The comment section debate forum

It happens all the time. There is a video or blog posted, usually related to a current event, usually involving a hotbed issue, and the comment section runs for miles. Some people stick up for the principle represented in the video or blog. Others spout off obscenities you didn’t know existed, and personally attack the author of the video/blog/forum, etc. Then comes the real fun. Two people will comment back and forth in heated argument, trying to make the other feel as ignorant and clueless as a puppy in his first snow.

Here’s the thing. Argumentation can be helpful. But believers in Christ should argue very differently than the world does.

Our argument should not be an attempt to demonstrate our superior knowledge or try to justify ourselves before men. If our aim is to prove ourselves right before others and not the glory of God, we are way too self absorbed. I know it is way too easy to argue for argument’s sake, hoping to leave the opposition bloodied and mangled on the floor.

Speak the truth, but speak it in love.

a bit destracted…

So, I realize I haven’t given adequate attention to this blog, because I’ve been busy writing a weekly blog column for my church, Sojourn Community Church.  Check it.  There are a couple of mine on there, and many other great blogs on the site.

exhibit A:

So, the subject is subjectivity.  The simplest way to understand subjectivity is as an opinion or truth-claim based solely upon personal experience and/or preference.  A good example in which everyone carries some subjectivity is musical tastes.  I don’t believe anybody would seriously claim to have the authority on what music superior or inferior to others, at least not based solely on stylistic varieties. People generally respect the musical tastes of others, and the musical world is better for it. 

Here is where things get sticky. When subjectivity is superimposed on issues of truth and falsehood, and right and wrong, morality and all knowledge cease to exist.  Let me give an example of how subjectivity has overtaken American culture, and what harm it has done.  

I know I may get railed for this, so let me clarify–I do not watch the show “The Bachelor” on a consistent basis, or ever, for that matter. HOWEVER, one of my roomates turned it on the other night, because it was the season finale.  And I must say, I was hooked from the start due to the obvious ridiculousness of the show.  Though it was pretty obvious that the context of the drama was a hollywood set-up, the star of the show set himself up for absolute disaster.  The guy, named Jason, had to pick between two women from which to propose. After much emotional confliction, he decided to propose to the girl named Melissa. Six months down the road, he claims he has realized he had made the wrong decision in deciding on Melissa, and that he REALLY should have picked Molly, the other girl.  Again, let’s try to put the ridiculousness aside of picking a wife in six weeks on a TV show.  Even still, Jason says that although he hates to break Melissa’s heart, he has no choice but to “follow his heart”.  He wants to live “with no regrets” and be “true to himself”.  If the consequences are breaking the heart of a woman six months after proposing to her, tough luck. 

Here’s where a hilarious TV moment becomes a serious dilemma.  We all realize how ridiculous the event on the Bachelor is, but do we not realize that this happens every day within the context of marriage?  One of the leading causes of divorce is that one spouse is no longer fulfilled with the other. The solution: drop all the baggage and follow your heart. Again, personal gain and selfish desire are king, and the hearts of undeserving spouses are kicked to the curb. 

How about this–A man says, “I have an uncontrollable desire to brutally murder the next individual I come into contact with. I really can’t help that I have the desire, and to refuse consenting to my ‘need’ would be wrong. I want to live with no regrets, and if I don’t do this, I know I’ll regret it in the future.  I mean, I hate that someone has to die, but I have to be true to myself.” 

Sticky, sticky, sticky. Sorry America, but following your heart is overrated.

More on this to come….

fun things

I realized that I have severely neglected this blog, mostly because I haven’t known what to write and haven’t been willing to put in the time to keep it current.  BUT, I have resolved to start keeping the blog updated several times a week, with topics ranging from funny videos to serious issues within philosophy and the Christian faith.  Note that this is informal and is not intended to be formal or scholarly, rather, it is a mere attempt to become more consistent at writing and refine my writing skills. 

Along these lines, I am beginning a series of blogs on the nature of subjectivity.  Subjectivity is severely pervasive within American culture.  We see it everywhere–Hollywood, politics, workplaces, and educational institutions.  So is it good? Is it bad? What do we do with it?  

More to come.

Woot WOOT!

A brief encounter of greatness

Let me set up a scenario for you. I’m working Monday evening at Target. It’s been a relatively long day, considering many people have been getting their last minute Christmas shopping done, particularly in the electronics section (in which I work). As I recall, it is about 9:00 in the evening, and I’m about to go on my last 15 minute break. I’m walking from the electronics section to the other end of the store, in which the break room is located. As I pass the front check out lanes, I have to do a double take…first I think, “No, it can’t be”. But it is!!! THE Darryl Isaacs is pushing a cart, heading for the checkout lane. Now if you don’t know who Darryl Isaacs is, you must be informed. Also known as “The Heavy Hitter” and “The Hammer”, Darryl Isaacs is a famed injury attorney here in Louisville. He is plastered on billboards and commercial spots all over town, known for his greatness in law and in having bushy eyebrows.  So, back to Target.  I see The Hammer, and I frantically feel for my phone, but it isn’t on me!  It’s in the break room!  Alas, I was unable to get a picture with the famed Darryl Isaacs.  The End.  If you are unfamiliar with the Heavy Hitter, here are some media files to inform you.

Can’t I just be ten again? Nope.

Looking back on the past few months, it’s been a huge transitional period in my life.  Several things I held as consistencies have been removed or altered–in such a way I have never experienced before.  I was in a band for two years, and now am not playing consistently in any band context.  I used to live at home with my parents–now I live full time in Louisville.  Now, before I go any further, you have to get a perspective on how I function.  I thrive on routine.  A lot of times, I tend to rely on consistency as the basis of my security, and even as a determining factor in my happiness.  Pretty jacked up, huh?  Yeah, I know.  

More and more, God has been graciously showing me the degree to which I’ve let my consistencies determine my joy.  And here is a case and point where verbal admission and everyday practice are so radically different–I would say that I was actively enjoying God and considering the depths of the gospel.  However, subconsciously, I was letting my circumstances have a great say in my outlook on life.  

Here’s the thing, though–if we are relying on our circumstances to determine our joy, we will be sorely disappointed and embittered.  In the New Testament Church, specifically those to whom Peter was writing to, circumstances were….well….less than ideal.  If their circumstances were used as a predication for joy, as mine sometimes are, the believers wouldn’t last long.  Quite to the contrary:

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV)

Here is a stark reminder that our joy is to be found in our salvation in Christ.  Period.  The reality is, things change.  

But.

God doesn’t change.  The gospel doesn’t change.  Salvation doesn’t change.

A weekend well spent

So, it’s Sunday afternoon.  Currently I am sitting in the living room in my robe, watching some football, hanging with my roomates, and staying warm in the midst of the bitter cold.  It’s been a wonderful weekend, hanging in the midst of good friends, eating good food, and watching some movies (although I have to say, August Rush could be THE worst move I have EVER seen).  Oh, and being with sojourn gathered this morning was really great.

Let’s have another go…

So.  It’s been a really long time since I’ve done any sort of blogging action.  I used to do it all the time, but recently I haven’t kept up with it.  Also, about a year ago, I set up a blog on blogspot.com.  Oddly enough, the title of the blog was exactly the same as this one, and the url nearly identical.  So, a couple months ago I decided I wanted to start writing a few more blogs…..and of course, I forgot my username and password for that account.  I tend to do that a lot. Oh well. 

All that to say, I wanted to once again have an outlet for my thoughts, and hopefully some good conversation with others.  We’ll see what happens.