An Exit Strategy That Just Might Work
The SBC has been calling for people to pull their kids out of public schools for years now -- a call that I haven't been very receptive of, so far, and a call I have yet to answer (my daughter started 1st grade at a public school last week).
One of my problems is that in this area, public schools offer the best educational opportunities around. There are a couple church-run Christian schools, but from what I've heard about them, I'm not impressed. Home schooling is not an option yet -- we're trying to get rid of some of our old debt, so we can't home school right now, though that may be an option in the future. We are working with our daughter at home, which we always have done and will continue to do.
My other problem is more nation-wide. There is a lack of good, high-quality, affordable Christian education in many parts of the country. And I've called on the SBC to work on this problem -- we've got a national infrastructure in place for disaster relief, global missions, etc. We can set up something to help our local associations and state conventions to set up Christian schools throughout their area. These schools should be inexpensive, and academically rigorous. We've got the ability to set up a school "system" similar to the Catholic church's parochial school system. We can make a difference, if we try. We owe it to our kids.
Southeastern Seminary is starting something that I hope spreads throughout the SBC. They've had a masters in education administration for 10 years now, though it's probably one of the least popular programs, I'm sure. The rest of our seminaries need to follow suit, and we need to tell people what we're doing, and why. If we are serious about the need to reform education, then we need to step up to the plate.
Parents should never have to make the choice between a Christian education and a quality academic education.
May 9, 2008 ...
... is a date I am looking forward to. REALLY looking forward to.
Why?
Speed Racer was must-see-TV for me when I was a kid. They tried to revive the series in animation not long ago, but it just didn't work for me -- I've missed the original ever since MTV aired it and then dumped it. Speed, Pops, Mom, Trixie, Spritle, Chim-Chim, Sparky, and (of course) Racer X were a huge part of my childhood. And now it's coming to the big screen.
Speed's brother Rex didn't run away in the movie -- he died (at least according to the synopsis -- I'm still holding out hope for a Racer X/Rex Racer connection). So far, everything else seems very faithful to the original, so I'm optimistic.
It seems like Hollywood is taking '70s and '80s properties and trying to revitalize them, to get the Boomer crowd into theaters. So far, I've not bee impressed with their efforts. They'd better not mess up Speed Racer, too.
Thanks a LOT, NPR
So I'm listening to NPR one day, minding my own business. World Cafe comes on, and they're featuring a band my wife had just heard about (on another NPR show -- we're such yuppies!) -- Los Straitjackets. And so I listened. And now?
I'm hooked.
It's not just the luchador masks (though that IS a cool touch). It's the guitar work, the Dick Dale-style instrumentals. It's the whole 1960s surf-rock vibe, and I can't get enough.
Their latest album is Rock en Espanol, and it's Spanish versions of classic rock tunes. Note I didn't say covers -- if you know Spanish, you'll notice that the lyrics don't always match up perfectly, but the feel is right. They rhythm is right. And the guitar is always right. My favorites on this one have to be "Hey Lupe" ('Hang On, Sloopy'), and "Loco Te Patina El Coco" ('Wild Thing'), but the entire album is outstanding, with vocals provided by Big Sandy (of Fly-Rite Boys fame) since they don't normally do vocals.
I also downloaded "Little Drummer Boy" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" from their Tis the Season album. I love unique takes on Christmas music, and these will both be excellent additions to the playlist this November and December. I especially like the Dick Dale influenced take on "Drummer Boy."
The last album I sampled (at least for now) was Sing Along with Los Straitjackets. I downloaded "California Sun" (vocals by Dave Alvin) and "The End of the World" (vocals by Leigh Nash, formerly of Sixpence None the Richer). "The End of the World" was one of the first country songs I remember, with Skeeter Davis' plaintive vocals. Nash does a good job on this song, and it brings back memories of long car trips listening to the 8-track in the family station wagon.
All of these are available at emusic, so go download them. And if you haven't joined yet, you should -- you get 50 free songs!! And make sure you check out Los Straitjackets -- any band that offers actual vinyl LPs has got to be great!
Calling Down the Wrath: Imprecatory Prayer and the Modern Christian
Associated Baptist Press ran a story today about Wiley Drake, former SBC second vice-president (and current candidate for SBC President). Drake is calling for imprecatory prayer, calling down God's wrath on two staffers for Americans United. Americans United has asked the IRS to investigate the tax-exempt status of Drake's church, First Southern Baptist Church of Buena Park, California, after Drake used church letterhead and a church-sponsored radio program to endorse Mike Huckabee for President.
Of course, the first question most people will ask is "What the heck is imprecatory prayer?" And when they find out, they'll most likely ask "Is that really the Christian thing to do?" So let's look at both those questions, so we can find out whether we should be embarrassed by Drake, or proud of him.
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Book Review: Devices of the Soul by Steve Talbott
I mentioned before that I'd read this one, and it's been quite a while since I finished it. But this book gives you a LOT to think about, and a lot to digest -- even after you finish reading it. And it's NOT a walk in the park to read, either. But it's a book with an important message.
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Wow
If you only read one blog post today (well, one after this one, obviously), make it this one over at Team Pyro. Dan is the man, and this post is (as a certain Marine would say) outstinkingstanding.
Who Said It?
I may make this a semi-regular feature (as regular as anything on this blog is right now, anyway). Interesting quote that I've picked up. Below the fold you'll find out who said it.
“Doing the Lord’s work is a thread that’s run through our politics since the very beginning. And it puts the lie to the notion that the separation of church and state in America — a principle we all must uphold and that I have embraced as a constitutional lawyer and most importantly as a Christian — means faith should have no role in public life.”
I Wasn't There, Either!!Everybodyis doingtheir "I'm not in San Antonio" posts. I'd have liked to have gone this year, but the funds weren't there -- I've always wanted to see San Antonio, and I've never been to Texas. But I didn't go, and so I'm hopping on the bandwagon that Steve and Joe started.
Sunday, the 10th, I preached (as I've been doing for the past ten months or so). I preached on eternal security -- there are some folks at the church who grew up in Free-Will Baptist churches, and even though they realize they're secure, they don't always seem to understand why. So I reminded them, and gave them Scripture they can rely on. Sunday night was the first night of VBS. I got to be VBS director this year, so now you know how I spent my entire week last week. Friday was family night at VBS, and we had some food after the kids got their certificates and sang their songs.
Saturday, I recovered from VBS. Tried to mow the lawn, but couldn't get the lawnmower started.
Sunday, I preached on Joseph, the father God chose for His Son. We tend to ignore the important job that Joseph had, but there are some things all fathers could learn from him. Sunday night I spoke on Luke 2:52 -- a verse that we don't hear preached often enough. Jesus grew internally, externally, and upwardly -- just as we all need to.
So now you know all about my week, and I'm in good company. And maybe the trackbacks will let everyone know that I'm starting to actually blog again, even though more substantial posts are still to come.
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Like That Prius Now?
OK, I admit that I've considered (seriously, very seriously) buying a Prius. Dumping gas into my Blazer to the tune of three bucks a gallon isn't any fun, I promise. But after reading this article, I'm having second thoughts.
Through a study by CNW Marketing called “Dust to Dust,” the total combined energy is taken from all the electrical, fuel, transportation, materials (metal, plastic, etc) and hundreds of other factors over the expected lifetime of a vehicle. The Prius costs an average of $3.25 per mile driven over a lifetime of 100,000 miles - the expected lifespan of the Hybrid.
The Hummer, on the other hand, costs a more fiscal $1.95 per mile to put on the road over an expected lifetime of 300,000 miles. That means the Hummer will last three times longer than a Prius and use less combined energy doing it.
I really think this is symptomatic of a much larger problem -- as a people, we are nearsighted. We look at the immediate impact on us, and not the overall impact. And that's of anything. That's one of the things that Devices Of The Soul talks about: we have to learn (or for some of us, relearn) to consider the opportunity costs and production costs of what we do, and not just the cost of use.
So now I guess I'll have to go get me a Hummer. Those H3s are kinda nice ....
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I really don't trust studies. Most either make outlandish assumptions or have their own proverbial ax to grind. I wonder if they included the water and soap needed to clean the Hummer? How many Hummers to those who ran the study own or maybe they own a Hummer dealership? Mopeds probably cost less per mile than either. Of course, you may have trouble safely anchoring the child car seats.
The Summer Reading Pile
I haven't been reviewing very many books lately because I simply haven't had enough time. But I've made myself step it up a bit, because I've got a little bit of a backlog -- and there were two books that I couldn't resist getting to review.
I just finished a book that I'm going to be doing some blogging about next week -- Devices of the Soul by Steve Talbott. I got this one from O'Reilly, which surprised me a bit. The book is about the dangers of too much technology, and that doesn't seem like something O'Reilly (a tech book company) would publish. But the book is outstanding. Talbott's thesis is that there needs to be a balanced approach to the use of technology in everyday life -- and we don't really have that. Along the way, he makes some interesting points about life in general that should make theists in general stand up and cheer -- even though he stops a bit short of using the word God. More about that later on -- keep checking the blog, or subscribe to the RSS feed!
I just got an Advanced Uncorrected Proof copy of Empires, Wars, and Battles by T.C.F. Hopkins. I reviewed Hopkins' Confrontation at Lepanto for Blogcritics back in September, and really enjoyed it, so I'm looking forward to this latest book.
I'm also reading Simple Church by Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger. I think this book should be sent to every pastor in America -- it's that good, and that important. We're trying to program our way to growth, and we're forgetting that the church has a purpose beyond just getting bigger and bigger -- we're called to make disciples. If our programs aren't directed at doing that one thing, we're wasting our time. And that's the point to this book. I'm almost done -- expect a bigger review here in the near future.
I'm going to have a bit more time to blog soon, but I'll talk more about that when the time comes.
40 Years Ago Today ...
... Sergeant Pepper taught the music world a whole new way to play.
(Yes, I know that doesn't go with the rhythm. Just go with me, here.)
Back some twenty years or so, I had a copy of Sergeant Pepper. Original copy, too -- my cousin had a copy, and he gave it/loaned it to me. I played it to death.
Sergeant Pepper is an album that, for me, defined what late '60s music was. A little eclectic, a little trippy, and very different from what went before. It's also an album that was introduced to the world in a different way than before.
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A Meme For Me
I haven't been very bloggy lately, so I figured I'd break out of the slump with a little meme, borrowed from Rebecca.
Random 10 songs on my playlist, huh? First time I did it, it was all podcasts. So I set the playlist to only include non-podcasts. Here it is:
'Aliens' by Luna Halo -- off a compilation CD I bought years and years ago. I think I've played this song once, maybe twice.
The Answer' by Live Fish -- this is a song that I might play on the podcast sometime.
'Look in the Sky' by Glass Harp -- I got three CDs through Blogcritics a while back. VERY fun music.
'Mountains' by Glass Harp -- see above ;-)
'The Abby Song' by Three Cord Wonder -- the very first band I ever played on the podcast. They have a label now, but I can still play some of their new stuff. The best kept secret of the Colorado indie music scene, in my not-so-humble opinion.
'Running' by Bree Noble -- a song I got from someone who wants to be on the podcast. She's got a great voice.
'Pretty Fly For a Rabbi' by Weird Al Yankovic -- what can I say -- it's Weird Al!
'Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord' from Rachmaninov's "Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom" -- another CD I got thanks to Blogcritics. Praise and worship music that will make you sick of modern praise and worship music.
'hollanatwigsta' by poor rich folk -- another podcast favorite. Think I need to throw them into the rotation again soon -- very fun acoustic group.
'Studying Politics' by Emery -- another freebie, this time from Tooth and Nail. Fun song from a great band.
Well, there's my ten, and my iPod isn't even working right now. Go make your own list, why don't ya?
Microsoft vs. Open Source
OK, this has little to nothing to do with my original intent in blogging, but 1) it's timely and newsworthy and 2)I REALLY want to try to keep the front page from going blank.
The one big problem as I see it with this type of patent protection is summed up pretty well in this quote from the article: "If every software developer had to review every patent on which he/she might be infringing before writing or releasing code, it would no longer be possible to develop software in the U.S."
By way of comparison: say I published a book back in 1990. In that book I wrote this sentence: "The dog was, in fact, stone dead." After publication, I decide that, since the book is copyrighted, I will sue anyone who ever uses that sentence in a book of their own, unless they pay me money.
It is totally possible that the writer of code could be totally unaware of any patent infringement, just as it would be possible for someone to use my sentence in a book and never have read mine. The time and labor involved in making sure that new software is not infringing on anyone's patent would effectively end open source software -- they don't have the time or the money to put into that type of research.
Microsoft doesn't like the fact that people are using Linux (especially Ubuntu) rather than Vista. They don't like the fact that people use OpenOffice rather than Office, or Firefox rather than Internet Explorer. That's fine. The solution SHOULD be to make a product people are willing to buy, that is so much better than the free alternatives that people WANT to pay money for it. Unfortunately, it's easier to threaten lawsuits (RIAA has taught us that).
For another reason that Microsoft should reconsider legal action, check out UserFriendly.
In Memorium: Jerry Falwell
A lot of ink has been spilled, and a lot of electrons spent, in the past 24 or so hours, on this topic. And it would be very easy for me to simply sit down and write a defense of Jerry, or a critique, or to simply post a rant against the people who (as happened last night on Anderson Cooper 360) will simply choose to call names and hate, even as they cry out against his "hatred."
But that's all been done before. Ever since I walked on campus at Liberty University in August of 1986, I've been defending my chancellor. And it often wasn't an easy job. When my sister called me yesterday at about 2 and said "Did you hear about Jerry Falwell?" my gut reaction (though thankfully unspoken) was "Oh, no. What did he say this time?"
Jerry had a habit of speaking what was on his mind, without realizing (or, sometimes, caring, I guess) what it would sound like. Just a few weeks ago, he announced that he considered the doctrine of limited atonement (a cornerstone of Calvinist theology) "heresy." Immediately, I thought of people like Charles Spurgeon, William Carey, Al Mohler, and John MacArthur -- all good men, men of faith and conviction, and all fervent five-point Calvinists. All heretics, I guess, according to Jerry.
Needless to say, I didn't always agree with Jerry Falwell. But one of the things I learned in my time at Liberty was that that was OK. I attended classes with people from all over the evangelical spectrum -- old-school fundamentalists, Southern Baptists, evangelical Methodists, Pentecostals, you name it. Even when Jerry didn't always express tolerance in minors, the culture at Liberty thrived on it.
People enjoyed attacking Jerry Falwell. And I could tell that they really didn't know the man -- the man, not the preacher. The preacher preached against all forms of vice. The man, the Christian, often loaned his ministry's plane to Larry Flynt (yes, that Larry Flynt), who Jerry was actually friends with. People attacked Jerry for his lack of compassion, but Jerry rather quietly founded and operated the Elim Home for alcoholics and the Liberty Godparent Home for unwed mothers. Jerry was pro-life -- he was more than willing to take care of young women who made a mistake, and wanted to do the right thing -- including offering scholarships to Liberty for those who wanted it.
But I got to know a Jerry Falwell that the media and the casual observers would never get to know. I knew the man who, long before Springer made it popular, would walk into a basketball game to a thunderous chant of "Jerry! Jerry!" Whose students often referred to themselves (both ironically and proudly) as "Jerry's Kids." Who found time to talk to students as he walked across campus. Who was really interested in those students.
My mother-in-law spent a lot of time on campus when my wife and I were students there. She saw Jerry, and he saw her. He never knew her name, but any time he saw her in Lynchburg, he came over and spoke to her, or waved. He knew that she was an LU mom, and he wanted to show her he appreciated her.
The Jerry Falwell that the media never got to know threw toilet paper rolls at basketball games. He threw snowballs in chapel -- at the president of the college. He told incoming freshmen, "When Dr. Guillerman is around, you have to observe protocol and call me Dr. Falwell. But when he's not around, call me Pastor. Or heck, you can just call me Jerry."
That's the Jerry Falwell I got to know. And that's the one I will miss. Rest in Peace, Jerry. You've earned that reward.
In Memorium: Dr. Lee RobersonThe Chattanoogan has the full story. For those who don't know him, Dr. Roberson was a giant among fundamentalism. He founded Tennessee Temple University, and was a guiding force to many preachers in fundamental circles.
He started off Southern Baptist, but ran afoul of denominational politics leading up to the conservative resurgence. His church refused to participate in the Cooperative Program because of liberal professors and influence in the state Baptist colleges, and they were expelled from their local association. Roberson was one of the first fundamentalists to leave the SBC because of theological liberalism.
I had the opportunity to hear him speak when I was in high school, and still count it a privilege. His influence in conservative Christian circles will be missed, as will his leadership and pastor's heart.
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Dr. Lee Roberson was my pastor from the time I was born until I was about 10 years old. My dad worked with Mr. J.M. Parker when he started the bus ministry at Highland Park. Then we started going to various chapels depending on where we were living around the city.
Our family was very poor. My parents were uneducated but they loved the Lord and were in church every service. They went to revival meetings or other services at other churches when they heard of one near enough to get there.
When I was ready to graduate from high school, I wanted so much to go to college but I had no idea how to get there. My Bible teacher, Mrs. Roy Hazlet, contacted Dr. Roberson and he gave me a scholarship to Temple.
Later, I found out that Dr. Roberson knew my mom & dad and recognized me as their daughter. He baptized me as a little girl of 8. He cared for all people no matter who they were, rich or poor.
Posted by: Donnie Doyle (Warren) at May 03, 2007 03:32 PM (/E/RC)
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Dr. Lee Roberson was my pastor for the year that I attended Tennessee Temple University. In that brief time under his influence Dr. Roberson taught me a great deal about life and leaving home for the first time. Among the most memorable reflections that I've had today while attending the memorial service this afternoon was the hour and a half that I spent driving with him to my home church of Shiloh Hills in Kennesaw Georgia. We left early on that Sunday morning and of course we were not a minute late. Dr. Roberson could drive FAST! But I stayed in awe being with him that morning. He helped me get home for several day because of my mothers illness. I will always remember him for his care and concern for others.
Oh How Sweet Heaven has been these last few days, I look forward to seeing two very special people when I get to Heaven, Jesus Christ my Saviour and Dr. Lee Roberson.
May God continue to Bless the Ministries of Highland Park Baptist Church and Tennessee Temple University.
Posted by: Ray Stewart at May 03, 2007 07:31 PM (LPoIu)
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Like others who have posted, Dr. Roberson was my first pastor, and the greatest human man I have ever known. I came to know and accept Christ under his ministry. I want to thank the Lord for giving us Dr. Lee Roberson and allowing him to be my pastor.
Posted by: Mike Mahathy at May 03, 2007 11:36 PM (+kEfZ)
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May 14, 2007
It was a great sense of sorrow when I learned of the passing of Dr. Lee Roberson. I was able to attend Temple College for one year, but was unable to continue due to serious illness. But my memories of Dr. Roberson will last a lifetime. I was a Piano Student of Mrs. J. R. Faulkner and played in the Training Union Forum and Services at Highland Park for special Music. My most favorite memory is playing for Dr. Charles Weigle to sing on Easter Sunday Morning in Dr. Roberson's Friendship Class. Dr. Weigle sang his song " A Miracle of Love " stating this was his life story in song. Two of Dr. Roberson's most memorable sermons for me were " The Flat Failure of Mr. Big " ( based on the life of Peter ) and " I Shook Hands with a Dead Woman ". I pray God's sustaining hand of comfort and strength will be with the Roberson Family.
Posted by: Laurance Manous at May 14, 2007 07:37 PM (kWlVN)
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Will always remember Dr. Roberson as a caring man of God. As we were leaving Highland Park Sunday afternoon, he stopped to greet us. Reaching into his pocket, he stooped down to eyelevel of our three boys, handing each a new shinny bi-centinual coin. I can't recall his words, but I recall the event perfectly. He utter some words, tossled their hair, and was off greeting others.
At our weekly bus workers meetings, he was all business, but we never disputed his concern for that ministry - it was evident his concern and urgency for reaching lost souls with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Posted by: Charles at May 30, 2007 10:21 AM (FsbnY)
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I was saved and surrendered the call to preach at age 16. I attended TTU in 1969-1970, but was forced to transfer for financial reasons. Dr. Roberson is the ONLY man to ever autograh my Bible, and that will never change. Today, I am living in a backslidden condition and will probably die that way since all my "fundamentalists" friends have dissacoiated with me for fear or contamination by association. Regardless, Dr. Lee Roberson is the most compassioinate, forgiving, and loving preacher I have ever known. I know today he would not condone my sin, but would weep over my sins, and love me unconditionally. Much grace left this world when he died. If there is prayer in the afterlife, please, Dr. Roberson, pray for me. I feel so abandonded. I love you so much.
Don Imus
There's something we're missing in the whole Don Imus controversy. My wife and I have both noticed that while everyone is mad (and rightly so, let me be clear) about the "nappy-headed" remark, nobody seems to be very upset that he called these young women "hos." Haven't heard anything from any women's organization. Haven't read anything about the sexism in the comment. All I've heard are the charges of racism, and the outrage from the black community. Don't get me wrong -- they should be upset about it. They should be up in arms about it. But we're missing part of the picture here.
Part of the reason is that the term 'ho' and the term 'pimpin' have become part of our vernacular. When I was teaching, I heard it all the time. There's a lack of respect for people that seems to be running through society right now, and it's going to create problems in the long run. It's a lack of respect for people.
Used to be that people deserved your respect until they proved that they didn't -- innocent until proven guilty, in a way. Now, if you don't know someone, they're not worth spit. And when you DO meet someone, it's perfectly acceptable to call them ho, or a host of other derogatory and insulting names.
I'm not going to talk about Imus' suspension, or whether it's long enough or too long. What I WANT to do is direct the discussion toward the bigger insult -- the fact that he called a group of college students 'hos'. I don't care what side of the aisle you're on -- that kind of disrespect is a big problem, and it's a shame that we're not talking about it.
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Hmmm... i think the "ho" comment is part of the entire racist comment that people are upset about.
he wouldn't have called white women "hos."
Posted by: dave at April 10, 2007 08:50 AM (/5AnU)
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I've not followed the story very much at all. But I think you're right, Pheonix. The focus has been on the "nappy headed" and almost nothing has been said about the fact he called them "hos."
In the not too distant past, you could find yourself arrested for implying that a woman was not chaste. Now, attacking a woman's chastity doesn't even raise an eyebrow, nobody cares.
Posted by: Ryan DeBarr at April 12, 2007 07:19 PM (gCXHX)
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Imus would have called white women hos, I think. In fact, he actually did, since the Rutgers team isn't all black. And I've heard the term ho thrown around for white women of ill repute quite often -- including the ever so popular compound insult, crack ho. It's a symptom of a much larger problem -- a total lack of respect for others.
Posted by: Warren at April 13, 2007 08:33 PM (N0NcI)
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Don Imus
I’ve never been a big fan of Don Imus or for that matter, Howard Stern. I’ve never gotten into the ‘Shock-Jock’ phenomenon, preferring to listen to music when I switch-on the radio.
But… Apparently this Mr. Imus called a fine group of Rutgers female basketball players… “…nappy headed ho’s…” He was calling this predominately black group of athletes by that descriptive, which is not racially acceptable, especially if you’re a ‘whitie,’ which Mr. Imus clearly is, and since a video of the players was running in the show’s background and everyone could clearly see that this was a predominately black group, there was NO mistaking to whom these words were directed.
As a ‘sidebar,’ thank you Judge Ito and “Court Tv,” there are a lot of ethnicities that have “nappy” hair; it is not a phenomenon reserved exclusively for blacks, for “nappy” references anyone with “downy or shaggy hair.”
However, there is another problemÂ… actually several problems:
There’s a double standard: If you tune to any radio station or watch any television show geared to the black audience, you will hear those above-referenced words… along with, “Bitch,” “Bitches,” “Ho’s” ad infinitum or perhaps… ad nauseaum. These are black people calling other black people these disgusting words, the same words which were used to force Don Imus from his Shock Jock Seat.
Furthermore, there is the problem of ‘Freedom of Speech.’ Yep, we just blew-off the First Amendment, which supposedly allows anyone in the United States to say anything (aside from yelling “Fire” in a theatre) without fear of censorship or retaliation from a Federal agency.
AhÂ… but there is the usual band of Tv-mongerers, those who wait for a way to make a fast buck through othersÂ’ misfortunes.
Why… the honorable Reverend Al Sharpton, that paragon of righteousness, the man who championed a Ms. Brawley, a challenged young woman who claimed she was mistreated or, I believe the accusation was, “raped” by another… at least until it was proven she hallucinated – I believe that’s a kindly way to categorize the reduction in accusation, has immediately come to the fore, happily ensconcing himself in front of cheap hotel podiums, a plethora of microphones planted in front of his honorable mouth.
Where were the honorable Jesse Jackson or the equally honorable and formidable Gloria Allred, one might ask? WellÂ… apparently they were snoozingÂ… or involved in other hugely important cases involving ample coverage from television cameras.
When you have ‘slow news cycles,’ editors are at a big disadvantage, for they have to fill giant “Breaking News” voids with newsworthy events…. And what could be more newsworthy than a silly Shock Jock suffering a brain fart during a live show?
Of course, the Coach of the Rutgers basketball team was quick to condemn the above “brain fart,” calling it a deliberate smack against all womenkind. During this news conference, she reminded us of all the trials and tribulations of her childhood, and then extrapolated those experiences onto the backs of these valedictorians and honor students, these….
Wait. Hold on for a second – Are all these basketball stars, these scholarshipped students “honor students” and “valedictorians?” If so, this must be quite a team!
When I went to college, most of the scholarshipped athletes were shoehorned under the radar of the AdmissionÂ’s process, owing to the usual lack of scholarship that goes hand-in-hand with outstanding athletic prowess.
Look – Being committed to athletic excellence requires that one put aside the books and practice… practice… practice; it’s not easy to be outstanding in both academics and athletics… because not even Job would have enough time to excel at both.
Since Rutgers and all colleges need athletics to attract alumni money, etc., athletics is a BIG BUSINESS – Ask any television network what they pay the universities for the privilege of broadcasting their games? Those universities NEED those dollars, so believe me, they court outstanding athletes in the hope of having a winning team and, therefore, overflowing university coffer’s. You can bet this event will probably cause more than a few Alumni to pull out his/her checkbooks…
But thatÂ’s not the issue: The issue isÂ… WaitÂ… What exactly IS the issue?
How does the honorable Reverend Al Sharpton, or for that matter, any of these honorable self-appointed Guardians of public mores make a living?
Well… Ya see… some people watch ‘em on Tv, some corporations watch ‘em on Tv and then tax deductible checks are dispatched, some based on their issuers like/dislike of what these honorable Guardians are doing or causing in society. Further, checks are being written for good and bad reasons …. Because sometimes, people write checks just to stir the pot… Can you believe some people would actually do that?
Evidently, there is a direct correlation between how many times these honorable gentlepeople appear on Tv and how many checks they receive at their honorable corporate offices – After all, we all have to make a living, even those among those of us who assess themselves honorable. It’s amazing how many of these honorable people hide behind religious cloth, bandying about the credentials of “Reverend”…
By the way – Anyone heard about that camp for children dying of cancer that Don Imus funds with his own money? Yeah – Duh – apparently that SAP Imus uses his own money from his radio/television show to offer terminally ill children an experience they will never forget. Wow – What a moron! You know what… this idiot allows children of ANY color this opportunity. My God – Can you believe anyone would be this stupid?
I mean, ‘How’ could anyone who funds something as wonderful as the above camp call those Rutgers basketball players, “…nappy haired ho’s”… and truly believe it?
GeeÂ… I donÂ’t know? Do you?
Now that Don Imus has no job or income to continue his SAPPY attempt to enrich the lives of these terminally ill children… might the good Christian Reverend (“Let He Who Is Without Sin, Throw The First Stone”), Al Sharpton fund this camp out of the goodness of his honorable heart…?
DonÂ’t hold your breath -- The tentÂ’ll be rolled up and the honorable Right Reverend Al Sharpton will have left town and crawled into his woodworkÂ… awaiting the next gathering of Tv camerasÂ… those one-eyed monsters whose job has become one of attracting Rainmakers, Dreamweavers, Sorcerers clothed in the collars of a religious icon but without any belief in the underlying philosophy of ChristianityÂ’s Forgiveness..
Copyrightã: April 12, 2007; ‘ted lang,’ imagine, inc.
Posted by: teddy at April 14, 2007 01:18 PM (vNVGX)
5
OMG! You'd think Imus was the only person in the world who insulted someone. I rarely listened to the guy. He did apologize for his remarks and that is so much more than what many others who are in the public eye have done. There is no reason at all for Imus to apologize to Sharpton. Imus didn't call Sharpton a HO or nappy-headed. Sharpton did not accept Imus' apology. Wow! What a surprise. Doens't Sharpton claim to be a pastor? Imus ultimately apologized to the group of young women he should have apologized to, case closed. Sharpton wasn't happy, he didn't have enough media attention over it so he got Imus fired. Well, that pretty much says what type of pastor he is.
I am so glad Imus is suing CBS radio. Finally, someone has a backbone. I hope Imus sues Sharpton too, for violating his freedom of speech rights and getting him fired over it. If Sharpton was interested in people not saying "HO" or "Nappy-headed" he would have done something about the people who are called rappers. He would have done something about comedy central. There are plenty of people to get fired over saying those words besides Don Imus. I've heard it said about nice upstanding young ladies on TV...black, white, hispanic, and asian. It's a disgusting remark, but the Rutgers team is not the forst ones to be called that.
You go Imus. Hope everyone else gets a contract as good as his and grows a backbone too.
Posted by: Peggy Warhurst at May 02, 2007 09:58 PM (37/r7)
A Little TV Criticism
I've been watching more network TV lately than I ever used to. Of course, I only get FOX and ABC right now (don't ask), so my choices are rather limited. And that's how I discovered House.
For those who don't know, House is a new show on FOX, and it has nothing to do with home improvement. From the official FOX description:
DR. GREGORY HOUSE (Hugh Laurie) is devoid of anything resembling bedside manner and wouldnÂ’t even talk to his patients if he could get away with it. Dealing with his own constant physical pain, he uses a cane that seems to punctuate his acerbic, brutally honest demeanor. While his behavior can border on antisocial, House is a brilliant diagnostician whose unconventional thinking and flawless instincts afford him widespread respect.
House is heartily non-theistic. It seems that he takes special joy in throwing a patient's faith up in their faith. But that's just his nature -- as the site says, he genuinely dislikes people in general, and sick people in particular. From a theistic perspective, though, it really seems like House takes special pride in insulting people of faith.
This is particularly clear in House's treatment of patients who are pro-life. Which brings me to the latest episode, "Fetal Position." Long story short, patient comes in, critically ill. Turns out that her unborn child has turned on her, and is slowly killing her. House is insistent on terminating the pregnancy.
House's boss is also pro-life, and goes to extremes to avoid aborting the baby. House agrees to perform surgery on the fetus. THIS is where the show got really good. During the surgery, the fetus reaches out and holds onto House's finger. Time for the closeup, Mr. DeMille. Unfortunately, FOX hasn't put a picture up on the site, and probably won't.
The part of the story I totally enjoyed is the crisis that one event has caused in House. The closing scene shows us House sitting on his couch, staring at his finger, contemplating what exactly happened in the OR. A decidedly pro-life moment.
House has one great strength -- it's ability to take a character who questions even the idea of belief itself, and making him confront the possibility that his assumptions are wrong. Throughout the season, House has confronted patients who have been examples of faith, and he doesn't emerge unscathed, philosophically speaking. He is still far from a theist, much less any form of Christian, but he's asking questions that he never thought he'd ask. At a time when so much of TV mocks and attacks people of faith, it's refreshing to watch a prime-time program that takes us seriously. I never thought I'd enjoy network TV this much ever again.
Why I STRONGLY Dislike the RIAA
And it's NOT because I've got a ton of illegal music on my computer. In fact, everything I have on my drive right now is perfectly, 100% legal. I've bought some, I owned the CDs to some, and I've been given much of it for use on the podcast. So there.
But when the RIAA sues a stroke victim who is living on a monthly disability check -- and who has repeatedly stated that he has engaged in no copyright infringement -- I have a problem. They don't care about anything but their bottom line, and that is rapidly decreasing, as people find other ways to get their music -- most of them perfectly legal. Since I started podcasting, I haven't felt the need to go out and buy a CD at WalMart or any of the mall stores -- if I've got the money, I'm going to buy a CD from a band that's struggling to "make it" and has escaped the notice of the "major labels." There are thousands out there to choose from, in all genres. In fact, take a look on the right sidebar, and you can see what I'm listening to, thanks to a cool widget from the folks at Last.fm.
It takes some work -- you have to separate the wheat from the chaff. And there's plenty of chaff out there, but that just makes the wheat taste that much better. OK, now that I've run that metaphor into the ground, I'll stop.
To reassure my long-time readers, I'm not planning on turning this blog into a music-focused blog, or a podcasting-focused one either. I am working on a few things that are more in keeping with the intent of this blog -- pop culture in the light of Biblical principles, theological topics written so that the average, non-seminary-educated person can understand the issues, etc. THOSE posts take time, which I don't have a lot of right now. THESE posts, however, I can bang out quickly, and they keep the front page from looking so empty and lonely.
Inspiration!
No, I'm not going into the inspiration/inerrancy debate. I'm talking about me, being inspired to post something fairly substantial after such a long absence. And inspired by someone whose music I listened to many, many years ago.
David Bach, one part of my favorite all-time Christian rock bands, Guardian, has written a three-part post about the future of Christian music and the CCM industry that one can only pray is being read by the folks in Nashville. Bach writes as someone who has been inside the industry, someone who has seen the guts of the monster, so to speak. And he's trying to get Christian artists to see what's happening to their industry so that they can be prepared. As he puts it:
My intent here is not to discourage anyone, but rather to tell the truth—the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Mine is not a rocket science/ prophetical hypothesis. Similar tales of coming fiscal woe are all over the internet in regard to the general market. But the CCM industry has always lagged behind the general market by about 18-24 months—so for some of you reading this, it will be a shocker. Again, my primary hope in writing this is that even one aspiring artist will read it and take heed—hopefully saving themselves years of grief and wasted energy.
This is one area in which the Christian industry can't afford to lag behind the rest of the entertainment field. IF Christian entertainers are really in it to get their message out, rather than make some quick $$ from their fellow believers, then there needs to be a radical change in the way Christian music is marketed, distributed, sold, and promoted. And that's exactly what Bach is calling for.
more...
Amazon Reviewer Ranks
This is just a quickie, but I started laughing just now when I pulled up my Amazon Reviewer ranking. I've cracked the top 5,000 -- I'm in a huge tie for #4167. That isn't what made me laugh. What made me laugh is who the person is right above me on the list, also at #4167:
4167 David T. Wayne "aka The 'JollyBlogger'" (Glen Burnie, MD United States)
Reviews written: 46
(REAL NAME)
I am a father of three and husband of one and I pastor Glen Burnie Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Glen Burnie, MD. I am an avid reader of theology and fiction. My particular theological interests are in the area of eschatology and sanctification, or whatever theological topic I happen to be wrestling with on a particular day. I also happen to enjoy the study of apologetics and am a confirmed ... more
Now I've written 81 reviews, and he's got 46, so he must be a better reviewer than I am. Or maybe he just reads things more people are curious about -- I tend to get a lot of computer titles. I need to review more fiction -- which I will be doing next week, right here! I finished the latest Jasper Fforde book, The Fourth Bear, and I'll be reviewing it next week -- probably Wednesday.
And I'll get that one on Amazon, and maybe I can overtake the JollyBlogger.