Yeah...I know, it's been out for a long while. I hesitated to buy this album because I hadn't the time to research the band and their values. Yes, I will only purchase music from bands that have Christ-like values.
Switchfoot is not your normal CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) band. Their songs speak of living for today, grace, healing, and most importantly, love, all referencing a loving and boundless God.
A deeper look into this band and you'll find the equivalent of Donald Miller's, Blue Like Jazz. (More on BLJ in another post.) They are active in helping people with AIDS and support social justice. To learn more, go to www.lowercasepeople.com.
I highly recommend this album. My two sons are already listening to it and love it. My next CD purchase will be Third Day's new album, Wherever You Are. I'm betting it will be awesome.
Friday, September 30, 2005
William Bennett:Foot-N-Mouth Disease
From FoxNews...Senator Demands Apology for Bennett Remarks
William Bennett needs to think before he speaks. His recent comments regarding blacks and crime rates compared to abortion were atrocious:
The author of "The Book of Virtues," answering a caller's question, took issue with the hypothesis put forth in a recent book that one reason crime is down is that abortion is up.
"But I do know that it's true that if you wanted to reduce crime, you could, if that were your sole purpose, you could abort every black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go down," Bennett said.
He went on to call that "an impossible, ridiculous and morally reprehensible thing to do, but your crime rate would go down. So these far-out, these far-reaching, extensive extrapolations are, I think, tricky."
Tricky?
Now I haven't seen any study correlating crime rates with abortion rates, BUT I don't believe one would have baring on the other. Life is life, period. Couldn't Bennett have said that in response to the caller's question?
I believe Bennett meant well and he believes in the sanctity of life. He just needs to watch his words better.
William Bennett needs to think before he speaks. His recent comments regarding blacks and crime rates compared to abortion were atrocious:
The author of "The Book of Virtues," answering a caller's question, took issue with the hypothesis put forth in a recent book that one reason crime is down is that abortion is up.
"But I do know that it's true that if you wanted to reduce crime, you could, if that were your sole purpose, you could abort every black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go down," Bennett said.
He went on to call that "an impossible, ridiculous and morally reprehensible thing to do, but your crime rate would go down. So these far-out, these far-reaching, extensive extrapolations are, I think, tricky."
Tricky?
Now I haven't seen any study correlating crime rates with abortion rates, BUT I don't believe one would have baring on the other. Life is life, period. Couldn't Bennett have said that in response to the caller's question?
I believe Bennett meant well and he believes in the sanctity of life. He just needs to watch his words better.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Blue Like Jazz
I am reading, "Blue Like Jazz", by Donald Miller.
At first, I wasn't too sure about this guy. When I initially went to his website and read his activism links, I had my doubts. Clearly, I had a knee-jerk reaction when I saw such sites as MoveOn.org and the ACLU. It was like tasting bitter medicine.
I guess in my many years I have become wiser. I went back (to his website) to really read Miller's take on activism and why he posted those web sites.
GULP...I was wrong. At least I believe I was wrong.
I believe Miller's take on these activist organizations is simply showing them our Christ-like being within them. Most of these organizations can't stand Christians. They thnk we're a bunch of right-wing fascists who want to conquer the earth. Depending on what you are accustomed to, i.e. Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell's outspokeness, I can't say I blame them.
Miller suggests becoming involved with these groups to show them Christ's love and grace. They, just like many others, don't need to be bully-whipped with the Gospel. That's not how Jesus reached people. He reached them through their hearts.
So, as I delve deeper in to this book, I really appreciate Miller's candid narration. I can easily identify with many of the situations he's been through. Plus, there's no "church-speak", which makes it even better.
Any thoughts on this book are deeply appreciated.
At first, I wasn't too sure about this guy. When I initially went to his website and read his activism links, I had my doubts. Clearly, I had a knee-jerk reaction when I saw such sites as MoveOn.org and the ACLU. It was like tasting bitter medicine.
I guess in my many years I have become wiser. I went back (to his website) to really read Miller's take on activism and why he posted those web sites.
GULP...I was wrong. At least I believe I was wrong.
I believe Miller's take on these activist organizations is simply showing them our Christ-like being within them. Most of these organizations can't stand Christians. They thnk we're a bunch of right-wing fascists who want to conquer the earth. Depending on what you are accustomed to, i.e. Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell's outspokeness, I can't say I blame them.
Miller suggests becoming involved with these groups to show them Christ's love and grace. They, just like many others, don't need to be bully-whipped with the Gospel. That's not how Jesus reached people. He reached them through their hearts.
So, as I delve deeper in to this book, I really appreciate Miller's candid narration. I can easily identify with many of the situations he's been through. Plus, there's no "church-speak", which makes it even better.
Any thoughts on this book are deeply appreciated.
A Different Direction
As some of you know me, I am NOT a hardcore Christian Conservative. My writings may say different, however those who truly know me, know that my heart is for the Christ of the Holy Bible, not the Christ of some man-made theology.
My writings will be going away from the political as I am embarking on a new adventure. Beginning in February, I will be digging deeper in Christian theology and, of course, my opinions on "The Church". I am of the belief that many Christians have become 'pew-warming' folks, and not of the serving kind. Notice that I did not say all Christians are this way. Therefore, this blog will begin focusing on ways we can serve as Christians and ways to interact with the culture.
Why the change?
A couple of things.
First, I'm noticing positive, Christ-like service in many churches. An example is Ecclesia Houston whom were reaching out to victims, of Hurricane Katrina, the Wednesday right after the storm hit. Here's their website: Ecclesia Houston (I love their website design!)
Second, from my own personal experience helping the victims, I am spiritually renewed and in want of serving. We should all love and desire to serve.
Please keep all those who need to see the face of Christ in prayer.
My writings will be going away from the political as I am embarking on a new adventure. Beginning in February, I will be digging deeper in Christian theology and, of course, my opinions on "The Church". I am of the belief that many Christians have become 'pew-warming' folks, and not of the serving kind. Notice that I did not say all Christians are this way. Therefore, this blog will begin focusing on ways we can serve as Christians and ways to interact with the culture.
Why the change?
A couple of things.
First, I'm noticing positive, Christ-like service in many churches. An example is Ecclesia Houston whom were reaching out to victims, of Hurricane Katrina, the Wednesday right after the storm hit. Here's their website: Ecclesia Houston (I love their website design!)
Second, from my own personal experience helping the victims, I am spiritually renewed and in want of serving. We should all love and desire to serve.
Please keep all those who need to see the face of Christ in prayer.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Hurricane Rita: Part 3
President Bush tells residents of the Gulf Coast of Texas to evacuate.
(CNS News)
Nothin' like a little common sense...
It seems to me that all government officials are working in conjunction with the storm this time around. This is a good thing.
Last report from CNN.com was that Hurricane Rita was now a category 4. Let's pray it gets much smaller...
(CNS News)
Nothin' like a little common sense...
It seems to me that all government officials are working in conjunction with the storm this time around. This is a good thing.
Last report from CNN.com was that Hurricane Rita was now a category 4. Let's pray it gets much smaller...
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