ESPRESSO ROAST - A TEAM BLOG

That's All She Wrote...We're Signing Off.

The time has come for Espresso Roast to be put in moth balls. I will not be shutting it down, but there will be no new posts coming (at least for the foreseeable future). I think all of us who were to serve as contributors had the best intentions, but our schedules just haven't allowed it and I don't have an appetite for writing in the fashion that ER has been over the past few years.

Please keep your subscriptions active in case we do fire it up again so you'll know what's going on, but I can offer no guarantees. As for me, I have started a new online journal using my domain name, DavidCPrice.com, which will really be just that--a simple, online journal focused not on articles, but on personal thoughts and reflections. I invite you to check it out as I hope it will be a place that can serve as an encouragement to those who may visit.

Thank you to all of you who have been an encouragement by your faithful visits and thoughtful comments over the years. I hope to see you over at my new journal...and don't stay silent, I need your insights there, too. Blessings!

David C. Price

Labels: David C. Price

Why, Pat? Why? Why?!

As reported in the Virginian Pilot, Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson, who has made predicting the future an annual tradition, predicts a recession and a major stock market upheaval are on their way for the U.S. On Wednesday, Robertson suggested that Americans will be paying much more for gas at the pump, specifically forecasting that oil would reach $150 a barrel, with the dollar continuing to lose value. "I also believe the Lord was saying by 2009, maybe 2010, there's going to be a major stock market crash," said Robertson, who also acknowledged that his prophecy of a nuclear terror attack in 2007 failed to unfold. Responding to why the U.S. was spared "possibly millions" of deaths in a serious terrorist attack last year, Robertson said, "All I can think is that somehow the people of God prayed and God in his mercy spared us." [from Crosswalk.com]

Oi vey! By the way, does he ever predict any good news? Doesn't it just seem that, according to Robertson, God is always hacked off?

Labels: David C. Price

Bah, Humbug! Coach Leads Kids to Vandalize Nativities

Do you ever wonder what goes through the minds of, supposedly, grown people who are supposed to be leading kids in a positive direction, but act like delinquent middle schoolers themselves? Check out how this 46 year-old "coached" his students in Georgia:

"A public school coach in Marietta, Ga., drove students around the area in his pickup truck, instructing them to thrash Christmas displays after dark," [the Catholic] League said. During their Dec. 8 vandalism spree, 46-year-old John Hayes and several middle school students damaged a number of Christmas displays, let the air out of inflatable figures and rearranged plastic reindeer into X-rated sexual positions. According to the WGCL TV, Hayes has been charged with trespassing, contributing to the delinquency of minors and reckless conduct. [From Crosswalk]

Yeah, Merry Christmas to you, too, Coach.

Labels: Christmas, crime, David C. Price, vandalism

Christmas at Arlington

Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, USA

Strangely beautiful. I have a brother buried there, so there is something very special to me about this.

Labels: David C. Price

New Strategy in Britain: Taxi Drivers to Dole Out Condoms

Free condoms should be given away in pubs, clubs and taxis to reduce the levels of unwanted pregnancies and sex infections, experts say.
Research by the University of Southampton found strong links between binge drinking and unsafe sex.
The poll of 520 people attending sexual health clinics found 76% said they had unprotected sex due to drinking.
And those with sex infections drank 40% more on average, the International Journal of STD and Aids reported.

Let's look at this again:

People are drinking too much so they're getting drunk. By getting drunk, they're having unprotected sex because they're too drunk to know the difference. Because they're having unprotected sex, they're having babies and contracting sexual diseases. Therefore, give them condoms and they won't have unprotected sex and, thereby, prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexual infections.

Hey, Genius...if they're too sloshed to know they're having sex, they're not going to be able to put on a condom...that is, unless the taxi drivers are going to volunteer for that, too. Sheesh!

Full article here.

Labels: David C. Price

Atheist Richard Dawkins: A Cultural Christian?

From the BBC: Scientist Richard Dawkins, an atheist known worldwide for arguing against the existence of God, has described himself as a "cultural Christian".

He told the BBC's Have Your Say that he did not want to "purge" the UK of its Christian heritage.

I must admit that I was completely surprised by this admission that Dawkins considers himself a "cultural Christian," not because it makes him a Christian, but because he gives credence to the fact that Christian societies are most certainly better ones. We need to be clear on the former point, though: Do not read into this that Dawkins is really, in any way, calling himself a Christian. He simply supports the influence and expressions of it. In other words, he likes the results of Christianity, but thinks it's all still a figment of someone's imagination. So, if it works, great, but don't expect much more from it than that.

In the article, Dawkins explains that he does not want to put an end to Christian tradition. In fact, he states, "[Britain] is historically a Christian country. I'm a cultural Christian in the same way many of my friends call themselves cultural Jews or cultural Muslims. So, yes, I like singing carols along with everybody else. I'm not one of those who wants to purge our society of our Christian history. If there's any threat these sorts of things, I think you will find it comes from rival religions and not from atheists."

The last point he makes is arguable to say the least, but is this a case of wanting to have it both ways? Perhaps. I simply think Professor Dawkins is...how should I say...delusional. He claims to "fully recognise the full historical and cultural significance [of Christianity] in our country." He even goes so far as to say, "We should all be aware of that and celebrate that." The question I have is "why?"

If Christians are suffering from some sort of "God delusion," why would we want to celebrate delusional behavior in any form? How delusional must it be to encourage people to live in a fantasy world? The reality is, even Dawkins understands that true Christianity leads to the kind of society that everyone wants to live in. However, if there is nothing of substance behind it, it cannot last. As a matter of fact, the further we get away from Judeo-Christian influence, the more dangerous and out of control culture becomes. The reason is that simply embracing common morality doesn't work. Without a transcendant law-giver; a universal morality, there is no "common morality," but instead, man can determine whatever "rules" he chooses. In other words, one society could say that citizens killing one another on a whim is wrong while another deems it perfectly acceptable. Who is "right"? Simple...both. There is no "right."

The argument often comes back that no society would choose such rules since we naturally do that which promotes the common good of man; sort of the old survival of the species theory. However, that assumes that the survival of the species is desirable by all. Mass murderers and terrorists might have a different idea of "good." Again, what is the common "good" of man? It all depends on who is defining it. We certainly cannot limit it to just mass murderers and psycho-terrorists. Many governments, even today, have pretty broad ideas of what is good, killing people for what most in the West consider insane. Just look at what one culture wanted to do to a woman who mis-named a teddy bear! Hmm, common good, huh? She was actually lucky. She only got off because of the governmental pressure placed on their leaders to release her. Don't forget, we're talking about the Western government shaped by Judeo-Christians values are the ones who pushed for the release.

I want to go on record as saying I am absolutely against social Christianity which emphasizes mere actions as opposed to a heart transformation brought on because of a personal relationship with Christ (unfortunately, our churches today are full of social Christians!), but when society loses its Christian influence, it eventually dissolves into Relativism. This is the philosophy in which morality is based on the individual's own ideas of what is good and right, thereby leaving no basis for that which is actually and objectively good for that society. (For more of my comments on the subject of Relativism, use it as a keyword in the search Espresso Roast feature on this blog). Mr. Dawkins seems to realize this, to at least some degree, making even is own "godless delusion" hard to actually live with.

Read the complete BBC article here.

Labels: atheism, Christianity, culture, Darwin, David C. Price, Evolution, God, religion

Romney on Jesus

David Frum (National Review Online), believes Mitt Romney has made a huge mistake commenting on the content of his faith. He says that by answering the question of "Do you believe in Jesus," he has opened up the door for "What do you believe about Jesus?" along with other questions Romney will have great difficulty answering satisfactorily, especially for orthodox Christians.

In trying to dodge questions about the content of his particular faith, he has, in fact, open the floodgate of such questions. Frum concludes that by Romney bringing to the center his particular belief in Jesus rather than keeping the argument focused on his commitment to being the best president possible, he has engaged in a game in which he cannot win.

I tend to agree with him and believe we may see a dramatic drop in Romney's position as these questions begin to flood in. Why is this important? Because we understand that belief in Christ must be centered in the person of Jesus as revealed through Scripture. Just any Jesus won't do and, like it or not, what you believe about Him shapes your worldview and, ultimately, who you are as a person...and a president.

Read Frum's post here.

HT: Between Two Worlds

Labels: David C. Price, politics

Steelers Guarantee a Win Against Patriots

Dangerous, my friends, dangerous. In an Associated Press article, another over-zealous player has yet again "guaranteed" a win over the undefeated New England Patriots:

Defensive back Anthony Smith is so certain the Pittsburgh Steelers will end the New England Patriots' unbeaten season, he is guaranteeing a win Sunday in Foxborough.
The Patriots (12-0) may have the perfect record, Smith said Wednesday, but it should be New England that is worried about the Steelers (9-3) rather than the other way around.

``People keep asking me if we're ready for the Patriots,'' Smith said. ``They should be asking if they're ready for us.''

I love this, though, because immediately after making this kind of prediction, he qualifies it:

Is Smith so confident that he is willing to copy one of former Pittsburgh linebacker Joey Porter's familiar motivational ploys by guaranteeing the Steelers will win?

``We're going to win,'' Smith said. ``Yeah, I can guarantee a win. As long as we come out and do what we got to do. Both sides of the ball are rolling, and if our special teams come through for us, we've got a good chance to win.''

Get that? He guarantees it as long as the Steelers come out and do what they've got to do. Translation: as long as we play well enough to win, I'll guarantee a win. Actually, he even backs off of it and then says they've got a chance to win. The only thing that comes to mind as a response is, "Duh!" What kind of guarantee is that? Any team that does what they need to do to win will win. If special teams comes through?

OK, so we've got this dude saying that as long as both sides of the ball are rolling (i.e. as long as both offense and defense are playing well) and as long as special teams are playing well, they'll win. Uh, offense, defense, special teams...yep, that's everybody. So, as long as everybody is playing well, they'll (have a chance to) win. Gotcha.

Fortunately for the Steelers, not everybody on the team is making such brilliantly thought through statements:

Despite Smith's abundant optimism, no other Steelers are designating Sunday as guaranteed win day. Linebacker James Farrior, cautioning that Smith hasn't been in the NFL long and may not realize what he is saying, doesn't think the Patriots will pay any attention.

He better hope they don't. Now, the Steelers may win (that is, of course, if all the Steelers are getting it done and the Patriots don't show up), but I wouldn't bet on it.

What do the Patriots think? Safety Rodney Harrison, asked by Fox Sports Radio about the comments, answered, ``Who was it?'

Told it was Smith, Harrison said, ``Never heard of him.''

That's about right.

Labels: David C. Price, sports

Quick Follow-up to "Should Christians Boycott The Compass?"

Though I in no way agree with the writer of this article, I think it important for us to read them. I think it supports my position of being careful in how we "protest" particular cultural expressions. Again, our boycotts tend to make advances in the "battle" but do they not hurt the Christ-position in the war against darkness?

I think it important for us to re-evaluate what our intended goals are in protests and boycotts and is it worth the price we pay in our influence and in communicating love to a world that is looking for it anywhere they can find it.

Perhaps that's why they look for love in the darkness...they can't see the light in us.

December 5 Addendum: Here is an excerpt of an article by Albert Mohler offering a good perspective on the movie:

A good first step would be to take a deep breath. The Christian faith is not about to be toppled by a film, nor by a series of fantasy books. Pullman has an agenda that is clear, and Christians need to inform themselves of what this agenda is and what it means. At the same time, nothing would serve his agenda better than to have Christians speaking recklessly or unintelligently about the film or the books.

This is about the battle of ideas and worldviews. While Christians will not celebrate the release of this film, we should recognize the mixture of challenge and opportunity that comes with millions of persons watching this film and talking about the issues it raises. When the movie is mentioned in the workplace, in school, on the playground, or in the college campus, this is a great opportunity to show that Christians are not afraid of the battle of ideas.

HT for Mohler article: Tim Ellsworth

Labels: Christianity, culture, David C. Price, Jesus

'Debating' Evolution

In spite of the fact that this is like the third post involving Mike Huckabee, these really aren't meant to be endorsements (personally, I've not decided who I'll vote for). This is, however, a really good response to question regarding evolution in a recent debate.

Labels: David C. Price, Evolution, politics

Ridiculous Item of the Day: Spanking Outlawed

Massachusetts, a state I have a love-hate relationship with (love the state, hate the socialism), now has a proposal to ban spanking of children in all cases except extreme danger...even in your own home.

The proposal, submitted by a nurse, would ban corporal punishment, including spanking, in all cases for children under 18 unless it is to save them from danger. Parents would face charges of abuse or neglect, according to The Boston Herald.

I think it's ridiculous. All real spanking (as opposed to beatings) is to save them from danger. The kids in the most danger are those who do not receive such punishment and allowed to do whatever they wish (which they're not equipped yet to do). Is it just me or is the Massachusetts government illustrating, once again, they're over the wall?

Labels: David C. Price, Parenting, politics

Should Christians Boycott The Golden Compass?

I received an email yesterday asking me to sign a petition pledging to boycott the new anti-Christian movie, The Golden Compass. This will go to distrubutors, I believe, and voice our displeasure. What a great opportunity for Christians to bind together and stand up for our rights, right?

This idea of boycotting is something that I have pretty definite feelings about and have written on before. So, I've decided to simply re-post my response to an old call for boycott.

Back in June of 2005, it was a call to boycott Ford Motor Company for their support of the homosexual agenda. Today, it's over a movie that is reported as anti-Christian. Neither of these "agendas" do I support. However, I will not openly boycott them either. I will personally boycott them by simply not giving them my money. I will not let my child be exposed to it and I hope no one else will either. I may even encourage those within my sphere of influence not to see it...probably will (just did), but that's the extent of a boycott or petition I, personally, will take part in. Why? Glad ya asked. Here is my response, originally posted here:

I am no fan of boycotts. Sure, they often have something of an effect in changing the minds of those to whom the boycott is directed (or at least gives them pause), but I am concerned that it is the kind of situation where one can win the battle but lose the war.

Rarely does the general population look at those who are calling for a boycott with favor. No, I am not advocating a "friend with the world" mentality, but please, if these well-meaning folk want to do more than simply force people to act differently through punishment, I believe a different approach might be called for. In my humble opinion, boycotts, generally speaking, serve only to isolate and marginalize the group boycotting, punish the group being boycotted, and galvanize the group the offending company is supporting. I don't know, sounds like a lose, lose, lose scenario to me.

If Christians are to stand against evil but love all individuals involved, perhaps a different strategy is called for, because with this one, the Christian is seen as someone who merely wants bad things out of society so he doesn't have to look at them. It appears self-centered. That is not the call of Christ. Should Christians stand up and be heard? Absolutely, but it must be done in such a way that fellow sinners know that they are being treated with love and compassion, just the way we all want to be treated. It must also be done in such a way that the Christian Church does not look like just another special interest group. That's a tough one to be sure.

What's an alternative? I think there is nothing wrong with an individual withholding money from any group or company that doesn't share his or her core values. People do that all the time. Further, I think there is nothing wrong with individuals communicating with the company, expressing displeasure for something that company is doing with the money that is being given it by consumers. That, too, is done for various reasons regularly.

Frankly, I see nothing wrong with a group like the AFA communicating the facts about a company with its members or subscribers in order for them to make informed decisions about their spending habits. But that's where I think it should stop. Individuals should then act on their own convictions and in such a way that the door remains open to communicate love to a world in need of a bunch of it without having to overcome the obstacles of punitive actions towards a corporation.

Is there ever a time for a boycott? Perhaps, but we should always err on the side of mercy without sacrificing the integrity of the message of Christ. There are many companies from which I have withheld financial support, but that doesn't mean that I must, in so doing, mis-communicate to the world that I hate an entire group of people. Do what your convictions tell you to do with your money, but leave the door open to demonstrate compassion and love for the world around you.

In case you've forgotten: never...

...judge a book by it's cover.

Related

Also...
Paul's official website.

Labels: David C. Price

Feeling old yet, Alex?

You should.

The Team Espresso guys want to wish fellow blogger, Alex Forrest, a happy b'day today. Have a good one, A.

Labels: David C. Price

I Can't Get No Satisfaction: One of the Struggles Parents Face in Raising Their Kids

According to an article in the Christian Post, parents are spending much of their hard-earned bucks on stuff that may lead to hard-hearted kids. That's obviously not breaking news, except that the article focuses on a study by the Barna Group that shows many of these are Christian parents who often disagree with the very stuff they are buying to satisfy their kids:

Seventy-eight percent of Christian parents had purchased DVDs of movies and TV programs in the past year for their teenagers and 87 percent had purchased DVDs for their children under 13, the latest Barna Group study found. Yet 26 percent of them did not feel comfortable with the DVD products they purchased.
About six out of 10 parents bought music CDs for their teen children but one out of every three of them had concerns about the content. Also, slightly more than half of all Christian parents had purchased video games for their children yet nearly half (46 percent) of parents of teens admitted to concerns about the content of those games.

As I read through the article, I tried to figure out how this happens and what is the root problem here. Is this simply a result in confusion of roles, where the children are "ruling the roost," convincing or, sometimes, demanding that weak parents get them what they want regardless of the parents objections or is it that the parents, though they may not fully endorse the products, feel it will not affect their children negatively?

I think both of those things may be true, but the article points to another point of danger for all of us. Apparently, those parents more saturated in media themselves were most likely to be lenient on their kid's media choices. I can see the truth in this, as what parent under the age of 50 isn't driven by media themselves? I know our house is almost completely wired (or wireless, as the case may be). We're so used to media, it's hard to put it down. Case in point: I'm tapping on it right now.

I think even more problematic is an underlying desire of parents to allow their kids to "fit in" with the society in which they live. In a media-driven society, it is difficult to teach our kids to be "in the world, but not of it." Barna points to this tug-o-war that many parents find themselves in:

"Millions of Christian parents want to appear to be relevant in their children’s eyes, and to provide gifts that fit within the mainstream of postmodern society," George Barna, lead researcher of the latest study, noted. "The problem is that many of the entertainment products that meet those criteria conflict with the moral precepts of the Christian faith. Parents have to make a choice as to what is more important: pleasing their kids’ taste and sensibilities, or satisfying God’s standards as defined in the Bible. When the decision made is to keep their children happy, the Christian parent is often left with a pit in their stomach."

It would be easy for me to self-righteously throw stones at all of these irresponsible parents who provide objectionable material for their kids and preach about how they should stand up and be the parent. Though that is absolutely true that we must be the parent, I do understand the difficulty of that last reason. As the parent of a seven year-old, I'm already facing this struggle. Obviously, there are firm lines that must be drawn, but unless you take your kids out of the greater society, there are difficult choices to be made.

For us right now, it's pokemon. Every little boy in my son's class is into trading pokemon cards and, though that is pretty benign in comparison with some of the video games being sold to young kids these days, I'm not totally comfortable with some of those cards. So what do we do? We're compromising, letting him play with the cards in order to "fit in," but spending a lot of time talking with him about them and the issues that arise from his participation. Are we wrong to even let him? I don't know. I hope not. I do know that not letting him participate removes him from virtually all social interaction with his classmates, so it's a decision we felt we had to make.

I think Barna rightly summarizes the point as it relates to making a choice between pleasing God in our parenting and always pleasing our kids (who often, to some degree, become products of society). Perhaps more times than not, we will not be able to do both:

"Many Christian parents are striving to serve two conflicting masters: society and God. They refuse to believe that they cannot satisfy both," he said. "Sadly, this Christmas season will produce enormous stress for numerous Christian parents who don’t want to disappoint either God or their children, but whose ultimate choices will disappoint both God and themselves, while providing gifts that are not in the best interests of their children. For Christians, the Christmas season should be a time of celebration and appreciation of the life of Jesus Christ. Instead, that joy is being minimized by the pressure and confusion introduced by our focus on material consumption and fulfillment."

In my opinion, this ultimately comes down to an issue of discipleship. For parents, a lack of training in living out their faith in all areas of their lives (most importantly at home), leads to a lack of understanding of just how damaging much of the media content their children are exposed to can be. Further, we're not discipling our kids, teaching them that there are often limits we must place on ourselves in order to please God and, thereby, lead lives of purpose and peace.

It's a tough, highwire act to walk, but unless we do, our kids are the ones who will fall into the abyss.

Labels: Christianity, David C. Price, Family, Parenting

A Hard-hitting Presidential Endorsement

Wouldn't it be great if all of those endless presidential commercials were more like this?

Labels: David C. Price, humor, politics

Willow Creek Church: Seeker-Sensitive No More?

For many of you, this may be old news since the story actually came out about a month ago, but somehow I missed it up until last week. It turns out something extraordinary happened recently: Willow Creek Church, pioneers of the "seeker-sensitive" movement, has declared they made a mistake. What mistake, you ask? The seeker-sensitive movement. When all is said and done, that may be a bit of an overstatement, but writer and radio host, Bob Burney, published an article for Baptist Press recently discussing the shocking revelation:

Willow Creek has released the results of a multi-year study on the effectiveness of their programs and philosophy of ministry. The study's findings are in a new book titled "Reveal: Where Are You?," co-authored by Cally Parkinson and Greg Hawkins, executive pastor of Willow Creek Community Church. Hybels himself called the findings "ground breaking," "earth shaking" and "mind blowing." And no wonder: It seems that the "experts" were wrong.

The report reveals that most of what they have been doing for these many years and what they have taught millions of others to do is not producing solid disciples of Jesus Christ. Numbers yes, but not disciples. It gets worse. Hybels laments:

"Some of the stuff that we have put millions of dollars into thinking it would really help our people grow and develop spiritually, when the data actually came back it wasn't helping people that much. Other things that we didn't put that much money into and didn't put much staff against is stuff our people are crying out for."

That's huge. I mean it's huge that they admit it. Seriously, to their credit, having spent literally millions on this stuff, to admit they were wrong is a big deal.

Many, including myself, have known for years it was a mistake to focus on "felt needs" and have said so many times. Though it should have been a no-brainer, the number of people being reached was hard to argue against. That doesn't mean we agreed, it just meant few people listen when it seems to be so effective. Numbers don't lie? Burney sums up the truth of the issue:

If you simply want a crowd, the "seeker-sensitive" model produces results. If you want solid, sincere, mature followers of Christ, it's a bust. In a shocking confession, Hybels states: "We made a mistake. What we should have done when people crossed the line of faith and become Christians, we should have started telling people and teaching people that they have to take responsibility to become 'self feeders.' We should have gotten people, taught people, how to read their Bible between services, how to do the spiritual practices much more aggressively on their own."

I don't mean to be discordant but I have to tell you, when I read this I breathed a huge sigh of relief. Finally, the seeker-sensitive movement has been revealed for what it is...a sham. It is a well-meaning sham, but a sham, nonetheless. It was a matter of feeding people what they wanted rather than what they needed, leading people to bounce around to find a church that made them feel good rather than making them disciples. Sadly, here is the reality...a reality that I hope this mass of "seeker-sensitive" shopping malls can admit to and remedy:

The foundation of thousands of American churches is now discovered to be mere sand. The one individual who has had perhaps the greatest influence on the American church in our generation has now admitted his philosophy of ministry, in large part, was a "mistake." The extent of this error defies measurement.

Then the reality of what this all means sets in: there always seems to be the desire to improve on the model set out in Scripture. Rather than really doing life together (which often gets very messy and uncomfortable), dedicating ourselves to the Word of God with all the difficulty that discipleship demands, giving up our own desires, taking up our cross and following Christ wherever He leads and finding joy in the journey, certainly there must be something better; there must be some other way that leads to massive church growth (never mind that doing it the Scripture way led to 3,000 converts in a single day--when was the last time you saw that happen?). Nah, looks like it's back to the old drawing board for the seeker-sensitive, church growth professionals...which is where the new and very real danger lies:

Perhaps the most shocking thing of all in this revelation coming out of Willow Creek is in a summary statement by Greg Hawkins: "Our dream is that we fundamentally change the way we do church. That we take out a clean sheet of paper and we rethink all of our old assumptions. Replace it with new insights. Insights that are informed by research and rooted in Scripture. Our dream is really to discover what God is doing and how he's asking us to transform this planet."

Isn't that what we were told when this whole seeker-sensitive thing started? The church growth gurus again want to throw away their old assumptions and "take out a clean sheet of paper" and, presumably, come up with a new paradigm for ministry. Should this be encouraging? Please note that "rooted in Scripture" still follows "rethink," "new insights" and "informed research." Someone, it appears, still might not get it. Unless there is a return to simple biblical (and relevant) principles, a new faulty scheme will replace the existing one and another generation will follow along as the latest piper plays.

That is a warning I hope we all take to heart. As people of The Word, we have to ask ourselves how we can really expect to improve on a perfect model? New ways of applying the unchanging biblical principles are fine...we need to be able to communicate with 21st Century culture, but we must not abandon the heart of the Gospel and basics of authentic discipleship in the process.

Labels: Christian, Christianity, Church, David C. Price, Seeker-Sensitive

A New Day For Espresso Roast

I am very happy to announce the re-launch of Espresso Roast today as a team blog. With it, I welcome three very intelligent (mmph!) and respectable (ckkk!). I'm sorry, I'm sorry...really, great guys.

Just kidding. I do consider myself fortunate to have Alex Forrest, Kim Reeder, and Demer Webb joining Espresso Roast as contributors. Some of you know Alex from his personal blog that he has written on for the last three years or so. Alex was one of my partners-in-crime in the Apologetics and Worldviews program at Southern and brings a great perspective and tremendous insights in theology and cultural issues.

Kim Reeder (uh, it's a guy) comes to the blog with a fresh writing style and wit to match. Don't get too much caffeine in him or there's no telling what will come out.

Demer Webb (that's pronounced Deemer) is one of those guys you could sit and carry on a deep and meaningful theological conversation most of the night...given there's plenty of pizza and no-doze.

Each of these men bring a great deal to this blog and I am truly honored to have them writing here. As to what you can expect: Well, probably more of the same as far as commentary and analysis of life, theology and culture. However, our desire is that this will be a place where you are challenged and encouraged. We may point out some of the absurdities of life from time to time, champion a cause here and there, or put up something just to hopefully make you smile.

The bottom line is I'm not sure what this will look like, exactly, or how frequently there will be posts. I've left a lot up to the guys to post what they're feeling or thinking. Based on these guys background, experience, and education, I do think it will be interesting and informative and I encourage you to check here regularly. As a matter of fact, the best thing you can do is subscribe to the feed or our email update list.

We encourage you to interact with us, posting encouragement or challenges to our positions. If you have insights we didn't think of, tell us. We may or may not respond, but know that we're reading what you write. One thing, though: make sure you read the House Rules before you comment. We hope you enjoy this "new" blog and if you like it, please spread the word.

Blessings!
David

Labels: David C. Price

Espresso Roast - A Team Approach

Coming Monday, November 19, Espresso Roast will be re-launched as a team blog. I have invited several people to join me here at Espresso Roast in order to take this blog to the next level and work to make this a place for top quality commentary, information and conversation that will challenge your thinking and your living.

I am excited about this change because each person invited to be a part of this blog brings a great deal to the table and I assure you, it will be worth the time you take to read what these men post.

Make sure you don't miss a thing by subscribing to this blog using the link to the right and we'll see you Monday!

Labels: David C. Price

Espresso Roast - Three Years Old Today

Today marks the third anniversary of Espresso Roast Blog. It's been a fun three years so far. I want to say thank you to those who've been with me since the beginning. I'm sorry I've not had more time to do much substantive writing over this last year, but it's been fun for me, nonetheless.

Let me say that there are some major changes coming to this blog in the next week or so. That's all I'll say for now, so stay tuned to see what's coming next. It gets much better from here.

Labels: David C. Price

Does 'God Hate Fags' (And Apparently Soldiers, Too)?

So, you remember yesterday when I said there are some things I'm not necessarily against but just don't support? Yeah, well, this ain't one of them. I am necessarily against what this "church" does. The infamous Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas (you remember them, right? The "God Hates Fags" people?) have been busy picketing soldiers funerals and, you may have heard, has just lost a case where they were sued for $11 million. Here is an excerpt of the story from CBS News:

On Friday, July 7, Army 1st Lieutenant Forrest P. Ewens was buried at a respectful ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery, which many consider to be the most hallowed ground in the United States. But the peace was disrupted by protests from members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas. In a cordoned-off area by the entrance to the cemetery, they carried signs with anti-gay and anti-American slogans and proclaimed that Ewens' death in Afghanistan on June 16 was another sign of God's impeding doom on the nation. Westboro has taken what it calls "love crusades" to military funerals across the country. The church was not protesting at the funeral because Ewens was gay, but because he died, in their view, serving a country that has incurred the wrath of God by accepting and tolerating homosexuality. Now the father of a slain serviceman whose funeral was disrupted is suing the church in an attempt to fight back against what he views as the abuse of military families with a message of hate.

I've been to their websites and, I assure, there is no "love crusade" going on here. Yes, they have a point that God's wrath is displayed against all ungodliness (Romans 1 is clear on this point), but it is not the job of any church to taunt and condemn the world. That's not what Jesus did. Instead, He met people where they were and called them to repentance. The ones He was most harsh with were the self-righteous religious establishment.

This seems to be a case of hyper-calvinism, in which this group has a misunderstanding of reformed principles, believing that God hates those who are not elect and are damned to hell anyway and should, therefore, be judged here and now. These people see no reason to show love or compassion to those whom they have determined show evidence of being "of the world" and, thus, outside of God's saving grace.

OK, so here's my beef: Scripture clearly teaches the doctrine of election and that the only way we can get to God is for Him to reveal Himself to us. Salvation is the work of God from start to finish, not the slightest bit that can be credited to man and even our very faith is a gift from God (Eph. 2:8-9). I believe this. I believe Romans 9 that declares God makes a sovereign choice and some are not chosen for reasons only God knows and that He shows mercy on some and hardens others. This is hard to argue with as Jesus makes similar statements throughout the Gospel of John.

However, the Church is called to reach and love all people, as we are not God and have no idea who He will or will not show mercy to. I am not God, therefore any person I talk with may be moved to repentance by God leading to a saving knowledge of Him. It's not my work, it's God's. Think about it for a minute: following this church's judgment policies, the woman at the well would have been rejected along with the woman caught in adultery, at least most of the apostles and most certainly that murderous guy, Paul (you know, the one who wrote most of the New Testament). These would have been people who, in their pre-Christian state, would have been condemned by this church, not knowing God had other ideas for them.

Are these horrible events, such as droughts, floods, fires, war and global warming evidence of God's judgment? I don't know but find it doubtful. God's judgment in Scripture was usually preceded by clear calls for repentance and warning that God's judgment was coming in specific ways. To me, this sounds more like evidence of the "birth pangs" of the end times. Not to say that means that the sky is falling, but simply that, regardless of the abundance of sin, these type things are going to happen as we get closer and closer to the return of Christ.

As best I can tell, the wrath of God being poured out on sin described in Romans 1 has less to do with God bringing about disaster and more to do with God doing...nothing. Verse 24 says, "Therefore, God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts...". In verse 26, Paul says, "For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions." (italics added) In other words, God did nothing. He no longer convicted; no longer warned; no longer stopped them. God did nothing which is the worst possible kind of expression of wrath.

Ironically, based upon their actions and attitudes, it could be that God has given this fringe group of religious zealots over to their own hatred...in His wrath.

Related: A very good article on the subject from the Boston Globe.

Labels: culture, David C. Price, God, religion

Ridiculous Item of the Day: One Complaint Leads to Change in Military Funeral Procedure

You know that all measure of sanity has flown out the proverbial window and that PC has run amok when a single complaint can change the way millions of Americans honor their deceased loved ones in the military. That is the story today that the office of Veteran's Affairs has determined that God may not be referenced in the flag ceremony at the end of a soldier's funeral.

According to Family News in Focus, 125 national cemeteries can no longer honor military veterans families with a flag-folding recitation ceremony because one person complained that the ritual mentions God. Thousands of military families request the recitation ceremony for deceased loved ones. It's considered an unofficial but meaningful way for families to honor a soldier's sacrifice. But the recitations were banned by the VA until further notice because, as Rees Lloyd with the Defense of Veterans Memorials Project of the American Legion puts it, "One disgruntled narcissist has caused a complete ban affecting 300-million Americans honor our war-dead and our comrades, veterans and we think its an outrage and we intend to fight it." [crosswalk]

There are many things that Christians call "outrageous" that I choose not to join in on the fight. Things like the public display of the Ten Commandments, prayer in public schools, etc. Now, to be clear, I'm not against those things being legal, I just don't think they are worth fighting over. I think we often dishonor Christ in the way we respond to these things. After all, prayer in public schools cannot be out-lawed. It is only the public kind of prayer that Jesus was arguably against that has been banned (Matthew 6:5-6). The way He taught us to pray cannot be banned in any public place and, ironically, will actually flourish with more and more freedoms being eroded. It's like the bumper sticker says, "As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in public schools."

I don't want to digress here. My point is that there is much to be outraged about with the fact that the name of God cannot be evoked at the funeral of a veteran. It's absolutely absurd. What outrages me more is that ONE person changed the whole procedure. One, solitary, complaint.

I focus on this because that will be the downfall of this Republic. In a democracy, the majority (for good or ill) is supposed to rule. Yet our government officials are listening to one voice (which, as it turns out, is always the anti-Christian one) and banning, in the name of tolerance, something the majority of Americans are for in favor of. That is absolutely ludicrous because in one stroke of the pen, these bureaucrats have demonstrated intolerance to the majority of Americans. That, I just do not get.

So, I am outraged. I do not fear that these actions can or will somehow remove God from America. It is blasphemy to suggest man's meager actions could move a sovereign, almighty God in even the most minute way. He will do whatever He wishes and be wherever He desires. Certainly, our actions can lead to Him choosing to remove His hand of blessing (which I'm not certain has not already occurred), but God's wisdom and grace always supersede our actions and faithfulness. He will not abandon His chosen, even if all freedoms are stripped and persecution becomes the norm in this Country. It should, though, cause us grief to see injustice on all levels and undue burdens placed on families of those who already have paid a heavy price in service to this Nation, all because, somehow, the one has become mightier than the many.

Labels: Christianity, culture, David C. Price, God, politics, religion

RED SOX!!

Labels: David C. Price

An Amazing Day For The Fam

I can't believe that I didn't think to post about last Sunday. It was a really amazing day for us. We had Harvest Day at church which included Communion, Baby dedications and baptism.

All of those things in and of themselves are great, but for Karen and me, it was extra-special. Andrew (our 7 month-old) was a part of the dedication service and then I had the privilege of baptizing Jacob (my 7 year-old). It was pretty darn cool. I have been waiting and praying for that day for seven years. My parents were in town to take part in it which made it yet even more special and then that night, since communion was before baptism and Jacob missed it, we had a family communion at our house so Jacob could take part for the first time. Incredible day!

I'll post some pictures later.

Labels: David C. Price

Regarding Harry Potter's Spiritual Quest

Soon after posting my question regarding the Christian influence Rowling's attributed much of her writings to, I read the following article related to the surprise revelation that Harry Potter is actually gay [correction: Harry isn't gay (as far as we know), but rather a character known as Albus Dumbledore is. My apologies as I misread the article originally]. When you think about it, it's a great angle and strategy for indoctrinating millions of people towards your ideology: write a novel series that takes the world by storm, get millions of children to become huge fans of your characters and then right at the end, have that character actually be, as in this case, gay. Explains a lot, actually. Here is an excerpt and a link to the entire article:

NEW YORK —
With author J.K. Rowling's revelation that master wizard Albus Dumbledore is gay, some passages about the Hogwarts headmaster and rival wizard Gellert Grindelwald have taken on a new and clearer meaning.
The British author stunned her fans at Carnegie Hall on Friday night when she answered one young reader's question about Dumbledore by saying that he was gay and had been in love with Grindelwald, whom he had defeated years ago in a bitter fight.
'"You cannot imagine how his ideas caught me, Harry, inflamed me,'" Dumbledore says in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," the seventh and final book in Rowling's record-breaking fantasy series.
The news brought gasps, then applause at Carnegie Hall, the last stop on Rowling's brief U.S. tour, and set off thousands of e-mails on Potter fan Web sites around the world. Some were dismayed, others indifferent, but most were supportive.
"Jo Rowling calling any Harry Potter character gay would make wonderful strides in tolerance toward homosexuality," Melissa Anelli, Webmaster of the fan site http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org, told The Associated Press. "By dubbing someone so respected, so talented and so kind, as someone who just happens to be also homosexual, she's reinforcing the idea that a person's gayness is not something of which they should be ashamed."
"'DUMBLEDORE IS GAY' is quite a headline to stumble upon on a Friday evening, and it's certainly not what I expected," added Potter fan Patrick Ross, of Rutherford, N.J. "(But) a gay character in the most popular series in the world is a big step for Jo Rowling and for gay rights."

Labels: David C. Price

Harry Potter's Spiritual Quest. Does It Lead To Christ?

There was an interesting story that I read through Crosswalk.com about J.K. Rowlings revelation of the biblical themes in her Harry Potter books.

I have not read the books myself, not so much because of their basis in sorcery themes as much as a lack of interest and time, in general. I can say that they are not books I've wanted (or would want) Jacob diving into.

Anyway, if you haven't read it, check out this article and, especially if you have read the series and have an opinion on it, let me know your thoughts. I'm interested in various takes on this claim.

The Pope may have condemned the Harry Potter books, but J.K. Rowling has now revealed that Christianity has been one of her major inspirations, ASSIST News Service reports. This news was revealed in a story that has appeared on the www.telegraph.co.uk website. "Breaking her silence on the much-debated question as to whether religious themes permeate her books, Rowling confirmed that they echoed her personal struggle with faith," said the story. "Speaking in America this week, she was open about the Christian allegories in her latest book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." The author said that she had always deflected questions on the issue in the past to avoid disclosing the direction in which the books were heading. "To me, the religious parallels have always been obvious," Rowling said. "But I never wanted to talk too openly about it because I thought it might show people who just wanted the story where we were going." The Telegraph story said that at the end of her latest and final installment in the series, there are specific references to Christianity and themes of life after death and resurrection. At one point Harry visits his parents' graves and finds two biblical passages inscribed on their tombstones. "They are very British books, so on a very practical note, Harry was going to find biblical quotations on tombstones," she said. "But I think those two particular quotations he finds on the tombstones... they sum up, they almost epitomize, the whole series."

Labels: David C. Price

The Archbishop of Canterbury Isn't Totally in Left Field...Only Mostly

Hey, what do you know? The Archbishop of Canterbury has actually said something with which I agree:

The Christian Post reports that the atheist author behind the book "The God Delusion" may be a leading scientist, but he's a poor philosopher, according to the spiritual head of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Addressing more than 1,000 people at Swansea University in the United Kingdom, Archbishop Rowan Williams rebutted the assessment of Christianity in Richard Dawkins' best-selling book, saying that atheists had missed the point and failed to understand what Christians actually believe in. "There are specific areas of mismatch between what Richard Dawkins may write about and what religious people think they are doing," said Williams. "Our culture is one that deeply praises science, so we assume because someone is a good scientist, they must be a good philosopher," he added. But Williams suggested that assumption that religion is "an eccentric survival strategy or irrational form of explanation" was distracting people from "real arguments" over God's existence. The Archbishop did cite Christians as "partly to blame," however, when asked 'Whose fault is Dawkins?'

I have said numerous times here that there is a great dichotomy between science and philosophy regarding the great evolution debate. Here, Adkins points to this same idea in dealing with the existence of God. Here is a link to the post I wrote in which I reference Nancy Pearcey's excellent book, Total Truth, to argue that Darwinian evolution is a philosophy of science rather than actual science (as is their claim).

There is also another post from a later date that argues the same thing here. My posts on the subject (of which I believe there are more if you want to do a blog search at the top) have been the target of much ire from several evolution-focussed blogs over the last couple of years. Guess I struck a nerve.

If you happen to be interested in seeing my thoughts on the Archbishops views, in general, you can check out (as Desi Arnaz would say) dis, dat, and de udder ting. If you don't get that reference, don't worry about it, you're probably below the age of thirty.

Labels: Darwin, David C. Price, Evolution, God, Naturalism, religion

Happy Birthday, Jacob!!

Wow, how can it be that you are already seven years old! Time has flown so fast and you are getting so big...but you're still my little boy...my "Goto Guy"!

I am so proud of you and the little man you are becoming. You are an amazing big brother, as I knew you would be, and it makes me glad to know Andrew will always have someone like you to look after him for many years to come.

You have a wonderfully tender heart, caring particularly for those most people overlook or for those who cannot take care of themselves. It is evident that the Spirit of God resides within you. I cannot wait until next Sunday when I have the high privilege of baptizing you.

I want you to always know that I love you with all of my heart and, though sometimes I am weak in showing it, I will always be here for you as long as God gives me breath.

Happy birthday, Son!

~Daddy

Labels: David C. Price

Jay-Walking Through the Bible

An article in the Indianapolis Star reports that the United States, one of the most religious countries in the world, is also a nation of appalling religious illiteracy. The article discusses Stephen Prothero's "revealing" book, Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know and Doesn't. According to Prothero, in the U.S., "faith without understanding is the standard" and "religious ignorance is bliss." He also regards religious illiteracy as dangerous "because religion is one of the most volatile components of culture and has been, in addition to one of the greatest forces for good in the world, (also) one of the greatest forces for evil." Some examples the article cites of our country's religious illiteracy include: "nearly two-thirds of Americans endorse the teaching of creationism in our public schools, [but] fewer than half can identify the Book of Genesis... [Just under half] of Americans attribute the words "Let there be light" to Thomas Edison...Two-thirds believe that the Bible is God's word, only half of American adults can name even one of the Four Gospels... Ten percent of Americans believe that Joan of Arc was Noah's wife."

[Crosswalk.com]It would appear that church-goers in America aren't any more biblically literate than the geniuses Jay Leno has on his show from time to time in his "Jay-walking" segment. In my opinion, this simply highlights the major difference between the religious and those who have a real relationship with Christ.

Jesus always talked against religion, but even among the least educated (like most of his apostles), when they followed Him and learned from Him, were transformed through the Holy Spirit. When Christ is more than a religious figure, transformation happens from within making you want to know Him (and about Him) more.

I think it's like many (including myself) have said for a long time: this may be a religious nation, but it's far from being a truly Christian one.

Labels: David C. Price

How 'Bout That...50K

Huh, I finally hit 50,000 visitors (and it only took three years). I have to laugh because that's the daily hit of a lot of blogs. Ah, who cares...it's a milestone for me anyway.

Labels: David C. Price

The Difficulty of Saying Goodbye to a Friend

A friend died last week. We were childhood friends, three days difference in our ages, both with two kids, our parents are best friends, and both thinking we had years ahead of us.

We haven't seen each other in over twenty years, but kept up with through our parents. Strangely, sometimes it's not until someone is gone that you realize how you wish you had done a better job keeping contact.

That's the reason for the long delay in posting anything here. Well, partly. I was out of town attending his funeral much of last week, but I think the biggest reason is that I knew what I would have to write...for me, that is. I would have to write about this.

When I first found out about his sudden illness and quick death, I was, of course, shocked, but more than that I was simply hurting for his parents. I made the arrangements to go back home for the service, but didn't really take the time to process. I new it would be hard, but I think I kind of compartmentalized it as I am, oh, too good at doing.

Karen wisely decided to come with me (we had not planned on that initially), because I guess she had a hunch I would need her presence. She was right. She doesn't feel like she did much, but she didn't have to do anything but be there.

So, the day of visitation came which was the night before the funeral. I stood in line with, literally, the hundreds of others who came to pay their respects. When I finally made it to his parents, standing just before the beautiful, metallic silvery blue casket, it just came out. I couldn't stop the tears. I managed to get "I love you" out to his dad, but not even that would come out as a clung to his mother. A kiss on the cheek was all I had to give.

Leaving the room, I quickly put it back in it's little compartment, knowing it was not fully in and knowing it could not stay there. The next morning was the funeral where I was to be a pall bearer.

I sat in the service, listening to all the wonderful things being said about my friend...remembering back on our years together and knowing it was all true. Memories that had been long ago lost, I thought, came flooding back and we were kids again, traveling to Mississippi State games, camping down by the Strong River with our families, water skiing at the reservoir, playing blind-man's bluff in his sister's room, breaking out his sister's window...playing blind-man's bluff. The emotion rose to the surface again.

Since then, I've wondered a lot about "Legacy." What will mine be? If the nice things are said about me, will they be true? If I die tomorrow, will it be said that mine was "a life well lived"? Will my kids know that I loved them? Really love them?

Truly, life is, as Scripture says, merely a vapor. It is so fragile and tomorrow...even the next breath...is not promised. What are we doing with them?

I didn't know the extent to which all of this had affected me until Monday. So much of this has been internalized without my really knowing it. That is, until the stress within became an expression. Strange how that happens. Within a matter of a couple of hours I had blown up at my wife and son and certainly convinced my staff that I'm a maniacal, paranoid freak.

OK, after all of the apologies, I began going through the process of dealing with the stress that was always under the surface following such a difficult week. The thing that I find most ironic is that as much as I have been dealing with leaving a good legacy and appreciating those around me and the time I have with them, the more I end up expressing the exact opposite of how I'm feeling. I love my wife and sons dearly...I appreciate my partners in ministry with which I work. I love the fact that God has blessed me with the opportunity to lead a warm and caring people. Yet over the past few days, the evidence of that has been sparse.

Bottom line...stress kills. It kills us physically by the affects it has on our bodies, but it also kills relationships when left unattended. I have realized that if I want to leave the same kind of legacy that my friend has, I have to manage the stress in my life and prioritize life in such a way that people around me are blessed and God is glorified.

I have been and continue now grieving for the void my friend's death has left in the lives of his family. I mourn that he has a one year-old and a five year-old that will never really remember or know their father. I hate that, because of our similarities both in stature and attitude, my very presence will be a reminder to his parents of the absence in their own lives. All of this is mentally and emotionally tough. Yet I know that God is God...that His grace is sufficient for all of these concerns and that, because of His mercy, my friend has not been lost. He's merely changed addresses...and based on that fact, his funeral was a celebration of life ongoing.

But it is still difficult saying goodbye to a friend.

Labels: David C. Price

Ridiculous Item of the Day: Feel the love

"We love all nations."

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Riiiiiiight.

Labels: David C. Price

The Piper Family Loss

John Piper has written about the death of his unborn grandchild, Felicity. Please take a moment to read this.

HT: Tim Ellsworth

Labels: David C. Price

Finally Justice?

O.J. SIMPSON CHARGED WITH KIDNAPPING, SEVEN OTHER FELONIES; COULD FACE LIFE IN PRISON.

Can you say...psychopath?

[Foxnews]

Labels: David C. Price

Big Game Kill

I knew spending too much time on video games wasn't good for you, but sheesh!

A Chinese man dropped dead after playing Internet games for three consecutive days, state media said on Monday as China seeks to wean Internet addicts offline.

The man from the southern boomtown of Guangzhou, aged about 30, died on Saturday after being rushed to the hospital from the Internet cafe, local authorities were quoted by the Beijing News as saying.

"Police have ruled out the possibility of suicide," the newspaper said, adding that exhaustion was the most likely cause of death. It did not say what game he was playing.

[Game Invasion]

Labels: David C. Price

Friday Fun: Nature Calls

Powered by AOL Video

Labels: David C. Price

Espresso Retro: Born With a Belief in the Supernatural

Every now and again, posts from the past will resurface here that I think were important when they were written and believe they're still relevant. I hope you enjoy them. The following post was first published here on September 6 of last year.

Religions will continue to thrive despite the rise of science and rationality because we are all born with a tendency to believe in the supernatural, according to research published yesterday.

"Magical thinking" is hard-wired into our brains, according to Prof Bruce Hood, of the University of Bristol, speaking at the British Association's annual festival in Norwich. Prof Hood challenged the assumption of Prof Richard Dawkins and other "ultra rationalists" that belief in the supernatural was spread by religions in gullible minds.

"Rather, religions may simply capitalise on a natural bias to assume the existence of supernatural forces," he said.

"It is pointless to get people to abandon their belief systems because they operate at such a fundamental level that no amount of rational evidence or counter evidence is going to be taken on board to get people to abandon these ideas." [Full article]

He's right on one point, it does operate at a fundamental level. For a scientist, he made a very rational statement. The foundational question is, why? Why is it a fundamental part of our make up? Some scientists, like Professor Hood, would like to make us believe that it's simply the way we evolved. Though, if it is something that is a part of evolution, and evolution necessarily leads to determinism, how could it be that so many scientists are atheists? How did they overcome this fundamental part of their make-up? Interesting.

I believe the answer lies in the fact that we are not products of evolution and, thus, not subject to determinism in which the blind series of cause and effect in a closed cosmological system would render us, we actually do have the freedom to choose to supress the truth that there really is a creator (Romans 1). See, I think that if Professor Hood were to let down his hard-fought, scientific predisposition to Naturalism, we would see that he doesn't really believe we're simply products of evolution. Look at some of his word-choices: "'Magical thinking' is hard-wired into our brains...". Later in the article, he says, "The mind is programmed to see coincidences as significant and to think that inanimate objects have minds." (italics added) Words like "hard-wired" and "programmed" imply design. Nothing is hard-wired by accident and nothing is programmed by accident. When was the last time you saw an accidentally "hard-wired" computer that was "programmed" by chance? And those of us who believe in God are irrational?

As I said before, the fact is we are hard-wired and programmed to believe in the supernatural much like, as Alvin Plantinga pointed out, we're hard-wired to believe that all people have brains even though we can't see them...because they are reality; because we see evidence of them (usually), and it is right to make this assumption based on the evidence.

Most of us who have not convinced ourselves otherwise at least believe that there is "something else" beyond life and death on this earth. Most people on earth are convinced of this. The fact is, eternity is built into us. As Professor Hood so eloquently stated, we are programmed with this. God has put eternity into our hearts and too many times, we try and cast it off as superstition, fantasy and myth. However, too many people have experienced supernatural events in the real world that cannot easily be explained away.

The bottom line is this: those who are convinced that the supernatural cannot happen may never change their minds unless God determines to reveal Himself in a very real way (which He has certainly done before). However, listen closely and you will hear even those who say they don't believe in anything beyond evolution describe the cosmos in very design-oriented terms. Why? Because to use terms that imply mindless chance to describe the most complex systems of the universe sounds simply...well, irrational. And the truth is, it is.

Labels: Christian, Christianity, creation, creator, Darwin, David C. Price, Evolution, Naturalism, religion, science

Six Years...How Time Flies

On this, the sixth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I simply want to take you back to an image I created a couple of years ago as my tribute and reminder to all that was lost on one horrible day in September.

Labels: 911, David C. Price

And How!

Mallard Fillmore

Labels: David C. Price

Are Presidential Candidates Religious? Who Cares?

Apparently, more people than we might think. According to a recent Pew poll, it is important that candidates be perceived as religious, though being seen as too religious might be a handicap. At least, it is of no real advantage.

It struck me as odd that so many of the candidates are perceived as being religious. Here's a sampling:

Among people who offer an opinion of the religiosity of leading Democrats, more say that John Edwards (28%) and Barack Obama (24%) are very religious than say the same about Hillary Clinton (16%). Yet wide majorities see all three as at least somewhat religious, and those who do view the candidates in overwhelmingly favorable terms.
Similarly, just 14% who offer an opinion see Rudy Giuliani as very religious, but another 63% see him as somewhat religious, and both groups offer comparably favorable assessments of the former New York City mayor. Mitt Romney stands apart from the other candidates tested – nearly half (46%) of those who express an opinion say Romney is very religious; that is roughly the same number saying that George W. Bush is very religious (43%), though many more people express an opinion about Bush's religiosity than Romney's. However, a quarter of Americans – Democrat, independent and Republican alike – say they would be less likely to vote for a presidential candidate who is Mormon. And those who say this have substantially less favorable impressions of Mitt Romney.

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, 6 in 10 Americans say they would not vote for a candidate if he did not have a belief in god. I don't capitalize "god" there because I'm not certain whether it really matters what kind of god is worshiped as long as there is the belief in a "higher being." I think it only matters in the case of Romney because most people have at least some Christian heritage and have known Mormonism as a cult (which it is) and that "baggage" (especially regarding the word "cult") is carried over from a more Christian-dominated time in our history.

Personally, I don't put a great deal of hope in these numbers or the notion that America is still what is considered a "Christian Nation." All one has to do is look at the lifestyles and stands taken by most of these candidates and one realizes there is probably little substance behind their religious views. I understand that I come very close to sitting in judgment, but in the role of voter in regards to this topic, that's exactly what we have to be. We must determine if their "religion" is real or if it is a political strategy and if that matters when we enter the voting booth.

Let's be honest, we've never been a "Christian Nation" but we have, and apparently still are, a religious nation. It matters to us. The question is, to what extent? We have a desire to have our leaders be religious because we want them to be honest and do the "morally" good thing when it comes to feeding the poor, providing universal health care, fighting crime and the like. We don't want them to be "too religious" so that they start telling us how to live rightly.

We are not a Christian nation because Christ wasn't interested in religion--that outward expression of piety backed up by nothing more than a desire to be perceived as such. Jesus was (and is) interested in a relationship with Himself that permeates the total life, making a difference not just in how our leaders campaign and not just in how they govern, but in how they live...everyday and when nobody's looking. That's when religion really matters.

Labels: Christianity, David C. Price, politics, religion

D. James Kennedy Dies

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The Rev. D. James Kennedy, a pioneering megachurch pastor who became one of the nation's most prominent Christian broadcasters and a key figure in the rise of the religious right, died Wednesday, a church spokesman said. He was 76. Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church spokesman John Aman said Kennedy died at about 2:15 a.m. at his home in Fort Lauderdale. He had suffered a heart attack in December and announced his retirement last month.

[Full Washington Post article]

Labels: David C. Price

Friday Fun: Does Your Cell Have Crime Deterrent?

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO.

You need QuickTime to view.

Labels: David C. Price, humor

I Love Coffee. Don't You?

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Truth Stranger Than Fiction.

You just can't make this stuff up: Mrs. Tennessee Bitten by Rattlesnake...Saved By Mrs. Idaho.

Go figure.

Labels: David C. Price

Dean: What Do You Believe, and Why?

I haven't specifically written on worldview issues in a while, but I do want to commend an article to you by Dr. Paul Dean. Here is an excerpt:

What do you believe and why do you believe it? Such a question is basic to our very existence and all people must answer it in some way whether consciously or unconsciously. To answer the question unconsciously is both to answer it and to ignore it at the same time. To ignore the question is to answer it along these lines, "I only believe what I feel like believing at any given moment." In other words, this individual has no coherent philosophical grid by which he approaches life in general except that he acts merely upon circumstantial feelings. This individual will live with philosophical inconsistencies and contradictions within his own mind without really caring or perhaps even knowing such to be the case.

I encourage you to read this article in its entirety here.

Labels: Christianity, creation, creator, David C. Price, God, worldviews

Bang, bang, bang! Man, have I got a headache.

Do you ever have those days where things seem to be going so well...life is on cruise control and it seems like the engines are firing on all pistons when all of a sudden you feel like that same engine just threw a rod? That was today.

I'm amazed at how quickly discouragements can come and from the most unlikely places. I'd rather not go into details except to say that I found myself really mad today...at myself, primarily. I allowed something that should have been so trivial to totally trainwreck my day to the point that I feel like it negatively affected my teaching tonight and continues on to this moment. I'm hoping that spitting it out here will be therapuetic. So you may want to click away at this point.

Actually, I've noticed that the times those kinds of discouragements happen tend to be on days I have to teach. Hmmm. Even more interestingly is that they happen right when things at church are going well and we feel as though we're getting some good momentum going. One word is said and, psssssssst, the air is let out of my balloon and I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders...or so it seems.

Scripture says that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against evil forces in heavenly places. I know that to be very true, but it's often difficult to separate the source from the "messenger" (or should I say carrier, like the host that carries a germ from one location to another). I find myself developing hard feelings which come so quickly and so intensely that it is difficult to sort it out before they become deep-seeded. It seems at those moments when I need to pray most fervently are the most difficult times to do it. I just want to stew. Am I alone in that? Probably not.

Actually, this whole issue isn't really that earth-shattering and tomorrow will probably bring a much better perspective (I hope!). It's just that sometime when you feel you're running up against a brick wall, you strangely feel the urge to stand there and bang your head up against it awhile. You ever feel that way?

Uh.....yeah...me, neither.

Labels: David C. Price, Personal

A Fresh Brew: Burning Bright or Burning Out?

Every so often, I may write something here I'm calling A Fresh Brew (just because it's just so catchy with the whole coffee theme thing). Really, it is nothing more than a devotional thought or reflection God has used to minister to me and that may be an encouragement to you, too. At least, that is my hope.

Over the past months that I have been at Memorial, I have paid special attention to various churches and ministries around the country. It has been my task to re-design the ministry here in order to more effectively carry out the mission that God has given us and so I have looked at others who seem to be effective and those that do not. I am certainly not interested in mimicking them, but rather in learning from their successes as well as their mistakes. What is interesting is to see that some of the "successes" really may not be successes when looked at in the proper light.

It is certainly no secret that big numbers do not necessarily equate real growth. As a matter of fact, it is often the big numbers that make real growth very difficult. When one looks closely at some of the larger churches, there is often the absence of real depth of discipleship. Certainly that is getting better as larger churches are getting a handle on this through small group life and such, but the problems is still very real.

I think part of the problem is in the type of thinking that anything that leads to numeric growth is acceptable, as though the end really does justify the means. I'm speaking of practices such as paying people to attend (as I've really heard of churches that have done that), to employing whatever the latest church-growth fad is at the time, to offering the biggest song and dance number for the purposes of entertainment, to what I consider the worst of all: removing all references to sin and death, sacrifice and commitment, to the point that the Gospel is no longer the Gospel in order to keep from offending prospective members (which a very prominent church in the southwest openly confesses to). All of these practices and hundreds more like them can lead to "church growth." If, though, at the end of the day, there really is no Church, what's the point?

It really does make a difference what we do and how we do it. It is imperative that church leaders, in particular, and all of the members, in general, cleanse ourselves before the Lord and seek the guidance of our Senior Pastor...Jesus, Himself.

In speaking of our methods and motives, I was challenged just this morning by Charles Spurgeon's devotional thought related to a single phrase in what seems an insignificant passage in Exodus. God is telling Moses in chapter 25 to have the people give a contribution to Him. One of the things that is specified to be given is "oil for the lamps." Spurgeon points out not only the importance of having lamps filled with oil, which he speaks of, allegorically, as being the indwelling Holy Spirit, but what kind of oil.

Now, I know I have just said that the Holy Spirit is the oil, so what could be meant by the kind of oil? Are there different types of Holy Spirit? Of course not, but there are many different things that can replace the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Look at what he says here:

It was not every oil that might be used in the Lord's service; neither the petroleum which exudes so plentifully from the earth, nor the produce of fishes, nor that extracted from nuts would be accepted; one oil only was selected, and that the best olive oil. Pretended grace from natural goodness, fancied grace from priestly hands, or imaginary grace from outward ceremonies will never serve the true saint of God; he knows that the Lord would not be pleased with rivers of such oil. He goes to the olive-press of Gethsemane, and draws his supplies from him who was crushed therein. The oil of gospel grace is pure and free from lees and dregs, and hence the light which is fed thereon is clear and bright. Our churches are the Saviour's golden candelabra, and if they are to be lights in this dark world, they must have much holy oil.

A focus on personal holiness (being set apart from the "sin that so easily ensnares us" - Hebrews 12:1) is often found lacking in church leadership and church members, at large, in my opinion. I know in my life, I am much too tolerant of my own sin nature than is appropriate for one who has been given so much. Let me be careful here to say that working harder to achieve some level of perfection or acceptance is nowhere on the radar of what I'm speaking of. I'm talking here about absolute daily surrender to the in-workings of the Holy Spirit so that I will be made holy by Him, thereby giving me the proper perspectives, motivations, and tools I need to lead the church and my family and then, and only then, be pleasing to Christ.

We have to ask ourselves the question of what kind of oil we're using in order to try and please Christ. Anything short of Christ, Himself, may burn brightly for a time, but it will burn dirty until it eventually runs out, ruining the very lamp it was supposed to provide energy and light for.

Labels: David C. Price

Fillmore: Education in America

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Is It Cool To Call God 'Allah'?

I don't know if you read the story a couple of weeks ago or not, but there is a Catholic Bishop who thinks that all Christians should adopt the term "Allah" in referring to God. His argument is that it would serve to build relationships among Muslims which he says would be a good thing, especially since God doesn't concern Himself with such petty things like what He is called. Is this true? Does God not care? Is calling God "Allah" just another way of saying the same thing? Does calling God "Allah" not bring harm to orthodox Christianity?

When I read this I was deeply troubled by the implications of the statement made by this bishop. It was a topic on which I was going to write, arguing that it matters greatly what God is called, especially the term "Allah." However, I kept putting it off and, as it turns out, Dr. Albert Mohler has covered the subject extensively and more thoroughly than I would have been able to.

Especially if you have read the above synopsis and aren't clear what the big deal is, I would highly encourage you to read this post by Dr. Mohler.

Labels: Christianity, David C. Price, God, religion

Friday Fun: Want to Fall in Style? Here´s Your Model.

Labels: David C. Price

Espresso Retro: A Post About Fatherhood in the U.S.A.

Every now and again, posts from the past will resurface here that I think were important when they were written and believe they're still relevent. I hope you enjoy them. The first retro post is from August 19, 2005:

Father Knows Best: This Ain't the 50's Anymore

The American father continues to be the target of attacks, making him appear and to be perceived as completely inept and out-of-touch. It can be argued (successfully, I believe) that males, in general, have been under attack for some time. Certainly, we do live in a male-bashing society, but the entertainment industry's portrayals of fathers continues to erode the standing that fathers have in their children's lives, thereby eroding the foundation upon which families should be established.

Take Fox Entertainment as a good case in point. 7-10 PM on Sunday night is Fox's father-bashing prime-time starting with "Malcom in the Middle" in which Malcom's says of his dad, "My father is always thinking about something. We just have no idea what it is. At least it keeps him busy." Following that family show is "King of the Hill." This is, arguably, the show that offers the most positive portrayal of fatherhood (as far as it goes) as Bobby claims his Dad is his hero. Nevertheless, I don't think this show will win any awards for it's positive example of home life.

Next up is "The Simpsons" (Do I really need to comment on Homer Simpson?) followed by a full hour of "The Family Guy" which is anything but. Finally, rounding off the evening is "American Dad."
These shows illustrate clearly the fact that fatherhood is continuously being devalued in the eye of the American public, which I believe is being played out in society in a number of ways including the idea that fathers are expendable in a family. Whether it be voluntary single motherhood (take a look at the number of Hollywood starlets that have either adopted solo or have enlisted men to "stud" their children), or dual "mommies," fathers have gotten such a bad rap in society that it is often difficult for even good fathers of teen-agers to get the respect they deserve and have the influence their kids so badly need.

It's time fathers stand up and take back the ground that has been stolen from us, not by demanding "men's rights," but by lovingly being the examples our kids need; by taking responsibility in our communities to demonstrate what it means to be a responsible, loving father and husband, and to make sure we don't silently and sub-consciously buy into the male-bashing mentality. Sure, the jokes about dead-beat dads can be funny, but in the end, our families will learn that the joke was on all of us.

Labels: David C. Price

What a Game! Rangers Destroy Orioles

Get a look at this scoreboard...and it's no mistake.

Labels: David C. Price, sports

Sanctification: What a Dirty Little Word

I haven't written here in quite some time, so there may not be anybody left who will take the time to read this, but I'm going to write anyway. As a matter of fact, things have been so busy and overwhelming that I really needed to step away and rest and evaluate.

Well, I'm back and still not certain what is going here at the ol' blog, but I'm not ready to throw the towel yet and may even expand it. We'll see. Either way, if I continue there will be different emphases. As a pastor, I would like to develop something here that could be a benefit to those with whom I serve at MBC. Beyond that, I'd love to be an encouragement to those who have, for some reason, continued stopping by on a regular basis for the last few years. All that to say you may see some changes here...hopefully for the better.

I picked up my old copy of Oswald Chambers' My Utmost For His Highest this morning and looked up the entry for today. It concluded with an eye-catching statement:

Am I prepared to let God grip me by His power and do a work in me that is worthy of Himself? Sanctification is not my idea of what I want God to do for me; sanctification is God's idea of what He wants to do for me, and He has to get me into the attitude of mind and spirit where at any cost I will let Him sanctify me wholly.

Let me repeat one phrase there for emphasis: "Sanctification is not my idea of what I want God to do for me; sanctification is God's idea of what He wants to do for me."

In other words, sanctification is the process of God doing in me whatever it takes to make me look more like Jesus. Sounds good, doesn't it? I mean, I want to look, act, and think more like Jesus. But let's think about that a minute and break that down into what it really looks like; what it really means. In reality, sanctification can be a really painful process where my sinful ways are put to death in order that the life of Christ can become manifest in me. Even that may not sound too bad. But then I must ask the question, how does it happen?

When my son misbehaves, it is my job to help him work out that bad behavior and, more importantly, the attitude which led to the behavior, and into a mindset that is repentant and desiring to do and be better. How does that happen? Discipline. That could be read punishment. What a dirty little word that is. So I punish my son in order to teach him that what he did was wrong. My son cries...often very loudly and prolonged...because he doesn't like it (his punishment usually involves nice, long runs on a treadmill. I figure I might as well build his body while I'm breaking his attitude!). Quickly, though, it becomes fatiguing and painful and he doesn't like it. You know what, though? It works. He eventually gets to the point of brokenness and with that comes a change in attitude and a desire to make things right. It can be a very beautiful thing to see happen.

The bottom line is that sanctification is often very painful and most certainly no fun. Yet, the writer of Hebrews reveals to us this truth in chapter 12 (as Chambers points out):

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Man, be encouraged today. If you are a Christ-follower and, therefore, a child of God and are going through some tough stuff, be encouraged that God will not leave you alone to your own devices for very long. Perhaps He'll let you dine with the swine for awhile until you realize your own condition of rebellion. In the end, though, He'll give you a good spanking (which will hurt!) and bring you back in line with His will.

Sanctification might be a dirty little word when we think of the pain it inflicts on our lives, but it is a beautiful doctrine when we think of the grace being shown us and the joy that will come as we look more and more like Jesus.

Labels: David C. Price

Happy Anniversary, Karen

To my beloved bride I wish a happy fourteenth wedding anniversary. It's hard to comprehend how fast the years fly by, but I am more and more thankful, with every passing year, that God saw fit to put us together.

I cannot imagine trying to do what God has called me to without you as my partner. You are a superb mother and and an amazing minister. Thanks for being my best friend.

Labels: David C. Price, Personal

Pride and Joy

Labels: David C. Price, Family, Personal

Perspective: The War on Terror

"The 'war on terror' is a misleading phrase. It is the terrorists' war on us--and it is not something that we can unilaterally call off."

syndicated columnist, Thomas Sowell

Labels: David C. Price, politics, terrorism

Pope Claims Catholic Church Alone Legit: Reason for Offense?

In case you haven't heard, Pope Benedict claims it is the only legitimate church. Is this reason to be offended or outraged for those of us outside the "fold"? Dr. Al Mohler has written a helpful article responding to this claim and providing some context in which Protestants can understand the real issues involved.

Labels: Christianity, David C. Price, God, religion

Persecution Going Strong in North Korea: Christian Facing Death for Faith

From Crosswalk.com:

Son Jong Hoon, who is visiting the United States from his home in South Korea, today pleaded with the world to pressure North Korea to release his elder brother awaiting public execution for the crime of simply being a Christian. For more than a year, Son Jong Nam, former North Korean Army officer turned underground evangelist, has been beaten, tortured and held in a bleak, North Korean death row basement jail in this capital city. He has been sentenced to public execution as an example to the North Korean people. "My only purpose in life right now is to save my brother," the younger Son said. "I pray to God for my brother's safety." Son Jong Hoon made his plea at a news conference at the National Press Club today. He was accompanied by representatives of The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) and staff members from the office of Sen. Sam Brownback (Rep.-Kan.). VOM is directing people go to its web site, www.prisoneralert.com, where they can compose a personal letter of support and encouragement to Son. The letter is to be mailed to the North Korean delegation to the United Nations, along with a cover letter asking the North Korean government to spare Son's life, release him from prison immediately, report on his current status and deliver the personal letter to Son.

Labels: David C. Price

Hindu Prays in U.S. Senate for First Time. Does it Matter?

(CNSNews.com) - Three Christian protesters who disrupted the first Hindu prayer ever delivered on the Senate floor have been charged with misdemeanor unlawful conduct and disruption of Congress and will face a court date in the future.

Ante Pavkovic, Katherine Pavkovic and their daughter Christan Sugar were removed from the Senate observation gallery Thursday morning when they began praying loudly during the Senate's routine opening prayer. For the first time in recorded history, the morning invocation was being delivered by a Hindu chaplain. [full story here]

Couple of questions to ponder:

1. Should Christians be upset because these protesters were arrested? Could it not be argued that anyone who disrupts the Senate proceeding would (and should) be arrested and removed?

2. Though I'm not excited in the least to see Hinduism promoted within the proceedings of the United States Senate, does it matter? After all, how many of the lawmakers really care whether prayer of any kind is offered before they get about the business of pushing their own agendas, giving no considerations (besides lip-service) to the will of God being done?

3. Is the senate prayer anything more than a symbolic act/ritual similar (if not identical) to the type of public prayer Jesus spoke against in Luke 18:9-14?

4. Were these Christians justified (even mandated?) to some degree to stand up and commit this type of non-aggressive, non-violent civil disobedience or do they accomplish little more than establish barriers between non-Christians that need not be erected?

I am aware of many differing views regarding these types of questions (some better arguments than others). Perhaps these are just rhetorical questions or maybe there are some good views out there that can serve to move us forward in dialogue regarding how those of us who are Christ followers can develop attitudes and actions that reflect a biblical worldview.

Labels: Christian, Christianity, culture, David C. Price, God, politics, religion

Un-Civil War: Why Do We Continue to Shoot Our Own?

As a pastor, I've been thinking through the condition of the church lately. I mean the global church, not just a particular congregation. I've been meditating on why we find it so difficult to get along sometimes; to love each other unconditionally? Why do we get our feelings hurt so often and fail to come to agreements? Why are we so focused on ourselves that we fail to obey the most basic commandment: love God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves? Aren't we all followers of Christ?

THE ENEMY

As I thought and prayed through that and searched Scripture for some sort of answer--something that would make sense of it all, I came across Ephesians 6:12 and it hit me: we are all suckers. I know, I know "Who does this Price-guy think he is calling me a sucker?" Well, I think I'm a fellow sucker who doesn't want us to be suckers anymore! You see, in his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul addressed this very concern (see, it's nothing new) and said that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic power over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." In other words, Ephesians (i.e. Christians), no one who is of flesh is the enemy! Stop fighting one another! Stop looking at each other as the enemy! Every time you do, you fall right into the real enemies hands and do exactly what he wants you to do. In other words, you're suckers!

THE STAKES

This level of confusion regarding who the enemy is runs rampant in the church of Jesus Christ. It leads us to "shoot our own wounded" when we fall in sin. It leads us to put those who don't do things our way or take different views or opinions than we do into our cross hairs. We become determined to vilify and defeat "the enemy." Perhaps we would never put what we do to one another in such harsh terms, but perhaps we need to "call a spade a spade." The results should be obvious: hurt feelings and damaged relationships, division within the church with various competing "camps" being established depending on where one falls on a given issue, victory for Satan and all his minions, and ultimate destruction of the local church. Oh, yeah, and let's not forgot the smearing of the name of Him who died on a cross to deliver us from the real enemy; the one we claim to worship and honor.

Paul put it this way in Galatians 5: 14-15: "For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another." The ultimate result? Total destruction.

THE SOLUTION

The answer to the problem as I see it is so simple and yet so very difficult to do:
1. Humility. OK, I know me: In a disagreement with another, my first response is to automatically assume I'm right. OK, humility here...you know you do, too. Perhaps approaching every issue, whether in our homes or our churches, with humility, respecting the other person or persons, is a great first step toward understanding another perspective. Along with this is the necessity to give a little and stop demanding our own way. Especially within the church (though certainly in our homes, too) there must be the primary goal of honoring Christ and fulfilling HIS will in all things.

2. Love. Agape is the unconditional affection we give one another as Christ lavished upon us. Someone hurt your feelings? Love them anyway. Someone disagree with you? OK, but love them anyway. Someone different than you? Someone get on your nerves? We're all different...love them anyway. We're talking active love, not just the rhetoric of saying we love but still shun or disrespect them. If you cannot love anyway, regardless of the circumstance, something is wrong.

3. Focus. Remember who the enemy is: It is not anyone with skin on! Refuse to allow yourself to vilify anyone, remembering that they are under the same attack you are, susceptible to the same evils you are, needing the same grace you do. Pray for them. Reach out to them. Forgive them. Love them.

Always remember we have a common enemy. Reach out to others who are fighting the battle against sin. Determine to unite together, in the midst of and in spite of our differences, and let Christ fight the battles for us. We won't always agree, but we must never let that stop us from loving relationships.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Labels: David C. Price

My Apologies to the Commenters

Just a quick apology to those of you who have submitted comments on the blog over the last month. For some reason, I was not notified that there were comments needing to be moderated, so I didn't discover them until today when I happened to cross the comments moderation page and activated them.

Comments are welcome and I hope I have resolved the problem. Thanks!

The Management

Labels: David C. Price

There Are Some New Theologians in Britain. Doh!

The Simpson's are teaching theology in Britain. Good idea?

LONDON – The Church of England is getting help from the Simpsons to provide a more relevant way of teaching children about theology and to give a boost to dwindling congregations.
Mixing it Up with the “Simpsons”, a book to be released by the Church of England’s publishing company, will be sent to youth advisers in every diocese across the country next week, the Sunday Telegraph reported, with the hope of showing how Christianity is relevant to life today through issues tackled in the popular U.S. TV cartoon series. Clergy will be urged to show episodes of “The Simpsons” that focus on Christian themes such as love and punishment.
The book’s author, Owen Smith, is a youth worker in the Kent Diocese of Rochester and insists the cartoon series is filled with biblical references. He looks to illustrate this in the book with quote comparisons.
Smith told the Sunday Telegraph: “’The Simpsons’ is hugely moral, with many episodes dealing with issues and dilemmas faced by young people. The willingness of the show's writers to deal with questions of both morality and spirituality makes the program an ideal tool.”

My personal feeling is that if all you want to do is teach morality and tell people they should "do good," it's fine. If, however, you are interested in teaching about Christ, the one who radically changes the heart and gives a new nature, leading to a natural bent towards the good and a desire to live a life pleasing to Him (real morality), then it would appear this, alone, falls far short.

Of course, as far the Church of England is concerned, my feeling has long been that it's been led for several years by Homer Simpson, keenly disguised as the Archbishop of Canterbury anyway.

[Read full article here.]

Labels: David C. Price

Ruth Graham, Wife of Evangelist Billy Graham, Dies at 87

"Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team," Billy Graham said in a statement. "No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support.

"I am so grateful to the Lord that He gave me Ruth, and especially for these last few years we've had in the mountains together. We've rekindled the romance of our youth, and my love for her continued to grow deeper every day. I will miss her terribly, and look forward even more to the day I can join her in Heaven."

Welcome home, Mrs. Graham.

Labels: David C. Price

First (and probably only) SBC Update

Alright, so I haven't written that much on the SBC since I've been here. That's largely because, unlike in Nashville (the last time I attended one of these shindigs), there was no wireless in the convention hall (unless you wanted to pay $12.50 a day for San Antonio's wireless...which I did not).

Currently I'm sitting in my mother-in-law's covered garden patio with the legs kicked up thinking about...well, very little. It's actually quite nice. I should do this more often. I have needed this kind of "convention" for some time. The reality is that I've enjoyed being at the convention not so much for the convention, but for the relationships. Yesterday, I was able to briefly hook up with Tim Ellsworth who I have now "known" for almost two years through blogging, but never met in person. I enjoyed the chat, Tim. I was pleasantly surprised to run into a childhood friend of mine who is now a pastor (yes, Lee, I know you're still in childhood) as well as my former youth minister from Mississippi who now lives in Texas. It was a special moment for me. Along with that, we had opportunity to bump into some of my wife's old friends as well as the famous (if you're from MC) "Doc Quick," the retired Vice President for student affairs from my alma mater, Mississippi College. I also briefly ran into another blogging compadre (did I spell that right?), Scott Lamb. It's been a great time.

As for the convention itself, I have to tell you that I'm just not turned on anymore to the politics (not that I've ever been really turned onto it). I understand the motions and have a pretty good handle on the positions (largely thanks to Marty Duren at SBC Outpost, who I didn't bump into...maybe next, huh, Marty?), but I'm just pretty tired of it all. Perhaps it's because I'm just plain sick of all the politics in church, period. I just think it shouldn't be this complicated.

As a pastor, I am facing politics in my own church and am really nauseated by it. I'm tired of people campaigning to get their own, selfish ways at the expense of seeking out what Christ wants. Maybe that's why I'm here. I just need a little break.

Through it all, though, God has provided me with some wonderful respite. I was so blessed to see real worship going on in the convention; people with hands lifted high to heaven (no, I didn't accidentally slip into the charismatic convention...real, live Southern Baptists! And did you notice, there's even a guy with his hands up on the banner. Could you have pictured that, say, 10 years ago?). No more of weary, half-cocked, spirit-less hymns of old, sung with confirmed and proper SBC stoicism (the hymns weren't bad...the way they were handled was). Instead, more energetic and authentic praise of the 21st century. There didn't even seem to be the temptation to close a session with "There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in This Place." Nice.

Now, it's on to family stuff. A couple of days of real rest followed by a weekend family reunion at a nearby retreat center. I'm planning on doing nothing of significance except, hopefully, finish a couple of books I've been needing to complete and get ahead on some sermon planning. There may or may not be further updates...depends on which direction the wind blows. For now, I think I'm feeling a little nap coming on.

Labels: David C. Price

Alive and...well, I'm in San Antonio

After an exhausting day of travel with a 6 year old and a 10 week old on two airplanes (one of which had no air conditioning and no working bathroom!), we have arrived in San Antonio for the 2007 Southern Baptist Convention. I had originally planned to go to the evening session of the Pastor's Conference, but can barely hold my head up, so I'll just have to get started tomorrow.

I'll probably do some writing on the convention as the week goes on, so if you're interested, check back soon.

Labels: David C. Price

Interesting Report From LIfeway on Private Prayer Language

It will be interesting to see how this plays out in future SBC policies.

A new study by LifeWay Research on the use of private prayer language indicates that half of Southern Baptist pastors believe the Holy Spirit gives some people a special language to pray to God, Baptist Press reports. The study also indicates the majority of Protestant senior pastors (63 percent) and laity (51 percent) believe in the gift of a private prayer language. Some people refer to "Private Prayer Language" as the use of tongues. Non-SBC pastors are more likely to believe that the Holy Spirit gives some people a private prayer language than Southern Baptist pastors.

My view on private prayer languages? The Holy Spirit can do or give anything He wants to and I have yet to be asked either for permission or opinion...and I doubt the SBC has either.

I think that would be considered a truly conservative view in the truest (and, I believe, proper) sense of the word.

Labels: David C. Price

Jacob: Last Day of Kindergarten

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Two Worn Out Brothers

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Andrew at Six Weeks

Hard to believe he's almost nine weeks already.

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Ever Have One of Those Days?

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Presidential Pot Calling the Kettle Black?

Jimmy Carter...JIMMY CARTER (anybody remember his presidency)...has called President Bush the worst president in history...while pushing a Bible study book. Hmmm.

I hate the fact that he and President Clinton both broke the wonderful tradition of former presidents refraining from openly criticizing sitting presidents. It demonstrated an element of class. Maybe that explains it.

Labels: David C. Price

Selective Reduction: The Most Popular Procedure You've Probably Never Heard Of

Dr. Albert Mohler has a very poignant post on his blog today about the practice of "selective reduction" within the larger context of the slippery slope of abortion on demand. Here is an excerpt:

[Dan] Neil and his wife aborted two boy fetuses in order to increase the chances for two healthy girls. All of this resulted from an IVF procedure and the option of "selective reduction" that is urged upon parents by many doctors.

As Neil explains, "We don't feel guilty. We don't feel ashamed. We're not even really sad, because terminating these fetuses -- at 15 weeks' gestation -- was a medical imperative."

That is a redefinition of "imperative," and the claim completely side-steps the moral responsibility of using a technology that is almost certain to present this awful choice. Furthermore, Neil and his wife used advanced diagnostic testing to determine which fetuses to abort.

Added to all this, Tom Strode of Baptist Press reports that the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in Britain has allowed human embryos to be tested for eye squint. As Strode explains, "The news marked an ominous milestone -– supposedly the first embryo screening for a cosmetic flaw."

God forbid we should have kids with cosmetic flaws. I have said it before, but these practices sound as if they're right out of Hitler's Nazi playbook.

As for selective reduction, I guess I'll never understand the widespread acceptance of so many IVF procedures...regardless of the payoff. The price is just too high.

Read this important Mohler article here.

Note: I have written several opinions on the subject of IVF in past posts (as well as many on the subject of abortion). To read them, type "IVF" in the search engine at the top of this page.

Labels: abortion, David C. Price, ethics, infanticide, IVF, morals, Parenting

Jerry Falwell Dead at 73

News just broke that Jerry Falwell of Liberty University has died.

Labels: David C. Price

Christian Persecution on Rise in Pakistan

According to a recent report, Christians in Pakistan are being threatened with death if they refuse to convert to Islam:

Christian residents of Charsadda in the Northwest Province of Pakistan received a threatening letter with an ultimatum of 10 days to convert to Islam or face dire consequences and bomb explosions, ASSIST News Service reports. The deadline of the ultimatum expires on May 17, 2007. According to All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA), copies of the letter are being distributed among the Christians in Charsadda, a town where Islamic militants have a heavy presence and are attacking video, audio and barber shops. APMA says the militants are harassing women to veil themselves and not to attend schools and threatening barber shops to stop shaving beards and mustaches.

Labels: David C. Price

Debate Link

If you're interested in the debate described in my last post, it is here at 1 PM today Eastern time.

Labels: David C. Price

Evolutionary Debate on ABC in NYC

Actor and former atheist, Kirk Cameron, taking part in a televised debate on the existence of God. Should be interesting. Crosswalk news gives the details:

CNSNews.com reports that two Christian evangelists and two atheist activists are squaring off in a 90-minute debate about whether God really exists - in a program to be shown on the ABC News website Wednesday afternoon. An abbreviated version will be broadcast during the evening edition of "Nightline." "We are very grateful to ABC for taking this courageous step," said Ray Comfort of the "Way of the Master" ministry. The debate was recorded before a live audience in New York City on Saturday. "As far as we know, nothing like this has ever been done before." Comfort claims he can prove the existence of God, scientifically, without mentioning faith or the Bible. Comfort's partner in ministry, actor Kirk Cameron, said, "We will not only prove that God exists, but as an ex-atheist, I'll show that the issue keeping so many people from believing in God -- Darwinian evolution -- is completely unscientific."

I've dealt with the unscientific nature of Darwinian evolution previously on this blog here. There are also many other posts on the subject that can be referenced by doing a search (using the search engine at the top of this page) with the terms "evolution" or "Darwin."

Labels: David C. Price

Out of Time: Magazine Demonstrates It's Out of Touch

Time magazine recently came out with it's list of 100 most influential people and demonstrated it clearly has an ax to grind. The likes of Rosie O'Donnell, Borat, Justin Timberlake, Leonardo Dicaprio and even Osama Bin Laden made the list while the President of the United States did not.

I'm sure Time and Bin Laden are both very proud.

Labels: culture, David C. Price, politics

A Tragedy in Chattanooga. What is the Proper Response?

Yesterday, a 15 month-old child was left in a car all day in the sweltering heat which, inside the vehicle, reached an estimated 142 degrees. Local news reports the child was pronounced dead after being found late in the afternoon:

Police say Robert Reid found his one-year-old son in his car yesterday afternoon. Police say Reid took his six-, ten- and 12-year-old children to school yesterday morning and intended to drop off the baby at a daycare center.Emergency responders say Timothy Reid was dead when they arrived at the shipping business where Robert Reid works. The child had been in the car for nearly seven hours.

According to news this morning, Mr. Reid has now been arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide and aggravated child abuse and neglect.

My first question is why didn't the daycare center call the parents when the child failed to arrive at the center? It has been the practice of the two preschools we have used that the office calls to find out whether or not our son is supposed to be there when absent. I am not trying to shift blame onto the daycare center, I am merely pointing out how that is a good policy, one that would have perhaps saved this young child's life had it been implemented.

The real question is whether or not it is appropriate to bring these charges against the father. Now, as a father, I am torn. On the one hand, it is difficult to imagine being so preoccupied that you end up leaving your child in a car, so I understand the outrage that comes when these sorts of things happen as, tragically, they tend to do from time to time.

On the other hand, throw three more children in the mix and, whether we like to admit it or not, the craziness of the morning can cause a great deal of stress leading to even the most A.R. people among us to forget our names. I find it difficult to believe that this father was intentionally negligent and bent on abuse (and death) of his child. As a matter of fact, I would imagine he is devastated beyond belief. If I were to try and put myself in his place, I can only imagine dying of grief. I cannot imagine the torture that father is likely going through right now.

So, is it right that he should be charged for murder or should this be considered a horribly tragic accident? Should he be put in prison for years to come or would mandatory counseling, community service, or something of that nature be more appropriate? Perhaps it depends on the exact circumstances of the particular case, but it seems to me that this tragedy will only be compounded if the man is put in prison as a result. For instance, what will happen to the remaining three children? What about his wife? What will come of his family if he is no longer able to provide income for the family?

Some may say that the kids will perhaps be safer and, thus, better off without this man as a guardian. I suppose they may have a point, but I have a difficult time believing that to be true.

Labels: Abuse, Child Safety, David C. Price, Family, Neglect, Parenting

My Littlest One

Labels: David C. Price

Hey, Pastors....

...ever tried to introduce change to your church?

Fun, ain't it?

Non-Sequitur

Labels: David C. Price

What? Do I have a picture of my sons? Just happen to have a couple!

Yesterday marked 2 weeks for Andrew. I thought I'd stick a couple of pix here since I've not done that lately. Actually, these pix are from April 2 (I've not gotten a chance to download our latest from the camera). I've got some pretty good Easter shots I'll put on later. This first shot is Drew's first stroll. Karen and I took him down the street to pick up Jacob from the bus stop. It was a slooooow walk with Karen's recent surgery. Fortunately it was a nice, warm day.

When Jacob saw that Drew was there, he started sprinting up the hill. Right at the top, he was just about ready to run out of gas, but he was sure excited to see his little brother.

The last couple of shots are of my little Yankee. As it turns out, since he was born in Massachusetts, I guess he really is!

By the way, my little slugger hit a double here and went on to score.
Nah, I'm not proud or anything. ;-)

Labels: David C. Price

Johnny Hart, Creator of Comic Strip "B.C.", Dead at 76

The Los Angeles Times reports that Johnny Hart, creator of the popular Stone Age comic strip "B.C.," which generated controversy in recent years with themes that at times reflected Hart's evangelical Christian beliefs, died Saturday of a stroke. He was 76. "B.C." has been syndicated since 1958. Following a conversion in the 1980s, Hart began imparting Christian messages in his strip, especially at Christmas and Easter, causing some non-Christians readers to complain.

quote from Crosswalk.

Labels: David C. Price

Does the Church Need Persecution? At Least One Pastor Says Yes.

The best thing that could happen to Christians in New Zealand – and the Western world in general - is a good dose of persecution, says a pastor who was at the heart of a significant revival among the Gypsies of Britain in the early 1990s, ASSIST News Service reports. Roy Warren, a consultant for the Baptist Union of New Zealand, says too many Christians put church in a neat box. “If revival came, it would be an inconvenience to them, they would not be happy with it,” he says. “For me, revival is where God moves in such a way that he changes communities. It’s not a case of more people going to a church – that’s renewal. Revival is changing cultures and whole communities.”

Labels: Christianity, David C. Price, discipleship, persecution

Can 'Religion' Curb the Spread of HIV?

This story came from the Religion Today Summaries at Crosswalk.com. As I read it, I had some immediate thoughts on the subject, some perhaps even contradictory in nature. While I was preparing to comment on it, I began to wonder what you would say about it and whether it strikes you as it did me. If you've got a second, read this little paragraph and let me know your thoughts. I'll let you know mine later.

A UPI story says: "A U.S. study says people with HIV who have strong religious ties are less likely to spread the virus that causes AIDS. The RAND Corp. study says HIV-positive people who say religion is an important part of their lives are likely to have fewer sexual partners and engage in less high-risk sexual behavior. 'Moral beliefs may indicate an underlying altruism and a desire to make sure no one else is infected with HIV,' behavioral scientist David Kanouse said in a release. 'Promoting these feelings could then be used as a component of HIV prevention programs.'" Lead author Frank H. Galvan said, "Religiosity is an untapped resource in the whole struggle against HIV and AIDS, and should be looked at more thoroughly."

Labels: David C. Price

Day Five Update: Homeward Bound and Beyond

Andrew has been home now for two days and so I thought I'd give a pictorial update. He has adjusted well to his new environment, enjoying being king of the castle for a while. Jacob is doing super with his new brother and Andrew is only crying when something is wrong...what a blessing!

Thursday. Last day at the hospital:

This is Daddy trying to get Drew dressed to go home.
It's tedious because this is the same baby outfit I went home in,
so it's a kind of old (kind of!)

He did not like his first ride in the carseat!

Jacob likes his new riding buddy.

The welcome home.

Pictures from Friday:

Drew's downstairs accomodations.

Cute kid!

Labels: David C. Price

Going Home Today!

Day three and we're heading home today. The hospital experience has been very good, but Karen is chomping at the bit to get out of here. Below are a few pictures from yesterday and a couple from just a few minutes ago.

"What are you looking at?"

Very proud Mammaw and Pappaw Price.
Looks like Mammaw is ready for her turn again.

Camera shy or just wanting a little privacy?

Mommy caught Drew and me in a quiet
moment during the middle of last night. We were tired!
(Don't worry, he didn't sleep there all night.
Just a few minutes while Karen made a trip to the restroom.)

What a blessing!

Karen and I continue to be overwhelmed at the outpouring of blessings through the emails, calls and visits we have received. Thank you so much to you all. We'll keep the updates coming for a while, so if you're interested, keep checking in.

Labels: David C. Price

Pictures: Drew's First Morning

We had a good first night. D's a good sleeper and good eater. Wow, it's weird having a newborn again, though, eating every two hours throughout the night! Thank you to my church for the paternity leave...I'm going to need it!

Also, thank you to all of you who are sending emails and posting well-wishes. It is such a blessing to have friends literally around the globe praying for and celebrating with us. If you haven't heard back from me personally yet, you will...I'm just a little busy right now, if you know what I mean.

Labels: David C. Price

I'd like to introduce you to my son

Meet Andrew David Price ("Drew"), born at 4:24 PM, weighing in at 7lbs. 5 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. Mommy and baby are both doing great.

I certainly don't want to forget mentioning a very proud big brother!

More to come! (much more)

Labels: David C. Price

The Day Has Finally Arrived...

...and we're inside of 30 minutes. We are at the hospital in the delivery suite and scheduled to go into surgery to get that little boy out of there. Lord willing, the next post will include pictures of a beautiful baby boy. Stay tuned!

Labels: David C. Price

Inside of Two Weeks

I haven't written about it much, but that doesn't mean it hasn't consumed our lives for the last nine months. I'm talking about the upcoming birth of our son. We are within two weeks of the scheduled birth and can't wait. Unless Karen goes into labor early (which could happen), we will go in for a delivery via c-section on the 27th of this month.

Jacob is also very excited about getting a new brother. I'm not sure if he fully understands how radically it is going to rock his world, but we've tried very hard to explain how things will be different. He says he knows and is ready...we'll see.

As you think of us, I would appreciate you remembering us in your prayers. Karen is getting a little wigged out over the prospects of another surgery. With the two for her arm late 2005 and the two related to the miscarriage last year, this will make the fifth surgery she's had to undergo in 17 months. So, understandably, she's not looking forward to being opened up yet again. Besides that, this hasn't been an easy pregnancy. She has not felt good in several months and is hoping to get back to some semblance of normalcy following this birth. And for me, well, as the old saying goes, "When momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." It hasn't been that bad, but it is hard seeing her go through so much over such a long time. I will be happy when she can get back to herself. So, just remember us if you will. Thanks.

Labels: David C. Price, Personal

Feeling Safe in the Air Yet?

Maybe you will if this new anti-terrorist system from Boeing proves successful.

A hijack-proof piloting system for airliners is being developed to prevent terrorists repeating the 9/11 outrages.
The mechanism is designed to make it impossible to crash the aircraft into air or land targets - and enable the plane to be flown by remote control from the ground in the event of an emergency.
Scientists at aircraft giant Boeing are testing the tamper-proof autopilot
system which uses state-of-the-art computer and satellite technology.
It will be activated by the pilot flicking a simple switch or by pressure sensors fitted to the cockpit door that will respond to any excessive force as terrorists try to break into the flight deck.

Read full story here.

Labels: 911, air safety, airplanes, autopilot, Boeing, David C. Price, flights, terrorism

Just a reminder...

"The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge."
Psalm 19:1-3

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven
against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men,
who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
For what can be known about God is plain to them,
because God has shown it to them. For His invisible attributes,
namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly
perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in things
that have been made.

So they are without excuse."

Romans 1:18-20

View more amazing images here.

Labels: creation, creator, David C. Price, God, space, universe

Ridiculous Item of the Day: Woman Seeks Child Support From Abortion Docs

To give you another little taste of how twisted and depraved our world is, check out this Boston woman who is suing both Planned Parenthood and her doctors for a bad abortion...one in which she ended up giving birth to her now 2 year-old daughter:

The complaint was filed by Jennifer Raper, 45, last week in Suffolk Superior Court and still must be screened by a special panel before it can proceed to trial.
Raper claimed in the three-page medical malpractice suit that she found out she was pregnant in March 2004 and decided to have an abortion for financial reasons.
Dr. Allison Bryant, a physician working for Planned Parenthood at the time, performed the procedure on April 9, 2004, but it "was not done properly, causing the plaintiff to remain pregnant," according to the complaint.

Rather than giving up the child for adoption (novel approach that would have been!), she keeps the unwanted child and raises what is sure to be a little girl in great need of some serious counseling. So, we have a case where a woman who doesn't want a child, keeps it and then demands someone else pay for her to raise it rather than find a loving home.

Raper alleges in the suit that Planned Parenthood and Bryant were negligent for failing to end her pregnancy and that Eleonu was negligent for failing to see she was still pregnant.

Besides the obvious, this case highlights how absurd our society is in that there are actually laws in Massachusetts (no surprise there) in the books that make allowance for this type of lawsuit:

The state's high court ruled in 1990 that parents can sue physicians for child-rearing expenses, but limited those claims to cases in which children require extraordinary expenses because of medical problems, medical malpractice lawyer Andrew C. Meyer Jr. said.

This simply demonstrates some of the well-known problems with abortion and brings out questions of how unwanted pregnancies are dealt with. Personally, rather than awarding this lady a single penny, I think child-protective services ought to get involved, remove the child from the woman's custody and provide an environment in which it is certain that this child will be loved and properly cared for. After all, she's already tried to kill her once.

In an instance when this woman should be charged with attempted murder (in a sane world), she'll probably end up a very rich woman "caring for" a child she never wanted and probably doesn't still (in the insane world in which we live). Once again I say, God help us.

HT: WorldMagBlog
Full Boston Globe story here.

Labels: abortion, David C. Price, ethics, morals

"I'm the King of the Wor-r-r-rblub, blub, blub, blub!"

Check out this editorial cartoon related to Cameron and fake Jesus tomb.

Labels: Cameron, Christianity, David C. Price, Film, Jesus, tomb

Friday Fun: A Little Nostalgia for the Thirty-Somethings

It's been awhile since I've posted a Friday Fun video, so I thought I'd give my thirty-something friends a little journey down memory lane. I don't remember some of these toys, but I definitely remember SSP racers and Mouse Trap among others. If you have a favorite 70's toy, let me know what it was. Remembering some of those toys bring back a ton of memories.

Labels: 70's, David C. Price, games, nostalgia, toys

More from Archaeologist Amos Kloner on 'Jesus' Tomb' (and a quick observation)

From Crosswalk:

'Jesus Tomb' Filmmakers 'Should be Ashamed,' Archaeologist Claims
The makers of a new documentary detailing the supposed discovery of Jesus' tomb should be ashamed of the inconsistencies and unscientific evidence they are reporting in the film, said the archeologist who oversaw the initial dig, CNSNews.com reports. Nevertheless, said Amos Kloner, the film should be shown to the public in the interest of freedom of expression. "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" has come under harsh criticism from archeologists, scholars and religious figures for claiming to show the final resting place of Jesus, his 'son,' and Mary Magdalene. The assertions in the documentary fly in the face of Christianity and the Bible. The tomb was first discovered in 1980 when construction workers were digging in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Talpiot to clear the way for new apartments there. Kloner oversaw the excavation of the site in the 1980s as the district archeologist of Jerusalem. He later published his findings in a professional archeological publication. The documentary was made according to the "imagination of people," Kloner said. "I don't accept the claim that this tomb was the burial place for the family of Jesus."

By the way, did anyone notice that in spite of such an "in your face" attack on Christianity, there have been no riots in the streets, no car bombings, no "holy war" declarations? Nothing.

Just a brief little observation for you.

Labels: Cameron, Christianity, David C. Price, Film, Jesus, Kloner, tomb

James Cameron Sets Sail Again (and basically aboard the same ship as before)

I don't know if you've heard the latest from film-maker James Cameron, but he's found the grave of Jesus. Yeah, really, along with Mary Magdalene...and Jesus' kid, too. Now, I heard this story yesterday and chuckled then because it was pretty ridiculous. Clearly, Cameron is out to make another Titanic (along with the bankroll that comes with it!). This time, I believe it's going to be a titanic failure for many reasons. Here are just a few:

First, Cameron doesn't have a very good track record with the facts related to his stories. Even in the case of Titanic, many of the "theories" Cameron advanced as fact have been repeatedly disproved by the experts, including the way in which the ship made her final voyage to the ocean floor. Cameron starts out as a member of the same club Oliver Stone is a member of which lives according to the motto, "Everything is a conspiracy!" What, exactly, is conspiratorial? Whatever will bring in the biggest bucks.

Second, the archaeologist who originally worked on the tomb in question has virtually laughed off the claim:

Bar-Ilan University Professor Amos Kloner, a Jerusalem archeologist who officially oversaw the work at the tomb in 1980 and has published detailed findings on its contents, dismissed the claims.

"It makes a great story for a TV film," he told The Jerusalem Post Saturday night.

"But it's impossible. It's nonsense," he said.

By the way, where was Joseph, Jesus' father (step-father, of course)? Wouldn't he have been in the same tomb? And how, exactly, does a poor family like that of Jesus afford the kind of burial that these bones were found in?

Thirdly, there is classic evidences related to the resurrection of Jesus that includes the fact that all but one of Jesus' immediate followers were martyred because of their belief that Jesus had been resurrected, not to mention the hundreds who died during that first century because of their belief in Christ's resurrection. It is possible to believe that someone might die for something they believed to be true, but based on the kind of brutality that Jesus suffered in His death, unless they saw convincing proof to the contrary (read: Jesus alive before them), there is absolutely no way these very ordinary men could have begun the world-changing movement that started through them. They most certainly would not have had any reason to die for what they knew to be a lie.

Along with this is the fact that, if the resurrection of Jesus did not happen, it would have been quite easy to prove at the time, putting a quick end to this new religious movement (and there were certainly enough people who wanted to do just that). They could have either simply produced the body of Jesus following the crucifixion, which the Jewish officials could not do, though all believed at the time (and most today still do) that the crucifixion did, in fact happen (which Cameron's theory would have to deny and disprove, historically) or go to Jesus' house and have dinner with he, his wife, Mary, their little boy and his mom and show that this man was still alive. This would have certainly disproved that Jesus was actually killed. There is no record of anyone knowing or talking to Cameron's Jesus, including 1st Century Jewish historians such as Josephus, because it didn't happen. Jesus was killed. Even the most liberal, non-Christian historians acknowledge this. Cameron is living in a fantasy world, presenting a story that, based on what is known historically, is harder to believe than any account of someone being raised from the dead.

Cameron wants to re-write history so he can make a buck. Fine. If over 2,000 years of trying hasn't disproved the historicity of Christ's resurrection, I'm quite sure one James Cameron will come no closer. Make your movie...make your money. Some will unfortunately believe him, but it won't do a thing to hurt Christianity. That would be a titanic undertaking James Cameron just isn't up to.

Labels: Cameron, Christianity, David C. Price, Film, James, Jesus, Resurrection

I'm Having an Identity Crisis

No, not me actually, I'm fine. My blog, however, is going through a mid-life crisis.

When I began Espresso Roast two years ago, I was in the doctoral program at Southern, working on an apologetics and worldviews degree. I was focused on worldview issues and had plenty of time to write about them. Now...not so much.

So, the question is, what's next? Whereas before I was embedded in issues related to politics, ethics and current events, now I find myself doing all I can to take care of a relatively small group of people in order to get them to reach out to a much larger group of people, engaging in missions and becoming the church in the world.

Clearly, the Church needs to (must) engage in cultural and worldview issues. We need to be culturally aware and relevant to the world around us. Those are things I'm still ready and willing to engage in, but not sure if it's something I need to still be writing about regularly; not sure if readers are wanting that.

That's where you come in. It's really not being narcissistic of me to think it really matters what I'm doing or writing about. I simply know there are some who are still subscribed here and read the one or two entries I seem to be making every several weeks, so I'd love your help in determining what this blog is going to become or if it's going to even keep going.

On the one hand, I'd like to keep writing on the same subjects as before. However, when I first started, the majority of the people who read this seemed to be non-Christians. That's not really the case anymore and the reality is I don't seem to have as much time to dedicate to it as I did. If it matters, I'll keep writing, but I don't really have much time to write just to stick a post up. Make sense?

So that brings us to the other hand. Is there a way I can deal with the same type of issues from a more pastoral perspective or should I (assuming I keep writing here) begin to reshape the blog into something else?

Alright, so if you're reading this you have an opinion (or you wouldn't read blogs, right?). What is it? Help me out here. What would you like to see? What types of stuff do you like to read? What's not being written about? Yada, yada, yada. Either leave a comment or drop me a private email.

Labels: David C. Price

Pastor Alistair Begg Announces He Has Cancer

During the week of January 22, after a series of tests and finally a biopsy, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Although this is not what I had hoped for, my doctors seem confident that this is very curable. We are presently discussing different treatment options.

Interestingly, we have just begun a new series of studies in James at Parkside Church. Immediately I have been entrusted with the privilege of not simply teaching, but in a particular way, living verses 2-4 of chapter one.

Pray for Alistair as he lives out his faith and preaches this sermon with his life. Click here for more.

Labels: David C. Price

What Does a Follower of Jesus Really Look Like?

I wonder if we will ever get it. I'm talking about the Church, in general, and individual Christians, in particular, about what pleases God. OK, to tell the truth, I'm talking about me.

I still don't get it. I mean really get it. I've been to some form of Christian school most of my life (literally!) and in the ministry for over 20 years and am now pastoring a church. Yet I still don't regularly practice that which Scripture makes clear pleases God.

Let me try and get to the heart of this: I've been reading Isaiah which starts right off the bat talking about God's priorities. God makes very clear that sacrifices are not what He is after (in any form, including the kind that we might offer today...religious ritual, good works in order to obtain merit or favor, singing, etc. In other words, things that in reality cost the "worshiper" little). In fact, even "sacrifices of praise" are of little value if that is the extent of our relationship. Rather, God seems focussed on the care given to others in His name; really being "other-centered."

The Israelites were practically wiped out by God because of their unfaithfulness, though He saved a remnant for Himself for His own glory. The people seemed content to remain in their sin all the while continuing to offer bulls and goats in hopes of appeasing God.

God didn't buy it. He can't be fooled even when it looks good on the outside. He said in Isaiah 1, even though you come with your hands spread out, I will not look and I will not listen. Even our beautiful music and hands raised high do not impress God when the life doesn't follow suit in real ways according to what pleases Him most. Instead, Scripture seems to indicate that He hates it (v. 14). Then He tells us what He wants:

1. Clean yourselves; stop doing evil.
2. Learn to do good.
3. Seek Justice.
4. Correct oppression.
5. Bring justice to the fatherless (orphans).
6. Plead the widows cause.

How similar this sounds to what He says in Micah. The Lord makes clear that He is not pleased with the emptiness of burnt offerings which require nothing from the ones who are making them. Instead, in 6:8 He tells us that He requires a life dedicated to those things which are important to Him:

1. Do justice.
2. Love mercy.
3. Walk humbly with Him.

This is not just an Old Testament idea. Jesus, Himself, made clear what His priorities are in Matthew 25 when he declared that His sheep are those who gave drink to the thirsty, clothed the naked, took in the stranger, fed the hungry and visited the sick and imprisoned. The goats were those who refused to do so, yet looked like sheep outwardly (presumably the ones who looked religious).

Later, in Galatians 2, Paul, while explaining his credentials as an apostle, tells of how he was accepted by Peter, James and John and charged by them to take the Gospel to the Gentiles, "only they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do." (verse 10)

Finally, James explains in his book (1:27) that "religion that is pure and undefiled before God is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

Clearly, this is the heartbeat of God. It is what Jesus spent a great deal of His time on earth doing and I will not truly be a disciple/follower of Christ...we will not be the Church...until we commit our lives to doing the same thing.

Labels: Christian, David C. Price, disciple, discipleship, orphans, poor, widows

News

Relief Organizations

Glenn Reynolds Says

Proud Member of the Alliance of Free Blogs

BLOG AGGREGATORS

League of Reformed Bloggers

Saturday, January 26, 2008

That's All She Wrote...We're Signing Off.

Friday, January 04, 2008

Why, Pat? Why? Why?!

Friday, December 21, 2007

Bah, Humbug! Coach Leads Kids to Vandalize Nativities

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Christmas at Arlington

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

New Strategy in Britain: Taxi Drivers to Dole Out Condoms

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Atheist Richard Dawkins: A Cultural Christian?

Thursday, December 06, 2007

Romney on Jesus

Steelers Guarantee a Win Against Patriots

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Quick Follow-up to "Should Christians Boycott The Compass?"

Friday, November 30, 2007

'Debating' Evolution

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Ridiculous Item of the Day: Spanking Outlawed

Should Christians Boycott The Golden Compass?

Friday, November 23, 2007

In case you've forgotten: never...

Feeling old yet, Alex?

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

I Can't Get No Satisfaction: One of the Struggles Parents Face in Raising Their Kids

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

A Hard-hitting Presidential Endorsement

Willow Creek Church: Seeker-Sensitive No More?

Monday, November 19, 2007

A New Day For Espresso Roast

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Espresso Roast - A Team Approach

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Espresso Roast - Three Years Old Today

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Does 'God Hate Fags' (And Apparently Soldiers, Too)?

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Ridiculous Item of the Day: One Complaint Leads to Change in Military Funeral Procedure

Monday, October 29, 2007

RED SOX!!

Friday, October 26, 2007

An Amazing Day For The Fam

Monday, October 22, 2007

Regarding Harry Potter's Spiritual Quest

Harry Potter's Spiritual Quest. Does It Lead To Christ?

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

The Archbishop of Canterbury Isn't Totally in Left Field...Only Mostly

Friday, October 12, 2007

Happy Birthday, Jacob!!

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Jay-Walking Through the Bible

Thursday, October 04, 2007

How 'Bout That...50K

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

The Difficulty of Saying Goodbye to a Friend

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Ridiculous Item of the Day: Feel the love

Monday, September 24, 2007

The Piper Family Loss

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Finally Justice?

Big Game Kill

Friday, September 14, 2007

Friday Fun: Nature Calls

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Espresso Retro: Born With a Belief in the Supernatural

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Six Years...How Time Flies

Monday, September 10, 2007

And How!

Are Presidential Candidates Religious? Who Cares?

Wednesday, September 05, 2007