When the World Points Fingers

Why do people hate Christianity?
Simply put, but impossibly deep.

I was reading an article in a Christian magazine today about Marilyn Manson's sordid autobiography, The Long Hard Road out of Hell. The article was less than unbiased, yet it gave a bit of a picture into Manson's world....er, "hell".

I'll admit it, even as a youth pastor, Manson's life is somewhat intriguing, from a purely observation perspective. I guess because he somewhat defines or personifies for me the absolute limit to which a person can morally decrease and descend from what I can see. I guess I'd call him the "labrat"or "guinea pig" example of where I could possibly be in the depths of sin.

I've picked up the book a few times in Chapters and skimmed through the pages somewhat. While I am not a fan of his musical style or lyrics or lifestyle or beliefs or fashion sense, I have found, from observing what interviews I have seen or read, that he is no dummy. He is not a simple person. There is definitely a depth to his thinking, and a philosophical, psychological knowledge that is morbid yet interesting.

This man knows Christianity. He was(?) one (Let God be his Judge). He was raised in a Christian home, went to a Christian school, church, and learned the theology, dogma, verses, creeds and worship hymns and chorus we sing every sunday. Yet the events of his life were tragic...crazy, even. Tough stuff. I won't get into it, but I must say...what a mess.

And now, in his present state, he is pointing his finger (I don't have to tell you which one) at Christianity. How ought we to respond? I've seen some ways - anger, threats, outlashes, condemning, protests...etc. - but how do we respond as Christians?

Obviously from Romans 1, we know how God will respond.

But this has got me thinking. Why do people hate Christianity? Well, of course, I'm sure that sin plays a HUGE role in that answer. Yet socially, have you noticed that a majority the hatred towards Christianity results from how the world sees Christians and not Christ?

Why? In Church, one of the fundamental first foundations we lay for Christianity is that "we all have sinned". We are all, Christian and Non-Christian alike, sinners. Obviously some people got stuck on this one.

I will be the first person to admit that I mess up. I am a pastor, and I am a sinner of sinners. I deserve Hell. It is not by me that people should see Christianity, but by Christ (2 Peter 2:21).

This is an interesting paradox, because I also believe that we are to reflect the light of Christ to all people everywhere. I am to be an example in this world for unbelievers. Yikes. We're in deep trouble. What if I mess up, like I am still prone to do?

God's grace is still sufficient for me.

So, I press on. But I have to say to Marilyn Manson (if you are reading this), I'm sorry. I am a bad example. But look to Jesus. That's what I do.

Any questions?

THE FIGHT

Grievances, words, and clenched fists
pain, discipline for a loss
and pride for a win
the rain on empty hopes
the gain does not reach farther than the fist
oppression does not cease until the losing side wins
and gives up
pound what stirs up anger
and therein lies your loss
the fight comes down to worth
for this is not what we deserve
Unimaginable madness and fear
with hearts pounding and bounding inside
The conflict does not end in distance's strike
it begins in hearts mind
and there, too, it ends
and in the end
our fight is not against matter
but what matters to the fighter
and in as much
we all lose.

A Week of Busy-Ness

Well, thus begins another week. And with another week is a whole new mound of dirt to shovel through. This week especially. I have something every night and day of the week.

So sporadic, life can be at times. But such is the life of a youth pastor. I hope that I never forget how to stop and take a break though. I have to enjoy the finer things of life. Like sunsets, warm tea, silence, and most importanly, my wife. She is a breath of fresh air on a busy day. Needless to say, however, we are both learning how busy we can get. Hopefully not too busy...

Something to remember today: Don't forget to stop and smell the flowers. Just take it all in. The colors, the beauty, the peace of it all.... (inspired by a good friend of mine's mom, Gloria).....but wait a second, it's JANUARY!!! WINTER!!!.....I'd better get back to work.

A Typical Man...

So Wednesday night, I spent almost 2 hours working on a nightstand for my wife.

It was frustrating.

I was following the instructions, but got to a point when my own interpretation of the instructions was (more or less) wrong. I messed up. I guess I didn't think well enough in advance to the possibility that I could/would mess this up. All I had on my mind was getting it finished and how I was going to be the next Tim "the Tool Man" Taylor. Man, I couldn't have been more right. I sure knew how to mess things up.

I wish I had Al with me.

But throughout the whole time of frustration I found myself saying to myself "there's a lesson here, I just need to find out what it is" (for those of you who have seen The Weatherman).

The lesson? Well, it was that I am not as "Handy" as I thought I was.

Oh well, maybe I can learn to knit...that's pretty manley.

Tragedy

Man, what's wrong with people?
Not to be a downer on my third (well, actually my second) blog since my 'return', but in the past 24 hours, I've heard some disturbing news.
I attended a funeral last week of a girl who was 14 years old when she died. Although it was not mentioned at the funeral, it was alluded to that she took her own life. What a tragedy. There wasn't a dry eye in the place. Although I didn't know her, it made me so sad. I prayed. What else is there to do.
But then I heard from a friend that the reason this whole thing happened was due to a family situation - abuse. The young girl took her life due to her rough family life.
The following few days after her funeral, I learned that her abuser (a close relative) had also taken their own life. I suppose they were exposed following the first death, and thought this was the only way out.

I remember my dad used to tell me - "Life is so precious".
I'm sorry for messing up so much, God.

my wife said - "Sometimes this world makes me want to throw up"
I wonder how God feels about sin?

anyhow....

Fresh Start

Back in action, well, I guess you could say that. I'm still trying to figure out what exactly the world wants to hear from me. A lot has happened since my last blog. Not only have I graduated from college and began a job as a youth pastor, but I am now marriage. It has been a year of change for me. It's too bad I couldn't keep you up to date with all that. Stay tuned for more deep thoughts and words of insight from my boredom and wild imagination.
Oh yeah, I guess I should say sorry that I haven't blogged in over a year and a half. I feel bad. Oh well, I'm movin' on. Hey, that sounds like a song...

This week: Married for a month, contemplating old age before I get there (maybe I'm already there?).

GONE...AND BACK AGAIN

So, last time you saw me (or didn't see me), I was like this.... Heading straight with the wind, wherever it may take me. I was done with my blogging life, or so it seemed...
My good friend Dalton kept asking me when I was going to be back. I thought never. He thought someday. Well....

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em....I'm back.