With great pride and joy, I am pleased to announce that I have finished writing my first book, titled "Are There Firetrucks in Heaven?" I look forward to announcing the publication dates soon. Here is an excerpt from the book:

Are There Fire Trucks In Heaven?
by Ernest Bodrazic

Happy is he who still loves something he loved in the nursery: He has not been broken in two by time; he is not two men, but one, and he has saved not only his soul but his life. ~G.K. Chesterton

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. ~Pablo Picasso

     Are there fire trucks in heaven? Seems like a simple question. You would think it has a simple answer. But as we get older, things seem to get more complicated. And they really don’t need to be. Whatever happened to that child-like innocence, that endless sense of awe and wonder you had when you were young? Once upon a time, your dreams were all that mattered. In your dreams, you could fly to the moon. Today, you just hope you can make it to payday. I asked a dear friend, a pastor, if there were fire trucks in heaven. Discussing that answer is what prompted me to write this book. Seems like an absurd question when you first think about it. But is it really? What is heaven? Is it just some place we go when we die? If heaven is nothing more than clouds and harps and other boring stuff, why would any person in their right mind ever want to be there? As a child, I dreamed of being a fireman. And when I go to heaven, I expect my dreams to come true!

     Speaking of dreams, whatever happened to your dreams from childhood? Do you remember exploring lost worlds, like Indiana Jones? Were you a stunning ballerina, performing Swan Lake? Can you recall being heroic like Spiderman, or awaiting rescue from your Prince Charming like Cinderella? Pots and pans became drum sets. Any piece of furniture, once a blanket was draped over it, became a castle! When did that stop? And for goodness’ sake, why did it stop?

     How about it? Every guy dreams of being Luke Skywalker or Han Solo. Ladies, is there a Wonder Woman or Florence Nightingale deep inside you? I spoke to several nurses while I was recovering from a recent surgery. They each told me they dreamed of being a nurse. So apparently, some dreams do come true!

     However, most dreams just simply seem to fade away as we “grow up,” but was it all for nothing? I don’t believe that to be true. In fact, I think the dreams we had (or still have) point to a reality greater than the one we are living right now. Are you interested in taking a walk together and see what lies out there? Superman! Grab your cape. Cinderella! Get your glass slippers! It is time for the ball! Let’s go chase some dreams!

So who is really losing thier mind here?

I could see it as clearly as if it happened yesterday. Well, that’s because it did happen yesterday. 80+yr old driver (now there’s someone who needs valid license testing) with the handicap tag & the rosary hanging from the rearview mirror and the “fish” on the bumper. Oh, the “wheelchair” symbol on the license plate was another dead giveaway. Treat this driver carefully as it will change direction as quickly as a two-year old fed on Red Bull and cotton candy! I could smell the carnage about to begin.

And so it did. “Grandma” managed to halt four lanes of traffic (50mph traffic by the way, semi’s included) so she could make that “Oh shit! There’s the gas station I’m supposed to be going to” turn.

            Patience, lack of being fully awake or spontaneous humanity prevented what would have normally been a symphony of screeching tires & obnoxious horns followed by a choreographed salute from everyone stopped abruptly, letting her know she’s “#1”.

            No, this was a good day. A good moment. Everyone on their best behavior.  One could almost say that everyone “identified” with Grandma at that time. We either respected her as our elder or we saw her doing something one of our own family would do and had the patience to understand. No “angry birds” needed.

            Ya gotta admire the elderly. They have SO much power and control. After all, who doesn’t like Betty White? Our “Grandma” of this story had the power to halt an 18-wheeler without lifting a finger. Then again, who wants to ever explain to a police officer how or why you hit an “innocent old lady”.

            At the same time, police officers should treat those accidents reports with gentleness in our favor. Because, after all, it is very much like having a deer jump out in front of you instantly! They magically appear from nowhere!

But what prevails more in my mind is wondering about their minds. The elderly, that is. The senior citizens we live among. If you pay attention for a moment, you become aware of the change. Both in them and in us. Let me explain.

Perhaps for those of us in our 40-50’s, we find that we treat our own elders as little children. Because, after all, we ration, they are acting like little children. No so much rambunctious but inquisitive. Asking questions they should very well know the answers to, over an over. Small things like, “Where do I keep my keys? Or “How do I turn on the TV?” or even “Which way is it to the gas station?” We find it dumbfounding that we need to be asking ourselves “This is the same man that flew a fighter plane in the war?” This is the same woman who held down two jobs and raised five kids?” Where did this one-time amazing person go?

I would offer this to you. Be jealous in their freedom and their independence. Be envious of the world they are learning to let go of. And then race towards where they are heading with all the energy you can muster! Yes, they may be crippled with physical ailments. They may be a prisoner in their own mind, needing constant care and attention. They may even be that ancient hobo that makes his daily routine of digging his meals outta the garbage cans. (BTW – buy that guy a meal once in a while. Have a conversation with him. Ignore the smell. Find the BEAUTY God placed in him!)

            Yes, be jealous for even if they are not aware of it yet, they know they are “going home” soon. “Return to whence you came”, “Abandon this mortal coil”, “Get your wings” and my favorite “Free to be a kid again”.

            They followed the footsteps of their ancestors, Adam & Eve. They once had paradise and total freedom to do whatever they liked – NAKED EVEN!!!!! WhooHoo! This is why two-year olds gotta have naked time. It’s biblically imparted into them!

Adam & Eve could do no wrong “BUT”…….yea, even in paradise, there is a catch, isn’t there. Seems they were told that they could eat from any tree in the garden except from the tree of knowledge (Or the knowledge of good & evil as stated in some texts).

So why is this a bad thing? Wouldn’t you agree that it is important, nay, life-saving to be able to understand good versus bad? It’s the insight that tells us if it is safe to let our child go play with the other kids or when to lock our car doors in bad neighborhoods or shut people out of our lives because they may hurt us…..

So I ask you now to take a moment and ponder “who is the real prisoner here?”

Oft heard is the phrase “Be careful what you wish for. You just may get it!” The commercials for Prevacid & Ambien & Cymbalta & Xanax make for a great debate on how much do we really need to know? And how much of that can we really handle? It would seem that the elderly have already started “unlearning” the knowledge of good and evil. They have learned that knowing everything sometimes means knowing too much. Too much pain. Too much heartache. Too much death. In their absentia, they (in my opinion) have simply started making their journey home. I think we all come to various points in our lives where we say “it’s too much”. I didn’t ask for all this!” And then, out of sheer preservation, we shut some things down. Not in abandonment, but in self-preservation because our minds simply cannot grasp the bigness of it all. Our minds cannot grasp the bigness of God. Moses saw the back of God and it made him glow like a candle.

Yet we demand for answers. Be careful what you ask for.

There are survivors of 9/11, who saw the bodies jump from the towers. They saw those pour souls land. Many cannot speak about what they saw. It’s not that they are incapable, it’s that a safety valve within their psyche locked up & simply said “it’s too much”.

Our elders have fought a lifetime battle trying to “discern between good and evil”. It is a constant battle, where one must “take up your cross daily” (gawd, I hate that phrase – story for another time). And I think that we, not in defeat but out of a hopeful requiem, a joyful submission, we relent. We begin to understand that it’s very tiring always being on your guard. It’s exhausting always worrying if your family is safe and protected, even though some ways you are powerless to do anything about it. It takes so much work to always question someone’s motives. It’s exhausting fighting all the time!

One day you will find yourself following in their footsteps. You probably are already. Where did you set the car keys again?? One day you will set yourself free. You will let go of the baggage. And you won’t give a damn if you just cut off four lanes of traffic because you forgot where the gas station was.

What IS the church???

Hello all,

I'm traveling much these days so my "writing" time has been limited, but my reading time has expanded greatly. I came across a newsletter that I find to be insightful, educational, discussable & best of all - CONTROVERSIAL! I find it both necessary and important to challenge our ways of thinking. Do we do things because it's the best way to do them or do we do things out of habit? I always like asking "why". Why do we carry on doing things even if they make no sense or have no practical value. So I invite you to explore this wonderful newsletter offering a reminder that doing the popular thing does not make it the best thing to do. Enjoy!

Sabbath Day Devotion

January 14, 2012

What the Church is NOT (part 20) –

We continue to receive a tremendous amount of encouragement and support in response to this series.   Because these devotions are being forwarded to many, many people, we are receiving a multitude of new subscribers every week.  

NOTE: If you did not receive earlier installments to this series or if you deleted earlier installments, feel free to reply to this email and request the “entire series.”

Hundreds of people are getting a glimpse of what an unconstrained Holy Spirit led church is capable of doing.   Unfortunately, most of these people are trying to make their new concept of what the church should be fit their old paradigm of what they have always thought the church was.   Understandably, they don’t know how to go from where they are to where they want to be.

I have thought about this a lot.   I have discussed it with others.   I hope God will enlighten me and make it possible for me to discuss it in more detail in a future devotion.   At this point, though, I am led to believe that what we are most inclined to do will be similar to pouring new wine into an old wine skin.

The Church is NOT:

• a man-made building
• a man-made denomination
• a set of man-made doctrines
• for unbelievers (non-Christians)
• a social club or gossip center
• an entertainment center
• an event that has a dress code
• a place to drop off your kids
• a place where large crowds sit in rows staring at the back of someone else’s head
• an organization with a distinction between clergy and laity
• an event that must start at a specific time on a specific day
• a substitute for individual Bible study and prayer time
• the only place you should act Christ-like
• a 501.c.3 organization
• an organization that is based on anyone other than Jesus Christ
• headquartered here on earth

We have discussed the first ten of these “What the Church is NOT” statements.   We will discuss the eleventh in today’s devotion.   Based on previous experience, this devotion is sure to raise some hackles.   Many will label me as a heretic.   So be it.   It won’t be the first time – and I am sure it won’t be the last.

The Church is NOT…

an event that must start at a specific time on a specific day.

Most Christians meet every Sunday morning for worship.   Why is that?   Is Sunday the day God set aside for worship?   Does the Bible instruct the church to meet every Sunday morning?

Most Christians are surprised when they discover the real reason they meet every Sunday morning for church services.   The real reason most churches meet on Sunday is because the Roman Emperor Constantine mandated that Sunday would be the official day of assembly and rest – in 321 A.D.   Constantine is quoted as saying, “On the venerable day of the Sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed.”   This was not only for Christians, but for the entire Roman Empire.

Since my occupation is in agriculture, I found it very interesting that Constantine went on to say, “But let those dwelling in the country freely and with full liberty attend to the culture of their fields; since it frequently happens that no other day is so fit for the sowing of grain, or the planting of vines; hence, the favorable time should not be allowed to pass, lest the provisions of heaven be lost.”

Please keep in mind that I just quoted Constantine – NOT the Lord our God.

Most church groups have been meeting on Sunday for so long that they fail to realize that doing so is nothing more than a man-made tradition that has very little support in the Holy Scriptures.   As I have said several times since we started this series, it’s funny how our traditions (mine included) will eventually seem “biblical” – if we practice them long enough.

After reading and rereading the book of Acts as well as the New Testament letters, I’m convinced that the early Christians met together as “the church” whenever it was convenient.   There is evidence that some met every day – at least for a while.   It is believed that they often came together as the church before and/or after work.

Every day they continued to meet together in the

temple courts.   They broke bread in their homes and

ate together with glad and sincere hearts...   And the Lord

added to their numbers daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:46-47

Many historians believe Constantine was trying to unite pagan sun worship with Christianity.   The wording of his law shows that at the time of its inception he was wavering between paganism and Christianity.   By calling Sunday "the venerable day of the sun," there is no doubt that Constantine had high esteem for pagan sun worship.

There were several other man-made Sunday laws between 425 A.D. and the 1600s.   For example, in 789 A.D. Charlemagne (King of the Franks) decreed that even normal "servile" work was to be avoided on Sunday so that the day could be set aside for holy worship and thanks to God for His goodness.   This Sunday law further expanded the role of State in church affairs by affecting personal behavior.

I have often been told that we meet on Sunday because that is the day our Lord arose from the grave.   That is why Easter is always celebrated on a Sunday.   Keep in mind, though, that there was no formal celebration of the resurrection of Christ (Easter) until the reign of Constantine during the fourth century.   There are also two scripture references that many church leaders use to try to provide some evidence that the early church met on Sunday (the first day of the week).

In Acts 20:7, Luke records, "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread..."   Please read Acts 20:7-12.

In biblical times, the Jewish day started at sundown of the previous day.   Concerning these particular verses, most Bible scholars believe these believers came together after observing the Sabbath (Saturday).   Shortly after sundown (the beginning of Sunday), the Apostle Paul began to talk.   Since he was leaving the next day, Paul kept on talking until midnight when one of the listeners fell asleep and fell out of a third story window.   The time of this meeting would have been the equivalent of our Saturday night.

You can read as much into this as you want to.   Personally, I do NOT think these verses insinuate that every church group met on the first day of every week.   All it says is that this particular group of believers happened to meet at this time to listen to Paul because he was leaving the next day.   If you are using these verses to support your belief that the church should meet on the first day of every week, then you should start your meetings Saturday night – instead of Sunday morning.

In 1 Corinthians 16: 2, the apostle Paul said, "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made."   Please read 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.

Paul instructed the Corinthian believers to set aside money for the impoverished Christians in Jerusalem.   Note that these verses say nothing about Christians coming together with other Christians on the first day of the week.   They also say nothing about bringing money to a church meeting or a church building (there were no church buildings).   The Corinthian Christians were simply instructed to set aside some money on the first day of the week.   They were told to save it up “so that when I (Paul) come no collections will have to be made.”

Most of us try to interpret scriptures to fit our preconceived thoughts and ideas.   Most of us have been GOING to a church building at a specific time every Sunday morning.   Part of our weekly agenda is to pass the collection plate.   The money that is collected is handed over to the church treasurer to manage for the church.   Therefore, when we read these two verses, we automatically visualize what we experience every Sunday morning.   We forget that there were NO church buildings, NO collection plates and NO church treasurers when the Apostle Paul wrote these instructions.  

Once again, you can read as much into these two verses as you want to.   Personally, I believe the Apostle Paul was simply instructing each Christian in Corinth to set aside some money that could be shared with the Christians in Jerusalem.   Each person or family was “saving it up” so that it would be ready when Paul came.   They did NOT take their money to some church building and hand it over to a church treasurer for safe keeping.

These are the only two places in the New Testament that even come close to talking about believers coming together on Sunday.   I am still under the impression that the early Christians met as often as possible.   They did NOT have a specific day or set time for worship.   They were busy BEING the church.   The concept of GOING to church had not yet been invented.

Does this mean it is wrong for modern-day Christians to always meet on Sunday?   No, not necessarily.   I think we need to realize, though, that God was NOT the one who made Sunday the official day of worship for Christians.   Unfortunately, many of the Christians I have had fellowship with over the years seemed to be worshipping Sunday more than they worshiped the Lord our God.   I’m sure the same could be said of many Sabbath Keepers about Saturday.

Folks, you do NOT have to wait until a specific time on a special day of the week to have fellowship with other Christians – and you do NOT have to go to a special building to have fellowship with other Christians.   In my not-so-humble opinion, these are the two biggest problems with the church today.   Those who belong to the religious majority are so obsessed with GOING to church that they don’t realize that they are supposed to BE the church.

Don’t just GO to church; BE the Church

Kit Pharo

Pharo Cattle Co.

Cheyenne Wells, CO

Phone: 1-800-311-0995

Email: Kit@PharoCattle.com

Website: www.PharoCattle.com

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Jesus or Gandhi? Why not both??

As a believer of Jesus, there is a question I wrestle with daily, much like the man Jacob wrestles with in that story in Genesis. Can Gandhi be in heaven? I find the knee-jerk reaction from most "Christians" is "NO". Their common argument is that Gandhi was not a Christian. This point of view has some holes in it, in my humble opinion. I don't believe this to be the case. My reasons for believing in Jesus lead me to believe that this is not true. In fact, I believe that we often are misunderstanding what the bible has to say about the matter.

As always, when discussing matters of theology, we embark on a never-ending journey. The questions I ask are not new to arena of discussion. And I do not expect to reach a solid, confirmed answer by the time we are through. Jesus has been discussed and cussed for 2000+ years. I simply desire to present some different points of view to ponder. I only question authority when I think authority is questionable (wink).

So Gandhi cannot be in heaven because Gandhi was not a Christian. Well, believe it or not, neither was Jesus. As the bumper sticker so proudly states, "My father is a Jewish carpenter". The first mention of the word or term "Christian" does not appear until the Book of Acts 11:26 (shown in context here). Jesus was Jewish in birth and upbringing. The lessons of Jesus are rooted in Old Testament teachings. This is important to note because I have personally observed some Christians negating the value and importance of the Old Testament, believing that it is the "old" way of living and no longer of importance.

ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE!

While I do confess that reading the Old Testament books like Leviticus & Deuteronomy are a exciting as a grocery list at times, to do away with their teachings is like saying that your grandparents are outdated and useless because they can’t operate an iPad! You need to know where you came from in order to understand where you’re going. For example, I have no desire to ever repeat my pubescent years, yet I would be a fool if I were to discard them as having no effect or value on my life.

I struggled a lot with trying to make some sense out of the Old Testament until I came across "The Bible Jesus Read" by Philip Yancey. In his book, I found comfort & companionship in writers who asked, nay, SCREAMED aloud some of the same questions I have. To know that Moses was just confused about what his purpose in life was as I am gives me peace to know that I'm not alone in my confusion. That Jacob “wrestled” with trying to understand who God is just like I am today brings me peace to know that it’s okay to question God. In fact, after wrestling with God, Jacob was given a new name – Israel, which means, “To wrestle with God”.

We take pride in names. Our country is boldly proclaimed “The UNITED STATES of America”. A name of unity, strength & togetherness. Bold. Strong. But our Middle East relative announces its identity as a nation “wrestling with who God is”. I feel there is something to be learned in the humility.

I was overjoyed as I continued to read, to discover a God that delighted in being challenged! Abraham and Sarah uttered aloud their doubts about being able to have a child when they were 90+ years of age, as God said they would. They weren’t condemned for asking. They were blessed with a beautiful baby after decades of despair. Moses lead thousands to a new life yet sounded like Porky Pig when he spoke. Can you imagine seeing a presidential debate with a Looney Toons character on stage? (Oh wait, we already are…)

What about Grace? One lesson spoken of repeatedly is the GRACE of Christ. Grace is a summary of what Christ is about. His dying on the cross to give us life that we don’t deserve. Grace. A gift. Never earned. Never purchased. Freely given to us who believe in Christ. It has been hypothetically discussed that even a man like Hitler could have received the saving grace of Christ if he asked for forgiveness in his final moments. A rather uncomfortable point to remember is that Hitler was raised Catholic and professed a belief in Christ in his adult years.

This is where it gets ugly. I betrays our sense of “justice” to consider such ideas. Yet, we have the story of the thieves on the cross, alongside Jesus. One thief asking Jesus to be remembered when Jesus comes to His kingdom. Jesus responds “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 29:39-43). Here was a man making his first or final confession and is promised forgiveness. He gets heaven.

We do not know what his crimes were. That is omitted from the story. What if he was a rapist? What if he slaughtered children? What if he was like John Wayne Gacy or Andrea Yates? We convict people like this in the court of our minds well before they ever reach the courtroom. Yet Jesus promises this man eternity in heaven. A reward none of us would readily give.

So Jesus is quick to forgive and honor the thief’s last request. Grace. Jesus can do so for any that ask willingly, if scripture is true or that is what the heart of the message is.

But there seems to be something so unjust about it. We demand justice and we want to believe that someone as evil as Hitler is roasting away as a eternal piece of human charcoal. But GRACE is not justice. Grace is unyielding, unbiased, love.

What about Gandhi? Can a man, who is world renown for his non-violent stand against oppression & injustice be enjoying the rewards of heaven? Again, most Christians would be quick to say “NO” since Gandhi was not a Christian. What does the bible say about what it takes to get to heaven?

In John 14:6, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” I tend to think that many read this verse as definitive proof that one must be a Christian in order to get to heaven. But as we many time do, we add words to make scripture say what we want to believe. It does not say, “become a Christian and you will go to heaven”. In fact, even just being a Christian does not guarantee that you have a ride to paradise. I can find more verses that indicate otherwise.

For example, Matthew 5:20 says “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

So does this mean I need to be holier than a priest? Does this mean that priests will not go to heaven?

Matthew 7:21 says “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

Okay, so does this mean that not all believers get to heaven? Or that all I need to do is follow God’s ways like Jesus says in “the Greatest Commandment” as written in Matthew 22:35-40

³⁵ One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ³⁶ “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

 ³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^{[a] 38} This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^{[b] 40} All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

So John Lennon was right! All you need is LOVE!

Now I don’t say this to make a mockery of the bible, but I do believe that this is all you really need to know about the bible. If we devote our time to just trying to love each other, I think the rest will fall into place.

But back to Gandhi. Can a man as loving and inspirational as Gandhi be in heaven? Can a “Catholic” like Hitler have the same access to eternal peace and salvation as Gandhi, who said, “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding.”

But again, there is the discussion of John14:6. Yet Gandhi is also quoted as saying “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Unfortunately, I find this to be true more often than I care to admit.

I read in this quote that Gandhi indeed acknowledges Christ. I also see where Gandhi is quoting Matthew 7:21, to where “not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven”. I would like to invoke the challenge to entertain the idea that if it is indeed possible for a wretched sinner like Hitler to be forgiven & enter the Pearly Gates, a majestic proponent of peace and love, like Gandhi, can be there alongside. A reminder that we as “adults” make things more complicated than necessary.

Maybe we need to pay more attention to a childlike way of being. Jesus recommends it repeatedly. To be innocent like a child seems to have been the greatest achievement one could aspire to.

Look to Matthew 18:2-5, At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

 ² He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. ³ And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

Or how about in Luke 18:15-17; ¹⁵ People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. ¹⁶ But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁷ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

So I propose that we stop the fight, sit down to a meal of milk and cookies and act like children, for we have license to do so. A childlike faith is all that is needed to get to heaven. And if this is true, then the simple faith of a simple man like Gandhi was more than enough to “earn” salvation. Besides, why do we argue about who is in or not in heaven? Should we not make it our focus to love everyone enough so that we all can take part in such a celebration? Be busy loving and you find little time for fighting.

The Porpoise Diving Life

Hello All,

I have been fortunate enough to have one of my blogs ("Do I Look Christian?") posted in a fantastic e-zine called "The Porpise Diving Life", which describes itself as "Reality for the Rest of Us, picking up where "The Purpose Driven Life" peters out.

The author of this site is Bill Dahl, who has written a book, oddly titled "The Porpoise Diving Life", who unabashedly confesses "I didn’t choose to write this book. I confess that the book is an act of obedience solely from the standpoint of getting God off my back." Sometimes that is what it takes for us to listen. A Louisville Slugger upside the head!

Thank you Bill, for your wonderful work and thank you for connecting me to a sea of smiling faces who are wrestling with big questions.  Please take a moment and check out Bill's wonderful work!

Do I look Christian?

I was recently told by an acquaintance that I was one of the coolest Christians he ever met. The phrase he said that caught my ear most was that I don’t act like a Christian. I was flattered and bemused all at the same time. I mean, what exactly does a Christian look like? With this being election time, the media is overflowing with Republican candidates vying for the presidential nomination. And everyday the media has a field day pointing out the “less than Christian” behavior displayed by each and every candidate. I could list examples but I’ll let you do your own research on that one. It won’t take too much effort.

Another friend makes it abundantly clear that the bible is a work of fiction. She has a huge disdain for Christians for their judgmental behavior, their hypocritical actions and the scandalous nature of the church. She can produce, in my opinion, very valid arguments as to why being a Christian is akin to being a lying, cheating politician. Which, again, as we have seen in the news recently, is not too much a stretch to believe. The recent debates showed grown adults professing to be exemplary models of righteousness while using all their effort to trash their opponents. Classic schoolyard mentality.

So what does a Christian look like? If it looks like a presidential candidate, then I am grateful to not look like one. And I could care less if you’re Mormon, Baptist, Catholic, or Hindu, Muslim or Buddhist.  If that is the best behavior that your faith can provide, I respectfully decline an invitation to your dinner table.

I’ll be honest, I have certain images that come to mind when I think of the term “Christian” based on what I have been exposed to. I mean, I am a Christian. Many friends of mine are Christian and they do not resemble any of the aforementioned behavior. And overall this is the majority of whom I know as Christians. Just a group of good people that try to do the best that they can to live each day as best as possible.

But even I conjure up images of Bible thumpers and end-of-world doomsayers who protest abortion clinics, gays and anything that does not look exactly like themselves. And please spare me from telling me what the bible says about anything I wrote. Number one, I know what the bible says. I actually read it. Number two, I’ve seen too may people, both Christian and non-Christian use the bible as a means to their own ends.  This book has been debated for over 2000 years. I’d like to assume that if there was a clear answer, we would all have agreed to it by now. If you have all the answers, run for office. On second thought......

I am Christian. But I also like loud, in your face, rock-n-roll. I like things that explode. I cuss. I laugh at fart jokes. I am convinced that Jesus has a great sense of humor. I’ll bet He even asked Peter to pull his finger! Look at when He had Peter walk jump out the boat! Test of faith or practical joke? Ok, kidding a bit on that last one. I speed like a maniac when I drive, which is why you will never see a fish on the back of my car. I drink. I enjoy a good buzz once in awhile. I did quit smoking several years ago. I’m human. Fallible. Perfectly imperfect.

So I ask my friends and even my enemies. Do I look like a Christian? Or maybe I should ask you what do you think a Christian should look like? And on behalf of us who cringe every time a politician places one hand on a bible and the other jerking you off, well, you’re not alone. That’s the black sheep of the family we’re too embarrassed to acknowledge. Kinda like Randy Quaid in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. But why do we keep voting them into office? And if they are the epitome of what a Christian looks like, I'm putting myself up for adoption!

Jesus and the pot roast

I thought about titling this blog “How to Win Friends and Influence People” but I guess there are some potential copyright issues there. So instead, I’ll title it “How to Spark Controversy and Inflame both sides of the Political Coin in a Single Blog!”  or “How to Make Yourself an Outcast while living in the Bible Belt.” This promises to be one of those train wreck conversations akin to speaking about politics or religion in a bar. Or as evil and sinister as those Best-buy commercials where those “docile” housewives torment and torture Santa Claus. That’s as heartless as dropping slugs into the Salvation Army bucket. I mean, how sadistic can you get? But seeing that the Mayan Calendar says that the world will be coming to an end next year, let me throw caution to the wind!

I recently came across a conversation repeated on Facebook that pondered the following statement:

"Speaking only about CHRISTMAS - what is the reasoning behind the atheists and agnostics who celebrate this particular holiday? Why would you celebrate the birthday of someone who doesn't exist to you? If you don't believe in CHRIST - then take down your tree, lights and other symbols of Christmas and practice what you preach! And don't say Christmas is about Santa, it was NEVER about Santa, it was about having FAITH in something you can't see - GOD!"

Now again, I emphasize that I am reprinting this post. Worse yet, I am doing so without permission of the person that wrote it. But who wrote it is a moot point. What I am most interested in, and I hope you will agree, is that there is a huge difference between faith and “blind” faith. What do you believe and why do you believe it?

Here is a story that helps illustrate what I am trying to explain. I delight you in the infamous “Pot Roast” story:

A newly married couple was beginning their first Sunday meal preparation. The young woman began preparing a wonderful roast of beef while the man was preparing the vegetables. As they worked, the man noticed that the wife sliced off both ends of the roast and then rolled it in spiced flour. Curious, he asked, “Why did you do that?” “Do what?” “Slice the ends off the roast,” he responded, “Does that make it juicier or something?”
“Well, I don’t really know. Mom always does that when she cooks a roast.” So they called her mother and were amused to hear that she also didn’t know why the ends should be cut off the roast. It turns out it was because “your Grandmother always did that and so I do too.” Of course they called Grandmother and heard a hearty laugh when they asked her “why do we always cut the ends off the roast of beef before cooking it?” After Grandmother got control of her laughter, she exclaimed, “I can’t believe you guys are doing that! The only reason I did that was to get the roast to fit in the pan!”

So what does a pot roast have to do with Christmas? Nothing unless it’s on the table for dinner! It does illustrate what I have experienced in myself and others, of how we do things, not out of original thought, but repetitive action.  But what first got my attention was an assumption that “Christmas” trees and lights are somehow biblically based. Now considering that Jesus was Jewish, I was assume there would be a dreidel and a menorah, but I digress. This is a small example of what I have experienced during my tenure as a Christian as to misperceptions of faith. Why do we celebrate Christmas? Is the birthday of Jesus actually on December 25^th? What does any of this have to do with lights and trees and five golden rings?

I am sad to say that I have seen many Christians following a tradition as opposed to a genuine faith of heart. I have seen many devoted Sunday attendees going to the same church that their parents and grandparents went to – only for that reason. That’s where their family always went. So what are we celebrating and why do we celebrate it?

As I continued to read responses to this post, I was saddened to see that many Christians vigorously defend this to be the celebration of the birth of Christ without being aware that the tree we decorate has it’s historical roots (some pun intended) based in a pagan ritual.  Or to remember that Jesus himself is Jewish and is also a historical figure in both Jewish and Muslim teachings. Again, defend what you believe but also know what you believe in! Don’t fall victim to ignorance, regardless of your spiritual beliefs.

Slavery in America was biblically based. The crusades were biblically based. The Klu Klux Klan is biblically based. Hitler was acting out on his religious beliefs, founded in a Christian faith. Yet Gandhi was not a Christian but believed in Jesus and His message of love. His holiness, the Dalai Lama, acknowledges the significance of the teachings of Jesus. The Qur’an speaks of Jesus being a prophet sent by God.

And I found also in the course of this conversation that many who professed to be atheists or non-Christian knew more about Christ than some Christians themselves. I honestly felt I could have a more enriching conversation with the "outsiders" than with some of my fellow followers of Christ, based on the well stated historical lessons on the history of Christmas they offered.

Now wisdom and ignorance takes on all shapes and sizes. And I certainly do not claim that non-Christians know more about God than Christians. But I do cringe anytime a Christian offers up words of confrontation towards anyone with an opposing point of view. And I fully understand why so many non-Christians are put off by the pious behavior exhibited by some Christians. I’ve heard it said that Christians do more to damage their own reputation than any outside force ever will. Look at how many denominations there are here in America, who vigorously argue who is right in their view of scripture? Or what of Catholics and Protestants in Ireland killing each other over belief?

Christians need not fear other beliefs because we’re too busy not knowing what to believe about ourselves! We still haven’t learned how to simply love each other. And if Christians cannot love other Christians, how the hell do you expect to shine a light to someone who doubts the sincerity of what a Christian believes? Or even accurately knows? Again, defend your belief but KNOW what and why you believe.

So as I pull the pin on this theological hand grenade, awaiting the explosion of responses let me close by professing my own ignorance. I look back on a time where I was right simply because I was a Christian. Period. I got more caught up in the politics than the love. So I do not claim to have knowledge cornered by any means. I have two ears and one mouth. I try to listen twice and speak once. And I am amazed when I actually learn something positive from a view other than my own. I am a student, always learning. As I believe we all are. But I think that regardless of whatever our faith may be, we can all benefit more loving, listening and learning.

Anyhow, I wish you a non-judgmental, politically correct, inoffensive wishes of good tidings during this final month of 2011.