HELP | Jesus Needs New PR

So sad. This is why youth group is so important.
HELP | Jesus Needs New PR

My Take: A concerned evangelical's open letter to Charlie Sheen – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs

I was thinking of writing a blog about the insanity of Charlie Sheen but Margaret Feinberg said it better than I could have.
My Take: A concerned evangelical's open letter to Charlie Sheen – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs

Red Letter Christians » Love Wins: A New Split in Protestant Evangelicalism

VERY VERY INTERESTING take on seeing the bigger picture of what might be happening in American Christianity in light of the schism over the book "Love Wins". Is it possible that we are finally seeing a much needed and necessary reformation occurring? Maybe. What do you think?
Red Letter Christians » Love Wins: A New Split in Protestant Evangelicalism

‘I know the answer! Pick me! Pick me!’ | Jesus Needs New PR

Jesus in school.
‘I know the answer! Pick me! Pick me!’ | Jesus Needs New PR

Pastor loses job for liking Rob Bell’s book? | Jesus Needs New PR

WHOA! I would not have expected this from a United Methodist Church. Surprised. Wonder if there is more to this story. . .
Pastor loses job for liking Rob Bell’s book? | Jesus Needs New PR

Protect Girls in Russia from Forced Prostitution

More on the issue of sex trafficking in Russia. Hard to believe that slavery is alive and well more no than ever.
Protect Girls in Russia from Forced Prostitution

What If Jesus Meant All That Stuff?

Great article to really wrestle with. Shane is a great voice for the faith in our generation.

What If Jesus Meant All That Stuff?

Gen-X Rising: Joy Moore on the vitality of the UMC

Looking forward to this book coming out. Interesting thought on the UMC in this article. What do you think?
Gen-X Rising: Joy Moore on the vitality of the UMC

Poll: Most Americans Don’t Blame God for Disasters - Beliefnet News

Interesting difference between evangelicals and mainline churches. What do you think??
Poll: Most Americans Don’t Blame God for Disasters - Beliefnet News

Study Suggests Young Adults Can Get Fat at Church - Beliefnet News

OH NOOOOO! Say it ain't so!!! This is not good. I would like to see this compared to the Fantasy Sports crowd. I bet they gain even more weight! I'm preaching on gluttony this weekend! This article could destroy my job security!
Study Suggests Young Adults Can Get Fat at Church - Beliefnet News

Paul Washer: Depression Is Your Fault « American Jesus

Wow. Another case of Christians unwilling to accept science and in the end hurting more and more people. We must never forget: All truth is God's truth. What we discover in the Bible AS WELL AS any and all fields of science that pertain to truth are established by the Creator who designed it that way. There is nothing to fear. We come to know God all the more as we study his creation and find ways to help heal people in their pain. May God grant us the same request that Solomon asked for: wisdom. I fear way to many in our culture, in the world and in the church would rather embrace stupidity and ignorance at times.
Paul Washer: Depression Is Your Fault « American Jesus

Tsunamis: Or, Why I'm No Longer a Calvinist

AGREED!
Tsunamis: Or, Why I'm No Longer a Calvinist

L.A Times reports on Generation X reshaping Congress | are you there, God? it's me, generation X.

Gen-X is finally getting it's foot in the door in Washington! 'Bout time. I just want to hear Boehner say, "Bueller, Bueller, Bueller . . . "
L.A Times reports on Generation X reshaping Congress | are you there, God? it's me, generation X.

Post Rapture Pet Protection « American Jesus

Ah! You are not rapture ready unless your pets are taken care of by the damned once you are gone! Some people just think of everything! Scary thing is this is not a joke, and I wouldn't be surprised if they get some business.
Post Rapture Pet Protection « American Jesus

Biology Notes. | WTFoodge

I used to do this in class but not to this level of total awesomeness!
Biology Notes. | WTFoodge

Fart Ban In Malawi. | WTFoodge

Well I guess I can cross off Malawi as a potential site for mission trips. I would be criminal #1 in this country.
Fart Ban In Malawi. | WTFoodge

Death Metal Friday

Taking a poor song and turning it into GOLD!

Hell? No?? | The Bible and Culture

An excellent post on the doctrine of hell and all things end times. A well known United Methodist professor breaks it all down. Check it out.

Hell? No?? | The Bible and Culture

Best use of the word ‘dog’ in a church sign?!

BEST. CHURCH SIGN. EVER.
Best use of the word ‘dog’ in a church sign?!

6 other calamities blamed on divine retribution – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs

You step into dangerous territory when you think you can speak for God like this. Abraham Lincoln is the only one on the list here that I think may have had a reasonable thought. But with the others, we always need to keep in mind that when disaster strikes, it shows no partiality to the faithful or unfaithful, Christian or atheist. What speaks more of a deep faith is when we respond with compassion, prayers and generosity in the face of tragedy. We can not be like Job's "friends" who had to try to find something wrong with Job in order to make logical sense out of his tragic circumstances. God rebuked them for their foolish thinking. God would not allow Job or his friends to so easily box Him into simple categories that their finite minds could understand. Life, plain and simple, just doesn't make sense sometimes. But even in the face of disaster, we are called to be the light of the world, the hands and feet of Christ, the salt of the earth. Compassion will draw people closer to God, condemnation will only push them farther away, and may even expose our own blind spot in thinking that we speak for God, when he has already left the building.

6 other calamities blamed on divine retribution – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs

Come have a ball with Jesus! (at a testical festival in Texas) | Jesus Needs New PR

This is so insanely ridiculous. This is actually a real festival that people actually attend and support?!?! This alone is enough to launch a new Crusade against this festival just for their sheer stupidity of not thinking this whole thing through!
Come have a ball with Jesus! (at a testical festival in Texas) | Jesus Needs New PR

Classic Cee Lo Remake:BLESS YOU

Doomsday campers Project Caravan say the world will end May 21 | Mail Online

Oh the icing on the cake here is in the last 3 lines! Keep reading! How sad and pathetic. There must be a follow up article on this group on May 22.
Doomsday campers Project Caravan say the world will end May 21 | Mail Online

iMonk Classic: Evangelical Ecumenism and A Jesus-Shaped Guest List | internetmonk.com

Here is a great article explaining the theology behind the attack on Rob Bell. It is not motivated so much by a conservative evangelical bent more than it is motivated by neo-Reformed thinkers who act like Reformation police. iMonk does a great job in explaining the thinking behind these guys.

iMonk Classic: Evangelical Ecumenism and A Jesus-Shaped Guest List | internetmonk.com

A look at the ways the world could end – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs

Very interesting thoughts on the Apocalypse! This is my take on this whole thing and it isn't very spiritual: There is a lot of money to be make in fear. If you are able to convince people that your book has all the answers, and a date that look not-to-far from our future, surprisingly it will fly off the shelves. Or write a fiction novel(s) about the apocalypse and you will makes millions. It is sad that we focus so much energy on this. I wish we had just as much passion towards the Sermon on the Mount or John 14:11-13 -

¹¹ Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. ¹² Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

What if we really believed that Jesus empowered us to do even greater things than he did? What if we really believed the Spirit of God calls us to restore His creation, love others and to be agents of healing, comfort, care, and peace. I wonder what the state of Christianity would be today if we were more focused on this, rather than crazy apocalyptic speculations. Believing in doomsday predictions so intently, I believe, causes one to subtly give into the sin of sloth. Why should I care about the environment? God will make all things better. Why should I care about world affairs? God will destroy the wicked and will blissfully take us all away. 1 Timothy 2 states:

¹ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Maybe the reason no apocalypse has happened in light of thousands of predictions is because God is waiting for the church to be the church he expects us to be in which all people are coming to know Him because of our love; not repelling them because of our indifference, or hate, or laziness to engage the world, to be a force of transformation and redemption in the lives of people.

Ah, what do I know. If you want a good book on the Apocalypse that is also very entertaining and humorous read "The Pocket Guide to the Apocalypse" by Jason Boyett. Great stuff. No scare tactics, just shining a bit of perspective on a topic that makes Hollywood and authors filthy rich!

And if you are really into fear and the demise of the human race, then read this article from Time Magazine on the Singularity Project. It will melt your brain.

A look at the ways the world could end – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs

Greatest church mural ever. | Stuff Christians Like – Jon Acuff

Absolutely classic! I want this for my office. One of the most bizarre scriptures ever.

Greatest church mural ever. | Stuff Christians Like – Jon Acuff

Do Evangelicals Hate Jesus? | Jesus Needs New PR

This is a very provocative title for a post, I know. But this article is definitely something to wrestle with. Do you think that this guy has any truth to stand on?
Do Evangelicals Hate Jesus? | Jesus Needs New PR

Choices by Last Two Generations Root of Next Generation’s Economic Struggle | Rise of the Center

Choices by Last Two Generations Root of Next Generation’s Economic Struggle | Rise of the Center
This is an interesting article but I particularly like the comment below it from Cranky Critter who ties the 7 deadly sins into our current crisis as a nation. Is just one or two generations at fault? It would be easy to lay this all at the feet of the Baby Boomers but realistically are we not all at fault to some extent? My knee-jerk reaction would be that I sure don't want to take any responsibility and just blame my parent's generation but I think that is too easy of a cop-out. Your thoughts?

Astronaut (Rémi GAILLARD)

If I were in my early 20's and in film school again I would find a lot of joy in messing with golfers like this.

Beck: 'I blew it' comparing rabbis to Islamic radicals

Beck: 'I blew it' comparing rabbis to Islamic radicals

What is this!?!?!?! Glenn Beck admits to not doing his homework and being misinformed!?! I'm shocked.

Allan R. Bevere: Hell's Bells-- Rob Bell on Hell

Allan R. Bevere: Hell's Bells-- Rob Bell on Hell: "One thing is for certain-- Rob Bell's latest and soon-to-be released book, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Perso..."

Another level-headed perspective from an awesome United Methodist pastor from Ohio! Love this guys blog.

Waiting for Rob Bell

Waiting for Rob Bell
As always, Scot McNight brings some common sense and some historical and cultural perspective on this craziness.

Anti-Muslim Protestor Throws Crosses At Feet Of Man Praying By White House

Wow. If I ever came across something like this I don't know how I would react (to those calling themselves "Christian"). I can only imagine if Paul would have taken this approach at Mar Hill. It would not have gone over well.

7 Billion: Are You Typical? -- National Geographic Magazine

This is very, very interesting! India and China are fast becoming the Superpowers of our world now, if they aren't already. Thank God for Psalm 139 to remind us how fearfully and wonderfully made we all are! There is nothing typical about that!

After Phelps Wins, Uncertainty about What Lies Ahead

This is a tough one. You wish there was a way to stop these people from their campaign of hate. Anyone who has at least a little bit of knowledge about the Bible knows that this group is motivated by hatred and it will be the cancer that will ultimately destroy their souls. If you want to cringe through a documentary that explains this family watch "Fall From Grace". Some of his children have escaped this cult and it is interesting what they have to say about growing up in the Phelps household.
After Phelps Wins, Uncertainty about What Lies Ahead

Evangelicals Push Back on Proposed Budget Cuts

There is so much truth in this article. Why are the cuts the government are pursuing so far seem to involve the very things that affect our children and the poor? Shame on us. The rich will continue to become more rich and the poor will become more poor, while the middle class will continue to evaporate. It is sad to see what is befalling us as a nation.
Evangelicals Push Back on Proposed Budget Cuts

The Attack on Rob Bell

This is in response to a relative who emailed me asking my opinion. I thought i would also post it here too.

Now, I did not say I didn't have ANY problems with Velvet Elvis. He said some things that I thought were poor choices in illustrating his point that did raise some questions. Nothing to declare him a heretic though. Now about this new book, I think a lot of people are jumping the gun here before his book has even come out. Honestly, I am tired of those who shoot first and ask questions later. Rob is doing a tremendous amount of good at his church. If I am to judge a person by their fruit, then to throw the label "heretic" to a public audience without even reading the book, and not calling Mars Hill to speak to Bell himself, I think is more "unchristian" than having a universalist position on hell. Quite frankly the universalist-view has been held by some very prominent Christians in the past. (That is assuming that this is what we are arguing about before anyone has cracked the book open.) I think it can be a valid view of end times. Now, I am not one of those who hold to this view (although I honestly would prefer this option over all the others), but I do struggle with a literal interpretation of hell and the length of time being eternal. Several times it is referred to as the second death. I see that as physical death being the first and then spiritual death as second. But then there are verses that talk about eternal punishment. The fact is, we hold on to our beliefs with a sense of humility and continual study and dialogue with those who came before us, and with those in the present, figuring out what we can learn in our own times and how the Bible may apply similarly/differently to our context.

If you study the theology of just about any pastor or theologian in the past you will find things that we today would consider horribly wrong and misguided. But when you look at the cultural context in which they lived you begin to realize that the culture plays a much bigger part in shaping our faith. That is where humility must come in.

One day, 100 years from now, I am certain that the Christian community will look back on 20th century American evangelicalism and wonder how in the HELL we ever came to the conclusions that we did and declare all of us heretics. Rob is good at asking questions to get us to think. To consider different angles rather than assuming everything from the past has been figured out, therefore, we don't have a voice to consider our own context and how faith may impact us differently. Those pastors who are set in their ways from the past, influenced by a modernistic, scientific view of theology will rail against those who take a more post-modern "question-everything" psychological approach. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I sat and heard lectures about the evils of post-modernism! But this is the cultural shift we are emerging into. Each stage of history came with the previous thinkers wanting to destroy the new thinking. But the beauty of each stage was that a predominate area of theology was developed within the context of what the culture was focused on:

Reformation: salvation and justification
Renaissance: theology of humanity
20th Century: theology of sin / holy spirit
21st Century: who knows yet where this is going?

I think the best we can do though is to dialogue rather than label those you disagree with as a nonbeliever or false teacher who is leading everyone astray. The fruits of Rob's life does not match that label. One of his primary mentors was my pastor in Grand Rapids. He was Jerry Falwell's right-hand man for many years before he moved to GR. If Rob was going heretical I know that Ed Dobson would have something to say about that. But Ed, while dying of Parkinsons, still makes the effort to preach from Mars Hill's pulpit and team teaches with Rob sometimes.

The more these guys attack Rob like this, the more ridiculous they look and the more Rob, in a strictly financial sense, is going to rake in on all this negative publicity. And I hope he does. Because I know he will take all that money and put it into significant ministries around the world that are having a big impact on changing the world for the better.

I ran into all of this yesterday on the twitter-universe. It made me mad and I wanted to blog about it, but I shouldn't do it in anger. Piper has always struck me as a Reformist theologian who is very judgmental and angry at times in the way he handles himself. (And absolutely bizarre on Twitter at times). I used to listen to his podcast but I just got tired of him. He always seemed angry about something. And really, who made him the father of theology in our nation? There are things about Reformed theology that are just wacked. One day we will all sit before God and he will himself explain where we got it right and were we got it wrong. And those who came before us and after us might be surprised that he still allowed us into His kingdom!

There are my two cents.
Pastor Scott Russ
Epiphany UMC
Loveland, OH
scottruss86@gmail.com