Books, Books, Books

I'm finishing up American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation by Jon Meacham (managing editor of Newseek magazine). It is a balanced look at how the founders were determined not to let religion overrun the government, but were aware of the fact that religion was a part of the culture and country they were helping to establish.

My father recently me sent me the following note:

"Here is a URL that identifies 50 books that have influenced evangelicals.
Some books that I have read, but most of which I have not read yet.
What's your opinion? What would you add to this list?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/october/23.51.html"

So I was curious. Have you read any of these books? Any of these you recommend?
Any you'd use for kindling?

There are books on this list I'd put on each category.

Interesting that this list is only 20th century. What does it say about us if we are part of a religion that is 2,000 years old (and our Jewish roots go back farther than that) and we're most influenced by stuff that happened a couple of years ago?

Anyway, what books have shaped how you see and interact with God?

Are there any out there now that you'd like to read?

Just curious.

Grace & peace.

Am I God's Teenager?

We have three teenagers. It seems that on any given day at least 2 of them are mad at me and/or my wife.

Today it happens to be me they're hacked off at and it revolves around a cluster of related issues:

-which kid gets to babysit at which time
-how much mom & I will/won't help with extra-curricular events and how much each individual child has to come up with (based upon what they "just have to have" to make it through this horrible world)
-who can/'t go to a fun event with friends based upon said babysitting schedule
-who is a morning person and who is an evening person
-who might miss an event where a "special friend" might be

Not let me just pause and say my kids are GREAT kids. They get very good grades. They are involved in sports, church, and music. They've made good choices about friends, though they're even liked by other kids too. They're pretty well-adjusted. And the greatest compliment I could give: I'd want to be their friend if I were their age. (Can I stop braggin now?! Wait and see...)

I just think these are the normal wear-and-tear chapters of parent/teen relationships.

The teens are learning that becoming an adult involves all kinds of issues that they had never considered. (You mean someone has to PAY for that dress?) Meanwhile we parents are learning that teens are getting old enough to make some of those decisions, even if we don't agree. (You would really purchase a dress that you'll only, ever, wear ONCE?!)

In the middle of writing this blog, a child who will be "babysat" by one of my kids arrives at our front door. Once in, this energetic 3-year-old is off with the shoes, jabbering about a little plastic camera, ripping off her coat, and asking daddy for one more hug before she tears off around the corner and into our family room.

Oh, for the good 'ol days!

I'm tempted to wish my kids were little again.

I enjoy them (most of the time) too much to do that to them.

And I'm too old to go through potty training or learning to ride a bike again. (Those seemed like such monumental tasks as we went through them. Have you ever prayed for your kid to stop wetting the bed or get the hang of riding a bike?)

So I guess this is where we're at. Maneuvering through uncharted terrain. Curfews, jobs, honesty. Probably all issues MY parents had to deal with. (Ugh. I probably ought to do a little more on Mother's/Father's Day!)

Some days of weepy eyes or angry stares. Sometimes we'll get the silent treatment. Other times it's "anyplace would be better than this" muttered under the breath.

Now as a theologian, a God-talker, I automatically throw this whole soap opera onto the microscope and view it through the "what does this teach me about God?" lense.

So hear it is:

Jesus teaches us to call God "Father". It is possible that I exude many of the same characteristics to God that my kids do to me; some unbelievably selfish and cruel, others incredibly admirable and attractive.

And I trust that my love for my temperamental kids must be a little glimpse into how the Father feels about me. I sure hope so.

Grace & peace.

Church "Dropouts" Dialogue

A couple of weeks ago I blogged about a survey that talked about "church dropouts" (the phrase used by the surveyors). Below are some responses to that blog.

In between their responses I have some thoughts of my own.

(Julia writes)
"As far as I can try to answer:
-- I think that in the search for what is truly "real" and "genuine" and "fulfilling"... young people get distracted by what is observed on the surface at church, with Christians in general, or through heresay and assumption...it is easy to paint wide and call organized religion a waste of time. In my observation, when young people are left alone to teach themselves theology, to mature themselves in the faith... what else can they possibly see besides what those around them are like? I've seen more young adults fall away from the faith because of fellow Christians than any other reason."

-- "I would say that when I was challenged to look deeper and think critically, my faith abounded."

(My thoughts) Julia, I agree that just as it is unfair to "leave kids alone" on subjects such as driving or math, it is equally unwise to expect them to figure it all out on their own when it comes to sex, religion, or politics. While they have to decide on their own way eventually, I find that often my retreat from such issues with my own child is due to a lack of having anything of value to contribute. (If I don't know how to do Trigonometry, how can I help them?)

Maybe there is an onus on adults to seek out the answers on some of these issues, such as faith, and have a story or journey worth sharing with young people.

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(Joshua writes)
I was raised in church my whole childhood. Ill have to agree with Manny. My experience with God has been more meaningful outside of church. in fact, it wasnt until i "dropped out" of church that I truly got to know God. I know it shouldnt be this way, but i have yet to attend a church that has had something more to offer than "moral support".

Show me a pastor who TRULY walks with God in a Christ-like sense and has the power that i see in the Bible and I will gladly attend his church. I want to grow as a person, not just be a church goer.

(My thoughts) Joshua, I had a very similar experience. I was so disillusioned over my "home church" and the minister there that I left organized religion and had essentially given up on that part of my spiritual life.

As you may have seen from my blog, I'm a "professional pastor" so something happened to change me, my life, and my mind. I'm determined to do my best to be the type of pastor, helping to create the type of church you would attend.

One question I HAD TO ASK MYSELF: Are you willing to be part of such a community of faith (you know, "be the change in the world you want to see") or are you simply going to spend your life as a nay-sayer?

In my continued quest, I have found that while no church/group of people are perfect, amazing things happen when I invest myself with people who also want to "grow as a person"; we work together to build homes w/ Habitat for Humanity, work through divorces, celebrate recovery from addictions, and seek God's power in our lives, as you mentioned. I think God honors such a commitment to community in His name.

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(Another reader wrote) I'm looking for a church that doesn't damn homosexuals to hell... I feel like I'm writing an ad or something...

(My response) I wonder how many of us are:
1.) Able to state so succinctly what we're looking for in our church search.
2.) Really looking. I spent a lot of time in my life lamenting or complaining. I was talking about looking, but did little true looking during that time.

My prayer for you is that God will be with you on your journey, speaking to you along the way.

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Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts.
Grace & peace.

Gettin' Jiggy & The Creator

I was recently watching "The Actor's Studio" on Bravo. (I go back and forth between that show. Am I being interested in people who analyze their craft or amused at people who take what they do [acting is just pretending] way too seriously?)

On one particular episode, Will Smith was being interviewed. The host, James Lipton, asked Smith to define the word "jiggy". A word, I believe, Smith helped make famous. (Lipton said the word has made certain dictionaries.)

Later in the discussion, Smith said something that I found fascinating. He was asked about being an artist who helps to create things, words, characters, and stories and he referenced The Creator.

Smith mentioned that what he did was simply an extension of that One who is First Cause. And he attributed his talent and work as a natural outgrowth of a creative person made by a Creative Being.

I found that self-understanding thoroughly consistent with a God who made the world, made people in the world, and then gave them the ability to create things on their own. Not that I'm blaming God for all of our choices and how we choose to use our creative freedom.

But scripture says, "Every good and perfect gift comes from God." And that "Fullness of the earth" and all that is in it come from God.

So maybe next time I watch "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" or "Men In Black" I'm mixing theology with entertainment?

Or maybe I'm just looking for a way to kill an hour or two.

Grace & peace.

Are You a Church Dropout?

A recent study by the Barna Group says that 81% of twentysomethings spent a significant amount of time in their teen years at church or church-related activities.

They went on to say that 75% of teens discuss religion or spiritual things with their peers and more than 50% have attended a religious activity or group event within the last quarter.

But the same study says that disengagement happens between the end of the teen years and age 30.

While 20% maintained the same level of spiritual involvement as when they were teens, 80% said there was a significant decline or complete absence of spiritual activity.

It got me to thinking:

- Has the Church failed to provide meaningful interactions for people in the realm of faith?

- Have young people given up on "organized religion" because they were turned off by something/someone they encountered?

- What role does the family influence play? (I know teachers who bemoan the fact that 5 days a week, 6 hrs. a day is NOT enough to educate young people in the area of academics. Imagine what just how hopeless 1 HOUR A WEEK seems to those who are expected to do spiritual formation in the lives of those same teens.

- What's your story? Were you part of the 80% who had some relgious training or experience in your teens? If so, have you maintained that level of attention to your spiritual life? If not, what would it take for you to recover that part of your life?

- If you have never spent a significant part of your life in a faith community, what would it take for you to investigate and search one out?

Grace & Peace.

R U A CHURCH DROP OUT?

The following is from the Barna Research Group:

Image courtesy of BarnaFilms. click for info
Most Twentysomethings Put Christianity on the Shelf Following Spiritually Active Teen Years
September 11, 2006

(Ventura, CA) - Transitions in life are rarely simple. Some of the most significant and complex shifts that people undergo occur during the transition from adolescence to early adulthood. An important part of that maturation is the refinement of people's spiritual commitment and behavior.

A new study by The Barna Group (Ventura, California) shows that despite strong levels of spiritual activity during the teen years, most twentysomethings disengage from active participation in the Christian faith during their young adult years - and often beyond that. In total, six out of ten twentysomethings were involved in a church during their teen years, but have failed to translate that into active spirituality during their early adulthood.

Teens Embrace Spirituality.
Teenagers thrive on fresh experiences and new perspectives. The spiritual dimension gives teens a fertile ground for their explorations.

50% of teens attend a church-related service or activity in a typical week.

More than75% discuss matters of faith with peers and 60% teens attend at least one youth group meeting at a church during a typical three month period.

33% of teenagers say they participate in a Christian club on campus at some point during a typical school year. There is also a substantial amount of unorthodox spiritual activity: three-quarters of America's teenaged youths have engaged in at least one type of psychic or witchcraft-related activity during their teen years (not including reading horoscopes).

Still, one of the most striking findings from the research is the broad base of opportunities that Christian churches in America have with to work with teenagers.

81% teens say they have attended a church for a period of at least two months during their teenage years. This represents substantial penetration and significant prospects for influencing the nation's 24 million teens.

But Disengagement Happens
At the same time, the Barna research underscores how fleeting that influence may be: twentysomethings continue to be the most spiritually independent and resistant age group in America. Most of them pull away from participation and engagement in Christian churches, particularly during the "college years." The research shows that, compared to older adults, twentysomethings have significantly lower levels of church attendance, time spent alone studying and reading the Bible, volunteering to help churches, donations to churches, Sunday school and small group involvement, and use of Christian media (including television, radio and magazines).

In fact, the most potent data regarding disengagement is that a majority of twentysomethings - 61% of today's young adults - had been churched at one point during their teen years but they are now spiritually disengaged (i.e., not actively attending church, reading the Bible, or praying).

Only one-fifth of twentysomethings (20%) have maintained a level of spiritual activity consistent with their high school experiences. Another one-fifth of teens (19%) were never significantly reached by a Christian community of faith during their teens and have remained disconnected from the Christian faith.


So based on the above data from Barna, I wonder:

- Has the Church (whatever denomination or persuasion you may come from, if you're part of the 80% who were "churched" as a teen) failed to bring you to a place where interaction with others in this area of your life is relevant and exciting?

- How many of that 80% had little/no support at home? We often hear teachers bemoan the fact that they need parental help to get the educational job done because 6-7 hrs. at school each day isn't enough. Compare that with the 1 hr we often give the church and expect them to do the job of helping to shape our young people

- What is your story? Were you raised in church? Was it a significant part of your life? Is it still today? What would it take for you to consider heading back to a faith community?

Grace & peace.

Lessons on Prayer from Jill Carroll

"Through all the weeks and months I hadn't prayed. I thought it would be hypocritical...I hadn't been to church in a long time."

Those are the words of Jill Carroll, kidnapped/released reporter who had spent some time in Iraq.

I have been reading the eleven-part series as it plays out in our local newspaper (The Ann Arbor News). [My twelve-year-old son was telling me that he'd been reading it too...one sentence at a time as he bags his papers for his paper route!)

It got me asking some questions: "What does God think about us praying only when we're in trouble?"

"If I haven't been thanking God for stuff up till now, can I really expect my prayers to be heard when I'm deep crud?!"

Here are some thoughts about that.

1.) The Bible constantly shows this whole God-thing, is not primarily rules, but a RELATIONSHIP. Granted, God is unlike anyone else you know, in MANY ways. But I think that good relationships might give us a little insight in how to approach this (and bad relationships might give us insight into how NOT to approach it.)

2.) As a parent, I expect my kids to come to me when they're in trouble, even if we haven't spoken in awhile. Jesus teaches us to call God "Father" so apparently there is to be a relationship like a parent and a child. (Many of the prophets call God the Shepherd, which makes us sheep. Sheep are dumb, and so am I a lot of times. But even THAT is a relationship, right? One provides sustenance and protection. The other eats, sleeps, and is unaware except for the Voice that calls out occasionally. However, we become aware when we're attacked and wonder, "where'd the protection go?")

3.) A healthy relationship might BEGIN when one person is in need of help and the other provides it. I remember meeting Carl for the first time, on the side of a busy freeway in Indianapolis when our family's mini-van broke down in the middle of rush hour traffic. I wasn't going to tell Carl to get back in his pick-up truck because I hadn't sent a Christmas card last year. My emergency and his generosity were how we met. I think God is a little like Carl, always anticipating the opportunity to begin a relationship when the other person's in need. BUT, and this is a big but, no healthy relationship remains on an emergency-only basis for long (other than the police, the Emergency Medical Service, the fire dept., well, you get the idea).

While I DO think that God is willing to be AAA for roadside towing in our life, and that might be how you meet, and God is probably fine beginning a dialogue that way, I guess my hope for you would be that you'd move onto a deeper, more meaningful relationship.

Which brings me to my final thought (for now) on this subject...

4.) The Bible is full of all sorts of examples of relationships between people and God: healthy/unhealthy, those who call anytime (see Psalms)/those who only call when they need help (see the book of Judges), relationships that are just beginning and those that are more fully developing, people who were willing to begin a relationship with God when they needed help (the Prodigal Son)/people who were stubborn and unwilling to cry out (the Prodigal's older bro.) when they had nowhere else to turn.

Jill Carroll overcame her feelings of hypocrisy and prayed:

"God, thank you for getting me through all these days so far. Please just give me the strength to keep going. Stay with my family right now and sit with them and give them strength. I know I never used to come to You before and it's bad of me to come to You now when I really need it. Please, just stay with me right now. Just stay with me right now and don't leave me."

I think that is EXACTLY the prayer she should have prayed.

What prayer might you pray next?

Grace & peace.