Archive for the ‘religion and culture’ Category
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
Yesterday I posted about the people of Noah’s time. The people that made God so unhappy with humanity that he decided to “wad up the entire earth and throw it across the room” by destroying everything with a flood. They were completely self-absorbed in their own lifes and oblivious to how corrupt, violent, and sinful their society had become. They lived the ultimate “do not do” list.
So what should we do to please God? What is God’s ultimate “to do” list for us? If you ask religious folks, be prepared to get LOTS of different answers. Be prepared for your list to contain everything from how to wear your hair, what to wear, what to drink, and what songs you should listen to on your cassette walkman. (I’m pretty sure there is a religious type somewhere that finds ipods to be sinful).
It’s confusing. Everyone seems to have a different idea of what pleases God…what to put on your “to do list”. Even people who look to the Bible as the authority on how to live, find it difficult to agree on exactly what it is that pleases God.
I think there’s room for loving disagreement. There are many things not specifically addressed in the Bible. I think there is room to follow your conscience and decide to abstain from an activity that “seems” sinful to you, without judging and berating other followers of Jesus who don’t feel the same way.
I also think it’s probably simpler than we try to make it. At actionchurch our ”list” is to Love God. Love People. Take action. Personally, I try(and fail) to live by this verse.
No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
What’s on your “to do” list?
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Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
Someone asked a really good question on Sunday. I can’t remember the exact words but here’s the general idea: How “wicked” were people in Noah’s time? What did they do that caused God to want to destroy the entire earth?
Seems like that would be pretty good information to have, Right? It would be useful to know “what not to do” to anger God so much that he decides destroying the whole world is the only option.
So what did the people in Noahs time do? The account in Genesis 6 just says that mankind had become “greatly wicked- and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time”
Jesus said the following about the people of Noahs time when speaking about their judgment…and the final judgment of all people on earth when he returns.
37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. Mathew 24:37-39
So what made the people of Noah’s time so distasteful to God? Was it the parties? (yeah I’ve heard preachers say that.) Was it the weddings and banquets? (wedding planners beware 
What made God so very angry?
It may never be clear what the great “sins” of the people of Noah’s time were. I’m pretty sure they weren’t markedly different from the sins of today. It is however, very clear that the combination of being completely self-absorbed in our own “life” -while living in a completely corrupt and wicked society is definitely on the “do not do” list! Concentrating on entertaining ourselves…seeking pleasure for ourselves while ignoring the rest of the world is definitely on the “do not do” list.
So does that mean we shouldn’t enjoy a party? …a banquet? A wedding? Should we stand around holding “Judgement is coming” signs? What should we do?
Your thoughts?
More of mine tomorrow.
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Friday, March 5th, 2010
It was a dumb moment on a dumb show (I’ve already made all my disclaimers about watching American Idol here) but its Friday so who cares.
On Tuesday, one of the male contestants a self proclaimed “church singer” made me cringe more than usual by countering Simons predictions that his bad performance would send him home to once again sing at his church , by saying that he would NOT be eliminated because- (and I quote) ”I know God”.
Last night, as you’ve probably guessed already, Mr. ”I know God” was eliminated and promptly thanked God because “In God there is no failure”. Hmmm.
Can we STOP with the “God told me-Jesus is My Homeboy-I am blessed-I know God” name-dropping, verbal-good-luck-charm ”God” stuff? How about just quietly and humbly going about our business as last years winner (also a professing Christian) Kris Allen did?
I don’t speak for God. After years of following Jesus I’m not sure I can presume to say I “know” God. I do wonder; though, if he cringes and sinks deeper into his giant heavenly couch cushions whenever one of us invoke his name “in vain”. I know I do…
So what do you think? When is it OK to play the “God Card”? When is it not? Should I get a life and stop watching American Idol like a ten year old girl? Place your votes now
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