Five Favorites

I thought I would change up how I link to other blogs and articles at the end of the week - I read so many that to link to all that I found interesting would just be too many. Instead, I have decided to give you my five favorite of the week.

As always, just because I link to a blog (or retweet) does not mean I necessarily agree with it - just that I found it interesting. So, in no particular order -

1. "Who Are You Sleeping With? (Sex at Evangelical Colleges)" from the Save OBU (Oklahoma Baptist University) blog. Jacob Lupfer writes about the sexual pressures of being a Christian, young adult - including a aspect of that topic that I am very interested in, when Evangelicals get married very young in order to have church approved sexual relationships.

2. Rachel Held Evans wrote "Why Progressive Christians Should Care About Abortion." For so many on both sides of the debate it is a black and white issue. Held Evans does a good job, as usual, of combing her personal experience and well-sourced arguments to encourage the reader to fully consider what their position means.

3. One of the main problems I have with Evangelical Christianity is that believers of this brand of faith often believe things with little to no understanding of why they believe them. Often, either a sermon or teaching has a certain emotional appeal that they buy into, or enough repetition and the teaching is implanted. This is not unique to Evangelicalism, but certainly one of its pitfalls. Since most people do not have the vocabulary to have a "theological" discussion in the academic sense, a post like, "You Don't Have a One-Track Mind; Why Would God?" by blogger "MMCKINNISS," does a good job of challenging a belief of how God perceives time. By foregoing the bulky language of academic theology in favor of an analogy, "MMCKINNIS" makes his ideas accessible to all.

4. It is no surprise that I really like Zack Hunt's "The American Jesus" blog. One post this week addresses how to treat people who don't profess a Christian faith, but has all of the characteristics of what a Christian person is expected to have. "What Do We Do With Non-Christians Who Act Like Christians?" is a little longer but worth the read.

5. I'll end this week's Five Favorites with a lighter post from Tony Jones at Theoblogy. He posted a picture of a fourth grade science exam from a Christian school in South Carolina and used it to start a discussion about how to talk to children about science and faith. Plus, if you saw last week, I have an affinity for pictures of Jesus with dinosaurs and he ends his post with one.

Did I miss a blog or article that you found particularly interesting? Leave it in the comments.

Four Travelers On A Road (Allegory)

This story is simply that - a story, it is not a theological statement. Like any story, especially an allegory, it is supposed to get you thinking and to start a conversation. Part of that conversation will continue tomorrow with a commentary on this story.

One day, four travelers met on the road. As they spoke with one another, the travelers realized they were all traveling to the same destination.

“Maybe it would be beneficial for us to travel together, to help one another in the difficulties that lie ahead” suggested THE FIRST TRAVELER.

THE SECOND TRAVELER said, “I will only be traveling on this road when I am not appearing on my television show, recording my radio show, promoting my books or not previously booked for a speaking engagement. At those times, I will travel this road with you. Allow me to speak a blessing over you---.” With that THE SECOND TRAVELER left to attend to his various ministries.

THE THIRD TRAVELER said, “I will travel this road, since it has been ordained by God that this is my path. If it is God's will that this is your path as well, we will travel this road together.”

THE FOURTH TRAVELER said, “I will travel with you all as well – as long as there is no appearance of evil. Will you be drinking or dancing on this path? I cannot be near that for it may weaken my testimony.

So, the travelers set out on their way, walking beside one another, but not really together. THE FIRST TRAVELER walked the path, THE SECOND TRAVELER only joined them on the path when he wasn't busy attending other matters and THE THIRD and FOURTH TRAVELERS always seemed to walk the path a few paces away from everyone else.

They walked along and eventually came upon a homeless man, sitting beside the road begging for money. As they approached, the homeless man said, “Spare any change?”

THE FOURTH TRAVELER thought to himself, “I cannot give him any money, he may use it to buy drugs or alcohol. Besides, we are called to be good stewards of our finances and giving my money to this man is not a wise investment.” He said to the homeless man while tightly clutching his wallet, “I'm sorry, I have none to spare.”

THE THIRD TRAVELER pondered on it for a moment and considered various Bible verses and teachings on the poor. He thought of his own church and the people there who were less fortunate and decided that helping God's people was more important. To the homeless man he said, “I don't have anything for you now, but come to my church. Hear the Good News and we will take care of you.”

Without much thought, THE SECOND TRAVELER said, “God wants to provide for you! He wants you to have everything you need, and more! 'My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus!' For a small seed gift, I will give you this Living Water^TM. This is the Living Water of God, it will sustain you and if you truly have faith, God's blessings will flow forth!”

THE FIRST TRAVELER took what little money he had and gave it to the homeless man. “I don't have much, but you can have it. You look cold too, please take my coat to keep warm. Your shoes look worn through, and I am sure it is not easy to walk with them. Take my shoes so you may walk more comfortably. If I have anything else you may need, it is yours, just ask.”

The homeless man thanked THE FIRST TRAVELER and the travelers were on their way.

For awhile their travels were uneventful. THE SECOND TRAVELER, true to his word, would often leave to attend his own affairs only to return some time later. As the travelers walked along in awkward tension, sometimes they spoke with one another. Even when they were in agreement, which wasn't as often as they pretended, they still harbored a secret suspicion that the others had a fundamentally flawed view of their journey. Occasionally, they would rest from walking and eat with one another, but more often they just continued to walk next to one another, but not really together.

After awhile they were able to see a city down the road. As they approached, they could see some of the buildings had collapsed and fires had broken out in various places. Even nearer, the travelers could hear cries and screams of the people – some who needed help and others grieving for the dead. They continued walking and it became clear the city had suffered a devastating earthquake.

THE FIRST TRAVELER sprinted into the town and began removing rubble, searching for the injured.

From his television studio, THE SECOND TRAVELER, appeared on a news broadcast about the tragedy. He was asked what his part in the relief efforts were. “Obviously, we want to help. I see my part as spreading the word that help is needed and inspiring my viewers and listeners to be a part of that relief effort. At our revival meetings we are setting up 24-hour prayer rooms to pray for the victims of the earthquake and we are believing God for miracles. In fact, people who have taken our Miracles Class^TM are now being mobilized to go there and heal the injured, raise the dead and preach the Word of God. We have already been blessed by prophecies that God will pour out his Spirit in the wake of this tragedy and use it to bring people into the fold.”

Standing at a distance, THE THIRD TRAVELER said, “The movements of the earth are God's alone to command. Neither 'Mother Nature' nor Satan himself have the ability to move the earth without God's say-so. It is God's will for the earth to quake. And we, as people of God, must tell the world that this and every earthquake is God's divine warning for a corrupt people to repent and commit their lives to Jesus.”

Just outside the city, THE FOURTH TRAVELER shouted at rescue workers racing in to help, “Your moral depravity has brought this upon yourselves! You kill millions of babies and you wallow in your sexual depravity, but God will not be mocked! Like Sodom and Gomorrah God has brought upon you the consequences of your sin.”

The travelers wanted to continue their journey but THE FIRST TRAVELER was no where to be found on the road, so the others set off without him. THE FIRST TRAVELER stayed behind, continuing to help in the rescue efforts. When the injured and dead were accounted for, THE FIRST TRAVELER helped with the clean-up efforts. When all the rubble had been cleared, THE FIRST TRAVELER stayed to help rebuild the city. Finally, after some time, the city had been restored and THE FIRST TRAVELER set back out on the road.

Because of their other commitments, the other three travelers had not moved very far down the road. THE SECOND TRAVELER came and went in the name of expanding his ministry. THE THIRD AND FOURTH TRAVELERS progressed slowly, THE THIRD from the fear of a misstep, THE FOURTH because he often went out of his way to avoid walking with people he did not agree with.

Down the road, they encountered a woman dressed lasciviously on the side of the road. The woman asked if she could travel the road with them.

“I welcome any company on this road,” said THE FIRST TRAVELER, “You can travel with us for as long as you like.”

THE FOURTH TRAVELER loudly admonished the woman for stirring lust in the hearts of men. “Harlot! You should cover yourself, you have a responsibility to your brothers on this road to keep their thoughts pure.”

To the woman THE THIRD TRAVELER said, “Yes, cover yourself! Your dress invites men to attack you. If you had a man traveling with you this would not happen. You should not be traveling this road alone for it is dangerous and you need a man to navigate it for you. God has set up man and woman to travel the road together – the man leading and the woman helping.”

THE SECOND TRAVELER said to the woman, “I can help you. Take my Christian Leadership^TM class, and then I will hire you as my secretary.”

The travelers continued down the road and at last came to a large gate in front of a magnificent city. At the gate other travelers from many places waited to enter. At the entrance sat a man, simply dressed and carrying nothing. Some travelers rejoiced, greeting the man at the gate by name. Other travelers were confused and did not recognize the man. They looked around for the man they were expecting at the gate. Whether the travelers recognized the man or not, all were greeted by name and the gates to the magnificent city were opened. Upon entering the city, many of these travelers looked lost and confused.

They said to one another, "Who are these people?" and "This is not at all what I expected."

ESPN's Chris Broussard Condemns Homosexuality

The big news today is 12-year NBA veteran Jason Collins announcement that he is gay in a Sports Illustrated article. There has been speculation for weeks that an athlete from one of the four major, American team sports would come out soon - most of that speculation centered around potential NFL players.

In the fight for LGBT equality, this is a big day. It firmly inserts the debate into one of the largest arenas of American pop-culture - professional sports. But this post is not about the impact of Collins' announcement or even the morality of homosexuality. Over the next few days people will align themselves in support or against Collins and the issue of homosexuality in general. One of those people who has done so already is ESPN NBA analyst Chris Broussard.



Putting aside whether Broussard is "right" or "wrong," my question is, is an ESPN analyst the correct person to speak out against homosexuality? Certainly Broussard is entitled to his opinion, no matter whether I agree with him or not. I don't think there is a clear answer here - Broussard is not strictly a reporter who is asked to remain objective. He often argues with other analysts on a variety of shows like First Take. His articles are not kept to just factual reporting, but as an analyst gives a healthy dose of opinion.

With this in mind, is his opinion regarding the morality of sexuality relevant in the context of ESPN? Does ESPN have any business covering the moral aspect of the issue - or just how it impacts sports and the culture of sports?

One thing is for sure, today's events will certainly crank up an already heated debate.

UPDATE: ESPN released a statement regarding Broussard's words:

"We regret that a respectful discussion of personal viewpoints became a distraction from today's news. ESPN is fully committed to diversity and welcomes Jason Collins' announcement."

For a far better analysis then I could ever hope to write, check out Kate Aurthur's piece on BuzzFeed.

Basketball Jesus

It's no secret that I am a basketball fan, so this painting from Fr. Armand Tanqi made my day:

But I have so many questions -

Why isn't Jesus' hair tied back? Doesn't it get in his eyes when he's trying to play?
Is it just me, or is Jesus clearly a point guard?  And if he is a point guard, is he a score first point like Stephon Marbury or a set-up man like Steve Nash?
It has to be one or the other, because clearly Jesus' jersey is inspired by the Phoenix Suns.
I'm going with Nash - the floppy hair and his philosophy of pacifism are traits Jesus shares with greatest Canadian basketball player ever.

I swear in this one, Jesus is about to throw the alley-oop!

Image Source : http://www.god-answers-prayers.com/god_answers_prayers_gallery/page3.html

Call Me Spider-Man Because I'm Swinging on the Interwebs

Here's the stuff I've been reading this week:

Cruising around Patheos I found this blog about Christianity and Pop Culture. As a fan of metal music, this post hooked me - follow author Matthew Linder on Twitter.

Zack Hunt over at The American Jesus killed it this week:

• An Angry God vs. A God Who Gets Angry, (and this HuffPost Religion piece about the correlation between the belief in an angry God and emotional problems)
• This quote by Thomas Jefferson about John Calvin, and
• This picture of Jesus bringing his A-game which could only be better if it was a GIF.

Rachel Held Evans wrote about making humor work.

SUNDAY UPDATE: This post by Christian Piatt about about religion and race really struck me - especially this quote:

"Put another way: while we’re busy navel-gazing and discussing the meaning of Nietzsche’s 'death of God,' non-Anglo religious leaders were busy dealing with real-world problems, right in front of them."

Also, this CNN Belief Blog piece about when religion becomes evil was an interesting read.

Finally, Jen Hatmaker wrote about when it's time to cut people who are toxic to your life loose.

Upcoming this week, I am working on a longer piece and won't be posting every day. Thanks for checking in.

Follow me on Twitter: Sophia's Logo or Aaron Rostad

The Rapture - Making it Personal

Growing up, I went to an Evangelical, non-denominational K-12 school and my dad was a pastor at church that was affiliated with the church that had started the school. In fact, the school was started by my grandfather who was the senior pastor at that church. Between school, church, youth group and summer camp my adolescence was filled to the brim with Christianity and talking about being prepared for the rapture. I cannot even begin to count the times I was told that we were in the last days.

This brought an incredible pressure and anxiety about my life. I would go through periods of time, that despite being a person of faith, I was terrified that the rapture would happen right after I had sinned - thus making me "left behind." I would constantly fret over this, taking a personal inventory and praying for forgiveness for sins real or imagined.

If I came home expecting to see my family, and they weren't home, I would panic - like this girl:

I don't even find this video funny because I have experienced this panic before - it just makes me anxious. I can remember coming home to an empty house and being so terrified that the rapture had happened, but I was too afraid to try and call my mom or dad because if they didn't answer it would just confirm that I had been "left behind."

There was also this sense that I was supposed to desire the "coming of the Lord" as soon as possible - but I didn't. I wanted to grow up and experience being an adult. I wanted to drive a car. Mostly, I wanted to have sex. I often prayed for Jesus to come back, with the addendum that he just wait until I got married first. This always made me feel guilty, like I was putting my own human desires ahead of the plan of Heaven and will of God.

I can also remember being taught that despite no one knowing the day or the hour, that Jesus wouldn't return until every living person had been witnessed to. As a believer, this made a certain logical sense - if God was just, he couldn't punish people by sending them to hell if they had never had the opportunity to believe. I cannot even begin to describe the logical loopholes for people who had lived and died without hearing the good news. This put an incredible pressure on me - I felt that if as a Christian I was supposed to desire the second coming, I had a responsibility to try and witness to people to spur on the coming of the rapture.

I don't think I am unique in this position among people who grew up believing this. I want to hear your stories in the comments.

For an index of posts from "Rapture! Week" go here.

Consequences of Believing in the Rapture

In Case You Missed It: History of The Rapture

Belief in the rapture may seem like an innocuous eschatological world view to some, to others the consequences are readily apparent in "Christian" nations' foreign policy doctrines and attitudes towards Israel and the Middle East. In the first decade of the 21st century, many accused then-president George W. Bush of trying to spur on the coming of the rapture by changing U.S. policy regarding Israel and Gaza. Environmentalists accuse rapture-believing Christians of supporting policies that do not protect the environment based on a "we-are-close-to-the-end-so-it-doesn't-matter-anyway" belief. Both of these issues are of concern, but perhaps of even more concern is how it shapes the practices of the Church, and what mission Christians have in the world.

Wars and Rumors of War, Famines and Earthquakes (Matthew 24)

In the last few weeks the world has seen increasing tensions with North Korea, an increasingly violent, Syrian civil war, a terrorist attack in Boston and earthquakes around the world. Proponents of the rapture look at the news services and confirm their suspicion that these are indeed the "birth pangs" of the end times. Now, unlike any time before, we have instant access to information. Alarmists, conspiracy theorists and doomsday preachers have a potentially global audience through social media and the internet.

What is perhaps worse, is that some seem to encourage these military conflicts as necessary events before Jesus returns. This especially includes the rebuilding of the Temple on Mt. Moriah in Israel - a site that currently is home to two mosques. The return of this site to Israeli control would certainly either require military fighting, or a treaty that would lead to fighting.

This isn't a new phenomenon though, just a continuation of how misguided thoughts about the end of the world lead to violence. In The Rapture Trap, Paul Thigpen says, "Irresponsible rhetoric about an impending end of the world could and did provoke tragic results," (156).

He goes on to describe various Christian leaders and sects who used end times concerns to rally people to their causes - almost always ending in violence and death. We are not without modern examples of sectarian views regarding the end times resulting in death. It was only 20 years ago that the federal government of the United States led a siege against a fringe sect of Seventh Day Adventists that ended in the deaths of 86 people. Many who have written on the subject have pointed at the Branch Davidians belief in a fiery apocalypse as one of the contributing factors to their violent resistance and eventual deaths.

It seems reasonable to look at the correlation between distrust of governments and world institutions with apocalyptic worldviews. It is quite likely that "rugged individualism," so deeply entrenched in the Protestant ethic and American mindset, increases the tendency for this distrust. It can initiate a self-feeding where the distrust builds up apocalyptic mindsets, leading to more distrust, etc..

Apocalyptic worldviews leading to violence are not unique to Christianity, though. It has been suggested that the rise in jihadism and terrorist activities around the world by Islamic extremists is due to the belief in an Islamic prophecy regarding an imam returning. It is interesting to me that Americans, in their Islamophobia, are so quick to point to this as a source of violence, without acknowledging their own contributions to the violence by their own views.

It is not  only fringe sects whose beliefs are dangerous. "Of course, end times speculation does not always lead to the violence of Thomas Muentzer or a Jan Bockelson. Nor would we suggest that contemporary believers in the rapture are likely to raise a revolutionary army. The point to be made is that even it its milder forms, eccentric apocalyptic doctrine can lead to harmful delusions," writes Thigpen (160).

The Focus of the Church

Thigpen's point is that even without violence, these worldviews lead to a faulty view of the Church. "Dispensationalists see the Church more as a collection of individuals with a correct belief, a voluntary association of those who are already 'saved,' each waiting his turn to escape a corrupt world  and enter the safety of heaven," (163). In the following pages Thigpen goes on to explain that this view, "Devalu[es ...] the Church's purpose in the world," and that it, "warns Christians not to dirty their hands with attempts to improve the conditions of the world," (165-166).

Often times this is true. There seems to be an arrest in the development into a mature faith in Christians who focus on the rapture. Conversion and evangelism becomes the sole focus instead of deepening one's personal faith - moving from the milk to the meat. This conversion experience is preached as becoming a "new creation," certainly words from the Bible, but neglects the effort required to have a fuller expression of  faith - what Paul calls continuing to work out our faith with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). The continuing work of personal faith ought to be the apex of the Church's mission. Thigpen calls it a "repeated, lifelong giving of the self to God," (167).

That is not to say that evangelism deserves to be demoted, but must be combined with this continuing pursuit of faith and it must work hand-in-hand with Jesus' words about dealing with the "least." It has gotten better in recent years in regards to social issues, various ideas from the emergent, emerging, post-evangelical (etc..) Church have had increased the importance of the missions of social justice, eliminating poverty, slavery and other worthwhile pursuits. Too often, though, this third aspect of developing faith is given lip-service or dressed up in pseudo-psychology and self-help.

So then, while some actively work in pushing the world towards Armageddon, others let this ideology passively affect how they operate as Christians in the world. Altar calls and the sinners' prayer have replaced orphanages and soup kitchens. Conversion has replaced Catechism as the mode for developing faith.

Final Thoughts

Using Thigpen and a reference to the Catechism is not an implicit endorsement of all things Catholic. No institution or individual is without failures and shortcomings. Instead, it is to highlight that on this particular issue, the rapture, Evangelical thinking has perhaps gotten it wrong - and in doing so have undermined the true mission of the Church which is spreading the Good News of Jesus to all people and further developing personal faith into a more meaningful relationship with God. Further, this developed faith leads to a desire to be an agent of change in a way consistent with Jesus' message - changing how we treat the those with the least.

Tomorrow I will write about how belief in the rapture has affected me personally.
Go here for a rundown of the posts from "Rapture! Week"