Aug 29, 2006
Aug 24, 2006
My thoughts, others words
One more thing before I retire for today...
"He that can apprehend and consider vice with all her baits and seeming pleasures, and yet abstain, and yet distinguish, and yet prefer that which is truly better, he is the true warfaring Christian. I cannot praise a fugitive and cloistered virtue, unexercised and unbreathed, that never sallies out and sees her adversary, but slinks out of the race where that immortal garland is to be run for, not without dust and heat. Assuredly we bring not innocence into the world, we bring impurity much rather: that which purifies us is trial, and trial is by what is contrary."
"I am also concerned that our honorable desire to protect ourselves from the world's evils too easily and too often leads to spiritual weakness rather than immunity. To protect children from secular entertainment's harms by reading and watching alongside, teaching them to sift stories for truth and falsehood, trains to grow from digesting simple work to more complex work—to borrow a Scriptural phrase, "from milk to meat." This, I believe, is more fruitful than blinding them to the true complexities of the world. Learning to grapple with the world's sinfulness—and their own—prepares them to resist temptation rather than merely hide from it. Jesus did not wear blinders to save him from being tempted; neither did the Apostles. Remember, the full armor of God is for folks on the battlefield. Of course, parents should be vigilant in protecting children; they should also teach train them up to "renew their minds" and become aggressive thinkers so they can stare temptation in the face and, with God's grace, remain unpolluted."
-----------------------
I am not sure if this is Jeffrey Overstreets', Beth Rambo's, or John Milton's, but whoever wrote this, I agree with them completely!
"He that can apprehend and consider vice with all her baits and seeming pleasures, and yet abstain, and yet distinguish, and yet prefer that which is truly better, he is the true warfaring Christian. I cannot praise a fugitive and cloistered virtue, unexercised and unbreathed, that never sallies out and sees her adversary, but slinks out of the race where that immortal garland is to be run for, not without dust and heat. Assuredly we bring not innocence into the world, we bring impurity much rather: that which purifies us is trial, and trial is by what is contrary."
"I am also concerned that our honorable desire to protect ourselves from the world's evils too easily and too often leads to spiritual weakness rather than immunity. To protect children from secular entertainment's harms by reading and watching alongside, teaching them to sift stories for truth and falsehood, trains to grow from digesting simple work to more complex work—to borrow a Scriptural phrase, "from milk to meat." This, I believe, is more fruitful than blinding them to the true complexities of the world. Learning to grapple with the world's sinfulness—and their own—prepares them to resist temptation rather than merely hide from it. Jesus did not wear blinders to save him from being tempted; neither did the Apostles. Remember, the full armor of God is for folks on the battlefield. Of course, parents should be vigilant in protecting children; they should also teach train them up to "renew their minds" and become aggressive thinkers so they can stare temptation in the face and, with God's grace, remain unpolluted."
-----------------------
I am not sure if this is Jeffrey Overstreets', Beth Rambo's, or John Milton's, but whoever wrote this, I agree with them completely!
The Da Vinci Code - my take
So I just finished reading "The Da Vinci Code." I know, I know...I'm a few months, even a few years, late. Still haven't even seen the movie, and from what I've heard, it's not very good anyways, although it does have Jean Reno in it, one of my favorite actors.
I first heard about "The Da Vinci Code" from a girl I used to work with back at Davanni's, one of my original trainers actually. Knowing I was a Christian, and her quasi-Jewish (or whatever), she wanted me to read this book and tell her what I thought. I never got a chance to read it because she promised to lend me her copy, she forgot, and a few months later she left the company. But I've always been meaning to read it.
I've had a copy of the book for several months now. Was going to read it during the school year, and then during the Summit trip, but life and other books got in the way. Still, a few days ago when I realized I didn't own a copy of the book I wanted to be reading next, I decided to just pick up Da Vinci and give it a try.
And you know what? I feel like I just read a 450 page Goosebumps book. Meaning it was a light, quick read, with a lot of fluff, and a passable plot.
This is the book that was supposed to turn people en mass away from Christianity?? This book?? Couldn't it have been something of better literary quality?
The book was entertaining. I'll give Dan Brown that. But it was boring up until roughly page 240, which is when they start going into the "true" history of the Holy Grail and the early church. Up until that point, the book was just one event after another, with each event lasting maybe 15 minutes real time, and yet taking 8 chapters to tell! Look at his writing style. Do you really need to start a new chapter after each new sentence from a main character? While it makes the book much more easily readable, especially in bite sized chunks, it is really annoying also. You just never get anywhere, and if you want to advance the story, you have to read another 50 or more pages!
Dan Brown's theories he presents in the book are interesting. I did a quick search a few minutes ago for any of those readily available articles that prove him wrong. Its interesting to me at least that every single one I looked at, they all chose to prove Brown wrong in the same areas: that Jesus was really the Son of God, that the church believed that without question, and that the Bible wasn't debated over as much as he claims. All good stuff, all worth pointing out to most people.
But none of these articles decided to call into question the whole idea of Jesus getting married and/or having children. Granted, I only looked through a handful of websites for information, and once again, this is a really old "theory," but I was still surprised it wasn't addressed.
While the Bible never specifically says Jesus married, it never says otherwise either. I don't think most Christians personal faith would be challeneged if it was revealed that Jesus Christ had a wife. Now, some will point out that Jesus does indeed have a wife, which is the Church; but lets keep it grounded in physical reality set during His earthly ministry. Is the idea preposterous? I don't think so. I personally do not believe He was married, but I won't discount the fact that He possibly could have been either. It's really a non-issue to me.
There have been a few things bugging me though while I read throught the book. One was that Dan Brown goes to such lengths to discredit Christianity, but bears hardly any mention to Judaism. Christianity came out of that religion, and yet he doesn't really try to prove it wrong at all. Aren't the two linked somehow? Seems like an odd thing to do...
There were other thoughts, but I'll post those later, if I remember them...
I had a conversation at church a while back with someone about the Da Vinci Code. After sitting through the usual (at the time) public condemnings of the book, the movie, and their author, I remember one person saying that they would not endorse anything that tried to prove Christianity wrong. They then went on to make the claim that they wished the book had never been written and that no good would come out of it.
I don't think I agree with that position. If anything, this book/movie has caused many Christians to actually learn church history and more about their faith. I use the term "faith" to mean a more concrete thing than simply "belief." As much as archaelogy evidence can help strengthen your belief, trust, and "faith" in the Bible, so can a movie/book like this that raises questions and causes you to seek the truth. I agree there is a danger to nonbelievers, and especially to people who just seem to hate all things Christ, but as believers, isn't it our responsibility to be equipped to defend our faith?
In conclusion, a question for all you people older and hopefully wiser than I am:
Was there this much church fervor over those Indiana Jones movies?
"come along now, junior!..."
I first heard about "The Da Vinci Code" from a girl I used to work with back at Davanni's, one of my original trainers actually. Knowing I was a Christian, and her quasi-Jewish (or whatever), she wanted me to read this book and tell her what I thought. I never got a chance to read it because she promised to lend me her copy, she forgot, and a few months later she left the company. But I've always been meaning to read it.
I've had a copy of the book for several months now. Was going to read it during the school year, and then during the Summit trip, but life and other books got in the way. Still, a few days ago when I realized I didn't own a copy of the book I wanted to be reading next, I decided to just pick up Da Vinci and give it a try.
And you know what? I feel like I just read a 450 page Goosebumps book. Meaning it was a light, quick read, with a lot of fluff, and a passable plot.
This is the book that was supposed to turn people en mass away from Christianity?? This book?? Couldn't it have been something of better literary quality?
The book was entertaining. I'll give Dan Brown that. But it was boring up until roughly page 240, which is when they start going into the "true" history of the Holy Grail and the early church. Up until that point, the book was just one event after another, with each event lasting maybe 15 minutes real time, and yet taking 8 chapters to tell! Look at his writing style. Do you really need to start a new chapter after each new sentence from a main character? While it makes the book much more easily readable, especially in bite sized chunks, it is really annoying also. You just never get anywhere, and if you want to advance the story, you have to read another 50 or more pages!
Dan Brown's theories he presents in the book are interesting. I did a quick search a few minutes ago for any of those readily available articles that prove him wrong. Its interesting to me at least that every single one I looked at, they all chose to prove Brown wrong in the same areas: that Jesus was really the Son of God, that the church believed that without question, and that the Bible wasn't debated over as much as he claims. All good stuff, all worth pointing out to most people.
But none of these articles decided to call into question the whole idea of Jesus getting married and/or having children. Granted, I only looked through a handful of websites for information, and once again, this is a really old "theory," but I was still surprised it wasn't addressed.
While the Bible never specifically says Jesus married, it never says otherwise either. I don't think most Christians personal faith would be challeneged if it was revealed that Jesus Christ had a wife. Now, some will point out that Jesus does indeed have a wife, which is the Church; but lets keep it grounded in physical reality set during His earthly ministry. Is the idea preposterous? I don't think so. I personally do not believe He was married, but I won't discount the fact that He possibly could have been either. It's really a non-issue to me.
There have been a few things bugging me though while I read throught the book. One was that Dan Brown goes to such lengths to discredit Christianity, but bears hardly any mention to Judaism. Christianity came out of that religion, and yet he doesn't really try to prove it wrong at all. Aren't the two linked somehow? Seems like an odd thing to do...
There were other thoughts, but I'll post those later, if I remember them...
I had a conversation at church a while back with someone about the Da Vinci Code. After sitting through the usual (at the time) public condemnings of the book, the movie, and their author, I remember one person saying that they would not endorse anything that tried to prove Christianity wrong. They then went on to make the claim that they wished the book had never been written and that no good would come out of it.
I don't think I agree with that position. If anything, this book/movie has caused many Christians to actually learn church history and more about their faith. I use the term "faith" to mean a more concrete thing than simply "belief." As much as archaelogy evidence can help strengthen your belief, trust, and "faith" in the Bible, so can a movie/book like this that raises questions and causes you to seek the truth. I agree there is a danger to nonbelievers, and especially to people who just seem to hate all things Christ, but as believers, isn't it our responsibility to be equipped to defend our faith?
In conclusion, a question for all you people older and hopefully wiser than I am:
Was there this much church fervor over those Indiana Jones movies?
"come along now, junior!..."
Aug 15, 2006
The best way to enjoy work; and KQRS!
Currently, the best way to tell if I am having a good or bad day at work depends almost entirely on music. We have a radio in the back at the Costco bakery, and despite some people's attempts to tune it to 102.9 ("Slowest FM"), since I tend to get there before anyone else, I can set it to whatever I want, as long as it is music (so no KQ morning show for me).
Today was an especially good day at work! We kicked things off with a little "Sunday Bloody Sunday" by U2. Shortly afterwards, Drive105 played the one new song I am most excited about: "Knights of Cydonia" by Muse. Needless to say, since there was only two of us in the bakery, I cranked that boombox up as loud as it could go.
This Muse song took me completely by surprise one morning around 4 am. I have one of the previous Muse albums on my computer, but haven't really listened to it too much. This new song is just amazing. It is a type of songwriting and style that I haven't heard in a long time, and is definitely a breath of fresh air. Plus it just rocks.
Right around 7:15 am, once again on Drive105, the radio dj played the song "Stars" by Fastest Turbo Fire Engine, one of the local bands I help out with!! I guess the version he played was taken from the LP or some other master copy, because it sounded amazing! I knew the band finished the album a while back and released it, but I haven't been able to grab a copy yet. The DJ announced simply the title of the song, said it was one of his favorites, and hoped we would all like it. Well, most definitely; I haven't heard that song in a long time!
To round off the morning, JackFM played "Mysterious Ways" by U2, after an abnormally long commericial break. Easily one of U2's best songs live, I was ecstatic when they played it at my Chicago show. The simple little detail of looking around a packed arena and seeing all the many swirling colors made it a sight to behold. As an added treat Bono tends to just go off on a tangent ("speaking in tongues") during the end of the song while the band is juts grooving, and it's always one of those moments that just pulls me completely in the presence of God. You become just completely overwhelmed with emotion, your arms start rising, and your voice just starts shouting and singing things aloud that you have no control over. Definitely one of my all time favorite U2 songs.
---------------------------
In other news, since this will be of some interest (and chagrin) to various people, yesterday I went down to the KQRS studios for an interview. It went very well, and I guess I'm technically going to become a "promotional staff intern" or somesuch. The position in and of itself is not paid; however, various events you go to to promote will pay you. I was not looking for a job there solely for monetary purposes anyway. It is my foot in the door I'm looking at, and with both 92KQ, Drive105, and 93X all under one roof, I'd say that's a very, very good door for me to get through.
Plus, if I can use the job to plug my friends' bands or other things, that's a definite plus.
However, this opportunity also raises some issues. A good, older, wiser friend of mine, Jason, asked me recently if I as a Christian could in good conscious work at KQ. He also asked if I as a Christian could recommend, to other Christians or even to unsaved people, if they should listen to KQ.
Well...as a Christian, I have no problem working for any of the stations under the ABC roof. Would I recommend someone listen to KQ or to the KQ Morning Show? Depends a great deal on the person. Musical hangups? Probably not. Politically vulernable? Maybe not. Easily offended? Definitely not. Well rounded and wise and mature in Christ? EASILY, no question about it.
Still, it's a good question to ask and think about. Certain places have a stigma to them in Christian circles, and anything to do with rock and roll is one of the worse. Jason has had to deal with this himself, being heavily involved in youth groups and church, and yet owning multiple Magic the Gathering/Dungeons and Dragons/and computer gaming stores. The D&D stigma is not as strong as it was in the 80's (no thanks to Jack Chick...), but it's still pretty big.
Of more pressing concern is the question of if my working at KQ gets me "let go" from WCTS. Being fundamentally opposed and all that wonderful stuff. It really shouldn't matter in the least, because they are not direct competitors at all, but I somehow doubt that will be the case. While I know my time at WCTS is most definitely numbered, I'd rather not go out in this manner.
One more thing- I'm guessing it's some kind of omen how freakingly close the KQ studios are to Marantha's frat house. I'm not sure what kind of omen it is, but it's an omen.
I wonder if the Omen was a good movie...
Today was an especially good day at work! We kicked things off with a little "Sunday Bloody Sunday" by U2. Shortly afterwards, Drive105 played the one new song I am most excited about: "Knights of Cydonia" by Muse. Needless to say, since there was only two of us in the bakery, I cranked that boombox up as loud as it could go.
This Muse song took me completely by surprise one morning around 4 am. I have one of the previous Muse albums on my computer, but haven't really listened to it too much. This new song is just amazing. It is a type of songwriting and style that I haven't heard in a long time, and is definitely a breath of fresh air. Plus it just rocks.
Right around 7:15 am, once again on Drive105, the radio dj played the song "Stars" by Fastest Turbo Fire Engine, one of the local bands I help out with!! I guess the version he played was taken from the LP or some other master copy, because it sounded amazing! I knew the band finished the album a while back and released it, but I haven't been able to grab a copy yet. The DJ announced simply the title of the song, said it was one of his favorites, and hoped we would all like it. Well, most definitely; I haven't heard that song in a long time!
To round off the morning, JackFM played "Mysterious Ways" by U2, after an abnormally long commericial break. Easily one of U2's best songs live, I was ecstatic when they played it at my Chicago show. The simple little detail of looking around a packed arena and seeing all the many swirling colors made it a sight to behold. As an added treat Bono tends to just go off on a tangent ("speaking in tongues") during the end of the song while the band is juts grooving, and it's always one of those moments that just pulls me completely in the presence of God. You become just completely overwhelmed with emotion, your arms start rising, and your voice just starts shouting and singing things aloud that you have no control over. Definitely one of my all time favorite U2 songs.
---------------------------
In other news, since this will be of some interest (and chagrin) to various people, yesterday I went down to the KQRS studios for an interview. It went very well, and I guess I'm technically going to become a "promotional staff intern" or somesuch. The position in and of itself is not paid; however, various events you go to to promote will pay you. I was not looking for a job there solely for monetary purposes anyway. It is my foot in the door I'm looking at, and with both 92KQ, Drive105, and 93X all under one roof, I'd say that's a very, very good door for me to get through.
Plus, if I can use the job to plug my friends' bands or other things, that's a definite plus.
However, this opportunity also raises some issues. A good, older, wiser friend of mine, Jason, asked me recently if I as a Christian could in good conscious work at KQ. He also asked if I as a Christian could recommend, to other Christians or even to unsaved people, if they should listen to KQ.
Well...as a Christian, I have no problem working for any of the stations under the ABC roof. Would I recommend someone listen to KQ or to the KQ Morning Show? Depends a great deal on the person. Musical hangups? Probably not. Politically vulernable? Maybe not. Easily offended? Definitely not. Well rounded and wise and mature in Christ? EASILY, no question about it.
Still, it's a good question to ask and think about. Certain places have a stigma to them in Christian circles, and anything to do with rock and roll is one of the worse. Jason has had to deal with this himself, being heavily involved in youth groups and church, and yet owning multiple Magic the Gathering/Dungeons and Dragons/and computer gaming stores. The D&D stigma is not as strong as it was in the 80's (no thanks to Jack Chick...), but it's still pretty big.
Of more pressing concern is the question of if my working at KQ gets me "let go" from WCTS. Being fundamentally opposed and all that wonderful stuff. It really shouldn't matter in the least, because they are not direct competitors at all, but I somehow doubt that will be the case. While I know my time at WCTS is most definitely numbered, I'd rather not go out in this manner.
One more thing- I'm guessing it's some kind of omen how freakingly close the KQ studios are to Marantha's frat house. I'm not sure what kind of omen it is, but it's an omen.
I wonder if the Omen was a good movie...
Aug 13, 2006
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