…or next week…or next week…or next week…

Until next week…

in your corner will be postponed until next Wednesday. Our family welcomed the birth of our new baby girl! We are taking time to get used to our new life together!

Thanks for reading and we will see you next week!

2007 Mtv Video Music Awards

It has been several weeks since Mtv hosted their annual Video Music Awards. Most of the discussions have stopped and the articles and commentaries are no longer being written about it. The Video Music Awards (VMAs) are often quickly forgotten until the next year when a slew of new bands and their music videos are analyzed, praised, and rewarded. So why is it necessary to continue to think about the show when everyone else has already moved on?

The VMAs exist because a multi-million dollar company (Mtv) understands what fascinates our culture. We must remember that there is more being communicated about our culture during the VMAs than simply what music videos are popular. For example, the performances and stage backdrops and camera work were all done with attention to quality because our culture values excellence. The event was portrayed as a giant party held throughout the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada because our culture values joy, fun, and excitement. The commercials featured gas-efficient cars and computer-generated avatars because our culture values technology and the environment. The Mtv relationship-based dramas “The Hills,” “Newport Harbor,” “The Real World Sydney,” and “A Shot at Love With Tila Tequilla” were previewed throughout the commercial breaks because our culture values personal relationships.

The VMAs are important because they openly display the symptoms of an underlying ethical dilemma faced when a culture gives up on revealed truth. We know from the Bible that it is no surprise our culture prizes excellence, fun, joy, excitement, technology, the environment, and relationships. These values are inherently designed in our being because we were created in the image of a superiorly-excellent (Psalm 150:2), joyfully-exuberant (1 Timothy 1:11), technologically-advanced (Ezekiel 1), and environmentally-friendly (Isaiah 65:17-25) God.

However, a dilemma arises when these natural desires become the standard by which our culture decides right and wrong. When desire becomes the accepted cultural ethic havoc inevitably follows without a peaceful solution. This ethic provides the rationale behind featuring the socially-conscious performance of Kanye West and commercials for the environmentally-friendly designs of the new Chevy cars alongside previews for the upcoming Mtv drama highlighting the bi-sexual experimentations of Tila Tequilla. This ethic also allows Mtv to honor hip-hop producer Dr. Dre, who is notorious for his violent, drug-filled lyrics, while pausing for a commercial break pleading for a drug-free America. Popular culture cannot acknowledge this disparity because being conscientious and environmentally-friendly while intoxicated and sexually curious falls under the same accepted cultural ethic. Our culture’s dilemma arises when dealing with the tons of environmentally-unfriendly garbage produced by the VMAs main sponsors (Taco Bell, Pepsi, Herbal Essences) and the broken families hidden behind the sexualized glamour of Mtv’s dramas; while at the same time, refusing to change the cultural ethic responsible for these problems. Unfortunately, until our culture adopts a biblical ethic, this dilemma will continue to exist. In the meantime, the VMAs will never be awarded for moral consistency.   

 Next Wednesday: Halo 3

Mother Teresa

Several weeks ago, Time magazine featured a cover story on the recently discovered correspondence of Mother Teresa. These letters were gathered and published in a new book entitled Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light. In these letters, Mother Teresa revealed a deep crisis of faith she suffered under for nearly half a decade; a period marked by intense doubting and wrestling with the very existence of God. Mother Teresa’s crisis of faith has raised many questions about religion and spirituality in our culture.

From a Protestant perspective, Mother Teresa stands as a spiritual anomaly. Most evangelical Christians simply do not know what to do with her. On the one hand, Mother Teresa’s Catholic beliefs are seen by many Protestants as troublesome and even contradictory to the Bible’s teachings about the gospel and salvation. Protestants are especially hesitant to affirm the Catholic stance on church government, the life of Mary, purgatory, indulgences, and the sacraments. On the other hand, Mother Teresa’s life encapsulated the kind of humility and service to the poor and dying missed among a majority of Protestant believers. Her ministry to the destitute of Calcutta, India for over 60 years seemed to capture the essence of pure religion as described in the letter of James. (James 1:27) So, to hear about Mother Teresa’s crisis of faith affirms for some her misunderstanding about the gospel, while for others, confirms the reality of spiritual doubt for all people of faith, even Christians.

How we think about the ministry of Mother Teresa reveals what we believe about biblical salvation. The reason people love Mother Teresa is because she gives us a reason to believe we can be good enough to please God. However, we must take into consideration the hard teachings of Jesus.

Jesus explains that although it is good to serve the poor, it must always be done in reference to the gospel. (Mark 14:3-9) Giving the poor supplies and prolonging the life of the dying only puts off judgment for a time. We must remember that the poor and dying are not innocent because of their suffering. Many times, God uses suffering to reveal people’s desperate sinfulness. Poverty and death may drive some to seek Him, but for others it becomes the excuse to turn away from Him in bitterness. The work of Mother Teresa was a great tragedy if she did not help dying people escape the Second Death. (Revelation 20:11-15)

The Bible teaches us that helping the poor is not enough to find acceptance with God. Jesus reminds us there will be many who perform benevolent and sacrificial works of charity in His name who will not go to heaven because they did not trust in what Jesus Christ has already done, but instead trusted in what they attempted to do to please God. (Matthew 7:21-23) It is not our place to determine what Mother Teresa’s crisis of faith revealed about her relationship with God. It is our place to avoid the crisis of faith that may come when we stand before God and realize we spent our entire lives serving the idol of our own faithfulness.

Next Wednesday: Mtv Video Music Awards

Maroon 5

The biggest jump in history up the Billboard music charts occurred recently with Maroon 5’s hit song “Makes Me Wonder.” The song debuted at #84 and quickly moved to #1 in only a few short weeks. “Makes Me Wonder” has also enjoyed the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot Digital music chart and the Pop 100. It ranks fifth place in current single sales.

With so much marketing success and repetitive airplay, “Makes Me Wonder” is obviously a song of significant impact in our culture. The song’s catchy sound has contributed to its popular appeal, as well as its message. The lyrics of “Makes Me Wonder” portray both the fascination and frustration of our society’s approach to sexuality.

The music video of “Makes Me Wonder” highlights the alluring appeal of indulgent sexuality. As the lead singer walks through an airport terminal on his way to board a flight, everywhere he looks he receives provocative glances from attractive flight attendants and airport workers. The video builds as he makes his way to the security gate where in the final scenes he is given a full body check by the roaming hands of several female security guards. The video concludes showing the lead singer falling asleep as his flight lifts off into the sky, reducing the message of the video into nothing more than a display of pure sexual appeal and promiscuity.

It would appear Maroon 5 has something to exciting to offer us in their approach to sexual expression. However, the lyrics to “Makes Me Wonder” present a much different picture than the video. The lyrics record the thoughts of someone internally wrestling with the choices they have made after a night of unrestraint. This person is trying to recollect what happened the night before and now is beginning to deal with the emptiness of their choices. The only conclusion the person arrives at is to admit the futility of this kind of lifestyle and push whoever they were with the night before away. The chorus reveals this regret with the words: “Give me something to believe in/ Cause I don’t believe in you anymore/ Anymore/ I wonder if it even makes a difference to try/ So this is goodbye.” Clearly, what seemed like a good idea in the moment now has brought intense guilt, regret, and loss.

Maroon 5’s “Makes Me Wonder” is more than a flashy video and a catchy song. It represents a portrait of the confusion our culture embraces when dealing with sexuality and relationships. Our culture promotes the excitement of a lifestyle spent pursuing passion and sexual fulfillment, as seen in the video; while at the same time crying out desperately for relief from the consequences and futility of these same pursuits, as heard in the lyrics.

A clinical diagnosis would conclude that our culture has descended into madness. Unfortunately, this madness will continue as long as we believe promiscuity provides lasting satisfaction. The only hope many cling to is the fleeting desperation that some day sin won’t hurt anymore. In the meantime, our culture will prefer the expenses of enjoying sin over the riches of knowing Jesus Christ. It is no wonder that the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

Next Wednesday:  Mother Theresa

Michael Vick

 The Atlanta Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick recently pleaded guilty to dogfighting charges. Alongside three other co-defendents, Vick admitted to financing and running Bad Newz Kennels, an organization stationed on Vick’s home property which trains dogs specifically for fighting. The co-defendents also conceded to putting several dogs to death by hanging and drowning because of underperformance. All of these men face federal charges, especially Vick himself, who has also put his professional football career in jeopardy.

The focus of the Vick case is often put on both the cruelty of Vick’s actions towards the animals and the innocence of the animal’s themselves. We see this focus especially when the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) show up to demonstrate against Michael Vick during his case. What groups like PETA want to do is assert the rights of the animals over the abuse Vick and his co-defendents displayed against them. PETA is right in denouncing the behaviors of Vick and the Bad Newz Kennels. Clearly, what they have done is wrong.

However, the question we must ask is why are they wrong? We could say Vick and his men were wrong because abuse is wrong in and of itself regardless who or what it is against. Or, we could say Vick and his men were wrong because of who they abused–i.e. innocent and defenseless dogs. Either way, to state that Michael Vick and his co-defendents were wrong in the way they treated their dogs reveals something very critical about how we view ourselves and the world around us.

First, the Vick case shows us there is a distinct difference between Michael Vick and his dogs. Humans have a different accountability to right and wrong than animals do. This difference is hard to explain from an evolutionary point of view. If humans are unique and distinct from animals, then we can exercise meaningful justice. However, if Vick is nothing more than the advanced product of evolution, then it is difficult to explain why his actions were wrong while what the dogs did to each other were not.

Second, the Vick case reminds us that justice requires an objective, external standard of right and wrong. Attempts have been made to justify Vick’s actions by pointing to the cruelty of game hunting, slaughterhouses, and medical experimentation on animals. However, whether Vick is wrong or game hunting is wrong, it is impossible to be a consistent relativist when demanding justice.

The Vick case highlights the inherent dignity of Michael Vick as a human being. Vick was not simply wrong because of the way he treated his dogs. He was wrong because he defaced the goodness of God by abusing his responsibility over his dogs as a divine image-bearer. (Gen 1:26-30) As a result, Michael Vick’s actions dehumanized him because he was acting in direct contradiction to how he was created. Ironically, Michael Vick’s cruelty towards his dogs turned him into nothing more than an animal.

Second Life

The phenomenon of online gaming and virtual Internet interaction is gaining significant influence in our worldwide culture. An article in the Wall Street Journal recently reported on the impact these virtual realities are having on our society. The article noted that there are around 30 million people involved in online gaming within virtual worlds. One such site called Second Life boasts over eight million registered users.

Second Life allows users to enter into a virtual world where they can create and control an online personality. Many of the features of Second Life mirror the characterisitics of real life. The article notes that within Second Life users can get jobs, attend concerts, own pets, pay mortgages, or any number of other activities experienced in reality. Second Life users can form long-term friendships and enjoy dating relationships with other users. In fact, as the article reports, it is common to find users getting married, divorced, and engaging in cyber sex.

What is the fascination with virtual worlds such as Second Life? Why engage in activities in a virtual world that create stress and anxiety in the real world? As the article reports, the draw of online gaming is the fulfillment people often find in a virtual world that is missing in their real worlds. A study featured in the article highlights the fact that almost half of online users said “their virtual friends were equal to or better than their real-life friends.” The wife of one gamer was quoted as saying that the world of Second Life is such an incredible draw for those who play because it “is so wonderful; it’s better than real life. Nobody gets fat, nobody gets gray.”

What Second Life is really pretending to offer is a world free from the effects of the Fall. Users can create an ideal persona and navigate and interact with other users in a place where they do not experience any of the disease, disappointment, or decay of real life. However, even the sanitized virtual world of Second Life cannot escape the inevitable influence of sin its fallen users import into the game. For example, one Second Life gamer featured in the article named Ric Hoogestraat spends many hours in the online world managing a virtual strip club, designing women’s underwear, and interacting with his virtual wife operated by a woman named Janet Spielman. Although Hoogestraat has never met Spielman in person, the time he spends with her character online has created a rift in his real marriage. Because the woman behind Hoogestraat’s virtual wife is a real person, some people, including his actual wife, feel that the line between the virtual world and the real world has been crossed; and therefore, charge him with adultery. Virtual worlds like Second Life lure players like Hoogestraat into believing there is a place where immorality can be enjoyed without consequences. However, the actual damage often occurs in the real world.

Our love for online gaming reveals to us our inherent longing for the Garden. Virtual worlds imitate the purity of life before the Fall by pretending to remove the immediate consequences of sin. However, we must remember we will not find an ideal world apart from the crucifixion. The cross guarantees for us a coming new world removed of every hint of sin. (Rom 8:18-30) In the meantime, everything we touch will continue to be affected by sin–even it is by the click of a mouse.

The Bridge in Minneapolis

In August of this year, a major bridge carrying rush hour traffic collapsed into the Mississippi River. Fortunately, the death toll was not as extensive as it could have been, but the intensity of this tragedy is just as serious. How do we as Christians respond to tragedies such as this one? How do we minister to those directly affected by a tragedy? How do we individually wrestle with the tragedies affecting our own lives?

We must begin by embracing a certain amount of mystery. Although the Bible is not silent about tragedy, it does not give us detailed explanations for the purposes behind specific catastrophes we experience every day. We have to be careful we do not assume the role of a prophet when God has not revealed directly to us His plans and purposes concerning the specific events we witness. As we minister to those affected by suffering and tragedy, we need to remember that people tend to struggle emotionally well before they struggle theologically. A well-balanced response on our part involves a genuine concern for the hurting motivated by four essential biblical truths about tragedy in our world.

1. The sovereignty of God. The book of Hebrews reveals that Jesus Christ holds the universe together by His word. (Heb 1:3) What this reminds us is that tragedies do not take God by surprise. He is in charge of the universe and He has a purpose for everything that happens whether we understand it or not.

2. The goodness of God. Nothing that happens in our world can take away from the goodness of God. It is essential to who He is. Therefore, although the horrifying nature of tragedy can appear to put a shadow over His goodness, Romans 8:28 teaches us that God uses even the greatest evil to establish an even greater good.

3. We live in a fallen world. Romans 8:19-23 teaches us that the creation is in bondage to decay. In other words, tragedies will continue to take place until the end of time. We should not be surprised when they happen; we should be thankful they don’t happen more often.

4. It will not always be this way. The book of Revelation reminds us that a time is coming when there will be no more pain or suffering or catastrophes. (Rev 21:4) Not only did Christ’s work on the cross satisfy the wrath we deserve for our sin, but it guaranteed the final redemption of the entire creation. Tragedies shock us out of our fascination with this world and create in us a longing for heaven by forcing us to cling to the Gospel. As Jesus reminds us, it is not the temporary catastrophes we experience in this life that should cause us concern, but the eternal catastrophe of facing God without repentance of sin. (Luke 13:1-5)

We must affirm each of these four truths in order to arrive at a biblical response to tragedy and suffering. Together, these truths act as four sides of a frame. When we step back to look at a picture of tragedy, such as the collapsed bridge in Minneapolis, what will slowly emerge within the four-sided frame of biblical truth is a masterpiece of the glory of God.

The Capital G

It is easy to criticize Nine Inch Nails for their blatant profanity, controversial reputation, and anti-Christian content, but what do we do when the band’s lyrics contain accurate observations about the relationship between one’s view of God and one’s reaction towards society? Consider the song entitled “Capital G.”

Written and sung by frontman Trent Reznor, “Capital G” confronts the misplaced concerns of our Western culture. Amidst all of the social commentary, the chorus rings with a concise statement about God: “Well I used to stand for something/ Now I’m on my hands and knees/ Traded in my god for this war/ He signs his name with a capital G.”

It is important we identify who this “God” is that Reznor sings about. We know that along with surrendering all of his convictions, he also has given up on this “God.” In fact, he has traded in his “God” for the war, which from the context of the other lyrics seems to refer to the current war with Iraq/terrorism. (It is possible that Reznor could be making an additional allusion to President George Bush as the one doing the name-signing, who consequently many elevated to semi-Messianic proportions due to his evangelical faith.) This “God” is really no different or unique from any other god. However, he still retains a limited authority. On the one hand, he is a “God” who is to be respected and followed as represented by the capital ‘G’ in his name, but on the other hand, he is really worthless–worthless enough to be simply traded in for something else.

At this point, we must note how Reznor’s vision of God fits into the context of the rest of the song. What we find is a direct connection between Reznor’s lack of confidence in his “God” and his confrontational attitude towards society. Reznor spends the entirety of the song dismissing various cultural agendas such as the political process, global warming, and the abuse of power. What we must see behind all of these cultural criticisms is a singular, clear affirmation. After having given up on his convictions and traded in his “God,” all he has left is himself. He is the only one who matters. He is the only one who asserts power.

The anxiety bands like Nine Inch Nails produce for many Christians, besides the obvious vulgarity, is that they put the Christian God in the same category with ever other false god. However, we must consider that there is some truth to what Reznor is saying. If the “God” we follow is worthless enough to be given up on and traded in for something else, than he never was really “God” in the first place and all we are left with is ourselves. If left to ourselves, than all we can do is assert our own power against the prevailing attitudes of the surrounding culture. However, if the “God” we follow truly exists and has revealed himself as the One who is God above all other gods and worhty to be praised (Deut 10:17, Psalm 96), than to trade him in is nothing short of idolatry. What Nine Inch Nails demands of us is clarity about our belief in God. We must be certain about who he is–not just how he signs his name.

1984

 

Many of you will have to read 1984 by the time you reach college. Although the world of 1984 may seem strange to us, many of its characteristics can be seen and heard throughout our culture today. Consider, for example, the term used throughout the book known as “doublethink.”

“Doublethink” is used to describe how the people of Oceania convince themselves to believe whatever “Big Brother” tells them to be true, even if it is completely denied minutes later. As the author George Orwell writes, “Doublethink means the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them…to deny the existence of objective reality and all the while to take account of the reality which one denies.” (214) Though we do not live under the constant watch of “Big Brother”, nevertheless we are surrounded by people who use “doublethink” all the time.

The challenge for us as Christians is to identify “doublethink” when we see it. Our friends are not going to give us a commentary about what they are thinking. They are not going to stop us in the middle of a conversation and announce, “Okay, I am about to say something that completely contradicts what I just said a minute ago. But don’t worry–I believe both statements to be true.” Instead, they are going to be much more subtle. They are going to say they believe everything Jesus taught, but then turn around and deny His teachings by pointing to Karma to explain their recent string of bad luck. They are going to say that every religion points us to the same God, while strongly condemning what the 9/11 terrorists did in the name of God. They are going to say that right and wrong are decided individually, while they text message their friends about how wrong it was for their boyfriend to cheat on them.

“Doublethink” can not be addressed with a few well-reasoned arguments. Instead, we must get below the surface of what our friends are really saying. People use “doublethink” when wrestling with the guilt of their sin. We know that our friends will continue to sin because they are enslaved to it. (John 8:34) All the while, their conscience will continually remind them of their guilt for having done wrong. (Romans 2) In order to ease their guilt, people will be willing either to deny reality or change the nature of the circumstances to justify themselves. The reality of our sin is that even the smallest offense deserves God’s judgment. When your friends try to justify their sins by pointing to the many others who commit the same sins, they are using “doublethink” in an attempt to get around the judgment they know they deserve.

When we study the Bible, God is pointing out how each of us is tempted to use “doublethink” in dealing with our sins. All of us want to deny what is true about God when we are wrong, and affirm what is true about God when we are right. We share the Gospel with our friends because we know their only remedy for guilt comes when they affirm what was always true about God: that His Son came and died to show how He could be right to forgive those who have done wrong.