Open Letter to the AARP.

Dear Sirs/Madames,

For the love of God, please, please, please stop sending me membership information.

Thank you.

A post of its own.

My intent in the last post was not so much a discussion of communion as it was the idea of how our perceptions limit God. But the thread turned to the Lord's supper and a very good conversation ensued. Still, I don't want to get away from the God-in-a-box idea. My friend, sandytrif, made a comment that got to the heart of what I was thinking:

"What really matters is why do we put the maker of the universe in a box we make? Why do we who are so small and finite think we can contain the creator of all things?"

I think this idea is really at the root of my problem with most theology (western theology, at least--I'm thinking the Greek Orthodox are on to something, besides wicked cool hats). For all of Christendom's hermeneutical machinations, it still amounts to, "We serve an infinite God... and this is exactly what He looks like."

Random...

As we took communion Sunday, my 9 year old whispered, "Daddy, Jesus' body tastes like cardboard."

"I know, honey," I thought, "He must've picked up the taste of the box we keep him in."

Worship...

is not:
-raising my hands.
-singing a song.
-coached nor manipulated.
-able to be observed as such.

is:
-understanding and acknowledging that God is the source of everything.
-putting the needs of others ahead of mine.
-sacrificing myself in service to the Jesus I see in people.
-best exemplified in what James calls "pure and undefiled" religion (helping the helpless).

I say these things as a musician and as a former "worship leader" (I really dislike that term). I spent a number of years operating under some very well-meaning, but wrong-headed assumptions about what is pleasing to God. As I now stand, I find the things I once sought to achieve and to encourage in others are the very least part of what it means to worship.

Not that there's anything wrong with singing or making music. I love music (well, good music, anyway). I just don't want to get back to the place where I can work up a shiver and call it touching God. More and more, I'm learning to perceive the nearness of God in the everyday and ordinary stuff of life... in my marriage, in my kids, in my friends...

...and in those things, I taste the wonder of it all.

The Great American Novel

Larry Norman recorded this song in 1972. It's amazing how relevant it sounds 36 years later. I guess nothing ever really changes, does it? People will keep being people, no matter what happens or who's in charge.

Only visiting this planet...

Arguably the first Christian rocker ever, Larry Norman died Sunday of heart failure at the age of 60. Say what you want about Christian music, that dude was for real. I'm officially sad.

Meanwhile...

Lots to say, no time to say it. To tell the truth, I'm debating whether to shut the blog down altogether.

So watch this while I make up my mind...

This cracked me up...

I adore jonbirch. He can say a thousand and one words with one image. Go check him out.


A couple more of my favorites are here and here.

My absolute all-time favorite is here.

Reason #5 why 2008 will be better than 2007

UPDATE, 1/23/07 - Just saw it with Jefe. Awesome. Get yourself to an IMAX quick.

Impending papal smackdown sends strong warning to Satan

"Thanks be to God, we have a Pope who has decided to fight the Devil head-on," says Father Gabriele Amorth, on Pope Benedict XVI's recent order to bishops to drastically increase the number of qualified exorcists in dioceses worldwide.

Apparently, God is still busy breaking up the row between the priests in Bethlehem, so the vicar of Christ will pick up the slack by keeping that pesky Beelzebub at bay with roving "exorcism squads." So I guess that's good. Still, as I read this story and the accompanying photos, I couldn't help but think...








Who would I rather meet in a dark alley? One who comes as an angel of light? Or a snarling german on a throne waving a dangling dead Jesus-on-a-stick?

I dunno, man...

Christmas is over. Business as usual.

[cue music]...peace on earth, good will toward men. 

Aaaa-meeeeeen.[/stop music]

Earlier today, inside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem (not Pennsylvania, the REAL one), Greek Orthodox and Armenian priests broke into a real live fistfight while photographers documented the event. Seven people were injured in the flurry of fists, brooms and iron bars (yes, iron bars), including two Palestinian police. 

Apparently, various Christian sects control different areas of the church, and during the post-holiday cleanup, someone's ladder crossed into enemy territory in what can only be described as the religious rendition of "Daaad, he's touching me! Tell him to stay on his side!!"

God was reportedly heard to say, "If I stop this car, somebody's gonna be sorry!"

Full story here.

When I was thirsty...

Go here for more information on the Advent Conspiracy

Straight, No Chaser

It was the name of the group that first caught my eye. ; )

I've been emailed this clip from four people, and, judging from the number of hits on YouTube, you've likely seen it by now, but I'm putting it up anyway. It's from a concert in 1998. I just love this:

All I want for Christmas...

...is a tour announcement (pleaseohpleaseohpleaseohplease).

(Oh, and the five hundred bucks it'll probably take to get a ticket.) Read more here. 

My favorite quote about Monday night's show comes from Pete Paphides (The Times of London):

  "With a synergy like this going on, it would be an act of cosmic perversity to stop now."

My Thanksgiving Message.

Um...thank you.