my thoughts on the Blue Like Jazz screenplay

A dear friend of mine is one of the producers of the Blue Like Jazz film project so I may seem more important than I really am. There is no other reason that a person of my stature with only a few hundred readers would get his hands on the screenplay that many are talking about. The only other thing I have read is from Gabe Lyons, and I am not Gabe Lyons. He produces big conferences and writes books. I write a blog and have better hair and music taste. Plus, I did not love the book. I merely liked the book, but I was not its main audience (too old and cynical).

To be Hollywood-y, I will tell you to think The Graduate meets Fight Club, without the sex, violence and multiple personalities. It is not your preacher's Christian film. In fact, it is light years away from and ahead of what normally passes for "Christian" entertainment (Fireproof, etc). The reason for this is a different agenda. Imagine getting a bunch of talented people together (that just happen to be Christians). Imagine that they have one goal and that goal is not to make a Christian film, or evangelize. Imagine that goal is simply to make a very good film that entertains, but the main character happens to have a Christian background which he is struggling with. 

This friend wanted my honest assessment and I can tell you this… it is quite good. It is funny, edgy (but not too edgy), honest, brash and humble. Yes, the comparisons to Garden State, Good Will Hunting, All the Real Girls, Juno and Little Miss Sunshine, and any other coming of age story are warranted. It is a Christian Indie flick, and it works. It is reasonably Sundance-y and will be embraced by a similar audience, unless the audience is prejudiced.

They have started with the thing any film must have to be good... a very good script. Now it is up to the filmmakers to make the movie the screenplay deserves. 

It is not as witty as Juno (which is not a bad thing- Juno may have been too witty), but is much more realistic than Garden State and its ending does not make you suspend any disbelief (unlike GS), which you have to do in Elizabethtown and any other hackneyed romantic dramedy masquerading as a personal growth flicks. No airport reunions here. Thank God. I start with the ending because it has broken many good movies in the past (you know, guy gets resolution to all his problems and the girl in the last 5 minutes).

Luckily, this ending gives you just what you need to be satisfied (and maybe shed a real tear) without resorting to the tricks of most Hollywood films. That is a credit to the filmmakers. In fact, the ending of this film is its strength. It is nice to see such a strong pay off and I hope the filmmakers keep it. Test audiences be damned if they don’t like it! Plus, the redemptive spirit of the final act is powerful and I connected with it because of similar experiences in college, mostly due to the grace of friends after I was broken by my own stupidity. I connected with that and the writer's disdain for Christianeze like "Bro" which I also despise.

Don't get me wrong, the screenplay is not perfect. There are a few flourishes I appreciate, but am skeptical of seeing done on screen. However, seldom have I seen a screenplay (or film for that matter) which does make me say, "I may have done that differently," or "is that really the best option?"

That said, Blue Like Jazz will be a Rorschach test for its viewers, with each of their own prejudices brought to bear. It mines Christian and secular Left stereotypes (both of which I find in myself), finding something in each to laugh at, but moves beyond these to find the humanity in "the other" each audience member has dismissed in the past. This happens if that audience member chooses to let go and become enraptured by this painfully funny tale based upon Don Miller’s own life, but fictionalized. It is not for the closed minded, no matter what their stripe, but neither was the book. The first scenes will find audiences not embracing the “Christian” label squirming because of the insider church language. However, the setup is needed and without this the pathos of the central character would be unexplained and the growth would be non-existent. And trust me, Christians will find plenty to make them squirm after the insider beginning.

My only concern for the film project is that an audience will be hard to find. Too many conservative Christians will find the reality, the honesty and the rawness disconcerting, realizing they are more comfortable laughing at those they disagree with instead of embracing them as friends and truth-tellers, while some of the more reasonable and progressive critics will come with their own agendas, looking for an evil proselytizer under the director’s slate board, not realizing that every protagonist in a coming of age film has a “born again” or epiphany moment, whether it is Zach Braff discontinuing the use of psychotropic drugs in Garden State or Seth Rogan realizing that he must find gainful employment in Knocked Up. It is basic to the plot of such a film. Just because Jesus is in the midst, does not change the basic arch of a story. I hope the “open minded” see that, unlike the writers of Pitchfork which dismiss most albums by religious musicians (see reviews of Cold War Kids and Manchester Orchestra). Of course, Miller’s books have found a large audience, so I think it has a very good chance.

I am very impressed and cannot wait for the soundtrack, if they get the rights. Hopefully it will be filled with Coltrane, Monk, Modest Mouse, Sufjan Stevens, Arcade Fire, Ani DiFranco, Cold War Kids, Welcome Wagon and other Indie Rockers from Asthmatic Kitty and Kill Rock Stars.

So, spread the word. Get the buzz started. This movie has the potential to make you proud. It has the potential to be the film most of us have been waiting for, an entertaining and truthful story with Christian and redemptive themes that makes us laugh and we can show our friends without embarrassment. It is about time.

btw, the filmmakers are looking for funding right now. If you are interested, or know others interested in investing in such a project with a very good business plan, let me know. I will put you in touch with the right people (and I have nothing to personally gain from any of this, beyond a movie I can proudly own- and maybe they will send me a nice t-shirt).

advice to Pastors and Churches

as any casual reader of this blog knows, my family is looking for a church. As we have visited churches, sometimes returning to a church a second time, it has occurred to me that some of my observations can be of use to the pastor of a church, especially an attractional church which wants to "grow" numerically through its Sunday morning service. As a former pastor, I may notice some things that are not working in your congregation, things you may want to consider if you like people and want them to come to your church.* This is not seeker sensitive stuff, this is common sense.

This advice is for pastors and churches. I make it out to pastors, but it does not matter who sees it. I may continue this series as I gain more "insight." However, as of today, here are some nuggets for your chewing pleasure. By the way, I have been guilty of many of these on occasion. It is okay if you are guilty today, just know how it looks to others and think about it.

1. You are not that cool. So, don't try to be. Just be yourself. As Ben Folds says, there is Always Someone Cooler Than You (read the song, embrace it). Sure, you might be cooler than Pastor Fred from First Antioch Baptist Church of God in your graphic t-shirt, but don't try to impress me with your love of Coldplay, 24 or twitter. I would think you were edgier if you told me you were into Sacred Harp singing, cultural anthropology and folk dancing.
2. Don't try to impress me with your technology. Keep it simple and straightforward. You will always be behind the world, so don't try to keep up with Google or U2. It is distracting.
3. Wear shirts that fit. Don't raid Ed Young, Jr.'s wardrobe. Please. Heck, put on a freakin' suit if you need to. And, if you like those tight shirts, lose weight.
4. Don't make judgments regarding the Christian faith of celebrities, unless they are personal friends of yours. We don't care if you think Bono, Kanye or Jessica Simpson is a Christian. In fact, keep your mouth shut about celebs. It usually gets the best of us in trouble.
5. Speaking of clothes... don't dress like an absolute bum. But, conversely, don't look like you spend too much time, money and product on your clothing, shoes, tight t-shirt, hair or glasses. People notice. And they are not as impressed as you think they are. They are looking for a pastor they can connect with, not take to the club. At the same time, you are a role model... Act like it.
6. Don't try to do everything. If you are leading worship, preaching, making announcements, praying, telling everyone what to do and leading multiple small groups, then you are doing too much. It tells us you have a huge ego, are not a good leader or you don't trust your people. Spread it around, even if does not go as well as it does when you do it.
7. Make people feel welcome, but don't make them walk a gauntlet to get into church.
8. Make sure people notice the new people. Don't scare them, but let them know you notice and care.
9. Make sure the nursery, child care area is manned by competent, FRIENDLY, helpful volunteers. Don't ignore new kids in favor of favorite kid. Make sure family of new kid feels comfortable leaving kids there... like you have it together. If not, don't offer anything. And for goodness sake, be honest about what you have (or don't have) for kids on your website!
10. When people come one time, don't just add them to an email or snail mail list. This is nothing more than spam and it pisses people off. I now have an inbox clogged with crap from churches I will never attend (that is why I always give churches the same email I give marketers).
11. When you contact first time visitors (and yes... You Should), make sure it is personal. Make sure it does not sound like a form letter (once we got a letter from the pastor of a medium sized church- it was typed with our names handwritten and the pastor's signature copied). Don't just add them to that list (ask permission!!).
12. If a visitor repeats, make sure they feel at home. Notice them. Tell them you are glad they came back, even if (like me) they try to sneak out. Let them sneak out visit one. Catch them on visit two. If they came back 2nd time, you did not offend them the 1st. They put you in the "maybe" category instead of the "no" file. In fact, the 2nd visit is more important than the 1st. If you blow it, it is usually you, not them.
13. If a visitor shows interest, don't blow them off. Don't forget about them. Stay on top of the contact and don't play hard to get. You are not the hot chick from 8th grade when they are in 7th. You are the pastor. Pursue, but be respectful.
14. Smoke machines and rambling guitar/ drum solos... NO.
15. Do not try to sound like the latest hit band. You are probably not as good. Put some effort into your lyrics. Please! If you are not theologically minded, find someone that is. Just cause it sounds good and makes you FEEL close to God, does not mean it sustains or has any spiritual depth.
16. Unless you want a bunch of brain dead consumers, the preaching and lyrics of the music must be challenging, but not guilt inducing. Think about the entire service. You have a liturgy. Embrace it and make it better. Don't just sing, preach, take money, tell people stuff. When serving communion, take it seriously. Do it less and do it right! Explain it. Heck.. explain everything. Teach us stuff. Don't assume anything!
17. Offer some snacks and coffee, but don't brag about it. Wow! You have Starbucks. I will now come to your church. I mean, you just saved me $2.00 per week. What a bargain. Conversely, if you have fair trade (and you should!), let us know. And, don't just offer fattening donuts. You are a church and gluttony is a sin.
18. Be green. Be careful with paper, trash, etc. Recycle and let us know.
19. If you cannot preach, get someone who can. Take a class. Don't experiment on me.
20. Your church should not try to do everything. You cannot do it all well. And, don't brag about stuff you should be doing anyway. Don't brag about stuff you really are not doing (especially on the website. It should be an honest account of who you are, not who you want to be). Just let us know what you have going on and how to get involved.
21. If you actually value the place of women in your church, give them something to do besides greeter, nursery or back up singer. Your words betray you.
22. Don't just talk to people you know and like. Talk to new people, but don't pressure them and don't act desperate (apologies for how things are never help).
23. Value the feedback of visitors. Don't ignore their ideas. They may teach you something that will help you in your journey.
24. Value your people and visitors as much as you value your own voice, insight and vision. If you do not, you may seem like an arrogant -----.
25. Borrow from other preachers and churches. However, site sources. Don't steal without giving credit. Someone you stole from may show up and notice. If you borrow from the world (Starbucks, television, etc.), acknowledge it. We already noticed.

And last... stop trying to make your church seem so cool. It is not. It is church. Church does not equal cool. Your marketing should be honest, not an attempt to show how cool and "with it" you are. The more you try, the worse you look. Just tell us who you are and invite us along for the ride. I have seen too many churches trying to be cool and being inauthentic. If you are a suburb church, don't act like a city church. If you are all suburbanites, we will notice when you move your church into the city to be edgy and then drive home to suburbia. If you don't like poor people, justice and art do not fake it just to make us come to your church. You have turned important things into marketing points and propaganda. We notice when you are faking it, probably before you do.

* this comes from multiple visits to numerous churches. Many of the insights surround a church we long ago for a month or so, to never venture back into. If you think this is about you, it is probably your ego. But, then again, it might be because of you. But, it is probably about that other church down the street. But, if this sounds like you, think about it and consider changing.

Understand, this is not a bitter or mean post. This is me wanting to let churches know some of their best laid plans and attempts are not working. They look goofy and fake to many, but people are not honest with you (us). We are the naked Emperor and people are not letting us know we are naked. They are just ignoring us, tolerating it because they don't think the church is capable of doing it beter, putting up with us because they like us or never setting foot back in our churches again.

Rabbinical Consulting and Mentoring for Christians?

I have this idea I want to throw out there and see how you respond, so please share this with others and ask them to comment.

As one that works directly with chaplains, I come into contact with skilled leaders of different religions on a regular basis. One of those is a chaplain working periodically for my hospice. It is periodic due to staffing/ funding issues. This chaplain is Jewish and served as a congregational rabbi for close to 30 years. He has studied in the US and Israel and served as a nondenominational chaplain for a number of years, working directly with Christian patients and pastoral professionals.

As he is looking at semi-retirement (just turned 60, but he is a total boomer- former rock drummer, drives Harley, etc.) and trying to figure out how to make money during this time, it popped into my mind that he has knowledge and skills desired and needed by Christian professionals and churches. Since Rob Bell has popularized a more Hebraic understanding of Scripture, through his relationship with a rabbi (as well more emphasis on the Rabbinical tradition that Jesus taught out of), there may be a need. This rabbi's knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), The Talmud, Jewish tradition and practice is vast. His ability to share this with Christians is quite good. So, here is my idea...

My Rabbi friend should start a consulting business in which:

1. he mentors Christian ministers on a Hebrew understanding of Scripture, including the New Testament teachings of Jesus, Paul, etc.
2. he consults with churches on incorporating Jewish practices in their congregation (not the fake Jewish practices many churches are practicing*). This could include liturgy, Passover, etc.
3. he teaches classes to churches, ministerial alliances, etc. about Jewish practice, Jewish perspectives on Scripture, etc.
4. he leads retreats for Christians from a Hebrew perspective.
5. anything else that is thought of.

My questions are these:

1. would this be valued by churches and ministers?
2. would churches pay for his services?
3. would ministers pay for this type of mentoring, counseling and continuing education?
4. could he make a living, at least part time with this?
5. if it picks up steam, would you promote it or consider his service?
6. if I create a survey, would you promote it?

Full Disclosure: he is a great chaplain that should be doing this full time. However, there are not many area places hiring. I would gather no financial benefit from his business. However, I want to help him and see it as a cool niche. Before helping him out, I want to see if it is feasible.

Thanks for commenting (hint).

* in a meeting we were both in, someone shared the teaching of a Christian writer on "The Blessing" and its heritage in the Hebrew Scriptures and tradition, something that would not be challenged by most non scholarly Christians reading this book. The rabbi was aghast at how ungrounded in Judaism much of the presentation was. It was not historically or Biblically accurate according to Jews, but Christians choose to believe it.

hospice for churches

As some of you may know, I work in Hospice. I am the Director of Spiritual Care and Volunteer Services for a large non-profit hospice in the Tampa Bay area. Very seldom do I see actual patients, spending much of my time in meetings, making sure our entities are in compliance on issues I oversee and trying to come up with better ways to use volunteers and provide spiritual care to patients and families. It is not particularly glamorous or as heavy duty as those in the field on a daily basis.

I have come to realize that my job as related to spiritual care is to make sure our Chaplains can help decrease the amount of suffering people do as they die. That is it. It is palliative in nature. We don't heal. We don't cure. We offer support which will hopefully allow patients and their families grieve better, find meaning in the suffering and gain hope for the future (best case scenario). This is what I do on a daily basis.

However, on Wednesday night I realized I was playing the same role as one of our hospice chaplains once more. However, this time it was not with an individual patient or family. It was with a church. This church has been on the decline for a number of years. It was once a thriving part of a growing community, one that eventually began a slow decline towards crime, poverty, decay and "white flight." During the past decade or so, the neighborhood (which my family lives in) has slowly gentrified. It is now known for expensive 1920's bungalows, liberal politics, beautiful oak trees, along with crime, poverty and prostitution. In other words, it is a city neighborhood. And it needs palliative care as it dies.

As the neighborhood has regained its footing, the church has steadily declined. A church known for its progressive theology, social justice advocacy and community involvement has dwindled to 12- 15 active persons, most over the age of 60 or 70. The church houses a thriving day care and offers itself to multiple congregations and community groups (AA and such) weekly. The pastor also serves another church and the Parish Associate is a wonderfully spry retired octogenarian Presbyterian pastor. They are ready to move on and asked me to help.

Five years ago they voted to die. However, the church is in long term hospice care, needing to be given permission by its members to end, so something can rise in its place. Whereas some patients hang on for a long time because of unresolved issues, so do churches. I believe this church is waiting in some sort of limbo until its members know the future of the church in the community. While they are coming to the realization that their days are numbered and they will never regain glory, they are in need of people to assure them that death is not the end of church in the neighborhood and their years of work are not for naught.

That is where I, along with a few others, have come in. As a former pastor and church planter in the community, I wanted to encourage them that, while it may be the end for this particular branding of church, it did not need to be the end of a presence in the community. They could will their building to the denomination or another community of their choice. They could establish a church plant or revitalization effort with the denomination. They have many options. However, waiting is no longer one. To put it bluntly, life support needs to be removed after a will and future directives are established.

I hope we can help them in the writing of this will so the church can end its present life in the knowledge its resources and work are taken care of, confident in its place in the Kingdom of God. Yes, its members will grieve greatly, but it is a natural piece of the process. This church needs to be honored for its wisdom, grace and gift to the future.

Too often, other churches think that the Biblical concept that the church will prevail against the gates of Hell gives us some sort of Divine rite to continual existence. We think that church death is against the nature of our faith. We think that churches must continually grow. We do not understand that there are seasons for growth and death (another Biblical idea). There are natural life cycles, which not pumped up by endowments, should be allowed to happen. For a church to die and be reborn as another congregation is life affirming. To die with no future course of action is the sad thing. While some churches can live for centuries, some fulfill their purpose in decades, years of months. To see one die that has served its purpose well should be a time of celebration (like a wake), not just mourning.

Over my years of ministry I have told people each denomination that has a church planting or church growth department also needs a department of church death, so churches can die with dignity and grace, to be reborn when needed and to give their resources to other churches when they can not be reborn.

Right now I am calling it Hospice for Churches.

Music School: the CNN of Working Class People

Thinking about the recession and Emergent's blindspots with the working class and blue collar crowd that we must address for this movement to have relevance for the future of the church (to be relevant we must move beyond the elites and the poor), we must first listen to the lower middle class' stories*. As I stated a few posts back, it is my contention that the stories, issues and problems of the rural poor, trailer parks, ghettos and working poor will become the problems of the middle class, suburbs and upwardly mobile very soon (especially in the south and places where the line of demarcation between the classes is tenuous at best and the recession is causing severe strain).

I would like to introduce you to a couple of bands that tell the stories of the working poor, the middle American trying to survive when life has not worked out as well as it should have, those with a bit of religion (good and bad). While folk and country have the ability to tell such stories, I do not think the present day incarnations are doing a good enough job. Too much folk music is cerebral and whiny, while much of today's country music revels in an unhealthy lifestyle and glorifies it (the same complaint some have with rap) without maintaining the distance of a reporter or the self examination of previous incarnations. I believe this is due to marketing forces. Self reflection is seen as weak and people may not want to buy it- so we give fake nostalgia instead, the longing for a life that we never experienced (see Tim McGraw or Kenny Chesney for prime examples). This is fine on Saturday night, but not helpful as a work of art to illuminate.

The first band I mention, Drive-By Truckers, is a prime example of a band that illuminates and tells the story of a people. Like Chuck D calling hip hop the "CNN of the ghetto" DBT mine the depths of the southern experience, in a sometimes crass, but always compelling manner. In fact, they understand this, giving themselves a name that conjures up the Inner City and South at once, naming albums "The Dirty South," a term for a specific rap sub-genre from Atlanta and using the same subject matter as rap, albeit from a white southern point of view in songs like "Wife Beater," "Aftermath USA," "Too Much Sex (Too Little Jesus)," and countless others.

As you can see from their lyrics, this is not typical country music (if you have not heard them, imagine a combination of Lynyrd Skynyrd, REM or The Replacements and Waylon Jennings). This is a CNN of the poor rural south and I think it is becoming more relevant to the rest of the country and those ministered to by churches throughout America (I would say that inner city, mostly African American churches need to listen to rap- but many of their ministers understand this). It is hidden by those in our communities, but it is the heritage of many of those recovering fundamentalists in emerging churches, those angry at the church (some of whom still attend), those burdened with serious guilt and those trying to survive along the righteous path of good living (as DBT eloquently state in a song).

Here are some examples

Drive-By Truckers The Righteous Path(lyrics)- life is hard and people try to live righteously, the best they can even when they can't ("I don't know God, but I fear his wrath"). This could be the theme song of the men I grew up with. I think that is why it speaks directly to me.

Drive-By Truckers Putting People on the Moon (lyrics)- the anger and frustration of working hard and having no money as others succeed and your life continues on a downward spiral. It is written about the Reagan era, but holds a message for today. Hood's voice greatly annoys my wife.

2 others to check out, if you have time...

Drive-By Truckers 2 Daughters and Beautiful Wife (lyrics)- his view of heaven is beautiful and real (no theological niceties).

Drive-By Truckers The Southern Thing (lyrics)- DBT does not glorify the experience as much as it desires to walk a mile in the shoes of others and tell their side of the story, even if is hard to hear. This is such an example. The entire album Southern Rock Opera album deals with the "duality of the Southern Thing" I can appreciate.

________________________________________________

The other artist is from Minneapolis by way of Brooklyn. The Hold Steady is another story telling band dealing with broken dreams, Christian guilt (Catholic this time) and hard living (but trying to "stay positive" in the midst of it). Give some of this a listen. Imagine Bruce Springsteen if he drank too much and read too much beat poetry.

The Hold Steady Constructive Summer (lyrics) - a song of trying to survive with old buddies and dealing with the "damage" of his Catholic school upbringing ("I heard your gospel, it moved me to tears. but I couldn't find the hate and I couldn't find the fear").

* I think Tony did us a great service by choosing a truck driver to tell some stories of Emerging Christianity.

Emergent blind spot

I just mentioned one of the posts I am working on in the previous entry. However, I am working on another music related post. It is actually related to ministry, the emerging church, the recession, ministering to those struggling (especially the middle class) and a band that I think speaks to all of this at this moment, Drive-By Truckers.

As I have thought of emerging churches and the recession, I have noticed one of the weaknesses of the movement (speaking of me, too). In some ways I would agree with those that claim Emergent is a group of elitists. It is Elitists ministering to other elitists and the poor. However, we are not presently part of the middle ground. We are not good with answers and ministry to the working poor, the working-class or the blue collar; the people of my heritage that I ran from when I got educated.* This is a place the modern church, especially the fundamentalist church is speaking to (even though it screws people up in many ways).

I think this is incredibly important because those that may have considered themselves elites, or at least educated white collars are beginning to experience life from a working class/ blue collar/ working poor perspective. As our churches, neighborhoods and families grow in this direction, how do we respond? When the problems of the inner city, rural America and "trailer park" become the problems of the suburbs, urbanites and upwardly mobile members of society, does the Emerging church hold any hope beyond our theological discussions, told-you-so attitude and artistic expressions?

I think so, but people need to acknowledge these issues and consider the response (to people)... and listen to Drive-By Truckers for a lens into this coming (and present) world.

Any thoughts out there on this? Anyone else considered it?

*yes, I am generalizing a bit (when I speak of elitists I am thinking culturally and intellectually, not financially).

warning, you may not agree with this posting (a bit of a rant on the subject of Jeremiah Wright)

this is not an endorsement of Jeremiah Wright, his politics, his theology or his views on race. I am sure I would disagree with his views on many subjects and might even find some of his views disturbing. That has nothing to do with this post.

I must admit my bias regarding the stories surrounding Barack Obama's pastor, Jeremiah Wright and his "hateful" words about America. I am a Christian. I read the Bible and take its words seriously. I believe the Old Testament prophets have things to say to modern America. I even believe that America is not particularly perfect and has done some things that God could judge it for. I believe that pastor's have the right and the authority to speak prophetically. I also believe that, when prophetic, the words of a pastor will be misconstrued and misunderstood. I believe this happened to the OT Prophets, to Jesus, to the early church fathers, to the reformers, to my Baptist forerunners, to the Abolitionists and Civil Rights workers.

Here is the thing... I have absolutely no problems with what I heard from Jeremiah Wright that has been broadcast into American homes during the past 4 days. While I may disagree with some of the finer Biblical and theological points of his sermons, I believe they are within the bounds of Christian theology, Biblical scholarship and preaching. They are just outside the bounds of a post-9/11 "with us or against us" mentality. Plus, we refined Americans are not used to the fiery preaching of Black churches.

In fact, I have heard similar words from the mouths of many white conservative pastors concerning God's blessing and removal of blessing upon America because of our views on homosexuality, pluralism and abortion. I have heard the great Billy Graham state that if God does not judge America harshly, God will need to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.

This is not Anti-patriotic. This is prophetic in the understanding of the preacher. To say that because of America's actions towards an oppressed minority for hundreds of years that God will judge America harshly reminds me of the words of Amos to the leaders of Israel. In fact, it reminds me of every OT prophet.

To say that America does not have blood on its hands is blindly immature. To say that we have not mourned the deaths of our enemies is true. When have we collectively repented of our actions towards Native Americans, the civilians of Japan, the people of Dresden or the villagers of Vietnam? We have not. Is it really out of bounds for a pastor to have a problem with this? Is it out of bounds to connect our bloodlust as a nation to 9/11? Is there not a passage of the Bible stating that we reap what we sow. Do we not believe that if we live by the sword, we will die by the sword?

Now, as I said, I do not agree with Rev. Wright on this issue (the past exercise was to show the logical progression of thought). I think is reductionist and simplistic (especially for such an intelligent man like Wright). However, it is not outside the bounds to say this. It is much more justified Biblically than what many preachers said post 9/11 and Katrina. There is causality in this instant within the realm of plausibility.

This news cycle has reminded me of how little white American journalists or voters know about their black neighbors, especially their churches. Are we shocked that Wright said this? Are we shocked that his congregents applauded?

It is arrogant to think that black Americans should feel nothing but gratitude to an American system that legally oppressed them until the 1960s and still treats them with little respect (see the Clinton campaign machine). Do we really think affirmative action will cure the ills that have been heaped upon them since the dawning of our nation? Do we really think that the African American church (which was started in many cases because they were unwelcome in white churches) and its leaders would not want to hold us accountable for our actions we so quickly disavow? I wish I could quote Chris Rock here on the black relationship to the US, but it is a family blog.

So, lets lay off the pastor unless the due diligence is done to see his work in Chicago over the course of his career. Let's attempt to practice empathy and actually walk in the shoes of a brother to understand why he feels the way he does about our nation. Lets quit acting like knee-jerk reactionaries and examine the truth in the words of a person speaking prophetically. Lets look in the mirror a bit instead of looking down upon the other.

In this age of Gotcha politics, we have become increasingly cynical. We allow our politicians to be in bed with lobbyists and leaders of industries destroying the very fabric of our life, yet we excoriate politicians for their relationships to preachers, professors and family, none of whom have the corrupting influence of money and privilege. We even expect every politician to disavow those that support them, if that person has said one controversial thing, whether it is Farrakhan, Parsley, Hagee, Blessit or Wright. What matters is the politician's views on a controversial subject, not necessarily a supporter or friend, especially when that politician's views have been clearly articulated.

We need to move past that. I just wish someone on television or in Washington could be honest on these issues (I may not even talk about it if I had anything to lose or anyone read this thing).

No I Can't... express the frivolity of this blog

To My Dearest Readers (those still with me),

You may have noticed the frivolity on my blog lately and lost interest due to the lack of depth, whether personal, spiritual or political. While I may consider music, film and sports deep on a number of levels, I understand I am in the minority unless at a sporting event, independent record store or (God forbid) a comic book convention (but, I will never set foot upon the ground of a Renaissance Festival- there is an important distinction between comic fans and those that cross over to the Dark Side of Renaissance Festivals and Sci Fi/ Trek Conventions).

Lately I have not had the blogger energy for such endeavors. For 1 thing, I have been working on an important project I hope to make public in the near future. It is a non-profit that focuses on systemic issues and I am very excited. I have put so much serious energy on that, I have found little such energy to blog about the same issues I am hoping to deal with with this NGO.

Also, I have forced myself away from the political blogs for a few weeks due to the fact that they conjure up strong emotions. My feelings for unnamed candidates and their surrogates are better left in the dark recesses of my mind. My feelings for another candidate must be tempered by my training as a political scientist and theological ethicist (I focused upon ethics rather the theology, Biblical scholarship or philosophy).

I have had a hard time not joining the movement of the masses and find myself fighting against my very nature as he rises in the polls. I am more drawn to him than any other candidate for higher office during my lifetime and think he could change the world for good. Yet, I still think he has too much confidence in the empire building which I oppose and question the cultish rapture he engenders from many of his followers. I am weary of religious language from politicians, even though he uses it better than most. The dangers of America as "City upon a Hill" or "redeemer of the world" do not change because of political affiliation.

I have always been skeptical (like Wendell Berry) of movements and the Cult of Personality (I say this as a U2 fan). I may blog on this issue in more depth in the coming weeks or months, depending upon how the campaigns go and what the political landscape looks like in the near future. That said, my vote stays the same. Yet, I will just continue to stay aways from campaign contributions, signs, bumper stickers and full on endorsements , so as not to "contaminate" myself.*

At a time such as this, I am drawn back to the seminal book Coercion, Why We Listen to What "They" Say by Douglas Rushkoff and its cautions. Also, I have been reading Shane Claiborne's and Chris Haw's Jesus for President, which may have as much to teach the Christian left as it does the Christian right as we find our own Ronald Reagan/ George W. Bush to follow (oh the irony on so many levels).

Anyway, I will try to stay away from rock star/ lent jokes (although I still have many) and move towards the things you come here for (you who are left).

peace,

Rick

*;)

A Sustainable Faith Recap

As the only member of the Sustainable Faith leadership team that is also an active blogger I have been assigned the task of reporting on the conference. Luckily Josh Brown has done a good job of providing pictures, reporting and controversy. See here for his recap. See here for his controversial statements on one of the speakers.

As one involved deeply in the planning and execution of the event, I am unable to provide an unbiased look at what happened. There are things I feel went very well, but I am too close. Similarly, there are things that I have negative impressions of, but that could be due to proximity.

So here is a rundown of the highlights. It is up to you to decide if you missed something special.

• pre-event involving shuffleboard in the cold evening with the team, some Atlantans (including Mr. Brown) and my kids. By the way, my 6 year old daughter out shuffled many of the adults (on a regulation ?board?).
  
• A typically thorough and brilliant (yet simple and basic) talk by Tim Keel on the church as an ecosystem (it is so funny that many new church planters think that the "holistic missional community" is some new thing. As if they are the first to go this route)
  
• Chris Haw causing trouble and making anyone with an open mind think (Chris wrote a great new book with Shane Claiborne). Some found Chris abrasive during the panel, but I asked him to push the limits.
• While a bit hot, the weather was still very nice.
• Shane Claiborne is among the nicest, most humble people you will ever meet. We have kinda known each other since 2000 and he has changed very little (and for the better). Some want to find clinks in his armor so they can feel less convicted by his lifestyle (this bored me). But face it. He is more right than most of us. Plus, what he does is out of conviction to Scripture and following Jesus. It is not done out of anger or with a sense of superiority. Other advocates and prophets could learn from that.
  
• The panel was too short and not as spirited enough, but some good things were said (too many of the panelists were quiet, so it was accidentally dominated by a few).
• A great Dinner with speakers, leaders and my best friend (roommate for 3 years of grad school) at Chadaway's, the best burger joint in the Southeast.
• I reminisced with old friends Danielle, Troy, Chris and Spencer. I gained new friends like Josh Brown.
• People responded to the ministries and social agencies represented, including Small Steps, which passed out 150 bags for donations, Created (a ministry to those in the sex industry) and many others.
• a lively discussion around he subject of the Sabbath led by Danielle.
  
• The emcee did not suck as bad as he could have, only making 4-5 remarks that only those above 30 could understand.

I may come back later for a more extensive evaluation, but probably not (I will note it if this happens). Stay tuned to this site and www.asustainablefaith.com for mp3s and podcasts of many of the talks (we may try to get a few on the EV podcast).

helping women with their roles

Thanks to Jeff Gentry for posting what the seminary I went to (it was different then) has been up to lately. It makes me so proud to be affiliated with SWBTS.* This one is for the ladies.

link

*sarcasm for those that don't know me.

to be continued????????

So, I am reevaluating my web presence. I have had plenty to blog about lately, but found myself not running to the computer to offer up my opinion on a number of matters. I am not sure if it is due to busyness in general, desire to spend more time with the family or the fact that I cannot get my head out of a couple of books. Spending time in professional ministry and a church daily bears much of the blame for my lack of blogging, which is not a bad thing.

Plus, whenever I am on the computer, I should be spending time looking for long term employment options. So, there are a number of reasons...

Plus, coming to the realization that only a few people come by to read the blog (I blogged a lot more when the traffic was high) and that these things are cyclical (or blogging has just lost its allure). I am not sure what it is.

Maybe I am not that interested in my own opinions on political or cultural matters or find that more of blogging is just an excuse to be a windbag for most of us, hoping to show how smart we are and how insightful our thoughts are, when most of our thoughts are run of the mill, garden variety boring and lacking in any real insight (especially when compared to what we can get from real writers). I have also found myself spending much less time on the blogs of others, coming to the realization that very few of us have original voices and have much to say in the end.

I may change my mind tomorrow. Heck, I may not even agree with this assessment in a few minutes (considering the fact that I have felt similarly in the past and it has not shut me up). Maybe I am looking for a more constructive way to add to the conversation 9whatever the heck that means- BTW, what is this "conversation" we are having on the web).

For now, I will let everyone else debate Michael Vick, Christian behavior, angels dancing on needleheads, the latest debacle from the Bush administration* and the theological and social implications from the latest treacle from Hollywood or the publishing world. I am going to find a new career path and spend time with my newborn.

I may be back (maybe tomorrow)....

TBC?


*I just heard that Alberto Gonzales is resigning as Attorney General. Just remember as you get older that he is the answer to the following future trivial pursuit and jeopardy questions...

1. Who is the most inept Attorney General in US History?
2. Who is the worst AG in US History?
3. Which Attorney General politicized the office in creative manners no one before had thought of?
4. Which Attorney general made John Ashcroft look moderate and level headed?
5. Why should presidents appoint only qualified people to head up the Justice Department instead of loyal friends and followers?

report from D.C.

I am sure you are dying to hear about my trip to Washington, D.C. last weekend. As you sat on pins and needles wondering what in the world I was up to, I ventured to D.C. for the 3rd time in 9 months, each trip surrounding Bread for the World.

I wanted to liveblog, but was unable to. Apparently, American University (where the event was held) has something against P.C. users.

Anyway, a few highlights include...

• spending most waking minutes with Will Samson and Lilly Lewin, 2 EV friends. Lilly does cool prayer rooms and leads prayer and worship experiences, while Will writes books I want to read and lives in community while getting his PhD at UK.
• seeing a former student from my youth group in Virginia (and Intern and fellow laborer in Boston) speak to the entire Gathering event about justice issues (he has led something called Boston Faith and Justice Network and just accepted a position at Sojourners).
• having drinks with Brian McLaren and Will Samson before a gathering of people interested in Emergent Village.
• the Brickskeller in DuPont Circle (2X).
• reconnecting with Chris Haw, who leads an amazing community living experiment in Camden, NJ. Meeting new friends from around the nation (some pastors, some working with Bread, some part of One Campaign, one helping immigrants cross the border in Arizona).
• having dinner with good friend Joel Vestal of ServLife fame at a great Arab owned and operated restaurant (knowing a bit of seemingly any language Joel can bring smiles to most faces). We inadvertently stumbled into the D.C. Pride event's favorite block for food leading an amusing set of text messages between my wife and I.
• helping lead an "emergent" worship service on Sunday morning with Lilly and Will, along with Tim and Saranelle Hartman.
• hanging out with one of my former students on Friday night.
• seeing that very cute Panda Cub at the zoo, along with other cool animals.
• staying blocks away from a Whole Foods, after living in Whole Foods Exile in Tampa.
• meeting Kennedy, a Zambian student for the priesthood living in San Antonio.
• listening to Senator Chuck Hagel explain why he thinks poverty relief is so important.
• understanding why the buzz was so large for Harold Ford, Jr. when he ran for Senate in 2006. Although he lost, his upside is huge (and his opponents ran a very dirty/ slightly racist ad). If he becomes Tennessee's governor, he could be the first black man to win the presidency (he is a better speaker than Obama and more charismatic- and much younger). His speech was somewhere between sermon and stump speech (very Clinton-esque). He also has a bit of a downside, but also has a very interesting, and moderate voting record.
• finding out more details on the Farm Bill and how it needs to change to help local individual farmers (instead of corporations that do not need subsidies) and our international friends.
  
• learning more about how Evangelicals and Mainliners can come together to support the Micah Challenge which works with churches in developing nations to relieve extreme poverty and make people's lives much better.
  

random facts, observations and plans

• On Sunday, June 3, I will begin a summer stint as the Interim Youth Director for a large Presbyterian church in Tampa. While looking for the next long term ministry/ career opportunity, this will be an opportunity to hang out with a great group of adults and kids, be close to a very good ministry friend/ mentor and pay bills (never a bad option).
• The past couple of weeks have had positive developments on the job search. Nothing has materialized that will assure of us of anything, but a couple of opportunities have legs and will not end at a rejection letter (or the usual ignoring of the resume) with no conversation.
• My calling as one that disciples and mentors others has been affirmed lately. As I look to the future, I know this must be part of whatever I end up doing.
• I will be in D.C. the weekend of June 10 for Bread for the World's national Gathering. I am hoping it is a wonderful chance to be renewed spiritually and politically and a fun time with old and new friends.
• Pirates 3 deserves no higher than a C. I feel the C grade is quite gracious. I could complain about the film length, ridiculously complicated, yet obtuse plot, the blandality (new word I just created) of Orlando Bloom, the lack of spark between the supremely talented Rush and Depp- due to external plot factors, the depressing ending for a shallow Disney flick, the over-the-top special effects signifying nothing and wimpy head villain. At least it is over and not as bad as the Star Wars, episodes 1-3 trilogy and the Matrix Trilogy. Plus, I do love any excuse to come home and call my dog "Marrrrrrrrly."
• I watched a History channel documentary called Hippies last week. It was sponsored by AARP. Seriously. It is hard for some to fathom, but many of today's retirees were more promiscuous and drug addled than today's teenagers.
  
• While grabbing some sushi for lunch at our local Wild Oats (organic market) I observed something which put me into a foul mood. 2 tweens were acting up in front of the store while Mom was talking to a friend. She looks back at the kids and says, "Now c'mon kids, you are doing so good." (they weren't) She then says the following, in complete deadpan, "The 2 of you are winners." This is quite possibly the most inane thing I have ever heard a parent say to their kids. How this will ever suit the children in the future is beyond me and if I start speaking such meaningless platitudes to my children in such a nonchalant way, just shoot me.