I will die for my faith but not for my politics. But that aside, I would self describe myself politically as a social conservative
Perhaps you have heard of best-selling Christian author Jim Wallis (God's Politics) or even Reverend Tony Campolo. Both men claim faith in Jesus Christ and express their spiritual views in an evangelical fashion.
But both men are liberals politically. What then would we have in common?
In the last several years, there is a widening fissure between conservative evangelicals and liberal evangelicals over the hot political issues of the day- the war in Iraq; homosexual rights; the role of the government, etc. These political differences are significant.
But the balance point for all of us, is to keep in mind that faith always trumps party. In this sense, Chapman, Wallis and Campolo have much in common. There is no political litmus test in heaven only a spiritual/faith requirement- faith in Jesus Christ and the advancement of God's Kingdom.
Jesus encountered the political leaders of his day. He did not take sides in the political issues of that day (and there were lots of hot issues then too). What he challenge them to do was to think beyond their politics to a bigger equation- what truly is the Kingdom of God.
Those principles which Jesus taught are ideas that we can rally around now.
Before we slay each other, let's remember that politics will fade away in heaven. I will break bread with the Jim Wallis' and Tony Campolo's of the world one day in glory.
I have a hunch that my political affiliation will mean little on that day.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The "Haggard" Effect
You may be surprised by a recent Rocky Mountain News story which shockingly stated that more than 5o percent of pastors are unfaithful to their spouse. Here's the story.
Some in the Colorado media are titling this problem the Haggard Effect. Frankly, this crisis in the pulpit has nothing to do with Ted Haggard other than the emerging fact that a bunch of pastors may be infected with the same disease.
Is there some truth to this story- yes, I think so. But is every pastor a sex-crazed addict- no. Most pastors are not leading a double secretive life. However, many pastors set themselves up to be tempted and to fall. They often labor with little gratitude, scant accountability and inappropriate attention from people they are counseling. Mix in a lack of family time and long hours, and temptation can find some pretty fertile ground.
Sometimes we think pastors are super humans impervious to human temptations. They are not. Encourage and care for your pastor. Challenge them to be married to their wife and family, not the church. Provide the means for your pastor to go on a marriage retreat to renew their relationship with their spouse...
What do you think?
Some in the Colorado media are titling this problem the Haggard Effect. Frankly, this crisis in the pulpit has nothing to do with Ted Haggard other than the emerging fact that a bunch of pastors may be infected with the same disease.
Is there some truth to this story- yes, I think so. But is every pastor a sex-crazed addict- no. Most pastors are not leading a double secretive life. However, many pastors set themselves up to be tempted and to fall. They often labor with little gratitude, scant accountability and inappropriate attention from people they are counseling. Mix in a lack of family time and long hours, and temptation can find some pretty fertile ground.
Sometimes we think pastors are super humans impervious to human temptations. They are not. Encourage and care for your pastor. Challenge them to be married to their wife and family, not the church. Provide the means for your pastor to go on a marriage retreat to renew their relationship with their spouse...
What do you think?
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
World Congress of Families
This May 11-13th, the World Congress of Families IV will be held in Warsaw, Poland. For many of us this conference is too far away to attend.
But what caught my attention was their premises. Here they are and they are refreshing indeed:
*From "The family as an obstacle to development" to "The family as the source of social renewal and progress."
*From "overpopulation" to "under-population" as the demographic challenge of the 21st century.
*And from religious orthodoxy as a "threat to progress" to "religious orthodoxy as the source of humane values and cultural progress."
Sounds good to me.
But what caught my attention was their premises. Here they are and they are refreshing indeed:
*From "The family as an obstacle to development" to "The family as the source of social renewal and progress."
*From "overpopulation" to "under-population" as the demographic challenge of the 21st century.
*And from religious orthodoxy as a "threat to progress" to "religious orthodoxy as the source of humane values and cultural progress."
Sounds good to me.
Pure By Choice- A Huge Success!
Last Sunday, my eldest daughter and I attended the fourth annual Pure By Choice conference here in Denver. Wow! What a great event...If you haven't heard about it, its a "cannot miss" event for you in 2008 if you have teenagers. There were more than 4000 kids in attendance!
Most of us would agree that the current teenage culture is corrosive and poisonous- and that's on a good day. The excesses of this teen culture is spewing out human wreckage every where, and there's a future price tag that will come due one day for what we are exposing our young adults to.
But in the midst of this darkness, a glimmer of hope is shining brightly. Its all about sexual purity. Its all about reclaiming a new ethos, that is a way of life based on the timeless principle of sexual purity and abstinence before marriage. Pure By Choice is a half-day conference for teens dedicated to encouraging and promoting their sexual abstinence and purity. They have great teen speakers, loud teen music and most of all, a wholesome godly message.
This whole event is completely counter-cultural to what teens normally hear and see in their schools, on television and in their pop music. Everything they do is centered on this fact: God has made sex and its very good. And God wants us to wait until marriage to experience it. For me at least, this was a refreshing wind free from the current stench of our cultural sexual values and practices.
I could go on and on about this event, but let me summarize by saying this...Decades ago when I was a teenager, the worse thing a sexually promiscuous teen could contract was syphilis. It did not kill you. Today, sexually transmitted diseases are rampant. A teen in the twenty-first century has a one in four chance of catching some pretty nasty bugs which will kill you...
Most of us would agree that the current teenage culture is corrosive and poisonous- and that's on a good day. The excesses of this teen culture is spewing out human wreckage every where, and there's a future price tag that will come due one day for what we are exposing our young adults to.
But in the midst of this darkness, a glimmer of hope is shining brightly. Its all about sexual purity. Its all about reclaiming a new ethos, that is a way of life based on the timeless principle of sexual purity and abstinence before marriage. Pure By Choice is a half-day conference for teens dedicated to encouraging and promoting their sexual abstinence and purity. They have great teen speakers, loud teen music and most of all, a wholesome godly message.
This whole event is completely counter-cultural to what teens normally hear and see in their schools, on television and in their pop music. Everything they do is centered on this fact: God has made sex and its very good. And God wants us to wait until marriage to experience it. For me at least, this was a refreshing wind free from the current stench of our cultural sexual values and practices.
I could go on and on about this event, but let me summarize by saying this...Decades ago when I was a teenager, the worse thing a sexually promiscuous teen could contract was syphilis. It did not kill you. Today, sexually transmitted diseases are rampant. A teen in the twenty-first century has a one in four chance of catching some pretty nasty bugs which will kill you...
Monday, March 05, 2007
Abstinence Carries the Day!
Feel free to disagree but here are five abstinence facts to think about:
Fact: Government spends $12 to promote contraception for every $1 spent on abstinence.
Fact: Early sexual activity has harmful consequences.
Fact: Most teenagers say that they wish they would have waited until they were older before having sex.
Fact: Abstinence programs reduce teenage sexual activity including a reduction of out of wedlock births.
Fact: Parents overwhelmingly oppose the values of comprehensive sex education.
The facts have it...
Fact: Government spends $12 to promote contraception for every $1 spent on abstinence.
Fact: Early sexual activity has harmful consequences.
Fact: Most teenagers say that they wish they would have waited until they were older before having sex.
Fact: Abstinence programs reduce teenage sexual activity including a reduction of out of wedlock births.
Fact: Parents overwhelmingly oppose the values of comprehensive sex education.
The facts have it...
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Celebrating Ash Wednesday
For many believers, the annual celebration of Ash Wednesday is an essential practice of their faith. Among Catholic communities in Colorado, its practice is very popular. Yet for many Christians its origins remain a mystery.
Believed by many to have started in the 6th century A.D., its celebration is marked by the placing of an ashes in the form of a cross on the forehead of the recipient. Seen as a staple of Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions, its practice is gaining popularity among more evangelical protestant groups.
The heart of Ash Wednesday is to remind believers of God's mercy towards them while encouraging merciful acts towards others. For more information on Ash Wednesday and its origins and practices, click here.
Believed by many to have started in the 6th century A.D., its celebration is marked by the placing of an ashes in the form of a cross on the forehead of the recipient. Seen as a staple of Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions, its practice is gaining popularity among more evangelical protestant groups.
The heart of Ash Wednesday is to remind believers of God's mercy towards them while encouraging merciful acts towards others. For more information on Ash Wednesday and its origins and practices, click here.
Amazing Grace
Great movie, Amazing Grace- it opens on Friday, February 23rd. I hope movie fans and folks who enjoy an uplifting and redeeming movie will buy tickets for this one.
Much can be said for this film but what struck me was Wilberforce's commitment to two great causes- the ending of slavery and the reformation of his society and culture. Wilberforce accurately assessed the fact that to change the slavery laws would require changing the hearts and mind of people. But most importantly, this task would be impossible unless his own heart was transformed.
Wilberforce's pastor, John Newton, penned one of the most famous Christian hymns, Amazing Grace. Born during a fierce ocean storm, this song continues to captivate its listeners with its radical but simple message of God's grace for the sinner.
Newton and Wilberforce realized a truth- a timeless truth we need today. God in his sovereign work offers all of us amazing unmerited grace. And the grace, when sipped by a grace-seeker, not only aligns us with God it motivates us to rescue others. Grace is not limited by race, color, social standing or wealth. It flows openly to all who believe in and commit their lives to God.
Much can be said for this film but what struck me was Wilberforce's commitment to two great causes- the ending of slavery and the reformation of his society and culture. Wilberforce accurately assessed the fact that to change the slavery laws would require changing the hearts and mind of people. But most importantly, this task would be impossible unless his own heart was transformed.
Wilberforce's pastor, John Newton, penned one of the most famous Christian hymns, Amazing Grace. Born during a fierce ocean storm, this song continues to captivate its listeners with its radical but simple message of God's grace for the sinner.
Newton and Wilberforce realized a truth- a timeless truth we need today. God in his sovereign work offers all of us amazing unmerited grace. And the grace, when sipped by a grace-seeker, not only aligns us with God it motivates us to rescue others. Grace is not limited by race, color, social standing or wealth. It flows openly to all who believe in and commit their lives to God.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Amazing Grace and Christian Collaboration
Unfortunately, Christians are inconsistent when it comes to working well for the common good of our culture. But there are some shining exceptions to the "rule."
One of my favorite Christian writers, Chuck Colson, pens a fantastic article in today's daily update. He tells the poignant story about the collaboration of two Christian groups in nineteenth century England who worked together to end slavery. The most infamous member of this group was William Wilberforce, a well known principled Christian statesman in England during the nineteenth century. His partners in this endeavor were a lesser known sect, the Clapham Saints.
Their collaborative work changed their culture.
Before you read Colson's thoughts, let me quickly add one of my own. First Corinthians 12 reminds all believers of our integration with other Christians. The Apostle Paul brilliantly states that every Christian, great or small, has vital skills and talents needed by the entire church.
If we are to impact our time and culture, we must work with each other for the common good, finding issues that we can offer solutions to...
Here's Colson's article, the Spirit of Collaboration.
One of my favorite Christian writers, Chuck Colson, pens a fantastic article in today's daily update. He tells the poignant story about the collaboration of two Christian groups in nineteenth century England who worked together to end slavery. The most infamous member of this group was William Wilberforce, a well known principled Christian statesman in England during the nineteenth century. His partners in this endeavor were a lesser known sect, the Clapham Saints.
Their collaborative work changed their culture.
Before you read Colson's thoughts, let me quickly add one of my own. First Corinthians 12 reminds all believers of our integration with other Christians. The Apostle Paul brilliantly states that every Christian, great or small, has vital skills and talents needed by the entire church.
If we are to impact our time and culture, we must work with each other for the common good, finding issues that we can offer solutions to...
Here's Colson's article, the Spirit of Collaboration.
Monday, February 12, 2007
The True Meaning of Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day-almost...Most of us think about Valentine's Day in a couple of ways. Hopeless romantics pine away for the day, planning extravagent romantic ventures. The rest of us either forget about it and get caught short-handed or we quickly grab a some flowers or candy on the fly.
But Valentine's Day has a great historical background. Here it is below and its a bit long....
When we think of Valentine's Day, we often think of red roses, candy in heart- shaped boxes, mushy valentines, and winged cherubs flying about shooting starry-eyed lovers with arrows. But did you know that the origin of Valentine's day, or Saint Valentine's Day, comes from the life and death of a Christian martyr? According to author Martha Zimmerman, the date traditionally celebrated as St. Valentine's day finds it origin in the Roman festival of romance called Lupercalia, when the gods Juno and Pan were honored. It was a fertility festival or a lover's holiday looking forward to the return of Spring. In the fifth century, in an attempt to abolish the pagan festival, Pope Gelasius changed Lupercalia and its February 15 date to February 14 and called it Saint Valentine's Day. Even though the names and the date were changed, the emphasis continued to be on love. Who was the real Valentine, and why did he have a day named after him?
Some authorities credit Geoffrey Chaucer with originating the custom of linking Valentine's day with lovers. No link between the day and lovers exists before the time of Chaucer, thus leading some to conclude that it was this famous English author who connected the day with lovers. The fullest and earliest description of the tradition occurs in Chaucer's "Parliament of Fouls" composed around 1380. Since that time it has been traditional to connect St. Valentine's Day with love. But who was the real Saint Valentine? St. Valentine was a Roman Christian who, according to tradition, was martyred during the persecution of Christians in the third century by Emperor Claudius II. The only thing certain about the day we remember as St. Valentine's day is that it commemorates a martyrdom. Claudius II declared all Christians illegal citizens. By his definition, they were guilty of treason because Roman citizens were required by law to worship the Emperor by declaring publicly, "Caesar is Lord!" Of course, this no Christian could do.
The real Valentine was a Roman Christian martyred during the third century A.D. by the Emperor Claudius II. Prior to his death, Valentine continued to minister in prison by witnessing to his prison guards. One of the guards was a good man who had adopted a blind girl. He asked Valentine if his God could help his daughter. Valentine prayed and the girl was given her sight. The guard and his whole family, 46 people, believed in Jesus and were baptized. When the Emperor heard about this he was furious that Valentine was still making converts even in prison, so he sentenced Valentine to death. Just before being led out to his execution, the young Christian wrote a note to the jailor's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine." The first valentine was really a Christian witness. Growing out of this story we participate in a custom of sending cards to people we love.
Given that the tradition of sending love notes grows out of a letter written by St. Valentine to his jailer's daughter on the eve of Valentine's execution, it's ironic that the card we send has received the emphasis, instead of remembering the content of the original Valentine's card: a message of unconditional devotion to Christ, even upon pain of death. Over time the word "Saint" has been dropped from St. Valentine's Day, further obscuring the origins of this holiday. Instead of a negative reaction to some of the pagan origins of the day, why not celebrate the true love that compelled young Valentine to give up his life? Remember that the day we know as St. Valentine's day actually commemorates the death of an early Christian martyr, Valentine, who was put to death for refusing to renounce his faith in Christ. Instead of chubby cherubs, sappy cards, too much candy, and soon-wilted flowers, why not point your family toward the true significance of St. Valentine's day this year? By all means, celebrate the day, but re-inject it with Christian meaning by resolving to live for Jesus without fear or shame, following the godly example of Valentine's unconditional love for Christ.
How can you celebrate St. Valentine's Day in a way that honors the original Valentine, who was martyred for his devotion to God? First, give your life to Christ. Second, declare the truth about God's love even if it costs you something. Third, become a servant to those you love, rather than demanding that your needs be met. According to pastor Alex Stevenson, we all want to hear the phrase, "be my Valentine." It simply means "you are loved." This Valentine's day, remember that you are loved. God loves you and wants you to be His valentine. The love that God gives us is not like the world's love. The world's love is only as sturdy as a paper Valentine's card. But God's love is not a flimsy, cheap imitation: it is the real thing. It is an all-giving love that was and is willing to suffer and die for our deliverance. Will you be God's valentine? It is your choice. Say yes and give to God the love He desires. And when you do, remember the first Valentine and how he gave everything, including his life, to the God he loved.
Rocky Mountain Family Council
8704 Yates Drive, Suite 205
Westminster, CO 80031
(303) 292-1800
This resource may be reprinted without change and in its entirely for non-commercial purposes
without prior permission from the Rocky Mountain Family Council.
But Valentine's Day has a great historical background. Here it is below and its a bit long....
When we think of Valentine's Day, we often think of red roses, candy in heart- shaped boxes, mushy valentines, and winged cherubs flying about shooting starry-eyed lovers with arrows. But did you know that the origin of Valentine's day, or Saint Valentine's Day, comes from the life and death of a Christian martyr? According to author Martha Zimmerman, the date traditionally celebrated as St. Valentine's day finds it origin in the Roman festival of romance called Lupercalia, when the gods Juno and Pan were honored. It was a fertility festival or a lover's holiday looking forward to the return of Spring. In the fifth century, in an attempt to abolish the pagan festival, Pope Gelasius changed Lupercalia and its February 15 date to February 14 and called it Saint Valentine's Day. Even though the names and the date were changed, the emphasis continued to be on love. Who was the real Valentine, and why did he have a day named after him?
Some authorities credit Geoffrey Chaucer with originating the custom of linking Valentine's day with lovers. No link between the day and lovers exists before the time of Chaucer, thus leading some to conclude that it was this famous English author who connected the day with lovers. The fullest and earliest description of the tradition occurs in Chaucer's "Parliament of Fouls" composed around 1380. Since that time it has been traditional to connect St. Valentine's Day with love. But who was the real Saint Valentine? St. Valentine was a Roman Christian who, according to tradition, was martyred during the persecution of Christians in the third century by Emperor Claudius II. The only thing certain about the day we remember as St. Valentine's day is that it commemorates a martyrdom. Claudius II declared all Christians illegal citizens. By his definition, they were guilty of treason because Roman citizens were required by law to worship the Emperor by declaring publicly, "Caesar is Lord!" Of course, this no Christian could do.
The real Valentine was a Roman Christian martyred during the third century A.D. by the Emperor Claudius II. Prior to his death, Valentine continued to minister in prison by witnessing to his prison guards. One of the guards was a good man who had adopted a blind girl. He asked Valentine if his God could help his daughter. Valentine prayed and the girl was given her sight. The guard and his whole family, 46 people, believed in Jesus and were baptized. When the Emperor heard about this he was furious that Valentine was still making converts even in prison, so he sentenced Valentine to death. Just before being led out to his execution, the young Christian wrote a note to the jailor's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine." The first valentine was really a Christian witness. Growing out of this story we participate in a custom of sending cards to people we love.
Given that the tradition of sending love notes grows out of a letter written by St. Valentine to his jailer's daughter on the eve of Valentine's execution, it's ironic that the card we send has received the emphasis, instead of remembering the content of the original Valentine's card: a message of unconditional devotion to Christ, even upon pain of death. Over time the word "Saint" has been dropped from St. Valentine's Day, further obscuring the origins of this holiday. Instead of a negative reaction to some of the pagan origins of the day, why not celebrate the true love that compelled young Valentine to give up his life? Remember that the day we know as St. Valentine's day actually commemorates the death of an early Christian martyr, Valentine, who was put to death for refusing to renounce his faith in Christ. Instead of chubby cherubs, sappy cards, too much candy, and soon-wilted flowers, why not point your family toward the true significance of St. Valentine's day this year? By all means, celebrate the day, but re-inject it with Christian meaning by resolving to live for Jesus without fear or shame, following the godly example of Valentine's unconditional love for Christ.
How can you celebrate St. Valentine's Day in a way that honors the original Valentine, who was martyred for his devotion to God? First, give your life to Christ. Second, declare the truth about God's love even if it costs you something. Third, become a servant to those you love, rather than demanding that your needs be met. According to pastor Alex Stevenson, we all want to hear the phrase, "be my Valentine." It simply means "you are loved." This Valentine's day, remember that you are loved. God loves you and wants you to be His valentine. The love that God gives us is not like the world's love. The world's love is only as sturdy as a paper Valentine's card. But God's love is not a flimsy, cheap imitation: it is the real thing. It is an all-giving love that was and is willing to suffer and die for our deliverance. Will you be God's valentine? It is your choice. Say yes and give to God the love He desires. And when you do, remember the first Valentine and how he gave everything, including his life, to the God he loved.
Rocky Mountain Family Council
8704 Yates Drive, Suite 205
Westminster, CO 80031
(303) 292-1800
This resource may be reprinted without change and in its entirely for non-commercial purposes
without prior permission from the Rocky Mountain Family Council.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
TV Violence Explodes
According to a new report from the Parent's Television Council, a Los Angeles based media watchdog group, TV violence is rampant. "The television season that began in the fall of 2005 was one of the most violent in recent history-an increase of 75% since the 1998 television season."
Wow. Guess who is most impacted by our television-watching habits? Children. TV violence is a bit of paradox in that social science studies have proven that repeated television violence leads to delinquet behavior in children. Yet, adults routinely turn on such violent shows as CSI, etc.
Here are some more major findings from the report. These numbers represent the increases in violence on television since 1998:
1- Violence increased during the 8:00 p.m. hour by 45%.
2- Violence increased during the 9:00 p.m. hour by 92%.
3- ABC has experienced the highest growth in violent programs-nearly 309%!
4- ABC' s short lived program, Night Stalker was the most violent show in the 2005-2006 season.
5-Every program airing on NBC in the 10:00 p.m. hour contained at least one instance of violence.
Finally, the "v-chip" technology, heralded as the anti-dote to television violence, has made little difference the number of children watching violent programs.
As adults, we need to review what we watch and remember that our kids are not prepared to watch what we do...
Wow. Guess who is most impacted by our television-watching habits? Children. TV violence is a bit of paradox in that social science studies have proven that repeated television violence leads to delinquet behavior in children. Yet, adults routinely turn on such violent shows as CSI, etc.
Here are some more major findings from the report. These numbers represent the increases in violence on television since 1998:
1- Violence increased during the 8:00 p.m. hour by 45%.
2- Violence increased during the 9:00 p.m. hour by 92%.
3- ABC has experienced the highest growth in violent programs-nearly 309%!
4- ABC' s short lived program, Night Stalker was the most violent show in the 2005-2006 season.
5-Every program airing on NBC in the 10:00 p.m. hour contained at least one instance of violence.
Finally, the "v-chip" technology, heralded as the anti-dote to television violence, has made little difference the number of children watching violent programs.
As adults, we need to review what we watch and remember that our kids are not prepared to watch what we do...
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
A Really Good Guy- Colts' Dungy Has the Right Perspective
I was flipping through the sports pages this morning and came across another great article on Super Bowl champion coach Tony Dungy. This story warms my heart. If you have followed this story, much has been rightfully made about his ethnicity and being the first black coach to win a Super Bowl title.
But, there are some great life lessons to be learned from his story. Here are the ones that stand out for me.
First, Tony Dungy is an inspiring role model for all of us. Its easy to get cynical today. His success is a refreshing reminder of all that is right about the American dream; that hard work and perserverence is the recipe for true success.
Second, his climb to success was not without hardship and trial. Dungy was fired in Tampa Bay and suffered through the tragic loss of a son and Smith had to endure many closed coaching doors. In today's immediate gratification society, we think that we are all owed immediate success or that it will automatically come to us. Dungy and Smith would attest that is not the case.
Finally, faith matters. I appreciated his now infamous comment right after the Colt's win where he stated that what matter most to him was winning God's way. What a great selfless, humble comment. Its a comment that I hope many will absorb.
We need a dose of good guys acting well today. Cheers for Tony Dungy!
But, there are some great life lessons to be learned from his story. Here are the ones that stand out for me.
First, Tony Dungy is an inspiring role model for all of us. Its easy to get cynical today. His success is a refreshing reminder of all that is right about the American dream; that hard work and perserverence is the recipe for true success.
Second, his climb to success was not without hardship and trial. Dungy was fired in Tampa Bay and suffered through the tragic loss of a son and Smith had to endure many closed coaching doors. In today's immediate gratification society, we think that we are all owed immediate success or that it will automatically come to us. Dungy and Smith would attest that is not the case.
Finally, faith matters. I appreciated his now infamous comment right after the Colt's win where he stated that what matter most to him was winning God's way. What a great selfless, humble comment. Its a comment that I hope many will absorb.
We need a dose of good guys acting well today. Cheers for Tony Dungy!
Friday, February 02, 2007
Requiring Cervical Cancer Vaccination-Give Me a Break!
According to Colorado State Senator Suzanne Williams, every 11 and twelve year old Colorado girl is or will be sexually active. At least that's the premise undergirding her latest proposed law requiring the vaccination of these children prior to their admittance into any Colorado junior high school.
Senate bill 80 carries this idea.
I am appalled at the premise of the idea. Now, don't misunderstand my passion. Cervical cancer is a terrible disease. I want every means used to prevent it and cure it. My problem with this idea is that it assumes sexual promiscuity will be a natural event for young girls. And the logic here gets worse because it promotes the notion that this shot will magically protect these children and they can continue their promiscuity. The fact is that cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus, which is contracted through sexual intercourse. A better way to handle this to promote abstinence measures.
As a father of two girls, I intend to protect my daughter's virginity until they move out on their own. If they decide to get this vaccination when they are 18 so be it. But for now, we are raising our girls to value their sexuality and to save it. I am not going to get these shots for them as a protective hedge.
Senator Williams and her crowd need to adopt a new view that kids are more than goats. Good public policy in this area would advocate abstinence which would reduce acts of promiscuity which in turn would cut down the transmission rates of the human papillomavirus.
This idea is enlightened irresponsibility.
Senate bill 80 carries this idea.
I am appalled at the premise of the idea. Now, don't misunderstand my passion. Cervical cancer is a terrible disease. I want every means used to prevent it and cure it. My problem with this idea is that it assumes sexual promiscuity will be a natural event for young girls. And the logic here gets worse because it promotes the notion that this shot will magically protect these children and they can continue their promiscuity. The fact is that cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus, which is contracted through sexual intercourse. A better way to handle this to promote abstinence measures.
As a father of two girls, I intend to protect my daughter's virginity until they move out on their own. If they decide to get this vaccination when they are 18 so be it. But for now, we are raising our girls to value their sexuality and to save it. I am not going to get these shots for them as a protective hedge.
Senator Williams and her crowd need to adopt a new view that kids are more than goats. Good public policy in this area would advocate abstinence which would reduce acts of promiscuity which in turn would cut down the transmission rates of the human papillomavirus.
This idea is enlightened irresponsibility.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Why We Do What We Do-Christians in the Public Square
As we turn the page into 2007, I think its important to refresh ourselves about the importance of our witness in the public square.
What would Jesus say and do?
Consistently, Jesus and other biblical writers spoke about the importance of being salt and light. They saw the role of Christians in the culture as vital; a beacon of light to dark and dying societies.
Most of us today like to think that we live in illuminated times-that our cultural problems are really not that bad.
I would beg to differ.
Our cultural peccadilloes are enormous-abortion, homosexuality, drugs, poverty, crime, etc. If God gives us a pass he owes Sodom and Gomorrah an apology. There is no shortage of opportunities.
So what should your response be? A great starting point is in 1 Corinthians 8:6-7, where Paul writes, "for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord. Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. But not everyone knows this."
Here's why we do what we should do. My pedigree as a Christ-follower starts with my view of life anchored in the fact of who God is. Collectively, humanity has departed from this wisdom and chased other gods. Whether it be in the political arena, the workplace or my neighborhood, people need to be touched by Jesus!
More than ever, Colorado's public square cries out for believers to be engaged. Many would have us moderate our views. I say no to that notion. I say that we more godly values in the public square.
*1 Peter 3:15
What would Jesus say and do?
Consistently, Jesus and other biblical writers spoke about the importance of being salt and light. They saw the role of Christians in the culture as vital; a beacon of light to dark and dying societies.
Most of us today like to think that we live in illuminated times-that our cultural problems are really not that bad.
I would beg to differ.
Our cultural peccadilloes are enormous-abortion, homosexuality, drugs, poverty, crime, etc. If God gives us a pass he owes Sodom and Gomorrah an apology. There is no shortage of opportunities.
So what should your response be? A great starting point is in 1 Corinthians 8:6-7, where Paul writes, "for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord. Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. But not everyone knows this."
Here's why we do what we should do. My pedigree as a Christ-follower starts with my view of life anchored in the fact of who God is. Collectively, humanity has departed from this wisdom and chased other gods. Whether it be in the political arena, the workplace or my neighborhood, people need to be touched by Jesus!
More than ever, Colorado's public square cries out for believers to be engaged. Many would have us moderate our views. I say no to that notion. I say that we more godly values in the public square.
*1 Peter 3:15
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Contraception Bill Returns Again
For five years abortionist Democrats in the Colorado legislature have been trying to pass a law requiring hospitals to provide contraceptives or contraception information to "rape victims."
This year it may pass with Democratic control of the legislature and a friendly new Democratic Governor.
Here's the issue and the problem. Democratic supporters of this issue argue that rape survivors deserve this type of emergency information. Okay. They also state this will shrink the number of unwanted pregnancies and provide a "compassionate" response to the crime of rape.
Let me preceed my comments by saying that rape is a horrible crime worthy of no one. It is one of the most de-humanizing acts any human can foist on another person.
Having said that, the breakdown with this law starts with the institutions which would be mandated to carry this law out-hospitals. On the surface, it sounds reasonable, but in reality its a Trojan horse.
First, this law would run roughshod on hospitals who operate with moral principles, particularly Catholic ones, ordering them to act. Its troubling to think that the government could be empowered to order private institutions to violate their moral views. Second, it assumes that every "rape survivor" has truly been raped. I would never diminish the anguish of any rape victim, but I am cognizant that some may see this service as a path to free birth control. Third, the dispensation of emergency contraceptives could be harmful without the consultation of a doctor with a history of the patient. Finally, there is no evidence that this type of service reduces unwanted pregnancies.
So there it is. This is still a bad idea for Colorado.
Here's a good story on this issue.
This year it may pass with Democratic control of the legislature and a friendly new Democratic Governor.
Here's the issue and the problem. Democratic supporters of this issue argue that rape survivors deserve this type of emergency information. Okay. They also state this will shrink the number of unwanted pregnancies and provide a "compassionate" response to the crime of rape.
Let me preceed my comments by saying that rape is a horrible crime worthy of no one. It is one of the most de-humanizing acts any human can foist on another person.
Having said that, the breakdown with this law starts with the institutions which would be mandated to carry this law out-hospitals. On the surface, it sounds reasonable, but in reality its a Trojan horse.
First, this law would run roughshod on hospitals who operate with moral principles, particularly Catholic ones, ordering them to act. Its troubling to think that the government could be empowered to order private institutions to violate their moral views. Second, it assumes that every "rape survivor" has truly been raped. I would never diminish the anguish of any rape victim, but I am cognizant that some may see this service as a path to free birth control. Third, the dispensation of emergency contraceptives could be harmful without the consultation of a doctor with a history of the patient. Finally, there is no evidence that this type of service reduces unwanted pregnancies.
So there it is. This is still a bad idea for Colorado.
Here's a good story on this issue.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Celebrating Life
Today marks the 34th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision to legalize abortion-on-demand.
Incredibly, it is estimated that 45 million babies have been aborted in part by this tragic decision. And this may be under reported.
While many media polls trumpet the President's low poll numbers, being popular and doing the right thing are not necessary inclusive.
Thus,standing true to his pro-life convictions, President Bush weighed in by stating that, "America was founded on the principle that we are all endowed by our Creator with the right to life and that every individual has dignity and worth."
Bravo for the President.
Being pro-life assumes several premises. First, that you believe in personhood at the moment of conception; that all life is valuable-the disabled, terminally ill and
unwanted. Second, being pro-life gushes respect for the dignity and humanity of every person. Finally, being pro-life complements being pro-family.
Without human life, human families fail to exist.
Incredibly, it is estimated that 45 million babies have been aborted in part by this tragic decision. And this may be under reported.
While many media polls trumpet the President's low poll numbers, being popular and doing the right thing are not necessary inclusive.
Thus,standing true to his pro-life convictions, President Bush weighed in by stating that, "America was founded on the principle that we are all endowed by our Creator with the right to life and that every individual has dignity and worth."
Bravo for the President.
Being pro-life assumes several premises. First, that you believe in personhood at the moment of conception; that all life is valuable-the disabled, terminally ill and
unwanted. Second, being pro-life gushes respect for the dignity and humanity of every person. Finally, being pro-life complements being pro-family.
Without human life, human families fail to exist.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
The Value of Personhood
Governor Ritter's recent decision to refund Planned Parenthood's operations has reignitied an old debate- the value of life, specifically unborn and elderly persons.
Let me start by saying that abortion is a slippery slope. The ideology of euthanasia finds its roots in abortion. While doctors, ethicists and philosophers may argue when a unborn person establishes personhood, scripture offers a clear position- and its a position historically held until the recent era of abortion.
In the Old Testament book of Psalms, chapter 139 offers a compelling description of God's intentional procreative work. Specifically, verses 13 through 16 delineate God's pre-birth design and personhood for every unborn human.
But there is hope around our nation in the life battle.A new proposed law in Georgialikely will pass through that state's legislature and become law.
Changing the hearts and minds of men and women is a large task. But its a battle which demands our attention.
There is work to be done here in Colorado. More than 9800 abortions were reported in our state in 2003!
Let me start by saying that abortion is a slippery slope. The ideology of euthanasia finds its roots in abortion. While doctors, ethicists and philosophers may argue when a unborn person establishes personhood, scripture offers a clear position- and its a position historically held until the recent era of abortion.
In the Old Testament book of Psalms, chapter 139 offers a compelling description of God's intentional procreative work. Specifically, verses 13 through 16 delineate God's pre-birth design and personhood for every unborn human.
But there is hope around our nation in the life battle.A new proposed law in Georgialikely will pass through that state's legislature and become law.
Changing the hearts and minds of men and women is a large task. But its a battle which demands our attention.
There is work to be done here in Colorado. More than 9800 abortions were reported in our state in 2003!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
I Want Peace Too!
I want peace too! But it occurs to me that there is a difference between true peace and appeasement. For peace to breakout, there must be two parties who desire the same outcome. Unfortunately, it doesn't work well when one side wants to kill and impose their system (ie Islamofacists).
Most Americans do not remember Europe's historic "peace" with Adolf Hitler in 1937. The Eurpeans thought they had a real lasting deal for peace. It didn't last long. Two years later, the world was engulfed in World War II.
Yesterday's Martin Luther King Marade participants talked about his dream of peace. Noble stuff from a noble man. But true peace cannot exist until evil is vanquished. America faces overt evil in our world today. Victory will give true peace. Appeasement will not.
Most Americans do not remember Europe's historic "peace" with Adolf Hitler in 1937. The Eurpeans thought they had a real lasting deal for peace. It didn't last long. Two years later, the world was engulfed in World War II.
Yesterday's Martin Luther King Marade participants talked about his dream of peace. Noble stuff from a noble man. But true peace cannot exist until evil is vanquished. America faces overt evil in our world today. Victory will give true peace. Appeasement will not.
Tax Dollars for Colorado Abortions?
Seldom can you give a fox a chicken and tell it not to swallow.
Last week, our newly minted Governor Ritter made his first mistake as Guv. In his first state of the state address to a joint session of the Colorado legislature, he proudly announced that he would refund Planned Parenthood's (the fox) "pregnancy prevention and family services with tax dollars (the chicken). His rationalization- we need to prevent more unwanted pregnancies and Planned Parenthood is well-equipped to provide this service. Again, seldom can you give a fox a chicken and tell it not to swallow.
Several years ago, then Governor Bill Owens cutoff state tax dollars to Planned Parenthood because of their inability to prove that tax dollars (chickens) were not being used to aid their abortion services. A subsequent audit proved Owen's original premise. Since that time, Planned Parenthood's lobbyists and political allies have plotted and planned to get their hands on your tax dollars once again.
They have found a friend in Bill Ritter.
Sources tell us that Ritter has "privately" pro-life. Yet, what good is that? Its akin to saying that you don't want harm to come to your neighbor yet failing to call the fire department at 2am as their house burns, not wanting to disturb them.
Guv Ritter has invited the foxes into the hen house. Sadly, this act is a payoff for key political support leading to Ritter's election. Planned Parenthood will not get its hand caught in the cookie jar again. They will be more stealthy this time around, erecting legal and corporate moats to protect their state funding of their "services."
This is a bad start for our new Governor. And the foxes will enjoy their dinner.
Last week, our newly minted Governor Ritter made his first mistake as Guv. In his first state of the state address to a joint session of the Colorado legislature, he proudly announced that he would refund Planned Parenthood's (the fox) "pregnancy prevention and family services with tax dollars (the chicken). His rationalization- we need to prevent more unwanted pregnancies and Planned Parenthood is well-equipped to provide this service. Again, seldom can you give a fox a chicken and tell it not to swallow.
Several years ago, then Governor Bill Owens cutoff state tax dollars to Planned Parenthood because of their inability to prove that tax dollars (chickens) were not being used to aid their abortion services. A subsequent audit proved Owen's original premise. Since that time, Planned Parenthood's lobbyists and political allies have plotted and planned to get their hands on your tax dollars once again.
They have found a friend in Bill Ritter.
Sources tell us that Ritter has "privately" pro-life. Yet, what good is that? Its akin to saying that you don't want harm to come to your neighbor yet failing to call the fire department at 2am as their house burns, not wanting to disturb them.
Guv Ritter has invited the foxes into the hen house. Sadly, this act is a payoff for key political support leading to Ritter's election. Planned Parenthood will not get its hand caught in the cookie jar again. They will be more stealthy this time around, erecting legal and corporate moats to protect their state funding of their "services."
This is a bad start for our new Governor. And the foxes will enjoy their dinner.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Christian Fascists? The Rising Tide Against Christians
One of my favorite Christian writers and thinkers is Chuck Colson. Today's installment from Mr. Colson in his Breakpoint (www.breakpoint.org) column should be seminal reading for all believers who are engaged in our present cultural struggles.
It hits the nail on the head describing the ideological challenges we face.
Here it is in its entirety.
America's Secular Jihadists
Atheists on the Offensive
January 12, 2007
Just a few months ago, I thought it was insulting to be called a "theocrat." I was wrong. "Theocrat" is almost a compliment compared to what the Left is calling Christians now.
According to a New York Times review, we Christians are fascists—that's what the Nazis were. And if we're not stopped, we'll try to take over America. It's an illustration of how vicious the invective has become against faithful Christians.
"Of course there are Christian fascists in America," writes Rick Perlstein in the New York Times Sunday Book Review. How else, for example, to explain the cadres who took former Chief Justice Roy Moore's Ten Commandments monument on tour?
Perlstein was reviewing the latest in the recent crop of hate books about the Christian faith, this one titled, American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America, written by Chris Hedges. He details all the wacky killings, like the Aryan brotherhood over the last twenty-five years, and then concludes by saying that Christians are about to do the same thing. Talk about guilt by association.
The really dangerous thing here is that, by writing this kind of stuff, they are likely to embolden some nut to start shooting pastors and Christian leaders.
Perlstein was honest enough to admit that there has been no violence from Christians lately—but he reminds us that there used to be, and may be again, driven by all those violent Left Behind books.
Gee, what a backhanded compliment! We're not as bad as we used to be—or will be in the future.
American Fascists is just the latest book in a long line of anti-Christian literature to hit the best-seller lists—all reviewed and promoted by the New York Times. Richard Dawkins, who wrote The God Delusion, suggests that the government may have to stop parents from sharing their religious beliefs with their kids, calling it a form of child abuse.
What's behind this witch hunt? Two things.
First, it's an effort to drive Christians out of public debates, like abortion and same-sex "marriage," and sadly, there are signs it might be working.
Second, as Sam Schulman noted last week in the Wall Street Journal, atheists are trying to move heaven and earth (so to speak) to destroy belief in God.
In the Victorian age, it was atheists who were gentlemen, rather civilized, though held in low public regard. Today, atheists are trying to turn the tables: turning religious faith into "a cause for personal embarrassment."
To the new atheists, religious belief is both misguided and contemptible, "the mark of people who need to be told how to think and how to vote," Schulman writes. Belief in God is "a form of stupidity"—or so they say.
But the faith these atheists present is a parody of the faith that thousands have given their lives for, and for causes like ending the slave trade and human rights causes today. Look over the history of Western civilization, as Rodney Stark, the great sociologist, writes, and you'll see that Christianity has been the source of all the great reforms and advances of Western civilization.
The best response to these attacks, of course, is just a loving assertion of the truth and a renewed effort to silence the critics by doing good.
And in the midst of these best-selling books that try to embarrass us out of our faith, we ought to remember the words of the Apostle Paul: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for all those who believe."
It hits the nail on the head describing the ideological challenges we face.
Here it is in its entirety.
America's Secular Jihadists
Atheists on the Offensive
January 12, 2007
Just a few months ago, I thought it was insulting to be called a "theocrat." I was wrong. "Theocrat" is almost a compliment compared to what the Left is calling Christians now.
According to a New York Times review, we Christians are fascists—that's what the Nazis were. And if we're not stopped, we'll try to take over America. It's an illustration of how vicious the invective has become against faithful Christians.
"Of course there are Christian fascists in America," writes Rick Perlstein in the New York Times Sunday Book Review. How else, for example, to explain the cadres who took former Chief Justice Roy Moore's Ten Commandments monument on tour?
Perlstein was reviewing the latest in the recent crop of hate books about the Christian faith, this one titled, American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America, written by Chris Hedges. He details all the wacky killings, like the Aryan brotherhood over the last twenty-five years, and then concludes by saying that Christians are about to do the same thing. Talk about guilt by association.
The really dangerous thing here is that, by writing this kind of stuff, they are likely to embolden some nut to start shooting pastors and Christian leaders.
Perlstein was honest enough to admit that there has been no violence from Christians lately—but he reminds us that there used to be, and may be again, driven by all those violent Left Behind books.
Gee, what a backhanded compliment! We're not as bad as we used to be—or will be in the future.
American Fascists is just the latest book in a long line of anti-Christian literature to hit the best-seller lists—all reviewed and promoted by the New York Times. Richard Dawkins, who wrote The God Delusion, suggests that the government may have to stop parents from sharing their religious beliefs with their kids, calling it a form of child abuse.
What's behind this witch hunt? Two things.
First, it's an effort to drive Christians out of public debates, like abortion and same-sex "marriage," and sadly, there are signs it might be working.
Second, as Sam Schulman noted last week in the Wall Street Journal, atheists are trying to move heaven and earth (so to speak) to destroy belief in God.
In the Victorian age, it was atheists who were gentlemen, rather civilized, though held in low public regard. Today, atheists are trying to turn the tables: turning religious faith into "a cause for personal embarrassment."
To the new atheists, religious belief is both misguided and contemptible, "the mark of people who need to be told how to think and how to vote," Schulman writes. Belief in God is "a form of stupidity"—or so they say.
But the faith these atheists present is a parody of the faith that thousands have given their lives for, and for causes like ending the slave trade and human rights causes today. Look over the history of Western civilization, as Rodney Stark, the great sociologist, writes, and you'll see that Christianity has been the source of all the great reforms and advances of Western civilization.
The best response to these attacks, of course, is just a loving assertion of the truth and a renewed effort to silence the critics by doing good.
And in the midst of these best-selling books that try to embarrass us out of our faith, we ought to remember the words of the Apostle Paul: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for all those who believe."
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Welcome Aboard Guv Ritter!
Below are excerpts from a letter not-sent to our newly minted Governor, Bill Ritter. Here we go:
Welcome aboard Guv Ritter! You are number 41...As one of those "evil" socially conservative Republicans, I will try and stay out of the spotlight as much as possible. Some of your political allies see us akin to mold. Honestly, I thought that I would be penning a congratulatory letter to your gubernatorial opponent, Bob Beauprez. But its you not he who sits in the governor's high-backed leather chair today. Your friends and allies are in overdrive telling us how focused, teachable and visionary you are. We have even heard that you are bipartisan. Time will tell. But one thing is for sure-your office is no longer the Denver District Attorney's suite. Humbly, I would like to offer three gentle suggestions to you. I know that a lot of folks are telling you how to govern and what your first acts should be, so here's my two cents worth:
1- Don't let the job create a wedge between you and your family. They will still be your family long after your guv job ends.
2- Don't rush to judgment. My mom always told me that haste makes waste. What might look good now stinks a year from now.
3- Be cautious who you keep time with. Pandering and patronage are long-held political tools to get politicians to embrace an agenda. Get out of Denver a bit and see how the rest of the state lives.
Finally, I know that you have political debts to pay but remember you are every Coloradans governor, even us evil Republicans...
Sincerely,
Jim Chapman
Welcome aboard Guv Ritter! You are number 41...As one of those "evil" socially conservative Republicans, I will try and stay out of the spotlight as much as possible. Some of your political allies see us akin to mold. Honestly, I thought that I would be penning a congratulatory letter to your gubernatorial opponent, Bob Beauprez. But its you not he who sits in the governor's high-backed leather chair today. Your friends and allies are in overdrive telling us how focused, teachable and visionary you are. We have even heard that you are bipartisan. Time will tell. But one thing is for sure-your office is no longer the Denver District Attorney's suite. Humbly, I would like to offer three gentle suggestions to you. I know that a lot of folks are telling you how to govern and what your first acts should be, so here's my two cents worth:
1- Don't let the job create a wedge between you and your family. They will still be your family long after your guv job ends.
2- Don't rush to judgment. My mom always told me that haste makes waste. What might look good now stinks a year from now.
3- Be cautious who you keep time with. Pandering and patronage are long-held political tools to get politicians to embrace an agenda. Get out of Denver a bit and see how the rest of the state lives.
Finally, I know that you have political debts to pay but remember you are every Coloradans governor, even us evil Republicans...
Sincerely,
Jim Chapman
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