Jesus was the founder of the new spiritual math. We thought we had all the eternal equations memorized and the ledgers of good and evil balanced, then He came and wrecked it all. He said whores and fraudsters were getting into the kingdom of God before the churchy types. But he also said you had to be more righteous than the Pharisees (religious professionals).
These kinds of statements should lead us to examine the demographic characterized by our churches. An honest look at ourselves can tell us more about the “gospel” we preach than our statements of faith ever will. Don’t get me wrong- what we believe is important. But what we say we believe and what our lives prove we believe often makes us guilty of a kind of spiritual perjury.
Where I come from people say that it’s only Jesus that can get you into the kingdom of God. What they often don’t say is that Jesus only chooses heterosexual non-smokers who vote for the Conservative party (Republicans in the USA); the odd crack addict is thrown in to add a little spice.
It’s fortunate for us- the clean religious types- that society knows you need to shower, shave and have a clean set of clothes in order to go to church. That way we only have to make people feel welcome when they look and smell like us. I just hope we don’t smell like hell.
(For the record, being a whore or a fraudster doesn’t automatically guarantee you a ticket to an eternal party. What Jesus was saying is that people like that often know that they need a deeper soul scrubbing than any religion can provide.)
Monday, February 28, 2011
DELAYED AND DISAPPOINTED AGAIN
GPS: DELAYED AND DISAPPOINTED AGAIN: "10:15 AM - WE HAVE RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT JUDGE CRABTREE'S OFFICE HAS NOTIFIED RESPECTIVE COUNSELS AND PAUL AND ZABETH BAYNE THAT THE R..."
TODAY IS THE DAY
Will a loving family be reunited after 3 1/2 years of government sponsored separation? I'm following the GPS blog today to find out.
GPS: TODAY IS THE DAY: "They have waited a long time TODAY IS THE DAY That is definite. Judge Thomas Crabtree, originally scheduled himself to deliver a ruli..."
GPS: TODAY IS THE DAY: "They have waited a long time TODAY IS THE DAY That is definite. Judge Thomas Crabtree, originally scheduled himself to deliver a ruli..."
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
It Could Be You...
The following is taken from http://ronunruhgps.blogspot.com/. Do you value justice? Then please be informed, and be as supportive as you can.
NEW TO THE BAYNE STORY?
An online campaign of solidarity for Paul and Zabeth Bayne. Their infant girl was injured by what they claimed was an accident in the home, a sibling falling on the infant. This was discounted in favour of a diagnosis of shaken baby. RCMP investigation concluded insufficient evidence for charges. Their three small children were removed by B.C.'s Ministry of Children in October 2007. MCFD has authority to act on suspicion. Paul and Zabeth have maintained their innocence from the start. They have lost home and possessions to cover legal costs. MCFD applied for a CCO to legally keep the children forever. The Baynes obtained medical opinions that disputed shaken baby. We await a Judge's ruling on February 28, 2011. Meanwhile, a fourth child, Josiah was born Feb 10th, 2011. MCFD took custody of him four hours after birth. This is the present status, 3.5 years after it began.
NEW TO THE BAYNE STORY?
An online campaign of solidarity for Paul and Zabeth Bayne. Their infant girl was injured by what they claimed was an accident in the home, a sibling falling on the infant. This was discounted in favour of a diagnosis of shaken baby. RCMP investigation concluded insufficient evidence for charges. Their three small children were removed by B.C.'s Ministry of Children in October 2007. MCFD has authority to act on suspicion. Paul and Zabeth have maintained their innocence from the start. They have lost home and possessions to cover legal costs. MCFD applied for a CCO to legally keep the children forever. The Baynes obtained medical opinions that disputed shaken baby. We await a Judge's ruling on February 28, 2011. Meanwhile, a fourth child, Josiah was born Feb 10th, 2011. MCFD took custody of him four hours after birth. This is the present status, 3.5 years after it began.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Obstinate Devotion
Apparently my brother-in-law knows that it’s easier for me to rant and rave than to offer any viable solutions. He recently offered these comments and questions in response to my posts regarding losing my religion:
…How can followers of Jesus make a difference in the church without slipping into the subtle traps of religiosity? It's too easy to walk away, and I don't think that's a valid solution. How do we stay, and make a difference? Is it just a matter of quiet faithfulness over a long period of time? I'm not expecting a pat answer, just wondering your thoughts… Dan
It would be easy to walk away, wouldn’t it? I only wish there wasn’t a warning in the Bible about walking away being proof that we never belonged in the first place. The fact is that organized church is where most followers of Jesus regularly meet. I may not like fast food, but if the consensus in my family is to hang out at the local McGreasy King, then you’ll know where to find me. I’ll be the one ordering a side salad [totally hypothetical- I’m a french fry guy all the way].
I’m guessing that Dan put the words just and faithfulness together to poke me a bit. The idea of faithfulness being the least our virtues is really quite funny. Anyone who has caused God as much grief as I have knows that the definition of faithful is probably closer to obstinate devotion than resigned boredom or frustration. So yes Dan, I think obstinate devotion is critically Christlike.
The key for us is deciding ahead of time what exactly it is we are devoted to.
Are we devoted to our theological heritage? I hope not, because that assumes we don’t have too much left to learn. What about our worship service preferences? I’m not even going to… never mind.
Be devoted to Jesus alone. Like other long term relationships, this one will require us to constantly adjust our comfort zones, personal space, and priorities in order to remain vibrant.
I hope that doesn't sound like a pat answer. I know it's simple, but also understand that it isn't easy.
…How can followers of Jesus make a difference in the church without slipping into the subtle traps of religiosity? It's too easy to walk away, and I don't think that's a valid solution. How do we stay, and make a difference? Is it just a matter of quiet faithfulness over a long period of time? I'm not expecting a pat answer, just wondering your thoughts… Dan
It would be easy to walk away, wouldn’t it? I only wish there wasn’t a warning in the Bible about walking away being proof that we never belonged in the first place. The fact is that organized church is where most followers of Jesus regularly meet. I may not like fast food, but if the consensus in my family is to hang out at the local McGreasy King, then you’ll know where to find me. I’ll be the one ordering a side salad [totally hypothetical- I’m a french fry guy all the way].
I’m guessing that Dan put the words just and faithfulness together to poke me a bit. The idea of faithfulness being the least our virtues is really quite funny. Anyone who has caused God as much grief as I have knows that the definition of faithful is probably closer to obstinate devotion than resigned boredom or frustration. So yes Dan, I think obstinate devotion is critically Christlike.
The key for us is deciding ahead of time what exactly it is we are devoted to.
Are we devoted to our theological heritage? I hope not, because that assumes we don’t have too much left to learn. What about our worship service preferences? I’m not even going to… never mind.
Be devoted to Jesus alone. Like other long term relationships, this one will require us to constantly adjust our comfort zones, personal space, and priorities in order to remain vibrant.
I hope that doesn't sound like a pat answer. I know it's simple, but also understand that it isn't easy.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Courageous Ones
I was thinking today about courage, and how it fits into countless values that Christians claim to hold. I didn't hear about it too much when I was growing up; at least not in church. Courage was the focus of the fearless heroes in Walt Disney movies as a youngster, or Sylvester Stallone and pro wrestlers as a teenager.
At least it seemed that way until I got older. Now I see that the courage I witnessed first hand was both more potent and more subtle. It's power stemmed from the fact that those who modeled it were not imaginary, and neither were the challenges they faced. It was subtle in that courage itself wasn't glorified, and the real life heroes weren't honored with medals or scantily clad, helpless bimbos.
Thank you Grandpa and Grandma, for a home of perpetual peace in the midst of all the storms of life.
Thank you Dad, for never giving up on a self righteous, angry young boy.
Thank you Mom, for raging against the status quo, no matter what it cost your heart.
Thank you, Don M., for staying the course when your heart broke that January 31st so many years ago.
Thank you, David G., for seeing past the Christians and embracing the Christ, and for showing me how to do the same thing.
Thank you, David D., for humbly teaching me to think for myself, and letting me get baptized off your beach. I still like the Christian life!
All these showed me that only the courageous ones will enter the kingdom of God. Those with the courage to acknowledge exactly what they are, and are not, without God's intervention.
And He does intervene.
At least it seemed that way until I got older. Now I see that the courage I witnessed first hand was both more potent and more subtle. It's power stemmed from the fact that those who modeled it were not imaginary, and neither were the challenges they faced. It was subtle in that courage itself wasn't glorified, and the real life heroes weren't honored with medals or scantily clad, helpless bimbos.
Thank you Grandpa and Grandma, for a home of perpetual peace in the midst of all the storms of life.
Thank you Dad, for never giving up on a self righteous, angry young boy.
Thank you Mom, for raging against the status quo, no matter what it cost your heart.
Thank you, Don M., for staying the course when your heart broke that January 31st so many years ago.
Thank you, David G., for seeing past the Christians and embracing the Christ, and for showing me how to do the same thing.
Thank you, David D., for humbly teaching me to think for myself, and letting me get baptized off your beach. I still like the Christian life!
All these showed me that only the courageous ones will enter the kingdom of God. Those with the courage to acknowledge exactly what they are, and are not, without God's intervention.
And He does intervene.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Beyond Religion
If you've read Losing My Religion Part 1 and 2 you'll understand that I believe a true spirituality centered upon Jesus Christ exists, and is sometimes overshadowed by the organized Christian religion. On the other hand I think this Jesus Society can never be hidden, much less destroyed by those who simply want to follow a list of rules. The graciousness, patience and courage of those who know Jesus always surpasses that of the most pious snob.
Religious people are always caged by their own standards, but they don't need to cage you too. It's time to just accept the fact that they exist and move on. Let me tell you a story that may illustrate this better.
When I was a young boy I visited an old church in Three Hills, Alberta. It had a peculiar smell, like a mix of old wooden pews, brass offering plates and stale choir robes. I was sitting there probably wondering how many verses there really were to Amazing Grace when I felt a tap on my shoulder. When I turned around something happened that created in my little heart a strange mix of honor and disappointment- an elderly gentleman with a kind face gave me a nickel. I was honored because I knew at that moment I had become part of a special Hallmark moment. I was disappointed because my parents were in Amway. I knew the value of a nickel and by gosh I couldn’t even play one videogame at the local bowling alley with that! Honor eventually won though, and I turned that shiny nickel over and over in my little fingers.
Then my little fingers dropped it.
Now, you have to understand something about this old church. It was a cavernous building filled at that time only a quarter full, and had a concrete floor that sloped from the back at least five million feet down to the front. That nickel hit that floor and rolled and rolled and rolled all the way down to somewhere from whence it never returned, protesting loudly about its fate all the way.
The next thing I know, that old gentleman leaned over and gave me another nickel! By this time I thought I was completely humbled. But I wasn't. Not until I dropped the second nickel.
Yes, now there were two nickels down at the altar where before there had only been one. And then came one of the most defining religious moments of my young life.
I was so drawn to this old man’s kindness that I actually turned around to face him, hoping for one more nickel- the Third Nickel that I would guard with my very life. The nickel that I would save in an account with compound interest or invest until I could afford to by an orphanage. Later in life I could come back to Three Hills and visit that old man and tell him what a difference he and the Third Nickel had made in my life.
That old gentleman sat there stone faced not even acknowledging my presence. I all of a sudden did not exist. I’m a young man with a family now, but I’ve not forgotten the look on that man’s face. It’s all I’ve ever needed to know about religion. It only goes so far. When you've gone too far out of bounds you'll find yourself in no-man's land with no map and no guide and no canteen.
Jesus would have done one of two things, I think. He would have either had another nickel to give me (maybe), or He would’ve taken my hand when the church service was over and we'd have walked the long steps to the front of the church, and searched for those two lost nickels together (more likely). Maybe He would’ve done both! Then I’d have had three nickels- enough to give one to my brother and sister if I so desired.
Honestly, I’m aware that perhaps that kind old gentleman may not have had any more nickels, and he had already been more than generous. That’s not the point. The point is that the grace of Jesus keeps going and going and never stops, and neither do the members of His family.
Have you ever been mysteriously drawn to Jesus, but His people keep getting in the way? Don't give up. There are Three-Nickel People out there. They can help you find this Jesus. And when you find Jesus you'll find your nickels too... and some other things you may not have even known were missing.
Religious people are always caged by their own standards, but they don't need to cage you too. It's time to just accept the fact that they exist and move on. Let me tell you a story that may illustrate this better.
When I was a young boy I visited an old church in Three Hills, Alberta. It had a peculiar smell, like a mix of old wooden pews, brass offering plates and stale choir robes. I was sitting there probably wondering how many verses there really were to Amazing Grace when I felt a tap on my shoulder. When I turned around something happened that created in my little heart a strange mix of honor and disappointment- an elderly gentleman with a kind face gave me a nickel. I was honored because I knew at that moment I had become part of a special Hallmark moment. I was disappointed because my parents were in Amway. I knew the value of a nickel and by gosh I couldn’t even play one videogame at the local bowling alley with that! Honor eventually won though, and I turned that shiny nickel over and over in my little fingers.
Then my little fingers dropped it.
Now, you have to understand something about this old church. It was a cavernous building filled at that time only a quarter full, and had a concrete floor that sloped from the back at least five million feet down to the front. That nickel hit that floor and rolled and rolled and rolled all the way down to somewhere from whence it never returned, protesting loudly about its fate all the way.
The next thing I know, that old gentleman leaned over and gave me another nickel! By this time I thought I was completely humbled. But I wasn't. Not until I dropped the second nickel.
Yes, now there were two nickels down at the altar where before there had only been one. And then came one of the most defining religious moments of my young life.
I was so drawn to this old man’s kindness that I actually turned around to face him, hoping for one more nickel- the Third Nickel that I would guard with my very life. The nickel that I would save in an account with compound interest or invest until I could afford to by an orphanage. Later in life I could come back to Three Hills and visit that old man and tell him what a difference he and the Third Nickel had made in my life.
That old gentleman sat there stone faced not even acknowledging my presence. I all of a sudden did not exist. I’m a young man with a family now, but I’ve not forgotten the look on that man’s face. It’s all I’ve ever needed to know about religion. It only goes so far. When you've gone too far out of bounds you'll find yourself in no-man's land with no map and no guide and no canteen.
Jesus would have done one of two things, I think. He would have either had another nickel to give me (maybe), or He would’ve taken my hand when the church service was over and we'd have walked the long steps to the front of the church, and searched for those two lost nickels together (more likely). Maybe He would’ve done both! Then I’d have had three nickels- enough to give one to my brother and sister if I so desired.
Honestly, I’m aware that perhaps that kind old gentleman may not have had any more nickels, and he had already been more than generous. That’s not the point. The point is that the grace of Jesus keeps going and going and never stops, and neither do the members of His family.
Have you ever been mysteriously drawn to Jesus, but His people keep getting in the way? Don't give up. There are Three-Nickel People out there. They can help you find this Jesus. And when you find Jesus you'll find your nickels too... and some other things you may not have even known were missing.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Losing My Religion Part 2
[prerequisite: please read Losing My Religion Part 1]
Some of my angst springs from the flaws that are inherent in any formal gathering of human beings. Organization structures, bylaws, traditions, and unspoken rules of conduct can be found from the boardrooms of the most powerful multinational conglomerates to the humblest little country churches.
These scaffolds of human interaction aren’t evil. A man once challenged me to consider why churches need committees and ‘Rob’s Rules of Order’. I thought it was obvious: people weren’t filled with the Holy Spirit! My mentor commented on my demonstration of spiritual kaka and said it’s because we can’t get along. Wisdom often shows herself in the blatantly obvious.
Formal organization of some kind is as necessary for the church as your skeletal system is for you. But a quick look at the Christian religion worldwide will show you an organism of bones covered with a paper mache of ancient scripts, statements of faith, worn out tradition and dogmas. Where is the heart? What is the heart? Good questions, but it's important to note first that the answers can be found in the trappings of the the Christian religion.
What I began to suspect years ago is that there may be a secret society hidden behind all the altar calls and choir robes. A group of people for whom church and maybe even the Bible (I'm going to get in trouble for that one) were merely the props on a stage where real drama was actually taking place. A true fellowship where any democrat, republican, conservative, liberal, woman, man, child, Arab, African, Native American, prochoice, homosexual, homeless person, or convict could conceivably be closer to God than even I was.
The more I began to watch for people belonging to this movement, the more real the possibility became that I was on to something. There were no obvious signs. There were no secret handshakes that I could discern. Looking at the hymnbook from a distance while squinting cross-eyed didn’t reveal any hidden symbols. These people seemed to weave themselves in and out of the fabric of both church and secular life in a way that made them all but disappear. And yet what they’d leave behind made their constant presence undeniable.
They left behind hope. They demonstrated a faith that was more than smoke and mirrors. They loved. Perhaps in the presence of these mystics could be found the answers to my deepest longings.
(more to come...)
Some of my angst springs from the flaws that are inherent in any formal gathering of human beings. Organization structures, bylaws, traditions, and unspoken rules of conduct can be found from the boardrooms of the most powerful multinational conglomerates to the humblest little country churches.
These scaffolds of human interaction aren’t evil. A man once challenged me to consider why churches need committees and ‘Rob’s Rules of Order’. I thought it was obvious: people weren’t filled with the Holy Spirit! My mentor commented on my demonstration of spiritual kaka and said it’s because we can’t get along. Wisdom often shows herself in the blatantly obvious.
Formal organization of some kind is as necessary for the church as your skeletal system is for you. But a quick look at the Christian religion worldwide will show you an organism of bones covered with a paper mache of ancient scripts, statements of faith, worn out tradition and dogmas. Where is the heart? What is the heart? Good questions, but it's important to note first that the answers can be found in the trappings of the the Christian religion.
What I began to suspect years ago is that there may be a secret society hidden behind all the altar calls and choir robes. A group of people for whom church and maybe even the Bible (I'm going to get in trouble for that one) were merely the props on a stage where real drama was actually taking place. A true fellowship where any democrat, republican, conservative, liberal, woman, man, child, Arab, African, Native American, prochoice, homosexual, homeless person, or convict could conceivably be closer to God than even I was.
The more I began to watch for people belonging to this movement, the more real the possibility became that I was on to something. There were no obvious signs. There were no secret handshakes that I could discern. Looking at the hymnbook from a distance while squinting cross-eyed didn’t reveal any hidden symbols. These people seemed to weave themselves in and out of the fabric of both church and secular life in a way that made them all but disappear. And yet what they’d leave behind made their constant presence undeniable.
They left behind hope. They demonstrated a faith that was more than smoke and mirrors. They loved. Perhaps in the presence of these mystics could be found the answers to my deepest longings.
(more to come...)
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Losing My Religion Part 1
I’ve found it interesting to note how well books can sell when they bash God or religion. The same subject is a great conversation starter too. People who seem to not want anything to do with God are more than comfortable exploring all His faults. I’ve run into a bit of a dilemma though: the average response of a fairly religious person is expected to be somewhere between a defensive rant and a roll of the eyes, but I’ve found myself nodding my head or giving examples to back up the negative publicity. I suppose part of the problem is that I don’t like conflict. I am Canadian, after all. And being only basically educated (which some take to mean primarily uneducated), I’m not too good at thinking on my feet.
But what if a bigger problem is that many of the issues unbelievers face never go unanswered? Or perhaps they are tired of hearing that if they were only on the inside (where it is nothing but warm fuzzies and potlucks) they would see things so much clearer. Like a plate full of potato salad and lasagna with the last fried chicken drumstick soaked in melting Jell-O makes all the difference.
So here I am on my little soapbox ready to admit to the world that yes, religion may not be all we’ve made it out as. Now, I know the politically correct way to go about this would be to lump all religions, especially those that are monotheistic, and stick them all in a verbal piñata together. I’m afraid I can’t do that, because this blog largely reflects my own personal spiritual journey as a Christian.
Regardless of what I believe makes me a Christian, I believe most people would lump me in with them as well. Not only do I admire Jesus and want to be a disciple of his, but I also attend church, pray fairly regularly, and celebrate Christmas and Easter. I’ve even been to Bible School. I’ve gone to church forever- what most people would call a conservative Baptist church, I guess. I’m well acquainted with VBS, tithes, youth retreats, summer camp, flannel graphs, and Christmas programs. I know a lot of hymns by heart. For a long time I was what I thought every young Christian man should be. Regardless of some serious character flaws, a part of me wondered what took them so long to make me a deacon. I’ve been part of the prayer team, the music team, and the missions committee.
So why after voluntarily checking off so many things that identify me as a Christian, have I found the tag Christian, or Christianity, so problematic, so frustrating, so annoying? If someone asks me what I’m doing for the weekend part of my answer usually involves going to church, and then often I’m asked if I’m religious. Why does that make my cringe? I feel the beginnings of nausea at being labeled that way, yet feel guilty about saying no. Can I, as some people have, abandon the church and still be a Christian? I don’t feel comfortable with that either, because I know I’m no better than any other church-goers. Can I hold onto my faith while abandoning the Christian institution? Will I be alone? I don’t want to be alone. But I don’t want to be fake, either. I think I’d rather be an authentic heathen, than someone hiding in church each Sunday with a perm-a-grin and a book full of easy answers wondering if someone going to see it’s all an illusion. Is there another alternative?
(HINT: the answer is yes. See Losing My Religion Part 2.)
But what if a bigger problem is that many of the issues unbelievers face never go unanswered? Or perhaps they are tired of hearing that if they were only on the inside (where it is nothing but warm fuzzies and potlucks) they would see things so much clearer. Like a plate full of potato salad and lasagna with the last fried chicken drumstick soaked in melting Jell-O makes all the difference.
So here I am on my little soapbox ready to admit to the world that yes, religion may not be all we’ve made it out as. Now, I know the politically correct way to go about this would be to lump all religions, especially those that are monotheistic, and stick them all in a verbal piñata together. I’m afraid I can’t do that, because this blog largely reflects my own personal spiritual journey as a Christian.
Regardless of what I believe makes me a Christian, I believe most people would lump me in with them as well. Not only do I admire Jesus and want to be a disciple of his, but I also attend church, pray fairly regularly, and celebrate Christmas and Easter. I’ve even been to Bible School. I’ve gone to church forever- what most people would call a conservative Baptist church, I guess. I’m well acquainted with VBS, tithes, youth retreats, summer camp, flannel graphs, and Christmas programs. I know a lot of hymns by heart. For a long time I was what I thought every young Christian man should be. Regardless of some serious character flaws, a part of me wondered what took them so long to make me a deacon. I’ve been part of the prayer team, the music team, and the missions committee.
So why after voluntarily checking off so many things that identify me as a Christian, have I found the tag Christian, or Christianity, so problematic, so frustrating, so annoying? If someone asks me what I’m doing for the weekend part of my answer usually involves going to church, and then often I’m asked if I’m religious. Why does that make my cringe? I feel the beginnings of nausea at being labeled that way, yet feel guilty about saying no. Can I, as some people have, abandon the church and still be a Christian? I don’t feel comfortable with that either, because I know I’m no better than any other church-goers. Can I hold onto my faith while abandoning the Christian institution? Will I be alone? I don’t want to be alone. But I don’t want to be fake, either. I think I’d rather be an authentic heathen, than someone hiding in church each Sunday with a perm-a-grin and a book full of easy answers wondering if someone going to see it’s all an illusion. Is there another alternative?
(HINT: the answer is yes. See Losing My Religion Part 2.)
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Way of the Cross
What do I know of the way of the cross?
Is it of any consequence?
Would I endure the Crucified next door,
Or would I build a bigger fence?
Can I call myself a brother to those
Who count the cost with their own blood,
When I grudgingly tip with cursing lip
Nine percent for half eaten food?
Centuries pass, saints continue to fall
From bullets but never from grace.
While I stand and fight and demand the right
To more privacy on MySpace.
God is not running a democracy-
We cannot vote but we can pray.
Pray that his blood is enough to cover
Us insisting on our own way.
-dedicated to those who still follow the Way of the Cross.
Is it of any consequence?
Would I endure the Crucified next door,
Or would I build a bigger fence?
Can I call myself a brother to those
Who count the cost with their own blood,
When I grudgingly tip with cursing lip
Nine percent for half eaten food?
Centuries pass, saints continue to fall
From bullets but never from grace.
While I stand and fight and demand the right
To more privacy on MySpace.
God is not running a democracy-
We cannot vote but we can pray.
Pray that his blood is enough to cover
Us insisting on our own way.
-dedicated to those who still follow the Way of the Cross.
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