Same World - Different Worldviews

While we in the Western world are experiencing a shift into postmodernism, we would be well advised to remember that people in other parts of the world are simultaneously getting accustomed with modernism- for the very first time. Same world- different worldviews.

Recently I came across an article where Salman Rushdie (outspoken critic of Islam) was commenting on what was needed for Islam to "mature". He called for a type of "reformation" in one column post, and then for an "enlightenment" in another.

Isn't it interesting that while many of us are trying to undo some of what has been done via modernism- others are trying to introduce it as a "saving grace".




The Relationship Between Global Warming, Hurricane Intensity and Imminent End Times Theology

There is now mounting evidence suggesting that global warming is indeed causing a fairly major shift in climatic patterns- to the point where humans (not just fish, birds and other animals) are affected by the consequences. Recent reports suggest that while a global warming trend might not be causing more hurricanes, it certainly does seem to be causing more violent ones.

And so suddenly, this isssue that was not "on the radar" for most people is now close to front and center. There is still debate about how much a cause and effect argument can be made here, but a recent poll suggests more than half of all Americans now "worry somewhat" about the future as a result of global warming.

What is perhaps ironic is that while North Americans and Europeans fueled the vast majority of the planetary heating in the first place, it is now the rapid industrialization of countries like China which will likely have the greatest effect going into the next decade. In other words, for the West, the situation might now be out of our direct control.

As many have pointed out in recent years, environmental concerns were never a huge concern for the average Evangelical- colored by "End Times" indoctrination which suggested the whole thing was imminently doomed anyway.

Perhaps these recent, troubling reports will grab the attention of even the most skeptical of believers. Then again... perhaps not. Old habits die hard.




Israel and Palestine - Remapping Borders for Peace

Recent news from Israel is surprisingly hopeful. On Monday Israeli forces finished pulling out of the Gaza Strip- following 38 years of occupation. Palestinians were understandably elated at the news; though some expressed this by insensitively burning the synagogues left behind.

Whether or not one believes this is what Israel should have had to do in order to move the peace process along, it certainly does seem that this is what it took to do just that. Obviously, compromise is needed all around for any kind of lasting "shalom" to take place. Jesus said- "blessed are the peacemakers", not "blessed are they that demand their rights".

Disturbingly, there are reports that some Christian "leaders" in the U.S. claim that the recent devastation wreaked in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi by Hurricane Katrina, was an act of God judging America for not supporting the Israelis enough in their Middle Eastern plight.

Sometimes it seems that natural disasters provoke more theologizing than just about anything else. Strange indeed.




Spiritual Crisis in New Orleans

As the days have gone by, the horror in New Orleans has only increased. This is perhaps the first time in living memory that a storm reaps its greatest damage several days after it's moved through a region. That's exactly what's happened in New Orleans- where flooding is the greatest culprit.

Unfortunately, much of the horror is attributed not to a natural disaster, but to a human one. Not only is there the question of a botched crisis intervention strategy from FEMA and the federal government (the media has made much of that issue), but there's also the daily stories of looting- and even worse- gang violence, rape and murder. As much as it may be the case that human depravity is not a popular topic these days- you can't help but think about it when you see what's going on in New Orleans.

Right alongside the question of human depravity however is one of spiritual poverty. Many in the media are commenting on the financial poverty of the region. No one of course is talking about spiritual poverty- a problem that dollars just won't amend. Whatever the root causes of the problem may be, what has arisen in New Orleans over the last week is as much a spiritual crisis as anything else.




Pat Robertson's Foot in the Mouth Denial

This past month saw many Christians and non-Christians alike cringe upon hearing that outspoken televangelist Pat Robertson had called for the assassination of Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez on his national television broadcast of the 700 Club.

People seem to be reacting on a spectrum that runs from lightheartedness to outright rage. What is perhaps most troubling however, is not the fact that Robertson actually made these comments (we all say stupid things), but that he later denied them. He claimed he was misquoted. One has to wonder though, how else the media could interpret a comment such as :

".If he thinks we're trying to assassinate him, I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it".

Misquote? I don't think so.

Once again Evangelicals take a blow in the public's eyes as a result of the actions of a television evangelist. Who'll stop the bleeding?




Natural Disaster as Community Builder

Hurricane Katrina made landfall between Louisiana and Mississippi this past month as a massive category 4 storm. The aftermath left perhaps thousands of people dead, and property damaged on a scale that is almost unprecedented. The horror was still unfolding at press time.

No doubt the unusually active and destructive hurricane season off of the Gulf of Mexico, coupled with the recently devastating Tsunami in South East Asia, has many wondering if this is a sign of the beginning of the end. Are these the birth pains?

Others perhaps wonder whether this is just a consequence of global warming.

Regardless, it was moving to see people coming together so courageously in a true spirit of brotherhood to help those in need. One never ceases to be amazed by how a disaster can bring out the best in people and can be the precursor to a spiritual re-awakening of sorts in the lives of many.

CLICK FOR A RELATED STORY ABOUT NATURAL DISASTER AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT.




The Character Witness of Billy Graham

This past month saw Billy Graham turn down an invitation to preach to what would have undoubtedly been an enormous crowd in London, England. Thus it appears that Graham's recent New York appearance will stand as his last.

Regardless of what one might think about Graham's approach and its effectiveness in this post-modern era, one cannot help but marvel at the character of this man. In these times of epic moral failure, it is perhaps Graham's character that may stand the test of time as his greatest legacy to the Christian community.




Democracy or Not

The last week of August saw the troubled nation of Iraq struggle through the process of writing a constitution that would actually sufficiently appease the various ethnic groups in the country.

Many wonder how this experiment in democracy will turn out. Skeptics suggest that Islam and democracy are diametrically opposed, while others suggest that Iraq may still emerge as a beacon of hope for the Middle East region.




Narnia as an Outreach Tool

A group in the United States known as the Mission America Coalition has put together evangelistic material designed to tie in with the winter 2005 big screen release of C.S. Lewis' classic The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Perhaps this is a wiser strategy than the one that saw Mel Gibson's the Passion of the Christ used for similar purposes. The metaphors in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe probably give non-believers a better overall sense of the mission of Jesus than did Gibson's fim- which focused only on one specific point in the life of Christ.




Long Life- Too long?

Recently an American team of scientists announced they had discovered a gene that can keep mice alive for 30% longer than normal. It turns out humans have a very similar gene and this perhaps offers up the very real possibility that humans could one day live to be well over 100.

Perhaps half of the Christian population saw this is as promising, while the other half think 80+ years or so is plenty of time for a dress rehearsal.




Coffee and Temple Care

In a recent health study in the United States it was found that the largest source for antioxidants in most Americans' diets was coffee. In fact it turns out there are more antioxidants in coffee than in fruits and vegetables.

Antioxidants have in recent years been heralded as helpful in fighting cancer and in preventing ageing. For many, including certain individuals at Precipice Magazine, this welcome news affords the ability to say that this beloved activity (drinking coffee that is) is actually wise stewardship of the temple- despite what many have long claimed to be the opposite case. SMILE.