Sunday, August 19, 2007

Reform Period.

Is the reform that is needed for the church today equivalent to that of the Protestant Reformation in Germany and England in the 1500-1600s?

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Two Parties.

My political stance is notated as "unassociated." I cannot say that I am Republican for I do not adhere to all that Republicanism is. I cannot say that I am Democrat for I do not adhere to all that Democratism is. I suppose by default that I would be Independent even though I am not essentially independent from any group, community, coalition, or partnership. Why must our nation's political system be constrained to a two party system? If one is not Republican or Democrat it is next to impossible to have the monetary system of support to be elected into a major office. Monetary support and campaigning is a whole different issue.

Friday, August 10, 2007

Uncomfortable Habit.

"The longer you look at Jesus, the more you will want to serve him in this world. That is, of course, if it's the real Jesus you're looking at. Plenty of people in the church and outside it have made up a 'Jesus' for themselves, and have found that this invented character makes few real demands on them. He makes them feel happy from time to time but doesn't challenge them, doesn't suggest they get up and do something about the plight of the world. Which is, of course, what the real Jesus had an uncomfortable habit of doing."

N.T. Wright. Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship.

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Freedom and/or Apple Pie.

A post from my previous site on January 4, 2006:

last night: trouble sleeping. tired but restless. sleepy but sleepless. hopeful that the pseudo-life of a motion picture could distract my mind enough to allow at least a few hours of rest. morgan freeman, however, captivated my attention once again in the shawshank redemption. and god captivated my attention when "the warden" gave "andy" an apple pie. apple pie. andy and red had a sense of freedom when they ate apple pie or shared a beer in the open air on the roof during a work break. it was like a taste of freedom. i started thinking about apple pie - with a cup of coffee. i could sit and enjoy apple pie and coffee whenever i want - as long as i make the time to sit and enjoy. the same with a baked potato - the skin rolled in salted, melted butter with fresh steamed brocolli and bacon on top. i rolled over in bed to admire my wife sleeping. suddenly, i was free. suddenly, i could sleep.

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Life.

Life :: To live is Jesus.
The life of Jesus resulted in the torturous Roman penalty of death by affixion of the body with metal nails to large wooden beams. To live is to be crucified, which is, to die. To die is to live for death echoes the life of Jesus and fulfills the completion of life. The "American," "inalienable" "right" to life is in actuality a right to death so long as the individual is a follower of Jesus. For the follower of Jesus is essentially a citizen of the kingdom of God only and prior to any earthly institution of empire or religion.

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Justice Defined.

What is justice? (I almost posted an image but chose not to at the risk of inadvertently informing opinions, thoughts, and ideas on justice).

Matthew 5:38-48, NASB

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone want to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only you brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."