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U2 and Man's Need for the Gospel

2009-10-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me or have read this blog probably know that I am a big fan of the band U2. This past week I had the opportunity to attend a U2 concert in Atlanta and, as always, it was pretty amazing. While I have loved all of the U2 concerts I have been to over the years (this was my fourth), this show resurrected some lingering concerns I have had about the band's faith and how they communicate that faith through their music and their lives. In particular, I am troubled by how Bono (the lead singer of U2) seems to minimize and confuse man's need for the gospel.

Now I am convinced that Bono (the lead singer of U2) is a Christian who understands and believes the gospel. In fact, there is a lot of evidence that the other three members of U2 (The Edge, Larry Mullen Jr., and Adam Clayton) are also Christians. They understand the problem of their sin and guilt before God, and they know their only hope of forgiveness and salvation is in Jesus Christ and him crucified. I won't take time to prove they believe all of this, but surveying the lyrics of songs like "Gloria," "40," "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," "Where the Streets Have No Name," "Grace," "Yahweh," "Magnificent," and "White as Snow" is a good place to start. Perhaps even more helpful is a book by Steve Stockman (a Presbyterian minister in Ireland) entitled, "Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2," which is something of a religious biography of the band (and a well-rounded defense of the claim that they really are Christians).

But while I am convinced that Bono both understands and believes the basic message of the gospel, there are aspects of his faith and life which I find troubling. For instance, Bono has said and done things that do not reflect the new life in Christ which he claims. I think he summarized his thoughts on this well in one telling line from the song "I'll Go Crazy if I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" in which he says, "The right to be ridiculous is something I hold dear. Oh, the change of heart comes slow." Perhaps more troubling to me as a pastor is his very low view of the Church as an institution. U2 does have a "personal pastor" who travels with them on tour, but Bono is not a member (or regular attender) of a local church. Now to a certain extent this is understandable since Bono grew up in Dublin, Ireland witnessing first-hand the deep tension and division that arose from rival Christian institutions. In fact, this tension was played out in his own home: Bono's mother was Protestant and his father was Catholic! To borrow Michael Horton's categories, he is happy to see the Church as "a people," but has a very hard time accepting the idea that the Church is "a place." As he once said in a Christianity Today interview, "I think religion gets in the way of God."

However, the most troubling aspect of Bono's faith and life (and the thing I have been struggling to articulate for some time), is his tendency to minimize and confuse man's need for the gospel. Once again, I am convinced that Bono believes the gospel and is a Christian. But it seems to me that his socio-political activism tends to either minimize the importance of the gospel (at best) or confuse the content of the gospel (at worst). As you probably know, Bono is passionate about things like human rights, pacifism, the fight against AIDS, and debt-relief for the poorest nations. But I think that his passion for these causes is becoming confused with his understanding of the gospel. I am concerned that his theology (at least at is portrayed in his music and interviews) is often too "universalistic" (seeing all religions as ways to God) and "liberationist" (seeing the main purpose of Christianity as the cause of social justice).

Now I am not saying that the gospel is totally unrelated to things like war and sickness. Remember, Jesus himself called us to love our enemies (Matt. 5:44) and he healed the sick (Mark 2:1-12). So the question isn't whether socio-political causes are related to the gospel, or to the Church, or to the mission of God on earth - the question is how they are related to these things.

We must understand that things like violence, sickness, hunger, and debt are merely symptoms of a deeper problem: man's sin. If we give the majority of our time and attention to addressing the symptoms without addressing the disease itself (sin), we are not only wasting our time - we are missing the heart of the gospel. Why does man need the gospel? Why does man need God? Because he is oppressed? Because he is at war? Because he is hungry? Because he is sick? Because he is poor? No. Man needs the gospel because he is a sinner. The gospel solves the problem of sin - it solves the problem of my sin. Jesus didn't die on the cross because he loved peace and prosperity - he died on the cross because he loved his people.

There are many who think that Christianity needs to "get past" its narrow focus on personal salvation and increase its efforts to feed the hungry and free the oppressed. Bono, I think, is one of them (and interestingly, this article in today's Houston Chronicle draws a similar conclusion). And I don't think he should get a "free pass" on this crucial theological issue just because he is one of the world's biggest celebrities.

Lessons from an Ordination Service

2009-09-29T13:08:00.001-07:00

This past Sunday evening I had the great priviledge of being ordained by the Savannah River Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America and installed as the Assistant Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Pooler, Georgia.

The service was encouraging in several ways - seeing the fruit of years of study and preparation, being reminded of the promises associated with being set apart by God for gospel ministry, and having many family members present to witness and participate in the service. I was especially priviledged to have my wife's grandfather, John Buswell (son of J. Oliver Buswell), give me a memorable charge from 1 Timothy 4.

But the service was also incredibly sobering - especially in taking solemns vows to be faithful to my pastoral duties and to the high standards of conduct which ought to accompany my personal life. In many ways, I will not be able to keep these ordination vows. I am not perfect and I will fail at times - in my theology, in my ministry, and in my personal life. And so my ordination has directed my heart afresh to Christ, the gospel, and the nature of pastoral ministry.

In 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (a passage my father read in my service), Paul admits that he came to the Corinthians with at least one weakness and one sin. His weakness was his lack of skill in public speaking. And his sin was his struggle with the fear of man. But rather than disqualifying him from pastoral ministry, Paul says these things would ultimately serve to point to the work of the Holy Spirit and to God's sovereign power. In God's sovereignty, he uses weak men like Paul (and to a more extreme degree, men like me) to show that the pastor's ministry is really Christ's ministry - it is HIS Word that is to be preached, in HIS power, and for HIS glory.

Paul's understanding of pastoral ministry wasn't given to condone a careless ministry and a licenteous lifestyle, but to show that the final success of all ministry is determined by Christ, not by men. I will fail for I have many weaknesses and sins (and I must be held accountabe for those things), but God has promised to do his work through me (and even despite me, at times) for his glory. As Paul's benediction from Ephesians 3 says (which I used in my service): "Now to him who is able to do abundantly more than all we can ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus, through all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Update

2009-09-15T03:44:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that it's been over two months since I've posted anything on this blog...sorry about that.

These past months have been filled with some of the busiest and most blessed weeks of my life! In mid-July I took both written and oral ordination exams (which, by God's help and grace, I passed). And on July 31st my family and I finally arrived here in Pooler, Georgia.

I began my work as the Assistant Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Pooler in mid-August and it has been a great blessing and encouragement so far. I am thrilled to be doing the work that God has called me to - ministering his Word in public worship and in private settings, praying with and for the congregation, and continually pointing people to the power and wisdom of Christ and him crucified (1 Cor. 1:23-24). And I can't imagine a better place to carry out this calling than at FPCP! My family and I have been greatly encouraged by the congregation and church officers and are looking forward to all that God has for us in the coming years.

I hope to continue updating this blog several times a week as I continue to learn, grow, and reflect on my calling to ministry and various things in music and culture. So please keep on reading!

The Poor Man's Way to Celebrate Calvin's Birthday

2009-07-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

As you probably have heard, today is the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin (born July 10, 1509). If I were rich, I would have attended the festivities in Geneva this week. But since I'm not a man of great means, I was excited to see that Desiring God has published T.H.L. Parker's (short) 1954 biography of Calvin titled, "A Portrait of Calvin." The paperback version is available on their website for $2.00 or you can download the book as a PDF for free!

Note: Ligon Duncan has some helpful comments on Parker's book here (HT: Justin Taylor).

New Album from the Getty's

2009-07-02T08:03:00.001-07:00

Things have been pretty busy for me and my family for the last two months (finishing up at WSC, packing our belongings, driving back to the Midwest, and now taking my ordination exams), but I thought I'd take just a moment to let you know that Keith and Kristyn Getty (authors of "In Christ Alone" and "The Power of the Cross") have just released a new album of contemporary hymns entitled, "Awaken the Dawn." I just got a copy for my birthday and am listening to it for the first time right now. You can read the lyrics and sample the audio on their website. I've really appreciated the Getty's music since it is not intended to be mere entertainment or personal listening, but for use in the Church's worship. While not all of their music is suitable for corporate worship (in my humble opinion), much of it is. Talented (and doctrinally educated) musicians like the Getty's are a real blessing for the Church today!

Headed to Georgia!

2009-04-30T11:27:00.001-07:00

As this recent announcement reveals, I recently accepted a call as the Assistant Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Pooler, Georgia. Erin and I are very excited about this opportunity and are grateful for the privilege of serving Christ and his Church in Georgia!

Something Incredible

2009-04-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't posted anything in nearly three months, it must take something incredible to force me back to my blog. This afternoon on the way home from school I found that "something incredible" - a review of a solo triangle album on NPR. Notice I said the review was incredible, not the album! Who could stand an hour of clanging metal - even if it is rhythmic?! You can check out the review (complete with clips from the album and an interview with its producer) here.

U2 Fever!

2009-01-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

This was a big day for U2 and their fans. The band gave their first (public) live performance in over a year and they released the first single from their new album, "No Line on the Horizon" (to be released on March 3rd)! You can check out U2's performance at Barack Obama's inaugural concert below and you can download the new single, "Get on Your Boots," by following this link to the song on iTunes. Enjoy!

Behold the Lamb of God

2008-12-25T14:07:00.000-08:00

Here's a nice performance of "Behold the Lamb of God," the title track of Andrew Peterson's excellent Christmas album.

Santa Claus and Christ: Incompatible Stories

2008-12-23T06:42:00.000-08:00

Here are two helpful posts on the radical difference between the Christ of Christmas and the Santa of Christmas. The first is by Sinclair Ferguson and deals with how the Scripture's teaching on the coming of Christ is antithetical to the cultural myth of Santa Claus. Here is an excerpt:

The Scriptures systematically strip away the veneer that covers the real truth of the Christmas story. Jesus did not come to add to our comforts. He did not come to help those who were already helping themselves or to fill life with more pleasant experiences. He came on a deliverance mission, to save sinners, and to do so He had to destroy the works of the Devil (Matt. 1:21; 1 John 3:8b).

The second is by Scott Clark and address how Christian parents ought to think about communicating the Santa story to their children. Here is an excerpt:

We decided not to tell our children that there was a Santa because we we did not want our children to suspect that we were liars. If we lied to them about Santa, why weren’t we lying about Jesus and the resurrection? Why weren’t we? After all, they had never seen Jesus. They only had a book, a story, and a story teller. Who can blame them for doubting?...Perhaps modern people believe so easily in the “death of God” because they learned a long time ago in the death of Santa?

It's Been a While...But Maybe That's a Good Thing!

2008-12-19T02:03:00.000-08:00

As you might have noticed, it's been well over a month since I've posted anything to this blog. Between finishing my semester at WSC, changing more diapers than I ever imagined, and trying to keep up with my various other responsibilities I simply haven't had time to attend to this blog. But maybe that's a good thing; it certainly is according to this rant by Carl Trueman:

To be blunt, the ability to set up your own blog site and having nothing better to do with your time than warble on incessantly about how clever you are and how idiotic are all those with whom you disagree—well, that does not actually make you eligible to be called a scholar. On the contrary, it rather qualifies you to be a self-important nincompoop, and the self-referential use of the title by so many of that ilk is at best absurd, at worst obnoxious.

So maybe I'm not a self-important nincompoop after all? What is for sure is that I am not a scholar, as Trueman's essay rightly observes.

The Economy, the Election, and Hyperbole

2008-11-05T21:04:00.000-08:00

Here is a very helpful piece by Sean Lucas on how our culture is speaking about the economy and the presidential election and why it matters. Interestingly, I read this post just a few minutes after reading this line from D.A. Carson's, "The Gagging of God" (1996):

The national discourse is taken up with economics, politics, entertainment figures, sports, disasters, occasionally international affairs, and crime - but nothing about God, very little about religion (except to snicker at its most painfully embarassing hypocrites and failures), not even very much about such concepts as truth, courtesy, civility, honor, duty, moral courage - all of which sound vaguely quaint and old-fashioned in our ears.

But is it really all that surprising that those with a small (or nonexistent) view of God and his providence place all their hopes and fears on their money and their leaders?

Possibility Thinking: The True Gospel?!

2008-10-30T05:53:00.000-07:00

Al Mohler has put together a good summary of the recent conflict between the Crystal Cathedral's Robert Schuller and his son, Robert Schuller II. Apparently the elder Schuller thinks his son has departed from the "true" gospel message, meaning he is preaching sermons that major on biblical themes and minor on self-esteem and positive thinking. While Mohler certainly exposes the core issue at stake, his summary is far too kind. For a more thorough and vigorous analysis of the false gospels that Schuller and other American "preachers" are promoting, check out Michael Horton's newest book, "Christless Christianity: The Alternative Gospel of the American Church."

Relating Our Knowledge and Experience to the Bible

2008-10-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

One of the most basic duties of a pastor is to help people understand how the Bible relates to their life. More specifically, folks need to know that the Bible has everything to do with what they know and what they experience in this life. Here is a great line on this very subject from John Broadus' classic homiletics text, "On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons" (1870):

Every kind of knowledge we gain should lead to further examination of that which is for us the center of knowledge, and the various experiences of life should be constantly bringing us back to find new meaning, strength, and consolation in God’s Word.

To be sure, this is easier said than done, but it must be so (Col 3:16)! Our thinking and our living must be primarily and radically shaped by Scripture!

"Religulous" is Agnoxious

2008-10-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

Comedian, satirist, and political pundit Bill Maher's latest rant on religion is a movie entitled "Religulous." Maher's basic goal is to show how ridiculous religion (and belief if God in general) is. Maher interviews various religious leaders who can't answer questions like, "If God exists, why doesn't he just speak audibly to everyone at once and let us know?" and "How can you believe in a talking snake?" Maher also visits various religious sites including the Vatican and The Holy Land Experience amusement park in Florida. Though I haven't seen the movie, I've seen enough clips and interviews (like this one with NPR's Terry Gross) to come up with a few basic thoughts about Maher and the movie.

First, Maher's claim that religious people can be ridiculous doesn't pose much of a threat to the viability of religion itself. While I am certainly a "religious" person in the sense that I believe the Bible to be authoritative and truthful and regularly participate in and lead activities in a local Christian church, I readily agree with Maher that much of what counts as "religion" is indeed ridiculous. In all fairness, Maher and director Larry Charles (of "Borat" fame) had a fairly easy task - it isn't too hard to find religious people who appear fanatical and refuse to defend or explain their faith as it relates to history, reason, or science. It isn't exactly ground-breaking to assert that religious people can be quite ridiculous in their beliefs and practices.

Second, Maher's critique of religious belief itself is far from neutral (as it claims to be). Maher admits he is an agnostic - he doesn't know whether God exists or not and cannot understand how both atheists and religious folks can claim any certainty in the matter. But it is downright obnoxious, or shall we say, "agnoxious" how Maher assumes agnosticism is the only defensible view of God. He mocks the certainty of the religious belief with no restraint, all the while failing to look at the ironically certain nature of his uncertainty. This type of thinking may be comically defensible, but it is hardly intellectually defensible.

Third, Maher's mockery seems like an extravagant attempt to get "the idea of God" out of his head once and for all. In his interview with Larry King, Maher explained how he has worked long and hard to rid himself of "the idea of God." You can see Maher explain this here (scroll to the 4:40 mark). Sadly, Maher is exhibiting the very thing Paul discusses in Romans 1, specifically verse 18, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth." Despite this and many other attempts, Maher will not be able to ever get "the idea of God" out of his mind or heart. As a person created in God's image, he has a knowledge of God in his heart yet covered by thick layers of sinful confusion, pride, and cynicism.

Finally, although "Religulous" is a comedy (or to use a more specific term, a "mockumentary"), it speaks volumes about how America's popular culture (or at least a segment of the culture) views religion. If Americans watch this movie and laugh, what does it say about their understanding of religion? And what does it say about how we, the religious, feed their misconceptions?

We may disagree with Maher's biting and biased critique of the historic Christian faith, but what are we doing to counteract it? Are we preaching the historical gospel of Christ with clarity? Are we defending our doctrine both privately and publicly? Do we live with an integrity worthy of the Christ we represent and proclaim? The gospel of Christ will always be folly to the world (1 Cor 1:23), but we must do our best to proclaim it, defend it, and adorn it well.

Thomas Murphy on Pastoral Piety

2008-09-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

I am currently reading Thomas Murphy's 1877 guide to pastoral ministry entitled, "Pastoral Theology: The Pastor in the Various Duties of His Office." This probably wouldn't have been a book I would have read if it were not assigned for one of my classes at WSC, but I have benefited from it greatly. Though it is over 130 years old, it is incredibly relevant and personally convicting. In particular, Murphy's words on the necessity of the pastor's piety are heart-searching. A sample of his challenging prose is below:

No man is more highly honored than a devotedly consistent minister; none is more despised than he who is faithless and inconsistent...Oh that those who hold the ministerial office, or are looking forward to it, would duly consider this! Oh that those who have no heart for its becoming spirituality would leave it! Oh that all would study well their tremendous responsibility! Oh that they would get very, very near to Christ, and cling to him with the full conviction that only by his side are they safe!

Two Classy Videos

2008-09-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure which is better: an 80's-style song and dance number with the undeniably catchy refrain "the renewed mind is the key to the Christ in me" or Mike Horton interviewing R.C. Sproul (whose radio show happens to be titled "Renew Your Mind"). I'm going to give a slight advantage to Mike and R.C. for sheer content, but you can't deny the merit of the dance moves that start at the 1:53 mark in the video below. I mean, if Mike and R.C. could dance like that while lecturing on justification by faith alone, even Pope Benedict would become Reformed!

HT: Between Two Worlds

HT: The Heidelblog

A Moment for the History Books!

2008-09-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

You won't find much in the way of politics here, but I couldn't resist posting this brief clip from ABC reporter Terry Moran. If Moran is right, Obama really does deserve a special place in the history books!

HT: Between Two Worlds

Worship: A Spiritual or Aesthetic Activity?

2008-08-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

The doctrine of worship is a topic that has long peaked my interest. Worship is the central activity of God's people both on earth and in heaven, but it seems to be more often a source of division rather than unity.

One key aspect of worship that is regularly confused by well-meaning Christians is whether worship is primarily a spiritual or aesthetic activity. Dr. Peter Masters of the historic Metropolitan Tabernacle has a helpful introduction to this issue here. His basic argument is that worship exclusively spiritual and the aesthetic features of a service are neither vehicles of worship nor aids for worship. The following lines especially caught my attention:

When we evaluate new worship, we must do so in terms of those biblical principles recovered (by God’s mercy) at the time of the Reformation, the first of these being that worship is spiritual, and not an aesthetic performance. At the Reformation, simplicity, intelligibility and fidelity to the Bible replaced the impressive mystery and pageantry of Rome. It has been well said that the aesthetically splendid mass surrendered to the understanding soul…We would never say, for example, that the organ ‘enriches’ worship. It disciplines the singing, and teaches and maintains the tune, but we know very well that in spiritual terms it can contribute nothing…Worship is not the exercise of our gifts, but the exercise of our hearts and minds. For many people this is the lost genius of worship, the principle which has disappeared from sight — that worship is not the presentation to God of skill or beauty, or of personal gifts, but the communication of the soul with God, through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ alone, and by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. Worship is not an aesthetic activity.

Yet a question remains: even if they are not vehicles for worship in themselves, do the aesthetic features of a service (its sights and sounds) ever help or hinder true spiritual worship? Does the external (aesthetic) style or quality of the architecture, decorum, words, and song have ANY bearing on the internal (spiritual) character of worship? This is a question I am hoping to address over the coming months as I begin a course of directed study with Michael Horton at WSC.

Remastered U2 Albums

2008-08-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

Over the summer, U2 released "remastered" versions its first three albums: "Boy (1980)," "October (1981)," and "War (1983)". If you've listened to the original versions of these albums before, you know that recording technology has come a long way in the past quarter-century. As a starving seminary student I can't afford to buy the new versions - much less the $63 for the beautiful deluxe box set from Amazon.com (sigh). But I am happy to see that Imeem.com is streaming the audio from all three albums for FREE!

Calvin on Affliction

2008-08-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

I have had a lot of interesting and beneficial part-time jobs over the years, but one of my current jobs trumps them all: I am transcribing some of John Calvin's sermons on Job for one of my professors at WSC, Dr. Hywel Jones. The facsimiles I am working from are 1574 English translations, so the language (and typeface) is sometimes difficult. But it is incredibly fruitful to sit at the feet of one of history's greatest theologians as he explains Job to his congregation. Here is one example - Calvin explaining how and why God uses affliction to the benefit of his children:

Now then, here we see, first of all that we must not deem things by outward appearance, but gauge deeper and seek the cause that moveth God to do the things which we think strange at first sight... Now then what is the end of our afflictions? It is to make us to perceive our sins: and it is a very noble point, whereof we may gather a very profitable lesson. True it is that we hear it oftentimes spoken of: nevertheless we cannot hear of it too much: for we know that afflictions are so irksome to us, that every of us falleth to chafing as soon as we feel any stripe of the rod at God’s hand, and we cannot comfort ourselves nor keep ourselves in patience. And therefore so much the more it behooves it us to mark well this doctrine, that when God suffereth us to be vexed even wrongfully as in respect of the world: even then doth he work our welfare, in that it is his will to make us feel our sins, and to show us what we be.

Vintage Horton

2008-08-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

One of the many reasons I decided to attend Westminster Seminary in California was that Michael Horton was on the faculty. Like many, my understanding of historic Reformed theology has been greatly buttressed by Dr. Horton's writing, radio show, and lectures. So I was greatly encouraged to see Tullian Tchividjian share this quote from a recent article in Modern Reformation. These words on the historical, public, objective work of God in coming to man (versus man working his way towards God) are vintage Horton, summarizing his thorough analysis of historical theology, philosophy, and Christian practice.

Almost everything that is advocated as “spirituality” or “spiritual disciplines” today is private and focuses on the inner life of the individual, but Christianity is wildly, unashamedly, thoroughly public and focuses on Christ’s historical work and the way that he comes to us by his Spirit–not through private revelations or subjective experiences, but through ordinary human language (preaching), water (baptism), bread and wine (Lord’s Supper). God comes to us in Jesus Christ by his Spirit outside of our reason and experience. His visitation throws us off balance, surprising us instead of simply soothing us or confirming our piety.

So when someone asks us about our spirituality or piety, we typically talk about the public ministry of preaching and sacrament as well as prayer, Bible reading, catechism, and singing Psalms and hymns at home and at church. When the Westminster divines said that “God blesses the reading but especially the preaching of the Word as a means of grace,” they were highlighting this point. From a covenantal perspective, God works from the outside in, from that which God accomplished for us and outside of us to that which he performs within us and through us, from the public to the personal, from what has happened in the past to what is happening in the present. When we follow the opposite direction, we’re swimming upstream–against the current of God’s gracious condescension to sinners.

The USA Wins Again!

2008-07-04T17:39:00.000-07:00

The annual Fourth of July Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest was this morning on Coney Island...and American Joey Chestnut won for the second year in a row! Until 2007, this contest was been dominated by the "Tiger Woods of competitive eating," Japan's Takeru "The Tsunami" Kobayashi. But it looks like America's hot dog hunger is back! The contest was especially interesting this year as it went to a playoff between Chestnut and Kobayashi - with the first to eat five dogs being crowned champion. You can check out a more detailed report of the event here. Hopefully this victory bodes well for the United States' success at next months' Olympic Games!

Craving New U2?!

2008-07-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

For U2 fans, the time between the end of a tour and the "accidental release" of the first track of the next album is sometimes depressing. Lots of people speculate about what the boys are up to, but no one has very authoritative information. With U2's next studio album not expected to be released until October or November, the performance below is water for the thirsty. No, it's not living water (John 4), but it is cool.

Speak, O Lord

2008-07-04T10:39:00.001-07:00

In my last post I mentioned hearing Keith and Kristyn Getty sing at the PCA's 36th General Assembly meeting. One of the songs they sang that I found particularly fitting as a preparation for the preaching of the Word is, "Speak, O Lord." Here is the text for verse one (you can read and hear the rest here):

Speak, O Lord, as we come to You,
To receive the food of Your Holy Word.
Take Your Truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness;
That the light of Christ might be seen today,
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us,
All your purposes for your glory.

The PCA's 36th General Assembly

2008-06-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the privilege of attending the Presbyterian Church in America's 36th annual General Assembly meeting in Dallas. Since my family lives in Dallas and I am hoping to be ordained in the PCA in about a year, it was a no-brainer to attend. It was a great time of learning, reconnecting with friends, and observing a few interesting debates. Of particular interest and benefit were the following:

1. The pre-assembly colloquium on the efficacy of the sacraments. Lecturers included Will Barker, Ligon Duncan, Robert Rayburn, and Jeffery Meyers.
2. The special music provided by the Park Cities Presbyterian Church Youth Choir (directed by my mother, Lynda Fray) and Keith and Kristyn Getty.
3. A wonderful sermon by Phil Ryken on Wednesday evening.
4. A stimulating and wonderfully humble debate on the role of women serving as deacons.

Ligon Duncan also has a wonderful review of the week's proceedings here.

Reality Check

2008-06-02T08:08:00.000-07:00

This past week I completed my third of four years at Westminster Seminary in California. While it is a relief to be through with the work and stress of academic study, it is also a bit of a reality check: has my intellectual interaction with God's Word, theology, and history taken root in my heart such that it would effect my ministry? Will I be able to take what I have learned in the classroom into the pulpit, study, playground, and coffee shop as I labor in my local church? Or beyond the effect on my ministry, have I myself changed by another year in seminary? Am I growing in grace? Am I more a man of prayer, worship, and obedience to Christ? Has my education had a sanctifying influence on my family? Or am I wasting my theological education? As B.B. Warfield said to his students, "Are you, by this constant contact with divine things growing in holiness, becoming every day more and more men of God? If not, you are hardening!"

Footnotes Matter...Right?!

2008-05-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

As a student, I appreciate footnotes. It's incredibly helpful to see where an author is getting their ideas and to follow up with the references provided. Footnotes also provide the opportunity to expand on the details of an argument, which is especially beneficial for research purposes.

I now have even more reason to appreciate footnotes. I'm cited in one! The latest edition of Modern Reformation Magazine features an article on contemporary paganism by one of my professors, Peter Jones. Sure, he spelled my name incorrectly, but I'll take what I can get from the world's leading scholar on paganism and it's influence on Christianity. You can check out the article (and footnote 32) here.

Does Pursuing Virtue Mean Trying Harder?

2008-05-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

As I prepared a Sunday School lesson this week for the adult class at North City Presbyterian Church, I was reminded again that the pursuit of virtue is not a matter of simply "trying harder." In 1 Peter 3:8, Peter gives a list of virtues which are imperative for any healthy relationship:

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

It is easy enough to say we need these things, but how can we make them manifest in us? For instance, I want these virtues to be a part of who I am as a husband and father, but if I have serious deficiencies in many of these areas (which I do), what should I do? Try harder? That’s our default tendency as human beings, but simply trying harder will not lead to deep, lasting virtue or Christ-likeness.

As Christians, we don't pursue virtue as vague "moral ideals," but we pursue them because we aim to be like Christ. And if we want to be Christ-like, we must give time to look at Jesus Christ himself. We must pray, read how he related to people, and learn what he has done for us. In other words, we should make us of the Means of Grace (the Word, Sacraments, and prayer). After all, if I want to love my wife as Christ loves the Church the first thing I must do is to look how Christ loves the Church! If we fill our hearts and minds with Jesus Christ, these very unnatural virtues will begin to flow from us more naturally.

Free Music - I Have a Shelter

2008-05-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

Sovereign Grace Music recently released a CD entitled "Come Weary Saints." They are currently offering a track entitled "I Have a Shelter" for free! It was composed by Steve and Vikki Cook (who also composed "Before the Throne of God Above") together with Bob Kauflin. While not all of Sovereign Grace's music is fitting for corporate worship (in my opinion), this is a wonderful song. Here is the middle stanza, which is rich in theological truth:

I have a shelter in the storm
When all my sins accuse me
Though justice charges me with guilt
Your grace will not refuse me
O Jesus, I will hide in You
Who bore my condemnation
I find my refuge in Your wounds
For there I find salvation

A Spiffy Split-Leaf Psalter

2008-04-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

Scott Clark has a brief post puffing the Church of Scotland's recently published split-leaf Psalters. I remember looking through a old few split-leaf Psalters and hymnals during a Hymnology course at Covenant College, but didn't realize they were still being published.

A Reader's Hebrew Bible

2008-04-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

I'm hoping to get a copy of Zondervan's recently published A Reader's Hebrew Bible. After studying Hebrew in seminary, this would be a great tool to help improve my Hebrew skills. My professors might call it a crutch (actually, I know for sure they would), but sometimes crutches are necessary as you learn to walk! At the very least, it would be nice to take to church instead of bringing both an English Bible and a Hebrew Bible.

UPDATE: Zondervan also publishes a Reader's Greek NT.

I'm Only 25...But I Feel Old!

2008-04-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

I'm only 25, but I feel old. I am a year away from finishing a Masters degree. I have two kids. I drive a Ford Taurus and I own a minivan. And I just realized that my balding head is on the Westminster Seminary in California homepage! Click the picture below for a larger view...

A Little Korean "The Edge"!

2008-04-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

Whether you are a U2 fan, a guitarist, a Korean, or none of these you simply must see this amazing video of an 11-year old Korean classical guitarist playing one of U2's greatest hits, "With or Without You." If I remember correctly, my first slow dance was in 8th grade...the song was "With or Without You."

Kauflin: Worship Matters

2008-04-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

In the next few months I'm hoping to read Bob Kauflin's new book, "Worship Matters" (he also publishes a helpful blog by the same name). Kauflin has the unique role of "Director of Worship Development" for Sovereign Grace Ministries. He is a gifted musician and is theologically astute. Better still, he has a heart for worship that is honoring to God (and not just pleasing to man). You can read several comments on the book here.

Sanctification: Surgery or Physical Therapy?

2008-04-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

When a person has major surgery (replacing a hip, repairing a broken neck or back), there comes a moment when they must realize that the surgeon’s initial work is complete. To return to full function and health, the patient must not only be acted upon, but he himself must also act. The patient must now work with a therapist to restore their body’s coordination and strength. They must learn anew how to perform routine tasks like sitting up, lifting objects, and walking.

While God’s work in regenerating sinners and sanctifying Christians is more radical and transforming than any surgery, we can use the examples of surgery and physical therapy as analogies for these two stages of the Christian life. Surgery is like the sinner’s regeneration – the sinner is passive and is healed from an outside force; his heart of sinful stone is replaced with one of spiritual flesh. And physical therapy is like the Christian’s sanctification – with the Holy Spirit as his helper and guide, the Christian strives to walk in newness of life as he aims at increasing holiness. But when it comes to sin, Christians often confuse the process of sanctification for surgery. We imagine ourselves anesthetized, lying on God’s operating table, passively waiting for him to make us holier. Those of us who emphasize and value God’s complete and total sovereignty are particularly susceptible to thinking we have little or nothing to do with our sanctification.

Yet Scripture is clear in teaching that the Christian is called to be an active participant in the process of sanctification. For instance, in Colossians 3:5 Paul puts the matter in the strongest, most violent language possible, saying “put to death that which is earthly in you.” He uses the stark, shocking imagery of execution and killing to describe the Christian’s relationship to sin. At the very least, this should clue us in to the fact that Christians should not be friendly towards sin! We should hate it and seek its destruction. Why? Because it is completely contrary to who we are as new creatures in Christ. Those who are in Christ have died to sin and must put sin to death as they are renewed in the image of God in Jesus Christ.

Major News from Westminster Philly

2008-03-27T22:44:00.000-07:00

The Board of Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia (the institution which gave birth to Westminster Seminary in CA over 25 years ago) has just announced the suspension of OT professor Dr. Peter Enns. You can read a brief statement concerning the matter here. The suspension is the result of controversy surrounding Enns' doctrine of Scripture as articulated in his 2005 work, "Inspiration and Incarnation." The students and faculty at WTS are deeply divided over whether Enns' doctrine of Scripture contradicts the Westminster Confession of Faith, but the Board has concluded that it is problematic enough to warrant his suspension. To be sure, the situation at WTS needs to be a matter of prayer in the coming months.

UPDATE: The most helpful comments on this issue that I've encountered come from Scott Clark and Rick Phillips.

The Relation of Doctrine to the Christian Life

2008-03-27T22:18:00.001-07:00

Of all the articles read for my current homiletics class at Westminster Seminary CA, the contents of John Murray's, “Christian Doctrine and Life,” has left the most indelible impression on my heart and mind. Murray’s thesis that doctrine bears a direct relationship to the Christian life is so basic that it is easily overlooked or forgotten. Rather than assuming doctrine and practice to be separate and distinct matters, Murray says they are integrally related.

Murray gives four examples of doctrines which radically inform the "elementary duties of the Christian life."

(1) The doctrine of the atonement and service in the Kingdom of God.
(2) The doctrine of the death of Christ and the Christian’s death to sin.
(3) The doctrine of the Trinity and the fear of God.
(4) The doctrine of Scripture and the call to be “a man of God.”

Murray argues that one cannot understand or take up the duty of service in the Kingdom, dying to sin, fearing God, or being a man of God without relating those tasks to key corresponding doctrines. As Murray says, “practice exemplifying our faith is drawn from the spring of doctrine.” Or as one of my professors put it, "Systematic theology is the servant of practical theology."

I'm increasingly convinced that unless pastors are able to show their congregations the immediate relevance of doctrine (not merely its theoretical importance), Christians will not only lose sight of doctrine’s necessity, but as Murray argues, they will also lose the “equipment” necessary to live the Christian life. To have right doctrine is good, but to also understand how that doctrine relates to the Christian life is far better.

R.C. Sproul, Ben Stein, and Intelligent Design

2008-03-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

I never thought the day would come when R.C. Sproul would sit down for a chat with Ben Stein! Apparently that day did come about six weeks ago when the pair discussed issues related to Darwinian evolutionary theory and intelligent design for Sproul's radio show "Renewing Your Mind." Stein is promoting his film "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" (opening April 18th) which is about the suppression of the intelligent design theory in colleges and universities in the United States. You can watch the interview on Ligoneer's blog.

The Relationship Between Sin and Easter

2008-03-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting and helpful article from USA Today on the relationship between sin and Easter. Among others, the article quotes Michael Horton, Tim Keller, Mark Driscoll, Al Mohler, and Pope Benedict (who I recently found out read Calvin's "Institutes" thanks to one of my professors at WSC). You can read the article here.

Tim Keller - The Veritas Forum @ U.C. Berkley

2008-03-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a great lecture and Q&A session by PCA pastor Tim Keller (see the post about his new book "The Reason for God" below).

In his lecture, Keller raises the popular notion that the world would be a better place if religions did not make exclusive truth claims. Keller presents five common methods that others suggest will eliminate these problematic exclusive religious claims and how all of them fail. Finally, he shows how Christianity's "grace narrative" (versus a moral perfection narrative) surpasses all other claims of religious truth.

I was particularly convicted by his brief explanation that exclusive religious claims often cause their adherents to think and act in pride towards those who lack that truth. Keller described this "slippery slope" tendency in its five stages: (1) a sense of superiority over others, (2) a desire for separation from others, (3) the habit of caricaturing others, (4) passive oppression against others, and (5) active oppression against others. Against these Keller suggests that only Christianity's "grace narrative" can produce people who both make exclusive religious truth claims and do so with genuine humility (as Keller himself exemplifies).

I must admit that I often find myself in the first category (superiority) when interacting with unbelievers. I am grateful that Keller has articulated why such an attitude is so dangerous!

The Price is Right...Starring WSC's Dan Halley!

2008-02-24T07:10:00.000-08:00

My wife and I had the pleasure of watching my Westminster Seminary CA classmate Dan Halley on The Price is Right Million Dollar Spectacular during "prime-time" this past Friday. You can watch the episode online here (click on "watch the full special episode" in the middle of the page). As he was leaving the show (with some prizes), Drew said, "Good luck with your Masters degree in Theology!" Way to go Dan!!!

(You can read another summary below courtesy of The Heidelblog)

Come on down, you're the next contestant on...The Price is Right! WSC student Dan Halley was among several WSC students who took a day trip to Hollywood recently and Dan ended up being called to “come on down.” The students had fun and Dan won a motorcycle and some appliances. Dan now has two of the most interesting conversation starters one is likely to find among seminary students: He’s been on a prime-time TV show (and won something) and he used to wrestle alligators. Who says sem students are boring?

Rolling Stone: Bono on the US and U2

2008-02-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I am a big fan of the Irish rock band U2. Here's an interesting Rolling Stone interview with their infamous frontman, Bono. While I'm not a big fan of many of his political views or his disgustingly low view of the Church (which I attribute to the fact that he's not only Irish, but had a Protestant mother and Catholic father), he is a man of insight, passion, and action and is always worth reading.

Keller: The Reason for God

2008-02-19T20:02:00.000-08:00

Tim Keller, a former Westminster Philadelphia professor and pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in New York City, has just released a new book entitled, "The Reason for God: Belief in the Age of Skepticism." Keller rarely makes his sermons available online, so I was excited when he posted several sermons related to the book on the Redeemer website here. I highly recommend getting these while you can!

Bart Ehrman and the Problem of Evil

2008-02-19T14:46:00.000-08:00

On the way home from class today I heard Terry Gross interview Bart Ehrman on her NPR show "Fresh Air." You can listen to the interview here.

If you've seen any cable television programs relating to the Bible and Christianity in the past few years, chances are you've encountered the liberal New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman. Ehrman, a graduate of Moody Bible College, Wheaton College, and Princeton Theological Seminary, just released a new book called "God's Problem: How the Bible Fails to Answer our Most Important Question - Why We Suffer." Though I wouldn't call the problem of suffering and evil mankind's most important question, this is certainly going to be a talked-about book this year.

Now, I haven't read his book yet so I can't offer a detailed critique, but from the interview the main problem I have with Ehrman's view is how he defines the problem of evil. He summarized what he called "the traditional version of the problem of evil" as this: though the Bible teaches that God rewards those who are righteous and punishes those who are evil, this doesn't seem to be what really happens. I'm accustomed to the problem of evil being something more like this: if God is perfectly good, loving, and powerful, why does he allow evil to exist?

Of course, Ehrman's definition of the problem of evil isn't all bad. After all, if no one is righteous as Romans 3:10-18 suggests, how come God is preserving our lives even now? And how come Christ died for us while we were still sinners deserving death and punishment (Romans 5:8)? Neither of those things seem too fair. Maybe Ehrman has more of a problem with the grace of God than with the presence of evil!

A Hard and Humbling Question

2008-02-19T14:41:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the hardest theological questions to answer are the ones asked by unbelievers. How do you explain something to someone who lacks a technical vocabulary of the subject or who has a different (and possibly antithetical) worldview? Sometimes it is fun to try to translate theology into simple terms, but sometimes it is also humbling.

The other day an unbeliever asked me this question, “Why do you want to become a pastor?” To my surprise, I struggled to formulate an answer. To be sure, I get asked this often by other Christians. I usually respond with comments about my love for the Church, my desire to give all of my time to the ministry of the Word, my internal sense of calling, and external affirmation of my pastoral gifts. But how could I explain these things to an unbeliever – one I know to be an atheist?

To be brutally honest, I wondered if I could both be honest about my calling and also keep their respect. Though I'm somewhat ashamed to say it, I didn’t want to sound like a “Jesus freak.” Looking back, I don’t remember what I said in response. But here’s what I think I should have said (in 30 seconds or less):

I want to be a pastor because people assume that even if God exists, he has little or nothing to do with them. I believe it’s just the opposite – God does exist and our relation to him defines who we are. And I think there is nothing as important as learning this from God himself in the Bible. So I want to be a pastor because I can’t imagine a better career than helping people understand their relation to God and why it matters.

Part One - The Authority of the Church

2008-02-19T14:38:00.000-08:00

In its basic form, the Roman Catholic doctrine of the authority of the Church is that Christ established his Church with Peter and Christ continues to rule his Church through Peter’s successor – the Pope. As I will discuss next week, the Catholic view of the authority of the Church must be understood in relation to their view of Scripture. But their view begins with seeing Peter (and then the Pope) as being Christ’s earthly authority for the Church. While countless volumes have been written on this topic from historical and theological perspectives, it is my goal here to discuss the biblical evidence for (and against) this position.

The key text which Roman Catholics use to establish the authority of the Church (and the Papacy) is Matthew 16:15-19.

He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Catholics understand this passage to teach that Jesus established his Church with Peter, making Peter the authority for the Apostolic Church. They also conclude that Peter’s successors would have authority and power over the Church in generations to come.

This passage certainly shows that Jesus gave Peter a certain prominence among his peers. We even agree that Christ established his Church with Peter. But this didn’t give Peter himself any power. Peter gained prominence by confessing Jesus as the Christ and by being a leading apostle, but this shouldn’t be confused with him having power over the other apostles or the entire Church. And it certainly doesn’t suggest that Peter would have a successor.

To suggest that Christ employed a mediator to rule the Church both contradicts Scripture and undermines Christ’s power. Texts like Ephesians 2:20 and 1 Corinthians 3:11 suggest that Christ himself is the only head of the Church; he does not rule his Church indirectly through a mediator, but directly and spiritually. 1 Cornithians 3:7-11 is especially applicable to Rome’s claim that Peter is both the foundation and earthly head of the Church.

So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. 10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Using an analogy from farming, Paul says there is a difference between laying a foundation and being a foundation. Paul says he laid a foundation along with the other apostles, but the foundation wasn’t themselves – it was Jesus Christ.

Peter certainly laid a foundation as a key apostle, and as an apostle he was certainly a part of the historical foundation of the Church. But that is entirely different from suggesting that Peter himself was the timeless or permanent foundation of the Church. That title belongs to Jesus Christ alone.

The King of Kong

2008-02-09T22:23:00.000-08:00

I just finished watching what very well may be the best (read: most entertaining) documentary film I've ever seen! It's entitled "The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters" and tells the story of the ongoing battle for the world's highest score in the classic arcade game Donkey Kong. You can check out the trailer here. Beyond documenting a unique phenomenon of 80's culture, this film is just plain fun to watch.

The reigning champion is Billy Mitchell, a man who was titled "Gamer of the Century" by LIFE magazine in the 1980's. Mr. Mitchell is all that you would expect of a gaming addict from the 80's: mustache, a huge mullet, cocky, mischievous, and the proud owner of a hot sauce company and chicken wing restaurant. The challenger is family man Steve Weibe (pronounced "wee-bee"), a likable Jr. High science teacher who randomly decides to try setting a new world record in the game.

Unfortunately for Weibe, the organization which determines the legitimacy of video game records (Twin Galaxies) is a bit biased: it was co-founded by his opponent, Billy Mitchell, and the head referee is a close friend of Mr. Mitchell. And there is a key gaming issue to be settled: is a record valid only if it is set in public (at a gaming tournament on a "neutral" console) or are video-taped records (played on a personal console and filmed with a camcorder) equally valid? Oh the politics and intrigue...

Even if you've never played Mario Brothers or Pac-Man, you are likely to be sucked into the drama of this film. And the best part is that it is not a script: it's all real. As one reviewer put it: "You couldn't write better fiction!"

Responding to Roman Catholic Theology

2008-02-08T21:40:00.000-08:00

In addition to being a full-time M.Div. student at Westminster Seminary in CA, I work part-time at a local bank (mainly to keep good medical coverage for my family). One of my customers is an ardent apologist for the Catholic faith and co-author of "Jesus, Peter, and the Keys: A Scriptural Handbook on the Papacy." Each time he comes in to do business, he presents what he sees as another compelling reason for me to do what he did several years ago and abandon my Protestant roots to join the "true" church: the Roman Catholic Church. Many of the issues he raises are things I have simply never studied seriously. For instance, his latest pitch was for the biblical evidence for purgatory. When pressed to respond, I am forced to say two things: (1) I can't have this debate on company time, and (2) I need time to develop a biblical, exegetical response. If his chosen method is arguing for Catholic doctrine from the Protestant Scriptures, I must respond against Catholic doctrine from those same Scriptures (and not merely offer general theological critique).

To be sure, I am no brilliant apologist. Westminster has the goal of training me to be "an expert in the Bible," but there are certainly many ways in which I fall short of that title. Still, I thought it would be a good exercise to examine the main features of Roman Catholic doctrine. So over the next five weeks I will be examining the following five topics: (1) the authority of the Church, (2) the doctrine of Scripture, (3) the doctrine of justification, (4) the worship of Mary and saints, and (5) the doctrine of purgatory. I will look at the key texts that Roman Catholics use to defends their views in these areas and then offer a brief critique. Hopefully this will be a sharpening exercise that will enable me to more thoughtfully engage my friend from the bank. And who knows, maybe it will be of some benefit to you as well.

Sing the Psalms!

2008-02-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

I'm convinced that singing the Psalms should be a regular part of Christian worship. As a matter of fact, so did the Apostle Paul (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)! I didn't grow up singing the Psalms, but have an increasing appreciation for this hallmark of Reformed worship.

As Scott Clark points out here, the Church is in desperate need of good new tunes and arrangements for the Psalms. The practice of writing new tunes for hymns has been revived in the past few years and folks like Keith Getty and Stuart Townend are writing great new hymns for worship, but we also need to give attention to the Psalms.

This is why I'm so glad to see that Sovereign Grace Ministry's annual worship conference, Worship God, is going to be centered on the Psalms and their role in Christian worship. There is a lot of good music being written by Sovereign Grace folks like Mark Altroggee and Bob Kauflin, so hopefully they can focus their talents on providing us with some good Psalm arrangements.

Environmentalism and Paganism

2008-02-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

Last week I took a course at Westminster Seminary in CA by Dr. Peter Jones, director of Christian Witness to a Pagan Planet. The course was entitled "Understanding Paganism for Christian Renewal," and was focused on the history of pagan religion and its growing influence on contemporary culture. The course was a real eye-opener to how rampant paganism (the worship of the natural world) is, especially in the United States.

One of the assigned readings for the course was "The Great Work" by Thomas Berry. The book was an interesting glimpse into the intellectual-philosophical roots of the modern environmental movement. Though it confused me at first, it didn’t take long to realize why a book on ecology was assigned for a course on modern paganism. Berry’s entire project rests on three assumptions which radically undermine the biblical worldview: an evolutionary cosmology, a pantheistic spirituality, and a naturalistic anthropology.

To be sure, not all of Berry’s observations are misguided. In particular, his critique of modern man’s low, utilitarian view of nature and its historical repercussions is helpful. But Berry’s broader view of nature does run contrary to Scripture in that he understands man as subservient to nature. And his incessant pattern of attributing divine qualities to nature is a classic picture of the pagan pantheistic fixation on creation rather than the Creator (Rom. 1:25). After reading “The Great Work,” it seems increasingly necessary for Christians to understand the broader pagan worldview that supports much of the present interest in ecology and environmentalism.

At the same time, we must be prepared to explain and defend the biblical view of man, nature, and in particular, God. God is not an impersonal divine presence, but a spirit who is both transcendent and personal - our Creator and Savior. As a result, our attention to the environment is grounded not in seeing nature itself as divine, but in our God-given mandate to be wise and faithful stewards of creation (Gen. 1:28).

Indelible Grace V: Wake Thy Slumbering Children

2008-02-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

The fifth and most recent CD from Indelible Grace (associated with the RUF ministry at Belmont University and the college ministry at Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN) entitled, "Wake Thy Slumbering Children," was released at the end of December. You can listen to samples here. I've been listening to the album for the last few days and decided to share my thoughts.

I've appreciated a lot of what Indelible Grace (IG) has done in the past few years. Their goal is to provide new music for old (often unknown) hymns. Here is their description:

"Our hope is to help the church recover the tradition of putting old hymns to new music for each generation, and to enrich our worship with a huge view of God and His indelible grace."

While IG has gathered a lot of great music in past albums (my favorites include "Come Ye Sinners," "Jesus I Come," "Jesus Lover of My Soul," "Thy Mercy My God," "The Church's One Foundation," "On Jordan's Stormy Banks," and "Jesus I My Cross Have Taken"), the albums have increasingly seemed more geared towards personal listening than corporate worship. Perhaps this is intentional - maybe something to ask IG's guru Kevin Twit about.

"Wake Thy Slumbering Children" has several songs that I like and that could work for a corporate worship setting, including "O Help My Unbelief," "Abide with Me," "Arise O God and Shine," "Beneath the Cross of Jesus (a classic RUF song)," "All Must be Well," and "Come Said Jesus' Sacred Voice." Not only are these texts wonderful, but the music reflects the content and is very singable. We sang "O Help My Unbelief" in the evening service at North City Presbyterian Church (PCA) this past Sunday and it was received very well (though we did slow the tempo and tone done the "folksiness" a bit).

On the other hand, there are some songs where the music seems totally at odds with the music. This includes the opening song of the album, "Cling to the Crucified." The music is sleepy and somewhat nonchalant - hardly representing what it means to "cling" to Jesus by faith. I couldn't help but think of the closing song of the hit film "Juno" when I heard "Come Then Lord Jesus." Its a simple, sing-songy, backporch folk tune; not my choice for a text which is yearning for Christ's Second Coming! Finally, "Go to Dark Gethsemane" is a folksy, country, traveling tune (classic Nashville style) performed by the always-excellent husband and wife duo of Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken. The music is great, but it sounds more like a song about going to to see an old friend than "dark Gethsemane."

And then their are the songs that are nice, but totally unsingable for someone who is not a professional musician. The sheer melodic range of "In the Hours" makes it tough, while "Give Reviving," "O Heart Bereaved and Lonely," and "Face to Face" are just plain awkward. Sure, they may be performed well, but they are more for observing than for participating. And since worship isn't a spectator sport, I have a hard time understanding the logic behind these four songs.

In the end, I always enjoy what IG produces. Even when I disagree with a particular arrangement, the very process of listening to these great hymns and thinking about their meaning is always edifying. And that's a good thing!

Church Websites

2008-02-05T15:47:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting post from Sean Lucas about church websites. He's even got a link to an article by someone who wrote a dissertation on this subject! I know my church's website leaves a lot to be desired...

Google Reader

2008-02-05T15:04:00.001-08:00

The most helpful and productive tool I have found for sorting through the myriad of blogs and websites that supply good content is Google Reader. You can "subscribe" to various blogs and websites and Google Reader will bring whatever new content there is to one central web page. With one click, you can quickly view the new posts on your favorite sites instead of going from site to site looking for new content.

Try it out...and while you are at it, add Frayd as one of your subscriptions! You might also check out some of the blogs I recommend on my "Links" column to the left.

U2-3D!!!

2008-02-05T14:28:00.000-08:00

After a long wait, the 3D IMAX film U2-3D was released on January 23rd! My wife and I went to see it on opening night and loved it! Incredible technology, great cinematography, and awesome music...I highly recommend it. And for those of you who are a little skeptical of U2 and Bono, try this: the film is rated "G."

Back from Hibernation

2008-02-05T13:56:00.000-08:00

Shortly after creating this blog I decided to abandon it. I was afraid the "blogosphere" might suck me into the online world - a world a little less "real" and meaningful than "reality" (the non-online world).

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that (for better or worse) the Internet is rapidly becoming a part of our daily reality. And here's the amazing part: we are increasingly unable to function effectively in "reality" if we completely cut ourselves off from the Internet. Yes, its possible to live without the Internet. And yes, its possible that the time one spends on the Internet can be harmful to...wait....sorry, my wife just called and needed me to look up the number for Olive Garden (on their website, of course).

All that is to say, I'm back from hibernation!

Ferguson's "Pastor's Decalogue"

2007-09-27T00:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a phenomenal article by Sinclair Ferguson in which he highlights five of his ten priorities for pastors. The second five are here. These are great tidbits of wisdom from one of the Reformed world's most articulate and pastoral of ministers. I was particularly grateful for what he put at the top of his list!

Why Blog?

2007-09-27T00:32:00.000-07:00

I've always been torn about whether I should have a blog. While I've found some blogs very beneficial, the concept of a personal blog seems like a weak effort to be known, hoping that others will find you worth their time.

I myself am not worthy of much consideration, but a blog that points to what I think are important issues, fun things, and things worth reading may be interesting to some. So for whatever its worth, here we go!