Signs in Motion

The bumper sticker read "If you want Peace, work for Justice" and I thought to myself briefly "that's not a bad bumper sticker to have." I'm not one for slapping stickers all over my car and I would be very picky in doing so at all. I do read them all the time though on other peoples cars as I drive. Most are pointless negative comments or jokes and occasionally a bunch of rock bands or something will roll by. It's rare I see one worth noting, but this one caught my eye and sparked my thoughts. So I thought about what it claimed.

The claim being that by acting and bringing justice, peace can be had. While it sounds great it is both true and untrue at the same time. First one asks, "What form of justice and what form of peace? A secular or Christian form?" Second, I come to the conclusion that peace cannot exist on earth regardless of our efforts, ultimately. (It is a circular problem.) That we have a need for justice means that something needs resolved and corrected, but that something needs correction implies (and almost necessitates) conflict. So for peace to exist now conflict would have to stop, but conflict cannot stop because justice cannot be had without conflict so long as things are wrong in the world.

So in this world Justice is not going to ultimately bring peace, but potentially a just conflict could bring about a better world. Peace is an absence of conflict (or an absense of wrong if you like) and conflict will be around so long as people do not agree on (or live according to) right and wrong from an absolute source. Peace is also the state of having justice in life. So, what's the way to achieve peace then when this is all conflicting?

Consider that the true creation of peace on earth would require all people to fall under and follow one law. (It should be no surprise that I am looking towards God when I say that.) If peace cannot exist when conflict is a reality and justice implies a form of conflict then the only way to achieve peace is to remove the need for conflict. It seems like a vicious circle because of how we are trained to see it in accordance with our world today. The answer is to start at a life of "just" living. In this way people do not need justice in the current sense (that of backtracking to correct wrongs) but instead they never make wrongs and so conflict is never a necessity...allowing peace.

This is a view of heaven to me and a glimpse of how peace can be kept in such a place. A small insight into how things are supposed to be and one day will be. So look up, look inward, and look forward to that day.

A Sinking Ship

Calling itself the "Rational Response Team" they have issued a challenge to all "rational thinkers" and people who are "free from religion" that the first 1001 people to record themselves denying the Holy Spirit the movie and post it online will receive a copy of "The God Who Wasn't There", a popular atheistic propaganda. While the response to it was not a shock (as many have poured in so far) it was far from rational. As one after the next parades by in a rebellious and confident mistake. They are betrayed by the truth that this is far from the rational thing to do. A miserable 'failure' of rationality in truth. While the real truth is that God cannot be denied rationally according to Romans 1:18-20 and yes, even by plain logic. In any case, by rational thought, no man should tempt the hand of that which he may be unaware of if such a thing might condemn him eternally. To make such a call and believe that their is no God is to comment on that which you personally don't know or understand. So then if the consequence for being wrong is eternal punishment, the rational thing to do would be to make no statement at all on it.

This is only the second time I've seen this. The first time was in the atheist forum years back where their was a thread of "free thinkers" who had "figured out the truth about religion" and so decided to prove to their peers that they were now infidels themselves by renouncing the Holy Spirit. This time however, it is even more painful because I get to see their faces and hear their voices as opposed to reading text. A sad day indeed, but no less sad then the day before it or the next as this is an ongoing game that the atheist plays.

Mark 3:29 "But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." While I have reason to believe that such a verse is just as it states, their are many who say that the verse was only applicable while Jesus walked the earth. In either case however, this blasphemous calling is not to be taken lightly.

Romans 1:18-20"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

Onward and Upward (Review)

I finally got to see the movie Jesus Camp. One I mentioned in an earlier post and had been excited to see. The following are a few thoughts and notes on the film.

Thoughts:

In the end I think this movie is very good in depicting the situation we currently face as Christians in the US although it may not be thorough enough to explain it to a non-believer. Becky Fisher does a great job trying to explain the evangelicals side and why kids are involved. The filmers themselves do well to attempt to give a realistic view of things (though a few moments seemed to mock the Christians). The children themselves were passionate and active enough to dwarf and humble many or most Christians I know which is certainly enough to spark my passions up all over again. The movie was very potent and in that I suspect it will draw both weird looks and criticisms as much as intrigue and renewed passions. Both adorable and tear-jerking this movie is a great one to rent if you get the chance.

Problems:

The movie exposes many sides and uses well placed terminology, but it would be hard to impossible for a non-Christian or even a partial one to appreciate. The terminology often used such as "war", "radical", "righteous judges", and "laying down lives" could lead (and has led) some people to think the wrong things. Especially when placed in comparison to Islam or other religions. The movie does not truly explain in sufficient detail such terms. The only other issue the movie raises in my mind is that in exposing several viewpoints without taking a definitive stance on any one it does not truly explain the correct from the incorrect, leaving the viewer to wander over the presented info. That might sound fine, but given the topic I don't think it is.

Characters:

Mike Papantonio- Claiming Christianity, but spewing false messages which seem to be based on misunderstandings which he and those who listen to his show agree on. Over and over he makes it out to be a political cause all the while claiming he is and understands Christianity. (Granted a Chirsitian life has to do with politics as much as it does with all facets of life, but not nearly in the context he spoke of.) I assume he was placed in it for balance, but I could have done without it, until Pastor Becky Fisher put in line anyway.

Becky Fisher- The main adult star of the film and one of the foremost children’s ministers of the day. She went over much of her technique and approach as well as her reasoning for the things she does which was very insightful. While some of what she said could be misconstrued I saw no fault in her approach or successes.

The Kids- Obviously the stars of the film, the three main characters are Tory, Rachel, and Levi. They, their words and actions in the film, are full of passion and vitality for a cause they understand better than many adult Christians. Watching them act inthe Holy Spirits power is truly inspiring to me, nearly a tear jerker. It was also quite nice to see the parents of the children as having grown up in public school and without a heavy Christian upbringing I think of what I would do as a parent in these dark days.

Ted Haggard- Filmed briefly making jokes that could easily fuel the fire of someone who already has decided upon what kind of person he is or what he stands for. Ultimately, his short stint in the film could have been left out without detriment to the film. (This scene being filmed prior to his semi-recent sex scandal. A point that may wound the credibility of the film to some degree.)

Overall a must see for Christian movie goers. I'd really like to get into specific scenes, but I've already babbled enough.