Thursday, December 4, 2008
God story
About a dozen recent University of Wisconsin grads are serving for a year in East Asia, reaching out to college students (and anyone they meet) with the love of Jesus. If you're in need of a good story about what God is doing in this world, one relationship at a time, read this recent blog post from Chris. This is particularly touching for me, because Meggan and I were there on the fall retreat he mentions, we were there with Chris in East Asia when he spent a summer there, and I can remember the blue sweatshirt. Plus, I'm close friends with his roommate who recently had his appendix removed... in a foreign country... Anyhow, enjoy, and pray for Chris, Tom (the newly de-appendicized guy), their team, and God's continued movement in the lives of people in that city.
Study Break!
Meggan found this gem a couple days ago. Enjoy! (Eight days to the end of the semester!!!)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Post-election stream-of-consciousness
WARNING: This post may wander. I'm processing things, so one primary purpose for what I'm about to write is personal therapy. In addition, I hope this will be interesting to you, but also that it will serve as a model for a number of values: introspection, vulnerability, honesty, thoughtfulness, civility.
My heart goes out to Kent Koebke of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, who fought hard and with integrity for a chance at a seat in the state house. Kent, thanks for working your tail off for what you believe in, and God bless you.
Meggan and I went to an election night party last night. The majority of us there were McCain supporters, but we still had a good time. We did a "pick the states" pool - our entry had Obama winning, but we gave McCain way too many swing states, so we didn't take the prize. Thanks to Dan and Erin Breed for a fun time!
I was impressed both by McCain's concession speech and Obama's Grant Park acceptance. I didn't necessarily appreciate Obama's "Yes We Can" refrain, since it strikes me as misplaced hope, but I thought he came out with an unexpectedly muted expression. He was not celebratory; he was (exhausted and) rather sober. He did not look like a man who would quickly let the power go to his head. These are two men of character. God bless 'em both. God, we pray that you would keep president-elect Obama and his family safe from crazy people.
I think sobriety is the appropriate response for all of us at the moment. Let McCain supporters acknowledge our feelings of disappointment, submit our feelings to God, and recognize that He is still the Most High King. Let us recognize that Obama is a good man who will accomplish some good, and let us remember that McCain would have made some mistakes in the Oval Office, too. As for my brothers and sisters who voted for Obama, I won't be your killjoy; feel free to celebrate. But, please, do not mistake Obama for the Savior. Neither the real Savior nor our president-elect would want you to do so. A McCain victory would not have been the end of the world, and I hope you will critically examine the man you elected rather than becoming his unquestioned apologist.
The election of an African-American to the U.S. presidency is an historic occurrence. I wish I could celebrate it with enthusiasm. At the same time, we still have racial issues in our country, and the election actually highlights some of those. Black conservatives were ostracized in their communities for voicing their convictions, and they were dragged around in the dog-and-pony show by white conservatives. Millions of white Americans voted their conscience for Obama (or McCain), but, no doubt, there were many who voted for Obama out of "a sense of history" or latent white guilt (in addition to white supremacists who voted for McCain). I look forward to the increase of Dr. King's dream, that, in growing measure, people "will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Still, it is amazing that we've reached a day where we fall short of this dream in ways so very different than the ways we once fell short of it. Praise God for this progress.
Random wondering - which of the following factors contributed most strongly to the defeat of a moderate Republican by a liberal Democrat:
--disapproval of Bush?
--the economic crisis?
--thinly veiled network media biases? (Before you read too much into that comment, see my Oct. 17 post about NPR.)
--image factors (as SNL put it, "Joe Cool vs. Yosemite Sam")?
I have deeply mixed feelings about international reaction to the election. On the one hand, it will be nice to live as a U.S. citizen in Europe during a time when Europe likes my president. On the other hand, I don't think European opinion should matter all that much in my choice of a candidate. I care a heck of a lot more about the opinion of people in countries that could be much more deeply and directly affected by who's in the White House: Iraqis, Afghans, Israelis, and Palestinians; for our foreign aid, Africans; also, our neighbors, especially Mexicans. Life would go on just fine for the vast majority of Europeans whether Obama, McCain, or Ron Paul were living at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. In the reverse direction, I have decided never to pass judgment on an Iranian for voting for Ahmadinejad or a Venezuelan for voting for Hugo Chávez unless I actually understand more issues than just how that vote affects their country's relationship with my country.
On a different note, I am saddened for the pro-life cause. How many justices will be appointed by pro-choice presidents and confirmed by a majority pro-choice Senate in the years to come? Beyond that, Amendment 48 (defining life as beginning at conception) got trounced here in Colorado, and a pro-life ballot initiative lost for the second time in South Dakota, 55%-45%. It seems that over a million babies a year will continue to be killed with government approval in our country. This is deeply unjust - not only to the people killed, but also to the people duped by our culture into thinking that murder for personal convenience is an expression of their freedom of choice. Three cheers for crisis pregnancy centers and adoption ministries, but it seems as though we pro-lifers need to reevaluate our political strategies. Do we turn to the 95/10 Initiative proposed by pro-life Democrats? Do we work harder to let the pro-life voice be heard in the marketplace of ideas (for an online example, see here)? Is creative nonviolent protest the answer? Should we put our efforts for the appointment of constructionist justices and the passing of pro-life ballot initiatives on the back burner or not?
For the trifecta, all three items on the ballot that I had strong opinions on (see my Oct. 10 posting) went the other way. :-)
And now, to end on a lighter note... God bless Minnesota! First, they elect an independent governor who happens to be a former pro-wrestler. Now, they come within 500 votes (out of nearly 3 million cast) of electing a comedian to the Senate, in a race where a liberal independent candidate garnered 15%. The recount is on, and Minnesota officially wins pop culture "cool" points (whether that's a good thing or not is up for interpretation).
My heart goes out to Kent Koebke of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, who fought hard and with integrity for a chance at a seat in the state house. Kent, thanks for working your tail off for what you believe in, and God bless you.
Meggan and I went to an election night party last night. The majority of us there were McCain supporters, but we still had a good time. We did a "pick the states" pool - our entry had Obama winning, but we gave McCain way too many swing states, so we didn't take the prize. Thanks to Dan and Erin Breed for a fun time!
I was impressed both by McCain's concession speech and Obama's Grant Park acceptance. I didn't necessarily appreciate Obama's "Yes We Can" refrain, since it strikes me as misplaced hope, but I thought he came out with an unexpectedly muted expression. He was not celebratory; he was (exhausted and) rather sober. He did not look like a man who would quickly let the power go to his head. These are two men of character. God bless 'em both. God, we pray that you would keep president-elect Obama and his family safe from crazy people.
I think sobriety is the appropriate response for all of us at the moment. Let McCain supporters acknowledge our feelings of disappointment, submit our feelings to God, and recognize that He is still the Most High King. Let us recognize that Obama is a good man who will accomplish some good, and let us remember that McCain would have made some mistakes in the Oval Office, too. As for my brothers and sisters who voted for Obama, I won't be your killjoy; feel free to celebrate. But, please, do not mistake Obama for the Savior. Neither the real Savior nor our president-elect would want you to do so. A McCain victory would not have been the end of the world, and I hope you will critically examine the man you elected rather than becoming his unquestioned apologist.
The election of an African-American to the U.S. presidency is an historic occurrence. I wish I could celebrate it with enthusiasm. At the same time, we still have racial issues in our country, and the election actually highlights some of those. Black conservatives were ostracized in their communities for voicing their convictions, and they were dragged around in the dog-and-pony show by white conservatives. Millions of white Americans voted their conscience for Obama (or McCain), but, no doubt, there were many who voted for Obama out of "a sense of history" or latent white guilt (in addition to white supremacists who voted for McCain). I look forward to the increase of Dr. King's dream, that, in growing measure, people "will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Still, it is amazing that we've reached a day where we fall short of this dream in ways so very different than the ways we once fell short of it. Praise God for this progress.
Random wondering - which of the following factors contributed most strongly to the defeat of a moderate Republican by a liberal Democrat:
--disapproval of Bush?
--the economic crisis?
--thinly veiled network media biases? (Before you read too much into that comment, see my Oct. 17 post about NPR.)
--image factors (as SNL put it, "Joe Cool vs. Yosemite Sam")?
I have deeply mixed feelings about international reaction to the election. On the one hand, it will be nice to live as a U.S. citizen in Europe during a time when Europe likes my president. On the other hand, I don't think European opinion should matter all that much in my choice of a candidate. I care a heck of a lot more about the opinion of people in countries that could be much more deeply and directly affected by who's in the White House: Iraqis, Afghans, Israelis, and Palestinians; for our foreign aid, Africans; also, our neighbors, especially Mexicans. Life would go on just fine for the vast majority of Europeans whether Obama, McCain, or Ron Paul were living at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. In the reverse direction, I have decided never to pass judgment on an Iranian for voting for Ahmadinejad or a Venezuelan for voting for Hugo Chávez unless I actually understand more issues than just how that vote affects their country's relationship with my country.
On a different note, I am saddened for the pro-life cause. How many justices will be appointed by pro-choice presidents and confirmed by a majority pro-choice Senate in the years to come? Beyond that, Amendment 48 (defining life as beginning at conception) got trounced here in Colorado, and a pro-life ballot initiative lost for the second time in South Dakota, 55%-45%. It seems that over a million babies a year will continue to be killed with government approval in our country. This is deeply unjust - not only to the people killed, but also to the people duped by our culture into thinking that murder for personal convenience is an expression of their freedom of choice. Three cheers for crisis pregnancy centers and adoption ministries, but it seems as though we pro-lifers need to reevaluate our political strategies. Do we turn to the 95/10 Initiative proposed by pro-life Democrats? Do we work harder to let the pro-life voice be heard in the marketplace of ideas (for an online example, see here)? Is creative nonviolent protest the answer? Should we put our efforts for the appointment of constructionist justices and the passing of pro-life ballot initiatives on the back burner or not?
For the trifecta, all three items on the ballot that I had strong opinions on (see my Oct. 10 posting) went the other way. :-)
And now, to end on a lighter note... God bless Minnesota! First, they elect an independent governor who happens to be a former pro-wrestler. Now, they come within 500 votes (out of nearly 3 million cast) of electing a comedian to the Senate, in a race where a liberal independent candidate garnered 15%. The recount is on, and Minnesota officially wins pop culture "cool" points (whether that's a good thing or not is up for interpretation).
Thursday, October 30, 2008
McCain and Obama - global poverty commitments
Here.
As a Christian, I am encouraged that both candidates are committed to addressing issues of global poverty. As a Christian supporter of McCain, I submit that a vote for McCain is more than just a vote against abortion. The GOP is not the party of heartless greed and closed-minded nationalism. (That's not to say there are zero negative influences in the Republican Party; politics is dirty, and you'll find the dirt in both parties.)
As a Christian, I am encouraged that both candidates are committed to addressing issues of global poverty. As a Christian supporter of McCain, I submit that a vote for McCain is more than just a vote against abortion. The GOP is not the party of heartless greed and closed-minded nationalism. (That's not to say there are zero negative influences in the Republican Party; politics is dirty, and you'll find the dirt in both parties.)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Thinking Christians Talking Politics
Audio from the dialogue between Dan (supporting McCain) and Craig (supporting Obama) is available here.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
More musings - sports & a sermon
Well, the Brewers have decided not to hang on to Dale Sveum as their manager for next year. I'm a little bummed... Attanasio brings a commitment to winning to the organization, but he also brings that L.A. attitude - loyalty is not priority 1-A.
In other news, I had a grand time last night at the Badger hockey game here in Denver. What a wild one! Very entertaining, but a little bit of a heartbreaker - Wisconsin lost to DU, 6-5. Bucky's 0-3-0 to start the season; they can score, but their defense is suspect, and their goalie is hot-and-cold. Also, they've blown a lead in all three games, which doesn't bode well for the season. At any rate, many thanks to Jeremiah Heiser (who plans to date the gal who sang the national anthem) and Andrew Vitek (the greatest D-III college hockey player ever to come out of Hawaii) for making it fun.
And, my sermon from last weekend is online. You can find it here in video or audio. (If you're using this link after a week or so, the sermon will be down the list - week 26 in the Acts series.)
In other news, I had a grand time last night at the Badger hockey game here in Denver. What a wild one! Very entertaining, but a little bit of a heartbreaker - Wisconsin lost to DU, 6-5. Bucky's 0-3-0 to start the season; they can score, but their defense is suspect, and their goalie is hot-and-cold. Also, they've blown a lead in all three games, which doesn't bode well for the season. At any rate, many thanks to Jeremiah Heiser (who plans to date the gal who sang the national anthem) and Andrew Vitek (the greatest D-III college hockey player ever to come out of Hawaii) for making it fun.
And, my sermon from last weekend is online. You can find it here in video or audio. (If you're using this link after a week or so, the sermon will be down the list - week 26 in the Acts series.)
Friday, October 17, 2008
Confession
Hello, my name is Ben. I'm an evangelical Christian, a Republican... and I enjoy public radio.
A lot.
And I'm not just talking about the classical and jazz stations - gimme those two and the news and talk station.
What's wrong with me? Don't I know that 95% of the news media in this country is controlled by the left, and that NPR is basically a socialist propaganda machine? Well, I guess I've chosen to listen for myself. And you know what I've found? I've found public radio news and talk to be the most thorough, thoughtful news and talk on the airwaves. I think their journalistic integrity is second-to-none.
Here's a solid example - today I heard a review of Oliver Stone's new movie, W., a biopic about our current president. Of course, if you believe the hype, like one of my friends at church who calls NPR "NCR" (from his tone of voice, I'm guessing the C stands for "commie"), you'd expect a glowing review. Well, the critic found a few positive elements, then proceeded to tear it down, calling it Stone's "shallowest" film to date. (If you'd like to hear it, go to this page and click the "Listen Now" link to hear it; the text given is incomplete.) It was a thoughtful review from a thoughtful critic who didn't feel a need to scream or call Stone a pinkie to make his point.
You know what else I like about public radio? (Ooh, this one could get me in trouble...) Their fund drives are far more realistic than Christian radio fund drives. In a public radio fund drive, the DJ usually says, "Support public radio because you like to listen to us." On Christian radio, the DJ usually says, "Support our station because people who would never darken the door of a church are coming to know Jesus through our ministry." Really? You think a lot of non-Christians listen to Christian radio? You think they don't pass it right over when they're scanning through the stations? You think the radio is a good evangelistic investment in our country? I'm skeptical. Why can't the Christian stations ask for money on the same basis as the public stations? "Support us because you like listening to Christian music/news/talk/sermons."
So, all that to say - my fellow conservatives (politically and religiously), please give public radio another chance.
A lot.
And I'm not just talking about the classical and jazz stations - gimme those two and the news and talk station.
What's wrong with me? Don't I know that 95% of the news media in this country is controlled by the left, and that NPR is basically a socialist propaganda machine? Well, I guess I've chosen to listen for myself. And you know what I've found? I've found public radio news and talk to be the most thorough, thoughtful news and talk on the airwaves. I think their journalistic integrity is second-to-none.
Here's a solid example - today I heard a review of Oliver Stone's new movie, W., a biopic about our current president. Of course, if you believe the hype, like one of my friends at church who calls NPR "NCR" (from his tone of voice, I'm guessing the C stands for "commie"), you'd expect a glowing review. Well, the critic found a few positive elements, then proceeded to tear it down, calling it Stone's "shallowest" film to date. (If you'd like to hear it, go to this page and click the "Listen Now" link to hear it; the text given is incomplete.) It was a thoughtful review from a thoughtful critic who didn't feel a need to scream or call Stone a pinkie to make his point.
You know what else I like about public radio? (Ooh, this one could get me in trouble...) Their fund drives are far more realistic than Christian radio fund drives. In a public radio fund drive, the DJ usually says, "Support public radio because you like to listen to us." On Christian radio, the DJ usually says, "Support our station because people who would never darken the door of a church are coming to know Jesus through our ministry." Really? You think a lot of non-Christians listen to Christian radio? You think they don't pass it right over when they're scanning through the stations? You think the radio is a good evangelistic investment in our country? I'm skeptical. Why can't the Christian stations ask for money on the same basis as the public stations? "Support us because you like listening to Christian music/news/talk/sermons."
So, all that to say - my fellow conservatives (politically and religiously), please give public radio another chance.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday musings
We voted! Meggan and I got our ballots in the mail yesterday, did some research, filled 'em out, and handed 'em in today. Some observations:
Voting in Colorado is a lot of work. We voted on nine national, state, and local races; chose whether to retain or reject seventeen justices; and made up our mind on eighteen state and two local referenda. Fourteen of the statewide issues are amendments to the state constitution - that's a big deal to me; you don't amend a constitution on a whim. On another complicating note, four of the eighteen statewide referenda have been pulled by the unions that proposed them as a result of successful negotiations with certain business leaders, so those votes don't matter. Is it possible to be an educated voter? Yes. Will the vast majority of voters be deciding many significant issues on a whim? I'm afraid so...
So, out of 46 choices, we voted the same on 42. (Not bad...?) I don't consider myself to be an expert on all 46 issues, but I'll offer my opinion on one race and two Colorado constitutional amendments:
President: John McCain. McCain is the right kind of moderate - he swings to the center on the very issues where he should disagree with his Republican counterparts. In particular, his approach to immigration is realistic and compassionate. (Sidenote - I was discouraged to see how many Republican candidates I could vote for see the immigration issue as black-and-white. But, hey, I live in Tom Tancredo's old congressional district - what did I expect?) In addition, I have hopes that McCain could nominate Supreme Court justices that might overturn Roe v. Wade. On the other hand, Obama would be a move far to the left on many issues; he is not a moderate; on the rare occasions that he disagrees with his Democratic counterparts, it's in the radical direction. On abortion, he's as pro-choice as you can get. Don't get me wrong - if Obama were to get elected, I think he would make a good president. As an American living in Europe, people might like me better knowing that Obama is my president. Certainly, if Obama wins, my life will not fall apart... but he didn't receive my vote. At any rate, I urge you to pray for both candidates.
Amendment 48: Yes. This is one of only two constitutional amendments that I voted for. A person is a person.
Amendment 50: No. Generally speaking, an expansion of the gambling industry exploits the poor.
------------
Speaking of politics, things are all set for the upcoming dialogue on campus between my friends Craig and Dan:
Come join us on October 23 - bring your rotten eggs and tomatoes! See this post for more details.
------------
It's bittersweet, but I'm cheering for the Phillies in the NLCS. (How 'bout that Brett Myers at the plate? But I'll tell you what, Brad Lidge is gonna blow a save before the postseason is over.)
Voting in Colorado is a lot of work. We voted on nine national, state, and local races; chose whether to retain or reject seventeen justices; and made up our mind on eighteen state and two local referenda. Fourteen of the statewide issues are amendments to the state constitution - that's a big deal to me; you don't amend a constitution on a whim. On another complicating note, four of the eighteen statewide referenda have been pulled by the unions that proposed them as a result of successful negotiations with certain business leaders, so those votes don't matter. Is it possible to be an educated voter? Yes. Will the vast majority of voters be deciding many significant issues on a whim? I'm afraid so...
So, out of 46 choices, we voted the same on 42. (Not bad...?) I don't consider myself to be an expert on all 46 issues, but I'll offer my opinion on one race and two Colorado constitutional amendments:
President: John McCain. McCain is the right kind of moderate - he swings to the center on the very issues where he should disagree with his Republican counterparts. In particular, his approach to immigration is realistic and compassionate. (Sidenote - I was discouraged to see how many Republican candidates I could vote for see the immigration issue as black-and-white. But, hey, I live in Tom Tancredo's old congressional district - what did I expect?) In addition, I have hopes that McCain could nominate Supreme Court justices that might overturn Roe v. Wade. On the other hand, Obama would be a move far to the left on many issues; he is not a moderate; on the rare occasions that he disagrees with his Democratic counterparts, it's in the radical direction. On abortion, he's as pro-choice as you can get. Don't get me wrong - if Obama were to get elected, I think he would make a good president. As an American living in Europe, people might like me better knowing that Obama is my president. Certainly, if Obama wins, my life will not fall apart... but he didn't receive my vote. At any rate, I urge you to pray for both candidates.
Amendment 48: Yes. This is one of only two constitutional amendments that I voted for. A person is a person.
Amendment 50: No. Generally speaking, an expansion of the gambling industry exploits the poor.
------------
Speaking of politics, things are all set for the upcoming dialogue on campus between my friends Craig and Dan:
Come join us on October 23 - bring your rotten eggs and tomatoes! See this post for more details.
------------
It's bittersweet, but I'm cheering for the Phillies in the NLCS. (How 'bout that Brett Myers at the plate? But I'll tell you what, Brad Lidge is gonna blow a save before the postseason is over.)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Credimus
We believe in God the Father, Lord of heaven and earth. He is not like human beings, yet he cares deeply for us.
We believe in Jesus the Messiah, who is God in the flesh - sent by the Father as an expression of compassion, truth, and justice. He heals the sick, gives sight to the blind, and proclaims freedom to the oppressed. He was unjustly tortured and executed, and he rose from the dead on the third day. He calls us to follow him in life with God and love of others.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who lives within us individually and among us as the church. He empowers us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, and he plants within us the Father's love for the people around us.
We believe the world is broken, fallen, and yet beautiful. God desires to redeem his creation, and he chooses to use his people, the church, as his ambassadors in this mission.
We submit ourselves to our loving Father God.
We commit to following Jesus in word and deed.
We will speak words of truth and life to our family of faith and to the world around us. We give ourselves to serve God and others in all we do.
We believe in Jesus the Messiah, who is God in the flesh - sent by the Father as an expression of compassion, truth, and justice. He heals the sick, gives sight to the blind, and proclaims freedom to the oppressed. He was unjustly tortured and executed, and he rose from the dead on the third day. He calls us to follow him in life with God and love of others.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who lives within us individually and among us as the church. He empowers us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, and he plants within us the Father's love for the people around us.
We believe the world is broken, fallen, and yet beautiful. God desires to redeem his creation, and he chooses to use his people, the church, as his ambassadors in this mission.
We submit ourselves to our loving Father God.
We commit to following Jesus in word and deed.
We will speak words of truth and life to our family of faith and to the world around us. We give ourselves to serve God and others in all we do.
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