Evangelicals Come Out
Although I consider myself to be an Evangelical I must say that I am at times hesitant to "come out" as one. Consider the latest between James Dobson (Focus on the White Family) and Jim Wallis. Admittedly I land closer to Wallis than Dobson yet what I find most annoying and frightening is that people like James Dobson and his partner Don Wildmon actually have a strongly supported voice in our country. Their voices represent what is increasingly frustrating about Christian political efforts. Are they wrong to believe in the moral traditions they support? No, Not necessarily. My concerns stem from the increasingly narrow mindedness that tends to be promoted as the Christian norm for all Evangelicals. Jim Wallis and Richard Cizik help to bring a more balanced representation for those of us who have a Christian worldview as opposed to a Christian Colorado Springs view. I think it is important for the evangelical mindset to start with an introspection. A look deep inside of ourselves that convicts us that the world around us needs redemption. The message of Christ is a message of love and redemption. The redemption begins with a consciousness of our own sin and process of transformation. To share that consciousness with others is a gift from God not a self-righteous political weapon of mass destruction.

It is disheartening to think that there are those in the Evangelical world (who are not NAE members mind you) who call for the resignation of another leader, a peer, by singling out two or three moral incentives as the only evangelical concern or standard for all of Evangelical Christians. Not only do I find this intrusive and prideful I find it rather sad. I like the response of someone named Christy, who said:

"I would consider it refreshing and a step toward opening up some of the deep seated fundamentalist narrowmindedness [sic] if Dobson and Falwell and others like them could even bring themselves to say something like: While it is not part of the agenda of Focus on the Family or Liberty University to support issues concerning the environment, we recognize that God has called us to do his work by giving each of us a unique set of gifts and interests. If God has laid a heavy burden on the hearts of our Christian brothers and sisters at the NAE to speak out on the issue of the environment, then we support them with our prayers in that calling."

Perhaps we can agree to disagree but it is rather pretentious and maybe even arrogant to think that "my" concerns are the only concerns necessary. Frankly, Dobson, Falwell, and Wildmon do not represent a collective understanding by many who call themselves Evangelical. Is abortion a problem? Of course it is but what are we doing as Christians to address systemic attitudes and practices that continually marginalize those who suffer on a daily basis right under our own noses. Is homosexuality a biblical concern? Yes, but so is stewardship of the creation. It is unfortunate that we have now created a climate of perceived hatred and judment among the very ones Christ came to redeem. I can't pretend that I have any or all of the answers to the world's problems but I do believe that we live in an age that requires a much grander vision of what Christ implied in his Kingdom ethics. Perhaps we should all take a day to consider the person in the mirror before we pass judgment on groups of people that have yet to see a clear picture of who Jesus is and how he can bring healing and hope to their lives. For more on this issue, including the Wildmon/Dobson letter to the NAE read the Wallis blog.

NBA '07 Part 2
Okay it's time for the second half and as the trade deadline approaches we must ask the question: Who should join the league MVP for a play-off run at the championship? Well the rumor today is Jason Kidd and Scottie Pippen. You would think Pippen would play for the league minimum just to get a chance to play again, anywhere. But to think he could play for Phillip and with the MVP? That could be interesting. As for Kidd. Wow what a back court that would be. But who are we willing to let go? Here's my short list in order of priority. First, let's dump Kwame Brown, what a waste of our time. I like the Smush Parker story but he's way too inconsistent, go ahead and give away Sasha, Chris Mihm, Maurice Evans, Aaron McKie and Shamond Williams. Just please don't get rid of Jordan Farmar or Luke Walton. If we have to give those guys up forget it. Kidd is very good but not worth losing the cream of our young talent. We'll know within a day or two.

PAN'S LABYRINTH: Great Story (not for kids)
I recently saw this amazing movie by Guillermo Del Toro. This movie has so much to absorb that it leaves you immediately wondering when you'll have time to see it again. Del Toro displays a plethora of emotional sensations in this classic story. Throughout the film you are caught up in the mystery of the fantasy, the fear of the unknown, the anger of injustice, and the utter sadness of tragic death. I thoroughly enjoyed it for it's amazing fantasy, effects, and story. Yet what was most compelling for me were the subtle Christological themes played out in the film's final scenes. The story of innocent blood being shed was too familiar to deny the connections. Of course it is not to be taken as an exact allegory but it was spiritually and theologically interesting for me nonetheless. I will warn that It is somewhat violent in both it's "real world" content and the fantasy as well. This is not a family movie. Seeing it in the suburban setting was also entertaining. As the credits rolled, someone behind us, spoke out rather loudly, "What?" He should have gone to "A Night at the Museum." If you are looking for something lite and mind numbing this is NOT the film. If you are up for a theatrical masterpiece and mind stimulating film don't miss Pan's Labyrinth.

NASCAR IS NOT A SPORT
This week I was appalled when I opened my "SPORTS" Illustrated magazine to discover that over thirty pages were devoted to race cars. Since when is putting a key in an ignition, pushing your foot down on a pedal while driving in circles a sport? When did this happen? I know, I know it is supposedly very physically taxing to drive at high high speeds for long periods of time but people like us do it all the time up and down the I-5 in the west and the I-95 in the east. The only difference is we don't make millions of dollars posing as athletes. I'll never get it.

Rudy Sucks
I recently came across this picture in a section of the L.A. times website called “your scene.” You can post personal pictures of events around L.A. So I’m checking out Rose Bowl pictures and here is this guy wearing a “Rudy Sucks” T-Shirt and I’m begging someone to tell me where I can buy one.

I Missed the Grammys
I don’t know what happened. I guess after a rather long day of church I just lost all ability to think coherently. Anyway, I missed the Grammy’s. I usually like to watch the performances and see how they produce the sets and lighting. But what did I miss? Well for starters I missed the Police reunion but according to the L.A. Times wasn’t all that great anyway. I would have been cool to see Stewart Copeland. Times writer Jeff Miller suggests that John Mayer “...think about giving up song writing if he still wants to be taken seriously as a guitarist.” OUCH! Anyone who dates Jessica Simpson deserves that I guess. I also missed the Dixie Chicks getting all kinds of awards for music I hate. I am SO GLAD I MISSED THAT! And I also heard on ESPN radio this morning that Tony Bennett didn’t help Stevie Wonder up the stairs. What was he thinking? Well, as it turns out I’m not too bummed I missed the Grammy’s after all. Instead I played catch-up on this season’s 24. I can’t believe that mouse is Jack’s brother.

Are You Kidding Me?
Ok, is anyone else completely flabbergasted by the NFL’s actions against Fall Creek Baptist church in Indianapolis? Of course I’m frustrated because I wanted to do the same thing. Here is the announcement on their church website:

Fall Creek Baptist Church Family...
We regret to inform you that we have had to cancel our bash to view the Colts game this Sunday in a family friendly environment due to the fact that the NFL believes we would be in violation of the Copyright Act, because we had planned to show the game on a screen bigger than a 55 inch diagonal. We have appealed to their legal counsel and exhausted all options without success. We have been informed that the only exceptions to view the game are given to sports bars and restaurants. While we have argued that we only intend to provide a family oriented environment that will make no profit from the showing, the NFL claims that our event cannot proceed by law. Therefore, we have no choice but to challenge this in court or cancel the event. We choose to cancel the event. We deeply regret that we have been prohibited by the NFL from providing a family friendly environment for celebrating the Colts great season.
Pastor John Newland


Here is a link to the local news article: NFL's lawyers sack church's game plan | IndyStar.com

Like pastor John, I thought it would be so cool to have a huge football party in celebration of what has become a huge social tradition in our culture. But should we really be all that surprised? This event isn’t about sports. In fact, as it turns out, the league that supports professional “american” football doesn’t care if people enjoy the game after all. They especially don’t want recovering alcoholics or families to watch it together. They really don’t even care who plays in the game or who wins. In fact, as it turns out they don’t even care about football. They just want people to turn on their televisions so the ratings increase and the advertisers get what they want. The NFL doesn’t stand for NFL it stands for “NO FORTUNE LOST.” This isn’t about football it’s about GREED. I know, I know people have been talking about this for decades and professional sports is completely out of control but for some reason this hits the ultimate nerve. I think it’s time for a worldwide protest against the NFL. In fact we all need to stop playing fantasy football, wearing team jerseys, and start a College Football Only movement. I love football. I love the USC Trojans and rarely miss a game. I’m a football fan. I love the game but now I think the NFL is bad. The NFL is greedy. Do you think the NFL is sin? I’m thinking maybe it is.

On the other hand, we’re still going to have a party. Unlike pastor John Newland I don’t mind watching football on a 42” screen.