Reality TV in the Church

I would like to say that it has gone to far, but it may have started to far. I ran across this while reading a friend's blog.

http://www.pulpitmasters.com/

If you haven't already, maybe it is time to reconsider this whole genre of TV.

Quote of the Week

"Christian: You are not acting as you ought to do when you are moved by any other motive than the one motive of your Lord's glory."

-CH Spurgeon

Romance and the Church

I have linked an excellent article by Dr. Russel Moore of Southern Seminary on Marriage and adultery. When I began reading it I thought he was going somewhere else with it, and that sparked this blog. I have been studying more and more about what is being called the "Emerging Church." I cannot say I fully understand the movement yet, but it has raised a lot of concern in my own mind. It appears to have a lot of men with good theology but are nearly willing to do whatever it takes to make that theology relevant to society. As I was reading Dr. Moore's article I could not help but apply it to the church and our adultery. We want that romance, excitement, etc., so we chase after this and that. It used to be people had one job all their life, they attended one church all their life, they lived in one town all their life. This may not sound exciting, but they stuck with things through the fun and tough times. I came out of college and was told I would probably work for 7 companies in my life. I ended up moving 5 times in 5 years (4 to completely different states). While some of these things may be fine and exciting, in the process have we lost too much of our sense of commitment? I see Dr. Moore's article applying to more areas of life than simply marriage.

Our Tyler turned 1 Yesterday. Happy Birthday Buddy! 

One and Done

In its methodology and desire to be relevant has the western or American church not demonstrated that it is only concerned about the here and now? We seem to have no concern for future generations. We make all our decisions purely on what will work today. Some use some texts here and there to try and support what they do, but the real basis for why we do what we do is what will bring the people and be relevant to our society. Isn't relevance over-rated? Where is the chapter and verse that says, above all these virtues put on relevance? Are love and relevance interchangeable. Traditions are easily thrown away, with little thought. The impact of decisions today on generations tomorrow seems to be given no thought. No matter how good we feel our theology may be, if we do not give more consideration to the methodology we use to transport the truth we may find the impact of the American church of our generation being a One Hit Wonder.

Man vs. Woman

For the second day in a row, a huge gallery cheered every one of Wie's shots. Around 300 people, including Wie's parents, stuck with her for most of her round. Numerous USGA officials and two deputy sheriffs attempted to clear the way for Wie and her fellow players.

Not everyone was a Wie fan, however.

"I don't think she should be here," said Danny Green, one of the top players in the field, after shooting a tournament-low 65 to stand at 2-under 138. "I think she should play in the women's tournaments because they don't let the men play in women's tournaments. I just don't agree with that, but it's not my call. She qualified and she is going by the rules. She's here and she is a great player. I've got nothing against that."

Counters Wie: "I don't really care what they think because I actually qualified for this event. So I feel I belong here. I'm not looking for 100 percent support. I know there are going to be people against me. I'm not going to stop just for them."

The Michelle Wie saga is an interesting read and watch. It should raise a strong question for our culture and today's church, Is there a distinction between Men and Women? By distinction I do not merely mean a few difference, but a distinction that puts them in two separate categories. Enough so that it would be right to say even though Michelle physically can compete against men that she should not.

The issue of women in the church is chasing closely behind. We want to say that because women are capable that they should be able. Is that enough? Isn't there a place to separate men from women, just because they are made differently, designed differently, and are to function differently?

Whether or not a 15 year old girl plays in the Master's seems insignificant, maybe it is, but maybe there is more at stake for all the 15 year old girls and boys that are watching the story.