Man, lot’s going on with Compass right now! Friday we held our first ever “Climb-a-thon” fundraiser at OKC Rocks. I saw it as a success in that we raised a respectable amount of money, got some of our community involved, and had a great time doing it.
For those of you interested, what we did was climb for one hour straight as many vertical feet as possible, and our wonderful sponsors donated per foot climbed. About 15 minutes in, I started to question how good of an idea it was, as I hit the wall really early on. I settled into a rhythm and ended up climbing 1,448 feet in my allotted hour. Yes, I’m still a little sore!
Andy Chasteen led the pack with 1,568 feet and Randy Banning was the MVP as the individual with the most money raised. Thank you so much to everyone who participated.
Other than that Lance and I have spent much of our time out and about spreading the word about what a great experience we offer through Compass. It is always so refreshing to me to meet with a youth pastor who has never had a group do anything like this and see them get excited about the unique experience that Compass offers to them.
I really get a lot out of simply meeting with the youth pastors. Often when we talk there is, of course, the “sales pitch” of informing them of the service we provide, but it has been a way to develop some friendships with them as well. It constantly reminds me that every one of us needs to be encouraged and that encouraging one another is a big part of this entity we call the Church.
Let me encourage you to invest in people’s lives. Not because it will benefit you, which it may or may not, but because we are called to. Derek Webb says that when we divorce the church from the gospel then it ceases to be the gospel. I think he’s right. We have to build our communities and take a part in encouraging one another to be the best we can be. We are interdependent people. Let’s do everything we can to build the bond of love between one another and spur one another closer to our God.
Steven
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
So is it okay to lie? - Part 2
So is it okay to lie? I posed this question and some scenarios last week and the votes are in, and the verdict is: well, it's complicated. How's that for an answer you can trust in? I got answers from quoting scripture, "it's black and white, right there in the ten commandments." To several people quoted Joshua 2 where Rahab lied to protect the Israelite spies, and a few quoted philosophers who have developed intricate moral theories. The bottom line though, and the purpose of the question, was that we need to know the driving force behind the things we do and the things we believe. Sometimes there is an inconsistency between the two.
Kinsey (my beautiful wife) and I were talking about this question. I had her as a captive audience as we were driving around town, so we had time to talk. I asked her what she thought and she said what many people say, "I believe that to lie is wrong, but I would have to do it to protect the innocent." I challenged this thought. I mean, if you would lie to protect them, either you don't really believe that lying is wrong, or you think that lying is wrong with certain exceptions, this scenario being an exception. This is just stating the obvious, I know, but there is a point. We need to examine our process in making ethical decisions, or any decision for that matter.
There are many ethical theories that people use; a biblical ethic, where the Bible is the end all, sort of a "sola scriptura" model. This has certain implications though that sometimes we want to avoid. There are many things left to interpretation here. I mean, even in this simple question two of our greatest historical figures St. Augustine and Deitrich Bonhoeffer end up on opposite sides of the fence.
For the sake of being brief, which I have to constantly keep myself in check with, I'll ignore the many intelligent ideas that people have proposed over time and skip to one that seems to work in this instance to me. I found an answer that satisfied me through Hank Hanigraaff.
Now, before I pass on what he said, I should acknowledge that as I read some more articles, I learned that there were probably many people who, based on their Biblical research, would disagree. That's okay I suppose, at least they are able to give an account for why they believe and it doesn't really matter to me that we disagree on a hair-splitter. We've got other stuff to fight about if we really want to fight. I don't.
So, back to Hanigraaff... He says something like "we sometimes have to choose the greater good." That is, if by lying to some men (smaller offense) we prevent the murder of an innocent life (greater offense) then we have acted justly. Kind of a utilitarian perspective I guess (read Jeremy Bentham or John Stuart Mill). Anyway, it seems to stand to reason that if we're in the position and have a reasonable amount of information (meaning we have good reason to believe that the men in SS uniforms aren't here to court Ms. Frank), I find no fault in making the ethical decision of protecting her from her would-be murderers by lying to them. At least I think.
This too falls apart when we tweak our scenario, but I think we ultimately have to be able to ask ourselves a few questions and make our decision based on our answers to these questions. How does it line up with the idea that James gives us that pure and undefiled religion is this, take care of widows and orphans? Or how about when Christ says that which you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto me?
Some people respond that by taking matters into my own hands, and acting outside of the "clear" rules that we have been given in the Bible, we're essentially saying that we don't believe that it is God's plan, or that God isn't able to save them without our help. Alright, it's tough to argue against that, but I'm not sure how far that is from the tired illustration of the man on his roof with a lifeboat and he keeps asking God to save him, and turning away would-be rescuers, telling them he'll wait on God.
Well, it's complicated. I think we've exhausted that for now, but this begs a couple of questions. For what purpose do we have rules? Why did God give us rules to obey?
Kinsey (my beautiful wife) and I were talking about this question. I had her as a captive audience as we were driving around town, so we had time to talk. I asked her what she thought and she said what many people say, "I believe that to lie is wrong, but I would have to do it to protect the innocent." I challenged this thought. I mean, if you would lie to protect them, either you don't really believe that lying is wrong, or you think that lying is wrong with certain exceptions, this scenario being an exception. This is just stating the obvious, I know, but there is a point. We need to examine our process in making ethical decisions, or any decision for that matter.
There are many ethical theories that people use; a biblical ethic, where the Bible is the end all, sort of a "sola scriptura" model. This has certain implications though that sometimes we want to avoid. There are many things left to interpretation here. I mean, even in this simple question two of our greatest historical figures St. Augustine and Deitrich Bonhoeffer end up on opposite sides of the fence.
For the sake of being brief, which I have to constantly keep myself in check with, I'll ignore the many intelligent ideas that people have proposed over time and skip to one that seems to work in this instance to me. I found an answer that satisfied me through Hank Hanigraaff.
Now, before I pass on what he said, I should acknowledge that as I read some more articles, I learned that there were probably many people who, based on their Biblical research, would disagree. That's okay I suppose, at least they are able to give an account for why they believe and it doesn't really matter to me that we disagree on a hair-splitter. We've got other stuff to fight about if we really want to fight. I don't.
So, back to Hanigraaff... He says something like "we sometimes have to choose the greater good." That is, if by lying to some men (smaller offense) we prevent the murder of an innocent life (greater offense) then we have acted justly. Kind of a utilitarian perspective I guess (read Jeremy Bentham or John Stuart Mill). Anyway, it seems to stand to reason that if we're in the position and have a reasonable amount of information (meaning we have good reason to believe that the men in SS uniforms aren't here to court Ms. Frank), I find no fault in making the ethical decision of protecting her from her would-be murderers by lying to them. At least I think.
This too falls apart when we tweak our scenario, but I think we ultimately have to be able to ask ourselves a few questions and make our decision based on our answers to these questions. How does it line up with the idea that James gives us that pure and undefiled religion is this, take care of widows and orphans? Or how about when Christ says that which you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto me?
Some people respond that by taking matters into my own hands, and acting outside of the "clear" rules that we have been given in the Bible, we're essentially saying that we don't believe that it is God's plan, or that God isn't able to save them without our help. Alright, it's tough to argue against that, but I'm not sure how far that is from the tired illustration of the man on his roof with a lifeboat and he keeps asking God to save him, and turning away would-be rescuers, telling them he'll wait on God.
Well, it's complicated. I think we've exhausted that for now, but this begs a couple of questions. For what purpose do we have rules? Why did God give us rules to obey?
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Ethical Quandary: Is it okay to lie?
Alright, so we made it through “deadly snowstorm 07.” It’s funny how reporters try to make everything so extreme. Away with sensationalism!
So my hope with today’s topic is to get lots of feedback so I’ll have something good to write in about a week. If you don’t want to take the time to set up an account to comment on this site, just email me at steven@compasswilderness.com DO IT!
So the topic is: ethical quandary is it okay to lie? Ever?
Think about it for a minute, formulate a response. Now, what if you’re housing Anne Frank and the SS are knocking on your door asking if you have any Jews inside your house? Consequences for telling the truth entail her being shipped off Auschwitz then to die at Bergen-Belsen and by housing her, you’ll likely get the same or be shot on the spot.
What if your brother who is the head of some “great awakening” type movement is being chased by a mob of angry people who want to kill him for preaching? He asks for a place to hide and you let him into your house not just because he’s your brother, but also because you’re a strong supporter of this movement. What do you tell them when they knock on your door and ask if he’s there?
For some people these are no brainers, for others, it’s a very hard dilemma. Let me hear what your thoughts are…
So my hope with today’s topic is to get lots of feedback so I’ll have something good to write in about a week. If you don’t want to take the time to set up an account to comment on this site, just email me at steven@compasswilderness.com DO IT!
So the topic is: ethical quandary is it okay to lie? Ever?
Think about it for a minute, formulate a response. Now, what if you’re housing Anne Frank and the SS are knocking on your door asking if you have any Jews inside your house? Consequences for telling the truth entail her being shipped off Auschwitz then to die at Bergen-Belsen and by housing her, you’ll likely get the same or be shot on the spot.
What if your brother who is the head of some “great awakening” type movement is being chased by a mob of angry people who want to kill him for preaching? He asks for a place to hide and you let him into your house not just because he’s your brother, but also because you’re a strong supporter of this movement. What do you tell them when they knock on your door and ask if he’s there?
For some people these are no brainers, for others, it’s a very hard dilemma. Let me hear what your thoughts are…
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Influence
There are so many people that have had a positive impact on my life. John Johnson is one of them. Papa John is the affectionate name I call him, although everyone else has moved away from the father figure allusion.
John was my Sunday school teacher while I was in middle school and high school. We went on camping trips, went over to his house, you know, the typical stuff that a Sunday school teacher who’s invested in his group does. He was just a little better than most. See, he has this way of digging deeper into you than you want him to. The weird thing is, you never feel like he’s pressing in too close, but after conversations with him, you realize that you’ve really taken an honest look at yourself. It’s particularly admirable that he doesn’t assert things to you about what to believe or what dark areas of your life you need to change. Rather, through revealing his heart to you, and by masterfully asking open-ended questions, he’ll encourage you to be the best you can be.
It was in one of these conversations recently that I was reminded about something within myself. I was reminded that there is a tendency to find things wrong within people and within the church. I mean, in many ways my college education had the intent of learning to think critically, and it worked. I learned to think critically, break down the facts in an argument, and see the faults in any perspective. While this is a good way to read philosophy and win an argument, it’s a terrible way to live graciously.
I can’t give John all the credit. His role was more of a soundboard than a teacher. He had some help from Brian McLaren, who wrote a book called “A Generous Orthodoxy.” In it, he goes through several different perspectives on several different theological topics, and all that he has to say carries this common thread; we all have something to contribute. While it may be important to know where we stand on certain issues, the fact of the matter is this, we, within orthodoxy, are pursuing the same goals. We have different histories, different traditions, and sometimes varying beliefs, but the fact remains that collectively, we are the Bride of Christ and therefore should work together for the perpetuation of the Church, and for the cause of Christ. It’s refreshing to me to acknowledge that God is about unity and peace, not so much about being divisive or pounding our ideas down someone’s throat.
So back to John... There are some things that John does very well. He, as I said above, encourages you to be introspective. He’s not judgmental. Instead of trying to mold you into agreement with him, he carefully guides you to be true and honest with yourself, and to maximize your life in a way that will honor God. John’s a pretty cool guy. I’d like to be more like him when I grow up.
-Steven
John was my Sunday school teacher while I was in middle school and high school. We went on camping trips, went over to his house, you know, the typical stuff that a Sunday school teacher who’s invested in his group does. He was just a little better than most. See, he has this way of digging deeper into you than you want him to. The weird thing is, you never feel like he’s pressing in too close, but after conversations with him, you realize that you’ve really taken an honest look at yourself. It’s particularly admirable that he doesn’t assert things to you about what to believe or what dark areas of your life you need to change. Rather, through revealing his heart to you, and by masterfully asking open-ended questions, he’ll encourage you to be the best you can be.
It was in one of these conversations recently that I was reminded about something within myself. I was reminded that there is a tendency to find things wrong within people and within the church. I mean, in many ways my college education had the intent of learning to think critically, and it worked. I learned to think critically, break down the facts in an argument, and see the faults in any perspective. While this is a good way to read philosophy and win an argument, it’s a terrible way to live graciously.
I can’t give John all the credit. His role was more of a soundboard than a teacher. He had some help from Brian McLaren, who wrote a book called “A Generous Orthodoxy.” In it, he goes through several different perspectives on several different theological topics, and all that he has to say carries this common thread; we all have something to contribute. While it may be important to know where we stand on certain issues, the fact of the matter is this, we, within orthodoxy, are pursuing the same goals. We have different histories, different traditions, and sometimes varying beliefs, but the fact remains that collectively, we are the Bride of Christ and therefore should work together for the perpetuation of the Church, and for the cause of Christ. It’s refreshing to me to acknowledge that God is about unity and peace, not so much about being divisive or pounding our ideas down someone’s throat.
So back to John... There are some things that John does very well. He, as I said above, encourages you to be introspective. He’s not judgmental. Instead of trying to mold you into agreement with him, he carefully guides you to be true and honest with yourself, and to maximize your life in a way that will honor God. John’s a pretty cool guy. I’d like to be more like him when I grow up.
-Steven
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Christmas at the Charles' house
Well I hope everyone’s Christmas was great, mine definitely was. I have spent tons of time with my family over the last couple of days and have been eating it all up. Christmas Eve is the big tradition in my family. My mom comes from a relatively large family where she has three brothers, each with kids and grandkids, so by the time we squeeze into the house for dinner, there are 23 jabbering mouths that are all really more there to entertain you than to eat your food.
After dinner, and about an hour of tracking down where everyone has spread out to, we gather in the living room for the “production.” It’s so funny that there’s always a production someone put together. One year it was that every family had to sing a song or do something entertaining (read embarrassing) for the others to laugh at. Other times someone leads Christmas carols, but then there are the mainstays. There’s the Christmas story out of Luke 2. Sometimes a child in the family, who is nervous and excited that they were chosen to read the story, reads it. Other times it is read by an adult who just about has the story memorized and barely makes it through the story while crying, partly for what advent means to us as Christians and partly because they’re moved by reading it to a room full of their family who celebrates the birth of Christ rather than capitalism, finding much deeper meaning than anything bought at Macy’s.
There’s also the part in the evening where we collectively reflect on the joys and hardships over the year. My brother and his wife lost a baby this year. My sister had a baby. My father in law resigned from the pulpit after 18 years at the same church, affecting my wife and I deeply. My cousin spent a month sharing Jesus with people in the jungles of Venezuela. All of the things that happen to us individually, whether good or bad are either celebrated or supported by a caring, loving family. I am so blessed.
This time in the evening always, always ends with a speech from my grandfather, perhaps the most selfless man I know. I don’t think I’ve ever known someone who gives a greater amount of his possessions, money, and time away. He loves it. He always has some wisdom to impart, rarely eloquent, always a little silly and full of tangents, but always applicable because his point is clear. Your life is not your own. The things you have are nothing without love. Your needs are simple and fewer than we’d like to convince ourselves.
I truly hope for you to have experiences like this. Whether it is your church family, family of origin, or just a tight group of people that you are friends with, community is a very important thing. Always take time for reflection on the deeper meaning of things and seize the opportunity to make a difference in other people’s lives.
God bless, happy New Year!
Steven
After dinner, and about an hour of tracking down where everyone has spread out to, we gather in the living room for the “production.” It’s so funny that there’s always a production someone put together. One year it was that every family had to sing a song or do something entertaining (read embarrassing) for the others to laugh at. Other times someone leads Christmas carols, but then there are the mainstays. There’s the Christmas story out of Luke 2. Sometimes a child in the family, who is nervous and excited that they were chosen to read the story, reads it. Other times it is read by an adult who just about has the story memorized and barely makes it through the story while crying, partly for what advent means to us as Christians and partly because they’re moved by reading it to a room full of their family who celebrates the birth of Christ rather than capitalism, finding much deeper meaning than anything bought at Macy’s.
There’s also the part in the evening where we collectively reflect on the joys and hardships over the year. My brother and his wife lost a baby this year. My sister had a baby. My father in law resigned from the pulpit after 18 years at the same church, affecting my wife and I deeply. My cousin spent a month sharing Jesus with people in the jungles of Venezuela. All of the things that happen to us individually, whether good or bad are either celebrated or supported by a caring, loving family. I am so blessed.
This time in the evening always, always ends with a speech from my grandfather, perhaps the most selfless man I know. I don’t think I’ve ever known someone who gives a greater amount of his possessions, money, and time away. He loves it. He always has some wisdom to impart, rarely eloquent, always a little silly and full of tangents, but always applicable because his point is clear. Your life is not your own. The things you have are nothing without love. Your needs are simple and fewer than we’d like to convince ourselves.
I truly hope for you to have experiences like this. Whether it is your church family, family of origin, or just a tight group of people that you are friends with, community is a very important thing. Always take time for reflection on the deeper meaning of things and seize the opportunity to make a difference in other people’s lives.
God bless, happy New Year!
Steven
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