Beyond Capernaum

Target wins the prize for most dubious Christmas commercials

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:42:00 +0000

Target has set a new standard this year for Christmas advertising that, although admittedly humorous, consistently send a message that Christmas is about spending. It doesn't take more than a moment to hear the messages that these commercials are sending us in the weeks leading up to Christmas:

Gifts are not about relationship, they are about the price tag.
Don't be thoughtful or original...spend money on a Target-sold gift.
Worrying about the recession or finances is unnecessary if you're running up debt at Target's low prices.
The happiness of children or loved ones is dependent not upon what we can give them, but upon what we can purchase for them at Target.

Take a moment to watch these commercials...and then keep them in mind as you determine how you will be a gift giver this Christmas.

Maybe there's another option?

VIDEO - What Matters More? - Derek Webb

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:36:00 +0000

Derek Webb, a singer-songwriter connected with the Contemporary Christian band Caedmon's Call has had to resort to distributing his new album, Stockholm Syndrome, directly from his website because his record label found the song "What Matters More?" to be too controversial.

I haven't yet been a listener of Webb's music (or Caedmon's Call). Below is a video and lyrics to the "controversial" song. I don't know enough to comment on the music in the song, but the lyrics (which is where the controversy resides) deserve to be flooding the so-called "Christian music" market. I suspect they will not.

What Matters More?

Derek Webb

from The Stockholm Syndrome

You say you always treat people like you'd like to be
I guess you love being hated for your sexuality
You love when people put words in your mouth
About what you believe, make you sound like a freak'

Cause if you really believe what you say you believe
You wouldn't be so damn reckless with the words you speak
Wouldn't silently consent when the liars speak
Denying all the dying or the remedy

Tell me, brother, what matters more to you?
Tell me, sister, what matters more to you?

If I can tell what's in your heart by what comes out of your mouth
Then it sure looks to me like being straights is all it's about
Yeah, it looks like being hated for all the wrong things
And chasing the wind while the pendulum swings

We can talk and debate it till we're blue in the face
About the language and tradition that He's coming to save
Meanwhile we sit just like we don't give a shit
About fifty-thousand people who are dying today

Tell me, brother, what matters more to you?
Tell me, sister, what matters more to you?

VIDEO - Philadelphia becomes a ONE City

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:36:00 +0000

I had the honor & privilege to stand with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter on behalf of The ONE Campaign to announce that Philadelphia has proclaimed itself a "ONE City". Cofounded by U2's Bono and other campaigners, ONE was launched five years ago in Philadelphia.

With Mayor Nutter signing the ONE City proclamation, Philadelphia joins more than 130 cities across the nation working to mobilize public support behind initiatives to fight poverty, combat diseases like AIDS and malaria, put children in school and increase opportunity for those living in extreme poverty around the world.

Click here for video of news coverage of the event from NBC 10 & ABC 6.

Video of My Remarks

Video of the Mayors Remarks

VIDEO - Tony Campolo

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:45:00 +0000

A Sermon For This Preacher...CRIMINAL MINDS

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:43:00 +0000

Every now and then I'm amazed at the sermons I hear in the middle of every day life. I caught one last night watching Criminal Minds on CBS. I sat down to watch some TV in an attempt to mentally escape from what seemed like a mounting pile of too much to do. Instead of escape, I found something more valuable. I was engaged by what was very much the voice of God for me at the moment.

In the video clip below, one of the main characters, FBI agent Hotchner is upset because a criminal had tried to play a mind game with him by offering a "deal" to stop killing if the FBI would stop hunting for him (it worked with previous agent mentioned in the video). When Hotchner refused to give in, the criminal went on a horrendous killing spree and several people died. The clip is of Hotchner trying to deal with the outcome of the situation:

Agent Hotchner did something that I think many people do. I know I do it all the time. He does not differentiate himself from his work and wants to carry the responsibility for the actions of others while losing sight of the bigger picture that he a part of. I suspect we do this all too often...in our personal relationships, in our attempts to create change in the world. Like agent Hotchner, we do it in our professional work, also.

Maybe I'm speaking only for myself, but I think church professionals are particularly good at making this mistake. Pastors and other church leaders lose sight of the bigger picture we are a part of (that includes millions of us working together...with God at the center). We become susceptible to what Parker Palmer calls "functional atheism", which is "the unconscious, unexamined conviction that if anything decent is going to happen here, we are the ones who must make it happen – a conviction held even by people who talk a good game about God."

For me the sermon came in these words spoken to Agent Hotchner by a friend/co-worker: "That voice in your head...it's not your conscience, it's your ego."

Again...maybe I'm the only one here...but maybe it is our own ego that brings us the most trouble. I suspect I'm not the only person that falls into this trap...and I'm fairly confident I'm far from the only pastor that can too often be found carrying the unecessary strain and scars of the functional atheism created by my own ego.

Amazed by a 7-year old

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:05:00 +0000

We have several journals laying around our house. My wife, Monica, has been very intentional in encouraging our 7-year old daughter Amber to write in them. This not only affirms what she is doing in her first grade classroom, but also (we hope) expands her learning at home.

I found one of the journals left out this morning and read the following. I'm still overwhelmed by it:

He Was Cold But Put Warmth In Me

by Amber

I saw this man by the sidewalk,

nor did I know it was my God.

He was cold from the storm last night

but he put warmth in me.

The warmth of God.

The First Great Hymn of 2009 - U2's Magnificent

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:09:00 +0000

Below is a video and lyrics to the next U2 single...and first great hymn of 2009...enjoy!

"Magnificent"

Magnificent
Oh, magnificent

I was born
I was born to be with you
In this space and time
After that and ever after
I haven't had a clue

Only to break rhyme
This foolishness can leave a heart
Black and blue

Only love
Only love can leave such a mark
But only love
Only love can heal such a scar

I was born
I was born to sing for you
I didn’t have a choice
But to lift you up
And sing whatever song you wanted me to
I give you back my voice
From the womb my first cry
It was a joyful noise

Oh, oh
Only love
Only love can leave such a mark
But only love
Only love can heal such a scar

Justified
till we die
You and I
will magnify
Oh, the magnificent

Magnificent

Only love
Only love can leave such a mark
But only love
Only love unites our hearts

Justified
till we die
You and I
will magnify
Oh, the magnificent Magnificent Magnificent

MUSIC REVIEW: U2 - No Line On The Horizon

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:12:00 +0000

I’ve listened to the new U2 record “No Line on the Horizon” (in stores March 3rd) and am beginning to put some thoughts together on it. As I listen to it, I’m mindful that my relationships with U2 records are always long-term committed affairs. At this point, I think we’ll get along fine…but we’ll need to get to know each other.

The adjective that kept coming to mind the first time through was “brooding”. While repeated listens seem to be suggesting something other than "brooding", I’d have to say that “Get On Your Boots” does not offer a very accurate peek in the window as the lead single for the record.

Bono's voice sounds great throughout the record. The Edge's guitars are in place. Adam & Larry drive the songs as I'd expect and hope from them. I suspect that Brian Eno probably ought to be credited as the “the fifth Beatle” on this project, which seems, at nearly every turn, to reflect his penchant for ambience and electronic noises kicking around in the background. Most of the time it comes alongside some undeniably “Edge-y” guitar sonics.

I also keep finding myself thinking at times that this record wants to carry the markings of “late masterpieces” like Sergeant Pepper’s or Pet Sounds or the White Album (for good and for ill).

This record is just about the opposite of a collection of hit singles (thankfully, U2 has never tried that approach). The potential singles (after the already released “Boots”) are probably "Magnificent”, “Breathe”, "No Line on the Horizon" and “I Know I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight” (which I would predict will find a spot at or near the beginning of the upcoming tour’s nightly setlists). “Stand Up Comedy” might make it to radio, too.

The record starts off strong, soaring and anthemic with the title track and "Magnificent". Guitars up front with electronic noises in the back that sort of switch places at times during "Magnificent". The title track has a bit of an Arcade Fire feel to it.

The song most likely to be remembered in 10 or 20 years is “Moment of Surrender”.

The emphasis in “Stand Up Comedy” is on “Stand Up”. Along with “Boots”, it resurrects the cheekiness that was ever present in the Zoo TV and Popmart concerts.

“FEZ – Being Born” is the opposite of a radio-ready hit single. Starts out sounding like a remix, with looping samples of “Get on Your Boots”. Sort of Radiohead-esque at times. It might just be brilliant.

“White as Snow” is like no U2 song I can recall. Again, slow and brooding with a sort of spaghetti western guitar sound. For some reason, the melody brought to mind the Advent Hymn “O Come O Come Emmanuel”. On some level, the two songs might be connected by more than their music. Made me think of Johnny Cash working with Rick Rubin.

“Breathe” would probably be a more appropriate (and probably better) single than “Get on Your Boots”. Here's a video of the band premiering the song on French TV:

“Cedars of Lebanon” ends the record in a way familiar to U2: instead of a climactic grand finale they offer an understated, reflective, and even melancholy final scene. The song ends with such stark suddenness that it almost stings as much as “Wake Up Dead Man” did on 1997’s POP.

Lyrics to the songs are available here (I'll also mention that @U2.com is a great and reputable fansite).

I'm starting to feel a connection to the songs after 2-3 listens. This was the longest hiatus between records in U2's entire career. I hope the wait is not as long for the next one.

Use Religion to Rid Your Home of Rats - CREEDOCIDE

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:24:00 +0000

My greatest struggles with religion & violence summed up in a simple, clever and rather funny sketch from "Imporant Things with Demitri Martin" (Comedy Central, Wednesdays at 10:30)

25 Random Things About Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:38:00 +0000

Well, here it is...the result of a wonderful conversation on Facebook compiling "25 Random Things About Jesus". This was first presented at Temple Lutheran Church, Havertown, PA on February 15, 2009. In a strange twist of fate, the video upload to Facebook is not cooperating, so it makes it's internet debut here at "Beyond Capernaum". Hope to have it directly on Facebook soon.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the conversation.

Rick Warren's Invocation and the Journey Toward Living Together Faithfully

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:52:00 +0000

As I reflect back on the inauguration of President Obama, the invocation by Saddleback Church’s Pastor Rick Warren provides an interesting opportunity to continue the discussion of the public role of faith in a world that is overflowing with diversity of belief and opinion and struggling every day with harmful divisions that build walls between political parties, nations, religious traditions, and subgroups and factions within each of them.

Here’s a video clip of the invocation:

As an aside to my fellow Christians, I’ll begin by saying that I love Rick Warren. I’m not a fan of his books. I disagree with him often on matters of politics and theology. That being said, I’ll begin by stating that I love Rick Warren. It saddens me that the voices speaking loudest in response to Warren being included in the inauguration have fallen into the all-too-predictable camps of the critics that think Warren is too conservative or too evangelical and the defenders who are (no surprise) mostly conservative evangelicals. On some level, it’s time for “the church” to be “the church”. It’s time for the “body of Christ” to be the “body of Christ”. I’m thinking of Paul in Ephesians chapter 4:

“I…beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.”

I don’t always agree with Rick Warren, but we are both a part of the growing community of people following Jesus in the world today. We are in the same church. We are in the same body.

Back to the matter at hand…
Warren’s invocation was genuine and included some important things to pray for (or at least hope for). He prayed that President Obama will possess “the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity.” He went on to call our nation to a lifestyle of daily repentance and unified purpose:

When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you—forgive us. When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone—forgive us. When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve—forgive us. And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches, and civility in our attitudes—even when we differ. Help us to share, to serve, and to seek the common good of all.

And then the invocation concluded with words that invite us into the conversation of how to be people of faith in this pluralistic nation and interconnected world: “I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life—Yeshua, 'Isa, Jesús, Jesus—who taught us to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven…”

This is the part that leaves me with a swirling vortex of thoughts on how we are to live together in today’s world and how faith ought to interact with public life. Some thoughts:

The question is often raised if such “religious acts” are appropriate at civil events. I think this is a good question and agree that there is a lot at stake in terms of civil liberties on both sides of the question. While I support a civil life that is not restricted by religion (and a faith life not limited by the state), it seems that a complete removal of all things religious from public life is a futile, if not harmful, pursuit. To define the ideal as the complete absence of the expression of belief (or, I would add, expression of unbelief) would fail to recognize the role of faith in the lives of citizens. It also emphasizes faith and religion as the activity of individuals and cloistered communities. This concerns me as a firm believer in a faith that must be neither individual nor cloistered.
Warren’s intentional naming of Jesus Christ at the conclusion of the prayer seemed like an attempt to assert his own belief as superior (or even dominant). Warren did change his use of pronouns from “we” to “I” before invoking the name of Jesus. I appreciate this shift for it’s recognition that there were many wishing to pray along who would not do so in the name of Jesus. At the same time, the prayer became individual instead of corporate.
We are still far from completing the journey to living together in the midst of diversity. If we are to become pluralist people, we must respect and recognize the voices of others, including Rick Warren. There is also a need, however, for people across the political, religious and theological spectrums to move away from exclusivism and beyond mere inclusivism or tolerance. It seems to me that our culture struggles to see pluralism as something other than being inclusive and non-offensive. This is evidenced in the way that we continue to struggle with “political correctness” or wandering off into uncentered relativism.

The place we need to continue journeying toward is described wonderfully by Diana Eck in her 1993 book Encountering God. It is the journey toward “pluralism”. Eck includes the following in her definition of “pluralism”:

Pluralism is not simply the existence of diversity, but active engagement with diversity.
Pluralism is more than tolerance. Tolerance is too minimal an expectation, it can even be a form of passive rejection or hostility. Pluralism is the seeking of understanding.
Pluralism is not simply relativism. Pluralism expects commitment to a defined truth.
Pluralism seeks commitment that does not descend into dogmatism. Pluralism seeks to be distinctively ourselves while remaining in relationship with one another.
Pluralism requires dialogue. The goal of dialogue is not to arrive at agreement, but to arrive at mutual understanding. Points of agreement can be affirmed, points of difference can be better understood.

If I am to become pluralist, I will embrace the presence of Rick Warren as completely as the presence of someone I align with politically and theologically. I will also embrace the presence of someone who holds a commitment to a different religious tradition, or a non-religious ethic. A few moments after Pastor Warren concluded the invocation, the president that was prayed for challenged us to continue the journey:

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

We journey on together...

The text of Pastor Rick Warren’s Invocation:

Almighty God, our Father: Everything we see, and everything we can’t see, exists because of you alone. It all comes from you, it all belongs to you, it all exists for your glory. History is your story. The Scripture tells us, “Hear, O Israel, the LORD is our God, the LORD is one.” And you are the compassionate and merciful one. And you are loving to everyone you have made.

Now today, we rejoice not only in America’s peaceful transfer of power for the 44th time, we celebrate a hinge point of history with the inauguration of our first African-American president of the United States. We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where a son of an African immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven.

Give to our new president, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the Cabinet, and every one of our
freely elected leaders.

Help us, O God, to remember that we are Americans—united not by race or religion or blood, but by our commitment to freedom and justice for all. When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you—forgive us. When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone—forgive us. When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve—forgive us. And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches, and civility in our attitudes—even when we differ. Help us to share, to serve, and to seek the common good of all.

May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy, and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day, all nations--and all people--will stand accountable before you.

We now commit our new president and his wife, Michelle, and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.

I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life—Yeshua, 'Isa, Jesús, Jesus—who taught us to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Obama's Inaugural Address & The Role of Religion

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 06:07:00 +0000

Below is an article by a professor of mine, Jon Pahl, reflecting on #44's inaugural speech. It was posted at the interesting blog "Religion in American History". The president challenged us immensely during his first moments in the office. The debate on how religion fits into public life and politics will certainly continue. Jon Pahl offers a worthwhile contribution to the conversation.

Religion's Role in the "New Era of Responsibility"
by Jon Pahl

Barack Obama's inaugural speech signaled a fascinating new twist on an old role for religion in American culture. Platitudes of civil religious discourse, exploited so effectively by recent administrations--"sacrifice," "God's gift of freedom," and the ritual invocation of God's blessing on America--were present, but muted. Obama's chief theme was that religions provide people with spiritual strength to be responsible citizens; to work for the common good.

This was not a speech about mystical union with some millennial destiny. Indeed, Obama's clear articulation that "God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny" means that history is up to us. What America will be depends upon what we do, not what some hidden hand might provide.

This was a speech about the spirituality of work. "What is required of us," the 44th President intoned, "is a new era of responsibility--a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task." The President here argued that it is through our common work that humans find spiritual fulfillment, this side of eternity.

No less than ten times Obama invoked "work," "works," or "workers." "Everywhere we look, there is work to be done." It is not in "worn out dogmas" that one can find the American spirit, he asserted, but "the faith and determination of the American people" is evident in "the kindness to take in a stranger . . . the selflessness of workers . . . [a] firefighter's courage." "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."

The last line--an oblique reference to a Langston Hughes poem, might seem to invoke the old Horatio Alger version of the Protestant ethic. In fact, Obama's religious foundation was intentionally pluralistic. 'We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus--and non-believers." Such a "patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness." But if and when people of faith commit to work together with unbelievers toward a vision of a more just and virtuous common good, we might see how "old hatreds shall someday pass;" how "lines of tribe shall soon dissolve;" how "our common humanity shall reveal itself;" and how "America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

"There is in such a vision plenty of the old American millennialism. But the stronger voice was this practical assertion: "greatness is never given. It must be earned." And this pragmatic question: it is "not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works."

The world Barack Obama addressed with this speech was not just the American nation and its future. Invoking George Washington's words at Valley Forge, it was "the future world" broadly envisioned that he had in mind. And that meant that Americans needed to "set aside childish things," in the words of Paul's First Letter to the Church at Corinth. It was time to get to work enacting the substance of faith, hope, and love--beyond mere rhetoric of sounding gongs and clanging cymbals that had merely sustained the wealthy--"those who prefer leisure over work"--under a cloak of religious pretense.

Good People + Jesus + 2009 = ???

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 06:18:00 +0000

"All is quiet...on New Year's Day"

For some reason, as the first hours of 2009 pass by, I'm thinking about what it means to share faith. I'm especially thinking of the things that either scare, offend, or simply "creep me out" about what it means to share faith. I was watching an interview with a Roman Catholic priest discussing the ministry of a very confrontational youth minister and he caught my attention when he said that the whole church should strive to be like this person...not necessarily to adopt his tactics, but to experience the sense of being "on fire" or truly inspired by the presence of God.

On this topic, here's an interesting video reflection from Penn Jillette (of Penn & Teller fame). Jillette professes to be an atheist, but speaks of the power of "good people" who are motivated by faith/religion. He finds this particularly notable because of all the negative things that religion injects into the world.

I wonder if 2009 can be a year where good people can shed their religious skin and live in such a way that builds the kingdom that Jesus came into the world to show us. I wonder how "on earth as in heaven" will occur this year.

I Wish You A Hopeful Christmas...

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 07:38:00 +0000

Below is a "video Christmas card" from my family to yours this blessed season. Our prayer is that you know peace and joy in ways that inspire you to be courageous and imaginative in the way you love others.

The video was shot on our digital camera while in center city Philadelphia. It features Amber as "the Cherub". The song is called "I Believe in Father Christmas" and was written by Greg Lake (of Emerson, Lake, & Palmer fame). The lyrics I use come from the version that U2 recorded this year for (RED)Wire. Here they are:

They said there’d be snow at christmas
They said there’d be peace on earth
But instead it just keeps on raining
A veil of tears for the virgin birth

I remember on Christmas morning
A winter’s light and a distant choir
And the peal of a bell; that Christmas tree smell
eyes full of tinsel and fire

They sold me a dream of Christmas
They sold me a silent night
They sold me a fairy story
But I believe in the Israelite

I believed in father Christmas
I looked at the sky with excited eyes
'Till I woke with a yawn in the first light of dawn
And I saw him through his disguise

I wish you a hopeful Christmas
I wish you a brave new year
All anguish, pain and sadness
Leave your heart and let your road be clear

They said there’d be snow at Christmas
They said there’d be peace on earth
Hallelujah, noel, be it heaven or hell
Christmas we get what we deserve

I wish you a hopeful Christmas
I wish you a brave new year
All anguish, pain and sadness
Leave your heart and let your road be clear

May peace be yours this Christmas....

Proud To Be An American...

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:24:00 +0000

EVERCLEAR - Jesus Was A Democrat

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 23:51:00 +0000

I'm glad to admit that I enjoyed the music of Everclear during the 90s. Songs like Santa Monica, Herion Girl and Heartspark Dollarsign were favorites. And, although it lacked the irony and jaded nature of the so-called "x" generation, Father of Mine always hits close to home for me.

Anyway...fast-forward to 2008 (and well beyond Everclear's arc of flight). The band has posted the song Jesus Was A Democrat on their website for free download. I could do without some of the overtly partisan claims (and the shelf-life of the McCain reference will expire in less than 3 weeks). If you take those for what they are (and ignore them as such), there are a few things to consider about Jesus.

Jesus Christ didn't have blue eyes or blond hair
He looked just like all those people that you want to kill
Spin your hell into a heaven you can sell
Make it look like California with a bible belt

Jesus didn't look like the boy next door
Unless you live in Palestine
I wonder what you mean by the golden rule
I think it is a scary play on words
I wonder what they taught you back in Sunday school
I bet you think of him
As a nice clean long haired Republican, nah

He would be all locked up in Guantanamo Bay
If he were alive today
He would have been a revolutionary
Wanted by the CIA

I picture him in all the wrong places
Finding diamonds in the dirt
A star of David tattoo
And a Che t-shirt
Jesus Christ was a left wing radical Jew
Murdered by people like you

If Jesus was a Democrat like the bible says he was
I don't think he's going to want to take the blame
For all the awful things you say and do in his name
If Jesus was alive he would be sad to see
That it is no different than it used to be
Someday he's going to call you out
I am pretty god damned sure ......He is going to be angry
He is going to be angry

You want to know what I think?.......I think Jesus would have been a card carrying liberal
If he was a young man born in the USA
He would not be "fiscally conservative"
And he wouldn't vote for John McCain

All those so called Christians that you see on TV
Maybe they scare Jesus like they scare me
Kick you the hell out of my temple too
Too many elephants in the room

If Jesus was a Democrat like the bible says he was
I don't think he's going to want to take the blame
For all the awful things you people do and say in his name
If Jesus was alive today he would be sad to see
That it is no different than it used to be

Someday he's going to call you out
I am pretty god damned sure......He is going to be....mad
He is going to be angry
He is going to be....mad
He is going to be....mad

You say Jesus loves the little children
And I say I know that's true
I say he loves all the Muslims and the Jews
All the addicts and the porn stars too

You say Jesus died to save us all from a fiery hell
I say Jesus died to save us
Save us from ourselves
Will you save me from myself?

If Jesus was a liberal like the red letters say he was
I know he would have big love for all the killers and the racists
And the bullies in this world
If Jesus was alive today
And you had a chance to meet him face to face
I'm pretty God-damned sure that you and your friends
Would find some way to kill him all over again

You would kill him all over again
Again and again and again
Just like you always do
You do just what you always do

My Neighbor's Health Is Not Yours To Sell To Them

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:05:00 +0000

I just finished watching the second presidential debate (transcript) and wanted to publish a public "Thank You"...

...to Lindsey Trella.

In the "town hall" format of this debate, audience member Lindsey Trella asked a question that I found to be the highest moment of this debate:

L. Trella: Senator, selling health care coverage in America as a marketable commodity has become a very profitable industry. Do you believe health care should be treated as a commodity?

I found this question to be framed in such a beautifully important way. It identifies the true challenge at the heart of this issue. It's not about government control. It's not about choice of providers. The issue at stake that needs to be discussed is the troubling fact that the current healthcare industry has found ways to profit off of the medical struggles of their neighbors.

I am not naive enough to think that healthcare-produced revenue is altogether wrong. Doctors, nurses and the people who clean the floor and cook the meals deserve to make a living from their lifesaving work. Piles of money is necessary to fund the research that will find treatments and cures for AIDS, cancer, autism, and the many other infirmities that impact lives every day.

What is not acceptable is any form of healthcare being operated from a profit motive. My wife's health is not yours to sell to her. My neighbor's health is not yours to sell to them. It is not your golden ticket. Refusing care is not a "cost saving measure". If we can't agree to the fundamental truth that a person who is sick or injured must be helped in every way possible, we are in trouble. If we can't accept the moral obligation to demand that every person's right to have their life saved or their illnesses and injuries treated, we have lost our morality.

During the debate, Senator McCain offerred a $5000 credit to pay for health insurance. We already have insurance and that is less than our out-of-pocket most years. My parents have to buy their own policy, and $5000 will get them from January to March. I was glad to hear Senator Obama identify healthcare as a "right" during the debate. It is time for leaders like Senator Obama to be bold and courageous on this issue for the sake of those who need an advocate.

It's time to put divisions aside and agree on the simple truth revealed by Lindsey Trella: the health of our neighbor is not a commodity to be bought and sold. Quality healthcare must not be reserved for the person who can afford it. And if you're making a good living off of the healthcare industry, it better be because you are treating the sick and saving lives...and not because you found a way to keep their money by doing the opposite.

Crying Out A Broken Hallelujah

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:04:00 +0000

Every now and then a song just haunts me and won't let me go.

Such is the case with the song "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. It started when a favorite songwriter, Michael Knott, recorded a sparse arrangement of the song and put it on his myspace page. Then author/pastor/teacher/theologian/cool-guy-I'd-like-to-know Christian Scharen announced that his next book would carry the title "Broken Hallelujahs" as it explores faith messages in popular culture (his previous book, One Step Closer, is an awesome theology book based on the music of U2). Here is Scharen's description of why he picked the title "Broken Hallelujahs":

In this life, all we are capable of is a broken hallelujah. We’re only even able to raise a broken hallelujah because of what God has done for us. Knowing that keeps us from trying to please God with our shiny “holy hallelujahs” and allows us to be honest about ourselves, our need for God’s mercy, and our call to join in the God’s mission of mercy in the midst of a broken world. (full article)

Back to the song...

The video with this post is my attempt to reflect the way that this song has kept me up late the last few night playing the guitar and singing. Here's the lyrics:

I’ve heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don’t really care for music, do you?
It goes like this: the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew that Hallelujah

Maybe there’s a God above,
But all I ever learned from love
Is how to shoot at someone who outdrew you.
It's not a cry you can hear at night
It's not somebody who's seen the light
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah.

The final verse (in my arrangement) is my favorite. I'd be quite happy to have it be the words I use to sum up my existence if I have the opportunity to do so when my time comes:

I did my best, it wasn’t much
I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch
I’ve told the truth, I didn’t come to fool you
And even though it all went wrong
I’ll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my lips but...Hallelujah

Thank you Leonard Cohen.

What do you love about Jesus (in 60 seconds or less)?

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:23:00 +0000

Kelly Fryer has started a new group on Facebook around her most recent book, Reclaiming The "E" Word.

Even as a church professional, I find myself wondering often if I'm actually living my faith in real life. I don't get hung up on doing good works or worrying if God loves me, but I do wonder about how being a follower of Jesus is making a difference in how I live.

Kelly just started this Facebook group (and if you're not on Facebook yet, how exactly are you wasting your time these days?) and she sent around a question in hopes that we would actually answer it:

"What is at the CORE of what you believe and why your faith matters to you and what difference you think Jesus makes in the world??? Can you say it in 60 seconds or less??"
Part of "reclaiming the E word", I think, is being able to EXPRESS it simply, passionately, in a way that makes sense to everyday people. As a Christian who happens to be a mainliner or progressive, what IS the core message of your faith. What, in a nutshell, is what you believe? It'll help me - and all of us, I think - to hear your answers to that question.

I really like that idea of not being afraid to share what I believe. Some may be surprised to hear that this is a struggle, even for a pastor. Deal with it. I'm trying to. So I offered the following reply on Facebook, trying to stick close to 60 second guideline:

I love Jesus because Jesus came into our world and announced that there was something better. A new kingdom. Not off in eternity somewhere, but here and now. On earth as in heaven.
I love Jesus because Jesus is totally fine with the fact that we can't accomplish this new reality on our own, but nonetheless calls us to put all that we are into making it happen.
I love Jesus because Jesus always seems to line up next to those on the outside. This gives me great comfort when I don't fit in and challenges me immensely when it's someone else on the margin.
I love Jesus because everything that seems messed up about the way Christianity is lived out today is ususally best exposed not by the critique of others, but by the life and teachings of Jesus himself.

So get over to Facebook and join the group. And then...answer the question. You can post your responses to the question here, too.

In Defense of Mallrats Everywhere....

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:09:00 +0000

This past weekend the largest mall in Delaware (i.e. your average shopping mall) began to enforce a curfew on Friday & Saturday evenings. "Teenagers under 18 without adult supervision are being turned away at Delaware's largest mall as of this weekend, as officials attempt to reclaim the center for shoppers, not slackers."

What a load of nonsense. What a steaming, smelly pile of...um...nonsense.

One thing that will consistently annoy me is the scapegoating of youth. Even in this age that is often described as detached, youth remain very good at finding enjoyment in being together. As our society turns more toward isolating ourselves in cubicles and suburbs without sidewalks, there are less and less places that such group socilization occurs organically. It's a sobering thought to think that a shopping mall can become the best option for (according to the mall's GM) more than 2,000 youth on any Friday or Saturday.

If there is a positive side to this, I would suggest that it shines a harsh light on the reality that shopping malls exist for one purpose: to profit from consumerism. The fact that teens aren't welcome to socialize at the mall stems from the same reason that I have to wander down endless hallways into the bowels of any mall whenever I need to go to the bathroom. The mall places a higher priority on our ability to spend than on my physical need to use the bathroom or the need of 2,000 youth to build relationships with their peers. In an earlier article, a spokesperson for the International Council of Shopping Centers had this to say: "What has to be remembered is the mall is there for commerce; it's not a hangout. It's a private property, and it's there for shopping."

If "the church" is alive in Delaware, they will join with other decent and caring people in realizing that young people hanging out with friends is not a problem to be dealt with, but a good thing. They will find ways to foster that desire to build relationships and community. They will give them places to congregate safely, but also on their own terms. They will show youth the respect that they often demand for themselves. They will also wise up to the fact that the Christiana Mall has no additional regard for them beyond their ability to spend and consume. If they must consume, they'll find somewhere else to take their money.

"Truth is Stranger..." - Gas Station Graffiti

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:10:00 +0000

I typically don't take photographs in a gas station bathroom (I basically try to keep my name unconnected with the words "conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy"). However, this past weekend was the exception.

The bathroom was as unremarkable and unpleasant as one would expect at a gas station. The walls were covered with your typical bigotry-driven graffiti: anti-semitic, anti-black, anti-gay, anti-immigrant, etc. etc.

I found this one in the middle of it all and snapped a picture with the phone. I'm convinced that it was written by someone who shares my satirical sense of humor. Either that, or someone has run out of people to hate.

Just For Fun: Real Preachers of Genius

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:26:00 +0000

This video made me laugh. Enjoy!

Beyond Capernaum Makes the News Without Being Shot

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:46:00 +0000

The post below (How To Make The News in Philadelphia) was printed today (June 20, 2008) as a letter to the editor in The Philadelphia Inquirer. Find it on page A14 of the print edition or online here.

How to Make the News in Philadelphia

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:53:00 +0000

Two 23-year old men were shot and killed yesterday in Philadelphia. One of them made the top headline of the front page of The Philadelphia Inquirer (June 16, 2008). He was described as an "Aspiring Teacher" although his current employment was as a barista at Starbucks (no shame in that...I love those people!). By chance, I walked past that same Starbucks yesterday and wondered why there were multiple news trucks filming on location. The Inquirer also included two photgraphs with this story...one of the victim and one of the street where he died.

The other man's death was reported on page B10 in a tiny little article completey hidden on a page that had nothing else but advertisments for hearing aids, loans and something called "Zeppy".

Anybody want to guess which of these tragedies happened to a white person?

I pray that God's peace be with both families.

I Can Ride My Bike With No Handlebars

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Staniz) — Sat, 24 May 2008 01:58:00 +0000

I've listened to the radio more this past year than I have in a long time thanks to the addition of Philly's Radio 104.5. Among getting to hear new music from Social Distortion or Weezer along with pre-Nickleback alt-rock, they also play exciting new music from bands like Vampire Weekend. It's surprisingly refreshing (although it comes from the evil of Clear Channels). OK, end of commercial.

They've started playing this hypnotic song that begins with plucked violin strings and the words "I can ride my bike with no handlebars...no handlebars...no handlebars". If you've heard this song, I know you're with me. Turns out the song is performed by Denver natives FLOBOTS.

I found their new CD at Borders for a low price tonight and I was in the mood to hear something new. I was interested by the fact that this band--a multiracial hip-hop group with a viola, trumpet and generally live instruments throughout--had started a non-profit organization committed to organizing people around social change through the arts. But honestly speaking: I was itching for some new music, the CD was cheap, the band was interesting, and there was at least one song I knew I would enjoy.

At the cash register, there was a young guy who told me that he had just bought the CD himself and informed me that it was full of "sick beats". As I walked to the car, I was a little bit worried. I'm just old and white enough to know what "sick beats" are, but generally steer clear of any rhythms that might be ill. I'm a guitar guy.

What an interesting CD. I wanted to drive around all night and see how it sounded different after the sun went down. Early in the CD, they describe themselves as "somewhere between prayer and revolution, between Jesus and Huey P. Newton". Sometimes there's a little bit of sloganeering going on...but just a little bit.

The first tune that really got me was "Stand Up", a lament and call to action written in the shadows of Katrina, 9/11, and current wars:

Under God...but we kill like the son of Sam
but if you fell like I feel about the son of Man
we will overcome...we shall not be moved
except by a child with no socks and shoes
except by a woman dying from a loss of food
except by a freedom fighter bleeding on a cross for you

A few tracks later, there's "Anne Braden", a tribute to the white Episcopalian woman who raised holy hell in the segregated south. It begins by describing how she came to realize the evil around her as a child:

She knew there was something wrong
because the song said "yellow, red, black, white"
everyone precious in the path of Christ
but what about the daughter of the woman cleaning their house?
Wasn't she a child they were singing about?
And if Jesus loves us black or white skin
Why didn't her white mother invite them in?
When did it become a room for no blacks to step in?
How did she already know not to ask the question?

As she grew older and became an activist for equality (even mentioned by name in MLK's letter from Birmingham Jail), she struggled with not meeting hatred with hatred:

she faced it every day
people she saw on a regular basis
people she loved in several cases
people she knew were incredibly racist
It was painful but she never stopped loving them
Never stopped calling their name
And she never stopped being a southern woman
And she never stopped calling for change

The CD ends with the song "Rise". The final words of the song (and therefore the whole disc) are:

The answer's obvious
we switch the consanants
Change the Sword to wordS
and lift continents

And then the refrain repeats off into the sunset "We rise together...we rise together...we rise together" In the end, they add the words "If you believe in redemption coming to you from another dimension".

I believe in redemption coming from another dimension. Let's rise together! God is at work in this world trying to move us to action: to love and serve. It falls somewhere between prayer and revolution...or maybe it's both?

In the end, I'm still hypnotized by "No Handlebars".

Some of these songs can be heard at the FLOBOTS myspace page.

And for the record...the kid was right: the beats are sick!