No Chains on Me…

Short post time.

Saw an interesting comment somewhere along the way of my usual reading and interacting with the world. As one of my earlier posts indicated, I’ve been reading up on a lot of the former Nobel Peace Prize winners and what they have accomplished. There have been some really fantastic people and causes around the world, Christ followers and not alike. There has been a lot of discussion, here and elsewhere, that my generation is the one that is super-concerned with social justice and seeking to improve the quality of life around the world. What is interesting, though, is that most of these “kids” are still in college, are still subsisting off of their parents income, are not yet being placed into a position to have to give up some of their own income or potential quality of life for the sake of others. Some are, most are perhaps not. I have no stats to back this up, but in general, most of the people in college who are yelling the loudest about social change, are those with the least ability to be able to do it, at least as far as resources go. My advisor, Dr. Gallagher has told me more than once that age will cure my irreconcilable “liberal” outlook on life. I laugh, but at the same time, I wonder, when its my turn to foot the bill for social change and justice, will I sacrifice of myself and what I have for others or will I continue to look to others to be those supporting the commune (which is why “commune”-ism fails).

So the big question is: Will I and my peers continue to seek change when it is our turn to be the change-makers? Only God and time will tell.

Lets try a series on for size. This one promises to be scattered due to the fact that it is 2:30 in the morning and I have a lot that I want to lay as base-work for this series.  

I like the idea of communism at the basic level. This is not to say that I have a good grasp of the ideology of it as a whole, I’m going to be researching some of that for this series. However, the idea that all work together for the common good, which then in turn will benefit you, is a very, oddly enough, Christian idea. All should pitch in to make a better living for all. Community.

Capitalism, on the other hand and again oddly enough, is built upon a very non-Christian idea: Work for the good of yourself, which in turn should benefit society. Self-centered vs. others-centered. Here in America, it is well known that we hail capitalism and the free-market system as the solution to the worlds problems. But is it a system worthy of the followers of Christ?

Capitalism works, or has worked very well in the past for one reason in my opinion: It is a system designed to work on the principal that man is selfish. Its the perfect system for a world of sinful, selfish people.

After an entire night of talking over a wide variety of very interesting subjects with my new housemate, James, I have thought through something else as well. Only one thing was necessary for a Biblically historical account of a “Fall” to make sense: the entrance of selfishness into Man’s desires. A change from desiring the good for either someone else or for all others before one’s self, to a desiring of the betterment of one’s self above all others. This single change in perspective, in my opinion, can account for all sin or evil in the world, aside from things like natural disaster and the like, which, even so, may be attributable to man’s poor management and use of the earth. Another topic for another time.

Back to the topic at hand, communism has failed historically because ultimately, someone, somewhere gets the idea that this system is exploitable for his/her own good. Because of this, the people who are then taken advantage of, suffer miserably under the hand of tyranny. Then dissent leads to revolution and the downfall of a system. All stemming, again only in my opinion, from selfishness.

So what is the solution? Not so fast, we’ve barely begun! And its getting near 3. But the answer is anarchy…. Not yet More to follow.

Meanwhile, you can all read Animal Farm, a decent, semi-humorous novel/commentary on communism in what most resembles the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Its a shorter read, although it is a book. See you all soon.

Time for the silence to be broken…

I think I’m hitting an interesting stage in life these days. I’m at a point, specifically now, when I have too many things I don’t want and need less of.

• Too much distance between me and my girlfriend.
• Too much competition in the job market.
• Too much time on my hands.
• Too many upcoming events that cost more than I can pay for.
• Too much to accomplish before other major life events can happen.

But here I am, simply waiting. It’s something God has often provided opportunities for. Perhaps I can add too much experience with patience to my list. And yet sometimes I still fail to learn how to practice the virtue consistently. So here we go again.

One thing I have realized, however, is that I have never been too far outside of my needs to hit desperation. I’ve been close, but never too far. And so I trust a God whom I believe to be all powerful and knowing what is best for me for the purpose of causing me to glorify him best yet holds me in his hands. He will yet provide. And even if He doesn’t, I will praise Him still.

So I wait.

Pray for me.

“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. ²¹And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”

“…Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?“

Don’t want to let the historic event pass without a little commentary. I am excited to live in a day and age when the inauguration of a black man to the presidency of the United States has been realized. I am a huge fan of Martin Luther King Jr. and the vision that he projected on our nation and the non-violent way in which he worked to progress that dream towards reality. To be alive during a time when such a dream has been partially fulfilled is something else. I do not think, unlike many of the news commentators, that this signals the end of racism or prejudice in this nation. I believe if anything, it showed how far we may have yet to go to be reconciled to one another and to judge a person “[not] by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” I think what this event shows is that we are taking the battle of public racism off the table in a sense and it now becomes much more of a personal battle, to break individuals of their prejudices and hatred of others, which is not something we can do by legislation. However, The inauguration of President Barack Obama shows that we are moving forward to where, at least corporately, we are willing to say as a nation that racism is not acceptable. This is a historic time to be sure and I am glad to have witnessed it.

I was asked at one point, “how does a Christian anarchist view this day.” It was asked in jest, but I think it is a serious question to evaluate, seeing as how I still think a somewhat unconventional form of anarchy is what I lean towards.

I think that I view a day like February 20th, 2009 with an appreciation of the historicity of such an event and with hope for the future as far as racial reconciliation. It still does not, however, give me hope for a better government. I do like much of what Obama has declared as his platform for his presidency, and I wish him the best in the sincerest way, in hopes that I am wrong about government and its seeming ability to corrupt and its many shortcomings to provide for what its citizens need. I am excited to see where the Obama administration takes the nation and how things change, for better or worse. However, I do not believe that Obama or anyone else, regardless of their skin color, will be able to change the course of the world for the better or provide our nation what we really need over the course of a presidency.

And what do we really need? The same things I don’t think that “simply” putting a black man in office will accomplish: A genuine love for our neighbor, a caring spirit to those in need, and MOST importantly, the name of Jesus to be proclaimed. These are things that need to be changed on an individual level, with the Church of God leading the way in showing love, in caring for the hurting, and in spreading news that Jesus, not Obama, saves.

So pray for our nation, our new President, our Church, and ourselves, that we would turn from our wicked ways, seek the Lord’s face and that he would turn and heal our land.

…missed

(or here)

This is an incredibly interesting look at looking at what the Bible says and how we interpret it. Definitely not a Christian point of view, but a very insightful look. Its almost 18min, but definitely worth it. His book sounds really interesting as well: My Year of Living Biblically. Watch it if you have a chance.

[From A.J. Jacobs' year of living biblically | Video on TED.com]

I had the pleasure of eating lunch with my pastor Jimmy Mann today. Every time the man speaks, wisdom and experience pours forth like none other. I can’t express enough how indebted I am to this man for the three years I have had to serve under his leadership at All Nations Bible Fellowship at 1510 North Main St. His example of tireless, endless ministry and unwavering focus on Jesus and the mission that he has been sent on, is unbelievable. And he never ceases to be an encouragement to me and his people.

We ate and talked for an hour and a half or so, over the state of Dayton, the immensity of the mission, the influence of death on life, and relationships. The whole time I could see he was exhausted. He works full time as a chaplain at Good Samaritan hospital in Dayton, and on top of that, he is involved in well over a dozen other ministries throughout Dayton, not to mention his pastorship of the church. And the two have blended into a very interesting mix. His ministry at the hospital has formed his philosophy of ministry in the city. He has often told me that the church is to be much like the hospital, open to care for the hurts of the world 24/7. And Pastor Mann lives that. You will never find him unwilling to drop everything to care for the needs of someone/anyone in his path or who comes to his door. And I can’t understand how. How does he live so sacrificially, so uncaring for your own needs and desires? And the secret lies deeply embedded in his unswerving focus on Jesus and the Gospel. They are forever on the forefront of his mind.

For example, today as we ate lunch, we talked about how all throughout the world, and especially in Dayton, people are hungry for Jesus, even if they don’t know it. We discussed how a situation like the one we were in, being served by the waiter at the Thai restaurant we were at, could be used as an opportunity to always speak the Gospel, how easy it would be to simply ask the waiter if he had ever eaten the Bread of Life.

And then Pastor Mann did it.

And after a few minutes of talking with the young man, James, Pastor Mann told him that he needed Jesus, and he would bring a Bible and a study guide by the next day, and would bring him to church, and James seemed incredibly thankful and eager! He said he’d love to give Pastor Mann his number, address, anything he needed. And he walked away with a funny bounce in his step. It was incredible to witness. Pastor Mann is always talking about doing this, about how easy it is to move the conversations this way. And here he was living that out… And now there is a whole new opportunity to share the Gospel with this young man.

I’ve been studying 1 Peter for the past few months, partly out of my own fascination and partly because I’m teaching it to the AN adult Sunday School class. I’ve been amazed to see Peter call attention again and again to the Gospel, at least four times over four chapters. Moreover he continually reminds his audience to have their minds focused on Christ, to revolve all they are around him, to follow in his footsteps.

And this I see lived out in Pastor Mann. Peter even explains how men like him, who serve so tirelessly can keep at it:

Whoever serves, serves as one who serves by the strength that God supplies — in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

And I think there is no way to live that sacrificially, to put ALL aside for others. And here is a man who has done it, living out Scriptures to the fullest, and its really challenging, mostly because now I have no excuse not to do the same. I could have before slated Scriptures like that to something done in a bygone era, or to those “radical” Christians. But here is a man in whom I have had a living example of the very thing Peter has called Christians to live out.

I love and hate that.

Because of Jimmy Mann and how God has used him in Dayton, I know I cannot do anything less. Somebody, somebody please keep me accountable to this. I will hate myself forever if I spend my life on myself. God help me from pursuing anything less than Himself and His Kingdom.

I had an interesting thought as I continue to read those who speak from a pacifistic point of view, namely, the anabaptists. I don’t know much about them, but the values they hold and the ideas they spread are speak a lot about what I think in terms of pacifism, social justice and care, and community. I read some stuff at the Jesus Manifesto site (which never fails to be a source of insight and inspiration) this evening in talking about a new startup community dedicated to a core set of values:

• The way of Jesus is nonviolent at its core.
• Jesus calls communities to continue in the way of life he set for us.
• The way of Jesus is prophetic, creative, and dynamic.
• The Spirit of Jesus is stirring a creative, prophetic church that resists Empire wherever it is found.
• Repenting of our desire for power and control, our movement embraces the diverse groups of people that share in these convictions.

The one that stuck out (twice) in this list was the prophetic voice that is needed. For a long time, in fact to this day, I’ve been told that “the gifts of prophecy (oh, and tongues) died after the 1st century.” But I’ve really been unsure that I actually agree with that for a while now. What I find interesting about the note of prophecy that I wonder about is if it isn’t extremely applicable for today. The difference I would see is that we are not proclaiming prophecy of a new kind or new revelations given to us from God, but rather the prophecies that already exist. Should we not be about proclaiming the coming judgement? The coming of the new Kingdom with its Just Judge at the head? Shouldn’t we tremble and weep for those who don’t know about the coming destruction? People of God, prophecy like it has never been needed before! In an age when Christianity is quickly becoming the non-norm of our society (an excellent thing in my opinion), as we launch into a PostChristian era, it is time like never before to tell the world that life is short, that the end is near.

Be about prophecy my friends. Come soon, Lord Jesus.

Malachi 3:5

Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the LORD of hosts.

Matthew 13:11-15

And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:

“‘You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.
For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’

With a little bit of time in the bank after a crazy three days of trying to get everything done before fall break, I find myself with an early morning and nothing to do with no one around. So, as I tend to do I let my mind wander… My mind takes me, as it has often of late, to the political, the many things I hear and read about what is happening to our world, and a shift that may be occurring in a few weeks on November 4th. Some of this is a response to an article by my friend and fellow blogger, the oft-quoted Kevin Cole.

I have been studying through a mix of the Gospels, focusing on the way that Jesus chose to disciple his… well disciples, namely focusing on Peter, and then also in the book of 1 Peter. In the mix between these books, there is a story of radical transformation that occurs. One would never guess that the Peter who wrote the letter named after him to have been the one whom Jesus had to tell: “Get behind me, Satan” because of his politically subversive vision and his ideas of what “the Christ” meant.

In Mark 8:27-38, we find Jesus having just brought his disciples through an incredibly intense training session. Back in chapter 4, the question was asked, “Who is the Jesus fellow?” Jesus proceeds to answer that question, testing his disciples along the way, until finally, the disciples having had to take the class twice, and failing both times, we come to Peter’s confession: “You are the Christ.” Immediately afterwards, we find that what Peter meant by that, was that he was the one who was going to be bringing a kingdom in opposition to the Roman government, because as Jesus begins to talk of his death under that government, Peter rebukes him. Jesus quickly proceeds to flip everything that any of his followers were expecting on its head to say: If you want to be a part of the kingdom I am bringing, you must submit, even to this government, even to the point of death! What a crushing blow for all of them! In the heart of every Jewish man and boy was probably an intense hatred for the occupying nation, and Jesus tells them, using the ultimate symbol of Roman authority and means of submission no less — the cross — you must be willing to submit. However, Jesus does not seem to be talking submission to the Roman government, though that is perhaps part of it. Rather he speaks of submission to the will of God, for the sake of himself and the Gospel, whatever that might mean.

This comes at an interesting point in my life… I have begun to realize that I really dislike politics and government. That I feel we are living under an incredibly ineffectual and corrupt society, that the government is either powerless to stop, or completely in bed with. I deeply despise the people who hold our government up, especially within Christianity itself, as something we can have hope in to change the world for good. Those that place hope in one candidate or another, saying that this one or that one will turn our nation around and bring us back to God. I find myself on the side of Peter, perhaps, in a day when I long for governments to be overthrown, and for the kingdom of God to return to restore peace, true justice, unquestionable authority, and morality to society. I want to be one of the agents of overthrow. If there’s a revolution, sign me up!

But I find in 1 Peter, the effect that Jesus’ words and example had upon this young hothead of the Gospels. There is an overwhelming tone of patience and peace from Peter. He tells us that we are looking forward to our salvation, that it is yet to come, that we are now called to be prepared, full of hope, separated from a world gone horribly awry, knowing that a judge is coming, one who has already redeemed us from this world, although not removed us from it. Again and again he speaks of the coming salvation and our hope in it. I see in Peter, one who has not removed himself from the longing for the overthrow of the government, but rather knows that the True King has promised to return, “in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. (Mark 8:38)” and that in the mean time, he is making us into the people who will be a part of that new and perfect empire. He tells us we are to live in submission, but yet as those who have no ties to earthly governments. We are free! Free to live as though we are already part of that new kingdom.

Peter is an anarchist of the truest kind. Not one who is simply seeking to overthrow government for the sake of putting down authority, but rather one who is seeking to undermine the holds of these earthly empires for the sake of living for the coming Kingdom. He calls us to live under the system around us, even to submit to it. At the same time, he calls us to put aside ties to it, to live in freedom, freedom to live as God has called us to, especially when that runs counter to what our government calls morality. We are not to hold to the freedom we as a nation claim to export all over the world with war and a brand of terrorism that is carried out in the name of democracy, the freedom we believe “everyone has a right to”. Rather to live as though we had been bought out of slavery to be the slaves of God, the servants of a new and better way, to call for others to do the same, to yell at the top of our lungs that the world around us is imploding… to make way for the coming King.

So if you have made it this far, this is why I am not voting in this coming election. I am simply refusing to support, symbolically, effectually or otherwise (sorry Kevin , something I know that gains me nothing, something I know that either way, I would rather not have, regardless of which side I may agree with on more policies than not. Ultimately I know I will be disappointed by either candidate and the way they conduct government.

In the mean time, I want to be a part of quietly undermining the government by spreading the rumors of a new and better one that is to come at the return of Jesus Christ, who died and rose again so that I could be an unworthy citizen of it. I am an anarchist for the coming kingdom. Hows that for paradox?

Come soon, Lord Jesus.

Processing a lot of thoughts on this right now, but I found this excellent quote from a book entitled: Jesus and Marx: From Gospel to Ideology by Jacques Ellul. More thoughts on this quote will come later on. Right now, just the quote. Feel free to respond before my response to it comes.

Concerning another of Bakunin’s points, it is true that Christianity in

the form of a religion (with an All-Powerful God) has supported the

established order. Here again we discover a major distortion stemming

in part from the institutionalization of the Church (which went from being

an assembly of people united only by love, in the same faith, to being an

organization with power). As the institutionalization of the Church

hardens so does its dogmatism: truth considered as a possession (in

which case it ceases to be truth) leads to judgment and condemnation.

Love when institutionalized produces authority and hierarchy.

I think I’ve mentioned before my “anti-institutionalization” of the church position before. This says it better than I ever could. I wouldn’t have thought to find my anarchist leanings stemming from my views on the institutional church, but looking at it now, it is a very logical progression of thought. Interesting…