This year past has given me the chance to re-examine some of my political views. One in particular I have thought through is shifting... Economic policies.
Please don’t read this like I know what I talking about, because my understanding of Economics and Politics is, admittedly, limited. In college, I once had an MACRO-economics class and did not understand why I was so lost and failing the class, until I realized I bought a MIRCO-economics book. So, much for my career in the BIG Business.
Anyway, here are my thoughts:
I used to think a good way to stimulate the economy and raise the standard of living for people in the United States was to give tax breaks to big companies, allow them certain cost saving concessions and to make sure they grow and expand. All of this with the hope that these companies could employee more people, make better products and increase wages and benefits. I think this would be called “trickle down” economics. Pour time and money in at the top and the people at the bottom will eventually benefit.
Here is the problem with this kind of thinking: Greed! Businesses and Corporations exist to make money, bottom line! Forget better products, forget customer service and forget about employee care. These are only a means to an end. Money drives business. So, if we allow tax break, saving concessions and other financial win falls for business, at the expense of direct help to the people, I suspect, due to greed, the people at the bottom will never see the benefits given at the top. When the point is to make money, why give it away? The only reason would be in the hope that what you spend on wages/benefits, innovations and customer service will return in increased profits and more money. Our sinful propensity towards greed will not allow us to altruistly pass on to others the good that we receive.
On the other hand, greed works the same for “bottom up” economics, but with a little different outcome.
If government polices were in place to give tax breaks and stimulus packages to the people, along with increase minimum wages increase, people would have more money and with more control of how it is handled. However, because we are greedy and jealous, we most likely would spend it because we saw the new Wii House Cleaning is out or that our friend has a 47 inch LCD TV and we don’t. In the end Americans are not good at reducing debt or increasing savings. Most often when we receive a financial break, a raise or an economic upswing, we find ways to exhaust the boon. This helps out the business and corporations as we spend our money at the Apple Store, Wal-Mart or Home Depot. Greed will not allow us to be content with what we have when the potential to have more is at our fingertips!
Greed cuts both ways: one to hold and horde and the other spend and satisfy. At least with “bottom up” economics we only have ourselves to blame for our debt and inability to live securely with peace of mind.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Bible Translations
I am thinking about switching the Bible translation that I use for everyday use. Normally, I use the NASB, but an finding that over the years Scripture has not stuck in my head. The reason for this is partly do to the NASB and partly do to me. A few years ago I began to understand I am concrete learner who has difficulty grasping abstract concepts. So, having a translation of the Bible that is clearer when read is going to aid me more than one that is ridged. I have valued the accuracy over the readability, but now and looking for an everyday translation that has the best of both worlds.
When I "study" the Bible I use a multiple of translations for comparison and insight. So I am not limiting myself to one translation. I am hoping to land on a version I can read, understand and memorize more easily.
I have heard a lot about the new ESV (English Standard Version), but do not need all the study tools in it. Also, it costs from $50 to $240!
The other Bible I am looking at is not yet finished. When I was completing seminary one of my professors (David Alan Black) was on the translation committee for a new version of the Bible. As a gift the entire graduating class was given a "preview" copy of the New Testament in this new translation (which I have come to use on a regular basis). The Old Testament is still being worked on. This version is called the International Standard Version (ISV). The ISV is hoping to capture the accuracy of the NASB with even more readability than the NIV.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Uninformed Voters
Through this election my oldest son has been interested in the race for President. Even as far back as the primaries Jacob has been noticing political commercials and signs. Early on he clued into the fact that Portland did not have many McCain signs, but a whole bunch of Obama signs in front yards. He watched some of the VP debate and liked it. He regularly asks us who we are going to vote for.
For some reason Jacob has locked on to McCain as his choice. Don't think it is because he over hears Mom and Dad discussing politics around the house, because we don't! I don't even know who or what Debra votes for or against. There has been something Jacob has picked up on that make him favor McCain.
One night at dinner, I decide to quiz Jacob on his political rationals for McCain. I asked, "So why would you vote for McCain?" He could not give me a reason. I asked "What do you know about his views, beliefs, and policies?" Jake mentioned voted McCain voted against Wall Street 100 times! He regurgitated a commercial! "Those are a good source of trustworthy insight and information" I thought. I explained to him you want to choose a President based on leadership abilities, experience and solutions to issues and one who understands to how the best plan for our nation, despite their party affiliations.
In light of this, I flipped the question around and asked, "What is it you don't like Obama?" The only thing he could point to was an off hand comment made by Debra in the van one day. That is it! No real information for or against his biases. My son would be a completely uniformed voter (with good reason, he is only 9 years old).
So, when I came across this clip from the Howard Stern show it make me wonder, "How many adult voters are as uninformed politically as my 9 year old?"
Now, I could care less about color. I believe there is only one race, the Human Race, but this is crazy. People are not paying attention.
Get a voter guide! Read it. Study it! Prayer about it! Know what you are doing when you vote (either way).
(P.S. If you listen to the longer version of this clip you will find they did the same thing to a McCain supporter too. It cuts both way! Just watch out for a few F-bombs. It is satellite radio after all.)
For some reason Jacob has locked on to McCain as his choice. Don't think it is because he over hears Mom and Dad discussing politics around the house, because we don't! I don't even know who or what Debra votes for or against. There has been something Jacob has picked up on that make him favor McCain.
One night at dinner, I decide to quiz Jacob on his political rationals for McCain. I asked, "So why would you vote for McCain?" He could not give me a reason. I asked "What do you know about his views, beliefs, and policies?" Jake mentioned voted McCain voted against Wall Street 100 times! He regurgitated a commercial! "Those are a good source of trustworthy insight and information" I thought. I explained to him you want to choose a President based on leadership abilities, experience and solutions to issues and one who understands to how the best plan for our nation, despite their party affiliations.
In light of this, I flipped the question around and asked, "What is it you don't like Obama?" The only thing he could point to was an off hand comment made by Debra in the van one day. That is it! No real information for or against his biases. My son would be a completely uniformed voter (with good reason, he is only 9 years old).
So, when I came across this clip from the Howard Stern show it make me wonder, "How many adult voters are as uninformed politically as my 9 year old?"
Now, I could care less about color. I believe there is only one race, the Human Race, but this is crazy. People are not paying attention.
Get a voter guide! Read it. Study it! Prayer about it! Know what you are doing when you vote (either way).
(P.S. If you listen to the longer version of this clip you will find they did the same thing to a McCain supporter too. It cuts both way! Just watch out for a few F-bombs. It is satellite radio after all.)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Class with D.A. Carson: Day 4
Historical Theology:
*More than church history.
*Studies the Systematic Theology of a particular culture and age.
*Studies the Systematic Theology as it morphs across time.
*Focuses on the BIG structures of though.
The Subject of History is Important to Christianity:
*Biblical Christianity has a unique relationship to history in that it is as historical revelation(coming within the context of time and space).
*Historical awareness must be apart of the preaching focus, asking "What has God done in space in time?"
Relevance of Historical Theology to Preaching:
*Historical Theology is the discipline that informs us of the exegeses and Systematic Theology of previous ages, thus a simple understanding of this knowledge connects the church across the ages.Historical Theology teaches how certain issues become central in certain ages.
*Historical Theology reveals God has more light to shed from his most holy (although not esoteric secrets!)
*Historical Theology reminds us that some errors and heresies reoccur, albeit with modifications.
*Historical Theology provides a plethora of moving and useful illustrations that enrich exposition while drawing believers in to a bigger world.
*Historical Theology promotes cultural reflection on your location.
*Historical Theology teaches how often believers have lost the gospel, whether by addition or subtraction.
Pastoral Theology and Preaching:
*All biblically faithful theology should be pastoral (building up).
*Pastoral Theology asks pastoral questions of our theology.
*Pastoral Theology is a perspective in all theological reflection focusing on the applicability to all people.
*Pastoral Theology cultivates compassion
*Pastoral Theology cultivates an understanding of people and their needs in Biblical categories.
*Pastoral Theology cultivates a knowledge of the diversity of people in your congregations, gathering or communities.
*Pastoral Theology cultivates a prepared mind and heart for turning points in peoples lives.
*Pastoral Theology cultivates a rapid automatic turn to Jesus (God, Jesus, the cross and the resurrection).
"D,d,d,do,do,do,do, you see?"
*More than church history.
*Studies the Systematic Theology of a particular culture and age.
*Studies the Systematic Theology as it morphs across time.
*Focuses on the BIG structures of though.
The Subject of History is Important to Christianity:
*Biblical Christianity has a unique relationship to history in that it is as historical revelation(coming within the context of time and space).
*Historical awareness must be apart of the preaching focus, asking "What has God done in space in time?"
Relevance of Historical Theology to Preaching:
*Historical Theology is the discipline that informs us of the exegeses and Systematic Theology of previous ages, thus a simple understanding of this knowledge connects the church across the ages.Historical Theology teaches how certain issues become central in certain ages.
*Historical Theology reveals God has more light to shed from his most holy (although not esoteric secrets!)
*Historical Theology reminds us that some errors and heresies reoccur, albeit with modifications.
*Historical Theology provides a plethora of moving and useful illustrations that enrich exposition while drawing believers in to a bigger world.
*Historical Theology promotes cultural reflection on your location.
*Historical Theology teaches how often believers have lost the gospel, whether by addition or subtraction.
Pastoral Theology and Preaching:
*All biblically faithful theology should be pastoral (building up).
*Pastoral Theology asks pastoral questions of our theology.
*Pastoral Theology is a perspective in all theological reflection focusing on the applicability to all people.
*Pastoral Theology cultivates compassion
*Pastoral Theology cultivates an understanding of people and their needs in Biblical categories.
*Pastoral Theology cultivates a knowledge of the diversity of people in your congregations, gathering or communities.
*Pastoral Theology cultivates a prepared mind and heart for turning points in peoples lives.
*Pastoral Theology cultivates a rapid automatic turn to Jesus (God, Jesus, the cross and the resurrection).
"D,d,d,do,do,do,do, you see?"
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Quote of the Week
"With any 'ism' you have to know when to use it and when to fight against it."
-D.A. Carson
(in a discussion on Postmodernism.)
-D.A. Carson
(in a discussion on Postmodernism.)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Class with D.A. Carson: Day 3
We got moving again yesterday.
Early on we started with a review of Postmodernity, by looking at Pre-Modernity and Modernity. All three of these have their good and bad points.
Pre:
*Virtually universal thought that there is a G/god, which is isomorphic to the biblical God.
*Human knowledge is a subset of God's perfect knowledge.
*God's perfect knowledge is thus revelation.
Modern:
*Rene Descartes begins with "I." Cogito ergo sum: I think therefore I am.
*From here we need to assess G/god, since we no longer start with G/god.
*Assumed solid knowledge was achievable, possible and desirable. This knowledge was foundational.
*Things were methodologically controlled. Have the right methodology, add the solid knowledge and out comes truth.
*Assumed the truth discovered is universal and not culturally dependent.
Post:
*Takes Modern thought and turns them on their head.
*Says the beginning “I” is not stable
*Truth is not stable, but is culturally located.
*Anti-foundationalist- the foundations for truth are faulty
*No universal truth claims- “whoever claims universal truth is trying to manipulate,” even the one making this statement.
*Starts with the same “I,” thus is not “Post” but “Ultra” modernism. Modernism on steroids.
*Has two parts these days
1) Hard Post- strict adherence to the idea there is not truth other then personal truth.
2) Soft Post- you might see the truth but without certainty.
More later...
Early on we started with a review of Postmodernity, by looking at Pre-Modernity and Modernity. All three of these have their good and bad points.
Pre:
*Virtually universal thought that there is a G/god, which is isomorphic to the biblical God.
*Human knowledge is a subset of God's perfect knowledge.
*God's perfect knowledge is thus revelation.
Modern:
*Rene Descartes begins with "I." Cogito ergo sum: I think therefore I am.
*From here we need to assess G/god, since we no longer start with G/god.
*Assumed solid knowledge was achievable, possible and desirable. This knowledge was foundational.
*Things were methodologically controlled. Have the right methodology, add the solid knowledge and out comes truth.
*Assumed the truth discovered is universal and not culturally dependent.
Post:
*Takes Modern thought and turns them on their head.
*Says the beginning “I” is not stable
*Truth is not stable, but is culturally located.
*Anti-foundationalist- the foundations for truth are faulty
*No universal truth claims- “whoever claims universal truth is trying to manipulate,” even the one making this statement.
*Starts with the same “I,” thus is not “Post” but “Ultra” modernism. Modernism on steroids.
*Has two parts these days
1) Hard Post- strict adherence to the idea there is not truth other then personal truth.
2) Soft Post- you might see the truth but without certainty.
More later...
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Class with D.A. Carson: Day 2
Today we did not cover as much ground as yesterday.
Class was interrupted by the Spurgeon Fellowship Lectures.
Dr. Todd Miles (a theology professor at Western Seminary) lectured on how emergent and emerging churches (yes, I know, just go with it) are making the social justice message more prevalent than the gospel message. Miles presented a paper called, "A Kingdom Without a King: Evaluating the Kingdom Ethic(s) of the Emerging Church" at the 2007 ETS National Conference, from which his lecture was taken.
Also, D.A. Carson lectured on "A Pastoral Theology of Suffering and Evil." In short it had to do with developing a preemptive theology for the inevitable times when we suffer and are struck by evil (both moral and natural). It was a good reminder about death and the cross. Not P.C. but valuable.
However, in class we did begin to discuss what impact systematic theology has on preaching.
Carson compared biblical theology to systematic stating systematic theology is ordered logically, topically and a-temporally.
We only scratched the surface on this, with more to come tomorrow.
Class was interrupted by the Spurgeon Fellowship Lectures.
Dr. Todd Miles (a theology professor at Western Seminary) lectured on how emergent and emerging churches (yes, I know, just go with it) are making the social justice message more prevalent than the gospel message. Miles presented a paper called, "A Kingdom Without a King: Evaluating the Kingdom Ethic(s) of the Emerging Church" at the 2007 ETS National Conference, from which his lecture was taken.
Also, D.A. Carson lectured on "A Pastoral Theology of Suffering and Evil." In short it had to do with developing a preemptive theology for the inevitable times when we suffer and are struck by evil (both moral and natural). It was a good reminder about death and the cross. Not P.C. but valuable.
However, in class we did begin to discuss what impact systematic theology has on preaching.
Carson compared biblical theology to systematic stating systematic theology is ordered logically, topically and a-temporally.
We only scratched the surface on this, with more to come tomorrow.
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Obamica: Get your's today!
"Obamica" Yarmulke
$15.95 $12.75
Save: 20% off
Endorse your favorite presidential candidate with this clever yarmulke! One side of the Obamica suede kippah has an Obama campaign logo with the words "Obamica 08" and the other side says "My Bubby is voting Obama."
Brian, you better get one before they are gone!
Just to be fair, here is the other side of the aisle
"John McCain is Zayer Shain; which is Yiddish for "John McCain is great".
Class with D.A. Carson: Day 1
This week I have the opportunity to study expository preaching with D.A. Carson, research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois.
Today was our first class and it was great! Now, I don’t agree with everything D.A. Carson says, but I do think he is an amazingly gifted scholar who I can learn an incredible amount from.
We started out talking about how preaching needs to be defined functionally and theologically. Meaning, preaching is defined by what is happening and why and not by where and when. With this in mind preaching is verbal/oral communication in which the following are true:
* It is God’s gracious self-disclosure. The Bible is our content and Jesus is our focus.
* It is biblical truth mediated through human personality
* It is to perused, encourage, rebuke instruct in righteousness, evoke a human response to the God who is its content.
* It goal is the glory of God and the calling forth, as well as the edification of the church.
* It has a “heraldic” emphasis.
It is at this point Carson tipped his hand in that he is firm believer that the best form of preaching is monologue preaching. “God has ordained that men and women are saved by the things we preach, not by the things we talk about, discuss or share.” Here is one of our disagreements.
After lunch we spent our time discussing preaching viewed through the lens of biblical theology. Biblical Theology is the foundational starting point of expository preaching. This does not exclude systematic, historical or pastoral theology, but biblical theology, Carson argues, comes first.
Biblical theology asks two questions what does a particular book of the Bible contribute to Scripture’s over all understanding of the subject at hand. It does not ask what is the nature and character of God (this would be systematic theology), but what does, for example, Isaiah say about the nature and character of God? The second question biblical theology asks is, “How does this information play into the canonical frame work of Scripture or into redemptive history as a whole?”
It is interesting taking a preaching class from a New Testament theologian, as opposed to a homiletician. Today we spent the majority of our time learning to interpret Scripture (hermeneutics) and less time figuring out how to preach Scripture (homiletics). This backs up what I have said for while; preaching can be divided into to tasks: knowing what to say and knowing how to say it. I believe preaching should concentrate more on (even if only 51%) on what to say, than how we say it. Both are vitally important, but I would rather deliver a true and boring message than creatively preach what is inaccurate and false.
More tomorrow…
Today was our first class and it was great! Now, I don’t agree with everything D.A. Carson says, but I do think he is an amazingly gifted scholar who I can learn an incredible amount from.
We started out talking about how preaching needs to be defined functionally and theologically. Meaning, preaching is defined by what is happening and why and not by where and when. With this in mind preaching is verbal/oral communication in which the following are true:
* It is God’s gracious self-disclosure. The Bible is our content and Jesus is our focus.
* It is biblical truth mediated through human personality
* It is to perused, encourage, rebuke instruct in righteousness, evoke a human response to the God who is its content.
* It goal is the glory of God and the calling forth, as well as the edification of the church.
* It has a “heraldic” emphasis.
It is at this point Carson tipped his hand in that he is firm believer that the best form of preaching is monologue preaching. “God has ordained that men and women are saved by the things we preach, not by the things we talk about, discuss or share.” Here is one of our disagreements.
After lunch we spent our time discussing preaching viewed through the lens of biblical theology. Biblical Theology is the foundational starting point of expository preaching. This does not exclude systematic, historical or pastoral theology, but biblical theology, Carson argues, comes first.
Biblical theology asks two questions what does a particular book of the Bible contribute to Scripture’s over all understanding of the subject at hand. It does not ask what is the nature and character of God (this would be systematic theology), but what does, for example, Isaiah say about the nature and character of God? The second question biblical theology asks is, “How does this information play into the canonical frame work of Scripture or into redemptive history as a whole?”
It is interesting taking a preaching class from a New Testament theologian, as opposed to a homiletician. Today we spent the majority of our time learning to interpret Scripture (hermeneutics) and less time figuring out how to preach Scripture (homiletics). This backs up what I have said for while; preaching can be divided into to tasks: knowing what to say and knowing how to say it. I believe preaching should concentrate more on (even if only 51%) on what to say, than how we say it. Both are vitally important, but I would rather deliver a true and boring message than creatively preach what is inaccurate and false.
More tomorrow…
Friday, October 10, 2008
A breath of fresh air and a face full of smoke...
Last night we (Chris, Bob and I) had the chance to a sit and talk with like minded pastor/church planter types at the Moon and Sixpence Pub. Dan, Rob and Matt are tied with Christian Associates, a predominantly European church planter organization seeking to reach into the States. Dan I have know causally for a few years since we both moved to Portland in the past couple years. Rob and Matt were new to me. We quickly shared our stories by way of introduction and then headed in to the evening's conversation... "saving the world."
Over pints, chips and sausage rolls we talk about church planting and the passion we all have for developing missional communities. We spent some time talking about the proper order for establishing these communities: Our Christology should inform our Missiology which in turn shapes Ecclesiology.
We talked about being "unconverted." Facing the reality that we need to deconstruct some of our religious upbringing and jump back into the world. For far too long we (the church) have stayed segregated from the world, knowing how to function in it, but not knowing (or caring) how to relate to it.
I picked up a ruler to measure success in creating missional communities: Indigenous Leadership. When a community sees people move from birth to leadership within it sphere of influence and responsibility, they have reached a measure of success. When those who came into a community without a relationship to Jesus are moved along in their spiritual journey and are now seen as having come full circle by using their gifts and/or caring for or leading others within the same community, can a church know they have reached an oft unrealized maturity.
These and others nuggets were a breath of fresh air bring hope to my soul. It was good to met new travelers and to develop new partnership. It was a cool evening to share ideas and provoke each other to radical living (despite all the smoke from the cigars!)
Over pints, chips and sausage rolls we talk about church planting and the passion we all have for developing missional communities. We spent some time talking about the proper order for establishing these communities: Our Christology should inform our Missiology which in turn shapes Ecclesiology.
We talked about being "unconverted." Facing the reality that we need to deconstruct some of our religious upbringing and jump back into the world. For far too long we (the church) have stayed segregated from the world, knowing how to function in it, but not knowing (or caring) how to relate to it.
I picked up a ruler to measure success in creating missional communities: Indigenous Leadership. When a community sees people move from birth to leadership within it sphere of influence and responsibility, they have reached a measure of success. When those who came into a community without a relationship to Jesus are moved along in their spiritual journey and are now seen as having come full circle by using their gifts and/or caring for or leading others within the same community, can a church know they have reached an oft unrealized maturity.
These and others nuggets were a breath of fresh air bring hope to my soul. It was good to met new travelers and to develop new partnership. It was a cool evening to share ideas and provoke each other to radical living (despite all the smoke from the cigars!)
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Quote of the Week
"Truth in a sinful world is always controversial."
L. Russ Bush in Classical Readings in Christian Apologetics: A.D. 100-1800
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Personal Promise Bible
Personal Promise Bible
"Have you ever inserted your name as you read the Bible to make it more personal? Now you can experience the reality of God's love and promises in a way you never thought possible. In the Personal Promise Bible, you will read your first name personalized in over 5,000 places throughout the New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs, over 7,000 places throughout the complete Old and New Testaments."
First name (5,000 places)
Last name (50 places)
Spouse's name, if applicable (150 places)
And for all you married Christian player'z out there, just image the romantic evening that would follow after your spouse reads Song of Solomon personalized (examples: 1:13, 7:8)!
Might make a great anniversary or birthday gift!
Wow, who thought this was a good idea!
"Have you ever inserted your name as you read the Bible to make it more personal? Now you can experience the reality of God's love and promises in a way you never thought possible. In the Personal Promise Bible, you will read your first name personalized in over 5,000 places throughout the New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs, over 7,000 places throughout the complete Old and New Testaments."
First name (5,000 places)
Last name (50 places)
Spouse's name, if applicable (150 places)
And for all you married Christian player'z out there, just image the romantic evening that would follow after your spouse reads Song of Solomon personalized (examples: 1:13, 7:8)!
Might make a great anniversary or birthday gift!
Wow, who thought this was a good idea!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
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