The Everyday Theologian

What comes to mind when you hear the word theology?

Is the thought, or emotional response, positive or negative? 

          I know for some us, moving past our connotations to the word theology and getting to the concept of theology can be challenging. For one reason or another, theology either scares us or makes us want to check-out mentally. That was my experience with it, and maybe yours too. 

          In my mind theology was nothing more than the deep conversation (or debate) about something spiritual or God-related. A concept, I thought, that was irrelevant to my life; even my Christian life. I thought knowing that Jesus came to die for my sins was enough to help me live the Christian life. I've been discovering though, that if I want to "get better" at doing the Christian life (or even know what it means to live the Christians life), I simply need to know more. Think about how this concept works in other venues.

     If I want to lost weight, I need to learn (or study) how, so that I can apply it and lose weight. If I want to play the piano, I need learn (or study) to learn how to play. You're most likely going to school to learn (or study) how to do something or be something. What's my point? We study & learn because that knowledge hopefully will help us do something (either new, or to improve-upon). 

          As Christians, we are called to be like Christ. That's an incredibly difficult thing to do if we have no idea who Jesus was while He was on earth, what He stood for, or what His words mean. The same goes for loving God & loving others. Those tasks are going to be difficult to complete if I know nothing else aside from the fact I'm "somehow" supposed to do them. 

          How would you respond If your friend came up to you and asked "Hey, could do something for me?" but said nothing else after that? Wouldn't that leave you a little directionless? Wouldn't you respond with something like, "Yeah sure, what? or where? when? how? why?" When we ask those questions, we are seeking-out more information in order to respond to our friends request to go do something. Otherwise, completing our friends request will be a guessing game, and we'll most likely not do what he or she wanted us to do. It's no different with God. 

          God has called us to respond; to be set apart, to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. He's called us to love others as we love ourselves. He's called us to influence our world and culture, without falling for some of it's destructive patterns. If we want to obey God and live according to His standards, we need to ask questions and actually think about what He means when He speaks to us through the Bible. Otherwise doing the Christian life is a guessing game, and we're risking not doing what God has actually called us to do.

          But being a theologian isn't something reserved for only those who enjoy reading history, greek or hebrew. There are those who consciously learn about God, but I would say there are even more of those who sub-consciously learn about God. The reality is we (Christians and non-Christians) are constantly being bombarded with questions, perspectives, insights, experiences, and reasons relating to, and about, God. What I want to point out is that these theological influences come from many avenues: songs, movies, television, tweets, posts, articles, books, etc. all of these avenues have the potential to shape how we view God in some way. 

           Here's are some examples. You saw a movie with "gods," and so you connect the character of God with that of Zeus or Poseidon from Wrath of the Titans. You hear a song that mentions failing love, which could influence how you read "God's love never fails." You miraculously found a parking spot at the store, and someone you're with mentions God's blessing you. Through some avenue (books, media, conversation) you learn about starving children around the world and you hear the question "how could God allow that?" 

          Because our theology is constantly, sub-conciously influenced, my hope and challenge for you is to consciously be getting accurate theology. Why do so many people have a different (and at times inaccurate) view of God? Because their theology only consists of their own experiences and influences. Where does good theology come from? A careful study of the Bible (to read out of the Bible, not read-into the Bible). Someone with good, accurate theology, is able to obey and follow God much closer, than someone who doesn't. Theology isn't just some foreign language or distant concept, it's what influences how we view God, and how we live out the Christian life.

(This post was originally written for LCBC's Saturate blog. Check it out here http://networkedblogs.com/wwFJI)

Kony 2012

While on the subject,

Where do I stand on the Kony controversy? Well before I do that (if you don't already know), here's what really bothers me: The fact that if someone disagrees with the opposing side, they automatically view that person as the enemy. I mean seriously, I've seen some comments and words exchanged that would make people seem like they were writing them to Osama Bin Laden, or Saddam Hussain - but they're simply to a fellow American or Christian.

These words are lashed out in anger/hate. Names are being called. There's demeaning going on, mocking at, etc. I've seen it all over Facebook, Twitter, blogs, Youtube, etc. People are fighting - in a harsh way, about a fight over seas that some people care about, and others not so much. You know what I think? I think people are free to think however they'd like, and will continue to do so regardless of how convincing an argument.

The problem is you aren't going to argue someone into believing what you believe; it's very difficult to do, and usually leaves people feeling beaten up, rather than feeling like they've found truth. Think about it. If you want to convince or persuade someone of something, insults and offensive language aren't the way to do it. You will more likely turn someone off to your idea rather than get them to agree with you. The moment something hurtful has been said,  that person will go from a potential source of influence to becoming someone harmful.

Just like I'm not supposed to condemn a person for rejecting Christ - but to love them, I'm to do the same with someone who disagrees with me on any other matter: diet, organic foods, musical taste, immigration laws, etc.. Understand that I'm in no way implying that I succeed at doing this all the time. I know I struggle with loving those who disagree, but lines have definitely been crossed and I feel as though people have turned fellow Americans, or fellow Christians into a Kony they can attack through the internet & behind the protection of their computer screen.

Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book.


Why I read it:


I grew up in church without really talking about, or referencing the Holy Spirit; pretty much up through high school. But I was introduced to a lot of conversation and controversy surrounding the Holy Spirit in college. The sudden submersion into hostile territory surrounding who, what, how, when, why the Holy Spirit did anything, brought me to a point where I was so desperate for clear answers, yet at the same time I so was over anyone trying to convince me to believe anything they said.


For a while I only believed in two Gods, Jesus and God the Father. The Holy Spirit was on territory I didn't want to step on.


But as time progressed, I knew I needed to know at least something we all agreed on.


Chan talks about this in the book a little bit, why we neglect God in His Spirit form.


Overall I gave it 5 stars. I found myself connecting with "Forgotten God". This book wont answer all your questions (It will most likely cause you to ask more questions). But the questions it does spark are healthy ones that lead to growth, not frustration and division.


Things I loved:


*spoiler*

I love how Chan writes. He communicates so effortlessly to the reader. He dives into the Bible and takes a look at what the Holy Spirit is, does, how, and why. In one of my favorite chapters, he quotes scripture pertaining to the identity and role of the Holy Spirit and then elaborates on it.


From my impression, this isn't a book to support charismatics, or non-charismatics. In the book, Chan gives the impression that the most noticeable and most repeated manifestation of the Holy Spirit, from the book of Acts, was in the form of boldness.


This is what I'm talking about. I was shown a new way to "interact" with Holy Spirit, to be "lead" by the Spirit. A way that doesn't divide, discourage, or confuse, but unites and uplifts in comprehensive ways. Never before had I heard someone explain that to me.


Not only does Chan give insight into how the Holy Spirit interacts with us on an individual basis, he gives his perspective on how the Holy Spirit interacts within our church gatherings (another area that was difficult for me to understand and accept). This section is also really good and challenging. Again asking more questions than giving answers.


The reason why I like that Chan forces us to stop and ask ourselves why we do things, is because I feel there is a temptation in church's for Christians to do things, or "participate," simply because everyone else is doing them- without really digging into the Bible for support or evidence. When in reality, there are greater things that need to be done and perhaps priorities that need to be shifted.





Great book to answer some questions, and spark new ones.



View all my reviews

Goodreads Review: Radical

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*4.5 stars*


Absolutely great book! Totally woke me and challenged me to rethink why I did things. This is a book that challenges Christians to be disciples of Jesus, not just people who want to be part of a cultural club.


What kept me from giving it 5 stars?


*Spoiler Alert*


When I first read this book, It changed my life in so many positive ways. God definitely used it to wake me to my laziness and my desire for a comfortable christian life.


The only negative thing I see in this book, is that it has the potential to make someone (like me) feel as though Christianity calls for a Holy lifestyle (meaning radical abandonment of everything not "Christian").


Before I knew it, I quit television, gaming, movies, Facebook, laughing, etc. anything that was part of culture and not part of God's culture.


I wanted to be set apart. But in doing so, I put myself in a position where I could no longer relate to world around me, even the Christian world; I was pretty much a monk for a few months. But I was failing at giving up my life to God in these areas. And I was failing at being able to connect to the lost through a relatable lifestyle.


I've read the sequel to this book, "Radical Together." In it, Platt uses an illustration to describe what he fears would happen to certain types of people who would read "Radical." This certain type of person would fear failing as a Christian, and struggle with guilt, because they aren't "giving up" enough things for God. Platt warns, again in his second book, that this was not what he wanted at all to communicate. He then makes the effort to say that we aren't saved by works, we're saved by Grace.


It took me a while to remember that.



HOWEVER,


Please oh please don't skip this read simply because of a couple things that affected me.


There is so much more positive in this book than there is negative.


I still believe every person who calls themselves a Christian should read this book.


View all my reviews

The reality of our new reality

I really can't believe it, but today marks exactly two months that Jess and I have been in Pennsylvania. Exactly two months ago we said goodbye to our families, our friends, & our home. We said goodbye to our old hangout spots, the places we would go on dates together, our memory lanes & our Monterey county culture. Everything that I knew, my whole reality, was in California. And If I may be honest, I was deathly afraid I wasn't going to be able to get on that plane and leave it all behind.

The only real comfort was the thought that I wasn't going alone. I would constantly look over at Jess and see that she was going through all these emotions with me. She's going with me too, I would think. Which moved me to try and comfort her as we dealt with that very difficult day. I'd try my hardest to prevent those tears building up in her eyes from rolling down her face. I'd smile and tell her that we would be okay; but even I caught myself having to work at believing my own words. And when I couldn't keep the tears from falling, I sometimes would join in. But at least we were together. She was the only piece of my California that was going with me. And I was hers. Every other aspect of life would have to change and mold to something else.

Fast forward two months from that day, and you'll find me sitting in an office, learning the ropes of a church called LCBC. Jess is found in our new apartment, either updating this blog, unpacking boxes, editing photos, or cuddling with our new cat Atticus (yes, like the character in to To Kill a Mockingbird).

Although we've gone through these last few months together, I'm certain that we've had completely different experiences and encounters here. I think that just comes with the territory of having one spouse working full time and the other not.

But there are things we've experienced alike. I know for me, and I think Jess too, two months have seemed like two weeks. February seemed to be nothing but a sign along the freeway, and I was going 70 MPH. We made eye contact, then it was gone.

So where am I now? Well, I could make this post very long and go into vast resources of thoughts on many of my experiences so far. But to continue with the theme of this post, I'll simply say moving is hard. I don't think it's possible to fully prepare for a move across the country if one has never done it. I know I thought I was, but I wasn't.

Believe it or not, but the easiest adjustment was the physical move. Although moving an entire house isn't easy, it's probably the easiest to put in place when compared to the mental life, and spiritual life. I've adjusted to the time zone. Yes it's cold, but thankfully there are scarves, teas, coffee, and the concept of layering clothing to keep me warm. A cold house is fixed with heaters and blankets. And the deprivation of authentic Mexican food (which is ridiculously hard to deal with!) can be fixed by making it yourself. The winter here is very dry, but I drink lots of water so my voice is fine.

Mentally however, I'm not nearly as content. Let me explain like this. Imagine your entire life is in the shape of cup. This cup represents the capacity of what your life can hold in the sense of time; relationships, God, work, hobbies, sleeping, friends, etc.. Whatever you devote time to in your life goes in this cup. However, your cup can overfill and spill; this is when you realize there is too much going on. This leads to possible burnout, exhaustion, and fatigue -physically, mentally, & spiritually; so we cut things, or people out in order to stay sane.

In California, my cup and Jess's was almost full. We had plenty of relationships in there, a great church with church activities, family & events, hobbies, and many close friends who go years back. And to be honest, there wasn't much room in our cup, or life, for many other genuine relationships. I could probably squeeze in a few hangouts once a month with people, but most my time was already taken by someone else, or something else.

Well, in Pennsylvania our cup is much much closer to being empty than it is to being half-full. We have a great church, we have a cat, we have a few T.V. shows we watch, and we've met some great people; some of whom we think have the possibility of being friends.

But it's the genuine relationships that we feel we're still missing.

You see, people here are like how we were in California. Their cup, their relational capacity, for most, is already full. They have full-time jobs, and families (which can already be enough to fill a life). They have the best friends that they've had for years. They have family they're with on holidays. They have their hobbies and things they do for fun, and the people go along with them. Their lives are already set. If they were to allow Jess and I to take space in their lives, for most, their cup would overfill. Simply because they don't have room (or time) in their lives without having to cut out something else.

I don't hold it against them. I know when I was in their place in California I was the same way. When I was at FPC, there would be people who would pursue a genuine relationship with me. But for most, I couldn't fit them into my life. I already had the relationships that revolved around music. The friends who I'd call for game nights. The people who I would catch up with over lunch. And those who I would call every other day to come over. If someone new tried to squeeze in, most of the time they wouldn't fit, or would have to take the slot of time & space that someone else previously had. Oh how complicated relationships are!

So here we are. Searching to fill the voids in our relational life. Trying to find not just people who have time, but people who should have relationships with us and us with them. People don't just become great friends because they have time, they need to have things in common, mutual perspectives, and mutual things going on in life. Otherwise it just takes more time and effort in order to relate to the other person. The good news is, I have Jess, and she has me, and that goes a long way. It's forced us to get along better, communicate better, and simply have more fun together, even if we have to compromise with each other for what "fun" is.

I know this is a failed attempt at making a short post, but it's where my heart has been lately. I think for both of us.

But how do you relate to this? Are you also searching for people to do life with? Who go beyond being being an acquaintance? Someone to share things in life with that make you smile, cry, and laugh? If not, do you realize how blessed you are to have those people? I would encourage you to let them know how much you value having them in your life (yes even if it's nothing but a bunch of dudes who do manly things together). Everyone longs to be valued and appreciated. And If you have the time in your life, would you try giving some of it to someone who possibly has too much of it to themselves? who may not have what you have?

As far as the spiritual transition goes, I'll set that aside for another post.

If you wouldn't mind, would you pray for Jess and I? That we would find people here to help make this place our new home. I know we'd appreciate it. 

A quote that put a knot in my throat

I follow John Piper, a well known author and pastor,  on twitter. He's not one of those people who tweets once an hour, but more like once every few days. When he says something, it's usually worth taking note; much like C.S. Lewis.

Anyway...

I read one of his tweets a while ago and it pretty much slapped me across the face. twice.

It was somewhere along the lines of, "If you're afraid of offending someone when you speak, nothing will ever come out of your mouth."

It's been a while since I've said anything, via Facebook, Twitter, on here, etc. The reason? Well to be honest I'm constantly fighting letting people's opinions run my life. And for a while I've been losing. I care about what people think about me. My thoughts, my music, my perspective, my life.  Although I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, I've realized I care too much. Too much to the point where I no longer say or do or write anything because I'm afraid of how it's going to be perceived. Can I be honest with you? It's a miserable way to live. It really is.

Call it cliché, but I've come to the conclusion that no matter how hard I try to be cool/acceptable/trendy/hip, I'm always falling short in someone's opinion. And I think I now know why. They are dealing with exact same problem I am.

You see, God took the blindfold off and showed me a mirror. I'm always tempted to be negative and critical of others. You can ask my wife. My close friends. Call me a Debbie Downer because I have an eye for pointing out what's wrong in people, in life, and in circumstances. But my wife is the complete opposite. I think that's why I'm starting to see it in myself. What makes this whole thing ironic though is that I'm as fragile as thin glass when it comes to hearing criticism from someone else. Especially people I don't know. If there was a phobia for being afraid of hearing negative things about yourself, I would have it. Even constructive criticism is like taking a baseball bat to the gut. It hurts so bad that I try and avoid it at all costs, missing out on ways to improve. Sometimes I'll even break down in tears.

I now know that I tear others down, sometimes in harsh ways, in order to make myself feel better about myself. My sinfulness leads me believe that when I point out the flaws in another person (most of the time just opinons not facts), and magnify them so greatly, that somehow by doing this, I fool other people into focusing on how bad they are and not how bad I am.

How malicious the human's heart is.

So where does God fit into all of this? Allow me to try and describe to you how I see it in my mind.

I find myself in a room the size of a large living room. In it are people. All sorts of people. Big people. Small people. People I know. People I don't know. Angry people. Happy People.

They're all crowded in this room with me; facing me. All telling me things. Good things, bad things, unknown things, things left to my own interpretation, some are whispered, some yelled across the room. This chaos of verbiage is all going on at the same time; picture the chaos of the stock market happening in your living room.

God is also in this room.

But unfortunately, because I control the proximity of the people in this room, I've put God in the back corner; behind the people inches away from my face yelling things at me.

God's speaking to me too, competing for my attention behind these people, trying so hard to be heard; to get me to look at Him.

You see, the entire room is telling me what to change about myself; what they like and what they don't like.

God's no different. He's suggesting that I change certain things about myself too. But the way He presents these suggestions is totally different from the rest. He's not the loudest voice, He's the quietest.

But the choice is mine. I turn the volume of the voices up or down. I control who is where in the room. I'm left with the responsibility to re-arrange these people, to turn others down some, and to kick others out completely.

I call this room influence.

What is influencing you right now? Am I? What about the last website you were just on? What about this morning? This evening?

I've found that throughout my day, I will be inviting things (or people) into my room of influence; sometimes not even realizing I sent out an invitation. Some of the faces in my room have been there for years, others I will only see for a day.

Who, or what, is in your room?

Celebrities? Television? Radio? Friends? Money? Culture? God?

For me, I had to kick some people out, turn others down, and bring God in a little closer.

Something that came along with God coming in a little closer, was the reminder of how short this life is. In it, are the lives of others that are just as short, and many of them in very similar rooms. Rooms filled with just as much, if not more people than were in mine. Leaving you, just like me, feeling inadequate, or hurting. But God might not be in your room. Maybe the lights have gone out, leaving you completely clueless to what's influencing you.

My hope and prayer is that if you're like me, prone to retreat and hide when facing criticism or inadequacy, and calling out what is wrong with the rest of the world, that you'll find courage and strength to be who God made you to be, but also be open to letting God mold and change you. Learn and follow the perspective of Jesus through the Bible, allow God to change how you're mind works. Not only will it be freeing, but it will allow you to help others as well.

Sincerely,

René

People watching with a pair of chopsticks

Sure at first glance it doesn't seem like much, but what really is it about a place that makes it a happy place?

As I sat in the restaurant that wasn't any bigger than most living rooms, I was surprised to catch myself smiling; and for no apparent reason either. I was there. At that very moment in time, I was certain that I was being present. In every way, shape, and form, I was letting loose of my senses and they were soaking it all in. Not only did I score a major deal for an ample plate of food for under $5.00, but I was submerged in the environment. To my left I could feel the sun's ray's on my arm, complimented by laughter of a large family who seemed to communicate with smiles. Behind me I had the door opening and closing as patrons came and went. And to my right I had some good friends talking to, and about, the waitress whom one of them was trying to get the phone number from. We all laughed at him and rolled our eyes. This was once of those places where there wasn't a type of person. There were only people. A lot of people in fact, squeezed into a tiny little space. When the blushing waitress brought us our food, I began to look around. As I scanned, I saw an elderly couple saying nothing. It was almost as if their smiles were frozen in time. They just looked into each other's eyes. The warmth radiated from their table and there was no doubt in my mind that they were in love. Love shows. It sticks out like the flame of a candle, perfectly positioned on a table when no other table in the restaurant has one. Restaurants should offer you more than just a full stomach; and sometimes it isn't even the stuff on the menu. It's times like these that seem to give $5.00 so much more value.