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What Happens When The Emerging Church Holds Up A Mirror To The Established Church

Starlyth — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:49:22 +0000

Brian Mclaren recently addressed the 2008 Lambeth Conference (see Wikipedia), and while he does not (despite media opinion to the contrary) represent the entirety (one could question even a significant minority) of the MEECM, it is often worthwhile to hear what he has to say.

In the article above, there are a couple of quotes attributed to him that I would like to address.

“You might say that evangelism is almost non-existent because the Christian faith is, to be very frank, almost non-existent.”

This quote is interesting as, from what I understand of him, he does not view the established church as a faithful community. There are many that are not, but most of them are, it is just that they are established so that many (if not most) of their people are not faithful, but cultural Christians. However, this is where I might at least annoy a few people, as anytime I hear “America is a Christian nation,” I squirm. Now, I squirm not because some of the founders were Deists (even that, especially in regards to Thomas Jefferson who later in life called himself a Christian, has recently come into question), but because most Americans were, at best, cultural Christians, “even” back then.

This constant delusion (harsh, I know) that the United States is a Christian nation is much of the problem in regards to many Christians asking, “how did our culture/country get to where it is today?” If you assume (an old politically-incorrect phrase comes to mind) that everyone is a Christian because they were born in a “Christian” nation, and thereby share your understanding of Scripture and relationship with God, you will be sorely disappointed. A Christian should look at the story of the Jewish people who were Jewish and therefore “God’s People.” Look where that mentality got them.

So Mclaren is correct, but this is not a new thing.

…they needed to ditch “internal institutional maintenance” and focus instead on the “outward mission” of making disciples among all people. That, he said, was “our only hope of saving the church from division, diversion, implosion, irrelevance and triviality”.

This argument against the “institution” of the church is a contact refrain in the MEECM. I can’t, and won’t, say that is does not have some validity, especially in regards to the historical fact that the institutional church has been used for power and control too many times, and also the fact that too often preserving the institution has come at the expense of the message (that will be the next and last section in this post).

There is NO question about the outward mission. In fact, the Church of the Nazarene stepped up to the plate, acknowledging its failures in that are, and changing its focus to the outward mission.

One of the other refrains in the MEECM is that there are too many denominations, while I will agree with that to some degree, how many people are there in the world. Also, much of that argument is based on IRS records. If I start my own church (like many of those in the MEECM), but do not declare that I am part of a larger organization (whether I am or not), I am another denomination according to the IRS. Makes for a lot of denominations of one church.

The real question is do we define ourselves by our denomination, or by our belief in the essentials of the Christian faith: Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, who came to atone for our sins (okay, that is a very short version).

There is also Mclaren’s inferred assumption that all these denominations are invalid, for the very reason that there are so many (the same view the Roman Catholic Church has of those not in communion with it). I have heard it expressed that we are finite, and each Christian tries to live a life imbued by an infinite God. As we cannot fully express the entirety of God, what makes anyone think that one church will do the same?

“Will it be the gospel of evacuation (to heaven after death) or will it be Jesus’ Gospel, the Gospel of the kingdom of God, the message that brings reconciliation, hope, transformation and engagement?”

This, in many ways, is one of Mclaren’s more dangerous—faithwise—statements (I’m going to leave the sexuality one alone, as I have discussed it enough…for now), as it creates a choice where there is none. Both are the message. However, I suspect that “reconciliation, hope, transformation and engagement” is being viewed from a humanist (that is human-to-human) perspective, rather than the biblical view (God-to-human, and then human-to-human by extension). I am not saying that these are not good objectives of the church, in fact, they are, in many ways, the fruit of the church. However, without the underlying faith in the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ, these become good works, and works without faith are dead.

Church-Going Facades

Starlyth — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 03:42:04 +0000

It’s easy for Christians in our day to fall into the “showy religiosity” pit. We put on our happiest face at church, even though our hearts are far from the Lord. Or we look as if we’re worshipping with zeal when our minds are wandering.

Avoiding a Show of Religiosity
Daily Reflection and Prayer by Mark D. Roberts from The High Calling

Sometime back, I heard someone speak about a painful truth of church attendance, that is that people lie when responding to the question, “how are you?” Of course, I think some people lie (whether at church or elsewhere) when they even ask the question with its implication of actually caring. Part, and only part, of the issue is that we Christians have been told that we are to be always joyful, confusing joy with happiness. We have the deep-seated love and assurance in Jesus Christ, but sorry, we’re not going to be happy all the time.

Now, I am not talking about discussing all one’s woes, but one’s heart. If I am feeling depressed, not an uncommon occurrence, I shouldn’t be also concerned about others’ judgment of my Christian walk. We all have emotions of varying states and sorts.

What does this have to do with the quote above and the related scripture (Matthew 6:16-18)?

Is praying out load and publicly to be seen, or giving alms to the poor to be seen, or publicly fasting (and looking like it) any different than wearing the false Christian joy face?

Why Fix It When You Can Get a New One?

Starlyth — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:47:28 +0000

New Churches Needed to Combat ‘Evangelistic Deficit’ in U.S. displays the epitome of the American consumer culture. Why fix, help, change, or repair something if it’s easier (and/or cheaper) to get a new one?

Dry Facts Do Not Explain Everything

Starlyth — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:43:51 +0000

In ‘Living Together’ Before Marriage a Statistical Risk, it is rightfully argued that doing so is significantly more likely to not lead to a strong and lasting marriage.

While that is statistically correct (and I am opening my heart and life to the web here, not the most comfortable thing), it isn’t 100% correct. My wife and I cohabited before marriage. While I would agree that part of it may have well been selfishness, I would also argue that we had a different view of what we were doing. In the article (and I suspect also in the book), it states:

Women see it as a step toward marriage. They think they can audition for this job. Men do it because they like to have the ready availability of sex and having someone share their living expenses. Women should heed their mother’s advice — if you give away the milk, he won’t buy the cow.

While there may be many women and men who be classified as those above, my wife and I weren’t it. I think, that if we had thought it through a little better, we would have just gotten married, but without the marriage ceremony (and the chaos that ended up around that almost happened is crazy enough). When my wife and I moved in together, there were no separate lives. We had a joint checking account the moment she moved in. Everything was joined…as if we were married. I don’t know if my wife and I are different (okay, yes, we are), but marriage conservative Christians need to understand that statistics don’t tell the whole tale.

My wife and I did get marriage counseling prior to marriage, and I still have to admit that it was very beneficial, even though we were already living together. I know that I will have to confront my decisions when my children grow older, and be honest about them. However, it is understanding what a true marriage is, its benefits, the consequences of not having it, and (most importantly) being able to explain it, not just as statistical facts, but as a heart issue with Jesus.

Sometime, I will have to explain why/when we got married, but suffice to say (for now) that God moves in mysterious ways.

Teaching the Faith

Starlyth — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:50:13 +0000

That led her to join a nine-month process known in the Catholic Church as RCIA, or Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.

Churches open doors to more converts

In the Nazarene Church, we go through a membership class which lasts a few weeks. In the Lutheran Church, the same. However, these classes do not truly teach the faith. Of course, a nine month course like the Roman Catholic Church might scare more than a few people off, which might not be a bad thing. I once heard that the early Christian church, there was a three year “apprenticeship” for new converts before they became baptized. That’s a whole lot different than today, which may explain why so much of the populace call themselves Christian, but have no true understanding of the faith.

Oddly enough, it might also might explain why churches, as a whole, are losing members, not a conflict with the world (although, that doesn’t help), but if the church cares so little about teaching people deeply about the faith, encouraging them to invest in their faith (note: I am not talking about a church building or congregation), perhaps they might not be so quick to leave it.

In the Lutheran church, I heard nightmare stories about confirmation. While they sounded horrible, I suspect that they were inflicted upon the children not as punishment, but for the very reason I mentioned. They became invested in the faith.

Now, that does not mean that through trials, tribulations, doubts, depression, or questions, that a person will not leave the faith. There is nothing that can guarantee it. The end goal is to have a Christian who has more than a cursory understanding of their faith, so that they can truly live it.

Bearing the Silence of God

Starlyth — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:17:16 +0000

In Bearing the Silence of God, Ziya Meral talks about the spiritual state of believers in the midst of persecution. Specifically, he speaks in regards to persecution by Muslims, but this goes on around the world, even in “Christian” nations.

What amazes me is how similar his feelings seem to be to Mother Teresa’s.

Rediscovering Sabbath Rest

Starlyth — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 03:26:52 +0000

In Rediscovering Sabbath Rest, Mark Early brings further attention to the “Secular Sabbath” that seems to be gaining steam in the secular world.

As I mentioned in What? Me, Unplug?, I know I should try this myself. I’m always plugged in, even on Sunday.

I remember years ago hearing about how even non-devout Christian families would do all their chores on Saturday, even food preparation, so that Sunday would be wholly devoted to God. I freely acknowledge that I discredited their ideals at the time. I am not so quick to do so now.

…(drool)…

Starlyth — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 23:30:14 +0000

Yes, it is not very Christian to want something, but COME ON…5 horsepower to go 60mph!

hattip: Flixxy

Missional Church Analysis

Starlyth — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:46:47 +0000

In his article, What Makes a Church Missional?, J. Todd Billings does a decent (although, by necessity, not very in depth) analysis of the concept of the “Missional Church.”

It is fairly balanced, I think. The biggest thing is not that the concept of Missional Church (as currently described is a few decades old) is new, but that it is not.

Thus, we should not be surprised that God’s new work in mission is also an old work. For we are not shaped primarily by the spirit of the 1950s, the 1990s, or 2008, but by the eternal Spirit, who has been shaping and sending witnesses to the gospel for thousands of years.

Economist ≠ Socialogist

Starlyth — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 06:04:15 +0000

In his post, Why data matters, on the Official Google Blog, Hal Varian writes about the “wisdom of the crowds.”

Mr. Varian needs to check the Google Zeitgeist. The wisdom of the crowds? Sounds like the wisdom of the mob (not the Mob).

What? Me, Unplug?

Starlyth — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:11:51 +0000

A great blog post by brought these three articles to my attention:

Less Television and Computer Gaming May Keep Children Slimmer. Granted, this is kind of a “duh,” however, the reason may not be what you think.
An Email Free Day
I Need a Virtual Break, No, Really.

What I find interesting in the last article is the term “secular sabbath”. Despite being, from my point of view, a contradiction in terms, the concept is valid. In fact, I am pondering avoiding my computer all Sunday. I might even avoid television and gaming (okay, granted I don’t do much gaming).

This somewhat flies in the face of popular “wisdom” that the up-and-coming generation is “wired” for multi-tasking. Just something else to ponder.

hattip to:The Point

What About Pain?

Starlyth — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 20:22:29 +0000

In Calling on the Saints, Heather Gemmen Wilson talks about faith, family (both personal and church), love and forgiveness, and all in the context of the aftermath of being raped.

I hope every church, including my own (including me, for that matter), can respond in such love to another’s hurt. I would also hope that those that are hurting understanding something else she wrote:

Most people don’t blame the church directly for the trials in their lives, but many do accuse the church of not responding appropriately when calamity strikes. Church leaders and laypeople alike certainly make mistakes as they care for us in times of need. However, if we allow that their mistakes come from their own wounds and that their love is genuine, if imperfect, we nearly always find ourselves more healed than hurt.

Definitely an article worth reading.

ekklesiaproject.org – Telephones and What is Good for Us

Starlyth — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 05:30:05 +0000

In Telephones and What is Good for Us, Randy Cooper writes about the Amish. My big takeaway was this:

It took all summer for them to decide whether they would have phones. They finally decided against it. And they had two reasons. First, they knew that if they began to use telephones, they would carry out conversations less and less in a face to face manner. Second, if they had telephones, they feared that their children would begin talking more and more exclusively to one another. The decision about telephones was made in light of what was good for the community and for the human word.

As much as I love computers, the Internet, and technology as a whole (although, I’m still not all that fond of phones), I strongly empathize with the Amish here. We strive to create social connections on the Internet, because we seem to have forgotten the ones in our immediate vicinity.

It’s Not Just The Americans, Then?

Starlyth — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 05:21:39 +0000

The Archbishop of Canterbury, as I’m sure many are aware, has declared that Sharia law should be officially endorsed in England. Unofficially it is endorsed, but by being officially endorsed there is a huge potential for disaster. However, regardless of the lawful/lawlessness that would result, the fact that the man who is, for all intensive purposes, the leader of the entire communion of Anglicans (Episcopals in the U.S.A.) advocating precepts of Islam strikes me as something far too similar to the Episcopal Church in the U.S.A. with its various issues, and almost guaranteed schism. If he doesn’t believe that Bible of his any more then he no longer has the clear spiritual leadership of the Communion any longer.

A Take on Generosity

Starlyth — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 05:08:10 +0000

A politician, like you and me, can be generous only with his own money. A politician spending other people’s money is, at best, implementing sound policies – and, more realistically, much closer to a burglar who “generously” uses part of his booty to buy rounds of drinks for his buddies.

Cafe Hayek: Who’s Generous?

Don Boudreaux wrote the above on the Cafe Hayek blog on the 7th of February. Obviously, there was some sort of back-and-forth at the Baltimore-Sun, especially with all the posts that follow that, frankly, seem to have nothing to do with the letter itself.

I’ve pretty much decided that while I care about politics, I don’t care enough to blog about it. However, while this is somewhat political (especially with all the comments), in truth, this really should be a pretty good observation.

Whether the public trough or the church’s through, one cannot be generous with what isn’t one’s own. In the church, this causes a lot of tension. We in the church say that all Creation is God’s. That being the case, can we truly generous if it is God’s? Or is this saying that something is God’s is someone’s idea of getting people to tithe?

Just something to ponder.

Atheism and Violence

Starlyth — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 04:13:46 +0000

Father Edward T. Oakes has written an awesome piece on the First Things blog, Atheism and Violence. It is a long hard read, but very worthwhile.

This addresses a number of posts I’ve made, most recently in The Chickens are Coming Home to Roost, and should, I think address Allen’s point in his comment on that post.

It boils down to this, when one removes the pillars or the glue that hold a particular society together, make sure that you replace it with something specific, otherwise a mess will ensue.

hat tip to: Roberto Rivera @ The Point

What DO We Believe?

Starlyth — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 03:36:16 +0000

…most Christians do not understand what they believe, why they believe it, and why it matters. How can a Christianity that is not understood be practiced?

Unity in Diversity

Chuck Colson, no matter how you may feel about him and his past, has made an excellent point here. This goes directly toward the heart of much of my concern regarding the “emerging church” movement, and, frankly, the recognizable decline of the “mainstream” denominations. If you do not understand the basics of the faith, how can you discern the lies and the misdirection that can lead you away from God?

Of course, being obsessed with theology can also lead one astray.

Don’t Look at Me; Look At HIM

Starlyth — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:41:02 +0000

Lou Braun writes:

I have had some negative experiences with Christians as well, but what I have found liberating is not focusing on people who claim to follow Jesus, but rather look to follow Jesus myself. A lot of people hate religion, maybe even church, but I don’t know many who despise Jesus.

I don’t want to take away his thunder, so I recommend his note, especially in regards to “New Age” religions. He provides a perspective I hadn’t heard, at least in that way, before.

What caught my attention is something I have noted previously, people always look to people. Sadly, we Christians are not perfect. Some seem to imply that they are, but I think that is more a case of inference, rather than implication. All are sinners.

I am a poor reflection of God’s love and perfection. You want perfection? Look at Him.

JFJ: Holding The Mirror For Christians

Starlyth — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 03:16:15 +0000

David Brickner’s latest article, Jesus and His People, is a good mirror, from a Messianic Jewish perspective, of evangelical Christians.

The Divide Between “Mainline” and “Evangelical” Needs to be Bridged

Starlyth — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 04:16:51 +0000

Rick Warren often strikes me as a tad shallow. However, I am beginning to understand his point of view, somewhat. In this interview in Christian Today, he speaks about how the split in perspective between the two churches has hurt both, and by default the mission of Christ.

This dovetails nicely into a little cartoon I saw in the Jews For Jesus newsletter that I received today. It’s too bad I couldn’t find it, but I assume it was just a cute cartoon with the words of Moishe Rosen (the founder of Jews For Jesus) put into. It said:

I’m always amazed when one believer sets out to “sink” another believer’s “ship.” How is it that they fail to notice we’re all in the same boat?”
…so we, being many, are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.

Romans 12:5

Joel Osteen And Politics

Starlyth — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 03:47:29 +0000

Okay, I have to admit that Joel Osteen kind of gives me the creeps. However, I also have to admit that his interview in Christian Today is worthy of kudos. I wish a lot of churches would have his same perspective. While he still rubs me the wrong way, I will no longer be so quick to dismiss him, as I have seen wisdom in him today.

The Return of the Monster Movie

Starlyth — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 05:53:13 +0000

Jonah Goldberg of National Review Online is not someone I would expect to be a monster movie fan, but I was wrong. His review of the new movie Cloverfield is very interesting. I wasn’t even slightly interested in seeing it, but his review has caused me to rethink that. I may not see it in the theater (I know, travesty), but I will probably NetFlix it.

The Chickens Are Coming Home to Roost

Starlyth — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 05:28:22 +0000

A bunch of drunk teenagers vandalized a site once inhabited by the American poet Robert Frost. In A Violation of Both Law and the Spirit, Dan Barry seems offended that these, for lack of a better word, punks didn’t show respect to history or elders.

These punks are a direct result of a bunch of people who didn’t respect history or authority teaching them. Why are they surprised? The generation that is entering and leaving colleges now is filled with higher percentage of “entitlement” mentality people than probably has ever existed before at one time. They have the mentality of the old aristocracy, and all too often lack of responsibility.

I wish I could say that I’m surprised that those like Dan Barry are surprised, but I’m not. Nor am I, obviously, surprised at the behavior of these punks. People such as myself, Bible-believing Christians, are often ridiculed, even by our friends, for our concerns about trying (although we often—even usually—fail) to align with a Biblically based life. If people were honest, how could a Biblically (read: New Testament, and not forced conversion) be worse than this?

Government Says Chinese Need More “Spiritual” Content. Say What?

Starlyth — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 03:05:21 +0000

“This shows that the Hubei People’s Radio and Television Station’s propaganda and management abilities have serious flaws which are in urgent need of rectification,” it added.

But the station got away with merely a “criticism,” the statement said, without explaining why the punishment was so light.

“Provide more and better spiritual food for the masses,” it added in an admonition to other provincial broadcasters.

from: Reuters: Oddly Enough

Okay, maybe it’s just me but the Communist Chinese government saying that there should be more spiritual content strikes me as totally out of whack, as they do everything they can to repress all spirituality.

Turn Off the Lights for Your Health

Starlyth — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 01:20:34 +0000

Back in August, I wrote about light pollution. I can even still remember the night sky that caused me to write it.

Yesterday, a blog post appeared on the Clampham Institute website discussing the detrimental links between artificial light and cancer (hattip to: The Point). Apparently, in the same article in the New Yorker that generated the Wired.com story (which is what caused me to post in August), David Owens (the author of the New Yorker article) references this potential link between artificial light and cancer.

If artificial light is adding to cancer, what else does it do?

Shame Should Have Been Outweighed By Love

Starlyth — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:10:04 +0000

I may be a right-wing fanatic Christian to some. I may be a clueless emotional liberal Christian to others. The truth is that Jesus Christ loves us, not because of who we are, or what we’ve done, but because of who He is (paraphrased, “I Surrender All”, Newsboys).

With the “traditional” family as the framework, I understand the situation of unwed mothers who made mistakes. While the error was significant, people’s obsession with it is damaging. I also completely understand to maintain the social norms and such. However, Jesus forgave those who came to Him and asked for forgiveness (out of honest repentance). Can we do any less?

People make mistakes. Christians make mistakes. Even Perfect Christians (see Wesley’s
A Plain Account of Christian Perfection) make mistakes (of course, within the context of this blog post we are talking about a sin, not a simple mistake).

A woman recently died in England. A few months before she did, the 50-year old body of a baby was found in a suitcase. She compounded one sin with a worse one. God will judge her, but my heart aches for her. To have carried that burden so long.

We in the Church must be concerned with sin, for that is why Christ came. However, we must not let that destroy compassion. I was in my Sunday School class this past Sunday, and we talked about how Mary was a failure to the society around her, and probably her family, too. Yet she truly did nothing wrong. From our perspective, Jesus was certainly conceived out of wedlock, but remember He was without sin, thus his conception was sinless as well.

While I know the woman in this case is not Mary, and I suspect by what is not said that was not only an act (or time period) of fornication, but also adultery, it does not change the fact that the pressures put upon this woman created a heart-wound that ended the life of the child.

Pro-lifers, and I am one, need to always keep our hearts open to people such as her.

May she rest in peace.

May her family and those affected by her death and the revealing of long kept secrets find peace as well

Even Dumb (or Bad) Movies Can Make You Think

Starlyth — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 01:12:34 +0000

In his review of I Am Legend, Todd Hertz says:

It’s an interesting direction for a movie about the impact of scientific advancement. So what is it saying about science and God? That scientific advances foolishly allow man to play God? Or that science is comparable to that fast car capable of good or evil, depending on the driver?

I like movies that make me ask questions, but the true point of a good movie is to make you think (or at least a factor in what I call a good movie). I don’t like it when movies give you all the answers (except for the fact that if they leave something open, people believe that there should be a sequel). What I find odd is that Mr. Hertz seems to knock the movie for not answering the questions, but then he has questions of the reader at the end of his review, that are not “right or wrong” questions, but questions that encourage thought and discussion.

All Of The Holidays With None Of The Religious Stuff

Starlyth — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 05:18:26 +0000

I’m all for the freedom of religion (or free not to believe). In fact, I think the right thing to do would be for governments (you know, where it says in the U.S. Constitution freedom from religion) to provide a number of floating holidays, thus allowing Muslims or Jews, or whatever other religion to take time off for their religious days rather than the Christian ones.

The part that always throws me on that idea, is all those who aren’t Christian (not just atheists, but non-Christian believers in something other than Christianity) who celebrate Christian Holy days. A great example is Richard Dawkins, an atheist celebrity, who has declared himself a cultural Christian (archived copy).

Dawkins’ self-portrayal as a “Cultural Christian” should make all self-avowed Christians even more concerned about “Cultural Christianity.” Perhaps the Church in the Western world should return to its initial state of persecuted.

Men and Marriage

Starlyth — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 04:32:55 +0000

Insurance companies are pushing hard for for peopl to take care of themselves with various wellness initiatives. For men, on of the biggest is marriage:

Marriage Could Save Your Life
hattip to:The Point

Marriage is also good for the environment

However, there are a few downsides.

Mercifully, God has granted me a wonderful marriage to a wonderful wife, so I’m not concerned about the downsides personally. With all the upheaval and lances aimed at (traditional) marriage, society had better start paying attention.

War is not pretty and neat, nor is life

Starlyth — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 04:12:58 +0000

Wired has an article that I hope a lot of people pay attention to for many reasons. As a telecommuter, I understand the disassociation that can occur between telecommuter and company, often mere in perception, not reality.

Back when the first Bush was president he started the “downsizing” of “soft”-intelligence work. In other words, removing agents from the field. President Bill Clinton continued the policy, even more aggressively. This is part of the reason for 9/11, but only a small part.

People need people. As much as Second Life replicates people, there is much to be said for being able to have camaraderie in a real physical sense. As virtual reality becomes more like reality (especially in regards to the senses), perhaps then one can know a person through a computer, but who knows, everyone seems to be getting better about their masks (and the seeming need for them), so maybe we don’t really know any one at all.

For this article held few surprises, too bad that it seems to for so many others.

Armed and Polite

Starlyth — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 05:31:52 +0000

The Munchkin Wrangler has posted Why the Gun is Civilization. I think I’m getting to the point (Thanks, Allen) to where politics, even the 2nd Amendment, aren’t nearly as important as they used to be.

That is not to say that they are unimportant to me, but the longer I walk along the Way, God’s ways become more important than my rights. Which is the way it should be. That being said, why write something about which someone has written more eloquently.

Choose: Red, White, and Blue OR Red Versus Blue

Starlyth — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:59:48 +0000

I freely acknowledge that for a certain branch of the family, I am the red sheep (not the black sheep) of the family. I also suspect that my faith in Jesus Christ plays a greater roll in my life than the lives of others in my family (this is neither red nor blue). That being said, I don’t try to proselytize my family, either in politics or religion.

Politics have taken a very destructive turn in the United States. I was wondering if that means we are going to make a breakthrough of some sort towards some gilded age, or if everything is going to come crashing down around our ears (Oddly enough, there are probably even numbers on the blue and red sides saying the crash is coming. Oh, dear, they agree on something.)

It has gotten to a point that constructive dialog is almost impossible. We are no longer red, white, and blue, but red or blue, or at least people keep trying to shove everyone into the little cubbyholes. It is truly something to think that someone as polarizing as Newt Gingrich was as Speaker, can be the voice of moderation now. I just shake my head in disbelief.

This all brings me to a commentary by Nancy Morgan, My Mother is a Feminist ( archived copy ). This commentary is a snapshot of the discord and disconnect going on right now. While I can offer no advice to Nancy or her mother, I can ask of everyone, is this really what we want to be? Because this is where we are headed.

The Whole Money Thing

Starlyth — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:13:06 +0000

In Me and Ron Paul and The Dollar is Falling! The Dollar is Falling!, I discussed central banking and the currency base.

However, in 800 Dollar Gold in Plain English ( archived copy ), Jerry Bowyer adds a little more to the discussion. His primary point is that the theories being pushed in support of returning to a gold (or silver or whatever) are not nearly as robust as they seem, especially in light of recent history. Some of his comments echo mine in Me and Ron Paul, but mine were more gut feel than anything else.

Of course, the problem with Jerry Bowyer’s commentary is that begs the question, what to do? Who knows? However, I think the major point is that we cannot blindly assume that what seems to have worked in the past actually did, and that it will work for the future.

That all being said, the U.S. trade deficit is definitely an issue. We can’t keep sending money out (whether to China for our manufactured goods, or Mexico, Venezuela, or the Middle East for our oil). A lot of countries have been putting money back into the U.S., because we have historically had a stable currency. That is not the case now.

On the other hand, maybe this is a good thing for domestic manufacturing, especially with all the toy recalls recently. Perhaps companies will finally look at the U.S. as a valid source. The U.S. must continue to excel in changing things for the better. As long as we do, it will all work out in the end.

Thank You, God!

Starlyth — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 05:42:40 +0000

God has provided blessings innumerable. Sin has brought curses to counter the blessings. Being thankful is being humble, which is probably why so few are thankful (that includes me).

Thanksgiving Day in America – The Secret Riches of Thankfulness by Rev. Michael Bresciani ( archived copy )

The Dollar is Falling! The Dollar is Falling!

Starlyth — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 05:23:11 +0000

In Me and Ron Paul, I knocked some of the historical basis for the assault on the Federal Banking System. While I still believe that a central system does need to exist, Thomas Breton’s article, Chickens Are Returning to the Roost, may cause me to modify my perspective somewhat. While I still believe that basing one’s currency on gold (or silver, or something else “precious”, Golem not withstanding) is silly because gold is only as valuable as one perceives it, Mr. Breton brought to my attention that the benefit of a gold (or whatever) standard is that supply is limited (I guess we shouldn’t have a “hot air” standard, eh, D.C.?). Therefore limits (if rules of ratios are followed, but we know rules and politicians) on currency production and lending becomes naturally integrated into the system (hmm, banking and credit issues, anyone?).

Mr. Breton’s point that banks would have to have tangible (read gold or whatever standard) assets to exchange for paper currency, means that banks would be less likely to loan money to any one (including me). Of course, such a path, would send the tax and spend politicians (please note that this is regardless of party affiliation) into a tizzy. Also, companies such as MasterCard, Visa, Sears, BancAmerica, and so on would no longer be quite so willing to give credit cards to pets or dead people.

This is sounding better and better.

And I’m quite serious about it.

Will Racism Return?

Starlyth — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 03:35:27 +0000

An interesting article at the New York Times discusses the rising specter of racism and prejudice based on genetics. The writer points out some blog postings and comments that are disturbing. That being said, there is something to be said about self-imposed homogeneity, especially in business…failure. I don’t want to see organizations forced to accept those with whom they (with or without basis) do not wish to associate with, nor do I want to see a stratified society based on genetics.

Nevermind…everyone should just see Gattaca.

The Quiet (some say silenced) Side of Anthopogenic Climate Change

Starlyth — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 21:05:10 +0000

KLTV had an interesting segment on one of their news shows recently about anthropogenic global warming. I wish I could embed it in this post, but they make it rather difficult, so here is the link.

Hat Tip to: NewsBusters.org

The New City Transit System

Starlyth — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 16:32:17 +0000

A professor at MIT has come out with a design for a individual/public-transit concept, with cars for rent on every corner. Frankly, sounds like one of the many sci-fi books I’ve read over the years, but as a victim of mass transit, I can certainly understand this concept as a better than nothing situation.

The article: MIT reinvents the wheel with foldable, stackable car ( archived copy )

Hat Tip to: Slashdot

My Anger Problem

Starlyth — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 04:51:33 +0000

Do I get angry? Yes! Is that a good thing? In retrospect, probably not. Should we encourage people to be angry? NO! (that’s not anger, that’s emphasis)

Apparently, some well-meaning (hmm, something about a road…) Christian psychologists are saying it’s okay to be angry. Well, I suppose that in some situations it might be okay.

Dr. Archibald Hart writes a critique of a new book added to the “it’s okay to be angry” list. I suspect the author of the book, Andrew D. Lester, was referring more to anger in a counseling session, but the problem that attitudes carry through into life.

I think I’ll add Anger Management to my netflix queue.

Atlas Shrugged…Thanks to Hercules

Starlyth — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 04:21:05 +0000

I was just going to ignore the whole Ayn Rand/Atlas Shrugged anniversary thing, but this article, by Maggie Gallagher, finally caused me to mouth off.

The thing that has always bothered me about Ayn Rand’s stuff was that it was too individualistic. Even in the building of the dream house (I can’t remember the main character’s name, the architect, nor do I care, frankly), individualism was revered despite the fact that it took a team to build the monstrosity.

Maggie Gallagher finally gets to the real flaw in Ayn Rand’s thinking (or at least her writing), love exists. It isn’t always rational. Get over it! The real kicker for me is this:

“So you did it all yourself?”

“Yep.”

“No one helped you?”

“Nope.”

“Who changed your diapers?”

Art of the Outcast

Starlyth — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 02:02:27 +0000

All too often we look at those around us who are in different circles and unconsciously dismiss them as not adding to our live.

An art exhibit in London exemplifies this. (archived copy)

We all have our expectations of a “productive” member of society. The problem is that art like this is only displayed under unique circumstances. If this is any indication of the art that will be on display, there are more than a few artists that do not need to be in shelters anymore.

Movies as Peeping Toms (or Janes) ?

Starlyth — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 06:13:28 +0000

If you peek through someone’s window at a couple that are making love, it’s against the law — you’d be thrown in jail as a pervert. And yet we peep through a screen of window called a movie screen, and then it becomes alright. It’s not alright!

Ray Comfort, Living Waters Ministries

I have to admit that I had never thought of it quite that way. Of course, where does one draw the line. Certain “classic” books have such “scenes” in them. The Bible is one, of course.

Not that I completely disagree with him, actually. He does cause me to think about what I put into my life. It really is too bad that far too much sex and violence is put into movies that actually doesn’t add to the plot. Hollywood, slowly, is starting to listen. Hollywood still doesn’t understand it. Hollywood does understand money, though.

Oh, but for conventional wisdom

Starlyth — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 04:48:23 +0000

We have all heard how horribly our students are doing in comparison to the rest of the world. According to a new study, that’s old news—and wrong news.

According to this article (archived copy) in Business Week, our public schools are now near the top in the world. That is certainly not how it’s being sold to us. Is it?

It can’t be the behavior!

Starlyth — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 04:19:16 +0000

An article floating around the web misses the true fact of the story (Hey, the AP and the UN have to keep their record consistent.) The United Nations in its anti-Christian tirade attacks the Roman Catholic church blaming them for opposing condoms. The problem is that the United Nations forgot to attack the REAL reason for the increasing number of A.I.D.S.—sex.

There are actually a couple of problems. The first is the prevalent view is that sex is always good between consenting individuals, regardless of age. The second is that we “can’t” say that it is bad, or at least the UN can’t. So, they attack the easy target that hasn’t fallen into their line. The Roman Catholic Church believes that (1) sex should not occur outside of marriage, (2) life begins at conception, (3) that a condom is mankind’s attempt to prevent God’s will, (4) the admonition to be fruitful and multiply, and I’m sure others. Since the Roman Catholic Church has some values that predate the UN, they must be too old-fashioned and must be destroyed.

It’s the behavior that is increasing the quantity of A.I.D.S., it’s not whether or not the Roman Catholic Church’s directive on condoms. By the way, the people who are using condoms (violating the directive under attack) are violating another directive against pre- and extra-marital sex. Hmm, I don’t think they care about the Roman Catholic Church’s feelings about condoms.

Oh, wait, that was logical thinking. Something that doesn’t prevail at the UN. So, I guess that’s a bid ol’ nevermind.

The Information Superhighway? Bah, Humbug!

Starlyth — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 21:48:13 +0000

It is SO much MORE! Michael Wesch of Kansas State University created a little video, Information R/evolution, that is spreading through out the web. The phrase “information superhighway” should be tossed out, for as Mr. Wesch points out, the information is not, and must not be, so constrained.

hattip to: Duncan Riley @ TechCrunch/span>

Plus, there is an article at The Times (UK) that talks about Google

Freedom to Choose…Your Clothes

Starlyth — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 01:23:40 +0000

While I have issues with people’s decisions on what clothes they wear, I have no intention of beating them or killing them. In Iraq, currently, there people being beaten and killed because of the clothes they wear (or don’t wear), and even hairstyles. Now I believe that a community should decide what “decency” is (yes, that is a discussions in and of itself), but I don’t believe physical harm should occur. Yet, this is exactly what is happening in Iraq. Again, I am no longer as interested in what got us there (bad military intelligence, lies, what have you…), but I do care about leaving Iraq a better place than when we got there. I want our soldiers home. They and their families have sacrificed much (and for even Cindy Sheehan I have thanks, for the wonderful son that she raised, and the sacrifice he made). However, the scars of Vietnam still linger. I believe we need success in Iraq, not only for the Iraqi people (a laudable goal in and of itself), but for ourselves. What is going on in Basra with the fashion-intolerista is insane. That is not a better place. Now, I want to make clear that I suspect that this is not something new, it is just that we are hearing about it.

The original article is at The Kansas City Star website ( archived copy ).
hattip to: The Becket Fund

Who Grew My Food?

Starlyth — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 02:47:20 +0000

Okay, I have to admit succumbing to the marketing part of this, but it is pretty cool. Using a code on the label of a banana, you can see where that banana was grown, and who grew it. That is pretty slick. I understand the mantra of buy local, and living in a strongly agricultural community I know some of the people who grow the food I eat (which is pretty cool in and of itself). Regardless of how you feel about buying from someplace outside of your local area (Hey, it’s a banana. It’ll be outside of my local area.), seeing the source of food removes a few more layers of distance between the tables of far too many (sub)urbanites and the soil.

Full Reprint Below

DOLEORGANIC.COM
Banana Code Connects Consumers & Farm

“In a world where the concept of ethics seems to have gone bananas, it turns out that bananas can teach a lesson or two about ethics,” observes Andrew Wooldridge, of Inside Work. With the launch of doleorganic.com, consumers can use the three-digit code on labels for Dole organic bananas to virtually visit the farm where the fruit was grown: view the fields via Google Earth; read e-mails from farm workers; learn about the growing regions and their local communities.

“Customers can personally monitor the production and treatment of their fruit from the tree to the grocer,” says Wooldridge. “The process assures the customer that their bananas have been raised to the proper organic standards on an environmentally friendly, holistically minded plantation.”

The site reflects Dole’s dedication to transparency, sustainability and corporate responsibility. It’s these kinds of practices, together with the company’s commitment to nutrition education, which won Dole recognition in Ethisphere Magazine‘s 2007 World’s Most Ethical Companies Ranking, as the most ethical company in the “Agricultural & Food Processing” category.

Doleorganic.com includes a blog, which features correspondence between an American consumer and workers at the Don Pedro Farm in La Guajira, Columbia. One letter is from a harvester, Hicho Arpushana, of the Wayuu Indian Tribe, who says, “Because people like you choose our product, I have a good job in this farm and my wife and seven children have a better life…I will keep harvesting the best bananas for you.” Likewise, the consumer says she will now be thinking “of the people and the beautiful landscape at Don Pedro Farm every time I eat a Dole organic banana.” She’ll also be enjoying a bevy of nutrition benefits, including:

Heart health: Bananas’ fiber, potassium, vitamin C and B6 content make them a Superfood for the Heart.
Early banana consumption is associated with lower risk of childhood leukemia.
Bananas’ prebiotic fiber feeds your “good” gut bugs so they can fight the bad gut bugs and protect you from foodborne viruses.
Children who eat just one banana a day have a 34% less chance of developing asthmatic symptoms.

See Full Issue

Endarkened By God To Be The Light

Starlyth — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 03:35:26 +0000

If at a certain point she almost does not speak of this night anymore, it is not because it was over, but because she had learned to live within it. Not only had she accepted it, but she recognized the extraordinary grace that it held for her. “I have begun to love my darkness, because I now believe that it is a part, a tiny little part, of the darkness and suffering in which Jesus lived on earth.”

Revisiting the Mystery: The Sanctity of Mother Teresa

The continuing dialog regarding Mother Theresa’s “Dark Night of The Soul” brought out this gem. I think a lot of the mainstream press’ issue is that they do not have the framework to understand. For once, I cannot, and do not, blame them. I am beginning to suspect that much of this has to do with Americanism and Protestantism. A lot of modern, and not so modern, Protestants do not understand mysticism, and promptly put it in the “things we don’t like about Catholicism, Orthodox, and anybody else like that.” There is a seeming lack of understanding just how important mysticism can be to faith.

That being said, mysticism without Biblical guidance can send a person off the path, so this is a worthy concern. Anyways, I don’t really have anything useful to add to the conversation, yet, and I may never have. I do want to bring attention to yet another article that attempts to explain what can be unexplainable.

Only at the Feet of Jesus Do We Learn

Starlyth — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 04:08:42 +0000

There is currently an emphasis in the Church of the Nazarene (CotN) to make disciples of Christ. The CotN’s new mission statement is, “To make Christlike disciples in the nations.” Bishop Nkulu Ntanda Ntambo of the Methodist Church recently delivered a sermon to the Methodist Assembly, and he speaks to the same truth:

Money is not so important. It’s more important to bring Jesus to someone. If the fundraising’s not coming from the bottom of your heart, if Jesus is not there, it’s empty. It’s just vanity.

You Americans enjoy life… All this wealth. This is not going to change the world. Jesus will change the world.

Today, the world is so divided. Many families are broken…There is poor and rich…We can’t bring them together as far as Christians, unless we’re willing to bring Jesus to them.

You can read the IRD article here. (archive copy )

How Not to Make a Cleaner Environment

Starlyth — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 02:38:04 +0000

This was slashdotted today, and I can see why: Dirty Secret—Green Cars Automakers Won’t Sell You (Archived Copy)

Not only can’t you buy one, but the government says it’s currently illegal for automakers to sell these green cars outside of the special states. Under terms of the Clean Air Act—in the kind of delicious irony only our government can pull off…

Someone is bound to say that it is the Bush Administration’s fault, and it is, only because they didn’t cut red tape that other already put up. Still this is just wacked, but as it says above, “only our government can pull [it] off…”

A Moment of Silence for A Moment of Silence

Starlyth — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 04:13:00 +0000

Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois vetoed a ‘moment of silence’ bill for students (Archived Copy). Now, oddly enough, I find that it doesn’t bother me that much. Why? It is not the “separation of church and state” that has been misinterpreted for so long. Partly, it is the coercive nature of it. While I believe (as do many who actually study such things) that the “separation of church and state” has been overdone, at the same time it is forcing people to observe time that while not specifically or legally defined as religious, it is in intent.

There is also my belief that one minute of silence is ineffective for prayer or reflection. It takes me a least a minute, often longer, to settle myself to a “place” of silence, where I can even begin to prepare myself for prayer. Does a rational adult (“rational” somewhat tongue-in-cheek for all human beings) think that any child can calm and center themselves then pray effectively in a minute?

The organizations that are pushing these “moments of silence” are unanimously “Christian”, which clouds the “separation” issue further. I wish that they would focus on the students ability to form religious clubs and gather together for religion meetings on school grounds separate from school functions. That would be much more effective and useful. Also, the constitutional gray area disappears as it outside of school functions.

hattip to: OneNewsNow.com

When Extreme Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does

Starlyth — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 01:38:49 +0000

I’ve started paying attention to the “Emerging Church” movement, which is an attempt to redefine the Christian community of faith. There are a lot of issues within that particular movement, but don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

There are groups within groups within groups (and then some) within the Emerging Church movement. Some (like me, I’m tempted to say) are no doubt within the “orthodox” (I don’t mean Eastern Orthodox) tent, but are frustrated by the human church that is so hierarchical and stuck in a morass, that it is beginning to fail. There are a lot that are so theologically out there, that even the Episcopal Church (USA) can’t open their arms to accept them.

This is my long introduction to one thing that many in the Emerging Church movement are accused of (and rightfully so in many cases). A particular segment of the Emerging Church movement (I’ll call them the “No Boundaries” segment) is definitely theologically in trouble. In an attempt to reach the unsaved (don’t get me wrong, Jesus tells us to), they water down the Word to such a point that it becomes a feel good show, and not a life of faith. Now, there are people who attend church for the feel good show, but that is not the way it is supposed to be. It certainly shouldn’t be “institutionalized” that way.

The No Boundaries Emerging Church movement segment (NBEMCS) believes that we should put no limits on people as part of their being in the church. While that is good on one hand, because we should not be working to the law, but through faith, it is also bad, because how are we to measure a life of faith and grace? The NBEMCS tries its best to be everything to everyone, which is a problem in and of itself, since that is impossible.

I read an article on The Ooze, Out on the Wings with JesusArchived Copy, Alan Ward states his belief that we have tried to “tame” Jesus, trying to make him more in the middle (as in the middle of the bell-curve, see Bye-Bye, Bell? Hello, Well?). I would say that there has definitely been an effort to tame Jesus, and many Christian authors have commented on that already. Mr. Ward says that Jesus was on the extreme, and He was in many ways. However, and I have to admit I don’t know Mr. Ward’s intent, but it appears as if his article was meant to justify the NBECMS. If that is the case, I think his article failed. It’s a great article, but the Emerging Church movement, if it becomes like the NBECMS, will fail, for with no boundaries it will more fully embody the fallen world, than current society does.

That being said, however, Mr. Ward does say:

“Average Jesus” comes to us where we are and doesn’t require us to change or grow much. “Average Jesus” doesn’t cost us anything but still gives us the “benefits” of being Christian. We can have Jesus and still remain comfortable in the middle with everyone else.

Here, if you take out the “Average” part, and perhaps replace it with “Self-Portrait”, you have a, in my opinion, portrayal of what Mr. Ward means, I hope. If everyone were like Jesus, “Average Jesus” would be just fine, but averages change. I believe what he intends is that in trying to emulate Jesus (i.e., allowing ourselves to be discipled with Jesus), if it costs us nothing, and/or its easy, it’s pointless, and not a true emulation of Him.

My biggest fear is that the Emerging Church movement, especially the NBECMS, is trying to create a pain-free Jesus, an skewed version which is just a revered version of ourselves. In their attack against the middle, the NBECMS, and even the majority of the Emerging Church movement, I think are trying to slay straw men. By this I mean that their attack on the middle will have no effect on actually producing a Christ-centered church, because the focus isn’t on Jesus, but on trying to be “tolerant” and “accepting” group with Jesus vaguely thrown into the mix.

The great advantage that the Emerging Church movement has is perspective. I will agree that much of the “mainstream” church is no longer effective, and is, frankly, lost. However, their (both mainstream and emerging church) focus is supposed to be on Christ, and I think too many churches (whole denominations) have moved their church from the solid rock of Christ to the dangerous and treacherous shores of the water that is the world. However, I can’t help but feel that many in the Emerging Church movement are trying to build a pontoon float for the church to float on the waters of the world, rather than returning to the rock that is Christ.

The point of this rambling is that for much of the Emerging Church the perspective seems to be, “since we are extreme, we are more Christ-like.” However, creating your own image of Christ and worshiping it, is not Christ-like, but idol worship, the idol of self. This is the same idol that much of society already worships, so that doesn’t make the Emerging Church extreme, just extraordinarily average.

Oil going bye-bye?

Starlyth — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 01:38:12 +0000

Once thing that I didn’t mention in my post, Anthropogenic Climate Change Theory Versus Logic, is the over-the-top screaming that is going on in regards to climate change and alternative energy sources. This makes reasonable discussion almost impossible. In the attempt to (too) quickly get off of petroleum based fuels, ethanol has been getting a lot of attention. Too much attention, frankly, and the politicians are making out like bandits politically, because they can pander to the environmental and agricultural lobbies at the same time. This probably explains a lot of the energy (Pun unintended, but I’ll keep it anyways.) going into this, because rarely do politicians get to pander to two lobbies that are often at each others throats.

Palousitics, named Washington State’s Most Influential Political Blog for the week of Aug 26, did a post on what may be the best alternative fuel source so far, pond scum (no, I am not referring to politicians, but if we could harness their hot air…).

Apparently, some scientists at Utah State plan to create algae biodiesel factories. The post that seems to have started this is here: Algae Biodiesel May Soon Be Reality « Green Options.

However, the Palousitics post also contains some good information, too. I strongly recommend reading both.

Now, much of the emphasis on petroleum has been as gasoline and diesel. However, there is another use for petroleum that hasn’t been discussed much, and merits just as much attention…plastic. Look around your person, your home, your office. Look at the things you use everyday. Imagine your life without plastic: cell phones, computers, cars, toys, pens, aircraft…

There is also the lubricant class of petroleum products such as the always needed WD-40, the oil for your car, grease for most mechanical components. There is also the personal products used such as Vaseline®, Chapstick®, lotions, soaps, and some medications used petroleum products such as petroleum jelly (i.e., Vaseline®) as a carrier for the actual medicine.

While making cars, trucks, trains, and planes go is important, we must not forget the other products we use, for they too must be part of the equation.

Anthropogenic Climate Change Theory Versus Logic

Starlyth — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 01:35:50 +0000

Dr. S. Fred Singer (Professor Emeritus, Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia) recently outlined the logical flaws being espoused by those who speak of global warming (which is in error, as the recent snowfall in South Africa shows, and thus should be called, “global climate change”) as being caused by man (i.e., anthropogenic).

Part of the problem that these espousers have is the term “global warming”. By insisting on using that term they partially invalidate that which they espouse, because not all places are experiencing warming, but cooling (South Africa Dusted by Rare Snowstorm). If they stuck to “climate change”, they would put themselves on much sounder footing.

However, that being said, I did a report in high school (I wonder if I’ve mentioned this before. If I have, I’m sorry.) on the “Greenhouse Effect”. It was while preparing my report that I learned about the cycle that the earth regularly experiences regarding climate change. In fact, the primary book I used for my report (Let’s see, I believe that I did that report in 1987, so the book I used was older, therefore this has been known for awhile.) stated that we should soon be experiencing warming, as we were on the colder end of the cycle.

Have you ever seen stories on Greenland? Much of their energy is provided geothermally, and the majority of land is covered by snow and ice. Recently, there has been a decrease in the mass of ice on Greenland. However, have you ever wondered why it was called Greenland? Well, it seems as if some Viking warrior decided to cross the North Atlantic, and found a green land perfect for colonizing as it was green, and was the perfect place to grow crops. That means it was warmer 900+ years ago then it is now (or even projected to be based upon some current forecasts of climate change).

I freely admit that I am no climate changed expert, but Dr. S. Fred Singer is. I would also like to point out that neither he nor I are stating that climate change is not occurring. What he and I, and so many others, are saying is that there is no proof of climate change being anthropogenic, but a lot of evidence that this is a natural process.

Invading Corporate America

Starlyth — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 03:07:32 +0000

Brian E. Volck, in his post Are You Being Served?, states:

As John Sayles’ role in the movie Matewan suggests, big businesses have used clergy as cheerleaders before, but this news item from The Economist hints at something worse.

The article: Praying for Gain: A fad for piety infiltrates the realm of Mammon

I am completely at a loss for what this, “something worse”, that Mr. Volck refers to is. Is he worried that there are two companies that provide chaplain services? Is that his issue? If it is, then perhaps he is unaware of the restrictions that these to companies put upon those whose services they tender. These chaplains are to stay away from denominational arguments (whether for or against), and to provide purely for the spiritual needs of the employees. Is he worried that a company dares to make a profit on provide such services? Where is that particular line drawn?

Is he worried about the reason companies are doing this? Such as, increased worker productivity? Does that mean my company can no longer provide donuts every other Friday? Or company parties? There is nothing wrong with that.

The one thing that may concern him is the equating of the corporate chaplain to the village priest, which, frankly, was probably an ignorant and definitely stupid thing for the writer at the Economist to write. I would hazard a guess that the writer was trying to relate it to earlier times in history, but who has no real experience with a village priest.

The author does state (although I’m not sure the statement is an accurate reflection of reality) that these chaplains are providing spiritual support for people who are feeling cut off from their roots (if they had any). However, the “boom” according to the article has been since 9/11. That should give all people pause. 9/11 caused a lot of people to reflect on their lives. Most denominations saw a huge influx of attenders immediately after 9/11, but those numbers quickly fell. However, even in those churches who are otherwise experiencing negative growth, the post-9/11 increase in attendees has been noticeable.

Another thing that Mr. Volck could be concerned with is the possibility that people will equate their faith with the company, therefore become religiously zealous about their company. While, I suppose, that could be an issue, I suspect that it is not, especially when the chaplain is not a true employee of the company.

Perhaps the scary part for Mr. Volck is that is is corporations that recognize the value of religion and supporting it, while society and government as a whole (think the bureaucrats, not the politicians) has become somewhat hostile to religion.

I don’t know Mr. Volck, and I’m throwing all this out there because he didn’t make his concerns known. I hope that he will note his concerns at some point, but I can’t help but feel that his concern is the seeming melding of faith with “evil” corporations. However, if the chaplain is a true Christian, and serves the employees in true Christian love, I suspect that the Enrons and other horrible shenanigans will be greatly reduced, and the companies will cease being emotionless, profit-only, organizations, as a whole.

Perhaps I’m being optimistic, but I’m allowed to be every once in a while, just to get out of the rut.

Come to the Lord empty.

Starlyth — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 17:04:15 +0000

There is a great piece written by John Koesler, Eat, Drink, and Be Hungryarchived copy, on ChristianityToday.com. Sometimes I wonder if the Beatitudes really say what we think they mean, regardless of that underlying current of though in my own mind, I think this is a wonderful way of looking at the Beatitudes, life in general, and, to me, at the Eucharist.

One thing that did strike me, is this is going back to the holes we try to fill in our lives with things other than God. This of course brings me to my pet topic (“meme”) of Technological Enervation. Perhaps Technological Enervation is just another way of pointing to the same issue.

Turn off the lights!

Starlyth — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:43:36 +0000

The last few nights, while waiting for the dog to finish his last bit of business before going to bed, I’ve been looking up into the sky, staring at the starts. They’re beautiful. I grew up in the SF Bay Area, and the only time I saw a true plethora of stars, I was camping.

Now that I live in Moscow, ID, I can see so much more, but still, when camping I can see even more.

Today on Wired, with the requisite Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy reference, this exact issue was discussed. There is even an organization (of probably 5 people), who seek to reduce light pollution. A laudable goal, I think. It would be pretty cool if a city kid (like I once was, and probably still am to some degree) could look at the stars like I can now.

This makes me sick

Starlyth — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:33:14 +0000

I wish that I couldn’t believe that someone wouldn’t stoop to this level.
Fight Over Wrestler Chris Benoit’s Estate Hinges on Order of Deaths

Mothering from the middle

Starlyth — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:21:03 +0000

…this is not about politics, although I suppose it is. Betsy Hart has a reasonable view of being a mom, and her column today is well worth the read.archived copy

Tell me, Neuromancer, what does the future hold?

Starlyth — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:06:37 +0000

William Gibson, if you are not aware, invented the term cyberspace, and frankly, much of the perceived culture that accompanies it. He foresaw much of what we have today, but he now feels that the future is in such flux that it cannot be predicted. He recently did an interview with silicon.com that is, to me, a must read.

What I find interesting in this is an underlying feeling of Technological Enervation. I know I’m not the only one that feels this, but I thought it would be those of a more spiritual nature. However, here is someone who is more of the technological bent (although, could be reasonably argued, philosophical as well) feeling the same way.

Reaping What Was Sown

Starlyth — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 04:11:32 +0000

A few decades back, it was decided that public mental institutions needed to be phased out. Not to save taxpayer money, not to have the private sector do it, but to be compassionate to those with mental health issues. As Prison Fellowship President Mark Earley noted in his Breakpoint Commentary today, Bedlam: Prisons and the Mentally Ill, they still are mentally ill, they just end up behind bars. In many ways I am a law & order kind of person, plus, I prefer to minimize government involvement in most things. That being said, however, this is one area, while not ideal, where the government would may be the appropriate party.

The U.S.: The SOFT Target

Starlyth — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 02:11:13 +0000

Before the Dems and far too many Republicans, decided that the war they supported is now unsupportable, I would not have considered the U.S. a “soft” target, even during the Clinton years. However, in comparing the U.S. to other potential targets, perhaps we are soft after all.

The Belmont Club: Another Satan Emerges

There’s No Such Thing As a Free Lunch…

Starlyth — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 02:04:49 +0000

…as Wisconsin citizens may soon learn.

Escape Wisconsin: Fraters Libertas

How TO: Make Minnesota Grow Faster « SCSUScholars

Cheese Headcases « OpinionJournal

Let’s Hear the Other Side

Starlyth — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 06:03:37 +0000

Health Care Lie: ’47 Million Uninsured Americans’

The Computing Cocoon

Starlyth — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 05:50:19 +0000

In Are Computers Causing us to “Cocoon” Ourselves?, WXPNews editor Deb Shinder questions as to whether we are really cocooning ourselves, and whether its really bad. I think she makes, not intentionally, another point in my Technological Enervation zeitgeist, our rationalization and justification

Discernment Needed. Desparately. NOW!

Starlyth — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:29:24 +0000

I have no problem believing that there are artificial and manipulated “miracles,” any more than I have believing in genuine miracles and other supernatural phenomena. In the same way, I believe in the existence of fallen angels, demonization, and exorcism as much as I believe that there are some mental and psychological disorders that should be treated with medication and therapy. In other words, I believe in discernment. The mere existence of cubic zirconium in a jewelry store does not mean that genuine diamonds do not exist.

In his column, Hearing the ‘Music of the Spheres’, Steve Beard makes an eloquent point about discernment.

That is the word I was looking for in regards to politics (funny, I’ve been using the word a lot, reading it a lot, but it takes someone else putting it in writing for me to make a connection). That’s what we need. Not just from our politicians (oh, and honesty, straight-forwardness, and a lack of dissembling would also help), but from the media, and we the consumers of politics and media circuses.

If we could not rant and rave, not patronize the Micheal Moore’s and Ann Coulter’s of the world, and just think, we would be better off.

Take health-care for instance. Somebody has to pay for it. Remember, the government doesn’t, you do. You pay taxes, therefore you pay for it. The hated insurance companies? If we weren’t so risk averse, no insurance company would exist. The Democrats are correct, insurance companies and health care companies successfully lobby Republicans. The Republicans are correct that Government (“single payer”) health care is a monster in the wings. Think back to the media induced “scandal” of government procurement during the Reagan years. The infamous $10,000 hammer, for example. Or the bomber (i.e., a big huge flying thing that carries lots of other big things long distances) that did not have the payload capacity to carry the paperwork required to make it (and that is the paperwork for EACH plane built).

Have you ever looked at a hospital bill, only to find that you were charged $5 for two acetaminophen, when you could buy a bottle of 150 capsules at the corner drugstore? Imagine how much those will cost when the government issues them.

A few questions to think about. If single-payer health care is so great, why do Canadians (who can afford it) go the States to get surgery? If Cuba is such a great country, with great health care, and the state owns the media, why do people keep fleeing? Mr. Moore’s failure to think critically regarding the “quickness” of Cuban health care, to me, proved that he can create conflict, but doesn’t see how he is used. Of course, the Cuban health care system worked quickly, are you kidding? Psychological victory. Michael Moore was USED!

The reason why other countries have “cheap” pharmaceuticals? Because WE subsidize them. Since the pharmaceutical companies can’t recover their costs elsewhere, and because we in the States love lawsuits, our pharmaceuticals are obscenely priced. It is not price controls that are needed, it is everyone else’s price controls that need to be removed!

Speaking of lawsuits, imagine trying to sue the government for shoddy health care. Veterans have been having, to our shame, poor success in that area. Also, imagine trying to get unorthodox treatments approved through the government system. I’ve experienced the private system, and it is bad enough.

Privacy. All those privacy advocacy groups would be run out of business. Now the government will know everything. Yep, that’s good. Right? Forget those stupid cameras watching everything, forget the warrantless searches, the government WILL know your very DNA.

The short answer? There isn’t one. The easy answer? There isn’t one. If a politician, media hack (and they’re almost all hacks, at least the national ones), or political hack says there is one? Run away with your hand on your wallet.

Come see my website…wait…I mean my video…

Starlyth — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 03:45:03 +0000

In her article,
Hey There, Lonelygirl15 – Prison Fellowship, Dr. Stephanie Bennett has an interesting view of the vlog phenomenon, and what it means about our needs for relationships.

An Old Soldier’s Advice

Starlyth — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 16:50:48 +0000

It is distressing for me to realize that Christ died for the terrorists, too. As violent and anti-Christian as they are, Jesus died for even them. So how do we balance that awareness with the job of killing them? I don’t have a well-developed answer for that one. I never got to the point that I’d aim at a German and hope to hit him while praying for his soul at the same time. But I was able to avoid hating the Nazis while I fought, and I thought that this was important for me as I tried to balance my faith with my combat duties.

See the rest of the article here: An Old Soldier’s Advice

Why I am not a good ethicist

Starlyth — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 04:29:52 +0000

Author: Fr. Jonathan Tobias

It would say, too, that the Islamization of Europe calls not for a Crusade, but for repentance … and this for the simple reason that any prophet, like Amos, would have no trouble recognizing the new Islamic Jihad for what it really is: another incarnation of the Assyrians, a harbinger and agent of Dies Irae.

This is what prophecy would probably say. And it goes without saying that this is not what Raboteau and all the respective denominational social and moral issues committees would ever say.

They wouldn’t say it because they are ethicists.

And that is the problem of the age, my friends: ethics and prophecy do not mix. And I’m afraid they can’t.

See the whole commentary here: Why I am not a good ethicist.

American Salvation: The place of Christianity in public life

Starlyth — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 04:20:45 +0000

Author: Albert J. Raboteau
Source: Boston Review

Who are you? What do you want?

Starlyth — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 02:02:44 +0000

These two very basic questions are the pivot points around which the first 4 seasons of Babylon 5 (Wikipedia entry) revolve. As we learn in Season 4, it is the fact that these questions are not asked together is what is causing the war that is going on at that point in the series.

Mark Galli, the managing editor of ChristianityToday.com, had an interesting commentary the other day,
I Love, Therefore You Are. He actually tackles those two questions, and I found his answers helpful.

THIS is what the 1st Amendment is about

Starlyth — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 05:12:59 +0000

As much as many of us of the so-called “religious right”, decry the attack on our faith in the public square, at least we here in the United States aren’t experiencing what our faithful brethren in Europe are experiencing.

Culture. What purpose have you?

Starlyth — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 04:36:48 +0000

I believe Thomas Sowell is one of those people that brings great insight in regards to the human condition. In his commentary, Cultural Heritages, he talks about what is a fundamental flaw of certain people’s perception of culture. His particular example, the Navajo, is only one of may that can used, if one looks around. The part that he doesn’t mention is that culture is fragmenting and changing to such a degree, a lot of that based on technology (both computers and transportation, which I have mentioned previously), that trying to create an “ideal” culture (such as “Navajo Culture” in this example) is, I think, a coping mechanism. We need connections, and with a significant portion of the population commuting and separated from family, by hundreds and thousands of miles, I think his example is only the tip of the iceberg.