Below is a Wordle word cloud I made for President Obama’s speech at Cairo University last Thursday. Click to see the full-size image. Interesting illustration, isn’t it?
http://www.wordle.net/
Posts Tagged: Christianity
8
Jun 09
Word Cloud for Obama Speech in Cairo
15
May 09
What’s in a Name, Christian?
Sam Hodges, a religion reporter for The Dallas Morning News, wrote an interesting post for the DallasNews.com Religion Blog in which he discusses the many meanings of the word “Christian.” Hodges writes:
Today the word means whatever you want it to. Most Americans think a “Christian” is a good person who believes in God. If you’re not Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, or Jewish, you must be a “Christian.” The first “Christians” would be surprised at the notion. Luke tells us that “the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (Acts 11:26). The word is found only two other times in the Bible (Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). In all three instances, it was used by outsiders to describe followers of Jesus. (The first Christians apparently preferred terms like “believers, disciples, brothers, followers of the Way.”)
So, what does the word “Christian” mean? This topic brings so many questions to mind:
- Are we looking for an insider definition or an outsider?
- Is there a difference between an insider and an outsider definition? Should there be?
- Should an insider care if the outsider’s definition is different?
- Are we discussing the word “Christian” as a noun or adjective?
Hodges briefly discusses the literal definition of the word: “one who belongs to Christ.” It is likely that, both insiders and outsiders, subscribed to this definition in the days of the early church. Today, the word means many different things to many different people. Some would argue that it means the same as it did that day in Antioch. Others would argue that it is a term with strong political implications. Catholics and Protestants would certainly define the term differently. Is one born a Christian or does one become a Christian? Again, many would disagree, based on upon their definition.
Let’s make the issue even more confusing: What about the word “Christian,” as an adjective? Christian thoughts, Christian books, Christian actions, Christian music, Christian stores, Christian schools, Christian morals… What makes something Christian? Again, more questions. Let’s think in terms of music:
- What makes one a Christian artist or singer? What makes a song Christian?
- If a Christian song is sung by a non-Christian artist, is it still a Christian song? Does the song become Christian once again, if a Christian artist sings it?
- Can it be a Christian band, if they sing a song that isn’t Christian? What if they don’t sing any Christian songs?
What does the word “Christian” mean?
One thing is certainly clear here: there is no clear answer. Because of this, it is important that we define our terms for others. I assign blame for this mess to us Christians (whoever we are). We have allowed the waters to become murky.
Is it time that Christians reclaim the original definition of this word? I think so. What about all the other stuff, the baggage? Perhaps we should make up new words…
16
Mar 09
Nightline Debate: Does Satan Exist?
In another installment of the “Nightline Face-Off” series, the existence of Satan will be debated on Friday, March 20 at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA. The “Face-Off” series began two years ago when the question of “Does God Exist?” was the topic of discussion. The debate will be moderated by Dan Harris.
Arguing against the existence of Satan:
Dr. Deepak Chopra: philosopher, President, Alliance for a New Humanity
Bishop Carlton Pearson: author, “The Gospel of Inclusion”
Arguing for the existence of Satan:
Pastor Mark Driscoll; founding pastor, Mars Hill Church
Annie Lobert; executive director, “Hookers for Jesus”
You can watch the “Nightline Face-Off: Does Satan Exist?” on March 26 on ABCNews.com and on “Nightline” at 11:35 p.m. ET.
This should be quite the event. Perhaps it is an opportunity to reach out and begin conversations with non-Christians around you? Simply mentioning this Nighline debate may open a door for spiritual conversation. Try it out today…
I’ve marked my calendar – will you be watching the debate?
For more information, check out the Mars Hill blog or the Nightline website.
3
Mar 09
Mark Driscoll on Cutting Words and Harsh Language
Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA was invited to speak at the Desiring God 2008 National Conference in September. If you have not yet watched or listened to his session, How Sharp the Edge? Christ, Controversy, and Cutting Words, I strongly recommend that you do so now. I found his message, considered by some to be rather controversial, to be deeply encouraging, impactful, and convicting.
Driscoll’s basic outline contains five main points:
- Christians are to feed the sheep.
- Rebuke the swine.
- Shoot the wolves.
- Bark at the dogs.
- Pray for the shepherds.
I encourage you to listen to the message in its entirety. Full audio and video are available for streaming or download here.
What is your reaction to Driscoll’s message? Are there aspects with which you disagree? How might the truth of this message impact our churches, our ministries, our nation? How have you been changed, challenged, impacted, or convicted by Driscoll’s message?
React below.
26
Jan 09
Blogs That Bear Fruit – Part 1
Which list of words best describes the Christian blogs you read? Which best describes this blog?
List 1
Enmity
Strife
Jealousy
Fits of anger
Rivalries
Dissensions
Divisions
Envy
List 2
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control
22
Jan 09
Rick Warren’s Inaugural Prayer in the Name of Isa
Let me begin by saying that the purpose of this post is not to pick apart Rick Warrens Inaugural Prayer. There are plenty of places in the blogosphere where these conversations are being held. I invite you to seek them out and post as many comments as you wish.
I would, however, like to focus attention upon one specific word used by Warren:
“I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life, Yeshua, Isa, Jesus, Jesus (hay-SOOS)…”
A fair amount of debate and controversy has arisen over Rick Warren’s use of the word “Isa.” Isa, his critics claim, is a name (from the Qur’an) used for Jesus by Arab Muslims. Arab Christians, on the other hand, widely use the name Yasu’ for Jesus. Isa, a prophet, was not God-incarnate nor was he the son of God. He was neither crucified nor was he raised from the dead. Isa is not the Jesus of the Bible.
This is a problem.
By praying in the name of Isa, Warren has incorporated a Muslim concept of Jesus into a Christian prayer. Muslims have been allowed to define terms as they see fit while the Biblical truth of the nature of Jesus Christ has been lost in translation.
For the Jesus of the Bible is the son of God, fully human and fully divine. He was crucified and raised again, so that sins might be forgiven.
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-20, ESV)
It is only by the blood of Jesus that Rick Warren and other Believers might approach a most holy God with their prayers and petitions.
Jesus, Yasu’. Not Isa.
Now seems to be a very appropriate time for me to point out that I am not an expert on this topic. If you have further insight to offer on either side if this issue, please include it in the comments below. Please also note any helpful resources you may stumble across.
21
Jan 09
Thoughts and Reactions – Inauguration 2009
12:04 AM
January 20, 2009 has quickly come to an end and there is little I can say to capture the significance of today’s events that has not already been said. Today, the pages of tomorrow’s history books were written before my very eyes. Today, I am especially proud to call myself an American.
Here are a few of my thoughts regarding the day’s events:
- It wasn’t an entirely happy day for me. In fact, I would say that my mood today has been downright somber. Some of you who know me well might guess that this is because I didn’t vote for Barack Obama. Good guess…but no. Our country is lost. Did you see it? Americans desperately yearn for change, for hope, for restoration, for joy, for happiness, for renewal and reconciliation. Unfortunately, they are looking to a mere man, Barack Obama, to provide all of these things. They will be left unfulfilled. True hope, joy, happiness, restoration, renewal, and restoration are found only in Christ. We have been given an incredible opportunity and platform to share the Gospel with those around us. Will we respond?
- George W. Bush has been shown very little respect by his critics. In fact, he was mocked today as he arrived at the inauguration ceremony. The office of the Presidency demands a certain amount of respect – respect that President Bush was rarely shown. It is not wrong to disagree with the President, but one should disagree respectfully. I pray that Christians (many of whom, like myself, passionately disagree with President Obama on countless issues) show our President the respect he deserves. We are being watched and must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
- Say what you will about Pastor Rick Warren, but it was wonderful to hear the name of Jesus proclaimed boldly at the end of his Inauguration Prayer.
- I fear that many are guilty of raising up Barack Obama as an idol.
- I hope that one day, events such as these will not be surrounded with such celebration, as they will be commonplace.
- Obama is has an incredible ability to motivate and inspire with his rhetoric, but how well will he perform in the trenches?
- I am amazed at the number of people who refer to President Obama as simply “Barack.” I can’t imagine he appreciates that any more than George, Bill, George, Ronald, or Jimmy did.
- Pastor John Piper recalls some very relevant thoughts about Being Pro-Life Christians Under a Pro-Choice President.
- CNN.com Live with Facebook was incredible.
I look forward to seeing what our sovereign Lord does in our country over the next four years. May He be glorified.
19
Jan 09
Resource: Top 60 Church Blogs
Kent Shaffer of Church Relevance has released a list of the world’s Top 60 Church Blogs. These blogs cover a number of topics from ministry to theology. At the top of the list you will find:
- Tim Challies
- Between Two Worlds – Justin Taylor
- Stuff Christians Like – Jon Acuff
- Out of Ur
- The Resurgence – Mark Driscoll
Check out the entire list here.
29
Dec 08
Top Ten Theology Stories of 2008
Collin Hansen at Christianity Today has listed the Top Ten Theology Stories of 2008. Some notable items on the list:
2. The Shack enthralls readers, angers theologians
4. Conservatives launch Anglican Church of North America
6. Critics respond to dialogue between evangelicals and Muslims
7. Leading evangelicals issue a “manifesto.”
9. Roman Catholic bishops revisit inerrancy compromise reached at Vatican II.
Here are a few ‘Honorable Mentions” that came to my mind that didn’t make Hansen’s list:
- Obama and McCain debate issues of faith at Saddleback Church
- Todd Bentley’s Florida revivals divide charismatic movement – This was mentioned on Christianity Today’s Top News Stories of 2008 list, but it seems appropriate for a Top Theology Stories list as well.
- Oprah pairs with Eckhart Tolle and makes known her religious views: here and here
- Evangelicals debate whether or not a Christian can vote for a mormon presidential candidate – Though Romney dropped out of the race in February of 2008, this was still a relevant issue in 2008.
What else? Are there other theology stories you feel should be on the list? Note them in the comments.
14
Nov 08
J.P. Moreland on the Historical Jesus
Please consider taking the time to listen to this 1997 lecture given by J.P. Moreland: The Modern Search for the Historical Jesus. In the lecture, Moreland offers a brief introduction to modern attempts to reconstruct the historical Jesus. More specifically, Moreland confronts some of the ideas which haven arisen from the Jesus Seminar.
Here is Moreland’s stated outline:
- Give a brief statement of some of the assumptions of this, more secular, approach to the New Testament documents
- Offer a brief response to this approach
- Explain why the picture of Jesus in the New Testament is substantially reliable history.
The full-length audio file is available here for streaming or download. It is an hour in length, but well-worth your time.
Please feel free to react to Moreland in the comments.
