check/money order/cash/barter to:

Dr. Donald Sauerbraten
7 Parachute Drive
Orlando, Bermuda
78670

As a token of our appreciation, please accept the attached portrait of Martin Luther. Display it with the pride. Also, remember to include a return address with your contribution so that we can send you an attractive set of Savonarola adhesive address labels ... what better profile to grace your envelopes than the Italian forerunner of the Reformation?

Once again, our deepest thanks for your generous/sizable contribution!

Sincerely,

Donald Sauerbraten, D.Theol
President, Theses or Treats Committee 2005
a Division of Lutheran Entertainment, LLC

Tenth Presbyterian Church Gates

2005-11-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

Trinity Sunday

2005-11-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

Lord, who has form'd me out of mud,
And hast redeem'd me through thy blood,
And sanctifi'd me to do good;

Purge all my sins done heretofore:
For I confess my heavy score,
And I will strive to sin no more.

Enrich my heart, mouth, hands in me,
With faith, with hope, with charity;
That I may run, rise, rest with thee.

- George Herbert, Trinity Sunday