Christians and Gitmo

A fascinating article was published today by RelevantMagazine.com entitled "Are Christians Wrong about Gitmo?" The article was authored by Natalie and Tyler Wigg-Stevenson and cites two fascinating polls. The first was conducted by Mercer University in 2008 and concludes that a majority of white Southern Evangelicals thought that it was "often" or "sometimes" justified to torture suspected terrorists and that their faith had little to do with how they reached that conclusion. The second was conducted by Pew Research Center and concludes that a majority of respondents who claim no religious affiliation opposed torture. (Looks like the compassion award goes to the non-Christians yet again.)

The Relevant article, however, pushes beyond the rich ironies of these polls to make some strong claims. "The fundamental problem with Guantanamo, from a Christian perspective, is that it is a place outside the law," Natalie and Tyler write, claiming that Gitmo is inconsistent with the Bible's teachings on justice, law, authority, and judgment.

The point is made eloquently, but what is the solution? It begins with a reaffirmation of the values we hold dearly. "We owe it to our country, our church, and most of all to our God to state with courage and conviction that morality and justice are not luxuries—they are essentials," they say. "We believe these things not because they are easy or even self-evident, but because we are among those for whom 'Christian teachings or beliefs' form the foundation of everything we think, say and do."

I have often stated my opposition to torture, and I have done so without reservation. I think Gitmo is a blemish on America, and should be closed. I am, however, open to other opinions. What do you think about Gitmo/torture/this article?

Vintage Green

If you want a break from the unbridled coverage of Michael Jackson's death and legacy, check out the Relevant article, "Vintage Green," by Kaylin King. The colloquial web exclusive opens with a story about King's grandmother to illustrate that living "green" often means rediscovering the way life used to be. "Not only did (my grandmother) sew and mend many of her own clothes, but she washed them by hand, and, with great care, hung the clothes up to dry," she writes. "The neighbors’ chickens provided eggs for the entire neighborhood, while the milkman came weekly."

In fact, this point has been made by author Bill McKibben in his bestselling book, Deep Economy. As King summarizes, "McKibben argued that by replacing community with cheap convenience, our society has sold out our collective integrity for quantity. We have chosen to become families who work tirelessly outside the home in order to afford newer vehicles, bigger houses and lavish vacations. In the crux of this busyness, we are forced to forgo the “good” in exchange for the quick and easy."

I think about my own grandmother who seems a lot like King's. Growing up, my grandmother also made many of her own clothes and depended on her direct community for support and survival. When she tells me stories about "better days," it makes me wonder if all of our technology and creature comforts and wealth has improved life at all. Perhaps we don't need to look ahead to a so-called "green revolution." Maybe yesterday is the key to a better tomorrow.

Thoughts?

Iraq: Just War?

The Associated Press is now reporting that it has uncovered secret statistics held by the Iraqi government showing 87,215 Iraqi citizens have been killed since 2005 as a result of everything from "catastrophic bombings to execution-style slayings." When tallied with records since 2003, it climbs to an estimated 110,600. (That number only includes "violent deaths.")

Here's some questions: Was it worth it? Would you characterize the Iraq War as a "just war?"

Related: See my article in Relevant Magazine's May/June issue entitled, Just War.

Review of Disneynature's Earth

Recently, I had the opportunity to screen Disneynature's debut film, Earth. I was so impressed by the movie that I wrote a review for Relevant. The movie is narrated by James Earl Jones and follows the lives of three animal families as they overcome amazing circumstances. The film is replete with life lessons and redemptive elements that uncover the grandeur of God's creation. In fact, Flourish's Rusty Pritchard has produced an Earth discussion guide in cooperation with Disneynature that is incredible tool that could be used by pastors, small groups and families as they engage this movie.

If you see this movie and especially if you utilized the discussion guide, I would love to know what you thought of both.

Don't-Miss Shows of 2009

Relevant Magazine has released their top nine shows to watch in 2009, and it is just about the best list top-to-bottom that I've seen. Make sure you read the paragraph about Flight of the Conchords. It was written by yours truly.

Any that we missed or messed up?

2008 Films in Review

The staff at Relevant Magazine joined together with some of Relevant's writers, including myself, to compile a list of Relevant's Top 10 Films of 2008. I was happy to contribute to this because as a film addict, I have been disappointed in recent years with the hype-to-reality ratio of many films. This year, however, was an exceptional year for good movies. "Amidst a year of economic turmoil and political history, the film industry kept a steady hand on America's imagination," Relevant's list introduction declares. "Some of the most creative, innovative and compelling films ever made were released in 2008." 

However, I must add something of a disclaimer. First, I have never seen the 8th, 9th or 10th movie on this list. If you hated those movies, don't vent to me because they weren't my picks. Second, there were a couple of movie that I lobbied for which didn't make it. I definitely would have included Ghost Town, the best movie of 2008 that you probably didn't see. I also suggested Son of Rambo, which never had a chance to make a list like this because of its Indy release, and Hellboy II, which was a brilliant movie visually and artistically despite its tragically cheesy name. I also listed The Fall as a runner-up simply because of it's breathtaking cinematography and visual effects. 

So there you have it folks. It was a crowded pack this year with so many good flicks, but those are my selections. Between the list itself and this appendix, did I miss anything? Is there something that you think is a must-watch that didn't get mentioned? Let's chat about it.

Nothing Changes at the "Non-Townhall Townhall"

If you watched the debate last night and managed to stay awake during the whole thing, you probably felt like I did: LAAAAAME! The questions were softball, the moderator was boring and the answers were nothing short of talking points. 

Check out my reaction for RelevantMagazine.com entitled, "McCain & Obama Face Off." Let me know if you agree with my analysis and let me know if you have anything to add. Also, if you are looking for a little reported story regarding the debate, check out this column from the New York Times about John McCain leaving early. 

My reaction to Rick Warren's recent faith forum at Saddleback has published on RelevantMagazine.com. Both sides of the political fence were dissatisfied, but I doubt that surprises any of my regular readers. Angering everyone is becoming my M.O.

What do you think of my reaction? Slanted or centered? Agree or disagree?

These days, Christianity carries so much baggage. Perhaps the worst piece of luggage is a little word we call "guilt." Nasty little thing, isn't it? As much as guilt has a place in the Christian life--after all, the conviction of the Holy Spirit is one of the marks of genuine conversion--it shouldn't overshadow the real gifts of salvation. I sense that a lot of people today want to put down the rigid, leather suitcase of guilt and pick up the broken-in, lightweight sling of the Gospel. This bag is packed with passion and freedom.

Recently, one of my seminary heroes--Dr. Alvin Reid--wrote a brilliant blog post about shedding the baggage of Christianity and rediscovering "the great idea of the Gospel." Upon my request, Dr. Reid was gracious enough to let me pirate his work and publish it with Relevant Magazine.

As the article states:

"We must rediscover the great commission and great commandment. We must pursue a passion-driven Christianity. If our faith is to become a transformative, redemptive power within the culture, we need to flee guilt-driven, duty-centered puppetry and call down a passion for the great idea of the Gospel. "

Wanna make an even exchange--your guilt for His grace? Wanna reclaim the big idea of the Gospel? Then, give "Saying Goodbye to Guilt-Driven Christianity" a read, and tell me what you think.

Dr. Al Mohler's book, Culture Shift, is one of the smartest reads of this year. It is a short, succinct manual for engaging the culture with Christian truth. I am a very critical reader, and I have very little criticism for Culture Shift. One point of criticism was the insertion of chapter nine: "Needed: An Exit Strategy from Public Schools. The Crisis Christian Parents Face."

It seems strange to write a book on engaging culture but then include a chapter on withdrawing from a critical cultural battleground. Dr. Mohler did a lot to clear up this discrepency when I interviewed him last week, but it is something that I think will still strike readers as odd. That is why I wrote Experiencing Culture Shift for RelevantMagazine.com.

My educational background is a patchwork of Christian schooling and public schooling with a year of homeschooling in the middle. If your experience is similar to mine, you probably have some strong opinions about public schools and Christian schools shaded with humorous, hurtful, awkward and wonderful experiences.

What is your educational background like?

What are personal views about Christian schooling/homeschooling/public schooling?

Any good stories?

Now's Your Chance; Take a Swing

It is almost trendy these days to take a jab at the church. Floods of books have come out from gentle restoratives to outright polemics. Some regularly take her to task on public blogs while others just give her a good pop when no one is looking. Regardless, it is undeniable that there is a generation of disgruntled, dissilusioned followers who feel like the church could be doing a lot better job fulfilling its divine roles. If you are dissatisfied with the church in any way, I want to give you a voice.

I am working on an article for RELEVANT called "The Battered Bride." It is going to address all the charges that our generation is bringing against the church. For those of you who think the church has broken down, this is your chance to play the mechanic and diagnose the problem (minus all the fabricated stuff you'd trick old people into thinking is wrong if you really were a mechanic). If you feel like the church has let you down or somehow hasn't met your expectations, now is your chance to vent. Leave me a detailed explanation of your feelings, longings, opinions.

Do you feel like the church is Christlike?

Is the church greedy?

Is the church too political?

Does the church really care about the needy and the helpless?

Do you ever feel like other people of other faiths unknowingly and more accurately display a Christlike lifestyle?

Can the church be redeemed? What must be done?

Authenticity . . . Finally.

Perhaps I am being pretentious when I call Margaret Feinberg my "mentor," much less my "friend." Author of more than 30 life-changing books who has been named "one of the 30 emerging voices" that will lead our church into the next decade, Margaret is a gifted and respected author and speaker. Amazingly, meeting her for the first time is like seeing an old friend or rendezvousing with a former college companion - minus the memories.

I met Margaret over a year ago when she was speaking at Catalyst. My friend Jennifer and I took her and her husband Leif to breakfast. It was the most inspiring, encouraging hour and 1/2 of my professional adult life. Over the next year, she and I began to correspond and God used her to mature me. She has opened doors for me in the professional world that would have been solidly shut otherwise. Even though she did not know me and benefited in no way from our friendship, Margaret took the time to cultivate my inner writer and teach me the ropes. If I live a hundred lifetimes, I will never be able to repay her.

This weekend, I had the pleasure of bringing Margaret down to for a Twentysomethings retreat and introducing her and The Organic God to our church. It was a great for us to relax and refocus, and everyone fell in love with Margaret, Leif, and Hershey (their charming toy poodle).

Relevant. Authentic. Trustworthy. These are just a few of the exhausted words used to describe the values of our generation. Though they are more worn-out that a 10-year old pair of Chuck Taylor's, they are pretty accurate descriptions of what I believe we want most. We want straight-shooters, open books, warm hearts, torn down walls. We want a no-strings-attached shoulder to cry on when things bounce off rock bottom and for people who claim to be Christ-followers to windex the spiritual window through which we see Jesus in them.

*Toothy, disingenuous smiles from politicians

*A firm handshake from an automobile salesman that places a check in your spirit

*Friends who claim they will remain faithful companions until a boyfriend or girlfriend hits the scene and suddenly they forget your name

*Contrived church services intended to produce a "worship texture"

These are things that are not authentic, they are counterfeit. They turn us off and roll our eyes. Worse still, they permeate our culture. They are all around us. That is why we are doubly revived when we encounter a splash of authenticity.

Margaret Feinberg is a refreshing splash of authenticity in a wave-battered world of veritable counterfeits. Her book, The Organic God (Zondervan), is the manifestation of her spirit. If you want a fresh look at God's character that will captivate you from cover to cover, this book is for you. When you finish The Organic God, you too will want to call her your friend.

If I say I will post on Monday and end up posting on Tuesday because I forgot, am I considered a liar? Lesser still, did I lie? Actually, don't answer that. I have something more important for you guys to comment about. Those of you who are close to me may have read my article in the summer issue of RELEVANT Leader entitled, "Tastes Great or Less Filling? Today's young leaders are rethinking drinking." If you have not read it, you will probably see it on PastorsEdge.com come September 1st.

I guess I should play the short order cook and get this out there as fast as I can: I do not have a problem with drinking. Certainly, I have a problem with drunkeness because God has a problem with it, but drinking doesn't bother me. Now contrary to popular...dare I say, preaching... that is really not an issue that is plaguing the church. If this is an average month, only about 1 in 20 churched people will consume enough alcohol to become legally drunk (See Barna).

The issue that really impacts most of us is moderate drinking. Actually, most of you probably agree with me! Now, I know some of you think that is such an outrageous claim and you are probably screaming "You don't know me" right now. For your sake consider this: According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 57% of Protestants consume alcohol rather than abstain. "But, I am not just any old Protestant," you proudly say. "I am a Southern Baptist." I think that is wonderful, but it doesn't change anything. 55% of Southern Baptists consume alcohol rather than abstain (see study). The funny thing is that Southern Baptists have many more problem drinkers than imbibing groups like Jews and Catholics. (I have a theory on this that I will save for later.)

So, if you are a Christian and you have come to the conclusion that drinking is ok from a Biblical standpoint, I want you to consider Dr. Danny Akin's quote from my article: "Do I call it a sin? No. Do I think it is unwise? Yes."

I respect Dr. Akin very much and would like to explore his comment a little bit.

Do you drink? / Leaving the sin aspect out of it, do you believe drinking alcohol is more wise or more unwise for a Christian and why?