Christian Carnival

Jeremy at Parableman did a fabulous job assembling this week’s Christian Carnival. There are a lot of great posts there, and if you missed entering this week he is accepting late posts. Enjoy!

Book Review: He Talk Like a White Boy

Your dad doesn’t need a tie. This Father’s Day get him He Talk Like A White Boy, by Joseph C. Phillips. (I received this book free of charge from Active Christian Media, who received it from the publisher for the purpose of being reviewed.)

I am a fast reader. One of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan books typically takes about six hours, as did Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Yet He Talk Like A White Boy took over two weeks. It’s a slow read for two reasons. First, because Phillips can turn a phrase. I caught myself re-reading some sentences simply because I enjoyed the way they were constructed. He has a wry sense of humor that comes through in his writing. In short, the book is clear, sharp, and funny. It’s a very enjoyable read, and I took my time with it.

Second, the content of the book is not conducive to a quick read. It’s deep and it requires contemplation. I often found myself reading an essay, and just chewing on those ideas for the rest of the day. Because of my family history and events in my life, I have a keen interest in race. My hope, when I asked to review this book, was that the book would have a great deal of insight on that topic. This book of essays is divided into sections. Character, Family, Faith, Idealism, and Identity. And as I read through essay after essay that did not discuss race in depth or directly, I began to wonder if he’d ever get to that topic. I wasn’t disappointed by what I was reading, just a little perplexed because even the title refers to race. Yet it was instructive because I learned that our gender differentiates us far more than our color. There is more insight in this book into what makes men tick than I expected. I’m going to pass it along to my sixteen year old daughter next, because this is information every girl should have. And I’ll be buying several copies to give as gifts, including for Father’s Day. This book is a valuable reminder to all the good and honorable men in your life that they’re not alone. They have a unique role and (dare I say it? yes!) destiny in bringing America back from the precipice we teeter on. Our future rests with the men, and the unique ability men have to raise up the next generation of men. They can challenge, push, guide and protect boys better than women can. This book is an important encouragement and reminder to men of their critical role in the family and in this country.

And yes, Phillips does discuss race in depth, especially in the Idealism and Identity sections toward the end of the book. I was not disappointed; his experiences and insight have shed some light on what is a very difficult topic for me. But at the end of the day, new insight on racism really wasn’t the most important thing I gained from reading He Talk Like A White Boy. And maybe that’s a lesson in and of itself.

[Update: La Shawn Barber's review of this book is excellent. I'm new to reviewing, which shows. Her review is a great model of what a book review should be. If you're thinking of buying this book but haven't made up your mind yet, read her review, A Great Black Hope. Active Christian Media reviews can be found here.]

Magic Sand Christians

This is actually a pretty good illustration of what Christians should be - in the world, not of the world.

Free Speech for Christians

I’m not a regular WND reader but I have to give them credit for keeping up with several issues that are important, in this case, the Philly 11. In 2004, eleven Christians chose to protest at the Philadelphia OutFest event. Personally, I think that kind of thing is a waste of time, but they were fully within their rights to do so. They were hauled to jail and charged with a variety of felonies and misdemeanors, including a hate crime. Ethnic intimidation, because apparently many citizens or immigrants from the country of Homosexuality were at OutFest. Oh, never mind, ethnic no longer means from a particular region (i.e. Polish people) or from a particular race (i.e. black) it now includes behavioral aspects. Another definition down the memory hole, I guess.

I saw the video, and not only did they not violate the law, but their right to protest was violated by the Pink Angels and others. WND has been on the story since the beginning. National publicity got the charges dropped. The Philly 11 is suing the City of Philadelphia, Philly Pride Presents, and others for their arrests. Philly Pride tried to get out of the lawsuit, and received a smackdown from the judge who denied their motion to dismiss.

According to Repent America’s statement on Friday’s judicial ruling:

During the criminal proceedings, Chief Inspector James Tiano, who is the Philadelphia Police Department’s “liaison to the gay and lesbian community,” testified that police met with the “OutFest” organizers three or four times before the event and discussed, among other things, tactics to prevent Repent America from having access to the event. Additionally, police video shows Chief Inspector Tiano addressing a group of officers to inform them that the “religious right” was coming, and that the “Pink Angels” would be interfering with them.

“Chief Inspector Tiano’s comments seem to make it clear that the City conspired with the organizers of ‘OutFest’ to ensure that Repent America would not have access to the event to exercise their protected rights under both our state and federal Constitutions,” stated Ted Hoppe, attorney for the Philadelphia Eleven.

There are a lot of people and groups I wouldn’t mind seeing shut up. Start with Nancy Pelosi (humor value notwithstanding), David Duke and his ilk, the entire Phelps family and everybody who agrees with them, and the vast majority of Kossacks, just to name a few hundred thousand. But I don’t want them to be forced to shut up. I want them to have the right to speak, just as I do. In the case of these Christians, even though I think what they are saying and how they say it is counterproductive, to see it called “hate speech” and stifled by the government is unAmerican. So chalk one up for the good guys. All Americans who value truly free speech should celebrate the fact that these folks will have their day in court with all of the involved parties.

Five Easy Steps to a More Holy Life

Since the whole point of this blog is to pursue holiness, I thought a quick summary of how to achieve holiness would be useful. Living a holy life is not complicated or difficult, it just requires a new vision for your life and the way you want to progress spiritually. All you need to reduce sin, increase repentance, and live out a better Christian witness for your non-Christian friends and neighbors is encompassed in Five Easy Steps to a More Holy Life.

Had you going there for a minute, didn’t I? In last week’s sermon, “my Gospel” (audio, sermon notes), it was established that possibly the greatest danger to the church is our ignorance or lack of belief in the centrality and application of the Gospel.

This week in Strengthened by Gospel Preaching (audio, sermon notes) we learned (among other things) that the prophecy in 2 Timothy is fulfilled. (See all Lakeview Christian Center sermons online here.)

For a time will be when they will not endure sound doctrine, but they will heap up teachers to themselves according to their own lusts, tickling the ear. And they will turn away their ears from the truth and will be turned to myths. But you watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fully carry out your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:3-5)

The only Christianity the world is willing to freely accept is a watered-down pop-psychology false version. Watchman Nee said, “Show the world the fruits of Christianity and it will applaud; show it Christianity and it will oppose it vigorously.” The largest church in the country that professes Christianity is led by Joel Osteen, who said these things:
KING: But don’t you think if people don’t believe as you believe, they’re somehow condemned?

OSTEEN: You know, I think that happens in our society. But I try not to do that. I tell people all the time, preached a couple Sundays about it. I’m for everybody. You may not agree with me, but to me it’s not my job to try to straighten everybody out. The Gospel called the good news. My message is a message of hope, that’s God’s for you. You can live a good life no matter what’s happened to you. And so I don’t know. I know there is condemnation but I don’t feel that’s my place.
…
OSTEEN: We do have rules. But the main rule to me is to honor God with your life. To life a life of integrity. Not be selfish. You know, help others. But that’s really the essence of the Christian faith. [No. The essence of the Christian faith is not our works, but that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and belief in His atoning death on the cross saves us from eternal damnation.] Read more

Memorial Day

Blackfive remembers Windy 25 and the other fallen soldiers of the 12th AVN BDE.

A lot of businesses are open today, which makes me sad. The troops who have fallen don’t need a memorial day. The day is for us. For our nation, our society. The failure to recognize that which is better than us, the ideals of loyalty, service, duty, and sacrifice, and those who choose to embody them, impoverishes us all.

It’s Pursuing Holiness’ 2nd Blogiversary!

I started this blog two years ago with Cats are to humans what humans are to God? Wish I were a dog… in large part to chart my spiritual growth. I have noticed patterns in the last two years, waves of enthusiasm followed by a tapering off which leads to a dry time. During those dry times I used to just “give up” and wait for the next emotional experience. In the last year, I have been better about being consistent with church and bible study, even if I don’t feel it’s as productive during those times.

The main thing I’ve learned to put in practice in the last two years is that my feelings are irrelevant. The most important factor in my growth as a Christian has been obedience. If I waited until I “felt” like doing a bible study, that time rarely if ever happened. Waiting for the next “spiritual high” meant stunting my spiritual growth. Continuing with it even when I felt it was unproductive led to new knowledge and growth, sometimes slow and steady. Other times, during those “mountaintop” experiences I enjoyed great leaps forward. Being able to perceive this pattern and others has probably been the best part of having this blog - although the Man of the House might say that he’s enjoyed the break from my political rants, too. So in my pursuit of holiness I haven’t completely eradicated the “cattitude” but it’s much improved and still getting better. If you’re a Christian and you don’t have some form of spiritual journal, I highly recommend it. As for me, I’m continuing to try to live out my favorite verse:

Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest you be weary and faint in your minds. You have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. (Hebrews 12:1-4 MKJV)

Sick Day

I woke up very early yesterday morning and spent most of the day violently ill and with a high fever. When I’m working, I tend to alternate between Fox, CNN, and CSPAN. Yesterday I surfed and by evening had the Comedy channel on. The remote was out of reach so I watched The Daily Show (which was funny) and The Colbert Report (which was pathetic.) Steven Colbert interviewed Madeleine Albright, who’s pushing her new book, The Mighty and The Almighty. The interview revealed, in spite of Mrs. Albright having been raised Catholic and married to an Episcopalian, a profound misunderstanding of Christianity. She suffers from the misapprehension that you can be a true Christian and yet not have a faith that permeates your life and impacts every action and decision you make. She seems to think that you can compartmentalize Christianity and yet be a true Christian.

The reason that non-Christians think that is true is Christians. They see the fish emblem on our cars while we disobey traffic laws, honk at and flip off other drivers. They see - especially here in New Orleans lately - people who profess Christianity breaking federal law by hiring illegal aliens. They see millions of people professing Christianity whose lives are not noticeably different from people who don’t profess Christianity. Small wonder they think the way they do.

We know that the existence of counterfeit money doesn’t invalidate genuine money. But Christians are - and should be - held to a higher standard. Our only protection, and our greatest form of evangelism, is to live lives that are above reproach. When we sin as we inevitably will, repentance should be immediate and as visible as the sin was. To whom much is given, much is expected.

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