How should we celebrate our patriotism? I hope that it has occurred to you that the Lord is neither a Democrat nor a Republican. In our increasingly polarized way of viewing our nation’s leaders, we tend to climb a soapbox and offer “our two-cents worth.” Unfortunately, our words may only make things worse by further dividing us.
On this weekend when we join millions of other Americans in celebrating our freedoms, let me challenge us all to be better citizens and more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. There are certain things all believers, regardless of political persuasion, should do.
1. Pray for our president and our leaders. (Whether you like him/them or not.) Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority (2 Tim. 2:1-2). Whether or not you like your president or your congressman, your governor or your mayor, you’re challenged to pray for him or her — including giving thanks. Praying for the president has helped me to remember a few things about him: he’s human, he needs our prayers, he’ll stand before God just as I’ll stand before God, and he faces decisions and pressures in life that I will never begin to understand.
2. Speak responsibly. Whoever is the president, we must never sink to using disrespectful or even vulgar terms about him. No president is perfect. Whoever serves as president will make decisions and choices with which I do not agree. But I must still speak responsibly and honor him as the president. Remember, our Christianity will never defined by how much we agree or disagree with the president’s choices. However, I do think a Christian is defined how he expresses his opinion.
My point is that all professing Christians who want to engage in political conversation – or even political debate – need to distinguish themselves by speaking responsibly. We need to behave like Christians. This, then, rules out name-calling, insults, ridicule, mockery, deception, and hate speech.
Even when discussing with those we don’t particularly like and issues we don’t agree upon, we need to be fair. I think it’s possible to discuss (or debate) political or theological topics and remain fair about it. I think it’s possible to discuss (or debate) political or theological topics and still speak respectfully to the other person.
Paul said, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). When we talk politics, let’s do our best to season our words with grace. We can do this by asking, “Am I being fair in my analysis and in my criticism?”
3. Get involved in doing something. In order for America to become like America needs to be, individual Americans will have to make it happen. Government won’t save us, big business won’t suddenly develop a conscience, and Hollywood won’t suddenly adopt traditional family values. Society isn’t about to change for you; you will have to help change society. This happens one person at a time, doing one good work at a time. All of America needs to turn to God. But you have no control over what all of America does. You can only control what you do. So, turn to God. Live for him.
Live your life as you want society to be. Do you want to live in a society where people treat others with respect? Then treat others with respect, even when you disagree with them. Do you want to live in a society where we are free to vote our conscience and speak our conscience? Then vote and speak your conscience, and allow others to do the same. Do you want to live in a society where God is glorified? Then glorify God with your words and your deeds. Do you want to live in a society that reflects the kingdom of God? Then treat others as Jesus treated them. Remember His words, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (Matt. 7:12).
We need to let the world know that the Christian faith is not just a way of thinking – it’s way of living.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Baseball Fan
I grew up in a family that appreciated sports. Some of earliest recollections of watching sports on the black-and-white television included watching the baseball game of the week. Every Saturday Dizzy Dean and Pee Wee Reese would bring a game into our home. Whether the game featured the Dodgers and the Cardinals or the Red Sox and the Yankees or some other teams, I'd watch with great interest. My dad even showed me how to keep score on a sheet of notebook paper. Not until I was in high school, did I know anything about a real scorebook.
I like baseball -- for a lot of reasons. Perhaps you can identify with some of these.
* If it's baseball season, then it's spring or summer or perhaps fall. But more than likely it's not cold. Granted, the weather may not be perfect, but good weather can't be too far away if it's baseball season.
* I like baseball because there's no clock. Your team can't run out of time. (They may run out of outs, but they can't run out of time.) The game is over when it's over. Unfortunately, some tournaments for kids and even sometimes college games use a clock. I really don't like that!
* I like baseball because there's a lot of time to think if you're watching. You can visit with your friends while watching a game.
* I like baseball because I like hot dogs and salted peanuts and sunflower seeds.
* I like baseball because it's easy to identify with the players that are really good at playing baseball. Like a lot of people, I have played in may of the positions on the field. I know what it's like to stand in the outfield, waiting for some action. Then suddenly the ball gets smacked to the outfield. I know what it's like to play second base. I can appreciate when the second baseman and the shortstop combine on a put out. I know what it's like to strike out. I know what it's like to run the bases after hitting the ball out of the park.
* I like baseball because any day at the ball park is better than a day at work.
* I like baseball because you can even play it in your yard at home. You might have to make certain accommodations, such as tighter bases or using a whiffle ball, but you can play it at home.
I could go on for longer, but you'd grow tired of it. If you're like some of my friends, they only tolerate baseball until football season. So I'm ending my list of reasons I like baseball.
I like baseball -- for a lot of reasons. Perhaps you can identify with some of these.
* If it's baseball season, then it's spring or summer or perhaps fall. But more than likely it's not cold. Granted, the weather may not be perfect, but good weather can't be too far away if it's baseball season.
* I like baseball because there's no clock. Your team can't run out of time. (They may run out of outs, but they can't run out of time.) The game is over when it's over. Unfortunately, some tournaments for kids and even sometimes college games use a clock. I really don't like that!
* I like baseball because there's a lot of time to think if you're watching. You can visit with your friends while watching a game.
* I like baseball because I like hot dogs and salted peanuts and sunflower seeds.
* I like baseball because it's easy to identify with the players that are really good at playing baseball. Like a lot of people, I have played in may of the positions on the field. I know what it's like to stand in the outfield, waiting for some action. Then suddenly the ball gets smacked to the outfield. I know what it's like to play second base. I can appreciate when the second baseman and the shortstop combine on a put out. I know what it's like to strike out. I know what it's like to run the bases after hitting the ball out of the park.
* I like baseball because any day at the ball park is better than a day at work.
* I like baseball because you can even play it in your yard at home. You might have to make certain accommodations, such as tighter bases or using a whiffle ball, but you can play it at home.
I could go on for longer, but you'd grow tired of it. If you're like some of my friends, they only tolerate baseball until football season. So I'm ending my list of reasons I like baseball.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Kevin's Still Pushing the Casino -- Tell Him to Stop!
I’m not happy I have to devote time and energy to the casino issue being promoted by our parish president. Kevin Davis is determined to alter forever the family lifestyle we enjoy in St. Tammany by attempting to bring gaming (Louisiana’s word for gambling, since gambling is illegal) to Slidell’s lakefront.
About three weeks ago, I met with Kevin, along with some other pastors in our parish, to ask him respectfully to stop his pursuit of a casino. We believe it would ultimately be something which destroys families. Contrary to our suggestions, he has chosen to continue promoting the idea. We urged Kevin, who has provided strong and courageous leadership up until now for our parish, not to let this be his legacy. As we concluded our meeting, we gathered around to pray for him, asking the Lord to bless him and guide him as he leads our parish.
Because Kevin continues to promote the casino idea, we have no other alternative but to ensure every elected official who has a voice in this matter hears from us. We must stand against addictive behaviors which are anti-family and bring depression, despair, and desperation to people who engage in such behavior. In a letter I sent to our church membership, I included the names and contact information for every parish councilman, state representative, and state senator in our area. I have personally called every one of them, and I implore you to do the same. These representatives want to hear from their constituents. They will be weighing what we say against others who have a differing opinion. Each caller's opinion will be tallied, so we must outnumber their voices. (If you would like to have a list of the names, please call our office at 985-626-3217 or email me at ken@fbcmandeville.org.) I ask you to contact them soon.
What should you say when you contact them? I’m glad you asked!
1. Tell them to vote NO at the council meeting on any resolution that Mr. Davis brings before them. Don’t let this issue leave this parish.
2. Ask them to decline Davis’s invitation to go to the Lake Charles casino to see what a similar entertainment area might be in Slidell. (Remind them that the trip will not highlight the negative effects of gambling on the people there.)
3. Remind them that this has never been in the vision of St. Tammany of which we spent over four years developing our Vision 2025 plan.
4. Should the councilman tell you that he believes that the citizens deserve the chance to decide for themselves, remind them that legislative government cannot run effectively if decisions are made in this fashion. This is “civics 101.” If a councilman believes that gambling is wrong, he should vote his convictions. That’s leadership.
Please act soon. Don’t delay. Let their phones ring now. Fill up their email boxes and their mail boxes.
Several St. Tammany Parish pastors are adamantly in agreement on this issue. We are meeting every Monday at 2:00pm for prayer and discussion of how we can stop this particular behavior which destroys families from ever entering our fabulous Northshore life. Stand with us to stop this before it ever gets to Baton Rouge.
Because of Jesus,
Ken Schroeder
About three weeks ago, I met with Kevin, along with some other pastors in our parish, to ask him respectfully to stop his pursuit of a casino. We believe it would ultimately be something which destroys families. Contrary to our suggestions, he has chosen to continue promoting the idea. We urged Kevin, who has provided strong and courageous leadership up until now for our parish, not to let this be his legacy. As we concluded our meeting, we gathered around to pray for him, asking the Lord to bless him and guide him as he leads our parish.
Because Kevin continues to promote the casino idea, we have no other alternative but to ensure every elected official who has a voice in this matter hears from us. We must stand against addictive behaviors which are anti-family and bring depression, despair, and desperation to people who engage in such behavior. In a letter I sent to our church membership, I included the names and contact information for every parish councilman, state representative, and state senator in our area. I have personally called every one of them, and I implore you to do the same. These representatives want to hear from their constituents. They will be weighing what we say against others who have a differing opinion. Each caller's opinion will be tallied, so we must outnumber their voices. (If you would like to have a list of the names, please call our office at 985-626-3217 or email me at ken@fbcmandeville.org.) I ask you to contact them soon.
What should you say when you contact them? I’m glad you asked!
1. Tell them to vote NO at the council meeting on any resolution that Mr. Davis brings before them. Don’t let this issue leave this parish.
2. Ask them to decline Davis’s invitation to go to the Lake Charles casino to see what a similar entertainment area might be in Slidell. (Remind them that the trip will not highlight the negative effects of gambling on the people there.)
3. Remind them that this has never been in the vision of St. Tammany of which we spent over four years developing our Vision 2025 plan.
4. Should the councilman tell you that he believes that the citizens deserve the chance to decide for themselves, remind them that legislative government cannot run effectively if decisions are made in this fashion. This is “civics 101.” If a councilman believes that gambling is wrong, he should vote his convictions. That’s leadership.
Please act soon. Don’t delay. Let their phones ring now. Fill up their email boxes and their mail boxes.
Several St. Tammany Parish pastors are adamantly in agreement on this issue. We are meeting every Monday at 2:00pm for prayer and discussion of how we can stop this particular behavior which destroys families from ever entering our fabulous Northshore life. Stand with us to stop this before it ever gets to Baton Rouge.
Because of Jesus,
Ken Schroeder
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Trying to Think Like Someone I'm Not
The longer you’re a believer, the less you think like an unbeliever. After you come to Christ, your interests and values change. You will likely begin to develop new relationships at a church and gradually you find that most of the people you know and with whom you spend the most time are also believers.
Because I’ve been a follower of Jesus for more than 40 years, I think like a Christian. I don’t normally think like an unbeliever. That’s good, because it keeps me from doing some horrible things. However, it can be bad if it keeps me from being effective as a witness for Christ.
But worse than thinking like a Christian all the time, I tend to think like a pastor and that’s even farther removed from an unbeliever’s mind-set! That means I must intentionally change mental gears when seeking to relate to non-Christians.
One of the key areas to which we should give special attention is the language we use. I’m not talking about foul language or profanity. No, what I am addressing is the use of terms which non-Christians don’t understand without a full and complete explanation. Even then, sometimes communication does not occur because of a language barrier.
I’ve heard pastors complain that unbelievers are more resistant to hearing the message of salvation today than in the past. I really don’t think that is true. I don’t think people are more resistant; rather, I think we are guilty of practicing poor communication. That’s a problem because that means the message isn’t getting through to the people who need to hear it. Churches need to stop saying that people are closed to the Gospel and start finding out how to communicate on their wavelength.
No matter how life-changing our message is, if we’re broadcasting on a different channel from the unchurched, it won’t do any good.
How do you learn to think like unbelievers? Talk to them! One of the greatest barriers to evangelism is that most believers spend all their time with other Christians. They don’t have any unbelieving friends. If you don’t spend any time with unbelievers, then you won’t understand how they’re thinking.
This is the way we’re to become the church God intends us to be. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples (John 15:13, ESV).
Because I’ve been a follower of Jesus for more than 40 years, I think like a Christian. I don’t normally think like an unbeliever. That’s good, because it keeps me from doing some horrible things. However, it can be bad if it keeps me from being effective as a witness for Christ.
But worse than thinking like a Christian all the time, I tend to think like a pastor and that’s even farther removed from an unbeliever’s mind-set! That means I must intentionally change mental gears when seeking to relate to non-Christians.
One of the key areas to which we should give special attention is the language we use. I’m not talking about foul language or profanity. No, what I am addressing is the use of terms which non-Christians don’t understand without a full and complete explanation. Even then, sometimes communication does not occur because of a language barrier.
I’ve heard pastors complain that unbelievers are more resistant to hearing the message of salvation today than in the past. I really don’t think that is true. I don’t think people are more resistant; rather, I think we are guilty of practicing poor communication. That’s a problem because that means the message isn’t getting through to the people who need to hear it. Churches need to stop saying that people are closed to the Gospel and start finding out how to communicate on their wavelength.
No matter how life-changing our message is, if we’re broadcasting on a different channel from the unchurched, it won’t do any good.
How do you learn to think like unbelievers? Talk to them! One of the greatest barriers to evangelism is that most believers spend all their time with other Christians. They don’t have any unbelieving friends. If you don’t spend any time with unbelievers, then you won’t understand how they’re thinking.
This is the way we’re to become the church God intends us to be. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples (John 15:13, ESV).
Monday, December 22, 2008
Kevin, Say It Isn't So!
Since St. Tammany Parish went to the parish council form of government, we have had only one parish president. Kevin Davis has served as a strong leader as our parish president. He has provided stability of our parish through many difficult challenges.
However, I was surprised to learn that President Davis advocates the establishment of an “entertainment district” in Slidell that would be anchored by a casino boat. My response: "Say it isn't so!"
No doubt Davis believes that such a district will provide a boost to the economy. The Times-Picayune news story (12/20/2008) indicated that he believes that this boost would mean $8 million to $11 million from gaming. In addition, Davis believes that there would be substantial dollars raised through the hotels, restaurants, shops, and the venue for entertainers to perform.
At first glance, this sounds exciting since it would provide a huge income stream for the parish, plus it would provide our citizens and others with employment opportunities as well as entertainment choices. With so many “virtues” to such a proposal, one might ask, “What possible reasons could be offered to keep reasonable people from approving it?” I would like to highlight several arguments against turning to gaming or gambling as an economic development tool.
1. Gambling contributes to crime. Though proponents may offer counter-arguments, it is hard to deny the correlation between the introduction of casino gambling and an increase of crime. Cities where casinos operate experience an increase in all kinds of criminal acts including assault, rape, burglary, and murder. So rather than providing a safe family environment we enjoy in St. Tammany, introducing casino gaming will likely have a significant adverse effect on our quality of life.
2. Gambling contributes to corruption. Many careful studies on gambling point out frequent incidents of corruption related to gambling. Police are the most immediate targets for corrupting influences. While I have the utmost respect for our law enforcement personnel, they would be viewed by casino interests as targets seeking to make payoffs and bribes. But gambling corruption has bigger targets. Elected officials as well as individuals in the gambling business are also subject to the corrupting influence of gambling.
3. Gambling disrupts the economy. Rather than help us financially, gambling negatively affects the economy. Accessibility and availability create a perfect storm for gambling addiction. Research indicates that when a casino is located within 10 miles of home, there will be a significant increase of those individuals who become pathological or problem gamblers. This will correspond with all kinds of bad economic issues ranging from higher worker absenteeism and greater incidents of unpaid bills to an increase in personal bankruptcy rates. In fact, a recent study of counties that had casino gambling showed bankruptcy rates were 100 percent greater than those counties without casinos. Granted, it takes three to five years for the full impact of gambling-induced bankruptcies to be realized, but I hardly think it is worth it.
4. Gambling destroys families. Studies show that each problem gambler negatively affects marriages and families. Divorce rates for problem gamblers are two to three times the rates of non-gamblers. Gambling creates financial problems and special tensions in the home. It is difficult to determine whether the gambler or his or her spouse is more physically, mentally, and emotionally damaged by the ravages of a gambling binge. A woman whose partner is a problem gambler is more than 10 times more likely to be a victim of domestic violence than if the partner had no gambling problem. Add alcohol to the mix (a likely scenario in an “entertainment district”), and the odds for abuse increase to more than 50 times!
The children of gamblers suffer when a gambling parent loses the money for such necessities as food, rent, clothing, and medicine. They suffer when a gambling parent abandons them in cars, with neighbors, or in gambling daycare centers while they satisfy their gambling addiction. Communities are hurt by the presence of gambling as increasing numbers of people become addicted to gambling and prey on their communities to support their gambling addictions.
5. Gambling destroys lives. The something-for-nothing craving which gambling stimulates undermines character. The hope of winning a fortune causes some to embezzle and steal for a gambling stake. Gambling appeals to the weakness of a person’s character and develops recklessness, callousness, and covetousness. Some gamblers become psychologically addicted to gambling so that they cannot stop gambling and find themselves in a headlong plunge into personal catastrophe. Depression and hopelessness may plague addicted gamblers and their families to the point of ultimate depression – suicide.
I have urged President Davis in a letter dated December 22, 2008, to abandon the idea of an offshore casino boat in St. Tammany. While I know that gaming interests and others will argue that many people enjoy spending money in settings like the one you are proposing, the costs to individuals, families, the economy, and to our community is too high to justify it.
Please join me in telling President Davis to abandon the casino boat idea for St. Tammany Parish.
However, I was surprised to learn that President Davis advocates the establishment of an “entertainment district” in Slidell that would be anchored by a casino boat. My response: "Say it isn't so!"
No doubt Davis believes that such a district will provide a boost to the economy. The Times-Picayune news story (12/20/2008) indicated that he believes that this boost would mean $8 million to $11 million from gaming. In addition, Davis believes that there would be substantial dollars raised through the hotels, restaurants, shops, and the venue for entertainers to perform.
At first glance, this sounds exciting since it would provide a huge income stream for the parish, plus it would provide our citizens and others with employment opportunities as well as entertainment choices. With so many “virtues” to such a proposal, one might ask, “What possible reasons could be offered to keep reasonable people from approving it?” I would like to highlight several arguments against turning to gaming or gambling as an economic development tool.
1. Gambling contributes to crime. Though proponents may offer counter-arguments, it is hard to deny the correlation between the introduction of casino gambling and an increase of crime. Cities where casinos operate experience an increase in all kinds of criminal acts including assault, rape, burglary, and murder. So rather than providing a safe family environment we enjoy in St. Tammany, introducing casino gaming will likely have a significant adverse effect on our quality of life.
2. Gambling contributes to corruption. Many careful studies on gambling point out frequent incidents of corruption related to gambling. Police are the most immediate targets for corrupting influences. While I have the utmost respect for our law enforcement personnel, they would be viewed by casino interests as targets seeking to make payoffs and bribes. But gambling corruption has bigger targets. Elected officials as well as individuals in the gambling business are also subject to the corrupting influence of gambling.
3. Gambling disrupts the economy. Rather than help us financially, gambling negatively affects the economy. Accessibility and availability create a perfect storm for gambling addiction. Research indicates that when a casino is located within 10 miles of home, there will be a significant increase of those individuals who become pathological or problem gamblers. This will correspond with all kinds of bad economic issues ranging from higher worker absenteeism and greater incidents of unpaid bills to an increase in personal bankruptcy rates. In fact, a recent study of counties that had casino gambling showed bankruptcy rates were 100 percent greater than those counties without casinos. Granted, it takes three to five years for the full impact of gambling-induced bankruptcies to be realized, but I hardly think it is worth it.
4. Gambling destroys families. Studies show that each problem gambler negatively affects marriages and families. Divorce rates for problem gamblers are two to three times the rates of non-gamblers. Gambling creates financial problems and special tensions in the home. It is difficult to determine whether the gambler or his or her spouse is more physically, mentally, and emotionally damaged by the ravages of a gambling binge. A woman whose partner is a problem gambler is more than 10 times more likely to be a victim of domestic violence than if the partner had no gambling problem. Add alcohol to the mix (a likely scenario in an “entertainment district”), and the odds for abuse increase to more than 50 times!
The children of gamblers suffer when a gambling parent loses the money for such necessities as food, rent, clothing, and medicine. They suffer when a gambling parent abandons them in cars, with neighbors, or in gambling daycare centers while they satisfy their gambling addiction. Communities are hurt by the presence of gambling as increasing numbers of people become addicted to gambling and prey on their communities to support their gambling addictions.
5. Gambling destroys lives. The something-for-nothing craving which gambling stimulates undermines character. The hope of winning a fortune causes some to embezzle and steal for a gambling stake. Gambling appeals to the weakness of a person’s character and develops recklessness, callousness, and covetousness. Some gamblers become psychologically addicted to gambling so that they cannot stop gambling and find themselves in a headlong plunge into personal catastrophe. Depression and hopelessness may plague addicted gamblers and their families to the point of ultimate depression – suicide.
I have urged President Davis in a letter dated December 22, 2008, to abandon the idea of an offshore casino boat in St. Tammany. While I know that gaming interests and others will argue that many people enjoy spending money in settings like the one you are proposing, the costs to individuals, families, the economy, and to our community is too high to justify it.
Please join me in telling President Davis to abandon the casino boat idea for St. Tammany Parish.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
My Recommendations for the 2008 Election
Well, I got you to look! Yes, I'm a pastor, and I have decided for whom I will cast my ballot. As a citizen of our great nation, I possess the freedom to vote according to my beliefs and convictions -- or even the lack of beliefs and convictions. I am totally free to base my choice on an endless list of reasons.
Furthermore, as an individual I can endorse a candidate or even a political party. I can encourage others to vote for my candidate. HOWEVER, I will not identify that choice in this blog. Why? Because I do not want to cause confusion to what is proper.
Churches cannot endorse candidates who are running for political office. For issues such as constitutional amendments or other propositions that may appear on ballots, churches can provide guidance as to how people should vote. For example, if there was an amendment to the state constitution providing for legalized marriages for same sexed couples, a church could absolutely urge its members to vote against such a measure. However, a church could not urge its members to vote either for or against a particular candidate.
As an individual, a pastor is not limited or restricted with regards to endorsing candidates. In fact, I tell people regularly for whom I will vote. I have participated in the campaigns of individuals through the years. But I would never endorse a candidate while carrying out my public responsibilities as a pastor. In other words, I would not endorse a candidate from the pulpit. But I would willingly answer anyone who asked me who will be receiving my vote in most any other setting.
Since this blog appears as a link from our church's website, I will not endorse anyone seeking political office in this blog. However, I can offer a few guidelines that may be helpful in reaching your decision prior to casting your ballot.
Find where the candidates stand on these issues.
1. Marriage -- Does the candidate stand for marriage as defined in the Bible?
2. Life -- What is the candidate's position on abortion? What is the candidate's position on partial birth abortion?
3. Euthansia -- How does the candidate stand on the taking of a life in an effort to be compassionate?
4. Embryonic Stem Cell Research -- This is another life issue. Does the candidate support the use of embryonic stem cell in a rationalized attempt to offer medical cures?
When you discover where the candidates stand on these non-negotiable issues, your decsion for whom to vote should be crystal clear. I know for whom I am voting.
Furthermore, as an individual I can endorse a candidate or even a political party. I can encourage others to vote for my candidate. HOWEVER, I will not identify that choice in this blog. Why? Because I do not want to cause confusion to what is proper.
Churches cannot endorse candidates who are running for political office. For issues such as constitutional amendments or other propositions that may appear on ballots, churches can provide guidance as to how people should vote. For example, if there was an amendment to the state constitution providing for legalized marriages for same sexed couples, a church could absolutely urge its members to vote against such a measure. However, a church could not urge its members to vote either for or against a particular candidate.
As an individual, a pastor is not limited or restricted with regards to endorsing candidates. In fact, I tell people regularly for whom I will vote. I have participated in the campaigns of individuals through the years. But I would never endorse a candidate while carrying out my public responsibilities as a pastor. In other words, I would not endorse a candidate from the pulpit. But I would willingly answer anyone who asked me who will be receiving my vote in most any other setting.
Since this blog appears as a link from our church's website, I will not endorse anyone seeking political office in this blog. However, I can offer a few guidelines that may be helpful in reaching your decision prior to casting your ballot.
Find where the candidates stand on these issues.
1. Marriage -- Does the candidate stand for marriage as defined in the Bible?
2. Life -- What is the candidate's position on abortion? What is the candidate's position on partial birth abortion?
3. Euthansia -- How does the candidate stand on the taking of a life in an effort to be compassionate?
4. Embryonic Stem Cell Research -- This is another life issue. Does the candidate support the use of embryonic stem cell in a rationalized attempt to offer medical cures?
When you discover where the candidates stand on these non-negotiable issues, your decsion for whom to vote should be crystal clear. I know for whom I am voting.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Old vs. New -- An Unnecessary and Divisive Debate
In the July 24, 2008, edition of the Louisiana Baptist Message, Chester A. Peyronnin, Jr. of New Orleans wrote a letter to the editor decrying the use of contemporary music in church service. Peyronnin posited that Baptists had formerly been known as a singing religion, but now they seem to be a chanting congregation.
I can appreciate much of what Mr. Peyronnin wrote concerning his preference to old hymns to new music. Without a doubt, we have enjoyed a rich heritage of great hymns. I have also come to appreciate them greatly. However, our personal preferences should not give rise to a spirit of division. Hopefully my own letter won’t cause more division.
The letter suggested that new music makes use of “repeated phrases.” But we should also note that many of our old favorites include repeated choruses. So it appears that the choice of old hymns or new music comes down to preference. Whether our music expressions are aided with keyboard instruments like pianos and organs or whether we add guitars, drums, horns, or other instruments to them is also a matter of preference.
It may not be practical where Mr. Peyronnin attends church to have two services as we have at our church. We have found many advantages in this approach. Having multiple services gives attenders to have choices in music styles. In our particular congregation, we include hymns in our contemporary services and newer songs in our more traditional services. We do so because we value the theology and heritage of the older hymns, and we are grateful for the contributions of modern song writers such as Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin, and others. In a congregation where it’s not practical to have more than one service, it is possible to utilize a variety of music styles in a blended format.
Baptists as well as other groups have historically utilized their “cultural sounds” in expressing worship to God. I have worshiped in many churches. Some have been small, and others have been large. The styles of music have varied from traditional to gospel to contemporary. There have been times when a full orchestra accompanied a large choir. I have also been blessed to sing along as a contemporary band led worship. I have worshiped with our Hispanic congregation as they used guitars and tambourines and with a church in Nigeria as they used drums and gourds and sang words in languages I could not understand. But no matter the language or the style, I could worship the great and living God.
I would urge us not to permit a spirit of division arise among us on this central issue. Yes, worship is to God, but it is also for people. Let’s not allow personal preference cause divisions in our churches.
I can appreciate much of what Mr. Peyronnin wrote concerning his preference to old hymns to new music. Without a doubt, we have enjoyed a rich heritage of great hymns. I have also come to appreciate them greatly. However, our personal preferences should not give rise to a spirit of division. Hopefully my own letter won’t cause more division.
The letter suggested that new music makes use of “repeated phrases.” But we should also note that many of our old favorites include repeated choruses. So it appears that the choice of old hymns or new music comes down to preference. Whether our music expressions are aided with keyboard instruments like pianos and organs or whether we add guitars, drums, horns, or other instruments to them is also a matter of preference.
It may not be practical where Mr. Peyronnin attends church to have two services as we have at our church. We have found many advantages in this approach. Having multiple services gives attenders to have choices in music styles. In our particular congregation, we include hymns in our contemporary services and newer songs in our more traditional services. We do so because we value the theology and heritage of the older hymns, and we are grateful for the contributions of modern song writers such as Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin, and others. In a congregation where it’s not practical to have more than one service, it is possible to utilize a variety of music styles in a blended format.
Baptists as well as other groups have historically utilized their “cultural sounds” in expressing worship to God. I have worshiped in many churches. Some have been small, and others have been large. The styles of music have varied from traditional to gospel to contemporary. There have been times when a full orchestra accompanied a large choir. I have also been blessed to sing along as a contemporary band led worship. I have worshiped with our Hispanic congregation as they used guitars and tambourines and with a church in Nigeria as they used drums and gourds and sang words in languages I could not understand. But no matter the language or the style, I could worship the great and living God.
I would urge us not to permit a spirit of division arise among us on this central issue. Yes, worship is to God, but it is also for people. Let’s not allow personal preference cause divisions in our churches.
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