1.30.2008
Music to Deaf Ears
I heard this incredible piece on NPR yesterday morning. Parts of the story are omitted but can be heard on the link provided.
1.28.2008
Paul's Prayer (Phil. 1.9-11), Part 2
The immediate goal of Paul’s prayer for the Philippians is that an increase in love will lead to the ability to “approve that which is excellent” (10a). As the word here has the original sense of “that which is different,” Paul seems to be referring to a separate quality altogether, not merely gradations of “good.” The gospel of God as a belief and life commitment is starkly different than any other cause the world has to offer. Paul wants his young believers to embrace those things that belong to this message of grace in a way that their lives are swallowed up by it.
What this looks like, I think, is difficult to quantify. I give mental ascent to the teachings of the gospel but hardly excel at a life determined in every way by its dynamic and true character. As I read this chapter, the section following (vv.12–26) allows Paul the opportunity to hold up himself as a model for the Philippians; in his whole-hearted dedication to the cause of the gospel, one sees what it means to “approve what is excellent” and not be sidetracked by comfortable distractions characteristic of ordinary life.
The ultimate goal is that they be “pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (10b). This is when Christ as Lord comes to execute judgment and vindication, whatever the case may be. As salvation has become synonymous with heaven and thus rescue from this world in many Christian formulations, it is easy to overlook the emphasis on God’s glorification in us, and to focus simply on ourselves . Paul points out, however, that blamelessness begins and ends with God: (A) The attitudes and actions that typify it come about only as a result of Jesus’ prior and continued work (11a), and (B) the objective of such a transformed life is glory and praise quite appropriately being given to God (11b); after all, God is the one who initiated the “good work” in their lives (6).
Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1.9–11 provides a good snapshot of the life transformed by God’s work in the gospel. I’m not sure it completely describes me, as I cannot honestly say my affections are whole-heartedly directed toward God-honoring pursuits; nor can I say a driving force in my life is seeking to be found blameless when Christ appears again. And while I can acknowledge that whatever good springs forth from my life is solely attributable to Jesus’ work, I am more likely to want to leverage that as credit in my favor than to perceive it as fruits produced for the glory of God. I fall far short. I can only hope that one day I’m able to mimic Paul’s attitude expressed in his hope that “now as always Christ will be honored in my body” (1:20).
What this looks like, I think, is difficult to quantify. I give mental ascent to the teachings of the gospel but hardly excel at a life determined in every way by its dynamic and true character. As I read this chapter, the section following (vv.12–26) allows Paul the opportunity to hold up himself as a model for the Philippians; in his whole-hearted dedication to the cause of the gospel, one sees what it means to “approve what is excellent” and not be sidetracked by comfortable distractions characteristic of ordinary life.
The ultimate goal is that they be “pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (10b). This is when Christ as Lord comes to execute judgment and vindication, whatever the case may be. As salvation has become synonymous with heaven and thus rescue from this world in many Christian formulations, it is easy to overlook the emphasis on God’s glorification in us, and to focus simply on ourselves . Paul points out, however, that blamelessness begins and ends with God: (A) The attitudes and actions that typify it come about only as a result of Jesus’ prior and continued work (11a), and (B) the objective of such a transformed life is glory and praise quite appropriately being given to God (11b); after all, God is the one who initiated the “good work” in their lives (6).
Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1.9–11 provides a good snapshot of the life transformed by God’s work in the gospel. I’m not sure it completely describes me, as I cannot honestly say my affections are whole-heartedly directed toward God-honoring pursuits; nor can I say a driving force in my life is seeking to be found blameless when Christ appears again. And while I can acknowledge that whatever good springs forth from my life is solely attributable to Jesus’ work, I am more likely to want to leverage that as credit in my favor than to perceive it as fruits produced for the glory of God. I fall far short. I can only hope that one day I’m able to mimic Paul’s attitude expressed in his hope that “now as always Christ will be honored in my body” (1:20).
1.27.2008
Textual Criticism of the Qu'ran?
Here's an interesting article in the Asia Times Online regarding textual criticism of the Qu'ran. Some may have already heard of this, but allegedly ancient manuscripts of Islam's holy book were hidden away, and are only now resurfacing and available for scholarly scrutiny. Spengler notes:
It has long been known that variant copies of the Koran exist, including some found in 1972 in a paper grave at Sa'na in Yemen, the subject of a cover story in the January 1999 Atlantic Monthly. Before the Yemeni authorities shut the door to Western scholars, two German academics, Gerhard R Puin and H C Graf von Bothmer, made 35,000 microfilm copies, which remain at the University of the Saarland. Many scholars believe that the German archive, which includes photocopies of manuscripts as old as 700 AD, will provide more evidence of variation in the Koran.
It has long been known that variant copies of the Koran exist, including some found in 1972 in a paper grave at Sa'na in Yemen, the subject of a cover story in the January 1999 Atlantic Monthly. Before the Yemeni authorities shut the door to Western scholars, two German academics, Gerhard R Puin and H C Graf von Bothmer, made 35,000 microfilm copies, which remain at the University of the Saarland. Many scholars believe that the German archive, which includes photocopies of manuscripts as old as 700 AD, will provide more evidence of variation in the Koran.
Why is the presence of variants in the Qu'ran significant? After all, in biblical manuscripts countless variants are known to exist. Again, Spengler:
No one is going to produce proof that Jesus Christ did not rise from the grave three days after the Crucifixion, of course. Humankind will choose to believe or not that God revealed Himself in this fashion. But Islam stands at risk of a Da Vinci Code effect, for in Islam, God's self-revelation took the form not of the Exodus, nor the revelation at Mount Sinai, nor the Resurrection, but rather a book, namely the Koran. The Encyclopaedia of Islam (1982) observes, "The closest analogue in Christian belief to the role of the Koran in Muslim belief is not the Bible, but Christ." The Koran alone is the revelatory event in Islam.
This article is especially interesting for what it proposes as an explanation as to why Germans circa World War II contrived to keep such manuscripts shrouded in secrecy. (HT: Dan Reid via Evangelical Textual Criticism)
1.25.2008
Noonan on the Civil War(s)
Here's another good election analysis by Peggy Noonan. Great stuff. Here's a highlight from the article:
There are many serious and thoughtful liberals and Democrats who support Mr. Obama and John Edwards, and who are seeing Mr. Clinton in a new way and saying so. Here is William Greider in The Nation, the venerable left-liberal magazine. The Clintons are "high minded" on the surface but "smarmily duplicitous underneath, meanwhile jabbing hard at the groin area. They are a slippery pair and come as a package. The nation is at fair risk of getting them back in the White House for four years."
That, again, is from one of the premier liberal journals in the United States. It is exactly what conservatives have been saying for a decade. This may mark a certain coming together of the thoughtful on both sides. The Clintons, uniters at last.
There are many serious and thoughtful liberals and Democrats who support Mr. Obama and John Edwards, and who are seeing Mr. Clinton in a new way and saying so. Here is William Greider in The Nation, the venerable left-liberal magazine. The Clintons are "high minded" on the surface but "smarmily duplicitous underneath, meanwhile jabbing hard at the groin area. They are a slippery pair and come as a package. The nation is at fair risk of getting them back in the White House for four years."
That, again, is from one of the premier liberal journals in the United States. It is exactly what conservatives have been saying for a decade. This may mark a certain coming together of the thoughtful on both sides. The Clintons, uniters at last.
1.24.2008
Australian Open
I've really enjoyed watching the Australian Open this year. Really, it's all because of the names. In the women's semis it was Sharapova vs. Jankovic on one end and Ivanovich vs. Hantuchova on the other. This was somewhat disappointing because I was hoping for ova vs. ova and ovich vs. ovich. Oh well, can't always get what you want. Hantuchova nearly beat out my favorite Ivanovich; the silver lining would have been an all ova final. However, reportedly Ivanovich's squeaky shoes distracted her opponent and gave her the comeback win. Now since Maria Sharapova topped Jankovic we'll have a squeaking vs. grunting final and be able to determine once and for all which ending is better, ovich or ova.
1.23.2008
Paul's Prayer (Phil. 1.9-11), Part 1
Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1.9–11 builds theologically upon his pronouncements of solidarity with the church. The “and” (v. 9) can almost be seen as a “therefore” since Paul seems to be saying that his confidence concerning God’s work in the Philippians’ lives is really what causes him to pray as he does. Though I tend to be a poor pray-er, usually what does motivate me to pray for fellow Christians is a remembrance of how Christ is active in their lives. For Paul this connection is profound.
Paul’s prayer is very specific and is thereby an antidote to my often vague expressions of well-wishes. Interestingly, we see here a coupling of two concepts—love and knowledge—that we are likely to view as separate concepts: the whole heart versus head mentality. Paul holds them together when he requests that God cause the Philippian church to increase in their love “with knowledge and discernment” (9).
“Discernment” perhaps makes clear that knowledge here is not the exclusive dominion of the head but involves the will and decision-making. While my habit is to crave knowledge for the purpose of self-aggrandizement, or at least self-assurance, Paul desires that these saints increase in their affection for God, through the means of a moral understanding that mere information cannot provide.
Paul’s prayer is very specific and is thereby an antidote to my often vague expressions of well-wishes. Interestingly, we see here a coupling of two concepts—love and knowledge—that we are likely to view as separate concepts: the whole heart versus head mentality. Paul holds them together when he requests that God cause the Philippian church to increase in their love “with knowledge and discernment” (9).
“Discernment” perhaps makes clear that knowledge here is not the exclusive dominion of the head but involves the will and decision-making. While my habit is to crave knowledge for the purpose of self-aggrandizement, or at least self-assurance, Paul desires that these saints increase in their affection for God, through the means of a moral understanding that mere information cannot provide.
1.22.2008
Peru--I hear it's lovely this time of year
It's probably pretty lame to post pictures of someone else's vacation, but that's what you've got to do when you love to travel but have no money to do it, so here goes. My brother and sister-in-law are on a business/pleasure trip to Peru and they sent some photos.
Below are a couple of images from Machu Picchu. Evidently it wasn't the clearest day, yet the pictures are neat nonetheless.
And here's a picture of what my brother ate for lunch while down there. Unfortunately, it's not much different than the rats he normally consumes, (except a little bigger). I especially like the sides.
Below are a couple of images from Machu Picchu. Evidently it wasn't the clearest day, yet the pictures are neat nonetheless.
And here's a picture of what my brother ate for lunch while down there. Unfortunately, it's not much different than the rats he normally consumes, (except a little bigger). I especially like the sides.
1.20.2008
Pats Win!
Congratulations to the Patriots, who win yet another AFC title. Now that the Cowboys are out of the playoffs I can wholeheartedly support the Pats in their run to cement their dynasty with a superbowl win to cap off an already perfect season. Sure, Belichick is a jerk, but I can look past that. I'm sure Vince Lombardi wasn't a sweet guy all the time. Cheers!
1.15.2008
Stakes in Michigan
Here's an interesting article by Steve Kornacki on the stakes involved in the Michigan republican primary (HT: Real Clear Politics). I think he's likely spot on with his analysis of the result of a McCain win:
Overall, Kornacki and others are seeming to embrace the idea that a McCain win would simply the Republican nomination process, while a Romney--or Huckabee for that matter--win would spawn chaos. Here's his ultimate scenario should McCain lose, one I heard from a McCain supporter on TV earlier today (no coincidence, I am sure):
But even then, it’s doubtful the Republican race would be settled on February 5, raising the legitimate possibility of a brokered convention—a stunning prospect for a party famous for settling its nomination fights with speed and order.
Electoral politics is about strategy just as much as substance, so it's certainly not out of hand to raise such a hypothetical, but I'm not so sure that a Romney win would inexorably lead to a brockered convention. Should McCain lose--and perhaps worse than expected--momentum that had been going McCain's way could shift again toward Romney and this, on top of a strong showing in South Carolina, could bode well for the former Massachusetts governor and remind Republican faithful of their ambivalence toward McCain.
McCain, meanwhile, would be ideally positioned to gobble up broad support from the G.O.P.’s rank-and-file masses in the next wave of primary and caucus states. They may have lukewarm feelings for McCain, but they feel no more affection for the rest of the G.O.P. field. And many of them are anxious to stop Huckabee, whom they see as a certain November loser. By getting rid of Romney, McCain would be able to lay claim to these Republicans, which in turn would make him the runaway favorite in Florida and most of the big states that will vote on February 5. He also has a fighting chance in South Carolina, which will vote this Saturday, where he and Huckabee now run even.
Overall, Kornacki and others are seeming to embrace the idea that a McCain win would simply the Republican nomination process, while a Romney--or Huckabee for that matter--win would spawn chaos. Here's his ultimate scenario should McCain lose, one I heard from a McCain supporter on TV earlier today (no coincidence, I am sure):
But even then, it’s doubtful the Republican race would be settled on February 5, raising the legitimate possibility of a brokered convention—a stunning prospect for a party famous for settling its nomination fights with speed and order.
Electoral politics is about strategy just as much as substance, so it's certainly not out of hand to raise such a hypothetical, but I'm not so sure that a Romney win would inexorably lead to a brockered convention. Should McCain lose--and perhaps worse than expected--momentum that had been going McCain's way could shift again toward Romney and this, on top of a strong showing in South Carolina, could bode well for the former Massachusetts governor and remind Republican faithful of their ambivalence toward McCain.
1.13.2008
Our New Nephew
We went to my brother-in-law's to meet their newest addition to the family and our newest nephew. Here's a video of him with my father-in-law, S. He was told that if he removed his shirt his grandson would be more responsive to him. I know, it sounds weird. It seemed to work, though, as our nephew didn't really open his eyes much until he was laid against the bare chest.
And here's P. with her new nephew.
Oh, and he's only two days old.
And here's P. with her new nephew.
Oh, and he's only two days old.
Scot McKnight on Infant Baptism in Calvin's Institutes
Scot Mcknight has been posting his reflections on Calvin's treatment of infant baptism. Such thoughts are helpful to me as my old church is Presbyterian, my wife grew up Presbyterian, and I have many Presbyterian friends. I, on the other hand, grew up in a baptist church and attended Baptist seminaries. (To be clear, McKnight is referring to Calvin's views, not necessarily infant baptism as a legitmate practice.)
Here are his posts (not yet completed): Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.
Here are his posts (not yet completed): Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.
Huckabee and Evangelicals
The NY Times has an article on how Mike Huckabee's candidacy is splitting evangelicals. Check it out here.
1.12.2008
The Mysterious Butt Abscess
This will make for hilarious congressional hearings. How embarrasing. Poor Roger.
1.09.2008
New Hampshire
Interesting result coming out of New Hampshire's primaries. The Republican outcome, if you consider the polls in the few days preceding the casting of ballots, wasn't a huge surprise. Unfortunately for Romney, it was significant reversal considering he had put so much energy into campaigning there.
What will be fascinating to see is how the Iowa and New Hampshire results carry over to the rest of the primaries. One commentator reckons Romney for dead, given that the candidates overall strategy seemed tied to his doing well, that is, winning, in the two early states. However, someone else remarked that we might see a lot of "one hit wonders," Huckabee in Iowa, McCain in New Hampshire, etc., before it becomes really clear who will be the frontrunner. This assessment is attributed to the supposed lack of any die hard conservative candidate who can command wide acceptance as the nominee to go up against the Democratic nominee, who will certainly be on the far liberal side of the party.
As for the Dems, it's the conventional wisdom is that older women and Republicans are celebrating today after Hillary's victory. The question is, though, how did she win after momentum seemed to be going Obama's way after Iowa and polls seem to corroborate this feeling. Daniel Finkelstein lays out 6 possible explanations to Hillary's "comeback" win over at the Times Online (HT: Pajamas Media). Which do you think is most likely?
What will be fascinating to see is how the Iowa and New Hampshire results carry over to the rest of the primaries. One commentator reckons Romney for dead, given that the candidates overall strategy seemed tied to his doing well, that is, winning, in the two early states. However, someone else remarked that we might see a lot of "one hit wonders," Huckabee in Iowa, McCain in New Hampshire, etc., before it becomes really clear who will be the frontrunner. This assessment is attributed to the supposed lack of any die hard conservative candidate who can command wide acceptance as the nominee to go up against the Democratic nominee, who will certainly be on the far liberal side of the party.
As for the Dems, it's the conventional wisdom is that older women and Republicans are celebrating today after Hillary's victory. The question is, though, how did she win after momentum seemed to be going Obama's way after Iowa and polls seem to corroborate this feeling. Daniel Finkelstein lays out 6 possible explanations to Hillary's "comeback" win over at the Times Online (HT: Pajamas Media). Which do you think is most likely?
1.07.2008
Reflections on Philippians 1.3-8
1. Paul prays for others a lot. I don't think the opening sections of his letters are a mere formality. Here he begins by claiming to give thanks "to my God in every remembrance of you" (3). The following phrase, I think, either explains when he gives such thanks or the means he uses. He says "always in every prayer of mine on your all behalf, I make my prayer with joy" (4). It's one thing to be thankful of another person or persons in the course of our daily lives, as many of us are; it's quite another matter altogether to invest considerable effort in expressing thanks to God as Paul seems to do. Why is this so tough?
2. For Paul, one's consistent identification with the gospel is evidence of God's hand at work in a person's life. Paul gives thanks for the Philippians "because of" their partnership "toward the [goals of the] gospel from the first day until now." Even when things got tough, the steered toward a course charted by the gospel message. I think Paul is not just talking about affirming the truth of the gospel, but committing to a way of life that is determined by the gospel.
Because the Philippians have exhibited such consistency in their dedication to gospel living, Paul is able to say with confidence that he is persuaded that "the one who began a good work" in the Philippians "will bring it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (6), which is simultaneously a day of deliverance and judgment. Consistency in life commitment to the gospel evidences the reality of God's work in a believer's life.
3. Paul's confidence in and affection for the church is not built around some superficial connection but rather in their identification with him in advancing the gospel. Paul explains (7) that it is right for him to feel this confidence ("this way"--could point back to Pauls' thankfulness (3), but I'm taking it here with v. 6) because he holds them in his heart because they are "partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel" (7). He expounds on this by calling upon God to witness to his true yearning for them, yearning with affection which "proceeds (or has its origin) in Christ Jesus" (8).
Does my life bear witness to a consistent commitment to the goals of the gospel?
How can I more consciously and proactively live out the truths of the gospel and identify (and parnter) with causes and activities and people that seek to further the gospel's redemptive work in our world?
2. For Paul, one's consistent identification with the gospel is evidence of God's hand at work in a person's life. Paul gives thanks for the Philippians "because of" their partnership "toward the [goals of the] gospel from the first day until now." Even when things got tough, the steered toward a course charted by the gospel message. I think Paul is not just talking about affirming the truth of the gospel, but committing to a way of life that is determined by the gospel.
Because the Philippians have exhibited such consistency in their dedication to gospel living, Paul is able to say with confidence that he is persuaded that "the one who began a good work" in the Philippians "will bring it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (6), which is simultaneously a day of deliverance and judgment. Consistency in life commitment to the gospel evidences the reality of God's work in a believer's life.
3. Paul's confidence in and affection for the church is not built around some superficial connection but rather in their identification with him in advancing the gospel. Paul explains (7) that it is right for him to feel this confidence ("this way"--could point back to Pauls' thankfulness (3), but I'm taking it here with v. 6) because he holds them in his heart because they are "partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel" (7). He expounds on this by calling upon God to witness to his true yearning for them, yearning with affection which "proceeds (or has its origin) in Christ Jesus" (8).
Does my life bear witness to a consistent commitment to the goals of the gospel?
How can I more consciously and proactively live out the truths of the gospel and identify (and parnter) with causes and activities and people that seek to further the gospel's redemptive work in our world?
1.06.2008
Theology Weekend
I'm really excited about this. The first week of February Thomas Schreiner is coming to participate in a series of events, involving lecture, debate, Q & A, and homily. This will be an awesome time for anyone exploring the significance of Jesus--whether you're a Christian or not. Though very learned, Schreiner is humble and approachable, which, I think, will make the Q & A time enjoyable and will keep the debate substantive and good humored.
1.05.2008
Weekend Movies
We watched a couple good movies this weekend. Normally, it's rare for us to watch two movies in a week--and I never can understand it when I go into the video store and see people checking out a whole stack of movies; what's up with that?!--but P. gave me the freedom to choose what to watch and I couldn't decide between two so, guess what, I rented them both. I was feelin' crazy!
If you haven't seen Reign Over Me, check it out. Adam Sandler pairs up well with Don Cheadle in this anything but funny movie. Okay, it does have a few funny parts.
And tonight, we saw Once, a modern musical as the back of the box describes it. I had heard about this film back in Boston and was further interested in viewing it since I had heard it was set in Dublin. It's really a fantastic film. Very fun. And amazing considering that neither leads really had any acting experience prior to shooting this film. Good thing they can sing. Actually, the lead actor is Glen Hansard of The Frames. Oh, and in keeping with the location of the film, I decided to have a nice Black and Tan which I made myself. Turned out pretty nice, huh?
If you haven't seen Reign Over Me, check it out. Adam Sandler pairs up well with Don Cheadle in this anything but funny movie. Okay, it does have a few funny parts.
And tonight, we saw Once, a modern musical as the back of the box describes it. I had heard about this film back in Boston and was further interested in viewing it since I had heard it was set in Dublin. It's really a fantastic film. Very fun. And amazing considering that neither leads really had any acting experience prior to shooting this film. Good thing they can sing. Actually, the lead actor is Glen Hansard of The Frames. Oh, and in keeping with the location of the film, I decided to have a nice Black and Tan which I made myself. Turned out pretty nice, huh?
Thanks for holding the glass, honey.
1.04.2008
Noonan On Iowa
An interesting take on the Iowa caucus results can be found in Peggy Noonan's editorial here. I especially love her lines regarding Obama :
His takedown of Mrs. Clinton was the softest demolition in the history of falling buildings. I think we were there when it happened, in the debate in which he was questioned on why so many of Bill Clinton's aides were advising him. She laughed, and he said he was looking forward to her advising him, too. He took mama to school.
His takedown of Mrs. Clinton was the softest demolition in the history of falling buildings. I think we were there when it happened, in the debate in which he was questioned on why so many of Bill Clinton's aides were advising him. She laughed, and he said he was looking forward to her advising him, too. He took mama to school.
1.03.2008
Dems in Iowa
Reports indicate that Obama has brokered a deal with Richardson for second choice votes "in caucuses where the New Mexico governor can’t clear the threshold for competition." That might be a lot of caucuses. (HT: Politico)
If Obama picks up Richardson and Kucinich voters like this, it looks like he might run away with Iowa, leaving Hillary, can you believe it, in third place. However, Cooper over at the Huffington Post notes that much of Obama's projected support relies on the young vote, which is notoriously all talk and no show. And Edwards and his supporters are clearly hoping those silly young'uns stay home to get an early start on their weekend kegger.
If Obama picks up Richardson and Kucinich voters like this, it looks like he might run away with Iowa, leaving Hillary, can you believe it, in third place. However, Cooper over at the Huffington Post notes that much of Obama's projected support relies on the young vote, which is notoriously all talk and no show. And Edwards and his supporters are clearly hoping those silly young'uns stay home to get an early start on their weekend kegger.
Nephew and Niece
Probably the best thing about going home for the holidays was the opportunity it afforded P. and I to visit our nephew and niece, J. and J. Aren't they cute?
1.01.2008
CSI and Relationships, Part 2
Warrick has the tendency like some of us to try to internalize all his struggles and usually ends up spiraling out of control because he has no healthy vent for the angst he feels. Having just been separated (divorced?) from his wife, he's experiencing all kinds of emotional pain, on top of which he's had a bad day at work. In order to "stay on top of his job" Warrick starks popping pills to keep alert. Enter Nick, who noting that Warrick has also been downing pills so he can sleep through the night, seizes the pills and discards them in the trash, prompting a near heated moment between the CSIs (friends?). Warrick tells Nick to mind his own business but the latter refuses to back down and let Warrick handle his problems in his own way. It's really fairly riveting because of their near fight but also because Nick becomes very emotional (nearly tearing up) and because Warrick finally recognizes that Nick is right and essentially admits his need for help.
What strikes me about this encounter is how true to life this episode is. Many of us do try to cope with problems--or bury them--by turning to addictive agents (chemical or otherwise); we resist calling out for help, even to the point of lashing out at those who come to our aid. Strangely enough we have an acute awareness of our problems, which cause us to turn to all kinds of "cures," but we are extremely upset when someone else, even (especially?) friends, acknowledge our problem and need as Nick does Warrick's. In fact, our actions seem to suggest that we don't really want friends to be the sort that know the deepest recesses of our hearts.
Also interesting to me here is Nick's involvement both because of what he does and what it demonstrates about his character. First, he doesn't care how Warrick wants (on a superficial level?) him to respond, but rather how Warrick needs him as a friend to respond. Nick realizes that real love should compel him to reach beyond the sort of help that the drugs provide--insofar as they really act only to temporarily dull and distract from the pain--and intervene in illuminating the real problem. (Granted, Nick really only shows Warrick that he has a problem and needs to avoid the abusive relief that the medication might provide, and he doesn't go much beyond this; but this is, after all, only television, so what can we expect.) Second, we see that what at times seem to be a character flaw in Nick--his annoying habit of empathizing with those involved in cases he's investigating--here shines forth in a heroic way. He is relentless in his concern for Warrick even up to a willingness to come to blows.
As a Christian committed to Jesus Christ, I have to ask myself whether I've forged friendships with others seeking to walk the same path of obedience that are equally committed as Nick and Warrick's is, as illustrated in this episode. What does this even look like? Being bound to Christ in my estimation also means being bound to others who are also bound to him. This involves us in a mutual commitment to seeing God's kingdom evinced in our lives and sometimes, perhaps under only very specific circumstances, this might require that we intervene in very uncomfortable ways--and possibly against our brother/sister's desires--out of love. I'm not sure that I either engage my Christian friends with such accountability or allow myself to be thus engaged. How is such a relationship forged, I wonder, and what biblical principles invigorate it?
What strikes me about this encounter is how true to life this episode is. Many of us do try to cope with problems--or bury them--by turning to addictive agents (chemical or otherwise); we resist calling out for help, even to the point of lashing out at those who come to our aid. Strangely enough we have an acute awareness of our problems, which cause us to turn to all kinds of "cures," but we are extremely upset when someone else, even (especially?) friends, acknowledge our problem and need as Nick does Warrick's. In fact, our actions seem to suggest that we don't really want friends to be the sort that know the deepest recesses of our hearts.
Also interesting to me here is Nick's involvement both because of what he does and what it demonstrates about his character. First, he doesn't care how Warrick wants (on a superficial level?) him to respond, but rather how Warrick needs him as a friend to respond. Nick realizes that real love should compel him to reach beyond the sort of help that the drugs provide--insofar as they really act only to temporarily dull and distract from the pain--and intervene in illuminating the real problem. (Granted, Nick really only shows Warrick that he has a problem and needs to avoid the abusive relief that the medication might provide, and he doesn't go much beyond this; but this is, after all, only television, so what can we expect.) Second, we see that what at times seem to be a character flaw in Nick--his annoying habit of empathizing with those involved in cases he's investigating--here shines forth in a heroic way. He is relentless in his concern for Warrick even up to a willingness to come to blows.
As a Christian committed to Jesus Christ, I have to ask myself whether I've forged friendships with others seeking to walk the same path of obedience that are equally committed as Nick and Warrick's is, as illustrated in this episode. What does this even look like? Being bound to Christ in my estimation also means being bound to others who are also bound to him. This involves us in a mutual commitment to seeing God's kingdom evinced in our lives and sometimes, perhaps under only very specific circumstances, this might require that we intervene in very uncomfortable ways--and possibly against our brother/sister's desires--out of love. I'm not sure that I either engage my Christian friends with such accountability or allow myself to be thus engaged. How is such a relationship forged, I wonder, and what biblical principles invigorate it?
CSI and Relationships, Part 1
I'm a big fan of CSI--really, my wife and I both are--the original, CSI, that is. We do enjoy CSI New York from time to time but almost never watch CSI Miami, which, in my humble opinion, is awful. Sometimes, P. doesn't want to tune in even to the original CSI because of the disturbing nature of some of the crimes. I hate to miss the show on the other hand.
What really draws me in to the show--even above the crime solving--is the personalities and relationships that have developed throughout the show's running. Above all CSI characters, I would have to say I most enjoy Warrick Brown and perhaps this is because I feel like I can sort of identify with his flaws, including his struggle with addiction in various forms (a prominent addiction for him has been his attraction to gambling). A fellow CSI, Nick Stokes, has his own unique character traits, one of which is his very personal approach to his job, which sometimes gets him into trouble. Nick has a tendency to empathize with those close to crimes; sometimes this blinds him to potential manipulation and causes him to underestimate the enormity of evil that can reside within the human heart. (Being buried alive, though, has a way of curing this.)
[One question that comes to mind when watching a show like CSI is how representative are such shows in depicting characters and relationships as they really are? Perhaps CSI is not a favorite, but are there any other programs out there that do a particularly good job of focusing on such matters?]
What's been particularly enjoyable and thought provoking of late has been to watch the way relationships among the CSIs have developed over time. One specific episode really struck me powerfully because of its implications for relationships in general and in particular for relationships among Christians who, in addition to being committed to Jesus as Lord, are also thereby committed to each other. . . .
What really draws me in to the show--even above the crime solving--is the personalities and relationships that have developed throughout the show's running. Above all CSI characters, I would have to say I most enjoy Warrick Brown and perhaps this is because I feel like I can sort of identify with his flaws, including his struggle with addiction in various forms (a prominent addiction for him has been his attraction to gambling). A fellow CSI, Nick Stokes, has his own unique character traits, one of which is his very personal approach to his job, which sometimes gets him into trouble. Nick has a tendency to empathize with those close to crimes; sometimes this blinds him to potential manipulation and causes him to underestimate the enormity of evil that can reside within the human heart. (Being buried alive, though, has a way of curing this.)
[One question that comes to mind when watching a show like CSI is how representative are such shows in depicting characters and relationships as they really are? Perhaps CSI is not a favorite, but are there any other programs out there that do a particularly good job of focusing on such matters?]
What's been particularly enjoyable and thought provoking of late has been to watch the way relationships among the CSIs have developed over time. One specific episode really struck me powerfully because of its implications for relationships in general and in particular for relationships among Christians who, in addition to being committed to Jesus as Lord, are also thereby committed to each other. . . .
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