*Every week I delve into current affairs for 1 day. I let the itemsspeak for themselves. But they emphasize the3 basic pillars of mypolitical views, which also contain the solution to most problems:limited government, family values, strong defense.

        

For most of you reading this, it will sound like a washed-up-never-was-been waxing on about the good-old-days. You've been warned!

Back in the first half of the 90's I used to be in a band called Strongarm (you can listen to some songs here, watch a video here, see tattoos inspired by the band here, or even read how it is the reason this couple got married here).

Anyway, this week I stumbled upon a list compiled by www.noisecreep.com (a BIG heavy metal music site owned by AOL Inc.). The article starts with:

"Noisecreep has compiled a list of 10 bands from the Christian side of the metal world that everyone should check out."

The range runs from bands like Stryper to Zao (one of my favorites). It's quite a blend. You may not like (or even know) the bands, but they are all good in their own right—something about them stands out.

And smack dab in the middle coming in at number five is...Strongarm! The article goes on to say:

"While they weren't exactly headbangers, Strongarm's inventive yet always vicious take on hardcore had metal in its DNA. They were only around for a handful of years (1993-1998) and made just two full-length albums, but their influence on the current Christian metal landscape is irrefutable. Strongarm's chaotic guitar outbursts aren't far removed from a band like Burn and the late, great Deadguy. A lot of the bands currently rocking out on the Tooth & Nail label learned a lot about their craft from this Florida wrecking crew..."

Wow! That's amazing. I can't even believe it. More importantly, Strongarm was my first experience in pursuing a passion.

I sang (often described as screaming) and wrote the lyrics. It is where I first began to try to write down the frustration and difficulty of trying to live in the intersection of real life, simple faith, and raw emotion (as described on the back of my book now).

So it is a great honor. It's nice to now things you did as a stupid kid had a positive impact.

Thank you Noisecreep!

*You can read it all here.

        

According to Elton John, Jesus was a gay lord. That's what the acclaimed musician and songwriter said a few weeks ago in an upcoming US interview (sourced here).

He said to Parade magazine:

"I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems."

Hmmm.... There are so many questions I have. No, they aren't things like Does Jesus like show-tunes or drive a Subaru?

I'm not the kind of guy who gets enraged at statements like this. I wonder where Elton gets this. I'm sure it's not based on his extensive seminary research or studies in church history.

There is often a temptation to personify and contextualize Jesus based on ourselves. It's why so many American churches have portraits of Jesus as white, blond, and blue-eyed. Each ethnic group does the same thing—everyone tends to do it.

And that's what Elton has done.

The more important question for me (as a follower of Jesus) is:

Am I like Jesus? Do I personify him?

Sure, it's easy to throw the guy who sang the Circle of Life into the ring of fire. Or we can use the tension in our lives for something positive.

And so I wonder what Jesus would say in an interview with Parade magazine (theoretically speaking, of course), were he to describe me:

"I think Jason is a..."

What would he say about you?

        

Time for some Monday morning humor to get the week off right.

Ever wonder what the Korean Police force was like? Me neither. But by the end of this video, three officers are dancing and one is sleeping on company time.

Enjoy!

        

I was recently contacted and asked to review One Million Arrows by Julie Ferwerda. It is not something I would normally read, which is why I agreed. It’s always good to change your routine to get fresh perspectives.

Let me first explain what “One Million Arrows” means.

This is an expression that was coined by the subject of the book, M.A. Thomas (known as “Papa”). Papa is well into his 70’s these days. He has spent his life trying to meet the vision that gripped his heart nearly 50 years ago in his home country of India.

As a young man and college graduate, Papa could not bear seeing child after child in his home country of India being orphaned, murdered, or sold into some from of servitude (often sexual). As Westerners, we often wonder how children could be treated so horribly. It is unimaginable. But this book gives some insight into why that happens. I’d heard it before. This time it finally clicked.

We might call it karma.

Many in Indian culture are plagued by certain destructive superstitions. It is thought that if you are born into a life of hardship, be it physical deformity, disease, or poverty, it is because you are being cursed by the gods due to some sort of evil(s) you perpetuated in this life (or a past one). As an onlooker, it is your responsibility to let this curse take its course in the life of the other person—even if that person is a child—or you will bring that curse on yourself. Furthermore, the cursed person’s ‘spirit’ will never enlighten themselves out of the curse if you get involved. That is why millions of children are (and have been) so neglected without conscience. It is almost seen as a duty to do so.

Borrowing the expression from an ancient Hebrew Proverb which describes children as a blessing, Papa made it his life’s mission to rescue one million orphans. Or as he says, “One Million Arrows.”

Staying in India, he dedicated himself to do whatever he could to house, clothe, and educate all the children he could afford to until they were either adopted or grown. In addition, he spent his life telling them how much God loved them, that he created them for a reason and with special purpose, and that they had value. In Papa’s heart, this passion was inspired by the teachings of Jesus—something the children also learned throughout their lives. With the help of many generous people and organizations, he has had an amazing impact and has been recognized with many humanitarian awards in India and all over the world.

One Millions Arrows tells Papa’s story. It also tells the story of other people, particularly parents, and what they do to accomplish similar positive goals (both practical and spiritual) in the heart’s and lives of their own children. The author sets out to communicate a high value on how we treat and raise our children, all they while laying out the potentially bright future if we do.

Arrows is a positive and encouraging book that you will find illustrated by story after story of why we should sacrificially love our children: never forgetting that God loves them, that he created them for a reason and with special purpose, and that they have value best communicated in the life, teachings, and example of Jesus Christ.

CHECK OUT MORE HERE
 

        

*Every week I delve into current affairs for 1 day. I let the items speak for themselves. But they emphasize the3 basic pillars of my political views, which also contain the solution to most problems: limited government, familyvalues, strong defense.

        

It's a little strange. Here's some bad metal mixed with, perhaps, the least respected Olympic sport: curling. Still, I find it IMPOSSIBLE not to watch the whole video. Happy Wednesday...and ENJOY!

        

You know the scenario. I'm sure you've experienced something similar. The guy in the cubicle next to you is a liar and a jerk. He takes credit for other people's work. He's always talking smack about co-workers. His nose is always brown. Plus, he doesn't even work hard (or do a very good job).

You, on the other hand, work hard, give credit when it's due, and don't kiss butt. You're never late and you don't exaggerate your hours. And you won't even take a pen home from the office supply closet.

So what happens?

The jerk gets promoted and becomes your boss. To make matters worse, that same week your spouse gets diagnosed with diabetes.

He's a wretch. You're a good person. Life is awesome for him. Life sucks for you.

We've all wondered in these times:

Why is God letting this all happen? Why do bad things happen to good people? And why do good things happen to bad people?

These are the types of engaging conversations the brand-new Discussion Guide for 10 Things I Hate About Christianity is geared toward. It is for people at all levels of spiritual interest and facilitators at all levels of experience. This small group resource can help the spiritually curious, new followers of Jesus, and seasoned Christians struggling with disillusionment.

From a coffee shop of just a few, to a classroom full of learners, this discussion guide is sure to keep the conversation interesting and flowing. Be ready for a healthy examination and exciting journey through the foundations of the Christian faith and spirituality.

So if you have a chance, please take a look at it here. I even have a FREE GIFT for you on my site (click here).

*Coming Soon: additional resources to help group leaders—like how to approach the 5 different personality types in your group and how to navigate the 5 most difficult issues.

        

Who's going to Hell? Why do bad things happen to good people? Does praying work? Are miracles even happening today?

Why not leave the same old boring fluff in the dust and try something new?

The 10 Things I Hate About Christianity Discussion Guide is the premiere tool for small groups, college classes, reading clubs, or Bible studies looking to talk about something out of the ordinary. Geared to help all types of people explore and work through the frustrations of faith, it is an excellent resource for young adults, the spiritually curious, new followers of Jesus, and seasoned Christians struggling with disillusionment.

This 10-week discussion guide contains 10 talking points for each week, introductory tips before you start, and helpful hints and background information on each week. This insider information is meant to assist any facilitator (at any level of experience) focus the group toward the desired dynamic—ranging from the very conversational to the more studious. For the facilitator's convenience, discussion questions are also included in the order as a separate file for the group participants. 

From a coffee shop of just a few, to a classroom full learners, this discussion guide is sure to keep the conversation interesting and flowing. Be ready for a healthy examination and exciting journey through the foundations of the Christian faith and spirituality.

Includes subjects like:

    *Faith
    *Prayer
    *The Bible
    *Sin
    *Rules
    *Love
    *Hell
    *Answers (to difficult questions)
    *Church
    *Christians
    *The Problem of Evil and Suffering
    *Pluralism and Relativism
    *Premarital Sex
    *Homosexuality

*Be sure to check the package deals and leader tips coming soon for all your group needs.

*This is a companion guide based on the book 10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith

CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW!

        

"Whenever you do something with positive spiritual ramifications, therewill be more things than you can imagine to thwart your efforts. See itthrough and don’t give up. You won’t regret it."

-quote from Discussion Guide for 10 Things I Hate About Christianity. Available for pre-order now and arrives March 1st (next Monday). Get a FREE gift now.