literary connections

i've never really been the kind of person to have heroes per se, but since i do a lot of reading, there are some authors that i've greatly appreciated and even admired over the years. some of them i'll never meet this side of eternity -- men like a.w. tozer, c.s. lewis, and andrew murray. but i have had a few happy occasions to connect with living authors that i've appreciated, some of them in surprising and quirky ways.

tonight is a great example. i happened into a brief e-mail conversation with thomas sowell, the renowned political and social commentator from stanford's hoover institution. i've been interacting with his thinking for decades now, going back to a conflict of visions (a brief, dense read on how political conflict is rooted in differences in worldview) and inside american education (a critique of american education from grade school to grad school, with suggestions about how to renew the system). i subscribe to dr. sowell's columns online, so i still read him regularly, and occasionally, i get the chance to take in one of his books (most recently, applied economics: thinking beyond stage one).

the exchange was kind of surreal. i was reading his column from today -- a recurring feature entitled "random thoughts" and among his various observations on race, politics, and history, spotted his invitation to respond to a baseball trivia question ("who led the major leagues in extra-base hits the year that babe ruth set his record of 60 home runs?"), with the promise that the first ten correct responders would get a copy of his latest book, intellectuals and society. the odds couldn't be good, as there must be thousands of people who read his columns, but why not take a shot? so i did, and remarkably, i won a book! when i realized he was online, i took the opportunity to thank him for his work over the years and to express my appreciation for his clear thinking and straight talk, even when i don't agree with him. he thanked me for my comments and said the book was on its way. :-)

but that's only the most recent example of what seems to be a motif:

• in early 2009, i was reading sundown towns, a book by james louwen, a sociologist and favorite author of mine ever since i read lies my teacher told me (an insightful consideration of how american history is taught). sundown narrates the story of how thousands of american towns -- mostly not in the south -- became all-white by violently driving out black and other minority residents, including the chinese. after that, they enforced a 'no blacks after sundown' policy, hence the name of the book; a number of them remain all-white or nearly so to this day. while i was reading the book, i found a notice online that dr. louwen was going to be here in washington state at evergreen state college. it would be a bit of a drive, but i thought it was worth going to see him, so i e-mailed to ask if he'd like to go to lunch, my treat. secretly, i even wondered if it might work to invite him to come address folks from our church on the history of race relations and conflict. as it turned out, he had been in washington the year before(!), so i had already missed him. but we did have a very pleasant interaction in e-mail and i was able to share with him how much i had enjoyed his work. not long after that, i purchased and devoured a copy of his book, the mississippi chinese: between black and white, an analysis of racial and social dynamics in the delta from the time of the reconstruction through the end of legal segregation. it chronicles the journey of the chinese from 'colored' to 'white' status. my mother's family was there during much of the period he was examining, actually living these changes. i found the book not only fascinating and educational, but quite affecting; i was emotional as i re-lived the challenges my forebears faced and overcame in those years - and found new compassion for them as i agonized over social-moral decisions they made, for my benefit, in a difficult social setting.
  

• years ago, i called torchbearers international to see if it might be possible to get cases of major ian thomas' the saving life of Christ, one of my favorite books on the christian life, to give away as gifts. thomas introduces the book with a bit of autobiography, recounting how his youthful commitment to Jesus and the ministry had led to burnout, and then to the discovery of what he considers the key to long-term passion and power - the saving life of Jesus in us who believe (romans 5:10). i was telling her how much i appreciated the book and what it had meant to me, when she suddenly offered, "would you like to speak with major thomas?" in the twinkling of an eye, i found myself in a phone conversation with the major himself! after our conversation, he sent me a video series of messages he had preached!

• going back even further, i had the chance to interact with john white, author of a number of books i've appreciated (the cost of commitment, daring to draw near, when the Spirit comes with power), but none so much as the fight -- a longtime favorite of mine on the basics of following Jesus. i've probably bought and given away a case of those, one book at a time. anyway, i had heard him speak in berkeley but never had a chance to talk with him until i was studying at regent college in vancouver in 1989 with a group of intervarsity staff. we visited the church where dr. white was preaching, and i can't remember how it happened, but a whole group of us ended up at his house, where he prayed and prophesied over us (that part, i remember pretty well!).

naturally, there have been others, but these were special because of the way they stimulated my thinking and in some cases, my relationship with Jesus. it was a treat to get to know them a little bit, a love gift from heaven. for the sharpness of their intellects and the insightfulness of their words, they remain some of my personal favorites.

are christians homophobic?

here's the link to audio of the message i preached this past sunday - are christians homophobic?

during my preparation, i began to realize just how many people's lives are touched by this issue, both because of their own struggles and those of loved ones. and i was reminded of the fundamental truth that christians are sinners saved by God's grace and still being transformed by it. may we embody that grace in word and deed in a broken, searching world.

here's the insert we included in the bulletin with additional resources for study, outreach, and help:

Are Christians Homophobic?
Additional Resources

Look for yourself: Scriptures that speak directly to the issue of sex between members of the same gender

• Genesis 19 – The story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, in which a group of men had attempted to rape a male visitor to the community. Question: is this really comparable to loving gay relationships today? Compare Ezekiel 16:49-50.

• Leviticus 18:22, 20:13 –Verses that prohibit sexual behavior between members of the same gender, in the context of a broader call to live completely committed to God and therefore differently from the world.

• Romans 1:26-27 – Describes the descent into same-gender sexual relations as part of the outcome of rejecting God.

• 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – Says that those involved in same-gender sex (and others, including drunkards, revilers and the covetous!) will not inherit the Kingdom of God – but also notes that this is exactly where some of the Corinthians had come from, so there is hope in God!

• 1 Timothy 1:9-11 – Verses that say that same-gender sex does not conform to the Gospel.

In addition to these verses, one will want to look at passages on creation and marriage, asking the question, “What is God’s design and intention?”

What Christians Can Do (a few suggestions from Love is an Orientation by Andrew Marin)

• Don’t cut short the conversation – look for opportunities to build trust and relationship. Don’t reduce gay people to their sexual orientation.

• Prepare to not preach at, argue with, debate, or fight gays and lesbians, especially when visiting their world. Go as a learner, and pray that you will be full of God’s love.

Words matter

• Ditch the phrase, “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” Since gay sexual behavior is closely aligned with gay identity, hating gay sexual behavior is interpreted as hating gay people. A common reply: “Matthew 7 says not to judge while you’ve got a log in your own eye. Isn’t it hypocritical to single out this one sin and make it worse than the others? Straight people ___________ , yet they are still accepted.”

• Calling someone a ‘homosexual’ is derogatory – so don’t do it. ‘Homosexuality’ carries a different cultural meaning and is apparently not as offensive.

Actions matter

• Address your own issues

• Do your homework – which may open doors to service and being a living witness, not just a talking one.

Noticing matters

• Seek out those who don’t fit easily.
  

Where to Look for Additional Information

Warning: as always, read with discernment. Pray! Compare all things to God’s Word. Ask questions. Don’t just accept what is said because it’s in a book or on a web site.

Love is an Orientation (Andrew Marin, IVP, 2009). A fantastic challenge to Christians to build bridges of loving relationship with the gay community by a guy who is walking his talk. However, his reluctance to speak directly to certain questions about homosexuality makes me… nervous.

Straight and Narrow (Thomas Schmidt, IVP, 1995). A clear presentation of the biblical Christian view of homosexuality. Described on Amazon as “the most comprehensive, persuasive and readable Christian book on the subject.”

Where Does a Mother Go to Resign? (Barbara Johnson, Bethany, 2004). Recommended by a friend of mine who has a gay son, this is the story of one mother’s journey of loving her gay son and what she has learned about God’s faithfulness along the way.

What the Bible Says – and Doesn’t Say – About Homosexuality (Mel White, Soulforce, 2007, online here). This is written by an author (he ghostwrote books for Billy Graham, Pat Robertson, and Jerry Falwell!) and pastor who is now actively gay. This is a good summary of the case for gay theology – the full affirmation of gay identity and lifestyle in the church. I am not persuaded by his biblical interpretation (especially, see the charitable, clear response by scholar Daniel Wallace here).

Articles on homosexuality by Mario Bergner online here. Once an avowed gay man and active in the lifestyle, he is now married and the father of five children. He is currently an Anglican pastor and serves as the director of Redeemed Lives, a ministry that provides pastoral care for those overcoming same-sex attraction.

Articles from Desert Streams, a Christian ministry offering “Christ-centered help for those struggling with sexual and relational problems,” online here. Also, consider Living Waters, their ministry for the sexually broken, gay or straight.

bend us, Lord

n flies out to houston in three days. she and m will meet m's mom and spend the week there, shopping for the things she'll need to set up house and having a chance to get to know the city. b will join them on wednesday, and i'll fly in late on that saturday. we'll move her into the dorms at rice the next morning, have lunch together on campus, and say goodbye at 1pm.

just like that.

this departure is hitting me differently than when b headed out to nyc. that's a long way away too, and we knew we'd miss her. but in one sense, it felt like life was still more the same than it was different. we could play board games at night. we still had a high schooler. we were still parents.

i know it's an emotional reaction -- perhaps combined with my aging mind -- but it suddenly feels like the last 20 years or so is a blur. i don't remember when my daughters became adult women. i still remember being able to hold them in one arm. i still remember holding them up in the air (roots style) to offer them to God every night when i prayed for them. i remember us teaching them to read and add. it's strange to think that now, they can school us on ancient literature and global justice issues and physiology. it's strange to ponder the kinds of conversations they can have about guys. and it's strange to realize that they can live on their own, so far away, for most of the year.

don't get me wrong. i'm so proud of them and excited about the opportunities that are before them. and in particular, at this time, i'm cherishing these last days with n before she starts a whole new life. i can hardly wait to hear the tales of her first year on her own.

but as with so many things, the cost is upfront -- we only know what we're giving up, not what we'll get back. that reality is feeling more grievous than it has in times past.

lebanese poet khalil gibran once compared parents to bows from which living arrows are launched. the bow does not aim or provide the power; that's the role of the archer. nor does the bow control the flight path of the arrow. its role? to "let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness." his reasoning?

for even as he loves the arrow that flies,
so he loves also the bow that is stable.

true, i know. yet there are tears.

those who sow in tears
shall reap with joyful shouting.
he who goes to and fro weeping,
carrying his bag of seed,
shall indeed come again with a shout of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
psalm 126:5-6

loving our gay friends

i recently had the chance to preach at imago dei, a church plant now meeting at kennydale elementary school in renton, the bridge's old location. while it was a little surreal to be worshiping there without the bridge, it was an enjoyable time, especially having the chance to get to know the 'id peeps' (as they're affectionately known by pastor j) -- all very earnest and hungry for God, all deeply committed to serving one another and reaching out to renton, in spite of the fact that the vast majority of them don't live anywhere near there.

the message for the morning was entitled, "loving our gay friends biblically." when i said 'yes' to that assignment, i did not anticipate the heartfelt response of so many who have been waiting for someone to speak to these issues from the pulpit. a young christian with a gay sibling. a middle aged man whose workplace has a number of lgbt people. an old friend who has loved and prayed for her gay son for over two decades, but is still careful about whom to tell because there are inevitably... repercussions.

the prep for these messages was harder than i expected. i was confronted with how little i know of the struggles, suffering, and persecution of gay and lesbian people (and their families) and how little effort i've made up to this point to really try to understand. i struggled with the ugliness and even hatred that some in the church have harbored and demonstrated toward gay people. i battled defensiveness for myself and christians generally. i remembered -- and regretted -- interactions with gay and lesbian friends and family and how, as a young christian, i responded to their questions about faith and God and homosexuality. i intended no ill-will toward any of them, but i don't remember demonstrating extraordinary empathy or compassion either -- and i felt a certain amount of shame about that. it's just not how Jesus responded to those who didn't yet know him, to those who were broken and lost and persecuted.

the bible only speaks directly to the issue of the same gender sex a handful of times (gen 19, lev 18, lev 20, rom 1, 1 cor 6, 1 tim 1), but each time, it speaks strongly against it (in contrast to same sex attraction, an issue on which the bible seems largely silent -- maybe rom 1?). that's the simple truth. yet God's Word also says that he is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 pet 3:9); doesn't that apply to gay and lesbian people as much as anyone? are they not like the rest of us -- people made in God's image for whom he demonstrated his love by dying for them while they were yet sinners (rom 5:8)?

i'll preach a related message at lighthouse on august 8th -- "are christians homophobic?" i'd appreciate your prayers as i continue to prepare, as well as for those who will be in attendance that morning. may the Holy Spirit reveal himself and our hearts, that we might learn to be like Jesus, full of grace and truth.

behold, the LORD'S hand is not so short that it cannot save;
nor is his ear so dull that it cannot hear.
isaiah 59:1

transitions

after n's graduation, i flew down to the bay area for two sets of meetings -- one with my parents and siblings, the other with my small group covenant partners. to those of you who live in the bay area, i apologize for not being able to stay and visit. this was, in some ways, more of a 'business trip,' without family or extra days for visiting. it's been a while since the family and i have had a chance to make that trip -- a function of finances and the heavy weekend schedule of a pastor -- but we'll try to let everyone know ahead of time when we're able to finally get down that way.

i spent the first night of the trip with my sister k and her family. that was not planned, but i somehow got my wires crossed, flying into oakland instead of san jose. it was an unexpected pleasure to grab a bit of time with the h family, especially nephew jm and nieces m and a, all of whom are delightful and unusually awesome!

the entertainer

big sister and brother, working on dessert

the next morning, my siblings and i met for the better part of a day, first with our parents and an estate planning attorney (just making sure everyone is on the same page), then afterward to have an informal chat with my parents about how they're doing and about some of their preferences going forward. those discussions can be a little awkward at times, but we all agreed that it was better to hit some questions head on, while our folks are still very independent and in reasonable health, rather than waiting passively and being forced to act without having talked. i think that, for the most part, my parents are way ahead of us on their planning and we kids are still catching up. in addition to reviewing and getting clarity on my parents' wishes, it was a helpful reminder that all of us kids (now in our mid-to-late 40s) need to have valid wills and in some cases, to begin wading through the sea of trusts, powers of attorney and other mind-numbing but very important document options.

late that afternoon, the second set of meetings started with a group of special friends. years ago, we all ministered together on staff with intervarsity and were literally 'partners in the gospel.' but wisely, one of the guys foresaw a day when we wouldn't be working together, and invited us to make a commitment to partnering together in prayer, counsel, and accountability. having seen a number of ministers whom we admired fall into all sorts of sin and trouble, we covenanted together to help each other be faithful to God and his calling for the rest of our lives. we meet at least once a year to share with, pray for, and advise one another.

the covenant guys (yes, i'm wearing a cal sweatshirt, a testament to the reconciling power of the gospel!)

this particular meeting was marked by many transitions. j has completed his first year as a national field director, the overseer of intervarsity's ministry for something like a fourth of the country; as with many of the things he's involved in, it seems to be going splendidly. bh has accepted a position at evangelische theologische faculteit in belgium, where he will teach new testament and at some point, practical theology; his family's imminent move was part of the impetus for meeting in june. we all hope that this role will be a closer fit to his long-term calling and what leadership theorist bobby clinton would call his 'ultimate contribution.' p and wife l were completing an adoption when our time began, and before the end of the week, we all had the chance to meet new daughter j, just days after her arrival. as you can see in the photo below, she was slightly overwhelmed. in photos i've seen since that day, she seems to be adjusting nicely to life in the b-d family. my brother b is prospering as the pastor of the river church community and experiencing all of the joys and challenges of life as a husband and father of teenagers.

baby j meets the guys (sort of)

then there's me and my tribe. look up 'transition' in the dictionary, and you're liable to find my smiling (and sometimes anxious?) face. one definition of transition is the act of passing from one state to the next, and we seem to have a lot of that going on. b returned to nyc just after i got back from my trip; she's working as an intern (unpaid) at a non-profit that provides legal services for battered women and as a (paid) research assistant in the history department. a rising junior, she has already been hired in the law school for next year. n heads off to rice university in houston in just over a month - a whole new life. she'll be living in martel and starting off in the kinesiology department. m has completed her first year at fuller seminary and may be heading toward the pastorate (at least, she's being trained as a pastor). all of that would be enough of a challenge just in terms of the sheer number of transitions, but add the financial piece in and it really pushes my buttons!

as for me, there is the question of my own calling and future. lighthouse was kind enough to bring me on to their staff after the collapse of the bridge, and it has been a welcoming, healing, affirming place for me to minister. i'm here through at least the end of 2010. but is there a place for me here longer term -- and if there is, is this where God is calling me? other options (just a few) have presented themselves as well, including some that would require us to move and some of which would require raising a missionary budget, as we have in the past (and yes, inter-varsity is a part of the conversation). even if we stay in this area, we may need to sell our home and move closer to lighthouse. the thought of all of that makes me a little light-headed!

i know that the first calling is to Jesus and to a relationship of depth, love, and sharing, always before any particular mission. i try to keep that focus as i pray for discernment (and gratefully welcome your prayers as well). but i do sense that, in the long run, i should be teaching and training, and hopefully, being used of God to multiply ministry and leaders for his kingdom. these are some of the issues that we worked through and prayed about together, and as we did, i was reminded of psalm 133 -- behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity. those guys really are such a gift to me.

after our meetings, i caught an all-too-brief dinner with my parents and the h family before flying back to seattle. my mom's prime rib isn't exactly a health food, but in the midst of many transitions, it all seemed very good for my heart.

a joyful heart is good medicine,
but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
proverbs 17:22

at home with the h family