Tag: Church

Speaking “Christianese”

~ Evan Lenow

There is an interesting post at CNN’s Belief Blog about a phenomenon in American Christianity. The author, John Blake, addresses the ability of Americans to speak a second language of Christian lingo. Blake writes:

Many Americans are bilingual. They speak a secular language of sports talk, celebrity gossip and current events. But mention religion and some become armchair preachers who pepper their conversations with popular Christian words and trendy theological phrases.

He notes several interesting characteristics of this “Christianese,” including its use by politicians (especially George W. Bush) to signal subtly to evangelicals that they are one of them.

Part of the article is also devoted to exposing inaccuracies in commonly used terms and phrases.  Blake (and Marcus Borg in his book Speaking Christian) argue that Christians regularly misuse terms such as salvation, born again, and rapture. Citing Borg’s book, Blake notes:

“Speaking Christian is an umbrella term for not only knowing the words, but understanding them,” Borg says. “It’s knowing the basic vocabulary, knowing the basic stories.” When Christians forget what their words mean, they forget what their faith means, Borg says.

I don’t agree with all of the theological assumptions that Blake (and Borg) make in this article, but it is certainly an interesting take on religious life in America. I think they are correct to note that we often talk in code and assume that everyone else knows what we are saying. For that reason, it is essential that we define our terms and not take for granted that everyone knows what we mean. We live in a society today with little or no “Christian memory.” Churches in the southern US, especially, have typically approached the world with the assumption that everyone has a church background. That is no longer true in our culture. We need to speak clearly, define our terms, and proclaim the message of Christ with conviction and compassion.

Dug Down Deep Book Review

~ Evan Lenow

Dug Down Deep: Building Your Life on Truths That Last. By Joshua Harris. Colorado Springs: Multnomah, 2011. 271 pages. Softcover, $14.99.

Joshua Harris, the senior pastor of Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, MD, has re-released a slightly updated version of his 2010 book, Dug Down Deep. The 2011 version includes a study guide for personal or group study. Harris is the author of several other books, including I Kissed Dating Goodbye, Boy Meets Girl, Not Even a Hint, and Why Church Matters. In this volume, Harris explores some of the foundational truths of Christianity while interweaving his own story of life and growing in faith.

The book begins with Harris’ personal story of coming to faith and realizing that doctrine and orthodoxy matter. He notes, “The irony of my story—and I suppose it often works this way—is that the very things I needed, even longed for in my relationship with God, were wrapped up in the very things I was sure could do me no good. I didn’t understand that seemingly worn-out words as theology, doctrine, and orthodoxy were the pathway to the mysterious, awe-filled experience of truly knowing the living Jesus Christ” (16).

After telling about his own journey, Harris discusses the basic doctrines of the Christian faith in a systematic, yet easily readable, fashion. He covers topics such as the Bible, Christology, the Atonement, Redemption, Sanctification, Pneumatology, and the Church. However, he does so with creative titles (“God With a Bellybutton” for Christology and “Changed, Changing, To Be Changed” for Sanctification) and plenty of stories to keep the reader’s attention. While he certainly does not go to the depths and length of discussion that classic systematic theologians (e.g., Wayne Grudem, Millard Erickson) have in their books, Harris covers the basics and gives ample introductions to these doctrines. He also demonstrates the importance of these doctrines for the Christian life. It is obvious, and noted by one of the book’s endorsements, that Harris was aiming for something in the vein of J. I. Packer’s Knowing God. While this book will most likely never become an enduring classic like Packer’s, it does have the same readability and concern for doctrine that I found as a college student first reading Packer.

The weakness of the book stems from the intention of the project. Harris is light on some details of doctrine and heavy on personal stories, but this is the product of trying to reach the type of crowd that is uncertain of why they should study doctrine. This becomes extremely evident in his discussion of the Holy Spirit. After admitting to charismatic tendencies in his own theology, Harris states, “In case you’re feeling nervous about where I’m headed, let me assure you that I’m no longer interested in shocking people when it comes to discussing the Holy Spirit. In fact, I’m going to do my best to skirt the controversial issues associated with him” (176). For a surface discussion of theological ideas, this approach is probably fine; however, those interested in deeper discussions of theology will probably be a little disappointed.

The final chapter of the book is a much-needed admonition to all who discuss theology. The title of the chapter is “Humble Orthodoxy,” and Harris sets out to warn his readers from growing prideful in their new-found knowledge of doctrine. He writes, “Genuine orthodoxy—the heart of which is the death of God’s Son for undeserving sinners—is the most humbling, human-pride-smashing message in the world. And if we truly know the gospel of grace, it will create in us a heart of humility and grace toward others” (225). As a seminary professor who sees students go through various stages of pride and humility during their days in formal theological education (as I myself did), I wish everyone would take heed of the words in this chapter.

At the end of the day, Harris’ book is a worthwhile read. I approach some of these doctrines with slightly different interpretations (especially his discussion of the Holy Spirit), but the book serves as a good resource for why theology is important in everyday life, not just in the classroom.

Why I Attend the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting

~ Evan Lenow ~ 1 Comment

I am preparing to go to Phoenix this weekend. Under any other circumstances, I really have no need to travel to the desert. The Texas Rangers are not playing the Arizona Diamondbacks this summer. The NFL lock-out will probably prevent the Cowboys from playing the Cardinals. And I have never traveled to watch professional sports teams play anyway. If I want hot weather, all I have to do is step outside on a blistering summer day in Fort Worth (yes, I’ve heard that Phoenix is a dry heat—dry like an oven). The reason I am going to Phoenix is for the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Earlier today I received a phone call from a vendor who specializes in marketing to religious groups. She wanted to schedule a time to talk in more detail about the “greatest marketing idea ever” that could help the Riley Center, and she preferred to do so next week. I told her that next week was not an option because I would be in Phoenix for the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention. She replied, “I would like to go to that one day. It sounds like fun.” I retorted, “It’s basically one long business meeting. I don’t know if I would call it fun. But I enjoy it anyway.” After hanging up the phone, my response to the vendor made me start thinking about why I attend the SBC annual meeting each year. I didn’t grow up in the home of a pastor who planned family vacations each year around the location of the meeting (don’t laugh, there’s a good reason why the Orlando convention last year was one of the better attended conventions in years). I had never been to the meeting prior to the Nashville convention in 2005. I missed the 2006 convention in Greensboro and have been to everyone since then. I don’t serve on a board or committee whose attendance is required. So why do I go? Here are a few reasons.

1) Fellowship

This is an easy one. I enjoy the fellowship at the SBC Annual Meeting. I have received all of my post-secondary education at Baptist schools. For fourteen years, I attended Baptist institutions of higher learning. I sat in classes with fellow students who now pastor churches, serve denominational entities, or simply have an interest in attending the convention. Each year, I have standing lunch/dinner/dessert appointments with classmates from college or seminary. I look forward to those times each year.

In addition, I have served as an administrator and professor at Southwestern Seminary for over four years. It was probably last year that I had my first run-in with former students. I have officially taught long enough here that my students see me and come tell me what they are doing in ministry since graduating from SWBTS. The funny thing about that is I still do the same with some of my former professors at Mississippi College and Southeastern Seminary.

Even though I am on the low end of the age scale at the annual meeting (I turn 33 on the final day of the convention), I find the fellowship with both the younger and older pastors, students, messengers, etc to be a motivating factor for wanting to attend. Contrary to popular opinion, the annual meeting is not simply composed of “gray-hairs.” There are those of us younger folks who like to attend as well.

2) Encouragement

The next reason to come to the annual meeting is the encouragement I receive. This comes in a few different forms. The first is related to the fellowship mentioned above. I am encouraged to hear what my friends, classmates, and students are doing and how God is using them. I typically come away from those conversations energized.

Another form of encouragement is found in the sermons that are preached during the pastors’ conference and as part of the convention. Typically, this is an opportunity to listen to some of the greatest preachers in the Southern Baptist Convention. Now my standards are pretty high since I was privileged to hear Adrian Rogers preach multiple times a week growing up. Certainly, the preaching does not always live up to his standard, but rarely am I disappointed. Most people bring their “A-game” to the Southern Baptist Convention.

The last form of encouragement comes from various reports. Yes, you can be encouraged by listening to reports that take up the majority of the time at the convention. Listening for the nuggets about what God is doing in different places gives me encouragement that we are trying to reach the world for Christ.

3) Conviction

It is hard to attend a meeting full of pastors, professors, and others interested in the life of the church without stepping back and evaluating your own spiritual maturity and commitment to serving God. It sometimes feels like Joshua addressing the people of Israel in Josh 24. In v. 14, he tells the people, “Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.” The people express their agreement to Joshua’s challenge, and then he responds in v. 19-20, “You will not be able to serve the Lord, for He is a holy God. He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgression or your sins. If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you after He has done good to you.” So what’s the deal? Why challenge them if they can’t do it? They could not serve God on their own. I think the same holds true for us. We cannot serve God effectively in our own power. We must depend upon the Holy Spirit working in and through us. The conviction I receive at the convention is much the same. I hear how God is using others, and I begin to ask why I don’t see the same in my life. Upon reflection I am then convicted that perhaps I am trying to serve God in my own power. This is a helpful reminder each year.

4) Relevance

I don’t really care what people say, the Southern Baptist Convention is still relevant. Any student of Baptist history will see that the SBC has changed, adjusted, and morphed through the last 166 years. We don’t look the same. We don’t act the same. But we do have the same message—the unchanging message of the gospel built upon the inerrant, infallible Word of God. The gospel message never loses relevancy.

The question for the Southern Baptist Convention this year (and every year) is: Are we effectively communicating that gospel message to the world? The baptism numbers in the Annual Church Profile seem to suggest the answer is no. Of course, numbers are numbers—they can say lots of things. However, the future of the Southern Baptist Convention and the church is dependent upon the proclamation of the gospel (Rom 10:14-15).

How will we best utilize our collective resources to proclaim the gospel? Those decisions will be made at the annual meeting of the SBC. And that is why I attend. I hope to see you there. If not this year, hopefully we will meet at one in the future.

Image credit.

It’s the End of the World as We Know It

~ Evan Lenow ~ 3 Comments

In 1987, the band R.E.M. released a song entitled, “It’s the End of the World as We Know It.” For those of us who were old enough to remember that song in the late ‘80’s (and subsequently released a few more times on “Best Of” and compilation albums), we get that catchy tune stuck in our heads and then finish the line, “and I feel fine…” (I apologize to all of you who now have the song permanently on repeat in your head). For some reason, that song has popped into my head any time I think of the claims of the doomsday “prophet” Harold Camping and his prophecy that the world will come to an end on May 21, 2011.

I had seen the billboards and read news articles about Camping’s prediction, but I decided to go to his website and read his argument for myself a couple of weeks ago. I think the logic of his argument may leave you speechless, but not in a good way. Let me summarize.

Camping claims that he can prove definitively that the flood (Genesis 6-9) occurred in 4990 B.C., although he does not offer that proof with his current claims. Then he uses 2 Peter 3:8 as a hermeneutical grid for the interpretation of God’s revelation and time. Peter writes, “But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.” Based on a literal interpretation of that verse, Camping argues that God gave mankind 7,000 years to repent before the judgment based on the statement in Gen 7:4 that God told Noah the flood would start 7 days after he gathered the animals to the ark. Since Camping believes 7 days equals 7,000 years, we get to 2011.

Next, he believes that the exact date of the crucifixion of Jesus was April 1, 33 A.D. He has calculated that there are 722,500 days between April 1, 33 and May 21, 2011 taking into account leap years, etc. Camping believes this is a significant number because you can multiply 5x10x17x5x10x17 to get 722,500. According to his numerology, 5 is the number of atonement or redemption, 10 is the number of completeness, and 17 is the number of heaven. Since these numbers ought to be doubled, or repeated, for significance (based on 2 Peter 3:8), then the multiplication sequence brings us to the number of days until the rapture.

Here is Camping’s conclusion to his argument:

We must comment further about the incredible nature of this proof which is completely based on Biblical information.

1. April 1, 33 A.D. is the date God focuses our attention on, how Christ died to atone for our sins as Christ was crucified on that day. The number 5 also focuses on that day, inasmuch as it can spiritually signify the atonement.

2. Our salvation is entirely completed at the time believers receive their eternally alive resurrected bodies. This is what happens on the day of the Rapture, May 21, 2011. Thus the period of April 1, 33 A.D. to May 21, 2011 (inclusive) is the complete period from the time God shows us how our salvation was accomplished to the time our salvation has been entirely completed. This coincides perfectly with the number 10, which signifies completeness.

3. On May 21, 2011, the date of the Rapture, each and every saved person goes to Heaven because his salvation is altogether completed. The number 17 fits perfectly because it signifies Heaven when it has spiritual meaning.

4. The doubling of the numbers 5 x 10 x 17 like the doubling of the phrase “a day is as a thousand years” assures us that the truth of these proofs is established by God and will shortly come to pass. Isn’t it amazing that God uses this doubling principle to further guarantee that the date May 21, 2011 is absolutely certain, even as God has used it to absolutely assure us that Judgment Day is exactly 7,000 years after the flood of Noah’s day.

Indeed, in the face of all of this incredible information, how can anyone dare to dispute with the Bible concerning the absolute truth that the beginning of the Day of Judgment together with the Rapture will occur on May 21, 2011.

Thus, Camping and his followers reach the conclusion that May 21, 2011 is “the end of the world as we know it” (my apologies to R.E.M.). Of course similar predictions have been made before by Camping and others. Camping made similar predictions for 1988 (he claims on his website that the church age ended on May 21, 1988) and 1994. Similar predictions by other groups include the infamous prediction by William Miller that the rapture would occur on March 21, 1844. This failed prediction led to the founding of the Adventist Church.

What are we to make of all this? I want to offer two thoughts. First, Scripture makes it clear that anything stated by a true prophet of God will indeed come true. If it does not come to pass, then we are not to fear (or respect) such a prophet. In Deuteronomy 18:22, we read, “When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.” We have seen these predictions before from Harold Camping and others. They claim to speak for the Lord with incontrovertible proof that God has revealed to them his plans. They have all been wrong about the end of the world. Camping lost credibility when his previous predictions failed, and Scripture clearly states that we are not to fear him. In fact, other so-called prophets in Scripture subsequently received the moniker “false prophet.” I believe the same holds true here.

Second, Jesus made it perfectly clear that no one knows the day or time of his return. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus says, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, not the Son, but the Father alone.” Earlier in that same discussion with his disciples, Jesus warns them against false prophets who will attempt to lead them astray (Matthew 24:4-5, 11, 23-26). Harold Camping claims to know what Jesus himself claims not to know. This is dangerous territory—territory that I will avoid at all costs.

What should we do then? I believe we should heed the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:14 when he says, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Let’s proclaim the gospel message to the ends of the earth, not for the purpose of ushering in the end of the world, but because we have been commissioned to do so (Matthew 28:19-20).

If God wills, I plan to teach my class at church on May 22. We’ll be starting a new series on the life of Christ. We do not know what our lives will be like tomorrow for we are just a vapor (James 4:14-15). However, we do not fear the prophets who claim to speak for God yet do not exhibit the biblical evidence of being prophets. If the end of the world comes tomorrow, it has nothing to do with Camping’s “prophecy.” My guess is that we will be exercising this speculation again as we approach December 21, 2012—the supposed end of the Mayan calendar.

Old Fashioned Revivals–Yes, Some Churches Still Have Them

~ Evan Lenow

When I think about revivals at a church, I have memories of sitting at the Agricenter in eastern Shelby County listening to gospel music and hearing an evangelist preach. Usually, there were themed nights for youth (always included a Christian band), children (generally had a puppet show), and senior adults (most likely with a gospel quartet). The Agricenter was dusty and better suited for Tennessee Walking Horse competitions that church services. However, the church where I grew up generally had a revival like that at least once a year.

For the most part, the contemporary church has jettisoned the old fashioned revival as out-of-date and less than useful. However, there are still churches that hold them every year. The problem is that the group of circuit-riding revival preachers has dwindled, providing one more reason for churches not to hold revivals.

During spring break, scores of students from Southwestern Seminary will be scattered across North America preaching 4-day revivals at churches in all different types of settings. Some are in urban, metropolitan areas. Others are in rural, pioneer states. No matter where the church is located, these revivals provide the opportunity for students to preach God’s Word and see Him move in people’s lives.

Even though I am not a student, I also have the opportunity to preach one of these revivals. I will be traveling to Herrin, Illinois to preach at First Baptist Church. I pray this will be a great time for the church, the staff, and myself.

As with all of the revival services taking place next week, I pray that God will call people to repentance and into a relationship with Himself. In keeping with the theme the seminary has chosen for next week, I pray that God would revive the people of this nation and that many would come to Christ.