In the documentary film, Expelled by Ben Stein, the famous atheist-evolutionist Richard Dawkins was a prominent character. He is also known for his vehement hatred of God and religion in general having written books like The God Delusion. Towards the end of the film, Stein asked Dawkins what he would say if he died and hypothetically met God in heaven. Dawkins gave an answer -- in no indifferent tone -- from the famous atheist Bertrand Russell: "Sir, why did you take such pains to hide yourself?" It was almost as if he was asking the question from the heart.
I can empathize with Dawkins, because I've struggled with doubt and the existence of God very intensely. And one of the best answers to his question, if not the best, is to find the Persecuted Church. For there he will find God. If he truly wants to find God and see where God has not hidden himself, then in my opinion the Persecuted Church is the best place to look. There is nothing on Earth like it.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Top 10 Movies of the Last Decade
I got the idea to compile this list from a sportstalk radio show. I know, not very original. Anyway, here we go.
10. The Dark Knight (2008) - Action-packed thrill ride to the core. My wife, Aidan, said she had to tell herself to breathe halfway through the movie. Heath Ledger did a phenomenal job playing a character modeled after Satan. Truly despicable to say the least. This movie also benefited from unexpected plot twists and original writing.
9. Finding Nemo (2003) - Of the Pixar flicks this one really stands out. It catapulted Pixar to a new level. It had the age-old theme about the bond between father and son. There were plenty of laughs, gasps and sighs along the way. Plus, it took us to rarely-imagined worlds deep below the sea in enthralling wonderment, which catered nicely to computer animation.
8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) - This film was one word: magical. Our imaginations and hearts were able to soar as we entered the world of Narnia and saw firsthand the beauty and excellence of the timeless truths extolled by unrivaled author C.S. Lewis. The final battle scene makes you want to take up your own sword and wage war with the best of them. When it comes to pure excitement this is the better of the two in the current series.
7. The Bourne trilogy (2002, '04, '07) - If the Dark Knight was the Everest of action and thrill, this series was K2 (but they may be interchangeable). The difference: these films had greater character development and exotic locales. Furthermore, as good as Batman is, one cannot but stare agape at the sheer skill with which Bourne dispatches threats. Batman had gadgets and gizmos. Bourne was the product of incredible training and talent, something we all admire and something to which we can aspire albeit unrealistically. The final scene ends with the great truth that as much as we would like to blame others for our conditions, we are indeed responsible for ourselves.
6. Spider-man trilogy (2002, '04, '07) - What a trilogy? Ripe with humor and fun, but above all, it was a story of great character. The values driven home over the three installments of this series were inspirational. We were reminded that pride does goeth before the fall; and exhorted to practice forgiveness, responsibility, accountability and selflessness. In the last movie there was even a hint that we could only truly find deliverance from what binds us by looking to a Source greater than ourselves; wisdom very pertinent for today's world.
5. Gladiator (2000) - Fresh into the decade and this one came along stirring our souls for the valor, rigor and aura of antiquity. The scenes, the drama, the music captivated us. The brotherhood and honor moved us, especially the male viewers. We wanted to be like Maximus. My resident director took the maxim, "Strength and Honor," for our resident-assistant-team motto.
4. Fireproof (2008) - A movie that uniquely portrays a theme common to society. It could've been boring and predictable but wasn't. The story and writing were sharp and complemented nicely by the superb acting of Kirk Cameron. In the final analysis this movie depicts the primary conflict honestly, but also answers it honestly and solidly with resounding emotion. It gets high scores for relevancy.
1. The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001, '02, '03) - Did you ever doubt? This film collection roared onto the scene in the beginning of the decade and it hasn't left our imaginations ever since. Demanding Wall Street Journal critic Joe Morgenstern called it "a landmark in the history of cinema." This film only beats Passion because it had things that Passion could not have, such as daring adventure and battles, romance and more comedic relief to name a few. It is the standard for epics. It is what a cinematic masterpiece should be. Something that moves your spirit to great heights, makes you dream of something more, sets your imagination free, inspires goodness and upholds truth. I could go on and on. Not just the best movie of the decade, but arguably of all-time. This past Thanksgiving my family and I embarked on the 12-hour cinematic Tour de Middle-earth. The adventure had us watch all three extended editions of the trilogy over three days. Laborious? Yes. Worth it? Yes.
P.S. - You can tell I'm getting lazy since my last two posts were lists and a month apart. But hey, what's wrong with lists?
10. The Dark Knight (2008) - Action-packed thrill ride to the core. My wife, Aidan, said she had to tell herself to breathe halfway through the movie. Heath Ledger did a phenomenal job playing a character modeled after Satan. Truly despicable to say the least. This movie also benefited from unexpected plot twists and original writing.
9. Finding Nemo (2003) - Of the Pixar flicks this one really stands out. It catapulted Pixar to a new level. It had the age-old theme about the bond between father and son. There were plenty of laughs, gasps and sighs along the way. Plus, it took us to rarely-imagined worlds deep below the sea in enthralling wonderment, which catered nicely to computer animation.
8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) - This film was one word: magical. Our imaginations and hearts were able to soar as we entered the world of Narnia and saw firsthand the beauty and excellence of the timeless truths extolled by unrivaled author C.S. Lewis. The final battle scene makes you want to take up your own sword and wage war with the best of them. When it comes to pure excitement this is the better of the two in the current series.
7. The Bourne trilogy (2002, '04, '07) - If the Dark Knight was the Everest of action and thrill, this series was K2 (but they may be interchangeable). The difference: these films had greater character development and exotic locales. Furthermore, as good as Batman is, one cannot but stare agape at the sheer skill with which Bourne dispatches threats. Batman had gadgets and gizmos. Bourne was the product of incredible training and talent, something we all admire and something to which we can aspire albeit unrealistically. The final scene ends with the great truth that as much as we would like to blame others for our conditions, we are indeed responsible for ourselves.
6. Spider-man trilogy (2002, '04, '07) - What a trilogy? Ripe with humor and fun, but above all, it was a story of great character. The values driven home over the three installments of this series were inspirational. We were reminded that pride does goeth before the fall; and exhorted to practice forgiveness, responsibility, accountability and selflessness. In the last movie there was even a hint that we could only truly find deliverance from what binds us by looking to a Source greater than ourselves; wisdom very pertinent for today's world.
5. Gladiator (2000) - Fresh into the decade and this one came along stirring our souls for the valor, rigor and aura of antiquity. The scenes, the drama, the music captivated us. The brotherhood and honor moved us, especially the male viewers. We wanted to be like Maximus. My resident director took the maxim, "Strength and Honor," for our resident-assistant-team motto.
4. Fireproof (2008) - A movie that uniquely portrays a theme common to society. It could've been boring and predictable but wasn't. The story and writing were sharp and complemented nicely by the superb acting of Kirk Cameron. In the final analysis this movie depicts the primary conflict honestly, but also answers it honestly and solidly with resounding emotion. It gets high scores for relevancy.
3. Slumdog Millionaire (2008) - It has it all: love, adventure, action, suspense and humor. Not to mention dynamic music. This story brings to the forefront the gritty realities that many of the billions of the world's poor experience; a shocking and much-needed reality-check for American society. In the midst of all that it weaves a tale that instills hope, courage, love and a recognition of providential destiny; qualities needed for our day and age.
2. The Passion of the Christ (2004) - Powerful. When a film faithfully portrays the greatest moment in the history of the world, it's hard not to be exceptional. No film captures drama and... well, passion -- in every sense of the word -- quite like this one. You feel everything. The musical score also enchants. And there is nothing quite like seeing Jesus rise from the grave. It sounds like the correct answer would be to say that this movie is number one. Probably, when I get to heaven and see the sacrifice, in all its glory, I will change my mind.1. The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001, '02, '03) - Did you ever doubt? This film collection roared onto the scene in the beginning of the decade and it hasn't left our imaginations ever since. Demanding Wall Street Journal critic Joe Morgenstern called it "a landmark in the history of cinema." This film only beats Passion because it had things that Passion could not have, such as daring adventure and battles, romance and more comedic relief to name a few. It is the standard for epics. It is what a cinematic masterpiece should be. Something that moves your spirit to great heights, makes you dream of something more, sets your imagination free, inspires goodness and upholds truth. I could go on and on. Not just the best movie of the decade, but arguably of all-time. This past Thanksgiving my family and I embarked on the 12-hour cinematic Tour de Middle-earth. The adventure had us watch all three extended editions of the trilogy over three days. Laborious? Yes. Worth it? Yes.
P.S. - You can tell I'm getting lazy since my last two posts were lists and a month apart. But hey, what's wrong with lists?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Audible! Audible!
Let the pride-swallowing begin. As you can tell by now, I know next to nothing about the National Football League. To make things quick and painless, I'm going to sum up some brief observations about the season so far and how my predictions are panning out. Just in case you forgot what the predictions were, here they are.
- Oh boy, where do we start? Why not with my Super Bowl winner, the Tennesse "Nashville Has a Football Team?" Titans? Seeing as how they didn't win their first game until November, things are not looking good for these guys, or me. It seems as if I seriously underestimated the loss of behemoth DT Albert Haynesworth to free agency.
- Next, let's talk about the Denver Broncos. I said they'd win four. All year. They won five. By week five.
- New Orleans Saints. In order for my 8-8 prediction to be accurate, they need to lose the remaining eight games. Two other teams that must lose the last eight in a row: the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys. Ouch.
- My Seattle Seahawks? A bust. They better win seven of their next eight for me to be right about them. The Carolina Panthers gotta do the same.
- Other "What was he thinking?" picks: Arizona, Kansas City, Chicago, Jacksonville.
- There were, however, some bright spots of football prescience. I appear to be correct about division leaders Indianapolis and Minnesota.
- I correctly foretold that Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Philadelphia and New England would all be legitimate contenders.
- Just as well, I have been right about the cellar-dwellers in five out of the eight divisions (including all four NFC divisions): Detroit, St. Louis, Washington, Cleveland and Tampa Bay.
- An NFC championship game of Philadelphia at Minnesota still looks quite plausible.
- An AFC Championship game of Tennessee at San Diego looks plain laughable.
Mid-season audible! But to avoid being a prognosticating glutton for punishment, I will focus my wisdom on just the conference championships and Super Bowl. Here is what I foresee, albeit haphazardly.
- NFC: Arizona (they're my new sexy pick) at New Orleans
- AFC: Cincinnati at Indianapolis
- Super Bowl: Indianapolis over New Orleans (didn't I tell you the Super Bowl winner would come out of the AFC South?)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Pinnacle of Creation
A little Biblical math for you (sort of). First, a key:
"... And the glory of children is their father." - Proverbs 17:6g(x) = glory of x; G = God; M = man; W = woman; C = children
g(x) > x except where x = G
g(C) = M
"For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God..." - 1 Corinthians 11:7
g(G) = M"... but woman is the glory of man." - 1 Corinthians 11:7
g(G) = g(C)
g(M) = WTherefore,
g(M) > g(C)
W > M > C
(The equation breaks down a little here, for we know God is neither equal toThe object admired by the object admired by God, must really be something. Woman appears to be God's finest piece of work. After all, until woman was created things were just "good." Once she came along it was "very good" (Genesis 1-2).
children nor less than man or woman.)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Why Does God Let Christians Lose? Part 3 of 3
As I was saying, there are two big reasons why God would let Christians lose in sport. The first was that God wants Christians to teach the world how to lose. The world needs to know that losing does not define them and it is not a cause for despair.
The second big reason: "God loves resurrections." It's a simple and obvious statement, yet it was revelatory to me. It was said by a math professor of my college roommate's and mine. We were both going through what seemed like insurmountable inner strife. Yet, even though we felt dead on the inside, that's just where God wanted us. He really does like resurrections. And, of course, in order to be resurrected, one must be dead.
In the sport world God loves resurrecting careers. I believe career-resurrections, more than long careers of consistent success, bring Him glory. For when a good player's ability wanes or the ability stays the same yet the results or accolades decline, and then unexpectedly and almost inexplicably, the player's ability or accolades return, it somehow seems more an indication of God working than the player's diligence and natural talent. Be it from injury, a sudden spell of mediocrity, being on a bad team or what have you, when a player comes back from the brink of career "death," that is when people stand back and say, "That was pretty remarkable."
The career-resurrections show that perhaps something larger is at work, something outside the athlete. Most everyone gives up hope on something that is near dead, usually even the player whose career it is. But that is when God shines. He shines when bringing a dead team back to life or a washed-up player back to prominence.
This brings me back to Kurt Warner. To me he is the prime example of someone whose career has been resurrected. He came out of nowhere to win a Super Bowl and record mind-blowing passing and scoring stats with the St. Louis Rams. He was the leader of the "Greatest Show on Turf" as the Rams' offense was called. Yet then his career started to fizzle. He suffered some injuries but they didn't seem like the career-ruining variety. It was as if he lost the touch. The Rams dumped him, he didn't fare well with the New York Giants, and by the time he landed with the Arizona Cardinals he was a has-been. But God wasn't finished. Warner regained his old self and found success again recording incredible numbers. He even led the Cardinals to the Super Bowl. Now if you look at the top three passing yards performances in Super Bowl games, Warner's name is listed 1, 2 and 3. His career is definitely something of a resurrection.
Seriously, what brings God more glory than doing the impossible?
The second big reason: "God loves resurrections." It's a simple and obvious statement, yet it was revelatory to me. It was said by a math professor of my college roommate's and mine. We were both going through what seemed like insurmountable inner strife. Yet, even though we felt dead on the inside, that's just where God wanted us. He really does like resurrections. And, of course, in order to be resurrected, one must be dead.
In the sport world God loves resurrecting careers. I believe career-resurrections, more than long careers of consistent success, bring Him glory. For when a good player's ability wanes or the ability stays the same yet the results or accolades decline, and then unexpectedly and almost inexplicably, the player's ability or accolades return, it somehow seems more an indication of God working than the player's diligence and natural talent. Be it from injury, a sudden spell of mediocrity, being on a bad team or what have you, when a player comes back from the brink of career "death," that is when people stand back and say, "That was pretty remarkable."
The career-resurrections show that perhaps something larger is at work, something outside the athlete. Most everyone gives up hope on something that is near dead, usually even the player whose career it is. But that is when God shines. He shines when bringing a dead team back to life or a washed-up player back to prominence.
This brings me back to Kurt Warner. To me he is the prime example of someone whose career has been resurrected. He came out of nowhere to win a Super Bowl and record mind-blowing passing and scoring stats with the St. Louis Rams. He was the leader of the "Greatest Show on Turf" as the Rams' offense was called. Yet then his career started to fizzle. He suffered some injuries but they didn't seem like the career-ruining variety. It was as if he lost the touch. The Rams dumped him, he didn't fare well with the New York Giants, and by the time he landed with the Arizona Cardinals he was a has-been. But God wasn't finished. Warner regained his old self and found success again recording incredible numbers. He even led the Cardinals to the Super Bowl. Now if you look at the top three passing yards performances in Super Bowl games, Warner's name is listed 1, 2 and 3. His career is definitely something of a resurrection.
Seriously, what brings God more glory than doing the impossible?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Why Does God Let Christians Lose? Part 2 of 3
God let Kurt Warner and the destined Arizona Cardinals lose a game they had in their clutches. You could almost feel the collective sigh from Christian fans round the country, "Why God?"
I submit two reasons. The first: God most definitely wants Christians to teach the world how to lose. Perhaps even more than teaching the world how to win.
Clearly, the world has mixed priorities if it believes "Winning isn't everything. It's the only thing." A quote uttered by the legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, a man many esteem. If you win, sure things are fine. But if you lose, it's as if the world has ended. I've grown quite accustomed to that feeling having followed the Seattle sports scene (I know, I know... it's sad). If winning is all that matters and you lose, then that's an unhealthy and dreadful way to live. You must have a sense of gratitude about simply playing the game to enjoy it and life.
I've poured, perhaps unwittingly, my heart and soul into Seattle sports only to be rewarded with hypertension, tears and angst. A healthy sense of reality from a Christian who loses serves to counter what I, and likely many fans and fellow athletes, have experienced. A wise loser could show us that truly life can go on after a loss and that there can be contentment even in losing (the film, Fever Pitch with Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon, illustrates this wonderfully). Furthermore, a Christian can prove that when you play for something bigger than the game, whether you win or lose is not the primary concern; glorifying God is. And if you've done that, you can go home happy.
Speaking of loss, a Christian on the losing end of a sports contest could teach us all a thing or two about real loss. It is after all only a game. There is far greater suffering in this world. There are starving children dying. There are persecuted brethren being tortured. We all need to be reminded that in the end we play sports for fun. We're not playing for our lives. For that we can all be thankful. It's conceited and shortsighted to sulk after losing a game, considering that someone in the world is probably dying at that very moment without ever having heard the good news of Jesus.
There can only be one winner. Everyone else loses. Everyone loses at least once in their life. Not everyone wins. Therefore, God reaches more people when His vessels lose. More people will be able to relate to a loser. Additionally, the empathy will truly hit home, for it's in our suffering that we grow and change the most. Character isn't defined in the midst of victory. It's defined in the midst of pain, anguish and defeat. People don't watch and relate as deeply with a winner as they do with a loser. An athlete losing with grace is a powerful statement.
Finally, as an old wounded veteran used to tell me when we played chess: "Losing is better than winning. You learn more when you lose." He's right. There really is only one race that must be won in this life. That is the race to be found faithful to the Lord. With that in mind, to say nothing of the practical lessons losing teaches, we should all be glad for the humility, character, perseverance and compassion that losing instills in us.
Yes, God wants to teach the world how to win humbly with class. But there's so much more to teach in losing; losing with gratitude, grace and peace.
I submit two reasons. The first: God most definitely wants Christians to teach the world how to lose. Perhaps even more than teaching the world how to win.
Clearly, the world has mixed priorities if it believes "Winning isn't everything. It's the only thing." A quote uttered by the legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, a man many esteem. If you win, sure things are fine. But if you lose, it's as if the world has ended. I've grown quite accustomed to that feeling having followed the Seattle sports scene (I know, I know... it's sad). If winning is all that matters and you lose, then that's an unhealthy and dreadful way to live. You must have a sense of gratitude about simply playing the game to enjoy it and life.
I've poured, perhaps unwittingly, my heart and soul into Seattle sports only to be rewarded with hypertension, tears and angst. A healthy sense of reality from a Christian who loses serves to counter what I, and likely many fans and fellow athletes, have experienced. A wise loser could show us that truly life can go on after a loss and that there can be contentment even in losing (the film, Fever Pitch with Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon, illustrates this wonderfully). Furthermore, a Christian can prove that when you play for something bigger than the game, whether you win or lose is not the primary concern; glorifying God is. And if you've done that, you can go home happy.
Speaking of loss, a Christian on the losing end of a sports contest could teach us all a thing or two about real loss. It is after all only a game. There is far greater suffering in this world. There are starving children dying. There are persecuted brethren being tortured. We all need to be reminded that in the end we play sports for fun. We're not playing for our lives. For that we can all be thankful. It's conceited and shortsighted to sulk after losing a game, considering that someone in the world is probably dying at that very moment without ever having heard the good news of Jesus.
There can only be one winner. Everyone else loses. Everyone loses at least once in their life. Not everyone wins. Therefore, God reaches more people when His vessels lose. More people will be able to relate to a loser. Additionally, the empathy will truly hit home, for it's in our suffering that we grow and change the most. Character isn't defined in the midst of victory. It's defined in the midst of pain, anguish and defeat. People don't watch and relate as deeply with a winner as they do with a loser. An athlete losing with grace is a powerful statement.
Finally, as an old wounded veteran used to tell me when we played chess: "Losing is better than winning. You learn more when you lose." He's right. There really is only one race that must be won in this life. That is the race to be found faithful to the Lord. With that in mind, to say nothing of the practical lessons losing teaches, we should all be glad for the humility, character, perseverance and compassion that losing instills in us.
Yes, God wants to teach the world how to win humbly with class. But there's so much more to teach in losing; losing with gratitude, grace and peace.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Why Does God Let Christians Lose? Part 1 of 3
I've often wondered this question in regard to sports. If God wants Christians to be a witness for Him, and if those who win generally have the highest platform from which to shine, then why does God let so many good Christians lose in sports? If I were God, I would definitely help My children win so they could tell others about the good news of knowing Me.
Clearly, God has other things in mind. For many Christians have gone into sports and many have not seen success or at least the best of success, like championships. Sure, there are definite exceptions; look at Albert Pujols, Candace Parker, Tim Tebow (for crying out loud, could there be a bigger exception?). But many Christians enter high-profile sports and don't get much past average. Those that do excel and garner attention often don't win the championships or MVP awards; e.g. Jake Peavy, Matt Hasselbeck or Jarome Iginla (of the NHL). They do well but falter in crunch time, like the playoffs. Some reach the pinnacle but then their careers are cut short; Shaun Alexander is one that comes to mind. (Disregard my clear Seattle sports bias here.)
I was thinking about this question specifically with Kurt Warner in mind. Last football season he was on the virtual cusp of drinking in another Super Bowl MVP trophy and winning his second Super Bowl with a different team, something no other starting quarterback had done before. "What a great thing, God," I thought. "You had Tim Tebow back in January win the national championship and now Kurt Warner in February winning the Super Bowl." However, it was not to be. Victory was snatched from the fingers of the Arizona Cardinals and Warner. The camera panned to an upset Warner throwing his towel in frustration.
A blown opportunity for God to step in and help the Arizona defense stop the zipline pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Santonio Holmes? Couldn't He have just helped the Arizona defensive back jump a little higher to deflect it on that one play? Alas, His ways are assuredly not my ways.
Clearly, God has other things in mind. For many Christians have gone into sports and many have not seen success or at least the best of success, like championships. Sure, there are definite exceptions; look at Albert Pujols, Candace Parker, Tim Tebow (for crying out loud, could there be a bigger exception?). But many Christians enter high-profile sports and don't get much past average. Those that do excel and garner attention often don't win the championships or MVP awards; e.g. Jake Peavy, Matt Hasselbeck or Jarome Iginla (of the NHL). They do well but falter in crunch time, like the playoffs. Some reach the pinnacle but then their careers are cut short; Shaun Alexander is one that comes to mind. (Disregard my clear Seattle sports bias here.)
I was thinking about this question specifically with Kurt Warner in mind. Last football season he was on the virtual cusp of drinking in another Super Bowl MVP trophy and winning his second Super Bowl with a different team, something no other starting quarterback had done before. "What a great thing, God," I thought. "You had Tim Tebow back in January win the national championship and now Kurt Warner in February winning the Super Bowl." However, it was not to be. Victory was snatched from the fingers of the Arizona Cardinals and Warner. The camera panned to an upset Warner throwing his towel in frustration.
A blown opportunity for God to step in and help the Arizona defense stop the zipline pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Santonio Holmes? Couldn't He have just helped the Arizona defensive back jump a little higher to deflect it on that one play? Alas, His ways are assuredly not my ways.
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