Author: Dave Burchett

Oops, we did it again. The uproar from the Christian community and the boycott campaign from the American Family Association has given unmerited sympathy to a horse that should have been shot Friday night. I wonder if NBC wouldn’t have quietly let the show “The Book of Daniel” die without the always predictable controversy that the evangelical community generates.  The network is now likely concerned about appearing to give in to the pressure. No doubt the show will receive support from the usual suspects entirely because of the controversial boycott attempt.

From my view “The Book of Daniel” did more damage to the television industry than it did to Christians. I haven’t seen a family with this many problems outside of “COPS”! In fact I would recommend that the families of “COPS” watch “The Book of Daniel” to feel better about their families. The beleaguered clan of show patriarch Daniel Webster has hit the sin lottery. You list a sin…they have a family member knee deep in it. But the show’s dialogue was perhaps the biggest sin of all.

The reviews from the press that we so often vilify as being unremittingly against Christianity were often scathing in their commentary. The New York Times opined that “the real mark against “The Book of Daniel” is not any antipathy it might show toward the family or sympathy for the devil. The real objection is that it’s just not very good.” (NY Times, Ned Martel, January 6, 2006)

 Tom Shales of the Washington Post wrote, “I cannot recall a series in which a greater number of characters seemed so desperately detestable — a series with a larger population of loathsome dolts. There ought to be a worse punishment than cancellation for a show that tries this hard to be offensive and, even at that crass task, manages to fail”….”Perhaps realizing they’ve created a crop of characters who are irredeemably mean, venal and idiotic, the writers try to tell us these people are really sweethearts — not by depicting good qualities through action but simply by having them primitively vouch for one another. “He’s a good boy,” mom says of the cautious and confused Peter. “You’re a good man,” the priest is told by a golf crony. “She’s a good girl,” Jesus says of Grace even after she’s arrested for selling marijuana, and later, of the priest’s bigoted, oafish father: “He’s a good man, Daniel. Everybody’s different.” (Tom Shales Washington Post, Friday, January 6, 2006)

The Jesus in “The Book of Daniel” is portrayed more like the stereotypical 70’s Jesus Freak than a figure that could inspire a movement that would change the world. I expected the song “Peace Train” by the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens to play every time Jesus popped up with some banal piece of motivational poster drivel. This is not the same Jesus who confronted hypocrites ruthlessly, sin honestly, and truth relentlessly. Jesus was such a revolutionary that His teachings got Him killed. I don’t think the Jesus of “The Book of Daniel” could even stir up a good debate at Starbucks.

Remember my argument from last Friday’s post was to wait and see what we were dealing with before we ran screaming around the room that the sky was falling. I urged Christians to see the show, develop a response, and hit the watercooler to discuss. There was much fodder for discussion from the show. Reader’s of this blog had such comments as…

“Next week I’ll do something enjoyable instead.”  – Steve

Fair enough. You did your homework. You get a passing grade.

“Thanks for being a voice of sanity. “ – Bridgette

I put this comment in just because it so amusing to see that written about me.

“I see it as toxic waste on our mission field, and we already have enough of that.”  – Chris

I would gently disagree with Chris. Anytime we have chance to engage others in a discussion about Jesus in the natural flow of culture I think it is an opportunity. This show is a treasure chest of opportunities to discuss faith in real life. I used the example of Paul as the working model of engaging a culture that is often less than sympathetic. Paul went to the intellectual epicenter of his day and that visit is recorded in the book of Acts.

The longer Paul waited in Athens for Silas and Timothy, the angrier he got–all those idols! The city was a junkyard of idols. He discussed it with the Jews and other like-minded people at their meeting place. And every day he went out on the streets and talked with anyone who happened along. He got to know some of the Epicurean and Stoic intellectuals pretty well through these conversations. Some of them dismissed him with sarcasm: “What an airhead!” But others, listening to him go on about Jesus and the resurrection, were intrigued: “That’s a new slant on the gods. Tell us more.”

These people got together and asked him to make a public presentation over at the Areopagus, where things were a little quieter. They said, “This is a new one on us. We’ve never heard anything quite like it. Where did you come up with this anyway? Explain it so we can understand.” Downtown Athens was a great place for gossip. There were always people hanging around, natives and tourists alike, waiting for the latest tidbit on most anything. So Paul took his stand in the open space at the Areopagus and laid it out for them. “It is plain to see that you Athenians take your religion seriously. When I arrived here the other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines I came across. And then I found one inscribed, TO THE GOD NOBODY KNOWS. I’m here to introduce you to this God so you can worship intelligently, know who you’re dealing with. (The Message – Acts 17)

Paul proceeded to lay out his argument and then the author of Acts tallies the results.

 Some laughed at him and walked off making jokes; others said, “Let’s do this again. We want to hear more.” But that was it for the day, and Paul left. There were still others, it turned out, who were convinced then and there, and stuck with Paul–among them Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris.

Maybe that is why we are often more comfortable decrying the culture instead of engaging it. Most of us don’t like being labled as airheads (The Message) or as a babbler (NIV).  I certainly don’t enjoy the very real fact that some will laugh at me and walk off making jokes. But perhaps some will want to hear more. And the reason for taking the chance is that some will be convinced. How do I know that such a strategy works?I sat with a group of six guys at a meal break last Saturday discussing “The Book of Daniel”. For twenty minutes we discussed Jesus and faith in a very natural way. And the door opened because of a not very good TV show. Isn’t it amazing what God can use for His purpose if we will just let Him?

 

As I read about the brewing evangelical storm over the new TV series, “The Book of Daniel,” I was tempted to paraphrase the immortal words of Ronald Reagan. “Well, there you go again.”

I am referring to the call by the American Family Association to boycott the show and put pressure on local affiliates and NBC to not air the show. The strategy includes downloading a document, filling out the call letters and phone number of the local NBC affiliate, and passing it out at church services around the country. Then churchgoers are to call the local affiliate and besiege some poor receptionist who will likely resign and never go near a church again. Christians are urged to forward the email located on the website to get the word out. Here is the description of the show from the American Family Association site.

• While the public has not seen the program, NBC is promoting “The Book of Daniel” as a serious drama about Christian people and the Christian faith. The main character is Daniel Webster, a drug-addicted Episcopal priest whose wife depends heavily on her mid-day martinis. Webster regularly sees and talks with a very unconventional white-robed, bearded Jesus. The Webster family is rounded out by a 23-year-old homosexual Republican son, a 16-year-old daughter who is a drug dealer, and a 16-year-old adopted son who is having sex with the bishop’s daughter. At the office, his lesbian secretary is sleeping with his sister-in-law. NBC and the mainstream media call it “edgy,” “challenging” and “courageous.” The series is written by Jack Kenny, a practicing homosexual who describes himself as being “in Catholic recovery,” and is interested in Buddhist teachings about reincarnation and isn’t sure exactly how he defines God and/or Jesus. “I don’t necessarily know that all the myth surrounding him (Jesus) is true,” he said. NBC considers The Book of Daniel a positive portrayal of Christ and Christians.

Okay…let me say right off the bat that I don’t suspect I will be a huge fan of “The Book of Daniel.” But who knows? Maybe I will be pleasantly surprised. I at least plan to watch the show to be able to respond intelligently.

The Mercury News review written by Charlie McCollum described the recurring appearances by Jesus. Kenny (series director Jack Kenny) maintains he (Jesus) is not some kind of imaginary theological friend to Webster or a plot device to be played for laughs. “He’s not imaginary to Daniel,” he says. “We’re not doing `I Dream of Jesus.’

“I was raised in my faith to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” says Kenny, who grew up in a Roman Catholic family. “Jesus is the embodiment of Daniel’s faith. He is the best part of Daniel. He grew up with Daniel and he’s his best friend. He’s the guy he talks to. That’s Daniel’s personal relationship with Jesus. That’s how he relates to Jesus. I think every Christian has their own individual relationship with Jesus.”

Jesus Christ, pops up every now and then for advice, conversation and snappy repartee. (in over forty years of describing Jesus the phrase “snappy repartee” has never made my list) 

Whether Jesus is portrayed as Lord of Lords or king of one-liners I still believe that overreacting to a show before it even hits the air will not accomplish the goals of AFA. I believe they are sincere in their desire to make a difference in the culture. I happen to believe this is the wrong approach.

Exhibit A. The Disney boycott. You probably missed the rather quiet announcement last summer that the Christian boycott against the company had been lifted. What was the net result of the boycott?

 “It had very little effect,” according to Roberta Clarke, a professor at the Boston University School of Management. Clarke noted that Disney had nine record years during the nine boycott years. Take that Mickey! Don’t mess with us!

But I would argue that the boycott did have a larger and more insidious effect. I believe it did damage to the message of Christ by drawing attention to an issue that is not the central theme of the faith. Many people used this as one more example of how narrow minded Christians can be and how out of touch. I can understand that parents did not want to take their family to Disney World during the Gay Days week at the park. But I would not want to take my family to Daytona Beach during the MTV Spring Break parties. Should we boycott Daytona Beach this year? 

KARK-TV in Little Rock, Ark., and WTWO-TV in Terre Haute, Ind., announced Wednesday they would pre-empt “Daniel,” when it premieres Friday at 9 p.m. Both are owned by Nexstar Broadcasting Group. This will be the focus of stories about how Christians are “censoring” the networks.

I suspect that a few people have already fired off an angry email to me telling me what a bad Christian I am and how I don’t know what I am talking about. Perhaps they will even make a point I disagree with.

But the question for those still with me might be how would I handle this issue if I were the leader of the evangelical world? My first act would be demoting several of the current spokespeople (I have already abused my imaginary power!). My proposal for dealing with the “Book of Daniel” would be to challenge Christians to watch the show, note their disagreements, craft a well thought out position, and discuss it with those you encounter in a graceful way.

I must note that turning red, sputtering, and shouting, “Oh yeah, you’ll be sorry in eternity” is not a cogent apologetic. Maybe the very real problems the family in the show faces could be a springboard to discussing how faith intersects with real life. Perhaps the portrayal of Jesus could cause a discussion about who Christ is. Remember this exchange between Jesus (sans snappy repartee) and His disciples.

Jesus and his disciples headed out for the villages around Caesarea Philippi. As they walked, he asked, “Who do the people say I am?”  

  “Some say “John the Baptizer,’” they said. “Others say “Elijah.’ Still others say “one of the prophets.’”

    He then asked, “And you–what are you saying about me? Who am I?”

    Peter gave the answer: “You are the Christ, the Messiah.”

Who does that viewer say that He is? A good man? A prophet? A teacher? Does the viewer agree with the way Jesus is portrayed? Can you explain why you believe He is Christ, the Messiah? How about asking if they think you can have a relationship with Jesus like the priest in the show? How does that look? If the priest is a man of God why is he having so many problems? Can a godly family have ungodly kids?

This show would seem to be a gold mine of talking points dropped right into our cultural laps. The same issue will pop us this May when the Da Vinci Code debuts in theaters. Instead of huffing and puffing about the heresies of the film how about learning about the book, getting educated on the Biblical and historical facts, and using that movie as a way to engage the culture. I view it as a huge positive that the popular media is attempting to stick a toe in the faith pond. They are throwing open doors of discussion and we are simultaneously trying to nail them closed. Remember Paul engaging the Athenians in the book of Acts by noting they had “many gods” in the city? His well thought out reasoning about the real God won some over and caused others to think more about the faith.

If we must boycott I would prefer that we boycott our fear of engaging the unchurched. How about boycotting ignorance of biblical truth? Maybe we should boycott stereotypical overreactions from the Christian community about everything we disagree with. Let’s boycott ungraceful reactions.

“Boy, sure didn’t see that coming,” says Jesus after one particular twist in Webster’s life. That is another point of theological disagreement that I could discuss with viewers of “The Book of Daniel.”  I am suggesting that we use this show as an opportunity to lovingly be salt and light to our culture. I would bet they won’t see that coming.

 

 

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A few people who likely need a hobby subscribe to this modest effort to get an occasional laugh. I have to warn you that recent events in my world have temporarily suspended the shows at Dave’s Chuckle Hut…one show daily…tip your blogger. Readers of yesterday’s post know that a dear friend died this week and with that comes a lot of reflection.

I admit that I sporadically sample country music and one song oddly resonated with me this week. Kenny Chesney has had his own struggles lately but his recording of ‘The Good Stuff’ should remind all of us about what really matters. The song revolves around a man who has his first real fight with his new wife and he leaves in search of some liquid comfort at a local bar. The bartender walks up and asks him what it will be…

I said,”The good stuff”
He didn’t reach around for the whiskey
He didn’t pour me a beer
His blue eyes kind of went misty
He said, “You can’t find that here.”

That could not be more true. You cannot find the good stuff in a bar, a career, a house, a car, or any material possessions or pleasures. Please understand that I am not an uptight, suck the air out of the party stereotypical religious type. Those who know me will report that I love to laugh. But the message is where we find the good stuff.

Cause its the first long kiss on a second date
your momma’s all worried when you get home late
Droppin’ the ring in the spaghetti plate
cause your hands are shakin’ so much
It’s the way that she looks with the rice in her hair
Eatin’ burnt suppers the whole first year
and askin’ for seconds to keep her from tearin’ up
Yeah man, that’s the good stuff

As we recalled a life that had just ended the conversation was all about the good stuff. Talk of career and the square footage of houses and cost of wardrobes never surfaced. That no longer mattered. And the truth is that it never really did. The bartender in the song had lost his wife to cancer and then spent years in alcoholic denial.

But I’ve been sober 3 years now
‘Cause the one thing stronger than the whiskey

Was the sight of her holdin’ my baby girl
The way she adored that string of pearls
I gave her the day that our youngest boy Earl,
married his high school love
and it’s a new t-shirt saying “I’m a grandpa”
and being right there as our time got small,
And holdin’ her hand when the good Lord called her up
Yeah man, That’s the good stuff

He said, ”When you get home she’ll start to cry,
When she says, I’m sorry,” say ”So am I”
Then look into those eyes so deep in love
and drink it up
‘Cause thats the good stuff
That’s the good stuff

I am getting better at discerning and treasuring the good stuff. I am getting slightly better at not allowing the irritants of life to rob me of the good stuff. Every day is a treasure. Every day that you can look into the eyes of those you love is a gift. Jesus knew what the good stuff was all about. He wasn’t a cosmic killjoy trying to keep us from pleasure. Jesus taught us what mattered.

• What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?   Luke 9  NIV

Loving your family. Having friends who will be there when things are rough. Knowing that you and those you love have a relationship with the living God. That’s the good stuff. Don’t let the world tell you otherwise.

 

 

 

Each year Time Magazine honors its Man or Woman of the Year. The magazine states that the criteria for selection are “the person or persons who most affected the news and our lives, for good or for ill, and embodied what was important about the year, for better or for worse.” This year’s selections were Bill and Melinda Gates of Microsoft fame and wealth along with rock star Bono. They were honored for their financial and political contributions to world poverty. I don’t have an issue with Time’s selections. I admire Bill and Melinda for giving significantly and Bono for his passionate campaign.

But if Time magazine came to me and asked for my Man and Woman of the year it would be much different. I would nominate four people that you likely have never heard about. These are the people that affected my life for better because of their unquenchable faith. I would first nominate Bob and Susan. Susan was diagnosed with cancer over a year ago. The chemotherapy caused a reaction that damaged Susan’s neurological responses. Her balance, coordination, and speech were all profoundly affected. Yet everytime we visit she ends up encouraging me with her smile, spirit, and strength. Bob has cared for Susan with a dedication and love that embarrasses me. Bob went for months sleeping only minutes at a time and yet he served and loved his wife without complaint. He had pledged to love her through better or worse and, unlike so many of us, he stuck to the pledge. I had always wondered exactly what Paul meant in Ephesians when he wrote that husbands are to love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. I left Bob and Susan’s house after one memorable visit with that Scripture verse reverberating through my thick noggin. I had just seen the working model of how a husband can love his wife like Christ loved the church. Recently Susan personally dictated a Christmas letter that put the whole thing in perspective for me. For this family who has been through so much to be grateful for God’s blessings is an amazing demonstration of faith that is real. Faith that works even when the sky is dark.

My other nomination for Man and Woman of the Year would be Mike and Trisha. I am writing this one day after Trisha lost the battle with her earthly body. I would nominate Mike and Trisha because they demonstrated in the laboratory of life what it looks like to stare adversity in the face and not blink. When Trisha received the diagnosis of cancer just a few weeks ago she went through the normal reactions. But it did not take long for her special relationship with the Lord to surface. I have watched Mike and Trisha face the unthinkable and trust God in their darkest hour. NBA star Alonzo Mourning once noted that “adversity introduces a man to himself.” Adversity introduced Mike and Trisha not only to themselves but to a test of the very faith that they held dear. They never wavered.

I can talk about apologetics. I can argue the validity of the ancient records. I can present the evidence for Jesus in historical documents. But nothing demonstrates the amazing grace and presence of a living God more than watching how men and women who love the Lord deal with such adversity. On New Year’s Day I looked into the eyes of a husband who knew his wife might be dying and I saw the supernatural presence of Christ. In just a few short weeks he had been transformed from distress to a complete and inexplicable peace. I still love the King James rendering of that phenomenon in the fourth chapter of Philippians.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I saw in Mike a peace that I don’t believe is possible apart from the presence of God. And this clearly was not denial because both Mike and Trish knew exactly what the path before them held. For my friend Trisha yesterday was the day that she got to quote the words from 2 Timothy as her body failed…

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me…

There are many stories of people who live a life that truly reflects the power of God living within them. You just don’t hear about them often enough. Pray for Bob and Susan as they trust God in every moment. And pray for Mike as he begins to deal with life without the daily presence of his beloved bride. And don’t forget to rejoice for Trisha because yesterday she got to hear these words from the Lord Jesus…

‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

In my mind the real men and women of the year are people like Bob and Susan and Mike and Trisha. They don’t make the news and they won’t be on the cover of Time. But in the midst of disappointing actions by too many Christians they are a beacon that shows that my faith is not only real…it works at the most difficult times. How can you endure such a trial? Paul begged for a trial to be taken away and received this response.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

It cannot be explained how the Holy Spirit comforts and sustains you in those trials. Joni and I have experienced it through the death of our daughter. I have recently seen it in the lives of my friends. I am grateful that I have had the privilege of sharing my life with these special followers of Christ. I hope that I will pass the future tests and trials of life like the example they have set for me.

And the amazing thing about a risen Christ is that I can say the following statement with confidence….

“I will see you later, my dear friend Trisha.”   

 

I used to be terrified by Dracula when I was a kid. Bela Lugosi played the Transylvania terror and I did not sleep well for many nights after seeing that movie. The standard defense methods against a vampire were generally not available to an eight year old kid. I did not have any silver bullets, did not possess a crucifix, was too chicken to think about the wooden stake, and could not figure out an excuse to put garlic on the shopping list. So I hunkered down under the covers, stayed close to beloved mutt Penny, and began my first foray into earnest prayer. God does work in mysterious ways.

So it brought back a lot of memories when I picked up an article in yesterday’s “Dallas Morning News” headlined Give the slip to ‘energy vampires’. The premise of the piece written by Patrick Pemberton is that certain people possess bad vibes, passive-aggressive tactics or outright meanness that simply wipes you out. The concept comes from a book written by psychiatrist Judith Orloff entitled “Positive Energy: 10 Extraordinary Prescriptions for Transforming Fatigue, Stress & Fear into Vibrance, Strength and Love” I certain relate to the 9 classifications of energy vampires that she outlines. Her ideas to combat them were a bit different from my strategy. Let’s look at a few of them with Orloff’s strategy and the approach of your humble bad Christian following in italics.

THE BLAMER

This guy has a sneaky way of making you feel guilty for not getting things right. He’ll dole out endless guilt, resort to verbal abuse, and levy accusations, leaving no room for discussion.

Solution: Imagine yourself enveloped in a cocoon of white light, then picture the cocoon as a shield forming a fail-safe barrier around you. This is a barrier zone where negative vibes can’t disable you.

Reaction…. Uhhhhh. Okay. My cocoon proved to be way too porous (shouldn’t have used the lowest bidder) and negative vibes pummelled me. So I went back to my original plan. I don’t mean to get all spiritual but this is actually where I am in my journey with Jesus. I have finally realized that I have a new identity in Christ (see yesterday’s post for my name change). When confronted with verbal accusations, guilt, and even verbal abuse I am learning (still got a long way to go) to remember that I am attempting to live in a way that demonstrates the supernatural presence of God investing in my life. To respond gently in such a circumstance is supernatural. I am not talking about being a wimp. A strong but gentle response communicated with grace is my goal. Jesus laid down the uncomfortable truth in the gospel of Matthew.

“If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”  Matthew 5 The Message

THE SO-CALLED FRIEND

Driven by envy or insecurity, she puts you down for seemingly no reason, deflating your energy.

Solution: Break eye contact and visualize yourself power-sucking back every drop of energy she’s taken from you. Exhale and envision negative energy as dark gunk leaving your body through your lower spine as you picture fresh air and sunlight coming in. Consider a bath or shower and drink lots of water to reinforce this feeling of cleansing.

Wow. That is some toxic friend! Do you have to call the EPA for this strategy? This is an area that is under construction in my life. My Christian journey is much like Interstate 35 from Dallas to Austin. Constant construction, delays, and frustration. But when the construction is finished and the traffic runs smoothly it is such a relief. That is how my experience with Christ has been. I finish construction on one area and enjoy the exhilaration of smooth sailing. Then I realize that the Lord is setting up construction cones again. Doh!

I am learning to confront the so-called friend in love. Again, I turn to the teachings of Jesus. “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.Or say you’re out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him.” 

Easy? Hades no!

But amazingly effective most of the time.

CHAOTIC CROWDS

It can be an unruly crowd, complete with elbowing, smoking strangers, or just a big rowdy group at a mall or sporting event that gives you a general sense of chaos.

Solution: Find a quiet seating area out of the stream of people where you can go to take a breath, close your eyes, then imagine yourself in a tranquil setting.

The stunning Mrs. Burchett and I just found ourselves in such a situation recently at a post-Christmas sale that resembled a European soccer riot. We found the following solution works very well.

Leave.

 

THE FIXER-UPPER

A dependent, she makes you her therapist and calls on you to fix her problems.

Solution: Identify the co-dependency issues and distance yourself with compassion. Offer emotional support, but don’t spew out solutions. If you’re consistent, she won’t expect you to fix her problems in the future.

This is a tough one. But people generally become dependent for a reason. Often the reason goes deeper than a friend can dig out. But offering love and the hope that I possess is one fixer-upper that has worked for me and those I love.

Other categories of energy vampires include the Unintentional Sapper, the Seemingly Nice Guy, the Constant Talker, and the Drama Queen. Most of us can relate to the people described by Ms Orloff. But I must tell you that I find an inherent danger in allowing myself to view people like this. Believe me I am often tempted to go to my cocoon of white light and avoid the neediness of those around me. But the words of Jesus continue to trip up my desires.

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand–shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”    Matthew 5 The Message

I cannot perceive those who annoy me as my adversaries and still live as a follower of Jesus. So while I enjoy the creative concept of energy vampires I cannot view them that way. But on a bad day garlic is still very effective.

 

 

I have a friend who believes in nominal predestination. He thinks that your name determines a great deal about who you will become. For example, was Yogi Berra more likely to become:

a) a nuclear physicist 

b) a malaprop spouting baseball hero

The answer, of course, is b. If your name is classy, he theorized, you would tend to be more sophisticated. If your name was Bubba you might not be predestined to enjoy an opera libretto. I viewed his theory with interest but a bit of confusion. What nominal predestination awaited a person with a pedestrian name like Dave?

The concept of creative naming had not blossomed when I arrived midway through the Baby Boom. My moniker was the fifth most popular of my birth year. Numbers one through four were Robert, James, Michael, and John. So I imagine that the millions and millions of Bobs, Jims, Mikes, Johns, and Daves would be sympathetic to someone wanting a bit of unique identity in their lives.

I remembered an early punk-rock group during the mid-60’s that had a huge number one hit called “96 Tears.” The group was called ? and the Mysterians and the lead singer was named Rudy Martinez. In 1966 Martinez went to court and had his named changed to ? (not Question Mark) but the actual symbol. So the artist formerly known as Prince was merely copying    ?   when he changed his name to a symbol. I have often wondered what hassles old   ?   goes through now that his hit is long since forgotten. According to websites devoted to the group he still goes by that symbol.  It must be interesting.

“ ?…table for 2 ” or  “ If there is a  ?  on board please ring your flight attendant call button ”

After briefing toying with changing my name to   *   to honor Roger Maris I decided to move past symbols and examine pronouns. A Branson, Missouri, man legally changed his name to the pronoun “They.” A 45 year old guy formerly known as Andrew Wilson says the name change started as a family joke. Like many of us he wondered “Who is this `they’ when people say `They say this’ and `They say that?’”

He even has a driver’s license with the name on it…or so They say. They has no interest in going back to Andrew. So the next time you hear “They say that” you will know it originates in Branson. But the most over the top name change was just in the news. A 19–year-old man has changed his name to KentuckyFriedCruelty.com to support a campaign against the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant chain. Formerly named Chris Garnett, the man says the name is official and has a drivers license to prove it. 

The new name “never fails to spark a discussion,” according to KentuckyFriedCruelty.com. I would imagine that is true. Try to picture the possibilities.

Him: (They is staying out of this one) “Hi, my name is KentuckyFriedCruelty.com”

Me: “Nice to meet you. My name is TheBurgerKingDancesFunny.org.”

Him: “Seriously. My name is KentuckyFriedCruelty.com. I changed my name to protest the inhumane treatment of chickens.”

Me: “Later Dude. Much later.”

KentuckyFriedCruelty.com reports at his website (oddly enough of the same name) that his parents “were a little shocked at first” with the name change. They still call him Chris, but “have accepted the change.” They are no doubt looking forward to their grandkids someday. Little KentuckyFried.org will be quite unique around the old day care. KentuckyFriedCruetly.com works for an organization that gets publicity out of stunts like this so it shall remain nameless.

While I am sticking with the nominally vanilla Dave I did realize that I have added a name over the years. I have added the name Christian to my identity. And I must admit that I did not always contemplate how serious that responsibility was when I added that name to mine. As I mentioned in prior blogs about the Victoria Osteen event, having the title Christian by your name raises the bar on your life. Oh, it does not guarantee perfection. I don’t get in the same zip code with perfection. But calling yourself a Christian does mean you have given up some rights in order to demonstrate Jesus in your life. The classic quote of Saint Francis of Assissi should be the daily mediation of all who call themselves followers of Christ.

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

That is the emphasis for 2006 for the Christian still boringly known as Dave. Actions do indeed speak louder than words. At least that is what “They” say. 

The blogosphere is alive, not with the sound of music, but with opinions on Victoria Osteen’s recent incident while flying with the family to Colorado. I am assuming that unless you just returned from a filming of “Survivor”you have most likely heard the story (if not refer to the Dec.21st or 26th posts). Reader Jackie posted on this site the following comments (note – all italicized comments are from blog sites).

I found Ms Osteen “apology” to be more of a “spin” than an apology. I don’t care when she flies, where she flies to or what her title is. I do find that rudeness and poor behavior is unacceptable from anyone .What bothers me most is that she can issue a statement saying this was a “minor” event. A plane being held for 2 hours and the passengers leaving the plane ( whether they ask to leave or are asked to leave) is not a “minor” event. I do not think the public is stupid. Does Ms Osteen?

That seemed to be the most common response. The inconvenience to a plane full of passengers is inexcusable whether you are a celebrity or not. For frequent fliers the explanation seemed a bit illogical.

 Her side of the story is that she left the plane on her own accord. Hard to believe. In fact, impossible to believe.

…the woman caused enough problems on an airplane that she was deemed unsafe to fly. Rather than admit her mistakes and apologize, she’s argues with the FBI’s version of the story? What about accountability?

I regularly upgrade to first class because I have flown so many miles. After logging six million miles I have never witnessed one incident that caused the plane to be pulled back in and a passenger removed. I also found it hard to comprehend how a minor incident could generate these actions. Airlines are not in the habit of returning airplanes to the gate. The schedules are then fouled up, passengers are angry, connections missed, and flight crew hours are wasted. But the cold logical evaluation of the issue is being debated alongside a spiritual one. Do we have any right to criticize Mrs. Osteen? One blogger shouted his dire warning with his ALL CAP headlines. I have copied the blog exactly as it appeared on the site.

1) YOU ARE NO ONE TO JUDGE ANYONE! Who are you to judge for someone for what they have done? Better yet we al have done something in our lives that was wrong, and do you see the whole US talking about your falts? NO you don’t. The second thing wrong with all this gossip about the Osteen family is

Sorry about the cliff-hanger. I wanted to address number one. This blogger is correct. I am no one to judge anyone. In fact I think there is a pretty clear Biblical mandate that we have to prayerfully consider from the gospel of Matthew.

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

I think we have so broadly applied this teaching that we have ceased to hold ourselves, and others, accountable in how all of us represent Christ. Remember that Jesus was addressing the religious people who talked about godliness but acted entirely differently. I am to evaluate myself by the standards of God’s Word, and yes, the standard should be higher for me because I have publicly identified myself as a follower of Christ. I want others to hold me accountable. In fact, I was confronted a couple of years ago by a person who informed me that my actions did not match my public testimony. I was grateful because I was able to repent and ask forgiveness of that person and others. That is the standard we set for ourselves as Christians. I cannot judge the motives or heart of Mrs. Osteen or anyone else. I can, I believe, honestly and gracefully judge actions that are unbiblical. And now for the conclusion of the earlier cliff-hanger blog…

2) YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT SOMEONE’S IDOL. Someone’s inspiration. Someone’s “oak tree”. Let me go to your place of worship and critize your pastor, or what ever it is. How would you feel? Not very happy, so why do it to other people? Do unto Other as you would have them do unto you. The third problem with all this non-sence is 3) IT IS NONE OF YOUR %$#@ BUSINESS!!! It is none of anybody’s business what the Osteen family does. If Victoria wants to have her seat cleaned because there is something liquid in it, IN FIRST CLASS, then she should have her seat cleaned. I could understand if she was in coach and ask acting like that but when you are in first-class you should get your seat cleaned if asked to, no matter what. Coach is different than First-class, and there is a difference in between how they are treated and “getting a seat cleaned because there is something liquid in it” shouldn’t be a problem for either coach of First-class. It is called First -Class for a reason. But my question to you all naviie, inarticulate, pucillanimous people, WHAT CONCERN IS IT TO YOU?

What a gold mine this is! Let’s go point by point. Joel Osteen should not be anyone’s idol. Nor should I nor anyone else I know. I can respect and admire people but I realize that they are simply people. Most of us know that. My point in the first blog was that if Mrs.Osteen humbly sought forgiveness the incident would go away. The respect for her and Mr.Osteen would only grow had such a humble response been forthcoming.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto me? I would hope that I would never put my self interest above a plane full of other people. That seems like a fair application of the Golden Rule.

In his blog…uhh…letter to the Colossians Paul wrote to “let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”  Following that would have likely diffused the entire situation.

As for the first class issue let me point out that first class is simply a more comfortable seating area. The flight attendants are there to make sure the plane is safe for take off, the baggage is secured, the doors are properly closed, the passengers seat belted and the safety instructions communicated. The people in first class have no more privilege than anyone else when the crew is doing their primary function. I am far more concerned about safety checks than anyone having a damp tush.

The concern to me is that any incident like this gives ammo to the critics and doubt to the seekers. Any time the name of Christ is tarnished it is a concern to me, and yes, I hold myself to that standard. If I do anything that discredits my Lord Jesus Christ I want you to challenge me (I would prefer gracefully) and I will seek to repent and repair the damage.

Some indicated the comments were from jealous and envious people who love to bring down successful celebrities. We will do another blog on celebrity Christianity but let me give you one example of a pastor’s wife who has dealt with fame. As one blogger succinctly argued…

 I don’t recall any incidents with Ruth Graham..

Defense rests, your honor.

Perhaps feeling a bit sorry for Victoria Osteen some bloggers posted the following thoughts…

 …thankfully, God’s grace extends toward us even when we demonstrate  our unworthiness. amazing grace they call it.

 God’s grace is truly amazing. He extends it to all of us when we act up — publicly or privately.

Amen to that. I identify with the t-shirt that says “I am the wretch the song is talking about.” But we do have a responsibility as the body of Christ to hold one another accountable in love.

“Be alert. If you see your friend going wrong, correct him. If he responds, forgive him. Even if it’s personal against you and repeated seven times through the day, and seven times he says, “I’m sorry, I won’t do it again,’ forgive him.”  Luke 17 – The Message

Fortunately, for Mrs. Osteen (who might still be in the learning process) she has the loving Body of Christ to gently help her correct herself when she messes up. Come on folks, leave her alone.

I hope the body of Christ is doing just that. But I believe that a little humility and repentance would have covered a multitude of sins. I don’t want to be left alone. I want to be accountable. Because the last thing I want to do is cause anyone to view Jesus unfavorably. All of us fall short in our lives. But all of us should seek to live humbly, repent, seek forgiveness, and walk kindly. That kind of life will get noticed.