The Punch Bowl

I realize that I'm not the first person to raise this issue, but I have some thoughts to add to the discussion in light of my experience in both public school and private schools worlds. My kids benefited from a private school education in Boston, and I am extremely grateful for it; they received an excellent start to their education and were spared many of the harsh realities that often comes with inner city schools (there has been a least one sitcom chronicling the troubling realities of Boston Public Schools). But one phrase sticks out in my mind, and it forces me to ask if private schools are the best approach. Time after time, I heard parents in my kids' private school say, "Our kids deserve the best." I couldn't agree more, our kids do deserve the best. But I cant help but ask, "Doesn't every kid deserve the best?"

I hope that everyone would answer "yes" to this question. But at some point I words have to match our actions. It's not that I think anyone intentionally tries to stack the system against anyone or to take away resources for those less-fortunate, but I do think that when so many parents who truly want the best for their kids - translated: they're personally involved and financially invested - pull out of the public schools in favor of private schools, the public school system, and consequently, public school kids suffer. Once again, there's nothing wrong with providing the best for our kids. Parents have every right to do so and should be commended for caring so strongly. But I do wonder what would happen if more families stayed in the public school system and brought this same attitude with them. What if they got involved in public schools as much as they do in private schools? What if they invested as much money as many often do for private school tuition (or even a fraction of it)? What if they worked with teachers in the inner city as much as they work with those in top-notch schools? What if they did more to ensure that "every kid received the best?"

This does raise (at least) one major objection: won't the children of those who choose to go into the public schools suffer? It's a question I have asked myself. The fact is, no parent wants to sacrifice his/her children for anything, no matter how good the cause (with the obvious exception of the gospel). And there's good reason to feel this way (the Old Testament law is full of commands against sacrificing children, which is obviously literal in its context but is applicable to other non-literal situations as well). But here's something I've learned. Our kids will be okay, just so long as we come into the public schools with the same level of interest in what's going on, the same level of teacher support, and the same level of care that we go into private schools with. Yes, our kids might not learn Latin in 3rd grade or finish multiple AP classes by the 9th, but they'll be just fine. In fact, they might end up a little more well-rounded. Education is more than just hitting the books. It's learning what life is really like, and I think public schools are often the best place to do so. There you see all the harsh realities of life and interact with those very much unlike you. And perhaps in seeing these schools transformed and the lives of the millions of kids in them changed, maybe we would all get an education in the ways of a God who desires the best for his children.

What's wrong with eating 5000 calories a day? Besides the obvious, there's the fact that we celebrate a story like this while ignoring the countless other stories about those who go hungry every day, both here in the U.S. and abroad. I saw a recent news story highlighting a local teenager who is trying to gain weight as he prepares to play lacrosse for a major D-1 school. In order to do so, he packs in 5000 calories, beginning with a massive breakfast that he gorges himself each day. I'm excited for this kid's opportunity to play at such a prestigious university and to get his education paid for. But the news coverage of his diet highlights the often misplaced priorities of many Americans (myself included). We should celebrate achievements like this, but not without mourning the underachievements...and fighting to do something about it.

According to the United Nations, huger is the world's number 1 health risk. Every year 15 million children die from hunger. The World Health Organization estimates that 1/3 of the world is underfed and that 1/3 is starving. These are just some of the facts, and this doesn't just happen a world away. It happens here in Denver. Case in point: DPS doesn't close for every snow day, because they feel the need to stay open since many kids depend on the school cafetria food as their only or one of their only meals a day. Another case in point: how many people do you see every day on street corners with signs about needing food?

I'm happy for this Denver teenager but I am distressed about the many other school-age kids and adults in our city. I'm distressed about those worldwide as well. I hope you are too. And I hope together we can do something about this. Let's talk about some ideas, and let's share some stories about what's really going on.

 

We Christians are admittedly a peculiar bunch, and while there's good reason for most of what we do (i.e. scripture prescribes it), it's not always the case that there's good reason for what we do. Like the rest of the world, we can be slaves to tradition. Unlike the rest of the world, our traditions maycarry more weight at times, affecting how we approach God in worship, how we practice our faith in the public arena, and how we communicate with one another. 

Next Sunday at City Pres, we'll be looking at tradition, since Paul brings it up in the last few verses of 2 Thessalonians 2 (after all the stuff about rebellions and the antichrist). With that in mind, I would love to hear about some of the funny traditions you may have grown up with. I won't mention you by name (unless you specifically ask to be named - then we can talk about it), but I hope to share a few real life examples of how tradition has affected our lives in the church, for better or for worse.

Got a tradition to share? Comment here or email me at jd.punch@citypres.org.

Like most Americans, I'm appalled at the recent disclosure of some (alleged) misbehavior of members of the United States Secret Service and all four branches of our military in Cartegena, Columbia. If it's true that these agents/soldiers were involved with prostitutes, then there should be some serious consequences both for the individuals involved and for the agencies they represent. At least that's what many are saying, and perhaps some are following through with.

But what amazes me is the fact that most Americans aren't appalled at similar misbehavior that goes on every day...like the fact that prostitution is legal in Columbia and in parts of the U.S...or the fact that where prostitution isn't legal, it's still practiced under the guise of escort services and various services available through sites like Craigslist...or the fact that pornography is still a multi-billion dollar industry that exploits so many women...or the fact that innumerable women and young girls are victims of sex trafficking.

This isn't intended to be one of those Christian rants against sex nor a minimizing of the deeds committed by American agents who were traveling at taxpayers' expense. This is simply an outpouring of frustration that those of us who get so outraged about the disclosure of events like those that took place in Columbia recently don't appear to be near as outraged about the many other forms of such behavior around the globe. I'm just a guilty. It's hard to remember what really goes on when it's not plastered all over the news.

But can you imagine if people cared enough to do something about helping women get out of prostitution? Some people are, like the folks at Street's Hope.

Can you imagine if people cared enough to do something to help people get out of the porn industry? Some people are, like the folks at XXXchurch.

But can you imagine if there was this big of an outcry against sex-trafficking? Some people are, like the folks at the International Justice Mission.

Let's not just express our outrage about what happened in Columbia. And let's not just express our outrage about all the other forms of sexual explotation. Let's do something about it. Let's join forces with those who already are, like those listed above and many others too numerous to list. If we don't that's an even bigger scandal than this whole Secret Service business.

 

I stopped listening so that I could listen. Let me explain. We listen to things all day long. There is no shortage of communication coming our way. But some communication is more important than ever, especially when that communication is from God. I've been listening to a lot of things lately, but I realize that the more and more I listen to certain things, the less and less I listen to God. When I go for a run, I put in my earbuds. When I'm doing mindless administrative stuff on my computer, I listen to Pandora or shuffle my iTunes library. When I'm driving in my car, I have the radio on...always. It's not that any of these things are bad. In fact, I often listen to very encouraging and convicting music that speaks to my soul. But if I'm not listening to God, then I'm in trouble. And so are you.

So, I've been making changes during Lent. I don't think this is the traditional giving something up for Lent kind of thing, but an attempt at prayer that giving things up is supposed to drive us to (prayer is both speaking to and listening to God - mostly the latter). I stopped running with my iPod. Now, pray. As much as possible, I've been shying away from music when I'm typing away at my desk. I listen sometimes, just not all the time. And I'm turning off the radio in the car. At least, I'm trying to. Some are more difficult than others. Try it, and you'll see what I mean.

I haven't had any epiphanies or any miraculous encounters with God, but I think I'm open to them than before. And even if I don't have some euphoric interaction with God, I can at least rejoice in the small, intimate encounters with him in the ordinary course of life. Now, as best I can, I'm listening for Him. I stopped listening that I might hear.

Some folks I know (and actually like a lot) are often referred to by others I know (and really like a lot) as “universalists.” Truth be told, I can see how friends on one side might interpret friends on the other side as such. I’ve talked to the “universalists” and heard their arguments, and I generally disagree (although I kind of hope I’m wrong in the end). But I’ve also heard their heart for people and their expression of the gospel, which I wholeheartedly agree with. If only we all had the passion to make Jesus known that some of my “universalist” friends have.

The problem is we don’t, not all the time anyway.  In fact, many folks in non-universalist churches often seem to be functional universalists. They wouldn’t dare make the claims that everyone is saved/reconciled to God/in the kingdom of God/whatever you want to call it, but they certainly live like they believe this to be so. What I mean is that they live as if the gospel has no relevance for their lives and they live as if there is no need to communicate the gospel (both through words and actions) to those around them. They just do their thing and ignore the needs of those without Christ. 

Now, before you think I’m going off on a rant about the church, I’m not saying that this is true of every churchgoer. But unfortunately it’s true more often than not, even for pastors like me. That’s why I wish those who so quickly call out practicing universalists would do the same for functioning universalists. I also wish that functional universalists (like we all tend to be at times) would look to and learn from practicing “universalists.” Not so much their theology, but their heart. If more of us functional universalists loved others and served others and communicated Jesus to others like those who so often get labeled as “universalists,” more people might come to trust in Jesus…or who knows, maybe everyone…

 

There's a cliché that says, “It’s easier to be against something than it is to be for something.” It’s cliché, but it appears to be true. Not only can our presidential candidates not sell their message without slinging mud at other candidates through negative ads, but it seems that Christians can’t share Jesus’ message without controversy. Franklin Graham makes some odd statements about the uncertainty of Barack Obama’s faith, and various religious leaders make some odd counter-statements about Franklin Graham and his faith; John Piper tweets “farewell” to Rob Bell, and numerous Christians respond with some rather harsh things about John Piper; emergents question some of the traditional norms of the church, and traditionalists circle the wagons, writing off emergents as heretics without considering that they might have a point at times (not in going all the way to their extreme, but certainly in balancing out the other extreme).

I know this is nothing new for the church. Christians have always disagreed with one another (cf. Paul and Barnabas in the book of Acts), but there seems to be a flurry of books and blogs and posts that make this more public in our day. And often times, these public feuds tend to be more against people than positions. This was my experience in a blog about my dissertation a few years ago – textual criticism quickly turned into plain old criticism when other Christians attacked my character. I’m over that (mostly), but I’m not over the fact that this is business as usual.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not advocating for relativism or suggesting that public figures should get a free pass. I’m just as embarrassed by some of the things coming out of Pat Robertson’s mouth as the rest of you are (and now guilty of calling him out in a blog as well). I am bothered by parts of Rob Bell’s theology (or at least his unwillingness to explain it) and parts of John Piper’s as well. I equally question aspects of President Obama’s left-leaning and Franklin Graham’s right-leaving views. There are times when we have to speak against what isn’t right. There are times when we have to tear down false arguments and faulty ideology (both political and theological), but there has to be a better way that what we so often practice, a way of communicating more about what we’re for, which is hopefully the same things Jesus is for. And last time I checked Jesus was for people, even the ones with bad ideas and questionable theology. That’s what the cross is all about. Let’s be for that. 

 

Christian celebrity. It should be an oxymoron, but it isn't. And I confess to being enamored with "Christian celebrities" at various times in my life. I'm sure I've done the same with celebrities in general on the few occasions that I've met them, but I'll brag on those in another blog post. Today, let's talk about Christian celebrities. I got to have a Guinness with Os Guinness, discuss missions with Sara Groves, pick up Derek Webb at the airport, and ride in the elevator with John Piper, Francis Collins, and Jerry Falwell (not at the same time). I know those may not be "celebrities" for everyone, nor are they all for me, but still they're "famous" Christians...just maybe not as famous as Tim Tebow. Just the other day, I heard that he was supposed to be part of a group of folks who were going to enjoy a helicopter ride over Denver. So, of course, I went after being invited, only to find that Tebow didn't show. It was a disappointment for all who were all hoping for some Christian celebrity with our flight.

The thing is in each instance, I found myself all worried about how I presented myself in each case. I went out of my way not only to get to these people, but to make sure they noticed me. That bothers me. These people are just people. Sure they may be somewhat famous, or at least well-known, but they're just people made in God's image, just like me. But there's something that bothers me even more. I often forget that everyone is made in the image of God, just like me.

I cancelled another meeting to have the possibility of flying with Tim Tebow, but I begrudgingly stop what I'm doing to help counsel folks who call me? I requested the opportunity to pick up Derek Webb at the airport, even though I hate going to the airport. But I don't want to walk to the bus station to buy someone a bus ticket? I savored that Guinness and would have gladly picked up the opportunity tab so that I could hang out with Os Guinness. But I hope the person asking for money to buy food doesn't make eye contact with me so that I won't feel too guilty?

Somewhere along the way, I've lost touch with Jesus words, "I tell you the truth, whatever you do for the least of these brothers of mine, you do it for me" (Matthew 25:40). The irony is that if there were ever a person who could possibly claim Christian celebrity, it would have to be Jesus. But he didn't. He served. He took time for people. He gave up his life as a ransom for many. He became the least of these so that in Him we might recapture the image of God that sin has marred in us. Oh, that I would truly believe that. Oh, that we all would. Amen.

Gentrification is a new word that has only entered my vocabulary over the last decade or so (which instantly makes me sound old). And I suppose that makes sense, since modern urban gentrification has mostly been occurring over the last decade or so. I've adopted this term into my vernacular. But I've also adopted two differing feelings about the concept of gentrification. I love it and I hate it. 

I couldn't afford to move into a neighborhood that was all the rage, so I got into one that will be eventually. That means it will have to gentrify. And to be honest, I hope it does. It will increase my property value. It will provide better education for my kids. It will make things feel safer. These are all reasons that I tell myself that gentrification is a good thing. Some days I think I like gentrification.

But then I realize what gentrification does to those who get pushed out by higher property values and middle-class, white people like me who move into old homes that couldn't be kept up by those with less resources than I have. Gentrification will make my neighborhood feel "safer" and my kids' schools "better," but at what expense? Will it do so by causing the neighborhood bland and homogenous? What happens to those who don't fit in or who can't afford to keep up? Some days I think I hate gentrification.

There's got to be another way, and I know there is. There are actually tons of theories being discussed and all sorts of missional models out there that are being put into practice, I'm just not sure what the best approach is. However, I figure the tension that I currently feel and the desire to search for a better way is likely a good place to start. I also figure encouraging others to feel this tension and to consider these things is a good next step. I'm just hoping that between the, there's a next step, one that does something about these things. Time will tell what that is.

But for now, it's time for you tell me what you think. Gentrification: love it or hate it? Why?

 

Sabbath is probably one of the most difficult things for me to do. I like the concept of it. And who doesn't? Rest and worship? Okay, maybe some stumble over the second half of that statement, but no one has a problem with the first half of it...at least not in theory. It's just tough in practice. It's hard to unplug from things, especially our screens, whether it's checking email, updating Twitter, or simply checking scores. Worse, it's easy to justify our behavior and say that these things help us to relax. At least it is for me. 

I'm not much of a video game person. In fact, I was always the kid who played skeeball at Chuck-E-Cheese birthday parties when all the other kids were playing video games. It was mostly becasue this used to be the only way you could get tickets back in the day, but it was also because I simply liked doing some physical as opposed to pressing buttons. This has held up for most of my life until over the Christmas holidays I got sucked into a baseball game on my iPad, and oh yeah, the Angry Birds vortex. I start pushing buttons, or tapping a screen. I played both games almost every day. Then I took some time off, and I played them more every day. I told myself I was relaxing, because I wasn't dealing with work stuff. What a lie.

I ended up spending more time looking at my gadgets than I did my family. I ended up staying up too late each night telling myself that if I just played one more game, I could beat the stupid thing. I also ended up pretty angry when I didn't but was tired from trying. That's not Sabbath at all.

Scripture tells us that Sabbath was created for man and that it pictures the rest that God designed for himself. It's not so much a literal rest for God as much as it is his ability to sit back and be satisfied with the work that he has accomplished. Everything that God created is good, and therefore God can experience Sabbath, rejoicing in his work, especially now that Jesus died and rose again to restore all that went wrong with the things he created to be good.

And this is what Sabbath is supposed to be for us. It's literal rest for us, because unlike God, we need literal rest. But it's also the ability to sit back satisfied with the work that has been done, not our work, but God's work. We rejoice in the fact that he made everything good and that he is remaking everything good (even if he sometimes uses us in the process). We can have Sabbath because we aren't God. Life can go on without us. Everything doesn't depend on us. None of us is God. Only God is God, and regular Sabbath reminds us of this. When we rest, we worship because we acknowledge that God is God and that we aren't.

I'm not sure what the application is here. I guess this is more of a personal reflection (which is what all blogs are, right?). But this personal reflection is also a call to myself and to all who will listen to Sabbath. Sabbath is a gift. It's difficult to practice. But that's why it's worth fighting for.

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for He grants sleep [rest] to those he loves." Pslam 127:1-2