Bail-out politics: One answer.

Well the government is currently sorting through a plan to bail out business and banks in trouble because of bad debt.  Trillion dollars are to be spent. I have seen a couple different proposals suggesting that the money simply be parcelled out to citizens.  And I find the idea to be interesting.  However, I tend to prefer the Biblical concept of the Year of Jubilee. In the nation of Israel when living in accordance  with the Torah, they were to have a 70 year cycle where all debt was cancelled every 70th year.  It would be interesting to see how this played out if implemented in the United States.  It would certainly bring about dynamic change.

      In terms of looking at a bailout, instead of just giving folks all a large sum of money or bailing out the failed business, why not just simply take the Jubilee concept and develop some formula for debt freedom.  The money in some manner could go to individuals in order to reduce their debt, particularly their mortgages. This would in turn free up money that can in turn be used to reignite consumption. If mortgages were reduced or paid.  Freeing individuals of some debt makes far better sense as a bail out then simply bailing out businesses bad debt.  The only thing that move will do is give the federal government and federal reserve greater say and control regarding the financial markets.  The individual citizen will not notice much help at all, in the current proposals. 

    And yes, finding a plan for a debt relief bail-out would free some people from making stupid decisions.  Some stupid decisions were made knowingly, and some folks were simply conned.  However, regardless of individual decisions, a balanced debt-reduction or forgiveness plan would do wonders for the economy. It would be even better to adopt the Jubilee principle as a whole, but if not, I would argue that adopting that principle at least in part would benefit the country as a whole.

The Myth of United States as a Christian Nation

Many proclaim that the foundation of the Country of the United States of America is Christianity and it was foded based on Christian principles.  However, if you examine history you will find this to be an unfounded statement.  Granted, the United States of America had many Christian influences, but the foundation of the country was based on people of varying beliefs coming together and compromising toward a set of laws that form the Constitution of the United States of America. 

     There are some people within the Church in the United States who view the country as the Christian equivalent of the nation of Israel to Jews. The arguement is that the United States of America has lost its is moral foundation and if we stopped abortions, returned prayer to school, stop gay marriages, curtail illegal immigration, and teach creationism in the schools all would be right.  Such a concept is misguided. Now all the above are good, moral things, but returning to such moral laws will not change what is at the heart of the problems in this country.

     This country was actually founded on individualism.  Individual rights trump all.  Each person has the right and ability to grow within the context of the laws legislated.  The moral changes to this country were not a deviation from the foundations, but really just where the founding principles of the country essentially lead, greater emphasis on self. 

      It is also worth noting that if all the immoral laws in this country were changed, it would not change the emphasis on self.  Take a look at prohibition for example. This is a good, moral law with many good reasons to prohibit the sale of alcohol.  It was though short sighted, because there was no change of heart or desire for alcohol, it simply grew an increase in illegal activities. 

     A push for a change in moral laws does nothing to change the hearts of people.  Rather, people still pursue what they choose, regardless of consequences.  Now that doesn’t mean moral laws serve no purpose.  It is a matter that the salvation of this nation is not about a change in moral laws.  It is essentially about whether each individual surrenders to God or keeps pursuing their own kingdoms and agendas. 

    Politics is all about increase power bases.  It is about who gets the say in the laws.  We all vote on what we think is best for us and our kingdom and our own perception of what is beneficial.  The myth of the United States of America being a Christian nation serves ultimately to sway votes and to increase power bases.  If someone feels a particular political persuasion is more righteous because of moral footings, they are mistaken.  The end result can be seeking after a political messiah who will right the wrongs. 

     On both sides of the political spectrum, a messiah is essentially what people are looking for. Someone who provides political answers to what they perceive are the problems, when the politicians are simply doing what they can to ensure they obtain position and power.

     So what is a Christian to do.  I believe a Christian needs to remember again that our citizenship is not of this world.  We are Ambassadors for Jesus.  In the United States of America, we get the right to vote for a select group of candidates.  I encourage all to vote their conscience regarding the varied political views, but make no mistake. United States of America is not a Christian nation and a return to moral laws is not the real change needed.  People need to be able to move beyond themselves and surrender to the King of Kings, Jesus.  There are and will be many fine sounding political answers to problems in the world. They will all be flawed and answers only temporary.  I encourage folks to stop focusing on looking for political answers and rather find ways to draw others unto Jesus.

Personal Prayer request: Mother’s vision.

     Generally, I avoid getting into personal matters on this blog but I heard from my mother today and want to ask folks to pray for her.  My mother has been having eyesight trouble.  She recently learned that she has lost peripheral vision and having her field of vision reduced.  She just learned from a specialist that the arteries to her eye are small. 

    There are any number of causes for this condition, some rare and untreatable, some cause are do to vitamin or amino acid deficiency and further deterioration can be prevented.  She need to get further testing at the University on Minnesota.  So one prayer is for her to get an appointment quickly. 

     The main prayer I have though is for my mothers eyes be restored to health. It is my wish and will that God do this, but I have not yet any wisdom indicating whether it is God’s will to heal her eyes.  God is capable and if it is His will to heal it will be done.  Not my will but His be done is my prayer.  I would love to see God move in a tangible way to point others to Him. God knows his will in the matter. 

     In all our personal requests, we do need to humbly submit, not our will but His be done. Many often get upset with God when our will is not done and we don’t understand God’s will or what God allows.  Many things are beyond our ability to grasp in this life.  It is a matter of submission and trust.  Submission to God’s will  and faith are the keys.

   So pray for my mother, those of you who are drawn to this thread and read this request. Feel free to make comments on any personal requests.

The Greed Effect: Positive and Negative Consequences

     Well recent news certainly has brought greed and it’s consequences to the forefront. Greed is part and partial to many events in the world today. Most people are looking for continually more.  American culture pushes the lust for for and feeds greed.  It is all around us. And when greed is rampant, eventually there comes a crash, it is inevitable because that which is driven by greed will eventually be exposed.

      There are already famous greed crashes. We have the original stock market crash in 1929 and the infamous black Monday in 1987. More recently,  there is the NASDAQ crash in 2000 and scandals like Enron in 2001.  Today, we have the crash of the real estate markets and the ripple effects going out to multiple financial institutions like Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, Washington Mutual, and AIG.  Today there are many signs of huge financial instability.  What got us to this point is at the core greed and the subsequent consequences.

     Now not all consequences of greed are bad. Greed can result in quality work being done, and work being done quickly to meet some reward. For example, in Minnesota the completion of the I-35 W bridge was done with a bonus for early completion. The hired company put out all stops to meet the significant bonus, and reached it.  The natural inclination of achieving for gain is a central component at times for facilitating behavioral change.  However, most change dependent on reinforcement only lasts as long as the gain is meaningful.  Also the effects of greed can result in a robust economy, as people always seek for the newer and better.  However, those positives are often short lived.

     As already mentioned, anything that is driven by greed will reach a limit.  Humans have limited capacity and as such, there is never unlimited growth.  When the limits of growth are reached, you will find what is happening today.  First of all areas of corruption and exploitation are exposed.  Then those dependent on the money derived from corruption and exploitation find that they did not stick to sound principles and essentially it all becomes a house of cards. So when falls happen the question always is how to get it restarted. In the past those driven by greed simply finding another area to seek the continual more in.  Eventually though, there is no place left for the greed seekers to go.

     We also see that when money gets easy, and the quest for more continues, that people readily take shortcuts.  Why work for to get more, if you can find a quick way to get it.  Many scams and con men gain much all related to people’s greed. 

    Make no mistake though, greed will be seen as a problem, and is seen as a problem globally. Being anti-greed is part of an underpinning to communism. It takes the truth that when people share it is benificial and twists it into some form of forced sharing that ultimately only benefitted the elite, who in turn displayed there greed.  There will come a time, perhaps soon, when folks will be pointed to global sharing as the answer.  There will be promotion of interdependence and global sharing. And while the concept sounds and looks good on the surface, it is not founded on the truth. Sharing doesn’t negate the selfishness at the root of greed.  It doesn’t address anything about the basic essence of humanity.  Sharing does have a benefit, but to focus on sharing without the foundation of the gospel and surrender of self to the messiah, it is faulty.  It is just taking the principle found in the prosperity gospel and extending it. If all share, all prosper will be what is promoted.  For example, the show Oprah’s big give whole concept was ultimate prosperity comes through sharing.

    So, how does one really combat greed.  It all has to start with the Gospel. It has to start with the answer of our selfishness and moving beyond our own self-interest and toward surrender to the King of Kings.  It involves accepting where God has us in life.  God’s word states in I Timothy 66-12(NIV):  6.But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7.For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8.But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9.People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.10.For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.11.But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.12.Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

   Contentment is clearly a biblical key to individual dealing with greed.  We all need to rest in being able to manage all things through the strength of Jesus, not our own strength as shown in Phillipians 4:12-13 (NIV):   12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.13: I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

    Now we are called to share and be generous (2 Corinthians 9) and doing so is contrary to the principles of greed. It is not a compulsion with true giving being a response tothe recognition of the gift of grace, not for ultimate gain. When we are truely generous, God is pleased, because true generosity is giving from beyond our self. We are each incapable of giving beyond our own selfishness without living in surrender to Jesus the Messiah. 

The Vince Young Saga: The trouble with men and emotion.

     This past week was an eventful one for Vince Young, Quarterbackof the Tennessee Titans.  He gets booed during their game this past week and refuses to return to the game. When he does return he ends up suffering from a knee injury. He fails to show up for MRI Monday according to the news and  concerned others enough to send the police out looking for him.  He apparently left with access to a gun as well. 

      Certainly there is plenty worth commenting about here regarding this situaion.  First of all, let me point out that depression is serious. It is very common for people suffering depression to enter into denial, and it seems to be the case here with Vince minimizing the events.  First of all, it is important to note that if you ever suspect someone may be a danger to themself, you always need to act on that suspicion.  If you don’t and they were really a danger to themself and did something to harmselfs, such a decision would long be regretted.  So the fact that Vince was not a danger to himself doesn’t mean his family and coach did not act appropriately.  It also doesn’t mean he wasn’t experiencing depression.

    Vince has displayed sensitivity before. He is reported to have asked out of a play off game last year.  Vince didn’t handle being booed at all.  Now I don’t know much about Vince Young’s history and background. It is not uncommon for people to have exeprienced accolades and success all their life, to once encounter difficulties, to become insecure and depressed.  Some people handle pressure well, some do not. 

     Vince Young’s response in fact is probably not unlike most American men when faced with difficulty.  Emotions for men are generally something that gets in the way of getting things done.  Perhaps, Vince Young is less able to shut down his emotional responses and lacks effective emotion regulatiion skills. Most men lack effective emotion regulation skills and will turn readily to compulsive things such as alcohol, drugs, and sex.  These things are rampanant through out society and ways ultimately people seek to establish some form of peace in their life. 

     Vince Young is really not that different other then has made choices that have displayed his internal struggles.  Most men have learned to hide what is going on emotionally. We need the warrior mindset. We emotionally are often like the Black Knight in Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail and supposed to keep on fighting regardless of seriousness of wounds and even when it is well beyond our capacity.

    Now when you get beyond the normal male emotional repression and add on complicated factors such as depression and denial, you end up with what can be a recurring cycle of emotional responses.  A difficulty will present such as getting booed, a reactive response will happen, followed by later re-evaluating and minimizing the concerns.  The dark mood gets “worked” through temporarily but the deep issues are never resolved.

     Vince Young clearly at a deep level displays concerns about others reactions to him.  He liked being the hero.  Being the one everyone looked up to.  He seems not to handle adversity well.  All sorts of reasons can play into this instability and varying ambivalence regarding playing the game of football.  His mood and reactions, if he doesn’t get help and work on improving self, may cost him his career in the long run, just as much as those that consistently turn to drugs and alcohol (ie. Travis Henry).

    Most men will examine this situation and ultimately look down on Vince Young, but he is not really all that different then the rest of us.  We all have differences in our tolerance levels. Some of us exhibit fear of man in more pronounced ways then others. We all though do struggle.

     In looking at my own life and struggles, I can certainly related. I have no idea what paths I would have taken if I personally didn’t have faith in Jesus as my Messiah.  It is so easy to turn to varied means of repressing emotions.  It is not an easy process to work through, and as a man, certainly worked hard at trying to “fix” myself. But ultimately we need help, we need other relationships, and we need to be able to get beyond ourselfs. We need to get beyond the point where responses  from others impact our daily moods.  

    As a Christian, I see the path for interpersonal peace to be found in Jesus.  Now that doesn’t mean that emotional problems and fears go away. It doesn’t mean I manage emotions perfectly, but rather that the key to may day to day well being is found first in submission to the King of Kings. It is being aware that when I have been my most selfish, the eternal punishment has been covered. It is knowing that I don’t have to fear any human reaction because I am secure in my relationship with God.  I pray that Vince Young gets to a point of peace, of true peace that can only be found in Jesus.

Christianity and Politics

 

Well the elections season is moving into full swing.  We have the candidates for president of United States lined up on both sides.  The usual political process will ensue and someone will be elected.  Folks will vote for the candidates who to them seem to fit their views best.  This year more than ever candidate’s religious views seem to be at the forefront. You have candidates professing to believe in Jesus as Messiah but coming from all different perspectives.  Is the espousing the belief in Jesus as Messiah truth, or a way to try and garner votes.  The balance of truth is somehow in the middle.  However, it does point to the fact that in the United States, those professing to be Christian do make of a good portion of the electorate.

      In viewing the political scene, it has been easy to develop a cynical view of how things operate in this country.  When one really analyzes both political parties, truth and error can be found in both.  Sometimes it seems like where the parties ultimately compromise is some position at the expense of the truth.  On the side of the Democratic Party, the truth they hold to is the looking out for the poor and disadvantaged. They hold to the importance of reaching out to those who cannot do so on their own.  One of the negatives of the party is that they emphasize individual choice and press toward accommodation and tolerance in the name of treating everyone fairly.  In terms of the Republican Party, there is a solid stand for building strong social morality.  The negative side is there is an emphasis on looking out for self over others.  Now, granted those characterizations are generalizations and the actual dynamics are far more complicated. It does break down to both sides standing for things that are true and that should be things a Christian values.  On the negative, they both present ways that self is elevated over others. No political party stands for the whole truth.

                So given this mix, what are Christian’s called to do regarding politics and the running of a country?  Christians are called to be salt and light to a culture.  However, as salt and light not just to be pointing out morality issues but ultimately be pointing the way to Jesus.  We are to stand for truth with the truth being found in Jesus.  We are to have the mindset of Colossians 3:1-2: Since then you have been raised with Christ set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  This is what God desires as well as Romans 13:1:  Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  We are consistently directed to submit to authority, however not at the expense of preaching the gospel.

                Now, that is not to say the Christians should not enter the political realm or be concerned with our government.  We are called to be salt and light, but we need to always be submitting to the King of Kings.  The Bible does show of people God put in positions of authority and called them to a specific task.  People like David, Daniel, Joseph, and Esther for example.  The Bible however, is also full of examples of people in power that become corrupted (Saul, Solomon) or are corrupt (Jeroboam, Ahab, Jezebel) but they always meet their judgment.  In this political process we don’t really know the true hearts of the men and women seeking office. Outward appearances can be deceiving, but regardless we can rest in knowing that those in authority are those God allows, to ultimately serve His purposes.

                However, the church in the United States of America currently seems obsessed with politics.  Part of the response to the cultural shifts in the sixties and seventies and essentially starting with the Ronald Reagan presidency was the formation of the “Christian Right” and a focus on Christians being involved with politics.   There are members and elements of the church that became obsessed with social morals and changing the society by passing what would be considered morally right laws. 

                This mindset came from the shifts that happened in the United States. Many Christians see the secularization of schools, the legalization of abortion and other societal ills as being a sign of the failure of the church to be salt and light.  Many out there even profess upcoming judgment on United States of America do to the lack of changing of moral laws.  The perspective is lost that change in laws will not change the hearts of people. We live in a day an age, that regardless of party, the focus on elevating the individual is emphasized.   The church in America has lost sight of the fact that true change comes not from political change through the establishment of law, but by changing hearts and minds of men and drawing others unto the Gospel.  We are always going to be looking after  our own interests.

                The most dangerous thing about politics is that it is about the acquisition of power.  As John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, first Baron Acton (1834–1902), once said “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men.” It is possible for people to start out with honorable intents and falter, much like Saul.  Even David, a man after God’s own heart, abused his power, committing murder.   Power is alluring.   Jesus was tempted with all power of all the kingdoms of the world, to turn his back on God’s plan.  So the problem with Christians entering into the political scene is the enticement of power to even do what would be considered “right” things, yet doing so as building own kingdom and not kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is not political change or change in the laws of man.  The kingdom of God is people living in surrender to Jesus.

                In terms of how we view this political process, the expectations, the fears, and the hopes in regards to the candidates for office we need to surrender our will the Jesus.  God is in control. There may be no righteous candidate; all may head things in the direction of evil. If this is so, God is still in control.  Now there are many other aspects one can explore and there will be other articles examining elements of Christianity and politics.  In essence we need to submit to God and keep our thoughts not on this life, but on things of God.  We need to ask ourselves what do we care most about, political change or the true change of hearts and minds that comes through the Gospel. 

New moral trend: heteroflexible

I recently came across this column on what is and it really gives evidence to the slippery slope the morality of our society. The article basically discusses a trend of girls kissing girls to attract men. This practice is being called being hetero-flexible.  It displays the trend toward focus on sexuality and sex as recreation. And yes, men find women kissing women attractive, there is something about it that is alluring.  Perhaps the visual stimulation that triggers arousal.  This trend is a symptom of doing what want and need to do to get what you want, which in this case is sexual interactions and arousal.  There maybe some who engage in practice simply to tease. 

     Regardless, we live in a world that engages in recreational sex. We live in  a world where people exchange physical intimacy for true intimacy.  We live in a world where the lines of what is publically acceptable keep being crossed. It is the world we live in. It is a sad thing.  It is sad to see what  should be the culmination of intimacy between two people and what results in two becoming one, relegated to recreation and a focus on seeking after physical pleasure. 

    The behavior being called hetroflexible simply relegates women to being objectified.  For the women who engage in the practice, they perhaps feel power in being able to trigger arousal and attention, but it is fleeting. 

    So the final question is how does a Christian respond? While the behavior is a sign of moral decay, it is a sign of people really longing to be loved. It is a sign of someone chasing after temporary pleasures and power.  It is a sign of someone deep down needs to be shown the true love of Jesus that is unconditional and gets beyond the woundedness that stems from the sexual pursuits. A Christian, if aware of someone engaging in such practice can point out the negatives of the behavior but should never do so in a condeming way. It is simply unhealthy behavior that will it may bring a temporary pleasure, in the end just leads to emptiness.

The fall of Duante Culpepper

Here we are about to kick of the 2008 NFL football season and quarterback Duante Culpeppper is without a team.  Duante has been allowed to plead his case at www.profootballtalk.com.  In his plea, he indicates he was been told that he has been unable to be signed because he is representing himself and teams are only willing to offer him veterans minimum.  Duante doesn’t want to accept either fact judging by the content of his plea.  He also bemoans the fact that he now has to wait for a starter somewhere to get injured before any chance of signing with a team. 

     The point of this article is to look at how Duante got to this point. The start goes to the events of the 2005 season.  He started off the year requesting a contract extension. New Vikings owner Zygi Wilf agreed to an extension and worked with his agent on a 10 year 100 million dollar contract extention.  Duante was now the man for the Minnesota Vikings after Randy Moss had been trade away during the 2004 season.  During the 2005 season, Duante suffered a catostrophic knee injury to his Anterior and Posterior Cruciate ligaments.  At the end of the 2005 season, coach Mice Tice was fired and coach Brad Culpepper was hired. Duante apparently became upset that there were no guaruntees to him in his ten year contract. He subsequently fired his agent and began an acrimonious relationship with the Minnesota Vikings the intent of which was to get traded.

     He was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins, who chose him over Drew Brees.  Beyond expections, Duante started for Miami that year, but did so highly ineffectively and played only 4 games.  He signed with the Oakland Raiders last year, started 6 games to average results and not resigned. 

     So what are the factors leading Duante Culpepper to be an unsigned quarterback.  The biggest issue is see is pride. He expects the teams to negotiate on his terms and seems unwilling to do what he needs to do to prove himself by taking a Veteran’s minimum salary contract.  He is unwilling to accept the current NFL salary structure and has shown little flexability.  His performance levels since his injury have not matched his on field performance, which shows he has lost what was a previous strenght, his mobility.  So the fall of Duante comes down to unmet expectations and being inflexible and unwilling to due what it takes to regain trust and prove himself. 

    Now we can learn some lessons from Duante.  When things unexpected happen we need to learn to find ways to abapt and be flexible. Things do not always work out like we expect. If one becomes rigid in demands or expectations we can end up with nothing.  It also is helpful to know exactly what you agree to when making important decisions.  Many people have been hurt by simply trusting others who in turn may be looking out for their interests over and above your own. 

    Christianity also adds a perspective, we need to focus on today and what God has for us. We need not get caught up in putting off what God asks of us, because we never know what tomorrow brings. This is clearly spelled out in James 4:13-17 (NIV) 13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.

     Another important concept is the Biblical concept of contentment.  We have great difficulty sometimes being content with where we are in life, and can often fall into the temptation to seek after more.  We forget the admonition in 1 Timothy 1: 6,7 (NIV) 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. We tend to often operate from chronic discontentment.  If we have to  little, we complain and focus on what we don’t have, if we have a lot, we tend to want more. The key to contentment is surrender to and dependence on the King of Kings as highlighted in Philippians 2:11-13 (NIV) 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. The everything that consists of contentment is dependent not on our strength, but the strengt God gives to us.  God gives us the ability to accept our situation. Now granted, being content does not mean not having goals and not acting on them, it means to stayed surrendered to Him, that even in the completion or failure of goals, we can be content. And when we are surrender to the King of Kings, our goals are His goals and building His kingdom, and when self is out of the way, there is no need for discontent.      So the fall of Duante and how he got to be where he is today gives us reason to examine self and see if we have unrealistic expections, to see if we are rigid and inflexible, to see if we are looking for more and not content and goals focus on self-expansion versus surrender to the King of Kings. Duante, like many of us, shows an inability to surrender due to having an intecessor fail him.  In Christianity, we view Jesus as our intercessor, and agent.  When we try and do things on our own, we fail even our own expectation.