For They Are Many – America Needs an Exorcism

On January 6th, I watched in shock as our Capitol building was stormed by enraged supporters of the President. In the chaos of the day it was hard to fully understand what was really going on. In the days that followed things became more clear with pictures and video that showed those responsible. One element that grabbed my attention was the number of white supremacists who were boldly marching through the Capitol building with Confederate flags, anti-Semitic shirts, and shouting slogans. Their intent was to disqualify the votes that gave Joe Biden the Presidential election. Votes from urban counties. Votes cast by predominantly black voters. As they shouted, ‘This is our house!,’ the message was heard loud and clear.

There is a demon named White Supremacy. And just like in the movies, this demon knows when to show its evil power, and also when to retreat beneath the skin of its terrorized victim. These events have reaffirmed what many of my black brothers and sisters have said for years – America needs an exorcism.

I am reminded of the healing of the Gerasene Demoniac in Luke’s Gospel (Luke 8:26-39). Luke begins by giving the back story of this man. For quite some time this man had been possessed by the demonic. Early on people in this city tried to wrestle and restrain the man, to stop his violence. Their attempts were unsuccessful. He would break the chains that held him and run free, only to terrorize the town again. Eventually, they came to an uneasy truce. The demon possessed man lived in the tombs and among the dead. And the people in the town lived their lives. Every now and then peace was broken by an outburst of violence, but it became an acceptable price to pay for those who called this town home.

But then Jesus shows up. We learn the demons name is Legion, ‘for they are many.’ Upon meeting Jesus, these demons recognize that their reign of terror is over in this person and in this town. And so they plead to be sent into a herd of pigs. Jesus allows it and they run off a cliff and die.

What does this story have to do with the state of America? White supremacy is the demon possessing our country. And it is Legion, for it is many. And just like the Gerasene people, we’ve accepted the violence and death as just the way it is. Just like the townspeople, there were times when we tried to restrain and to cast this demon out, but it failed. Civil rights leaders were shot. Churches were bombed. But at the same time, the demon possessed man retreated into the tombs. The problem seemed to have subsided. And so we were fooled into believing the demon was gone (Anyone who has watched horror movies knows it’s never that easy). So when white supremacists marched with torches, and a young man slaughters 9 black people in a Charleston church, and someone shoots Hispanics in a Walmart – We foolishly think they are isolated events.

But they are not. And the the healing of this man requires more than restraints or isolation. This requires the power and authority of Jesus to call it out by name and to be sent to its demise. I will say it again, White Supremacy is a demon and the solution is exorcism.

‘Exorcisms don’t work if the possessed doesn’t want freedom.’

But exorcism is easier said than done. The first challenge we face is that half the country looks to the past and doesn’t think possession is that bad. Nostalgia of baseball games, drive-in movies and 4th of July celebrations have wiped away the uncomfortable images of black women being attacked by police dogs or young men hanging from trees. They remember the great things (for white culture), and want America to be ‘Great Again.’ Exorcisms don’t work if the possessed doesn’t want freedom. The hard truth is that many Americans fear what our country would look like without white supremacy. Therefore, they don’t want freedom, they are fine with an unholy agreement – occasional violence against people of color is the price many are willing to pay.

America can exorcise the demon of racism and white supremacy, but make no mistake – it will cost us.

The second challenge is that there is a indeed a price to pay. In the case of the Gerasene man, the price for his freedom was a herd of pigs. Those pigs were the livelihood of the town. The cost of this mans freedom would be felt by many. America can exorcise the demon of racism and white supremacy, but make no mistake – it will cost us. It will require institutional reforms. It will cost reparations (of some sort). It will cost seats of power and influence. But as important, it will cost humble repentance, empathy, and truth telling. Honestly, these things seem quite elusive in our civic reflection – a mirror that is so fogged by our patriotic rhetoric and historical white washing.

Finally, we will need to be prepared that not everyone is willing to pay this price, but that does not mean it is not the right thing to do. How did people respond to Jesus freeing this man from possession? Well when they saw what it cost them, they were afraid and they asked Jesus to leave town. How much better would this story be if the townspeople praised Jesus for this miracle and chose to believe in him? It would be great! But it would be untrue. If Jesus waited for a consensus among the people, that poor man would have died alone and tormented in a cave outside of town. Jesus did what he came to do. To set the wrongs right. To have victory over sin, death, and the devil. If we are on mission with him. If we earnestly pray for his ‘Kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven,’ than we must do what is right. Now.

America needs and exorcism. Let us pray, and begin.

Is that Jesus or my Ego disguised in a beard and sandals?

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

– St. Paul, Galatians 1:10

This verse is one of those statements that cuts me to the core as a pastor and someone who seeks to serve and follow Jesus. Why? Because I’m a peacemaker (9w8 here). I don’t like to rock the boat. I’m tempted to sacrifice my own wants, my own opinions and even my convictions, in order to avoid conflict and disagreement.

The scary part of this verse is the word ‘trying’ also translated ‘seeking.’ You know… the same word Jesus uses in his command to ‘seek him & his kingdom.’

So Paul, in the way he often does, makes the choice contrasting & clear. Is my deepest drive to please Jesus, or people? Am I seeking his approval or theirs. It’s too easy to give the right answer to this question without probing my heart in order to give the TRUE answer.

  • I don’t get the dopamine hit from Jesus’ approval like I do reactions to my social media posts.
  • Jesus doesn’t send me angry DM’s when I say something that goes against his deep convictions.
  • Jesus doesn’t email me to say he is going to another church that is meeting publicly again (in the midst of a pandemic). Or withhold his giving because he isn’t pleased with the way things are going.
  • Jesus isn’t willing to discard our relationship over differences of opinion.

But people on the other hand… Well I think we know.

The Enemy would tempt me to believe that any good leader would not struggle with this. Would not be tempted to just say and do what is popular. What is wanted. What is expected. Real leaders wouldn’t care to offend. But on my good days I know that is also not true.

So what do I do? Resign? Am I not fit to be a pastor in Jesus’ church because I struggle with wanting people to be happy and like me? Should I move along so my church can find a leader who holds tight to convictions even if it means offending and trampling many in their path?

I have no self-help advice. No ‘3 step’ solutions to the tension that I feel in my heart. All I have is a simple prayer.

‘Jesus help me to love people. To care and have empathy. To be a peacemaker. To listen deeply. And to be cautious with my words…

But help me to love you more. To care more about the gospel that saves than our feelings and cultural whims. Help me to identify with the broken and poor, without bankrupting the gospel of its power with shallow affirmations and self-help advice. Help me to seek first your kingdom, your ways.

May my love for you overflow to those I serve.
I just can’t do this on my own. Amen.‘

On Making a Deal with the Devil

So the thing about making a deal with the devil is that for a while, it seems like everything is great. Things go just as you imagined they would!

In fact, it goes so well that part of you wonders why people make it seem so bad. Your life is proof that the ends justify the means. You get wealthier, happier… you have someone on your side. You get two supreme court justices. Unemployment hits record lows.

But like in all of the stories of those who make such a deal, cracks begin to form in the façade of this great reality. Now some characters are quick to realize that something is terribly wrong. Others, usually the one who made the deal, want to believe that everything is ok. They want to justify their decision as the right one – as worth it. And so they don’t see the warning signs that we, the observers, see.

The Access Hollywood tape

Stormy Daniels payoff

Children in cages

Charlottesville

George Floyd

COVID-19 & 200,000 American deaths

Tear gassing peaceful protestors for a photo-op with a Bible.

White supremacy on the rise again

The point is, at the end of the day, the one who made the deal loses not only what they gained, but everything they had before as well. Including their life.

The American Evangelical Church overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump in 2016. Phrases like, ‘The lesser of two evils,’ and ‘He’s immoral but it’s about the Supreme Court,’ were used often. The Church in America made a deal with the devil.

Though some have been shaken awake by the immorality, hypocrisy, and lack of compassion, others are still holding on to a contract that has their blood on it. They still think that things will turn around, and that somehow, the church will come out looking virtuous and good.

It will not.

A deal was made.

And it will bring the Church in America to ruin.

Jesus was offered such a deal by the devil himself.

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Matthew 4:8-11

We did not handle this temptation as well. The Church in America was offered this nation – with influence, and power, and judges. The deal offered was the chance to bring transformation. But unlike the commands and example of Jesus Christ, this transformation would come about much easier. Not with self-sacrifice, humility, service, or love. There would be no need for Christians to carry a heavy burdensome cross. All that was required was to pull a lever for an amoral man who had no place in a position of power.

Some saw this deal for what it was in the beginning.

Others had their eyes opened at sometime over the past 3 years.

And many are still holding tightly to a contract in blood believing this is going to end well.

Thought on the First 2020 Presidential Debate

Photo credit: Wresltingnews.co

If you were shocked about what you saw last night during the Presidential debate, then you’ve never watched Pro Wrestling.

And if you HAVE watched Pro Wrestling, then you recognized one of the participants.

My conclusion: One person showed up to debate politics, the other showed up for ‘great’ Reality TV.

Bragging about Slavery

We read in Exodus about the plight of the Hebrew people. How they groaned under the oppression of their Egyptian ruler. How they were asked to do more with less. How they were not allowed time off to experience the most basic of human needs (rest & religious observance).

Can you imagine them bragging about it? Elbowing each other lightly so that their Egyptian overseers do not see them talking. Then in low whispers saying, “Man I’ve been so busy lately, it’s crazy!” “Yeah, work is hectic – just can’t seem to pull away!” “I love keeping busy!”

Our American culture exalts hard work. Which is not a bad thing. But the standard of what hard work has subtly changed to the point that we now brag about being slaves. We are proud that we don’t/can’t use our vacation time. We boast about the hectic pace of our lives. We feel an inner pride in how many hours we work. All the time not realizing that a living wage should not come at the cost of our basic human needs. Rest. Relationship. Community. Worship.

God, hear the cries of your people and deliver us from the slavery of busyness. Expose it for what it is. Transform our hearts and help us to be satisfied with being what we are – creatures imbued with your image. Worthy of respect and dignity. Valuable apart from what we do. But by what we are. Yours.

To Christians Denying Climate Change

In a Wesleyan Pastors discussion group I asked the question, “Do you preach on care for the environment or climate change?” The responses were for the most part in the negative and many seemed to question the reality of climate change. Here’s my take on the topic and response to the comments I saw.

Care of the environment is a priority in the Wesleyan Church and a statement on the issue was passed by the General Conference. In that statement it says that we as pastors should be teaching/leading our congregations on this issue. Here is the link to that statement.

Below is a summary of the points made by others and my response to them. I have done my very best to address them in love – without name calling, labeling, or personal attacks on character and intelligence, as I see some are guilty of doing.

1. “Things are just going to get worse and worse until Jesus comes back, why bother?”

This is the same attitude the servant with one talent had (Matt. 25:14-30). If you remember the master threw that servant out of his presence. God has given us this earth to manage, so we better manage it well. Also, this attitude comes from a certain eschatological view. Believe it or not, there are other views on how things will end. These other views compel us not to abandon the world to decay (check out other views here. Ironically, that first view is a self fulfilling prophecy. If we take a “hands off” approach to the environment, it certainly will get worse and worse. I don’t want to stand before God and answer for that kind of selfishness.

2. “I have more important causes and issues to preach about.”

Care for the environment is a life issue. I probably need to state that again – It is a life issue. Our impact on the environment effects our ability to eat, drink, provide shelter, and procreate. Whereas you and I might grumble at paying more for groceries when there is a drought, poorer people in the world will simply go without food at all. Also, when we are shipping our junk electronics overseas where a single mom is paid to smash them – releasing mercury and other toxic materials into her families environment, it is a life issue.

Also, this is an issue that many young people care about. Much like how Paul was able to leverage culture in order to share the gospel you and I have an opportunity to marvel with non-Christians at the wonder and beauty of creation, and then point them to the creator. I find many non-Christians are actually very intrigued by the idea that God entrusted the care of our planet to us. Whether you agree or not, how you approach this issue will determine your ability to reach people outside of the faith.

3. “I don’t trust scientists.”

I think we need to work through this mistrust of science and the scientific community. First of all we need to recognize that they are individual people with different backgrounds and beliefs. Painting them with a broad brush is unfair and unchristian. They are not part of a conspiracy to destroy Christianity. Some may be atheists, but to be honest, their work is about understanding the physical world. Though faith may give deeper beauty and meaning, it is not required for scientific discovery and understanding.

Second, not everything is tied to evolution. So please don’t let your views on creation taint your view of all science.

Thirdly, it is not reasonable to discount scientific findings because of past findings or errors. I think we can all agree that technology, computing power, and data sets have now far exceeded what existed in the 70’s. Referring back to a study in the 70’s does not invalidate studies done in 2014. (Acid rain is actually a great example of scientists identifying a real problem and regulations solving that problem.)

4. “Climate Change is not caused by humans… The jury is still out on this one… I read a blog that said this is a natural cyclical event… I need more evidence.”

If you had a friend who was screened for cancer by 100 doctors. 99 of them said he did have cancer and aggressive treatment was required to save his life. But your friend doesn’t want to hear this and doesn’t want to feel the discomfort and disruption to his life. So he chooses to listen to the one doctor who said it was nothing to be worried about. How would you respond? Would you shake him and tell him he was crazy and he needed to wake up for the sake of those he loved?

The jury is not out. Other than a few scientists, with questionable funding and motives, everything points to climate change to be a very real event, caused. By reAl human activity, with very real implications on our world and future. Christians are left looking crazy and unloving by ignoring scientific findings in favor of the occasional outlier that pops up on cable news.

For those who claim to need more evidence, please do the work of looking. I am sure you will find more than enough. I view these objections as suspect. I think that when this is said, it is just a way to avoid the truth or delaying a response to it. I do not believe we can do that any longer.

5. “This is a political and economic issue.”

Yes, yes it is. So we have data from scientists, and then we have the implications of those findings. To make a difference in climate change requires collective change. Collective change requires government involvement. Also, this collective change will mean a disruption to the status quo in business and industry. And that’s how it gets political. Conservatives, who largely are small government, pro free market, do not care for environmental regulations. And large industries support politicians who will help them keep the status quo.

And so here it is.
Our feelings/beliefs on climate change are formed more from our political leanings than they do our understanding of scripture, science, reason, or concern for future generations. The second biggest resistance to climate change is economic. The implications of changing might hurt the bottom line of companies and therefore we are afraid that jobs will be lost.

So in summary:
Our resistance to climate change is based on power, wealth, and security. All 3 of those things are diametrically opposed to the kingdom of God. To hold those things in higher regard than human life and the health and well being of future generations is incomprehensible to me.

I urge you to question why you are opposed to climate change and environmental stewardship/responsibility. As a father of two small children I worry they will not get to enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature that I did as a kid.

4 Wrong Ways Pastors Use Social Media

For many pastors, social media has opened a new avenue for communicating to people in ways that have not existed before. The opportunity to share news, updates, and reminders now exists 24/7. What could be wrong with that? Well I think with most things, there are unintended consequences and hidden temptations just underneath the surface.

1. The Humble Brag.
This is when a pastor shares what seems to be a weakness or moment of humility but in actuality is letting you know just how cool or spiritual they are. Here’s an example or two:

“I just did something very selfless. But more importantly it was genuine & I know it meant a lot to the person in the long run. #soworthit”

“I cannot believe how many views my sermon has on vimeo. Don’t people know I’m just an average joe with a Bible?”

“I’m having dinner with Francis Chan and I have no idea what to talk about. I hope he doesn’t think I’m silly for publishing two books before I turn 30!”

I think you get the idea. False humility is a sin. Actually a pretty big one. Here is what Paul says about it:

Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. (‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭18‬ NIV)

Paul goes on to say that those who do this have become disconnected from Jesus. So in summary, don’t do this.

2. The Prayer Announcement
This is when a pastor asks you to pray for them because they are about to speak at some event or be a part of something cool. Now you might be thinking, “Hey, isn’t it good to “bathe” those things in prayer?” I would say yes, most certainly, but the prayer announcement goes beyond a request to actual information you would need to attend said event. It goes something like this:

“Brothers and Sisters, I would love your prayers as I am preparing to speak tomorrow at Creationfest at the 11am rally in the south tent where people will need to bring their own chairs and arrive about 10 minutes early.”

“Join me in prayer for the Brown family as they move to their next great adventure in Georgia. Pray especially for enough volunteers to help them pack the moving truck bright and early at 7am Saturday with donuts and coffee provided. Thanks!”

Close to the humble brag and prayer announcement is:

3. The Prayer Brag
I think you can figure this one out. It comes in the form of prayer, but again, it is bragging.

“Please pray for the leadership conference I am presenting at! I’ve never spoken to thousands of other pastors before.”

“Praise God! 73 students accepted Christ and 40 students rededicated their lives. The camp leaders said they’ve never seen such a response from a message before. I pray God will use me again like this!”

See Matthew chapter 6 for a reminder of how messed up this is.

And finally:

4. The Always Good News
Now for this I have no examples because this speaks more to the overall tone of your posts than it does any one in particular. When a pastor only posts how great things are going – how God is blessing everything they breathe on, it creates a false reality. Even if God is doing amazing things it almost always comes through struggle or a season of ‘blah.’ When pastors only talk about the great things, it not only gives the wrong impression about your successes,but it also makes those in the midst of struggle feel like losers. We all know we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others and yet we almost all do it. And when you only have good news it makes your readers feel flawed for not being as successful in life as you.

So there you go. Four things that pastors should watch for. For the sake of your ministry and your personal walk with Jesus, be mindful before you click ‘post.’

Ghost Killer – Four Reasons Transhumanism Is Wrong

(For the inspiration for writing this blog post, read: 2045: The year man becomes immortal, a TIME cover story in 2011.)

If you could have any superpower what would it be? That’s a fun question to ask. Though to some, it is not an icebreaker question,  it is a glance into the future. There is a growing movement to see humans reach super human intellect, physical ability, and even immortality through the use of technology. This movement is called Transhumanism. The goal of Transhumanism is to link human evolution to the inevitable and exponential growth and advancement of computers and technology.

Confused? Take a moment and imagine the computing power your first computer had. Now compare that with your current home computer. Computing power is increasing at an exponential rate. This increasing rate of improvement in technology is called, Moore’s Law. For example, Your cell phone has more computing power than all of NASA when they sent the first men to the moon. Today’s Sony Playstation has as much computing power as military super computers did in 1997.

Eventually technology will reach a point where it is changing and increasing so fast that it will leave humanity behind. This is what many of our favorite (and disturbing) Sci-Fi movies are all about. Though Hollywood and common sense see the apparent dangers in this future, not everyone sees this as a bad scenario. Scientists and researchers believe that adapting technology into the human body is inevitable and needed for our species. Experiments have taken place where computer chips have been hardwired into the human central nervous system. The goal of this experiments is to some day be able to expand human brain power and function in ways we cannot even imagine.

Of course all of this is being done without consideration of all of the terrible, catastrophic, and almost inevitable repercussions. Below I will outline just a few ways in which transhumanism will destroy the human race. Am I being overly dramatic? Consider the following:

1. The Rich & Powerful – More Rich & More Powerful.
Who will be the first to be able to afford this new technology? It won’t be the poor and powerless, that’s for sure! No, it will be people of wealth and power. And what will people with wealth and power do with superhuman intellect? Well if we have learned anything from the fall of Wallstreet it is that education is not the solution to the corruption of the human heart. Inevitably the rich and powerful will use this technology to become more rich, and more powerful.

Listen to how Kevin Warwick – A professor (and the world’s first cyborg) describe what humans who don’t get technological enhancements will be treated. Skip to 6:20 in the video.

2. Hacking.
If you have ever had the panicked feeling when you realize that your facebook, email, or your bank account has been exploited by someone else, I don’t need to say much here. Recently someone from China used my iTunes account to purchase $50 worth of apps. I was angry and panicked at the thought of my livelihood being threatened by some stranger on the other side of the globe.

Now simply imagine that it is not a website or bank account, but your very mind. What might happen when people gain access to your, memories, passwords, and secrets? No amount of security seems to ever be enough to stop those who are determined to break the law. So whether for fun or for profit, your mind will become a target for hackers.

3. No Escaping the Commercials.
The other day I got an email from Amazon.com about a sale on watches. I’m not really in the market for watches but I clicked on the link. I looked, lost interest, and moved on with my life. The next day as I was on one of the blogs I visit regularly, I noticed on the sidebar an advertisement for watches. Not just any watches though. The specific watch I was looking at the day before. You see our web browsers download these small files called cookies that websites like google and amazon use to then feed us advertisments. A little creepy when its on our computer, but imagine what that would look like in our minds

You wake up one morning and you crave Oreo cookies. What an odd thought. Is it yours? Or were you talking about cookies yesterday and now an Ad program is placing a subtle suggestion in your brain for a nominal price? All the wonderful things we enjoy about the internet are monetized for profit. Google searches for you… but then offers products within what it finds. So once these large companies who have invested much in this new technology seated right in your brain, do you really think they will keep their hands off of it? I seriously doubt it. You’ll buy even more things you don’t need with money you don’t have. Though foolishness will not be to blame, but the slavery of your mind to advertisements that you can’t even recognize.

4. Blue Screens of Death – Literal Death.

Ever been plagued by the ‘Blue Screen of Death’ while working on an important project? Even with all of the updates and advancements in operating systems, they still sometimes crash. In the case of our computers it is slightly inconvenient. When these operating systems are integrated into our brains and help control our bodily functions, then it becomes an issue. No matter if it is Apple, Microsoft, or Google – whoever designs the programs and chips that will help control our lives will inevitably have some sort of flaw in them. And those flaws, freezes, and crashes could kill you. Some optimists might dare believe that these glitches won’t exist in the future. I personally will believe it when I see it.  Which leads me to my last thought….

Faith.
The faith required to implant technology into your body is quite astounding. Much more faith than I think it requires to believe in God. Jesus lived a perfect life, taught truth that still challenges humanity 2,000 years after he spoke them, and was alive again three days after being executed. It takes faith to believe him the Son of God, no doubt. But I believe it requires much more faith, given the track record of humanity & technology, to approve and seek out transhumanism. We are expected to trust people who only ask, ‘if we can?’, and not ‘if we should?’. Trust that it will benefit all of humanity, and not physically and mentally enslave them. That is more faith than I can muster. How about you?