Dialogue with a Friend – part 3

FRIEND:

You are right.  We could get into a long discussion and neither of us probably has the time or energy for that.      Thanks for your note though. I know it took some time to write. And me being me I can’t help but reply at least a little more (and you might do the same, but honestly, if you don’t feel like it I will totally understand, as eventually one of us will just say, well, all right then, it is what it is).

What you said about possibly not needing to profess the name of Christ (”in this lifetime”? one might after he dies?) is interesting.  I remember DH saying something like this in college and it was quite a revelation to me at the time.  Now I believe that, and more.  At the time I thought it was an odd thing to say and I thought he was a little wacko liberal in that aspect. Ha.

Your “but I wouldn’t want to take my chances” comment is a bit bothersome.  My dad said the same thing during our talk!  He even called it “Jesus insurance.”  If people believe in God because they are afraid of him, or of the consequence of not believing, what kind of God is that?  What kind of mentality is that? I know you are not in support of people believing in God to escape hell, but rather to embrace love. Still, it seems to be built into Christianity that people still feel this fear about what might happen to them if they have “chosen poorly.” Newsflash: there is no hell. [“How do you know? What if you are wrong?” I don’t think I am. The God I know won’t send his children to eternal damnation. It is a construct of later Christianity, drawing from Dante, to have this eternal hotbed of flames and torment. Hell in the Bible was referring to a place. I’m sure you know much more than I do about Gehenna].

You said: “Ultimately, everything we know in this world we believe on faith”

This is kind of a cop out.  Surely you cannot compare believing in the fact that the earth goes around the sun to believing in the idea that a human could be born of a virgin?  One is documented, studied, something that happens every day (ok it takes a year for a full trip) and the other is a mystical event that does not occur in reality.  You can believe that it takes faith to believe in both things, but you have to admit the degree of faith varies immensely. And you are surely right – to believe the stories in the Bible you are certainly taking leaps of faith. I agree with you on that.

No I’m not strictly a man of science these days, but a little perspective to all the naiveté of my youth has served me well.  And on that note, it’s a little presumptuous of you to write my autobiography for me, ha. [what about you? Is your more devout state trying to make up for mistakes of your youth?]   I am not merely reacting to the way I was raised, but, as I explained to my parents, I am actually learning more than I was previously afforded to know.  That is, I grew up with a “the Bible says it, God says it, that’s good enough for me” sort of worldview.  How limiting is that?   Is that any way to live? How does that respect the brain God gave us?  What if the Bible contains many things that are wrong? What if other books contain the truth about God? What if the truth is out there in the world to ascertain and experience?

If people search and eventually come back to Christ, then they have good reasons for doing so.  My Dad thinks I may yet come back.  I am happy to let him believe that, but I am not wildly swinging to some opposite extreme to react to the way I was raised.  Rather, I have been in a slow, controlled, rational learning process, discovering the truth about a lot of misleading things I was raised believing (ex: many of the stories in the Bible that are the most fantastical did not literally happen (creation story, garden of Eden, flood, parting the red sea, etc)).

It has been good to feel like I am kind of stepping out of this cramped box into a bigger world where there are infinitely more possibilities, more love and tolerance, and much less fear. Oh, and far fewer “others” as well.

But I am pleased to allow you and other Christians the faith that you enjoy. I expect the same sort of tolerance in return. I’m not saying you personally are intolerant, but it is built into the religion that if you don’t subscribe to that view, you are wrong. And I’ve moved away from that, to a land that flows freely with beer, free thought, tolerance, and hand rolled cigarettes!

Dialogue with a Friend – Part 2

FRIEND:

You said: “I believe the Jesus Event to be the pivotal moment of history. And I believe that wherever you search for him, you will find him (regardless of your religious orientation).”

I’m not sure what this means.  In your mind does it apply to any spiritually seeking person?  a Buddhist?  A more native (stereotypical “jungle”) person and his religion?  They will come to know the name of Jesus, or more of an intangible feeling or connection with him that is different than some connection to God?

For Christians, Jesus is big.  For the rest of the world, probably not.  There are many, as you know, who would argue that the actual historical Jesus is nothing like what Christianity has written and portrayed him to be over the centuries.  They cite evidence to say he was just a mortal man.  A good dude, for sure, but not the son of God, not born of a virgin.

In fact, the Jesus story (born of a virgin, sacrificed, rises again) is a re-telling of ancient myths told many times before the Christian one.  I’m sure you are aware of this and yet the Christian story continues to have meaning for you.  When I learn about how Christianity as a religion or a story fits into the larger context of all ancient myths and world religions, it becomes just another option to use to try and seek God.  It is not a totally invalid option, but like I said, just one of many.

And I don’t know where you stand on the exclusivity of Christianity being the “only” option, but I know my parents believe that, and thus this is harder for them to sort out in their mind than it would be for a more liberal Christian.

So for you Jesus is pivotal.  For many others it is a curiosity to consider on their journey to meet with God.

I guess I didn’t send the original note intending to get into a long discussion with you, but those are a couple thoughts that I have as a reaction to what you wrote.

As for your comment about not stopping to seek the truth, I agree with that.  Trouble is, when my dad says the exact same thing (which he has), I already know the narrowly defined truth that he hopes I end up finding.  In a multiple choice question, for him at least, it might go something like, “the truth is….:

A.  Jesus

B. The Bible

C.  traditionally practiced Christianity

D.  all of the above, or at least some combination thereof.

Dialogue with a Friend – part 1

I received this email from a good old friend of mine recently which sparked a dialogue between us. I have asked his permission to post portions of it here.

FRIEND:

You’d be proud of me… I recently “had” to tell my parents that we are more in line with a Unitarian Universalist view these days than we are with a Christian one.  That went over like a Led Zeppelin.  But, we will sit down with them soon and see what questions they have the talk it over.

I know you remain Christian but I also know that you really personally feel connected to God through your faith, and that’s cool.  My parents do too, I’m sure.  But what gets me is when someone feels like their religion is the only way that this is possible.  I have a feeling that is the position my parents are going to adhere to, and if so, I’m not really sure how much of a discussion we can even have.

I think they should be happy that we are still interested in God at all (how many ex-evangelical people are out there?) and even more want to raise our kids to be spiritual, loving, people of peace.

Anyway, I have been thinking of you off and on in this whole journey and thought I’d send a quick update.

MY REPLY:

Well… I can’t say I’m surprised… but I am… I guess.  I don’t really know what to say. I have lots of thoughts jostling for position in my head, but none of them really seem significant as words.
I guess my only thing is this. I believe the Jesus Event to be the pivotal moment of history. And I believe that wherever you search for him, you will find him (regardless of your religious orientation). And even if you are not searching for him, he may just find you. My hope is that you will never stop searching, never stop seeking the truth.
I’m open to dialoging further if you’d like, but that’s your call.
Thanks for thinking of me. My thoughts and prayers are with you as well.

Where is our Freedom?

I didn’t really pay much attention to the Daniel Hauser case until he fled with his mom to avoid court-ordered chemotherapy. The story was already the buzz around the state, but it became national headlines when Daniel and his mom were on the lam. I couldn’t believe the attention the story was getting. Everything short of an Amber Alert. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, super-patriot, or advocate of homeopathic medicine, but I am a parent and a follower of Jesus, and this story concerns me.

The Hausers are not Christians. They belong to a Native American religion called Nemenhah which values natural medicine alternatives over modern Western science. As I understand it, Daniel did undergo one chemo treatment when he was younger and had a severe reaction to it. So understandably his parents weren’t excited about putting him through that again and wanted to seek alternative methods. Whether their reasoning was religious, parental, or both; does it matter? Shouldn’t parents have the right to decide how best to treat their children? And don’t all Americans have the freedom to believe whatever they want and follow those beliefs as long as they don’t infringe on the rights of others? If the courts are allowed to dictate the limits of religious beliefs and how parents must care for their own children, then do we really have any freedom at all? We live under the illusion that our children are ours to guide and discipline as we feel best, but in reality they are just wards of the State. Our parental rights end wherever the courts decide they end. Wherever our beliefs clash with the beliefs of the State, the State deems itself god – absolute, omniscient and omnipotent, but unbenevolent.

I can’t imagine going through what the Hausers are enduring. Having a child struggling with Hodgkin’s lymphona and having to decide between what you believe is right (spiritually and parentally) and what you are told is Right. Today the Hausers are being forced to choose a medical treatment they believe is not the best for their child. Tomorrow we may be forced to make an educational, disciplinary, environmental, or psychiatric “choice” that we do not believe is the right choice for our children. What will we do?

Love is More Important than Life

John 15:13

Jesus said that the way to measure people’s love is in their willingness to give up their life for their friends. Jesus showed us how much he loves us by dying for us so that we can be friends with God. But he doesn’t leave it at that. He also says, “Love each other in the same way that I love you.” Now that’s a tough act to follow!

Not many of us will probably have the opportunity to die for a friend or loved one, but if we did, we’d take it, as many have for this country. But maybe we should consider practical ways we can show our love for others by dying every day – dying to our need to always get our own way; to make ourselves look better than we really are; letting something important to us “die” so that someone we love might experience life. This can be painful. Sometimes true love hurts.

But love is more important than anything, even life itself.

Love is More Important than Prayer

1 Peter 4:7-9

There is a very curious passage in the Bible that says, “The end of the world is coming soon so be very diligent in your prayers.” I’m guessing if we all knew the world was going to end, we’d all be a bit more earnest in our prayers.

But then it goes on to say that in these final days love is even more important than prayer. Why? Because “Love,” the Apostle Peter tells us, “covers a multitude of sins.”

You’ve probably been in a situation where even the smallest mistake you made was criticized and ridiculed. That wasn’t very loving. Because love forgives even the most serious offenses. Love covers a multitude of mistakes.

Ultimately it is Jesus’ love that covers our sins, and it is his love working in us that enables us to forgive others.

Love is more important than anything, even prayer. So love like there’s no tomorrow!

Love is More Important than Talents and Skills

1 Corinthian 13

You’ve probably been to a wedding where you’ve heard that famous poem on love from the Bible that goes, “Love is patient. Love is kind…” And so on.

The real point of that poem is that love is more important than any gift, skill or talent you may possess. That it doesn’t matter what a great athlete you are, great singer, great dancer, or great mechanic. What really matters is how loving you are.

You see, all of those other things are going to die with you, and what your friends and family are going to remember is not what a great cook you were, but what a loving spouse, parent, and friend you were.

Love is more important than anything, even the most impressive talent or skill.

Love is More Important than Money

1 John 3:16-17

Over the course of our marriage, my wife and I have had many financial struggles through which she’s always reassured me over and over again that “our love is more important than money.”

Indeed, that is true, and I’m sure most people would agree. But it is also precisely because of our love that we’ve never had much money. We have always tried to practice generosity – sometimes willingly; sometimes begrudgingly, but always lovingly.

The Bible asks us a very pointed question in 1 John 3:17 that we have always taken seriously: “If anyone has material possessions and sees a person in need and does not help him, then how can God’s love be in that person?” The answer the Bible gives us quite simply is, “It can’t.”

What you do with your money shows what you love. But love is more important than anything, especially money.

Love is More Important than Obeying the Rules

(I recorded 5 “Minute Meditations” that are airing on KTRF Radio this week. I will be posting the transcripts this week.)

Matthew 22:34-40

One day an expert in religion tried to trap Jesus by asking him, “Which is the most important commandment?”

In other words: “Which rule is more important, Jesus? Not stealing or not lying? Not murdering or not sleeping around?

This expert wanted an intellectual answer to an emotional question: When faced with a dilemma like, “Do I steal so I don’t have to lie, or should I lie so I don’t have to steal?” Which should I do, Jesus?

The religious pro wasn’t expecting Jesus’ answer: “Actually, there are two greatest commandments,” he said. “Love God with everything you are and love people with everything you’ve got.”

You see, love is more important than anything, even obeying the rules. Why? Because all of God’s rules are based on love. If you always do the most-loving thing then you will always do the right thing.

Slowing Down

Lenten Journey – Day 36

This week marks the beginning of an even busier season for me and my family. Over the next 6 weeks I will:

• Travel to Mexico for a missions trip (April 2 – 6).
• Celebrate Easter – the biggest and busiest holiday of the year (April 12).
• Launch a new sermon-based small group experience (we call them GPS groups).
• Travel to Orlando for the Exponential Church Planting Conference (April 19 – 24).
• Speak at the missions banquet for Glory Baptist Church in Aitkin (April 28).
• Facilitate the Fireproof Your Marriage conference (May 1 – 2).
• Facilitate a pastor’s leadership retreat (May 11 – 12).
• All the while we are caring for a friend’s baby for the next two weeks.

Whew! I’m getting tired just typing all of that. Already this week it has been very hard to slow down, take time for God, listen to His voice, meditate on His Word, with all the things on my mind – especially the list of stuff I have to get done before leaving for Mexico on Thursday.

I guess that’s why they call certain Christian practices, “disciplines.” Because they are not only contrary to the sinful nature, they are contrary to our culture and society. To slow down amidst all the busyness of life feels like trying to stop a freight train with a laso. A lot of times we just get taken along for the ride.

Although I’m not an expert by any means on the art of slowing down, I have been in a much better rhythm over this Lent season and I am confident that I would crash and burn over the next 6 weeks if I hadn’t been laying the necessary spiritual foundation over the past five weeks.

I just want to share one little tidbit that I have found useful in being able to slow down – pray, meditate, and study God’s Word – in the midst of chaos. Many people struggle with staying focused on God when there is much on the agenda to be accomplished. I am certainly no exception to this. So what I do is I keep a note pad beside me as I’m praying, reading, etc. and jot down any task as it comes to mind. The second thing I do is pray about that task. I incorporate it into my prayers. This does two things. First, writing it down gets it out of my mind so I can return to focusing on God. Second, praying about it takes that item “captive” and surrenders it to Christ.

So when distractions come when you’re trying to pray or read the Bible, don’t feel guilty about it and try to deny it. Just jot it down and surrender it to God. You’ll find it much easier to slow down the train.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, I give you every thought, every desire, every task that needs to be accomplished,

And I surrender them all to you.

Let me lose myself in your presence for just this moment in time.

Then grant me the strength and focus I need to work effectively and efficiently at all that is before me.

And in everything I do, may you be glorified.