St. Anger?

I love Metallica. I first fell in love with this band when I was about fourteen or so. They were on some awards show on TV playing the song One. I was blown away by the aggression of the music. I loved how fast they played, and yet, still maintained a melody. From that moment on, they were my favourite band. I don’t listen to them much anymore, the truth is, I used to listen to them everyday, and I kind of wore them out. Despite this, I think I will always have a soft spot in my heart for this band, and they will always be one of my favourite bands.

The reason for this moment of confession is that I watched the Some Kind of Monster documentary today. It chronicles the trials that the band went through as they recorded their latest CD, St. Anger. The most interesting part of the documentary for me was when Metallica went to the San Quentin maximum security prison to film the video for the track St. Anger. I imagine that this must have been a very intimidating place for the band and their crew to go into.

At one point in the making of the video, concerns arise. Here they are, in a maximum security prison, surrounded by violent criminals, about to perform a song entitled St. Anger. The worry is that the inmates will become inflamed by this song and riot. James Hetfield, in a moment of extreme courage, gets up in front of the population and explains the meaning behind the song. He tells the assembled throng about his own struggles with anger, how if he didn’t have music as a constructive outlet, he very well could be in prison with them, or even dead. It’s at this point that he makes a very poignant comment.

“We all start off with the same sized soul.”

I’ve never thought of James Hetfield as a spiritual giant before, but I think he might have touched on some truth here. I started thinking back to when I was a kid. The compassion that I had, the respect for all life. The complete individuality, not afraid to choose what is right as far as treating other people goes, even if it was an unpopular choice. It seems the older I get, the more I want to be the person I was when I was a kid.

Genesis 1:26 tells us that people are created in Gods image. This means all people, not the people who do good, not the people who go to church every Sunday, all people. If we do indeed start off with the same God-given image and potential, what happens along the path of life that causes some of us to get so far away from who we should be? Unfortunately, I don’t have the answer to this question. What I do know, is that God wants us to have compassion on the fallen members of our society. This is certainly not an easy idea, our first instinct is hatred and retribution against those who do evil. Jesus’ teaching on this subject is very clear though:

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Matthew 25:34-46

There are some in our everyday life who are difficult for us to love. They may have wounded you deeply, or they may just be annoying. Whatever the case, we must make a choice to forgive and love these people with the love of God. Don’t be surprised when you make this choice that your feelings towards this person aren’t magically changed. This kind of thing takes time. Have faith that God is working in you, and them, for good.

One other thing. Anger is seen by many people as being a completely negative emotion. This is not true. There are two kinds of anger. Destructive and positive anger. Destructive anger will cause many problems in your life. Over time as you allow this anger to fester and boil away inside, you will find that it destroys your innate image of God. As well, it often causes people to act out negatively, like those who are incarcerated in San Quentin.

Positive anger on the other hand, will give you the push you need to change things. To break the cycle and become a better person, to reach out to those around you who need it. This is the emotion that has fueled many of the great social change movements that we have seen. Still, positive anger must be tempered with the realization that any anger can become negative if not controlled constructively.

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The Wrong Road

Once again I have this bad feeling that we are getting it all wrong.

I was reading something the other day, and it got me wondering, did Jesus mean to start a new religion, or have we hijacked the concept He had in mind?

Jesus, and His early followers were Jews, of this there is no doubt. His ministry took place in a primarily Jewish context. In fact, in Matthew 10 when Jesus sends the apostles out on their first mission, He directs them to work in Jewish areas. There are probably several reasons why He told them to do this, one of which may have been that He knew that He was going to eventually need many missionaries to reach those who did not know God. The Jewish people, who had at least some knowledge of God, were probably the best candidates for this missionary journey.

What exactly was Jesus’s mission? His atoning on the cross was the culmination of His mission, we must never lose sight of that. Was there more to it than that? In Matthew 3 after Jesus has been baptized and tempted, as His earthly ministry was really about to get underway, He went to the Gentiles in Galilee. The text then goes on to say “From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Matthew 3:17

The conventional meaning of repentance is to turn away from sin and ask forgiveness. When I read that verse, the thought comes to my mind, that in this case, repentance means turning from the way of life you have come to know, into a new way of life. Jesus was ushering in the era of the Kingdom of Heaven being right here among us (maybe it was always here, we just didn’t realize it). Jesus is calling all of us into a new understanding of God. One in which, God becomes the pursuing lover of our souls. God is not concerned with burnt offerings or sacrifices anymore. The only thing that our Creator wants is to be in relationship with us.

This takes us back to the original question, did Jesus intend to start a new religion? I am sure that God knew that Christianity would spring forth from the experience of the first century disciples of Jesus. I wonder though, if instead of starting a new religion, God’s real intention was to do away with religion all together (religion being mans attempt to pursue, and connect with, God). By saying that the “Kingdom of Heaven is near”, did Jesus mean that the Kingdom of Heaven is in everything we do, there is no more need to go to temple to be in God’s presence because God is present in every moment of our lives?

If this is so, then should we stop meeting together in church? I think the answer is, that we should reform the way we do church. Instead of church being a place we go to connect with God, we should be connecting with God in all of our lives. As God saw after the creation of Adam, it isn’t good for us to be alone. Church should be about entering into a community. A place where we can build authentic relationships that help us navigate through the murky darkness that permeates our lives. Our church doors should be open to anyone, judgment belongs to God alone.

Here is another interesting thought (I can’t take credit for this, I first heard this from Brian McLaren). Can someone be a follower of Christ without being a Christian? What I mean is, can you be a follower of Christ while staying within your cultural context? For example Messianic Jews are followers of Jesus who maintain their Jewish context. Does this open the possibility for Buddhist followers of Jesus, Muslim followers of Jesus etc.?

Maybe our concept of missions has been wrong since the start. Instead of ripping people out of the cultural context in which they exist, and labeling them Christians, maybe what we should be doing is exposing people to the love of Christ within their culture. Showing people that the Kingdom of Heaven is indeed near. Blessing them so that they may be a blessing to others within their culture.

I’ve heard many evangelists say that Christianity is not about getting religion, it’s about having a relationship with God. It’s time for us to put our money where our mouth is, so to speak, and see if we really mean what we say. Let’s not make any more Christians, instead let’s help people become followers of Christ, and then leave the next step up to them.

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Constant Companion

Have you ever read the books of I and II Chronicles in the Old Testament? For many of us they are the most tedious, and least often read, sections of the Bible. The endless listing of who begat who may help the insomniac drift off to sleep, but otherwise they seem pretty useless.

I’m starting to see these books in a different light.

The reason why these books are so important to our Jewish brethren is because it was (and is) important for them to be able to trace their genealogy back to Abraham. To be able to show that they were purely one hundred percent Jewish.

I get something else from these books, however.

When I read through these listings of people, some I have heard of, most I have not. I begin to realize something, I begin to see just how important each and every person is to God. Imagine going through a listing of every person who every lived. That would be pretty tedious for you or I (not to mention impossible), but to our God in Heaven it is the greatest joy. Every life, and every person, is more precious than gold to God.

As some of you may have noticed, I have not written on this blog in over a week. The reason for this is that I have been suffering from some ill health. As I have gone through this time of difficulty, I have been keenly aware of the presence of God. In fact at one point, I had to spend a few hours in the hospital hooked up to an IV. I am generally not one to feel relaxed in a hospital setting, and yet this time, I didn’t feel the anxiety that I usually do. As I got up to leave the hospital, I turned and saw a crucifix hanging above the bed. This symbol helped to drive home for me the fact that God was watching over me the whole time.

I am reminded of Job, who in his affliction, refused to curse God. Many of us feel that when things are difficult, God has abandoned us. The truth is, when times are tough, and when times are good, God is your constant companion.

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What a Treat

Today at church, we had a unique treat. Christian Hip-Hop artist Redcloud, performed a freestyle rap for the congregation.

Redcloud (click here to check out some of his music) is in town to do a variety of performances and speaking engagements, (I just found out he’s playing at my kids school tomorrow! I’m off so I will be checking that out for sure.) including our weekly youth service that we have at our church.

After the pastor spoke, he invited Redcloud up to speak to the congregation. This guy has an amazing story (He was a gang banger in grade 6, did his first drive by at age 7). I don’t think there was a person in the place who wasn’t deeply moved by what he had to say.

What impacted me the most, was how real this guy is. He stood there wearing shorts and a t-shirt, dreadlocked and tattooed, sharing the reality of who God is and what God has done in his life. After he was finished speaking, the pastor invited him to perform for us. His DJ got on the drum kit and Redcloud did a freestyle rap for us. A few of the older members of the congregation got up to leave. Somewhat surprisingly, they were very much in the minority. (I’m starting to think that this might be a pretty hip church!) The coolest part was when he was finished, he received a standing ovation. Redcloud may not be your stereotypical evangelist, but he was unabashedly himself.

To say I was inspired would be an understatement.

I used to have this weird feeling. I wanted to reach people for God, but I felt like I had to change a lot. I thought that you need to be glossy and shiny like Michael W. Smith, (this isn’t meant as a shot at Mr. Smith, I love his Worship CD, in fact we played it at our wedding) to have a ministry. The problem is, no matter how hard I try, I’m not that shiny. In fact, the harder I tried, the less real I felt. Guys like Redcloud make me realize that we have to be as God made us. For me that means I’m a metalhead, I love Nascar and Spiderman, but I also love Jesus too. My dream is to be in some kind of ministry someday and I’m going to be me when I do it.

Come to think of it, I’m involved in full-time ministry right now, it’s called life.

“Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him.”
1 Corinthians 7:20

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Free Speech?

This is a very disappointing story.

I have applauded the Episcopal Church in the past for having the courage to live out their conviction. However, silencing conservative critics, denying them their right to free speech, does no one any good at all.

What will this facism accomplish? Many see the Episcopal Church headed for the graveyard. If the reports I have read are true, attendance and membership in this church are declining. The future of this church was, and is, I believe, tied to bringing those who have felt castigated by other denominations in, while respecting the more conservative segment of their family. My hope was that this denomination could be an example of how believers with differing opinions could co-exist peacefully. Instead, I am afraid that the bell tolling the end of the Episcopal Church may just get louder.

Many who support the idea of changing ideas, will be as disturbed by this close-mindedness as I am. Those who would be otherwise attracted to this church will be turned away because of trading one form of intolerance for another.

The only way I can see to stop this critical error is for those in positions of power on the liberal side of the church to stand against this action. Their support for those who disagree with them would tangibly demonstrate the love of Christ, and placate many disturbed consciences. Imagine if Gene Robinson had the courage to stand up for these priests? That would make an incredible statement.

Then there is this story. Once again, whether you agree or not with the statements that were uttered, this censorship is disturbing.

What is happening in Christendom? Everywhere you look people seem to be attempting to silence their critics and those they disagree with. Free Speech appears to no longer exist in Christianity (maybe it never has?). If you disagree with conventional theology you remain silent or are shunned. If you are in favour of equal rights for all people, you become a heretic, and if you disagree with the appointment of a certain person as a bishop, you lose your vocation.

The loss of free speech for one is the loss of free speech for all. While I have no issue with the consecration of Bishop Robinson, and I personally believe the Pope is in Heaven, I wish to retain the right to make these statements. We must allow everyone to say what they think, even if we disagree with them. When we stop questioning, we stop growing.

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My Crazy Dream

I have a dream that I want to share with you.

My dream is to one day pastor a church. I have a vision for what this church would be. Christians of all stripes would be there. Conservatives, liberals, and everyone else, would coexist peacefully. I would be the pastor, not because I have all the answers, but because I ask the most questions. My idea is that this church would be a place for dialogue, where people listen to differing opinions, and learn what they can from them.

That is a crazy dream.

A lot would have to change for this to work. Those whose opinions differ from those around them, would have to let go of their need to be right, and instead choose to be part of a dialogue. If, as a pastor, I am going to question and work towards spiritual growth, congregants would have to let go of the need to hear the same sermons over and over again, week after week. They would also have to be ready to hear things they may not agree with, at least at first.

Unfortunately, this may be a recipe for disaster. We humans have an inexorable need to be right. We are also very passionate, so when we hear opinions that we deem to be wrong, we attack, with deed and thought.

People often go to church looking for solace. When the time is right church certainly can, and should, give that. However, a church whose mission is to break down barriers, staying away from tried and true messages, may just be an empty church. Frankly, a church like this could very well implode.

There is one way where I think this crazy dream could work. Two words, house church.

A church meeting in a home is less formal, which would lead to more dialogue. When people attend the same church, tithing to it and helping it grow, they tend to feel an ownership of it. Now this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, except people often feel betrayed when directions change. Factions form, leading to fractures. However, if we have zero investment, financially or emotionally, we may be more open to going off in new directions.

This church would need a clear mission statement, so people would know what they are getting into. Something that captures the inclusive nature of it, while setting some ground rules. Maybe there could be a different leader every week, so that we wouldn’t focus too much on one point of view or another. Maybe even meet in a different home every week. This is a group that you’d probably want to keep relatively small.

The coolest part of this idea is, I think, that over time, this church would turn into a really authentic community. Where people prayed for each other, helped each other, and love each other. Even if their opinions and theology are different.

Like the school boy dreaming of a date with Pamela Anderson, this dream is probably an impossibility.

Still, it’s an interesting idea isn’t it?

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“Pluralisms”

Great article on Gen Y and God.

Depending on how you look at this article, the future of religion is either very bleak or very rosy.

Call me an optimist if you will, but I see a lot to be excited about here.

I am excited by the fact that according to this article “more than half (of those surveyed) said they regularly pray before meals, and a third or more said they talk about religion with friends, attend worship services and read religious materials every week.”

This is great news, young people, who may or may not consider themselves religious, are seeking God and taking time to thank God for their food before a meal. Others attend worship and talk about God with their friends.

It seems to me that if young people are talking God with their peers, there is a definite hunger to connect with something greater than themselves.

Good news indeed.

One thing I am concerned about though, is the use of pluralism as if it is a bad word. I haven’t just seen that in this article, it is a common theme that has been running through a lot of what I have read online lately. To me religious pluralism is respecting the beliefs of others, learning what you can from their traditions, while seeing it all through the lens of Jesus Christ.

A quote from the article: “It also could mean an even deeper culture war, said Mr. Galston, as young Americans push their religious pluralism and a backlash emerges from other young Americans who don’t want to lose traditional and religious moorings.”

My prayer is that they are wrong. I look forward to a future where Christians become known for being tolerant of the beliefs of others. This fear of those around us who believe differently than we do, does nothing to advance the Gospel. In fact, it probably turns a lot of people off. Let’s face it, the face of intolerance is an ugly one.

Later in the article the writer appears to choose a different definition of pluralism: “Generation Y members also were strongly religiously pluralistic — only 7 percent said “all” their friends were of the same religion, and about 10 percent said they belonged to a non-Christian religion.”

Instead of religious pluralism meaning a mish-mash of beliefs, it seems to refer to people of all religions being friends. This is the way it should be. We should feel free to associate with anyone, no matter their race, creed, or orientation.

Whichever of the “pluralisms” you choose, I see Christianity growing and becoming more vibrant in a society that affirms and respects all people. Christianity needs to shed the elitist reputation by which it has become known. I am afraid that far too often, we more closely resemble the Pharisees that Jesus spoke out against, than Jesus.

I had an interesting conversation with an associate at work the other day. The gist of what I was thinking was, I wonder how Christians would react if Jesus were here today. If He came back as He did the first time, God incarnate, incognito, how would we react? If He wanted to tear down our religious establishment that we cling to so tenaciously, would we want to send Him to the electric chair?

Probably not, we’d just shoot Him. It’d be easier that way.

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As God Leads

Interesting article (you’ll have to register with your email to read it) in the Baltimore Sun.

It is my feeling that the majority of Catholics (not just women), and the majority of Christians for that matter, increasingly practice their faith on their own terms.

And that’s the way it should be.

Our relationship with God is a personal one, probably the most personal intimate relationship we will ever have. While we must respect those in authority over us, ultimate authority and our allegiance belongs to God.

Interestingly, the Declaration on Religious Freedom from the second Vatican Council reads “In all his activity a man is bound to follow his conscience faithfully, in order that he may come to God, for whom he was created. It follows that he is not to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his conscience. Nor, on the other hand is he to be restrained from acting in accordance with his conscience, especially in matters religious.” The Catholic church, long seen as the last bastion of authoritarianism in Christianity, encourages us to live a personal faith.

My goal is to live my life as God leads. It is tempting to be legalistic, sticking to the tangible. This will only cause us to miss out on many of the blessings God has planned for us. We must be willing to trust and allow our preconceived notions to be changed.

What if we get it wrong?

Remember one thing, God loves you infinitely and extravagantly. When (not if) you make some mistakes along the way, take heart. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

As we blaze our own personal trail of faith, God is our constant companion. Gently guiding us through the difficulties of this life so that we become the person we were created to be in the next.

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I Am A Christian

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting “I’m clean livin.”
I’m whispering “I was lost,”
Now I’m found and forgiven.

When I say…”I am a Christian”
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
and need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
and need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
and need God to clean my mess.

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner
who received God’s good grace, somehow.

Author ~Maya Angelou~

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A Christian In The Mosque

We Christians spend so much time fighting among ourselves (not to mention the lack of meaningful and respectful dialogue among people of different faiths), that it is easy to become cynical and lose heart.

Then I read something like this. This story took away a bit of my cynicism and restored a little bit of my faith in humanity. This brother in Christ truly fulfilled the Great Commission when he sat with his friends in that Mosque. He did not compromise his beliefs and he did not alienate the people he was talking to. Instead he respectfully shared his faith with his audience.

Some of my more conservative friends may say that he should not have prayed with the Muslims, but I think he did a great thing there. Again, he did not compromise his faith (he still prayed in the name of Jesus Christ), and showed humble respect that I am sure made Jesus proud.

Please take a minute to read the full story. I am sure you will be as blessed as I was.

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