DTS for Sunday June 26th Cancelled

See you again in July with Romans 13

Air Force Academy Flies Past Religious Intolerance Charge

It is good to hear that that the US Air Force Academy was not found to be a hotbed of evangelical Christian intolerance by an investigating panel. One of the more egregious acts of a campus chaplain was to tell new cadets to be born again or risk the fires of Hell. While that may be a bit extreme and probably should be moderated, one would hope that our future military leaders can handle the occassional heavy handed tactic by clergy. Other "charges" by the report border on the ludicrous. Apparently some have complained that chaplains have had the gall to pressure cadets to "attend religious services and receive theological training." Shocking! A chaplain telling folks to go to church and learn about their religion. Wow, clearly these chaplains need to understand that all roads lead to God, not make any recommendations regarding the spiritual life since feeling that God loves you is what is important, and become well-mannered ministers of secularism. Of course, the chaplains and cadets at the academy should respect the various religious and non-religious viewpoints of others. At the same time, however, if the Air Force wants to have religious chaplains it needs to be willing to let those folks express their religious creeds to those around them, for as too many secularists forget, tolerance is a two-way street.

Klansman Reminder of Southern Church's Heritage

The manslaughter conviction of Edgar Ray Killen for the 1964 killings of three civil rights workers in Mississippi hopefully brings a measure of justice for the deaths of three young men (1 black and 2 white) who were murdered by a group of Klansmen for aiding the cause of ending segregation. In addition to his Klan membership, Killen was also an ordained Baptist minister. As most everyone is aware, many churches in the south during the civil rights era actively opposed the battle to end segregation. In a sad indictment of the Christian church of the time, Martin Luther King, Jr. had anticipated that white clergymen would see the rightness of the cause of black equality both under the law and in human hearts and that southern white churches would support his movement. However, many churches instead actively opposed the movement and never came en masse to effect change, leaving King disappointed and disillusioned. While few white churches in the south are actively racist today, the sins committed by Christians during the civil rights period continue to have long standing effects on the church today. Most churches remain racially segregated today, limiting the effectiveness the church has in enacting the social components of the gospel. And much of society looks at the moral stands that many theologically traditional southern churches take today against abortion, sexual immorality, and other issues and simply think that it is the same hateful, intolerant attitude of the 60's expressed in different ways. Granted, there are reasonable answers to this charge that I think are sufficient to rebut it, but the lesson to learn is that the wages of sin often are not only death, but last for generations thereafter.

Killearn DTS Romans 12: 9-21

After commenting on the use of spiritual gifts within the church, Paul provides rules of conduct or Christian living that are to be followed by believers. First, he writes that love must be sincere. Calvin notes that often many people put on a false face when dealing with others and that this must be put aside. Additionally, we are told to cling to those things that are good, and hate evil. (v. 9). Christians are to love one another with brotherly love, and honor one another above ourselves. (v. 10). Wesley gives the practical advice that we should consider what is good in others in evil in ourselves, which will lead us to do this. The Christian should not lack in zeal, but instead maintain his or her spiritual fervor (v. 11). Wesley and Calvin both apply this verse to our work in business. Paul then gives an exortation to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Wesley and Calvin both say that the hope of eternal life is important in doing these things, and Wesley adds the hope of holiness. (v. 12) Christians should help fellow believers in need and practice hospitality. (v. 13). As Calvin notes, when we help those in need, we cannot expect a personal gain and thus such service helps to show the legitimacy of our love.

--Why is Paul concerned that Christians act in sincere love with one another? What is the brotherly love that Paul exorts us to? Is it difficult to maintain spiritual fervor, and how should we maintain it? What is the importance of hospitality?

Paul provides rules for living in harmony, some of which are difficult. He tells us to bless those who persecute us and not to curse. This, Calvin notes, is arduous and wholly opposed to the nature of man. (v. 14). We are also to rejoice with those who are rejoicing, and mourn with those in mourning. (v. 15). We are to live in harmony with one another and associate with people of low positions, not being conceited. (v. 16). The Christian is not to repay retaliate for evil with an evil act. Additionally, we are to attempt to do the right thing in the eyes of everyone. (v. 17). To the extent it is possible, Christians are to live in peace with those around us. (v. 18). Revenge should not be taken by the Christian, but instead the matter should be left to God, and we should treat our enemies kindly for it will often have the effect of showing him his bad behavior and tormenting him. (v. 19-20). To summarize, we are not to be overcome by evil, but rather overcome evil with good. (v. 21).

--How is it that we are to bless those that persecute us? Why is it important that we rejoice and mourn in community, and what does doing such things indicate about ourselves? Do our churches today associate with people of low position? What benefits do such association provide to individuals and communities? Why is it important to do the right thing in the eyes of everyone? What is "the extent possible" that Paul limits the requirement that Christians live in peace with those around them? Why should revenge be saved for God? Is Paul right that right kind actions against our enemies can torment them? When we retaliate in evil, how is it that we are thus overcome by evil? How is it that evil is overcome by good?

Wierd Scientology

With all the hulabaloo surrounding Tom Cruise's acting like a cheshire cat on methamphetamines while publicising his relationship with Katie Holmes, the religion/cult/scam of scientology has been in the news quite a bit. HERE is a link to a well known 1990 Time magazine cover story on the group. A good photo of the cover art can be found here. The Scientologists apparently sued over this one, but the US Supreme Court denied their petition. I don't think I'll be joining anytime soon. I don't have the money.

Killearn DTS Romans 12: 3-8

After proclaiming that every Christian is to present his or her body as a living sacrifice onto God (live a life dedicated towards God as His servant), Paul states that the Christian should "not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Calvin states that Paul is not here giving a general teaching promoting humility, though he does recommend it often throughout his epistles. In this passage, Paul is telling the members of the Church to accurately assess their own abilities and role in the community accurately, which involves having humility and discernment in being honest with one's self. This can be seen from the following verses (4-8) which talk about the various roles in the church.

In verses 4-8, Paul teaches that the church is a diverse community of people with different talents working in a unified fashion and serving as the body of Christ on Earth. Paul compares the church community to our own bodies, which have various different parts that each have a function, but are still all part of the same body. In much the same way, the people of the church form one body in wich each member belongs to the others. (v. 5). Because we are one body, we are to help one another. The members of the church body have different abilities that are gifts from God. As Calvin notes, accepting that different members of the community are more gifted in some areas than ourselves takes humility. The first gift Paul mentions is the gift of prophesy, which Wesley states is where "heavenly mysteries are revealed to men." Prophesy is to be undertaken in proportion to the person's faith. It is interesting that both Wesley and Calvin interpret this verse as referring to the exposition of scripture, with Calvin stating that it is being able to discern the will of God and not necessarily making predictions. (v. 6). Paul then mentions other gifts. A person who serves should do so. A person who can teach should serve the church by doing so. An encouraging person should act on that ability. A person who can help meet the needs of others should give generously. A leader should govern diligently. A person who shows mercy should do so cheerfully. (v. 7-8).

--What are the abilities that you have as a Christian? Weaknesses? How should you act upon your abilities? How should you act with regard to your weaknesses?

--What do each of the gifts mentioned here bring to a church and why are they important? What other gifts can you think of that are important?

Florida Voucher Program Before Supreme Court

Florida's Opportunity Scholarship school voucher program, which provides roughly a $4,000 yearly stipend to the parents of children who are attending failing public schools for the purpose of sending them to a private school, is being challenged before the Florida Supreme Court today. (SEE HERE) The program is of limited scope as only students who attend double F public schools are eligible to qualify. To date, only 741 students have taken advantage of vouchers. However, as Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Thomas POINTS out, if the Opportunity Scholarship program is found unconstitutional other voucher programs such as the McKay Scholarship Program which serves over 12,000 students may also be found unconsitutional, along with the newly enacted pre-K program and perhaps the Bright Futures scholarship program.

The most likely ground for a finding of unconstitutionality is Art I, Sect. 3 of the Florida Constitution, which states that "[n]o revenue of the state or any political subdivision or agency thereof shall ever be taken from the public treasury directly or inderectly in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution." It is likely that the state will defend the voucher program by drawing a distinction that the money is not going to aid the sectarian institutions (religious schools) but rather to aid students who control where the money is spent and are free to go to a non-religious private school. I would also expect the state to argue that since Art I, Sect. 3 begins with a statement prohibiting laws that establish religion or prohibit the free exercise of religion, this language should be considered the overarching purpose of the section and must be read in conjunction with the prohibition against state funds. Thus, the argument would be that the voucher program does not establish or prohibit the free exercise of religion, is not provided for the purpose of benefiting a sectarian instution, and thus is constitutionally permissible.

My job does not permit me to comment too strongly on an issue such as this, but let me say that I was struck by the large pro-voucher demonstration that I viewed outside my office window this morning. It had probably close to 2,000 people taking part, and racial minorities were the predominant protestors. To the extent that we continue to spend our money for new schools by placing them in affluent (largely white) neighborhoods, at some point we must provide access to high quality education for less affluent (and often more diverse) populations. Simply saying "public education is great and nothing is wrong" is not satisfactory. At least the protestors outside my window this morning don't think so. And I tend to agree with them.

Killearn DTS: Romans 12: 1-2

In the first 11 Chapters of Romans, Paul presents the reader with a historical and theological account of God's dealings with humanity. He explains why salvation is necessary, why it must be through grace, and how God is dealing with his chosen people of Israel now that the gospel of Jesus Christ has appeared. Beginning in Chapter 12, Paul changes tracks and gives practical, pastoral advice on why and how Christians are to live holy lives, and what it means to live a life of virtue and goodness. Chapter 12 begins with one of the most well known passages of scripture. Paul states that in light of the gospel of grace and all the kindness and mercy of God, we are to present our bodies as living sacrifices before God that are holy and pleasing to Him. Wesley notes that Paul says that it is because of God's mercy that we should offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, which is the converse of Romans 1: 8 where Paul says God is revealing his wrath against all forms of ungodliness. Calvin states that when Paul writes that we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God, this refers to the whole person including the soul and spirit. Offering ourselves as a living sacrifice is the reasonable act of service that we are to present before God, says Calvin, and is a summary statement of how the Christian is supposed to live his or her life.

In addition to offering ourselves as living sacrifices, Paul tells us in v. 2 to not conform to the patterns of this world, but instead renew our minds in order that we may be able to discern that which is good, namely the will of God. As Calvin put it, our minds need to be renovated. Wesley adds that the good Paul is referring to that is the will of God are precepts of Christianity, or the rules for day to day living. God sets out before his people His will for how they are to live their lives, and the application of the rules in various contexts is a large part of what true wisdom entails.

--What type of living sacrifice does God find acceptable? What needs to be the condition of the sacrifice? What does it mean to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice? What aspects of the Christian's life should be offered?

--What are some of the patterns of this world that Paul refers to in v. 2? How is it that we are to renew our minds? What will this entail? What types of knowledge are we free to pursue under Christianity?

Movie Review: Cinderella Man (****)

Cinderella Man is an excellent movie, and likely will be the best major studio release from Hollywood this year. The movie tells the story of James J. Braddock, a heavyweight contender of the 1920's and 30's. The movie introduces us to Braddock (Russell Crowe) as an up and coming fighter who ends up with a shot at the light-heavyweight title in 1929, and who lives in comfort with his wife and family in their New Jersey home. However, Braddock is unable to win the title, later breaks his hand and eventually had his boxing license revoked after the Great Depression began. The combination of the economic collapse along with Braddock's inability to box forces the family to live in poverty, unable to afford food or pay electril bills during the New York winter. The Great Depression was a horribly difficult time for millions of Americans, and Cinderalla man succeds at showing us the poverty and desperation of the period. Despite the tough times, Braddock's wife Mae (Renee Zellwegger) lovingly stands by her man. Through some good fortune, Braddock re-emerges in 1934 and '35 as a top contender culminating in a title bout with heavyweight champion Max Baer. The film is directed by Ron Howard, who may have the honor of winning another best picture to go along with A Beautiful Mind.

Cinderella Man accomplishes a wonderful thing. It presents the moviegoer with a portrait of a kind and decent family man in James J. Braddock. Braddock is both a loving husband to his wife Mae and a doting father to their three children Jay, Rosemarie, and Howard. Russell Crowe is brilliant in his portrayal of the man, presenting us with a kind, morally upright man who has self-respect but not arrogance, and displays wisdom in his actions. Braddock understands the importance of loving and supporting his family, and when he stages his comeback, he is motivated by putting milk on his family's table. Braddock is a wonderful example of what a man and a father should be, something sorely missing from today's cynical movies that assume every moral, good man must have skeletons in his closet.

Cinderella Man is beautifully shot, well directed and features multiple outstanding acting jobs. In addition to Russell Crowe's outstanding portrayal of Braddock, Renee Zellwegger turns in a good performance as Mae Braddock, who loves her husband and family with all her heart, but like Adrian from Rocky, fears for her husband's life in the ring. Mae is a strong woman, but Zellwegger is at her best when displaying her love and affection for her husband. Paul Giamatti of Sideways fame portrays Braddock's wise-cracking manager Joe Gould, and he and Crowe present us with an excellent portrayal of male friendship and you can see genuine affection between the numerous wisecracks and barbs the two men share. Craig Bierko also does a nice job in his small role as the charismatic Max Baer.

The old cliche is "If you are going to see only one movie this year, see (insert movie here)." Well, insert "Cinderella Man" at the end of that sentence. It is a movie that is well acted, well shot, well written, dramatic, and carries positive messages about family and perserverance. It's a knockout.