A Lost Generation
A Review of More Lost Than Found by Jason Herd
What distinguishes Jason Herd’s book from other books discussing the missing generation in most American Churches is that Jason is talking to those who have dropped out while others are talking about them.

It is probably for that reason that Mr. Herd writes on a familiar and non scientific level, meaning, in part, that he doesn’t build his story on statistics. It is also why some of his writing is not theological but relational.

This is not to say, as one reviewer declared, that Mr. herd is a theological liberal. In my opinion, there is nothing in the book that suggests a liberal theological bent. To answer one of those accusations I refer to the quote on p. 89, “Christianity in its origins was about the ideas that Jesus taught, about a new way of connecting with God through what Jesus taught.” One reviewer says this is a serious error because Christianity is about what Jesus did not what he taught. That kind of thinking has actually led to the great immaturity of the American Church. Many people are trying to do what Jesus did without the power of the message. Both the message and the action are important.

I found the book to be a good evaluation of American culture and the church culture--a culture based on appearance and illusion. His chapter entitled “Painting over the Mona Lisa’ is especially helpful in this regard.

There was one section that made cringe and that was chapter 10 subtitled , why myth is not a four letter word. We are still living too close to the demythologizing of the Bible for the word myth not to be fraught with undertones of untrue or not real. The word story would have been a more appropriate word to young people who are really looking for a good story.

I may not use this book as a reference but it was a helpful reminder that there are people outside the walls of the how will not climb over those walls to get inside. To reach the uncharted we have to know where they arte and reach them. This is, I believe, what Jared Herd has been doing in his ministry and what he is trying to do with his book.

I received a copy of this book from Booksneeze in return for writing a review. I was not asked to write anything favorable rather just to be honest.

The Realms Thereunder: Ross Lawhead, Thomas Nelson Publishers

Those who have passed from the earth to another realm often have problems with reentry. One case in point is Lemuel Gulliver who could not adjust to life on earth when he returned from his many travels. In the Bible we find the story of Lazarus whose return to earth from Paradise became a source of irritation for the religious leaders who wanted to kill him.

Reentry is also a problem for the two main characters in The Realms Thereunder. Daniel Tully and Freya Reynolds enter another realm while they are on a school field trip. These two thirteen year olds who share a birthday also share an adventure and difficult adjustments when they reappear two months later. Daniel has become a homeless wanderer and Freya suffers from OCD.

They alone know they saved the earth but don’t even talk to each other about it, and rarely see each other, until they are called on to take on another mission. It is this mission which forms the linchpin holding all the pieces together in this first book in The Ancient Earth Trilogy.

I found the book interesting enough to commit to sitting at my computer to read the eBook. There were some minor annoyances, however. I thought there was too much detailed description of the rooms the wanderers entered. I wanted to move on to the next room to see what was goi8ng to happen. But perhaps the attention to detail is the mark of an artist. Andrew Wyeth used to sketch the trunks of trees even though they would not show up in the painting.

Then there is the problem with the ending. I wanted some sort of resolution to this story before I went on to the end. Unfortunately for me I did not get my wish. More adventure awaits in the next volume. Fortunately for the writer I will have to secure the next book in the series.

I guess it is the nature of life on earth that the battle between good and evil is never ending and, as the book reminds us, doesn’t just take place on earth or effect life here.

I would also that the reader go to the language notes at the end of the book to get the pronunciation for the names of the companions so we can do them the honor of saying their names correctly.

Rumors of God, Whitehead and Tyson by Thomas Nelson
Experience the Kind of Faith You’ve Only Heard About

Rumor 1 : talk or opinion widely disseminated with no discernible source 2 : a statement or report current without known authority for its truth
www.merriam-webster.com

Most of the definitions of rumor imply that the information being passed on is unverifiable. I don’t know if Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson were suggesting that the concepts in their book have not been verified but that may be so. In Rumors of God these pastors tell us about grace, justice, love, freedom and other Christ-like characteristics that for many people are just that, rumors--good ideas but not verified.

How many of us have really experienced a grace that keeps on loving when we have failed? How many have witnessed generosity that gives away fully loaded minivans or pays for trips to the orthodontist for some kid at school?

How about asking how a friend is doing because you really want to know or belonging to a group that really cares for you. For how many people are these ideas just rumors, nice stories, but not verified.

I could nod at every negative illustration the authors used. In 60 plus years in churches I have seen some ugly things. Broken TV’s given for ministry, grace withheld from those who needed it the most and an unfortunate desire to hold on to everything we have in case we need it some day.

Tyson and Whitehead invite us to look closely at Jesus. It is a much needed invitation. The church in the US needs to verify these rumors by its actions. This book is not one I can put down and walk away from. It requires action.

In ten chapters we are reminded of the things that happen when we make following Christ a priority: Exotic dancers get an extreme makeover, pastors who fail create a place for other failures, Manhattan executives get involved in water projects for the third world and people with cancer receive prayer from the whole community

I underlined quite a few sentences and created my own index so I could review my notes. I will be coming back to this book.

If enough people read this book and take it to heart we may be able to revert to the root meaning of the word rumor: a soft low indistinct sound, a murmur --no longer unverified but the good news that is now spreading.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews published by Thomas Nelson

In The Final Summit the reader is invited to sit in the gallery and eavesdrop on last meeting of the Travelers, those people throughout history to which God has given the mission to help the world. Their wisdom and insight is then made available to other Travelers as needed.

One of those Travelers is David Ponder who years before had been visited by Gabriel and taken on a quest. At this final summit, with the fate of the earth depending on their decision David Ponder is called to moderate this meeting of the minds. In the words of the promotional material, “There is only one solution that can reset the compass and right the ship—and it is only two words. Ponder, along with a cast of famous historical figures, must work quickly to discover this solution. The fate of the world rests on their shoulders.”

And yet with the accumulated wisdom of the ages they miss it, in my opinion. The solution offered has its positive side but it is very American and it won’t save the world. There is no spoiler alert needed. I will not give away the answer but I hoped for a more transformative solution.

I did find the book entertaining, although a bit schmaltzy in places and it did force me back to my history books. Any book that gets me into another book can be considered beneficial.

Although I consider myself a history buff I had to do some research to more about Eric Erickson. When he was first introduced at the Summit I thought I was meeting the psychologist. Then as he was introduced as Red Erickson I thought I was meeting the man who discovered Greenland. Neither of which I would have imagined in God’s Conference Room.

A little research led me to the fascinating story of The Counterfeit Spy (played by William Holden in the 1962 movie of that name). This man was credited with bringing an end to World War II. If for no other reason I could recommend The Final Summit.

Although I believe all truth is God’s truth I have some questions about the presence at this final summit of those who refused to acknowledge God’s truth when they were on the earth. I believe that God is gracious but I think he prefers a nod in his direction before we leave the earth for our private summit with God.

This book would definitely be a good book for a discussion group on the condition of the world and what to do about it. My hope is that those who are still living would come up with a better solution than the Travelers.

Washington: A Legacy of Leadership by Paul Vickery for Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2010

The dog ate my homework. Yes I am serious. I laid my copy of Washington: A Legacy of Leadership on my desk and the two year old lab jumped up, took it off the desk and devoured it cover to cover. Fortunately, the good stuff in middle was left intact, dog-eared but still readable. In fact the book was very readable.

It is not a scholarly treatise, though there are 18 pages of notes and bibliography, but it does give a good overview of General George Washington. It is one of a series of books in The Generals Series by Thomas Nelson and gives a look at the person of the Commander in Chief of the Colonial Army.

Parson Weems would probably not like the book because it talks about some of the failures and mistakes of the man who led the army in the War of Independence (For example Vickery suggests that Washington caused the French and Indian War) but I found great comfort in knowing some of our great leaders made mistakes. This book is definitely not a hagiography but on the other hand the author does not go in the direction of many modern biographies that dwell on warts and peccadillos.

After reading quotes from Washington’s writings and excerpts from his prayers I think that either the definition of Deist needs to be changed or we need to admit Washington was not a Deist. I found the following comments about Deists on a Free Thought website.

Most of the Founders were Deists, which is to say they thought the universe had a creator, but that he does not concern himself with the daily lives of humans, and does not directly communicate with humans, either by revelation or by sacred books.

And yet we find General Washington talking to this creator and asking for his intervention. In July of 1776, the very day the Declaration of Independence was approved, General Washington gave the general orders for the day, “…Let us therefore rely on the goodness of the cause, and with the aid of the supreme Being, in whose hands victory is to animate and encourage us to good and Noble actions….”

Could a real Deist expect that some first cause would lift a finger to help? And at another time set aside a day of prayer to implore the help of the God? If this is a Deist bring on the Deists. They seem to have more faith in the power and presence of God than many church members.

This is not the place to determine the faith of Washington but his own words reveal faith in a God who acts on behalf of us humans. Vickery’s book is valuable for its insight into the man George Washington, husband, leader and man of faith.

This may be my shortest blog.

Harold Camping Repent.
Repent of your arrogance.
Repent of your disavowal of the church.
Repent.

Defiant Joy: The Remarkable Life and Impact of G.K. Chesterton by Kevin Belmonte, A Review

A jovial mound of renown—that phrase or something similar kept coming to my mind as I read this biography of the “real G.K. Chesterton”. And I think the title aptly describes the contents.

The joy of Chesterton certainly comes through not only in his writing but in his interactions with others. His heroes bring smiles of surprise. The country priest Father Brown and the Napoleon of Notting Hill, Auberon Quin, are not our typical heroes but have taken that form in the playful mind of Chesterton. (G.K. himself did not have the looks of a hero either with his massive girth and unruly head of hair.)

However, this joy was not obtained without pain. In a chapter entitled A Perfect Storm the writer describes the crisis of faith Chesterton experienced in school. G.K. later said of that time, “I held on to religion by one thin thread of thanks”. He also knew the pain of death having lost a sister. Her death brought a grief that hung over the Chesterton home and could have shaped G.K. into a melancholic soul but when he found faith he also found joy.

What I especially appreciated in the book was the relationship G.K. had with those who did not share his views. He maintained an ongoing friendship with George Bernard Shaw and H.G. Wells and his passing was mourned by those who did not share his faith. I couldn’t help but ask if the same would be true of many people of faith today. Will we be mourned by our opponents or will our passing bring a sigh of relief?

Apart from a few biographical notes I had not read anything before about the life of one of the most influential authors of the last century. Kevin Belmonte’s book was a good place to start.

Why are fire engines red?

Fire engines are red and newspapers are read so that makes 2.

2+ 2 is 4

4 x 3 is 12

12 inches is a ruler.

Queen Elizabeth is a ruler.

The Queen Elizabeth is also a ship.

Ships sail in the sea.

Fish swim in the sea.

Fish have fins.

The Finns fought the Russians.

Russians are red.

Fire engines are always rushin’.

So therefore fire engines are red.

About 15 miles from my house a highway sign is counting down the days until Judgment Day with this stamp of authority “The Bible guarantees it”. Yes, judgment day is less than 2 months away on May 21, 2011 according to this sign. Where did this date come from?

In case you haven’t read the supporting material permit me to summarize it. The coming judgment of God upon the world is 7000 years from another judgment, the Flood, and that would be May 21 of this year.

To arrive at this conclusion the promulgator of this idea has come up with a date for the flood (after having researched this with Bible scholars) that becomes the basis for calculating the final Day of Judgment.

God was patient with the people who lived on the earth in the time of the flood and gave them seven days to get on the ark. However, the seven days of Noah become 7000 years by misreading 2 Peter 3:8 "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day".

In 2 Peter 3:8, which is quoted above, Holy God reminds us that one day is as 1,000 years. Therefore, with the correct understanding that the seven days referred to in Genesis 7:4 can be understood as 7,000 years, we learn that when God told Noah there were seven days to escape worldwide destruction, He was also telling the world there would be exactly 7,000 years (one day is as 1,000 years) to escape the wrath of God that would come when He destroys the world on Judgment Day. Because Holy Infinite God is all-knowing, He knows the end from the beginning. He knew how sinful the world would become. (Quote from the website of Family Radio)

What the writer conveniently forgets is that if 1000 years are as a day so also one day is as 1000 years. So the calculations may be off by 6999 years and 359 days. If this is the case the judgment is past.

Now I admit God may come in judgment on May 21, 2011 (however, that would contradict my theological view of the rapture) but it won’t be because of the calculations. The calculations don’t prove a thing except the arrogance of Mr. Camping.

As with the argument for red fire engines we can prove almost anything if we assume a lot and pick the verses we want to use.

A Weapon of Mass Destruction

A recent exchange on Facebook got me to thinking about how we use the Bible in our arguments. The issue raised on Facebook was one of those hot button issues that move beyond debate to insult and accusation. I admit I made my own accusation when I brought up the legalist trump card.

In this case, the issue was homeschooling. I support, in principle,the right for parents to homeschool, meaning I think some of them are doing a good job. However, some parents home school only to promote an isolationist point of view and neither educate the whole child or prepare him or her to be a full citizen of the Kingdom of God.

So I am like the teacher who yelled at the kids playing in her freshly poured sidewalk. She loved kids in the abstract not in the concrete. I support homeschools in the abstract but not in the concrete, not categorically.

That being said one of the FB friends in the debate apparently believes every parent should home-school or risk being in league with the forces of darkness. He is entitled to that opinion but in my opinion he is making a statement that is too broad. .

What stirred my thinking though was this FB friend’s use of Scripture in such a way that those who took a different view were labeled fools and then this use of Scripture was justified by saying “Hey, I am not the author. I am only quoting Scripture”.

Let’s put the argument in context.

I think parents should home-school for the Bible says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Maybe I am wrong (it wouldn’t be unusual) but using Scripture this way implies that parents who home-school are following the way of wisdom but those who don’t are fools This turns the Bible into a weapon of mass destruction.

It is clear from the Bible itself that Scripture is a weapon—and an offensive weapon at that. Paul says in Ephesians that we are to put on the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. We could debate the meaning of this passage since the word rhema and not logos is used but let’s assume for sake of argument that the Bible is a sword and therefore a weapon. How does that impact my use of Scripture?

Do I use the Bible to behead people, even other Christians with whom I disagree? Or do I present the Word and let the Spirit do His work?

Quite often we use the Bible as a hammer. I have done that myself, sometimes on purpose to make a point, and on one occasion I used the Bible as a hammer to save myself from a beating but that is another story.

Is there another way to promote home-schooling (and once again I note there are those who shouldn't)? How about Paul’s words in Philippians?

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

I think the Holy Spirit is capable of applying the word He inspired to reach me and others. I don’t need to use Scripture in such a way that it becomes a weapon of destruction.

The issue raised on FB was homeschooling but the principle I am raising is how we use the Bible. Are we using it as a weapon to beat people who disagree or to end an argument or do we allow the Spirit to reprove, rebuke and correct.

And to get almost everything on the table I think you should know that I have taught in 3 Christian schools (One of these I, with several other pastors, got jump started) I also worked under contract to the state of Pennsylvania working in adult literacy—teaching reading to adults who did not learn how to read in public school. Now I work for the Federal Government but I am not writing this as a Federal employee nor are my views representative of the views of the Federal government. These views are my own and I believe them to be true or I would change them.

A Calvinist Prayer

Prayer must be boring for a Calvinist.

Let me explain how I arrived at this opinion, and it is only my opinion but it began to be formed by reading Arthur Pink.

Years ago I was his book The Sovereignty of God. I came to his chapter on the sovereignty of God and prayer. I re-read that chapter last week in preparation for a message on prayer. It seems to boil down to this, “The Calvinist prays because God has commanded him to pray”.

Now I don’t doubt the passion or sincerity of a praying (and obedient) Calvinist but it seems that for the Calvinist prayer really effects no change. Everything has already been decided. In fact another writer puts it this way “The first thing is this: that the God who set His plan in stone before the earth was created included prayer in His plan to accomplish His will. The same God who decreed this plan even before creation, included prayer in His plan to accomplish His will.”

So prayer has already been assumed in the divine providence of God and things only happen through predetermined prayer. So when God hears that prayer that was predetermined he can push the next button since prayer was already built into the plan.

All this sounds rather sterile to me. Or am I missing something?

In the 1800’s Charles Spurgeon preached a message entitled “The Arminian Prayer” which contained the prayer of an Arminian..

"Lord, I thank thee I am not like those poor presumptuous Calvinists. Lord, I was born with a glorious free-will; I was born with power by which I can turn to thee of myself; I have improved my grace. If everybody had done the same with their grace that I have, they might all have been saved. Lord, I know thou dost not make us willing if we are not willing ourselves. Thou givest grace to everybody; some do not improve it, but I do. There are many that will go to hell as much bought with the blood of Christ as I was; they had as much of the Holy Ghost given to them; they had as good a chance, and were as much blessed as I am. It was not thy grace that made us to differ; I know it did a great deal, still I turned the point; I made use of what was given me, and others did not—that is the difference between me and them."

With that background I am taking the liberty of writing A Calvinist Prayer.

Sovereign Lord, the One who has already predetermined all things, even this prayer at this time on behalf of these people. I come in obedience to pray believing that these words were already heard before the foundation of the world and have been already taken into consideration as you set worked out your plans. Your will be done, and it will be. Amen

I really doubt that any Calvinist prays this way but why not? Isn’t this a prayer consistent with the teaching of Calvinism?

For the record I am neither an Arminian nor a Calvinist (That part is obvious.) But I am a person interested in the power of prayer and I can’t see that in Calvinism.

I actually resist the attempt to categorize one’s beliefs on the basis of systems that have only been around for 500 years—Calvinism or Arminianism. Could it be that when it comes to such a thing as prayer there is still some mystery that neither system has been able to discover?