griff has left the building

Gary Payton says Duncan shouldn't be an AllStar Starter

2009-01-30T23:15:00.003-06:00

Gary Payton being stupid

Gary Payton being smart (from a LOOOONNNNGGG time ago)

Our trip to DC

2009-01-18T22:16:00.006-06:00

On Jan 1, 2009, we spent the day in Washington DC. A new year and a new beginning. While we were at the Lincoln Memorial, I took this picture of the spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his remarkable speech in 1963. It was a stirring speech, but more important - it was a stirring dream.

Today with the inauguration of Barrack Obama, that dream continues to unfold. MLK would be proud of how Obama has handled himself. I pray that we have elected a real leader - one who won't give in to extremists left nor right. I pray we have elected a man of real conviction who will remember the words of Thomas Jefferson:

God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever.

Here's are more pics from our trip to DC.

More Peter Schiff prognostication

2008-11-26T13:21:00.002-06:00

Scary. Hope he's not as right on this time...

Peter Schiff should be on Obama's economic recovery team

2008-11-26T12:59:00.003-06:00

I think this guy might be a psychic. Here's a direct quote from this interview in 2006...

"I think it's going to be pretty bad...and I also think it's gonna last not just for quarters but for years. See - the basic problem with US economy is we have too much consumption and borrowing and not enough production and savings."

And I wouldn't let Art Laffer mow my lawn.

New T-Shirt at VideoQuips

2008-11-24T20:32:00.006-06:00

My latest design on CafePress pays tribute to a YouTube classic - "Charlie Bit My Finger". So get that special geek in your life a mildly offensive t-shirt, hoodie or sweatshirt.

ORDER NOW!

Decision 2008 - The Elephant in the Room

2008-10-28T00:56:00.005-05:00

As the election approaches, it's time to pick a side. Here's where I'm at:

I hate where our country seems to be heading. I think the nation under the current administration has been a train wreck.

I'm against the war and the way it's been waged. I think they've used scare tactics to cut into some of our most basic civil rights, condoned torture and made us the target of increasing hatred from the islamic world.

I think they've destroyed our economy and allowed the very richest among us to get even richer while the middle class shrinks and pays for the excesses of Wall Street criminals masquerading as CEOs and lobbyists - all the while neglecting the needs of the poorest among us and demonizing welfare recipients and illegal aliens.

I am so ready for a change. Historically, I've liked McCain. He seems to play well with others - specifically liberals. But his campaign has been sometimes nasty, sometimes unbalanced, sometimes blatantly divisive. As he's tried to bring on more conservative blocks of the party, he seems to be painting himself as more conservative than he really is.

As for Obama - the dude is flawless. His language is inspiring. His manner is sophisticated. He seems unflappable. And for the most part, he's stuck to the issues and run a fairly positive campaign. I like him. I really like him. Even when they try to corner him - like with the comments of his pastor - he responds with class and candor.

But let's talk about the elephant in the room. The one thing I can't seem to get around. Obama has a 100% rating from NARAL - the pro-choice lobbying organization. He has stated his intent to roll back the partial birth abortion ban and remove all restrictions from getting an abortion. He has voted against parental consent and notification. He's literally 100% in their camp.

McCain has not always been as staunch a supporter as he claims. He has ridden the fence when it helped him politically - like during his campaign against Bush in 2000. During that campaign, he aligned himself against Bush - opposing putting pro-life language in the party platform. But McCain's voting record gives himself away:

Supports repealing Roe v. Wade. (May 2007)
Voted YES on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP. (Mar 2008)
Voted YES on barring HHS grants to organizations that perform abortions. (Oct 2007)
Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
Voted YES on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
Voted NO on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
Voted YES on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime. (Mar 2004)
Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life. (Mar 2003)
Voted YES on maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions. (Jun 2000)
Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions. (Oct 1999)
Voted YES on banning human cloning. (Feb 1998)
Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)
Expand embryonic stem cell research. (Jun 2004)
Rated 75% by the NRLC, indicating a mixed record on abortion. (Dec 2006)
Prohibit transporting minors across state lines for abortion. (Jan 2008)

(source)

Here's where I have to tip my hand to my more liberal friends. I really don't like abortion. Generally, I like the idea of choice. Choice is a good thing. Overall, I'd would consider myself "pro"- choice. "Regular or decaf?" "Jeans or khakis?" "Chimay Red or Blue?"

But there are some areas where choice is not appropriate. I cannot choose whether or not I'd like to steal your car. I cannot choose to blow up a building or set dogs on fire. There are things that we as a society have defined as wrong. One of those things is the taking of innocent life. That is wrong. I can't think of anything more innocent than a baby in its mother's womb.

I don't believe that choice is appropriate here. In the natural course of time, that embryo will continue to mature and will emerge a fully-functioning human with its own distinct DNA. It is not a part of the mother like a kidney or liver or heart. It's a person - or at the very least it will be a person. I believe our constitution clearly protects the weak and innocent from having their rights trampled by others. So from a civil rights perspective, I cannot support the legalization of abortion on demand.

I'm open to discussions about exceptions when the mother's life is in danger or in cases or rape or incest, but let's face it - that's a fraction of abortions that happen. The vast majority of abortions amount to "fixing" mistakes. I believe that the appropriate place for "choice" in the equation comes at the point of conception - when couples choose to have sex.

So I've outed the elephant! What's a boy to do? I'm completely sick of everything the republican party has done. I like Obama's tone and think he lines up much better with many other moral issues (poverty, war, energy, etc). But then there's that elephant.

Some of you are no doubt pittying me about now - silly Christian stuck on one issue. I confess - I truly am. I wish it wasn't so, but I have to be true to deeply felt convictions. Can I support a candidate who is so committed to the Planned Parenthood view of life? Is my desire for change so great that I would elect a man who will probably get 1-2 appointments to the Supreme Court - sadly the real battleground for this issue?

I'm still not sure who I'll pull the lever for. I'm still praying and soul-searching and generally agonizing over the decision. I believe it's my duty to vote. But as a God-follower, I wonder what His view is on all this. Are His elephants my elephants?

Christian friends: Stop forwarding slanderous chain emails!

2008-10-11T01:14:00.006-05:00

WARNING: RANT ALERT

This is the text of an email I sent in response to a chain email that my wife received.

In the last few weeks, slanderous emails about Obama and McCain are on the rise. From the left and the right, misinformation is flying. And sadly, we Christians often feed into the madness – forwarding outrageous emails before we check the facts.

Case in point – an email with supposed quotes from Barrack Obama’s books has recently made the rounds. A few quotes included were:

'There was something about him that made me wary, a little too sure of himself, maybe. And white.'

'I never emulate white men and brown men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It was into my father's image, the black man, son of Africa , that I'd packed all the attributes I sought in myself , the attributes of Martin and Malcolm, DuBois and Mandela.'

'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.'

At face value, these quotes seem pretty damning – especially that last one. Problem is, these quotes are taken out of context. On some, words have been added, removed or changed. And at least a couple are total fabrications – nothing even remotely like them appear in the books. In short, this is a divisive, slanderous email designed to discredit Barrack Obama. Whether you like Obama or his positions, this should outrage us as believers.

DON’T BE DUPED
It’s easy to spot these slanderous emails. They often encourage readers to forward to everyone they know. The end of the email above reads:

* If you have never forwarded an e-mail, now is the time to Do so!!! We CANNOT have someone with this type of mentality running our GREAT nation!! I don't care whether you a Democrat or a Conservative. We CANNOT turn ourselves over to this type of character in a President. PLEASE help spread the word

They also often contain supposed quotes that are so remarkably condemning, they seem unbelievable. The one that really indicated to me that this one was a hoax is that last quote:

'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.'

The people who start these type of emails seek to deceive. They count on the laziness and gullibility of its readers – to simply hit “Forward” and send to a bunch of people. Sadly, we often fall into that trap.

CHECK THE FACTS
Please check the facts before forwarding emails like this. Just go to http://www.truthorfiction.com/search.htm and search for the email.

In this case, Obama’s website actually addresses this head-on. Here’s a page from his site complete with the real text from his books. If you read them in context, you’ll see how the meaning has been distorted in the email. http://fightthesmears.com/articles/4/therealquote

THIS IS NOT A PRO-OBAMA EMAIL
Understand – I’m not advocating that anyone should vote for either candidate. Certainly, we have a choice before us and we will each prayerfully consider our options. I am saying that Christians should not be involved in slander. Fact check emails about any candidate. Never trust email! It is not a reliable source of information – especially email that encourages you to forward it around to all your friends.

THIS IS NOT A CHAIN EMAIL
Don’t feel like you have to forward this to anyone. I wrote it myself and did not cut and paste anything. These thoughts are completely my own. I am not motivated by loyalty to either candidate - just a desire to see the Church be pleasing to God.

AN APPEAL TO ADAM MCMANUS
I’m including Adam McManus in this email. As a public figure and host of a local talk show, you have a larger platform from which to encourage civil debate. Instead of operating in sound bytes and twisted facts, believers answer to a higher standard. Please encourage listeners to stop spreading misinformation and rumors. Instead of attacking the character of candidates, let’s grant the respect and grace that we would ourselves ask for. Let’s talk about the issues that face America and how the candidates differ. I don’t believe the shrill, bombastic tone of the current conversation brings glory to God. The “us vs. them” mentality only serves to further divide our nation. Would that Christians would be peacemakers – standing with our feet instead of our mouths. Leading with our actions instead of words. And above all, doing so in love.

a great clip from the lawrence welk show

2008-10-10T01:41:00.000-05:00

worst toy ever?

2008-10-05T22:12:00.002-05:00

Baby Wee Wee. (Warning: this clip is rated PG ;)

gushygram

2008-10-05T21:52:00.004-05:00

If you haven't seen MushyGushy yet, head over there. Fun stuff. Thanks to Emily G for turning me on to it...

Create Your Own GushyGram
Visit MushyGushy.com

Revival Hymn - Christian Humanism

2008-10-04T22:36:00.009-05:00

A couple posts ago, I linked to the "Revival Hymn" and promised to share thoughts on some of the key concepts there. So here's the first one - Christian humanism.

At first glance, the terms "Christian" and "humanism" seem to make this a conflicted label. After all, Christianity holds to a belief in God through Christ and a dependence on Him for wisdom and knowledge - and humanism is a "system or mode of thought or action in which human interests, values, and dignity predominate" and which "often rejects the importance of belief in God" (dictionary.com)

But I'm convinced that there's a pervasive trend among we western evangelicals to practice Christian humanism. Paris Reidhead is one of the preachers quoted in the Revival Hymn. He says it this way:

The philosophy of the day became humanism and you can define humanism this way: Humanism is a philosophical statement that declares the end of all being is the happiness of man. The reason for existence is man's happiness. Now according to humanism salvation is simply a matter of getting all the happiness you can out of life.

...

And so it had gotten down to the place where (Christian) salvation was nothing more than an assent to a scheme or a formula. And the end of this salvation was the happiness of man because humanism has penetrated. And so if you were to analyze the fundamentalism in contrast to liberalism of a hundred years ago, as it developed, it’d be like this: The liberal says the end of religion is to make man happy while he's alive. And the fundamentalist says the end of religion is to make man happy when he dies.

Accept Jesus so you can go to Heaven, you don't want to go to that old, filthy, nasty, burning hell when there's a beautiful Heaven up there. Now come to Jesus so that you can go to Heaven." And the appeal could be as much to selfishness as a couple of men sitting in a coffee shop deciding they are going to rob a bank to get something for nothing. It becomes so subtle ... it goes everywhere. What is it? In essence it is this: that this philosophical postulate that the end of all being is the happiness of man has been sort of, covered over with evangelical terms and Biblical doctrine until God reigns in Heaven for the happiness of man, Jesus Christ was incarnate for the happiness of man, all the Angels exist in the... Everything is for the happiness of man! And I submit to you that this is un-Christian!

Walking into a Christian bookstore or watching an episode of your favorite TVangelist should give you a hint. How many books are geared toward making us happy. "Your Best Life Now" is the flavor of the day. "Love Your Life". Religion quickly becomes all about us. It helps us to be richer, wiser, more successful or influential.

Actual Christianity on the other hand is NOT all about us. It's all about... well... Christ. That's why it's labeled that way. In fact, maybe we really practice "Me-tianity" or "Self-tianity". Paris Reidhead puts it this way:

Christianity says... "The end of all being is the glory of God."

What if this life is NOT all about me figuring out how to be happy and satisfied? What if the real purpose of life is dying to my own desires and allowing Christ's spirit to come alive within me? That spirit that loved the unlovable - that reached out the very least and very greatest alike - that stood up to the evil as well as the self-righteous.

If we Christians actually acted like Christ, what might our country be like? Do you think God would be glorified if we moved together under God's leading to erase poverty and hunger from our nation? Do you think He would be glorified if we once again called people to biblical repentance instead of trying to sell people a bill of goods to get them to join our little "club"?

I agree with Reidhead's prayer. May we see some believers who would say something like this:

“Lord Jesus, I’m gonna obey You and love You and serve You and do what You want me to do as long as I live even if I go to hell at the end of the road simply because You are worthy to be loved, obeyed and served. And I’m not trying to make a deal with You.”

What if I don't go to heaven at the end of the road? Will I still serve God simply because He deserves it? Am I in this thing for me or for Him? Do I love God or myself?

Senate approves bailout package

2008-10-01T23:41:00.005-05:00

That's right kids! That divided, partisan, bitter group of misfits better know as the US Senate finally came together in a bipartisan way with one single goal in mind: to screw taxpayers.

So let me get this straight. Our financial institutions began lending way too many people way too much money. This wasn't good for those people who actually couldn't afford to pay those loans back.

When those people got behind on their payments, those same companies foreclosed on their mortgages or jacked up their interest rates as penalty. Then, those companies began to lose their shorts because of the bad loans they had made.

Then the banks began to close up shop - handing millions of dollars in parting gifts to the Kamikaze CEOs that were responsible for the idiotic lending decisions.

So the federal government decided to buy all that bad debt that no responsible financial firm would touch (since people obviously can't repay it). Then - when those people don't repay it, taxpayers will be left holding the bill. But the only ones who will still have any money left (after losing their house and/or job) will be average people who have paid their mortgage on time.

BRILLIANT!!!!!

Man - I'm the wrong business! Thanks to our government for reminding us that they can get together when it counts - and whenever they do, we're sure to all get screwed.

Barrack & Don exchange emails

2008-09-28T23:18:00.004-05:00

Remember "Blue Like Jazz" writer Donald Miller? Apparently, he's in tight with Obama...

READ THE EMAILS

The Revival Hymn

2008-09-28T22:36:00.003-05:00

OK. I've really debated about whether to put this up here or not. Many of you who've read this blog since it started a few years ago know that it used to talk about faith a lot more than it has lately. In fact, I even changed the name from "bechurch" to "griff has left the building". There's something voyeuristic and a bit insincere about living one's faith openly on a blog.

That being said, God has really used this video in my life. Through it, He has ignited a new hunger for Him and His holiness. He has reoriented me. There's one phrase that literally haunts me. It's the creed of Moravian mission - "May the Lamb who was slain receive the reward of His suffering." Such a beautiful hope.

The video is a little long - and you'll have to fight through the really old preaching styles, but it's worth it. The first part has audio clips of men who were involved in the Scottish revival of the early 20th century. Then, there's this bizarre music video-style thing (which I completely don't get) that cuts off abruptly. Then, it really gets going.

In following days, I'll post some of the main points of the video for discussion - but for now, just check it out. You'll need about 25 minutes or so - and I'd recommend being alone when you view it. It really turns modern "Americhristianity" on its ear and gives us a peek into true, biblical repentance.

Victoria Osteen's new book is gonna be GREAT!

2008-09-28T13:31:00.004-05:00

I REALLY love the name of this book! I've got to run right out and get it. It reminds me of that verse in the bible:

John 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Oh....um....never mind...

Apparently, CNN thinks Palin is the devil.

2008-09-24T02:23:00.008-05:00

Before we start - full disclosure is in order. I'm no big fan of Sarah Palin. I'm leaning towards voting for Obama - even though I hate his running mate.

But regardless of your political leanings, you've got to admit that CNN's coverage is a bit ridiculous. The photo above ran along with this story as the featured story on their homepage: "

Palin aides: Trooper probe now 'confidential'

So I'm thinking why not just say "Palin is the devil" or "Palin loves to snack on the brains of young choir boys"?

Media - you are officially on notice. This is a non-partisan shout out, so listen up CNN, MSNBC, Fox, and the rest of you poor excuses for news organizations. And especially you - Rupert Murdoch and others who commodotize the news to line your own pockets at the cost of our nation:

I DO NOT CARE about the following:

Sarah Palin's glasses, who made them or how quickly they sold out
Sarah Palin's daughter and/or boyfriend
Barrack Obama's pastor
John McCain's inevitable relationship with lobbyists after years in the senate
Anybody whose last name is Spears, Cyrus or Lohan

I would like to actually hear some objective, unbiased news. I'm not sure if I remember how that works - it's been so long. I think it involves getting the facts and telling them to me. Don't feel like you have to figure it out for me. Don't feel like you have to correct anybody's spin for me. Don't feel like you have to tell me what you think about it.

Look - it's not working. Trying to make news "fun" or "edgy" is just sad. Jon Stewart beats you hands down at that. Trotting out pimped out 30-something anchors to read the prompters is transparent. Your "event-driven" graphics and stock music clips are cliched and pitiful. JUST STOP ALREADY!

These are serious times. We need a Walter Cronkite - not a Jessica Rabbit! We need fair, objective and responsible journalism - not pictures of a VP candidate looking like she's gonna bite some dude's ear off!

COME ON!!!!!!!

Amanda's Graduation Video

2008-09-01T09:36:00.008-05:00

Well it's taken a little while to get around to it, but here's Amanda's graduation video. She graduated back in May and has already started college. They played this video at her graduation ceremony at which I cried liked a woman ;)

obama speech on race

2008-08-07T02:12:00.002-05:00

Love him or hate him, you've gotta give it to the guy - he's a great "speecher". And IMHO this is the most balanced, well-thought out speech about race ever.

costume fail

2008-07-28T03:48:00.001-05:00

parenting fail

2008-07-28T03:38:00.001-05:00

fail safety

2008-07-28T03:34:00.001-05:00

fail slide

2008-07-28T03:32:00.001-05:00

meet griff gets wordled

2008-07-28T03:07:00.004-05:00

Word cloud created by Wordle

Full frontal nudity mixed with kid's books at Barnes & Noble

2008-07-07T21:16:00.008-05:00

Anyone who's read my blog will attest to my assertion that I am no fanatic, right-wing fundamentalist. (Apologies to my fanatic, right-wing fundamentalists friends - Jesus loves you too!)

But tonight I'm motivated not only to quit going to Barnes & Noble, but also to write a scathing and critical blog post which shall surely be read by tens of people.

After work tonight, I decided to stop by the book store on the way home and check out some design mags. Browsing the local bookstore helps me to decompress and often ends with me adding a copy of HOW, Print, or Communication Arts to my bookshelf.

As I was leaving the store, I walked past the clearance racks. There were a bunch of kids books on this particular rack, so I began digging for a Thomas the Train book for my three year old. I came across one particular book that was mightily out-of-place. It was an art book (didn't ever make it to their name) and on its cover was a realistic painting of a nude trans-sexual reclining - their... um... "goods" in full display. It was literally the focal point of the front of the book.

Now I'm not against painting nudes. I'm not even against painting transgendered nudes. I am, however, very much against stationing such a book in the midst of childrens' books in the clearance rack.

So I picked the book up and took it to a manager. I explained where and how I had found this and guessed there must be some huge mistake.

First of all, let me say that she responded like this wasn't the first time this had happened. Almost before I got it out of my mouth, she explained very forcefully - "Yes sir - that's where that goes." I tried to protest, but she wasn't having any of it and told me that "I understand that you don't like it, but we can't discriminate."

I informed her that I strongly disagreed. It's not that I want to discriminate against the book - just to put it in a place where people who will want to find it will be looking. I STRONGLY doubt that's in the same area as Dr Seuss or Beverly Clearey. She put the book back from where I had taken it. I considered buying it and destroying it. But the $30 price tag was too much of a deterrent to me.

I informed her that I'd be leaving and not coming back. She had already turned me off. I wandered out of the store feeling like someone had kicked me in the stomach. Is this really what we've come to? It was startling to find that the answer is a resounding "YES!"

So here's my statement to Barnes and Noble. No more. I will give you no more of my money. I will tell my friends and my loyal readers (all 6 of you?) about this incident. Unlike my fanatic, right-wing fundamentalists friends, I won't admonish you to "boycott Barnes and Noble". I trust that you will handle it as your conscious dictates. Personally, I'm going to go the B&N website and see if they have a way to file a formal complaint.

I pray for the poor little boy or girl who's going to come across that book and get something stuck in their brain that they're just not prepared for. I hope that somehow that book goes missing tonight - bought or misplaced or spontaneously combusted.

balmer sells the zune

2008-03-09T00:11:00.001-06:00

a new post, yall biskitheads

2008-02-19T20:48:00.003-06:00

Check out Coach Z's new rap accidentally featuring Peacey P. This here's high-larious yall biskitheads! I think that dude just ordered breakfast in the middle of his rap song!

how about some trunk monkey?

2008-01-27T00:59:00.001-06:00

Here's a compilation of great commercials from Suburban Auto Group. They are my hero

video quips t-shirts are ready to roll

2007-12-20T22:09:00.000-06:00

I finally got my CafePress site up and running with groovy t-shirts inspired by viral videos and Internet phenomenon. I'm starting with 4 shirts:

- I Like Tuh'tles
- More Cowbell
- Don't Taze Me Bro

and my newest design...
- All Your Base Are Belong to Us

Check it out HERE

human tetris

2007-12-05T01:43:00.000-06:00

Japanese game shows ROCK! We get "Price is Right" and they get "Human Tetris"! It just ain't fair. Forget about math and science scores or a war-crazed president - sucky game shows are the real reason our country's stature in the world is slipping.

advent 2007 - first sunday

2007-12-04T00:34:00.000-06:00

1 peter 4:7-11

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

A friend of mine inspired me to do a little Photoshoppery worship with his incredible Liturgical Journals. He's a real artist - go check him out.

backpacks for the homeless

2007-12-01T21:04:00.000-06:00

This year for Christmas, we're doing our "backpack" project again. We'll create backpacks for the homeless and carry them with us. They'll be filled with useful items like a blanket, jacket, food, toilet paper, toothbrush, etc. We're doing it with the youth group.

If anyone would like to help by donating backpacks or jackets, you can email me and we'll coordinate getting them from you.

chuck norris tells america how it's gonna be

2007-12-01T13:28:00.000-06:00

I may vote for Huckabee. I don't know about his platform... I have no idea how he votes. But I do know one thing: THIS IS THE BEST CAMPAIGN AD EVER!!!!!!

your moment of 80s zen

2007-11-30T20:03:00.000-06:00

brian mclaren discusses the changing church

2007-11-25T03:49:00.000-06:00

powerful, passionate preaching

2007-11-25T03:03:00.000-06:00

Everyone that says women shouldn't preach needs to watch this:

maceo!

2007-11-24T18:52:00.000-06:00

Maceo Parker - former sax player for James Brown. The funkiest sax player ever. Period.

star wars trumpet solo from hell

2007-11-24T01:32:00.000-06:00

Everyone! A big round of applause for Stacey Hedger - Miss Tone Deaf!

"graduating" to the youth group

2007-11-17T20:54:00.001-06:00

So a couple weeks ago, our pastor asked us to take over the youth group. You'll never know how amazing this is. I was very open about many of the questions I have about our bapti-costal theology. I think he trusts Angie to keep things from going too far off the tracks.

So - I'm in a place I never imagined. Those who know me understand. I'm the person who hates youth groups. They're nothing but legalized christian flirting. They encourage spiritual classism and social clicks. They mislead entire generations of people with easy-believism and teach them that the church exists to entertain them. They reduce the mystical message of Christ to some cheezy bumper sticker or kitchy tshirt. They give self-infatuated teens a forum for attention grabbing melodramatics.

So now I'm a youth group leader. What's more, I'm a fairly liberal, open-source believer leading youth at a conservative, fundamentalist church. Who woulda thunk it?!

So give me some input here. What are your experiences with youth groups - good and bad?

link off to some awesome 80s sanborn

2007-11-17T20:39:00.000-06:00

OK. Many of you may wonder how come David Sanborn is my favorite sax player. Here's a little clip from back in the day. The first time I saw Dave live in 88, this was his band. This was his style.

Click here to link off to YouTube and watch (sorry - they won't allow embedding on this one)

Since this time, Dave has gone a little more mellow. But back in the day, he was FEROCIOUS! He even unbuttons his shirt at the end. Awesome (if a little embarassing).

Jesus and the Kingdom

2007-11-17T19:58:00.000-06:00

What if being a Christian isn't all about going to heaven when we die - but about manifesting heaven here on earth?

the worship industry

2007-11-17T19:52:00.001-06:00

go fisk!

2007-11-14T05:55:00.000-06:00

From the "what do you have to do to set a record up in here!" file - the Lipscomb girls basketball team beat Fisk by a score of 123-22. That's right. They beat them by 101 points!

We won't even attempt to contemplate ways for any team on any level in any sport to lose by 101 points under any circumstances. Let's just say Fisk had an "off shooting night".

Surprisingly, the night sucked even more for Lipscomb! These ladies administered the beat-down of a lifetime! They hopped off the ice-boat, clubbed the entire pack of baby seals - AND the Greenpeace members protecting them! RECORD SETTING, RIGHT!?

WRONG! It seems they were a mere 1 point shy of setting the all-time record for widest margin of victory. 1 point.

Never - in the history of women's college basketball - has something so right... been so wrong.

I do take my hat off to the Lipscomb web team for the most diplomatic headline ever written:

Lady Bisons win handily against cross-town rival Fisk

Anyone think they can write a better headline for them? I'll start:
"Fisk Falcons humiliate themselves and their offspring for the foreseeable future."

movie review time - bella

2007-10-28T21:03:00.000-05:00

For those of you not in the Griffin "know", Angie and I are now running the youth group over at Gateway Church. Tonight, we took them all to see a free screening of a new movie called "Bella". It's a movie about a young waitress in New York who gets fired the same day she finds out she's pregnant. The movie is about the struggle she goes through deciding whether to abort the baby.

My review - pretty good. It wasn't overtly obnoxious or preachy. It was pretty thoughtful if a bit sweet-n-fluffy. My son pointed out to me that there wasn't really a plot you could follow until the very end when the whole movie just kinda clicks into place.

Overall, a solid effort. No profanity. No sex scenes. No suggestive language. It's related PG-13 for... well, I'm not really sure what for. There are a few disturbing images, but I've seen PG movies that are much worse. Viewers give it an "A" while critics give it a "D-". I can't help but wonder if they would have scored it higher if the character had decided to abort the baby.

back in the tshirt biz

2007-09-20T00:32:00.001-05:00

All of you who've been reading since the Great Turtle Incident of aught-7 will be happy to know I'm now back in the T-shirt business.

Here's the idea: every time a viral video begins sweeping across the vast internet forest like wildfire, I will spring into action. I'm calling it "VideoQuips".

For my first shirt upon re-entry into this not-at-all-lucrative hobby, I proudly announce my "don't taze me, bro!" line. Part social commentary - part cool threads. Available for humans or canines, it makes the perfect gift.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT MY CAFE PRESS STORE

the real threats to america

2007-09-16T19:09:00.000-05:00

My good friend Brandon Hammonds stealthily moved his blog to a new domain that I just discovered. Here's an interesting post about what we as Americans should REALLY be afraid of...

CHECK IT OUT HERE

the job search is over

2007-09-13T00:38:00.001-05:00

Thanks to all who prayed for me, helped get me interviews and generally "felt my pain" over the last few weeks. I'm NOT good at being unemployed and this has seemed like an eternity.

On a whim, I went to Monster.com about a week ago. The one position I really hoped would come through seemed like it wasn't going to happen and I was getting a bit antsy. I saw an ad for USAA and went ahead and filled out an application. The next day, a recruiter called me and did a phone interview. They set up a face-to-face three working days later. That was Tuesday. On Wednesday morning - a mere week after applying for the spot - I received a call offering me the position!

So I'm going to dust off my tan chinos, watch Season 3 of The Office and get ready to re-enter corporate life. It's been a long time. My last corporate experience was back in 1990-95 with Kinetic Concepts. It's going to be a culture shock, but I'm ready for it.

Thanks again to everyone.

freelancing again or why job security is a thing of the past

2007-08-28T21:54:00.000-05:00

As I'm far too poor to afford therapy, allow me vent for a moment. (Please don't send me a bill!)

For the last two years, I've been trying to build up a startup design firm. It started as the marketing department for a local architectural design firm. The idea was that we would do some marketing of that group and also offer services to their clients as well.

For the first two years, we weren't profitable. We did well with the work we got - we just never go much. We had nobody selling our services, so we depended totally on referrals. Plus, my superiors added three people to the staff anticipating a flood of work that never really came. And frankly, graphic design was a side show here. The real star was architecture. That's what was important - and that's what was sold. To make matters worse, every time I suggested un-tethering me from the desk to go develop some new clients, I was told that I needed to just stick with what I did best - designing. So, we spent most of our time feasting or famine-ing.

Making what could be a painfully long story mercifully short, after two years we were finally starting to take off. We landed an up-and-coming local homebuilder and were doing literally EVERYTHING for them. From simple design work to a redesigned website to TV spots, I was killing myself trying to make things go - and they were going. For the last four or five months, things were really popping. We finally had work to do and we were getting it done. We had five profitable months and were getting buzz in the industry.

Then, I was called in on a Wednesday and shown all the accounting since I started two years ago. Ironically, I had been asking for this for about the last year. Finally! Now I can have some solid information to work with in order to assure success. But that wasn't what this meeting was about. Instead, my supervisor explained that I would need to take an enormous pay cut to keep my job. Of course, I had to say no. I've never gone backwards. My wife and kids depend on me. They're back in Christian school this year. The cut would have meant no more school for them.

So here I am. Almost 40 and freelancing again. At the request of my former employer, I dismissed all my old clients to cater exclusively to real estate-oriented businesses. I've given away my biggest client because I didn't have time to focus on their work. I feel like I'm back at square one.

I really respect the way my dad was able to have two jobs his entire life - the Air Force and USAA. That kind of security doesn't exist anymore - especially for graphic artists.

So for my friends and family out there - lob up a little prayer that I find a place to land and that it's a good situation. For my designer buddies - let me know if you need any help or hear of anything opening up.

A special shout out to Tweaks for working to get me an interview at his place.

2007-08-23T05:59:00.000-05:00

OK. Here's a new one for you. A baseball take. You'll rarely find me talking about baseball. Frankly, I can't much stand it. The games have become tediously long and unwatchable.

That being said, I'm sorry I missed the Orioles V Rangers game yesterday. Final score? Orioles 3 -- Rangers... 30. That's right, I said 30! I thought the logo to the left was just a cute little cartoon. Apparently, that's an actual photo of one of Baltimore's pitchers!

Here's the response from some poor guy who runs an Oriole fan site:

So...wow. Just wow. What on earth do we make of this? The Orioles just unveiled the most poorly pitched ballgame in any of our lifetimes. Go back as many generations as you need-- nobody has witnessed a more grotesque massacre on a baseball field than we witnessed tonight. Well...on the bright side, at least the Orioles will finally be mentioned in the sports highlights shows now! There's no ignoring them!

Read the rest here.

the front fell off

2007-08-20T19:01:00.001-05:00

This is a great parody of an interview with an Australian senator after a major oil spill accident...

the reality of war

2007-08-05T21:54:00.000-05:00

This is a clip detailing America's great "victory" at Hiroshima. They have a recreation of what happened and a few eyewitness interviews - both from the US soldiers in the plane and some Japanese people on the ground.

As I watch this, I can't help but see it as a terrorist act. It meets the criteria that we assign to terrorism - It was aimed at civilians and designed to instill terror into a group of people. God forgive us.

WARNING! This clip is rated PG 13 - R. Kids - check with your parents before you watch.

ok - maybe i don't like turtles

2007-08-04T22:09:00.001-05:00

Some of you may remember way back in the day, about 2 weeks ago - I had a great idea to produce a killer t-shirt based on the "I like turtles" boy. Remember the good times here.

My cell phone has been dead for the last day or so. When I finally got it back up and running, I found that I had a couple calls from none other than turtle boy's mother! She informed me that they didn't appreciate me using their son's image to turn a profit. (Of course, she had no way of knowing that I have made a grand total of $4 profit). She told me that their son's image was their intellectual property and that I needed to cease and desist or else they would sic their lawyer on me.

So, the dream is dead. For those of you who were hoping to secure a t-shirt, please accept my apologies. I pulled down the site as well as the Cafe Press site that I had started.

what is it good for?

2007-07-31T16:59:00.000-05:00

I heard a news report earlier today stating that the war in Iraq has cost our country in excess of $1.2 trillion per year. The very next story was about the government raising costs of fees for immigrants to go through the naturalization process. When questioned about how the poor who want to come to our country are going to raise more than $1000, the panelist responded "Well, the fact is that we have to find some way to cover the costs associated with the process - more than $30 million per year." Say! I've got an idea! What if we consult with Edwin Starr?

airplane vs zero hour

2007-07-23T13:27:00.001-05:00

One of the funniest movies ever has to be Airplane. I had no idea that it was a scene-for-scene remake of an old movie called Zero Hour. Much of the dialog came directly from the old film. Here's some examples:

sanborn? blues? fat black singers with incredible pipes? check!

2007-07-17T18:35:00.000-05:00

This is a great performance of Stormy Monday from Sanborn's old TV show Night Music. For those of you keeping score at home, that's Dianne Reeves & David Peaston singing.

wow! more zack kim!

2007-07-16T21:41:00.000-05:00

sanborn plays bacharach

2007-07-16T14:53:00.000-05:00

Here's a groovy 70s-licious little thang from Sanborn playing with Burt Bacharach and orchestra. If you're a music aficionado, you'll love the unique retro vibe.

shift happens

2007-07-16T12:02:00.000-05:00

This is a little long, but some really interesting stats here. Of course, I have no idea what their sources are, so I'm not totally sold. If nothing else, the animation is pretty slick.

blog under construction

2007-07-16T01:20:00.000-05:00

I've been wanting to switch to the new version of Blogger, but I've been stalling. I finally began the process tonight.

I've added several new features, but as you can see - it's still in the plain brown wrapper.

Check back in a while to dig my full-blown joint yo!

randumb awesomeness

2007-07-15T22:33:00.001-05:00

Another one of my son's great funny videos. This one is along the lines of the "Stick Figures on Crack" vids sweeping the web...

two-guitar version of the simpsons theme song

2007-07-13T12:44:00.000-05:00

This is insane! AWESEOME!

i like turtles zombie t-shirt website

2007-07-12T00:40:00.000-05:00

I was moved by Jonathan and his brave shout-out to turtles on the local news. So move, I bought a website. Check it out here. You've seen the video clip, now get the T-Shirt!

I'm selling t-shirts for any who are interested. Of course, they don't exist yet. I'm going to wait until a few dozen people to order before printing.

So if you have about $18 bucks burning a hole in yer pocket, remember - it will go to a good cause... getting me rich!

pope announces that i am not really a Christian

2007-07-10T16:11:00.000-05:00

Well, crap! Just when I thought denominationalism was a thing of the past and the break of the reformation might give way to open minds on both sides, CNN reports that the pope is clarifying the stance of the catholic church that it is the only full, true Church of Christ.

In a related story, he also said his dad was stronger than mine and that he had an ice cream cone and I didn't (because I'm on foodstamps ;).

Anyone want to take bets on how long it will take the protestants to fire back? It's a real shame how much energy and focus we believers waste on bickering and posing. It reminds me of James and John and their mom trying to work the angles to get them as close to the top of the ladder as possible.

militant or student? it's all in your perspective

2007-07-10T06:30:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning to a CNN story about 50 people dead as a mosque in Pakistan was being stormed. There's been a standoff here for at least a week or two, so you knew it was coming.

What struck me was that CNN classified these people as "militants". I assume they wouldn't call themselves that, so I went to the BBC to get a slightly more objective view. But there too, these people were "militants".

I went to Al Jazeera's english site to get a different (if not very dependable) point of view. Here, they were called "Armed students and eight soldiers".

This distinction is important. It's hard to sympathize with the position of a "militant". We don't refer to our nation's founders as "militants", but they were basically in the same boat. They were protesting the occupation of their lands by a foreign power.

That being said, there are obvious differences in the two camps. I don't think early Americans hid in churches and surrounded themselves with children to prevent retaliation. They also understood that any answer needed to include political as well as military advances. Plus, I don't think Washington ever snuck out of a battle dressed in women's clothes ;)

It strikes me that we live in an age where there are basically only extreme views presented: Where news agencies are either unable or unwilling to be objective. You have your right-wing groups (Fox) and your left-wing ones (NBC). And it's not just our news agencies. BBC, Al Jazeera - they all have their leanings.

I think that's why everywhere in the world, division seems to run so deep. Red states vs blue states. Crossfire. It sure is good for news ratings! But I think it's bad for everyone else.

jo jo para presidente

2007-07-05T00:33:00.000-05:00

This is a GREAT little clip my son Matt put together in Flash. It stars my adopted son Josiah (aka Jo Jo) when he was about 6 months old.

Check out all of Matt's videos here.

brian regan stupid in school

2007-07-04T22:06:00.000-05:00

This is a great comedy bit dubbed over some Japanese cartoon...

andy mckee = incredible guitar player

2007-07-04T19:23:00.000-05:00

Drifing

Rylynn

Africa (by Toto)

For My Father

the best interview ever!

2007-07-02T12:52:00.000-05:00

I hate dumb questions from interviewers. It's refreshing to see this little guy working his OWN agenda!

awesome japanese pitch!

2007-06-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

OK. This is great. Imagine being the batter here. Now all the dude needs is a pitch with two follow-throughs. That way, he can REALLY keep them off balance.

But what is the umpire smoking that he thinks it's a strike?! It's like three feet outside!

and america gives us clay aiken?!

2007-06-20T10:06:00.001-05:00

This is from the UK version of American Idol - or America's Got Talent - or whatever...

My point is - why do we have to listen to insipid covers of No Doubt songs while they get this guy? I'm not a big opera fan, but I was tearing up on this one. If I ever adopt another child, I'm going to rename him after this guy. Little "Fat Guy from Britain with Bad Teeth and Incredible Voice Griffin"

a short video about johann gambolputty de von ausfern- schplenden- schlitter- crasscrenbon- fried- digger- dingle- dangle- dongle- dungle...

2007-06-19T19:17:00.000-05:00

That was Johann Gambolputty de von Ausfern- schplenden- schlitter- crasscrenbon- fried- digger- dingle- dangle- dongle- dungle- burstein- von- knacker- thrasher- apple- banger- horowitz- ticolensic- grander- knotty- spelltinkle- grandlich- grumblemeyer- spelterwasser- kurstlich- himbleeisen- bahnwagen- gutenabend- bitte- ein- nürnburger- bratwustle- gerspurten- mitz- weimache- luber- hundsfut- gumberaber- shönedanker- kalbsfleisch- mittler- aucher von Hautkopft of Ulm.

one brave woman. bravo!

2007-06-19T13:20:00.000-05:00

Here is a clip from Al Jazeera of a woman telling of an Islamic cleric. WOW!

how about playing 2 saxes at once?

2007-06-05T13:49:00.000-05:00

This is a great group. Angie and I saw them at Sunset Station a couple years back. Here's the rundown:

Bela Fleck on jazz banjo (that's right - I said jazz banjo!)
Victor Wooten on bass (a monster)
Futureman on an instrument he invented - sort of a drum-guitar-synth
And my favorite - Jeff Coffin on the sax...ERRRR saxes!

a great prayer site

2007-05-23T18:56:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for something a little different for you daily office, consider Sacred Gateway. It walks you through a short time of contemplative prayer. Nicely designed and the questions really make you think.

See it here -->

some vintage sanborn

2007-05-10T03:03:00.001-05:00

Here's Sanborn playing at the 1988 Grammys with Billy Joel. Gotta love that tone!

at test at last

2007-05-02T08:39:00.000-05:00

On Monday, April 30 we said our final farewells to Dad. The service was beautiful. My daughters sang "Thank You for Giving to the Lord". I cried in spite of the obvious theological shortcomings and country twang of the tune.

My son, nieces and nephew all said some nice things about Dad. Doug Diehl, the pastor from Crossroads Baptist, read some scriptures we found including Matthew 25 where Christ talks about the reward of those who serve "the least of these". He also sang a song at the end.

The pallbearers were my son Matthew, my nephew Jason, Dad's friend Doug McDonald, our family friend Tom Cooper, my niece Jackie's boyfriend Adrian and Joy ex-husband Joe.

The trip to Fort Sam Cemetery was crazy! Anyone who knows Dad has heard of his famous "shortcuts" that always take twice as long as the normal way. That made his last ride fitting. It was pouring rain all through the service and during our trip. San Antonio is famous for flash flooding, and it was in full swing when we pulled out of Sunset Northwest. We started up Loop 410, but traffic came to a complete stop at San Pedro. The escorts did an amazing job - taking us off the freeway and to the back roads. At one point, the water got to be more than a foot deep, so we had to detour yet again. What should be a 30 mintute trip took an hour, but we finally got there.

The full military honors were beautiful and moving - complete with 21 gun salute and the playing of Taps. We haven't been able to visit the grave yet because of all the rain. They say that we need to let it dry out a bit before we try to go out there.

One down - One to go

2007-04-30T02:21:00.000-05:00

Today started out as it should. I made Dad's famous S.O.S. Since there are many Christians and young people who read this blog, I won't tell you exactly what that stands for. But it's one of Dad's signature dishes. Breakfast was always his favorite meal.

Mom took everyone to the Jefferson Outreach office and to the thrift store to show them where Dad had given the last 17 years of service. I hung out at the house, had a little nap and then went to buy the paper for the programs we'll use at the funeral.

Tonight was the viewing. The funeral home set aside an hour before the actual viewing time for the family. Jason and I showed up first. We had them lead us back to the chapel where Dad was. They did a nice job. Dad was all decked out in his dress blues holding a little pocket bible he had from the war. I guess I cried really hard for about 5 minutes - that draining, shaking kind of crying that you can only sustain in short bursts.

He was very handsome and looked peaceful and at rest. What a big difference from a few days ago when he was fighting for every breath! Thank God that he went quickly and had no pain at the end. He just stopped breathing and quietly left this world behind.

There were a bunch of flowers from all over the place - mostly from organizations that Mom and Dad work with. They were beautiful. I took a CD with some music I thought he'd like as well as some songs that would speak to us. The one that kinda freaked everyone out was "Zig Zaggety Woop Woop" by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Dad loved big band music and that song in particular. When I played it for him, he said "Man, they're really good!" I also had his favorite song - Stardust.

Before everyone came in, Joy presented Mom with a two-part Mizpah charm. One part stays with Mom and will go on her keychain. We put the other in with Dad - draping it over his hand. It reads "The Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent one from another." Mom also put in a copy of "The Purpose Driven Life" bible study. It was the only time Dad had ever done a study with Mom and talked a little about his faith. He never liked to talk about it - he preferred to quietly live it.

There were hundreds of people there. Some were old family friends and some were from the organizations they worked with. There were city councilmen, state representatives and folks from the Texas Silverhaired Legislature. There were people who hadn't seen him in 20 years and others who saw him every day.

Many of them offered up cliched platitudes - "He's in a better place", etc. You know - I didn't mind. They were trying to be nice. It's hard to know what to say. And you know - it's true. That doesn't make it hurt less, but it does help keep us grounded.

After the viewing, we went back to the house and had lasagna. Angie made Mom fresh fruit smoothie because she wasn't feeling up to eating anything solid. Angie's been incredible through this whole thing. She's cooked just about every meal and taken care of Josiah single-handedly. She's a real blessing.

So, I'm here at the office. It's 2:40am. I just got through running all the programs. They are simple but will work OK. As a graphic artist, my inclination is to spend all night desinging something. But it's late and Dad wouldn't care much about how it looked. It says who's going to sing and talk and do whatever. That's all that matters. I also put in the verse from 1 Corinthians about the time when we'll ask "Death where is thy victory?"

It's comforting to know that our God has conquered death and the grave and that one day, we'll see Dad again. I'm thankful for that comfort. I'm also thankful that I had such a good dad.

I heard the message Alec Baldwin left his daughter - cussing her out and calling her names. And earlier today, I was walking into Target and a guy was talking to someone I assumed was his daughter. He was laying it on hard - "I don't owe a da** thing!" Wow. I wanted to stop and talk to the guy. I wanted to tell him what had happened to our family this week and how you can't take back the things you say. I wanted to tell him about Dad and his example. But I just kept walking and prayed for him. You know, people don't change because someone chews them out. And it's impossible to be influenced by a man you've never met.

So Dad - your funeral is later today. I know you don't like the fuss we're making over you, but you really deserve it. You never tooted your own horn - but tomorrow, there will be a whole brass section belting it out. I'll bet you got a heck of a reception in heaven. I hope they fired up the big band for you.

the gang's all here

2007-04-29T01:23:00.000-05:00

Today, all of our family and friends from out-of-town began to arrive. There is Dad's family - brothers Ralph and Don and his sister May. There are a few from Mom's family also - her sister June and her brother Ralph and his wife Jane. There's mom's friend Jan Grove from Dallas as well.

Then there are our friends. My wife Angie had a surprise visitor tonight. Jenni Wilson - our friend from Baltimore - was at home tonight when Angie came back. Angie's Mom is coming on Monday from Austin. I've had calls from Chris Ohlemacher and others. People have rallied around us and been great. It kinda makes me sad at how little I've done that for others. Of course, I just had no idea how hard it is. This is my first experience with the death of someone close to me.

It really made me think. I really haven't been great with the whole family thing. I hadn't seen my uncles and aunts for 15 years or more. And I really only see them at funerals. Whereas Dad sent cards and letters and called them occasionally, I haven't done anything. I've never been to a family funeral. And, I've never even met Angie's family.

That's one thing I really hope to change. Family and friends who are like family were what really anchored Dad. I think it's a good lesson.

link to dad's memorial website

2007-04-28T12:35:00.000-05:00

The funeral package Mom selected provides an online memorial where we can post pictures of Dad and people can leave comments.

Visit Dad's memorial here

reflections on a life well lived

2007-04-27T23:48:00.000-05:00

Since Wednesday morning, we've had a chance to reflect on Dad's life and have been sharing memories as we prepare for the funeral. We've been looking through photos, preparing songs to be sung during the service and coordinating all the details with the funeral home.

We called today to confirm we'd have a real, live bugler at the cemetery - canned music isn't an option for Dad. We also submitted the obituary and the photo that will run with it. It was really long. It will probably cost about $1000. We're running it here and in the Kentucky Post where Dad's family lives.

I went to buy a suit today. Mine is a little - uh - tight. I went to KG Men's Store. I found a suit I liked and was marked for alterations. Then, I found out it wasn't $100 as I thought - but $200 instead - plus $35 for alterations. Oh well! A little tight never hurt nobody, right? So I got a shirt and tie instead.

Deborah (my brother Jim's wife) arrived tonight from Atlanta. Tomorrow the rest of the out-of-town family will arrive. Jan Grove (Mom's friend from Dallas) is getting in at 3pm. June (Mom's sister) will be in at around 5pm. Jane and Ralph (Mom's sister in law and brother) will arrive at 7pm and Ralph, Donnie and May (Dad's two brothers and sister) will be here at 9:30. It's going to be a busy day. My wife Angie will cook for everyone and we'll meet up at my sister Joy's house to eat. Jim and I will be the designated chauffeurs - alternating trips to the airport. Jim will go at 3pm and 7pm - I will go at 5pm and 9:30pm.

There are also friends of us kids that are calling with their support. I've had calls from Chris Ohlemacher, Angie's brother Alan Manderson. Visitors have included Dan Katka (who helped me prepare Dad's dress blues), Charley Houston and Dave Rhodes. My clients from media301 have all been very understanding and flexible. My office also gave me a sympathy card that everyone had signed.

We've also had many visitors. Some are old family friends like the Hawks and Mummies, the Crawfords and the Lenharts. Others are newer friends like Chris Alderete and Doug MacDonald. The phone hasn't stopped ringing.

The most amazing thing has been the people that Dad impacted deeply without even trying. His next door neighbor is quite a character. He's hardly ever home and has a huge pit bull for a pet. When he found out Dad passed away, he came to the door crying and brought a beautiful flowering tree. He said he used to talk to Dad when he came outside to walk his dog. He said he thought Dad was a great guy.

Dad has been on oxygen at the house for about a year. The guy who delivered to him during that time showed up late on Wednesday to pick up the oxygen. As he was leaving, he told Mom that Dad was a great man.

Even a lady Mom had never met from across the street came by. She said that her husband had been sick for many years, so she understood their struggle. Every morning, she would look out the window and see Dad - oxygen tank in tow - coming out, getting in the car and driving off. She said she really admired his determination.

I imagine this is the easy time. We have things to occupy our mind. We're busy. It's when everyone goes back home and Mom is at home alone that it will really sink in. It's when I call over there and don't hear Dad say "hello!". It's when we get together for Father's Day and he's missing - and so many more days for years and years to come.

saying goodbye to my dad

2007-04-27T01:31:00.000-05:00

George Frederick Griffin
March 18, 1926 - April 25, 2007

Some of you may know that my Dad - George Griffin - has been battling lung cancer for about a year now. On Wednesday, April 25th at 5:45am, the Lord took Dad home. We had brought him home from the hospital just a little more than 12 hours before. He was surrounded by his family and just quietly stopped breathing.

For those of you who met Dad, I don't need to tell you any of this. For those of you who haven't, I'm sorry you missed him. I don't know of anyone else like him on the planet. We all sat around yesterday trying to think of someone who didn't like him. We couldn't. Everyone who knew him loved and respected him. He was the personification of selflessness, dignity and integrity.

In my 37 years on earth, I can't remember one promise he ever broke. I can't think of any time he cast a stone at another person. He always gave everyone else the benefit of the doubt and demonstrated more Christ-likeness than anyone I've ever met. He was organized and detail-oriented. He was the perfect compliment for Mom. She was out front - being the face and voice, while Dad worked quietly and diligently behind the scenes.

Dad was also very wise. When I was only 9 years old, he realized that computers were going to become very important in our lives. So he invested more than $4000 in a TRS-80 model 4 computer and printer for me to begin to learn how to use them. He went with me to programming class where we learned the Basic programming language. Now, almost 30 years later, I can thank dad for every dollar I've been able to earn - since every job I've ever had directly involves computers.

Dad - if Heaven has a computer, I know you're checking my blog. So, I wanted to tell you that I miss you so much I can barely stand it. As we've been researching for your obituary and looking through photos, I learned things I never knew. You were so much more than just an incredible husband, father and grandfather. So many people depended on your hard work and dedication. I wish I were more like you. I'm really going to try.

I'm sorry the way you had to leave us. I know you weren't ready to leave. We weren't ready to see you go, either. I can't wait to see you again one day. You taught me so much by the way you lived your life. Darwin from Vitas said it best when he said "George is the kind of man I want to grow up to be." That about says it all.

Dan Katka and I fixed up your dress blues today. They look sharp. I know how proud you were of the time you spend in the Air Force. I know you wouldn't like all the fuss we're going to make about you over the next few days, but you more than deserve it. You've spent your life honoring others. Now, we're going to shower you with the honor you deserve.

We finished your obituary tonight. It was hard to write. But here it is:

George Griffin was at home, surrounded by his family when the Lord called him home on April 25, 2007. The son of Lester and Dorothy Griffin from Covington, Kentucky, Griff joined the Air Force at the age of 17 and served as a radio operator during WWII and Korea. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant with a Meritorious Service Award in 1971.

He then worked for 17 years at USAA where he became the Director of Procedures. For the last 17 years, George tirelessly served the elderly of San Antonio as a volunteer with the Jefferson Outreach for Older People where he acted as the computer operator and lead volunteer – delivering meals and groceries to the frail elderly, taking them for doctor visits and organizing fund raisers and special events.

For his service, he received a special proclamation from the US Senate as Volunteer of the Year, was the United Way Volunteer of the year in 2004, and the AACOG Older American of the Year in 2006, JC Penney Volunteer of the Year and the USAA Golden Eagle Award Winner for outstanding community contribution in volunteerism.

Griff is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Doris - sister May & husband Marty, sister Jeanine & husband Charlie, brother Ralph & wife Mern, brother Don & wife Judy - children Jim and wife Deborah, Joy & husband Joe, John & wife Angie - grandchildren Jason & wife Victoria, Jackie, Janeice, Amanda, Matthew, Emily and Josiah – and great-grandchildren Adrian, Christopher and Benjamin.

Everyone who knew Griff loved him. He was the best man we’ve known. He spent his life loving and serving others. In that spirit, it is George’s wish that in lieu of flowers, you instead send your donation to the Jefferson Outreach for Older People – 201 Meredith, San Antonio 78228.

A viewing will be held at Sunset Northwest on Bandera near Loop 410 on Sunday, April 29, 2007 from 6-8pm. A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, April 30, 2007 at 10am - also at Sunset Northwest. Interment will follow at Ft Sam Houston Memorial Cemetery.

Well Dad, I love you. The world won't be the same without you. Tell your mom and dad hi from me - and Grandma and Grandpa Money, Aunt Peg and everyone else up there. And keep checking the blog. I'll be sure to write every so often.

gun control and the virginia tech massacre

2007-04-20T20:23:00.000-05:00

The man to the left is named Tom Plate. He wants all of us to lay our guns down. Read about it here.

I haven't posted about the V Tech shooting. Mostly because it makes me sad. Also because everyone from here to China is covering it. If there was ever a case of ridiculous media overload, this is it.

But when I read this story, it got me thinking about the role of guns in our society and whether or not it's time to move on to a new era.

The first thing I noticed when I read the article was... well... the picture of Mr Plate. I wonder if he approved its use before it was posted. It's... uh... less than flattering.

The premise of his article is that our Constitution that calls for freedom of religion, press, speech AND gun control is crazy. Gun control is out of place there. It's time for us to voluntarily lay down our arms.

I personally do not own a gun - although I have seriously considered it. Last year just before Christmas, a man broke into our house, walked through it - about 5 feet from my wife who had fallen asleep on the couch - and tried to steal my laptop and her purse. Instead, he got an empty laptop bag and a bible book bag - which he discarded in a neighbor's yard. It was the idea that he was 5 feet from my wife that made me serious think about buying a gun. But then I figured with my luck and coordination, I probably would have killed her trying to shoot someone.

As I wrestle to try to take an enlightened and Christian view of the topic, I can't get past some of my conservative underpinnings. For example:

- If we all turn in our guns, criminals will still find a way to purchase them.
- If we all turn in our guns, what will we do if our government turns on us or becomes unable to protect us?
- If we all turn in our guns, will this heal our minds? In the VTech case, it was a mentally ill person that killed people. I'm not big into superstitious readings of scripture, but you really have to consider things like demonic torment when you see someone in that state.

I agree that we need real gun control. But laying down all our guns? This really doesn't happen all that often considering how many guns there are. What about this - let's not sell guns to people who have been in mental hospitals? That sounds like a good place to start.

technical foul on tim duncan? huh?

2007-04-15T21:18:00.000-05:00

Today in the third quarter of the Spurs/Mavs game, Tim Duncan was called for a phantom foul. Then, he went to the bench and apparently told Joey Crawford, the ref, what he thought about the call. Result? A QUICK technical foul. Timmy just smiled. Then, on the next trip down the floor, Crawford called a foul on the Spurs that was more than suspicious. Timmy laughed. Crawford IMMEDIATELY ejected him from the game. Huh? Tim Duncan? The poster boy for good behavior?

Well, I suppose it shouldn't have surprised me. After all, it was Joey Crawford. Upon further examination, I think he starred in Adam Sandler's movie "Eight Crazy Nights". And he is REALLY liberal with what he considers to be a technical foul. Just click the audio link below for documented evidence:

san antonio flooding and nobody cares

2007-03-31T00:12:00.000-05:00

Well. Any of you who know me and who've been to my humble commode ...ERRR.... abode - know that whenever we get more than a couple of inches of rain in old SA, my back room addition (aka my home office) takes on about 2 inches of water.

While we were in Oklahoma City just a couple weeks ago, for example, we came back to the smell of moldy carpets and drywall. I got so fed up, I pulled up the deck in back and tore down an old shed and began to research ways to stop the flooding.

Well, it was all a bit too late. Tonight, we got a deluge that caused flooding through the whole neighborhood. There's as much water as ever standing in my office and the streets are almost impassible throughout the neighborhood. We drove home tonight in about a foot and a half of water standing all the way down our street and the one that connects it to the main drag.

This first happened back in 1998 during the big flood. It's happened about six or seven times since. The flooding ruined our in-ground fiberglass pool. It actually collapsed in on itself in spite of being full of water.

We put in a french drain and built up a concrete wall around the back of the house, but it still floods - even after thousands of dollars being thrown at it.

The problems center around the horrible drainage in our neighborhood. We're the low spot and all our neighbors' yards drain into ours. I've talked personally to my city councilman twice about the issue - and he assures me he'll call me, but never does.

After we watched water flow yet again into our home, I decided to try to get some sort of assistance. If nothing else, I'd just like someone in the know to come out and look at it while it's flooding. I grabbed a phone book and didn't know where to begin. I thought of FEMA, but remembered New Orleans and decided I'd rather not. I figured there MUST be some agency that is in charge of drainage that could help. But I couldn't find anything in the phone book about it. I find this incredibly stupid since flash flooding is common in San Antonio.

So, I called the police. Not 911, but just the regular SAPD number. The guy on the other line was nice enough, but didn't really know what to tell me. I asked him who was in charge of drainage. He told me it was San Antonio Water Systems. This didn't sound right, but dude was a cop, so I figured he was right.

So, I called SAWS. I hit "1" for emergency and talked to a woman who informed me that SAWS had nothing to do with drainage. I asked her if she knew who I should talk to. She said the City of San Antonio. "What department?" I asked. "Streets and Drainage maybe?"

So, I called the City of San Antonio Streets Department (the drainage part was left out of its name in the phone book). I explained the situation. Now. This is where I begin to get upset. The woman on the other end couldn't have cared less about what I was telling her. She told me I needed to contact my councilman. I asked her how that would help stop my house from flooding right now. She said it wouldn't. She took my name and number and said she'd file a report. I asked what that meant and when I would hear back from someone. She said she had no idea. I asked if it would be tomorrow. She reminded me that it's Friday. Nobody would even be back in the office until Monday and that they'd surely be way behind. Besides, she said, if it's in your yard, we aren't responsible anyway.

Now - I understand she may not have been able to do anything about it, but at least sympathize. At least say "I'm sorry your house is flooding." Nothing.

I ask you - wouldn't it make sense for the City of San Antonio to have some kind of plan to address flooding since it happens every year? Wouldn't they at least put "drainage" in the name of the department that handles that?

The buck-passing is another thing that infuriates me. It's nobody's problem but mine. Yet you can't even drive down the streets of my neighborhood right now due to standing water. But will anyone take responsibility for it? Not on your life. The Streets & Drainage Department will refer me to the City Councilman who in the past referred me to the Engineering Department who said it's the Streets & Drainage Department's job. I'm sure if I keep pushing, I'll get a couple more departments to be fingered as the culprit who will also do jack to address the problem.

Now I know what you're thinking. Just move! Well, that isn't so easy. This house belongs to my parents. We moved in so they could move to another home that didn't have these issues. Now, my dad has stage 4 lung cancer. They don't need the headache of selling the house. Plus, they wouldn't get anything for it right now considering it flood if someone takes a leak in the back yard. And, I don't even want to tell them about it. They have enough problems.

So, if anyone has any pull with City Councilman Richard Perez - District 2, please put a bug in his ear. I will leave messages and try to get in touch with him, but I don't have any reason to believe it will go any better than in the past.

my postmodern manifesto

2007-03-28T03:27:00.000-05:00

Thesis 1 - The Church must reform ourselves for the post-modern culture
Through the years, the Church has reformed herself. One example of reformation is... well... the Reformation. The Church as a whole and we personally have the responsibility of interpreting God's Word and reforming our theology. If the word is living and adaptable to any culture, then each culture has to figure out how to live the Christian life in its own context.

Thesis 2 - God gives us the ability to interpret the rules, so sometimes they change
Rules change in scripture from one era to another - from one place to another. I believe this phenomenon still happens. In the old testament, circumcision was THE mark that someone followed God. If you had a child or bought a slave, the chopping was never far behind. Yet in the new testament, Paul tells the Corinthians that they shouldn't get all wrapped up in that - it wasn't necessary. Another example is the acceptance of gentiles into the kingdom. Back in the old testament, that wasn't gonna happen. Yet even then, there were exceptions. Rahab is a notable one. In the new testament, Peter has a vision about clean vs unclean food that translates into an acceptance of the gentiles. Peter had to have a vision.

Now, if Paul or Peter lived under the idea that God's law was already written down and it never changed, then these changes would never have occurred.

I believe that it's possible that the rules we live by can be translated by the Church and adapted to the era in which we live. This is not an endorsement of everyone making up their own rules. It's only to say that I definately don't have to live under levitical law. If I get a tattoo, I am not headed for hell.

Thesis 3 - We must respect different areas of focus politically and socially
There's more to "moral values" than abortion, homosexuality and evolution. Many believers have forgotten that poverty, greed, protection of the weak and caring for the widow and orphan are moral issues as well. Our political system unfortunately makes us choose the lesser of two evils. But we should be conscious that sincere people may choose differently between republicans and democrats. We shouldn't alienate or attack other believers for choosing different political positions.

Thesis 4 - It is vitally important for the Church to get a larger vision of ourselves and our place in the culture at large
It's time for the Church to build the Kingdom - not churches to build their own mini-kingdoms. Church growth for its own sake; family-activity based churches; book stores selling all sorts of ameri-christian paraphenalia; etc. The self-involved, inward nature of churches who build the counter culture without engaging the real culture creates a dangerous environment for believers who already tend to be selfish and inward.

Thesis 5 - We must each focus on addressing our own sins
Instead of believers being so eager to inspect each others' fruit (*HELLO!*) - that is to say, looking at everyone else's sin, we should focus on our own. We should allow God to work in the lives of others. Certainly, we can give testimony when we feel prompted by the Spirit, but we should use discernment and meekness as we share our lives with others. People who appoint themselves Holy Spirit to everyone in sign are clanging cymbals.

Thesis 6 - The Church should draw back from commercialism and consumerism
While we live in a nation based on supply and demand economics, this is not the way the Church should operate. Many church-goers have become consumers - going to several churches to find the one they like best. Churches compound the problem by viewing people as marketing targets. Book stores and coffee shops have moved in right next to the sanctuary.

Christ cannot be packaged or sold. As the Church, we should strive to not make christianity a business. We should protect the world from those snake oil salesmen in pastor clothes going in the name of Christ and lining their own pockets.

Thesis 7 - The Church should operate in the society with a spirit of ecumenicalism
That's not to say we won't disagree - methodists and baptists, calvinists and weslyans. It is to say that we should strive to present a united front to our culture and be willing to work together to address the needs of society.

Thesis 8 - We must encourage social responsibility and justice
Things like protecting the environment and human rights have not been the strong suit of western evangelicals lately. They should be. After all, God has given mankind the responsibility to steward our planet and He certainly cares for the oppressed, poor and powerless. Regardless of the politics of our times, it is necessary for believers to stand for what is right - even if it means standing with people we disagree with on other issues.

More to come...

questions for the right reverend pastor teacher preacher griffin

2007-03-23T01:13:00.000-05:00

In response to questions posed by one of my millions of readers, I've decided to get a little more "in depth" with the analysis of my immortal soul. I want to answer all of your questions because as we all know, the world hangs on my every word.

Sprinkled or dunked? Dunked. Slam dunked in fact.

Infant or adult? Both - infant and twice as an adult. (One can never be too safe)

Have you given money to a building fund? I've given money to plenty of building funds not to mention pastor's salaries, church vans and about $5.8 million in snacks for bible studies over the years.

And to head off the next set of questions that are sure to arise -

Pre, mid or post trib? I'm not sure, but I have every Left Behind book ever written (all 474 of them) on the bookshelf beside me. I haven't read them, but my wife has and we are one...

Calvinist or Wesleyan? Wesleyan definitely. I am NOT in favor of peeing on things. That Calvin should really get some FloMax!

Tongues or not tongues? I'm totally in favor of tongues. They help us taste things. And when people speak in tongues, it's very entertaining. Kinda like rhythm-less white Christian rap music.

Hymns or praise music? Whatever John Tesh and Connie Selleca are doing these days.

Church growth? While most churches aren't increasing in number, they ARE increasing in total weight and mass. I think that's just as good.

Youth groups? I think it's a great idea to get about 40 horn-ball teens together with a horn-ball 20-something leader and send them on overnight camping trips. I've never heard of any problems...

Emerging church? It depends on what it's emerging from. If it's emerging from a bog, then that could be cool and worth watching. But if it's emerging from a tomb or someone's intestines, then that would just be creepy and I'd rather not.

Name-it-and-claim-it or blab-it-and-grab-it? Neither. I'm working on my own variation - "Zip-it-and-rip-it". In my theology, you just keep really quiet and take stuff when nobody is looking.

Benny Hinn? If the dude has the power to knock down and entire side of a stadium, don't you think the shockwave would bounce off the back wall and ricochet to the other side - knocking those people down as well? And besides, why can't he heal his hair? I'm skeptical...

Coffee house churches? Yeah. Good idea. Because there's nothing better than a bunch of whacked-out hippie nut jobs - except a bunch of whacked-out hippie nut jobs hopped up on espresso.

more to come...

the status of my immortal soul

2007-03-21T06:41:00.000-05:00

I visit a log of blogs. Some of them are post-modern (the ooze, vintage faith, etc). But I told myself early on in my blogging career that I wouldn't limit myself to only blogs I agree totally with. For iron to sharpen iron, it has to be dragged against something, right?

So, I also visit places like sliceoflaodicea (may they rest in peace - well, at least their comments area) and camponthis. In my travels, I'm CONSTANTLY accused of not being saved. Apparently, unless someone believes in the literal, absolute perfection of our King James bible and ascribes to 5-point calvinism and votes republican, they are lost.

This post will attempt to put an end to that. In the future, instead of responding, I'll just point people here. So let's begin the most comprehensive statement of faith I've ever put into words:

1) I believe there is a God.
2) Whether I believe it or not, there is still a God.
3) I believe God has revealed Himself to men throughout the ages.
4) I believe the Bible is a record of that interaction.
5) I believe that the Bible is inspired by God and is useful in doctrine, correction and instruction.
6) I believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
7) I believe that He is the only hope we have of a restored relationship with God.
8) I believe that His teachings are a beautiful and appropriate way to live life.
9) I believe that nothing I do can repair my broken relationship with God. God repairs the break - not me. And He chooses to do this in the person of Jesus Christ.
10) I believe that Christ was born of a virgin, was crucified and resurrected.
11) I believe that baptism is required of the believer whenever possible in obedience to Christ's teaching. While it's not baptism that saves us, it's a picture of what happens to us spiritually. I have been baptized.

So there you have it. As far as I can tell, I'm meeting all the criteria for salvation. Beyond that, I feel like I've heard from God at times in my life. Unfortunately, intimacy is not something we can prove - and frankly, I'm not even sure why I have to prove any of this anyway.

more to come...

weighing in al mohler's comments

2007-03-16T22:48:00.000-05:00

OK. I've been following a post over at CAMPONTHIS (Steve Camp's blog). It's about comments made by Al Mohler which are creating a firestorm amoung his generally uber-conservative fan base. I think it's also important to point out that not one of us really knows what the heck we're talking about. We're not geneticists or biologists or any other -ists for that matter. We're just three dudes trying to make sense of something we don't have any first-hand knowledge of.

Now. This will probably be confusing. Dr Mohler's comments will be shown in black. Steve Camp's will follow point-by-point in red. Mine will follow Mr. Camp's in blue. Good luck following this one! ADDED: TO MAKE THINGS EVEN MORE COMPLICATED, STEVE UPDATED HIS BLOG THIS MORNING. SO, THOSE COMMENTS APPEAR IN BOLD, ITALIC ORANGE AFTER MY COMMENTS. THEN, MY RESPONSE TO THE NEW COMMENTS ARE IN BOLD, ITALIC PURPLE.

1. (Mohler) There is, as of now, no incontrovertible or widely accepted proof that any biological basis for sexual orientation exists.
(Camp) Agreed.
(john) There is also no proof to the contrary.
Agreed, but I am not a trained scientist in the field of genetic research and do not pretend to speak for that profession.
Let's see if you retain this humility throughout the rest of your post...

2. Nevertheless, the direction of the research points in this direction. Research into the sexual orientation of sheep and other animals, as well as human studies, points to some level of biological causation for sexual orientation in at least some individuals.
This is a false statement--there is no evidence of this whatsoever.
I think Dr Mohler should cite the studies in question. I know there are studies that show some link between biology and sexual orientation. Whether they are flawed or not, I'm not really qualified to determine. Neither is Mr Camp. Both Camp and Mohler should cite some data here. Either Mohler should roll out studies and prove them to be reliable or Camp should roll them out and disprove them. Sorry Steve - just saying there is not evidence does not make it so.
Even my limited knowledge recognizes that this is a false statement--there is no current evidence to suggest biological causation predisposes ones sexual orientation. Furthermore, the Scriptures contradict such assertions (Psalm 139; Romans 1:27-28).
You're using Psalms (a book of poetry) to contradict scientific finding? Sorry - I can't get on board with that. And you have two verses cited. I can build plenty of squirrely doctrines on just 2 verses. And I don't believe you have enough research under your belt to say that there is no evidence.

3. Given the consequences of the Fall and the effects of human sin, we should not be surprised that such a causation or link is found. After all, the human genetic structure, along with every other aspect of creation, shows the pernicious effects of the Fall and of God's judgment.
Again, this is pure conjecture. Where is the genetic evidence that "shows the pernicious effects of the Fall and of God's judgment"? More importantly, where is the biblical evidence to support this claim?
Steve - how about hermophrodites - people born with both sets of reproductive organs? What about babies born with their hearts outside their bodies? What about asthma and crone's disease and alheimers and - well, you get the picture. People are certainly born with abnormalities in their bodies and minds every day. It's clear that the imperfection of our condition begins in the womb as much as our lives do.
Again, where is the genetic evidence that "shows the pernicious effects of the Fall and of God's judgment" exist and have imprinted ones genetic code? More importantly, where is the biblical evidence to support this claim? Looks like we're not in Kansas anymore Dorothy.
Since the writers of scripture knew nothing about genes and blamed most illnesses on evil spirits, I wouldn't expect there to be any biblical evidence for or against this idea in scripture. As for modern scientific evidence about the topic, we're at an impass here. You will automatically reject any studies with that finding as being funded and performed by liberals and are therefore inadmissable.

4. The biblical condemnation of all homosexual behaviors would not be compromised or mitigated in the least by such a discovery. The discovery of a biological factor would not change the Bible's moral verdict on homosexual behavior.
Then why give any credence to it if it even did exist? Because gay people are people. They have feelings. If it's true they have desires they have no control of, that will change the way many people view them. Instead of stiff-necked sickos who have decided to lust after strange flesh, perhaps Christians will view them as people just like us who were born with things they will struggle with thoughout this life. If it deserves credence, then give it credence. You can't deny credence for some arbitrary reason.
Yes it would. It would mean that God created all homosexuals in the homosexual condition. It would take their predisposition out of choice to divine design and would further legitimize their claim to God given same sex desires. Speaking biblically, Romans 1 would have to be rewritten, for there would be nothing "unnatural" about men fulfilling their sexual desires with other men; women with other women if they are "born" with that genetic desire. IOW, sin would just science.
Perhaps when this earth was brand new, people were created in perfection. But that was then and this is now. People are born with a myriad of problems - from physical imperfections to mental problems. Does God create babies with their hearts outside their bodies? Was it God's fault that the baby we adopted was born addicted to heroine and will struggle with fallout from that for the rest of his life? The fact that there is biological inclination does not excuse our choices. But, it does change the way Christians approach homosexuals. It gives us a reason to feel for them - to understand that their struggle is real and they're not just being jerks to spite us or God.

5. The discovery of a biological basis for homosexuality would be of great pastoral significance, allowing for a greater understanding of why certain persons struggle with these particular sexual temptations.
We have the Scriptures brother; they are sufficient to give us all the counsel we need to minister to those who are caught in the sin of homosexuality (2 Peter 1:3-4). They are sufficient for all matters of life and godliness.
The scriptures are largely silent about many issues that we face. Here, we will be unable to agree because of many fundamentalists' insistence on worshipping a book instead of the God who inspired it.
This is foolish--scientific discovery is the new seminary for pastor insight into the depravity of man. Bolderdash! We have the Scriptures; and they are sufficient to give all the counsel we need to minister to those who are struggling in any sin including homosexuality (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Psalm 19:7-11; 2 Peter 1:3-4). They are completely sufficient, lacking nothing, for "all matters of life and godliness." Sola Scriptura.
Luckily, Paul didn't think so. His scriptures were not near as comprehensive as ours are. In fact, as Paul wrote that to Timothy, his letter was not officially scripture yet, was it? So I guess the old testament that Paul used is sufficient, right? Let's get rid of the new testament.

6. The biblical basis for establishing the dignity of all persons -- the fact that all humans are made in God's image -- reminds us that this means all persons, including those who may be marked by a predisposition toward homosexuality. For the sake of clarity, we must insist at all times that all persons -- whether identified as heterosexual, homosexual, lesbian, transsexual, transgendered, bisexual, or whatever -- are equally made in the image of God.
Agreed.
You can't agree to that Steve. You deny that people can be identified as anything other than heterosexual. You say that if someone claims to have inclinations otherwise, they are choosing those desires and are in sin. That is not equal. That is passing judgment.
I agree that all people are made in the image of God; I disagree that gay people are marked by predisposition toward homosexuality.
Steve, are you gay? By what knowledge do you make this statement?

7. Thus, we will gladly contend for the right to life of all persons, born and unborn, whatever their sexual orientation. We must fight against the idea of aborting fetuses or human embryos identified as homosexual in orientation.
Agreed.
Steve - Again, you can't agree to that. You don't believe it's possible to identify human embryos identified as homosexual in orientation. You believe that to be an impossibility, right? There are no fetuses that have homosexual tendencies.
I am also prolife and stand fully against the murder of unborn children.
So am I. But again, you can't agree with that statement because you don't believe that sexual orientation is a real thing.

8. If a biological basis is found, and if a prenatal test is then developed, and if a successful treatment to reverse the sexual orientation to heterosexual is ever developed, we would support its use as we should unapologetically support the use of any appropriate means to avoid sexual temptation and the inevitable effects of sin.
This is inexcusable for a Christian leader to define genetics (even if it could be accomplished) as being "appropriate means to avoid sexual temptation and the inevitable effects of sin." Science is not one of the "means of grace" used by our Lord in the salvation or sanctification of anyone.
So if you had a grandchild and it was determined that your grandchild would develop early alzheimers disease - and if a procedure could be performed that would clear that up - you would be opposed to it?
This is inexcusable for a Christian leader of Dr. Mohler's influence and biblical astuteness to see "genetics" as being considered "appropriate means to avoid sexual temptation and the inevitable effects of sin." Is now science to be included as part of the "means of grace" used by our Lord in salvation or sanctification?
You'll accept science as a means of healing disease, but not as a way to avoid temptation? Sounds like a double-standard to me, Steve.

9. We must stop confusing the issues of moral responsibility and moral choice.
I'm not confused on this at all: we are spiritually held accountable for both.
I'm not confused on this at all beloved--are any of you? Moral responsibility flows from the moral choices we make. We are spiritually held accountable for both.
And we're held responsible for the things we're born with too. Just because you are born with a predisposition to sin doesn't make that sin acceptable. It also doesn't make us not born with that predisposition.

We are all responsible for our sexual orientation, but that does not mean that we freely and consciously choose that orientation. We sin against homosexuals by insisting that sexual temptation and attraction are predominately chosen. We do not always (or even generally) choose our temptations. Nevertheless, we are absolutely responsible for what we do with sinful temptations, whatever our so-called sexual orientation.
That bold statement is absent of any biblical mandate whatsoever and irresponsibile for a Christian leader to assert.
Steve - did you choose to love music? Or did you just realize as you were growing up that you loved it? Did you choose to be sexually attracted to women? Did you decide when you were 12 or 13 "Hey! I love the ladies!" Or did it just happen? Isn't it possible that gay people develop attraction like you did? Some of it is natural - you're born with it. Some of it is cultural - you learn it.
Ah but we do; and THAT'S the point... That bold statement is absent of any biblical mandate whatsoever and completely irresponsibile for a Christian leader to assert. We are the ones sinning because we say that homosexual temptation and attraction is a choice and not genetically predisposed as you affirm? Bull.
You sin if you are insisting that something is false when it may be true. You are sinning when people say "I can't help feel this attraction" and you say "Yes you can!" Yes. That is a sin.

10. Christians must be very careful not to claim that science can never prove a biological basis for sexual orientation.
I will make that claim now: science will never prove a biological basis for sexual orientation.
I will put the appropriate amount of faith in that statement coming from a musician with no scientific training. Steve - it is irresponsible for you to assert such a thing considering that you really don't know what you're talking about. You are asserting it blindly based on a misguided, antiquated understanding of ancient texts from a time when scientific understanding was much different from what it is today.
I will make that claim now: science will never prove a biological basis for sexual orientation. Scripture has already defined the reason and choice for "that orientation (Romans 1:18-32). ...Where is it? Who has proven this? Why didn't you cite it in your article for us all to read? And now you conveniently slip in gender identity into the mix. Let me guess, were there transgender sheep as well? Is that the basis for this proposterous claim?
Fundamentalists may never ACCEPT science that claims a link between biology and sexual orientation. But they also didn't accept that the earth was round until someone sailed around it.

We can and must insist that no scientific finding can change the basic sinfulness of all homosexual behavior. The general trend of the research points to at least some biological factors behind sexual attraction, gender identity, and sexual orientation. This does not alter God's moral verdict on homosexual sin (or heterosexual sin, for that matter), but it does hold some promise that a deeper knowledge of homosexuality and its cause will allow for more effective ministries to those who struggle with this particular pattern of temptation. If such knowledge should ever be discovered, we should embrace it and use it for the greater good of humanity and for the greater glory of God.
Again, science adds nothing in effective biblical ministry to anyone--especially those in the gay community. It's the power of the gospel, not genetic discovery or alteration that is needed today.
Proof texting ancient texts does not dismiss reality, Steve. Reality is messy. It doesn't fit into five-point this or 7-step that. The reality is that the earth is round. Stars aren't hung in the sky - they're other stars millions of light years away. Reality is that sneezing doesn't mean someone has a demon. Most people with multiple personalities are not possessed - they simply have brain abnormalities. And perhaps science will contend and prove that sexual orientation is biological. It's messy. Welcome to reality.
Again, science adds not one thing to effective biblical ministry--especially for those in the gay community. To do so, is to write the next chapter in a "therapeutic theology"--genome doctrine. Listen, it's the power of the gospel, not genetic discovery or reversal that is needed today to understand, impact, and minister effectively to any sin issue facing mankind in any culture.
Nobody is arguing that fact Steve. What Dr Mohler is saying is that perhaps we are born with predispositions to feel certain things. If we as believers understand this, we will certainly have more grace and understanding with people who struggle with this particular sin.

donald miller on narrative

2007-03-16T01:01:00.000-05:00

an interesting talk about abortion by john piper

2007-03-16T00:43:00.000-05:00

Wow. Abortion as racism? I must say, I've never heard it laid out quite so plainly. I'll really need to think about his one...

the messy church with marc driscoll

2007-03-16T00:24:00.001-05:00

real stories from mars hill

2007-03-16T00:19:00.000-05:00

Here is a video used at the 10th anniversay of Mars Hill. They have For all those who take issue with Marc Driscoll's methods, here is some fruit...

about emergent village from tony jones and doug pagitt

2007-03-16T00:02:00.000-05:00

Here's a great "intro" to Emergent Village straight from the horse's mouth so to speak. The phrase that really captures my imagination at the very end when Tony Jones says the goal of EV is "to fashion a beautiful Christianity that we can hand on to our children and our grandchildren and then they can then pick up and make their own and reform in their own way..."

Christianity has been in a constant state of reformation since Christ walked the earth. There have been major reformations (like...uh....the Reformation) and smaller ones along the way. The idea that it is our responsibility to decide how we will live Christ's commands in our culture is powerful. It's not up to church committees or pastors or a group of elders to dictate. Instead, we reform our faith into culture in a way that honors and glorifies God. Good stuff.

there just are not words

2007-02-27T22:11:00.000-06:00

File under stories that make you want to vomit:

From the Associated Press -- A man pleaded guilty to murder Tuesday, admitting he left his 3-year-old foster son bound up in a closet where he died and then burned his body and threw the remains into the Ohio River.

David Carroll Jr. was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison, with an additional year in prison for his guilty plea to gross abuse of a corpse.

He and his wife, Liz, were charged with causing Marcus Fiesel's death by leaving the developmentally disabled boy wrapped up with a blanket and packing tape in a closet for two days while they went to a weekend family reunion in Kentucky in August. Carroll admitted his role, but continued to blame a live-in companion, Amy Baker, for playing a major part in the boy's confinement and the subsequent cover-up of his death.

"We left him there," Carroll told the judge. "And when we came back, he was gone ... he was dead."

Clermont County Judge Jerry McBride accepted the sentence proposed by prosecutors. Dressed in an orange jail jumpsuit, Carroll answered "yes sir" as McBride explained the plea and his rights. Carroll told the judge he was on medication for bipolar disorder, but was thinking clearly Tuesday.

A jury last week convicted Liz Carroll, 30, of murder and six other charges, including involuntary manslaughter and kidnapping, in the boy's death. She was sentenced to 54 years to life in prison.

As part of the deal with David Carroll, prosecutors agreed to drop six charges against him. Carroll, 29, had faced the same seven charges as his wife, plus the eighth charge of gross abuse of a corpse.

While Liz Carroll's judge told her last week she showed no remorse, David Carroll urged prayers for the boy in his statement to the court.

"Marcus was a sweet, gentle and loving child who did not deserve this," he said.

Daniel "Woody" Breyer, an assistant prosecuting attorney, told the judge prosecutors agreed to the deal because they felt it would be difficult to seat a jury in Clermont County after Liz Carroll's trial and other extensive publicity, and to avoid the risk of an acquittal.

"We would rather have a guarantee," Breyer said.

Afterward, he told reporters that prosecutors don't believe David Carroll's statements that Baker was directing the Carrolls and threatened their family if they didn't go along with a cover-up.

Prosecutors didn't pursue charges against Baker after she agreed to cooperate. Baker, who had an affair with David Carroll and then moved in with the couple, testified for the prosecution in Liz Carroll's trial.

Prosecutors say the couple found the boy dead when they returned home from the reunion. The Carrolls then claimed the child had disappeared from a park in suburban Cincinnati, sparking a search by thousands of volunteers.

Prosecutors in Hamilton County also agreed to drop charges against David Carroll of making false alarms and inducing panic, Clermont prosecutors said. The charges were related to the claim that the boy was missing.

weird al does dylan's subterranean homesick blues

2007-02-17T11:27:00.000-06:00

This is HILARIOUS! Al is the undisputed king of parody - and this is the most clever thing I've seen in a long time. The entire song is done completely in palindromes.

For those of you too young to remember the Dylan version, here it is so you can appreciate the cleverness of the parody:

a bit of sanborn to lighten the mood

2007-02-16T00:01:00.000-06:00

Wow. Things have been a bit heavy up in here lately. So here's some vintage 80s Sanborn back in his heyday. Peeps this, yo!

more on inerrancy of the bible

2007-02-14T19:28:00.000-06:00

Here's another post from a theologian regarding inerrancy of scripture.

It's also available as a podcast HERE.

Summary time!

Many early fathers and reformed theologians do not support inerrancy as taught by modern-day fundamentalists:

Origen

Luther

Does the Bible claim to be inerrant?

The bible claims NOTHING about itself. Our version of the bible did not exist when the various separate writings were penned
Verses to claim inerrancy are pushed too far. 2 Tim 3:16 is often used. Useful and perfect are very different ideas.
Verses can be understood to support inerrancy ONLY if the reader reads deductively.

Biblical errors. Here's a brief list:

There are scientific errors.

a) An example: Leviticus 11:6 and Deuteronomy 14:7 both describe the hare as a ruminant. However, as Law rightly states: ‘This is quite simply wrong and no exegetical ingenuity can make it right’b) Biblical cosmology asserts a flat earth, something Creationists will do their best to ignore. While your in Genesis, compare the creation accounts in Gen 1 and 2 and think about the order of creation, i.e. when humans came along in relation to the rest of creation.

There are genealogical list errors.

a) Even many conservative scholars would admit this even in relation to Matt 1:1-17. Btw, in 1:17, it states: ‘from Abraham to David fourteen generations, and from David to the Babylonian exile fourteen generations, and from the Babylonian exile to the Christ fourteen generations.’ Sit yourself down and actually count how many generations there are listed in the preceding verses and see if the editor/author was any good at maths.

There are copyist errors. Hundreds of them. And the copyists and editors saw fit to change bits of the text here and their to suit their own agendas. To be contemporary in my comments: Ehrman has a good point, but it is

a) not entirely original and
b) no reason for turning from the faith – only one sickened by a false understanding of what the bible is. I will look at the old ‘escape clause’, that of the purity of ‘original manuscripts’, later.

There are historical errors. Just a few random examples:

a) How did Judas die? Compare, closely, the accounts in Matthew 27:3-8 and Acts 1:18-19. The differences are certainly not the result of a mere copyist error.
b) Did Paul’s companions hear the voice during the Damascus road experience? Acts 9:7 ‘The men who were travelling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one’. Acts 22:9 ‘Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me’.
c) What colour robe was Jesus forced to wear? Compare Matt 27:28-29 with John 19:2-3.
d) How many Syrians did David slay? Compare 2 Sam 10:18 and 1 Chron 19:18.
e) For more, do a bible study on these questions like: Who is the father of Joseph? Who was at the Empty Tomb? How many times did the ‘cock crow’ (Peter’s denial of Jesus)? Etc.

There are factual errors

a) One example: Matt 27:9-10 cites a passage that the author/editor claims to have come from Jeremiah. But where did it really come from? Zech 11:12-13.

It’s writers often supported theological errors, and the biblical tradition later corrects and contradicts itself. It makes theological statements that are such that one or other is true, not both. Many tend to call this phenomenon a ‘tension’. But aren’t many simply contradictions, thus making the contrary theological assertion an error?

a) The righteous will get along dandy thanks (Proverbs), or perhaps in real life things are not so simple (Ecclesiastes). Cf. Childs OT work on this.
b) Will all be saved in the end?
c) Will God punish the children for the father sin or not?
d) Can God be seen? Yes or no?
e) Does God change? Do a bible study.
f) Matthew 5:19 ‘Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.’ But isn’t this exactly what the early church went on to do?

The rest gets a bit philosophical, so I'll let you check it out yourself.

cs lewis' opinion of inerrancy

2007-02-12T22:38:00.000-06:00

A few posts back, we talked about biblical inerrancy. I came across this post by Michael Spencer - the Internet Monk regarding CS Lewis' view of inerrancy.

He references an article by the Christian Research Institute (Hank Hannigraf - Bible Answerman).

Here are a couple interesting quotes from Lewis:

I have been suspected of being what is called a Fundamentalist. That is because I never regard any narrative as unhistorical simply on the ground that it includes the miraculous. Some people find the miraculous so hard to believe that they cannot imagine any reason for my acceptance of it other than a prior belief that every sentence of the Old Testament has historical or scientific truth. But this I do not hold, any more than St. Jerome did when he said that Moses described Creation “after the manner of a popular poet” (as we should say, mythically) or than Calvin did when he doubted whether the story of Job were history or fiction.

The total result is not “the Word of God” in the sense that every passage, in itself, gives impeccable science or history. It carries the Word of God and we (under grace, with attention to tradition and to interpreters wiser than ourselves and with the use of such intelligence and learning as we may have) receive that word from it not by using it as an encyclopedia or an encyclical but by steeping ourselves in its tone and temper and so learning its overall message.

Spencer also give a good overview of Lewis' position:

Lewis believed that “all Holy Scripture is in some sense — though not all parts of it in the same sense — the word of God.” The book of Job, for instance, lacking historical details and context, appeared to Lewis to be unhistorical. The idea that the creation account in Genesis was derived from earlier mythical and pagan accounts did not trouble Lewis. These earlier stories were retold and modified (whether consciously or unconsciously) until they became an account of “true Creation and of a transcendent Creator.” When this happens in Genesis, Lewis concluded, there is no reason to “believe that some of the re-tellers, or some one of them, has not been guided by God.” In Lewis’s thought, Genesis conveys divine truth but not necessarily scientific or historical truth; still, God reaches us through its message.

brian mclaren, donald miller and the emerging church 101

2007-02-11T09:16:00.000-06:00

For all those visiting from oldtruth, CRN and other places who are concerned about the emerging church, here's a short video to help introduce you to the conversation. It features Donald Miller and Brian McLaren.