Christianity vs.

There is a war in America today. I have commented on it from time to time, but I generally try to keep my comments, sermons and blog posts relatively non-political. However, from time to time the world of faith collides with the world of politics. Pay close attention to what is going on in the political realm these days.

Glen Beck, Sarah Palin and the Tea Baggers have done their best to claim Christianity and Christian values as their very own. Consequently, their message says that true American share their Christian beliefs and practices. Politically speaking there are all sorts of litmus tests. Christians, these true believers claim, have particular views on issues such as abortion, gay marriage and the like. This is all well and good, except that they are trying to convince church people that to be good Americans they must buy the whole package. Christians, we are told, are pro-gun, pro-life, pro-death penalty and anti-health care. It is an interesting mix and it takes a certain amount of creativity.

There is are a couple of interesting twists in this part of the problem. First of all, Glen Beck is not a Christian in the tradition, orthodox understanding of the word "Christian." Beck is a devout Mormon. This is a minor distinction in the political realm to be sure, but it is significant for many who are following Beck because of his, or their, faith. Secondly, there are many in the mainstream Christian church/media who have jumped on this bandwagon. Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson were a couple of the pioneers in this regard, but in recent years James Dobson and Steve Strang have worked to add the Christian element to the conservative/Republican cause. It is hard for me to see the relationship between my faith and higher taxes, however.

The other side- politically- is really no better. Jim Wallis and his Sojourners movement create an option for Christians on the left, but they are as myopic as the conservatives are. You are expected to fall in line for the left or your faith and/or faithfulness is called into question.

What we have is a conflict between biblical and cultural Christianity. I propose that what exists in our world today, at least as it is represented in politics is not biblical at all. We must do our best to get beyond these cultural biases at all costs and reclaim our biblical- and non-political- heritage.

Basic Christian Stuff: Why We Worship the Way We Do

The Christian church is generally a positive, accepting, open, hopeful place for people of all sorts. Occasionally we come across a person or a situation that gives us pause. We hear isolated stories of conflict in churches. But for the most part, it seems that Christian people can get along with one another, and be a generally positive influence on the community at large. However, in every generation it seems that there are church divisions of the style of worship.

This conflict is usually confined to musical styles- hymns vs. modern praise and worship, southern gospel vs. classical, casual vs. formal- but there is a lot more to the controversy than that. Usually we are committed to one style of music or the other based solely on our personal preference. We need to get over this. God is bigger than our favorite style of music. In fact, I bet that God can even work through a rap song.

It is important, though, that we realize what really goes into worship.

· Prayers- We pray in worship because it is the most basic form of communication between God and humanity. There are invocations- prayers that invite God’s presence, benedictions- prayers of blessing for God’s people, pastoral prayers and unison prayers. All of these are historically significant and very current and beneficial for us today.

· Music- There is no end to the variety of music for worship. There are instrumental numbers that help us to meditate and focus on God. There are also performance numbers by soloists and choirs that are designed to inspire, inform and enlighten us. All of these assist us as come to God.

· Scripture- We read the Bible because it is the Word of God, and it is the basis for all that we believe and do. It serves as a reminder of who we are in Christ.

· Creeds- We share our beliefs with one another. There are a number of creeds that we might recite or sing.

· Sacraments- Although there are several activities that might qualify as sacraments, in most churches we recognize at least baptism and Holy Communion. These sacraments are important because they are ordained by God. Jesus instructed us to do these things. We experience them in worship because Jesus commanded us to do them and their power is increased when we do them together.

Of course, there is a lot more to worship than this. There are questions about who worship is directed to, or what our responsibility is in worship. But we should always know that at its most basic, worship is being with God. When we worship, let’s set aside our differences and our expectations and help one another experience the presence of the Almighty.

The Real World

A while back I wrote some thoughts on worshiping at McDonald's. (http://revdeweysworld.blogspot.com/2010/10/why-i-worship-at-mcdonalds.html ) Those who know me realize that I take this very seriously. I regularly spend an hour or more at McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King or some similar fast food establishment with my Bible and my journal. As a consequence, I have some great experiences. It is amazing the things that happen to me.

I meet a lot of people. In fact, sometimes a friendly manager will give me the employee discount, or a drink will be upsized on the house. I think it is because I am a regular and generally try to be positive to the staff, but it could be that God is showing me favor with those I contact.

I have also learned that there are "regulars" at these places. There are groups of retirees, for example, who spend several mornings each week shooting the breeze at McDonald's. I call these folks the Golden Arches Social Club. There are business people who regularly lunch at the same spot. I suppose they look at me as a regular too. Either way we always smile and nod to one another in recognition of our common regularity.

In the coming weeks I will be sharing some stories of people that I have met in McDonald's. Some of the stories are interesting, funny or sad. Some of them, however, are just plain weird. There are some unusual folks out there. All of these stories will illustrate one thing:

You never know who is paying attention.

I believe that it is always important to be on your guard. You must always be committed to being friendly, positive, helpful and generally scout-like. If you are not, it may come back to haunt you. If you are, you will never be sorry.

Who Do You Love?

Too many people have misplaced their allegiance. Rather, I should say that too many Christians have misplaced their loyalty. When we should be completely in love with Jesus, we are in love good things, right things and even beneficial things. But they are not the most important thing.

• We are too in love with the church. We often mistake our love for the church for faith in Christ. The church is a great institution. I love it. I am committed to it and will live in and serve it for the rest of my life. But I must be careful that my primary commitment is not to the church.
• We are too in love with tradition. How often we think that the service of the church is the most important thing. Too often we get offended because the liturgy is changed, or the worship style is modified. Our traditions are important, but they must never be the most important thing to us.
• We are too in love with our moral position. There is a lot of vitriol and animosity in the political world these days. Unfortunately, it is spreading to the church as well. We know what we believe and what the truth is, and anyone who disagrees with us is less "appropriate" or right. We must always remember that Jesus is the founder and creator of our moral position.
• We are too in love with "good works." Although acts of justice and mercy are necessary parts of our Christian commitment, they can never be the most important element of our faith. Too many people believe that doing things is enough in the realm of faith.

Never forget who we are to love. The Christian must love Jesus first and most. Do not be distracted by moral, traditional or other "good" things. Focus on Jesus and your love for him.

Favorite Albums of 2010

I am aware that I may be the only one interested in these lists, but they do help me to think critically about the ways in which I spend my time. So, here is my list of my favorite albums that I heard this year. But first, my disclaimers.

These albums are not necessarily the best ones of 2010. They are the albums that I enjoyed, that entertained me, moved me, made me smile, or made me think more than any others this year.

These were not necessarily released in 2010. They are all new to me, however. I heard them all for the first time in this year.

I try very hard to not be influenced by what is popular. Consequently, I may be biased against the Hollywood blockbuster, Billboard Top 40 or New York Times Bestseller. But then again, maybe not.

Additionally, they are in no particular order. It is hard enough for me to come up with my 10 favorites. Ranking them would be almost impossible.

• Jamey Johnson- The Lonesome Guitar
• Emmylou Harris- Luxury Liner
• Matt and Jason- Wayfaring Stranger
• Flight of the Conchords- The Distant Future
• Johnny Cash- Ain't No Grave
• Hubert Laws- Family
• Dave Brubeck- Time In
• Randy Newman- Good Old Boys
• The Weepies- Say I Am You
• Dexter Gordon- Dexter Calling

Favorite Movies of 2010

I am aware that I may be the only one interested in these lists, but they do help me to think critically about the ways in which I spend my time. So, here is my list of my favorite movies that I saw this year. But first, my disclaimers.

These movies are not necessarily the best ones of 2010. They are the movies that I enjoyed, that entertained me, moved me, made me smile, or made me think more than any others this year.

These were not necessarily released in 2010. They are all new to me, however. I saw them all for the first time in this year.

I try very hard to not be influenced by what is popular. Consequently, I may be biased against the Hollywood blockbuster or New York Times Bestseller. But then again, maybe not.

Additionally, they are in no particular order. It is hard enough for me to come up with my 10 favorites. Ranking them would be almost impossible.

• Employee of the Month
• Bob Roberts
• Young at Heart
• Jimmy Carter: Man from Plains
• Gran Torino
• Funny Games
• Shutter Island
• Where the Wild Things Are
• Lonely Hearts

Favorite Books of 2010

I am aware that I may be the only one interested in these lists, but they do help me to think critically about the ways in which I spend my time. So, here is my list of my favorite books that I read this year. But first, my disclaimers.

These books are not necessarily the best ones of 2010. They are the books that I enjoyed, that entertained me, moved me, made me smile, or made me think more than any others this year.

These were not necessarily released in 2010. They are all new to me, however. I read them all for the first time in this year.

I try very hard to not be influenced by what is popular. Consequently, I may be biased against the Hollywood blockbuster or New York Times Bestseller. But then again, maybe not.

Additionally, they are in no particular order. It is hard enough for me to come up with my 10 favorites. Ranking them would be almost impossible.

One final note, I had a very bad reading year. I did not read enough books to come up with 10 favorites. Here is the best (favorite) of what I did read.

• Mitch Albom, Have a Little Faith
• Brian Houston, How to Flourish in Life
• Andrew Vachss, False Allegations
• Emma Donaghue, Room
• Jane Elliott, The Little Prisoner
• Ed Butchart, The Red Suit Diaries
• Van Ryn and Cerak Families, Mistaken Identity