The President Wants To Encourage Students To Do Well... What An Outrage!!

I posted this article last year when this issue came up.  Here we go again.  My daughter had to get signed permission to view a speech from the President of the United States at school.

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I try. I really want to keep an open mind when it comes to conservative politics and issues. I know that the best way usually sits between the two poles that extremists on both sides propagate.

For those of you just tuning in, next Tuesday at 11am central time, the President of the United States will be giving an address to the students of America "challenging students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning."

I have been teaching for 18 years. If ANY president (Bush, Clinton, Reagan, etc.) were doing (or had done) this, I would take the opportunity to have my students watch. This is America and the President is going to speak to our students.

No brainer right?

Not if you listened to talk radio today! Here are some highlights:

• "He's recruiting his civilian army. His 'Hitler' youth brigade,"

• "Totalitarian regimes around the world have sought to spread their propaganda and entrench their power by brainwashing the children."

• "I don't care what the heck he's going to talk about, unless he holds a teaching degree for every state, and he plans on actually TEACHING a lesson, this SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED!!!"

• "What's he going to do, tell the kids to report their parents to the Thought Police if they don't support Obamacare?"

• "It essentially tries to force kids to say the president and the presidency is inspiring, and that's very problematic,"

• “I think it's inappropriate because it smacks of political indoctrination of the worst kind,”

Oh Boy!

Many conservatives are making it REALLY hard for us would-be independents to give the republicans the time of day. Every time I think the rhetoric can't get any weirder, it goes a notch higher!

There are actually conservative groups encouraging parents to keep their kids home that day, lest they hear the President's speech!

I think Frank Schaeffer had it right... this last election broke their brains.

In all seriousness, the Republicans need to jettison the loons (especially the talk show hosts stirring them up) while there is still some respectability in the party.

Goodbye Dear Friends

Duke is on the Left, Duchess on the Right

Today we said goodbye to our dear friend Duchess. Mary Lee and I brought her home as a kitten just after we married 15 years ago. We brought her friend Duke home a few months later. Duke passed last month. I assumed we would have Duchess for a few years yet, but her health began to fail a few weeks ago.

Duke was our scardey-kitty. He was always skittish around people and would really only warm up to us in the late evening. We joked that he had a split personality, he would run in terror from us during the day; but would come back for a massage later that evening.

Duchess was almost dog-like. Wherever I was, that is where you would find her. Most often she would sleep at the foot of our bed, then come sit at my feet while I brushed my teeth and shaved in the morning. She was rarely off by herself... she would always be where the family was.

We often called her "Nurse" Duchess. If any of us were sick, she would  lay down with us for the duration of our illness.

My children grew up with Duke and Duchess along side them.  I am grateful for the attributes of tenderness, care, and compassion that our cats helped develop within Kathryn and Jacob.

We were together as a family to say goodbye to her today. She was a precious and wonderful cat.

I am your Father, who loves you.

“All the most orthodox divines, Calvinist as well as Catholic, taught that one of the chief joys of heaven is the viewing of the torments of the damned... Tertullian cackled with glee as he anticipated seeing pagan philosophers writhing in the flames. Surely Paine was right. Such doctrines have corrupted and brutalized humanity. Cruel dogmas make cruel people.” - Keith Parsons
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I have found this quote to be very true. I have also found its inverse to be real ... rejecting cruel dogmas helps develop compassion.

I can give a scriptural argument for the rejection of an eternal Hell - a place where all hope is lost, redemption has died, wrongs can never be made right, and unforgiveness reigns - but my rejection is much more experiential. When Jesus prayed to God, he was praying to a Father. Being a Father has given me a sense of what God feels toward us. At some point in my faith, I decided to reject the "cruel dogmas"; the dogmas that, if true, could never be advanced by a good father.

I think a very good picture of a Father's love - a love that goes the distance, risks, and never quits - can be found in the movie "Blood Diamond". It is a story set within war torn Sierra Leon, where cruel rebel armies conscript children into their ranks.

In the story, Solomon is kidnapped and made to work digging for diamonds. His son is taken to be a soldier. The son is brainwashed and commits many evil deeds while with the rebels. Solomon escapes and spends the movie trying to get to his son. When they first meet, his son denies him; so deep is his brainwashing.

At a later point, Solomon rescues his son, but his son threatens him with a gun. Solomon appeals to the boy to remember who he is. He goes on to say:

"I am your Father, who loves you. You will come home with me and be my son... again."

This is not the message of most modern religion. In our religions, "God" will burn you down if you dare to point your "rejection" at him. This is not the view of a good Father.

To borrow a thought from Bart Campolo:

"I may be wrong in this matter, but I am not in doubt. If indeed faith is being sure of what we hope for, then truly I am a man of faith, for I absolutely know what I hope to be true: that God is completely good, entirely loving, and perfectly forgiving, that God is doing everything possible to overcome evil (which is evidently a long and difficult task), and that God will utterly triumph in the end, despite any and all indications to the contrary."

This is how I view God.

Train Up a Child

My son turned 9 this week.  Like many boys his age, Jacob has a love for all things Lego.  Those little plastic, lumpy bricks can hold his attention for hours.

Of course a big bucket of them provide open-ended creativity, but he also likes the "model" type; where there are step by step directions showing him how to create a specific space ship or race car.

When he first started doing the model kits, I was doing 95 percent of the construction. The detailed directions had to be followed by me, and I would let him work on squeezing a few blocks together. Later, he worked on finding the pieces and handing me the ones I called for. This year we had reversed those roles - I worked on supplying him with the pieces he asked for.

Today I saw one of his birthday Lego kits completely constructed.  He hadn't asked for my assistance.

"Jake," I said. "When did you put that one together?"

He shrugged, "A few minutes ago."

Not only done by himself... but done quickly.

I had the slightest twinge of sadness that he had done it without me, but I refused to hold that emotion; I let it pass. The job of every good father is to help his son grow in independence. My son needs me a little less than he did a year ago.

Which is exactly as it should be. :)

Emergent Mormons?

I saw an article over at Beliefnet by a member of the LDS church who was looking at Mormonism in the light of Emergent Christianity. This of course caught my attention because I would be classified by many as Emergent (I am at least on a similar trajectory) and because I live in the heart of Mormondom.

Beyond that, I have developed an affection over the past 6 years for Mormon believers and their faith.  In reading a few books on the Mormon faith and catching some video teachings, I came across one author/speaker in particular, Robert Millet, a BYU professor who shares my love for C.S. Lewis. For my 40th birthday, my wife phoned his office and asked if I could meet him after a conference he was speaking at. He did one better and we grabbed lunch together the following week. Through my conversations with Bob, I became convinced that God resided under no single banner. Many of my evangelical friends would disagree, but I have met few people whose desire to know God burns as strongly as Bob's.

I don't suppose too many Emergents know much about Mormonism. There are probably few Mormons who have read any Emergent authors. I like em' both, so this article brought to mind the old Reese's commercial where the chocolate crashes into the peanut butter.

In the article Ms. Riess asks, "What does Emergent offer to me as a committed Latter-day Saint?" Later in the article she comments "Part of the Emergent story is that we are more likely to encounter Jesus when we step outside our comfort zones and stop doing church primarily because that is what we're expected to do."

Ultimately, I think there lies the potential common ground. In all strands of religious thought, people are asking questions. Why do we do this? Why do we feel this way? How should I be relating to others? How can we do better?

Of course, in each religious group, there are voices trying to quell the questions, to get everyone back in line, back in the pew.

So in answer to her question, I think what we can offer each other is our perspectives, what we have discovered, and a safe place to ask those questions.

That was what Bob offered in each of my conversations with him. His perspectives, what he has discovered, and a safe place to ask questions.

It is a rare thing, and something I hope we all get better at offering one another.

Hell Theory

I have stated my reasons for not buying in to Hell theory many times on this blog. However, as I was watching Neil Simon's classic spoof of whodunits "Murder by Death" I came across a scene which explains how I emotionally feel about it.

In this scene, the world's most famous detectives are brainstorming theories to explain a murder that has just taken place. Dick Charleston, played by David Niven, has just given a detailed theory when Sydney Wang, played by Peter Sellers, rebuts.

Sydney Wang: One moment please .... very interesting theory Mr. Charleston; but you overlook one very important point."

Dick Charleston: and that is?

Sydney Wang: Is stupid! Is most stupid theory I ever heard... Bwah-hah-hah!

The scene can be viewed at 3:35.

My View of Scripture

This is something that comes up very often amongst my friends and family. My more "fluid" view of the Bible often brings eye-rolling, sighs of pity, or downright anger.

Many people who hold to the name Christian believe in an inerrant/infallible view of Scripture. It is word for word just as God wants it. Beyond that, it often is believed to have supernatural qualities. In many circles it is referenced synonymously with Jesus. Regular readings will empower you and bless your finances. Reading the verses out loud can bring healings.

These Christians tend to approach their thought life in a very digital manner... everything is either/or. For example, when it comes to the bible, they see only two possible views : Either the bible is the infallible word of God, or it is completely useless. My view does not exist at either of those poles. Therefore, I have had some version of the following conversation about a half dozen times in the past year or two:

Christian: We must believe such and so on Topic X.

Me: Well, actually I think people can hold various views on that topic.

Christian: Not if they are a Christian, the bible says so.

Me: The bible says a lot of things, in fact on that topic the bible has a few different views.

Christian: It does not! The bible is very clear on this!

Me: Well, let me show...

Christian: Oh, so now you are just going to show me the scriptures you like? Just cherry-pick the easy ones?!

Me: No, but there are varied ways one can interpret these passages.

Christian: No there is not. The bible is clear, I just do what it says! Why are you trying to weaken my faith in the bible?! What caused you to lose your faith in the bible?

Me: Well, I don't actually think I need to have faith in the bible. That simply isn't the way I see scripture, I see...

Christian: If you don't believe in the bible, you don't believe in Jesus! Why do you bother quoting scripture if you don't believe the bible?

Me: I never said I didn't believe it, maybe we should talk a little bit about what we mean when we say we believe scripture.

Christian: Words, words, words, talk, talk, talk. Why are you trying to tear down my belief in God? I have faith! I don't need anymore of your arguing. I love Jesus, you don't! I am sorry for you, you have fallen away from the faith! I'll pray for you, but I don't want to talk to you anymore."

That is, of course, a Cliff Notes condensed version of those conversations. I do not hold the right view of the bible, so I am outside the faith. It often ends with a cut-off of relationship, or one that forevermore occurs at arm's length.

So what are my heretical views of scripture presently?

First, I believe the books and letters written in the bible are a collection of documents written by men. I do believe that they were written by men who were seeking after and/or had encountered the God of our Universe; but written by men nevertheless.

Does this make it useless for learning about God? Not at all. I once gave this example, using my classroom as a comparison:

As I finish up the school year, I could have my 75 or so students write an account of a year in one of my classes. Those accounts could never give an entirely clear or consistent view of my classroom. In fact, many of the accounts may seem to contradict one another. Whether a student was bored or challenged, male or female, calm or excitable, whether they had me for math, reading, or both would affect their view of me and my class. Some might think I was the greatest teacher ever, others may have felt generally unimpressed. So which account is true? Well, in some ways all and in some ways none. Reading multiple accounts will give you a better sense of what it would be like to be in my class, but as a reader, your view would always be peripheral.

Scripture is not spread over merely a year, but thousands. The authors, unlike my students, had radically different experiences in different time periods in varied cultures. Add to that, as a reader, I bring my own baggage to the table. I am white, married, western, protestant, middle-aged, liberal, educated, middle-class… the list goes on. All of these affect the way that I approach scripture. I cannot get around these things. The best I can do is recognize that I come at this with multiple filters in my head, that the scripture is speaking with many voices, and that if I am going to get a relatively clear view of the scripture, I also have to pay attention to the voices of other readers of scripture … who may not see life the way I do.

So we have Christians who can read the same scripture, believe it is as clear as the nose on one’s face, and yet draw different conclusions as to its intent. I would also point out that it is not always a matter of one interpretation being right and the other wrong. As with my students' accounts, two students can state apparently contradictory views – that are BOTH true from their perspective.

So reading multiple accounts of people's encounters with God can help me develop a view of God, while also being aware that the view I am developing falls short.

Second, holding such a view allows me to be honest about certain passages. Some are just indefensible. Christians will often point to verses in the Koran to demonstrate that Islam is violent; while in reality our scriptures can easily be used to portray a similar view of God. In fact, some scriptures are just plain goofy.

For example: Did you know that if you get in a fight with a man, and your wife comes in to defend you, and she hits your opponent in the balls - according the bible, she is to have her hand cut off. Think that is excessive? Who is cherry-picking now? :)

I do indeed cherry pick. I have NEVER met ONE Christian who doesn't. Christians just throw that argument at people who do not cherry-pick the same scriptures they do.

Third, I believe the Bible is the Christian authoritative text. This does not equate to Sola Scriptura, but it is authoritative for our religion in the same way the Constitution is the authoritative text for America or my HOA by-laws are for our neighborhood. However, like other authoritative texts, the bible must be interpreted and is subject to endless discussions amongst those who want to follow its text.

Fourth, I think in many ways, scripture should be viewed like art. Reading it should stir us, cause us to reflect, ask questions. When Christians come at it like a rule book that will give us the answers if we read it "right"; we mistake our interpretation for orthodoxy and close off other voices.... which is why, I believe, we have over 30,000 different versions of Christianity... most of which believe the other groups don't quite measure up.

In the end, though I believe scripture to be inspired by a living God, I do not believe he was channeling anybody. Paul did not wake up hours later with a sore hand and 16 chapters of Romans. For myself, it is just more apparent the writings are from our spiritual forefathers telling us about their encounters with God.

Also, let me clarify that this is not a new position for me. I questioned the whole notion of the innerancy of scripture very early in my faith (twenty-some years ago). Memorizing whole books of scripture through bible quizzing made it clear to me that Paul had his better and worse moments. That Paul may or may not have argued with James about faith vs works.... depending on the day. That Jesus words were recalled as best as possible, but as any cop who does line-ups can tell you, memories can play tricks on you... glad we got four accounts. The difference is that in the past, I had no confidence to announce my questions... and they probably would not have been well received.

There were many times throughout Christian history when I would have been tortured to death for holding such views. I, for one, am grateful for a separation of Church and State.

An Author to Read to your Kids

I try to read to my kids every night, but as they get older it is getting harder for us to be consistent.  Still, I have read about a half dozen books to them this year.

Three of them were by author Margaret Davidson.  I have read a biography by her called "Helen Keller's Teacher" to my class each year for about 15 years.  It is a well told tale of the amazing life of Annie Sullivan.  This year I decided to read it a second time - to my own children.

My children loved the book, and my son Jacob asked a question that had not occurred to me all these years.

"Has this author written any other biographies?"

We checked online and discovered that she has written quite a few.  Many were out of print, but most are still available in our local library system.  So we grabbed Helen Keller and Louis Braille to start.

We found these to have the same traits that captured us in her first book.  Ms. Davidson is a wonderful story teller who attaches you emotionally to the people she writes about.  Aside from hearing a good tale, my children are getting great history lessons.

If you have children and you read to them, or would like to start to (it is never too late), I give Margaret Davidson's biographies my happy endorsement.  You will not be disappointed.
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I have placed what books of hers I could find on my classroom Amazon wishlist.  If you like to make charitable contributions at times, perhaps you might consider donating a book to my classroom.  When you select an item from my wishlist, the books automatically get shipped to my classroom.  I have had a number of donations in the past year and, in an era of shrinking school budgets, each donation is greatly appreciated.
http://amzn.com/w/3U9179PXM8NJD

Sean Hannity and Ground Zero

I was driving home from the doctor today and turned the radio dial to Sean Hannity.  On and on he went about Park 51 (demonized by the Right as "The Ground Zero Mosque").  Within the span of 5 minutes, I heard a constant string of inaccuracies, exaggeration, and straight out falsehoods.  I hadn't heard this much bile since... since the last time I listened to Glenn Beck.

As always, I wondered what was going on inside of Sean's head.  Surely he knows how misleading his rhetoric is.... could he really believe what he is saying?

Yes and no.

I think it comes down to the end justifying the means.  I think he is so fixated on the defeat of "liberalism" that any tool that puts him closer to that end is a good thing.

It reminds me of an incident that I have mentioned on this blog before.  I was attending a church bible study and the group of 15-20 of had drifted off into a conversation about child rearing.  I was expressing my concern about navigating the process of educating my children about my faith without crossing the line into indoctrination.  Whatever faith, or lack thereof, that my children chose, I want it to be an honest choice.

A little taken aback by my perspective, one of the ladies in the room looked at me and said, "What is wrong with indoctrinating your children when you know you are right?"

I think truth and honesty quit being the goal for men like Sean Hannity a long time ago.  Winning is the goal, and whatever it takes to get there is fair game.  People and truth have become commodities to be traded; and it all can be justified because Sean knows he is right.

Ooze Review: About You

Every few months I get an opportunity to review a book for the theooze.com with a bunch of other bloggers. I grabbed this selection based on the subtitle. The book is called by About You by Dick Staub. The subtitle reads: Jesus didn't come to make us Christian; Jesus came to make us fully human.

Given the recent declaration by Anne Rice, this caught my eye. There are a lot of Christians out there feeling uncomfortable with the institution of church and are wondering what a faith outside of the Christian subculture can look like. I assumed I was getting a book that would dive into those kinds of questions.

I should have researched a little more.

This book isn't about that. The title was a dead give away. This book is about you.

Which means it was not at all written for me. It states in the first paragraph:

"Would you like to make sense of your life? Do you want to achieve your potential greatness?"

I have never read a book by Anthony Robbins or Joel Osteen, but I bet they sound a lot like that.

Soon after the author writes:

"Perhaps your life has unfolded ideally and just as you planned. But for most of us, life deals us some serious blows and detours."

And that is who this book is for ... and why I am hesitant to critique it too much. It could be that a book like this is just the "shot in the arm" a person who has been beaten down needs. They need to hear about how they have a great design and destiny. For myself, the only thing I might add to my life is a 7 figure income (or six would be fine... heck, I'd even take a high 5).

My only direct critique is that the author, for some reason, feels the need to make disparaging remarks about science in one of the chapters.

"Science can make truly great progress in the study of the natural world, but is of little value in examining spiritual, non-material reality."

In a very cliche'd manner, the author sets up a science/spirituality opposition. I believe this antagonism only exists as we create it. I confess that the author's attitude soured me on the rest of the book.

As I said, I am not the best audience to review this kind of a book, however I would wager that for someone in need of the like, there are better options available.