Bring Your Guns To Church

In preparation for the 4th of July, New Bethel Church in Louisville, KY wanted have an outreach event for people in their community. So on June 27th the church hosted their first "Open Carry" Service in which members and non-members alike were encouraged to bring their guns to church to celebrate the 2nd Amendment.

After finally being able to find an insurance carrier that would cover the event, around 175 people turned out (pistols in tow) watched videos from gun enthusiasts, sang songs (selections: America, the Beautiful, My Country 'tis of Thee), and enjoyed a summer cookout. There were some rules for this gathering: All guns must be unloaded and holstered (however those who have "concealed-carry" permits were welcome to have their loaded gun with them). The event went off without a hitch and there are plans for the church to do this outreach event again (for a full story click this link).

This event irrupted a firestorm around the 2nd Amendment (those working hard to defend it and those who would like to see guns go by the wayside). As the firestorm ensues people get broken into 1 of two categories: a card carrying member of the NRA that likes to drink beer and carry an uzi, or the "Anti-American" who wants to burn the US constitution. Both of these categories are unhelpful.

As the Church in this world our concern should not be so much with the politics of the day, but rather what we are promoting in this world.

Jesus told his followers that he would turn their "pitch forks into plowshares"...how then does it reflect on the gospel when his followers hold tightly to their guns? The people of God should always be encouraging things that are full of creativity and life giving...what then does it communicate when we hold events that encourage people to bring weapons to public places (particularly in light of recent school and church shootings)? Further, if our trust is found in God alone what do we communicate when we worry in fear about the government taking away our "only defense"(one's firearm)?

This is not a commentary on the 2nd Amendment (for all of you who like to hunt you can let out a sigh of relief) but rather to point out that while we may be thankful for certain rights, it doesn't necessarily mean those rights need always be celebrated (would our churches hold a rally in support of the 1st Amendment where we listened to George Carlin's "7 Dirty Words You Can't Say On Television")? Is it not appropriate that certain rights we accept with great trepidation and care?

Let's remember that at whatever events the Church holds it should always communicate (and embody) the gospel of Christ: a message of hope, reconciliation, beauty, creativity, and life.

The Case for a Tragic Optimism ("Man's Search For Meaning" pt. 4)

"Live as if you were living for the second time and had acted as wrongly the first time as you are about to act now."

-Victor Frankl "Man's Search for Meaning" (p.151)

Our Love of Fear

I remember as a kid loving to be frightened by scary movies on the TV. We would watch Chukie terrorize people in "Child's Play", Jason stalk people at camp, and of course Freddy as he haunted people in their nightmares.

As we get older our fears change from fiction to reality. We fear the big things that threaten life and security: disease outbreak, corporations going belly up, and violence from foreign military powers. Our fears run deep into our being.

In his short book "Following Jesus", N.T. Wright writes this about fear: ...we're afraid of being alone, of being unloved, of being abandoned. We mix with other children, other teenagers, other young adults, and we're afraid of looking stupid, of being left behind in some race that we all seem to be automatically entered for. We contemplate jobs, and we're afraid both that we mightn't get the one we really want and that if we get it we mightn't be able to do it properly; and that double fear lasts for many people all through their lives. We contemplate marriage, and we're afraid both that we might never find the right person and that if we do marry it may turn out to be a disaster. We consider a career move, and are afraid both of stepping off the ladder and of missing the golden opportunity. We look ahead to retirement, and are afraid both of growing older and more feeble and of dying suddenly."

At first glance fear seems to be an unwanted emotion, something that has crept into our psyche keeping us from dreaming, trying, and doing. Yet the irony is that we as people love fear. For us living a life in fear allows us to live a life "in control". Our fears (so we think) keep us safe; safe from disappointment, sickness, and hurt.

And maybe this is the point of it all as we strive to follow the God of the Scriptures who is continually telling his children to "fear not"; that our pursuit of control (through a fear designed to "keep us safe") will never bring about the fullness of love and life that God desires for us. It is only when we can let go of our fears and need for control that we can freely walk in the hope of life and possibility.

In what areas of your life do you feel you have to "control"?
What "fears" are preventing you from stepping into new possibility?

"Which Is the Greatest Law?"

I have read this passage over and over again. I am drawn to it. Not only is it beautifully simple, but it is the words of our Lord communicating the essence of following him. My familiarity with this passage makes it easy for me to miss the depth of what Jesus is communicating. Yet when I approach it in its original language it takes me outside of myself; to a place where I can't quickly read through it as if I "know it all".

Reading this passage in the original language places a distance between the Scriptures and myself. This is not a bad distance, but rather a distance that reminds me that I do not "own" the Scriptures. They are to be approached with humility and care...never for us to presuppose as if we have arrived, but to learn and remain pliable that we might be transformed through living out the greatest commandement of our Lord.

Capable of Change ("Man's Search For Meaning" pt. 2)

There is always the hope that some how we can change as human beings, that we can become better people regardless of the circumstances that seek to oppress and limit our capabilities.

The hope here is not that we may become better people for our own good or benefit, but that our change might lead to the change we hope to see in this world. In "Man's Search For Meaning" Holocaust survivor Victor Frankl writes:

"...man is ultimately self determining. Man does not simply exist but always decides what his existence will be, what he will become in the next moment. By the same token, every human being has the freedom to change at any instant...one of the main features of human existence is the capacity to rise above such conditions, to grow beyond them. Man is capable of changing the world for the better if possible, and of changing himself for the better if necessary."

Drive-In Church

Drive-In Christian Church is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. Each week it gathers around 700 people to this old drive-in theater turned sanctuary. Church goers sing along with the choir, listen to a sermon (thanks to 88.5 fm), and participate in communion all while remaining in their car. At the close of each service "ushers" walk from car to car collecting offerings.

Those that drive-up for God say they like it because it is easier and more comfortable for their lifestyle. Some of the "perks" mentioned: you can dress however you would like, your dog is free to come, and you receive your very own communion packet.

After the final "Amen", all are invited to stick around for coffee and refreshments in the concession stand turned fellowship hall while others attendees are free to drive off (and are personally greeted by the pastor). Drive-In Christian Church has been making Sunday worship convenient, comfortable, and auto-accessible since 1953 (be sure to check out their videos).

What do you think of this approach to church? What elements are helpful to a healthy spiritual formation? What elements may be harmful?

Carrotmob

What if we could leverage our influence and buying power to make a difference in our communities? Carrotmobs are doing just that. A Carrotmob is a group of eco-minded consumers that organizes to make purchases at a local business (convenient store, record store, etc), getting the business owner to commit a percentage of that days revenue to making their store more environmentally friendly (think of them as a "reverse boycott" or "friendly activism").

With a Carrotmob there are no angry protesters, no one boycotting the lively-hood of a local business person. The consumer is able to purchase what they need and the store owner is able to see an increase in business thus making in possible to make eco-friendly changes to their store (new lighting, more efficient refrigeration, etc.). A Carrotmob is a "win-win" for everyone. Even more, one of the great things about a Carrotmob is that it doesn't rely on slick marketing campaigns, but on word of mouth...people getting the word out that something transformative and life-giving is taking place.

As kingdom people it is our call to leverage our influence and power (wealth, education, talents, time, and voice) to make a difference in our communities and in our world. Imagine if we as the church could be known for helping people transform their businesses, their relationships, and their lives. Imagine if the church spent its organization to serving the systematic needs of our communities. Imagine if the church was best known by what it is "for" rather than boycotting what it is against.

Imagine if the church (like the Carrotmob) attracted people to participate because word got out all around that something life-giving and hopeful for all people was happening.