Crimes and Celebrity

All the talk about Roman Polanski has got me thinking. Have you noticed how some celebrities' crimes completely overshadow their work, and others not so much?

(And when I say "crimes," I'm not talking about a D.U.I. or a drug bust. I'm talking rape, murder, and domestic abuse.)

For example, Ike Turner was a talented songwriter/musician/producer, yet we only remember him abusing Tina Turner. Yet Phil Spector--who was not only found guilty of murder, but also beat his wife Ronnie Spector--is still remembered as an innovative producer. Also, no one remembers OJ Simpson's stats, but Michael Vick was recently welcomed back into football (for the record, I hope the Eagles fail this season).

Which brings us back to Polanski. Yes, he is a brilliant director, no question about that. But does that justify what he did too that girl? Absolutely not! Yes, the victim has forgiven Polanski, and doesn't want to press charges. But does that mean we should forget about what happened?

That's why every time I either listen to The Ronnettes' "Be My Baby" or watch Polanski's The Pianist, I feel a bit melancholic, because I can't believe that such beautiful art came from such twisted souls.

*UPDATE: In no way am I suggesting that somehow I'm better than Polanski, Simpson, Vick, or Turner. I'm a sinner just as much as them. And I'm not saying they can't be forgiven, either. Sorry for the confusion.

Same cover, different book

A few weeks ago I pointed out the similarities between the covers of Twilight and a book of C. S. Lewis quotes. Well, apparently this isn't the only case of two books have similar covers.

Here is the cover of Michael Connelly's latest book, The Scarecrow:



Now here's the cover of Snake Dreams by James D. Doss:



Is it just me, or does that crow look awfully familiar?

Links

Hey guys! Just wanted to share the links to a couple of things I've recently written.

The first is my most recent article for The Jesus Manifesto called It's the End of the World as We Know It, and I Feel Fine. And no, it's not about either REM or Leonard Bernstein.

The second is probably my most personal and vulnerable Disturbed Christians post to date, The Scars of Bullying. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think I ever really blogged about being bullied in school. Mostly it's because I was afraid people would say, "What have you to complain about? There are a lot worse things out there. Stop being such a cry baby!" True, compared to what happened between Mackenzie Phillips and her father, I can't really whine about my trials and tribulations. But from what I've heard from talking to other people who have been bullied, the pain is real. And one of the reasons why I write is to try to help those who are hurting, so I had to write about it. It's received a lot of great feedback, so far.

Enjoy!

Book Review: The Dude Abides

UPDATE: According to new regulations, I need to let everyone know that yes, I did receive this book for free. But I am not getting paid for this review.

All great stories reflect the human condition. Even when a story does not have an outright message, we recognize pieces of ourselves in the characters, and maybe something about life if we look closely enough.

In her latest book The Dude Abides: The Gospel According to the Coen Brothers, religion journalist Cathleen Falsani explores the hidden spiritual meanings in every Joel and Ethan Coen movie. It sounds strange at first, since their movies can be pretty violent (remember the wood chipper scene from Fargo?), but Falsani digs deep to find themes that are common place in various religions. For example, The Dude from The Big Lebowski could be a lamed-vavnik--one of the thirty-six righteous people on whom (according to kabbalistic teachings) the fate of the entire world rests. Fargo is seen as a classic story of good (the spunky cop Marge) and evil (the kidnappers), with good always winning in the end. And both The Hudsucker Proxy and O Brother, Where Art Thou? show examples of divine intervention.

As a bonus, the book includes an essay about how Falsani and a group of old friends formed a sort of community on Facebook after the death of a mutual friend. While most religious writers trash social media, saying that it creates only a false sense of connection, Falsani writes a beautiful story of friendship, love, and technology.

Whether you are a big Coen Brothers fan, or have only seen bit parts of Raising Arizona on TV, The Dude Abides is an enjoyable book about the surprising lessons we can learn from the unlikeliest sources.

The Way of the Beard

It used to be that nearly every man had a beard: cavemen, Moses, Jesus, King Arthur, Charles Dickens, etc. But for some reason by the early 20th century, the only men who wore beards were either outdoors men, wizards, or beatniks. Then came the ’60s when everyone got hold of some good dope and suddenly everything changed. Fashion, music, ideals; the whole world was suddenly turned upside down (the hippies must have had some really good dope in those days). And with that revolution, the beard made a comeback.

At first the beard comeback was a symbol of rebellion against the clean-cut idealism of the ’50s. But when the ’70s arrived, the beard once again became a symbol of manhood. Everyone from pop stars to accountants started wearing beards. The beard even made its way to kids shows like Sesame Street.

Example #1: The "Everybody Sleeps" clip.

Ah, such classic beards! There’s the man in the beginning who tosses and turns in his bed. There’s the weird homeless-looking man sleeping on the ground. And, of course, the Tommy Chong lookalike falling out of the chair.

Example #2: The video of the man and the girl exercising together.

The man’s beard isn’t as impressive as the men in the “Everybody Sleeps” clip, but it’s still a beard, hence it’s still cool.

(On a side note, after finding so many old classic Sesame Street clips on YouTube, I’m surprised how many hippies were on that show. The most obvious being the “Everybody Sleeps” clip. And what’s with the exercising girl’s dirty feet? Is she a dirty hippie in training?)

Then in the late ’70s things changed. Beards were out, mustaches were in. Although the mustache made facial hair acceptable, after a while it just looked cheesy. Then in the ’90s neither the full beard nor the mustache were acceptable. You could, however, get away with what some people call the Van Dyke, which is where the mustache and goatee are attached.

But in the 21st century the beard made a comeback. It first started as ironic humor, but then more indie rock stars started sporting beards, and now beards are once again cool.

Of course throughout the years there have been several men that have tainted the beard’s good image. Charles Manson was one of the first. Osama Bin Laden is another good (or should I say bad) example. And of course who could forget the bearded man from "The Joy of Sex?" Hairy people having sex isn’t the sexiest thing in the world, unfortunately.

I'm currently trying to grow a beard. I managed to grow a Van Dyke a few months ago, but now it's starting to get kind of lonely. I haven't shaved for over a week. It feels great; I love rubbing my hands all over my face, feeling the smooth hair. Unfortunately, thanks to this thing called this thing called Alopecia areata barbae, I have a few bald spots on the left side of my face. And I'm pretty sure my beard won't look too good if I have a bald spot the size of a nickle on my face. So looks like I'm stuck with just the Van Dyke for now. Hopefully some day I'll be able to grow a full beard. Until then, I can only watch old ’70s movies and dream.

Why I Would Make a Lousy Pirate

Today, for those who don't know, is Talk Like a Pirate Day. Pirates have been really popular during the past couple of years, partly because of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Some people think that they would have been great pirates. I am not one of them, and here's why:

Scene 1: Aboard the pirate's ship.

CAPTAIN: Ahoy, mates! I 'ear there be talk behind me back. Is there a mutiny a brewin'?

ME: No, it's not that, Captain. It's just that . . . well . . . me and the other cabin boys were wondering if we could have some shoes. Our feet are covered in splinters and blisters, man.

CAPTAIN: Har har har! A cabin boy don't need no shoes. No go swab the poop deck or you'll be sleepin' in Davy Jones' locker tonight.

ME: Oh, um, Captain? I'm really flattered and all, but I'm afraid I'm not gay.

CAPTAIN: What are ye' talkin' about? I'm talkin' about mopping the floor, ya nitwit!

ME: Oh, mop the floor! Right! Gotcha, dude!

LOOKOUT: Land ho!

CAPTAIN: Aye, would ya look at that? A nice, quaint little town by the shore.

ME: Cool! I wonder if they have an Orange Julias. I feel some wicked scurvy coming on, man.

CAPTAIN: Har har har, no time for lallygaggin', mate. Tonight we'll be rapin' and pillagin'!

ME: Yeah, raping and pillaging, yeah. Wait, what?

Scene 2: While the Captain and his crew are raping and pillaging, our hero comes across a fair maiden.

MAIDEN: Oh, you brute! Have mercy on a fair maiden!

ME: Hey man, let's slow things down some! Can I at least get to know you first?

MAIDEN: What do you savages want from us simple villagers? We are but simple folk.

ME: Hey, I don't make the rules. I just do whatever the Big Guy says, or else I'll get eaten up by sharks. You don't really have much choice when you're only other choice is dinnertime for Jaws.

MAIDEN: *sobs*

ME: So, um . . . you like Bon Iver? For Emma, Long Ago is probably one of the best albums ever! Did you know he wrote and recorded the whole thing locked away in a cabin somewhere up in the mountains? Far out stuff, man!

SWASHBUCKLER: Hands off my lady, you scoundrel!

ME: Dude, it's not what you think! She's not even my type.

SWASHBUCKLER: You have defiled this innocent lady. Draw your sword, brute!

ME: Yeah, uh, they forget to give me a sword? So I better go now. Gotta go swab a poop deck.

CAPTAIN: Ahoy, do I 'ear a fight a-brewin'? 'Ere, take this sword, mate. Fight to the death, or walk the plank!

ME: Hmm, let's see. On one hand, I could have Mr. Hero cut me to ribbons with his sword, or I'll end up being shark bait. Boy, talk about a rock and a hard place!

Stay tuned . . .

Guest Posts

I have done two guest posts this week.

The first is at Renee Johnson's blog. I share my story of depression and grace.

The second, for those who haven't seen it already, is at Rachel Held Evans' blog. It's about keeping your words seasoned with salt.

Enjoy!

Apparently I am a Commie After All

UPDATE 02/24/2010: I must have misread my results, because today I retook the quiz and came up with "Moderately Biblical World View." I'm cool with being a moderate.

Today I was browsing around Worldview Times when I came upon this quiz that determined if I had a liberal or conservative worldview. Even though I don't care much for labels--I no longer consider myself a liberal or a conservative or a libertarian or any other political label--I took the quiz.

The quiz started off asking questions about God and the Bible, but then shifted towards politics. Specifically the quiz asked what I thought the Bible said about the role of government, which is something I honest don't know much about. I don't remember anything in the Bible that explicitly said whether God prefers a small government or a big one. The quiz also asked if I thought America's Founding Fathers were influenced by the Bible. That's also something I'm not sure about. I've heard some say that the Founding Fathers were Deists, and other say that while America is not a "Christian nation" (according to C.S. Lewis, a Christian nation requires that all citizens have to be Christians) our Founding Fathers were heavily influenced by Biblical principles when they shaped our Constitution. So for those question, I just put down "no opinion."

Well, according to the results, I am a Communist.

Which is strange, because I read The Communist Manifesto this past summer, and I didn't agree with it. I can understand why so many people got into it. I agree to a certain extent about the eternal struggle between the rich and the poor, but once Marx started talking about doing away with property rights I was like, "You lost me there, dude! I like to own my own stuff."

What's also strange is that Worldview gives you a list of all the correct answers to the quiz. In other words, if you a true Christian you have to be a neoconservative. Which is weird, because I thought being a Christian meant you believed in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and He died for your sins. I didn't know you had to vote a certain way.

But apparently according to Worldview, even though I believe in Jesus but don't vote the way they do, I am Commie.

So, uh . . . workers of the world, unite?

Abortion, Murder, and Media

We all remember the murder of Dr. George Tiller earlier this year. But there hasn't been a lot of media coverage about the murder of anti-abortion activist James Pouillon.

According to reports, Harlan James Drake shot and killed Pouillon outside of a high school in Owosso, Michigan early morning this past Friday. He then drove off to kill another man, but was caught by police before he could kill a third one. At time of Drake's arrest, it was unclear why he killed Pouillon.

While the story has not gone completely unnoticed--I saw the story on MSNBC's website, Drudge Report, and Huffington Post--it hasn't received as much attention as Tiller's death. I'm not the most media literate person in the world, so I can't say for sure that it's because of any "liberal bias." But it is odd when the media jumps on a story about the murder of an abortionist, and almost ignores the murder of a pro-life activist.

Both of these deaths are horrible and senseless tragedies. They are tragedies that can be avoided if we learn to discuss the abortion issue in a peaceful, civil, and respectful way.

*UPDATE: Although this story has not received a lot of media attention, President Obama recently released a statement calling the murder "deplorable."

Hilarious Christian Humor!

I know that I've been posting a lot of videos lately, but I just wanted to share this one video with you from Christian humorists Rock TV.

A Tribute to the 9/11 Ironworkers

Eight years ago today, I was one of millions of people who watched in horror as the planes crashed into the World Trade Center and Pentagon. All I could say was, "Why?" But then I saw something that gave me hope: a group of Iron Workers walking towards Ground Zero.

"What are you doing?" a news reporter asked.

"We're going in there to try to save some people," one of the Iron Workers replied. So along with the New York City police and fire department, these brave men went into the rubble to save lives.

My grandfather is a retired Iron Worker, so this made my family proud. So I'd like to tip my hat to the brave men who volunteered to help their fellow human beings in the face of tragedy.



(Sorry that the picture quality sucks. I just found this video online.)

The Health Care Question

The following is an article I recently wrote for Jesus Manifesto:

Health care. No other two words have stirred up so many emotions as these lately. Some say health care is a right; others say it’s only a privilege. Some believe that there should be a government-run “public option”; others say it will only expand government control. But where should we, as Christians, stand on the issue? As people called to serve “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40), how should we approach the millions of people who are either uninsured or cannot receive proper medical care?

The Bible doesn’t specifically say anything about health care. However, many Christians believe that proper health care is, as the Rev. Jim Wallis recently stated, “the will of God for each and every one of His children.” Wallis’ organization, Sojourners, recently produced an online guide to the current health care reform debate, which is available on www.sojo.net. The guide claims that, while the Bible does not have a detailed idea for health care, many verses suggest that it is important to preserve the health and well being of every person. According to the guide, “Jesus and His disciples demonstrate that sharing the good news and healing the sick are bound up together (Luke 9:6, Mark 7:32-35).” Sojourners proposes a “values based, common sense approach to health care reform,” which includes affordable health care, coverage for all Americans, a cost that is “broadly shared and placed on a sustainable funding foundation,” protection for poverty-stricken families, and religious liberty.

However, some fear that the government will only make things worse. Texas Representative Dr. Ron Paul is a vocal critic of Obama’s health care proposal, claiming that the government “simply does not have the money for a new, expansive, public health care plan.” A former OBGYN, Paul says that health care is between the patient and the doctor, and that health care reform will only increase the national deficit. “The leadership in Washington persists in a fantasy world of unlimited money to spend on unlimited programs . . . to garner unlimited control,” he says. “But there is a fast-approaching limit to our ability to borrow, steal, and print. Acknowledging this reality is not mean-spirited or cruel. On the contrary, it could be the only thing that saves us from complete and total economic meltdown.”

While both sides have valid points, tensions between the two are rising at a disturbing rate. Recent town hall meetings have escalated into shouting matches and sometimes violence. We see health care opponents carry signs comparing Obama to Adolf Hilter. In a Pennsylvania town hall meeting one audience member shouted at Senator Arlen Specter, “One day God’s gonna stand before you. And He’s gonna judge you, and the rest of your damn cronies up on the Hill, and then you can get your just desserts.” In Dartmouth, Massachusetts an angry woman asked Rep. Barney Frank why he supported Obama’s “Nazi policy” (to which Frank replied, “On what planet do you spend most of your time?”). In Tampa, Florida a crowd of angry protesters erupted into a fistfight outside a town hall meeting. And in Portsmouth, New Hampshire a man was spotted standing outside a town hall meeting with a gun strapped to his leg.

Fortunately, many are condemning the out-of-control protests, and are calling for a return to civil discussion. Evangelical leader Brian McLaren recently wrote an open letter on Sojourners’ blog calling on conservative Christians to debate and discuss the health care issue in a peaceful and courteous manner. “People are free to disagree humbly and respectfully with their fellow Christians and their government,” he writes. “But we Christians, it seems to me, have a high calling – to be radically committed to integrity and civility, even (especially) with those with whom we disagree. God, after all, is merciful, generous, and kind to ‘the just and the unjust’: How can we not have that same obligation regarding those with whom we disagree?”

Indeed the Bible tells us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19) Unfortunately, we tend to do the opposite; we’re slow to listen, quick to speak, and very quick to become angry. We puff ourselves thinking that our way is the right way, and any one who disagrees is just plain evil. But while we trade insults back and forth at each other, nothing gets accomplished. Instead the vicious cycle of arguing and name calling continues.

The Bible says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29) Name calling and Nazi comparisons will not solve the health care problem. While we don’t have to agree, we need to at least listen to each other. We need to calmly talk about health care reform, and weigh both the pros and cons. The only way to solve any problem—whether it is health care, gay marriage, or any other issue—is through calm, respectful, civil discussion.

And we also need to pray. Pray for our leaders that they will make the right choices. Pray for those who are sick and cannot get the proper medical care. Pray for both health care supporters and opponents, that they may be able to discuss this issue with civility and respect. And before we can take any kind of stand, let us first pray for God’s wisdom.

I Love Autumn . . .

. . . except when all the ragweed gives me headaches.

And when the cooling temperature makes my knee hurt (Years ago I was in a car accident, and it banged up my knee pretty badly).

Oh yeah, there's also cold season.

And time to get a flu shot.

But other than that, I love autumn!

What's Your Gospel?

Have you noticed that we have a lot of gospels? And I'm not talking about the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

For example, there is the "Prosperity Gospel." According to this gospel, God is willing to give you everything you want and desire if you pray a special prayer, or think positive thoughts. It is closely related to the "Self-Help Gospel," except that the Prosperity Gospel focuses more on material wealth, while the Self-Help Gospel is more about elevating one's self-esteem.

A lot of my friends are into the Social Gospel, which focuses on social and political activism. According to this gospel, the political and the spiritual are one; you cannot preach salvation to the sinners without feeding the poor.

And then of course there is the good old Fire and Brimstone Gospel where God hates you so you better get your act together or suffer for all eternity.

All these gospels have nuggets of truth, but none of them tell the full story. God gives us what we need (Matthew 7:11), but not always give us what we want. The Bible says that we are more valuable than many sparrows (Matthew 10:31), but too much self-esteem can quickly lead to believing life is all about our own happiness. In a parable Jesus said that the ones who did not do anything for "the least of these" would not see paradise (Matthew 25:45), but politicizing Him too much will make Him sound like just another political revolutionary. And, yes, there is fire and brimstone, but Jesus came not to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17).

So what's your gospel? Is it the Prosperity Gospel? The Social Gospel? Or is it the True Gospel?

Stockholm Syndrome

Derek Webb's long-awaited new CD, Stockholm Syndrome, finally came out yesterday. But even before it was released it already stirred controversy with the lead single What Matters More. Not only was it a completely different sound--Derek Webb's gone techno now?--but after getting away with saying "damn" and "hell," he finally let one of the Big Dirty Words slip:

We can talk and debate until we’re blue in the face
About the language and tradition that he’s comin’ to save
Meanwhile we sit just like we don’t give a shit
About 50,000 people who are dyin’ today.

Naturally this made the record company very nervous, so as a compromise Webb agreed to release two versions: a clean version (without "What Matters More") and an "explicit version" (with "What Matters More"). You can only get the latter through Webb's website, I think.

Whether it's the clean version or not, Stockholm Syndrome is definitely . . . interesting.

Webb's music is usually acoustic, and has very little bells and whistles. It's guitar, bass, drums, and maybe a horn section and some strings. But very organic. With the new album, however, it's all electronic beats and synthesizers. It sounds like Webb invited Radiohead, Moby, and Santogold into the studio with him.

The album begins with "Opening Credits," a weird instrumental full of electronic blips and noises. During the next track, the trip-hop sounding "Black Eye," I wondered if perhaps Webb had completely lost his mind. But by the middle of "Cobra Con," both the audience and the artist feel comfortable with this new format. Although there are some awkward moments ("The Spirit vs. The Kick Drum"), Webb still has a knack for writing great songs with thought-provoking lyrics. One of my favorite tracks is "Freddie, Please," which imagines Jesus calling Fred Phelps' b.s. "You're picketing my grave for loving the things you hate," Webb sings. Another favorite is "Heaven," about a homeless man.

Overall despite its flaws, I give Webb credit for exploring new musical territories with Stockholm Syndrome.