Confessions of a Recovering Pharisee

[From the Christian Post]

Nearly two months after talk show co-host Rosie O’Donnell made shocking comments, comparing radical Christianity to radical Islam, a Barna study found Americans were largely ignorant about the incident.In a study conducted on over 1,000 adults in October, The Barna Group revealed that even most evangelical Christians were unaware of the controversial remark that aired on ABC’s The View, days after the observance of September 11.

O’Donnell had shocked co-hosts and audiences when she said, “Radical Christianity is just as threatening as radical Islam in a country like America where we have a separation of church and state. We’re a democracy here.”

George Barna said:

“First, notice that relatively few people were even aware of Miss O’Donnell’s comments. That highlights the difficulty of cutting through the clutter of media noise to grab people’s attention and influence their thinking,” Barna stated. “Second, notice that a substantial portion of the adult population shares some level of agreement with Miss O’Donnell’s perspectives on Christianity. As churches and other ministries seek to advance the Christian message, progress will be made in an increasingly challenging, if not hostile environment.

“Finally, the fact that so few adults who consider themselves to be Christian felt that they were even owed an apology speaks volumes about the self-image of Christians and the centrality of their faith in their life.”

Read the article here.

[From me]

Unfortunately, Rosie has a few valid points. Christians can be judgmental–at least I know I can be. But, no true follower of Jesus that I know would blow up innocent people like happened on 9/11.

What can we do to make unbelievers see that we love them and especially Jesus loves them unconditionally? How can we display love without a “but?” What ways can we be better at teaching what the Bible says about sin without compromising the message and love people at the same time?

What do you think?

This is a test. This is not a real post. Had this been a real post there would have been a link pointing you to a real story.

It is amazing to see how much controversy can be stirred from a simple post that you think is harmless. Then one that you think will get comments gets none.

So there is no point to this post only to see if it can stir up some meaningless conversation. Feel free to comment on whatever is on your mind because this is only a test.

[From: wfmy news]

Are you tanking at fantasy football? Now, you can try another rough and dirty game: politics, fantasy style. Fantasy Congress.com is like fantasy football or fantasy baseball, but it’s the lawmakers who are drafted onto teams which earn points for passing legislation.

Read about it here.

[From me] — there does that make everyone happy?

Maybe we could start “Fantasy Preachers.” You get points for every baptism and those who walk the isle (ok the word is aisle, I can’t spell! ). Oh, I forgot, that is called the Pastor’s Conference!

What do you think?

As ghastly as the Ted Haggard party-and-pray scandal was, observers say his megachurch had far better ethical oversight than others.

Pastor Ted’s influence was felt everywhere in New Life Church: in the videos shown at worship; in the New Life bookstore, which stocked books he recommended; and in the story of the church itself. He started New Life in his basement, building it into a 14,000-member nationally known megachurch. As the Rev. Ted Haggard’s fortunes rose, so did the church’s.

So when Haggard fell spectacularly from grace in a scandal involving drugs and allegations of gay sex, many wondered if New Life, so tied to his public persona, would crash with him.

The answer has significance far beyond the Haggard tragedy. As evangelical megachurches have sprung up around the country, concerns have grown over whether superstar pastors help or hurt faith communities.

Read about it here.

I have been wondering this for years. I love hearing Andy Stanley, Ed Young Jr., Bill Hybels and others speak. I am amazed at what God is doing in their churches. But I’ve wonder–what if–something happened to them –death, scandal or something else. What would happen to these churches? Are they personality driven or God driven?

I praise God for the lives that are changed because of their ministries. I was at a Atlanta Falcons game an few years ago and overheard a young lady talking about the Impact of Northpoint Community Church on her life. She was a very unchurched person who God got a hold of.

I was in Chicago on a mission trip a few years ago and a lady introduced herself to me and said she “was a full devoted follower of Christ.” Obviously Willowcreek has made a difference in her life.

But now these churches are starting “video venues” 1000’s of miles away from the home church. I don’t know what to think. Those men are awesome speakers and they minister to me. But what happens –God forbid–if something were to happen to these high profile pastors?

I don’t have the answers, but I have a lot of questions.

What do you think?

The star of “The Andy Griffith Show,” who portrayed the sheriff of the fictional town of Mayberry, has sued a Wisconsin man who unsuccessfully ran for the Grant County post after legally changing his name to Andrew Jackson Griffith. Read about it here.

Too bad Barney is not still alive. He could go rough him up with his “bullet.” Or better yet, Gomer can make a “citizens arrest.”

What do you think?