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.)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
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.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Go Brew Crew!
Yesterday, after a roller-coaster September, my beloved Milwaukee Brewers won the National League Wild Card. Gotta say, I'm pretty excited. The last time the Brewers punched their ticket for the playoffs, I was seven months old. (The guy who hit the homer to win yesterday's game was not yet a zygote at the time.) If you're into all the feel-good details, this article, written by a guy I went to high school with, sums it up pretty well.
Twenty-six years ago...
...and yesterday. (Just one question - who let that kid come to the game in a Red Sox jersey?)
Twenty-six years ago...
...and yesterday. (Just one question - who let that kid come to the game in a Red Sox jersey?)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Evangelical Political Dialogue
What: Dialogue between an Obama supporter and a McCain supporter, both evangelical Christians
When: Thursday, October 23; 11:00 AM
Where: The chapel on the Denver Seminary campus (6399 S. Santa Fe Dr.; Littleton, CO)
Why: To glorify God in our engagement of politics
What's this all about? Why hold a political dialogue on a religious campus? Well, for starters, God cares about people, and people are affected by politics. A church that cares about people should care (at least a little) about politics. To approach it from the opposite direction, it is impossible for me, as a Christian, to separate Christianity from my engagement of my citizenship. It is my responsibility to think Christianly in my political engagement.
It is also my responsibility to behave Christianly in my political engagement. During an election year, political conversations in our country often go in one of two directions. On one side is the cat-fighting dominated by image, slander, rumors, and sound bites; on the other side are those who choose not to talk about anything in order to keep the peace. The hope is that this coming event will rise above these two unfortunate options. To that end, the conversation between the participants will be one of convicted civility - not a debate where the two sides try to defeat one another, but a dialogue where two people honestly and amicably discuss their differences so audience members can come to their own conclusions. This is possible for a number of reasons:
--The contributors have far more in common in Christ than they have differences in political philosophy.
--The contributors have the Spirit of peace, kindness, and self-control living inside them and between them.
--The contributors find their ultimate hope in a kingdom that is not of this world.
(UPDATED OCT. 3) The event is sponsored by the Vernon Grounds Institute of Public Ethics. Participating as a supporter of John McCain will be Dan Breed; supporting Barack Obama will be Craig Blomberg. Dan is an associate pastor in Westminster, a seminary alumnus (M.Div. '06), a man with academic and practical experience in politics, and one of my mentors. Craig is a professor of New Testament and my recent boss. I am personally honored to call them both friends.
Consider yourself invited!
(UPDATED OCT. 28) The event was a success; we had a nice crowd, and I've heard lots of feedback in the days since then. Audio from the event is available here.
When: Thursday, October 23; 11:00 AM
Where: The chapel on the Denver Seminary campus (6399 S. Santa Fe Dr.; Littleton, CO)
Why: To glorify God in our engagement of politics
What's this all about? Why hold a political dialogue on a religious campus? Well, for starters, God cares about people, and people are affected by politics. A church that cares about people should care (at least a little) about politics. To approach it from the opposite direction, it is impossible for me, as a Christian, to separate Christianity from my engagement of my citizenship. It is my responsibility to think Christianly in my political engagement.
It is also my responsibility to behave Christianly in my political engagement. During an election year, political conversations in our country often go in one of two directions. On one side is the cat-fighting dominated by image, slander, rumors, and sound bites; on the other side are those who choose not to talk about anything in order to keep the peace. The hope is that this coming event will rise above these two unfortunate options. To that end, the conversation between the participants will be one of convicted civility - not a debate where the two sides try to defeat one another, but a dialogue where two people honestly and amicably discuss their differences so audience members can come to their own conclusions. This is possible for a number of reasons:
--The contributors have far more in common in Christ than they have differences in political philosophy.
--The contributors have the Spirit of peace, kindness, and self-control living inside them and between them.
--The contributors find their ultimate hope in a kingdom that is not of this world.
(UPDATED OCT. 3) The event is sponsored by the Vernon Grounds Institute of Public Ethics. Participating as a supporter of John McCain will be Dan Breed; supporting Barack Obama will be Craig Blomberg. Dan is an associate pastor in Westminster, a seminary alumnus (M.Div. '06), a man with academic and practical experience in politics, and one of my mentors. Craig is a professor of New Testament and my recent boss. I am personally honored to call them both friends.
Consider yourself invited!
(UPDATED OCT. 28) The event was a success; we had a nice crowd, and I've heard lots of feedback in the days since then. Audio from the event is available here.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Can I get an "amen"?
In a few weeks (Sunday, October 12), I'll be preaching at Bethany Church, our church home here in Littleton. We're working through the book of Acts, and the text I'll be teaching from is Acts 17:16-34. For those of you who are in the area, I'd be honored if you came to hear me.
A mini-update on life - August was truly wonderful with family and friends in the Midwest. At the same time, it's nice to be back into the swing of another semester. Rick, Lynn, and John are here in Colorado at the moment on vacation; we've had some quality time with them here in Denver and in Estes Park, and we'll see them again on Friday. Meggan is plugging away in preparation for her capstone project on helping churches incorporate dance into the corporate worship setting. I've got a gig with the Sliders (five dudes singing pop a cappella) in a couple weeks, which should be fun. I'm also hoping to get involved in some capacity with the youth ministry at Bethany, in light of God's leading toward youth ministry for me when we return to Spain. There's another event in the making as well; I'll share more about that in the near future...
A mini-update on life - August was truly wonderful with family and friends in the Midwest. At the same time, it's nice to be back into the swing of another semester. Rick, Lynn, and John are here in Colorado at the moment on vacation; we've had some quality time with them here in Denver and in Estes Park, and we'll see them again on Friday. Meggan is plugging away in preparation for her capstone project on helping churches incorporate dance into the corporate worship setting. I've got a gig with the Sliders (five dudes singing pop a cappella) in a couple weeks, which should be fun. I'm also hoping to get involved in some capacity with the youth ministry at Bethany, in light of God's leading toward youth ministry for me when we return to Spain. There's another event in the making as well; I'll share more about that in the near future...
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