Preface:
I am not a health nut. So for me, a chicken nugget every now and then is not the worst thing in the world. But even I know that a constant diet of them will make you fat and lethargic.
Disclaimer:
I continue to be conscious of the lack of Bible I read, study, and memorize. I start with this sentence because I do not want to give the impression that I think myself a scriptural expert. But as a pastor, I do have a passion for God's Word that I think may be somewhat extraordinary, just as a doctor may be fond of his journals. There is nothing worse than a pastor trying to guilt people into being as amped up as he is about his occupational journal. Thus, this disclaimer.
However, as someone who is passionate about helping others become passionate about the Holy Scriptures, I want to debunk a popular myth about the Bible: that it is primarily "inspirational."
Part 1:
Please do not misunderstand - I do believe the Bible is inspired, but I do not believe it is primarily inspirational. Looking for inspiration in the Bible is a bit like looking for the proverbial needle amongst the hay. Sure there are extremely inspirational passages, many found in the Gospels and Letters, the Prophets and Poetry, but if we go to the Bible for inspiration, we are perhaps missing the point of what it means for the Bible to be inspired.
Paul gives perhaps the best description of Holy Writ when he writes to Timothy, "All Scripture is God-breathed (inspired) and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (II Tim 3:16-17)." I love Paul's description because it shows both the objective and subjective sides of Scripture -- the ontological (being) and the teleological (doing). It is 'inspired' and 'useful.' The objective side is that it is inspired, from God by the Holy Spirit, holding the words of life, the embodiment of Christ himself. The subjective side offers a utilitarian meaning - it is useful for various purposes.
Part 2:
The Bible is so rich in purpose because it offers so many benefits for our lives - temporal and eternal. It teaches us about God (theology); it teaches us about ourselves and our humanity (anthropology); it brings the standards of heaven to earth (sanctification); it warns us about our future (eschatology); it gives us a wide-angle lens of time (history); it teaches us how to live (ethics), through good and bad ethical models (biography); and it truly inspires and empowers through the Spirit (pneumatology).
The difference between the Word of God being inspired and it being inspirational is that its inspiration comes from the Holy Spirit, but 'to inspire' is only one of many tasks the Bible takes up. When we approach the Scriptures as a means of inspiration, we not only disappoint new believers who pick it up and find instead a great deal of confusion, we also task the Bible with a goal that is not necessarily inherent.
Perhaps the best example of this dilemma is the famous 'verse of the day' phenomenon. Nothing exposes the 'Bible as inspirational' myth more than this. Not only does it pull a verse out of its proper context, causing possible misuse and even abuse, it misrepresents the whole of Scripture, since most verses in the Bible would never be used in this way. Then, as an unintended consequence, we get a view of Scripture that is based on the limited exposure to our 'favorite verses,' which in turn affects our theology and how we live our lives.
Going to the Bible in search of inspiration is a bit like going into a bookstore in search of Mad Libs. Instead of taking in all the knowledge through the reading of history, biography, and philosophy, we tend to enjoy making the Bible say what makes us feel good, rather than actually letting it teach, rebuke, correct, and train us (II Tim 3:16). This is the great dilemma of modern Christianity and the primary reason for nominal Christianity in the Church.
Part 3:
N.T. Wright, the Bishop of Durham, and a best-selling author challenged me in a video I saw a couple years ago to start reading the Bible in larger chunks -- the way it was intended to be read. I had never noticed before, but I had been reading scripture in very small amounts - getting a chapter or two in and going on my way - checking off my spiritual checklist and feeling much better about myself and my walk with God. What I had not realized is I can sit for much longer periods and read other books or magazines, and somehow we have been trained to consume only a dutiful portion of Scripture at a time.
I had not, until this revelation, experienced the joy and fascination of reading an entire Gospel through in one sitting (a task that only takes around two hours for Mark), nor in my 30+ years of Christian faith had the thought to do so ever crossed my mind. I would venture to say that 99% of Christians have not experienced this spiritual pilgrimage of ingesting a Gospel in this way, but most of us find no time-preventative excuses not to read other books in good-sized chunks. Why this is so is less important than the urgency with which we must correct it.
Summary:
It is time for another disclaimer. I am not suggesting that one verse is not better than zero verses (unless it is taken out of context, in which case it is potentially more harmful than good). Neither am I suggesting that ancient practices such as lectio divina and other meditational reading mechanisms are not important. I am simply suggesting that 'biblical banquets' should be considered alongside our routine of 'scriptural snacks.'
Feast on the Word and live! (John 6:48-58)
Monday, February 18, 2013
Monday, October 24, 2011
Footloose and Fancy Free
Except Footloose doesn't Fancy being Free.
"He is testing us," pontificates the preacher. The father of the boy who died in a tragic car accident with four of his friends consoles his congregation by insisting that there is a lesson to be learned somewhere in this tragedy. God allowed this to happen for a reason.
This is how the remake of the epic 80's film, Footloose, opens. I cringe. I shutter. The problem is not that Hollywood has distorted the church's view of God. It is that they have broadcast our pathetic patronizing for everyone to see.
I admit that I have never experienced tragedy quite like this one. I cannot begin to imagine it; neither do I want to try. But there seems to be some sort of coping mechanism within humanity that wants to believe something or someone is in control, that everything happens for a reason, and that some good will somehow come out of tragedy. Sounds nice, does it not? If there is some grander purpose, the tragic loss seems somehow manageable.
But blaming an accident on God is only a temporary fix. Because you will have to turn around the next day and do something for that God. And who wants to serve a teenager-killer? Not me. (And do not give me the line about him "allowing" it and not "causing" it. That's for another blog post.)
While we are talking Hollywood, a scorned Demi Moore was interviewed recently. When asked about her husband's (Ashton Kutcher) affair, she smugly answered, "Nothing happens on accident." Really, Demi? Some greater cosmic force (God or whatever else you want to call that Great Puppeteer in the sky) manipulated your husband into cheating on you? Was it not his fault? Your fault? Oh, that's right, everything happens for a reason.
Allow me to very explicitly deny some very popular theological statements:
1. "God is in control." Clearly, he is not. He has relinquished much control to Satan and humanity. Satan's third temptation of Jesus was not an empty offer.
2. "Everything happens for a reason." That's crazy talk. I am no robot.
3. "Nothing happens by accident." This is just a corollary of #2. More crazy talk.
These phrases sound nice. But there is a reality that flies in the face of these Christian cliches:
Free Will
"He is testing us," pontificates the preacher. The father of the boy who died in a tragic car accident with four of his friends consoles his congregation by insisting that there is a lesson to be learned somewhere in this tragedy. God allowed this to happen for a reason.
This is how the remake of the epic 80's film, Footloose, opens. I cringe. I shutter. The problem is not that Hollywood has distorted the church's view of God. It is that they have broadcast our pathetic patronizing for everyone to see.
I admit that I have never experienced tragedy quite like this one. I cannot begin to imagine it; neither do I want to try. But there seems to be some sort of coping mechanism within humanity that wants to believe something or someone is in control, that everything happens for a reason, and that some good will somehow come out of tragedy. Sounds nice, does it not? If there is some grander purpose, the tragic loss seems somehow manageable.
But blaming an accident on God is only a temporary fix. Because you will have to turn around the next day and do something for that God. And who wants to serve a teenager-killer? Not me. (And do not give me the line about him "allowing" it and not "causing" it. That's for another blog post.)
While we are talking Hollywood, a scorned Demi Moore was interviewed recently. When asked about her husband's (Ashton Kutcher) affair, she smugly answered, "Nothing happens on accident." Really, Demi? Some greater cosmic force (God or whatever else you want to call that Great Puppeteer in the sky) manipulated your husband into cheating on you? Was it not his fault? Your fault? Oh, that's right, everything happens for a reason.
Allow me to very explicitly deny some very popular theological statements:
1. "God is in control." Clearly, he is not. He has relinquished much control to Satan and humanity. Satan's third temptation of Jesus was not an empty offer.
2. "Everything happens for a reason." That's crazy talk. I am no robot.
3. "Nothing happens by accident." This is just a corollary of #2. More crazy talk.
These phrases sound nice. But there is a reality that flies in the face of these Christian cliches:
Free Will
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Free Will: Artistic Evidence
Art as evidence would be a paradox to some. But sometimes art is the best way to describe or validate something. Artistic reinforcement of truth is why a preacher tells a story in his otherwise scientific sermon.
Free Will is theologically scientific. But maybe it is best expressed in the words of a song. Actually not the words. Rather, it is evidenced by the myriad of free choices that make up the presentation of that song.
As a vocal artiste, I can offer highly personalized experience that proves the existence of Free Will - which, if I may reveal my bias, is the greatest gift of God's grace ever given to humanity.
As a worship leader for 20 years, I have had the tremendous artistic pleasure of offering up musical self-expressions to a congregation or audience literally thousands of times. I am sure I have sung certain songs hundreds of times. And as a painter will never produce the same brush strokes twice, I can say with a high degree of certainty that I have never sang a song the same way twice. Ever.
Posture. Breathing. Vocal Health. Tone Placement. Articulation. Vowel Formation. Volume. Pitch. Facial Presentation. Passion. Sincerity. Confidence.
These are just a few of the major categories of factors that influence one millisecond of sound that protrudes from a singer's body. When a singer has a handle on several of these categories, we may not recognize the categories per se, but we simply call them a great singer. We do not ponder the numerous involuntary (habitual) and voluntary (intentional) choices that make up a single note of a song, let alone the perhaps billion micro choices that make up an entire song. This, my friends, is Free Will in a rich artistic form.
If a singer delivers a song with several of these major categories in tact, we unassumedly say they have great control. What we are saying is that they have the ability to make their body, mind, and spirit do exactly what they want. The notes come out beautiful, tuned, stylistic, interpretive, communicative, forceful, graceful, effortless, provocative, believable, free. Free.
When we sing, we sing a song of freedom.
Free Will is theologically scientific. But maybe it is best expressed in the words of a song. Actually not the words. Rather, it is evidenced by the myriad of free choices that make up the presentation of that song.
As a vocal artiste, I can offer highly personalized experience that proves the existence of Free Will - which, if I may reveal my bias, is the greatest gift of God's grace ever given to humanity.
As a worship leader for 20 years, I have had the tremendous artistic pleasure of offering up musical self-expressions to a congregation or audience literally thousands of times. I am sure I have sung certain songs hundreds of times. And as a painter will never produce the same brush strokes twice, I can say with a high degree of certainty that I have never sang a song the same way twice. Ever.
Posture. Breathing. Vocal Health. Tone Placement. Articulation. Vowel Formation. Volume. Pitch. Facial Presentation. Passion. Sincerity. Confidence.
These are just a few of the major categories of factors that influence one millisecond of sound that protrudes from a singer's body. When a singer has a handle on several of these categories, we may not recognize the categories per se, but we simply call them a great singer. We do not ponder the numerous involuntary (habitual) and voluntary (intentional) choices that make up a single note of a song, let alone the perhaps billion micro choices that make up an entire song. This, my friends, is Free Will in a rich artistic form.
If a singer delivers a song with several of these major categories in tact, we unassumedly say they have great control. What we are saying is that they have the ability to make their body, mind, and spirit do exactly what they want. The notes come out beautiful, tuned, stylistic, interpretive, communicative, forceful, graceful, effortless, provocative, believable, free. Free.
When we sing, we sing a song of freedom.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Happy 400th Birthday, KJV!
Why I'm Glad I Grew Up On The KJV
The KJV is poetic. It captures the essence of the original artistry. It emphasizes and dramatizes when it can. It remains to be a very literal translation, while at the same time using word order and linguistics to provide rhythm and groove to the Words. It turns letters into lines. Melodic lines.
The KJV is literal. Of course, there is no such thing as a truly literal translation, since no two languages have all the cognates required. But a translation that seeks to retain the original word-for-word authenticity is seeking to retain the word- for-Word miracle that turns words into The Word of God.
The KJV is universal. Even though it has dropped in usage, generations to come will experience its grandeur and beauty, and it will be appreciated for its then monstrous task of translating the Bible into English. Those of us who grew up with this translation will forever quote Scripture from its pages. It is encapsulated in the spiritual depths of our souls. I would have John 3:16 no other way. It's like my Grandmother's BLT sandwiches.
Why I'm Glad My Kids Won't Grow Up On The KJV
The KJV is outdated. Old English words that are no longer in usage compound the already difficult task of understanding and applying the Scriptures. Distance in language, culture, time, and geography already separate us from the world of the Bible. No more barriers and distractions are necessary, lest we run the risk of alienating a generation from the should-be-simple Truth. The Scriptures must be available, attainable, and approachable.
The KJV is overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with other options. The King James Version of the Bible can no longer be viewed as the "only Authorized" version. There are simply too many other good options on the table. Should it remain as one of the options at all is a question for subsequent generations of Bible readers. For now, it holds its own on the basis of universality, beauty, and familiarity.
The KJV is inaccurate. A short paragraph cannot provide the numerous examples, but a couple will demonstrate the importance of translating from the earliest of manuscripts. Since the Dead Sea Scrolls and other manuscripts have been discovered since the KJV was produced 400 years ago, we now know that "Peace on earth, good will to men" does not mean universal peace to everyone as is implied. "On earth peace among those with whom he is pleased" is the truer, less universal, less inclusive translation. Romans 12:1 should read, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" and should not continue with the condemnation of part b, like in the inaccurate manuscripts - "who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit."
The KJV is poetic. It captures the essence of the original artistry. It emphasizes and dramatizes when it can. It remains to be a very literal translation, while at the same time using word order and linguistics to provide rhythm and groove to the Words. It turns letters into lines. Melodic lines.
The KJV is literal. Of course, there is no such thing as a truly literal translation, since no two languages have all the cognates required. But a translation that seeks to retain the original word-for-word authenticity is seeking to retain the word- for-Word miracle that turns words into The Word of God.
The KJV is universal. Even though it has dropped in usage, generations to come will experience its grandeur and beauty, and it will be appreciated for its then monstrous task of translating the Bible into English. Those of us who grew up with this translation will forever quote Scripture from its pages. It is encapsulated in the spiritual depths of our souls. I would have John 3:16 no other way. It's like my Grandmother's BLT sandwiches.
Why I'm Glad My Kids Won't Grow Up On The KJV
The KJV is outdated. Old English words that are no longer in usage compound the already difficult task of understanding and applying the Scriptures. Distance in language, culture, time, and geography already separate us from the world of the Bible. No more barriers and distractions are necessary, lest we run the risk of alienating a generation from the should-be-simple Truth. The Scriptures must be available, attainable, and approachable.
The KJV is overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with other options. The King James Version of the Bible can no longer be viewed as the "only Authorized" version. There are simply too many other good options on the table. Should it remain as one of the options at all is a question for subsequent generations of Bible readers. For now, it holds its own on the basis of universality, beauty, and familiarity.
The KJV is inaccurate. A short paragraph cannot provide the numerous examples, but a couple will demonstrate the importance of translating from the earliest of manuscripts. Since the Dead Sea Scrolls and other manuscripts have been discovered since the KJV was produced 400 years ago, we now know that "Peace on earth, good will to men" does not mean universal peace to everyone as is implied. "On earth peace among those with whom he is pleased" is the truer, less universal, less inclusive translation. Romans 12:1 should read, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" and should not continue with the condemnation of part b, like in the inaccurate manuscripts - "who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit."
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Poem Upon Discovering OmmWriter
Far from the edge of the water
Too far to really see in deep
Far from the error of commitment
Just close enough to sense potential
Close enough to share in the vernacular
Close enough to put on the face
Knowing enough to play pretend
Keeps away the shame of defeat
Living like you know how
Playing like you already exist
Pretending to be the person you are
Leaves little for the imagination
Looking out from the outside
Forgetting what you never knew
The endless possibilities that lie within
Deep within
If you could find them
Too far to really see in deep
Far from the error of commitment
Just close enough to sense potential
Close enough to share in the vernacular
Close enough to put on the face
Knowing enough to play pretend
Keeps away the shame of defeat
Living like you know how
Playing like you already exist
Pretending to be the person you are
Leaves little for the imagination
Looking out from the outside
Forgetting what you never knew
The endless possibilities that lie within
Deep within
If you could find them
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Greener Grass
After traveling for an entire day with the wife and kids, dinner at the airport O' Charley's was, well how do I say this, not relaxing. I looked over at a business man sitting by himself, doodling on his computer, his fizzing beer boasting his autonomy, and I found myself thinking, "must be nice to be traveling alone." As if he heard my thoughts, he glanced over at me, and I had the sense that maybe he was coveting my position, missing his family and lamenting over his must-travel occupation.
I travel alone, I miss my family
I bring them along, I covet solitude
A single mom longs for a husband
An abused wife is hopelessly trapped
A working mom can't shake her guilt
A mom at home goes stir-crazy
The poor want to be rich
The rich want to be richer
One woman doesn't seem to satisfy him
A trapped wife fantasizes about the single life
We all want what we don't have
We don't want what we have
The grass is always greener on the other side
Until you get there and realize it too must be mowed
Perhaps the last of the commandments is the most potent. The forbidden lust of covetousness is self-idolatry in the strongest form (see Dallas Willard's "Renovation of the Heart"). 'Do not covet your neighbor's house, wife, or stuff' is really a call to a life of contentment - a kind of life that is thankful for what we have, allows us to live in the moment, and challenges us to make the most of every opportunity we are granted.
I travel alone, I miss my family
I bring them along, I covet solitude
A single mom longs for a husband
An abused wife is hopelessly trapped
A working mom can't shake her guilt
A mom at home goes stir-crazy
The poor want to be rich
The rich want to be richer
One woman doesn't seem to satisfy him
A trapped wife fantasizes about the single life
We all want what we don't have
We don't want what we have
The grass is always greener on the other side
Until you get there and realize it too must be mowed
Perhaps the last of the commandments is the most potent. The forbidden lust of covetousness is self-idolatry in the strongest form (see Dallas Willard's "Renovation of the Heart"). 'Do not covet your neighbor's house, wife, or stuff' is really a call to a life of contentment - a kind of life that is thankful for what we have, allows us to live in the moment, and challenges us to make the most of every opportunity we are granted.
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