adamnoble.ca

"I Come in Pea.."

2007-12-02T22:03:00.000-05:00

Here's a night where Heather and I fooled around with the webcam on my iMac. It's strange how amusing a visual effect can be.

Personality Info

2007-11-22T21:40:00.000-05:00

Here's some info about my personality. I usually hate these things. But this one's short. That makes all the difference. I wish others could do it for me.

Response to "'Red-Letter Christians': A Bad Idea with a Bad Name, Alas"

2007-11-01T09:08:00.000-05:00

Here's John Stackhouse's ideas on "Red Letter Christians" here

Here's my response that I posted:

I think that we’ve misunderstood Tony’s heart on this. He is not purposing that we only read the red letters, that we read them more often, or even that we give them more weight. He is attempting to swing the previous overemphasis Evangelicals had with the Pauline sections of scripture back to Christ. Tony makes Jesus at the center of his reading/understanding/application of scripture instead of Paul.

A few other random points:
-The return to ancient ideas within contemporary evangelical faith is very “au courant.” Read some of Robert Webber’s work (he has a series called Ancient/Future Faith, Worship, etc). Thus, using the term “red letter” fits within the mindset of emerging (not a big fan of that term though) christians.
-If you read first hand the works where Tony brings up the idea of a Red-Letter Christian, you'll see he is not pushing for the use of the term as a new designation or sect. He is simply trying to communicate the need to focus on Jesus as the center to not only our lives but also our bibles.
-You are right to say that RLCs are more blue than red. I don’t think that Tony’s point of RLC is to put people on the knife’s edge of politics. The point is to remove the political colour as the master status and replace it with Christ. RLCs will always be in flux between the political poles as they search to vote for what they think is right.
-Lastly, I’m just a guy who works to pay my bills and seeks to follow my Lord the best I can. I’m not the final authority. I’m not the last word.

Islamic Fundamentalism

2007-10-17T19:32:00.000-05:00

I heard this definition yesterday while listing to Tony Campolo's Podcast "Across the Pond." It's in reference to Islamic Fundamentalism but as Tony pointed out, and I agree, this could be applied to all types of fundamentalism; including Evangelical Fundamentalism.

Islamic Fundamentalism:

"A reactionary non-scientific movement, aimed at returning society to a centuries old set up, defying all material and historical factors. It is an attempt to roll back the wheels of history."

(Aside: The only thing I don't like about this definition is that it presupposes that if we go back in history, culture becomes more moral. But, if you could ask those from yesteryear, they'd look backward for a critique of their "modern" culture too.)

Fundamentalism seeks to provide simple answers to complex questions. It promises to take it's followers back to "the good-old-days" when black was black and white was white (all too often, not as much anymore though, this is/was, unfortunately, in a literal sense). At face value these simple answers appear to be intellectually lacking; however, they do bring comfort to the confused soul. At some point in our lives fundamentalism is the only societal system we understand. Try communicating complex, morally ambiguities, situations to a child and you'll soon resort back to a fundamentalist "that's right" or "that's wrong" (ex: how lying is OK when it's to save someone's feelings but not when it's to save someone from getting into trouble).

As I look back at my teenage fundamentalist years I see how they helped me navigate the temptations of life. I didn't need a discussion on "how far is too far," I needed a guide line to follow. And, if it was up to me, I'd preach one thing and practice another. But, as I got older, this approach did more harm than good. It caused me to define people as good or bad and not consider the complexities of human relationships and the human experience. I couldn't make decisions in grey life because I was always looking for a pole to agree with. And most of life doesn't occur at the poles, it's somewhere closer to the equator; where simple answers cannot fully satisfy complex questions.

"Who Killed the Electric Car?"

2007-06-13T21:27:00.000-05:00

I watched this little documentary the other night. Though I'd never heard of it playing in big movie theaters, it's not small on impact.

The film tracks the birth, production, life, and death of the EV1, an pure electric car from GM. It's an interesting and strange story. It starts in California where smog levels are high. The Air Advisory Board implements a law that an increasing percent of cars produced and sold must be "no emissions." GM complies and produces the EV1 and markets the car. However, something is brewing. There becomes a huge waiting list for the cars and yet no cars seem to be available to fulfill the demand. Also, the marketing team will not accept any suggestions from the sales reps actually selling cars; in fact they do the opposite. Oil and car companies alike begin to petition this California Air Advisory Board to back down. Then they sue. Facing this pressure the board backs down and GM slowly gets back all it's EV1 cars. They were only sold on lease, and when the lease was up, no matter what they offered to pay, drivers were not allowed to keep their cars. The small amount of infrastructure that was put in place was taken out and the Electric Car was forgotten.

What seems crazy to me is not the fact that the oil and car companies but the kibosh on the electric car. It's that it even got out in the first place. Someone up there must have really lost it. Maybe the big decision makers went on an extended golf trip came back and had to do a lot of clean up.

This film is just another step in my growing disgust of the internal combustion engine. Just thought I'd share my thoughts on it. I would highly recommend checking out this film.

Links:
-Sony Pictures Film Site
-Wikipedia: Who Killed the Electric Car
-Wikipedia: EV1
-Just do a couple Google searches "EV1" - "Electric Car" - "oil addicted" - etc.

Don Rabbit

2007-05-30T18:34:00.000-05:00

Here's the images from the little illustration of "Don Rabbit" in the book "Blue Like Jazz." I got it off the website so give credit where credit is due and check it out (here). It's a great funny little story and it's exemplary of the book so if you like it I suggest you look into reading the book.

Here it is: It's a pdf so you'll have to click on the link

HERE

Cheers,

A

Blue like Jazz Live

2007-05-26T12:00:00.000-05:00

"Blue Like Jazz" is a book by "Donald Miller" (site). It's a good book. One I read a back in college for a class but really enjoyed personally. I'd suggest you read it. It's that good. But, along came a guy named Jason Hildebrand (site). Jason is an actor and decided to take the book, "Blue like Jazz," and do it live, "Blue like Jazz Live." It's a little long; there got the bad review out of the way. However, it's very reminiscent of the book and makes you feel you are inside Donald Miller's mind. To say the least I was impressed. My but was numb but my mind was stimulated. If you ever get a chance to go and see it, I would verily suggest you take that chance. Just bring a seat cushion.

Here's the trailer.

More Letters to a Young Evangelical Quotes

2007-05-14T08:21:00.000-05:00

Here's a good one. It's from a chapter where Tony is talking about the responsibility of Christians to the environment. Especially the need for a focus on nuclear disarmament and support of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty from 1968 that 43 some odd nations signed but most of those actually posessing nuclear weapons failed to follow through on. It's a quote from General Omar Nelson Bradley's speech on Armistice Day in 1948.

"We live in a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants, in a world that has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience. We have solved the mystery of the atom and forgotten the lessons of the Sermon on the Mount. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about dying than we know about living."
-Page 211 of Tony's Book "Letters to a Young Evangelical"

Java Script taking over my web life

2007-05-09T15:51:00.000-05:00

I've been working with iWeb for some time now making websites for both our church (thefellowship.ca) and for myself (adamnoble.ca). However, I struggle to have enough time to update these sites regularly and it takes forever to create something new and then update. Not to mention my continuing love affair with Facebook, which at times tries to take over my need to publish old school. I might have found a nice middle ground.

I've downloaded a powerful little program called "iWeb Enhancer." Basically what it does is it allows you to add java script to your iWeb sites. I then search out a good "Google gadget" that will read a rss feed or some other type of script and enter it into the iWeb site. That's a lot of gibberish to say that I can now update my blog with Blogger and my pictures with Picasa (another Google product) they automatically update on my adamnoble.ca, old school, published, website. I've even figured out how to make it so that people can actually go on my facebook (after having registered and added me as a friend obviously) right inside my adamnoble.ca website. It's great. It allows me to update things via browser based publishing anywhere I am. I can even email in my blog posts from Blogger.

All this to say it's worth taking the time to research this stuff if you're in to blogging. It takes the whole thing to a new level. You can customize exactly the look and feel without compromising the ease of posting through blogger or any other blog program.

Anyway, that's all. Happy surfing.

falling prey to the google revolution

2007-04-11T21:29:00.000-05:00

As much as I don't like to follow the trends - though you might be questioning that claim as per the "Facebook" badge next to this post - I am however very impressed with the new products that Google is coming out with. They seem to be shooting to make everything "web based" so that you can work on your documents, handle your email, update your calendar, etc. I've just figured out how to embed a search engine into a website so that you can use the power of the Google search but just for pages found on your site. However, I still have to figure out how to get the "google bots" to check and update my website content in their church engine. Still there's lots you can do for free with Google.

Letters to a Young Evangelical Quotes

2007-04-03T12:40:00.000-05:00

I've been reading the book "Letters to a Young Evangelical" by Tony Campolo and in the last couple of chapters he's quoted other sources. I just wanted to share these quotes with you. I think they're cool.

"The Church is a whore, but she's my mother."
- St. Augustine (page 68 of "Letters to a Young Evangelical")

"Soren Kierkegaard, the Danish existentialist, once said there are those who tell lies in such a way that you think they are telling you the truth. He went on to suggest that far more dangerous are those who tell the truth in such a way that you think they are telling you a lie. When the Gospel is presented with little regard for the sensitivities of others, it may redily be rejected not because of its content but becuase of how it has been delivered."
- Tony Campolo referring to Soren Kierkegaard (page 56 of "Letters to a Young Evangelical")

If you want to learn more about Tony's book you can find all the info at TonyCampolo.org

Navigating the Grey Inport

2007-03-31T21:35:00.000-05:00

I've imported a bunch of postings that I did on my previous blog, "Navigating the Grey." However, I didn't input the comments so if you want to read them you have to go to the original website: Navigating the Grey. Here's the new posts as they show up on this blog. They are posted with the original date so they don't show up at the top of the list.

Inspirational Keys

Why Can's I Own Canadians?

Repsponse: Jesus vs. The Church

Is Jesus' Salvation Just a Ticket to Heaven?

Why am I a Christian?

Act with Action

Alcohol-ism

The Power of the Dark Side

Absolutly Relative

Jessica gets engaged

2007-03-31T19:55:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was awaken to someone repeatedly calling my house at 12:45am. Annoyed I woke up on 6th time and answered the phone with an obviously condescending voice. After I say hello the voice on the other end says: "May I speak to Heather?"

I respond with the typical, "May I ask who's calling?" (Subtext: What is this man doing calling my wife at this time in the morning?)

"It's Kevin Reitema." (Heather's sister's boyfriend) Now I know. Jessica is engaged. Why else would he be calling at such a late hour. Although, they live in Saskatchewan and it wasn't 12:45am there.

Anyway, here's some pictures of the couple and of course... the ring.

The Good News

2007-03-09T21:14:00.000-05:00

Awhile ago I did a sermon at my parent’s church called the “Good News.” The basic premiss is that the gospel (“the teachings of Jesus and his apostles - the Christian revelation,” as per dictionary.com) is only really the “good news” if it is two things: good, and news.

For the message of Christ, and thus the message of Christians, to be gospel it must first be good. “God hates fags,” would not fall under the title of good! Where as, “God loves you,” does. Jesus commanded us to love God and love others (Matt 22:34-40). He didn’t command us to love God and judge others. Although we tend to get love and judgement mixed up.

Not only must the gospel message be good, it must also be news. If it sounds stale and boring it is not news. Stanley Grenz says in the beginning of his book “Theology for the Community of God” that one major aspect of theology is that it is contextualized to the present time. The message of Christianity must be news. It must have urgency, be important, and be on the minds and mouths of everyone that knows it. It must break through into every conversation; not forced, but naturally included.

In our society and especially in our churches we need to make the gospel “Good News” again. We need to strip it of hatred and judgement and dress it in love. Clean it of cobwebs and dust-bunnies, and freshen it with urgency. Only when it’s “Good News” does it truly the gospel, the message of Jesus and his followers.

Apathy - Bastard Son of Safety and Security

2007-02-27T21:37:00.000-05:00

As I think about the history of church people, or people in general for that matter, it's clear that when everything is going well, all the well seem to get going. That is, those who are dedicated to the ideology and community of the church begin to become a smaller and smaller percentage of the Christian population. When something is "easy" or "cool" it attracts all the wrong crowds.

Take for example the time in church history right after Constantine (Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire under emperor Theodosius (r. 379-395) not Constantine, though Constantine definitely contributed to it's popularity; as per Ask Me Now). Yes the popularity of Christianity provided many opportunities for theological reflection, but there was also a safety in being a Christian. In fact, there was more than safety; becoming a Christ follower was a good political move. The church became "cool" and popular, attracting those who were just in it for themselves. The cancer of apathy slowly took over and the commitment dwindled. Someone once said that the church grew more under persecution than it did under popularity.

We don't feel a need for God when we feel safe. We still need him; but we forget. It's our education that gets us the job, our job that pays for our house and food, and it's the house and food that fulfill our needs. We become apathetic because we can provide for ourselves, we aren't hiding in the catacombs struggling to stay alive. But the real need for spirituality remains, hidden under the satisfaction of physical safety and security. How, then, do we unveil this need and shake off our apathy? How do we learn to live and love with compassion and desire not blind to the truth?

Frozen H2O

2007-02-22T21:46:00.000-05:00

The other day a friend and I had a disagreement about whether water expands or shrinks when it freezes. I said "expands" as per the how pop cans I left outside exploded. He said "shrinks" as per how the water he puts in the ice cube tray is more than the ice he gets out. We turned to the infamous Ask Me Now. And the first answer came back as follows:

"According to our reference site, Generally, water expands when it freezes because of its molecular structure, in tandem with the unusual elasticity of the hydrogen bond and the particular lowest energy hexagonal crystal conformation that it adopts under standard conditions."

Feeling this to be inadequate to finish the conversation I asked a more specific question and came up with this:

"According to our reference site: Water starts out behaving normally. As its temperature drops, water obediently shrinks together--until it reaches 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees F.). Then, amazingly, water reverses course, its volume slowly increasing as it chills. When water finally freezes, at 0 C (32 F.), it expands dramatically. Scientists say water's quirky behavior is caused by the shape of its molecule and by how its molecules bond to one another."

Now with a satisfying answer, I then turned to the issue of the shrinking water in the ice cube tray. Here Ask Me Now failed to understand my question and spat out this answer:

"Liquid water is most dense, essentially 1.00 g/cm³, at 4 °C and becomes less dense as the water molecules begin to form the hexagonal crystals of ice as the temperature drops to 0 °C. This is due to hydrogen bonds forming between the water molecules, which line up molecules less efficiently (in terms of volume) when water is frozen. The result of this is that ice floats on liquid water."

So as I thought about the mystery of the missing water I began to develop my own hypothesis. Maybe the water in the ice cube tray isn't shrinking at all? Maybe it's evaporating into the air in the freezer? Think about it; when is the air driest during the year? In the winter when it's the coldest, like in a freezer. Maybe the cold dry environment of the freezer caused the water in the ice cube tray to evaporate. This is my hypothesis. I'll leave you with that.

"Banking Can be This Comfortable"

2007-02-06T21:47:00.000-05:00

I recently received my first mortgage statement from TD Canada Trust. Believe it or not, this is an actual quote from the statement in regards to future statements:

“At TD Canada Trust, we like to keep you informed about matters affecting your account. Starting in 2007, TD Canada Trust will no longer send you a semi-annual mortgage statement. Mortgage Statements will be provided once a year.”

So because TD wants to keep me informed they have decided to stop sending two statements a year and instead send one. Because somehow one statement provides me with more information? It’s just so blatantly, obviously, and oxy-moron. It’s like a Gas Bar saying they are committed to being available for their customers; and, thus, are no longer going to be open all night. It just doesn’t make sense. If you want to send me fewer mortgage statements, fine; but don’t preface it with how you want to keep me informed. Just don’t send as many.

2007-02-03T21:51:00.000-05:00

A Good friend of mine, Tara (also a work colleague), advised me to invest in some Pink Floyd this last Christmas. She said that I should buy “Dark Side of the Moon” and that the first time I played it I had to listen the whole album straight through in one sitting. I did; and needless to say it was awesome. Though my favorite song is still “Money,” the rest just emphasized it. There are little snippets of “Money” through the whole album, along with pieces of “Us and Them” (I’m sure I’ll find more as I go on). I was also blown away by the song “The Great Gig in the Sky.” The woman’s vocals were haunting and emotionally inspiring. The more I listen to it the more it feels like she is singing what I am feeling at that time. Even though I feel something different every time I listen to it. I can’t wait to watch “The Wizard of Oz” to it.

Inspirational Keys

2006-09-08T21:15:00.000-05:00

I know this key chain has gerat potential to diminish the respect that some of you may have for me but let me explain.

I recieved this as a gift from one of my friends who recently went to Cuba. Not knowingly they gave out key chains as a memorable trinket of their trip. This was the only one with such a profound message. I was the one who received it.

As I thought about the little saying I reflected on my upcoming house purchase. One week from today we get the keys to my new house. MY house. MY expletive house. Somehow our culture has this attitude: everything that is mine is mine. Makes sense. However, it goes against the teachings of Christ. Material possessions and the idea of owning things wasn't important to Jesus (Matt 16:24, Matt 19:21, Matt 8:20, to name a few). So why should it be important to me.

Moving into this house and owning something huge must not change me. I must remember that it is not my house but God's.

I know this issue doesn't seem grey; but, it was so strikeingly presented to me in this key chain I felt I had to share it. As I though I was receiving a perfect gift for someone moving, I was actually receiving a perfect illustration of what this moving must not produce in me.

Why Can't I Own Canadians

2006-08-17T21:17:00.000-05:00

Here's a letter placed expertly inside a book I've been reading lately. The book is called "What Jesus Meant" by Garry Wills (Viking: 2006). Though though the book aligns with much of the "radical, irreligious, postmodern, postliberal/conservative, frankly posteverything" stream of thought I find his concise-ness and to-the-point-ness refreshing. This letter he recovered from an unknown internet source and described it as being written to a "protestant evangelical who believes in literal reading of the Bible:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's law. I have learned a great deal from you, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination - end of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's laws and how to follow them.
1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev 15:19-24). The problem is: how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor to the Lord (Lev 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there degrees of abomination?
7. Leviticus 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Leviticus 19:27. How should they die?
9. I know from Leviticus 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Leviticus 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. It is really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them (Lev 24:10-16)? Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws (Lev 20:14)?
I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging. "
P(33-35)

Response: Jesus vs. Church

2006-07-01T21:21:00.000-05:00

This post is in response to a friend of mine who posted on the same topic a couple of days ago.

Original: You Like Jesus, but not the Church?

I once heard that Gandhi said "I like your Christ, but not your Christians."

How do Christians respond to this quote?

Here's how not to respond:
1. Get all mad at Gandhi, call him a crazy, eastern, "new age," yoga man, dismiss not only his comment but also his roll in history politically and spiritually, tell everyone this opinion, continue on not being like Christ and not being liked by the majority of non-Christians around you, start a "good old fashioned Gandhi bashing" small group at church.
2. Jump completely on Gandhi's wagon, say "to hell with the church," leave and start a group half Christian (so-to-speak) and half Gandhian that meets on Sunday morning but at a tranquil yoga studio, abandon the word "religious" for the word "spiritual" and give it a definition that serves no purpose other than to make yourself sound smart and "postmodern."
(please note the sarcasm)

But how should we respond? How do we deal with this issue. On one hand Christians are supposed to be like Christ. On the other them not being like Christ is likely why they are Christians. Where's the middle ground, if there is one? The response to this quote is not as simple as it may seem. It is as complicated as discovering how the church as an organism works. The answer may more aptly be put in the form of a question? What is the church? What should it be? What should it look like? How should it function?

Is Jesus' Salvation Just a Ticket to Heaven?

2006-02-10T21:24:00.000-05:00

It seems that the most logical question after "Why am I a Christian?" would be "Would anyone else want to be a Christian because I'm one?" Maybe I'm strange for thinking that way. I just do. But let's not go there yet. That can be a troublesome topic to reflect on. I may find out that my faith is about as contagious as good genes. I only multiply it by reproduction.

Anyway, again McLaren has helped me to reflect on another topic. The topic of salvation. He writes a chapter entitled "Jesus: Savior of What?" in his book Generous Orthodoxy. He discusses how many "Evangelicals" (big "E" Evangelicals as McLaren calls them) have truncated Jesus salvation. They've cut and boxed it up so it fits right where they want it most, at the end. This type of salvation is a heaven entering, judgment freeing, restoration achieving type of salvation. It's a ticket. A ticket to eternity. But didn't Jesus do more than scalp us some tickets?

The answer is yes (obviously), but do we really know what this answer means? It has gotten too easy for us to see Jesus' salvation only as a ticket to heaven. Not something that affects our lives now. But Jesus' salvation is not just something for then, it's something for now. And it's not just a salvation for humanity from sin. It's a salvation for creation. To restore the whole works back to God. McLaren isn't the first I've read on the topic. Robert Webber (I think it's two "b"s) makes a strong case for "Christ's Victory" and its implications for life in his book Ancient Future Faith. So let's move past asking questions and onto discussing realities.

How does Jesus' salvation impact our lives right now? What does it mean for not only sin, but poverty, injustice, and environmental issues? How do we relate our faith not only to a future event but to a present reality? How are we to live now, not just so we can live then but so we can actually LIVE now? What does Jesus' salvation do for us in this moment?

Why am I a Christian?

2006-01-27T21:25:00.000-05:00

I went to a "Youth Pastor's" lunch the other day even though I wouldn't consider myself a youth pastor. Somehow I received an email about the happening and in it were the words "free meal." How could I resist? Anyhow I thought it would be a good time of discussion, and it was.

To go along with the free meal was a free book. And because I was there so early (sometimes I've just got nothing better to do) I got first choice. I looked over a couple of Doug Fields books (one of the modern day gods of youth ministry), scanned past some Mike Yaconelli (another great man of youth ministry, one I actually highly respect); but nothing seemed to catch my eye. Then I moved some off the top of a pile and found something appealing. It was a book called "a Generous Orthodoxy" by Brian McLaren. I have heard of McLaren many times. His name seems to be ever so connected to the "emergent" movement. But I have never read him. This was my chance. So I took it (the book that is).

As I started to read I appreciated his style and discourse. His direction wasn't bad either. But before he could take me there, he stumped me with a very simple question. Why am I a Christian? He asks it of himself; but I was taken back by its implications for me. Why am I a Christian? And as I started thinking on this idea it took me deeper still. If I am a Christian, does that better or worsen the chance that others would want to be one?

This question isn't directly "grey" but it does have grey answers. Each one of us has reasons why he or she is or isn't a Christian. Some of our reasons are actually reasons; others are just excuses. McLaren has challenged me again to analyze my own reasons and test them not only for strength but also authenticity. Because if my reasons are left wanting will not my witness be also?

So, why are you a Christian? Why are you not a Christian? And how are your reasons/excuses influencing others around you?

...

Act with Action

2006-01-02T21:27:00.000-05:00

First off let me say sorry for the lengthy period between posts. It's been Christmas season here at the Noble household and with both family events and me being in retail (my day job) my time has been precious. However it's a thoughtful Christmas gift from my wife that brings me the inspiration for this next post. So tip the egg nogg to Heather.

I was reading an interview with Bono in Rolling Stone and was once again struck with inspiration from this professing Christian Rock Star/Political Activist. His direction clear and his actions speak loudly. He is pushing world hunger up the stairs. Making it an obstacle for all of us, not just those caught in it's traps. Bringing it out of the closet and making it the emblem on his chest. To him ending world hunger is obviously the chief aim of every well fed human.

In November I was also bombarded with the need to do something for the poor and oppressed. I attended a conference where a passionate young woman called us to socio-economic action. She noted how Christians do the worst job at helping those in need, both next to them and around the world. She even pushed the envelope in saying that, given the situation of AIDS in Africa, every Christian family should adopt. Radical yet inspiring things.

For these people this issue is black and white. There is no grey. They have clear ideas of the way things should be and proceed toward them. They look at the world with different eyes than most of us. They see the needs and stop at nothing to fill them. They are inspirational, often confrontational, yet always seemingly successful (or they wouldn't get the press). We know what they do, we hear their stories of success, we see people whose lives have been changed by them; but what do we do? What do I do? Now that you have me caring so much how put me to work? But no. There is no arena to play out these new rules. There is no field to practice on. Their is no court to better our skills. There is only drive, but no destination.

How do we treat issues like this? Here we have a reverse problem present. The answer is black and white but the means is grey. What is most effective? In the case of poverty and hunger: how do we stop it? What is our best approach? What can I do right now in my own city/neighborhood? These questions plague me. I feel so much compassion inside but have no outlet. And I'm not looking for a quick fix: working at a soup kitchen or handing out sandwiches (not that these are meaningless, they are still needed services). I'm looking for a way to integrate my love for people into my everyday life. Don't just call me to act... Give me an action!

Alcohol-ism

2005-12-09T21:28:00.000-05:00

We've denounced racism, forgotten about sexism, but now there is a new kid on the block: alcohol-ism. Now, I am not referring to alcoholism as it describes the addiction to and misuse of alcohol. I am talking about Christians dividing themselves on the issue of alcohol, firing prejudicial shots back and forth. Alcohol-ism may be the next ism that the church must overcome in order to maintain its relevance within society.

Alcohol is one of those very touchy issues in the faith of Christ followers. We seem to be unable to navigate this grey area. And as we consult the Bible looking for black and white answers they allude us. Here are some examples:

- - alcohol in the negative - -

Noah's drunkenness and Canan's Curse

Lot and his Daughters

The Vow of the Nazirite

Beer Brawler

Don't join and Drink too much

Kings shouldn't drink

Don's get Drunk on Wine

Not with Drunkenness

+ + alcohol in the positive + +

Reference to Joy

Wine Gladdens our Hearts

Filled to the Brim

Love of Wine brings Riches

Jesus turns Water into Wine

Wine as Rolaids

The Lord's Supper

Please do not think this list exhaustive. Wine and drinking alcohol is all throughout the Bible. It's part of Jewish culture. But does that mean it should be part of our culture? Part of our expression of Christianity? This is the question. And placing ourselves so strongly on one side or the other causes us to commit alcohol-ism.

So what should we do? How should we treat alcohol so that we are true to scripture and approbate to culture. We can find some help from Romans 14. Here Paul gives direction as to how those with "strong" faith should interact with those with "weak" faith. What is interesting is that those who accept disputable issues are considered to have "strong" faith; and those who reject them have "weak" faith.

Who are we? Where are we at? Is our faith strong or weak? Are we causing our weaker fathed brothers and sisters to stumble? How are we going to respond to the issue of alcohol without committing alcohol-ism?

your thoughts ? ? ?

The Power of the Dark Side

2005-11-26T21:29:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting here watching the latest Star Wars release, Episode III. Though I do prefer the originals, this episode does have something to contribute to our discussion of "the grey." In it Annikan, who was once our famed hero, goes through his transformation into Darth Vader (sorry if I ruined it for you). For Annikan/Vader the transition is quick and definable. Though he struggles with himself he moves from one side to the other. He must make a choice. The choice is quite clearly black or white. Will he move to the dark side, or will he remain true to the Jeti? You know the answer.

I saw some of myself in Annikan's story. So many times I find myself making decisions that are black or white. My opinion on issues may be grey but my actions mustn't be. In each moment, each time I am confronted with a choice, I must choose black or white. This is what complicates the grey areas even more; and thus, purposes the existence of this blog.

For example: in terms of politics, Christianity does not require party allegiance (or at least it shouldn't). One Christian can vote Liberal, another Conservative, and still another NDP. In fact, one Christian can vote for all three parties in his/her lifetime and not place his/her faith in jeopardy. Though the issue of politics is grey, the voting process if very black and white. One cannot place a grey vote; one is forced to choose. Just like Annikan. Just like me.

But when will I choose white and when will I choose black? That is the question. We can discuss how grey an issue is until we are blue (or grey) in the face; but we still must choose black and white when we live it out. If we feel politics are grey we must still vote one way or another. If we see alcohol as grey we must still decide when and when not to drink. Etc, etc, etc. And the real, down-to-earth, practical, and grass-roots question becomes: When is a grey issue black and when is it white?

Absolutely Relative

2005-11-09T21:30:00.000-05:00

I was cleaning up my office about a month back and found a book that I had borrowed from a friend for research purposes. The book was entitled Right from Wrong by Josh McDowel and Bob Hostetler (this is how the names appear on the book; which makes me question, though I may be wrong, McDowel's involvement in the actual writing other than printing his name on the cover). There was a section concerning "Absolute Truth" that caught my eye. As I started to read, I found out quickly that "Many of our youth [you could likely insert people in general] simply do not understand or accept absolute truth," (p. 17). I was shocked; appalled at this injustice. Why the nerve of those people. How dare they not fall in line with McDowel's opinions. How dare they challenge the beliefs of the conservative right. Blasphemy.

Hopefully you have read past my sarcasm. In fact, though McDowel made it out to be a surprise, I was entirely un-shocked with his assessment. Of course no one believes in absolute truth. It's part of Canadian culture; the only absolute is that there are no absolutes. Einstein's theory has become fact. Didn't you get the memo Josh.

But seriously, this issue of truth and whether it swings absolutely or relatively seems to expand further than the realm of philosophy. In essence, it is the reason for this blog in the first place; and thus, appropriate as its first posting. We must believe in both absolute and relative truth (if at least our only absolute truth is that "all truth is relative"). The difficult thing is discovering which is absolute and which is relative; which is black/white and which is grey. The problem is compounded when people like McDowel (don't get me wrong, I know he means well) bring Christianity into the mess. People like this seem to start arguing for religion (though they may never admit it): a system of rules in which all things are either right or wrong. They make Christianity a culture, when it should always remain a faith. Once it becomes a culture it is trapped into a specific time and setting. Thus going against its very nature.

If we understand Christianity to be a faith not a culture, then we must take a whole different approach to discerning "right from wrong." We must not only include the "absolutes" or principles learned from scripture as it is communicated through ancient culture; but also consider principles learned from current culture. Matching these two worlds and "navigating the grey" is the responsibility of every person. This is why God has given us the church; our journeying partners.