Sketchy Thoughts pt. 2

"The Contemporary Christian" - John RW Stott

SUMMARY:  The Human Paradox
The remainder of this chapter looks specifically and separately at the human paradox of dignity and depravity.

Dignity
In the "dignity" portion of this chapter, he focuses on humanity being created in the image of God and teasing out what separates us from other created animals.  He outlines 5 distinctions:  self-conscious rationality; ability to make moral choices; powers of artistic creativity; capacity for relationships of love; and insatiable thirst for God.

QUOTES I LIKED (in this section)
"We should be ashamed both when human beings behave like animals, descending to their level, and when animals behave like human beings, doing better by instinct than we do by choice."
Wow!  That's a mouthful!  I am so thankful that "self"-discipline is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, because it in many ways removes the notion that we are on our own to fix ourselves to become more like Christ.  It is the very essence of Christ in us coming along side us to empower us to be like Him.  So much of this discipline is reigning in the impulsive instinct that is in many ways animalistic, but also reigning in the "freedom of choice" to create "new instincts" (?) that nurture relationships "we are rebuked that oxen and donkeys are better at recognizing their master than we are, that migratory birds are better at returning home after going away, and that ants are more industrious and more provident."

Depravity
Stott bases much of this section on a teaching of Jesus found in Mark 7:

Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, 'Listen to me, everyone, and understand this.  Nothing outside a man can make him "unclean" by going into him.  Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him "unclean"... For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.  All these evils come from inside and make a man "unclean". 

In comment to this passage, Stott provides four insights gleaned from this passage that Jesus taught:  the universal extent of human evil; the self-centered nature of human evil; the inward origin of human evil; and the defiling effect of human evil.

COMMENT:
This issue of balancing dignity and depravity has been one with which I have been struggling for a while.  For most of my life of faith, I have been emphasizing human depravity not only in myself but in humanity in general.  Of course, it is much easier to believe the bad things about yourself, than it is to believe them about others.  Recently, I have been exposing myself to more Christian humanistic ideologies and finding agreement with much of what they are saying.  Then I am reminded of this passage of Jesus' teaching.  Stott is "spot on" with his assertion that this is a balancing act.  So much of the humanist approach is based on an ideal rather than a reality.  The reality is that evil exists and people -- all people-- are capable of it.

Probably the "loudest" portion of this teaching for me is how we as Christians often get it wrong.  We spend so much time focusing on what we are putting in our minds and hearts (which is important to filter!) but we neglect the "why" we are putting this stuff in our minds and heart.  We demonize the medium rather than recognizing that it is a desire from within us that draws us to the medium.

Sketchy thoughts pt. 1

I am trying to journal more and blog a little more, so I thought why not combine the two.  These "sketchy thoughts" are acting as my journal where I include a summary and personal insights to what I am studying.  This first one is an experiment and don't know if I am comfortable putting all this out in a blog format.  

"The Contemporary Christian" - John RW Stott

SUMMARY - Day One
The first section of the book centers around the idea that the Gospel is both divine in origin and relevant to humanity.  Therefore, Stott begins with an analysis of humanity.  In the beginning of this analysis he confronts the "human paradox" of humanity's goodness and depravity by asserting that there are at least 3 reasons it is important to ask about human nature.  These reasons are personal (a desire to know ourselves); professional (a desire to know those whom we serve); and political (shape our ideology -- method of engaging the world).  Stott concludes this introductory section seeking a balance in the paradox illustrated with a quote from J.S. Whale that directs the remainder of this section, "neither the easy optimism of the humanist, nor the dark pessimism of the cynic, but the radical realism of the Bible."

QUOTES I LIKE
"The universal cry is 'Who am I?' and 'Do I have any significance?'"
Coincidentally, this quote stands out to me for both personal and professional reasons.  Personally, the latter cry is one that I have on a consistent basis.  I want to know that my existence is meaningful.  This desire to be a tool of change and healing does is not completely as noble as it might seem at first reading.  I certainly do care about those in my life whether it be my family, friends, clients, and acquaintances, but there is also a selfish secondary gain that comes with that usefulness.  That gain validates my own value.  A friend once told me that he learned "no one is irreplaceable" and while he was speaking about a professional context, I fear it may be true of me in all contexts.  Therefore, there is a part of me that believes my value is based primarily on the service I can offer.  Furthermore, if that service ceases to be as consistent or valued, those in whom I am invested, will seek those services elsewhere.  This mentality is fear-driven rather than love-driven.  I live some of my life out of fear, and perform well, so that I can avoid the reality and intensity of that fear. So I have to come to terms with the reality that confronts my theology.   This is my own human paradox.  I know and understand the ideal that "we love because God first loved us" and "perfect love casts out fear", and much of the time I believe (or hope that) I serve out of those realities.  However, there is another side of me that is seeking to validate or earn the blessings I have been given.  I fight against grace.

"'ideologies... are really anthropologies'; they are different doctrines of man."
Paraphrased, "how we view the nature of humanity determines how we engage humanity."  On this front, I am confident that I can see the value and worth of other people.  As noted above, at times I have a hard time applying that same notion to myself. 

Double Standard?

TLC is broadcasting a new show aimed at changing the perception of "plus size women" called "Big Sexy."  Now let me be clear, that I have no problem with the concept of this show and believe women should not be judged by their appearance, but there seems to be a little bit of a double-standard implied in this show.  Watch the commercial below to see if you can pick-up on it.

Apparently, it is important for society to change their perception of women and to have a television show that demonstrates that all sizes of women can have fun and get attention from men, but the men whose attention they seek and value are all chiseled and fit.  Now, I'm not saying "fat people should only date fat people", or "skinny people only date skinny people."  I am not that shallow.  However, I do think there is a message being sent to men in this promo that basically says, if you want attention from any woman you have to be in good shape and attractive.  Hmmmmm, sounds strangely familiar. 

Irby Vaca Day 4

If I could plan the perfect birthday for my amazing wife it would include these elements: family, fireworks, baseball, and country music. She got it this year and the planning was not even up to me.

Emily planned out a great day for us starting with a great lazy morning. Well, for most of the family. Emily, Nece, and I went to a local trail for a morning workout. Emily is a runner and I have been pretty consistent on my eliptical the last few months, so I thought I would try running with Emily. I warned her before leaving and a couple times before we started that I was not a runner and I am just going to try and keep up. Nece has foot problems so she knew from the start that she was going to walk and not run. Emily assured me that she was taking it slow because she is just now getting back into running. Her plan: walk for first five minutes, run 3 minutes, walk 1 minute, and run 3 more. So that amounted to 5 3 minute running intervals 3.5 of which I was able to complete. And I was reminded why I don't run... I hate it. Emily was kind and made excuses for me such a adjusting to the humidity. Thanks Emily. Nece actually pushed herself and ran some.

We came back to the house after a quick jaunt to the grocery store and Laurie, Wanda, Brooke, and Nece worked on cooking a big breakfast featuring Kyle's chocolate gravy. The rest of the morning and early afternoon was lazy. Which was good because the rest of the evening proved to be fun but exhausting.

Late afternoon we headed to St. Louis for a quick look at the Arch and then to Busch Stadium to watch the Cardinals beat the Reds. It was a great game! We almost missed it. When we got to the stadium, Emily realized she forgot the tickets. It is at tjs point of the post Emily expects me to rail on her and condemn her for being so irresponsible, etc. but she did a fine job of doing that to herself already. We managed to find out that they can reprint our tickets easily with the credit card that purchased them, but we didn't have that either. So after a few minutes of guessing rows, quoting payment prices and other details, Emily was able to get our tickets reprinted thanks to a very kind window worker named Malcom. Kudos to Emily and Malcom!!

After the game we headed back to the Arch and caught the last half of Montgomery Gentry's concert. My view was somewhat obstructed by a couple obviously madly in love and in their own little world. They were in a long embrace singing all the songs to one another and kissing at every pause in the lyrics. It was disgusting.

After the show the REAL show started. A fantastic fireworks display like none I have ever seen. It was a great way to end the evening. Too bad it didn't end there. We had to hike back to our vehicles among thousands of other people most of whom were drunk and stoned. We caught plenty of wife's of an illegal substance as we were walking. The ironman award goes to my mother-in-law, Wanda who never gave up on all the walking and hiking throughout the day. She even climbed over a cement baracade to get to our exit down to our cars.

Well that sums up day 4. Day 5 is driving for 13 hours and paying more damn tolls through Oklahoma. I am typing this travel log from my iPhone so, please excuse any spelling errors. A few pictures will be added at a later time.

Thanks for reading!

Irby Vaca Day 3

Day 3 was quite an adventure!  The day started off well with a refreshing morning of worship with Lifepoint which is the church in which Kyle serves as youth pastor.  The church meets in an AMC movie theater and it is quite an effort setting up the stage, lighting, band, etc. every week.  I have never visited a non-traditional church like this and had a great experience being welcomed and ushered into worship. 

After a quick trip back to the house, change of clothes, and a bite at Taco Bell, the family all headed to St. Louis City Museum.  The term "museum" is not indicative of the experience.  This is a huge warehouse that has been artfully transformed into a recreational experience that is quite incredible.  Be sure and wear your Nike's and not your flip-flops!  You will do some walking, climbing, and sliding in all sorts of environments.  The kids, Kyle, Emily, and Brooke were on the roof experiencing that element of the museum when it shut down because of this strange wet substance that came falling out of the sky.  The locals here called it "rain."  Those of us from West Texas have only heard rumors of this moisture.  It rained all day and into the night. 

Another quick trip and wardrobe change later and we head to Brussles, IL to a historic hotel that now serves a huge home-style meal.  To get to Brussles, we drove "the Great River Road" which was a breathtaking drive with the Illinois river on one side and rolling, green landscapes on the other.  This trek takes you through small communities with quaint homes and cottages that seems to take you back to a simpler time (until you look to the left and see the Yacht Club dock).  To get to Brussles you get to drive on to a ferry and take it across the river.  The ferry captain was quite skilled at getting this vessel turned and parked.  The 5 miles from the ferry to the town reminded me of the shots in New Zealand that were used in the Lord of the Rings movies to depict the Shire.  While waiting on the ferry to come pick us up and take us back, we notice a local man fishing right in front of the ferry dock.  This guy was getting lucky!  In about 10 casts, we saw him pull out 8 fish.  I was wishing I had my line and tackle and share in the festivities!  Seth was drooling with anticipation.

STORY OF THE DAY:  Apparently, everyone loved the late night Lisa's run last night, so it was decided before heading home, that we would make another trip to the ice cream stand.  While waiting in line to order, we see this red Grand Am being pushed by this man and a woman behind the wheel.  The natural assumption was that he was pushing her to the gas station.  As they passed, I thought, "How embarrassing!  I would hate having to push my car in front of all these people staring at me like I'm some pathetic idiot."  Then they turned off the main street and up a residential street which led me to realize that they were going to push this car to their home.  This residential street was up-hill and I knew this guy would never get the car up by himself.  Kyle, myself, and some other guy in line rush up to help him push the car up the street.  About 50 yards up the street, the man tells us that it is probably going to be about 4 blocks to the woman's house.  At this disclosure, the stranger, departed citing his food in the car and potentially melting ice cream.  Kyle, myself, and the original car pusher continue to push the car and it becomes clear this house was a little farther than 4 blocks (try 1 mile!).  The original pusher guy stops a couple times while we were pushing and is breathing and wheezing and saying he needed a break.  He tells Kyle and I that we are welcome to leave, but we weren't about to leave this guy to die in the street from a heart attack or some other malady.  Fortunately, Emily followed us in her Tahoe and when we reached our destination, she gave us a ride back to Lisa's.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:  The man on the ferry who was in charge of opening the gate and directing passengers off was not in a good mood.  He was avoiding all eye-contact, frowning, and sluggishly bringing himself to his post.  Apparently, in the other car, his demeanor became the subject of comment and Seth said, "Well I guess he should've gone to college, then!" 

Irby Vaca Day 2

Travel Log for Day 2 is being written at the beginning of Day 3 because last night was a late night for this old guy.

Day 2 started by all who could sleep late, sleeping late.  We made our pilgrimage to one of St. Louis' most renowned barbeque joints, Pappy's Smokehouse.  This place has only been around for 5 or 6 years, but in that time it has gained quite a reputation.   The plan was to leave the house by 10:30 so we could arrive a little early to be in line.  Even though we arrived right on time, we still waited in line for about 20 minutes in a hallway leading into the actual restaurant, and then another 15-20 to order.  The good thing is the food doesn't take long to be delivered and it is well worth the wait.  Before we made it into the restaurant the line had already wound the hallway and out the door.  If you have never been, you have to order the ribs.  It's their specialty.  Ashton had a brisket sandwich which was also very good.

After eating, the shopping began.  We have learned that for shopping days, it is a good idea to take two cars so that the ladies can stay as long as they want and the men can leave after the first hour.  The ladies stayed shopping at 3 different malls for 8 hours.  The men went back to the house, napped, swam, and watched a little Cardinal baseball.

At 9:30 PM we all thought it was just about the right time to go have ice cream.  The Parkers know a great little ice cream stand (locally known as Lisa's, but the sign out front says "Dairy Mart") that closes at 10:00.  So, we went and closed the place down.  The owners drove off and bid us farewell as we sat in the dark at their picnic tables.  We arrived back at the house and began planning for the day.  I'm still not quite sure what we will be doing.

STORY OF THE DAY:  Leaving Pappy's we were following the ladies (first mistake) who took us downtown St. Louis on the way to the mall.  We ended up in a parade.  I sent Laurie a text and said, "Just roll down your windows and wave!" I also recommended that we open the sunroof and let Laurie's uncle Tommy stick his torso out and wave.  He didn't think that was a very good idea. 

The ladies have more stories about their day.  You'll have to ask them.

Irby Vaca Day 1

Well we did it.  Six of us piled into our suburban and drove across Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and into Illinois. Twelve hours in the car.  Laurie was the trooper who drove most of the way because she can get easily car sick if she attempts to read or watch a movie.  So, instead of being bored, she drives.  The reason for our trip is to drop in on Laurie's cousin Emily and her husband Kyle who live in Granite City, IL.  We are excited to be here for the first time since they moved here 4 years ago.  Wanda and Jerry have visited once prior, but were glad to join us.  Tommy, Nece, and Brooke met us here so we are all together under one roof.  Should be exciting.


Story of the day:  We were driving through Oklahoma and Jerry and Wanda recommended we stop at a McDonald's located on a turnpike on I-44.  This particular restaurant has been there quite a while because Laurie remembers eating there MANY years ago on the way to Branson.  The plans to stop there began being formulated in Lawton, OK and it was decided that this restaurant is between Oklahoma City and Tulsa.  Well the road from Oklahoma City to Tulsa came and went with no McDonald's.  So, SURELY the restaurant is "right up here."  Well over 50 miles fly by and still no McDonald's.  We are now all getting really hungry and our bladders filling up at a rapid rate.  The McDonald's turns up 3/4 of the way from Tulsa to Joplin, MO.  Now, I am not a huge fan of McDonald's, but I had never been so happy to see a set of those golden arches in my life!

What I learned: 

• Oklahoma is a GREEDY state!  All the way up the interstate were toll roads, two of which were $4.00 tolls.  We spent nearly $20 to drive through Oklahoma and the roads were still crappy.  
• The landscape on the drive was beautiful!  Even Oklahoma had small mountains and green rolling pastures.  Missouri is incredible from Lebanon, MO on up to St. Louis.  Wonderful green contoured landscape and TREES.  Things we are not used to seeing in our part of Texas.
• The movie "Where the Wild Things Are" is worth a viewing.  Very interesting take on the children's book.  This was my viewing entertainment for the day.  I am still reading "The Idiot" as well.
• We stopped at a DQ in Lebanon, MO and I have never seen so many white people working at a DQ.

Oh, well, off to bed and in the morning the real adventure begins!