How Should Christians Celebrate the 4th of July?

 Someone once asked me, “If such American holidays are part of the ‘empire,’ what should we [Christians] do? Ignore it?” I think that’s a great question. I don’t want to be too critical of American holidays because there are many good reminders in them, and that’s what I’d like to focus on here.

Let’s look at it this way—the 4th of July is on Saturday, and so it will likely be that many Christians will celebrate this event on Sunday the 5th. A general question is, should we celebrate an American holiday on Sundays, waving flags, putting our PowerPoints in red, white, and blue font, etc.? The answer simply is, such things are unnecessary for our gatherings. However, I do think there is value in partaking in an Independence Day celebration. Here’s a few things I think we should focus on this weekend:

1. Freedom. I’m not talking about surfacey, “Lord, thank you that we live in a country where we are free to worship you,” or things like that. Those things are often true, but they’ve become cliché. Christians must promote freedom in Christ. Christ most certainly came to bring freedom to the captives. This doesn’t mean that America is Christ’s right arm. It means that on Independence Day let’s be sure to remember the freedom Christ gave us.
2. Prayer. We must pray for those who serve our country, that is, our leaders. Pray for Obama, pray for your Governor, your representatives, and so on. They need prayer.
3. Joy. Be joyful in the friends and family the Lord has provided you with. Be joyful in the creation since many of us will be playing wiffle ball or chasing fireflies. These things cherish God’s creation.
4. Beauty. One of my favorite Independence Day traditions is going to see fireworks. I think we are attracted to their beauty. You will be part of many beautiful things this weekend so appreciate them.
5. Interdependence. See Shane’s article below. But the fact is, holidays remind us how dependent we are on one another. As someone makes you a burger, or invites you to play volleyball, or turns on your fire hydrant for the kids in the neighborhood, remember we are all in this together.

Those are just a few thoughts. What about you? What should Christians celebrate this weekend?

For a few more thoughts, go see Shane Claiborne’s post on Sojourners called: “40 Ways to Celebrate Interdependence Day on July 4”

Tags: 4th of July, Christians, freedom, Independence Day, Jesus

What’s Cookin’?

It’s been awhile since I gave an update on my life so here’s some things to fill everyone in on what’s been going on.

Highlights:

• 1.   Amanda and I decided that God was calling us to join a church plant in Bristol, which The Well is beginning. This means (a) that I’ve withdrawn my resume from a few youth ministry positions; (b) that I must find a job in some other field; and (c) that we are really excited about this opportunity. It was really interesting when Gary (pastor) approached me about it one day when we had met for coffee. He asked me to join up the leadership team as one who would focus on theology and the like. I loved the idea! But it is volunteer so that means major sacrifices. Eventually, as I prayed about it (and Amanda did too), I felt called to do it, even though it was illogical from a financial standpoint. But I told God he would have to get Amanda on board too. One day, unprovoked, Amanda mentioned that she too felt God was calling us to Bristol. If you’re married, you know that this is a big deal when your wife feels equally called to your place of ministry. So, we are a few weeks in. We are meeting at someone else’s house right now, and we hope to find a building for the Fall. Please pray for us.
• 2.   Amanda finished up the school year. Her first year as a teacher! And I’m very proud of her. It was difficult at times learning a new trade, but she was awesome at it.
• 3.   Amanda also pick up summer work as a Pampered Chef representative. She did really well at her first show. If you are looking to have a show at your house for your friends, she’s the one to call.
• 4.   Giselle’s been learning new things like crazy. She’s walking and running. She knows multiple words, and she’s so wonderful.
• 5.   Our friends, Tim and Susan, are pregnant (well, actually Susan). They are having a baby boy so Giselle will have her choice between Nathan and the other boy. Both must fill out an application, go through an interview process with me, provide 3 professional references, 2 spiritual references, and then they can have a supervised date with Giselle, which will be supervised by me and Mr. T.
• 6.   Our friends, Ron and Juli, became members at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. I’m happy for them. Praying that Juli finds a teaching job this Fall. Ron works at Delaware County Christian School, and he will be looking into ordination in the PCA before he becomes super-famous and takes over Tim Keller’s church (whoops! I probably shouldn’t have told you that).

Something I enjoyed: U.S.A.’s performance in the Confederation’s Cup. I didn’t think they could make it into the next round after poor losses to Brazil and Italy, but after they defeated Egypt (and with help from Brazil’s 3-0 win over Italy), they made it into the next round to beat top-seeded Spain. The final between US and Brazil was a great exhibition of soccer. Unfortunately, after the US was up 2-0, Brazil rallied to win 3-2. Thinking they weren’t even going to make it out of the divisional period, the fact that they made it to the final game is commendable.

Disappointed by: the Phillies. They were doing so well, but recently they’ve been dropping the ball (sometimes, literally). But we are on a two game winning streak so maybe things are looking up. (Good news, the Mets still stink so we are still in 1^st place).

Job update: currently working two part-time jobs. Starbucks about 10-15 hours per week, and I’m a Sales Assistant at Bisco Industries 28 hours per week. Bisco is a distributor of electronic parts for cars, planes, etc. It’s a temp job, but no one has called me “Fire Guy” or “Temp” yet.

Looking forward to: Vacation. I need it. End of July we are going to North Carolina with my parents. When you don’t have much money, you mooch off of your family’s vacations.

Tags: Bristol, Church, PA, Phillies, US soccer

Why?

My most recent post on Everyday Liturgy’s website dealing with the question of purpose is now up:

Why?

Recently, I’ve been asked to join the leadership team for a new church plant that will be happening in Bristol, PA. I’m excited about this venture. As of late, we have been struggling over the question, “Why?” Why are we doing this? What’s our purpose? Are we hoping to be the young, cool, hip group? Or are we hoping to reach the poor of Bristol? Or the families of Bristol? The question, Why?, gives us guidance and helps us understand what the next steps should be…

Tags: Bristol, church plant, Everyday Liturgy, purpose, Why

Jon OR Kate Plus 8

I don’t really watch TLC’s hit reality series Jon & Kate Plus 8, but I did tune in with Amanda for this past Monday’s episode, where Jon and Kate announce that they are “separating” (now, getting divorced). The whole thing was them saying, “This is what’s best for everyone. This is for the kids.” This is for the kids? Seriously? Yeah, I’m sure your children are saying, “Whoa! Mommy and Daddy need to break up because things are crazy here.” Now, I’m sympathetic to people who get divorced for real reasons, but Jon and Kate seem to care about the TV show more than the kids. Jon and Kate, how about you stop the show and take care of your marriage? Has no one thought about this?

I pray that they work things out. Divorce is never a fun thing, and it always leaves scars on all those involved, especially kids.

I think this comic sums it up well:

Tags: Jon, Jon and Kate Plus 8, Kate, TLC, tv show

Answering the Wrong Questions [Posted at Everyday Liturgy]

Tim (fellow blogger at blackcoffeereflections.com) and I will be filling in for Everyday Liturgy while Thomas is away on vacation (or “holiday” as the Brits call it). My first post dealing with the questions we (Christians) ask about global warming, homosexuality, etc., is up and is called:

 Answering the Wrong Questions

I’ve had my fair share of encounters with Christians over the years. I have found that Christians are in the business of asking the wrong questions and giving poor answers to wrong questions…

Tags: Everyday Liturgy, global warming, homosexuality, questions

Beach, Boardwalk, and Books

When it’s summer time, and the weather is hot (or rainy), you got readin’, you got readin’ on your mind. OK, maybe too much. Below is a list of books I hope to read this summer (and you’re welcome to as well), and also books I recommend reading this summer. My love is theology so you’ll see many theology books, but I recommended more novice ones for people like me but need a summer of relaxation and less mind-boggling material.

So, while you’re drinking lemonade, eating boardwalk fries, and sitting on the beach, here’s some books to check out.

• Books for my beach bag (my readings and maybe yours too)

N.T. Wright’s Justification God’s Plan & Paul’s Vision

N.T. takes on Piper like Luther took on Erasmus. I want to see what all the fuss is about. I’ve heard N.T. Wright’s view before and didn’t see what the big deal was. I read about one chapter so far, and it was so worth it.

Karl Barth’s Church Dogmatics I.1-2

By far the most extensive reading this summer is for my independent study with John Franke. I really like the Church Dogmatics. I’ll read something, say “Yeah! Alright!”, walk away, and say, “What did I just read?”

Walter Brueggemann’s The Prophetic Imagination

When more then one person tells you this book “changed my life”, I had to read it. It comes with eager anticipation, but Brueggemann is already “the man” so it should be good.

Rob Bell and Don Golden’s Jesus Wants to Save Christians: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile

Speaking of “the man,” Rob Bell sets out to help American Christians rethink some of the things we believe, say, and do. The title is very intriguing. Then again, so is NOOMA.

• Books that are finger-lickin’ good like your boardwalk fries (recommendations)

John Franke’s Barth for the Armchair Theologian

Of the two Barth books I read for my independent study, John Franke’s is by-far the better, clearer explanation of Barth’s viewpoints. As I read the Dogmatics, I find myself being reminded of Franke’s book. Plus, Franke’s a pretty cool dude. If you’d like an intro into Karl Barth’s theology, this is the way to go.

Ed Cyzewski’s Coffehouse Theology: Reflecting on God in Everyday Life

I’ve said this before, if you want to know how theology should be done and want an intro into it, Ed’s book is for you. Ed does well in helping one understand the contextual nature of theology, but he does much more than that. I have reviewed his book, which I believe is my only book review, because it was that good (and because he hooked me up if I blogged about it). It’s around $9.00 on Amazon.com, so go buy it!

Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw’s Jesus for President: Politics for Ordinary Radicals

Still by far one of my favorite books this year! Shane and Chris take a biblical and artistic approach to speak to the Church’s involvement in politics, and how Christians should be shaped by their loyalty to the banner of Christ and no other. This book is excellent, and it’s made of recycled paper so you’ll make Shane happy.

You have three months (and June’s almost over!) to read three books so get to work!

Don’t Vote for Jimmy

It’s my responsibility as a blogger to point out things that are unjust. One thing is the fact that Jimmy Rollins, the shortstop of my beloved Phillies, is leading NL MLB shortstops in All-Star voting. The problem is, J-Roll has under-performed all season. His stats are not All-Star worthy. So please, if you are listening to me, if you are voting for Jimmy,

DON’T VOTE FOR JIMMY.

Yes, he won the World Series last year. Yes, I love the Phillies, but those who deserve it should go to the All-star game.

Look at these weak stats…

Jimmy Rollins

Avg .225

HR 6

RBI 27

Runs 40

SB 10 

A much more deserving candidate:

Hanley Ramirez

Avg .325

Tags: All-Star, Jimmy Rollins

Evan, a Yankees fan?: the missional-sports dilemma

Now, I have a friend, who will remain unnamed, who cheered for certain sports teams while he grew up. In his thirties, he accepted a job in the New York City area, and, thus, he changed his favorite teams to New York teams. Conveniently, at the same time as the Giants won the Super Bowl, but that’s beside the point.

I, myself, have grown up cheering for every Philadelphia team that there is (yes, even the MISL team, the “Kixx”). I love the Phillies. I love the Eagles. I love the Flyers [the Sixers, I can live without, but I love them too like I love an uncle who I never see and gives large financial contracts to mediocre friends]. You get the point. In Philadelphia (much like other blue-collar cities/towns), you live and die with your teams. I could never, ever, ever think about switching teams, but…

If I were to change the location of my ministry, should I change the teams I cheer for in order to be more missionally minded? Better yet, who would Jesus cheer for in that situation?

For some of you, this is no big deal, but, for me, it is. This may seem like a lame topic, but it’s a serious one for someone who loves his or her team so much. I could never see myself moving to New York and cheering for the Giants, or worse, the Yankees [or even worse, move to Queens and be a…a…a…(gulp)…Mets fan]. But would I be missing out on missional opportunities because I’m unable to relate with New York fans because I insist on being a Philly fan?

I don’t think many people think about this. But maybe being missional, maybe being part of the kingdom of God means changing teams? So, maybe my unnamed friend is right to cheer for the Yankees and Giants (as much as I hate to say it).

What do you think?

[PS- Yankees suck!]

Tags: Eagles, Giants, Jesus, Mission, missional, New York, Philadelphia, Phillies, Yankees

Great Post by Ed Cyzewski on Prop 8 | @edcyzewski

Ed Cyzewski, author of Coffeehouse Theology, wrote an excellent post on the Christian response to California Supreme Court’s upholding of Proposition 8, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman, thus, banning gay marriage. Wherever individual Christians find themselves in this debate, Ed offers good advice, which is, Christians must first and foremost be focusing their time and energy on the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven (which I’m pretty sure Jesus said first). Read his post “Mourning Proposition Eight: Dragging Jesus Through the Mud and Wasting $85 Million” here.

“I’d rather not rant about this Proposition Eight business. I think it’s more appropriate to mourn this mess spear-headed by Christians and Mormons…“

Tags: Ed Cyzewski, gay marriage, Prop 8, Proposition 8

A “Christian” Response to Memorial Day

Memorial Day was this past Monday, and, like most Americans, I enjoyed my day off of work. I spent time with friends and family, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. If anyone saw me, you’ll notice I didn’t wear anything with red, white, and blue. I didn’t wear anything that said, “Support our troops” or “Pray for our troops.” I didn’t wave an American flag. It’s not that I’m not proud to be American (in the same way, that I may be proud to be English if I was born in England). I am proud of many things America does, and, on the other hand, I’m not proud of many other things. The thing is, as Christians, we are called to salute a different Commander-in-chief, that is, Jesus Christ. He is our King, and I do not and will not compromise my allegiance to this King. However, even though the premise of Memorial Day is a dark one (in that, it surrounds the death of individuals), I believe it provides us with many reminders.

1. Memorial Day is a good reminder that Death, though wounded, is alive and still strong. Christ has defeated Death, wounded it, and it will one day be eradicated. However, Memorial Day reminds us that Death still…err…kills people. American troops over many years have died because the problem of Death still exists. Any thoughts to the contrary are contested on days like Memorial Day.

2. Memorial Day is a reminder that the Christian family is trans-national. Christ, who is my brother and my God, has shown me that his family is anyone who does the will of the Father, and, so Christians, no matter our national boundaries, are brothers and sisters of one another. As Christians, it is not America versus the rest of the world. It is not “God Bless America” only, but it is, as one bumper sticker says, “God bless the whole world. No exceptions.” I do pray that God blesses America, but I do pray that God bless Iraq, England, France, and the rest of the world. Lord knows, we need his blessing. But what would it be like if the one firing the bullet thought that his or her brother may be on the other end? Wouldn’t that change his or her perspective?

3. Memorial Day is a reminder that those who live by the sword, die by the sword. It is likely no secret to many of you that I align myself with non-violence, and it sickens me (and I believe the heart of Christ) when the sword, no matter who is wielding it, kills someone. The Roman Empire was a clear-cut example of living and dying by the sword. They took over “the world” through massacring and waging war against other nations, spreading their ideals throughout “the world.” Their fall was also by the end of the sword. Barbarians took over parts of Rome (which was already weak from violence and betrayal in other areas) by wiping out its rulers.

4. Memorial Day is a reminder to love those even those who disagree with you. One could easily withdraw from society on Memorial Day. One could easily say, “No, thanks,” to the multitude of barbeques. However, Christ calls us to love the people of the world even if we don’t agree with what they celebrate. [To other Christian, non-violent “ordinary radicals” (Shane Claiborne reference), Memorial Day is a good reminder to love people where they are, not what they have been. It would be un-Christlike to treat soldiers in any other way than with the love of Christ.]

5. Memorial Day is also a good reminder to follow the Church calendar, which is not focused around things like consumerism and Empire, but a reminder to shape our lives around the story of Christ and his Church. Reminder: Pentecost (in the West) is on May 31st and is the single, most important day for the celebration of the Holy Spirit. Sadly, many focus their churches and lives around the American calendar and won’t even acknowledge these things.

Tags: America, empire, Memorial Day, nonviolence, Rome, soldiers