on corpse bride [review] -

You could say it’s a cute movie with a cute fairy tale.  But, in all honesty, I actually was a little disturbed by this only because of my recognition of social, spiritual trend of our western world.  Playing off of this modernists ideal of the world left to be discovered and thus conquered, the message, seems to promote the audience to embrace what has been taught as evil and dark.  Along the process, good and evil becomes muddled up and what was once held as evil [feared] is embraced, while what was once held as good [embraced] is shunned.   Two scenes that really drives the point—

1.     When the dead are walking the earth, a child, thru curiosity, recognizes his dead grandfather and embraces him.

2.     The skeletal figure is the embodiment of wise and gentle elder, rather than an austere pastor who is powerless and detached a personal needs of people.

3.     The living world, w/ repressed 19^th c. Victorian setting, w/ the church as the main spiritual powerhouse is portrayed as dull, colorless and thus lifeless.  On the other hand, the dead world, with the dark magic is portrayed as exciting, colorful and thus full of life.

Am I being too close-minded?  Well, as a follower of JC and lover of good stories, I realize that there ‘must’ a line in somewhere – I do love good stories even if they don’t come from Bible.  I grew up w/ fairy tales, most of which were not from non-Christian worldview, origins and traditions.  The difference is that there was clear-cut distinction between good and evil!  It seems as if this modern day fascination w/ magic and witchcraft, and this blending of evil and good seems to be product of postmodern outlook where there is absence objective morality.  Beauty is detached from goodness/morals and ends up being attached arbitrarily to anyone’s preference.

What really bothers me is my recognition of modern world and her media w/ inaccurate portrait of spiritual leaders of the past, in this case, puritan pastors.  Is it any wonder that when secular education talks about J. Edwards, they only focus on one sermon – Sinner in the hands of angry God’? – he wrote bunch of other stuff too, you know…  When they talk about Puritanism, they are so quick to bring out what went wrong with Salem Witch Hunt, w/ the implied accusation that it was the Christian superstitious mindset that brought about such abuse. 

How about the obliteration of the culture thru missions work, without talking bringing out the mindset of unbelieving anthropologists, basing their attitude on theory of evolution as they looked on to the people of other continents as ‘almost-a-human-being-but-not-quite-there-yet’ attitudes?  Oh, how about talking about the abuse of the church w/out bringing out the obliteration and destruction that were caused by persons w/ atheistic evolutionary mindset – Stalin and Hitler?  Hitler might have used Luther’s hatred of the Jews to justify his holocaust, but he was more influenced by nihilistic outlook of Nietzsche and atheistic evolutionary theory.  Somehow these kinds of facts conveniently disappear when people talk against the abuse of religion, mainly Christianity. 

Interesting Discussion on Sexual Temptation—

Contrary to popular belief, JO shared that in some cases, sexual temptation actually increases when Christian men get married.  The possible reason we came up with is something like the way we take advantage our of Christian freedom and use it as an excuse for indulgence, rather than enjoyment.  Those who grew up under rather repressed Christian homes, when they realize that all alcoholic consumption is not sin, they go all the way to the opposite extreme and actually go out of their way to have another beer other alcoholic beverages.  I’ve seen so many cases where Christians would go to a bar w/ an attitude of—‘look I’m a Christian and I drink!’

In the similar way, I guess when men, w/ very repressed sexual urges, are given this ‘unlimited’ privileges of marital status, may run into our tendency to go overboard and end up using this freedom as indulgence rather than enjoyment.  And soon enough, now that they have tasted what it’s really like w/ one woman, they end up thinking about other boundary defying possibilities…and may I remind you, many men who are married to one woman don’t necessarily stay, ‘one woman-man’.

All this is to say – marriage is a gift and a ‘way out’ of our burning desires.  But, it is not the ultimate remedy!  Ultimately, the issue is not our repressed desire, but the sinful of our hearts.  It’s no wonder how many men, even after being married to attractive women, still come under the bondage of pornography, and in some cases, adultery!  If sexual temptation is there as a single man, it will still be there as a married man.  We must get at the heart!

Dysfunctional Family Drama: Life of Jake in Gen 34—

Moral indignation against Shechem is shown only by Simeon and Levi.  When their acts were challenged by Jacob, they respond, “should he treat our sister as a harlot?” (Gen 34:31)  One commentator notes this phrase, ‘our sister’, as opposed to ‘daughter of Leah…Jacob’ in the beginning is possibly due to the authors intention to bring out the idea of family split (between Leah and Rachel).  Anyways, this passage leaves me w/ couple of ambiguous observations…

1. Is Jacob’s lack of retaliation due to the fear of the surrounding nations or due to his lack of concern for Leah and her children?
2. In spite of Simeon and Levi’s deceptive retaliation, is the author in favor of their behavior for bringing righteous vengeance?

A lesson to be learned – the idealistic vision of biblical patriarchs we learned in Sunday school is far from reality.  When I took religion class back in college, one classmate, reading Genesis for the 1^st time in her life, responded, “this is better than soap opera!”  Bible has plenty of drama – sex, incest, murder, rape, violence, deceit, manipulation, betrayal – and all these are practiced by patriarchs and other significant figures!  The wonder is not how great these heroic figures of Bible are but, how God works through the imperfections and mistakes of humanity.

On leadership—

“This scene begins to answer the important question of who will rule the twelve tribes of Jacob.  In the next scene Reuben, by his own immorality, like that of the Canaanites, disqualifies himself.  Simeon and Levi, while rightly showing moral indignation against the cultic defilement of their sister, disqualify themselves by their rashness and unbridled revenge.  Jacob acts as foil to them.  He is prudent but lacks faith and moral indignation.  In the last book, leadership will fall first upon the shoulders of Joseph, then finally upon Judah.” – B. Waltke

segregation, a new look-

People would say that Sunday was the most segregated day of the week, as each members of ethnic groups go to the church services that serves their ethnic preference.  But the more I think about it, racial/ethnic segregation w/in the Christian community is only the part of big picture.  We also have to take into account the generational segregation.  And I fear that w/ so much emphasis on specialized youth ministry, there is a danger of separating our youth from the older generation.  Not only that, since the ministry itself is geared towards meeting ‘specific needs’ of the youth, our children would be less prone to join in w/ the adult congregation where they would have to adjust themselves to meet the needs of older generations.  I truly believe that the most effective youth ministers are the parents w/ heart for their children.  As good as they are, youth ministers still must be a supplementary influence to the parents.

One of the things I appreciate about our church is this break down of ethnic/generational boundaries.  We have people from China, Japan, Jamaica, France, India, as well as Anglos coming together in same room and worshipping and fellowshipping together.  In terms of generational scope, we have anywhere from singles, young couples all the way up to those who are in retirement age.  And our church children’s ministry is run by our mothers.  What has truly been encouraging experience was to see our children take part in our gatherings like Christmas parties, Sunday worship.  What’s really awesome is the way in which these kids feel right at home, just hanging out and carrying on a meaningful conversations w/ their parents and friends of their parents w/out any sense of awkwardness – a true Christian fellowship, that transcends ethnic and generational gaps! 

Matters of Faith [Reflection on Gen 24]—

In faith, Abraham orients his entire life, even at death, on God’s promise (see 12:1-3, 7).  Because he believes God’s promises of land and abundant offspring that will bless the earth, Abraham refuses to allow Isaac either to intermarry with Canaanites or to leave the Promised Land.  Although Abraham acts on the basis of the promise, he does not presume upon it.  The servant is free of his oath if the Lord does not prosper his mission.  Abraham trusts God but also recognizes that Isaac’s future wife must make her own faith choice.  Abraham’s faith is rewarded.  A life committed to seeking God’s kingdom will experience God’s good hand (c.f. Matt 6:33) - B. Waltke.

The Screwtape Letters: A Memorable quote—

Rest assured, my love for you and your love for me are as like as two peas.  I have always desired you, as you (pitiful fool) desired me.  The difference is that I am the stronger.  I think they will give you to me now; or a bit of you.  Love you?  Why, yes.  As dainty a morsel as ever I grew fat on. – C.S. Lewis

I become increasingly convinced of the idea that evil is not the absence of good; rather it’s the perversion of it.  And evil has a funny way of perverting what we call love – how many of us, in the name of love, manipulate and control others for our own purposes? 

With every boy who pressures a girl to give up her sacred virginity; with every girl who manipulates a boy into slavery; with every mentor tries to mold his pupils after his own image; with every parent who tries to live out their failed dreams thru his children; with every missionary who obliterates indigenous culture in the name of ‘superior-gospel-influenced culture; with every westerner w/ their materialistic ideals patronizes his third world counterparts; with every social revolutionaries who sells hollow promise of social utopia…list goes on and on.

Bottomline – we control, manipulate and hurt so many people in the name of love.  I must truly guard against this kind of perversion.  And the way to guard myself from this awful perversion is to never to exclude the ingredient that makes true love – humility, i.e. self-forgetfulness!

Lesson on trusting God (Gen 16)—

Though Abraham received God’s promise of a son, after waiting nearly for 25 years, he, along with his wife Sarah has grown rather cynical about this ‘supposed promise from God’.  Even so, Abraham learns to wait on God and hold off his plans to make Eliezer his heir.  But, not for Sarah…she decides go take matters into her own hand.  Of course the outcome is disastrous!  The immediate consequences are the haunting feelings of her own insecurity [as the wife of Abraham] and of the alienation [both from Abraham and Hagar].  But, there's more severe consequence that comes centuries later.  Tradition tells us that Ishmael [Hagar's son] becomes the ancestor of Arabs, from where the religion of Islam comes from.  As I look our modern world, w/ all the bloody conflicts between Jewish/Christian and Arabs, I wonder had Sarah trusted in the Lord’s timing, if such struggles would be unknown in our history…such an enormous consequence of a simple minded wife w/ a desperate longing for a child!

Elijah/Eden Experience—

Everything went right yesterday – worship was powerful; my preaching seemed to have touched number of people; had a good time discussing/learning about music w/ TZ; got reconnected w/ my former students in Parsippany.  And yet, I went to bed quite depressed, haunted by sense of loneliness.  This wasn’t the first time I felt this way...How my heart, in spite of all the good things that the Lord has given me, tends to focus on the one thing that he has set temporal boundaries – the forbidden fruit.  Lord, forgive me for failing to count your blessings and complain about one thing that you are using to sanctify me.

New Drummer—

BF finally joined us for worship.  For the 1^st time in long time, we had a full band!  TZ and I both agreed that he might have over played for the 1^st set of songs.  But, it could be that he didn’t know the songs and/or that it’s been a while since he’s played music serious to semi-serious musicians.  Nevertheless, I think he’s a very good fit for our team.  He’s one of the rare people who has both talent and heart for God.  Hope this is the beginning of long term relationship!

Lord gave back!!—

Took a deep breath and decided to give all the extra cash I have to the church.  The Lord gave me back even more – via Christmas gift, end of the year bonus [from church].  He’s been challenging me to give – and this challenge is also met by the promise of his provision and how he would take care of me.  And He’s certainly keeping his end of bargain…=)

Tithes of Time—

So, I decided to spend 2.5 hrs w/ the Lord.  This includes the study of the Scripture, Journal Keeping as a way of prayer, prayer, singing praises, scripture memory and etc – sort of a worship.  This will happen early in the morning (5:30 AM). 

I’m really doing this for my insanity, you know.  I also realize that being in the ministry is like being in a battlefield…you don’t know when the enemy is going to attack!  The only way for remedy is keep myself close to my Captain.

Why 2.5 hrs?  That’s actually about 10 % of the 24 hr day.  Thus my tithes of time.

Why so early?  God reminded me to give him the ‘1^st fruits’ – [told me thru JM].  I guess I’m taking that literally when it comes to my time as well…

Eternal Word and Changing Worlds – Memorable quotes:

“Calvin worked in a heat of a pastoral charge in Geneva; Augustine did theology in the stress of preserving the church while the Roman Empire was collapsing; Luther, Athanasius, Spurgeon—all were pastors.  They theologized, they hammered out theology meaningful to their problems and alive to their day.”  (p. 303)

Part of concern I have, as one who is in ministry is the wedge driven between theologians [theoretical and abstract] and pastors [down to earth and practical].  Too many of our theologians hide behind the safety of ivory towers of academia, trying to relive the issues and concerns of long ago.  On the other hand, our pastors and ministers down play the role of theology and seek to entertain the flocks the Lord has put them in charge over to instruct and train.  It’s very important to realize that all of the theologians of the past, starting w/ the apostle Paul himself, were not afraid to get their hands dirty in the practical matters, while at the same time not down playing the role of intellectual mind-exercise…we need both and somewhere a balance must be met.

prayer...

Lord, whatever happens in my life, no matter what you allow me to go thru, this is one thing I’ll never do: I will never doubt your goodness.  I know that everything happens in my life for a purpose that is best for me.  It’s funny how…I don’t really feel sad nor depressed.  I guess this is the change of heart that you’ve granted – though I don’t really know how long this would last – any day, my deceitful heart would come back and hold onto that idol…tear it out, Lord; tear it out!  No matter how much scar it’ll leave, tear it out.  I rather live w/ a huge scar than to have your good-gift-turned-idol come between us…

learning to let go...

Sunday was pretty interesting – GH had an emergency so there was no power point.  My voice was shut b/c of this cold I had – and I couldn’t sing.  AWCA changed the Sunday School building on us and b/c of that, no copy machine to print out bulletins…we literally had nothing – although, we were able to use this person’s laptop for projection.  GB was literally typing out the powerpoint slides for the songs as the service was moving along.  SB stepped up to the plate as took over singing.  In the end, everything worked out pretty well.

Through all these, God seems to tell me to let go of my control – I’m really realizing how much control I crave…I can go thru huge amount of pressure, as long as I know the outcome.  What I can’t really stand is not knowing how all these things are going to play out in the end.