Why?

So I have recently come across something that just leaves me wondering...Why?

I must admit, I did laugh hysterically but I was also left wondering if this was an attempt to be really funny and satirical or if there was some degree of seriousness to it.

Either way, this was a sad reminder for me of days long since past when I used to hang out in the Christian bookstore perusing the most current Christan music and I came across a chart that said if you like _____ (fill in your favorite secular music) you will probably like _____(insert Christian substitute). A sad reality hit me that it seems like the world is certainly influencing the "Church" but does not seem like the church is influencing the world much. (at least I have not seen such a chart on itunes...if you like Larry Norman you will probably like Eric Clapton)

So regardless of how funny the video is (i have watched it multiple times) Why Godtube? and Why such a silly little chart...and why the testimints (the "christian" breath mint next to the cash register at the Christian bookstore). WHY?

Is God Really Supernatural II?

So how do you respond to the following:

1. The shootings at Virginia Tec.h this past Spring.
2. Any "natural disaster"
3. An ability to speak (and translate) a language fluently with less than a semester of formal study.
4. Someone saying that they are recieving dreams/visions.
5. Someone mentioning demonic affliction/possesion of an individual.

If I were to be honest I would say that my response to all of these would at best be suspect more likely skeptical. I would have explained away the VaTech shootings as a guy who just imigrated to a new land and did not assimilate well, a social outcast etc...Natural disasters can easily be explained away naturally; and as far as the last three I would be skeptical at best.

But ought that be the case? Recently I have come across all of these situations and have realized that all certainly have a biblical precedent. (I have some friend who explained the VaTech shootings as a man who was demonically influenced...they could think of no other reason for such things...they view "natural disasters" as God doing his work to judge some and bless others). Just currious how you all view these things.

Is God Really Supernatural?

So this will be the first of many posts regarding the supernatural. My thinking has been stirred in this area recently and I have been left with the question: Is the God I worship & serve really a supernatural God? While working towards an answer I have come to realize a few things:

1. as a product of western culture, I have been nurtured in a naturalistic culture (western culture can explain away most things with scientific reasoning etc).
2. as a product of conservative churches and conservative schools, I have been at best skeptical of supernatural things...largely because I did not want to be identified as a pentecostal type.

so I have been thinking (and I think have come to the place) where I have recognized that not only do I have one foot in a hole; but there are at least two holes in my thinking in this regard and I have a foot in each. I am just begining to realize that I have some deficiencies in these areas...and want to continue to explore the question: is God really supernatural (because maybe up to this point in my life He has not been)

Athletics & Culture

Just a bit of reflection on the current state of athletics and the societal bemoanings of all of the indiscretions afflicting current athletic endeavors. Within the past month the sporting world has been rocked with all sorts of indiscretions:

• -Barry Bonds pursuit of the home run record (and alleged bennefit of steroids)
• -an NBA official involved in a gambling and point shaving scheme,
• -to multiple participants in the recent Tour de France being removed for performance enhancing drugs.

I am left asking the question why are people outraged by the athletic community? Are they doing something different that many people in their given professions? Are they just a more public representation of this given culture?

It would seem that many people in society would look to get an advantage if it would benefit their own interests. This is a sad state for our culture but while people are aplauded for how they can evade taxes, and maximize their bottom line...aren't athletes simply doing the same thing? It certainly does not make it right..just consistent with the rest of society.

a feeble attempt to remain somewhat culturally relevant

It is odd that an attempt to remain culturally relevant (creating and posting a blog), removes me one step away from relationships with people. In a society where people are screaming out for relationships it is incredibly odd that one of the means by which to do this is to isolate oneself behind a keyboard for a time and post musings and read other people's insights etc. However ironic that may be I am now jumping in with one foot.