Going Green – God’s Way
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on October 6, 2008 Hot Issues •
It seems everyone I know is “going green” these days—whether that means carpooling to work, adding recycle bins to their home decor, or something else to help the environment. I have to admit: I’ve even been convinced to join the cause.
Barna posted an article recently citing the results of a study that advertising is boasting environmental friendliness as well as the presidential candidates through offering the best energy proposals. And, among them, are evangelicals, who are some of the top supporters:
“One of the intriguing findings of the research is that millions of evangelicals—often perceived to be on the sidelines of the green movement—have become more environmentally conscious in the last year. …
“Most Christians are not satisfied to be mere observers of the green movement. Three-quarters of self-identified Christians (78%) agree they would like to see their fellow Christians take a more active role in caring for God’s creation in a way that is both informed and biblical. Among evangelicals, 90% would like Christians to take a more active role in caring for creation, with 67% agreeing strongly.”
So what does the Bible say about being good environmental stewards? We do know God gave Adam dominion over “the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the animals, all the earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth” (Genesis 1:26; also see Genesis 1:28-30).
From this, we can see that God entrusted the earth to us—to our care and protection. So I don’t think He meant for us to squander away or harm the earth and things of it that He has provided for our well-being.
As a matter of fact, we can see proof of this in the New Testament. Jesus and the disciples fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish. When the crowd was full, He told his disciples, “Collect the leftovers so that nothing is wasted” (John 6:10-12).
As “going green” becomes more prevalent in our society, economy, political discussions, and such, let’s remember to take the first steps in showing others how much God’s gifts of creation and provision mean to us.
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Now that’s the way to do it…
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on September 21, 2008 Hot Issues •
Recently, I read an article through Baptist Press titled “Marriage Digest: New poll shows California marriage amend. trailing” (written by Michael Foust). It talked about a new poll that showed a proposed constitutional marriage amendment in California losing, saying, “the results could have been influenced by a new ballot titled that amendment supporters say is biased.”
Apparently, 1,047 people were polled and it resulted in 54 percent opposing the initiative (Proposition 8) while 40 percent supported it (according to the Public Policy Institute of California.)
Currently, same-sex “marriage” is now legal in California. But the amendment would reverse the California Supreme Court’s decision. This battle has obviously not been won. There’s still a lot to be done in seeing marriage, as defined by God and revealed in the Bible, protected in this state.
However, I’m encouraged by the group that’s backing Proposition 8—ProtectMarriage.com. I went to their website after reading this article and have been keeping up with their blog. On September 15, they wrote:
“Today marked another Vote Yes on Prop. 8 Walk Day. We took to our neighborhoods and encouraged our friends and neighbors to vote YES on Prop. 8. It’s amazing to think that by devoting just a few hours of time on Saturdays we’ve managed to reach more than a million voter households in California.”
Their grassroots effort has been incredible. In a blog posted even before this one, they discuss the success of their town hall meeting encouraging others to vote “yes” for this amendment.
I wonder if we had this much momentum in our everyday interactions with others—at home, in our jobs, at the grocery store, etc.—how would they be affected by the truth of God’s Word? Could our simple grassroots effort cause them to vote values according to truth and Scripture?
It’s something to think about.
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Elections: Do they matter?
Posted by: Jim Richards on September 19, 2008 Featured Article •
Does it really matter who the next president will be? I know I am trading on dangerous ground venturing into politics. The old axiom for social grace is, don’t talk about religion or politics. Well, I promise not to do either. I am going to talk about Jesus, the Word of God and a Christan’s responsibility in the public square.
Jesus was very pointed about “render unto Caesar.” Although there was a Zealot (Jewish Nationalist) among his followers, Jesus did not foment rebellion. Jesus went to the extent of paying taxes with coins miraculously supplied in a fish’s mouth. Jesus even submitted to the punishment of death under governmental authority. The government saw the cross as a tool of capital punishment. We know that Jesus was paying for our sins by the shedding of his blood. Nevertheless, Jesus endorsed established government. He was no anarchist.
A very significant difference from the forms of government in biblical times and today is that we, the people, have a say in who rules over us. Biblical principles still apply for governmental rule. Since we have the privilege of participating in the selection of leaders, as believers we should seek to influence the direction of government toward biblical truth.
Rick Warren and Jim Wallis are seemingly trying to replace Jerry Falwell and James Dobson. The new guys are emphasizing their interpretations on poverty, the environment, and health care. Evangelical political engagement heightened in the late ’70s promoting the biblical positions on the sanctity of human life and gender roles. Now, same-sex marriage is being declared protected by the Constitution in several states. What were considered hot buttons two decades ago no longer resonate as they once did.
There is no question the environment is important. God has placed us on the planet to be good stewards. Health care falls under the purview of Christian benevolence. We should do all we can to help all we can. The Bible has much to say about the poor. How we treat the poor reflects on our practical Christianity. All of these are worth out attention. Yet, all other concerns pale in comparison to what we believe about where life begins and what comprises a marriage.
You may say that your vote does not matter. It does and so do your prayers. This election cycle demands our prayerful involvement. The Christian’s responsibility in the public square is not to partisan politics. Our responsibility is to vote for people who best reflect biblical values. If you are not registered, then do so. If you were not planning on voting, please cast your ballot guided by biblical principles.
Religion and politics are not to be discussed in delicate company. Jesus, the Word of God and believers in the public square are always appropriate.
(0) Comments | Permalink | Tell a Friend |This article was written by Jim Richards and originally appeared in the September 8, 2008 issue of The Southern Baptist Texan.
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Actions DO Speak Louder than Words
Posted by: Ksylan Christoper on September 16, 2008 Biblical Values •
My dad used to tell me to mind my actions around other people because my life may be the only Bible they ever read. This was hard for me to understand as a kid, but I know full well what he means by that now and it’s some of the best advice I think any parent can give to his or her child.
So it’s no surprise that Jesus told us, His sons and daughters: “We must not love in word or speech, but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18).
Influence is everything. And where you’re strong, someone else may be weak. If others aren’t sure of what the Bible says about certain issues, we should always be ready and “prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” (1 Peter 3:15).
When you live, think of those watching you. When you speak, be mindful of the words others may hear you say. Your actions may very well cause others to vote one way or another. So ask yourself: How am I living? Am I living in a way that others can see Christ in me? Am I responding to issues in our culture in a way that will lead people to truth in Jesus?
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Be a Changer
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on September 15, 2008 Hot Issues •
All politics aside, I like Sarah Palin, the woman. I like her because she’s real. I like her because she’s got problems just like everyone else. I like her because she seems to do everyday stuff that most Americans do—like taking family vacations, dealing with teenagers who make wrong decisions, eating red meat, etc.
This mother of five is being railed for having little or no foreign policy experience, but she’s a changer. She’s known for shaking things up. And she jumped on the Republican ticket and has created quite the frenzy nationwide. She brought her imperfect family to the Republican convention and bared her real identity to the world.
This isn’t a campaign message. I don’t say all of this to tell you to vote for Sarah Palin. I say this because I admire her attitude and determination. I admire her genuine attempt to be as real as she can be in front of people while standing firm on her convictions. I admire the fact that she is supporting her family in the ups and downs. She has made me want to find out more about her because she seems genuine and approachable.
As believers in Jesus Christ, it would do us good to have the same attitude and drive when it comes to our faith and changing the world.
How radical do we need to get in order to cause others to want to know more about who we are and Who makes us what we are? Can we also let them know we’re real people who deal with the same real stuff they do but stand strong on our convictions and faith? Is it possible for us to say to the world, “We deal with hard stuff too, but we believe in One who sees us through it.”
All politics aside, I like Sarah Palin, the woman. She can be an inspiration to us all to stand up for and share what you believe in, be exactly who God created you to be—flaws and all, vote your values, shake things up, and be a changer.
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Us vs. Them
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on September 15, 2008 Hot Issues •
I think it’s important that I bring up this issue. Lately, it seems as though many of my Christian friends have made it seem that if you’re not Republican, then you’re not Christian. If you’re a Democrat, then you’re a liberal and “one of them.” It didn’t settle well with me when the discussions began a few weeks ago and it still doesn’t settle well with me now.
I think we have to be careful about getting into this mindset of “us” and “them.” Sure, each party takes on an overall personality—including certain values, beliefs, and opinions. But this isn’t good vs. bad or pure vs. evil election.
Today, many younger Christians—who are completely committed to the faith—are concerned with “issues” more than I’ve ever seen. They are concerned with uniting to: fight poverty and hunger, end the war, stop sexual trafficking, genocide, and slavery, prevent diseases, defend the innocent, care for the orphaned and widowed, protect the environment, and more.
They’re about living out their faith visibly for the world to see. They’re about building bridges between the “us” and “them” that others have created. They’re about introducing people who have no hope to a God who can give them hope. They’re about throwing out the other rulebooks and focusing on the absolute truth in God’s Book.
Many people I know were upset when they found out their favorite Christian author, Donald Miller, prayed at the Democratic National Convention recently. They feared he had joined “the dark side.” But I saw it as an opportunity for this incredible leader to share truth and Christ with those who some believe are only focused on a desire to skew the truth and allow the rules of morality to be bent.
So I caution you to use your words wisely when sharing your opinions with others. I warn you to not buy into the “us” and “them” mindset that’s been conjured up. Instead, I implore you to build bridges with others who believe differently than you, vote your values, and find every possible way you can to share Jesus with those who don’t know Him—whatever their political affiliation.
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Barna: ‘Young Adults and Liberals Struggle with Morality’
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on September 15, 2008 Biblical Values •
I’m so fascinated by what Barna comes up with—with what his team of research gurus find out about Americans today. In a recent article titled “Young Adults and Liberals Struggle with Morality,” these were the results of yet another study:
“American society has become more intrigued by moral issues in recent years, as evidenced by the fact that 55% of adults discuss moral issues with others during a typical week. But a nationwide survey by The Barna Group indicates that Americans have also redefined what it means to do the right thing in their own lives.
“Researchers asked adults which, if any, of eight behaviors with moral overtones they had engaged in during the past week. The behaviors included exposure to pornography, using profanity in public, gambling, gossiping, engaging in sexual intercourse with someone to whom they were not married, retaliating against someone, getting drunk, and lying. A majority of adults had engaged in at least one of those eight behaviors during the past week.
“One of the most stunning outcomes from the Barna survey was the moral pattern among adults under 25. The younger generation was more than twice as likely as all other adults to engage in behaviors considered morally inappropriate by traditional standards. Their choices made even the Baby Boomers—never regarded as a paragon of traditional morality—look like moral pillars in comparison.
“According to George Barna, who directed the survey, the results reflect a significant shift in American life. ‘We are witnessing the development and acceptance of a new moral code in America,’ said the researcher and author, who has been surveying national trends in faith and morality for more than a quarter-century. ‘Mosaics (ages 18-24) have had little exposure to traditional moral teaching and limited accountability for such behavior. The moral code began to disintegrate when the generation before them—the Baby Busters (ages 25-43)—pushed the limits that had been challenged by their parents—the Baby Boomers (ages 44-62). The result is that without much fanfare or visible leadership, the U.S. has created a moral system based on convenience, feelings, and selfishness.
“The consistent deterioration of the Bible as the source of moral truth has led to a nation where people have become independent judges of right and wrong, basing their choices on feelings and circumstances. It is not likely that America will return to a more traditional moral code until the nation experiences significant pain from its moral choices.”
These results are scary, to say the least. And they are proof that we need to be educating our children on what’s right and wrong, what God says in His Word, and what absolute truth is. It seems many parents are more concerned with getting their kids to the next soccer practice or dance lesson than teaching them Scripture, disciplining their behavior, and protecting their eyes and ears from the filth that’s thrust their way through radio and television.
It’s time we stand up. It’s time we take responsibility and lead the next generation in the right direction. Parents should take control of their children’s upbringing. And if you’re not a parent, find a young person to mentor.
It’s time we reach out to the lost who are filling their lives with these immoralities to find temporary peace and satisfaction. It’s our job to point them to Jesus—the One who can give them hope and salvation.
Do your part before its too late.
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Don’t Be Driven to Distraction
Posted by: John Loudat on September 11, 2008 Featured Article •
We Americans pick a president every four years, and I suspect that the devil does some of this most effective work during at least some of those years.
I say that not as much because of the particular leader we pick, but because of the way we Americans — including many of who name the Name of Christ — tend to transfer at least a portion of our hope and trust in Christ to a man or woman who is bound to disappoint us, because he or she cannot possibly deliver on many, if any, of the things he or she promises us in order to secure our votes.
The phenomenon is nothing new. I’ve seen it every election cycle I can remember, and, yes, I have grown a bit cynical. Please understand, though, I utterly reject the idea of disengaging from the political process. I have the right as a citizen of this country to vote for the candidate I believe is going to be the best for our nation; and I am registered to vote, so I can, and will, do just that. Furthermore, I strongly encourage each of you to do the same, because it can and does make a truly significant impact on this “land of the free and home of the brave,” a difference I want for my children and grandchildren (the first of whom is due the middle of September, in case you haven’t heard). Still, there are some things no occupant of the Oval Office is ever going to be able to accomplish, and for those things we must trust in the Sovereign of the universe alone.
Conservative columnist Cal Thomas said as much in his column published in my July 29 Albuquerque Journal. The column clearly reveals his preference for the nation’s next leader (which we, being a 501 (c) 3 publication, cannot, nor should we, do), but he also made a very important point: “America’s primary problems are not economic and political; they are moral and spiritual and there government cannot go, with or without ‘faith-based initiatives.’”
We, as American Christians, should remember that this year and refuse to allow ourselves during this election cycle to get so distracted by whom we will be voting for, and whom we will be encouraging others to vote for, to distract us from the only Person who can fix our nation’s ills — one heart at a time — and our responsibility to share Him with people as the only hope of the world. Alas, I think it’s nigh impossible not to be so distracted when every time we turn on our TV or radio news or launch our web browser or email we’re introduced to another of the seemingly unending steam of presidential promises. Because of that, I am convinced we need God’s supernatural help, enabling us to keep “the main thing the main thing.”
The Psalmist rightly observed, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses …”; then he forcefully declared, “… but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7 NIV). May that be said of New Mexico Baptists during this political season, and may we be as determined as ever to share the importance of that life strategy with all those with whom God gives us the opportunity.
(0) Comments | Permalink | Tell a Friend |This article was written by John Loudat and originally published in the August 9, 2008 issue of The Baptist New Mexican.
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It’s just the beginning…
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on September 7, 2008 Hot Issues •
People magazineprinted this account recently:
“Saturday evening was full of love, laughter, and a few tears for Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, who exchanged personal wedding vows in front of their closest family and friends at their home in L.A.
“In an exclusive interview and photos, DeGeneres, 50, and de Rossi, 35, share the most romantic moments of the night with People magazine.
“‘What can I say? I’m the luckiest girl in the world,’ says DeGeneres. ‘She’s officially off the market. No one else gets her. And now she’ll cook and clean for me.’
“Amid candles and flowers by Mark’s Garden, both brides, wearing designs by Zac Posen, sat on floor pillows along with author Wayne Dyer, who officiated the ceremony.
“‘The love we felt from the people surrounding us, and the love we have for each other, made this the most beautiful and emotional day,’ says de Rossi. ‘And one that we’ll never forget.’”
This issue can’t be pushed onto the back burner any longer. The issue of homosexual marriage is upon us. What are we going to do?
I know people who say, “They deserve to be happy too!” In the beginning, I got called a bigot and right-wing nutjob all the time for denouncing this view. Now, a lot of times, I attempt to let my voice be heard—but in a more subtle, non-judgmental way.
Is that a good or bad approach? I don’t know. I’m still not quite sure how to handle those friends of mine who believe that homosexual marriage should be legal throughout the entire United States. I know what I believe, but I have to be careful how I handle those conversations.
After reading this article, I realized that I can’t ignore these conversations anymore. The more I ignore them, the more I become one more person who is not standing up against it.
I truly DO believe that everyone deserves to be happy in love—but in the context of a biblical relationship, a godly marriage, which can only exist when a man and woman are united in the bonds of matrimony.
I don’t have the answers. But I am looking for feedback, and I’m sure there are other Christians who feel this same way. How do we speak against homosexuality in the love of Christ? How do we stand against accepting this way of life without inheriting the names “bigot” and “judgmental?” How do we speak truth into our culture without turning the world off of Christianity and Jesus?
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Remembering the Defenseless
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on September 6, 2008 Biblical Values •
It’s dark. It’s a secret. It’s usually hidden from the world. And once it’s exposed, people are disgusted to find out that another human being would do such a thing to a child. I’m talking about child abuse.
My mom is teacher and, unfortunately, she’s seen plenty of cases involving child abuse—physically, emotionally, sexually. You name it; she’s seen it. Unfortunately, one or more of the children who walk through her classroom each year are victims of it. As much as it sickens her, there’s not much she can do legally, so she resorts to the only things she knows.
During Jesus’ ministry here on earth “people were bringing babies to [Him] to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to Him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.“
Sure…we preach all day long in our churches about how to raise the children in our families. But how do we rescue and care for those who seemingly have no hope in situations they can’t get out of?
It seems that many of these children are forgotten in our society. Amidst the debates about abortion, gay rights, global warming, the war overseas, etc., it seems we’ve forgotten those in our country who are helpless victims in need of rescuing.
Just a few weeks ago, a 14-year-old disabled girl died of starvation under a Philadelphia agency’s care. Seven social workers and the girl’s mother were connected with the murder. The mayor called for reform and action within the city.
So these laws are in place and certain people are allowed to investigate abuse and neglect of children within a household. But what can we do as citizens—bystanders who are witness to these tragedies? How can we rescue the children who have no protectors and no hope?
I’m no lawyer or government official, so I’m not learned on the laws regarding this type of issue. Maybe if you’re reading this, you know full well what the legalities are of our freedom to reach in and help. And then there’s the other side of things—what can we, the church, do to get involved?
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