Interesting Quote of the Day

The latest issue of Christianity Today hit my mailbox recently, and I was intrigued by an interview with Shane Hibbs, the author of the book, "Flickering Pixels: How Technology Shapes Your Faith." I haven't read the book yet, but the interview made me want to read it.

Hibbs' answer to one of the questions is extremely insightful. He explains in clear terms why something as wide open and seemingly freeing as the internet can be potentially destructive. Here's the quote of the day. Feel free to discuss...

Shane Hibbs on the internet - 

"And it creates a permanent puberty of the mind. We get locked in so much information, and the inability to sort that information meaningfully limits our capacity to understand. The last stage of knowledge is wisdom. But we are miles from wisdom because the Internet encourages the opposite of what creates wisdom—stillness, time, and inefficient things like suffering. On the Internet, there is no such thing as waiting; there is no such thing as stillness. There is a constant churning."

Phil Jackson puts "Bozo" Seger in his place

So, I'm watching the NBA playoffs the other nights, and the LA Lakers are losing at halftime to the Houston Rockets.  TNT's sideline reporter, Craig Seger, enters the scene wearing a "butterscotch" suit with a ridiculous shiny tie.  Seger is known for this kind of thing.  He's this 50-something white guy who wears these crazy suits and makes a spectacle of himself.  It's annoying.

Apparently Laker's coach, Phil Jackson, agrees with me.  He laid the smack down on Seger the other night, and it was really shocking and funny because I was watching it live, and I totally wasn't expecting it.  It was a pretty awkward scene.  I love awkwardness!

 

A Peculiar People

I know a lot about peculiar people. Aside from being one myself, I have become a part of a unique network of people who would definitely be labeled "peculiar." When Pierce, our middle child, was diagnosed with Autism more than three years ago, we joined the ranks of many parents and children who have been affected by this odd and cruel disorder. Autism is a world of quirky behaviors, primitive communication and pervasive insecurity. The parents of Autistic children are typically divorced (80% divorce rate among Autistic parents) or struggling with their marriage, and are often times wrestling with wrapping their brains around the "why's" and "how's" of raising what seems to be the world's strangest kid. Like I said, the world of Autism is a peculiar one.

I've found over these last three years that there are many comparisons to be made between Autism and the church. People with Autism have a difficult time relating to the world around them and communicating with others, and so does the church. Folks with Autism are typically self-absorbed and in their own world, and this is certainly a pit into which many churches have fallen. Autistic people are - let's face it - peculiar, and so are Christians.

1 Peter 2:9 says that we are " ...a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people..." We are peculiar in the sense that we have been set apart for God's purposes. We are, as many have noted, in the world, but not of the world. This is a tremendous tension. Perhaps nothing better illustrates Christianity's discomfort with this idea of peculiarity than a quick study of church architecture.

The architecture of the Medieval church is symbolic of its fight for authority with the government. As battles raged between Kings and Catholic authorities (see Henry VIII and Sir Thomas More), the church and the state battled over whose buildings looked the part. Westminster Abbey and The Palace of Westminster were closely linked, not only in proximity, but also in design. They both stand as towering symbols of authority and tradition, the two preeminent epistemological categories of the day.

As history moved west in the wake of the enlightenment, and industry replaced the family farm, the distinction between church and culture grew even more unclear from an architectural standpoint. With the rise of industry came the advent of the worker's union. Union halls became gathering places for motivational support, community events and communal connection. It's no accident, then, that churches began to fashion their buildings after the open spaces and wide walls of the union hall.

World War II ushered in a new interest in science and innovation. The celebrities of the day were brainiacs like Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer, and they hailed from great halls of learning such as MIT and Harvard. Logic and reason ruled the day, and educational architecture, with its Greek columns, triangular facades, and epic lines became all the rage in church architecture. As science threatened the miraculous nature of the Bible, Christianity responded with a strong commitment to apologetics, and a new look that mirrored its academic rival.

Americans soon became bored with rocket scientists and astrophysicists, and turned to a different and much less intellectual source of interest. The entertainment industry, with its L.A. studios and supermodel personalities, set the trend for culture, and for the church. The church growth movement, cognitive of the power of cool, merged high tech visual aides with casual environments and found a winning combination for relevance in the media age. Suddenly churches went from epic, institutional stone buildings to sweeping, sloping structures, emblematic of the entertainment superplexes found near suburban shopping malls. Both inside and out, the contemporary church looked like what might best be described as a marriage between a rock concert venue and a movie theatre.

Along with an obsession for entertainment came a sharp rise in consumerism. Out were the Mom and Pop stores of old Americana, and in were the Wal-Mart's and strip mall's, which offered one-stop shopping for any possible consumer need or desire. In kind, churches began to offer spiritual programs for every conceivable situation in life. Parenting classes, money management courses, life coaching, Single's groups, Men's groups, Women's groups, Yoga classes, Mother's Day Out programs, etc, became the marks of a vibrant church. The message appeared to be, "Just back up your spiritual truck and receive a customizable church experience, suited to your every need."

Christian bookstores began to pop up in retail heavy areas, and Christian goods and services became a multi-million dollar business. Christian T-shirts were big sellers, along with mass produced Christian art, Christian greeting cards, and Christian music. You could even promote dental hygiene with Christian breath mints! No wonder the new trend in church buildings became the storefront church.

Victor Lebow, a Retailing Analyst, had this to say about the effect of consumerism on spirituality: “Our enormously productive economy demands that we make consumption our way of life, that we convert the buying and use of goods into rituals, that we seek our spiritual satisfaction, our ego satisfaction, in consumption.” The interesting aspect of this is that Lebow said those words in 1942! Lebow's prophetic words are only now being understood properly as the church is becoming something of a spiritual supercenter.

Now, let me state here that I'm not opposed to churches that look like movie theatres or storefronts. I pastor a church that meets in an old department store, and we worship with the aide of a large projection system. My point is not that doing church in buildings that are inspired in some way by cultural trends is wrong. However, I do think it's high time that Christians begin to express our peculiar heritage with some sense of originality and greater purpose than trend following. The message of Christianity is infinitely unique. Why, then, have we continually struggled with our peculiarity? I'm not sure. Perhaps we should.

We are given a distinct and original call in 1 Corinthians 1:23-25, and this call should make it pretty much impossible for us to live in this world without enormous social tension. It tells us that we are wired differently, not unlike an Autistic child, and that social interaction for us peculiar people will be an awkward venture.

"but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."

What we find here is that we are to proclaim a counterintuitive message that will cause those who think differently from us to either experience toe-stubbing discomfort or mind boggling annoyance. It doesn't mean that we run to the streets with a chip on our shoulder, seeking to counfound each passerby, but it does mean that the natural outworking of a vibrant faith is a certain amount of social discord.

So, rather than do all we can to placate and mirror the prevailing culture, doesn't it make more sense for us to embrace our peculiar calling and take our cues from Jesus and his painfully original message? How do we do that? Quite simply, we walk according to the "power" and "wisdom of God" regardless of whether it's fully embraced by our culture. We take our cues from Jesus, and we mirror Him. In so doing, we embrace an odd and alien existence which may not be properly packaged for mass consumption.

1920's Reporter Guy Strikes Again!

So, there's this local Dallas sports radio station that constantly cracks me up, and they've come up with one of the funniest, most brilliant comedic bits I've ever seen or heard of.  They have one of their radio personalities act like a 1920's reporter and interview or ask questions to some of the biggest sports figures in the world.  1920's lingo is just flat out funny.  They used to say things like, "Say, pal, whadaya say we head over to the ole scrap heap and knock back a few oil cans?"  (Translation: Why don't we go to the pub and have a few beers?)

Anyway, the 1920's Reporter Guy, Scoops Callahan, has struck again.  He asked a question at the San Antonio Spurs post-game press conference, and Greg Popovich, Spurs head coach, couldn't have been less amused.  There's a lot of sports tension anytime Scoops is on the scene.  

Below you'll find some of the best and most brilliant work of Scoops Callahan.  Enjoy!

Cross "Testify before a Senate Committee" off my bucket list!

I had the opportunity on Tuesday to testify before a Texas Senate Committee on Education about a series of new bills designed to give Autistic students and parents more and better options within the public school system. Senator Florence Shapiro (pictured) authored many of these bills, and many parents and children will benefit from her dedication and support in helping families dealing with Autism.

The main bill was sb 2204, and it seeks to offer parents and educators the option of using private therapy centers as a resource for Autistic children who are at risk for institutionalization. The bill would allow parents and schools to collaborate with private therapy centers to help develop behaviors and skills necessary for independent living in Autistic kids in an effort to prevent them from being institutionalized at a later date, thereby becoming an even greater strain on the government and taxpayers.

The Teachers Union, as well as the Board of Education were not at all happy with this bill, and presented it as a glorified voucher program. The Plano ISD even sent in a ringer to testify before the committee. A woman came to the podium, introduced herself, and then proceeded to tell the committee that she was the parent of two Autistic children, and she was against this bill. She finished her speech, and then Senator Shapiro lowered the boom on her! Apparently the lady was paid to make the trip and speak against the bill, and her two Autistic kids actually have Asperger's Syndrome, a form of Autism that is extremely high functioning and typically not at risk for institutionalization. In short, the lady's testimony was dishonest and represented the kinds of dirty tricks that the educational system will play in order to protect the status quo. I applaud Senator Shapiro for sniffing out their scheme and calling them on it!

I spoke briefly about my son's battle with Autism, and made the committee aware of a philosophy that drives my wife and I as we seek to help little Pierce. Our philosophy is to do whatever it takes to give our son the BEST shot at a BRIGHT future. My question to the committee was, "Do you believe that the educational system in Texas has the manpower, the resources and the training to give my son the best shot at a bright future, and if you were in my shoes, would you settle for anything less?" I told them that the way they answered that question would determine the way they voted on this bill. I'm praying for them as they weed through all the details and distractions. I hope you'll pray for them as well.

New Article on Practicing Theology

My good friend, Robert Johnson, is doing an Easter week series on his web site, www.practicingtheology.com. The series is called "The 3 Nails", and it's been really good so far. Robert asked me to write an article answering the question, "Is suffering a guarantee in the Christian life?" In short, my answer is "yes." If you'd like to read the longer version of my answer, check out the article here.

We Could Learn a lot from this Exchange

Penn Gillette, a known Atheist, describes in this video an encounter he had with a man after his show who gave him a Bible.  Christians would be wise to note the tone and approach the Christian man took as he approached Mr. Gillette.  Very cool.

The Wedding Album Effect

I recently wrote an article for my good friend Robert Johnson, and you can view it here at Robert's web site, Practicing Theology. Enjoy!

It's Been a Long Time...

I haven't posted for a long time, and I'm not sure how I feel about my blog these days.  I am busy, and the blog just doesn't get as much of my attention as it used to.  I like to write, and I want to do it more, but it's a lot of work, and I'm not as naturally creative as I once was (at least I don't feel as creative).  It probably doesn't help my blog's cause that I write sermons every week, and much of my writing energy is devoted to that cause.  In light of everything I just wrote, I'd still like to keep this blog around because it contains much of who I am and what I've thought over the past three years.  It has been a cathartic outlet, and has, at times, kept me sane.  I may not post a whole lot anymore, but I will continue to utilize this free and therapeutic outlet.

Here's a quick update on life in the not-so-blog-heavy Hayes family:

• Kim gave birth to our 5th child on January 7th.  His name is Quinn Michael Hayes.  Quinn means "wise", and it also means "five."  Hopefully he'll turn out to be our "wise 5th child."
• Quinn's middle name, Michael, is a tribute to my best friend, Mike Spratt.  Mike died several years ago of a heart attack at age 33.  He was a fine person, and I miss him dearly.  His memory lives on in my child, and I can't wait to tell little Quinn about the great man who inspired his middle name.

• I've continued writing on the side, and have had some small successes recently.  In October the study guide for Erwin McManus's book, "Uprising", was released.  I had the privilege of writing the study guide, which accompanies a dvd series produced by Blue Fish TV.  Very exciting!

• Grace Community Church, where I serve as Sr. Pastor, is a wonderful place, and Kim and I are enjoying our new church a lot.  There is a ton of potential at Grace, and we're starting to realize some of that potential.  People are still coming to church in spite of me.  Despite the struggling economy, Grace is in solid financial condition.  Even more, we're tackling some of the problems that exist in the Corsicana community, and are starting to make a dent in the world around us.  That's what it's all about!!
• My two oldest children, Trent and Cale, are excelling in their new school, First Baptist Academy of Dallas.  Both boys have made the honor roll, and Cale, in particular, is making tremendous social and educational strides.  We're blessed to have an opportunity to send our kids to this fine institution.

My little fishing buddy, Cale!

Trent and a large bass!

• Pierce, our autistic son, is struggling a bit these days, mainly due to the fact that his favorite person, Mommy, is a bit off limits since having a c-section.  Pierce has still experienced enormous growth, but he's having a rough go of things as of late.
• Jillian, our one and only girl, is an absolute delight.  She is pretty, funny, and in complete control of her Father's emotions.  The child has me wrapped around her cute little finger.  I'm so happy we had a little girl!
• Timothy Keller is making a huge impact on my life.  Keller is pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, and is author of 4 books and contributor to many others.  His most recent book, The Prodigal God, is destined to be a classic.  Keller's focus on service, mercy, and the beauty and surprise of the gospel is transforming my soul.

O Holy #$*&%!

OK, folks, it's that time of year. It's time for my favorite Christmas song performed by my favorite artist of all time. I don't know his name, but he's a genius. Listen and enjoy the most beautiful version of O Holy Night you've ever heard:

Click here to listen

Surprise!!

I'm doing a 4 week series this month called "Surprise!" I've challenged my church to wake up each morning for the next 30 days and pray these three words: "Surprise me, God." I also had journals printed up for them and have asked them to record God's activity in their lives. I can't wait to see what happens! I started a new blog to chronicle what happens in my life as I set forth on this new experiment. you can read it here.

When I was a kid, Christmas was always surprising. Now that I'm a grown man, not so much. I've heard all the stories and I know what to expect from this culture during this season. Seems like the surprising birth of Jesus has been buried by other things. I'm hoping this little experiment will change all of that. Perhaps it will shake the dust off of this season and bring a refreshing and simple perspective to the Christmas event.

My first surprise entry is below. I'm dying to see what the next month will bring.

____________________________________________

So, I did it. I woke up this morning and asked God to surprise me. It felt risky and a bit scary. It also felt good to just say it. Most of the time when I pray I'm pretty much saying a lot of the same things that I always say. It was good, for once, to pray something different and unusual. Can't wait to see what happens!

My first surprise hit at about Noon when I spoke to Kim on the phone and she reminded me that we had to go to the First Baptist Academy Christmas party that night. Ughhhh. A Christmas party with a bunch of people whom I hardly know. Sounds dreadful. Add to it the fact that attending this Christmas party would be infinitely inconvenient. I was ready to pull the plug on this whole deal. Kim also informed me that there would be a $20 fee to attend. That was all it took to set me off.

"$20! So, let me get this straight. You have to drive home from Dallas, drop the kids off, freshen up, and then you and I have to get in the van and drive all the way back to Dallas to go to a party that we have to pay to attend? It isn't enough that we have to pay for gas and a babysitter? We need to back out of this thing! I'll go, but I'm not going to be happy about it."

We climbed into the van at about 5:30pm. By 6:35, we were lost in Oak Cliff. The directions Kim had been given were a little off, and we were aimlessly touring South Dallas at night. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper.

Somehow, by sheer dumb luck, we managed to navigate our way to the party. It was at a little restaurant called Eno's, and it was nestled in a quaint and beautiful part of South Dallas (the Bishop Arts District). Apparently one of the graduates of Kim's school owns and operates this wonderful Italian tavern. If you have the chance, check this place out. The atmosphere is amazing.

We entered the party and enjoyed some really good pizza, pasta, and - get this - they had root beer on tap! After our meal, everyone got a root beer float, and it was heavenly. We sat with the head basketball coach at Kim's school, and he was a delightful person. We talked for at least an hour and a half, and he told me all about his hometown of Roswell, New Mexico. Yep, Roswell is where all those supposed alien sightings occurred. Supposedly the governement has some secret alien laboratory hidden in the Roswell area. Urban legend? Depends on if you like The X-files or not!

Anyway, God managed to surprise me in spite of my horrible attitude. He showed me that long, irritating, inconvenient journeys sometimes lead you to the best, most enjoyable surprises. Isn't that the whole lesson of the Israelites journey to the promised land? I guess sometimes you have to wait to judge the journey until you've reached the destination.

Can't wait to see what happens tomorrow!!

Random Stuff

Feeling foggy today.  Tired.  Lonely.  Discouraged.  

Here are some things I'm pondering:

• I've been doing a series lately on the book of Proverbs called "How's Life?"  It's been extremely challenging to my congregation and me.  Proverbs is a book full of very direct moral platitudes.  I am not a person who prefers to think in these terms.  I'm a wrestler who tangles with issues and leaves room for the grey areas.  Proverbs has no patience for this kind of thinking.  I am not a Proverbs kind of guy, but I've learned a tremendous amount from this series.  It reminds me of something of GK Chesterton's that I read: "There are many, many angles at which one can fall but only one angle at which one can stand straight."  Proverbs is a book of straight angles.
• Although this series has been really good, our attendance has declined.  Not sure what that's about, but I'm trying not to let it discourage me.  It's not working very well.
• We're trying to get Pierce's therapy covered by insurance.  It's a daunting task.  Insurance is like toilet paper: You don't particularly like it, but you're glad it's around when you need it.
• It's that time of the year when people's lives start to fall apart.  Not sure why that is, but I've found that this time of year brings with it a lot of pain.  Like the leaves fall from the trees, so the joy seems to fall from the lives of many people as the holidays approach. Part of what I do is help rake the leaves into a pile and encourage people to jump in them.
• This commercial cracks me up.
• I recently bought two books that I can't wait to read (reviews are forthcoming).  The first is "The Prodigal God" by Timothy Keller, and the second is "Jesus Wants to Save Christians" by Rob Bell and Don Golden.  Tim Keller's book is destined to be a classic.  I've read half of it, and it is in the same vein as classics by CS Lewis and AW Tozer.  It's just an amazing book.  Rob Bell's book seems like a pretty significant can of worms that I'm curious to open.  I'll tell you what I think after I've finished both books.
• I'd rather watch The Steeler's vs The Redskins than go to elder's meeting.  I'm pretty sure God doesn't like me very much.
• LSU is playing Alabama this weekend.  Nothing would make me more happy than to see the guy on the left beat the guy on the right.
• Unless Barack Obama goes on a Jeremiah Wright-style rant on Monday Night Football, he'll probably be the next president.  We'll see if hard hitting reporter Chris Berman will ask something that will turn the tide.  
• Soccer season is finally over.  Thank the sweet Lord!