a purpose?

I am going to lay out an opinion, and it is an opinion because i have not much real knowledge of the issues but i readily feel the effects of the issues everyday. The Church in america is in a particular situation!



What i see is that the television is a major part of life here in america. I have seen numerous news broadcasts that would be talking about lifestyles and during the show, the broadcaster, or whoever, could use a phrase to illustrate a "poor" or "bad" lifestyle by stating that they, he, or she could not even have or watch a TV. TV is stated like it is a necessity. I mean, for the love of Pete, the TV has made it, generally, into every household in america. (Yet, oddly enough i have been in many places that have had no TV)



I bring this up because it is very influential. I go to work and the daily talk is about what was on last night on the various television shows. Various sports can be watched in the comfort of one's home due to the TV. Ambitious politicians have virtual access to more homes and families then most governments have ever dreamed of. The media also has a unique way of presenting the news because the video camera has it's own interpretation as opposed to a text in a newspaper. In small words, it is very influential.



I, then, think that a large portion of the influence towards people of the idea of what Christianity is about comes from the TV. This comes from the stations such as TBN or some of the interviews on CNN or news channels/shows or whatever else of that nature. What then happens is that there becomes a silent consensus that relates better to, or is aligned with what this idea that is presented on TV. Therefore, there becomes churches that become better aligned with or related to the idea presented on the TV.



I protest the idea of Christianity that is largely presented on TV. I really think that the ideas that are more generally presented across the air waves is not Christianity. When people can say that a Joel Olsteen represents Christianity, we should know that we are not doing well. I cannot quote but i did hear Olsteen say on CNN that he was not preaching but motivating or uplifting or something of that nature, yet he has a pulpit and a large stage and a larger church. Likewise, what about the preachers on TBN? If i listened to the preachers on that channel, then i would become broke and poor simply by giving to those who seemingly do not need the money. It seems like every one of those preachers is asking for a "gift or seed."

Yet, i think that they are missing some key issues on being church. That is . . . being the body of Christ and doing justice. It is hard to be a body of Christ when the majority of the congregation does not know each other (especially when it is due to the majority that is watching the program on tv in the comfort of their private homes). I think that the unity, commitment and relationships are vital to everything that it means to be Christian. This is also where justice comes to play, because it is hard to be just or to help those who you do not know. I mean, why should i give my money to mike murdock when i have people close to me that are starving?



I will admit that i feel like i am not well off monetarily. I could use help every now and again, but at least i have a roof (someone's floor) over my head for now. How much better could i be? I try. I have thought about what i could do if the pastor/board members lessened the symphony at the "Crystal Cathedral" to help out my family and our bills, or sold that gold cross for that matter.



I am just venting.

church worship

I have been rolling around my head for the last week about Church. Why to some is it called a "service?" Are we providing a service like my auto mechanic or our banker or our mail persons? IF we are then what is the service?

And on top of this, what are church models? I have heard that there are some church models like the traditional model that so-called "fundamentalists" would like, a seeker, program loaded model after some felt needs or a missional model that is for urban settings or a godcentered model that might resemble the first christians, among others I imagine.

I do not understand this. Why is there a model or why is the model about a service? I say that we should start to understand this differently or think about this differently. I have been a part of many congregations of brothers and sisters of Christ that have been concerned with things other than the kingdom of God. I want people to come to church, sure, but for what? For spirtual food? what is that? For a good worship and fellowship? Do they have to be a part of the in-crowd then? To hear a good sermon? I have never heard a perfect sermon, yet.

I do not know, i am confused about this. I have seen and read about the certain aspects of order and criteria so to speak, given in the pastoral letters of the new testament but i do not understand that necessarily to be about church models. Maybe the models are a good way and reason for not accepting a certain church or people, or their message. You know, something like, "oh you only live in simplicity because you participate in a missional congregation. We have programs that reach thousands." or "our church is here to focus on providing for the missionaries that we sent to afganistan. We also have great fellowship on sundays."

Today

Today NIU was shot up.

That makes me very sad. We pray . . . Hope to God that He can save us. . .

Please pray for NIU and the victims of this . . .

It brings to mind the very topic that i preached on last suday. I have begun to understand that we as a people and a humanity have been created by God for communion. And i mean true community. Not the cheesy, neighbors but strangers that we get (to my experience) in america, but honest to goodness and God communion that the Church is supposed to be (although in my opinion, has been lacking). Oh . . but no .. . Not us americans, we are free to be individuals. we are a community of individuals. And now we have people carrying burdens that were not meant to be carried.

I am not saying that this is the necessary reason for all the violence i have seen lately or even in this specific instance, but i do understand this to be a major malfunction in our society.

any thoughts?

Thesis Statement

Since this is my first blog, i will begin with stating what i want to accomplish. Basically, i want to let my mind wonder over the things and ideas (i imagine mostly theological) that i do not get a chance to express while chasing my children all over the house.

Therefore, with that said . . .

I will post my first real blog later.