I just finished reading two letters. Both letters were written in April 1963. The first entitled, “A Call for Unity”, was written by eight Alabama clergymen to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The second letter was Dr. King’s reply, entitled, “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”.
Allow me to provide the background that warranted the writing of the letters. African Americans were living under some of the most horrendous conditions. Their churches and homes were being firebombed. Jim Crow laws prevented them from sharing with whites in various public settings - their sense of worth was denied.
Civil rights leaders peacefully protested the injustices of segregation. In order to protest, even peacefully, it was necessary to break Alabama’s segregation laws. In responding to this situation, the eight clergymen wrote to Dr. King. Their letter was “an appeal for law and order and common sense.”
They asked for the discontinuation of the protests. They cautioned that the demonstrations were providing opportunities for others to become violent. Hence, in order to avoid possible violence, discontinue the demonstrations; obey the law and resort to dialog with the authorities.
Dr. King’s response from the Birmingham City Jail should be read by everyone interested in civil discourse. The spirit and tone of the letter is a lesson in civility and Christian grace. As he came to the end of the ten-page document (single-space), he said, “If I have said anything in this letter that overstates the truth and indicates an unreasonable impatience, I beg you to forgive me. If I have said anything that understates the truth and indicates my having a patience that allows me to settle for anything less than brotherhood, I beg God to forgive me.”
Other than the tone of the letter, Dr. King’s response was well-reasoned, biblical and sensitive to needs of hurting people. Although he never challenged the good intentions of the clergymen, he clearly challenged their devotion to “order” at the expense of “justice”. In essence, the clergymen were asking that their peace be maintained, as peace was delayed and denied for others.
The clergymen believed Dr. King’s peaceful demonstrations were tantamount to extremism. To this charge, he reminded them that Jesus was an extremist for love. He called for a radical reaction to opposition – “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44).
As though that were not radical enough, Dr. King went on to cite the Old Testament prophet Amos. He was an extremist for justice when he said, “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).
For Dr. King, the issue was not merely being branded as extremist, “but rather, what kind of extremists we will be.” He went on to ask, “Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice?”
Quoting St. Thomas Aquinas, Dr. King contended, “any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust.” As such, all segregation laws were unjust – they damaged human personality. “Segregation gives the segregator a false sense of superiority and the segregated a false sense of inferiority.”
Here we are, almost 44 years since those letters were written and no one cares to know the names of those clergymen. However, Dr. King’s name and contribution are known around the world – as a matter of fact, to be able to honor his birthday with a national holiday speaks volumes.
In an article on the meaning of the holiday, the King Center website states that “the King holiday honors the life and contributions of America’s greatest champion of racial justice and equality, the leader who not only dreamed of a color-blind society, but who also lead a movement that achieved historic reforms to help make it a reality.”
Today we commemorate Dr. King’s great dream of a vibrant, multiracial nation united in justice, peace and reconciliation; a nation that has a place at the table for children of every race and room at the inn for every needy child. We are called on this holiday, not merely to honor, but to celebrate the values of equality, tolerance and interracial sister and brotherhood King so compellingly expressed in his great dream for America.
This year’s celebrations coincide with the ending of two terms of service by the first black president of the United States – what a tribute to Dr. King.
Showing posts with label personalities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personalities. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
FAKE NEWS OR GOOD NEWS?
When I was a child, anything that was intended to mislead was called a lie – it was not the truth. Some have since described such lies as half-truths, and more recently as fake news.
According to the New York Times, fake news refers to fictitious articles, fabricated with the deliberate motivation to defraud readers. Generally, with the goal of profiting through “clickbait” (Internet content of a sensational or provocative nature, whose main purpose is to attract attention and draw visitors to a particular web page).
PolitiFact described fake news as “fabricated content designed to fool readers and subsequently made viral through the Internet to crowds that increase its dissemination”. While in Germany recently, President Obama referred to fake news as “active misinformation”.
It is so sad when one cannot trust the media, committed to trustworthy communication. It is like we need a campaign for good news. News that is wholesome and reliable.
In a culture plagued with fake news, Good News is always good. That was true for the shepherds in Bethlehem when they were told by an angel “I bring you good news of great joy…” At that period in history, shepherds stood at the bottom rung of the Palestinian social ladder. They shared the same status as tax collectors and dung sweepers.
In reporting the story of the birth of Jesus, Luke says that the shepherds were “living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night” (Luke 2:8). As second class and untrustworthy Jews, no one expected them to host angelic messengers.
Near-Eastern Studies scholar, the late Dr. Joachim Jeremias, contended that shepherds were despised in everyday life. They were deprived of all civil rights. They could not fulfill judicial offices or be admitted in court as witnesses. According to Jeremias, “to buy wool, milk or a kid from a shepherd was forbidden on the assumption that it would be stolen property.”
One wonders, why would angels choose shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus? They could have opted for the religious or political elite of the day. It is obvious, even with the announcement of His birth, it would seem that the name of Jesus was never to be associated with snobbery and class prejudice - the good news was for everyone, not merely the elite.
The New Testament was clear in reporting the words of the angel – “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). We are reading this information more than 2,000 years later, and can confirm that the good news of Jesus’ birth continues to have a global audience and impact.
Interestingly, the term “good news,” is a single compound word in Greek. It is the same word from which we get the English word gospel. Hence, the gospel is good news. For New Testament writers, this was more than a play on words. They actually believed, witnessed and passionately taught that the coming of Jesus was good news to the world.
Many of those New Testament eyewitnesses gave their lives in the process of sharing the message of good news to the world. Thankfully, millions have followed them in paying the ultimate price to share with others the message and mission of Jesus. The impact of that sharing is evident, not only in the size of Christian churches, but more so in the influence of Christian values in society.
Even a cursory study of the history of hospitals and health care will recognize the contribution of the Christian message. The same can be said of major universities and education on a whole, especially in the western world.
Despite attempts to deconstruct history by deleting the role of Christianity in many institutions, it is more than apparent that Christianity influenced the abolition of slavery and infanticide. In addition, it is because of the Christian ethic that the outrage against euthanasia and abortion persists.
Sometimes one wonders, where would civilization be today without Christian notions of compassion and forgiveness? In attempting to answer, simply peruse the history of institutions like the Boy Scout movement, YMCA, Credit Union, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and so many others. Serious students of history in civil liberties, medicine, the arts, economics, science and the humanities, often express a sense of awe, because of the influence of Christianity in the birthing of these disciplines.
However, the good news of the birth of Jesus was not only intended to influence horizontal relationships. The birth was primarily intended to bring about vertical relationships with the God of heaven. Jesus Himself said, “I have come that you might have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). That fullness of life Jesus promised is both for now and eternity – that is good news.
Interestingly, the good news of Christmas is more than a once a year celebration. It is best reflected in a lifestyle, displayed throughout the year. Agreed, the Christmas season provides additional opportunities to care and share, but it does not stop there. It is a spirit that should influence us throughout the year.
According to the New York Times, fake news refers to fictitious articles, fabricated with the deliberate motivation to defraud readers. Generally, with the goal of profiting through “clickbait” (Internet content of a sensational or provocative nature, whose main purpose is to attract attention and draw visitors to a particular web page).
PolitiFact described fake news as “fabricated content designed to fool readers and subsequently made viral through the Internet to crowds that increase its dissemination”. While in Germany recently, President Obama referred to fake news as “active misinformation”.
It is so sad when one cannot trust the media, committed to trustworthy communication. It is like we need a campaign for good news. News that is wholesome and reliable.
In a culture plagued with fake news, Good News is always good. That was true for the shepherds in Bethlehem when they were told by an angel “I bring you good news of great joy…” At that period in history, shepherds stood at the bottom rung of the Palestinian social ladder. They shared the same status as tax collectors and dung sweepers.
In reporting the story of the birth of Jesus, Luke says that the shepherds were “living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night” (Luke 2:8). As second class and untrustworthy Jews, no one expected them to host angelic messengers.
Near-Eastern Studies scholar, the late Dr. Joachim Jeremias, contended that shepherds were despised in everyday life. They were deprived of all civil rights. They could not fulfill judicial offices or be admitted in court as witnesses. According to Jeremias, “to buy wool, milk or a kid from a shepherd was forbidden on the assumption that it would be stolen property.”
One wonders, why would angels choose shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus? They could have opted for the religious or political elite of the day. It is obvious, even with the announcement of His birth, it would seem that the name of Jesus was never to be associated with snobbery and class prejudice - the good news was for everyone, not merely the elite.
The New Testament was clear in reporting the words of the angel – “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). We are reading this information more than 2,000 years later, and can confirm that the good news of Jesus’ birth continues to have a global audience and impact.
Interestingly, the term “good news,” is a single compound word in Greek. It is the same word from which we get the English word gospel. Hence, the gospel is good news. For New Testament writers, this was more than a play on words. They actually believed, witnessed and passionately taught that the coming of Jesus was good news to the world.
Many of those New Testament eyewitnesses gave their lives in the process of sharing the message of good news to the world. Thankfully, millions have followed them in paying the ultimate price to share with others the message and mission of Jesus. The impact of that sharing is evident, not only in the size of Christian churches, but more so in the influence of Christian values in society.
Even a cursory study of the history of hospitals and health care will recognize the contribution of the Christian message. The same can be said of major universities and education on a whole, especially in the western world.
Despite attempts to deconstruct history by deleting the role of Christianity in many institutions, it is more than apparent that Christianity influenced the abolition of slavery and infanticide. In addition, it is because of the Christian ethic that the outrage against euthanasia and abortion persists.
Sometimes one wonders, where would civilization be today without Christian notions of compassion and forgiveness? In attempting to answer, simply peruse the history of institutions like the Boy Scout movement, YMCA, Credit Union, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and so many others. Serious students of history in civil liberties, medicine, the arts, economics, science and the humanities, often express a sense of awe, because of the influence of Christianity in the birthing of these disciplines.
However, the good news of the birth of Jesus was not only intended to influence horizontal relationships. The birth was primarily intended to bring about vertical relationships with the God of heaven. Jesus Himself said, “I have come that you might have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). That fullness of life Jesus promised is both for now and eternity – that is good news.
Interestingly, the good news of Christmas is more than a once a year celebration. It is best reflected in a lifestyle, displayed throughout the year. Agreed, the Christmas season provides additional opportunities to care and share, but it does not stop there. It is a spirit that should influence us throughout the year.
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Two Slivers of Hope
I am among the 82% of Americans who are disgusted with the current presidential campaign. Yes, I am eager for the campaign to end. I am sick of hearing quips like, “Clinton is a crook”, and “Trump is a creep”. One seasoned journalist described the campaign as “the most negative and ‘issue-less’ one of my career.”
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are the two most unpopular presidential candidates in more than 30 years of ABC News/Washington Post polling. Among US adults, Hillary Clinton has a 56% unfavourability rating while Donald Trump has 63%. According to Gallup, Trump and Clinton are currently among the worst-rated presidential candidates of the last seven decades.
Amid my political despair, I came across two slivers of hope. The first was my introduction to The Presidential Leadership Scholars Program – I wish it were mandatory for all political candidates to graduate from this great six-month program.
According to the program’s website, “The Presidential Leadership Scholars program is designed for leaders from diverse backgrounds who share a commitment to facing society’s greatest challenges.
The program looks for participants who have the desire and capacity to take their leadership strengths to a higher level in order to help their communities and emboldens them with the practical skills needed to drive solution-oriented action.”
The program draws on the strengths and leadership initiatives of four affiliated presidential centers. By including a bipartisan roster of presidential centers – two Republican and two Democratic – and by enjoying the engagement of former presidents from both parties, the program creates a rare opportunity to instill in students a brand of principled leadership that transcends diverse backgrounds.
This executive-style education series creates a life-long network for Scholars from the business, public service, nonprofit, and military sectors and fosters opportunities for leaders to emerge ready to offer solutions to pressing national problems.
The Presidential Leadership Scholars program aims to build a strong and diverse alumni network that can put the lessons of cooperation and collaborative problem-solving to use in a variety of sectors and inspire a new kind of leadership.
I would hope that with this non-partisan professional program, America would never again have to nominate the cadre of political candidates we see in this 2016 cycle. Among alumni from this program, it is most unlikely to hear descriptions like crook and creep.
My second sliver of hope came during my studies, in preparation for preaching this weekend. I will be unpacking one of the key verses from the Old Testament book of Daniel. Daniel and his people were in captivity in Babylon. Unlike America, Babylon was a despotic autocracy.
It was in that ungodly and cruel context the theme of the book of Daniel emerged – “the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone He wishes” (Daniel 5:21). It was in that context some of the clearest biblical statements of courage and fortitude emerged.
The prophet Jeremiah was addressing exiles in that context when he wrote, “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7).
Like Babylon, America is religiously diverse, but not committed to the God of Abraham. We are becoming more interested in eclectic spirituality than in pursuing a biblical worldview – a system that affirms God as sovereign. Or, as expressed in my sermon topic for this weekend: “God Is In Charge Here”! Looking at America today through these lenses, gives me hope.
In his book, The Handwriting on the Wall, David Jeremiah contends, “Christians should be the calmest people on earth. We have no right to run around this world in frenzied activity, staying up and walking the floor at night, wondering what is going to happen. God in heaven rules the kingdoms of men.”
So be calm. By Tuesday, November 8, 2016 we will know who will be in the White House in January. However, prior to and after that time, our God will still be reigning “over the kingdoms of men...”.
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are the two most unpopular presidential candidates in more than 30 years of ABC News/Washington Post polling. Among US adults, Hillary Clinton has a 56% unfavourability rating while Donald Trump has 63%. According to Gallup, Trump and Clinton are currently among the worst-rated presidential candidates of the last seven decades.
Amid my political despair, I came across two slivers of hope. The first was my introduction to The Presidential Leadership Scholars Program – I wish it were mandatory for all political candidates to graduate from this great six-month program.
According to the program’s website, “The Presidential Leadership Scholars program is designed for leaders from diverse backgrounds who share a commitment to facing society’s greatest challenges.
The program looks for participants who have the desire and capacity to take their leadership strengths to a higher level in order to help their communities and emboldens them with the practical skills needed to drive solution-oriented action.”
The program draws on the strengths and leadership initiatives of four affiliated presidential centers. By including a bipartisan roster of presidential centers – two Republican and two Democratic – and by enjoying the engagement of former presidents from both parties, the program creates a rare opportunity to instill in students a brand of principled leadership that transcends diverse backgrounds.
This executive-style education series creates a life-long network for Scholars from the business, public service, nonprofit, and military sectors and fosters opportunities for leaders to emerge ready to offer solutions to pressing national problems.
The Presidential Leadership Scholars program aims to build a strong and diverse alumni network that can put the lessons of cooperation and collaborative problem-solving to use in a variety of sectors and inspire a new kind of leadership.
I would hope that with this non-partisan professional program, America would never again have to nominate the cadre of political candidates we see in this 2016 cycle. Among alumni from this program, it is most unlikely to hear descriptions like crook and creep.
My second sliver of hope came during my studies, in preparation for preaching this weekend. I will be unpacking one of the key verses from the Old Testament book of Daniel. Daniel and his people were in captivity in Babylon. Unlike America, Babylon was a despotic autocracy.
It was in that ungodly and cruel context the theme of the book of Daniel emerged – “the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone He wishes” (Daniel 5:21). It was in that context some of the clearest biblical statements of courage and fortitude emerged.
The prophet Jeremiah was addressing exiles in that context when he wrote, “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7).
Like Babylon, America is religiously diverse, but not committed to the God of Abraham. We are becoming more interested in eclectic spirituality than in pursuing a biblical worldview – a system that affirms God as sovereign. Or, as expressed in my sermon topic for this weekend: “God Is In Charge Here”! Looking at America today through these lenses, gives me hope.
In his book, The Handwriting on the Wall, David Jeremiah contends, “Christians should be the calmest people on earth. We have no right to run around this world in frenzied activity, staying up and walking the floor at night, wondering what is going to happen. God in heaven rules the kingdoms of men.”
So be calm. By Tuesday, November 8, 2016 we will know who will be in the White House in January. However, prior to and after that time, our God will still be reigning “over the kingdoms of men...”.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
I Intend to Vote!
Upon becoming a citizen of the United States, I knew I would earn the right to vote - that right I cherish. Especially now, considering that some 70% of Americans believe that the country is on the wrong track. My vote might just make the difference to stem this downward trend.
Agreed, the political climate is toxic. However, that toxicity is because of the personalities in the presidential race and not because of the issues at stake. To ignore the issues and focus almost exclusively on leadership traits is a distraction. From a recent survey, the American Psychological Association concluded that more than 50% of American adults view the 2016 election cycle as “a very or somewhat” significant source of stress.
Interestingly, the stress is not only among Americans. Stress and curiosity go beyond foreign policy and security. American policies on trade, immigration, the environment and even health care often carry implications for other nations.
I can make a difference and I intend to do so on Tuesday, November 8. However, as I prayerfully prepare myself to vote, I know that I cannot limit my thinking to the two presidential candidates. As far as I am concerned, both candidates lack the moral authority to lead America. To date, the variety of salacious disclosures will make it very difficult for either candidate to lead with integrity.
However, as I prepare to vote, I will be forced to vote for the candidate who best represents the positions which are important to me. I will vote for the candidate who supports the appointment of justices and judges who respect constitutional limits and the authority of states.
I am aware that the next president may select as many as four justices to the Supreme Court. These justices will decide on cultural issues that will affect me, my children and my grandchildren. Both presidential candidates have indicated the kind of persons they would like to serve on the Supreme Court – there is a stark ideological difference. In addition, the next president will appoint district and appellate judges throughout the nation.
As a person of color, I am very concerned that on average, 870 black babies are aborted every day in the United States. Did you know that, annually, abortion among black Americans causes more deaths than every other cause of death combined? Regardless of color, every life is sacred, and I will be voting for a presidential candidate that is sensitive to this concern.
My faith defines me and the Bill of Rights protects my right to practice my faith. I want to live according to the dictates of my conscience. I have no problem living in a religiously diverse culture. I want to be sure that all faith-based institutions are protected from government discrimination. Whichever presidential candidate protects these rights will get my vote.
The institution of marriage, defined as a union between a man and a woman, has served every culture for millennia. Both social scientists and theologians will agree that “the institution of marriage is the relationship that best provides for the most favorable exercise of human sexuality, the overall well-being of adults, and the proper socialization of children.” Agreed, other familial relationships meet similar needs. However, lifelong, monogamous marriage is the best option.
If the above is true, then why demonize this option? Researcher Glen Stanton is correct, “Marriage has no close rival. It stands independently above any other option: singleness, cohabitation, divorce and remarriage.” I am eager to vote for a candidate who shares my passion.
When my family and I came to this country 25 years ago, our privileges were limited by our overseas student status. I was determined to live within the immigration limits placed on us. I had a moral obligation to model to my children that we were a law-abiding family. In addition, I had a biblical obligation to display consistency in all areas of my life. We were deprived of luxuries, but maintained our integrity.
I want other immigrants to have a similar appreciation for the laws of the land. It was good to hear the officer say at my citizenship interview, “We are sorry it took so long, but welcome to America.” I plan to vote for a presidential candidate who respects the process of law and order when it comes to immigration. Everyone wins when we play clean. You now know why I intend to vote on November 8.
Agreed, the political climate is toxic. However, that toxicity is because of the personalities in the presidential race and not because of the issues at stake. To ignore the issues and focus almost exclusively on leadership traits is a distraction. From a recent survey, the American Psychological Association concluded that more than 50% of American adults view the 2016 election cycle as “a very or somewhat” significant source of stress.
Interestingly, the stress is not only among Americans. Stress and curiosity go beyond foreign policy and security. American policies on trade, immigration, the environment and even health care often carry implications for other nations.
I can make a difference and I intend to do so on Tuesday, November 8. However, as I prayerfully prepare myself to vote, I know that I cannot limit my thinking to the two presidential candidates. As far as I am concerned, both candidates lack the moral authority to lead America. To date, the variety of salacious disclosures will make it very difficult for either candidate to lead with integrity.
However, as I prepare to vote, I will be forced to vote for the candidate who best represents the positions which are important to me. I will vote for the candidate who supports the appointment of justices and judges who respect constitutional limits and the authority of states.
I am aware that the next president may select as many as four justices to the Supreme Court. These justices will decide on cultural issues that will affect me, my children and my grandchildren. Both presidential candidates have indicated the kind of persons they would like to serve on the Supreme Court – there is a stark ideological difference. In addition, the next president will appoint district and appellate judges throughout the nation.
As a person of color, I am very concerned that on average, 870 black babies are aborted every day in the United States. Did you know that, annually, abortion among black Americans causes more deaths than every other cause of death combined? Regardless of color, every life is sacred, and I will be voting for a presidential candidate that is sensitive to this concern.
My faith defines me and the Bill of Rights protects my right to practice my faith. I want to live according to the dictates of my conscience. I have no problem living in a religiously diverse culture. I want to be sure that all faith-based institutions are protected from government discrimination. Whichever presidential candidate protects these rights will get my vote.
The institution of marriage, defined as a union between a man and a woman, has served every culture for millennia. Both social scientists and theologians will agree that “the institution of marriage is the relationship that best provides for the most favorable exercise of human sexuality, the overall well-being of adults, and the proper socialization of children.” Agreed, other familial relationships meet similar needs. However, lifelong, monogamous marriage is the best option.
If the above is true, then why demonize this option? Researcher Glen Stanton is correct, “Marriage has no close rival. It stands independently above any other option: singleness, cohabitation, divorce and remarriage.” I am eager to vote for a candidate who shares my passion.
When my family and I came to this country 25 years ago, our privileges were limited by our overseas student status. I was determined to live within the immigration limits placed on us. I had a moral obligation to model to my children that we were a law-abiding family. In addition, I had a biblical obligation to display consistency in all areas of my life. We were deprived of luxuries, but maintained our integrity.
I want other immigrants to have a similar appreciation for the laws of the land. It was good to hear the officer say at my citizenship interview, “We are sorry it took so long, but welcome to America.” I plan to vote for a presidential candidate who respects the process of law and order when it comes to immigration. Everyone wins when we play clean. You now know why I intend to vote on November 8.
Monday, August 15, 2016
Dr. Usain Bolt!
John F. Kennedy Airport’s Terminal Eight was evacuated Sunday night after apparent gunshots were reported. After an initial investigation, police discovered that it was not gunfire that startled frightened travelers. It was actually clapping and banging after Usain Bolt’s history-making sprint that caused the ruckus.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said the initial call came in at 9:30 p.m., which is about a minute after Bolt won his 100-meter race, securing a gold medal. There were no injuries reported, though the Federal Airport Authority placed a ground stop at the airport.
Bolt made history Sunday, becoming the first sprinter to win the 100-meter race in three straight Olympic games. It does not matter that his 9.80-second winning time was not his best time at that distance. He won, and that is all that matters.
For me, Bolt is more than a sporting hero; he is by far a cultural icon. He represents a cause – probable many causes. On the Olympic podium he received a gold medal, however, outside of the stadium he will continue to be crowned as a champion of the little man. In his homeland Jamaica, he is already known as Dr. the Honorable Ambassador Usain St. Leo Bolt, OJ (Order of Jam.).
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has labelled Usain Bolt’s third consecutive Olympic 100m victory as historic and legendary. According to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the nation’s political leader said Bolt’s indomitable spirit and focus, inspire not only Jamaicans but millions of people all over the world. "Bolt has etched his name as the greatest sprinter the world has ever seen. Jamaica is fortunate to have a son who inspires so many and ensures our country continues to be the sprint capital of the world.”
As we glory in Bolt’s victories and medals, we may want to remember that at the first Olympic Games back in 776 BCE, competitors did not receive medals. Instead, the top athletes were crowned with wreaths made of olive leaves. This tradition continued until the Romans abolished the Olympics around the year 400 CE. The revival of the Olympics dates from the late 19th century, with the first modern Games taking place in 1896. The awarding of medals arose around this time as well, though its roots lie in ancient Greek mythology.
By the way, did you know that Olympic gold medals are not really made of gold? Each gold medal is made up of 92.5% silver and 1.34% gold. The remainder of the gold medal was made of copper. The value of the materials used in the gold medal is about $644.00. Whereas the silver medal was made up of about 92.5% silver, the bronze medal, was 97% copper.
Obviously, that was much more expensive than the awards that were given at the Isthmian Games in the first century. Paul referred to these Games in his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
The Isthmian Games were celebrated every two years on the isthmus of Corinth. The prizes in these games were perishable wreaths. However, like our own Olympics, the games were events of patriotic pride. Athletes contested in track and field, horse and chariot racing, jumping, boxing, wrestling and throwing the discus and javelin. Compare that with Rio’s 306 events in 28 different sports.
Paul’s reference to the Isthmian Games was not intended to promote the games. Rather, he was using the games as a metaphor to teach about the discipline necessary to become winners. Paul was contending that the Corinthians were disciplining themselves in order to receive an award that would perish in a few days. In addition, winning was accompanied by a great sense of devotion to the state and to whichever god was being honored as patron of the games.
Paul saw the Christian life as a race. As participants, Christians should discipline themselves in the race of life. As athletes do, we must identify and eliminate all distractions. Distractions would include activities and behaviors that would affect victorious living. Just like athletes, Christians must be focused on the goal. Sometimes we forget that the goal is not the other athletes, who are also in the race.
It is at the end of the race winners are determined. Winners are determined not only by those who crossed the finish line, but also by those who ran according to the rules.
According to Paul, “…run in such a way as to get the prize”. In addition, the prize is not like the first century Isthmian wreath or the gold-plated Olympian goal medal. For the Christian, the prize is “a crown that will last forever”.
Both Paul and Bolt know the discipline required to earn a prize – one is gold-plated, the other is quite different. For this reason, Paul asserted, “I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:27).
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said the initial call came in at 9:30 p.m., which is about a minute after Bolt won his 100-meter race, securing a gold medal. There were no injuries reported, though the Federal Airport Authority placed a ground stop at the airport.
Bolt made history Sunday, becoming the first sprinter to win the 100-meter race in three straight Olympic games. It does not matter that his 9.80-second winning time was not his best time at that distance. He won, and that is all that matters.
For me, Bolt is more than a sporting hero; he is by far a cultural icon. He represents a cause – probable many causes. On the Olympic podium he received a gold medal, however, outside of the stadium he will continue to be crowned as a champion of the little man. In his homeland Jamaica, he is already known as Dr. the Honorable Ambassador Usain St. Leo Bolt, OJ (Order of Jam.).
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has labelled Usain Bolt’s third consecutive Olympic 100m victory as historic and legendary. According to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the nation’s political leader said Bolt’s indomitable spirit and focus, inspire not only Jamaicans but millions of people all over the world. "Bolt has etched his name as the greatest sprinter the world has ever seen. Jamaica is fortunate to have a son who inspires so many and ensures our country continues to be the sprint capital of the world.”
As we glory in Bolt’s victories and medals, we may want to remember that at the first Olympic Games back in 776 BCE, competitors did not receive medals. Instead, the top athletes were crowned with wreaths made of olive leaves. This tradition continued until the Romans abolished the Olympics around the year 400 CE. The revival of the Olympics dates from the late 19th century, with the first modern Games taking place in 1896. The awarding of medals arose around this time as well, though its roots lie in ancient Greek mythology.
By the way, did you know that Olympic gold medals are not really made of gold? Each gold medal is made up of 92.5% silver and 1.34% gold. The remainder of the gold medal was made of copper. The value of the materials used in the gold medal is about $644.00. Whereas the silver medal was made up of about 92.5% silver, the bronze medal, was 97% copper.
Obviously, that was much more expensive than the awards that were given at the Isthmian Games in the first century. Paul referred to these Games in his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
The Isthmian Games were celebrated every two years on the isthmus of Corinth. The prizes in these games were perishable wreaths. However, like our own Olympics, the games were events of patriotic pride. Athletes contested in track and field, horse and chariot racing, jumping, boxing, wrestling and throwing the discus and javelin. Compare that with Rio’s 306 events in 28 different sports.
Paul’s reference to the Isthmian Games was not intended to promote the games. Rather, he was using the games as a metaphor to teach about the discipline necessary to become winners. Paul was contending that the Corinthians were disciplining themselves in order to receive an award that would perish in a few days. In addition, winning was accompanied by a great sense of devotion to the state and to whichever god was being honored as patron of the games.
Paul saw the Christian life as a race. As participants, Christians should discipline themselves in the race of life. As athletes do, we must identify and eliminate all distractions. Distractions would include activities and behaviors that would affect victorious living. Just like athletes, Christians must be focused on the goal. Sometimes we forget that the goal is not the other athletes, who are also in the race.
It is at the end of the race winners are determined. Winners are determined not only by those who crossed the finish line, but also by those who ran according to the rules.
According to Paul, “…run in such a way as to get the prize”. In addition, the prize is not like the first century Isthmian wreath or the gold-plated Olympian goal medal. For the Christian, the prize is “a crown that will last forever”.
Both Paul and Bolt know the discipline required to earn a prize – one is gold-plated, the other is quite different. For this reason, Paul asserted, “I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:27).
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Steph Curry’s Jesus
Steph Curry and I have a few things in common. Apart from gender, we both love basketball, family and Jesus. In receiving the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award last year, Curry unapologetically said, “First and foremost I have to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for blessing me with the talents to play this game, with the family to support me, day in, day out. I’m his humble servant right now and I can’t say enough how important my faith is to who I am and how I play the game.”
In responding to Curry’s faith, some bloggers expressed the view that the Jesus in whom he trusts, is more hype than history. In other words, Curry’s faith is based on a mythical figure, and not a real person. One blogger went as far as to suggest that other than the antique New Testament, no other ancient literature acknowledged the existence of Jesus.
Really? Let us first examine the kind of evidence we will need to verify the existence of Jesus apart from what is cited in the New Testament. Unlike some items in science, historical data cannot be repeated. Historians must appeal to different kinds of evidence to be able to validate historical data. Agreed, we do not have anything Jesus wrote, neither do we have any photographs others took.
In other words, physical evidence appears to be very rare. Actually, for almost 2,000 years we’ve gone without archaeological evidence of Jesus. Then we came across the first-century ossuary (bone box) of Jesus’ brother, James, the head of the Jerusalem church. The fragile limestone burial box bears the inscription, “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.”
According to the publishers of The Brother of Jesus by Shanks and Witherington, “the ossuary and its inscription are now regarded as authentic by top scholars in the field; they represent the first visual, tangible, scientific evidence of Jesus’ existence.” Another useful resource on the physical evidence of Jesus is in New York Times Bestseller, Bart Ehrman’s volume, Did Jesus Exist?
Like in the case of most ancient persons, historians look for information about the person and not from the person. Historians look for written sources, preferably sources that are relatively near the date of the person or event that they are describing.
It is important that the various sources corroborate with what each of the other sources has to say. In addition, it is important to know that the various sources are independent of one another and do not rely on each other for all of their information.
Unlike today, record keeping was rare when Jesus was around. Scholars believe the vast majority of people in the ancient world could not write. This explains why the Bible so often states, “he who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Writing was done by hand and writing materials were very expensive.
However, it is important to understand that the absence of much written stuff and physical evidence, do not necessarily mean the non-existence of personalities like Jesus. Agreed, the situation becomes a bit more complicated when our modern-day understanding of a journalist was not imbedded among the disciples of Jesus.
However, Luke makes it clear in his opening verses that “many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from first were eyewitnesses...” (Luke 1:1-2). We do not know if those earlier writings to which Luke referred, were ever included in the New Testament canon.
What we do know, is that a number of non-Christian writers wrote about persons who knew and were greatly influenced by the life of Jesus. The first surviving reference to Jesus by a non-Christian, non-Jewish source of any kind appears in the writings of Pliny the Younger (62-113 CE/AD).
Tacitus (55-117), another Roman historian is even more explicit in his Annals. A third Roman writer who referred briefly to Jesus and Christians is Seutonius (70-160). According to the late Professor Bruce Metzer, “the early non-Christian testimonies concerning Jesus, though scanty, are altogether sufficient to prove that Jesus was a historical figure who lived in Palestine during the early years of the first century. Today no competent scholar denies the historicity of Jesus.”
The earliest non-Christian witness to the historicity of Jesus was the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. He was personally involved with some of the most important events that he narrated, especially in his eight-volume work, The Jewish Wars.
Interestingly, none of the non-Christian sources cited here is as reliable as the New Testament. There is more than enough evidence to believe that the Jesus in whom Steph Curry has placed his faith, actually lived on earth in the first century. Should one choose not to believe this, does not nullify Jesus’ existence, and our need to acknowledge Him as Lord of our lives.
In responding to Curry’s faith, some bloggers expressed the view that the Jesus in whom he trusts, is more hype than history. In other words, Curry’s faith is based on a mythical figure, and not a real person. One blogger went as far as to suggest that other than the antique New Testament, no other ancient literature acknowledged the existence of Jesus.
Really? Let us first examine the kind of evidence we will need to verify the existence of Jesus apart from what is cited in the New Testament. Unlike some items in science, historical data cannot be repeated. Historians must appeal to different kinds of evidence to be able to validate historical data. Agreed, we do not have anything Jesus wrote, neither do we have any photographs others took.
In other words, physical evidence appears to be very rare. Actually, for almost 2,000 years we’ve gone without archaeological evidence of Jesus. Then we came across the first-century ossuary (bone box) of Jesus’ brother, James, the head of the Jerusalem church. The fragile limestone burial box bears the inscription, “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.”
According to the publishers of The Brother of Jesus by Shanks and Witherington, “the ossuary and its inscription are now regarded as authentic by top scholars in the field; they represent the first visual, tangible, scientific evidence of Jesus’ existence.” Another useful resource on the physical evidence of Jesus is in New York Times Bestseller, Bart Ehrman’s volume, Did Jesus Exist?
Like in the case of most ancient persons, historians look for information about the person and not from the person. Historians look for written sources, preferably sources that are relatively near the date of the person or event that they are describing.
It is important that the various sources corroborate with what each of the other sources has to say. In addition, it is important to know that the various sources are independent of one another and do not rely on each other for all of their information.
Unlike today, record keeping was rare when Jesus was around. Scholars believe the vast majority of people in the ancient world could not write. This explains why the Bible so often states, “he who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Writing was done by hand and writing materials were very expensive.
However, it is important to understand that the absence of much written stuff and physical evidence, do not necessarily mean the non-existence of personalities like Jesus. Agreed, the situation becomes a bit more complicated when our modern-day understanding of a journalist was not imbedded among the disciples of Jesus.
However, Luke makes it clear in his opening verses that “many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from first were eyewitnesses...” (Luke 1:1-2). We do not know if those earlier writings to which Luke referred, were ever included in the New Testament canon.
What we do know, is that a number of non-Christian writers wrote about persons who knew and were greatly influenced by the life of Jesus. The first surviving reference to Jesus by a non-Christian, non-Jewish source of any kind appears in the writings of Pliny the Younger (62-113 CE/AD).
Tacitus (55-117), another Roman historian is even more explicit in his Annals. A third Roman writer who referred briefly to Jesus and Christians is Seutonius (70-160). According to the late Professor Bruce Metzer, “the early non-Christian testimonies concerning Jesus, though scanty, are altogether sufficient to prove that Jesus was a historical figure who lived in Palestine during the early years of the first century. Today no competent scholar denies the historicity of Jesus.”
The earliest non-Christian witness to the historicity of Jesus was the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. He was personally involved with some of the most important events that he narrated, especially in his eight-volume work, The Jewish Wars.
Interestingly, none of the non-Christian sources cited here is as reliable as the New Testament. There is more than enough evidence to believe that the Jesus in whom Steph Curry has placed his faith, actually lived on earth in the first century. Should one choose not to believe this, does not nullify Jesus’ existence, and our need to acknowledge Him as Lord of our lives.
Monday, January 18, 2016
Steve Harvey
Steve is a comedian, but the mistake he made at the recent Miss Universe competition was no joke. The 58-year old host of the hugely popular US game show, Family Feud, initially named runner-up Miss Colombia as the winner, instead of Miss Philippines. He then returned to the stage minutes later to apologize and correct his blunder before an estimated global audience of six million viewers on the December 20 live event.
According to Steve Harvey, “I said the name that was on the card. When I walked off, everything was cool … and then, after that, all hell broke loose. All I heard was people saying, 'That's the wrong name,'" he continued. "And all I hear is confusion backstage. Now I'm standing here in the wing, so what I did was, 'I got to go fix it.''"
"Did I make a mistake? Yes, I did, wholeheartedly," Harvey admitted. "And at this point in the game, I'm not in the finger-pointing business and rolling people under the bus. So, I did what I was trained to do by my father … You make a mistake and you own up to it. And I tried to fix it, I tried to fix it right there."
Since then, the comedian has been the butt of jokes from all quarters. He was scoffed at on social media, particularly by supporters of Miss Colombia.
As if his initial blunder was not enough, Harvey tweeted a follow-up apology which compounded the embarrassing flub. In the tweet, Harvey apologized to Miss Philippians – a book of the New Testament, instead of Miss Philippines. Ouch!
Agreed, Steve Harvey was wrong. However, he was very right about the way he handled it. He acknowledged his error and apologized. What a refreshing difference from the blame game response, so prevalent in our society. Some persons felt Steve’s admission would lead to his downfall.
Interestingly, it did not. The organizers of the Miss Universe pageant have already booked him to host the annual event in 2016. The organizers felt it was human error and Steve’s reaction was honorable.
What Steve Harvey’s mistake can teach us is that failure is an inevitable part of success. Successful people did not get that way by not making mistakes. It was their reaction to failure that often resulted in their success. They did not allow a crisis to go to waste. They used failure as the backdoor to success.
In 1953, a fledgling company called Rocket Chemical Company and its staff of three set out to create a line of rust-prevention solvents and degreasers for use in the aerospace industry.
Working in a small lab in San Diego, California, it took them 40 attempts to get the water displacing formula worked out. But they must have been really good, because the original secret formula for WD-40® -which stands for Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try—is still in use today. A product that failed 39 times, realized sales totaling $383 million in its fiscal year, ended last August.
In his book, Failing Forward – Turning Mistakes Into Stepping Stones for Success, John Maxwell makes the point that he knows of only one factor that separates those who consistently shine from those who don’t: “the difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and response to failure.”
Steve Harvey wants another chance “to host the pageant…so he can restore integrity to his name and pride in the pageant. According to Entertainment Tonight, Steve signed a multi-year deal with the Miss Universe organizers. Hopefully, fans will see much more of the gracious and affable comedian.
According to Moody Church pastor, Dr. Erwin Lutzer, “many Christians who consider themselves failures in this life are great successes in God’s eyes. Likewise, those who consider themselves successful, even models for others to follow, may be sadly surprised when they arrive in heaven.”
Lutzer further contends in his book, Failure: The Backdoor to Success, “that understanding the biblical perspective of failure is the first step toward successful living. Failure, no matter what the circumstances, can bring you into spiritual victory and blessing.”
That is rather encouraging to know at the start of a new year. We all desire victory and blessing, but often fail to realize that these are sometimes preceded by failure. Without attempting to glamorize failure, we sometimes forget to acknowledge that failure often is a description of an event and not a way of life.
It was following his ugly failure, King David penned, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways” (Psalm 51:12-13). Wow! David did not allow his crisis to go to waste.
Monday, August 10, 2015
The Faiths of the Debaters
Agreed, today’s headline was borrowed from David Holmes’ book, The Faiths of the Post-War Presidents.
In this volume Holmes looks at the role of faith in the lives of the twelve presidents who have served since the end of World War II. Like Holmes, I share the view that the faith of presidents shapes their character and their character shapes their politics.
With that in mind it is therefore important for us to become aware of the faiths of the debaters, each seeking to become the president of the United States. From information gathered, most of last Thursday’s Republican debaters claim to be Christians.
Former President Dwight Eisenhower was correct in saying that “we are a religious people.” Every potential president knows this and declares his religious leanings very early in campaigning. President Obama understood this and severed ties with the church with which he was a member for more than twenty years. He agreed with his advisors that the anti-American rhetoric at the church would hurt his run for president.
Among some conservatives, it was felt that Mitt Romney’s association with the Mormon Church, often viewed as a cult, damaged his presidential chances in 2012. Decades earlier, the question of John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s Roman Catholicism animated the 1960 election. Many felt his allegiance to the Pope could undermine his allegiance to the Constitution of the United States.
One could now understand the reasoning behind Chase Norton’s Facebook question to the debaters: “What is God saying to you about running for President?” Each candidate, when asked the question, expressed his opinion and exposed his personal religious commitment.
For Texas Senator Ted Cruz, he felt “blessed to receive a word from God every day” as he read the Bible. Cruz also used the occasion to share how he came to faith in Jesus Christ in 1975. The story of his father, now a pastor, was equally interesting.
Donald Trump was not asked to respond to the Facebook question. However, as the Republican front runner, I thought it would be interesting to explore his journey of faith. In 2012, he told the Christian Broadcasting Network that he attended the First Presbyterian Church in Queens, New York. He was also a member of Marble Collegiate Church, a Reformed Church in America congregation and once the pulpit of the late Norman Vincent Peale.
When asked about a personal faith in Christ, during a Question & Answer session at the Family Leadership Summit in Iowa, Trump admitted that he had never sought forgiveness for his sins. However, he further admits that he goes to church when he can – but always at Christmas, Easter and “when there’s a major occasion – I’m a Sunday church person.”
In his contribution to the Facebook question, Wisconsin’s Governor Scott Walker declared, “It is only by the blood of Jesus Christ that I’ve been redeemed from my sins.” Like Cruz, Walker is the son of a pastor and has been exposed to evangelical Christianity from his childhood.
Before the debate even kicked off, retired neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson, tweeted this to his followers: “May the Lord guide my words tonight, let His wisdom be my thoughts.” In his book Gifted Hands, Carson describes being baptized as a boy by the pastor of Detroit’s Burns Seventh-Day Adventist Church. At the age of 12 he told the pastor of another Adventist church that he had not completely grasped his first baptism and was baptized again.
Carson, a former Director of Neurosurgery at Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins Hospital once said, “Quite frankly, as a neurosurgeon, there’s a lot of emphasis on technical ability, but I believe that that’s something that can be taught, but wisdom comes from God and I think that it’s something that you have to seek.”
The fact that almost every presidential candidate talks about a personal faith in Christ is a healthy sign. Such a faith suggests a commitment to the ethical demands of the Scriptures and the faith community to which they are committed. Although not elected as religious leaders, presidents are expected to console and lift citizens to heights greater than themselves. Christians are well disposed to these demands.
In addition to David Holmes’ book, to which I alluded earlier, I would strongly encourage readers to contact Religion News Service for additional information on the faith of the debaters.
In this volume Holmes looks at the role of faith in the lives of the twelve presidents who have served since the end of World War II. Like Holmes, I share the view that the faith of presidents shapes their character and their character shapes their politics.
With that in mind it is therefore important for us to become aware of the faiths of the debaters, each seeking to become the president of the United States. From information gathered, most of last Thursday’s Republican debaters claim to be Christians.
Former President Dwight Eisenhower was correct in saying that “we are a religious people.” Every potential president knows this and declares his religious leanings very early in campaigning. President Obama understood this and severed ties with the church with which he was a member for more than twenty years. He agreed with his advisors that the anti-American rhetoric at the church would hurt his run for president.
Among some conservatives, it was felt that Mitt Romney’s association with the Mormon Church, often viewed as a cult, damaged his presidential chances in 2012. Decades earlier, the question of John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s Roman Catholicism animated the 1960 election. Many felt his allegiance to the Pope could undermine his allegiance to the Constitution of the United States.
One could now understand the reasoning behind Chase Norton’s Facebook question to the debaters: “What is God saying to you about running for President?” Each candidate, when asked the question, expressed his opinion and exposed his personal religious commitment.
For Texas Senator Ted Cruz, he felt “blessed to receive a word from God every day” as he read the Bible. Cruz also used the occasion to share how he came to faith in Jesus Christ in 1975. The story of his father, now a pastor, was equally interesting.
Donald Trump was not asked to respond to the Facebook question. However, as the Republican front runner, I thought it would be interesting to explore his journey of faith. In 2012, he told the Christian Broadcasting Network that he attended the First Presbyterian Church in Queens, New York. He was also a member of Marble Collegiate Church, a Reformed Church in America congregation and once the pulpit of the late Norman Vincent Peale.
When asked about a personal faith in Christ, during a Question & Answer session at the Family Leadership Summit in Iowa, Trump admitted that he had never sought forgiveness for his sins. However, he further admits that he goes to church when he can – but always at Christmas, Easter and “when there’s a major occasion – I’m a Sunday church person.”
In his contribution to the Facebook question, Wisconsin’s Governor Scott Walker declared, “It is only by the blood of Jesus Christ that I’ve been redeemed from my sins.” Like Cruz, Walker is the son of a pastor and has been exposed to evangelical Christianity from his childhood.
Before the debate even kicked off, retired neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson, tweeted this to his followers: “May the Lord guide my words tonight, let His wisdom be my thoughts.” In his book Gifted Hands, Carson describes being baptized as a boy by the pastor of Detroit’s Burns Seventh-Day Adventist Church. At the age of 12 he told the pastor of another Adventist church that he had not completely grasped his first baptism and was baptized again.
Carson, a former Director of Neurosurgery at Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins Hospital once said, “Quite frankly, as a neurosurgeon, there’s a lot of emphasis on technical ability, but I believe that that’s something that can be taught, but wisdom comes from God and I think that it’s something that you have to seek.”
The fact that almost every presidential candidate talks about a personal faith in Christ is a healthy sign. Such a faith suggests a commitment to the ethical demands of the Scriptures and the faith community to which they are committed. Although not elected as religious leaders, presidents are expected to console and lift citizens to heights greater than themselves. Christians are well disposed to these demands.
In addition to David Holmes’ book, to which I alluded earlier, I would strongly encourage readers to contact Religion News Service for additional information on the faith of the debaters.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Robin Williams
About two decades ago my wife and I met Robin Williams when we saw the movie Mrs. Doubtfire. Williams, who played the role of Mrs. Doubtfire was outstanding. His winsome personality as an actor made us feel as though we met him personally.
Last week Robin Williams committed suicide. News of his death suddenly replaced the headlines of warfare around the world. “Mrs. Doubtfire” had been struggling with depression for several years and had previously beaten a dependency to alcohol and drugs in the seventies and eighties.
The actor was reported to have been downsizing his properties after two divorces left him in serious debt. In a 2013 interview with Parade Magazine, Williams said that divorce was expensive. He added that he used to joke that before the word “alimony” was invented, they were going to call it “all the money”.
Since his death, some of us are learning that Williams was a humble man. Just as he had an impact on the lives of his viewers, we had an impact on his life. One commentator observed that he was living off our laughs. In their grief, the family requested – “As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin’s death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.”
From my research, I understand depression is a mood disorder in which overwhelming feelings of sadness, loss of pleasure, guilt, and hopelessness interfere with daily life. Everyone experiences some unhappiness, often as a result of a life change, either in the form of a setback or a loss, or simply, as everyday misery. The painful feelings that accompany these events are usually appropriate and temporary, and can even present an opportunity for personal growth and improvement.
However, when sadness persists and impairs daily life, it may indicate a depressive disorder. Severity, duration, and the presence of other symptoms are the factors that distinguish normal sadness from clinical disorder.
My wife who did her graduate thesis on depression, tells me that there are various types of depression. I understand that in major depression, at least five critical symptoms must occur nearly every day for a period of at least 2 weeks, and they must represent a change from previous behavior or mood. Depressed mood or loss of interest must be present.
All the causes of depression are not fully known. Scholars tell us depression is most likely due to a combination of genetic, biologic, and environmental factors. Many people with major depression also have an alcohol use disorder or drug abuse problems. Studies on the connections between alcohol dependence and depression have still not resolved whether one causes the other or if they both share some common biologic factor.
In commenting on Robin Williams, one commentator said, “when you’re a big celebrity, people are afraid to tell you the truth. People are afraid to tell you anything because you’re a source of income. I don’t know if that’s why people were afraid to dig deep with him or that he was just really good at covering his pain.”
One of Robin’s good friends, the CEO of the Laugh Factory, said, “He was always in character – you never saw the real Robin. I knew him 35 years, and I never knew him.” He made us laugh and we assumed that his life was one of similar laughter – that was not the case. He generated moments of joy in public but carried personal pain in private.
I understand depression is not rare in men. In fact, white men over the age of 85 have the highest rates of suicide of any group. Men may be more likely than women to mask their depression by using alcohol.
Researchers tell us depression is less reported in the male population, but this may be caused by male tendencies to deny symptoms, avoid seeking help, and masking emotional disorders with specific behaviors and vices.
Can depressed people be helped? Yes - depending on the severity of one’s depression, treatment will differ. In every case, treatment is intended to assist the depressed person to cope or respond better to the set of circumstances he or she may be facing. At times persons require medication and forms of therapy.
From treatments prescribed, it becomes obvious that wholesome living environments can significantly reduce depression. Such wholesome environments are strongly encouraged for persons who choose to make the Bible their guide.
For instance, it was Peter, the disciple of Jesus who said: “...cast all your anxiety on Him (Jesus) because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). The Scriptures are replete with admonitions, encouraging wholesome living. I trust you will find this to be true and not resort to disastrous options.
Last week Robin Williams committed suicide. News of his death suddenly replaced the headlines of warfare around the world. “Mrs. Doubtfire” had been struggling with depression for several years and had previously beaten a dependency to alcohol and drugs in the seventies and eighties.
The actor was reported to have been downsizing his properties after two divorces left him in serious debt. In a 2013 interview with Parade Magazine, Williams said that divorce was expensive. He added that he used to joke that before the word “alimony” was invented, they were going to call it “all the money”.
Since his death, some of us are learning that Williams was a humble man. Just as he had an impact on the lives of his viewers, we had an impact on his life. One commentator observed that he was living off our laughs. In their grief, the family requested – “As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin’s death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.”
From my research, I understand depression is a mood disorder in which overwhelming feelings of sadness, loss of pleasure, guilt, and hopelessness interfere with daily life. Everyone experiences some unhappiness, often as a result of a life change, either in the form of a setback or a loss, or simply, as everyday misery. The painful feelings that accompany these events are usually appropriate and temporary, and can even present an opportunity for personal growth and improvement.
However, when sadness persists and impairs daily life, it may indicate a depressive disorder. Severity, duration, and the presence of other symptoms are the factors that distinguish normal sadness from clinical disorder.
My wife who did her graduate thesis on depression, tells me that there are various types of depression. I understand that in major depression, at least five critical symptoms must occur nearly every day for a period of at least 2 weeks, and they must represent a change from previous behavior or mood. Depressed mood or loss of interest must be present.
All the causes of depression are not fully known. Scholars tell us depression is most likely due to a combination of genetic, biologic, and environmental factors. Many people with major depression also have an alcohol use disorder or drug abuse problems. Studies on the connections between alcohol dependence and depression have still not resolved whether one causes the other or if they both share some common biologic factor.
In commenting on Robin Williams, one commentator said, “when you’re a big celebrity, people are afraid to tell you the truth. People are afraid to tell you anything because you’re a source of income. I don’t know if that’s why people were afraid to dig deep with him or that he was just really good at covering his pain.”
One of Robin’s good friends, the CEO of the Laugh Factory, said, “He was always in character – you never saw the real Robin. I knew him 35 years, and I never knew him.” He made us laugh and we assumed that his life was one of similar laughter – that was not the case. He generated moments of joy in public but carried personal pain in private.
I understand depression is not rare in men. In fact, white men over the age of 85 have the highest rates of suicide of any group. Men may be more likely than women to mask their depression by using alcohol.
Researchers tell us depression is less reported in the male population, but this may be caused by male tendencies to deny symptoms, avoid seeking help, and masking emotional disorders with specific behaviors and vices.
Can depressed people be helped? Yes - depending on the severity of one’s depression, treatment will differ. In every case, treatment is intended to assist the depressed person to cope or respond better to the set of circumstances he or she may be facing. At times persons require medication and forms of therapy.
From treatments prescribed, it becomes obvious that wholesome living environments can significantly reduce depression. Such wholesome environments are strongly encouraged for persons who choose to make the Bible their guide.
For instance, it was Peter, the disciple of Jesus who said: “...cast all your anxiety on Him (Jesus) because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). The Scriptures are replete with admonitions, encouraging wholesome living. I trust you will find this to be true and not resort to disastrous options.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Menace or Mentors
According to Earthjustice, “each year, nearly a billion pounds of pesticides are sprayed in fields and orchards across America.” Much of this is sprayed during Termite Season – April to August. Ants are particularly susceptible to this menace demolition campaign. Simply put, ants are pests, kill them.
I fully understand the rationale, especially during these summer months. Even as I prepare this blog my family has ant killing pesticides appropriately placed in our South Florida home. However, there is something else about ants we often overlook.
Ants live everywhere. They are loosening and oxygenating soil, adding nutrients to the soil, controlling bug populations, transplanting seeds, pollinating plants and flowers, aiding in decomposition, moving and consuming organic and inorganic material on such a large scale that their impact may never be fully appreciated.
I am no myrmecologist (a scientist who studies ants); however, I have learned a few things about ants that can have a profound impact on human behavior. For instance, the work ethic of ants can put even the most ambitious person to shame.
All day long the ant labors in the hot desert, or a wet rain forest, or the cold tundra sniffing out his food and carrying back his load to the nest, no matter how far the journey or how difficult the terrain. Actually, the load an ant carries around all day can be up to 50 times his own body weight.
Ants are probably the most highly developed social insects. Scientists tell us “each colony of ants contains at least one queen. The workers, who are all sterile females, care for the queen, enlarge, repair and defend the nest, care for the young and gather food. Some workers perform only one job throughout their lives while others may change their tasks. The soldier ants are specialized workers whose function is to guard the nest.” In essence, ants possess amazing organizational skills.
The writer of the Book of Proverbs, invites his readers to learn from ants. At least five profound truths are unpacked from the biblical text. In the first place, the writer contends that ants are not lazy. The writer challenges “the sluggard” to go the ant and learn (Proverbs 6:6). Ants are energetic and full of life. They are aware of the fact that their life span is short and live with energy. Like the Psalmist, we too learn “to number our days aright, that we may gain hearts of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). If we can only live our lives, keeping in mind that life is like a vapor – very brief. Live life with enthusiasm, just like ants.
Proverbs also teaches that ants are self-motivated. They operate with “no commander, no overseer or no ruler.” Myrmecologists confirm this biblical truth – “ants form groups with no single leader, and no hierarchical organizational model.” Ants are driven by a desire to survive and the reality of their own limitations. The words of the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy would seem to capture this emphasis, when he said, “Ask not what my country can do for me but what I can do for my country.”
In the third place, we must credit ants with being frugal. According to Proverbs, “they store their provision in summer and gather their food at harvest” (Proverbs 6:8). They know when to reap. They know when to put in storage. Ants know what to spend and what to save. In essence, they know how to balance time and resources. In other words, ants know the seasons of life and plan accordingly.
Not only do ants know opportunities, they also know their limitations. “Ants are creatures of little strength” says the writer of Proverbs (30:25). There are some ants that are one twenty-fifth of an inch. They are limited in size and strength. Their survival depends on community. As mentioned earlier, they are probably the most highly developed social insects. Together, they can strip an orange grove of leaves in one night. However, they cannot survive without community.
Another important credit to ants is the fact that they are wise. Proverbs actually says that “they are extremely wise” (Proverbs 30:24). They know how to apply knowledge – knowledge of seasons, their own physiology, their vulnerabilities and the value of community.
Although limited, they know how to use the resources available to them. Army ants may prey on reptiles, birds, or even small mammals. One Amazon species of ants cooperatively builds extensive traps from plant fiber. These traps have many holes and, when an insect steps on one, hundreds of ants inside use the openings to seize it with their jaws.
Honestly, ants are more than a menace – they are mentors, as they teach us to be frugal, wise, resilient and industrious.
I fully understand the rationale, especially during these summer months. Even as I prepare this blog my family has ant killing pesticides appropriately placed in our South Florida home. However, there is something else about ants we often overlook.
Ants live everywhere. They are loosening and oxygenating soil, adding nutrients to the soil, controlling bug populations, transplanting seeds, pollinating plants and flowers, aiding in decomposition, moving and consuming organic and inorganic material on such a large scale that their impact may never be fully appreciated.
I am no myrmecologist (a scientist who studies ants); however, I have learned a few things about ants that can have a profound impact on human behavior. For instance, the work ethic of ants can put even the most ambitious person to shame.
All day long the ant labors in the hot desert, or a wet rain forest, or the cold tundra sniffing out his food and carrying back his load to the nest, no matter how far the journey or how difficult the terrain. Actually, the load an ant carries around all day can be up to 50 times his own body weight.
Ants are probably the most highly developed social insects. Scientists tell us “each colony of ants contains at least one queen. The workers, who are all sterile females, care for the queen, enlarge, repair and defend the nest, care for the young and gather food. Some workers perform only one job throughout their lives while others may change their tasks. The soldier ants are specialized workers whose function is to guard the nest.” In essence, ants possess amazing organizational skills.
The writer of the Book of Proverbs, invites his readers to learn from ants. At least five profound truths are unpacked from the biblical text. In the first place, the writer contends that ants are not lazy. The writer challenges “the sluggard” to go the ant and learn (Proverbs 6:6). Ants are energetic and full of life. They are aware of the fact that their life span is short and live with energy. Like the Psalmist, we too learn “to number our days aright, that we may gain hearts of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). If we can only live our lives, keeping in mind that life is like a vapor – very brief. Live life with enthusiasm, just like ants.
Proverbs also teaches that ants are self-motivated. They operate with “no commander, no overseer or no ruler.” Myrmecologists confirm this biblical truth – “ants form groups with no single leader, and no hierarchical organizational model.” Ants are driven by a desire to survive and the reality of their own limitations. The words of the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy would seem to capture this emphasis, when he said, “Ask not what my country can do for me but what I can do for my country.”
In the third place, we must credit ants with being frugal. According to Proverbs, “they store their provision in summer and gather their food at harvest” (Proverbs 6:8). They know when to reap. They know when to put in storage. Ants know what to spend and what to save. In essence, they know how to balance time and resources. In other words, ants know the seasons of life and plan accordingly.
Not only do ants know opportunities, they also know their limitations. “Ants are creatures of little strength” says the writer of Proverbs (30:25). There are some ants that are one twenty-fifth of an inch. They are limited in size and strength. Their survival depends on community. As mentioned earlier, they are probably the most highly developed social insects. Together, they can strip an orange grove of leaves in one night. However, they cannot survive without community.
Another important credit to ants is the fact that they are wise. Proverbs actually says that “they are extremely wise” (Proverbs 30:24). They know how to apply knowledge – knowledge of seasons, their own physiology, their vulnerabilities and the value of community.
Although limited, they know how to use the resources available to them. Army ants may prey on reptiles, birds, or even small mammals. One Amazon species of ants cooperatively builds extensive traps from plant fiber. These traps have many holes and, when an insect steps on one, hundreds of ants inside use the openings to seize it with their jaws.
Honestly, ants are more than a menace – they are mentors, as they teach us to be frugal, wise, resilient and industrious.
Monday, January 20, 2014
MLK TAUGHT US The Power of Meekness
Some people believe the words power and meekness should never appear in the same sentence. Such persons would very likely describe meekness as weakness. That view of meekness is false and the life of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. illustrates that.
From his sermons and his life, Dr. King attempted to demonstrate a biblical understanding of meekness. He believed the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount were prescriptive and not merely descriptive. Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).
Dr. King understood that Jesus was using language, familiar to His listeners. They knew that meekness was used in the context of trainers who brought wild stallions under control. Although stallions symbolized sheer “horse” power, they could be tamed to behave as gentle animals. Hence, when one thought of meekness, one thought of power under control.
Today, horse power under control is used by physical and occupational therapists. These specialists practice hippotherapy, incorporating the movement of horses into the total care plan of their patients. In essence, controlled power can perform a different kind of powerful service.
While addressing a packed hall at the University of California – Berkley on June 4, 1957, Dr. King chose as his topic: The Power of Nonviolence. Here is a summary of his presentation:
- Non-violence is not a method of cowardice. He stressed that the non-violent resister was just as opposed to evil as the violent resister. However, non-violence should not be confused with stagnant passivity and deadening complacency.
- Non-violence does not seek to humiliate or defeat the opponent but seeks to win his friendship and understanding. The aftermath of nonviolence is reconciliation and the creation of a beloved community.
- A boycott is never an end within itself but merely a means to awaken a sense of shame within the oppressor. The end is reconciliation and redemption.
- The nonviolent resister seeks to attack the evil system rather than the individual who happens to be caught up in the system. For Dr. King, the struggle was between justice and injustice, between the forces of light and the forces of darkness.
Dr. King’s display of meekness was honed by his Christian worldview of love - a love that sought nothing in return. He loved his enemies, not because they were likable, but because God loved them. He loved the person who disliked blacks but loathed the system that perpetuated hatred for others.
Dr. King was convinced that only through love one was able to really conquer injustice and violence. He felt the ultimate weakness of violence was a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it was seeking to destroy - instead of diminishing evil, violence multiplied evil.
According to Dr. King, “through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.”
Today’s celebration of the birth of Dr. King provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the life of a pastor who knew God and sought to live-out his understanding of biblical principles.
Dr. King responded well to a rich heritage of pastoral influences. Hear his words: “I am...the son of a Baptist preacher, the grandson of a Baptist preacher and the great grandson of a Baptist preacher. The Church is my life and I have given my life to the Church.”
Today’s skewed commentaries on the life of Dr. King make very little reference to his pastoral passion. “According to Dr. Lewis Baldwin, Professor of Religious Studies and Director of African American Studies at Vanderbilt University, “Many labels were attached to him during his lifetime - Dr. King was called a civil rights activist, a social activist, a social change agent, and a world figure. But I think he thought of himself first and foremost as a preacher, as a Christian pastor. The pastoral role,” says Baldwin, “was central to everything, virtually everything Dr. King achieved or sought to achieve in the church and in the society as a whole.”
Dr. King responded well to the issues of his day. However, many of the issues he faced are no longer central today. We face other critical issues and we are expected to be the agents of meekness to our generation. Unlike Dr. King, I somehow fear, tomorrow’s generation may remember us more for our cowardice than for our courage.
Dr. King responded well to the issues of his day. However, many of the issues he faced are no longer central today. We face other critical issues and we are expected to be the agents of meekness to our generation. Unlike Dr. King, I somehow fear, tomorrow’s generation may remember us more for our cowardice than for our courage.
Monday, September 2, 2013
50 years
My daughter Candace and her husband Louis have four young children. As a former professional, mother and homeschooler she has a vested interest in the future that is laid for her children. I have asked her to be my guest for this week’s commentary.
To think back fifty years in this country is to think back to a time before I was born. Since then, I have lived outside of and within different parts of this great nation, each time gleaning racial experiences – good and bad.
I want to say we have come so far – desegregation of schools and places of employment, integrated neighborhoods and families, a black President in office, the list could go on and on.
But as far a step as we have made, I fear we have taken many steps backwards – and not for the popular reasons being floated out there in the blogosphere, in newsrooms or even at last week’s 50-year Memorial of 'The March on Washington' that took place on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
In the past fifty years, we have stepped away from some of the fundamentals that Dr. King held dearly, choosing to excuse or embrace the demise of the black family; the 70% of black babies born out of wedlock; the 1,800 black babies killed daily through abortion; the almost 50% unemployment among black youth and a bloody summer that highlighted the continuing problem of black on black homicides.
I am not willing to sit back and play along with those claiming that Rev. Martin Luther King would be proud of our accomplishments today. Unlike those who flash the ‘Reverend’ title for political and monetary gain, Rev. Martin Luther King actually tried to live a life that sought to center around hard work, faith and family.
Dr. King’s mission taxed his marriage and family life, but of his wife he said “I am indebted to my wife Coretta, without whose love, sacrifices, and loyalty neither life nor work would bring fulfillment."
In addition to being the pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church of Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. King completed his Ph.D. and was awarded his degree in 1955. King was only 25 years old.
At the age of 35, Martin Luther King, Jr., was the youngest man to have receive the Nobel Peace Prize. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over the prize money of $54,123 to the furtherance of the civil rights movement.
The ideals of faith, family and diligent work used to be encouraged in the black community at large. For all the accomplishments we have acquired as a community, I think Dr. King would ask – Is this really what we suffered for fifty years ago?
Jaime Foxx graced the steps of the Lincoln Memorial last Wednesday, naming our present civil rights leaders as Jay Z, Will Smith, Kanye West and others.
The list of invited speakers at the fifty-year Memorial Celebration of Dr. King’s ‘I Have A Dream’ speech did not include pioneers in some of the highest offices or areas of accomplishments by African Americans. The nation’s first black and first black female Secretaries of State were not invited to speak. The nation’s only black Senator was not invited to speak. The nation’s first and (at the time) youngest black neurosurgeon was not invited to speak. While entertainers of all sorts were well represented and tickled our ears with words of grandeur, I guess the former were all associated with the wrong side of the aisle (and by that I don’t mean the church aisle).
Sometimes I can only wonder – what kind of vision have we cast for our youth for the next fifty years?
We have strayed so far from the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that we no longer know what it means to judge a man by the caliber or content of his character, his labor or his legacy. Instead, we have bought into the culture that says the opposite: embrace racial and social lines above character, above goals, above ambition.
Fifty years ago The March on Washington was filled with people of all sorts: black, white; male, female; rich, poor; Republican, Democrat – they were willing and able to work together because above their comfort or agendas they found it important to be unified, not as one group above another, but as Americans under God.
The messages of today towards our children seem to shout of entitlements. But is that what the Bible encourages for us? As parents, my husband and I have been teaching our children the word diligent – a word that fueled the civil rights movement. Colossians 3:23 says “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Such commitments lead to discipline, perseverance and character.
I have four children, and like Dr. King I still dream. “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character” (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.).
To think back fifty years in this country is to think back to a time before I was born. Since then, I have lived outside of and within different parts of this great nation, each time gleaning racial experiences – good and bad.
I want to say we have come so far – desegregation of schools and places of employment, integrated neighborhoods and families, a black President in office, the list could go on and on.
But as far a step as we have made, I fear we have taken many steps backwards – and not for the popular reasons being floated out there in the blogosphere, in newsrooms or even at last week’s 50-year Memorial of 'The March on Washington' that took place on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
In the past fifty years, we have stepped away from some of the fundamentals that Dr. King held dearly, choosing to excuse or embrace the demise of the black family; the 70% of black babies born out of wedlock; the 1,800 black babies killed daily through abortion; the almost 50% unemployment among black youth and a bloody summer that highlighted the continuing problem of black on black homicides.
I am not willing to sit back and play along with those claiming that Rev. Martin Luther King would be proud of our accomplishments today. Unlike those who flash the ‘Reverend’ title for political and monetary gain, Rev. Martin Luther King actually tried to live a life that sought to center around hard work, faith and family.
Dr. King’s mission taxed his marriage and family life, but of his wife he said “I am indebted to my wife Coretta, without whose love, sacrifices, and loyalty neither life nor work would bring fulfillment."
In addition to being the pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church of Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. King completed his Ph.D. and was awarded his degree in 1955. King was only 25 years old.
At the age of 35, Martin Luther King, Jr., was the youngest man to have receive the Nobel Peace Prize. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over the prize money of $54,123 to the furtherance of the civil rights movement.
The ideals of faith, family and diligent work used to be encouraged in the black community at large. For all the accomplishments we have acquired as a community, I think Dr. King would ask – Is this really what we suffered for fifty years ago?
Jaime Foxx graced the steps of the Lincoln Memorial last Wednesday, naming our present civil rights leaders as Jay Z, Will Smith, Kanye West and others.
The list of invited speakers at the fifty-year Memorial Celebration of Dr. King’s ‘I Have A Dream’ speech did not include pioneers in some of the highest offices or areas of accomplishments by African Americans. The nation’s first black and first black female Secretaries of State were not invited to speak. The nation’s only black Senator was not invited to speak. The nation’s first and (at the time) youngest black neurosurgeon was not invited to speak. While entertainers of all sorts were well represented and tickled our ears with words of grandeur, I guess the former were all associated with the wrong side of the aisle (and by that I don’t mean the church aisle).
Sometimes I can only wonder – what kind of vision have we cast for our youth for the next fifty years?
We have strayed so far from the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that we no longer know what it means to judge a man by the caliber or content of his character, his labor or his legacy. Instead, we have bought into the culture that says the opposite: embrace racial and social lines above character, above goals, above ambition.
Fifty years ago The March on Washington was filled with people of all sorts: black, white; male, female; rich, poor; Republican, Democrat – they were willing and able to work together because above their comfort or agendas they found it important to be unified, not as one group above another, but as Americans under God.
The messages of today towards our children seem to shout of entitlements. But is that what the Bible encourages for us? As parents, my husband and I have been teaching our children the word diligent – a word that fueled the civil rights movement. Colossians 3:23 says “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Such commitments lead to discipline, perseverance and character.
I have four children, and like Dr. King I still dream. “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character” (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.).
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Pastor Martin Luther King, Jr.
I had just completed another lecture in the course, Religion in America. That day we viewed the film, “We Shall Not Be Moved.” The film chronicled the non-violent civil rights struggle of the fifties and sixties. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was portrayed as a pastor and civil rights leader.
The church hired Dr. King in 1954. After a time of internal tensions, church leaders said they were looking for a noncontroversial pastor who could help restore morale. Rather than accept an invitation to be with his Dad at a larger congregation in Georgia, Dr. King accepted the smaller and quieter church in Alabama. Such a setting afforded him the opportunity to complete his doctoral dissertation.
As King was establishing his pastorate, racial tensions were rising in Montgomery. About a year after his arrival, Montgomery seamstress Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to yield her seat on a bus to a white passenger. King began speaking out and leading peaceful protests. From the church, he helped ignite the Montgomery bus boycott.
King saw this as a natural extension of pastoring his people. Being a pastor for him included being a civil rights leader. It would therefore be correct to say that it was the African-American church that nurtured him and gave him the sense that God was a God of justice and mercy.
As Dr. King was pulled more and more into the national limelight, he became concerned that he was neglecting his responsibilities at the church. Often he did not have sufficient time to engage in counseling, to do funerals and weddings, to do the kind of administrative work that comes naturally with the pastoral role.
King resigned from the Dexter Avenue church in 1960 to devote more time to the civil rights cause. Even though he was now a leader at the national level, he wanted to maintain a pastoral role, so he became an associate pastor at his father’s Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.
As we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his “I Have a Dream” speech, we need to be reminded that the heart of Dr. King was not seen so much in that speech as much as in his writings – and more specifically his volume, Strength to Love. According to his late wife, Coretta Scott King, "If there is one book Martin has written that people consistently tell me has changed their lives, it is Strength to Love." This book best explains the central element of Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence.
The book is a compilation of his sermons reflecting a biblical and passionate denunciation of racial prejudice and of the tangible injustice that springs from that phenomenon.
He was also critical of those sectors of the Christian world that have historically used the Bible and Christian theology as tools for promoting slavery and racial segregation. His criticism extended to Black churches that have “reduced Christianity to either a frenzied form of entertainment or a snobbish social club.”
At the end of the class I was approached by an African American student. He was stunned to learn that Dr. King was a real pastor. Although he had done a course in African American history in high school, Dr. King was always presented as a civil rights advocate.
Today’s skewed commentaries on the life of Dr. King also make very little reference to his pastoral passion. “According to Dr. Lewis Baldwin, Professor of Religious Studies and Director of African American Studies at Vanderbilt University, “Many labels were attached to him during his lifetime - Dr. King was called a civil rights activist, a social activist, a social change agent, and a world figure. But I think he thought of himself first and foremost as a preacher, as a Christian pastor.”
“The pastoral role,” says Baldwin, “was central to everything, virtually everything Dr. King achieved or sought to achieve in the church and in the society as a whole.”
Dr. King was twenty-five years of age and finishing his doctoral dissertation at Boston University when he was appointed to his first job as a local pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. In a sense he was carrying on a family tradition. His father was a pastor. His grandfather had been a pastor. His great-grandfather had been a pastor.
Today’s skewed commentaries on the life of Dr. King also make very little reference to his pastoral passion. “According to Dr. Lewis Baldwin, Professor of Religious Studies and Director of African American Studies at Vanderbilt University, “Many labels were attached to him during his lifetime - Dr. King was called a civil rights activist, a social activist, a social change agent, and a world figure. But I think he thought of himself first and foremost as a preacher, as a Christian pastor.”
“The pastoral role,” says Baldwin, “was central to everything, virtually everything Dr. King achieved or sought to achieve in the church and in the society as a whole.”
Dr. King was twenty-five years of age and finishing his doctoral dissertation at Boston University when he was appointed to his first job as a local pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. In a sense he was carrying on a family tradition. His father was a pastor. His grandfather had been a pastor. His great-grandfather had been a pastor.
The church hired Dr. King in 1954. After a time of internal tensions, church leaders said they were looking for a noncontroversial pastor who could help restore morale. Rather than accept an invitation to be with his Dad at a larger congregation in Georgia, Dr. King accepted the smaller and quieter church in Alabama. Such a setting afforded him the opportunity to complete his doctoral dissertation.
As King was establishing his pastorate, racial tensions were rising in Montgomery. About a year after his arrival, Montgomery seamstress Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to yield her seat on a bus to a white passenger. King began speaking out and leading peaceful protests. From the church, he helped ignite the Montgomery bus boycott.
King saw this as a natural extension of pastoring his people. Being a pastor for him included being a civil rights leader. It would therefore be correct to say that it was the African-American church that nurtured him and gave him the sense that God was a God of justice and mercy.
As Dr. King was pulled more and more into the national limelight, he became concerned that he was neglecting his responsibilities at the church. Often he did not have sufficient time to engage in counseling, to do funerals and weddings, to do the kind of administrative work that comes naturally with the pastoral role.
King resigned from the Dexter Avenue church in 1960 to devote more time to the civil rights cause. Even though he was now a leader at the national level, he wanted to maintain a pastoral role, so he became an associate pastor at his father’s Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.
As we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his “I Have a Dream” speech, we need to be reminded that the heart of Dr. King was not seen so much in that speech as much as in his writings – and more specifically his volume, Strength to Love. According to his late wife, Coretta Scott King, "If there is one book Martin has written that people consistently tell me has changed their lives, it is Strength to Love." This book best explains the central element of Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence.
The book is a compilation of his sermons reflecting a biblical and passionate denunciation of racial prejudice and of the tangible injustice that springs from that phenomenon.
He was also critical of those sectors of the Christian world that have historically used the Bible and Christian theology as tools for promoting slavery and racial segregation. His criticism extended to Black churches that have “reduced Christianity to either a frenzied form of entertainment or a snobbish social club.”
Why aren’t we told about the heart of this pastor during this season of remembrance? Interestingly, it was during the extemporaneous moments of his “I Have a Dream” speech, his pastoral passion became most visible as he cited references from the Minor Prophets to justify his theses of justice and mercy.
Monday, April 8, 2013
PLEASE PRAY FOR Rick & Kay Warren
The Warrens need our prayers. They are known publicly as the founders of Saddleback Church, international speakers and best-selling authors. With the media visibility it is easy to forget that they face challenges in their home like any other family in America – probably more than the average family in America.
Last Friday they faced one major challenge. They had just completed a fun evening with their son Michael. After leaving his parents, Michael went to his home and experienced “a momentary wave of despair” similar to other moments he had throughout his life. This time though, he reacted by taking his own life.
This is how Rick Warren announced the tragedy to his staff: “over the past 33 years we’ve been together through every kind of crisis. Kay and I have been privileged to hold your hands as you faced a crisis or loss, stand with you at gravesides, and prayed for you when ill. Today, we need you to pray for us. No words can express the anguished grief we feel right now. Our youngest son, Matthew, age 27, and a lifelong member of Saddleback, died today.”
The heart-wrenching email went on to say, “only those closest knew that Matthew struggled from birth with mental illness, dark holes of depression, and even suicidal thoughts. In spite of America’s best doctors, meds, counselors, and prayers for healing, the torture of mental illness never subsided...I’ll never forget how, many years ago, after another approach had failed to give him relief, Matthew said, ‘Dad, I know I’m going to heaven. Why can’t I just die and end this pain?’”
That pain ended for Matthew on Friday, but not for the Warren family. Days earlier, Rick Warren and his staff prepared for the services over the weekend of Matthew’s death - the theme – “Surviving Tough Times.” Little did Rick know that he and his family would need the message more than any of the 20,000 persons who worship at Saddleback every weekend.
Worship services continued as scheduled with Rick’s brother-in-law Tom Holladay filling-in. Rick asked Tom, one of the assistant pastors, to take over the weekend services when he came down with pneumonia after a busy Easter schedule. Before Matthew’s tragedy, Rick Warren promoted the weekend services on Facebook with these words: “It’s a message on what to do on the worst day of your life.” What a prophetic message.
Both Rick and Kay are prolific writers and encouragers. In addition, Kay has spent the last ten years as a tireless advocate for persons living with HIV and AIDS. She has travelled to more than 19 countries calling on faith communities to respond to the needs of others.
In her most recent book, Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough, she describes her own pain. She has had two bouts of cancer and has watched as life-threatening illnesses attacked her children and grandchildren. Those experiences obviously helped to prepare her for Matthew’s tragic death.
Matthew’s dad, Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Life, which became the bestselling hardback non-fiction book in history, and is the second most-translated book in the world, after the Bible. The Purpose Driven Life has inspired and changed tens of millions of lives ... more than any modern book.
The Warrens need our prayers at this time. Millions have benefited from their ministry and it is now our turn to take them to the Lord in prayer. In a recent tweet to his almost one million internet followers, he said he and his wife were overwhelmed by the support they have received since Matthew’s tragedy.
Unfortunately, not everyone has responded to this tragedy with compassion. Heartlessness was expressed by both Christians and non-Christians. Here is a sampling:
“He knew his daddy was a fraud fleecing the masses and just could no longer live with the guilt and continue the charade.”
“He preaches about saving millions of lost souls, but couldn’t save his son. Just another phony preacher taking advantage of stupid sheep!”
“I can only think of one “believer” who committed suicide: Judas Iscariot. Did he suffer a mental illness, too?”
How sad, some have allowed their theological and ideological differences to stifle compassion. The Bible we claim to believe calls on us “to grieve with those who grieve and mourn with those who mourn.” When we cannot do that, we are as warped as the opinions we share.
Last Friday they faced one major challenge. They had just completed a fun evening with their son Michael. After leaving his parents, Michael went to his home and experienced “a momentary wave of despair” similar to other moments he had throughout his life. This time though, he reacted by taking his own life.
This is how Rick Warren announced the tragedy to his staff: “over the past 33 years we’ve been together through every kind of crisis. Kay and I have been privileged to hold your hands as you faced a crisis or loss, stand with you at gravesides, and prayed for you when ill. Today, we need you to pray for us. No words can express the anguished grief we feel right now. Our youngest son, Matthew, age 27, and a lifelong member of Saddleback, died today.”
The heart-wrenching email went on to say, “only those closest knew that Matthew struggled from birth with mental illness, dark holes of depression, and even suicidal thoughts. In spite of America’s best doctors, meds, counselors, and prayers for healing, the torture of mental illness never subsided...I’ll never forget how, many years ago, after another approach had failed to give him relief, Matthew said, ‘Dad, I know I’m going to heaven. Why can’t I just die and end this pain?’”
That pain ended for Matthew on Friday, but not for the Warren family. Days earlier, Rick Warren and his staff prepared for the services over the weekend of Matthew’s death - the theme – “Surviving Tough Times.” Little did Rick know that he and his family would need the message more than any of the 20,000 persons who worship at Saddleback every weekend.
Worship services continued as scheduled with Rick’s brother-in-law Tom Holladay filling-in. Rick asked Tom, one of the assistant pastors, to take over the weekend services when he came down with pneumonia after a busy Easter schedule. Before Matthew’s tragedy, Rick Warren promoted the weekend services on Facebook with these words: “It’s a message on what to do on the worst day of your life.” What a prophetic message.
Both Rick and Kay are prolific writers and encouragers. In addition, Kay has spent the last ten years as a tireless advocate for persons living with HIV and AIDS. She has travelled to more than 19 countries calling on faith communities to respond to the needs of others.
In her most recent book, Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough, she describes her own pain. She has had two bouts of cancer and has watched as life-threatening illnesses attacked her children and grandchildren. Those experiences obviously helped to prepare her for Matthew’s tragic death.
Matthew’s dad, Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Life, which became the bestselling hardback non-fiction book in history, and is the second most-translated book in the world, after the Bible. The Purpose Driven Life has inspired and changed tens of millions of lives ... more than any modern book.
The Warrens need our prayers at this time. Millions have benefited from their ministry and it is now our turn to take them to the Lord in prayer. In a recent tweet to his almost one million internet followers, he said he and his wife were overwhelmed by the support they have received since Matthew’s tragedy.
Unfortunately, not everyone has responded to this tragedy with compassion. Heartlessness was expressed by both Christians and non-Christians. Here is a sampling:
“He knew his daddy was a fraud fleecing the masses and just could no longer live with the guilt and continue the charade.”
“He preaches about saving millions of lost souls, but couldn’t save his son. Just another phony preacher taking advantage of stupid sheep!”
“I can only think of one “believer” who committed suicide: Judas Iscariot. Did he suffer a mental illness, too?”
How sad, some have allowed their theological and ideological differences to stifle compassion. The Bible we claim to believe calls on us “to grieve with those who grieve and mourn with those who mourn.” When we cannot do that, we are as warped as the opinions we share.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Pope Francis
I had barely composed myself in the barber’s chair when I was asked, “... and what do you think of the new Pope?” That was probably the most asked question for the past week. Well, I like him. I believe, should he continue to serve as he did as a priest, the world would see a different brand of leadership in the Catholic Church.
In less than 24 hours after he became the first non-European pope in some 1,300 years, Francis seemed to break more rules than his predecessor did in eight years. Actually, the first words out of Francis' mouth after he became Pope sent a signal that things would be different.
He did not start by using the customary "Praised be Jesus Christ", but employed a much more familiar and inviting "Buona Sera" - good evening in Italian - to address drenched crowds in a rain-swept St. Peter's Square.
On the morning after his election, the Vatican was scrambling to meet the needs of a new-style papacy. For example, while he was still in the Sistine Chapel, his aides set up a throne-like chair on a platform for him to sit on while the cardinals pledged their obedience one at a time. Instead, he came down to their lower level and remained standing while they each greeted him.
Less than an hour later, he shunned the papal limousine that was waiting to take him to a Vatican residence for a meal. As the last bus pulled up, guess who got off? It was Pope Francis. The only difference between him and the cardinals was that he was no longer wearing their red robes, but a white robe.
There was more unorthodox papal behavior on Thursday morning when Francis returned to the Church-run residence where he had checked in as a cardinal for the conclave. He insisted on paying his hotel bill, despite now being the boss.
"He wanted to get his luggage - he had left everything there," a Vatican spokesman told a news briefing. "He then stopped in the office, greeted everyone and decided to pay the bill for the room, because he was concerned about giving a good example of what priests and bishops should do."
The behavior of the new Pope is consistent with the name he chose – Francis. He admitted he had St. Francis of Assisi in mind when deciding on a name. Actually, it was a cardinal from Brazil who said to him to remember the poor, when it seemed that the Argentinean would be selected. The Pope told the media that he wanted to honor St. Francis of Assisi, an admirer of nature and a servant to the poor and destitute.
St. Francis of Assisi was born the son of a rich cloth merchant. But he lived in rags among beggars at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. He was known for bonding with lepers and the poor. Those close to Pope Francis see similarities between the two men.
With the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires as pope, the Roman Catholic Church has elected the first Pope from the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits. This society was founded by Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century. Now this Jesuit Pope takes the name Francis from the humble servant of medieval Assisi who began the Franciscan order 300 years before Ignatius.
Like Ignatius, he has a reputation for using his mind to solve a problem but his heart to make a decision. Like Francis of Assisi, he operates within the world of an ordained clergy while not being drowned in self-serving clerical rank and privilege.
So what Pope Francis seems to bring to the table, at least at a first glance, is personal authenticity and credibility – critical precursors to change. I believe Pope Francis will continue to be a model of service to everyone, but especially to the less fortunate.
Interestingly, to be a model servant to the less fortunate should not be limited to a pope. Jesus was clear when He taught that serving the less fortunate is expected of every Christian (Matthew 25:31-46). In addition, Jesus taught that leadership and authority are best illustrated when we lead with the attitude of children.
This Easter season provides a great opportunity to reflect on symbols of service to others. The cross is one such symbol. In the first century culture the cross represented defeat and shame. However, the death of Jesus on a cross changed that negative picture.
In referring to the cross the Apostle Paul said, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise and the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him” (1 Corinthians 1:28-29). You now understand why I believe that by using simple approaches Pope Francis is destined to become a great spiritual leader. I like Pope Francis.
In less than 24 hours after he became the first non-European pope in some 1,300 years, Francis seemed to break more rules than his predecessor did in eight years. Actually, the first words out of Francis' mouth after he became Pope sent a signal that things would be different.
He did not start by using the customary "Praised be Jesus Christ", but employed a much more familiar and inviting "Buona Sera" - good evening in Italian - to address drenched crowds in a rain-swept St. Peter's Square.
On the morning after his election, the Vatican was scrambling to meet the needs of a new-style papacy. For example, while he was still in the Sistine Chapel, his aides set up a throne-like chair on a platform for him to sit on while the cardinals pledged their obedience one at a time. Instead, he came down to their lower level and remained standing while they each greeted him.
Less than an hour later, he shunned the papal limousine that was waiting to take him to a Vatican residence for a meal. As the last bus pulled up, guess who got off? It was Pope Francis. The only difference between him and the cardinals was that he was no longer wearing their red robes, but a white robe.
There was more unorthodox papal behavior on Thursday morning when Francis returned to the Church-run residence where he had checked in as a cardinal for the conclave. He insisted on paying his hotel bill, despite now being the boss.
"He wanted to get his luggage - he had left everything there," a Vatican spokesman told a news briefing. "He then stopped in the office, greeted everyone and decided to pay the bill for the room, because he was concerned about giving a good example of what priests and bishops should do."
The behavior of the new Pope is consistent with the name he chose – Francis. He admitted he had St. Francis of Assisi in mind when deciding on a name. Actually, it was a cardinal from Brazil who said to him to remember the poor, when it seemed that the Argentinean would be selected. The Pope told the media that he wanted to honor St. Francis of Assisi, an admirer of nature and a servant to the poor and destitute.
St. Francis of Assisi was born the son of a rich cloth merchant. But he lived in rags among beggars at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. He was known for bonding with lepers and the poor. Those close to Pope Francis see similarities between the two men.
With the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires as pope, the Roman Catholic Church has elected the first Pope from the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits. This society was founded by Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century. Now this Jesuit Pope takes the name Francis from the humble servant of medieval Assisi who began the Franciscan order 300 years before Ignatius.
Like Ignatius, he has a reputation for using his mind to solve a problem but his heart to make a decision. Like Francis of Assisi, he operates within the world of an ordained clergy while not being drowned in self-serving clerical rank and privilege.
So what Pope Francis seems to bring to the table, at least at a first glance, is personal authenticity and credibility – critical precursors to change. I believe Pope Francis will continue to be a model of service to everyone, but especially to the less fortunate.
Interestingly, to be a model servant to the less fortunate should not be limited to a pope. Jesus was clear when He taught that serving the less fortunate is expected of every Christian (Matthew 25:31-46). In addition, Jesus taught that leadership and authority are best illustrated when we lead with the attitude of children.
This Easter season provides a great opportunity to reflect on symbols of service to others. The cross is one such symbol. In the first century culture the cross represented defeat and shame. However, the death of Jesus on a cross changed that negative picture.
In referring to the cross the Apostle Paul said, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise and the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him” (1 Corinthians 1:28-29). You now understand why I believe that by using simple approaches Pope Francis is destined to become a great spiritual leader. I like Pope Francis.
Monday, February 25, 2013
MLK & Non-Violence
By 2006, some 730 American cities had a street named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In addition, the records at the National Center for Education Statistics (2000) indicate that by 1998, 110 public schools were bearing some reference to Dr. King’s name. Each of these communities, mainly in central cities of large and mid-size urban areas, had hoped that residents would feel obligated to live out the noble tenets of Dr. King.
It was hoped that many persons would emulate the six-point non-violent philosophy adopted by Dr. King. As a student of the New Testament, Dr. King was familiar with the non-violent teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. In addition, he was familiar with the non-violent practices of Mahatma Gandhi of India. That knowledge became the basis of his philosophy.
In the first place, King believed that non-violent resistance was not for cowards. It was not a quiet, passive acceptance of evil. One was passive and non-violent physically, but very active spiritually, always seeking ways to persuade the opponent of advantages to the way of love, cooperation and peace.
Secondly, the goal of non-violence was not to defeat or humiliate the opponent but rather to win him or her over to understanding new ways to create cooperation and community.
In the third place, non-violence was viewed as the force that was attacking evil. As Dr. King said in Montgomery, Alabama, “we are out to defeat injustice, not white persons who may be unjust.”
In addition, non-violence accepted suffering without retaliating. It accepted violence, but never commit violence. It was Gandhi who contended that “Rivers of blood may have to flow before we gain our freedom, but it must be our blood.” Both King and Gandhi understood that suffering by activists had the mysterious power of converting opponents, who otherwise would refuse to listen.
In addition, in non-violent resistance, one learns to avoid physical violence toward others and also learns to love the opponents with unconditional love – a love that does not depend on what it receives in return, but acts solely for the sake of love. According to Dr. King, “along the way of life, someone must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate.”
Finally, non-violent resistance was based on the belief that the universe is just. There is God that was moving us toward universal love and wholeness. Therefore, “all our work for justice will bear fruit – the fruit of love, peace and justice for all beings everywhere.”
One would have hoped that with such a rich legacy of non-violence, especially within black communities, there would be a greater appreciation for the ideals of Dr. King. Even with the numerous institutions carrying King’s name, the high levels of violence in black communities is unacceptable.
A 2007 special report released by the Bureau of Justice Statistics reveals that more than 8,000 African-Americans are murdered annually in the United States. This chilling figure is accompanied by another equally sobering fact that 93% of these murders are perpetrated by other blacks. In other words, in one year more blacks are killed in America than service men and women killed on the battle fields of Iraq and Afghanistan in twelve years.
Whereas the statistics of killings are sobering, the number of violent crimes is frightening. Apart from the impact on the victims, we often forget the impact on the community. Last December, the Department of Justice released a little-noticed report that suggested that children exposed to community violence might turn to violence themselves as “a source of power, prestige, security, or even belongingness.” The report went on to recommend that these children should be treated by professionals.
Rather than resort only to professionals who often live far away from the crime communities, what about Christian churches located in the heart of those communities? Despite the silence from the media, stories of conversion continue to come from pastors and Christian workers. They are not only conducting funeral services for the victims of crime, many churches are witnessing genuine stories of conversion.
The non-violent vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is still alive in many churches as criminals turn from drugs and guns to a transforming faith in Jesus Christ. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote with confidence that conversion brings about change, old lifestyles fade and new desires emerge (2 Corinthians 5:17). For this reason we need to pray for Christian workers who risk their lives daily in taking the message of peace to our violent-torn cities. Thankfully, despite the reality of serious crime during this Black History Month, we have hope that Jesus still transforms broken lives.
It was hoped that many persons would emulate the six-point non-violent philosophy adopted by Dr. King. As a student of the New Testament, Dr. King was familiar with the non-violent teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. In addition, he was familiar with the non-violent practices of Mahatma Gandhi of India. That knowledge became the basis of his philosophy.
In the first place, King believed that non-violent resistance was not for cowards. It was not a quiet, passive acceptance of evil. One was passive and non-violent physically, but very active spiritually, always seeking ways to persuade the opponent of advantages to the way of love, cooperation and peace.
Secondly, the goal of non-violence was not to defeat or humiliate the opponent but rather to win him or her over to understanding new ways to create cooperation and community.
In the third place, non-violence was viewed as the force that was attacking evil. As Dr. King said in Montgomery, Alabama, “we are out to defeat injustice, not white persons who may be unjust.”
In addition, non-violence accepted suffering without retaliating. It accepted violence, but never commit violence. It was Gandhi who contended that “Rivers of blood may have to flow before we gain our freedom, but it must be our blood.” Both King and Gandhi understood that suffering by activists had the mysterious power of converting opponents, who otherwise would refuse to listen.
In addition, in non-violent resistance, one learns to avoid physical violence toward others and also learns to love the opponents with unconditional love – a love that does not depend on what it receives in return, but acts solely for the sake of love. According to Dr. King, “along the way of life, someone must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate.”
Finally, non-violent resistance was based on the belief that the universe is just. There is God that was moving us toward universal love and wholeness. Therefore, “all our work for justice will bear fruit – the fruit of love, peace and justice for all beings everywhere.”
One would have hoped that with such a rich legacy of non-violence, especially within black communities, there would be a greater appreciation for the ideals of Dr. King. Even with the numerous institutions carrying King’s name, the high levels of violence in black communities is unacceptable.
A 2007 special report released by the Bureau of Justice Statistics reveals that more than 8,000 African-Americans are murdered annually in the United States. This chilling figure is accompanied by another equally sobering fact that 93% of these murders are perpetrated by other blacks. In other words, in one year more blacks are killed in America than service men and women killed on the battle fields of Iraq and Afghanistan in twelve years.
Whereas the statistics of killings are sobering, the number of violent crimes is frightening. Apart from the impact on the victims, we often forget the impact on the community. Last December, the Department of Justice released a little-noticed report that suggested that children exposed to community violence might turn to violence themselves as “a source of power, prestige, security, or even belongingness.” The report went on to recommend that these children should be treated by professionals.
Rather than resort only to professionals who often live far away from the crime communities, what about Christian churches located in the heart of those communities? Despite the silence from the media, stories of conversion continue to come from pastors and Christian workers. They are not only conducting funeral services for the victims of crime, many churches are witnessing genuine stories of conversion.
The non-violent vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is still alive in many churches as criminals turn from drugs and guns to a transforming faith in Jesus Christ. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote with confidence that conversion brings about change, old lifestyles fade and new desires emerge (2 Corinthians 5:17). For this reason we need to pray for Christian workers who risk their lives daily in taking the message of peace to our violent-torn cities. Thankfully, despite the reality of serious crime during this Black History Month, we have hope that Jesus still transforms broken lives.
Monday, January 14, 2013
YOUR TYPE...Not Qualified to Pray
Last week Louie Giglio was effectively disinvited from delivering an inaugural prayer because he believes and teaches what the Bible says.
In a statement from Addie Whisenant of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, "We were not aware of Pastor Louie Giglio's past comments at the time of his selection, and they don't reflect our desire to celebrate the strength and diversity of our country at this inaugural. Pastor Giglio was asked to deliver the benediction in large part because of his leadership in combating human trafficking around the world. As we now work to select someone to deliver the benediction, we will ensure their beliefs reflect this administration's vision of inclusion and acceptance for all Americans."
In a statement released to the White House and the Presidential Inaugural Committee, Giglio said that he withdrew because of the furor that emerged Wednesday after a liberal watchdog group revealed that almost 20 years ago he had preached a sermon in which he had stated that homosexuality is a sin and that the "only way out of a homosexual lifestyle … is through the healing power of Jesus."
Louie Giglio, pastor of Atlanta’s Passion City Church, further commented that "due to a message of mine that has surfaced from 15-20 years ago, it is likely that my participation, and the prayer I would offer, will be dwarfed by those seeking to make their agenda the focal point of the inauguration. Clearly, speaking on this issue has not been in the range of my priorities in the past fifteen years. Instead, my aim has been to call people to ultimate significance as we make much of Jesus Christ."
What Wayne Besen, founder of the activist group Truth Wins Out, told The New York Times on Wednesday explains the issue: "It is imperative that Giglio clarify his remarks and explain whether he has evolved on gay rights, like so many other faith and political leaders. It would be a shame to select a preacher with backward views on LBGT people at a moment when the nation is rapidly moving forward on our issues."
The statement from the Presidential Inaugural Committee would seem to agree with Besen. The views of the person praying must “reflect this administration's vision of inclusion and acceptance for all Americans."
In essence, the person praying must pass a litmus test like – are you now or ever have been one who believes that any sexual behavior, other than what the Bible endorses, is morally unacceptable? Or, have your views evolved to the point where you now reject your biblical position and endorse what is inclusive and acceptable?
According to Dr. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky, “The Presidential Inaugural Committee and the White House have now declared historic, biblical Christianity to be out of bounds, casting it off the inaugural program as an embarrassment. By its newly articulated standard, any preacher who holds to the faith of the church for the last 2,000 years is persona non grata.”
“By this standard, no Roman Catholic prelate or priest can participate in the ceremony. No Evangelical who holds to biblical orthodoxy is welcome. The vast majority of Christians around the world have been disinvited. Mormons, and the rabbis of Orthodox Judaism are out. Any Muslim imam who could walk freely in Cairo would be denied a place on the inaugural program.”
“Billy Graham, who participated in at least ten presidential inaugurations, is welcome no more. Rick Warren, who incited a similar controversy when he prayed at President Obama's first inauguration, is way out of bounds. In the span of just four years, the rules are fully changed.”
From my current pulpit series on the Book of Romans, it is obvious that the Apostle Paul would not have been eligible to pray at the President’s inauguration. What Wayne Besen and the White House view as an evolution of ideas, Paul described as “indecent acts” and “perversion” (Romans 1:27).
It is very sad to admit, that this type of discourse is now the new normal. Christians are being challenged to choose between their beliefs and contemporary behavior. It is just shocking to see how intolerant the White House is in forcing acceptance of homosexuality, while disregarding Giglio's sterling work to combat human trafficking.
From all appearances, 2013 does not seem as though it would be a Happy New Year for many religious voices in the marketplace. For Christians, hatred and revenge are not options – like Pastor Giglio, we must continue to preach “the healing power of Jesus Christ.”
In a statement from Addie Whisenant of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, "We were not aware of Pastor Louie Giglio's past comments at the time of his selection, and they don't reflect our desire to celebrate the strength and diversity of our country at this inaugural. Pastor Giglio was asked to deliver the benediction in large part because of his leadership in combating human trafficking around the world. As we now work to select someone to deliver the benediction, we will ensure their beliefs reflect this administration's vision of inclusion and acceptance for all Americans."
In a statement released to the White House and the Presidential Inaugural Committee, Giglio said that he withdrew because of the furor that emerged Wednesday after a liberal watchdog group revealed that almost 20 years ago he had preached a sermon in which he had stated that homosexuality is a sin and that the "only way out of a homosexual lifestyle … is through the healing power of Jesus."
Louie Giglio, pastor of Atlanta’s Passion City Church, further commented that "due to a message of mine that has surfaced from 15-20 years ago, it is likely that my participation, and the prayer I would offer, will be dwarfed by those seeking to make their agenda the focal point of the inauguration. Clearly, speaking on this issue has not been in the range of my priorities in the past fifteen years. Instead, my aim has been to call people to ultimate significance as we make much of Jesus Christ."
What Wayne Besen, founder of the activist group Truth Wins Out, told The New York Times on Wednesday explains the issue: "It is imperative that Giglio clarify his remarks and explain whether he has evolved on gay rights, like so many other faith and political leaders. It would be a shame to select a preacher with backward views on LBGT people at a moment when the nation is rapidly moving forward on our issues."
The statement from the Presidential Inaugural Committee would seem to agree with Besen. The views of the person praying must “reflect this administration's vision of inclusion and acceptance for all Americans."
In essence, the person praying must pass a litmus test like – are you now or ever have been one who believes that any sexual behavior, other than what the Bible endorses, is morally unacceptable? Or, have your views evolved to the point where you now reject your biblical position and endorse what is inclusive and acceptable?
According to Dr. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky, “The Presidential Inaugural Committee and the White House have now declared historic, biblical Christianity to be out of bounds, casting it off the inaugural program as an embarrassment. By its newly articulated standard, any preacher who holds to the faith of the church for the last 2,000 years is persona non grata.”
“By this standard, no Roman Catholic prelate or priest can participate in the ceremony. No Evangelical who holds to biblical orthodoxy is welcome. The vast majority of Christians around the world have been disinvited. Mormons, and the rabbis of Orthodox Judaism are out. Any Muslim imam who could walk freely in Cairo would be denied a place on the inaugural program.”
“Billy Graham, who participated in at least ten presidential inaugurations, is welcome no more. Rick Warren, who incited a similar controversy when he prayed at President Obama's first inauguration, is way out of bounds. In the span of just four years, the rules are fully changed.”
From my current pulpit series on the Book of Romans, it is obvious that the Apostle Paul would not have been eligible to pray at the President’s inauguration. What Wayne Besen and the White House view as an evolution of ideas, Paul described as “indecent acts” and “perversion” (Romans 1:27).
It is very sad to admit, that this type of discourse is now the new normal. Christians are being challenged to choose between their beliefs and contemporary behavior. It is just shocking to see how intolerant the White House is in forcing acceptance of homosexuality, while disregarding Giglio's sterling work to combat human trafficking.
From all appearances, 2013 does not seem as though it would be a Happy New Year for many religious voices in the marketplace. For Christians, hatred and revenge are not options – like Pastor Giglio, we must continue to preach “the healing power of Jesus Christ.”
Monday, February 27, 2012
Athlete Jeremy Lin…A MODEL OF SUCCESS
Prior to February 4, Jeremy Lin was unknown to sports fans around the world. Three weeks later he is a household name and a tremendous asset to the New York Knicks for which he plays basketball. The undrafted Harvard graduate rose to prominence with a fantastic game against the New Jersey Nets.
Stocks for the Madison Square Garden Company, the firm which owns the Knicks, increased more than 11% since Lin scored 25 points in that February 4 game. Marketing giant Nike has had tremendous success selling Linsanity (Jeremy Lin) T-shirts. Within 72 hours, an ebook on Linsanity was on sale. According to the Wall Street Journal, Adidas, one of Nike’s biggest competitors, is planning to produce Lin-themed jerseys for a network of more than 6,000 stores inChina
Mountain View , California
Since that game, Lin has led the New York Knicks to unbelievable records. He has also become the eighth ranked player in the National Basketball Association (NBA) in Player Efficiency Rating, which attempts to determine a player’s value to his team. Lin lifted the Knicks back into the playoff hunt and has also put them back on television.
Since January 1, New Yorkers were unable to view the Knicks play basketball. A heated dispute over fees between the owners of the team and a cable company kept the Knicks in the dark. Then Jeremy Lin came on the scene. New Yorkers demanded a resolution. NBA Commissioner David Stern joined the chorus. Even New York Governor Andrew Cuomo called executives in the dispute to bring about some resolution. According to the Associated Press, “Lin’s phenomenal run forced the deal.”
Stocks for the Madison Square Garden Company, the firm which owns the Knicks, increased more than 11% since Lin scored 25 points in that February 4 game. Marketing giant Nike has had tremendous success selling Linsanity (Jeremy Lin) T-shirts. Within 72 hours, an ebook on Linsanity was on sale. According to the Wall Street Journal, Adidas, one of Nike’s biggest competitors, is planning to produce Lin-themed jerseys for a network of more than 6,000 stores in
Lin jerseys have been the top-selling jerseys at NBAStore.com since that early February game. Jerseys have been shipped to at least 23 countries, including China
LIN CLAIMS TO BE A CHRISTIAN
My real interest in the Jeremy Lin story is simple – he claims to be a born-again believer. One reporter got it right when he said, “In addition to his success on the court, Lin has become famous for being both an Asian-American and a devout Christian.” As a Christian, Lin has often credited his success in the NBA to God. While a student at Harvard University
Some have noticed the bright orange bracelet Lin wears during his games. The words “In Jesus’ Name I Play” are printed clearly on each bracelet. According to Active Faith, the Texas
The importance of Jeremy Lin’s faith has attracted much press. One CNN headline reads: “Jeremy Lin Emerges as Emblem of Burgeoning Asian-American Christianity.” In this article, Lin, in response to this sudden popularity, said “It’s a tough environment and if you don’t have appropriate boundaries, you’ll compromise your faith.”
LIN APPEALS FOR HELP
When Lin reached out to his pastor for counsel, he was advised to spend at least an hour a day with God. According to his pastor, Stephen Chen of the Church in Christ at Lin, who has said he may become a pastor someday, credits his rise as a professional athlete to understanding the way God was working in his life and developing a trust in God’s plan. Recently he told the San Jose Mercury News, “I’ve surrendered that to God. I’m not in a battle with what everybody else thinks anymore.”
Jeremy Lin is one of the more recent basketball players to make his commitment to Jesus very clear. Among other basketball heroes are David Robinson (San Antonio Spurs), A.C. Green and Kevin Johnson (Phoenix Suns). In each case, it was the athlete’s excellence on the field that provided opportunities for ministry.
Lin, an admirer of Tim Tebow (who we featured a few weeks ago), admitted to a reporter that faith and fame often fight – “but it’s one I’m going to keep fighting.”
Like Jeremy Lin, it is only when we set “appropriate boundaries” in our pursuit of excellence; we avoid the temptations to compromise our faith.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Whitney Houston: A VICTIM OF SUCCESS?
Whitney Houston was an attractive woman blessed with an extraordinary singing voice. Imagine selling more than 170 million music albums and commanding six figure incomes to deliver a ninety minute concert. However, despite her corporate successes, Whitney succumbed to major personal challenges.
In a recent Good Morning America interview, Whitney’s friend Celine Dion talked freely about the consequences of success. Celine, also an extraordinary singer, believed Whitney allowed herself to become a victim of “the dark side to success.” This dark side of show business includes drugs, casual sex and a variety of vices that do not contribute to the profession. In reflecting on the destructive outcomes of these practices, Celine Dion concluded, “I’m so scared…I’m scared of show business…I’m scared of drugs…I’m scared of hanging out.”
But how could Whitney get so messed-up in this lifestyle; wasn’t she raised in the church? At the age of eleven, she was already singing in the church choir, under the watchful eyes of her parents, and especially her mother, who directed the music. How could a church-girl get into drugs like other entertainers? How could young church-influenced performing artistes succumb to behaviors so opposed to their upbringing? Agreed, the drift is subtle, but it is very common.
My wife and I had one memorable exposure to this drift in the mid-eighties. We went to see the play, Mama I Want to Sing inNew York City Hollywood
Themovie Church Girl took a similar story line – from church to Hollywood
I shudder when I think of upcoming luminaries like Katy Perry. Raised by Christian pastor parents, Katy grew-up listening to gospel music and sang in her local church as a child. As of 2012, Perry has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards. However, as she climbs the entertainment ladder, her personal life has begun to fall apart. I pray, the same would not be said of last year’sAmerica
These talented musicians were raised in environments that encouraged giving glory to God, not to self. They were taught that the message of their music should be uplifting to their audiences. Our youth were taught to be both performers and role models to their audiences. Their early exposure to music was often set in a context of reflection and humility – they were appreciated but never glorified by their audience.
However, as our young people take advantage of the opportunities to go secular with their talent, do they naively anticipate audiences like those in church? Some believe they are leaving the church as ambassadors of Christian values. However, when confronted with attractive prospects, our young people are often unable to deal with the strings attached and challenges to compromise. Suddenly, opportunities become entrapments. Priorities change to please producers, managers and audiences, who do not share Christian values. Before long, performers are condoning and not analyzing negative behaviors.
Like in any industry, performers hang together. In the process, personal boundaries begin to blur and the corporate image would seem to be all that matters. In addition, that culture of affluence, fame and celebrity status is personally stressful. In order to relieve that stress, many artistes naively enter what Celine Dion refers to as “the dark side in the entertainment world.”
Thankfully, some of our young people have survived the entrapments in the industry and should be applauded and viewed as role-models. The journey of Michael W. Smith is rarely referenced as we enjoy his worshipful songs. Early in his quest for opportunities, he traveled theNashville
As I was preparing this commentary, I came across today’s airing of Haven Today. In the program, Give Up Your Glory, Charles Morris interviewed Michael W. Smith and Brian Welsh. Both musicians agreed that superstars in any arena have a problem…other people want to worship them. (Like me, you too can order a CD at HavenToday.org.) However, the Christian artiste must never forget, only God should be worshipped. Anything else is idolatry.
In a recent Good Morning America interview, Whitney’s friend Celine Dion talked freely about the consequences of success. Celine, also an extraordinary singer, believed Whitney allowed herself to become a victim of “the dark side to success.” This dark side of show business includes drugs, casual sex and a variety of vices that do not contribute to the profession. In reflecting on the destructive outcomes of these practices, Celine Dion concluded, “I’m so scared…I’m scared of show business…I’m scared of drugs…I’m scared of hanging out.”
But how could Whitney get so messed-up in this lifestyle; wasn’t she raised in the church? At the age of eleven, she was already singing in the church choir, under the watchful eyes of her parents, and especially her mother, who directed the music. How could a church-girl get into drugs like other entertainers? How could young church-influenced performing artistes succumb to behaviors so opposed to their upbringing? Agreed, the drift is subtle, but it is very common.
My wife and I had one memorable exposure to this drift in the mid-eighties. We went to see the play, Mama I Want to Sing in
The
I shudder when I think of upcoming luminaries like Katy Perry. Raised by Christian pastor parents, Katy grew-up listening to gospel music and sang in her local church as a child. As of 2012, Perry has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards. However, as she climbs the entertainment ladder, her personal life has begun to fall apart. I pray, the same would not be said of last year’s
These talented musicians were raised in environments that encouraged giving glory to God, not to self. They were taught that the message of their music should be uplifting to their audiences. Our youth were taught to be both performers and role models to their audiences. Their early exposure to music was often set in a context of reflection and humility – they were appreciated but never glorified by their audience.
However, as our young people take advantage of the opportunities to go secular with their talent, do they naively anticipate audiences like those in church? Some believe they are leaving the church as ambassadors of Christian values. However, when confronted with attractive prospects, our young people are often unable to deal with the strings attached and challenges to compromise. Suddenly, opportunities become entrapments. Priorities change to please producers, managers and audiences, who do not share Christian values. Before long, performers are condoning and not analyzing negative behaviors.
Like in any industry, performers hang together. In the process, personal boundaries begin to blur and the corporate image would seem to be all that matters. In addition, that culture of affluence, fame and celebrity status is personally stressful. In order to relieve that stress, many artistes naively enter what Celine Dion refers to as “the dark side in the entertainment world.”
Thankfully, some of our young people have survived the entrapments in the industry and should be applauded and viewed as role-models. The journey of Michael W. Smith is rarely referenced as we enjoy his worshipful songs. Early in his quest for opportunities, he traveled the
As I was preparing this commentary, I came across today’s airing of Haven Today. In the program, Give Up Your Glory, Charles Morris interviewed Michael W. Smith and Brian Welsh. Both musicians agreed that superstars in any arena have a problem…other people want to worship them. (Like me, you too can order a CD at HavenToday.org.) However, the Christian artiste must never forget, only God should be worshipped. Anything else is idolatry.
Monday, January 30, 2012
TIM TEBOW: My Most Valuable Player
Although Tim Tebow is not expected to be named among MVP candidates in the 2011 National Football League, he is my MVP (Most Valuable Player). As a quarterback for the Denver Broncos, he could not compare statistically with other quarterbacks in the league. However during the season, Tebow was named America
Tebow’s habit of kneeling in prayer on the sideline of the field, during games, allowed his faith to become a public display. In post-game meetings with the media, Tebow unashamedly expressed his thanks to God for affording him the opportunity to be an ambassador for Christ on the field. Although a novelty to many in professional football, Tebow was known for public displays of his faith in high school and throughout his college career.
His public kneeling, now known globally as ‘Tebowing’, along with other displays of faith on and off the field have impressed and disturbed many. Some commentators have used some of the most vitriolic and venomous language to describe him. The viciousness in the media has led many to believe that the problem is more about Tebow’s lifestyle choices than about football.
Tebow has just begun his career as a professional footballer. Other beginners have been given time to develop and excel as professionals, why can’t similar treatment be extended to Tebow?
Some dislike Tebow because of envy. In his short stint as a professional, his marketability has soared. For a while his jerseys were the number one seller in the National Football League. The Davie-Brown Index, an independent marketing research tool, found Tebow to be more appealing and more of a trendsetter than some 2011 NFL-MVP candidates.
His philanthropy combined with his national awards make him an easy choice for companies. At an event inNashville
Just before each football game, when most pro-athletes are tense and ignore team-mates and family members, Tebow makes it a point to visit with some who are less fortunate. At his own expense, he pays airfares for some less fortunate fans and their families to meet with him. He pays for their hotel and meals, gets them pre-game passes and visits with them before and after games.
Raised by Christian missionary parents, Tebow has for years said that football is simply “a platform” for bigger things. One of those bigger things is the Tim Tebow Foundation. According to the Foundation’s president, Erik Dellenback, “before the Broncos’ first playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Foundation had 100 members, within two days after Tebow’s team won, the membership grew to 4,000 members.” Dellenback further disclosed to The Huffington Post, that “Tebow pays all of the foundation staff and administrative costs, so that all donations go to the outreach efforts.”
According to The Christian Science Monitor, “charity appears to be central to Tebow’s character and his life, not an extra or an activity incidental to his football career.” It is for these and other reasons (like the hospital he is building in thePhilippines
In analyzing Tebow’s contribution to football, one should not limit one’s analysis to his two seasons with the Broncos. In his final year at Nease High School in Florida University of Florida
Despite his achievements on the field, many disliked Tim Tebow. Some claim his style of play and throwing accuracy would not get him anywhere in professional football. His first season with the Broncos was not impressive. Out of five games in the second season, his team had won one, when he was invited to play as a starting quarterback. His presence was responsible for a remarkable turn around for the team. A survey of more than 1,000 persons by Atlanta-based Poll Position, found that 43% of those who said they were aware of Tebow’s success, believe it was at least partly the result of divine intervention.
Tebow’s habit of kneeling in prayer on the sideline of the field, during games, allowed his faith to become a public display. In post-game meetings with the media, Tebow unashamedly expressed his thanks to God for affording him the opportunity to be an ambassador for Christ on the field. Although a novelty to many in professional football, Tebow was known for public displays of his faith in high school and throughout his college career.
His public kneeling, now known globally as ‘Tebowing’, along with other displays of faith on and off the field have impressed and disturbed many. Some commentators have used some of the most vitriolic and venomous language to describe him. The viciousness in the media has led many to believe that the problem is more about Tebow’s lifestyle choices than about football.
Tebow has just begun his career as a professional footballer. Other beginners have been given time to develop and excel as professionals, why can’t similar treatment be extended to Tebow?
Some dislike Tebow because of envy. In his short stint as a professional, his marketability has soared. For a while his jerseys were the number one seller in the National Football League. The Davie-Brown Index, an independent marketing research tool, found Tebow to be more appealing and more of a trendsetter than some 2011 NFL-MVP candidates.
His philanthropy combined with his national awards make him an easy choice for companies. At an event in
Just before each football game, when most pro-athletes are tense and ignore team-mates and family members, Tebow makes it a point to visit with some who are less fortunate. At his own expense, he pays airfares for some less fortunate fans and their families to meet with him. He pays for their hotel and meals, gets them pre-game passes and visits with them before and after games.
Raised by Christian missionary parents, Tebow has for years said that football is simply “a platform” for bigger things. One of those bigger things is the Tim Tebow Foundation. According to the Foundation’s president, Erik Dellenback, “before the Broncos’ first playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Foundation had 100 members, within two days after Tebow’s team won, the membership grew to 4,000 members.” Dellenback further disclosed to The Huffington Post, that “Tebow pays all of the foundation staff and administrative costs, so that all donations go to the outreach efforts.”
According to The Christian Science Monitor, “charity appears to be central to Tebow’s character and his life, not an extra or an activity incidental to his football career.” It is for these and other reasons (like the hospital he is building in the
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