The Bigger Picture

I've noticed a trend with the ideas of heaven and hell and I don't want to waste any time with anecdotes or preface. The reason I wrote about both heaven and hell and what I see as misconceptions of both is that I feel both of these issues come down to control.

The pictures of heaven and hell are presented with a fair amount of clarity in Scripture. Both are described in detail and at first glance, it would be easy to see the validity of the traditional and literal interpretation of both places. However, when you dig further, many inconsistencies arise in the descriptions. While I don't want to take away from the inspiration of scripture, I do want you to notice a personal bias or way to describe each place. Whether OT or NT, there are varied interpretations of what both places will be like.

This is important because there is a bigger picture to see. One of joy and one of sorrow, of completion and deletion. Strip away the varied descriptions and this is what you are left with. But we don't leave it there. We add to it. We emphasize the pain, the sorrow, the fire. We focus on mansions, gold, no tears.

Control. We expedite the process. We want the finished product. So we rush people. We force our hand and show our cards out of fear, out of concern, but also out of a need for control. We have created a negative spiral and we continue down this path because we know nothing other than what was presented to us. But as we do this, we miss the bigger picture again. What's worse, we can often do more damage, albeit unintentional.

This "pushing" of our heaven and hell agenda can and will lead to premature decisions. Decisions based on fear, based on many things, but too often not based on a relationship with Christ. When we turn the focus off of Christ and put it back on ourselves we exercise our need to control.

I'm not claiming omniscience. I don't know what conversions are real and what aren't. But I've seen enough people walking around with a false sense of righteousness believing they are "safe from hell" but have no clue as to what a relationship with Christ is. I've been one of these people. I know them well.

It's the relationship that is important. It's a process that I can play a part in. But it's not my place to try and force my hand. That is why I believe what I do in regards to heaven and hell. This life is about an opportunity for a personal relationship with our creator, and that relationship doesn't end when my body ends. It's a process that is ongoing and it's not defined by the constructs of heaven and hell that I create.

What's Next?

Okay, been over a month. Way too long between posts, but I'll be honest, I haven't had a whole lot of motivation to write the next post in this series that I'm doing on heaven and hell. I suffer from a bit of indifference on the subject. I hate to put that in the beginning of this post, and I'm betting that I won't get many responses to this one. However, I need to be honest. After all, this is my confessional.

Heaven is another one of those subjects in scripture filled with metaphor, allegory, symbolism.. and it's very difficult to know what is, and what isn't. So streets of gold, crowns, mansions, no tears, no pain/suffering.. these are the carrots that get dangled in front of us as if somehow we are to be motivated by these things. I'm not sure about you, but I could care less about a crown, a mansion, or what the surface is that I'm walking upon. If these things are supposed to be motivators for Christians, we would all be called materialists. So why is this stuff used to describe heaven and eternity with God? Are they supposed to be motivators? I don't think so. In the same way that the language of hell is only an metaphorical picture that is trying to convey a suffering or a place that can't be described by our limited vocabulary, so it is with heaven.

I'll be honest, I do not know whether or not my opinions on heaven or hell is remotely accurate. It isn't the point. But I do know that just as the language of hell and how it translates to "reality" is unknown to me, the same thing is true for me with heaven.

I get reminded often about how limited our understanding is and our ability to reason or "know" things like the problem of evil, predestination/free will, limits of omipotence, omniscience, omni-whatevernece, and yet somehow this isn't true with heaven and hell. We can know... it's clear as day... right? I don't think so. If we truly are limited in our ability to know God in one area, shouldn't it follow we are limited to know God in all areas? Where does that leave us? Ambiguity, anarchy, subjectivism? No... and yes.

More on this in my next post. Stay tuned.... It won't be as long as the time between my last post and this one.

Hell.. or lack therof

I've been thinking about this subject a bit. Yes, I know, I think about odd things but that's just the way I'm wired. Hell is such a controversial topic and I'm going to throw my hat into the ring of fire (no pun intended... well it was intended).

I have a hard time with the idea of hell. What I am going to present is merely an opinion built out of necessity and not necessarily founded on anything other than my paradigm. Hell seems ridiculous to me. Or at least the version of hell that I was taught my entire life (biblically based mind you.. not some weirdo faction or fringe view of hell). The idea of eternally punishing someone for choices made in an insignificant time period (when considered in the midst of eternity) doesn't add up to what the New Testament teaches us about forgiveness, love, etc.

Here's my deal, I find it hard to believe that God would expect us to uphold a standard that He isn't willing to uphold himself. Case in point, God tells us to forgive 70 x 7 times when someone wrongs you. We are supposed to turn the other cheek, we are supposed to give a thief our tunic if they take our cloak (or something like that). But wrong God once, and He will have none of it. Bam, you are doomed to fire and brimstone.

This doesn't add up to me. So what did I do? I came up with my own "hell" perspective. It happens to follow C.S. Lewis' line of thinking in "The Great Divorce" Hell is intended for those that choose to be there. Those who do not, are not limited to a finite time frame in which to make a choice.

Is this accurate? Is it biblical? I'm not sure. I know it isn't heretical (to most) but I also know it doesn't follow most people's view or upbringing. I really don't care about that. What I do care about is reconciling God's love and forgiveness with an idea of cruel and unusual punishment.

I know how the comments are going to go. I've heard them all. "But Phil, you're not God and his ways are perfect. Therefore if he chooses to do something, it's good and we need to 'Trust' his ways." Here's another one: "Where can you back that up in Scripture? The Bible speaks of fire, torture, hell, etc. for those who don't believe". And finally: "Are you a universalist?".

I'm not going to take the time to answer all of these right now. I have thought through these objections and many more, and that is why I'm comfortable with my position. However, I do not think I have it figured out. I don't claim to have answers on this subject. Merely speculation and opinion that helps me enjoy a relationship with God. However odd or one-sided that may be at this time.

Fire away!

For those of you anxiously awaiting my next post...

I apologize for the delay. My mind has been on other things lately and I will come back to this stuff soon. Thanks for the dialogues from my previous posts. Feel free to continue the dialogue even if I've moved on to a new post.

My Version of God

I'm a product of my environment, upbringing, education, social class, and birthplace. So much about my surroundings and environment shape who I am. It's difficult to think outside this sphere I live in. What's even more interesting, is how I put God within this sphere as well. I can't help it. It's a part of how I was created. I have to think in terms of my sphere.

I say this to give a reason as to why I think the way I do. I have a version of God that I have found "liveable" and within the possibility of relational. This has been a difficult task for me over the last 7 years. I have often been angry at God, or just denied his existence. Scripture doesn't make this any easier. There are things in Scripture that point to a version of God that I don't like. It's one that I have difficulty accepting, or at least the general interpretation of Him.

So here's my question, do you think it's okay to live life this way? Is this irreverant? Should I just accept the standard knowledge and practice of what's around me and fall in line to a picture of God that is very likely to be true... even though it upsets me to the point of anger and frustration? My version of who God is doesn't deny what he's told us about himself in Scripture, it just chooses to look at him though a different lens than normal. It's a lens that allows me to trust, to build a relationship upon. It isn't heretical, and it isn't ignoring scripture, it's just different.

Enough Serious Stuff

My last few posts have been pretty serious in nature and it's time for a change. If you haven't had a chance to check out this blog... do. It's one of the funniest sites I've seen in a long time. (As a warning, it can get PG-13/R rated so be forewarned. Most of it's clean though.)

"My Perspective" on perspectives

I think too much. I like to dig deep, figure out, question, rant, rave, and basically just discuss things. It's because I process information better when I discuss it. I work through things in conversation. I know a lot of people who are like me.

That got me thinking. Why is it that most teaching is done in one particular style that enhances only part of the audience's ability to process the information being shared?

What would that look like in a church? For so long, the only medium that was available for teaching was the traditional method of preaching, or group discussion. But technology allows us to do so much more and I see the church embracing this. That's a good thing.

However (and you knew there'd be a caveat), I find it strange that we don't apply this same thinking to who gives information and what sources it comes from. We have the ability to gather massive amounts of information instantly yet we somehow think the best method is to continue to get one perspective in the same learning style over, and over, and over. Yes, I know the pastor usually sources lots of material and gathers information for their speech, but it still is just one perspective on that particular information.

What would it look like when ideas that are shared are contributed by those involved in the community, or even outside the community? How effective would it be for all learning mediums to be explored and options for each so that everyone has a choice to learn in the style that is best suited for them? Would it be powerful to empower and hold people responsible for their contribution to the group. Would this in turn benefit everyone? How could you place filters in the process without shutting everyone out?

I have no idea whether these things would work or not. I'm still processing it all. Just wanted to share and gather ideas.

Excess

So I'm sitting in church yesterday and we all had the privilege of listening to a guy who is a spokesperson for a wonderful ministry called Manna Worldwide. I'm a big fan of ministries and organizations that look to provide the necessities of life for those locally and around the world that don't have the opportunities that we have. If you haven't had a chance to check them out... do (don't mind the cheesy music on their website).

Anyways, it got me thinking of God and his provisions or lack thereof. I can honestly say I don't get it. I've had the privilege to have to rely on faith for my family's provisions for two years now. It's been a roller coaster ride but I know that God has provided. Most of the time, in the nick of time (less than $3 in the bank account) and I don't understand why he keeps blessing. Maybe it's a generational thing. My parents have been unbelievably faithful throughout their life. Maybe it's because of faith, or because that even when we didn't have money, we gave and fulfilled our commitments. I don't know, but I'm not sure I know what to make of it.

We are one of the most wasteful, self-seeking nations in the world, but also one of the most charitable. But is our time of prosperity running out? It reminds me of a song by Ben Folds that goes "God made us number one cause he loves us the best, but maybe he should bless someone else for a while and give us a rest.."

Don't you think other parts of the world deserve a little "blessing" from God? I know this is absolutely futile to think of this stuff. I can't know the answers. I guess it all goes back to the question that has brought me out of a lot of places in life and that is.... Do I trust that God is who He says He is?

So my question is, do you ever feel guilty about the things you have? Even with the little bit that some of us have, it's so much more than the vast majority of the world. How much is too much? Obviously God can bless beyond measure (solomon). Maybe this system wasn't designed for equal measure. All i know is that I'll never figure it out. If I do, look for me on TBN or at a church near you.

Busy Times

I was looking back and noticed that I haven't been blogging as often. I'm sorry for the one or two of you that check this out on a frequent basis. Things have been a little crazy here. We just launched a new product called KidCheck. It's security check-in/check-out for daycares. I must admit that the response has been a welcome change from the crickets chirping that was experienced with our last product offering.

I don't have anything substantive to offer today (not sure if anything i've offered could be classified as that either). Just wanted to check in and make sure to update this thing. I'll be posting more over the next few days. I look forward to the continued dialogues and thoughts as I share my journey with you all.

Relationships

I don't know if any of you find this true, but relationships are very difficult. You think you get it dialed in and life changes, thus the relationship changes as well. This is the story of my life.

The obvious example would be relationships with my wife or kids. But a more pressing issue for me right now (not that those things aren't important) is the relationship I have/don't have with God right now. I have a hard time expressing what is going on but i'll try.

As most of you know, I was a closet agnostic for about 6 years and have since come back to a realization of the existence of, and a relationship with... my creator. This has been difficult at best, but I find myself and a different place right now.

I need to hear from God. I have this need or needs that aren't being met and I am finding it difficult to get to the root. Odds are, it's something I've done or not done that is screwing it all up, but I don't know. I just feel something missing.

Ever get this way? I'm sure you all have, at some point in your life been here. But here's the kicker. I'm not after that. I don't want to hear someone else's story. I don't want to have to listen to someone else tell me their version of "the truth" or how "their" relationship happens. This may sound strange but I'm tired of listening to everyone else. It's not what I need. How God interacts with you is exactly that. It's with you and for you only. That's the beauty of Christianity. There are guidelines of how this all works, but most of the story is personal in nature and will change from person to person.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not proclaiming some version of subjective truth, or relativity of morals and religion. What I am proclaiming is the unique and personal relationship that each of us get to experience with God. Our past, how we process information, our personality, our experience, all colors the lens through which we see and experience God. This is all filtered through scripture and the Holy Spirit. What it ends up as, is unique to each of us. It's amazing isn't it?

That's what I'm after. My experience. My version. My lens.

This is rant more than anything. You're more than welcome to share your story, just keep in mind it's "your" story and while some may resonate with mine, don't take offense at the other parts that may not.

What a weekend

I just came back from a weekend that can't be expressed any better than saying it was one of the best things i've ever done in my life. I had the opportunity to climb an 1100 foot granite cliff with a very close friend. There is something about being several hundred feet off the ground and having your life in the hands of a good and trustworthy friend. I'm close with this guy, but sharing these types of experiences can't help but bring people closer together.

I can't wait to do it again and to experience things like this with my wife and kids if for no other reason than how it would bring us even that much closer than we already are. Just wanted to share a bit of excitement from my world.

Entitlement

I have a sense of entitlement. I was born this way. I am entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I'm also entitled to freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and to decide where I'll live, what religion I'll belong to, and what I'll feed my family. There are a lot of things that I'm "entitled to" but I've come to realize that this perception of entitlement is based solely on where I was born and what time period I was born into.

Had this been 14th century England, I'd have a different set of ideals and not as much of a sense of entitlement. The truth is, it wasn't until the enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries that people began centralize the self. The self became the measure and center of knowledge. Before this time, knowledge came from outside and tied into the self. After the enlightenment (Descarets, Hume, Kant) knowledge started with the self, and worked outwards.

This is a significant shift in that people before this time, were apt to accept life the way it was handed to them. Evil, pain, suffering, it was just a part of life. There wasn't as much of a sense of entitlement as to what we "should" have or what we "deserved". It was more of an acceptance of the way things were.

Are we better off with this mindset of entitlement? How would a lack of entitlement change the way we view God and those things of theology and religion that we hold so dear? Do you think there would be a problem of evil? How would predestination fit without a sense of entitlement to make you think you "need" to play a part in the process?

Just some food for thought.

Selfish

I was thinking about something I read by Chuck Klausterman the other day. He posed a question in his book IV: "think of the best decision you've ever made in your life. Now think of the worst decision you've ever made. Think about the motivations behind these decisions... how similar are they?"

This got me thinking. I've done a lot of stupid things in my life and it seems the common motivation was selfishness. I wanted what I wanted and took it. Or I wanted to do what I wanted to do, and did it. It was all about me. Then I thought about some of the great decisions I've made. Salvation for one. What was my motivation behind that decision? Selfishness was the answer again.

I chose this path out of self preservation and fear. But that leaves a problem. If the act of salvation is based upon the greatest cause of sin in the world... selfishness, then how do we reconcile that?

This is where I realized that the act of salvation isn't one that I can perform. It's God's grace that saves me. I do nothing.. in fact, if I actually do make a choice, it's based on a sinful nature and selfishness. Is there anything wrong with that? No. I don't think there is. It's the way we are wired. I just found it amazing how we can count on one thing as people... that we will do what is in our best interests, whether we know it or not. We are all wired this way. Even our most noble decisions and actions still tie back to what we know will be best for "us".

Anyone have thoughts on this? I'd be curious to hear them.

Good stuff from Seth

Another gem from Seth Godin. Think about your place in life. Would you do it the same? Are you doing yourself justice or is there a better version of you that we haven't seen yet? Is the the best you can do with your life, or are there better things in store? If so.... what are you waiting for?

Changing Title

I'm changing the name of this blog. Why? I don't like being boxed in or defined by my past. Yeah, I grew up as a preacher's kid. But it was not a bad experience, and it hasn't defined me as a person. It's just another experience that has helped mold me, but by no means defines me. I'm more than that. And I'm happy with who I am. So I'm changing the title. And my blog will be even more narcissistic than ever. All Phil, all the time!!

Battle Tested

I often confuse my anxiety about my situation in life for doubt and fear. Maybe it's both. For those who know me closely, you know I'm one to take risks. I make emotional decisions with little regard to detail. This has led to a lot of excitement in my life, but it has also cost me stability in many ways.

As I sit and think about the situation I'm in, I think of being battle tested. Maybe this is the real thing, maybe it's not. Either way it hurts.... but it's also good. That's the paradoxical theme of my life lately. Pain, hurt, frustration, overlaying a strange foundation of peace, confidence, and courage. Too often I allow the layers of bad to get too thick and it takes more than shaking it off to relieve myself of the weight.

Once again, I'm looking around for the sledgehammer to crash down on me. Maybe it already has but I'm too battle tested and hardened to know it. This is a good thing. When I can take the blows of life in stride and keep moving forward... that is when I know I'm ready.

Controversy

I was looking at the responses to my previous posts and noticed the ones that seemed the most "controversial" were the ones most commented on. I think the trend would be to continue that on for the sake of popularity. However, that's won't be the case here. I have found that many times we do things out of our need to be accepted, or at least recognized. I've lived most of my life that way. My concern for others opinions is both a strength and a weakness.

Have you ever wondered why you get along best with those who share similar tastes? Ever notice how a controversial topic is more enjoyable when discussed among people who agree with you, but not completely? The inverse would be someone who agrees with very little of what you have to say... but those conversations are usually avoided (speaking of myself here.) The moment I find myself justifying my position or defending my thought... i have stopped the process of learning for that moment. It's in listening, not sharing, where we can grow. Just some food for thought.

A Must Read

This post is a "must read" for anyone involved with the church. It connects the dots of effective communication and the disconnect with churches.

A Light Came On

I had the opportunity to have a couple of discussions this weekend that left me in a weird state of mind. Over the last year, I have made quite the effort to rid myself of the incessant need to analyze and rationalize everything that has to do with God and spirituality. I have a tendency to swing to extremes (not a surprise for anyone who knows me) and lately I've been wondering why I spent so much time studying philosophy and theology, if I wasn't able to apply any of it in my life. Things such as being a dad, a husband, a friend, and a follower of Christ seemed to not mesh well with a consistent need to filter my ideas and thoughts through the lens of philosophy and theology.

However, this seemed to be a bit extreme to me. I have a lot of things that brew inside my head. Ideas that are just begging to come out, but I don't seem to have the same audience here to bounce them off of. For this reason, I've pushed them aside and only focused on the here and the now. The "existential" side of life. My experience and feelings.

This weekend was a breath of fresh air. I got to ask questions that I haven't asked in a while... but had been brewing for a long time. No, I didn't receive any answers for these questions, but that's okay. I also got great answers for other questions I had and was able to tie together some thoughts I had with my experiences and feelings.

I'm not sure yet why this is significant. But deep down I know it is. Have you ever felt that way? You know something big is going on inside, but you can't put your finger on it? Sometimes it comes to light in a "moment", and other times you look back over months or years and then see the significance. I love that about life. You never know what you're going to get.

Taking A Stand

I have spent some time over the past couple of posts being a bit critical of the self-indulgent arguing that tends to happen around points of theology, spirituality, etc. In the same vein, I'd like to ask one more question.

Why do we feel the need to take a stand on any and every issue? What is with people's discomfort of "grey" areas or the unknown? Do we value our opinions so much that to think leaving a conclusion up to the individual is a bad thing? Even worse, someone might not agree with us.(sarcasm)

Great books are great. But Free great books are better.

I just wanted to let everyone in on this precious resource for excellent leadership and business information. Oh and it's all free. Please take advantage of this resource.

absolute Truth?

What does this phrase mean? Notice the capitalization in the title. There is debate and discussion amongst scholars on the differences between (T)ruth and (t)ruth. It's like the difference between macro and micro-evolution. Many people claim that there is no "absolute" truth. Just as people claim there is no such thing as "macro" evolution (evolution from one species to another). Without digressing into this discussion, I often wonder what the fuss is all about. I get very tired of arguing for the sake of arguing. It becomes self-indulgent and fruitless on many levels. More than that.. don't you think this is a "huge" turn-off for those on the outside looking in? Why do we continue tarnishing an already tarnished image of Christianity?

Warning: If you stop reading after this next paragraph... you may think I'm a heretic. Is it good practice to disregard someone before finishing what they've written? (we can be so quick to judge right?)

A new trend in theology debates is a tactic called "minimal facts approach" to theology. What they do is take the bare essential of what secular and Christian scholars agree as "facts" about things like the resurrection of Christ. This eliminates the bible as a source, among other highly debated sources. What they are left with are the minimal facts as accepted by the majority of scholars and then an argument is built out of these facts. It is incredibly effective and I highly encourage you to read Dr. Habermas' book. So what does this have to do with my post, right? I think we need to take the same approach with absolute Truth. We need to acknowledge that although we do believe in these things (absolute Truths), we can't prove they exist.

Now if you stop reading here... I'm sure the word "heretic" has come to mind. (or maybe because I just put it there) Let me explain. The fact is, we can't prove this statement one way or another. We would need omniscience to know if absolute truths were possible. I realize that our faith rests upon the bedrock of absolute truth. And I'm not denying that there are absolute Truths. What I'm saying is that if anyone asks me to prove it.. I'm stumped. I can't do it. I can't cover all of history, or eternity, or cover every corner case, or explore every possible scenario, option, or possibility that could lend itself to being wrong. I'm human. I don't have the capacity.

Understand... there is a huge difference between "there are no absolute Truths" and "I can't prove that absolute Truths exist." So why do we try so hard to rail against these things when everyone else has come to this conclusion? I think it makes us look a little dumb. I think it makes us look a little arrogant. Who are we to think we have knowledge of the infinite. Why do we feel the need to argue things we can't prove? Why not approach these things with humility and understanding?

Yes, I believe in absolute Truth. Yes, I believe it is a critical part of my faith. But no, I can't show you the existence of these things. That is where faith comes in. As I stated in my last post, it's far time to stop making our "voice" the priority and start approaching these conversations with an open ear and a humble heart. Earn your voice and don't just think that yelling louder will get you an audience or influence. Who is this all about anyways? Do we rail and argue to convince someone else... or is it "us" who still needs convincing?

Problem of Evil (not again!)

In the last several years, I have spent a lot of time thinking about and studying this issue that rears it's ugly head from time to time. For those who don't know what this problem is, it's a difficulty in reconciling the love of God with evil and suffering in this world. Whether that's through a natural disaster, or a tyrant, or just bad things that happen to people, there are many that wonder why a "good" and "loving" God would allow these things to happen.

As a renewed Christian, I have a hope and trust in God that his plans and purposes are bigger than mine. When I was an agnostic, this disappeared and in that frame of mind, faith and hope were not options I was willing to consider.

The true difficulty of this problem is that you can't convince someone who doesn't recognize God as we do, that God has a plan and purpose that far outweighs the pain and suffering in this world. It's not an acceptable argument to them because your foundation of truth is not the same as theirs. You're speaking French to an Englishman. And vice versa. No amount of "proof" will sway one person over the other.

Does anyone see my point here? Why do we think repetition and turning up the volume will some how lead to conversion or agreement? Sure, there are cases where people have changed their mind, but when it comes to matters of God and spirituality, isn't it best to let our actions be our words. And let the truth we speak come from the mind of God, scripture (and not our version of what it says), rather than from a clever argument we found in a book? People on both sides are tired of arguing. Next time you are in a discussion around a topic like this, make sure to take more time to "listen" to the other side, then making sure your voice is heard. This has a greater impact than anything you could "argue".

Marketing in Churches?

We often think of "marketing" as synonymous with "advertising". A lot of churches have a subversive reaction to the term "marketing". As if God needed to market/advertise Himself or His church. Right? Wrong. Marketing is how people view you, your church, your business. From how someone is treated walking into your doors, to the person who answers your phones; all are involved in marketing. And if I have taken away anything over my journey to agnosticism and back, it's that Christianity has an image problem. How do people view your church?

We, as Christians, are the marketing arm for Jesus. We represent him in all that we do. From the way we speak to people, to the way we drive on the freeway (i just prayed for forgiveness for this morning's commute). What message am I sending to those who are "window shopping" for religion?

Another nugget from Seth

Here's another nugget of wisdom from Seth. One of the things I love about marketing is how much what is being said and done in the business world, applies directly to churches. What box does your church fit into? Are you trying to be like George, or do you stand out like Danny? Things that are different get remembered. In the world of marketing, different often leads to remarkable.

Does this hit home?

Here's a link to a great post on "church health" by a friend of mine.

Church Metrics

How does a church measure health? Usually, a church is running some sort of software program that allows them to get reports on attendance, visitors, finances, etc. But church health runs much deeper than that. Things like community involvement, church involvement, active evangelism, consistent time in the word, consistent time in prayer, consistent giving. All these traits are characteristics of a "spiritually healthy" person. Get enough of these people in your church and you could deem your church "spiritually healthy".

The problem is in measurement. How can we know these things. What sort of surveys are available? I do know that Saddleback has come up with a survey that measures "health" in an individual based upon dozens of criteria. What would be really interesting is to have a way to get all of that information into a report that gave you the "big" picture of the church. You could see strengths, weaknesses, trends, etc. You could move the data around as you like and gain all sorts of insights.

I think the bottom line is metrics. You can't manage what you don't measure and if you aren't measuring, then you're blind to what's really going on.

Does this happen to you?

Here's some great insight by Seth Godin about the tyranny of the urgent and how to manage it effectively. This is applicable every bit as much in churches as it is in businesses.
Enjoy.

Thinking it Through

I have a problem. I stay in my head too much. I try to rationalize things to a level that takes away any possibility of something other than what was experienced. My life in Christianity has been filled with these moments. Places where I had the possibility to experience or sense something outside myself. Something bigger than myself. Something divine. But my mind goes to work. I think about it, ponder the possibilities, look at my experience through the lens of Immanuel Kant, and then disregard it.

For a long time I thought if I could study enough, think hard enough, and ask the right questions, I could know God. That was the box I put Him in. The box of my mind. If I couldn't fathom it, it couldn't be real.

Does this seem foreign to any of you? Can anyone relate with this?

This was my process that lasted for years and years, and drove me into agnosticism. It's a dangerous trap because everything I studied was for a "greater cause". I was studying theology, philosophy, and losing touch with reality.

I realized that Kant's intentions were good. He wanted to put religion, God, faith, into a category of the unknowable, in order to make room for faith. That was the part that was missing. Faith. I had to trust that even though I may not understand why things happened, I needed to trust that God's intentions were actually "good". (thank you C.S. Lewis) This was a hard pill for me to swallow. But it has been life changing for me.

A good friend said "Phil, you stay in the intellectual world so you don't have to get involved in the real world." Ouch... that one stung a little bit. But he was right. It was my crutch to avoid accountability and involvement.

What excuses do you make for not getting involved in helping people and changing lives? I've shared mine... it's your turn.

Healthy Conflict

I find it interesting the lengths people go to avoid conflict. As someone who has fought through insecurity, I've noticed just how many people there are that suffer from the the same thing. It seems as if most people are obsessed with how others view them. By obsessed I mean it controls most, if not all, of the decisions they make. Car companies are catching on to this. That's why you have commercials about how a car makes a "statement". The fashion industry has been doing this for years. Not only what type of clothes you wear but also the fabric softener you use all somehow say something about who you are. We have become defined by perceptions of people who make money off our insecurities.

I mention this because I've noticed the same trend in churches. Not only do they use similar tactics in marketing themselves to the communities around them, but also in the area of conflict avoidance. Too often churches are afraid of conflict.

"Why should we embrace conflict?" you may ask. Several reasons and thoughts prevail about this, however the most glaring is that healthy conflict leads to growth. Notice I said "healthy" conflict. Not all conflict is good, and it seems as though most churches tend to focus on the unhealthy type of conflict. The conflict that divides and splits churches and families. In fear, they try to avoid conflict as a whole.

This is problematic because one thing that any pastor will tell you is that conflict is unavoidable. It's not a matter of if, but when. Without stealing my friend's thunder about this topic, I wanted to start the dialogue concerning conflict. Should churches be a place where a healthy environment is created to help process and resolve conflict? Or should many of them continue to avoid it at all costs until they are forced to deal with conflict as a last resort? If environments should be created that help process and resolve healthy conflict... what would that look like?

For more of these questions and answers, I'll post the link to a blog on this subject matter in the near future. For now, please share your thoughts.

A Couple of Resources for You

I wanted to make sure to post some links to resources for anyone who wants to see a different side of Christianity than what is portrayed on T.V. or in the media. Those of us with conservative roots might find these things a bit "edgy". While I have a lot to say about Christianity and a great deal of experience living in and/or despising the "culture" of it all, I am by no means the expert. Please spend some time looking into these things. Each one is a powerful voice for change in "our" culture, defined as this country and this world, not defined as those who agree with us, or live the way we do. These are just a few of the culture changers:

A voice for positive change

Reading this book felt like he was channeling me

A reality check for Churches

Earning the right to speak to someone's spiritual need by providing for their basic needs.

The new north american mission field

A much needed ministry to a group that is largely unknown, forgotten, or ignored

Each of these movements and ministries speak to my heart. Please share with us the movements and ministries that speak to you. If you don't know of any, maybe it's time to start looking outside your normal (paradigm).

The Journey To Agnosticism and Back

We all have a story. Each one of us looks at life through a particular lens that is unique to them. My story may or may not be too different from yours.

I feel like God has taken me through a unique path and given me a perspective on faith and Christianity that is not what I'd call traditional. On the right hand side of this blog you'll see the "about me" section. It explains that I grew up in a household that was a strong Christian home, but I left the faith later in life... only to come back to the faith of my upbringing. This may sound like a strange series of events to some of you but rest assured, it isn't all for naught.

I don't want to bore you all with the details of my childhood or the particulars of what has happened to get me to where I am. Just know that I was raised in a wonderful family, but my personal faith growing up was inconsistent at best. In college, I had a "re-awakening" which I claim as the time of my true Salvation, but I became lost in the world of intellectualism. This led to me becoming an "agnostic" (not sure if there is, or isn't a God) for 4 years, only to come back around to Christianity.

The good news: I've seen Christianity from both sides of the fence.

The bad news: I've seen Christianity from both sides of the fence.

I've recently read a fantastic book on the perceptions of "non-christians" and how bad the image of Christianity has gotten with a younger segment of the population. Unfortunately, the book's findings echo many of my opinions of Christianity in America. I encourage every one of you to pick up a copy of this book. It's eye opening and gives incredible insight into the minds of the youth in this country. More on this later.

What's your story? Have you shared it lately?

Welcome All (Or one)

This is the inaugural post. Now I'll admit that for the last several years I looked at the blogosphere as just an exercise in narcissism, but in the last few months I've received some incredibly valuable information through this medium.

I'm really not sure where to begin other than saying welcome. I look forward to your feedback and I'm excited to share my journey with all of you.

I'll leave my journey for another post. This was just me "getting out of the gate".