This is post 1 in an ever expanding list of “Principles” that I’ve somehow started to develop. There was an old list of theses from High School…but they are about as deep as a High Schooler can be…so I’ve decided mid-20’ss is the way to go.
Principle #1: The SNL Principle (Chronological Snobbery)
I was a lucky child. Since my Mom was a single parent and had to work all day, yet wanted spend time with me (as anyone would), I was allowed to stay up rater ate at night. This may have lead to me being a 27 y/o that can’t get to sleep before midnight, but it also allowed me to be a 2nd grader that was sad when Johnny Carson retired. Truth be told, had I known how unfunny Leno would turn out to be, I’d have probably cried.
This means that as a child, I became a fast fan of Saturday Night Live. I watched it every week, I watched it’s re-reruns during the summers and I made many people laugh with my impersonations of Dana Carvey impersonating Bush and Perot. And the Church Lady. I loved the early 90’s SNL. In the mid-90’s, all my fav cast members were let go and replaced with unfunny losers like Will Farrel, Chris Katan, Cheri Oteri, Molly Shannon and they even let that moron Norm McDonald do Weekend Update. I hated the new cast, and I perpetually bemoaned how not funny they were.
Then something happened. I realized I was still watching it, and laughing at Mr. Peepers and Celebrity Jeopardy. SNL was still funny. Then some of those cast members left and people like Jason Sedakus and Kristin Wiig showed up. And everyone said, “Why can’t these people be as funny as the old cast was when they first started??” But, no one liked them when they first started. They hated them.
Now, all of a sudden, people seem to find this new cast funny. And, they are right. Because its always been funny. The problem is we grow so attached to things being 1 way that any change makes us initially hate the new way of doing things. We have no argument against the new way, and we work ever so hard to make ourselves hate the new thing, often against our own will; however we still manage to do it.
The fact is, this goes so far beyond SNL. It happens often with worship music, civil rights and changes in relationship. I have no prescription to fix this aside from to remind everyone that new is not always bad, and that the things that are old and comfortable now were once new and contemptible. What the 20-40 generation in the church call “old boring music” once were new drinking songs that got brought into the church with new lyrics.
Sociologically this is called Chronological snobbery, thinking either that what is either older or newer is better purely because of its position in time. Practically though, how many relationships have been cut off or halted because they are no longer what they once were, and no one wanted to see if the new norm was a good norm? And how many ways of doing church have been stamped out because they aren’t the way its always been done. And how many SNL cast members have been fired because no one will ever be able to be as funny as Tina Fey, and Wayne’s World is too brilliant to duplicate?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Choose Your Own Adventure
Thanks to an independent study that I’m doing right now, every time I try to think of something to blog, my mind goes to one of the 3 following topics:
1) Divine Simplicity
2) Divine Spatiality
3) The Validity of classifying any of the Divine Attributes as Incommunicable
So, trying to spare you all the pain of reading such things…I ask…what would you like a Sblog on?
1) Divine Simplicity
2) Divine Spatiality
3) The Validity of classifying any of the Divine Attributes as Incommunicable
So, trying to spare you all the pain of reading such things…I ask…what would you like a Sblog on?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
"You Believe X? Then I hate X!" Or: A Brief Discussion on Idea Making
One thing I like about the human mind is that it has the capability of complex thought. We are able to take various bits of data and analyze them and come up with cogent well thought out ideas that we can variously defend and discuss. But one of the things I LOVE about humans is how often we look at that ability and throw it away because we'd rather form our beliefs based upon what someone else believes.
Now, I'm not talking about people influencing us one way or the other, I mean something much more visceral. Humans have a tendency to not like other humans. I think this started back in caveman times when Unga had a more stylish loin cloth then Junga did, and Junga was made to feel very bad about this fact, and took it out on his poor pet archaeopteryx. This led to the eventual war between the archaepteryxes and the cave people, which ended in the cave people eating many buffalo flavored archaeopteryx wings. They all liked this very much, and decided that not liking each other was actually a very good thing. Sadly, the secret of buffalo flavored wings was lost when Atlantis fell into the sea and was not discovered again until centuries later when a man in New York's third largest city finally unlocked the wisdom of the ancients. Everyone also agrees this is "wicked awesome."
What is fascinating however is that when humans dislike other humans, they do not just not like them, but they find the need to disagree with this human on all points. This visceral reaction is a much stronger force than any amount of like might be. For example, universal health care. Every Republican hates this bill. Why? Because its Obama's idea. If Bush pushed this, every Republican would love it and all the Dems would hate it. Why? Because the concern isn't with the bill itself, but with the person that likes it. I personally am just against taxes, so be it Bush or Bama...I hate taxes:]
Christians do the same things. I first changed to my present view of the end times because I thought my pator at the given time was wrong on everything always. He thinks that an amill, partial preterist, post-trib view is very wrong...therefore I started thinking that it probably made good sense and I started believing in it with no support other than the fact that I didn't have a reason not to. Granted, since then I've done the research and hold more firmly to my position, but the fact remains that it started as a reaction.
One of he saddest things is when you meet people that act in such a way that you want to change your beliefs not to be on their side. I have recently met a few Calvinists that make me want to disagree with them and switch back to the opposing side, just because I want to not agree with people that come off the way they do. Granted, I won't switch for that reason, but its easy to see that if we hold to a belief, but are unable to couch it in a reasonable and valid way, and our presentation and actions and demeanor are not appealing, then people want to flee from it.
Two more examples: Our present society does not have a valid argument to support its idea of "everyone is right." It cannot support the idea that money and sex make you happy. But when it is said in a caring way, paying heed to the emotions and couched in a manner that is attractive, then clearly it is alluring to people. When that is added to Christians saying truth, but in a hateful way...its not hard to see why the world seems more appealing.
The other example is that of Glen Beck. He and I have similar political views. We are both conservatives, and both disagree with where the country is headed. But every time i hear him talk, I become more liberal. He has no clue what he is saying, and is a manipulative propaganda bag. Because of this, I want to defend Obama when he talks. That is a huge step given that I think Obama is incompetent, but without trying on Beck's part, he makes an argument for Obama out of the very lunacy he spreds. Why? Because it elicits a visceral reaction that makes you want to change your view just so you can say that you disagree with him.
So, in closing....I think its fascinating that so many of our ideas actually arise from visceral responses to people that we think are bat crap crazy.
Now, I'm not talking about people influencing us one way or the other, I mean something much more visceral. Humans have a tendency to not like other humans. I think this started back in caveman times when Unga had a more stylish loin cloth then Junga did, and Junga was made to feel very bad about this fact, and took it out on his poor pet archaeopteryx. This led to the eventual war between the archaepteryxes and the cave people, which ended in the cave people eating many buffalo flavored archaeopteryx wings. They all liked this very much, and decided that not liking each other was actually a very good thing. Sadly, the secret of buffalo flavored wings was lost when Atlantis fell into the sea and was not discovered again until centuries later when a man in New York's third largest city finally unlocked the wisdom of the ancients. Everyone also agrees this is "wicked awesome."
What is fascinating however is that when humans dislike other humans, they do not just not like them, but they find the need to disagree with this human on all points. This visceral reaction is a much stronger force than any amount of like might be. For example, universal health care. Every Republican hates this bill. Why? Because its Obama's idea. If Bush pushed this, every Republican would love it and all the Dems would hate it. Why? Because the concern isn't with the bill itself, but with the person that likes it. I personally am just against taxes, so be it Bush or Bama...I hate taxes:]
Christians do the same things. I first changed to my present view of the end times because I thought my pator at the given time was wrong on everything always. He thinks that an amill, partial preterist, post-trib view is very wrong...therefore I started thinking that it probably made good sense and I started believing in it with no support other than the fact that I didn't have a reason not to. Granted, since then I've done the research and hold more firmly to my position, but the fact remains that it started as a reaction.
One of he saddest things is when you meet people that act in such a way that you want to change your beliefs not to be on their side. I have recently met a few Calvinists that make me want to disagree with them and switch back to the opposing side, just because I want to not agree with people that come off the way they do. Granted, I won't switch for that reason, but its easy to see that if we hold to a belief, but are unable to couch it in a reasonable and valid way, and our presentation and actions and demeanor are not appealing, then people want to flee from it.
Two more examples: Our present society does not have a valid argument to support its idea of "everyone is right." It cannot support the idea that money and sex make you happy. But when it is said in a caring way, paying heed to the emotions and couched in a manner that is attractive, then clearly it is alluring to people. When that is added to Christians saying truth, but in a hateful way...its not hard to see why the world seems more appealing.
The other example is that of Glen Beck. He and I have similar political views. We are both conservatives, and both disagree with where the country is headed. But every time i hear him talk, I become more liberal. He has no clue what he is saying, and is a manipulative propaganda bag. Because of this, I want to defend Obama when he talks. That is a huge step given that I think Obama is incompetent, but without trying on Beck's part, he makes an argument for Obama out of the very lunacy he spreds. Why? Because it elicits a visceral reaction that makes you want to change your view just so you can say that you disagree with him.
So, in closing....I think its fascinating that so many of our ideas actually arise from visceral responses to people that we think are bat crap crazy.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
My Philosophy of Youth Ministry, Or: Why I'm OK That Your Teen Might not Understand Everyword I Say
Let's be frank, I am not the world's most ideal youth pastor. Yes I have the traditional youth pastor goatee, but my jeans are not form fitting, I hate coffee and the only V-neck shirt I own is orange and was bought on accident as a workout shirt from Wal-Mart. My wardrobe does not look like a Good Will store specializing in 1960's and 70's apparel, I think having youth eat a gallon of mayonnaise is disgusting and I find food fights disrespectful. I hate the "small group" model that most groups follow, I'm not a fan of having a band of some sort come in and try and woo youth to show up, make emotionally charged decisions and then never show up again...and it took me 5 tries to get "decisions" misspelled close enough for spell check to tell me the right spelling.
At core I'm an apologetics guy. My heart is in the defense of the Christian faith and seeing orthodoxy in the lives of others. On the whole, this isn't the most important thing to a large majority of what we call Christian. Be it Joel Olsteen style self help, or William Young feel good experientialism, or Rob Bell's casserole of wrongness...the church does not on the whole care about orthodoxy. The care about assimilation. Be that assimilation into acting like everyone else, or going out of your way not to act like everyone else (and join the large group that does just that...the irony). Either way, the dogmatic concern in the church as a whole, and in youth groups predominately, is a concern on action.
Action clearly is important. However, a youth pastor's job is not to make the youth act a certain way. Philosophically speaking, act comes from being (Colin Gunton has a great book on this). Since I can only act in such a way that I am, even if I do action "x" for a while...if I m actually person "y", then over time my action "x" will stop and action "y" will be what is left. This is why my job is not to teach youth not to lie; rather to teach them that God is truth. If I teach them "don't lie" that will only go so far as their conscious and their thinking I'm right" can take it. But if I teach them that "God is truth" and that therefor a lie is an affront to God, then there is a reason to not lie. Telling the truth has nothing to do with me or them, and everything with God.
This is why when I'm in charge of a youth group, they know CS Lewis. They know Augustine and Luther (Martin, not Lex...they know Lex cause I'm a geek). Many youth pastors think that youth only need the basics of the faith, and maybe that is because that's all they can bring to the fore...but our present society is not the type where any Christian just needs the basics. Teenagers are the target of worldview assaults like crazy. If a teenager graduates High School and thinks homosexuality is wrong, that is a rare thing. In a society in which the average age that a child is introduced to pornography is 11 (it might be 10, I cant remember the study I looked at), if they make it out of High School...or even to High School a virgin, that is impressive. But those things only happen thanks to a deep and firm relationship with God, not a passing feeling about Him.
That all said, I teach obscure theology to my teens. They know the titles of books by RC Sproul and GK Beale and use zeitgeist and diaspora as zings. And oddly enough, they invite friends to that type of group. Starting tomorrow we are going to start talking about worldviews and other religions, and we are actually going to hammer out the fact that as much as we love our unsaved friends, they aren't going to heaven so they need to hear the gospel. It's going to be fun.
Do I talk over the heads of some youth? Totally. But you know what happens when you teach 7th-12th grade at a 7th grade level? The 12th graders stay jr highers. If you teach 7th-12th at a 12th grade level? The group as a whole, over time, matures and can think at a higher level. Its painful at first, but has yet to fail. And, in 2009 there is not a single issue a 12th grader faces that a 7th grader doesn't face.
Hence, I've always said that I focus on Discipleship and Dodgeball. Deep teaching and fun games that teach them not to take themselves seriously. No real reason I decided to write this today aside from the fact that I realized I probably should have this written some place.
At core I'm an apologetics guy. My heart is in the defense of the Christian faith and seeing orthodoxy in the lives of others. On the whole, this isn't the most important thing to a large majority of what we call Christian. Be it Joel Olsteen style self help, or William Young feel good experientialism, or Rob Bell's casserole of wrongness...the church does not on the whole care about orthodoxy. The care about assimilation. Be that assimilation into acting like everyone else, or going out of your way not to act like everyone else (and join the large group that does just that...the irony). Either way, the dogmatic concern in the church as a whole, and in youth groups predominately, is a concern on action.
Action clearly is important. However, a youth pastor's job is not to make the youth act a certain way. Philosophically speaking, act comes from being (Colin Gunton has a great book on this). Since I can only act in such a way that I am, even if I do action "x" for a while...if I m actually person "y", then over time my action "x" will stop and action "y" will be what is left. This is why my job is not to teach youth not to lie; rather to teach them that God is truth. If I teach them "don't lie" that will only go so far as their conscious and their thinking I'm right" can take it. But if I teach them that "God is truth" and that therefor a lie is an affront to God, then there is a reason to not lie. Telling the truth has nothing to do with me or them, and everything with God.
This is why when I'm in charge of a youth group, they know CS Lewis. They know Augustine and Luther (Martin, not Lex...they know Lex cause I'm a geek). Many youth pastors think that youth only need the basics of the faith, and maybe that is because that's all they can bring to the fore...but our present society is not the type where any Christian just needs the basics. Teenagers are the target of worldview assaults like crazy. If a teenager graduates High School and thinks homosexuality is wrong, that is a rare thing. In a society in which the average age that a child is introduced to pornography is 11 (it might be 10, I cant remember the study I looked at), if they make it out of High School...or even to High School a virgin, that is impressive. But those things only happen thanks to a deep and firm relationship with God, not a passing feeling about Him.
That all said, I teach obscure theology to my teens. They know the titles of books by RC Sproul and GK Beale and use zeitgeist and diaspora as zings. And oddly enough, they invite friends to that type of group. Starting tomorrow we are going to start talking about worldviews and other religions, and we are actually going to hammer out the fact that as much as we love our unsaved friends, they aren't going to heaven so they need to hear the gospel. It's going to be fun.
Do I talk over the heads of some youth? Totally. But you know what happens when you teach 7th-12th grade at a 7th grade level? The 12th graders stay jr highers. If you teach 7th-12th at a 12th grade level? The group as a whole, over time, matures and can think at a higher level. Its painful at first, but has yet to fail. And, in 2009 there is not a single issue a 12th grader faces that a 7th grader doesn't face.
Hence, I've always said that I focus on Discipleship and Dodgeball. Deep teaching and fun games that teach them not to take themselves seriously. No real reason I decided to write this today aside from the fact that I realized I probably should have this written some place.
Monday, September 28, 2009
10 Worship Songs...well...3 Worship Songs and 7 Mistakes....
Here are the theological critiques of 10 songs I had to do for class. The more I hate the song, the funnier it is.
“I Am a Friend of God” by Israel Houghton
VERSE:
Who am I that you are mindful of me
That you hear me, when I call
Is it true that you are thinking of me
How you love me, it's amazing (Who am I Lord)
CHORUS:
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend
Verse
BRIDGE:
God Almighty
Lord of Glory
You have called me friend
Breakdown: Admittedly I am biased against this song, but much of the content is from Scripture. The first line is a quotation from Psalm 8 and the last line of the chorus is a quotation from John 15. It is also true that God hears when we call, and that He is Lord of Glory. All off these are positives.
However, while it is true that God is thinking of me, it is true that He is thinking of everyone in that He is omniscient. That line seems to set the song into an overtly saccharine place. The repetitious chorus furthers this overly emotional mood, as does the song’s beat. That stated, the greatest concern about this song is that it is completely anthrocentric. There is no actual statement of praise or worship in this song, merely a statement of how great it feels to be saved. The song falls short of its purpose and should never be sung.
“Shine Jesus Shine” by Cliff Richard
Lord the light or your love is shining,
In the midst of the darkness shining,
Jesus light of the world shine upon us,
Set us free by the truth you now bring us,
Shine on me. shine on me.
Shine jesus shine
Fill this land with the fathers glory
Blaze, spirit blaze,
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord and let there be light.
Lord I come to your awesome presence,
From the shadows into your radiance,
By the blood I may enter your brightness,
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness,
Shine on me. shine on me.
As we gaze on your kindly brightness.
So our faces display your likeness.
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirrored here may our lives tell your story.
Shine on me. shine on me.
Breakdown: This song is a good example of how lyrics can be full of “biblical words” yet carry little biblical substance. It seems a lot of the imagery in this song is being taken from the Revelation of John in which God is seen as the light in heaven. If the lyrics actually mean this, then this song is actually a profound postmillennial chorus, beseeching the Lord to draw history to a close and finalize His kingdom.
However, I don’t think that is the song’s intent. While the song does reference Christ as the light shining in the dark world, it lacks any terms of worship or praise. The second verse does indicate that Jesus’ death bought our salvation (brightness used as a synonym), but despite all these theological nuggets, the songs main point seems to be to indicate that Jesus is shiny and on fire and illuminating various continents.
The song isn’t bad, and it speaks very well to the senses and emotions, but it doesn’t really say anything at all. There’s nothing negative about singing this song, but there are better options.
“Oh Come and Mourn With Me a While” by Fredrick Faber
O come and mourn with me awhile;
And tarry here the cross beside;
O come, together let us mourn;
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.
Have we no tears to shed for Him,
While soldiers scoff and foes deride?
Ah! look how patiently He hangs;
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.
How fast His hands and feet are nailed;
His blessed tongue with thirst is tied,
His failing eyes are blind with blood:
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.
His mother cannot reach His face;
She stands in helplessness beside;
Her heart is martyred with her Son’s:
Jesus, our Lord, is Crucified.
Seven times He spoke, seven words of love;
And all three hours His silence cried
For mercy on the souls of men;
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.
Come, let us stand beneath the cross;
So may the blood from out His side
Fall gently on us drop by drop;
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.
O break, O break, hard heart of mine!
Thy weak self-love and guilty pride
His Pilate and His Judas were:
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.
A broken heart, a fount of tears,
Ask, and they will not be denied;
A broken heart love’s cradle is:
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.
O love of God! O sin of man!
In this dread act Your strength is tried;
And victory remains with love;
For Thou our Lord, art crucified!
Breakdown: This song bears the rare distinction of being a song that praises the mourning of the Lord’s death, whereas most focus entirely on the victory he accomplishes. This song’s focus is a needed balance in most contemporary Christian minds in that we often forget that though we call the day of the crucifixion “Good Friday” what occurred was actually a grave murdering of an innocent man. Emphasizing this fact for 6 verses makes the final 3 verses of praise stir the emotions deeper and bring to the fore a greater sense of joy.
The only issue I could see one taking with this song would be with stanza 4 and its emphasis on the mother of Christ. While it says nothing unbiblical, and the song was written by an Anglican, it could easily confuse Catholics or those with Catholic backgrounds, while producing no benefit. I would encourage this song be sung minus the 4th stanza
“Blessed Be Your Name” by Matt Redman
Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
And blessed be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name
[Chorus:]
Every blessing You pour out I'll
Turn back to praise
And when the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be You name
And blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
I will bless Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
[2x]
Breakdown: The lyrics of this song work as a theology not just of worship, but of the Old Testament as well. Using terms like “Stream of abundance” and “Walk in the wilderness” are clear allusions to Israel and their plight through the desert to Canaan. The lyrics however do not focus on the plight of the person (like most anthrocentric songs) but instead focus on God’s sovereignty in giving and taking away, as well as a more general idea of His sovereignty in every aspect of life which seems implicitly stated.
I would strongly recommend this song be sung often. Aside from the strong theological ideas presented thus far, it also highlights to true impetus of worship stating that praise stems from turning God’s blessing back to Him. Not only is this song sound, but it brings forth a solid theology of worship.
“Every Move I Make” by David Crowder Band or Vineyard or Hillsong (no one online would claim this atrocity)
Na na na na na na na na na na na (x2)
Every move I make I make in You
You make me move Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in You
Every step I take I take in You
You are my way Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in You
Waves of mercy, waves of grace
Everywhere I look I see Your face
Your love has captured me
Oh my God, this love
How can it be?
na na na na
na na na na na na
na na na na na na
na na na na
Breakdown: It is difficult to theologically dissect a song as empty as this one. It is possible to look at this song perhaps from a Calvinistic/Reformed stand point thanks to the line “Your love has captured me” but it is unlikely that is what is meant, and even less likely that anyone that share this side of the table with me would claim it. Truthfully, “You make me move” could be an allusion to hyper-calivinism or fatalism, though the context might better be read as “dance”
It could also be argued that “Everywhere I look I see your face” is a reference to natural theology and Rom 1. However, the tone of the song seems to preclude a deep discussion of natural theology, perhaps it might be interpreted this way if there were less “na na”s. The terms “waves of mercy” and “waves of grace” are empty and carry no real meaning.
This song is pabulum at best, the lyrical equivalent of cotton candy at worst. It isn’t harmful, but it’s far from profitable, and if anyone considers it an actual worship song it could foster a misunderstanding of what praise is.
“Let the River Flow” by Darrell Evans
Lyrics: Let the poor man say
I am rich in Him
Let the lost man say
I am found in Him
Let the river flow
Let the blind man say
I can see again
Let the dead man say
I am born again
Let the river flow
Let the river flow
Let the river flow
Let the river flow
Holy Spirit come
Move in power
Let the river flow
Background: There are many positive things to be said for this song. The two verses talk about Christ being our treasure, Christ restoring sight, Christ seeking the lost and Christ restoring life. All 4 of these pictures are straight from the New Testament and are presented in a manner that shows Christ’s power.
However, the phrase “let the river flow” is hollow. What river? This song is not an allusion to the Jordan, Tigress, Euphrates or any other biblical river. It is merely a hollow repetitious phrase that has no Scriptural connotation. Sadly it is the most oft repeated phrase in the song. There is no harm in singing this song, and to an extent it communicates truth, but there are many better songs that can be sung.
“Be Thou My Vision” Translated by Eleanor Hull
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,
be all else but naught to me, save that thou art;
be thou my best thought in the day and the night,
both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word,
be thou ever with me, and I with thee Lord;
be thou my great Father, and I thy true son;
be thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.
Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight;
be thou my whole armor, be thou my true might;
be thou my soul's shelter, be thou my strong tower:
O raise thou me heavenward, great Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise:
be thou mine inheritance now and always;
be thou and thou only the first in my heart;
O Sovereign of heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of heaven, thou heaven's bright sun,
O grant me its joys after victory is won;
great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be thou my vision, O Ruler of all.
Breakdown: This song is written in the form of a prayer and has no biblical errors at all. The song appeals to God as that which is worthy to focus on, as wise, as armor, as wealth and as the point of existence in general, referencing John 6, Proverbs, Eph 6, Matt 6 and Col 1 respectively. The lyrics are biblically sound and this is therefore is a song that actually leads people to truthfully worship God. I suggest this song is sung often.
“Days of Elijah” by Donnie McClurkin
These are the days of Elijah,
Declaring the word of the Lord:
And these are the days of Your servant Moses,
Righteousness being restored.
And though these are days of great trial,
Of famine and darkness and sword,
Still, we are the voice in the desert crying
'Prepare ye the way of the Lord!'
Behold He comes riding on the clouds,
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call;
Lift your voice, it's the year of jubilee,
And out of Zion's hill salvation comes.
These are the days of Ezekiel,
The dry bones becoming as flesh;
And these are the days of Your servant David,
Rebuilding a temple of praise.
These are the days of the harvest,
The fields are as white in Your world,
And we are the labourers in Your vineyard,
Declaring the word of the Lord!
There's no God like Jehovah.
There's no God like Jehovah! [8]
Breakdown: After looking over the lyrics it should be painfully obvious that this is one of the least coherent songs that is sung in churches today. It is true that Elijah declared the word of the Lord, however Moses does not seem to be connected with restoring righteousness in anyway. Also, the song uses “year of Jubilee” but provides no context or rational reason for its presence. Yet, more obtuse than this is the reference to David rebuilding the temple, when he wasn’t allowed to build it, let alone build it, have it destroyed and then rebuild it. This song is about emotion and pep and that alone.
Also, any song with a [x8] anywhere in its lyrics is one that should not be sung. When a 5 year of asks “why” the first time it has meaning, but everyone knows that the 4th time the word is empty. Matthew 6:7 seems rather strong against vain repetitions. Never sing this song.
“Forever” by Chris Tomlin
Give thanks to the Lord
Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
With a mighty hand
and outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life that’s been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Yeah
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
From the rising to the setting sun
His love endures forever
By the grace of God
We will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Yeah
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
Forever
His love endures forever
His love endures forever
His love endures forever
Forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Yeah
Forever you are faithful
Forever you are strong
Forever you are with us
Forever
And ever
Yeah
Forever you are faithful
Forever you are strong
Forever you are with us
Forever
Forever
You are God…..
Forever
And ever and ever ….
Breakdown: I would like to be much more negative about this song, but the only real critique I can levy is part of what I mentioned in the last song, hat of vain repetition. However, even that, what is being repeated here are words honoring God as omnipotent, faithful, etc and therefore is reminiscent of the refrain “His steadfast love endures forever” in Psalm 136. The phrase “by His grace we carry on” seems to be at least an allusion to 2 Cor 12:7 in that God shows His strength in our weakness.
I personally do not like this song, but theologically cannot see anything theologically wrong with it, and truthfully see value in it. It’s just repetitive.
“Breathe” by Michael W Smith
This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word spoken to me
And I I'm desperate for you
And I I'm I'm lost without you
Breakdown: This song seems to be appealing to passages of Scripture that indicate that God is our sustainer. It would be inaccurate to understand the second verse as referencing the Lord’s Supper directly, but the allegorical usage of the Eucharist as sustaining clearly is applicable. Also, the emphasis on desperation resonates with the Psalms of ascents, speaking of desiring God more than watchmen long for morning or sailor’s their ports.
On the negative side, the song is again very repetitive (as are most contemporary songs). Also, the analogies are a bit ethereal and therefore sound as though they should be wrong, even though I think it can be argued that they aren’t. This song can be sung, but has been over sung. The words also are completely anthrocentric and are not actually praising God for who He is, but more informing Him as to how greatly He is desired. This song should be use sparingly.
“I Am a Friend of God” by Israel Houghton
VERSE:
Who am I that you are mindful of me
That you hear me, when I call
Is it true that you are thinking of me
How you love me, it's amazing (Who am I Lord)
CHORUS:
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend
Verse
BRIDGE:
God Almighty
Lord of Glory
You have called me friend
Breakdown: Admittedly I am biased against this song, but much of the content is from Scripture. The first line is a quotation from Psalm 8 and the last line of the chorus is a quotation from John 15. It is also true that God hears when we call, and that He is Lord of Glory. All off these are positives.
However, while it is true that God is thinking of me, it is true that He is thinking of everyone in that He is omniscient. That line seems to set the song into an overtly saccharine place. The repetitious chorus furthers this overly emotional mood, as does the song’s beat. That stated, the greatest concern about this song is that it is completely anthrocentric. There is no actual statement of praise or worship in this song, merely a statement of how great it feels to be saved. The song falls short of its purpose and should never be sung.
“Shine Jesus Shine” by Cliff Richard
Lord the light or your love is shining,
In the midst of the darkness shining,
Jesus light of the world shine upon us,
Set us free by the truth you now bring us,
Shine on me. shine on me.
Shine jesus shine
Fill this land with the fathers glory
Blaze, spirit blaze,
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord and let there be light.
Lord I come to your awesome presence,
From the shadows into your radiance,
By the blood I may enter your brightness,
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness,
Shine on me. shine on me.
As we gaze on your kindly brightness.
So our faces display your likeness.
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirrored here may our lives tell your story.
Shine on me. shine on me.
Breakdown: This song is a good example of how lyrics can be full of “biblical words” yet carry little biblical substance. It seems a lot of the imagery in this song is being taken from the Revelation of John in which God is seen as the light in heaven. If the lyrics actually mean this, then this song is actually a profound postmillennial chorus, beseeching the Lord to draw history to a close and finalize His kingdom.
However, I don’t think that is the song’s intent. While the song does reference Christ as the light shining in the dark world, it lacks any terms of worship or praise. The second verse does indicate that Jesus’ death bought our salvation (brightness used as a synonym), but despite all these theological nuggets, the songs main point seems to be to indicate that Jesus is shiny and on fire and illuminating various continents.
The song isn’t bad, and it speaks very well to the senses and emotions, but it doesn’t really say anything at all. There’s nothing negative about singing this song, but there are better options.
“Oh Come and Mourn With Me a While” by Fredrick Faber
O come and mourn with me awhile;
And tarry here the cross beside;
O come, together let us mourn;
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.
Have we no tears to shed for Him,
While soldiers scoff and foes deride?
Ah! look how patiently He hangs;
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.
How fast His hands and feet are nailed;
His blessed tongue with thirst is tied,
His failing eyes are blind with blood:
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.
His mother cannot reach His face;
She stands in helplessness beside;
Her heart is martyred with her Son’s:
Jesus, our Lord, is Crucified.
Seven times He spoke, seven words of love;
And all three hours His silence cried
For mercy on the souls of men;
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.
Come, let us stand beneath the cross;
So may the blood from out His side
Fall gently on us drop by drop;
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.
O break, O break, hard heart of mine!
Thy weak self-love and guilty pride
His Pilate and His Judas were:
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.
A broken heart, a fount of tears,
Ask, and they will not be denied;
A broken heart love’s cradle is:
Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.
O love of God! O sin of man!
In this dread act Your strength is tried;
And victory remains with love;
For Thou our Lord, art crucified!
Breakdown: This song bears the rare distinction of being a song that praises the mourning of the Lord’s death, whereas most focus entirely on the victory he accomplishes. This song’s focus is a needed balance in most contemporary Christian minds in that we often forget that though we call the day of the crucifixion “Good Friday” what occurred was actually a grave murdering of an innocent man. Emphasizing this fact for 6 verses makes the final 3 verses of praise stir the emotions deeper and bring to the fore a greater sense of joy.
The only issue I could see one taking with this song would be with stanza 4 and its emphasis on the mother of Christ. While it says nothing unbiblical, and the song was written by an Anglican, it could easily confuse Catholics or those with Catholic backgrounds, while producing no benefit. I would encourage this song be sung minus the 4th stanza
“Blessed Be Your Name” by Matt Redman
Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
And blessed be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name
[Chorus:]
Every blessing You pour out I'll
Turn back to praise
And when the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be You name
And blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
I will bless Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
[2x]
Breakdown: The lyrics of this song work as a theology not just of worship, but of the Old Testament as well. Using terms like “Stream of abundance” and “Walk in the wilderness” are clear allusions to Israel and their plight through the desert to Canaan. The lyrics however do not focus on the plight of the person (like most anthrocentric songs) but instead focus on God’s sovereignty in giving and taking away, as well as a more general idea of His sovereignty in every aspect of life which seems implicitly stated.
I would strongly recommend this song be sung often. Aside from the strong theological ideas presented thus far, it also highlights to true impetus of worship stating that praise stems from turning God’s blessing back to Him. Not only is this song sound, but it brings forth a solid theology of worship.
“Every Move I Make” by David Crowder Band or Vineyard or Hillsong (no one online would claim this atrocity)
Na na na na na na na na na na na (x2)
Every move I make I make in You
You make me move Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in You
Every step I take I take in You
You are my way Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in You
Waves of mercy, waves of grace
Everywhere I look I see Your face
Your love has captured me
Oh my God, this love
How can it be?
na na na na
na na na na na na
na na na na na na
na na na na
Breakdown: It is difficult to theologically dissect a song as empty as this one. It is possible to look at this song perhaps from a Calvinistic/Reformed stand point thanks to the line “Your love has captured me” but it is unlikely that is what is meant, and even less likely that anyone that share this side of the table with me would claim it. Truthfully, “You make me move” could be an allusion to hyper-calivinism or fatalism, though the context might better be read as “dance”
It could also be argued that “Everywhere I look I see your face” is a reference to natural theology and Rom 1. However, the tone of the song seems to preclude a deep discussion of natural theology, perhaps it might be interpreted this way if there were less “na na”s. The terms “waves of mercy” and “waves of grace” are empty and carry no real meaning.
This song is pabulum at best, the lyrical equivalent of cotton candy at worst. It isn’t harmful, but it’s far from profitable, and if anyone considers it an actual worship song it could foster a misunderstanding of what praise is.
“Let the River Flow” by Darrell Evans
Lyrics: Let the poor man say
I am rich in Him
Let the lost man say
I am found in Him
Let the river flow
Let the blind man say
I can see again
Let the dead man say
I am born again
Let the river flow
Let the river flow
Let the river flow
Let the river flow
Holy Spirit come
Move in power
Let the river flow
Background: There are many positive things to be said for this song. The two verses talk about Christ being our treasure, Christ restoring sight, Christ seeking the lost and Christ restoring life. All 4 of these pictures are straight from the New Testament and are presented in a manner that shows Christ’s power.
However, the phrase “let the river flow” is hollow. What river? This song is not an allusion to the Jordan, Tigress, Euphrates or any other biblical river. It is merely a hollow repetitious phrase that has no Scriptural connotation. Sadly it is the most oft repeated phrase in the song. There is no harm in singing this song, and to an extent it communicates truth, but there are many better songs that can be sung.
“Be Thou My Vision” Translated by Eleanor Hull
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,
be all else but naught to me, save that thou art;
be thou my best thought in the day and the night,
both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word,
be thou ever with me, and I with thee Lord;
be thou my great Father, and I thy true son;
be thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.
Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight;
be thou my whole armor, be thou my true might;
be thou my soul's shelter, be thou my strong tower:
O raise thou me heavenward, great Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise:
be thou mine inheritance now and always;
be thou and thou only the first in my heart;
O Sovereign of heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of heaven, thou heaven's bright sun,
O grant me its joys after victory is won;
great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be thou my vision, O Ruler of all.
Breakdown: This song is written in the form of a prayer and has no biblical errors at all. The song appeals to God as that which is worthy to focus on, as wise, as armor, as wealth and as the point of existence in general, referencing John 6, Proverbs, Eph 6, Matt 6 and Col 1 respectively. The lyrics are biblically sound and this is therefore is a song that actually leads people to truthfully worship God. I suggest this song is sung often.
“Days of Elijah” by Donnie McClurkin
These are the days of Elijah,
Declaring the word of the Lord:
And these are the days of Your servant Moses,
Righteousness being restored.
And though these are days of great trial,
Of famine and darkness and sword,
Still, we are the voice in the desert crying
'Prepare ye the way of the Lord!'
Behold He comes riding on the clouds,
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call;
Lift your voice, it's the year of jubilee,
And out of Zion's hill salvation comes.
These are the days of Ezekiel,
The dry bones becoming as flesh;
And these are the days of Your servant David,
Rebuilding a temple of praise.
These are the days of the harvest,
The fields are as white in Your world,
And we are the labourers in Your vineyard,
Declaring the word of the Lord!
There's no God like Jehovah.
There's no God like Jehovah! [8]
Breakdown: After looking over the lyrics it should be painfully obvious that this is one of the least coherent songs that is sung in churches today. It is true that Elijah declared the word of the Lord, however Moses does not seem to be connected with restoring righteousness in anyway. Also, the song uses “year of Jubilee” but provides no context or rational reason for its presence. Yet, more obtuse than this is the reference to David rebuilding the temple, when he wasn’t allowed to build it, let alone build it, have it destroyed and then rebuild it. This song is about emotion and pep and that alone.
Also, any song with a [x8] anywhere in its lyrics is one that should not be sung. When a 5 year of asks “why” the first time it has meaning, but everyone knows that the 4th time the word is empty. Matthew 6:7 seems rather strong against vain repetitions. Never sing this song.
“Forever” by Chris Tomlin
Give thanks to the Lord
Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
With a mighty hand
and outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life that’s been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Yeah
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
From the rising to the setting sun
His love endures forever
By the grace of God
We will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Yeah
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
Forever
His love endures forever
His love endures forever
His love endures forever
Forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Yeah
Forever you are faithful
Forever you are strong
Forever you are with us
Forever
And ever
Yeah
Forever you are faithful
Forever you are strong
Forever you are with us
Forever
Forever
You are God…..
Forever
And ever and ever ….
Breakdown: I would like to be much more negative about this song, but the only real critique I can levy is part of what I mentioned in the last song, hat of vain repetition. However, even that, what is being repeated here are words honoring God as omnipotent, faithful, etc and therefore is reminiscent of the refrain “His steadfast love endures forever” in Psalm 136. The phrase “by His grace we carry on” seems to be at least an allusion to 2 Cor 12:7 in that God shows His strength in our weakness.
I personally do not like this song, but theologically cannot see anything theologically wrong with it, and truthfully see value in it. It’s just repetitive.
“Breathe” by Michael W Smith
This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word spoken to me
And I I'm desperate for you
And I I'm I'm lost without you
Breakdown: This song seems to be appealing to passages of Scripture that indicate that God is our sustainer. It would be inaccurate to understand the second verse as referencing the Lord’s Supper directly, but the allegorical usage of the Eucharist as sustaining clearly is applicable. Also, the emphasis on desperation resonates with the Psalms of ascents, speaking of desiring God more than watchmen long for morning or sailor’s their ports.
On the negative side, the song is again very repetitive (as are most contemporary songs). Also, the analogies are a bit ethereal and therefore sound as though they should be wrong, even though I think it can be argued that they aren’t. This song can be sung, but has been over sung. The words also are completely anthrocentric and are not actually praising God for who He is, but more informing Him as to how greatly He is desired. This song should be use sparingly.
Monday, August 3, 2009
I Always Hated it in School when my Teacher Would Judge Me
Topic: Being judgmental
I have a problem. Actually, I have a litany of them. One of them though is blinding rage. Yes, blinding rage. You know you have a big problem when the problem you have sounds like they might be an 80’s rock band…this is the reason I’ve always attempted never to have a problem with my Airsupply or a Flock of Seagulls.
Now, this “rage” of mine doesn’t come out at normal times. I get cut off…I’ll probably have a snide comment. A person starts yelling at me, I’ll probably have a cocky grin. Someone does something illogical…there’s a greater than 76% chance I will turned into a green skinned monstrosity and yell “Sam smash puny idea!”….this clearly has plaid havoc with my wardrobe.
Recently I was having a conversation with an unsaved lady that I had come across in my various lunching adventures (as my youth group likes to point out…I meet the oddest people). During the course of our dialogue, she mentioned that pre-marital sex was a great thing…to which I said “You’re wrong”. This clearly led to her putting up shields that would make Darth Vader’s Super Star Destroyer the Executioner shield generators look weak. She looked at me and said that I needed to stop judging her….here is the convo:
Female: You need to stop judging me
Me: I’m not judging you, I just said you’re wrong
F: See! Such judgment!
M: Ok…if that’s judging…why is it bad to judge?
F: Because you are telling me I’m wrong
M: Do you think I’m wrong?
F: Yes
M: Ok…there ya go…you’re judging me then too
F: No I’m not…I would never say that you were wrong. I could never do that to anyone.
M: But you just…
F: I said that I think you are wrong. Not that you are wrong.
M: Same thing
F: Wow, you are close-minded.
M: No, I’m just saying, when I say “You’re wrong” clearly it means “I think you are wrong” and when I say, “I think you’re wrong” clearly I’m under the impression that you are wrong
F: No, “you’re wrong” means you think that you have the right to say if something is wrong for someone else or not, as opposed to just saying if it is wrong in your perspective. You’re just so judgmental and arrogant
Ok, now……this cause blinding rage. Her calling me judgmental? No big. Her calling me arrogant? That’s like a Where’s Waldo book where every page is nothing but a close up picture of Waldo’s face…not that impressive lady. But the mental gymnastics she was performing to hold to her failed worldview…..fury!
So, let’s just lay it out there. There is no problem with judging each other. The Bible says judge not lest you be judged, and then says not to throw pearls to swine. So obviously reading the former as precluding making any judgment calls at all is inadequate, or else Christ never would have expected us to adjudicate who the swine are. Everyday people make judgments as to what is right or wrong, good or bad….Pepsi or Coke. When I go to Best Buy, I buy 1 lap top, and not all of them. Why? I’ve judged one superior than the others. It might be price…it might be features….it might be memory…but for some reason last June I judged that my iBook was a better call than an HP with a processor on it that says “Will crash 4 times in the next year or your money back”
The fact is, this lady’s understanding of judgment comes from the Enlightenment thinker David Hume and his emotivist ethics…she’s inherited her worldview from the feminist ethic as well. But all of that to say….its patently idiotic. If I run across a guy beating a 5 y/o child with a chain, I’m not going to say, “I think what you are doing is wrong and you should stop!” and when he gets brought to trial I won’t say, “Now now jury…I think what he did was very wrong….but who am I to judge…and you with the black robe on…you better have an open mind about this one”
Wrong is wrong. Let’s debate what is wrong, but let’s not pretend that opinions are binding. Or that in debating opinions we some how escape the fact that we are debating truth. When I claim something to be wrong, I am not merely saying that I think its wrong, I’m saying that I think what I do based upon a founded belief about the ethical situation in and of itself. So you better do the same. Don’t pretend that you think the holocaust was only wrong in your opinion. That isn’t a heightened form of wisdom, its lunacy and goes against the innate ideas that make humans humans.
And again…anger!!!!
I probably should do a post on the Abolition of Man some time….
I have a problem. Actually, I have a litany of them. One of them though is blinding rage. Yes, blinding rage. You know you have a big problem when the problem you have sounds like they might be an 80’s rock band…this is the reason I’ve always attempted never to have a problem with my Airsupply or a Flock of Seagulls.
Now, this “rage” of mine doesn’t come out at normal times. I get cut off…I’ll probably have a snide comment. A person starts yelling at me, I’ll probably have a cocky grin. Someone does something illogical…there’s a greater than 76% chance I will turned into a green skinned monstrosity and yell “Sam smash puny idea!”….this clearly has plaid havoc with my wardrobe.
Recently I was having a conversation with an unsaved lady that I had come across in my various lunching adventures (as my youth group likes to point out…I meet the oddest people). During the course of our dialogue, she mentioned that pre-marital sex was a great thing…to which I said “You’re wrong”. This clearly led to her putting up shields that would make Darth Vader’s Super Star Destroyer the Executioner shield generators look weak. She looked at me and said that I needed to stop judging her….here is the convo:
Female: You need to stop judging me
Me: I’m not judging you, I just said you’re wrong
F: See! Such judgment!
M: Ok…if that’s judging…why is it bad to judge?
F: Because you are telling me I’m wrong
M: Do you think I’m wrong?
F: Yes
M: Ok…there ya go…you’re judging me then too
F: No I’m not…I would never say that you were wrong. I could never do that to anyone.
M: But you just…
F: I said that I think you are wrong. Not that you are wrong.
M: Same thing
F: Wow, you are close-minded.
M: No, I’m just saying, when I say “You’re wrong” clearly it means “I think you are wrong” and when I say, “I think you’re wrong” clearly I’m under the impression that you are wrong
F: No, “you’re wrong” means you think that you have the right to say if something is wrong for someone else or not, as opposed to just saying if it is wrong in your perspective. You’re just so judgmental and arrogant
Ok, now……this cause blinding rage. Her calling me judgmental? No big. Her calling me arrogant? That’s like a Where’s Waldo book where every page is nothing but a close up picture of Waldo’s face…not that impressive lady. But the mental gymnastics she was performing to hold to her failed worldview…..fury!
So, let’s just lay it out there. There is no problem with judging each other. The Bible says judge not lest you be judged, and then says not to throw pearls to swine. So obviously reading the former as precluding making any judgment calls at all is inadequate, or else Christ never would have expected us to adjudicate who the swine are. Everyday people make judgments as to what is right or wrong, good or bad….Pepsi or Coke. When I go to Best Buy, I buy 1 lap top, and not all of them. Why? I’ve judged one superior than the others. It might be price…it might be features….it might be memory…but for some reason last June I judged that my iBook was a better call than an HP with a processor on it that says “Will crash 4 times in the next year or your money back”
The fact is, this lady’s understanding of judgment comes from the Enlightenment thinker David Hume and his emotivist ethics…she’s inherited her worldview from the feminist ethic as well. But all of that to say….its patently idiotic. If I run across a guy beating a 5 y/o child with a chain, I’m not going to say, “I think what you are doing is wrong and you should stop!” and when he gets brought to trial I won’t say, “Now now jury…I think what he did was very wrong….but who am I to judge…and you with the black robe on…you better have an open mind about this one”
Wrong is wrong. Let’s debate what is wrong, but let’s not pretend that opinions are binding. Or that in debating opinions we some how escape the fact that we are debating truth. When I claim something to be wrong, I am not merely saying that I think its wrong, I’m saying that I think what I do based upon a founded belief about the ethical situation in and of itself. So you better do the same. Don’t pretend that you think the holocaust was only wrong in your opinion. That isn’t a heightened form of wisdom, its lunacy and goes against the innate ideas that make humans humans.
And again…anger!!!!
I probably should do a post on the Abolition of Man some time….
Friday, July 31, 2009
Nice Pick-Up (Truck) Line…
Topic: A more effective way than a TV dating show to find the love of your life
A few days ago I was talking with my long lost friend Shanda on the phone while she was driving in the wonderful land of TX. In the midst of our conversation she abruptly said, “Someone just hit me, I have to go”. This clearly was disconcerting since she lives in TX meaning there is a greater than 75% chance that she was hit by a large truck with bull horns on the front while the driver was eating ribs.
Note: I love stereotypes and think people need to stop pretending they are an awful taboo. I write this from California meaning that as I type this, I’m actually longing to go out and surf with all my celebrity friends, while we talk about my liberal view points all the while protesting for illegal immigrant right and the freedom of puppies to vote in the next election. Granted I’m in Orange County, so I’m probably just a conservative white person that hates taxes and cares about myself enough to have a vanity license plate, all the while being pretentious enough to know that I like gelato more than ice cream…..but I digress….
Shanda called me back and said she was fine, as was the car. This was good news, as was the exchange she had with the driver of the other car. They spoke about her window clinger and she explained that it stood for “Not of this world” and that the object he couldn’t identify was a cross. He said he had a cross tattooed on his leg and showed her. That was the end.
I told her that I thought it was interesting, because Shanda, being Shanda, saw the accident as a witnessing opportunity and explained her window clinger. The man, being a man, saw this as an opportunity to pick up on a woman…and like all brilliant males…thought the ideal way to do this was to show his tattoo.
This led me to what I think is a wonderful idea that I’m going to suggest to my son if I have one…or may just try myself. If there is a female driving in front of you with a Christian bumper sticker on her car…just run into her. Even if its just soft enough to slow her down. Then you get to have this convo…
Male: Oh no…it looks as though I’ve hit your car
Female: That’s ok, it doesn’t look like there’s any damage
M: Still, I feel horrible…
F: No no, its ok…
M: Forsooth! What’s this…a bumper sticker that says Daddy’s Girl with a verse below it indicating God is your Father??
F: Oh yeah, I’m a Christian
M: I can’t believe I hit my sister in Christ, I have a tattoo saying I won’t do that, let me show you (note: you may need to draw this in marker post-collision)
F: Huh…odd you’d have that on your lower back…
M: You should probably give me your number so we can talk about insurance matters
F: I think everything’s ok actually
M: You say that now, but I think we should exchange numbers in case you change your mind…or maybe we go and partake of a Jamba Juice while you wait to see if your bumper falls off
F: Um…I got a thing…
Also, when I said the bumper sticker said “Daddy’s Girl” I presume that at least 50% of all readers presumed the car was a Jetta. Why? Because the Jetta is the Hello Kitty of cars
A few days ago I was talking with my long lost friend Shanda on the phone while she was driving in the wonderful land of TX. In the midst of our conversation she abruptly said, “Someone just hit me, I have to go”. This clearly was disconcerting since she lives in TX meaning there is a greater than 75% chance that she was hit by a large truck with bull horns on the front while the driver was eating ribs.
Note: I love stereotypes and think people need to stop pretending they are an awful taboo. I write this from California meaning that as I type this, I’m actually longing to go out and surf with all my celebrity friends, while we talk about my liberal view points all the while protesting for illegal immigrant right and the freedom of puppies to vote in the next election. Granted I’m in Orange County, so I’m probably just a conservative white person that hates taxes and cares about myself enough to have a vanity license plate, all the while being pretentious enough to know that I like gelato more than ice cream…..but I digress….
Shanda called me back and said she was fine, as was the car. This was good news, as was the exchange she had with the driver of the other car. They spoke about her window clinger and she explained that it stood for “Not of this world” and that the object he couldn’t identify was a cross. He said he had a cross tattooed on his leg and showed her. That was the end.
I told her that I thought it was interesting, because Shanda, being Shanda, saw the accident as a witnessing opportunity and explained her window clinger. The man, being a man, saw this as an opportunity to pick up on a woman…and like all brilliant males…thought the ideal way to do this was to show his tattoo.
This led me to what I think is a wonderful idea that I’m going to suggest to my son if I have one…or may just try myself. If there is a female driving in front of you with a Christian bumper sticker on her car…just run into her. Even if its just soft enough to slow her down. Then you get to have this convo…
Male: Oh no…it looks as though I’ve hit your car
Female: That’s ok, it doesn’t look like there’s any damage
M: Still, I feel horrible…
F: No no, its ok…
M: Forsooth! What’s this…a bumper sticker that says Daddy’s Girl with a verse below it indicating God is your Father??
F: Oh yeah, I’m a Christian
M: I can’t believe I hit my sister in Christ, I have a tattoo saying I won’t do that, let me show you (note: you may need to draw this in marker post-collision)
F: Huh…odd you’d have that on your lower back…
M: You should probably give me your number so we can talk about insurance matters
F: I think everything’s ok actually
M: You say that now, but I think we should exchange numbers in case you change your mind…or maybe we go and partake of a Jamba Juice while you wait to see if your bumper falls off
F: Um…I got a thing…
Also, when I said the bumper sticker said “Daddy’s Girl” I presume that at least 50% of all readers presumed the car was a Jetta. Why? Because the Jetta is the Hello Kitty of cars
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