What was biggest Controversy of 09?

As I was looking at my google reader this week, I though I would look up the word "controversy". All I can say is we Reformed folk like to argue! The usuals like Mark Driscoll and Rick Warren keep showing up (deservedly or not). A few names I almost forgot showed up as well. Tim Challies and John Frame for instance. So, wht do you think were the biggest controversies of the year? What do you think we didn't argue enough about? What should have never been an issue? Let me know. I will have my list up in the next few days.

Review- PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death, and GOD

 Frank Warren has been called the world's friendliest stranger. Mainly because every week he gets anonymous post cards with people's deepest secrets (Sounds like something out of Stephen King). These secrets, usually on a creative post card, get posted on-line at his blog for all to see. For many, it fosters a sense of community and understanding, in knowing that there are others out there who feel like them-and that there is a place to express those feelings. Warren started the blog as an art project back in 2005. Since then, he has traveled the country with the cards as a traveling art exhibit.

In the case of "Confessions on Life, Death and God", the secrets were from an exhibit called: Every Faith Beautiful. Warren explains that one of the first cards he ever received was from a woman in Texas who's husband was a Baptist pastor. Her secret? No one suspected she was an atheist. The fact that a lot of the post cards are about issues related to faith, doubt, life, and death is what led to this book and the exhibit.

The cards are almost always creative with a lot of attention to detail. No wonder they can be a part of an art exhibit. Some are funny ("I don't hold my farts around you"), some are very revealing (a suicidal psychiatrist), and some-to Christians- are thought provoking and sad.

That's where the God part come in. One that made me think was from a woman who lost her unborn child at 16 week. "That was the day my baby, God and my heart died".

The cards make for a pretty fast read. However, some images in the book are very inappropriate (along with some of the content). Thus I would be careful with who you get this book for.

So why is this important? I think to those of us in ministry, this is the kind of research you sometimes can't get. It's a peek into the lives of everyday Americans. Maybe even the man next door. And since this book is specifically about faith issues, I think it's one worth looking at.

To finish I wanted to share some observations I made while reading the book:

1. People are desperate to communicate.

Even if it's telling a stranger their darkest secrets,people want to talk. The image of the God who is not silent, makes us want to communicate. Facebook, Twitter, etc.. are further proof of that  (See Ch.1 of James White's "Scripture Alone" for a great argument on this point). This leads me to the next point....

2. We must learn to listen.

I know it's been said before, and it bears repeating: James 1:19 reminds us to be "quick to hear, slow to speak". Many of us who are called to evangelism and apologetics, can get a little too eager to make our points at the expense of the person. We must learn to cultivate the discipline of listening.  If ever we needed the ministry of listening, it is now. I know I speak this to myself as well.

3. The arts are our friends.

A simple post card becomes a medium for communication and a work of art at the same time. Many people have noted (i.e. John Frame) there can be variety to our apologetic. In the Bible, this includes parables, metaphors, images, etc... Is it any wonder God speaks to us not only in language, but with literature? (A great resource for this would be the Literary Study Bible). And yet, many churches think it odd to try and include the arts in its worship and evangelism. This isn't the place to discuss arts and the church (but you're free to) so I will just say two things.  In the book, Warren, talks about visiting a Buddhist temple, and being attracted by a garden and pond there. He then went on to have a pretty interesting talk with one of the visitors in the temple.

The first thing I thought was: I wish my church had a garden! I know a lot of us are stuck with store front churches, but that shouldn't be reason to ignore the aesthetic possibilities our buildings can have. Neither should we ignore the value the arts can play in our worship and communication.

#4 People still have questions.

The classic questions of evil, exclusivity claims, and the nature of God keep coming up. People are looking for an answer. they're looking for a word from God. I have been of the opinion that our churces have been weak in teaching and preaching. At a time when people are asking the classic questions (in the face of personal and national troubles) we hide our bible to our shame and detremement. This is connected to my last obserevation...

#5 We need to teach our people

Many times while reading Confessions, I just kept seeing people who gave up on church or God because of a bad tradition, or interpretation of scripture. Whether it was tongues or the place of people with gay tendencies, God basically gets a bad rap sometimes. We must teach the whole counsel of God's word and help our people develop a robust world view. To give our people any less, is to put them in danger of not being able to answer the big questions that are being thrown at them by the man next door. Or without the means to minister to them.

Trevin Wax Christmas Giveway

As a great Christmas present, SBC blogger Trevin Wax, is giving a copy of each of his favorite books away to one lucky winner. Included in the package is an ESV Study Bible. (those things are becoming real collectors items!). For rules and quilifications, please visit his blog (here).  He will be picking the winner on Christmas.

King David Gives Thanks

As we stop to give thanks (and eat lot's of turkey!) I wanted to take a look at a prayer given by King David. Found in 1 Chronicles 29, David is getting things ready for Solomon to start building the Temple. As he challenges the people to bring materials for the great work ahead (vs1-5) he was glad to see that they responded to willingly and with great joy (vs. 6-9)
His response is a great prayer of Thanksgiving. I share it with you because I guess it's a part of Scripture I may have missed, and when I read it last night, it truly moved me. There are many things to thank God for. Here is what David prayed:

Therefore David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: "Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all.In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

 "But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. I know, my God,that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you. O LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you. Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart that he may keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, performing all, and that he may build the palace for which I have made provision." 

A line that bears repeating. One I hope we can pray today as we gather with family and friends.

"And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name"

Amen.

The Manhattan Declaration -Your Thoughts

For those of you following current theological urrents, last week the Manhattan Declaration was announced along with a great deal of well known signatories. Included amongst them are people as diverse as Al Mohler and Peter Kreeft. In short, it deals with:

1. the sanctity of human life
2. the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife
3. the rights of conscience and religious liberty. 

In today's culture, these are the very things that have come under attack (broadly speaking). So before I delve into what things are covered, I'd like your opinion: What did you think? Would you sign it? Why or Why Not?

To get your thinking going, here is a link from APPRAISING. It has a few questions about the contenet of the declaration.

And a link to Al Mohler's reasons for signing the Declaration.

The Fall of Captain Becks: The Final Duel

***A Tribute to S. Morgenstern***

The sea has the stories of a thousand ships, and all their crews. Under the moonlight, Captain Becks looked out across the seas and the stars from the deck of her ship and wondered what they would say of her. Becks had seen the known world, and even a few islands that weren't on current maps. And now her ship would sail into one more battle. One that would be fought for honor, not plunder. This battle would be settled between her and him. She knew he would come one day, she just never believed it. As the dark ship approached, her blood got cold.

She wasn't always Captain Becks. Once she was called Rebecca. Her father, Erik, was a farmer for the King, Rowland of Florin. His family had passed the legacy down through the ages. They loved working for the King. It was Humperdinck, the prince, whom they hated. Unfortunately, when he gained influence, as the King's health worsened with age, most of the farmers were fired from their jobs. Becks and her family spent their time in the King's orange groves and apple orchards. They were the few who remained-mainly because they were the only ones who could do the work. People called them the Groves. Though to Becks, it felt like a curse word rather than a surname.

She loved it....once. Time in the trees, the orchards, and with the animals became a burden. She wanted more than tree's. Her brother joined Florin's Navy. When he visited, he always had stories of the lands beyond. Hearing his stories, Becks realized that she wasn't meant for the land. So when she turned seventeen she ran away to the only place she knew she'd be free. The sea.

Florin's seashore drew the wealthy and poor alike. Poets and artists have painted and written its beauties. Its air and water are as clear as glass. Beck's could still remember the day she ran there. The clear air and the scent of the sea were intoxicating. All the children running in the white sand were alive. It made her alive. This was her home, and it was calling her.

The dark ship drew closer, and Becks came back to the moment. Standing on the deck of the Raven, her ship, she realized what she was doing. It was an old sea tradition. Like a doctor, the captain would inspect the contours of their ship before battle. Each floorboard, each sail, each rope, was examined. Not that she had had many battles on her ship. But a few stood out.

They once encountered a fishing ship from Guilder. The crew was made of former Guilderrian sailors. She tried to board the ship, but they put up a great fight. Becks had to call a retreat. She had lost Troy the Barber and her favorite dog in the fight. Their canons nearly destroyed the Raven. Becks had been badly wounded as well. It was Watkins who saved her that day. He was able to get the ships close enough to put one last canon ball through their hull. It was enough to give the Raven time to get some distance. Watkins called a retreat, and cared for Becks in her cabin. The first mate had drowned, so it was up to him to get them safe. Becks hated losing, but she hated the idea of dying as well, so she made him first mate.

What awaited her now? she thought. She had to do this alone. The dark ship was now a half days voyage away from them. She didn't need a spyglass to see it anymore. She knew it would be there in the morning. They had first spotted it earlier that day. Watkins told her the news. She woke up expecting her normal breakfast of oranges, oatmeal and tea. Instead, he had a report of the night before. The Sicilian spotted a ship following them. "I don't think I recognize it. But whoever they are, they're coming fast" he said. He usually had a snarky look on his face that Becks didn't trust. But the look on his face was plain for all," We're in more trouble than we know". He was still new to thre crew. A trader who was running from the police near the Port of San Pellegrino. He turned out to be a good guide. He knew all the trade routes, thus the best ships to attack for plunder. But she still felt uneasy about him. He always seemed to be hiding something.

When Watkins described the ship, part of her wanted it be be a Florin trade ship, or a Guilderian scout ship. Those could be handled. It was still too far to tell, she thought. But she knew. It was only a matter of time before HE came. She remembered the ship too well. Climbing the crow's nest, she began to get a clearer view of what she was looking at. Through her spyglass, she saw it. Her heart started to beat faster. It was the dark ship; the ship even pirates feared. It was also where Beck's learned to be a pirate. She called it home once. And now, the pirate ship Revenge was coming for her. The Dread Pirate Roberts was coming for her.

It was strange to Becks, as she walked through the downstairs cabins, watching her crew sleep. She was trying to get a feel for her ships readiness. And all she could think of was the begining. When she ran to the Florin seashore, she found a trade ship, the Pegasus, and became its cook. She loved it, but at her age, she became tired quickly. She loved the ocean, but being a cook just wasn't enough. She wanted adventure. And she soon found it. While on shore leave, she met a man named Cummerbund in the Port of Turtuga. He helped her get a good price on some bread for the Pegasus. To thank him, she returend to the ship to make him an apple pie.

"Becks!" he cried,"join my ship". He told her she was the best cook he ever met. He told her he was the first mate on the pirate ship revenge. He offered her a job, and she took it. She finally felt like she was on her way to doign what she always wanted. Her brother would object, of course, to her being a pirate, but this was her life. She still remembered Cummerbund. He was an old sea dog, gray haired, sharp as a whip, short temper, and always ready for a fight. Roberts was something else.

She could see the Revenge without a spyglass, as it grew closer. Her heart was still beating fast. She could see the night lamps hanging on the sides. It was coming for her. He was coming for her. She knew the legends, she also knew the man, The Dreap Pirate Roberts. He wasn't wicked, but he was fierce. She could still remember when she first met him.

On the Becks first day, Cummerbund, introduced the new crew to the Captain. He showed great devotion to Captain Roberts. "Hear this once, sea maggots, Captain Roberts demands unquestioned loyalty. Betray him, or this ship, and it will be off to the bottom of the sea with you!". From behind him, came the man even pirates feared. Roberts was dressed in dark boots, a white shirt and three corner hat. He wasn't dressed to impress. Becks was surprised. He was tall and handsome, but he didn't look like a tyrrant. He didnt' look, like a pirate either. He spoke with a careful demeanor as one well read in the classics. Almost like a philospher. He was also one of the best military strategists on the seas. It was no wonder that he could take on the Florin Navy. He may not have looked like a pirate, but when he walked on the deck, he walked as one who owned the oceans. He had few words for them. Just a reiteration, betray him or his ship, and die. A lesson the crew soon learned.

After plundering a whaling vessel, Becks was aprt of the crew that counted the cargo. Whale flesh, trout as well as food from many countries. It was Becks who noticed on second count that a pound of spices went missing. They were from India, thus a rarity in Florin, and very expensive in an open market. Captain Roberts had the ship searched till it was found. They were found in the quarters of Vincent the Petagonian. He was also Captain Robert's valet. When he learned of this, Roberts changed course to the Gray Sea off the coast of Florin. It was not a place to get lost, or to swim in. Those were eel infested waters.

The night they got there, their shrieking filled the air. While still begging for his life, Roberts had Vincent thrown from the ship. The shrieks in the air were soon joined by those of Vincent's cries for help. The crew could hear them as they were drowed out by the shrieks of the eels as they ate dinner. And how they stopped as quickly as they started. That dreadful silence was etched into Becks memory, and the crew would never forget it.

It was that same silence that Becks could hear now, as the Revenge approached. Watkins came to her at the third hour of the morning. "You're troubled Captain, are you thining about the battle?" There won't be a battle Watkins" she said. He knew he might have to fight to the death this time, but Becks reassured him. This was a battle between her and Roberts. He tried to get Beck to get some sleep, but she still wanted to take a look at the ship. It was like the Revenge. Just smaller. She still missed it at times. It as where she learned to be a pirate.

After the incident with Vincent, she spent time learning the pirate arts. She learned to shoot from an old soldier named Hariss, he was the quarter master. His vision was the best in the crew. He could shoot an apple from your head at one hundred paces. Becks could use a sword, her brother learned in the Navy, and he taught her. But it was Roberts who taught her to use a sword to kill. Roberts saw her practicing one day with Fiona, the only other female on the ship. She could swing wildly, and run circles around the biggest member of the ship. As soon as she came in for a kill strike, Roberts called out to her "You're fast Becky, but your form is flawed".

He was right. Fencing was about proper form and fighting in war was different from fighting for sport. Roberts was the best swordsman on the ship. and he would know that difference. He was a student of the fencing arts. Some even said he went as far as Spain to learn to fight. So when he called her form flawed, it wasn't an insult, just a statement of fact. It was also his first lesson to her.

"You can't stike to the side" he grabbed her arm, and pointed it straight at Fiona. "If you swing wildy in the hopes of killing, you will be easly blocked. He aimed her arm straight at Fiona's heart, and had her lunge slowly at her. "You must strike with the force of your body, right into the heart" he explained. Fiona was glad to know it was only practice, Becks was honored and at the same time felt like a school girl around Roberts.

From that moment, he became her teacher. He taught her a lot of what he knew, including a few languages like Patagonian and Spanish. He taught her the pirate arts, and she became his best student. Becks served him proudly. She knew that if he asked, she would even die for him.

Each ship they attacked was not foolish enough to fight the Revenge. But mostly it was because Roberts was feared for never leaving captives alive. It scared those who knew of the legend. But, those who dared fight him in the ocean, never left it. But as Becks came to know, that was only mostly true.

One day, they found a fishing vessel off the coast of Florin. As they came in, it did something they weren't used to. It fired on them. For three hours, the air went dark with smoke as lead balls criss crossed the sky. The Revenge was damaged, but Captain Roberts was able to get the ship close enough to get a raiding party on board. The crew put up another fight as they crossed swords on the deck. The spilled blood mixed with the gun powder and water on the deck. There were few survivors.The few who lived, were rounded up and placed on deck. Becks knew what would happen. She saw it a hundred times. They would beg for mercy, or attempt to bribe him, before they were cast off into the shark infested waters. Roberts walked down the deck; each step of his dark boots filling the silence. Nearing the end of the survivors, one boy, not much older than Becks said "Please". Becks found it humorous. Roberts stopped.

They found him in the sick bay helping the wounded. He was a blond young man with hazel eyes. Becks though it a pity for him to die so young. But she'd seen Roberts end the lives of young and old. His would be no different. Indeed Roberts always asked for a reason to spare the person's life. She knew it was a ploy. He didn't mean it. She thought he got a perverse pleasure in toying with his captives.

"Why should I spare you?" he said peering into his eyes.
"Please, I must live" pleaded the boy.
And it was the "please" that stopped Roberts. But his story would completely capture Roberts attention. The boy told of a girl from Florin. She was waiting for him. He hoped to marry her one day, and wanted the chance to return to her. He described her eyes, dark blue, and golden hair. And her faithfulness. Her enduring faithfulness. It was true love. The crew listened intently as Roberts did. All Becks wanted was for him to be thrown to the sharks. It was to her surprise when Roberts let him live. For the next eight months, Roberts trained the boy, Wesley, and Becks saw less of him. When Cummerbund left the ship, Wesley became as close to Roberts as Becks had been. The anger burned in her.

Captain Roberts taught him to fence and shoot. Wesley even scouted for new crew, a job for the first mate. Every night however, he would tell him, "Sleep tight Wesley, good job. I'll most likely kill you in the morning". It became a joke around the crew. Everyone knew he was becoming first mate. Becks could stand it no longer. Her hatred of Wesley had grown to make her sick.

One day while working on their fencing, Becks and Wesley were set against each other. Without a word, she lunged towards Wesley in a kill strike. The farmboy was fast. He parried the blow, and responded. Becks blocked his sword and kicked Wesley's stomach, watching him fall flat. She raised her sword ready to strike him dead. A bright sword flashed through the air disarming her. Blood trickled from her forearm as her sword dropped. Roberts attacked her, but he didn't kill her. Her outbreak cost her dearly. For a week, Becks was put in a holding cell with nothing but bread and water. Roberts came to her on her last day.

"Why Becks? Are you not my crew as well as him?" asked Roberts
"He's not your crew, he a boy who bewitched you with a story of true love. How could I repect even that"
"So you will not apologize, or make amends then?" Roberts was mad.
"Need you even ask?" she said. She couldn't look at him. There was still respect.
"An attack on my first mate is an attack on me Becks" he said solemnly.
It was her death sentence. She betrayed him. But he betrayed her first. He made the farm boy first mate ahead of her. Because he told the story of a girl?! This was the ultimate insult.

"Will you kill me? Will YOU take me with YOUR hands and throw ME to the sharks?" she asked defiantly. Becks stared her cold eyes to him. His were soft, not like a pirates at all. Hers were the eyes of a woman scorned. And still, she knew she couldn't really defy him. She still respected him and hated him for it.

"In the morning, I will take you to the open waters, and your fate will be in God's hands" he said

"I'm sure he's the one who told you to throw me to the sharks" she snapped. He left her in the dark with her moldy bread and the rats. She could see out the porthole. They were headed north. Not far from the Gargantua Port. All she needed was to steal a rowboat and head west for a half day. Getting out would be hard. But she knew a few of the ships secrets. One she learned the day they fixed the holding cells.

Hax was the metalworker and gunsmith on the ship. She found him pounding on the bars, shooting a million sparks into the air. Becks could still hear the hammer strike against the hot metal. "These bars here Becksy, these will hold Davey Jones himself!" he boasted. The bars were strong, But the floorboards weren't strong enough to hold them. They had been rotting for months. All she needed was to dislodge one-with enough pressure. Using the bench in her cell, she broke off the seat plank and slipped it between the bars. Pushing with all her might, she was able to loosen one of the bars. She was thin enough to slip right through.

It was night, and she could blend in with the rags she was wearing, but she had to move fast, or her window of escape would close in on her. She ran to the only place she could. Slipping by the night watchmen, she got into the storage room. There she found it. Her source of escape. And she could only use it once. Success meant escape, and failure meant death for her and the crew.

Walking quietly through the deck, she approached the rowboat. It was to be used to escape in case of an emergency. Dying with the sharks was emergency enough for Becks. She started to lower the boat when she was spotted. "It's Becks! She trying to escape!" cried the guards. She took out a piece of flint and her knife and struck them together. Like magic, sparks flew from her hands. The sparks hit the trail of gun powder she left behind her. Like a line of fire, it traveled towards the storage room. Inside, Becks had poured powder over another keg. As the men came towards her, the flames entered the room, and a large ball exploded behind them. The Revenge was on fire. The ship even pirates feared, was a flaming ball of death in the ocean. As the crew scrambled to stop the fire, a few screamed out her name. Some screamed out in pain. It was hard to see her due to the smoke, so she took advantage. She untied the boat. It hit the sea with a loud splash. It didn't matter. Everyone was just trying to save themselves from the flames. As Becks got ready to jump she heard him.

"You can't escape Becks. Not from me!" It was Roberts. The flames around him shone the anger in his eyes. With sword in hand he lunged at her. Becks was unarmed, and she knew he was going to kill her. As he neared her, a flaming part of the mast fell on him knocking him unconscious. Without hesitation, she took one last look at him, and jumped.

She thought he was dead for sure. In the dark night all she could see was the ball of fire from the Revenge. The further away she got, the smaller it got. She wasn't sure it survived. Part of her hoped that it would be completely destoryed. She ended up in the Gargantua Port. She sold the boat and used the money to buy a new sword and boots. At the port bar she met an old Captain named Wild. He was the proud owner of a fast little ship called th Raven. He was in need of a crew, and she got herself in as a deck hand. She impressed Wild enough to become his first mate. During a storm near Petagoia, he drowned, leaving her as Captain. Half the crew was lost, but the few that survived, gave her unquestioned allegiance. That had been three years before.

Daylight was coming, and off in the distance, the ship drew closer. She almost didn't recognize the Revenge. It was darker in color, but that was from the fire. It made it look even more menacing. Now the Raven was prepared to be boarded by the Revenge. As the men gathered with weapons in hand, a white flag appeared from the mast of the Revenge. This was new even for Becks. She still had the men ready the canons. The ship got closer, and there was nothing but silence.

A small boat was let down from the ship, as as it made its way towards the Raven, she let down the lader. It wasn't Roberts, but the farm boy.

"Hello Becks!" shouted Wesley. She wasn't glad to see him. He looked different though. He looked like a pirate. "We mean your ship no harm. Bring it to a halt, and Roberts and I will board". Was he serious? she thought. But sure enough she stopped the ship. And as both ships were close to each other, a long plank was put out from the Revenge to the Raven. Bobbing up and down, in the middle of the sea, out came Roberts. Still as stoic and tall as she remembered. He came on baord with little fanfare.

"Hello Captain Becks" he said. His voice almost mocking her. "It seems we have a score to settle" he said. "We have to talk" She walked him around the Raven's deck. "I've heard tales of your little ship Becky"
"Little?" she said
"Well you've made a name for yourself". He stopped and turned to her. "I thought you had died"
"I thought you died" she responded.
"I almost wish you had died" he said to her surprise
"I'm sorry to dissappoint. But I guess that beats the sharks" she replied. She almost felt bad about that last remark. But she had to show courage in front of her crew.

"You know why I'm here" said Roberts. Becks knew. She knew he would come for her, but she never believed it.
"The code" she replied. It was the code of allegiance that every pirate swore to their ship upon entering. She swore allegiance to Roberts and the Revenge. She burned it and left him for dead. The Pirate's Code bound her to certain repricussions.

"I always thought the code was more of a rule of thumb" Becks said.
"You burned my home and left me for dead," said Roberts "The Dread Pirate Roberts won't let that be".
"So what? Will our ships shoot each other till they sink?" Becks replied. She could fight the Revenge, but they had a bigger crew. Roberts had the advantage.

"The code says that if two of the crew have a dispute, it is up to the quarter master to help settle the dispute, I call on Hariss your quarter master to help end this dispute" said Becks.

Hariss died last month" replied Roberts. A shame, thought Becks. He was almost smiling. "And the code also states that betrayal is only punishable by death, or marooning" he added.

"I don't see an island nearby Roberts, so you'll have to shoot me and be done with it" said Becks.
"I won't make it that easy for you Becky" said Roberts. "You nearly destroyed my ship, and left me for dead, hence I am the wronged party and the one who decides how this will end" He thought. Looking at Becky, he removed his black glove and threw it on the floor. She looked at it. Picking it up meant she was going to run the gauntlet with Roberts. This could only end one way.
"A duel then?" asked Becks. It could be pistols at fifty paces, or a sword fight. Becks was hoping for pistols. Her shooting had improved with time.

"Swords in the morning. The Revenge will not attack your Raven. But run, or try and void our duel, and I will take your crew, your plunder and your ship, and this time, the eels will shriek for you". Roberts voice brought a chill to her.

Roberts and Wesley left the ship. Becks was left to prepare. In her cabin, she practiced her sword thrusts, parrys and blocking. Watkins was almost as good as her and was easily able to keep up with her practice. But she knew she had to fight differently. After resting for a while,Watkins brought her some food. It was still nightfall and Becks hadn't slept or eaten all day. "You should eat" he said. He was trying to encourage her. He was the best fist mate she'd ever had. Her last one was only in it for the money. SHe liked Watkins because he was in it for the adventure as well. He was from Guilder, but no one held it against him. He was also an excellent navigator and a pretty good swordsman. He wasn't a pirate, not really, he was an explorer. Somehow he always knew what to say when she was vexed. Though she tried to hide it. He brought her the usual oatmeal, oranges and toast. She ate, not because she wanted to, but because she knew he worried. She also knew this could be her last meal. In front of the open sea, she ate. She peeled her oranges and for the first time since she left, Becks remembered home.

In the morning, she got ready. "Bring me my sword" she told Watkins "And Watkins" he stopped. He knew what she was going to say. "I'll take care of the ship" he said solemnly. She took her sword, and hugged him.

Morning finally came, as the sun shone around both ships. Both crews were standing around hurling insults at each other. But when the Revenge released its plank over to the Raven, everything stopped. Roberts came onwith Wesley. She knew Roberts's movements, his style, and his flaws. He was strong, but not fast. He was a tactical fighter, so she would have to rely less on form and more on instinct.

It was Wesley who officiated as quartermaster. "We are here to witness the challenge set forth by the Dread Pirate Roberts for damages done to his ship, crew and himself by Captain Becks of the Raven. The Pirates Code demands approrpiate action to settle this dispute. As such, they will settle their dispute with a duel. A fight to the death". Oddly enough, both crews shouted cheers, they did get such little entertainment out in the ocean.

Becks could feel her heart racing, as she felt the weight of her blade. It was a light and sharp blade. It would help her stay ahead of him. This was going to be an improvised fight. No fancy moves, no set forms. Becks wasn't going to let him have the advantage.

"Are you ready?" yelled Wesley.
"Yes" said Roberts
"Yes" said Becks
"There is only one rule, fight to the death" he said. "Begin!"

Both crews cheered for their captains. Becks could only hear silence as she peered into the white of Roberts eyes. They circled eachother, testing who would strike first.
"En guarde!" cried Roberts

His blade was menacing, it was almost as long as her. He positioned himself to strike, but she made the first jab. He blocked and countered. "That almost seemed slow Roberts" taunted Becks. "Try it again then" he said. She struck at him again and he blocked and parried. They clashed swords again, and Becks slashed him, almost cutting his shoulder. "That was sharp Becky, but I'm sharper". He returned by slashing at her, it was almost elegant. Both swords cutting through the air. Their feet shifting with each move. They danced around the deck of the Raven as their swords moved . She was running out of moving room. They were near her ships mast.

"Nowhere to go eh Becks?"
"I don't know, maybe we can take this to your ship" and with a jump, she grabbed for one of the ropes tied around the foremast and sliced it with her sword. She used it as a swing to get to the deck of the Revenge. Roberts followed and both crews cheered. They continued their fight.
"Splendid move Becks" said Roberts. He meant it too.
"You too" she said "Lets see if you can keep up"

Their battle raged on with Becks dancing around Roberts fancy footwork. He had taught her well indeed. Both swords clash and clang enough to actually spark at one point. At that they both stopped. And the crews cheered yet again.

She struck at him, but be seemed to be able to block every shot. It was his stance. He was taller therefore had the better advange, so she attacked his leg. She struck his left leg hard. He was able to jump away. But Becks drew first blood.
"Bad form!" he cried. He slashed at her arm, now he drew her blood. She cried out in pain, an with fury returned to the fight.

They made their way to the plank connecting the Revenge to the Raven. They drew a cheer as they both crossed swords while walking the plank. The confined walking space made it hard for Roberts. He was bigger than Becks (and hobbling a bit) but she was able to maneuver her way around him. As they stepped back onto the Raven, her crew cheered. Everyone but Watkins. He could only look in intently.

"Tell me Becks, did you really think you would get away from me" asked Roberts as the thrust at her stomach.
Blocking his thrust, and responding with a swipe to his neck, she said, "I figured you'd be retired by now, and too old to care". He parried and redirected her enough to get face to face with Becks. Both swords pressed against eachother, who would break first?

"Age has taught me how to win Becks" he said. She kicked him to break his hold. They both fell dropping their swords. They were tired, but Becks knew she had to reach her sword first. She reached for it as Roberts grabbed his, she spun around, ready to go for a kill strike. But as she turned, she saw Roberts sword in hand. She stabbed his shoulder. He croud out in pain and fell to the ground.

The cheering was at an uproar, and Becks saw victory in Roberts fall. She lunged at him, ready to strike him down. He moved. She missed. He didn't. The sharp steel cut through her stomach, and Becks fell to the ground. It felt horrid going out as it did going in. Roberts stood above her. His crew cheered as hers looked on with horror.
"Captain!" cried Watkins. He ran to her. She was lying in a pool of her own blood. She could feel her life slipping. Roberts turned to her, and his eyes were lost. This wasn't a victory he relished. "It is finished" he cried out. He walked on board the Revenge with Wesley.

Watkins was holding Becks, and she could the loyalty in his eyes. "It's over" she whispered. "Its your ship now". She could see the ocean, and the air was comforting. She took one last breath of it and her life came to an end.

That night, as the Revenge slipped away, Watkins officiated a ceremony for Becks. Even the most hardened of the crew had a tear in their eye. Watkins returned her body to Florin, to her family. Erik was grived to know what had happened. Yet he was glad to know she lived an interesting life. He and Watkins buried her under an orange tree. The scent would always remind him of Captain Becks of the Raven. The legendary pirate who dueled against the Dread Pirate Roberts. And Watkins was happy to think of it that way.

What Confessions Deal with Discipleship?

In the last few days I've been looking seriously into the idea of discipleship. I've been greatly helped by the late James M. Boice's book Christ's Call to Discpleship and am looking forward to reading Ancient-Future Evangelism by the late Peter Webber. So in my reading I wonder: what church confessions specifically deal with the issue of disipleship? Let me know in the comments. Maybe I've missed something.

How I review books-3rd update

[Note: I wrote this as my first post and have updated it over the year. I have added a few more ideas. Feel free to let me know what you would add. Thanks!]

 I did want to begin by sharing some ideas on how to judge a book before your read. Since many of you may be Christian, I will jump ahead and focus on how to get a feel for religious book.

1. Amazon!
If you are like me, you spend time on Amazon.com just browsing to see what's around, what's coming up, and what people generally think of books you either just bought, or are about to buy or read. Read the reviews. Does it have one, two, or five stars? Do the reviews seem fair? Are there any recurring problems mentioned? Many theology books are notorious for having bad binding. Are you better off buying it used?

2. Blurbs, or those personal endorsements on the back
Who blurbs the back of the book? Blurbs are the endorsements given to an author by other recognized authors, personalities etc.. this one can say a lot or a little. I once thumbed through a book that was endorsed by Donald Miller. He is the author of "Blue Like Jazz" which many of you know makes some interesting theological statements. I almost put the book away, but it turned out to be a great book on how to do church discipline today. If I could remember the title of said book I'd recommend it (Something like 10 mistakes churches make)! Of course, seeing well known, respected leaders recommend a book helps. But you must go deeper still. Does anyone who's opinion you trust like the book you are about to read?
3.Table of Contents
Yes, at some point you have to pop open the book and read what the author intends to communicate (you knew you were going to at some point) Is there a structure? What are the headings? Is there an apppendix? If it has a sripture index, does it have a lot of scripture? How long is the book? Who gets mentioned a lot in their bibliography or endnotes? I once had to read a book that had a lot of end notes referencing Carl Jung-it's still a somewhat decent book, but now I read it with caution.
4. Publisher
Who published it? I'm not too happy with Zondervan now that they are cashing in on the Emergent movement with an Emergent line of books. This doesn't mean that all Zondervan books are bad. And yes, to be fair some Emergent books are decent (sometimes). If anything Intervarsity Press is guilty of publishing many questionable books (the openess of God anyone?) Where as a company like Crossway is known to publish Reformed authors. Ditto for Christian Scholars Press and P&R Publishing.
5. Time
What year was this published? If this is older than a decade, their info maybe outdated. But, there are those few books that stand the test of time, so don't hold onto that too hard and fast.
6. Author Info
Who is this person that you are about to let into your thoughts? Thanks to today's world, you can find a ministry website for almost all Christian authors. Just be careful that their book isn't just an endorsement for even more (and more expensive!) material from them. What school did they go to? What is their testimony? What school do they teach at? Have they made controversial statements in previous books? Is their church a good place? Do they have a blog? Are there incriminating pics of them with Miley Cyrus?
7. Your own interest
Why do you want to read this? What is it that you need to know? Some books need only a quick glance and a read through a chapter or two to get whatyou need. Others demand a lot of time, and are worth every hour of reading. Pray, reflect, but for goodness sake tell people. We need to have more open discussions about books.

Later on I will write about how to read a book. Suffice it to say, my uncle once told me that you don't let books affect you. The only one that should affect you is the Bible. You must take a wait and see approach to books. That can be very hard if the book is really good. More on this later. Oh yes I expect you to tell what you think ofmy somewhat sage advice. Go ahead, I dare you.


** Update
A few more things to consider as you read a book;

8. Does your enemy hate or like it?
You either see this one or you don't.

9. What are the bloggers saying?
Tim Challie's page Challies.com is now THE place to get a good Christian book review. He truly is the Christian Uber-blogger/book reviewer. I trust him.

10. Author's intent?
Why was this book written? To inform? Persuade? Make a point? Share an experience? These are things you want to keep in mind. It will help you decide if you want to read the whole thing and if they are making substantial arguments or if they are being honest.

11. Would I want to own this?
Or would I be happy borrowing it from the library? There are a few books I wouldn't want to be caught dead with. Seriously.


3rd Update

12. What's the point?
So what are you going to get out of the book once you read it? What are you going to do about it?


13.The friend test
Ask your friends what they think about it (if they have read it). They may save you a trip to the bookstore.





14. Re-read factor
Is this one of those books you'll want to own long enough to read again? Granted some of those books are hard to spot at first, but some you just know you'll read again and again.


Ok there you go, READ. But think as well. I might also add, that I will talk about how to read a Christian book in the future.

Lesser Known Motions at the Southern Baptist Convention

Lesser Known Motions at the Southern Baptist Convention

At this week's Southern Baptist Convention, messengers from across the country heard various motions on the floor from banning Mark Driscoll's books, to boycotting Pepsi. Here are a few that you might have missed.

 1. Motion to Boycott Mr. Pib. 

 It was asked that Mr. Pib be boycotted because after reassignment surgery, He will soon be known as Mrs. Pib.  

2. A study of the GRC: Grilled Chicken Resurgence

If we accept it, do the liberals win? A one year study of how this may be a threat to those in the convention who favor grilled chicken. (Note: this may lead to boycotting KFC next year).

3. Petition to ask Al Mohler to stop twittering.

Because we're sure that twittering is as addictive as alcohol! 

4. A Day of mourning on John Calvin's 500th Birthday.

The man is a menace.

5. Banning all Veggie Tales videos from Lifeway Bookstores.

Talking vegetables are possesed I tell you!!!!! 

6. Move to NOT have the 2010 Convention in Florida.

Aren't we still boycotting Disney?

7. Make the KJV the official translation of the SBC.

If it was good enough for the Apostle Paul, it's good enough for us. 

(Hope you had a laugh. Seriously, if you really thought I'm exaggerating, take a look at this!) (Via TolbertReport)

Movie Review: Away We Go

With two comedic actors leading the way across America, the laughs never stop in "Away We Go". Burt (John Krasinsky of "The Office) and Verona (Maya Rudolph from SNL) are a couple about to have a child and unsure about what kind of parents they are going to be. Finding out they have no one near them to be a family, they embark across the country to find a place to call home. The movie is filled some great discussions about what it means to grow up and what exactly it is that makes a family, a family. The comedic cameos keep the movie's pace going. From Jim Gaffigan, to Alyson Janey, to Maggie Gyllenhall (who is hillarious!) the oddball characters show us exactly how screwed up the county is. These aren't hippies in Ojai California, or Manhattan socialites, but people in Arizona, middle America and Canada who are really out of whack relationally and emotionally. What makes it work though is the fact that no matter what background (dessert, forest, beach, or city) as soon as Burt and Verona think they've found the place for them, reality kicks and they see again that no matter where you are,  life comes with difficulties. And that's why this movie is such a delight. It's a reminder that it's not about where you are, but who you're with. Go see it, but remember it is Rated R for a reason. Thankfully, this wasn't Knocked Up (and was far better in my estimation).

Movie Reviews: Stak Trek

I can't think of the last really good sci-fi movie I got to see. After a long wait, I can finally say Star Trek is that film. A trekkie for years, I had hoped that the film would live up to the hype. With uber-geek J.J. Abrams (creator of Lost, Alias and yes Felicity) Trek has returned. Using time travel to show us younger versions of the characters we are familiar with, we see a new take on the Trek mythos. Kirk, Spock and the rest are fresh faced officers on their first real mission. From the beginning we know what this story is going to be about: time travel (Trek has some great time travel stories). And it's used effectively as it bridges the Trek world we all know (memory alpha for you geeks out there) and takes us to a new world (memory beta?) where our characters will have new challenges. With visually stunning space battles, creative costumes and the occasional green woman., the film is always grabbing your attention. A fast ship, a space battle, a hard decision. I never felt bored. But the story really is about two people. James Kirk (Chris Pine), born in the trenches of outer space, who lives a wild eyed life that has no guidance. Spock (Zachary Quinto), is a half-Human half-Vulcan training for a future that almost seems to have been determined for him. They quickly meet and clash as they set out to fight a mysterious Romulan Captain named Nero. We find out quickly that this man is from the future. Kudos to Eric Bana for playing the character well, but at times, he just didn't seem all that sinister. I thought he had the feel of a Saturday morning bad guy, than say Khan Noonien Singh (as in The Wrath of Kahn). We also get to see a great supporting cast in people like Captain Christopher Pike (played very well by Bruce Greenwood)  Karl Urban (Bones) John Cho (Sulu), and Simon Pegg (Scotty). The movie had no problems calling back to the original Trek (yes there is a red shirt and some familiar catch phrases) but it's always giving us the adventures of the Starship Enterprise. I highly enjoyed this film, and I'm sure you will too. 5 Stars!

Misconception #2: Church, what is it good for?

#2 I go to fill-in-the-blank church. Isn't it enough? 

Great! Are you going there to know, love and worship the risen Christ as explained in the Bible? Or see that happen in your life? Is he presented as the only Savior who died on the cross for your sins? If not, you're wasting your time.

Misconception #1: Johnny Be Good!

I'm starting a new series here on the blog. I have seen that people basically are religiously illiterate when it comes to the Christian faith. So in the spirit of Dan Phillip's Next/Dodge series (worth looking at!), I'm going to try and give short answers to questions or concerns people have about the faith. Be warned, I hope if you're in the faith, it will make you think about your own positions as well. Here we go: 


1. Christianity is just about being good right? 


Got this one while reading an interview Relevant magazine did with the Kings of Leon. Talking about their strict religious upbringing, one of them said that they may not go to church anymore, but he at least tries to be grateful and good. Good habits to have, but as we read the Bible, they don't equal a relationship with God. Just because I'm a good person doesn't mean I can marry whomever I want. They have to want to know me too! Being a Christian involves a new kind of lifestyle, but being good doesn't make you a Christian! It's something God does in you. That's why it's called being born again. We will never be good enough for God. He has to give us new life.Don't believe me? Compare yourself to his basic law: The 10 Commandments. Ever lie about someone? Steal anything? Always loved God and had him first in your life? Hmmmm, silence is golden. We will always fail. He offers us forgiveness in Jesus today.. And it can't be earned, and he won't be impressed by your good deeds. For as Romans 3:23 says, "all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God". Even if you're good and grateful, you're not even close to knowing God unless you know his Son.

The Return of Let My People Read!!!!

As many of you may or may not have noticed: I'm Back!!! Where has your friend Fusion! been all these weeks? Well it all begins with a girl. Ok it begins with a short film, but it includes a girl! Back in February I had the opportunity to work for a Christian Film Festival called Project 168. Its aim is to help Christian filmmakers have a place to practice their craft. I was able to wrote a short film that a mutual acquaintance directed. The script I wrote is called "More Than Abel". It centers on a Pastor on his way out of a church for being biblically faithful. The antagonist bears a striking resemblance to this guy.

Come March, I was asked to participate in the musical Assassins.It's a rather funny musical comedy by Stephen Sondheim. It takes an interesting look at the various would be assassins of American Presidents. Creepy, I know, but my Pastor's son asked me to be in it and I thought I'd jump at the opportunity. Why? Well, if you have to ask that, you don't know me. I got to play part of the ensemble cast, and I got shot as President Garfield (Picture forthcoming I promise).

And then there is a girl. Yes, Fusion! has found someone rather lovely to spend his time with. And that explains the rest of my absence. I hope you can understand. Having said that, here are a few of the books I have been reading and plan on reviewing.
Christless Christianity
Tactics
Vintage Jesus
Revelation and Reason
The Future of Justification
Boy Meets Girl
Culture Shift
and various others

I will have reviews coming up soon. I also plan to put up a few movie reviews as well. Till then, here's a cool video clip:

Between Two Worlds: Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

Between Two Worlds: Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard
Really, what will they think of next?

Movie Review- Slumdog Millionaire

One question away from becoming the first winner of the Hindi version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” Jamal Malik is about to become a celebrity. But as we are taken to the police station, they have a question for him: how did this tea server make it this far? With a name like “Slumdog Millionaire” you’d think it was a rap album. Turns out, it’s not just a movie, but one of the best I’ve seen this year or last year , keeping in mind that '09 just started. Danny Boyle (28 Days Later, Trainspotting) has done it again. This time, Boyle takes us from the slums of India to the hot seat at the Hindi version of “Who Wants to be A Millionaire?”
The story centers on Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), a young Muslim boy from the slums of India. In a series of flashbacks, while he’s being grilled by the cops, we hear his tale. Every question takes him back to his past as we learn the answers. From being homeless, to living on a train and running into shady characters, this story makes you feel his pain. Jamal’s love interest in his childhood friend spans the entire story, as he finds her, loses her, and finally takes one last chance to be with her. It’s almost heroic. But it’s also a tale of two brothers struggling to survive the harsh Indian streets, finding cleaver (and funny) ways to make a buck (The Taj Mahal scene is brilliant!), and try to be a family through it all. Boyle makes the slums and the high rises of modern Mumbai come alive, while making the harsh environment real.
What I also found interesting was the beginning. The audience gets asked a question: how did he get this far? The answers run from “he cheated” to “he’s a genious” to “it is written”. It is a line that gets said only once by the unsympathetic game show host (who was well played by Anil Kapoor) but it makes you wonder: are some things just supposed to happen? Jamal seems to think so. I don’t believe in luck or fate, but as a Christian I believe in Providence. Writing on this Adam Parker of Bring the Books writes:

The film is upfront about what it has to show from the very beginning. From the earliest parts of the movie, you know that Jamal Malik gets all the questions up to the last one right. You know that he survives all of the events in the flashbacks that bring him to this point in his life; you just want to see how it all happens. The interesting thing is, that's sort of what predestination is like. Detractors of predestination argue that our actions have no meaning if they are already decided beforehand; Jamal, however, seems to believe otherwise. Though God knows everything that will happen (He has determined it already, after all), we still must do what He has planned, and sometimes it's as interesting to see things unfold as it is to know the ending ahead of time.

Go see this movie and try to follow along. It’s a long but fascinating ride.

Death to Barbie! or, God for Postmoderns

Greg Johnson put up some articles a few years ago on reaching the new generation of younger people. Surprisingly enough, it's called: Why God is Selfish- a.k.a. theology slays barbie religion. Read it and think. Here's the intro:

"Greg, I understand everything you're saying, except that your God is a self-centered and egotistical God on a cosmic ego trip who uses people." I've heard that question many times. When you teach Christian truth to challenge postmodernism's stranglehold on our churches and culture, you'll hear the question stated in one form or another. Why is God selfish?

I'm also frequently asked another question. It goes like this: "Greg, why wouldn't God want me to have ________?" Fill in the blank. The perfect house. The perfect job. The perfect kids. The perfect husband. The perfect wife. The perfect car. The perfect health. It's a common question in our culture. I call it Barbie Religion.

Questions to ask while meditating on God's Word

Between Two Worlds: Meditating on God's Word
For those of you, like me, who are going to be reading God's word for an entire year, Between two worlds has posted some great questions to ask while reading your bible. These are questions you really should ask whenever you study most any book, but these apply specifically to the Bible. To ask the Philippians 4:8 questions (what is lovely, praiseworthy, true etc.. about this is passage? It's very eye opening). Read well and if you want to read with me, just get a normal one year Bible and follow along. If you are an on-line reader,
HERE are a few places to find a one year Bible on-line. (including the one I'm reading) Happy Reading.

Book Review- "The Power of Less"

As the new year starts,  Tim Challies (Uber christian book blogger) has this to say

I am going to continue on a trajectory I began several months ago—a trajectory leading toward control and simplicity. In a wired, digital world, I’ve too often felt like technology owns me and drives me instead of the other way around. I’ve started to try to regain that sense of control, sometimes scaling back, sometimes changing the way I do things. I hope to continue that through 2009 and beyond.

I find this interesting because I've seen a rise in blogs, websites andbooks (as my title suggests) on the idea of simplicity. I've also been reading through "The New Media Frontier" (review forthcoming) and have been wondering about our life in the digital smorgasborg. As someone described it, it is like trying to drink water froma fire hydrant. So what are we to do? Blogger Leo Babauta of Zen Habits has written a book on just that.

"The Power of Less" is a short read on a big subject: simplicity. Who knew we were so cluttered we needed to be taught be simple again? From multiple e-mail accounts, to extra appointments, to lots of work projects, we are dying in a culture of paper and digital clutter.Taking the paper and digital beats is what Babauta does. The two essential steps he begins with are quite "simple": find the essential and get rid of the rest. If you can do that, the rest of the book is pretty easy. Steps like focusing on what is at hand, starting small, focusing on a few things to do per day.
As an example he cties going to the gym and eating  as things that need to be simplified. He suggests you start going to the gym for 10 minutes at a time and staying longer every week. As for food, he suggests you chew slowly and not do anything else. I'm guilty of trying to read, watch tv and listen to music while I eat. You would think that doing less might be counter intuitive, but doing exactly that Leo has trained for a few marathons, started a business and quit smoking. Pretty impressive for a guy who was working more than 40 hours per week and only ate junk food.

So is simplicity the new "going green"? Possibly. Zen habits is a very popular blog, as is The Slacker Method and Life Hacker. Getting control of clutter in an easy way is going to become more of a need as we become a more cluttered culture. The main culprit however is the internet. So try a no-media hour today. Take an hour where you won't be on-line, on a computer, or with a cell phone. If you can't  do that, you should pick up this book.