I am sitting in the living room of my new home in my new town after a day of work at my new job at my new church....you get the idea. There is a lot of "new" for me and my family right now. Christmas tends to lend itself to traditions and "old". I don't think we make a lot of room for "new" at the holidays, yet my life is full of it right now. And I am finding that oddly okay.
I typically wrap up a lot of expectations in the Christmas season, you know the normal stuff - the perfect tree, just the right amount of house lights and decorations, great-tasting fudge, pretty sugar cookies, just the right gift - and for all the "right" reasons, but still, a lot of expectations. I wanted this year to be different - - I wanted a "new" way of thinking about Christmas this year, a simpler, more-meaningful way to celebrate the holiday. I wanted - no, I felt "called" to - a deeper Christmas experience this year. And I think I'm getting it.
I think its in Jeremiah that God says, "I am doing a new thing.....". So am I this year. I guess I'm in good company.
December 19, 2007
December 13, 2007
the golden compass
Being a children's minister, I subscribe to some very fun and informative websites and newsletters. One of them is Kidology (www.kidology.org) and, while the content is typically more conservative than my own theology (which, i realize it doesn't take much to have a more conservative theology than mine), I find wonderful stuff on this website. Today's e-newsletter was the best.
In a nutshell, there is a web-uproar amongst Christians about the new movie, The Golden Compass. If you haven't received one of these "warning emails", then you live under a rock. I've received a million. The author of The Golden Compass has some issues with God and Christianity and Christians ~~ oh, and CS Lewis. Millions are rallying to boycott the movie and "protect" our children. In the midst of this internet furor (God bless the web!), Karl Bastian, the "Kidologist", writes this beautiful and eloquent response:
(Title: A Golden Opportunity and an Open Letter to Philip Pullman
Author/Source: Karl Bastian, the Kidologist
Topic: Thoughts on The Golden Compass
Summary: Commentary on how Christians should approach Philip Pullman's
The Golden Compass.)
A Golden Opportunity and an Open Letter to Philip Pullman
"Here we go again," was my first thought when I got my first (of many)
e-mails warning me about the latest assault on Christianity in the
form of a major motion picture based on a trilogy of children's books
written by a professing atheist. The Golden Compass became almost an
obsession to parents and children's leaders across the nation as blogs
and church bulletins were filled with warnings against this "threat"
to our children.
The author, Philip Pullman, seemed pleased by the uproar and fueled
the debate himself with his own anti-Christian, anti-religious,
anti-God, and anti-C.S. Lewis comments. Unlike J.K. Rowling's Harry
Potter, whose message may have been harmful or dangerous to an
unparented child, but was not written for that purpose, Pullman
practically boasted his anti-Christian agenda. And so the e-mails and
blogosphere erupted in a frenzied panic to fight the message of this
upcoming film. (Remember The DaVinci Code?)
I'm all for this wave of helpful communication. Well crafted reviews
have been written both by Christian and secular reviewers (Focus on
the Family and TIME Magazine). We hosted a lengthy forum discussion on
the topic here at Kidology (as well as a practical movie review) with
good spirited debate about how serious the threat may be, and shared
resources to put into the hands of concerned parents. I shared my own
thoughts on the movie there – echoing many of the concerns that were
confirmed in my mind when I read the first book and viewed the film
for myself on opening night. Some will not agree with my conclusions,
and that's fine. Debate is one of the realities that makes our freedom
in America such a blessing, and the dialogue of ideas within online
communities one of the best applications of the Internet. Bring it on!
We all benefit from sharing and then being sharpened as others
challenge our thinking. But in the midst of the debate do we miss a
broader opportunity?
As often happens when the world infringes our assumption that everyone
ought to be Christian – Christians turn on each other and miss a
golden opportunity to get a glimpse into the hearts and minds of those
we are trying to reach. I find it tragic that when the world shows us
its hand, often through entertainment and literature that contradicts
the Truth we hold so dear – we show ours – and all too often it isn't
the nail-scared hands of mercy the world sees. Instead, they see just
how judgmental and self-righteous we can be and watch (sometimes with
surprise, other times with delight) as we in-fight over something that
isn't ours to begin with. Some embrace, some damn, while the rest
nitpick over every shade in-between. And then we wonder why so many
lost souls have no interest in joining our ranks! In our rush to
"protect the children" we miss out on our other calling – to reach a
lost world for Christ.
I am often surprised at the shock and awe the Church displays when
non-Christians produce something, well, um, non-Christian. All art,
literature and entertainment flows out of worldview. Some admit it,
others deny it, a few others are simply ignorant of it – but one
cannot help but produce out of the worldview one holds. It is
impossible to create without reflecting one's view of life, humanity
and even God. Those who would deny their worldview influenced their
work must look at why they need to insist such – an internal struggle
against their own convictions is usually at the root. From J.R.
Tolkien to C.S. Lewis to George Lucas to J.K. Rowling and now Philip
Pullman, authors have put their views of life and humanity on record
for readers to consider as well as enjoy.
I did not have to thoughtfully and intently incorporate my worldview
into my novel, The Order of the Ancient. The entire concept of my
novel and motivation to write it flowed out of what I think about the
world, where it is heading and the message I think needs to be
communicated in this world, today. This was not a conspiracy – it was
not sneaky – it is simply why authors write books. Likewise, it was
not a plot to brainwash children that inspired Pullman – it was a
reaction against something he found destructive (in this case the
Church) and by a message he wanted to get out.
It was a message that found a receptive audience – a point often
missed as we attack Pullman but give his thousands of readers a free
pass as though they were mere victims and not recommending the book to
others, giving it awards, or resonating with what they read enough to
buy Book 2 and 3. While we may wish to protect our children from
Pullman's message, it is a message we need to hear and understand, if
we are to ever reach him or the thousands of others who resonate with
what they read in his books. They would not be popular or the
recipient of awards if they did not echo themes that many others
believe and share.
Would I let my son see this movie or read the books? No. That is not a
passionate red-faced, panic-stricken, fuming paranoid "no," just
simply "no" because there are far better things for him to be reading
and viewing. Of the finite number of books he can read during his
childhood, I see no benefit to him reading these. If my son were older
and expressed an interest, or if his school required it, then I'd
probably allow it, but I would read it with him and use it as an
opportunity to talk about the inner struggles of lost people. Teaching
my son to think critically is as important as telling him what to
believe.
Pullman's books and theatrical release reveal much about what the
author, and in turn, his readers, believe about God and the Church we
believe He has established here on Earth. Condemning the books does
little to address the issues that inspired their writing. Ironically,
for Christians to attack Pullman and threaten him with boycotts or to
label him as "evil" only serves to validate the very things he has
written so creatively against. As Larry Shallenberger expressed on his
blog, "the church's response validates Pullman's critique that the
church suppresses critical thought." Our treatment of Pullman, as a
person, can either help to address his negative opinions of the
Church, or reaffirm them. I fear he is less likely to come to Christ
by the way those who bear His Name have responded to his writing.
Would J.K. Rowling ever accept Jesus as her Savior after the way
Christians have treated her? Her spiritual journey is evident in the
Harry Potter books, but we don't seem to allow non-Christians to be on
a journey toward Christ – they have to be either one of us, or one of
"them." But every believer, especially if saved in adulthood, is a
former "them" who finally came to Christ. We ought to be thankful for
those who show where they are on the journey – and lovingly correct
and guide them closer to the Truth. It sure is easier to witness to a
non-Christian who knows where he is spiritually, than one who does not
believe, but also doesn't care or know what he believes.
We live in a lost world. Condemning a lost world is a waste of energy,
it stands condemned already. Rather, like the Apostle Paul on Mars
Hill, we would be much better off to boldly but with grace address the
beliefs of the world and redirect people's thoughts and minds toward
the Truth. Too often we push the lost away from Christ rather than
listen to them and engage them in a way that might draw them closer. I
have yet to meet a Christian who was argued into the Family of God.
That is why Jesus said we were to be known by our love, not by our
condemnations or smart arguments or Scripture quoting. What has
Pullman heard from Jesus' followers the last several months?
If I had the opportunity to meet Philip Pullman, or if out of all the
Christian articles floating the Internet about The Golden Compass,
mine might reach Philip, I would love to say something like:
Dear Philip,
I have read your first book and went to the movie on opening night.
Your story is engaging and highly creative and it's hard to miss the
message you are trying convey. Even without the statements you are
credited with in various interviews about the books/movie and your
thoughts about the Church and Christianity in general, your story
speaks clearly for itself. While, as a Christian, I do not share your
worldview, I do share many of the criticisms of the Church that come
out in your narrative.
The Church often is controlling, judgmental, narrow-minded, and
abrasive. The love which Jesus said we are to be known by is too often
buried under our passionate zeal to protect ourselves and fight
against what we deem a threat to our belief system. I fear as a result
of writing these books and producing this film you have only
experienced more of the ugly side of Jesus' followers than His love. I
say that to our shame and for what it's worth, I apologize. That is
not how Jesus would have treated you – and we have perhaps missed our
opportunity to show you how Jesus truly desires us to be. But therein
lies the problem. The Church is made up of people – and none of us are
perfect. I've often quipped, 'If you find the perfect church, don't
join it – you'll ruin it!"
I want you to know that your criticisms of the Church are often valid
– it too often ceases to be God's institution and too quickly becomes
an institution that reflects more of man's nature than God's. That is
why there was a Reformation hundreds of years ago, and why since then
there have continued to be countless splits and reformations forming
countless denominations and even lately "non-denominational
denominations." As you have clearly discovered, the church is flawed
and broken – but please understand – it is not because God is flawed,
but because we are. Religion, as you have reportedly stated, is
dangerous and destructive. Religion by itself only organizes and
institutionalizes the real core issue, man is broken and needs
redemption. It is not any religion that redeems mankind, it is only a
genuine relationship with God that can repair the brokenness that
exists in each and every one of us.
Thank you for drawing attention to the weaknesses of the Church. It is
my prayer for you that in time you will be able to see past the
humanness of the church and see the God who is perfect; the God who is
the opposite of everything you have so eloquently spoken against.
Ironically, our world is in the mess it is in precisely because God
isn't controlling. He has given us genuine free will – and waits
patiently for those who will exercise that free will to seek Him. In
the world of your books God is not truly removed – the need for Him is
only multiplied for each parallel universe that could exist. And just
as the Magestarium sought to shut down free thinkers and critical
thoughts, I fear our real world church has done the same to you. And
for that, I am sorry.
I wish you well on your spiritual journey and hope that those of us
who claim to have found the Truth aren't the very ones who cause you
to stumble on your way to God. Please forgive us, and seek God. The
Church needs more pioneers like you who show us just how ugly we look
when we fail to reflect the grace and patience of the one who saw past
our flaws to redeem us.
Sincerely,
Karl Bastian
Pullman may never read my letter, but I hope that in our day-to-day
encounters with the lost we might find ourselves less likely to fight
and more likely to love, listen and gently engage in a dialogue about
Truth. God gave the ability to think critically to all mankind, not
just believers. Let's not rob non-Christians of the ability to think
critically with us – it is part of their journey, and an invitation to
us to listen and consider as well. Not only will we have a better
chance at reaching the lost, but if what we call Truth, truly is –
then our faith will only be made stronger in the process. Otherwise,
we deserve the label of the Magestarium, blind defenders of a system
rather than Truth.
I look forward to the next time our lost world comes out with a book
or movie that shows us what their real questions are – because God's
Word has the answers they seek.
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be 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
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every
opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned
with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. - Colossians
4:5-6
**********************************************************************
A-friggen-men, Karl.
In a nutshell, there is a web-uproar amongst Christians about the new movie, The Golden Compass. If you haven't received one of these "warning emails", then you live under a rock. I've received a million. The author of The Golden Compass has some issues with God and Christianity and Christians ~~ oh, and CS Lewis. Millions are rallying to boycott the movie and "protect" our children. In the midst of this internet furor (God bless the web!), Karl Bastian, the "Kidologist", writes this beautiful and eloquent response:
(Title: A Golden Opportunity and an Open Letter to Philip Pullman
Author/Source: Karl Bastian, the Kidologist
Topic: Thoughts on The Golden Compass
Summary: Commentary on how Christians should approach Philip Pullman's
The Golden Compass.)
A Golden Opportunity and an Open Letter to Philip Pullman
"Here we go again," was my first thought when I got my first (of many)
e-mails warning me about the latest assault on Christianity in the
form of a major motion picture based on a trilogy of children's books
written by a professing atheist. The Golden Compass became almost an
obsession to parents and children's leaders across the nation as blogs
and church bulletins were filled with warnings against this "threat"
to our children.
The author, Philip Pullman, seemed pleased by the uproar and fueled
the debate himself with his own anti-Christian, anti-religious,
anti-God, and anti-C.S. Lewis comments. Unlike J.K. Rowling's Harry
Potter, whose message may have been harmful or dangerous to an
unparented child, but was not written for that purpose, Pullman
practically boasted his anti-Christian agenda. And so the e-mails and
blogosphere erupted in a frenzied panic to fight the message of this
upcoming film. (Remember The DaVinci Code?)
I'm all for this wave of helpful communication. Well crafted reviews
have been written both by Christian and secular reviewers (Focus on
the Family and TIME Magazine). We hosted a lengthy forum discussion on
the topic here at Kidology (as well as a practical movie review) with
good spirited debate about how serious the threat may be, and shared
resources to put into the hands of concerned parents. I shared my own
thoughts on the movie there – echoing many of the concerns that were
confirmed in my mind when I read the first book and viewed the film
for myself on opening night. Some will not agree with my conclusions,
and that's fine. Debate is one of the realities that makes our freedom
in America such a blessing, and the dialogue of ideas within online
communities one of the best applications of the Internet. Bring it on!
We all benefit from sharing and then being sharpened as others
challenge our thinking. But in the midst of the debate do we miss a
broader opportunity?
As often happens when the world infringes our assumption that everyone
ought to be Christian – Christians turn on each other and miss a
golden opportunity to get a glimpse into the hearts and minds of those
we are trying to reach. I find it tragic that when the world shows us
its hand, often through entertainment and literature that contradicts
the Truth we hold so dear – we show ours – and all too often it isn't
the nail-scared hands of mercy the world sees. Instead, they see just
how judgmental and self-righteous we can be and watch (sometimes with
surprise, other times with delight) as we in-fight over something that
isn't ours to begin with. Some embrace, some damn, while the rest
nitpick over every shade in-between. And then we wonder why so many
lost souls have no interest in joining our ranks! In our rush to
"protect the children" we miss out on our other calling – to reach a
lost world for Christ.
I am often surprised at the shock and awe the Church displays when
non-Christians produce something, well, um, non-Christian. All art,
literature and entertainment flows out of worldview. Some admit it,
others deny it, a few others are simply ignorant of it – but one
cannot help but produce out of the worldview one holds. It is
impossible to create without reflecting one's view of life, humanity
and even God. Those who would deny their worldview influenced their
work must look at why they need to insist such – an internal struggle
against their own convictions is usually at the root. From J.R.
Tolkien to C.S. Lewis to George Lucas to J.K. Rowling and now Philip
Pullman, authors have put their views of life and humanity on record
for readers to consider as well as enjoy.
I did not have to thoughtfully and intently incorporate my worldview
into my novel, The Order of the Ancient. The entire concept of my
novel and motivation to write it flowed out of what I think about the
world, where it is heading and the message I think needs to be
communicated in this world, today. This was not a conspiracy – it was
not sneaky – it is simply why authors write books. Likewise, it was
not a plot to brainwash children that inspired Pullman – it was a
reaction against something he found destructive (in this case the
Church) and by a message he wanted to get out.
It was a message that found a receptive audience – a point often
missed as we attack Pullman but give his thousands of readers a free
pass as though they were mere victims and not recommending the book to
others, giving it awards, or resonating with what they read enough to
buy Book 2 and 3. While we may wish to protect our children from
Pullman's message, it is a message we need to hear and understand, if
we are to ever reach him or the thousands of others who resonate with
what they read in his books. They would not be popular or the
recipient of awards if they did not echo themes that many others
believe and share.
Would I let my son see this movie or read the books? No. That is not a
passionate red-faced, panic-stricken, fuming paranoid "no," just
simply "no" because there are far better things for him to be reading
and viewing. Of the finite number of books he can read during his
childhood, I see no benefit to him reading these. If my son were older
and expressed an interest, or if his school required it, then I'd
probably allow it, but I would read it with him and use it as an
opportunity to talk about the inner struggles of lost people. Teaching
my son to think critically is as important as telling him what to
believe.
Pullman's books and theatrical release reveal much about what the
author, and in turn, his readers, believe about God and the Church we
believe He has established here on Earth. Condemning the books does
little to address the issues that inspired their writing. Ironically,
for Christians to attack Pullman and threaten him with boycotts or to
label him as "evil" only serves to validate the very things he has
written so creatively against. As Larry Shallenberger expressed on his
blog, "the church's response validates Pullman's critique that the
church suppresses critical thought." Our treatment of Pullman, as a
person, can either help to address his negative opinions of the
Church, or reaffirm them. I fear he is less likely to come to Christ
by the way those who bear His Name have responded to his writing.
Would J.K. Rowling ever accept Jesus as her Savior after the way
Christians have treated her? Her spiritual journey is evident in the
Harry Potter books, but we don't seem to allow non-Christians to be on
a journey toward Christ – they have to be either one of us, or one of
"them." But every believer, especially if saved in adulthood, is a
former "them" who finally came to Christ. We ought to be thankful for
those who show where they are on the journey – and lovingly correct
and guide them closer to the Truth. It sure is easier to witness to a
non-Christian who knows where he is spiritually, than one who does not
believe, but also doesn't care or know what he believes.
We live in a lost world. Condemning a lost world is a waste of energy,
it stands condemned already. Rather, like the Apostle Paul on Mars
Hill, we would be much better off to boldly but with grace address the
beliefs of the world and redirect people's thoughts and minds toward
the Truth. Too often we push the lost away from Christ rather than
listen to them and engage them in a way that might draw them closer. I
have yet to meet a Christian who was argued into the Family of God.
That is why Jesus said we were to be known by our love, not by our
condemnations or smart arguments or Scripture quoting. What has
Pullman heard from Jesus' followers the last several months?
If I had the opportunity to meet Philip Pullman, or if out of all the
Christian articles floating the Internet about The Golden Compass,
mine might reach Philip, I would love to say something like:
Dear Philip,
I have read your first book and went to the movie on opening night.
Your story is engaging and highly creative and it's hard to miss the
message you are trying convey. Even without the statements you are
credited with in various interviews about the books/movie and your
thoughts about the Church and Christianity in general, your story
speaks clearly for itself. While, as a Christian, I do not share your
worldview, I do share many of the criticisms of the Church that come
out in your narrative.
The Church often is controlling, judgmental, narrow-minded, and
abrasive. The love which Jesus said we are to be known by is too often
buried under our passionate zeal to protect ourselves and fight
against what we deem a threat to our belief system. I fear as a result
of writing these books and producing this film you have only
experienced more of the ugly side of Jesus' followers than His love. I
say that to our shame and for what it's worth, I apologize. That is
not how Jesus would have treated you – and we have perhaps missed our
opportunity to show you how Jesus truly desires us to be. But therein
lies the problem. The Church is made up of people – and none of us are
perfect. I've often quipped, 'If you find the perfect church, don't
join it – you'll ruin it!"
I want you to know that your criticisms of the Church are often valid
– it too often ceases to be God's institution and too quickly becomes
an institution that reflects more of man's nature than God's. That is
why there was a Reformation hundreds of years ago, and why since then
there have continued to be countless splits and reformations forming
countless denominations and even lately "non-denominational
denominations." As you have clearly discovered, the church is flawed
and broken – but please understand – it is not because God is flawed,
but because we are. Religion, as you have reportedly stated, is
dangerous and destructive. Religion by itself only organizes and
institutionalizes the real core issue, man is broken and needs
redemption. It is not any religion that redeems mankind, it is only a
genuine relationship with God that can repair the brokenness that
exists in each and every one of us.
Thank you for drawing attention to the weaknesses of the Church. It is
my prayer for you that in time you will be able to see past the
humanness of the church and see the God who is perfect; the God who is
the opposite of everything you have so eloquently spoken against.
Ironically, our world is in the mess it is in precisely because God
isn't controlling. He has given us genuine free will – and waits
patiently for those who will exercise that free will to seek Him. In
the world of your books God is not truly removed – the need for Him is
only multiplied for each parallel universe that could exist. And just
as the Magestarium sought to shut down free thinkers and critical
thoughts, I fear our real world church has done the same to you. And
for that, I am sorry.
I wish you well on your spiritual journey and hope that those of us
who claim to have found the Truth aren't the very ones who cause you
to stumble on your way to God. Please forgive us, and seek God. The
Church needs more pioneers like you who show us just how ugly we look
when we fail to reflect the grace and patience of the one who saw past
our flaws to redeem us.
Sincerely,
Karl Bastian
Pullman may never read my letter, but I hope that in our day-to-day
encounters with the lost we might find ourselves less likely to fight
and more likely to love, listen and gently engage in a dialogue about
Truth. God gave the ability to think critically to all mankind, not
just believers. Let's not rob non-Christians of the ability to think
critically with us – it is part of their journey, and an invitation to
us to listen and consider as well. Not only will we have a better
chance at reaching the lost, but if what we call Truth, truly is –
then our faith will only be made stronger in the process. Otherwise,
we deserve the label of the Magestarium, blind defenders of a system
rather than Truth.
I look forward to the next time our lost world comes out with a book
or movie that shows us what their real questions are – because God's
Word has the answers they seek.
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be 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
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every
opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned
with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. - Colossians
4:5-6
**********************************************************************
A-friggen-men, Karl.
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