oasisCHURCH

Church on Christmas Day?

This article is likely to offend someone. How’s that for a hook?

Before anyone asks the question I will answer it. “Yes, there will be an Oasis worship gathering on Sunday, December 25—Christmas Day” (additionally, there will also be a worship gathering on New Year’s Day the following Sunday). The sign in the photo is a fake. It's merely a way to display and introduce the irony in this topic.

However, there has been an abundance of discussion, debate, criticism, etc. all over the country about churches who are canceling services on Christmas Day and whether or not it is right or wrong, etc. I am not sure I would go as far as to say it is “right” or “wrong”. I don’t think it’s a “right” and “wrong” issue. But I do think it is important for us to consider a few questions in context of Christmas Day falling on Sunday. Ponder questions such as: 

1. What do I truly cherish most about Christmas?
2. Why do I truly celebrate Christmas?
3. Who do I believe the Christmas holiday is most for? Family? Jesus? Both?
4. Which family is Christmas mostly about? My birth family? Or my re-birth family?

Much is communicated every year about Christmas in regards to what the “reason for the season” is. Some shout aloud about “putting Christ back in Christmas,” while others bemoan the fact that retail stores are “pushing Christmas out” by replacing the term "Merry Christmas" with "Happy Holidays" in their ads. Still others grumble about the increasing "secularization" of Christmas as they seek to remind us that, "Jesus is the reason for the season!" Everywhere you look, there seems to be some complaint about Christmas and how it's to be celebrated. And (don’t miss this) religious people are the ones who scream the loudest.

Yet, it is these same people who are concerned about this year’s Christmas Day because it happens to fall on a Sunday. How inconvenient.

Do you see the rub?

Ed Stetzer from Lifeway research says, “According to a December 2010 LifeWay Research report, 74 percent of Americans agree (strongly or somewhat) that ‘Christmas is primarily a day for religious celebration and observance,’ yet 67 percent of all Americans also agree that, ‘Many of the things I enjoy during the Christmas season have nothing to do with the birth of Jesus Christ.’”

Aha! There’s the rub.

If the most enjoying, precious, treasured aspect of Christmas were truly the celebrating of the fact that Jesus Christ has broken into this world by leaving heaven and being born into humanity in order to save us from our depravity and sin, then rather than bemoan the fact that Christmas Day is on Sunday we would long for Christmas Day to be on Sunday; or at least we might expect that the family Jesus came for—his family—would gather on that much anticipated day and celebrate His coming and His presence in our lives.

Perhaps what the “religious people” are saying during the holiday Christmas season is somewhat true. Competing forces are encroaching on the meaning of Christmas. The holiday is taking on other meanings, other significances. Certainly the retail marketers hope so. The multiple meanings of Christmas are compatible and uncontested as long as they don’t meet head to head. BUT when they coincide on a Sunday, it spells disaster for the Christian significance of the day.

In which case we should probably admit the truth about Christmas and why and how we celebrate it. The celebration of Jesus’ birth in a church gathering on the day of the holiday is less important than the commercial importance of giving and receiving gifts. Celebrating communion with our “blood of Christ” family is less vital than rekindling our nuclear family connections around a table loaded with food. Worshipping the one for whom the holiday is named is less essential than filling the day watching parades and football games on TV and tearing open needless gifts and gadgets.

Maybe there is some truth in familiar holiday songs that there is no place like home for the holiday and the idea that Christmas is primarily for the family.

How does a celebration of Jesus’ birth compete with these ideas? Apparently, from my quick research this week, it doesn’t fare well at all for a significant percentage of Christians—at least in the Protestant church. Interestingly, among our Catholic brothers and sisters, attending a worship service on Christmas Day is nothing new. In fact, they do this every year regardless of what day of the week the holiday falls on. For as much grief as Protestant Christians have given to Catholicism over the years, when it comes to Christmas Day I can’t help but think they’ve had it right all along.

I began this article by suggesting that it would likely offend someone. It certainly was not my intention to offend. But hopefully you have been challenged to take some time in the next few weeks to contemplate the four questions that were asked in one of the earlier paragraphs. If Christmas Day is not really about the worship of Jesus, then we Christians probably shouldn’t be so adamant about insisting that the world recognize Jesus in Christmas. Or, when it comes to Christmas, are we merely proclaiming with words something that we do not actually intend to practice with deeds? Are we proclaiming one thing while actually practicing another?

“Jesus is the reason for the season! Keep Christ in Christmas!”

Are we sure?

If the primary “reason” for the season that the world SEES us celebrating (not HEARS us celebrating, but sees us celebrating) is our nuclear family, parties, gift-exchanging, decorating, eating, etc… then the proclamations in the above statements are quite frankly not true. In fact they are hypocrisy—meaning, we shouldn’t make such statements if we know it would be an inconvenience for us to have to practice what we preach.

To make a more true statement we would have to say, “Jesus is part of the reason for the season,” and “Add Christ to all the other things we love about Christmas.”

Pause for a moment this year and reflect on all of your various Christmastime rituals. Then ask yourself, what is MOST meaningful to me about all of it? The answer to that question is your own personal true “reason for the season.”

Oasis will have two Christmas weekend celebrations. One will be on Christmas Eve from 5:00pm-6:00pm. The second will be on Christmas Day from 10:00am-11:30am.

Merry Christmas!

 

I Am Second

Jesus and Politics

Mitt Romney

Hillary Clinton

Barack Obama

John McCain

One of these four individuals will become our country's political future. What does that mean for us as Americans? Maybe a great deal. What does that mean for us as Christians? More or Less? How do we reconcile being a Christian and an American in this day and age? Not so long ago, and still today the bond holding America to God is spelled "Republican". (And Republican only) With moral dilemmas always re-raised, bringing Republican voters to the fore every four years, often the other major factors which determine a good president is not just his stance on abortion but how he or she handles the international economic landscape, the wisdom to bring peace or wield war and so many other diplomatic and inspiring duties. On the other hand, how are Christian ethics and morals played out in an American's life? Can a Christian be a democrat? Is it on the national level where we judge the faith of our country by the standards of the democracy (the public)? Or is it measured in how we live our lives in the local community and local church with real individuals and real people?

I may have overplayed my hand already. I was able to catch the last half of one of the many political debates over the past weeks and was quite captivated by the debate for our country and I couldn't help but come back to 1 Peter 2:9-12 which propels me to this truth: My Country is God's presence.

9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

11Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Jacynda and I recently purchased a home together in Athens, and I am totally jacked to have ownership of a 3.36 acre lot of soil and trees (and believe me, I am). But, if I died tomorrow it doesn't mean a thing. Actually the land would be a curse in such a situation as Jacynda would need to provide for herself and pay a mortgage.

What matters is that I am a child of God. We are as Christians "a people for his own possession." We are His. He dwells within us.

Yes it is true: we are to be good stewards of this great nation while we are here. We should do our duty and be good citizens. Is that end reached by simply and merely voting for the best representation of ourselves and what values we reflect and then walking away? Often that is the impression I get of what an American's attitude tends to be: An American is someone who fights for personal freedoms: The right to liberty and justice for all; the right to work for a living; the right to live the American dream; the right to own property; the right to have rights. We are a very individualistic society and at the bottom of it all, all popular culture wants is someone who reflects our own values--whether you are African American, wealthy, a lesbian, or a middle-class American--and then wants to be left alone.

I don't see Christ in such a discussion. I don't see Christ in politics, really. He wasn't in politics when he was here to seek and save that which was lost. Now that is not to say that those around him didn't politicize him. The Hebraic leadership constantly barraged him with politically-loaded situations.

Enough of me talking. Your turn: Over the course of the next 10 months we'll ourselves be barraged by political views and double-talk. You'll need to cut through the fluff and determine who will best lead the country for the next four to eight years and leave a legacy that will affect our lives for years to come.

Let the discussion begin:

How much does "morality" or the perception of morality play a part in your vote?

In your opinion, what is an American Christian or a Christian American? (compound phrases that I often find hard to define.)

What does Jesus have to do with politics? What does the church have to do with politics?

Has politics characterized Jesus/and or used Chrisitanity effectively in campaigns or have these topics been abused? How so?

How can Christians best influence people--politically or personally?

A Word about Virginia Tech

All week I have been thinking, pondering, contemplating, and praying about how I should respond to the dreadful evil events that unfolded on Monday morning at Virginia Tech University. Like you, I have probably asked many of the same questions: Why? Did God allow this? If so, why would He? How does this fit with a biblical worldview of a Sovereign God? These are all good questions. And we ask them because they are desperately needed by our human minds in order to try to piece together some sort of rationale for what took place. But in the end we will undoubtedly be left with the conclusion that these kinds of acts are purely irrational. There are no “reasonable” explanations. And the conversations and various responses we hear and see all around us are very revealing of the worldviews we hold. Your response to tragedies like these reveals your worldview, and your view of God.

Perhaps the oldest and most asked question of Christian theology is “Where was God during this tragedy? How could God allow evil like this to happen?” It always comes up at times like these. And it always has come up throughout history whenever evil, tragic events rock our world. In fact these questions go all the way back to the Bible. The questions are asked all throughout the book of Job. And they are asked throughout the gospels in conversations Jesus had with his disciples. It is an age-old question. It is the question of evil. And it always rears its head whenever evil manifests itself in such a dramatically horrifying manner such as at Virginia Tech.

As with any evil that manifests itself in our culture, the terrifying evil of the killings at Virginia Tech bring us face to face with the reality of all human evil. Biblical Christianity does not duck the question of the problem of evil. Christianity faces this challenge honestly, and acknowledges the horror of moral evil and its consequences. The Bible never shies away from assigning responsibility for moral evil. Human beings are capable of committing horrible acts of violence, wickedness, cruelty, and killing.

Here is a paraphrased summary of Dr. Albert Mohler’s On Faith article in the Washington Post from this week that I thought was very insightful and on the mark:

The Bible locates the problem of moral evil, and points directly to the human heart. As the prophet Jeremiah reflected: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). In taking moral evil seriously, the Bible affirms that we (human beings) are responsible creatures. Our Creator will hold us fully accountable for our actions. All are sinners. Some sinners embrace evil more explicitly than others—leading to horrors such as these killings on a university campus.

As author C. S. Lewis so powerfully reminds us, we must trust that God's perfect justice will destroy evil and reset the moral equilibrium of the universe.

A central principle of the Christian faith is the claim that, on the cross, Jesus Christ willingly suffered the full force of evil, even unto death—and that in raising Christ from the dead, the Father vindicated Christ's victory over sin, death, and evil.

The Virginia Tech horror reminds us all what human beings can do to each other. The cross of Christ reminds us of what Jesus did for sinners in bearing the full punishment for this evil.

Christianity does not deny the reality of evil or try to hide from its horror. Christians dare not minimize evil nor take refuge in clichés (i.e. “God is in control”). He certainly is, but we must be willing to acknowledge how God is in control and how God has responded to human evil. Additionally, we cannot accept that evil will have the last word. The last word will be the perfect fulfillment of the grace and justice of God. We know this promise from God’s Word. And we trust in it and live by it.

In the meantime, we are witnesses to the true nature of moral failing and tragedy such as the killings at Virginia Tech. We mourn with those who mourn, and weep with those who weep.

None of us can truly know the pain and suffering of these victims and their families? Even now as I pray for those who grieve and suffer, I place my confidence in the assurance that God will bring all things to the perfect conclusion of his judgment. Without this confidence, how could I make sense of what certainly appears to be senseless evil and violence?

Does this still not answer your question of how can I believe in a God who would allow something like this? What answer will satisfy that question? One thing I know for sure, and I will stand by this regardless of what evil I see in the world or even experience personally. And that one thing is: God is GOOD. He is so good that it’s not as if he measures up to some external standard of goodness—He actually determines what goodness is just by being who He is. God is love. God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. And you may even hear some Christians try to wiggle out of this question by suggesting that God is not omnipotent—meaning, God did not have any control over this circumstance. He is omnipotent. He is in control of all things. God is the creator and He is ultimately responsible for all things, either by making it happen, ordaining it to happen, or allowing it to happen. He is omnipotent and sovereign.

So if He is truly omnipotent, then how can He be good? It would seem, in our minds that a truly good God who was also omnipotent would never allow something like this to happen. I will again say what I said above. The Bible hits every single one of these issues head-on. On every issue that deals with this problem of evil, the Bible never flinches. It tells us that God is omnipotent and in control of His creation. It tells us that God is good and in Him there is no evil at all. And it tells us that we (his creatures) are responsible and will be held accountable for the evil we do.

There is such a clash of worldviews out there, and you have undoubtedly seen, read, or heard them. For instance, the Christian scientists say that there is no evil at all. There is no sickness. It is all just an illusion. Well, those students and families in Blacksburg, VA know all too well that evil is not an illusion. I remember hearing one preacher address the question, why do bad things happen to good people by saying this: “Look, God is good, but He is not in control of all these evil events (translation: God is not omnipotent). He is doing the best He can under the circumstances. He tries his best to make good come out of the evil we choose to do, but it is not always possible. In that case He is always ready with ‘plan B’ whenever ‘plan A’ fails.” Open theists offer similar answers: “God is ultimately resourceful; He’s just not completely sovereign.” In other words, we cannot blame God for this because God could not have prevented it.

All of these are efforts to keep people from blaming God for evil events. For many, the only way to make sense of the answer that God is not to be blamed is to suggest that God could not have done anything about it. For if He could have controlled it, then He would be to blame. And if He is to blame, then He is not good.

The problem with all of this rationale is that it is completely antithetical to the Bible. The Bible says He is in control. The Bible says He is good. There is no “Plan B.” The Lamb—who was slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8)—is, was, will be, and always has been “Plan A” for the problem of evil. God is not shocked or surprised by the events of this world. God is not stunned or taken aback by our actions. And God’s plan is not thwarted by evil. God’s will has never been thwarted by man’s evil. The story of Joseph teaches us that clearly. God did not just use the evil actions of Joseph’s brothers, the Bible says that God “meant” for Joseph to be sold for “good” reasons according to God’s redemption plan (Genesis 50:20).

So, God ordains and/or allows all that comes to pass. Within that omnipotent sovereignty you will find man doing evil. The distinction that we must make in our understanding of biblical theology is that God did not ordain the evil but “allows” it because it is going to bring about the good will of God. This is consistent throughout the full counsel of God’s Word.

For example, Judas was not forced by God to betray Jesus. But God allowed Judas to act like Judas (an evil sinner) because God’s will of the cross would be thus fulfilled. In order for Judas to act like Judas all God had to do was cease from restraining the evil in Judas’ heart. Thus, God did not create the evil, Judas did.

As you can probably see by now, I for one believe that God is not a casual observer in His own universe. He does not sit idly by with His hands tied and watch the events of His creation unfold, wishing He could do something about it but either not having the ability to or restraining Himself from interfering. That is not the God that is described in the Bible. He is the Lord of all that He has created.

But, He has done something very interesting with human beings. He created us as moral creatures. If you go back to the Garden of Eden in the book of Genesis, you will see that God created Adam and Eve as moral creatures, in His image. What it means to be created in God’s image is to be creatures who have moral capacity—to do good and to do evil; to obey and to disobey. The whole story of the fall of humanity had to do with this very issue of evil: they did evil rather than good. They disobeyed rather than obeyed, and it came with consequences. One of the consequences of their sin (Adam and Eve) is that for all of us in the human world, sin is a very real threat, evil is an all too real reality. And the fact of the matter is that we do not have to look very far to find horrific acts of this evil.

Just looking at the many photos and video captures of the faces on the campus of Virginia Tech University tells us that human beings know all too well the face of moral evil. The biblical Christian response to this, as well as to any tragedy, is to affirm that God is sovereign and Lord over all; that God is good, absolutely righteous. And that God has made us as moral creatures, capable of doing great good and great evil. And the sad story of human sinfulness is that we so often choose the evil rather than the good. The Bible doesn’t say that some people are sinners, but that all are sinners. But there are some sinners who give themselves unreservedly with abandon to their sin, and that is the only explanation for what took place on Monday morning in Virginia.

And the only HOPE to find in what took place is that God, who is ultimately good and sovereign, is working together in this evil—as well as in all the evil we experience—for good for those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose.

Whenever something like this happens in our world it tends to put Christians on the stage with onlookers saying, “Okay, how will you respond?” It certainly puts us on the spot. And so my word to you is this. Respond with truth. Respond with grace. Respond with the compassion of Jesus Christ. Respond ultimately with the Gospel. And most of all I would exhort you with this: to respond with a theology that is honoring to God rather than with one that simply makes us feel better. Do not be quick to rationalize in order to make sense of evil. Hold fast to the timeless truth of God’s Word. To me, the theology of a sovereign, holy, omnipotent, loving and good God is the most comforting thing there is. To know that we have a Lord of lords and a King of kings, whose supremacy reigns over all people, all events, and all circumstances; that is what helps me rest and have joy even in times of tragedy. Because I trust Him; even when it is difficult to accept the events and the results of the evil in the world. I trust Him.

Even if just a little, I hope you feel more equipped to converse with your friends and co-workers on this. Do not overlook the incredible opportunity you may have to be a witness to the truth of the Gospel as a result of this event.

May God bless you this week, church.

Talking About a Revolution

For nearly five years now I have been speaking a certain language, using certain phrases and metaphors. And I found that to a great number of people I sounded like I was speaking a foreign language, and uttering non-sensible phrases, and using unrealistic metaphors. While it has been an exhilarating journey, it has sometimes been a frustrating one, and sometimes a lonely one.

Yet still, a few of you have understood. In fact, you speak the language also. You live the metaphors. I am thankful to have found a fellowship of believers in Jesus who understand. You GET it! When I say "you GET IT", it's not that we are better, or more enlightened than others. That's one of the most difficult things to try to convey. We're not separatists. We're not anti-institution. We're not a lot of things that people assume we are. One of our greatest characteristics over the last few years has probably been "misunderstood". We are a "misunderstood" bunch.

What am I talking about? I am talking about anyone who has embraced the notion that it's time to STOP GOING TO CHURCH, and to START BEING THE CHURCH. If all of our opportunities to GO to church were removed from us, we would not cease to BE the Church. In 2002 when God began to strip away everything I understood about Church, and Church life, I began emphatically saying things like, "Church is not a building. Church is not a program. Church is not a place you go. Church is not a meeting. Church is YOU. And wherever you, the people who are called 'children of God' and lovers of Jesus, happen to be at any given moment... THERE you are the Church!"

In fact, I said these things so much that some people got sick of me. Some of my very dear friends walked away from me. They thought I was going nutty. And perhaps thought I was going to plant a church that would never have a Sunday meeting, or a building, or any kind of normal organizational structure like we're used to having in the church. How could such a thing even exist?! Function?!

Well, four years later I am still at it. Yes, we have some recognizable organizational structures. Yes, we have meetings. But I submit that who we are is STILL not about any of those things. And I would be willing and ready to have any of them taken away in an instant. Yes, I am serious.

I am dead serious. Because to me, church still is not about any of those things. It's about LIFE. LIVING as Jesus LIVED, and LOVING as Jesus LOVED. And to be quite honest, we can all do that without any of the luxuries we enjoy that make up our church structures. If we can't, then we are not real disciples. Yep, I said it. Should I "nice" it up a little? Okay, we may be disciples. But we are weak and immature if our Christian life is defined by things such as a church attendance, programs, buildings, or meetings. How's that?

This past week a friend of mine sent me a link to the book you see above, "Revolution" by George Barna. Besides the link, his email had only one short paragraph. It said something like this: DING! DING! DING! DING! Finally folks, we have a winner!!! Someone who is recognized and even well-known by the mainstream organized Church is saying what you've been trying to proclaim for over four years now.

And he's going to make all the money off of it. : ) Just kidding.

The fact is, I am not the only one who has been saying it. That's the reason for Barna's book. Barna is a research analyst. He watches trends for months, even years, then reports what he predicts is happening (and will happen) in the world and the church. If you've ever read any of his other books, he is quite accurate in his assessments.

This new book is describing my faith. My Church. My hunger. To LIVE, and to BE. And to leave behind all the tired structures that hinder BEING the Church. Here's a brief excerpt from chapter two:

As we journey together, I want to show you what our research has uncovered regarding a growing sub-nation of people, already well over 20 million strong, who are what we call Revolutionaries.

What "established systems" are they seeking to "overthrow or repudiate" and "thoroughly replace," in Webster's words (defining the word "revolutionary")?

They have no use for churches that play religious games, whether those games are worship services that drone on without the presence of God or ministry programs that bear no spiritual fruit. Revolutionaries eschew ministries that compromise or soft sell our sinful nature to expand organizational turf. They refuse to follow people in ministry leadership positions who cast a personal vision rather than God's, who seek popularity rather than the proclamation of truth in their public statements, or who are more concerned about their own legacy than that of Jesus Christ. They refuse to donate one more dollar to man-made monuments that mark their own achievements and guarantee their place in history. They are unimpressed by accredited degrees and endowed chairs in Christian colleges and seminaries that produce young people incapable of defending the Bible or unwilling to devote their lives to serving others. And Revolutionaries are embarrassed by language that promises Christian love and holiness but turns out to be all sizzle and no substance.

Barna explains in chapter five about how the spiritual landscape of our country is drastically changing as we speak. Even as we entered the twenty-first century, the "local church" was the focus of most people's spiritual lives. But even in five years that number is radically changing, and Barna predicts that by year 2025 we will see a much, much different spiritual landscape. Our spiritual landscape refers to the way people are most likely to experience and express their faith. Just five years later, in 2005, we have already seen a significant transformation taking place.

I suppose the reason I write this article is to relate my elation at the coming of this book. I believe it will do wonders to help explain what so many people are doing these days. It will help people better understand Oasis Christian Fellowship of southeastern Ohio. We are different. You have a very different kind of pastor than most churches have. This book will help them to see why. You have a much different mindset when it comes to "church attendance" and living your life structured around the church and it's many programs, versus living your life structured around Jesus and out in the community. This book will help them see why.

This book will help. Where traditional church leaders think I am off my rocker, George Barna might be able to get them to scratch their head and consider otherwise. You see what I mean? They respect Barna. They trust Barna. They might even BELIEVE Barna.

Because what Barna is saying is, "Watch out!" These Revolutionaries are everywhere. And they are leaving your churches. And sadly, so many church leaders are chalking them all up to "backsliding" or "sheep stealing" or simply walking out on Jesus. But nothing could be further from the truth. They have simply chosen to BE THE CHURCH because they are sick and tired of merely GOING to church.

This book is quite possibly the best description of this web site to date. I wish I could say that I had written it. But congrats to Barna. He beat me to the punch. Thanks George, for helping me explain who I am.

verdict: guilty

I just heard the verdict being read by the clerk of courts for the Scott Peterson trial. Does anyone else find it interesting that a person can be convicted for the murder of an unborn child?

Hope and Presidents

It’s 10:00 AM, and I am sitting in my usual place of study, Donkey Coffee and Espresso. On a typical Wednesday morning I would have to hope I can find a seat with a table beside the wall so I can plug in my laptop, spread out my books and notebooks, put on my headphones to drown out the largely political conversation all around me so I can work, write, and pray without distraction.

Today, however, it feels very strange. I am sitting in this place with, literally, one other person. I wonder where everyone is?

As it appears to be more and more likely that any minute now Senator Kerry will concede the contest and thus, President Bush will declare victory of the 2004 election, I am stricken with a disturbing thought. With all of the animosity there has been against the President of the United States, and with the strong divisive stances supporters of both campaigns took, and with all the “hope” so many people put in getting President Bush out of office. I wonder if many Kerry supporters weren’t as much for Senator Kerry as they were against President Bush? And will they continue to fight against him? Or can we truly "Move On" as so many have adamantly proposed?

This is what concerns me. I have heard some extremely derogatory statements made toward President Bush. And one can argue that they may be justified. Likewise, I have heard just as many belittling comments toward Senator Kerry. Again, some may feel those are warranted. But now (or in just a little while) the election is over. What will we do? Will we be more divided than ever? Will my acquaintances at the coffee shop move to another country because they simply cannot stomach the thought of living under the leadership of this President for four more years? I have heard these kinds of statements. I have seen them written on the chalkboard in the men’s restroom (a place for ongoing political commentary). What will happen now?

You must understand I am neither a President Bush supporter nor a President Bush attacker. But it seemed like you either had to be one or the other. My sentiment during all of this campaigning has been melancholy. It has troubled me to see the hatred, rage, divisive, win at any cost attitudes of both political parties. To quote Wayne Jacobsen, “I am appalled by the dishonest, angry rhetoric of this campaign that has further divided our nation at a time when we need to humble ourselves. I am appalled that both political parties have been corrupted by special interest money that rewards political cronies rather than to champion justice in our society. I am appalled that both campaigns preferred to spread lies about the other than to inspire the citizenry to a higher common good worthy of the place we hold in the world.” I could not have expressed my sentiment any better.

It has troubled me so much that I simply could not support either party or either candidate. I could not bring myself to vote for either candidate, or even for any of those from the lesser parties. I wasn’t looking for a perfect person, but a man worthy of the office. I wasn’t even concerned whether or not the man held “traditional Christian values.” If a Christian candidate for President were not qualified and worthy of the office, but non-Christian candidate was, I would have no problem voting for the non-Christian one. So it wasn’t even that. I guess I just did not want to merely vote for the one who was least flawed (the lesser of two evils).

So, in not voting for either candidate, I voted in protest against an election process I found repugnant and against two candidates who “acted more like name-calling bullies on a kindergarten playground than statesmen who would put the common good above their own self-interest.” And instead of voting for a candidate I could not personally endorse with good conscience, I lamented for the state of our nation, and I prayed. I prayed that God would speak to our next President (whoever it is) and give him the grace to lead our nation with wisdom, with compassion for the powerless, with a voice for the fatherless and stricken, and with a humility and love that would conquer all fear, doubt, and apprehension. May he be more concerned with love than with power. May He see You, God, as the all-powerful, all-wise Creator of all things… and yet Your greatest strength is Your love. Love is not something you possess. Love is who you ARE. If we know You, then we know true love. May our President come to a knowledge of You, and have the grace and strength to lead accordingly.

Whether you were for President Bush or against him, in just a few minutes you will be under his leadership again. How will you invest your life in the next 4 years? Will you not work toward peace, unity, love, and justice in your immediate surroundings? Of course you will. Control what you have the ability to control. Make a difference in your world. That statement has SO much more to say than simply “get out and vote.” That part is over. Now we have 1,460 days to make a difference before the next Presidential election. Think of how much we can do in that time!

So my question and challenge for the people of America is this. Are we simply campaigners? Do we campaign for change? Or do we MAKE change? Will Kerry supporters hang their heads and say, “Well, we have to suffer through these next 4 years until we get another chance to do something about it?” Is campaigning and electing the only way we can cause change? You would think so… with the millions of dollars we have spent in advertising for “change.”

Body of Christ, lets lead by example. Show the political world that there is a much better way to create change. Participate in local activism. Love your neighbor (love is an action by the way, not just something you feel). Speak up for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. Be their voice in local community decisions. Be an example for the power of humility and love in the world. Respect everyone… even if you disagree with them, especially those in office of leadership over you. Teach the world how to make real change take place. Be an example. Be completely humble and gentle at all costs.

I’m glad things are nearly over. I am glad because now we can get on with the living, instead of just portentously suggesting how we plan to live. The future is among us. It’s time to begin living once again. Where is our hope? Is our hope in whomever we elect as President?

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” - 1 Peter 1:3-9

“This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.” - 1 Timothy 4:9-10

I’m out.

Lets Talk Presidential Election 2004

The following post is a compilation of thoughts... some my own, but some from others as well (see the cited list for links to sources). This morning in our Oasis gathering we discussed most of this material as a means to open conversation about the upcoming presidential election. If you would like to listen to that mp3 and read as you listen, you can get it here.
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I recently had someone ask me, “What makes you most nervous about talking politics in church?” That’s a good question. I guess I would first have to admit that I am nervous, and then answer the question. Considering the amount of time I have invested over the past two or three months studying issues, researching candidates, and gathering as much information as I possibly can in order to be a “smart voter,” I would have to admit that it does make me a little nervous. As I have considered how to handle the “election season” with Oasis I recognize that I have a few different options.

1. I could ignore it completely.

2. I could remind you to vote as your “civic Christian duty,” and just leave it at that.

3. I could teach on the moral issues related to the election, things about which we are undoubtedly already in agreement.

Or, compelled by what’s going on in our country and world, I could try a fourth option.

4. Discuss all of the options available to you, and teach and educate ourselves on the things about which we may not already be in agreement.

Brian McLaren suggests that perhaps the most powerful and popular denomination in America is not the Baptists or the Catholics or the Methodists or the Assemblies of God. It’s what McLaren calls "radio-orthodoxy"—the set of beliefs promoted by religious broadcasting. If you doubt the power of radio-orthodoxy, just try contradicting it, especially in an election year.

The fact is, it’s hard to be a good pastor any time, but during an election year in a country blanketed by religious broadcasting, it gets even harder. How do we teach and lead our churches in a year like this—with an important and divisive election underway? As a result of radio-orthodoxy, it could be said that many if not most Christians in America are more or less unspoken members of the Religious Right. It doesn’t matter if pastors teach about social justice and care for the poor, the environment, the alien (stranger), or the enemy. Every day during drive time, well-intentioned people who tune into Christian radio hear radio-orthodox broadcasts from a different vantage point. Then, confused Christians have to decide with whom they agree. [1]

I will not go with option 1—ignore the election completely—although it is what some pastors choose to do. To ignore the election altogether is to ignore one of the most weighty issues every adult American citizen is pondering at this time in their lives. In my family we talk about things. We have discussions that are helpful to us in decision-making. The results of these discussions are hopefully wiser, more confident decisions. Oasis is a family. And hopefully we all desire to make wise decisions as we follow our Lord Jesus.

Neither will I go with option 2—to remind you that voting is your civic Christian duty, and leave it at that—although this is what many pastors choose to do. Yes, we have a civic Christian duty—to be a good citizen of the land in which you happen to live—but I do not believe our civic duty ends with voting. Christians are called to be good citizens, to engage their world and not to withdraw from government altogether. So, what does that mean? It means whether one decides to vote or not, one must find ways to contribute to our society/nation on Christ's terms. It has often been said that it is one's Christian duty to vote. But I am not convinced that such a statement is biblical. In fact, the biblical writers and audiences didn't have the right to vote in their land. However, it is certainly accurate to say that Christians must be good citizens and work for the betterment of their nation and communities. Many Christians exhaust their civic responsibilities by voting, believing that after they've voted they need do nothing else. [2] This is primarily why I will not go with option 2. We have a civic duty to do much more than vote.

Option 3—teaching on the moral issues surrounding the election—is not something I desire to do either simply because it would be “preaching to the choir” so to speak. This is the option most pastors choose during an election year. This is the option we are bombarded with through email, radio, and Christian advertising. Most of us already know and agree with the moral issues at hand. It’s easy to preach up a sweat when you know nearly everyone in the church is thinking, "Amen! Give ‘em hell… er… heaven!" But when your church feels threatened, intimidated, rebuked, insulted, discomforted, and otherwise unsettled, it’s another matter. We tend to shy away from tension. But it is the tension that makes us stronger. Invite it. Welcome it. Embrace it.

That is why I will go with option 4—discuss all of the options available to you, and teach and educate ourselves on the things about which we may not already be in agreement. Use your imagination for just a minute. Imagine we are living in Alabama or Mississippi, and it’s 1962. Oasis is an all-white church of Christians who share the views of our neighbors about integration, equality, and the like. As a pastor I would like to be truly prophetic in teaching the truths of God’s Word. One option would be for me to preach some rip-roaring sermons that would either get me fired fast or send most of you packing for a church more to your liking. I could then move to Massachusetts and get a job there, telling the story of my valiant stand for truth and consequent persecution among the Southern savages, and thereby become a certified hero, well-perched to preach similar fiery sermons against the bigotry of people in the South, to cries of "Amen! Give ’em hell… er… heaven!" from my New England parishioners. This would be very good for my career and very fulfilling. I could even write magazine articles about my exploits. But what good would it really do? Another option would be to avoid the subject of racism for 30 or 40 years, until other larger forces have already brought a change in the thinking of Oasis people. Then I could preach about it with enthusiasm, waiting just long enough to have all the excitement of taking risks, with none of the risk. What I am looking for, however, is a better option than either thundering self-righteousness or avoidance. It will involve risk. But it will also involve patience and gentleness and respect. Yes, I will need to be bold and courageous, but I will also need to be both clever as a serpent and harmless as a dove. [1]

Having said all of that as introduction, lets now get into the discussion.

The first thing we must recognize and admit is the fact that God is not aligned with any political party. God is not a Republican or a Democrat. Contrary to claims made by the Religious Right, God has not taken a side in the election of a President.

"It is the responsibility of every political conservative, every evangelical Christian, every pro-life Catholic, every traditional Jew, every Reagan Democrat, and everyone in between to get serious about re-electing President Bush." – Jerry Falwell, The New York Times, July 16, 2004

"I think George Bush is going to win in a walk. I really believe I'm hearing from the Lord it's going to be like a blowout election in 2004. The Lord has just blessed him...It doesn't make any difference what he does, good or bad..." – Pat Robertson, AP/Fox News, January 2, 2004

Consider the following statements of belief as posted by Sojourners magazine, a Christian publication on faith, politics, and culture.

We believe that God is NOT a Republican or a Democrat.

We believe that claims of divine appointment for the President, uncritical affirmation of his policies, and assertions that all Christians must vote for his re-election constitute bad theology and dangerous religion.

We believe that sincere Christians and other people of faith can choose to vote for President Bush or Senator Kerry—for reasons deeply rooted in their faith.

We believe all candidates should be examined by measuring their policies against the complete range of Christian ethics and values.

We will measure the candidates by whether they enhance human life, human dignity, and human rights; whether they strengthen family life and protect children; whether they promote racial reconciliation and support gender equality; whether they serve peace and social justice; and whether they advance the common good rather than only individual, national, and special interests.

We believe that poverty—caring for the poor and vulnerable—is a religious issue. Do the candidates' budget and tax policies reward the rich or show compassion for poor families? Do their foreign policies include fair trade and debt cancellation for the poorest countries? (Matthew 25:35-40, Isaiah 10:1-2)

We believe that the environment—caring for God's earth—is a religious issue. Do the candidates' policies protect the creation or serve corporate interests that damage it? (Genesis 2:15, Psalm 24:1)

We believe that war—and our call to be peacemakers—is a religious issue. Do the candidates' policies pursue "wars of choice" or respect international law and cooperation in responding to real global threats? (Matthew 5:9)

We believe that truth-telling is a religious issue. Do the candidates tell the truth in justifying war and in other foreign and domestic policies? (John 8:32)

We believe that human rights—respecting the image of God in every person—is a religious issue. How do the candidates propose to change the attitudes and policies that led to the abuse and torture of Iraqi prisoners? (Genesis 1:27)

We believe that our response to terrorism is a religious issue. Do the candidates adopt the dangerous language of righteous empire in the war on terrorism and confuse the roles of God, church, and nation? Do the candidates see evil only in our enemies but never in our own policies? (Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 8:12-13)

We believe that a consistent ethic of human life is a religious issue. Do the candidates' positions on abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, weapons of mass destruction, HIV/AIDS—and other pandemics—and genocide around the world obey the biblical injunction to choose life? (Deuteronomy 30:19)

We also admonish both parties and candidates to avoid the exploitation of religion or our congregations for partisan political purposes. [3] (www.sojo.net)

As we contemplate our decisions regarding voting it is imperative that we consider the truths of God’s Word, as well as His character as expressed through Jesus Christ. Someone recently asked me the question, “Who do you think Jesus would vote for if he were living in the United States today?” Man, that is perhaps the toughest question I have had to face in a very long time. And I had a very profound answer. Are you ready? I answered… “I don’t know.” However, based on Jesus’ life and teachings, there are some things that we do know about him regarding how he might vote. I believe Jesus would vote for the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. I believe he would vote for those who mourn, for they will be comforted. I believe he would vote for the meek, for they will inherit the earth. I believe he would vote for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. I believe he would vote for the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. I believe he would vote for the pure in heart, for they will see God. I believe he would vote for the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. I believe he would vote for those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3-10)

Jesus’ mind always seemed to be on another Kingdom. Was he mindful of the earthly kingdom in which he lived? Sure he was. He paid his taxes when called upon to do so. He obeyed the governing authorities, and encouraged us to do likewise, as long as our obedience to the governing authorities does not compromise our obedience to God and His Kingdom. You see, we are members of two kingdoms, but when those two kingdoms come into opposition of one another, our allegiance falls to ONE. In the New Testament this came true for the early Christians. They belonged to God, and the conditions of His kingdom opposed what the governing authorities were teaching and admonishing them. The result was their persecution and ultimately for many of the early disciples, their death.

What does this mean for me as a voter in the United States of America? It means that when I consider how I should vote, I must consider what’s best for God’s Kingdom before I consider what’s best for the United States of America. God’s Kingdom is not the United States of America. This is a wonderful country, and I believe we should be very thankful and recognize the great privilege it is to live here. However, it is an abysmal mistake to think that we are a nation who has God’s blessing, His hand, and His protection. Those are things reserved for members of His Kingdom. And guess what. God’s Kingdom exists in many nations. We have fellow citizens in Mexico, Canada, France, Spain, Germany, Honduras, Haiti, Russia, China, Korea, and even Iraq, as well as many others. So I am fraught with the understanding that as I vote for issues and politicians in my country those decisions are also going to affect my brothers and sisters throughout the world, who are citizens of their own country, but furthermore citizens of the Kingdom of God. My allegiance must be to His Kingdom first. I must seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness.

So, if you choose to vote, you have much more to consider than the average citizen of the United States who does not belong to God. They are only considering their own interests, their own protection, their own gain. We must “look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others”—for this is the very attitude of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:4,5).

Before you simply submit to the teaching that comes from “radio-orthodoxy,” do some research of your own, have open discussions among groups of Christians and dig into the critical issues of both the election and the scriptures. Allow people to ask you critical questions like, “Why are you considering voting for your candidate of choice?” Ask yourself that question. In these discussions and in your contemplation of these matters there are some important guidelines to consider:

1. Show respect for all positions on an issue, and for those who hold opposing opinions. It’s tempting, especially when one is reacting against a polemical, biased, chest-thumping opposition, to respond likewise and opt out of the Lord’s command about doing unto others.

2. Understand the opposing side so well that you can present its arguments as clearly as its proponents do. Each position has its upside and downside, as do opposing views. We tend to know our upside and their downside, but fairness requires we face our downside and their upside as well.

3. To show that you understand the opposition and have been willing to listen, present the opposing case’s position. Present it so compellingly that people would believe it’s your position.

4. Then present your position, rooting your position in biblical soil, admitting your position’s downsides.

5. Confess your openness to changing your thinking—thus modeling the teachability you hope your people will demonstrate. [4]

If you take time to do all of these steps as you pray, research, and discuss the presidential election, you will be giving yourself the tools you need for wisdom when it comes time to vote. You will be utilizing the important, common-courtesy of active listening (a rule that neither party seems to understand these days). God’s Word reminds us in James 1:19 “to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger”… a bit of wisdom that is ever important during these times.

You may have noticed a few paragraphs ago that I made the statement, “So, if you choose to vote…” What do you mean IF? It’s the Christian’s civic duty to vote, right? Aren’t we called to be good citizens of our government, and since it is a democracy whose success depends on our voice (which in this argument is considered “our vote”), then it is our Christian duty to vote. Right? Well, some Christians do feel that way. And that’s okay. But take time to listen to another perspective.

There are Christians who have a difficult time endorsing what many would call “the lesser of two evils.” Most of us have heard the argument that when considering whom to vote for one must weigh the candidates, and since none of them are perfect we must choose the “lesser of two evils.” The abstentionist would argue that the “lesser of two evils” is still “evil.” Some people choose to abstain because they find it difficult to support either major candidate for President. For instance, a believer may be more inclined toward Candidate A, but his positions on abortion, human life, and foreign policy may make it difficult for said believer to vote for him. But what if Candidate B had a similar list of questionable convictions and actions, it would make it difficult for the believer to vote for him in good conscience as well. This is where the “lesser of two evils” argument comes into play. Some Christians, out of ethical duty, would choose the candidate who appears “closest” to what the believer considers a righteous choice. And, again, that’s okay. However, some Christians have come to the conclusion that they simply cannot vote in favor of either candidate. The argument for that believer is, “Do I vote for the lesser of two evils as an ethical act, or is it more Christian to show my disagreement by abstaining?” So you can see why some Christians may choose to abstain from voting for President.

This is an option that is not uncommon in the wider Christian world in this country (Anabaptists Brethren, Mennonites). There is also a legacy of nonparticipation in government within the earliest members of the Restoration Movement (where the Church of Christ/Christian Churches are rooted). So, this option is not new or totally foreign to the faith, even if it is to our more immediate contexts.

Many Christians would argue that voting is participation in the empire cult, it is playing Caesar's game, and as citizens of the Kingdom of God who have higher allegiances, they feel they cannot participate. This view would be based upon the position of nonparticipation in the ways of empire held by the earliest Christians, and it assumes that ours is not a "Christian" country, but really a godless empire that only uses "Christianity" when it is politically advantageous. This may be contrary to the popular conservative Christian view, but to many believers it makes a great deal of sense. [2]

In the grand scheme of things it seems that even if a Christian decides to vote, participating in the electoral process is actually a very minor way of exercising our civic duty. Perhaps a more effective “voice” would be local activism and involvement, in which we volunteer, work for peace and justice, and write letters to our representatives and work for specific issues. Should it be said of the Christian who chooses not to vote, yet is locally very socially active in working for the betterment of the community, that he/she is not performing his/her civic duty? I should think not.

In conclusion, consider the following words from Sister Joan Chittister, writer for the National Catholic Reporter:

We must recognize that most likely God is not keeping a denominational scorecard on either party's platforms and legislative proposals, as in "This one is Christian, this one is not Christian, not Christian, Christian, Christian, not Christian." And the winner is… !!”

But, if the psalmist is anywhere near correct, there is a criterion we can all use to make our personal political decisions with moral confidence. You can bet God's own criteria still holds. You can bet God is still listening, just as in His message to Moses at the burning bush: "I have heard the cry of the poor… and I mean to deliver them."

Is it possible that this election may be a reprise of that same message—this time, for us?

The truth is that there are more than enough poor that we as a country no longer count: The unemployed who drop off the welfare rolls, the underemployed who get no benefits, the children without health insurance, the fetuses being disposed of for the sake of convenience, the Iraqi civilians being killed for the sake of macho, the elderly who are facing even more poverty in years to come as Social Security fizzles in the wealthiest country in the world while we go on investing more money in death these days than we do in life?

God is our leader, and like our leader we’d be wise to listen, as well, to the cries of the poor of other countries who, because of our economic or foreign policy plans, get poorer every day, fear us more every day and hate us more every day.

The list goes on and on. Who is "pro-life"? Where is the morality of saving life at one end only to starve it in mid-flight or kill it off cavalierly at the other?

And why are we as a people so nonchalant about it, so apparently unconscious of it all, so committed to a single-issue focus in the midst of it? Is it perhaps that this time Christianity itself has gone astray, has narrowed the criteria so clearly given at the burning bush, has itself lost perspective in a world that has never needed perspective more?

It isn't that Christianity doesn't have a place in the public debate, on the contrary. It's that politics has no place in Christianity.

It is not the place of political parties to seek to enlist the Christian community as part of its campaign staff. That smells far too much like collusion. It smacks far too much of the kind of theocratic thinking that preceded both the French and the Russian revolutions. It sounds too much like the rise of a new Christian Taliban. It sounds too much like this year's election, in fact.

It is not the function of Christian figures to condemn specific politicians. That, whether we like it or not, is still God's role. It is the function of Christianity to teach Christian values and criteria that can then be applied by you and me to the political positions of our politicians. Christianity must form us "to hear the cries of the poor" and then to vote accordingly.

We must be called to conscience—not to the political campaign strategies of either party.

If you want to cast a moral vote, print out one of the many comparative lists of the issues espoused by each candidate. Ask yourself the question, "Will this proposal, this position, affect the poor of this country or the world positively, negatively or neither?” Ascribe to each of the items in the platform or on the proposed legislative agenda a plus, a minus or a zero. Now count up the pluses. The program that will bring the most aid to the poor is the most moral position. [5]

Cast your vote accordingly. Or don’t cast it all. Either way, live your civic duty in God’s Kingdom, and subsequently in the United States of America.

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Sources

1. Brian McLaren, “Scared to Talk Politics In Church?” Sojourners Magazine
2. George Pickens, email conversation
3. Sojourners Magazine, http://go.sojo.net/campaign/takebackourfaith
4. Adam Hamilton, Leadership Journal, Spring 2004
5. Joan Chittister, “An Election Guide For Honest-To-God Serious Voters,” National Catholic Reporter, September 2, 2004

For further research on the candidates and the issues, and perspectives regarding Christians and voting:
http://www.smartvoter.org/2004/11/02/oh/
http://www.vote-smart.org
http://www.politics1.com
http://www.sojo.net
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/august2004/300804godisnot.htm
http://www.raptureready.com/republican.html
http://www.ivotevalues.com
http://www.thegoodsteward.com/article.php3?articleID=2234

Political Comic Relief

You create the caption to this photo.

Is God Republican or Democrat?

I got home from our campus ministry meeting just in time to watch the 90-minutes of self-promoting ambition on TV. Shortly thereafter a debate of our own broke out in our house. I have not been so distraught over voting as I am this year. I will offer more on this later. Because of the trust God has given me in guiding and leading members of HIS fold I want to be certain to choose my words clearly, humbly, and wisely when speaking about the upcoming election. But I promise I will not simply ignore it; nor will I recommend, endorse, or speak for or against a particular candidate. The presidential election is a very important issue that impacts all of our lives, so we must have a place to discuss and work through our convictions. Some of it will make us uncomfortable, while some of it will help bring clarity. Some people who are brothers and sisters in Jesus will perhaps have a different political opinion than you, while others may agree with you. But both are still family in God's kingdom. We must get ready for this. We cannot avoid the tension this election is going to bring. It is already present, but it will get stronger.

Lets agree on one thing for sure... to pray.

What should we pray for? Good question. The best place to receive that answer is to look to Jesus... which is precicely what I want to do when considering how or if to cast my vote (yes, I said "if").

I will be praying that God gives us clarity through His Word, and a spirit of unity in light of the darkness of divisive and destructive politics.

By the way, the question in the header was meant to be tongue-in-cheek... I hope you didn't think I was going to actually answer it.