A Faith of Our Own

One of my favorite quotes is by David Lipscomb. He once wrote, “We are satisfied that voting does much more harm to the church than dancing does.” I love that quote because I believe it to be true, but also because it has probably been perceived differently by every generation since it was first written. The Christian generation before mine viewed dancing as a great evil, and voting as part of a Christian’s duty. Nowadays you would be hard pressed to find a Christian of my generation who believes in the evils of dancing, and voting is no longer an essential element of the Christian faith. This monumental change is documented in Jonathan Merritt’s new book, A Faith of Our Own.

A Faith of Our Own is a well written book about things that are taking place right now in Christianity. The book is not just a collection of data, although Merritt has done his research. It is his personal story of growing up in the church.  He is the son of a Southern Baptist President. He attended Liberty University, while Jerry Falwell, leader of the Moral Majority, was president. He was brought up in a church where Bill Clinton and other liberal politicians were rebuked publicly from the pulpit. He was raised in an all around conservative environment in the middle of the culture wars. During his upbringing he bought into the hope the religious right was selling. They wanted to convince everyone that, “If all you will do is vote a certain way, then we can change America.”  Merritt eventually discovered that this was a false hope. Even with a Republican in the White House, and a Republican controlled house and senate little or nothing changed. The two issues that were at the forefront of the culture wars 30 years ago, abortion and gay-marriage, are still at the forefront today. Neither has been resolved.

Merritt does not just point fingers at the religious right. He spends more time talking about the right, because that is the side he knows best, but he also points to similar problems coming from the religious left. The problem for Merritt is not right and left. The problem is how people have practiced Christianity for the last 40 years. Often conservative and liberal churches have driven people to be more conservative or more liberal, instead of being more like Jesus. They have sought to work from the top down, by influencing people of power, such as politicians, to vote their way. So far, this has failed miserably, and the current generation is looking to change how church is done.

Merritt is not alone in recognizing the hypocrisy and flaws of the previous generation. Many Christians have come to the same conclusions. The religious right was awakened to this fact when they lost the youth vote in the 2008 election. They quickly began asking questions, trying to figure out what they had done wrong. Merritt recalls an occasion in chapter 4 of his book, when he was called to speak in front of a prominent conservative Christian organization about why they had lost the youth vote. The group was eager to hear Merritt’s data, but when it came time for him to offer some advice he was quickly silenced. They had no interest in making any drastic changes that would allow them to connect with the voters they had lost contact with.

Merritt also points out other reasons for the changes seen in this generation of Christians. They have been more willing to take mission trips. These trips have radically changed how these Christians now view the world. They no longer take the issue of poverty lightly. They have witnessed with their own eyes the poor living conditions of people around the world. The idea of the rich becoming richer is ridiculous, and even becomes a justice issue. This generation has also changed their view on issues related to homosexuality. Many still believe the passages which speak against homosexuality in the Bible, but they no longer view homosexuality as a choice that is made, but rather something a person wrestles with. They reject the idea that homosexuals should be treated as “modern-day lepers.” They are more likely to support “protections against violent hate crimes” and “hospital visitation rights and inheritances for gay couples” (116-117). The main reason for this change is that more and more young evangelicals know someone close to them who is homosexual. This generation of Christians has been reminded that homosexuals are people who are in need of Christ’s love.

One of the great things about A Faith of Our Own is that it is bi-partisan. Some may be tempted to pigeon hole it into a category, but that would be because of their own prejudices. A Faith of Our Own is neither conservative nor liberal. It does not lean toward the left or the right. If you want to call it anything, call it biblical. It seeks to put forth a way of looking at the world, by first following Jesus. Merritt understands this generation will not be perfect, and that they are already making some mistakes, but they are striving to live out their faith in a way that makes sense. Although he is critical of the previous generation, he does not demonize them. He points out faults they had, but he also reminds the reader of some wonderful things they accomplished. A Faith of Our Own is a book about a generation of Christians who is “more interested in winning hearts than in winning the culture wars” (129). It is a book for anyone who wants to understand the current generation of Christians. As a person who belongs to the generation of Christians Merritt writes about, it is a refreshing look at how this generation has come to faith in some turbulent and confusing times. Although some parts are sad, and even hard to read, it is a book full of hope for the future of Christianity.

I Can See Clearly Now

The legendary Jimmy Cliff sings his hit song I Can See Clearly Now and quotes Psalm 1 at SXSW.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is the story of a visionary sheik (Amr Waked) who wants to bring the sport of salmon fishing to the Yemen. The sheik hires Harriet Chetwode-Talbot (Emily Blunt) to find the right person to oversee the project. The person she chooses is Dr. Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor), who thinks the project is ridiculous. He doesn’t believe it will work, and tries everything he can to avoid being involved with the project. Eventually he is left with no choice, but to accept the job. The movie also follows the love life of Harriet Chetwode-Talbot who has recently began seeing a soldier in the British army (Tom Mison), and the love life of Dr. Alfred Jones who is involved in a lifeless marriage.

The movie is well-acted (Kristin Scot Thomas turns in a great performance as the prime minister’s press secretary) and entertaining to watch, but it is not without its flaws. There are two storylines in the movie. One is the story of bringing the sport of salmon fishing to the Yemen. This is an interesting story that keeps the viewer intrigued and guessing as to what the outcome will be. The other story is a romantic one between Harriet and Dr. Jones. This story is like many others that come out of Hollywood. Dr. Jones leaves a marriage that may not be the best marriage in the world, but probably one that could be saved with a little work. His wife has not been unfaithful, and she wants to try and work it out. Still Dr. Jones leaves. He is made out to be the hero, while his wife is demonized (This same storyline occurs all the time in movies and TV shows). Harriet is left with the dilemma of choosing between Dr. Jones and the soldier she recently began seeing.

Although there are many problems with the romantic storyline in this movie, the other storyline is able to carry the film. It is a great story that more than makes up for the common Hollywood romantic storyline that is found in many movies. The story of salmon fishing in the Yemen is a story of faith. The sheik is a man of faith, who is willing to invest lots of money into a project that may seem impossible, but one that he believes in. Dr. Jones is the complete opposite. He is a man of science and reason. He knows the project will not work because he has studied the data. These two very distinct personalities, which are alive and well in our culture today, clash in the film. Will faith or science win out? You will have to watch the movie to find out.

Even with its flaws Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is a good film. It is a story many Christians can relate to, a story where faith and science collide. I believe faith and science can live together, but many people want to choose one or the other. Salmon Fishing in the Yemen understands this and portrays this in an interesting and entertaining way. If you are looking for a good film about a story of faith, then go see Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.

Alone Together

Here is an interesting lecture by MIT professor Sherry Turkle on how technology is impacting our lives. She reminds us that the internet, smartphones, etc. are very new, and that we need to think about how we use them.

Some Tips for Young Ministers

This summer will mark 10 years of serving in full time ministry for me. I thought it would be good to look back on my first years of ministry and reflect on things I know now, that I wish I would have known then. Some ministers spend several years working on their undergraduate and graduate degrees before accepting a position as a full time minister. Even then, many of them will start off as an associate minister before accepting a position as a pulpit minister. Ideally, this is probably how it should work, but needless to say everyone’s path to the pulpit is not the same. I accepted a pulpit position at an inner city congregation when I was still in college. I had no idea what I was doing, and I learned many things the hard way. Here are just a few things I wish I would have known when I entered into the ministry.

You don’t have to have all the answers – As a young minister it is sometimes hard to say the words, “I don’t know.” It gets easier as time goes bye. Trust me, I know. You don’t have to know everything. People don’t expect you to know everything. If you are a young minister and you act like you know everything, your members will be very suspicious, because they know the truth. Sometimes, the best answer you can give is “I don’t know.” Go practice it in the mirror until it easily rolls off the tongue. You’re going to need it sometime soon.

Get out of the office – When I was a young minister, I felt tied down to my office. When I was not out visiting people, I felt I had to be at the office. Don’t get me wrong, you need to have clearly stated office hours, but don’t be afraid to get away from the office. I get away from the office at least twice a week. I go to the coffee shop once a week. I advertise this, and I encourage people to come by. I also get away from the office at least one afternoon in order to work on sermons. I do not publicize this, but I have my cell phone in case anyone needs to reach me. It’s good for you to get out of the office and spend some time around people. It’s good for you as a person, and it’s helpful to get to know people in your community.

Find a mentor – When I got into ministry, I was all alone and way over my head. You need someone to talk to. You need someone to bounce ideas off of. You need someone who can give you advice when you get into a difficult situation. You need someone who will give you constructive criticism. A mentor is essential, but don’t just grab the first guy you meet on the street. Choose someone who has been in ministry for a while, and is respected by others. Choose someone you trust.

The church is made up of flawed human beings – This shouldn’t have been a surprise, because I am one of the flawed individuals that makes up the church. Young ministers and young Christians sometimes hold a glamorized view of the church that is unrealistic. We think this group made up of sinners is somehow perfect. Once we discover that the people within the church, and sometimes the church itself is capable of some unChristlike behavior, this can be devastating. Young ministers need to know what they are getting into. They need to hear stories from seasoned ministers, not to discourage them, but to prepare them for what lies ahead. The important thing to remember is that you got into ministry to help people. If you got into ministry thinking it would be an easy job without any problems, then you didn’t get in it for the right reasons. People with a heart for ministry won’t have any problems ministering to flawed people like themselves. After all, that is why they got into ministry in the first place.

Don’t be afraid of change - Sometimes change is bad, but often change is good. If you never change your position on an issue, then you are doing something wrong. Anyone who studies with an open and honest heart will change their mind at some point. This is ok. This is what you are supposed to do. Your beliefs shouldn’t be set in stone the day you graduate from seminary. You will need to study for sermons and classes. Sometimes people will come to you with questions and concerns, and you will need to study these things out. Don’t just repeat what you heard some professor say one time. Study it out. You may be surprised by what you find.

Be yourself – I admit that it takes young ministers time to find their voice. It probably took me about five years. Ministers will try different styles until they develop a style of their own. This is ok. Just make sure you stay true to yourself during this process. Don’t try and be someone you are not. Don’t try and imitate someone you are enamored with. It won’t work. You have to be yourself. Your members will respect you for this, and you will soon develop a preaching style that is better than any imitation you could have come up with.

Don’t be afraid to tell someone “No.” – There is a temptation in ministry to try and please everyone. If you do this people will take advantage of you. Set up clear boundaries, and don’t be afraid to tell someone “No.” Ministers need family time. They need time to study. If you never say “No” you will end up working yourself to death, and if you’re not careful you will lose your family.

The power of God is bigger than any ability you may have – Ministers need to hear this at various points in their ministry. They need to hear it when things aren’t going well and attendance begins to drop. They need to hear it when they begin to doubt their own abilities and talents. Ministers also need to hear this when things are going well, and the church is growing by leaps and bounds. It is not your ability that caused this to happen. Don’t allow pride to get the best of you. Whether you are in a peak or a valley have faith in God, and remember He is in control.

Bernie

Bernie is a bizarre movie unlike any I have ever seen, but that is not a bad thing. It is the most entertaining film of the year. It is unusual because it uses a combination of actors and real life people who are familiar with the true story the movie is based on. I did not know this while I was watching the film, and I was amazed at how authentic some of the characters were. They said the most honest and heartfelt things, and you believed every word they were saying. I now know this was because they were using their own words to retell a story they knew all too well. Bernie is part documentary and part movie that gets weaved together in a way that is seamless and fun to watch.

Bernie is a dark comedy about an assistant funeral director in East Texas who murders a rich widow. If you think you know where this is going, think again. It is not a story of greed, and it is more about small town life than maybe anything else. Bernie (Jack Black) lives to please people, especially older ladies. After Marjorie Nugent’s (Shirley MacLaine) husband dies, Bernie befriends the cantankerous widow. Miss Nugent is a wealthy woman who is disliked by every one in town. There is no other way to put it than she is a mean old woman. Bernie is able to break through Miss Nugent’s hard shell and discover her softer side, but it doesn’t take long for Miss Nugent to mistreat Bernie as she has everyone else in her life. When Miss Nugent goes missing no one seems to notice, except for her stock broker. When the news finally breaks that Miss Nugent was found in her freezer with four bullet holes in her back, no one believes it was Bernie. Even after Bernie confesses the townspeople do all they can to support him. Danny Buck Davidson (Matthew McConaughey), the district attorney, who seems to be only concerned with getting himself reelected according to the townspeople, has to go above and beyond to try the case.

There is more to Bernie than an interesting story about a small town murder in East Texas. It offers the viewer a humorous and accurate look at small town life. I have lived in small towns in both Texas and Oklahoma, and I don’t think I have seen a more revealing and funny look at what it is like to live in a small town. The people in the film are genuine and tell you exactly how they feel. They don’t hold back, and this leads to some hilarious statements. The film also captures how the small town of Carthage, TX believes the system got it wrong. Some people are sweet and maybe a little naive, but others understand the ins and outs of the case, but believe the system failed. The film offers a look at genuine Americans who are caring and understanding. They understand that not all cases are black and white, and although Bernie killed Miss Nugent he may not not be the vicious murderer some made him out to be.

I would not call Bernie a Christian movie, but Christianity is a major part of the film. There may be more scenes that take place in a church or funeral sanctuary than anywhere else. The soundtrack is made up of many well known Christian hymns. At the end of the film one woman talks about how Jesus has forgiven Bernie, and one has to wonder if Jesus has forgiven Bernie, then why can’t we? If that was all there was, then it might be simple, but the story of Bernie and Carthage, TX is more complicated than that. Yes, I believe in forgiveness, but it was also apparent that no one cared for Miss Nugent. It may be easy to forgive when a very likable person murders a very unlikable person, but what if the opposite happened? How would the town feel then? I like the theme of forgiveness at the end of the movie, but maybe it is a forgiveness that doesn’t cost the townspeople all that much. Bernie is an outstanding film. Rarely does a movie come along with as much heart, humor, and intrigue as Bernie. Go see it! You will not be disappointed.

Andy Crouch on Christians Creating Culture

Some Tips For Christians Who Use Social Networks

Just this week it was announced that Facebook reached 900 million users. In case you were wondering that is one-seventh of the entire population of earth. That’s a lot of people! Not only is social networking becoming more and more popular, but some recent research also suggests it is highly addictive. According to researchers at the University of Chicago social networks (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) may be more addictive than cigarettes or alcohol. I don’t think Christians should abandon social networking. I think it has more benefits than drawbacks, but as Christians we should carefully consider how and why we use social networking. Here are a few tips for you to consider.

Look at your last 10 posts and ask yourself, “How am I presenting myself to the world?” Some people only know you by what you post online. What kind of online image are you presenting of yourself? Is it an accurate portrait of who you really are? Do your last 10 posts say more about your lifestyle, politics, sports team, etc. rather than your faith?

Be an encourager! Every time I get on a social network there is someone complaining about something. Social networks don’t need another complainer. Be different! Encourage someone to make a difference. Act in a way that people would want to be your friend and attend your church. No one likes a person who complains all the time, but a person who encourages others is a great friend to have.

Before you post something ask yourself, “Why am I posting this?” Are you posting something just to get back at someone else? Are you boasting or showing off? Post things that are meaningful. Post things that will make a difference. Do not post something just to get back at another person. Do not post something whenever you are angry or frustrated. There are much better ways to deal with your emotions than posting it on a social networking site for everyone to see.

Have a conversation, not an argument. It’s ok to disagree, but make sure your conversation does not turn into an argument. It’s easy for arguments to break out online, mainly because it’s hard to detect tone in a written comment. Arguments are also common because people are more bold. They will type something on a computer that they would never say to a person’s face. Avoid argumentation at all costs. G.K. Chesterton once said, “The thing I hate about an argument is that it always interrupts a discussion.”

Consider who your friends are. Are the friends you have online harming you in any way? If they are, then get rid of them. Chances are these are not your close friends. I have been on Facebook since 2006 and in that time I have gotten rid of three friends. I got rid of one friend because they had an argumentative spirit. No matter what the conversation was they would turn it into an argument they had to win. This person was a distraction. I got rid of another person, because they continually posted risque pictures of themselves. Neither of these friends were close to me, and I’m not sure either one of them noticed what I did. This will be different for every person. I have kept friends who use foul language, post objectionable material, and are argumentative. I keep these friends in the hopes that I can have a positive influence on them. If their posts ever become a problem for me, then I will take action.

Ask yourself, “Is social networking a good use of my time?” Are you spending less time with your spouse or children because you are online? If the answer is yes, then you need to reconsider your priorities. You may not want to quit social networking all together, but it may be beneficial to set up limits and boundaries for yourself. Social networking is not a necessity. If it is interfering with your personal life, then you need to give it up.

Use it for good! Invite people to church. Share something positive. Be helpful. Pray for others. Be supportive. Let people know they are not alone. Be a mentor. Before you log on make up your mind to do something good.

Follow people who make you a better person. Find people you can learn from and follow them. You can do this on Facebook, but Twitter is great for this. Through social networks I’ve found people who have helped me in my ministry, and I’ve made new friends. I follow people who produce good material and share helpful resources, and I try to do the same.

Have a purpose. Write down your main purposes for using social networking and put it next to your computer. Here are mine: Be a light to others; Discover things that are helpful to me; Share what I find to be beneficial; Keep in touch with friends and family. Don’t get on a social network just to waste time or play games. Have a purpose every time you log on.

Treat people the way you would like to be treated. Be kind. Be respectful. Always follow the golden rule.

Genesis Lego Movie

Check out this short film made by Paris Freeman, a fourth grader who attends the Prestoncrest Church of Christ. This kid is talented! I hope he continues to produce art based on faith, because I think he has a bright future ahead of him.

FaithVillage

If you haven’t checked out FaithVillage, you need to. It’s a new social network just for people of faith. They recently published two of my articles on their blog.

What I’ve Learned From Preaching in a Small Town

Tips for Creative Preaching

For more information on FaithVillage go to www.faithvillage.com