Thursday, July 07, 2005

Bombs, Blair and Bush.

Make no mistake...the global war on terror goes on. Thankfully President Bush and Prime Minister Blair are firm in their resolve as instanced by their reaction to today's horrific bomb blasts in central London. This is a war of ideologies and cultures - many doubt if the fat and happy western world has the stomach to fight for its own survival. Personally I am grateful for two world leaders, who for all their failings, see this one issue crystally clear. If we do not triumph in this one cause we shall lose everything.
We may hate war, despise the loss of life and resent the expense of prosecuting a war; but desperate times need desperate measures and cometh the hour cometh the man (or men). It's time for both countries to rally, to pray and then put whatever resources are necessary to achieve the ultimate objective. We must prevail in Iraq, continue to aid Afghanistan and track down terrorists wherever they are. We must maintain Guantanamo Bay and not bow to outside pressure. We must remain on a war footing!
For those called to prayer...it's time to ascend the wall again with renewed intensity, remembering that,"We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers and rulers of wickedness in high places."

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Post Holiday Blues

Work dragged today....Somehow the one day vacation didn't quite do the trick! I'm sure my students noticed my lack of energy. Tomorrow I'm hoping for a higher biorhythm (is that even possible?) The summer heat is here and it really saps your strength. On a brighter note, the leftover barbeque chicken was delicious!

Is there a place for satirical criticism?

The night before last, I called an old friend and we talked for a couple of hours. I had spent a number of years as his associate a few years back. Our parting was amicable and we have remained close friends even if we have not communicated regularly. As we caught up on 'news' I learned that his teaching position at a west coast Bible College had recently been terminated. The college is attached to a prominent and thriving church in the City of Portland, Oregon.
However he has recently become the subject of a blog that is a critique of this particular church and its ministry style. His dismissal drew many comments from those regular posters to this blog....so naturally being the inquisitive type I scrolled over to take a peek. While all the posts that I read were extremely complimentary and supportive of 'LT', the general tone of the blog was critical and satirical in its treatement of its subject.
My questions are... Is there a place for satirical criticism of churches and ministries by other believers? Is it another case of 'Judge not that ye be not judged'? or is there a legitimate place for using sarcasm and hyperbole to poke fun at or denigrate ministers or ministries that we might disagree with?
What do YOU think?