Is Pat Robertson Making an Ass of You & Me?

You've heard the saying, 'when you assume you make an ass of you and me' right? Well Robertson seems to be good at  making some fairly arrogant assumptions regarding natural disasters and his perspective on murder and politics.

In 2005 he took it upon himself to propose the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez saying, "We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability," on Christian Broadcast Network's The 700 Club. He surmised that , "It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with." The rationale? To prevent Venezuela from becoming, "...a launching pad for communist infiltration and Muslim extremism."

What made him think he had the authority to even suggest this I don't know. But statements like that certainly put him in competition with the Pharisees that made 'pharisee' a bad word. The hypocrisy is palpable made worse by the public nature of his proposal and the cavalier disregard for human life. Nothing Christian about that and I can't think of a Biblical defence for his attitude.

His latest declaration is that Haiti's history of misfortune and current plight have been acts of Divine Judgement because the enslaved African descendants 'got together and swore a pact to the devil [saying] We will serve you if you will get us free from the French.' True story. And so, the devil said, 'OK, it's a deal.' " (Source CNN)

This latest proclamation convinces me that Pat Robertson is far more impressed with his own views than with Scriptural teaching. While he may be convinced of his mythical reasoning God doesn't seem to have his back. The first contradiction to Robertson's theory is found in Ezekiel 18: 20:

²⁰ The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him. 

This passage directly states that successive generations will not be punished for their forbears sins. Can't be clearer than that. So, if his little fable is true and the devil had a hand in freeing slaves, only those who sealed the deal would face the penalty.

The second rebuttal comes from Jesus himself in Luke 13: 1-5:

¹Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. ²Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? ³I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. ⁴Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? ⁵I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."

The simple message seems to be that misfortune does not mean punishment, but rather we all must seek to walk righteously because we are all in need of redemption. One can also refer to the entire book of Job which seems to discourage the presumption that any kind of pain or misfortune means punishment for sin. Job's friends were famously wrong in their assumption that his suffering was a result of some sin.

The only thing I know for sure is that there was an earthquake and people are now in need. Robertson would do well to cast bread instead of stones.

Why 'In Jesus Name'?: The Rationale for a Mediator

Some folks question the need for a mediator between themselves and God. They wonder why they should pray 'in Jesus name' and why they would need some go-between to broker their relationship with God. The fact is, every relationship needs a mediator in order for there to be any meaningful communication.

There needs to be two things present for real communication to exist, 1. A medium of communication  2. A standard of communication.

Everyone communicates using a language of some sort: sign language, body language, French, German, English etc. By far the best means of communication is some language made up of words. It's no accident that John 1 describes Jesus as the Word become flesh. Jesus is God's language.

If you wish to communicate with a French speaker (as an English speaker) either you have to learn French or she must learn English (or you find an interpreter who speaks both languages). With God, however, you must speak his language in order to communicate with him. And that language is taught and exemplified through Jesus.

Now the standard. 1 John 3: 16 says, 'This is how we know what love: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.' We might like to think that love comes naturally. But there is hardly anything we do that isn't learned or taught from speech and walking upright to socially acceptable behaviour and relationships.  The tragic cases of feral children prove that there are a great many things we must learn in life, and one of those things is how to love. Suffice it to say, our world has many ideas of what love is and while an accurate definition of love is hard to find, the practice of an accurate definition is even harder to find. So Jesus came to show us how by being love itself.

One might react to this idea with a, 'But that's a ridiculously high standard! Who can live up it?'. Yes, it is a high standard 'laying down' one's life, but perhaps our general standard of love is also just very, very low.

Even as individuals we have our own personal standards for relationships and communication therein. We won't tolerate certain kinds of behaviour from others and despise being spoken to in a certain tone (condescending or demanding perhaps?), and may even choose to avoid usage of certain words in our speech. God is no different - he won't tolerate lies, for example. If we are to use The Bible as our standard and God 'speaks love' and 'God is love', then God's language is patience, forgiveness, gentleness, joy, mercy, gratitude, faith, hope and other virtues.

Praying 'in Jesus name' may have more to do with depending on his example, sacrifice and guidance in speaking/being the language of God rather than some legal  formality at the end of our prayers.

Outer Space & The Final Frontier

So scientists discovered a massive ring around Saturn recently. Made up of dust particles invisible to the naked eye, the ring is so large it would take '1 billion earths to fill it'. That's big. The significance of the discovery varies depending on who you ask. Some scientists are excited - sick uninsured people  or the homeless couldn't care less or may not even even know.

Still, everything has its place and indeed much of the effort to study space has led to inventions and developments that help us in day to day life on Earth. Like fireproof materials or satellite communication among other things. However, a debate around the importance of this discovery has begun, what with the many problems we face on terra firma like war, economic collapse, natural disasters and nuclear proliferation to name a few.

While there is no doubt that many answers to a better life on earth lie somewhere out beyond the blue, the answers derived thereof can solve only so much. They may help us to be healthier, greener, more efficient users of energy and make earth a better place to live - and that will surely have a positive sociological effect. One is heavily influenced by ones environment after all.

But the final frontier that is far from conquered is not the vastness of space, but the depth (or shallowness) of the human heart. It is from this mysterious place that the world of humanity comes into being, and from this place that our most serious problems and most powerful solutions arise. We may find an answer to famine and malnutrition, but will that cure selfishness? We may find the solution to clean and green energy - but will that rid the world of greed? Indeed, vices such as selfishness and greed are often the root causes of issues like deforestation, pollution, war and racial prejudice, a painful marriage or a lonely soul .

We must and should strive to build a better world around us, but it is in vain if we aren't building a better world in us. Science may make us healthier and smarter, but it doesn't have the power to make us kinder, happier, more peace loving or forgiving. We know that people can shine their brightest in the midst of poverty and hunger. And can plumb the depths of depravity in comfort and plenty. What would we be if we strove to perfect our hearts along with our minds?

Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."

Who's Who? The Voice of God or Man Pt 2

Sorting out where messages come from - God or Man - can be hard. Made harder still when you add anger, resentment, pride or bitterness.

Having a great talk with a thoughtful and spiritual friend of mine made a difference, not just because he gave me helpful advice but pointed me to God rather than himself or other men. He reminded me that where there is man, there will be disagreement and divergence and yes, sometimes sin.

In truth when we set our hearts to find answers we can learn from a rock, a fool or even a wise friend. Good students can make almost anyone look like a wise teacher. We can learn what not to do from a fool. But wise teachers and good students make for a happy lesson - a happy life.

Sometimes we stop at the question, not expecting or perhaps wanting, an answer - being angry or distracted is enough. When we are sifting through the doctrines, voices and opinions it's so easy to forget what - or who - this hulabaloo is all about.

I realize that when God isn't my focus I can begin to resent men for their intrusion, perspective or unsolicited advice. But even if they aren't being sincere or are just pushy or legalistic, if my goal is God I won't add to the confusion. I might not be able to solve it - but I can walk away without joining it.

Who's Who? The Voice of God or Man

Have you ever felt like everyone else seems certain about God's will except you? Not his expressed will through the Word, like 'give to the poor' or 'pray for your enemies', but the one that is discovered, or sometimes invented, like where you should live or whether you should take this or that job.

I've always been both baffled by and slightly envious of those who seem to know exactly what God's will is for their lives. Baffled because I wonder what makes them so sure - envious because I can't relate.

I used to wonder such things, but now I think God doesn't spend his time telling us what to wear, where to live and where to work - I think he leaves it up to us. As long as we are righteous and serving him - anything goes. I do think that some occupations, living situations and even dress habits might get us into more trouble than others, and can invite sin to come knocking. Either someone else's or our own. But otherwise than determining what is wise or foolish, good or better we can easily begin to think that God wants to make all our decisions for us. But that is far too easy.

Some folks seem to think that at every point in life (whatever measurement you use to determine a 'point' in life) God has a specific plan that you must discover. If we follow the Bible, we could wrongly conclude this - but he often worked around choices and through people. When Lot chose the plain - Abram by default chose the mountain. It could have gone either way, as much as we can say it was Lot's laziness that made him choose the plain (and hence Sodom and Gomorrah).

Certainly Jesus' life was more pre-determined than ours will ever be, but even if we choose to become 'slaves of righteousness' we don't become slaves of fate. At least, I don't think so. It is a fast track to bitterness handing your dreams or goals to an extremely realistic god lookalike that is essentially our own imagination.

This becomes particularly annoying when someone else is completely convinced of what God's plan is for you. That's where things get tricky. It becomes more annoying when they get angry at you for not seeing how their idea is directly from God himself (aka them). We often, and perhaps too frequently, get God mixed up with ourselves or someone else - depending on who can shout the loudest.

Sorting out the many voices in your head can be an exhausting task and I wish you luck with it. After all I've only added on more voice to contend with. But if it helps, God is a very good listener.

I Think Therefore I...Freak Out? Faith & the Mind

 ³⁴"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. ³⁵For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

                                                                          Luke 21: 34-36

About 40 million people in the US are affected by anxiety disorders - that's about a third of the population. Such disorders are linked to things like substance abuse, depression or other illnesses or behavioural dysfunction. 

When Jesus spoke these words he almost sounds like a qualified psychotherapist, counsellor or doctor. Certainly the National Institute of Mental Health seems to concur with his recommendation to stay away from negative thoughts and habits (like substance abuse). His warning, 'that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap' sounds so much like Generalized Anxiety Disorder or panic attacks. I think Jesus was well aware of how we function as spiritual, emotional and psychological beings.

People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) go through the day filled with exaggerated worry and tension, even though there is little or nothing to provoke it. They anticipate disaster and are overly concerned about health issues, money, family problems, or difficulties at work. Sometimes just the thought of getting through the day produces anxiety.

It has long been my belief that Jesus teachings are holistic and in no way arbitrary. They are not random rites taught just for ceremony and tradition. Rather, Jesus came to heal the whole man, from the inside out in a very practical, real world way. Matthew's record of the 'do not worry' lesson elaborates on the danger of anxiety, and the cure thereof.

Paul also offers a practical approach to our mental health in Philippians 4 :

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

This 'peace of God' is no accident and neither is Jesus' claim that his 'yoke is easy and his burden is light'. After all some of our heaviest burdens are not the ones we carry on our backs, but the ones we carry on our hearts.

Psalm 139 - 2 Sides to the Divine

Psalm 139 is a beautiful ode to both God and mankind. It pulses with appreciation for the beauty of man (as a created and evolved being), the wonder of nature, and the majesty of an omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent and loving God.

I see two distinct sections to this Psalm, bisecting its 24 verses very nicely indeed. Let's look at verses 1-13,

¹ O LORD, you have searched me
       and you know me.

 ² You know when I sit and when I rise;
       you perceive my thoughts from afar.

 ³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
       you are familiar with all my ways.

 ⁴ Before a word is on my tongue
       you know it completely, O LORD.

 ⁵ You hem me in—behind and before;
       you have laid your hand upon me.

              ⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
                  too lofty for me to attain.

 ⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
       Where can I flee from your presence?

 ⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
       if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

 ⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
       if I settle on the far side of the sea,

 ¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
       your right hand will hold me fast.

 ¹¹ If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
       and the light become night around me,"

 ¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
       the night will shine like the day,
       for darkness is as light to you.

¹³ For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 

This is an observation of the relationship we all have with God, whether we like it or not. It is not based on choice, desire or even intent, it is the 'default setting' for the Divine/human relationship. God knows our past, present, future, thoughts, desires and geographical position. We can hide nothing from him and cannot escape his knowledge or influence. We can do nothing without his will allowing it to be so, whether we are aware of it or not (though the psalmist clearly is). Now the second half,

 ¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made,  your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

 ¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
       when I was made in the secret place.
       When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

 ¹⁶ your eyes saw my unformed body.
       All the days ordained for me were written in your book
       before one of them came to be.

 ¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
       How vast is the sum of them!

 ¹⁸ Were I to count them they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.

 ¹⁹ If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
       Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

 ²⁰ They speak of you with evil intent;
       your adversaries misuse your name.

 ²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
       and abhor those who rise up against you?

 ²² I have nothing but hatred for them;
       I count them my enemies.

 ²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
       test me and know my anxious thoughts.

 ²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
       and lead me in the way everlasting.

Verses 13-24 get personal. This is the chosen or optional Divine/human relationship. Here the language moves from observation to appreciation and worship. The psalmist acknowledges and indeed rejoices in God's role in man's unique design. The psalmist values his own complexity, and wishes for an exchange of knowledge between himself and the Divine. 

The writer volunteers his thoughts, emotions and attitudes for examination and not only embraces God's omniscience, but treasures Divine thought as well. So much so that his search for God reveals the immeasurable magnitude and depth of the Divine Mind. The psalmist's passion leads him to an emotional expression of disdain for those whom disdain God, and he ends with a verbalization of his desire to have his inner self changed to be more like the  divine mind of which he is in awe.

This beautiful Psalm is a powerful illustration of the kind of walk God wishes to have with each of us. Even though he may know all, he wishes for us to willingly offer our friendship (thoughts, feelings, aspirations etc.) and to desire his. It is one thing to be 'found out' and another to confess, as the case may be. God doesn't want a one-sided affair. One of the most notable implications in this Psalm is that man is worth being known by God. That God is worthy of our knowledge is obvious in this discourse, but too often men see themselves as worthless when it is apparent God doesn't share the sentiment. 

Surely there are more gems to be found in this Psalm. Please feel free to share the ones you have found.