The posting of links does not constitute an endorsement of the sites linked, and not necessarily even agreement with the specific posts linked.
*An Alternative Society -- "...what’s going on in the wider world is often not all that encouraging."
* Craig Hicks, Chapel Hill Shooting Suspect, Reportedly Shared Atheist Beliefs On Facebook -- "According to the Facebook page, Hicks appears to be a fan of Thomas Paine’s The Age of Reason and Richard Dawkins’ The God Delusion."
* InterVarsity Victory in Sex Discrimination Case Is Good News for All Parachurch Ministries -- "...the historical practice has always been that the government cannot dictate to a religious organization who its spiritual leaders would be."
*Jesus’ Miracles in Mark and God’s Compassion and Comfort -- "These reactions demonstrate Mark’s presentation of Jesus as the one sent by God to act for God."
* New details emerge about Chapel Hill shooter's conflicts with neighbors -- "Hicks, charged with shooting dead three Muslim students, is described by neighbors as angry and confrontational."
*Pornography: How It Works and How to Reverse Its Effects (Part 1 of 2) -- "Biblically, lusting after another person is sin in and of itself (Matt 5:28)."
*Red lights -- "It occurred to me that many might be served if we offered warning-signs of (at worst) false or (at best) unreliable teachers."
* Student reprimanded for saying “God Bless America” -- "Principal Natasha Drake...explained that once the student delivered the morning announcements, the student became a representative of the government and therefore invoking God to bless our fruited plain became a no-no."
*Super Bowl Idolatry -- "The NFL is, in a real sense, our civic religion. It has Sunday worship services, mid-week Thursday celebrations, patron saints (Hall of Famers), and a liturgical calendar that begins with the NFL draft (in April) and ends with the Super Bowl (in February)."
*The Disciple’s Napkin – 4 Ways to Serve -- "Every disciple should be regularly and faithfully participating in corporate worship in a local church."
*Why church? -- "I remember when most people described themselves as “Christian”, even though that meant “confused theist” at best."
* The Girl in the Tuxedo: Two Variations on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity -- "How grateful I am that the photograph is from 1985, not 2015."
*Why should we study the history of Christian worship? -- "What significance is the history of Christian worship for how worship takes place in our churches today?"
*Wise Men -- "The conduct of the wise men is a splendid example of spiritual diligence."
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Georgia Baptist Inconsistency?
The representatives of the Georgia (Southern) Baptist Convention have an interesting quandary, in my opinion. They probably don't see it. In one case they support a member of a GBC church who was fired, ostensibly for violating the city of Atlanta's "chain of command" or reporting process. In another case they do not support a member of a GBC church who was fired, ostensibly for violating their own Brewton-Parker College's chain of command or reporting process. In the first case, the GBC organized a rally at the Georgia State Capitol to stand for the religious rights of the person fired, Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran. The GBC contends that Cochran was actually fired for expressing his beliefs in a self-published book about biblical sexuality. In the second case, the GBC has been quiet on and done nothing about the firing of Brewton-Parker College Vice-President C. B. Scott, who very well can also be represented as being fired for expressing his beliefs.
It's hard to get the truth from way over here -- and especially when it is one person's story against another. But it sure looks like the GBC has a problem deciding when to support a person for expressing his beliefs -- and when to fire him. Maybe they ought to take a closer look.
Consistency, thou art a jewel.
It's hard to get the truth from way over here -- and especially when it is one person's story against another. But it sure looks like the GBC has a problem deciding when to support a person for expressing his beliefs -- and when to fire him. Maybe they ought to take a closer look.
Consistency, thou art a jewel.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Thy Word is like a garden
Thy Word is like a garden, Lord, with flowers bright and fair;
And every one who seeks may pluck a lovely cluster there.
Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine; and jewels rich and rare
Are hidden in its mighty depths for every searcher there.
Thy Word is like a starry host: a thousand rays of light
Are seen to guide the traveler and make his pathway bright.
Thy Word is like an armory, where soldiers may repair;
And find, for life’s long battle day, all needful weapons there.
O may I love Thy precious Word, may I explore the mine,
May I its fragrant flowers glean, may light upon me shine!
O may I find my armor there! Thy Word my trusty sword,
I’ll learn to fight with every foe the battle of the Lord.
By Edwin Hodder, 1863
And every one who seeks may pluck a lovely cluster there.
Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine; and jewels rich and rare
Are hidden in its mighty depths for every searcher there.
Thy Word is like a starry host: a thousand rays of light
Are seen to guide the traveler and make his pathway bright.
Thy Word is like an armory, where soldiers may repair;
And find, for life’s long battle day, all needful weapons there.
O may I love Thy precious Word, may I explore the mine,
May I its fragrant flowers glean, may light upon me shine!
O may I find my armor there! Thy Word my trusty sword,
I’ll learn to fight with every foe the battle of the Lord.
By Edwin Hodder, 1863
Friday, February 13, 2015
The best Oyle, and other quotes
The posting of quotes does not constitute agreement with either the quotes or their sources.
"As that Oyle is adjudged the best that hath no tast at all; so that Historian is preferred who hath the least Tangue of partial Reflections." -- Thomas Fuller
"People are sucked right into a message that says, ‘You can build God’s church!’ when Jesus himself said, ‘I will build my church.’" -- Wayne Barber
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." -- Anonymous
"Everything about God must square itself with a God who would rather die for sinners than give them what they deserve." -- Austin Fischer
"The various modes of worship which prevailed in the Roman world were all considered by the people as equally true; by the philosophers as equally false; and by the magistrate as equally useful." -- Gibbon
"All places are places of worship to a Christian." -- Charles Spurgeon
"When you feel the need to share your opinion on everything, especially when it’s critical, your voice becomes like old wallpaper. Everyone is familiar with it, don’t like it and wishes it could be changed." -- copied
"An unwilling mind never wants for an excuse." -- Matthew Henry
"Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well camouflaged." -- Jean Luc Picard
"...Aspiring poets may be common, but accomplished poets are rare. Those gifted souls who paint verbal portraits of sublime themes in memorable verse, captivating thought and energizing affection, are extraordinary blessings to the church of God." -- Michael Gowens, from the Foreword Walking With God: A Collection of Poems by Ralph E. Harris
"We are amusing ourselves to death." -- Neil Postman
"People are sucked right into a message that says, ‘You can build God’s church!’ when Jesus himself said, ‘I will build my church.’" -- Wayne Barber
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." -- Anonymous
"Everything about God must square itself with a God who would rather die for sinners than give them what they deserve." -- Austin Fischer
"The various modes of worship which prevailed in the Roman world were all considered by the people as equally true; by the philosophers as equally false; and by the magistrate as equally useful." -- Gibbon
"All places are places of worship to a Christian." -- Charles Spurgeon
"When you feel the need to share your opinion on everything, especially when it’s critical, your voice becomes like old wallpaper. Everyone is familiar with it, don’t like it and wishes it could be changed." -- copied
"An unwilling mind never wants for an excuse." -- Matthew Henry
"Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well camouflaged." -- Jean Luc Picard
"...Aspiring poets may be common, but accomplished poets are rare. Those gifted souls who paint verbal portraits of sublime themes in memorable verse, captivating thought and energizing affection, are extraordinary blessings to the church of God." -- Michael Gowens, from the Foreword Walking With God: A Collection of Poems by Ralph E. Harris
"We are amusing ourselves to death." -- Neil Postman
Thaptology: Disposition of a Corpse
Disposition of a Corpse
Historically, a number of practices have been used to dispose of (or preserve) the dead, including mummification and exposure to the elements (and animals). The most common methods of disposition in our society are burial (interment, inhumation), burning (cremation), and donation of a body to medical science (which usually eventually concludes in cremation). Related to burial (which is usually underground) are also storage in an above-ground tomb or mausoleum (immurement) and burial at sea.
Burial is the common, dominant and preferred method of disposal of the dead recorded in the Bible. There is a consistent thread of preference for burial among God's people. God Himself buried Moses (Deuteronomy 34:5-6, 8) and in His determinate counsel chose burial for His Son Jesus (Isa. 53:9; John 19:40). Burial was performed by the early disciples for their own members. See Acts 5:6-10 and Acts 8:2. The great initiatory ordinance of baptism incorporates the allegory of a burial. (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). The “sleep” analogy/metaphor is used several times in the New Testament writing to refer to death (Matt. 9:24; Mark 5:39; Luke 8:52; John 11:11; 1 Cor. 11:30; 15:6, 18, 20, 51; 2 Cor. 5:6-8; 1 Thess. 4:13-16). Sleep and burning are incongruous acts, while one laid out for burial assumes a position reminiscent of sleep. These are some reasons for the Christian to prefer burial over cremation, exposure or some other form of disposal.
“Let the dead bury their dead” is not primarily a burial text. It is about the primacy of the claims of Christ on the believer over the claims of culture, tradition and family (Matthew 8:22; Luke 9:60). Yet it yields a measure of truth regarding the subject. Through it we understand that burial is a physical and temporal benefit, rather than a spiritual exercise. A fine burial may hide a wasted life, while lack of physical care for a body may accompany a treasured soul (Cf. Luke 16:22).
The believer will receive a glorified body (1 Cor. 15:42-49; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Job 19:25-26). Whether the body is buried, burned or consumed by animals will not prevent God's power in resurrection. I am presently unwilling to relegate cremation to the category of sin against God – as something inherently evil. But a biblical thaptology prefers burial above cremation. The main impetus toward cremation is practical – particularly that of cost. Cremation is much less expensive than burial. This is a true concern for many. Yet burials can be made much less expensive than they often are. Guilt and grief (and sometimes greed) can be driving forces in excessive costs for funerals. Expense as a sign of devotion for a loved one is not totally without reason, though, as Jesus indicates when he rebukes Judas for complaining about the waste of ointment to anoint Jesus (Mark 14:4-9). There is nothing in the Bible to commend cremation to God's people as a method of end of life disposal. When tucked away in a mortuary basement, cremation seems quite civilized. But to behold it as the last view of a loved one, most would be repulsed.
Christian apologist Marcus Minucius Felix, writing perhaps as early as AD 160, says, “Nor, as you believe, do we fear any loss from sepulture, but we adopt the ancient and better custom of burying in the earth. See, therefore, how for our consolation all nature suggests a future resurrection. The sun sinks down and arises, the stars pass away and return, the flowers die and revive again, after their win-try decay the shrubs resume their leaves, seeds do not flourish again. unless they are rotted: thus the body in the sepulchre is like the trees which in winter hide their verdure with a deceptive dryness.”
In 374 or 375 AD Jerome wrote an account of Paulus the Hermit. Paulus died AD 341, of which Jerome wrote, "Then having wrapped up the body and carried it forth, all the while chanting hymns and psalms according to the Christian tradition." Like Minucius Felix, Jerome's account indicates burial as the practice of early post-apostolic Christians. Further he recites a funeral procession that includes singing or chanting.
We may not be bound by these customs – but how much better to bind ourselves to our forefathers in the faith than the customs of an increasingly ungodly society?
Historically, a number of practices have been used to dispose of (or preserve) the dead, including mummification and exposure to the elements (and animals). The most common methods of disposition in our society are burial (interment, inhumation), burning (cremation), and donation of a body to medical science (which usually eventually concludes in cremation). Related to burial (which is usually underground) are also storage in an above-ground tomb or mausoleum (immurement) and burial at sea.
Burial is the common, dominant and preferred method of disposal of the dead recorded in the Bible. There is a consistent thread of preference for burial among God's people. God Himself buried Moses (Deuteronomy 34:5-6, 8) and in His determinate counsel chose burial for His Son Jesus (Isa. 53:9; John 19:40). Burial was performed by the early disciples for their own members. See Acts 5:6-10 and Acts 8:2. The great initiatory ordinance of baptism incorporates the allegory of a burial. (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). The “sleep” analogy/metaphor is used several times in the New Testament writing to refer to death (Matt. 9:24; Mark 5:39; Luke 8:52; John 11:11; 1 Cor. 11:30; 15:6, 18, 20, 51; 2 Cor. 5:6-8; 1 Thess. 4:13-16). Sleep and burning are incongruous acts, while one laid out for burial assumes a position reminiscent of sleep. These are some reasons for the Christian to prefer burial over cremation, exposure or some other form of disposal.
“Let the dead bury their dead” is not primarily a burial text. It is about the primacy of the claims of Christ on the believer over the claims of culture, tradition and family (Matthew 8:22; Luke 9:60). Yet it yields a measure of truth regarding the subject. Through it we understand that burial is a physical and temporal benefit, rather than a spiritual exercise. A fine burial may hide a wasted life, while lack of physical care for a body may accompany a treasured soul (Cf. Luke 16:22).
The believer will receive a glorified body (1 Cor. 15:42-49; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Job 19:25-26). Whether the body is buried, burned or consumed by animals will not prevent God's power in resurrection. I am presently unwilling to relegate cremation to the category of sin against God – as something inherently evil. But a biblical thaptology prefers burial above cremation. The main impetus toward cremation is practical – particularly that of cost. Cremation is much less expensive than burial. This is a true concern for many. Yet burials can be made much less expensive than they often are. Guilt and grief (and sometimes greed) can be driving forces in excessive costs for funerals. Expense as a sign of devotion for a loved one is not totally without reason, though, as Jesus indicates when he rebukes Judas for complaining about the waste of ointment to anoint Jesus (Mark 14:4-9). There is nothing in the Bible to commend cremation to God's people as a method of end of life disposal. When tucked away in a mortuary basement, cremation seems quite civilized. But to behold it as the last view of a loved one, most would be repulsed.
Christian apologist Marcus Minucius Felix, writing perhaps as early as AD 160, says, “Nor, as you believe, do we fear any loss from sepulture, but we adopt the ancient and better custom of burying in the earth. See, therefore, how for our consolation all nature suggests a future resurrection. The sun sinks down and arises, the stars pass away and return, the flowers die and revive again, after their win-try decay the shrubs resume their leaves, seeds do not flourish again. unless they are rotted: thus the body in the sepulchre is like the trees which in winter hide their verdure with a deceptive dryness.”
In 374 or 375 AD Jerome wrote an account of Paulus the Hermit. Paulus died AD 341, of which Jerome wrote, "Then having wrapped up the body and carried it forth, all the while chanting hymns and psalms according to the Christian tradition." Like Minucius Felix, Jerome's account indicates burial as the practice of early post-apostolic Christians. Further he recites a funeral procession that includes singing or chanting.
We may not be bound by these customs – but how much better to bind ourselves to our forefathers in the faith than the customs of an increasingly ungodly society?
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Free speech quotes
The posting of quotes by human authors does not constitute agreement with either the quotes or their sources.
"Error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it." -- Thomas Jefferson, Inaugural Address.
"Though all the winds of doctrine were let loose to play upon the earth, so Truth be in the field, we do injuriously, by licensing and prohibiting, to misdoubt her strength. Let her and Falsehood grapple; who ever knew Truth put to the worse, in a free and open encounter?" -- John Milton
"A man may be a heretic in the truth, and if he believe things only because his pastor says so, or the assembly so determines, without knowing other reason, though his belief be true, yet the very truth he holds becomes his heresy." -- John Milton
"Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties." -- John Milton
"It is not possible for man to sever the wheat from the tares, the good fish from the other fry; that must be the Angels' ministry at the end of mortal things. Yet if all cannot be of one mind — as who looks they should be? — this doubtless is more wholesome, more prudent, and more Christian, that many be tolerated, rather than all compelled." -- John Milton
"If there is any principle of the Constitution that more imperatively calls for attachment than any other, it is the principle of free thought—not free thought for those who agree with us but freedom for the thought that we hate." -- Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. in United States v. Schwimmer.
"People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use." -- Soren Kierkegaard
"Freedom of speech means freedom for those who you despise, and freedom to express the most despicable views. It also means that the government cannot pick and choose which expressions to authorize and which to prevent." -- Alan Dershowitz
"It is easy to believe in freedom of speech for those with whom we agree." -- Leo McKern
"I have the right to write whatever I want. And it's equaled by another right just as powerful: the right not to read it. Freedom of speech includes the freedom to offend people." -- Brad Thor
"Error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it." -- Thomas Jefferson, Inaugural Address.
"Though all the winds of doctrine were let loose to play upon the earth, so Truth be in the field, we do injuriously, by licensing and prohibiting, to misdoubt her strength. Let her and Falsehood grapple; who ever knew Truth put to the worse, in a free and open encounter?" -- John Milton
"A man may be a heretic in the truth, and if he believe things only because his pastor says so, or the assembly so determines, without knowing other reason, though his belief be true, yet the very truth he holds becomes his heresy." -- John Milton
"Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties." -- John Milton
"It is not possible for man to sever the wheat from the tares, the good fish from the other fry; that must be the Angels' ministry at the end of mortal things. Yet if all cannot be of one mind — as who looks they should be? — this doubtless is more wholesome, more prudent, and more Christian, that many be tolerated, rather than all compelled." -- John Milton
"If there is any principle of the Constitution that more imperatively calls for attachment than any other, it is the principle of free thought—not free thought for those who agree with us but freedom for the thought that we hate." -- Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. in United States v. Schwimmer.
"People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use." -- Soren Kierkegaard
"Freedom of speech means freedom for those who you despise, and freedom to express the most despicable views. It also means that the government cannot pick and choose which expressions to authorize and which to prevent." -- Alan Dershowitz
"It is easy to believe in freedom of speech for those with whom we agree." -- Leo McKern
"I have the right to write whatever I want. And it's equaled by another right just as powerful: the right not to read it. Freedom of speech includes the freedom to offend people." -- Brad Thor
Thaptology: Services for the Dead
Services for the Dead
A Christian response to death includes mourning. For all “there is a time to weep (Eccl. 3:4).” We are to “weep with them who weep (Rom. 12:15).” But a Christian response should be noticeably different from a non-Christian response. We are enjoined by Paul not to sorrow “as others which have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13).”
The services for the dead in our society vary with religious tradition, or whether the person was religious at all. They may consist of funerals (services conducted prior to the final disposition of the corpse) or memorials (services conducted in memory of the deceased without the remains being present). A Roman Catholic service is much different from a Baptist one, while an atheist’s funeral or memorial will be without religious display. A common thread might be the listing of the decedent’s survivors, eulogy and a committal. Curiously, religious families often want “religious” services for their irreligious departed. Fine eulogies may be dishonest, or tend to immortalize (overly glorify) a person.
Due to the strong Christian background and tradition in the United States, pastors and churches are seen by many as indispensable to funeral services – the responsibility of pastors to conduct the service and the church to host it. Rather than the “home to grave” services typical of Bible times, a modern scenario is more likely from hospital to mortuary to church facility to cemetery. A lengthier time is likely to pass as well, possibly three or four days from death to burial and even longer in some cases. During this time the church and pastors may join with the family in mourning, including some type of visitation or wake. During this time pastors minister to survivor and help mourners confront death. In the funeral service itself they may give thanks for the life of this person and preach a biblically-themed message. At the gravesite the theme is usually that of celebrating Christ's victory over death.
According to Encyclopaedia Brittanica, "Christian funerary ritual reached its fullest development in medieval Catholicism and was closely related to doctrinal belief, especially that concerning purgatory...Changes in these rites, including the use of white vestments and the recitation of prayers emphasizing the notions of hope and joy, were introduced into the Catholic liturgy only following the second Vatican Council (1962–65)."
Christians should consider the background and growth of funerary practices – even the “Christian” funeral tradition. The traditions should be exposed and rigorously tested by the plumb line of God’s Word. That which is agreeable should be saved and savored. That which is contradictory should be marked and avoided.
A Christian response to death includes mourning. For all “there is a time to weep (Eccl. 3:4).” We are to “weep with them who weep (Rom. 12:15).” But a Christian response should be noticeably different from a non-Christian response. We are enjoined by Paul not to sorrow “as others which have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13).”
The services for the dead in our society vary with religious tradition, or whether the person was religious at all. They may consist of funerals (services conducted prior to the final disposition of the corpse) or memorials (services conducted in memory of the deceased without the remains being present). A Roman Catholic service is much different from a Baptist one, while an atheist’s funeral or memorial will be without religious display. A common thread might be the listing of the decedent’s survivors, eulogy and a committal. Curiously, religious families often want “religious” services for their irreligious departed. Fine eulogies may be dishonest, or tend to immortalize (overly glorify) a person.
Due to the strong Christian background and tradition in the United States, pastors and churches are seen by many as indispensable to funeral services – the responsibility of pastors to conduct the service and the church to host it. Rather than the “home to grave” services typical of Bible times, a modern scenario is more likely from hospital to mortuary to church facility to cemetery. A lengthier time is likely to pass as well, possibly three or four days from death to burial and even longer in some cases. During this time the church and pastors may join with the family in mourning, including some type of visitation or wake. During this time pastors minister to survivor and help mourners confront death. In the funeral service itself they may give thanks for the life of this person and preach a biblically-themed message. At the gravesite the theme is usually that of celebrating Christ's victory over death.
According to Encyclopaedia Brittanica, "Christian funerary ritual reached its fullest development in medieval Catholicism and was closely related to doctrinal belief, especially that concerning purgatory...Changes in these rites, including the use of white vestments and the recitation of prayers emphasizing the notions of hope and joy, were introduced into the Catholic liturgy only following the second Vatican Council (1962–65)."
Christians should consider the background and growth of funerary practices – even the “Christian” funeral tradition. The traditions should be exposed and rigorously tested by the plumb line of God’s Word. That which is agreeable should be saved and savored. That which is contradictory should be marked and avoided.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Natural law and other book reviews
The posting of book reviews does not constitute endorsement of the books or book reviews that are linked.
* Paradox and Perseverance: Hanserd Knollys, Particular Baptist Pioneer in Seventeenth-Century England -- "Dennis Bustin has done all students of Baptist history and theology a great service with his work on Hanserd Knollys."
* Rediscovering the Natural Law in Reformed Theological Ethics -- "Calvin, Peter Martyr Vermigli, Johannes Althusius and others accepted and made positive use of the natural law tradition."
* Review of God’s Rascal: J. Frank Norris and the Beginnings of Southern Fundamentalism -- "Should this volume be on the list of the one hundred books you intend to read this year? If you are interested in Texas Baptist history, it needs to be in the top five."
* Review of Work Matters: Lessons from Scripture -- "Of the four books on the subject of “work” I have read in the last eight months, R. Paul Stevens, Work Matters, is on the top of my list."
* Review: Virginia Broughton: The Life and Writings of a National Baptist Missionary -- "Tomeiko Carter offers access to an influential figure in African American religious history by editing the works of Virginia Broughton."
* Studies in the Pauline Epistles: Essays in Honor of Douglas J. Moo -- "I don’t believe you will regret your investment in this engaging collection of essays."
* The true 'Little House' story makes a splash in US -- "First published in November by the tiny South Dakota Historical Society Press, "Pioneer Girl" depicts an unglossed view of the 19th century Midwest, a marked departure from the bucolic imagery of the "Little House" series."
* Paradox and Perseverance: Hanserd Knollys, Particular Baptist Pioneer in Seventeenth-Century England -- "Dennis Bustin has done all students of Baptist history and theology a great service with his work on Hanserd Knollys."
* Rediscovering the Natural Law in Reformed Theological Ethics -- "Calvin, Peter Martyr Vermigli, Johannes Althusius and others accepted and made positive use of the natural law tradition."
* Review of God’s Rascal: J. Frank Norris and the Beginnings of Southern Fundamentalism -- "Should this volume be on the list of the one hundred books you intend to read this year? If you are interested in Texas Baptist history, it needs to be in the top five."
* Review of Work Matters: Lessons from Scripture -- "Of the four books on the subject of “work” I have read in the last eight months, R. Paul Stevens, Work Matters, is on the top of my list."
* Review: Virginia Broughton: The Life and Writings of a National Baptist Missionary -- "Tomeiko Carter offers access to an influential figure in African American religious history by editing the works of Virginia Broughton."
* Studies in the Pauline Epistles: Essays in Honor of Douglas J. Moo -- "I don’t believe you will regret your investment in this engaging collection of essays."
* The true 'Little House' story makes a splash in US -- "First published in November by the tiny South Dakota Historical Society Press, "Pioneer Girl" depicts an unglossed view of the 19th century Midwest, a marked departure from the bucolic imagery of the "Little House" series."
Thaptology: Biblical history
Biblical history
The first biblical record of a burial is that of Sarah, Abraham's wife, in Genesis chapter 23. There is no reason to assume it is the first ever burial, but it nevertheless is the first biblical account. The law says little about burial. It mainly speaks to avoiding defilement for and by the dead (Num. 19:16, 28; Deut. 14:1-2; 21:22–23). The law prescribed burial for a man executed by crucifixion (Deut. 21:22-23).
Some Bible characters whose burials are mentioned include:
It was the custom of the Jews to bury and burial occurred soon after death, often the same or next day (Deut. 21:23; Acts 5:6,10; 8:2; though there were exceptions, cf. Acts 9:38ff). Preparation of the body for burial included washing (Acts 9:37), as well as the use of spices and wrapping the body (2 Chron. 16:14; John 19:39-40; John 11:44; John 20:7). In two cases of prominent patriarchs – Jacob and Joseph – the Egyptian method of embalming was practiced. No exact form of service can be inferred from the Scriptures, but we can piece together elements of funerary from the biblical record. The body might be laid out for preparation mourning in the house of the deceased (Eccl. 7:2; Acts 9:37). There was private and public mourning and a procession carrying the deceased to the gravesite (2 Sam. 3:31; Luke 7:12). Often associated with mourning were rending the clothes, putting on sackcloth & ashes (2 Sam. 3:31; Jer. 6:26), singing of lamentations (Matt. 9:23; Matt. 11:17) and a funeral meal served after the burial (Jer. 16:5-9; 2 Sam 3:35; Ezek. 24:17). David made a brief address regarding Abner, or perhaps chanted or sung it (2 Sam. 3:33-34). Pagan customs, such as cutting/self-mutilation, were forbidden (Lev 19:28). Tombs were usually located outside of cities (Matt. 27:52-53; Luke 7:12).
Exclusion from the family burying grounds was a sign of disrespect or punishment (1 Kings 13:22). To die without burial was a great indignity (2 Kings 9:10, 34-35; Isaiah 14:20; Jeremiah 22:18-19). Burning a body, or cremation, was only practiced by Israelites under rare circumstances. The men of Jabesh-gilead rescued the mutilated bodies of Saul and his sons from the Philistines and burned them – probably to prevent any future possibility of mutilation (or perhaps because the body had been mutilated). The bones that remained were then buried (1 Samuel 31:11-13; Cf. also 2 Samuel 21:12-14). Burning is mentioned in Amos 6:8-11. God, recorded in Amos 2:1-3, condemns Moab for burning the bones of the king of Edom. Burning of bodies is often seen as a sign of judgment (Josh. 7:25), the greatest of which can be seen in the fate of those whose names are not found written in the Book of Life – Revelation 20:15.
Two great miracles of Jesus were performed at a "funeral" and at a grave. He showed compassion for the grieving and His power over death. The first of these is recorded in Luke 7:11-17. In it we see a would-be burial, preceded by a procession of weeping mourners. The weeping and the burial itself are stopped when Jesus tells the young dead man to arise. The second miracle is found in John 11:1-44, where Jesus commanded Lazarus to come forth out of the grave. In this case we see nothing of the "funeral" since Jesus arrived four days after the dead body of Lazarus had been put in the grave. But some mourning continued after the burial and until Jesus arrived.
The first biblical record of a burial is that of Sarah, Abraham's wife, in Genesis chapter 23. There is no reason to assume it is the first ever burial, but it nevertheless is the first biblical account. The law says little about burial. It mainly speaks to avoiding defilement for and by the dead (Num. 19:16, 28; Deut. 14:1-2; 21:22–23). The law prescribed burial for a man executed by crucifixion (Deut. 21:22-23).
Some Bible characters whose burials are mentioned include:
- Sarah (Gen. 23:1-20)
- Abraham (Gen. 25:8-10)
- Deborah (Gen. 35:8)
- Rachel (Gen. 35:19-20)
- Isaac (Gen. 35:28-29)
- Jacob (Gen. 49:33-50:13)
- Joseph (Gen. 50:25; Exod. 13:19; Josh. 24:32)
- Miriam (Num. 20:1)
- Aaron (Deut. 10:6)
- Moses (Deut. 34:5-8)
- Joshua (Josh. 24:30)
- Eleazar (Josh. 24:33)
- Samuel (1 Sam. 25:1)
- Absalom (2 Sam. 18:17-18)
- David (1 Kings 2:10)
- John the Baptist (Matt. 14:12)
- Lazarus (John 11:17-18)
- Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:5-10)
- Stephen (Acts 8:2)
- Jesus Christ (John 19:38-42)
It was the custom of the Jews to bury and burial occurred soon after death, often the same or next day (Deut. 21:23; Acts 5:6,10; 8:2; though there were exceptions, cf. Acts 9:38ff). Preparation of the body for burial included washing (Acts 9:37), as well as the use of spices and wrapping the body (2 Chron. 16:14; John 19:39-40; John 11:44; John 20:7). In two cases of prominent patriarchs – Jacob and Joseph – the Egyptian method of embalming was practiced. No exact form of service can be inferred from the Scriptures, but we can piece together elements of funerary from the biblical record. The body might be laid out for preparation mourning in the house of the deceased (Eccl. 7:2; Acts 9:37). There was private and public mourning and a procession carrying the deceased to the gravesite (2 Sam. 3:31; Luke 7:12). Often associated with mourning were rending the clothes, putting on sackcloth & ashes (2 Sam. 3:31; Jer. 6:26), singing of lamentations (Matt. 9:23; Matt. 11:17) and a funeral meal served after the burial (Jer. 16:5-9; 2 Sam 3:35; Ezek. 24:17). David made a brief address regarding Abner, or perhaps chanted or sung it (2 Sam. 3:33-34). Pagan customs, such as cutting/self-mutilation, were forbidden (Lev 19:28). Tombs were usually located outside of cities (Matt. 27:52-53; Luke 7:12).
Exclusion from the family burying grounds was a sign of disrespect or punishment (1 Kings 13:22). To die without burial was a great indignity (2 Kings 9:10, 34-35; Isaiah 14:20; Jeremiah 22:18-19). Burning a body, or cremation, was only practiced by Israelites under rare circumstances. The men of Jabesh-gilead rescued the mutilated bodies of Saul and his sons from the Philistines and burned them – probably to prevent any future possibility of mutilation (or perhaps because the body had been mutilated). The bones that remained were then buried (1 Samuel 31:11-13; Cf. also 2 Samuel 21:12-14). Burning is mentioned in Amos 6:8-11. God, recorded in Amos 2:1-3, condemns Moab for burning the bones of the king of Edom. Burning of bodies is often seen as a sign of judgment (Josh. 7:25), the greatest of which can be seen in the fate of those whose names are not found written in the Book of Life – Revelation 20:15.
Two great miracles of Jesus were performed at a "funeral" and at a grave. He showed compassion for the grieving and His power over death. The first of these is recorded in Luke 7:11-17. In it we see a would-be burial, preceded by a procession of weeping mourners. The weeping and the burial itself are stopped when Jesus tells the young dead man to arise. The second miracle is found in John 11:1-44, where Jesus commanded Lazarus to come forth out of the grave. In this case we see nothing of the "funeral" since Jesus arrived four days after the dead body of Lazarus had been put in the grave. But some mourning continued after the burial and until Jesus arrived.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Church an enterprise, and other quotes
The posting of quotes does not constitute agreement with either the quotes or their sources.
"The human race in the course of time has taken the liberty of softening and softening Christianity until at last we have contrived to make it exactly the opposite of what it is in the New Testament." -- Soren Kierkegaard
"A fanatic is someone who cannot change his mind and will not change the subject." -- Winston Churchill
"Most of us spend the first six days of the week sowing wild oats, then we go to church on Sunday and pray for a crop failure." -- Fred Allen
"It's a pretty thin pancake that only has one side." -- Adrian Rogers
"Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair." -- G.K. Chesterton
"A Christian man is never long at ease. When one fright's gone, another doth him seize." -- John Bunyan
"I fear that we have sacrificed a generation to the wilderness of our own making." -- Bucky Kennedy
"The 'Good News' is not DO, but DONE!" -- Mikal Smith
"In the beginning church was a fellowship of men and women centering on the living Christ. Then the church moved to Greece, where it became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome, where it became an institution. Next, it moved to Europe, where it became a culture. And finally, it moved to America, where it became an enterprise." -- Attributed to Richard C. Halverson
"The human race in the course of time has taken the liberty of softening and softening Christianity until at last we have contrived to make it exactly the opposite of what it is in the New Testament." -- Soren Kierkegaard
"A fanatic is someone who cannot change his mind and will not change the subject." -- Winston Churchill
"Most of us spend the first six days of the week sowing wild oats, then we go to church on Sunday and pray for a crop failure." -- Fred Allen
"It's a pretty thin pancake that only has one side." -- Adrian Rogers
"Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair." -- G.K. Chesterton
"A Christian man is never long at ease. When one fright's gone, another doth him seize." -- John Bunyan
"I fear that we have sacrificed a generation to the wilderness of our own making." -- Bucky Kennedy
"The 'Good News' is not DO, but DONE!" -- Mikal Smith
"In the beginning church was a fellowship of men and women centering on the living Christ. Then the church moved to Greece, where it became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome, where it became an institution. Next, it moved to Europe, where it became a culture. And finally, it moved to America, where it became an enterprise." -- Attributed to Richard C. Halverson
"Thaptology," a theology of funeralizing
Thaptology: Toward a Christian Theology of the Disposition of the Dead
I have long had a peculiar interest in dead people, cemeteries and burying. I could say that I was born that way, but more likely it is a result of education and environment. Dead people of history are precursors who explain something about who and why we are. Our ancestors speak directly to us. Cemeteries combine unique geographical spots with common and unique stones and epitaphs to further speak to us. No surprise that I should be interested in old customs associated with burying. My maternal grandfather was the community coffin maker, and my mother played with the off-cuttings of the upholstery used to line these boxes. I hope to combine this peculiar interest with my interest in the Bible and its teachings for a study of funerals and burial. Moral discussions of the disposition of the dead have been largely missing in evangelical Christianity until recently – probably because of the vast preponderance for burial among Christians. And even recent discussions only consider the moral ethic of burial versus cremation. In pre-post Christian America we are arriving at a cultural impasse between Christians and the unchurched on how funerals ought to be conducted, and how one group should respond to the needs of the other. What does the Bible teach that would guide us in this area?
I propose to consider what the Bible says and does not say about conducting funerals, burying the dead, eulogizing the dead, and using church buildings for funeral services. Does the Bible say anything directly? There is much description, but little prescription. Are there implications from foundational truths? Bible doctrines that inform our views toward the human corpse are the dignity of the human body and the future bodily resurrection. How should the churches proceed?
Many sites purporting to relate funeral history contain a statement that “Funeral rites are as old as the human race itself.” Most of what takes place at U.S. Christian funerals and burying is based on law and tradition. The law mostly relates to the disposal of the body, while tradition guides in what kind of services are conducted. For example, Texas law speaks to matters of determining death, embalming and where a person may be buried, and local zoning laws may also affect where a person can be buried. Interestingly, in Texas, "A relative, bona fide friend, or representative of an organization to which the deceased belonged may claim the body for burial" [Texas Health & Safety Code § 691.024. (b)] (i.e., a home or church conducted funeral is allowable, provided other requirements are met).
Christians are biblically exhorted to obey the law, assuming it does not require obedience to man over God. Traditions may or may not be good. We should expose our practices to the light of God’s Word for guidance and let that Word be the final arbiter of what we practice.
As we begin to look into God’s Word, it becomes painfully obvious that there is neither a “Thou shalt conduct funerals this way” nor a “Thou shalt not conduct funerals this way” command within the lids of the book. Accordingly, choices that Christians make are quite often based on traditional and pragmatic reasons – such as cost and transportation – with little concern for what may or may not be scriptural. What is the cheapest or easiest option isn't necessarily the path that follows scripture and glorifies God. To begin our journey, let’s consider some of the biblical records of the events surrounding death and the disposal of the dead body.
More to come, Lord willing.
Thaptology, Part 2
Thaptology, Part 3
Thaptology, Part 4
Thaptology, Part 5
Thaptology, Part 6
Thaptology, Part 7
I have long had a peculiar interest in dead people, cemeteries and burying. I could say that I was born that way, but more likely it is a result of education and environment. Dead people of history are precursors who explain something about who and why we are. Our ancestors speak directly to us. Cemeteries combine unique geographical spots with common and unique stones and epitaphs to further speak to us. No surprise that I should be interested in old customs associated with burying. My maternal grandfather was the community coffin maker, and my mother played with the off-cuttings of the upholstery used to line these boxes. I hope to combine this peculiar interest with my interest in the Bible and its teachings for a study of funerals and burial. Moral discussions of the disposition of the dead have been largely missing in evangelical Christianity until recently – probably because of the vast preponderance for burial among Christians. And even recent discussions only consider the moral ethic of burial versus cremation. In pre-post Christian America we are arriving at a cultural impasse between Christians and the unchurched on how funerals ought to be conducted, and how one group should respond to the needs of the other. What does the Bible teach that would guide us in this area?
I propose to consider what the Bible says and does not say about conducting funerals, burying the dead, eulogizing the dead, and using church buildings for funeral services. Does the Bible say anything directly? There is much description, but little prescription. Are there implications from foundational truths? Bible doctrines that inform our views toward the human corpse are the dignity of the human body and the future bodily resurrection. How should the churches proceed?
Many sites purporting to relate funeral history contain a statement that “Funeral rites are as old as the human race itself.” Most of what takes place at U.S. Christian funerals and burying is based on law and tradition. The law mostly relates to the disposal of the body, while tradition guides in what kind of services are conducted. For example, Texas law speaks to matters of determining death, embalming and where a person may be buried, and local zoning laws may also affect where a person can be buried. Interestingly, in Texas, "A relative, bona fide friend, or representative of an organization to which the deceased belonged may claim the body for burial" [Texas Health & Safety Code § 691.024. (b)] (i.e., a home or church conducted funeral is allowable, provided other requirements are met).
Christians are biblically exhorted to obey the law, assuming it does not require obedience to man over God. Traditions may or may not be good. We should expose our practices to the light of God’s Word for guidance and let that Word be the final arbiter of what we practice.
As we begin to look into God’s Word, it becomes painfully obvious that there is neither a “Thou shalt conduct funerals this way” nor a “Thou shalt not conduct funerals this way” command within the lids of the book. Accordingly, choices that Christians make are quite often based on traditional and pragmatic reasons – such as cost and transportation – with little concern for what may or may not be scriptural. What is the cheapest or easiest option isn't necessarily the path that follows scripture and glorifies God. To begin our journey, let’s consider some of the biblical records of the events surrounding death and the disposal of the dead body.
"Thaptology" is a word coined to stand for the study of burial and funeral rites, particularly from the Bible perspective. It comes from the combination of θάπτω + λογία [thaptó, to bury, inter; to celebrate funeral rites + ology, the study of. Forms of thaptó are found 11 times in the New Testament (Matthew - 3; Luke - 3; Acts - 4; 1 Corinthians - 1)]
More to come, Lord willing.
Monday, February 09, 2015
Giant gap, and other links
The posting of links does not constitute an endorsement of the sites linked, and not necessarily even agreement with the specific posts linked.
* Alabama Judge Defies Gay Marriage Law -- "...Chief Justice Roy S. Moore of the Alabama Supreme Court on Sunday night ordered the state’s probate judges not to issue marriage licenses to gay couples on Monday..."
* Bakery risks large fine for anti-gay discrimination -- "The owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa bakery will have to pay the couple up to $150,000, BOLI spokesman Charlie Burr said. The exact amount will be determined at a hearing on March 10."
* Breaking the Silence: Redefining Marriage Hurts Women Like Me - and Our Children -- "My husband had left us for his gay lover. They make more money than I do. There are two of them and only one of me. Even so, the judge believed that they were the victims."
* Christian Funerals: Going to be with God -- "The Christian church has lost its way concerning funerals."
* Every State in the USA, Ranked by Its Fast Food -- "The founder of Whataburger wanted to make a burger that required both hands and would have customers screaming “What a burger!” after the first bite."
* Has God Really Commanded That Pastors Be Paid? -- "Has God really ordained or commanded that pastors be paid, let alone receive a regular on-going salary?"
* I’m a gay rights activist. I want to give $150,000 to someone who opposes gay marriage. -- "As a gay man, I should hate Melissa and Aaron Klein."
* Is a Georgia Baptist College Covering Up Racism? -- "Biblically speaking, how did BPC trustees dismiss the testimony of three witnesses?"
* Is Your Job Your Calling? -- "...the primary sense of the word “calling” in the New Testament is our call to salvation."
* Non-believers should not receive Christian funeral says minister -- "Why should the state not provide the means by which funerals can be conducted without benefit of religion also? My suspicion is that it would be welcomed by many who are all too aware of what is at best inappropriate and at worst hypocritical in their appearing to assent to convictions they do not share and a faith they do not believe."
* Poll shows giant gap between what public, scientists think -- "In eight of 13 science-oriented issues, there was a 20-percentage-point or higher gap separating the opinions of the public and members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science..."
* Rev. Graham: ‘Who Says We Can’t Be in Politics? The Gays and Lesbians Are in Politics,’ ‘The Anti-God People Are' -- "Get involved in politics. Who says we can’t be in politics?"
* Texas Man Arrested After Attempt To Pay Taxes With Dollar Bills -- "Norris had allegedly folded each bill so tightly that it 'required tax office personnel approximately six minutes to unfold each bill.'"
* What Your Poo Says About You -- "The frequency of your bowel movements can say a lot about your health."
* Alabama Judge Defies Gay Marriage Law -- "...Chief Justice Roy S. Moore of the Alabama Supreme Court on Sunday night ordered the state’s probate judges not to issue marriage licenses to gay couples on Monday..."
* Bakery risks large fine for anti-gay discrimination -- "The owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa bakery will have to pay the couple up to $150,000, BOLI spokesman Charlie Burr said. The exact amount will be determined at a hearing on March 10."
* Breaking the Silence: Redefining Marriage Hurts Women Like Me - and Our Children -- "My husband had left us for his gay lover. They make more money than I do. There are two of them and only one of me. Even so, the judge believed that they were the victims."
* Christian Funerals: Going to be with God -- "The Christian church has lost its way concerning funerals."
* Every State in the USA, Ranked by Its Fast Food -- "The founder of Whataburger wanted to make a burger that required both hands and would have customers screaming “What a burger!” after the first bite."
* Has God Really Commanded That Pastors Be Paid? -- "Has God really ordained or commanded that pastors be paid, let alone receive a regular on-going salary?"
* I’m a gay rights activist. I want to give $150,000 to someone who opposes gay marriage. -- "As a gay man, I should hate Melissa and Aaron Klein."
* Is a Georgia Baptist College Covering Up Racism? -- "Biblically speaking, how did BPC trustees dismiss the testimony of three witnesses?"
* Is Your Job Your Calling? -- "...the primary sense of the word “calling” in the New Testament is our call to salvation."
* Non-believers should not receive Christian funeral says minister -- "Why should the state not provide the means by which funerals can be conducted without benefit of religion also? My suspicion is that it would be welcomed by many who are all too aware of what is at best inappropriate and at worst hypocritical in their appearing to assent to convictions they do not share and a faith they do not believe."
* Poll shows giant gap between what public, scientists think -- "In eight of 13 science-oriented issues, there was a 20-percentage-point or higher gap separating the opinions of the public and members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science..."
* Rev. Graham: ‘Who Says We Can’t Be in Politics? The Gays and Lesbians Are in Politics,’ ‘The Anti-God People Are' -- "Get involved in politics. Who says we can’t be in politics?"
* Texas Man Arrested After Attempt To Pay Taxes With Dollar Bills -- "Norris had allegedly folded each bill so tightly that it 'required tax office personnel approximately six minutes to unfold each bill.'"
* What Your Poo Says About You -- "The frequency of your bowel movements can say a lot about your health."
Random thoughts on discrimination
Baking cakes in Oregon
It has been two years since January 2013 when Oregon bakery Sweet Cakes by Melissa refused to bake and decorate a cake for a lesbian wedding. Now an administrative law judge ruled that the owners did discriminate according to Oregon law against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. This paves the way for the Bureau of Labor and Industries in Oregon to be fine them up to $150,000 ($75,000 for each person who filed the complaint).* The Kleins closed their business in Septemeber 2013 and say that the large fine will bankrupt the family.
I find it hard to comprehend the contempt that is so deep that it will go so far as to bankrupt a family to prove a point. Prove a point? Yes, prove a point; teach a lesson, or however you want to describe it. There were any number of bakeries where the couple could (and one where they did) get a cake for their wedding. So they want to prove a point (and perhaps earn a little cash in the process?). Anyway, I don't get the spite. In fact I see it as an evil trait that we all should want to root out of our responses. If I found out that XYZ Bakery didn't want to bake a cake for me, I wouldn't want to force them to bake a cake for me. I wouldn't want them to bake a cake for me. And I wouldn't have a hatred so deep as to want to put them out of business and drive them into bankruptcy. Oh, yes, I have felt that feeling about some things deep down inside. I have burned for revenge at times. But, if my memory doesn't deceive me, I have never acted on it. At least in no large way. By the grace of God I hope never to do so.
Hold the hate; pass the love
An interesting contrast to the couple who filed the complaint is Matt Stolhandske. Stolhandske describes himself as "a gay evangelical Christian." He is a board member of Evangelicals for Marriage Equality, which supports the end cause -- same-sex marriage -- of the two lesbians who complained about Sweet Cakes by Melissa. Though he states, “We strongly disapprove of the Kleins’ discriminatory act towards the women who simply requested a cake for their reception," Stolhandske is trying to raise funds for the Kleins to pay their fine. He says he wants to demonstrate what love looks like in the face of discrimination. Other same-sex marriage supporters apparently do not feel the love that Stolhandske does -- far from its goal of $150,000, to date the rally.org account has received less than $4,500 in donations, according to Yahoo News.
We do discriminate, but when is it alright
I am probably a quirky guy in the whole of thought about the business world anyway; but in my opinion there are instances in which a business owner should have the right to discriminate. For example, if a person is the single owner of a business and is the one investing the money that makes it go, I believe that owner should be able to hire whomever he or she wants to hire, government be damned. If he or she doesn't want to hire the person because that person is homosexual, hetrosexual, Muslim, Christian, white, black, too ugly, too pretty, gave a bad first impression, or even has a beard -- I think that is the way it should be. Well, you say, that is because you've never suffered hiring discrimination. Au contraire. I have been the victim of "religious discrimination" -- not hired for a job because I was a preacher. They didn't tell me that directly, but an insider in the company told me and even wanted me to pursue a claim against them because of it. But I practiced what I preach. If they didn't want to hire me because I was a preacher, I thought that was their business and their right. (And in my own belief I chalk it all up to God's providence.)
Concerning "discrimination" as practiced by Azucar Bakery, Masterpiece Cakeshop and Sweet Cakes, I see two different aspects. As far as a person walking in off the street to buy the regular products of the bakery, all are equal. But when people want to contract for a specific product that engages their ideas and the baker's creativity together the baker should have discretion to provide or not provide the item desired. So if you want a wedding cake for a homosexual wedding or a "God hates Fags" sheet cake, the baker should be able to opt out of using his or her skills in a way that he or she finds offensive. If a couple want a groom's cake shaped like a penis and testicles, should a baker who finds this offensive be allowed to opt out? I believe so. It may be hard to find the consistency, but let's search for it.
Three test cases
A representative of the Ku Klux Klan goes to a black baker and requests a cake for the 100th anniversary of their local chapter. There is no obviously offensive message (of course, it's a white cake with white icing). It just says "100th Anniversary." Should the black baker be able to refuse providing this service?
The pastor of an evangelical church goes to the bakery down the street ran by an atheist. They want several sheet cakes for their "God is Alive" conference. There is no ostensibly offensive message, just "Welcome to the God is Alive Conference." Should the atheist baker be able to refuse providing this service?
The priest of a Catholic Church goes to a bakery run by a baker who was sexually abused by a priest as a child. The church wants a cake decorated with a priest in the middle and children on each side. There is nothing offensive in the message or decoration, but it reminds the baker of his abuse as a child at the hands of a priest. Should this baker be able to refuse providing this service?
* According to USA Today; OregonLive reports up to $200,000. The exact amount of the fine will be determined at a BOLI hearing March 10, 2015.
It has been two years since January 2013 when Oregon bakery Sweet Cakes by Melissa refused to bake and decorate a cake for a lesbian wedding. Now an administrative law judge ruled that the owners did discriminate according to Oregon law against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. This paves the way for the Bureau of Labor and Industries in Oregon to be fine them up to $150,000 ($75,000 for each person who filed the complaint).* The Kleins closed their business in Septemeber 2013 and say that the large fine will bankrupt the family.
I find it hard to comprehend the contempt that is so deep that it will go so far as to bankrupt a family to prove a point. Prove a point? Yes, prove a point; teach a lesson, or however you want to describe it. There were any number of bakeries where the couple could (and one where they did) get a cake for their wedding. So they want to prove a point (and perhaps earn a little cash in the process?). Anyway, I don't get the spite. In fact I see it as an evil trait that we all should want to root out of our responses. If I found out that XYZ Bakery didn't want to bake a cake for me, I wouldn't want to force them to bake a cake for me. I wouldn't want them to bake a cake for me. And I wouldn't have a hatred so deep as to want to put them out of business and drive them into bankruptcy. Oh, yes, I have felt that feeling about some things deep down inside. I have burned for revenge at times. But, if my memory doesn't deceive me, I have never acted on it. At least in no large way. By the grace of God I hope never to do so.
Hold the hate; pass the love
An interesting contrast to the couple who filed the complaint is Matt Stolhandske. Stolhandske describes himself as "a gay evangelical Christian." He is a board member of Evangelicals for Marriage Equality, which supports the end cause -- same-sex marriage -- of the two lesbians who complained about Sweet Cakes by Melissa. Though he states, “We strongly disapprove of the Kleins’ discriminatory act towards the women who simply requested a cake for their reception," Stolhandske is trying to raise funds for the Kleins to pay their fine. He says he wants to demonstrate what love looks like in the face of discrimination. Other same-sex marriage supporters apparently do not feel the love that Stolhandske does -- far from its goal of $150,000, to date the rally.org account has received less than $4,500 in donations, according to Yahoo News.
We do discriminate, but when is it alright
I am probably a quirky guy in the whole of thought about the business world anyway; but in my opinion there are instances in which a business owner should have the right to discriminate. For example, if a person is the single owner of a business and is the one investing the money that makes it go, I believe that owner should be able to hire whomever he or she wants to hire, government be damned. If he or she doesn't want to hire the person because that person is homosexual, hetrosexual, Muslim, Christian, white, black, too ugly, too pretty, gave a bad first impression, or even has a beard -- I think that is the way it should be. Well, you say, that is because you've never suffered hiring discrimination. Au contraire. I have been the victim of "religious discrimination" -- not hired for a job because I was a preacher. They didn't tell me that directly, but an insider in the company told me and even wanted me to pursue a claim against them because of it. But I practiced what I preach. If they didn't want to hire me because I was a preacher, I thought that was their business and their right. (And in my own belief I chalk it all up to God's providence.)
Concerning "discrimination" as practiced by Azucar Bakery, Masterpiece Cakeshop and Sweet Cakes, I see two different aspects. As far as a person walking in off the street to buy the regular products of the bakery, all are equal. But when people want to contract for a specific product that engages their ideas and the baker's creativity together the baker should have discretion to provide or not provide the item desired. So if you want a wedding cake for a homosexual wedding or a "God hates Fags" sheet cake, the baker should be able to opt out of using his or her skills in a way that he or she finds offensive. If a couple want a groom's cake shaped like a penis and testicles, should a baker who finds this offensive be allowed to opt out? I believe so. It may be hard to find the consistency, but let's search for it.
Three test cases
A representative of the Ku Klux Klan goes to a black baker and requests a cake for the 100th anniversary of their local chapter. There is no obviously offensive message (of course, it's a white cake with white icing). It just says "100th Anniversary." Should the black baker be able to refuse providing this service?
The pastor of an evangelical church goes to the bakery down the street ran by an atheist. They want several sheet cakes for their "God is Alive" conference. There is no ostensibly offensive message, just "Welcome to the God is Alive Conference." Should the atheist baker be able to refuse providing this service?
The priest of a Catholic Church goes to a bakery run by a baker who was sexually abused by a priest as a child. The church wants a cake decorated with a priest in the middle and children on each side. There is nothing offensive in the message or decoration, but it reminds the baker of his abuse as a child at the hands of a priest. Should this baker be able to refuse providing this service?
* According to USA Today; OregonLive reports up to $200,000. The exact amount of the fine will be determined at a BOLI hearing March 10, 2015.
Sunday, February 08, 2015
The Joys of Heaven and other Music links
The posting of links does not constitute an endorsement of the sites linked, and not necessarily even agreement with the specific posts linked.
* Best Global Music Of 2014 -- "Every year, when I put together this list, I see the same question arise: What is world music?"
* Camp Fasola -- "Camp Fasola is a summer camp for immersive learning of Sacred Harp shaped note singing and traditions."
* Choral Public Domain Library -- "Here you will find free choral/vocal scores, texts, translations, and other useful information."
* Gospel Great Andraé Crouch Dead at 72 -- "Andraé's accolades include 7 Grammy Awards, 6 GMA Dove Awards..."
* In A Few Fateful Years, One Record Label Blew Open The Blues -- "The story of Paramount Records is a story of contradictions. It was a record label founded by a furniture company...for Paramount's executives, music was an afterthought."
* Malawi Mouse Boys: Hunting Mice And Singing In Harmony -- "Three years ago, the San Francisco-based producer set up a portable studio to record a group of gospel singers called the Malawi Mouse Boys."
* Prolific Songwriter Rose Marie McCoy Was Largely Unknown -- "Rose was 19 years old when she left her family farm in Arkansas and arrived in New York with $6. Over the next few decades, she wrote hundreds of songs for hundreds of singers."
* Roma Folk Singer Mitsou Sues Beyoncé Over Plagiarism -- "Hungarian folk artist Mitsou released the song 'Bajba, Bajba Pelem' with her band Ando Drom in the ninetees and claims in her lawsuit that Beyoncé illegally appropriated her music for the song 'Drunk in Love'."
* The heresy of worshiptainment -- "It is scarcely possible in most places to get anyone to attend a meeting where the only attraction was God."
* The Joys of Heaven -- "'The Joys of Heaven' started coming to me out of nowhere one day...words and music together...as often happens with my writing. I could tell right away it needed the echoes and all the other hallmarks of a very traditional quartet song."
* Best Global Music Of 2014 -- "Every year, when I put together this list, I see the same question arise: What is world music?"
* Camp Fasola -- "Camp Fasola is a summer camp for immersive learning of Sacred Harp shaped note singing and traditions."
* Choral Public Domain Library -- "Here you will find free choral/vocal scores, texts, translations, and other useful information."
* Gospel Great Andraé Crouch Dead at 72 -- "Andraé's accolades include 7 Grammy Awards, 6 GMA Dove Awards..."
* In A Few Fateful Years, One Record Label Blew Open The Blues -- "The story of Paramount Records is a story of contradictions. It was a record label founded by a furniture company...for Paramount's executives, music was an afterthought."
* Malawi Mouse Boys: Hunting Mice And Singing In Harmony -- "Three years ago, the San Francisco-based producer set up a portable studio to record a group of gospel singers called the Malawi Mouse Boys."
* Prolific Songwriter Rose Marie McCoy Was Largely Unknown -- "Rose was 19 years old when she left her family farm in Arkansas and arrived in New York with $6. Over the next few decades, she wrote hundreds of songs for hundreds of singers."
* Roma Folk Singer Mitsou Sues Beyoncé Over Plagiarism -- "Hungarian folk artist Mitsou released the song 'Bajba, Bajba Pelem' with her band Ando Drom in the ninetees and claims in her lawsuit that Beyoncé illegally appropriated her music for the song 'Drunk in Love'."
* The heresy of worshiptainment -- "It is scarcely possible in most places to get anyone to attend a meeting where the only attraction was God."
* The Joys of Heaven -- "'The Joys of Heaven' started coming to me out of nowhere one day...words and music together...as often happens with my writing. I could tell right away it needed the echoes and all the other hallmarks of a very traditional quartet song."
You have a will
You have a will.
It is real.
God is in charge.
He controls all things.
You won't understand it.
Get over it.
Saturday, February 07, 2015
Shape note songs in other dress
The posting of links does not constitute an endorsement of the sites linked.
* And Am I Born to Die? -- "By Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn (scroll down a bit)"
* And Am I Born to Die? -- "Doc Watson and Gaither Carlton"
* Angel Band -- "Sung by the Stanley Brothers"
* Ecstasy -- "By Crooked Still"
* Glory Bound -- "The Wailin' Jennys at Bethel College in North Newton, KS"
* Lone Pilgrim -- "By Crooked Still"
* Long Time Traveler -- "The Wailin' Jennys at the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse in Berkeley, CA"
* Oh Come, Angel Band -- "By Skeeter Davis"
* Panting for Heaven -- "Jeni and Billy"
* Sweet Prospect (Medley) -- "Sung by Andy Griffith"
* Weeping Pilgrim -- "Natalie Merchant"
Most of the above songs were suggested by Sacred Harp singers on the Fasola Discussions list, discussing other versions of songs that we sing in the shape note community.
* And Am I Born to Die? -- "By Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn (scroll down a bit)"
* And Am I Born to Die? -- "Doc Watson and Gaither Carlton"
* Angel Band -- "Sung by the Stanley Brothers"
* Ecstasy -- "By Crooked Still"
* Glory Bound -- "The Wailin' Jennys at Bethel College in North Newton, KS"
* Lone Pilgrim -- "By Crooked Still"
* Long Time Traveler -- "The Wailin' Jennys at the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse in Berkeley, CA"
* Oh Come, Angel Band -- "By Skeeter Davis"
* Panting for Heaven -- "Jeni and Billy"
* Sweet Prospect (Medley) -- "Sung by Andy Griffith"
* Weeping Pilgrim -- "Natalie Merchant"
Most of the above songs were suggested by Sacred Harp singers on the Fasola Discussions list, discussing other versions of songs that we sing in the shape note community.
Break Fast
This morning I broke my fast at Denny's Restaurant. It was the first time I've eaten at one in years (and years and years). I tried the Grand Slamwich. Perhaps I was half asleep, but I found it surprisingly plain, considering that it combined sausage, bacon, ham, eggs and cheese on potato bread. I think the "maple spice spread" with which it was grilled overpowered all the other flavors. That maple flavor was about the same as McDonalds' McGriddle. The hash browns were also kind of bland and the coffee was adequate. The service was good. It was plenty to fill me up, and looks like I'll be eating the other half for lunch.
Waffle House is my overall breakfast favorite place (other than home), and Mr. Taco in Lockhart, Texas is my favorite specialty location. Mr. Taco and Herschel's Restaurants serve the best coffee -- Douwe Egberts.
Waffle House is my overall breakfast favorite place (other than home), and Mr. Taco in Lockhart, Texas is my favorite specialty location. Mr. Taco and Herschel's Restaurants serve the best coffee -- Douwe Egberts.
Friday, February 06, 2015
Don't Jump
I was walking across a bridge one day. I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. So I ran over and called out, "Stop! don't do it!"
"Why shouldn't I?" he asked.
I said, "Well, there's so much to live for!"
He asked, "Like what?"
I said, "Well...are you religious or atheist?"
"Religious," he replied.
I said, "Me too! Are you Christian or Buddhist?"
He said, "Christian."
I said, "Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?"
He said, "Protestant."
I said, "Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?"
He said, "Baptist!"
I said, "Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?"
He said, "Baptist Church of God!"
I said, "Me too! Are you Original Baptist Church of God, or Reformed Baptist Church of God?"
He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of God!"
I said, 'Me too! Are you Reformation of 1879, or Reformation of 1915?'
He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of God, Reformation of 1915!"
I shouted, "Die, heretic scum!" and pushed him off.
Attributed to Emo Phillips
"Why shouldn't I?" he asked.
I said, "Well, there's so much to live for!"
He asked, "Like what?"
I said, "Well...are you religious or atheist?"
"Religious," he replied.
I said, "Me too! Are you Christian or Buddhist?"
He said, "Christian."
I said, "Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?"
He said, "Protestant."
I said, "Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?"
He said, "Baptist!"
I said, "Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?"
He said, "Baptist Church of God!"
I said, "Me too! Are you Original Baptist Church of God, or Reformed Baptist Church of God?"
He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of God!"
I said, 'Me too! Are you Reformation of 1879, or Reformation of 1915?'
He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of God, Reformation of 1915!"
I shouted, "Die, heretic scum!" and pushed him off.
Attributed to Emo Phillips
Good news for home-based worshippers
* Judge refuses to bar Jewish congregation from worshipping in Dallas home -- "A district judge tossed a lawsuit Wednesday that sought to bar an Orthodox Jewish community from worshipping at a private home in a ruling that could have implications beyond the Far North Dallas neighborhood where the home is located."
The congregation braced its defense with the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. The former aims to shield religious practice from substantial government-imposed burdens, and the latter seeks to protect worshippers from discrimination in zoning laws.
The purpose of [the federal Religious Land Use] law is not to place religion above everything else but to level the playing field, [Detriot lawyer Daniel] Dalton said.
For example, “if we’re not going to allow six cars here [for worship], you can’t allow six cars in a house to watch a football game,” Dalton said.
Thursday, February 05, 2015
Natural law, and other quotes
The posting of quotes by does not constitute agreement with either the quotes or their sources.
"Natural law needs only to be saved from its friends in order to convert its enemies." -- Robert Gordis
"Truth is either all true, or it is false." -- Unknown
"Opinion in good men is but knowledge in the making." -- John Milton
"Maybe those who preach tolerance and diversity might want to consider practicing it, too." -- Todd Starnes
"Careful the things you say, children will listen." -- Stephen Sondheim
"If you’re willing to fight and die for your country, but are not willing to suffer and live (and perhaps die) for Christ, watch out." -- Chad Hall
"The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of." -- Blaise Pascal
"Abortion is not a political issue, it's just an issue that has been politicized". -- Braxton Hunter
"The Lord exalted Mary among women not above women." -- Ralph Dale
"All the letters in the scripture are 'red'. There is a scarlet thread woven throughout the whole of Scripture." -- copied
"You go to war with the Army you have, not the Army you want." -- Donald Rumsfeld
"Intolerance in the name of tolerance is hypocrisy." -- Marco Rubio
"The idea that I should be able to wall off my little segment of Jesus’ church—which He owns, by the way, after paying a pretty high price—in order to make sure that my stylistic preferences are met to my satisfaction is a distinctively American (and distinctively anti-biblical and anti-Christian) conceit." -- Bart Barber
"Natural law needs only to be saved from its friends in order to convert its enemies." -- Robert Gordis
"Truth is either all true, or it is false." -- Unknown
"Opinion in good men is but knowledge in the making." -- John Milton
"Maybe those who preach tolerance and diversity might want to consider practicing it, too." -- Todd Starnes
"Careful the things you say, children will listen." -- Stephen Sondheim
"If you’re willing to fight and die for your country, but are not willing to suffer and live (and perhaps die) for Christ, watch out." -- Chad Hall
"The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of." -- Blaise Pascal
"Abortion is not a political issue, it's just an issue that has been politicized". -- Braxton Hunter
"The Lord exalted Mary among women not above women." -- Ralph Dale
"All the letters in the scripture are 'red'. There is a scarlet thread woven throughout the whole of Scripture." -- copied
"You go to war with the Army you have, not the Army you want." -- Donald Rumsfeld
"Intolerance in the name of tolerance is hypocrisy." -- Marco Rubio
"The idea that I should be able to wall off my little segment of Jesus’ church—which He owns, by the way, after paying a pretty high price—in order to make sure that my stylistic preferences are met to my satisfaction is a distinctively American (and distinctively anti-biblical and anti-Christian) conceit." -- Bart Barber
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