LETTERS ARE LIKE COLD WATER TO A WEARY SOUL
"Like cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a foreign land." This verse from the Bible is on a plaque in the old Hong Kong Post Office. I am often reminded how true these encouraging words are."
Even with the advent of E-mail, a letter on paper in the mail box is still the most meaningful kind of communication.
A friend from out of state wrote me last week of the "unique sense of commonality I always feel when I read your articles."
He went on to say, "It's not just the sharing of roots -- of Texas, of the depression era, Baptist tutelage, systemic racism -- and on and on. It's that our parallel pilgrimage took us from there to truly alien environs." [He served his Lord in Indonesia and his country in Rome and many places.]
"We were not just giving; we were receiving. We reexamined our roots and came out with some perspectives that, I think, are very hard to come by without comparable uprooting."
Growing up in one culture and going to live in another one is an eye-opening experience. It is a time of seeing our own country and culture with greater understanding. There were the languages to be learned, the customs to be appreciated and new food and friends, made us even more appreciative of America's bounty of freedom and all it has given us.
Letters I received from Pvt. Joe B. Swan during the Korean War gave me an insight to what was going on day-to-day during his life. It was not a dull recounting of the war in general, but what he saw and felt sitting by a bombed out building. His desire to get out of the hell-hole of war. Reminded us to pray more for him and his comrades.
Maybe your war is not such a conflict. But an overwhelming problem or feeling of emptiness. Having someone to talk to about life is good, but writing to a friend is enriching and more lasting. Putting down on paper your fears and needs to a friend helps two ways. It helps you to confide, unburden yourself to someone or just share a thought. It helps the one who reads it. It might just be a few personal words on a Hallmark card, but it is a start.
Writing our feelings and experiences to a trusted someone helps us deal with our life. (Especially if we are only making a living and not a life.)
All we usually get in the mail is bills or unwanted "bargains." But to get a envelope with beautiful stamp and letter inside can make the difference in the rest of the day. To carefully open it and pause for a moment, reading and remembering. You are blessed because your friend thought enough to take the time to put some thoughts on paper, spend the 43 cents for a stamp, and actually mail it to you.
Next Thursday some will go over the river and through the woods to grandma's house. There will be times for memories and sharing of gratitude. Football may get more attention than it deserves. (Nurses and teachers may be laid off, but football goes on forever. Why so many layoffs just before a time set aside for thanksgiving and remembering the Savior's birth?)
Others will eat alone. Their family is far away or broken in some tragic, unfortunate way. Some will break bread with the homeless and less fortunate.
For those of us who have lived abroad know how important letters are at such a time. We also have seen first-hand that while we feast (most of us), the vast majority of the world's peoples will not eat. To them it is just another day of trying to make ends meet: in city slums like Rio; in desert refugee camps in Darfur; in the jungle wars in the Congo; and our too-often forgotten troops and the natives of Iraq and Afghanistan.
This is a simple reminder and suggestion. As we are thankful for all our blessings, pause this week to remember those with less. Search out a way to help. None should ever feel left out. Then sit down and write a note to a friend you have not seen or heard from in a long time. If you're neighbor or friend has a person in the military, get their address and write them. It's like cold water to a weary soul.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Sacrifice -- a rare commodity
There is a lot more talk about sacrifice than there is evidence of the same. Sacrifice is the giving up of something valuable or important for somebody or something considered to be of more value or importance. Sacrifice is at the heart of both the Old and New Testaments. It is evident in most of the world's religions.
Sacrifice is the message of Jesus. In his life and words he reminds us that "greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend.” The Golden Rule keeps punching us in our conscience and heart, that we should do to others what we would want them to do to us.
Someone is hungry and in need, Americans by nature come to their aid. It is second nature for most Americans to reach out and help others. Not looking for a reward or a crown. Just doing it because it is right. To each of us much is given, and much will be required.
Sacrifice is a core Christian practice.
Sacrifice was something we did during World War II. Many hundreds of thousands of families gave the ultimate sacrifice serving and dying in our military. Even if a family had the money, they could not buy a new automobile. None were manufactured for civilians from 1943 through 1945. Gasoline was rationed along with many items like butter, sugar. and rubber automobile tires. Re-treads on tires were common, costly and not too reliable.
Of all the questions put to those running for president and vice-president, sacrifice has come up only once. In the second Presidential Debate, NBC's Tom Brokaw ask both men that as president, "what sacrifices will you ask every American to make to help restore the American dream and to get out of the economic morass that we're now in?”
Neither of the senators running for president had an answer. We have become used to politicians side-stepping direct questions, but this time they needed to step up to the plate and speak the truth as they know it. Neither one wanted to go on the record and honestly tell us that rough times are ahead and we are going to be asked to sacrifice in one way or another.
Senator McCain went first and said some government programs may need to be eliminated. There was nothing concrete in his response. He is going to examine every agency and every bureaucracy of government since many are not working. Also he will eliminate earmarks. Nothing about sacrifice.
Senator Obama began his answer by criticizing President George W. Bush, after 9/11, urging the American people to go shopping. He then said that was not sacrifice when the people were hungry for leadership. Instead of addressing the question Obama used some of his campaign points. Nothing about sacrifice.
Robert Parham, executive director of the Baptist Center for Ethics, asks "Why would two card-carrying Christians evade the issue of sacrifice in a nation where the overwhelming majority professes faith and a significant slice say the nation is Christian?
If our politicians do not attempt to lead, then men of the cloth, the "reverends," deacons, elders and laity must lead in this time of financial crisis. Religious leaders of every stripe need to call out the flocks to a deeper dedication and resolve. Some sacrifice is ahead and is time to wake up and take responsibility. Today is not the time for the lowest elements of our society to continue wandering in the wastelands.
Sacrifice for the common good has been in the back of the third balcony long enough. Sacrifice for the common good must be brought to the orchestra seats or even better, onto the center stage.
There is a lot more talk about sacrifice than there is evidence of the same. Sacrifice is the giving up of something valuable or important for somebody or something considered to be of more value or importance. Sacrifice is at the heart of both the Old and New Testaments. It is evident in most of the world's religions.
Sacrifice is the message of Jesus. In his life and words he reminds us that "greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend.” The Golden Rule keeps punching us in our conscience and heart, that we should do to others what we would want them to do to us.
Someone is hungry and in need, Americans by nature come to their aid. It is second nature for most Americans to reach out and help others. Not looking for a reward or a crown. Just doing it because it is right. To each of us much is given, and much will be required.
Sacrifice is a core Christian practice.
Sacrifice was something we did during World War II. Many hundreds of thousands of families gave the ultimate sacrifice serving and dying in our military. Even if a family had the money, they could not buy a new automobile. None were manufactured for civilians from 1943 through 1945. Gasoline was rationed along with many items like butter, sugar. and rubber automobile tires. Re-treads on tires were common, costly and not too reliable.
Of all the questions put to those running for president and vice-president, sacrifice has come up only once. In the second Presidential Debate, NBC's Tom Brokaw ask both men that as president, "what sacrifices will you ask every American to make to help restore the American dream and to get out of the economic morass that we're now in?”
Neither of the senators running for president had an answer. We have become used to politicians side-stepping direct questions, but this time they needed to step up to the plate and speak the truth as they know it. Neither one wanted to go on the record and honestly tell us that rough times are ahead and we are going to be asked to sacrifice in one way or another.
Senator McCain went first and said some government programs may need to be eliminated. There was nothing concrete in his response. He is going to examine every agency and every bureaucracy of government since many are not working. Also he will eliminate earmarks. Nothing about sacrifice.
Senator Obama began his answer by criticizing President George W. Bush, after 9/11, urging the American people to go shopping. He then said that was not sacrifice when the people were hungry for leadership. Instead of addressing the question Obama used some of his campaign points. Nothing about sacrifice.
Robert Parham, executive director of the Baptist Center for Ethics, asks "Why would two card-carrying Christians evade the issue of sacrifice in a nation where the overwhelming majority professes faith and a significant slice say the nation is Christian?
If our politicians do not attempt to lead, then men of the cloth, the "reverends," deacons, elders and laity must lead in this time of financial crisis. Religious leaders of every stripe need to call out the flocks to a deeper dedication and resolve. Some sacrifice is ahead and is time to wake up and take responsibility. Today is not the time for the lowest elements of our society to continue wandering in the wastelands.
Sacrifice for the common good has been in the back of the third balcony long enough. Sacrifice for the common good must be brought to the orchestra seats or even better, onto the center stage.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
PUSHING POLITICS FROM PULPIT NOT BIBLICAL OR ETHICAL
According to the Religious News Service, four in 10 Americans believe religious leaders should be permitted to endorse political candidates from their pulpits -- and do so without losing their tax-exempt status. That is scary.
Some preachers are now promoting a political candidate from the pulpit. A few weeks ago some 30 pastors took part in what they called "Pulpit Freedom Sunday." One young pastor here in San Angelo was reported in the Standard-Times as planning to take part in such a "showdown." Those participating claim they have the First Amendment in their corner.
Claiming suppression of the freedom of speech was one of the battle cries from the Alliance Defense Fund, a conservative Christian law firm based in Arizona. This is the latest of many attempts to bring politics into the worship services of American churches.
Tax-exempt churches do not file returns and are under no obligation to divulge their finances to donors, the government or the public. This is the reason the televangelists left the non-profit category (where financial reports are demanded) and organized into churches. It is also why most mega-churches and all televanglist "churches" have more lawyers on their staffs than ordained ministers. And they have needed them in numerous law suits of moral cover-ups from adultery to fraud. Now they will need them as they attempt to break Internal Revenue Service laws.
Mainline churches and many religious organizations are 100 percent transparent in what they receive in offerings and how they use them. But not the televangelists. Their followers are so hoodwinked they see no problem with their leaders having jet aircrafts, Bentleys and outrageous salaries and mansions. Now they want to promote their political choices from their pulpits.
David Barton, president of Wall Builders (www.wallbuilders.com), a nonprofit organization dedicated to a reinterpretation of American history, wrote, while Texas Republican Party vice-chairman, that the United States is a "Christian nation" and believes the separation of church and state is a "myth." Barton visited hundreds of churches telling them it was not illegal for them to endorse political candidates from the pulpit. (See "Behind the Scenes," Trinity Broadcasting Network, August 22, 2006.)
Rodney L. Parsley, Ohio-based televangelist, spoke at a press conference in support of the "Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act." This an Ohio legislature bill that would lift the Internal Revenue Service ban on electioneering from the pulpit. These guys are serious. Most Americans are not even aware of their agendas, much less their existence.
Beside breaking the law, promoting a candidate from the pulpit would divide many church fellowships. Deacons meetings I have been in have enough possibilities for division without taking sides on political candidates. Talking about issues is not the same thing. Churches and pastors should be fully informed of local and national issues. Politics should be shared at the town square, grocery store or courthouse steps. (Sometimes it is not a good idea at home!)
The Washington-based watchdog group, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, has filed six complaints with the Internal Revenue Service after dozens of clergy participated in a challenge to rules that ban politicking from the pulpit.
"These pastors flagrantly violated the law and now must deal with the consequences," said the Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United.
Earlier generations of fundamentalist Christians were on the margin of American churches. They did little social work and condemned those who did. But the last twenty years, their new approach is what Richard V. Pierard (professor of history emeritus, Indiana State University and Gordon College) calls a "political gospel." I call it a “false gospel.” Historic Christianity has proven that when church and state are united, corruption and wars increased. Keeping religion and government under different heads ensures both function better. Spirituality and civic pride enrich a church's service. Personal spirituality can enhance government and politics.
It is not a myth that government runs better without being tied to a religious establishment. If it were up to me, I would not give any tax exemptions to any religious bodies or churches, temples, synagogues or mosques.
According to the Religious News Service, four in 10 Americans believe religious leaders should be permitted to endorse political candidates from their pulpits -- and do so without losing their tax-exempt status. That is scary.
Some preachers are now promoting a political candidate from the pulpit. A few weeks ago some 30 pastors took part in what they called "Pulpit Freedom Sunday." One young pastor here in San Angelo was reported in the Standard-Times as planning to take part in such a "showdown." Those participating claim they have the First Amendment in their corner.
Claiming suppression of the freedom of speech was one of the battle cries from the Alliance Defense Fund, a conservative Christian law firm based in Arizona. This is the latest of many attempts to bring politics into the worship services of American churches.
Tax-exempt churches do not file returns and are under no obligation to divulge their finances to donors, the government or the public. This is the reason the televangelists left the non-profit category (where financial reports are demanded) and organized into churches. It is also why most mega-churches and all televanglist "churches" have more lawyers on their staffs than ordained ministers. And they have needed them in numerous law suits of moral cover-ups from adultery to fraud. Now they will need them as they attempt to break Internal Revenue Service laws.
Mainline churches and many religious organizations are 100 percent transparent in what they receive in offerings and how they use them. But not the televangelists. Their followers are so hoodwinked they see no problem with their leaders having jet aircrafts, Bentleys and outrageous salaries and mansions. Now they want to promote their political choices from their pulpits.
David Barton, president of Wall Builders (www.wallbuilders.com), a nonprofit organization dedicated to a reinterpretation of American history, wrote, while Texas Republican Party vice-chairman, that the United States is a "Christian nation" and believes the separation of church and state is a "myth." Barton visited hundreds of churches telling them it was not illegal for them to endorse political candidates from the pulpit. (See "Behind the Scenes," Trinity Broadcasting Network, August 22, 2006.)
Rodney L. Parsley, Ohio-based televangelist, spoke at a press conference in support of the "Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act." This an Ohio legislature bill that would lift the Internal Revenue Service ban on electioneering from the pulpit. These guys are serious. Most Americans are not even aware of their agendas, much less their existence.
Beside breaking the law, promoting a candidate from the pulpit would divide many church fellowships. Deacons meetings I have been in have enough possibilities for division without taking sides on political candidates. Talking about issues is not the same thing. Churches and pastors should be fully informed of local and national issues. Politics should be shared at the town square, grocery store or courthouse steps. (Sometimes it is not a good idea at home!)
The Washington-based watchdog group, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, has filed six complaints with the Internal Revenue Service after dozens of clergy participated in a challenge to rules that ban politicking from the pulpit.
"These pastors flagrantly violated the law and now must deal with the consequences," said the Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United.
Earlier generations of fundamentalist Christians were on the margin of American churches. They did little social work and condemned those who did. But the last twenty years, their new approach is what Richard V. Pierard (professor of history emeritus, Indiana State University and Gordon College) calls a "political gospel." I call it a “false gospel.” Historic Christianity has proven that when church and state are united, corruption and wars increased. Keeping religion and government under different heads ensures both function better. Spirituality and civic pride enrich a church's service. Personal spirituality can enhance government and politics.
It is not a myth that government runs better without being tied to a religious establishment. If it were up to me, I would not give any tax exemptions to any religious bodies or churches, temples, synagogues or mosques.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
CRITICS OF CHINA CHRISTIANITY DON'T GET IT
China gets hammered again in the annual report on international religious freedom, as they do every year. Having visited (not as a tourist) churches in cities and villages in 21 of China's provinces I have to admit there is not the freedom of religion enjoyed (and exploited) by believers in America.
Instead of constantly criticize Christians in China, learn something of the history, culture and present society and how the churches have more wide-spread freedom and access to grow in grace than anytime since the seventh century Syrians were there.
There is a limited freedom of worship in China today. With friends in national and local leadership positions, I have over the years come to realize that as long as they stay out of politics and stick to the Bible they are usually ignored by the government Religious Affairs Office.
The majority of the "persecution" of Christians there, like here, is from ignorance. They are not arresting believers to make them change their faith, or deny their faith, as is so often the case in some lands, but for all kinds of corrupt and to some uninformed "patriotic" duty.
China has no televangelists. For that they can be grateful. The money-making prosperity preaching of most TV preachers has no message for China (or anyone else). I know some televangelists have made efforts to get on China television. They may claim to be there and claim to smuggle Bibles to the suffering Christians with your offerings.
There are also no mass meeting in stadiums and the churches do not advertise as we do. But they can share their faith one on one, study their Bible (12 million Bibles published a year now in Nanjing) have a much better life than under Mao.
The foreign missionary-sending groups continue to spread their message using the "cloak and dagger" covert way, but have added little to the grassroots growth of Christianity in China. Clandestine mission work is illegal in China. Not as religious persecution but as a law in a communist-led government that sees little use for any religion.
Working with the existing churches may not be as exciting as sneaking a tract to someone on a bus, or secret meetings that cause new believers to think Christianity is illegal, but it is laying a good foundation.
Winning a soul to Jesus is not enough. That person needs to be tied to a local church or brotherhood. They need the encouragement from open worship and deeper Bible study in their own language.
A group from the First Baptist Church of San Angelo went to China for a few weeks in 2007. I offered to help prepare the way for them, but got no takers. When they returned not one of them even saw, much less attended a Chinese church. I asked why? The group leader believed the open churches were communist controlled. Exposing their work on a college campus might get them arrested.
And so it goes. There is injustice in China, just like the rest of the world. They have no corner on cruelty, corruption, greed, or persecution in their land anymore than America. We have all sinned against the God of glory. As Buckner Fannin said it many times: We all alike sin, but not all sin alike.
Britt Towery was China Liaison for the SBC IMB and now lives in San Angelo, TX www.britt-towery.blogspot.com for more of his comments.
China gets hammered again in the annual report on international religious freedom, as they do every year. Having visited (not as a tourist) churches in cities and villages in 21 of China's provinces I have to admit there is not the freedom of religion enjoyed (and exploited) by believers in America.
Instead of constantly criticize Christians in China, learn something of the history, culture and present society and how the churches have more wide-spread freedom and access to grow in grace than anytime since the seventh century Syrians were there.
There is a limited freedom of worship in China today. With friends in national and local leadership positions, I have over the years come to realize that as long as they stay out of politics and stick to the Bible they are usually ignored by the government Religious Affairs Office.
The majority of the "persecution" of Christians there, like here, is from ignorance. They are not arresting believers to make them change their faith, or deny their faith, as is so often the case in some lands, but for all kinds of corrupt and to some uninformed "patriotic" duty.
China has no televangelists. For that they can be grateful. The money-making prosperity preaching of most TV preachers has no message for China (or anyone else). I know some televangelists have made efforts to get on China television. They may claim to be there and claim to smuggle Bibles to the suffering Christians with your offerings.
There are also no mass meeting in stadiums and the churches do not advertise as we do. But they can share their faith one on one, study their Bible (12 million Bibles published a year now in Nanjing) have a much better life than under Mao.
The foreign missionary-sending groups continue to spread their message using the "cloak and dagger" covert way, but have added little to the grassroots growth of Christianity in China. Clandestine mission work is illegal in China. Not as religious persecution but as a law in a communist-led government that sees little use for any religion.
Working with the existing churches may not be as exciting as sneaking a tract to someone on a bus, or secret meetings that cause new believers to think Christianity is illegal, but it is laying a good foundation.
Winning a soul to Jesus is not enough. That person needs to be tied to a local church or brotherhood. They need the encouragement from open worship and deeper Bible study in their own language.
A group from the First Baptist Church of San Angelo went to China for a few weeks in 2007. I offered to help prepare the way for them, but got no takers. When they returned not one of them even saw, much less attended a Chinese church. I asked why? The group leader believed the open churches were communist controlled. Exposing their work on a college campus might get them arrested.
And so it goes. There is injustice in China, just like the rest of the world. They have no corner on cruelty, corruption, greed, or persecution in their land anymore than America. We have all sinned against the God of glory. As Buckner Fannin said it many times: We all alike sin, but not all sin alike.
Britt Towery was China Liaison for the SBC IMB and now lives in San Angelo, TX www.britt-towery.blogspot.com for more of his comments.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The people are the trustees of the airways
I listen to a lot of local radio programming. The talk shows in this radio market are entirely one-sided propaganda. Sawn Hannity opens his showing every afternoon calling it the "Stop the Obama Express." How subtle is that?
Tammy Bruce sounds like someone from another planet. Bill O'Reilly (king of spin); comedian Rush Limbaugh (With talent on loan from God). Rush's perverse sense of humor, pronounces "God" is a most disrespectable tone. Michael Savage (he says entire areas of the Middle East should be utterly destroyed, and 99 percent of Autistic children are brats who've not been corrected.); Laura Ingraham (President Bush can do no wrong); Michelle Malkin (hates the Fairness Doctrine); Glenn Beck (on the second team).
This column is too short to say more. Unfortunately those who disagree have already quit reading. I understand how it might be in your interest to stay in the dark. I suggest for a more in-depth look at the subject, get Rory O'Connor's book "Shock Jocks: Hate Speech and Talk Radio." As the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan said: "Everyone is entitled to his own opinion but not to his own facts."
So here are some my opinions (fact-checked) of a couple of Christian leaders' political opinions. These are the two I wrote about recently who defended the rights to torture.
Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky, recently taped a radio program with Focus on the Family founder, James Dobson.
Most of their radio "dialogue" revolved around the coming presidential election. I did not hear the program. That is like writing a book review having never read the book. But I trust the transcript to be true to the broadcast.
Mohler said at one point, "I do not endorse candidates" and went on a lengthy diatribe against the liberal Barack Obama, whose "general trajectory is at odds with many of the things we hold most precious." He did not elaborate.
The seminary president (stressing he is not endorsing anyone) John McCain would be the clear choice this fall. After all, McCain is against same-sex marriage. What a thin little unimportant issue with the world falling apart and our economy diving deeper into a depression. (Excuse my using that "d" word, but having grown up in the Great Depression makes me uneasy about the direction the country is being taken.)
In the old gangster movies when they took somebody "for a ride," you knew he was in trouble. This country has been taken for a ride for nearly eight years.
There are more far-reaching problems than if the homosexuals hold a parade. This fall our troops will have spent eight winters in Afghanistan. We went there to get Osama bin Laden. The tall Arab has accomplished far more than he ever dreamed. Killing him now would only make things worse. Yes, they can get worse.
I don't like to write from the cheap seats, but nothing sells like immoral tales. When John McCain was a Navy Captain, with little chance to make admiral, he began his affair with his present wife before he divorced his first. The first wife suffered through those years praying for his release from the Hanoi P.O.W. camp.
There was a time when divorce was frowned upon. For me, divorce is still a tragic and sad occasion. I don't know how Mohler with his strict family values, can so easily overlook this moral lapse especially since the Navy does not allow such goings-on.
Dobson likes Senator McCain's pro-life votes and that he favors marriage between and man and woman. And homosexuals should not be allowed to adopt children. This seems to fit in with the agenda of a great many one-issue voters. It makes about as much sense as voting for someone who smokes a pipe instead of a cigar.
Dobson said McCain "seems to understand the Muslim threat, which matters a lot to me. I'm very concerned about that." The radical Muslim threat is real. Dobson left out the word "radical" because he and John Hagee and Rod Parsley see the Iraq invasion and occupation more as a religious war. Apparently a remedial grasp of history is no longer necessary to have a talk show.
The Federal Communications Commission took the view in 1949 that station licensees were "public trustees." Called the Fairness Doctrine it was to afford reasonable opportunity for discussions of contrasting points of view. In the 1980s when the Reagan Administration got on its deregulation sweep the Fairness Doctrine was dissolved. That is why there is such imbalance in radio and television presentations of issues. Ultra-conservative radio talk shows were born.
The airwaves may belong to the people, but until the Fairness Doctrine is reinstated it will be controlled by those of the far right persuasion.
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