Christian Nation?

In the week following the celebration of our nation’s birthday, I am hearing quite a few folks hating on America; its president, legal-system (the jurors who handed down a not-guilty murder verdict for Casey Anthony), and our country’s straying from its founding principles. I’m finding it a little discouraging. Just a couple of nights ago I was gazing at fireworks and listening to “God Bless America” being played over loud speakers at a football stadium and now I’m hearing television reporters declare that “the devil is dancing” as he celebrates all that America has become.

I have always found it interesting that people refer to this country as a ‘Christian nation’. To be honest, I wonder if it ever was. I appreciate those that have gone before us and been committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. However, has this nation ever really been “Christian”?

Please take a few moments to look at the following quotes from some of this nation’s founding fathers and others who’ve helped, or seem to be helping to, shape this country:

“Mystery [the divinity of Jesus Christ] is made a convenient Cover for absurdity.” – John Adams

“The Bible is not my book, nor Christianity my profession.” – Abraham Lincoln

“If I should go out of church whenever I hear a false sentiment, I could never stay there five minutes.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“This story of the redemption will not stand examination. That man should redeem himself from the sin of eating an apple, by committing a murder on Jesus Christ, is the strangest system of religion ever set up.” – Thomas Paine

“The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one.” – George Bernard Shaw

“But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.” – Thomas Jefferson

“Every other sect supposes itself in possession of all truth, and that those who differ are so far in the wrong; like a man traveling in foggy weather, those at some distance before him on the road he sees wrapped up in the fog, as well as those behind him, and also the people in the fields on either side, but near him all appears clear, tho’ in truth he is as much in the fog as any of them.” – Benjamin Franklin

“Religious hatreds ought not to be propagated at all, but certainly not on a tax-exempt basis.” – James A. Michener

“The need for religion will end when man becomes sensible enough to govern himself.” – Francisco Ferrer Guardia

“The way to see by Faith is to shut the Eye of Reason.” – Benjamin Franklin

“The government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.” – John Adams

Why are we [Christians] so surprised when our nation, its government officials, or any of its inhabitants act in a way that is contrary to God’s Word? Is it because there are a few vague statements in our founding documents that refer to God? Is it because the very first inhabitants of this land came here from England seeking a place they could worship freely? [Wait a minute… they weren’t really the first inhabitants of the land, were they? Some would say that we sorta stole it from the ‘first inhabitants’, in our effort to ‘worship freely’,… but let’s not talk about that.]

I would suggest the thing we have been calling ‘Christianity’… isn’t really very ‘Christ-like’ at all. Former slave, Frederick Douglas, said it perfectly, “Between the Christianity of this land, and the Christianity of Christ, I recognize the widest possible difference – so wide, that to receive the one as good, pure, and holy is of necessity to reject the other as bad, corrupt, and wicked… I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ; I therefore hate the corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial and hypocritical Christianity of this land. Indeed, I can see no reason, but the most deceitful one, for calling the religion of this land ‘Christianity’.” – Frederick Douglas, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas, an American Slave, Written by Himself (1845; New York: Signet, 1968), 120.

Has anything changed? How authentically ‘Christ-like’ is America today? How genuinely ‘like Jesus’ are those who profess to follow Him?

According to their web-site, The 700 Club can be seen in 96 percent of the homes in the U.S. and is carried on ABC Family cable network, FamilyNet, Trinity Broadcasting Network, plus numerous local U.S. television stations, and is seen daily by approximately one million viewers. CBN WorldReach broadcasts, which include international editions of The 700 Club, have aired in more than 100 languages, can be seen in over 200 countries, and are accessible throughout the year to more than 1.5 billion people around the world. On August 22, 2005 Pat Robertson bluntly stated, “We have the ability to take [Hugo Chavez] out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability.” That is an interesting opinion, and one that I do not share. Why? Because it doesn’t exactly seem to be something Jesus would do.

Ann Coulter, a radio/television talking head who claims Christian beliefs and is praised by numerous conservative Christian personalities, states, “We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity. We weren’t punctilious about locating and punishing only Hitler and his top officers. We carpet-bombed German cities; we killed civilians. That’s war. And this is war.”

Jerry Falwell, an evangelical fundamentalist Southern Baptist pastor, televangelist, and a conservative commentator from the United States , stated, “You’ve got to kill the terrorists before the killing stops. And I’m for the President to chase them all over the world. If it takes ten years, blow them all away in the name of the Lord.” What ever happened to turning the other cheek, and much of Jesus’ message in Luke 6?

Why do Christ-followers concern themselves so deeply with the kingdoms of this world, but seemingly ignore the Kingdom of God? Listen, I’m not saying that we rise up and revolt against our American government, because they are not Christian. Absolutely not. I am saying that many of the voices that supposedly represent ‘Christianity’ are saying things that aren’t necessarily all that Christ-like. Are we not called to be “in the world, but not of this world”? We submit to Christ first, and as we live as aliens and strangers to the powers of this world, we submit to our governing authorities second.

Someone much wiser than me has said, “You can’t blame a sinner for sinning”. I believe that is true. I can’t go to Chic-Fil-A and complain that they don’t make good tacos. They don’t make tacos! That’s not their thing! In much the same way, I can’t complain about my government or country for acting like something they simply aren’t. All I can do is submit to my God-given authorities, always understanding that my life is woven into a larger tapestry of being a Christian who lives as an alien and stranger to the ways of this world.

I was listening to someone talk about how dreadful it would be if America ever elected a Mormon into the White House, or God-forbid, a Muslim. My response is, “Why?” What difference is there between them and any other person who isn’t sold out for the cause of Jesus Christ? None. What difference is there between them and someone who claims a belief in Christ, but finds no problems with lying, cheating or some other ‘sin’? None.

It’s a country… that’s it. Ever heard the saying, ‘a house is just a house, but, the family within that house is what makes it a home’? So too, this country is just a country. This planet of ours has lots of countries… and Jesus died for the people that reside in all of them. What truly matters is our God, and His eternal, unseen Kingdom. It would be nice if the supposedly ‘Christian-talking heads’ spoke about that Kingdom a little more often, and stopped dramatizing how awful America is.

Jesus isn’t American… Chic-Fil-A doesn’t make tacos… the United States isn’t a Christian nation… but I’m still darn lucky to live here and proud of those who've made that possible. However, what I'm most proud of is not my nationality, but the fact that I've been adopted into God's family and am called a child of God. My first desire will always be to see "His Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven".

Getting Cussed Out

Last night, after our church get-together, I had a pretty interesting incident. I was cussed out by a real pro. Some folks from Desperation Church were able to witness a woman give me a verbal smack-down. One of them, Marcus, writes about the incident in his own blog, found here.

I can't get the incident out of my mind. It was sorta traumatic.

I'm reminded how much easier it is to act 'loving' and 'like a Christian' to those who are loving back to us, and how hard it is to act loving to those you'd rather duct tape to an ant hill and smear their ears with jam.

I'm not sure how Jesus did it, but I long for His strength and attitude to reside within me so much more than it currently does.

"But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" - Luke 6:27-28

Birthday Treasure

So, as of tomorrow I'm married to a 42 year old woman. That's right, Kelli is 42. We have been married since 1990, which means that for more than half of her life she has been with me.

Scary, right?

The Bible has a little verse that says, "Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be also". For over two decades my treasure has been Kelli, and her treasure has been me. Guess what... our hearts have remained madly in love with each other for all these years.

In the past few years I've seen more marriages come to an abrupt and devastating end than I had ever imagined possible. Couple after couple, that once declared undying love for one another, have thrown in the towel. Most of these couples consisted of two people who not only claimed love for one another, but for Jesus Christ as well.

What does that even mean, I wonder: "love for Jesus Christ"?

Maybe I'm wrong, but doesn't it mean that they had more than just deep feelings for Jesus, but that they also were willing to lay down their lives, desires, and passions... for the will and cause of God? I think so.

What if it's true? What if "where your treasure is, there your heart shall be also"? Like, what if the things you and I are spending our time thinking about, spending our money upon, spending our energies pursuing... are actually clues to where our hearts really are?

Do you know how easy it is for your heart, my heart, to stray? Pretty stinkin' easy. For this reason, we must be those who are extremely careful with what we are treasuring.

For more than two decades, my wife has treasured me... and I her. For this reason, we remain madly in love. It's not an accident. It's not because we got real lucky in finding each other (which we did). It is because we have made a conscious decision to treasure one another. In other words, we work hard to make sure that we each are at the top of the priority list, we each are the most important items on each day's agenda.

The same is true for Christ. Our hearts remain "hard after Him", not because we are super-spiritual, or fanatically faithful... but because we make conscious decisions daily to lay our lives down and put His will and ways above our own.

I'm glad Kelli was born 42 years ago. I'm glad we shared a Sociology Class in 1988. I'm overjoyed that she said "yes" to a date, and later "I do" to a life-long life with me. But I'm even more glad that she wakes up each day and still chooses to make her deepest treasure Jesus... and then me. For this reason, I know where her heart lies.

I don't ever have to wonder about that... and I'm really glad.

Happy Birthday, Kelli. I love you 5. Thanks for being you - everything about you is the coolest thing!

Girl Meets God

For a number of years I've been a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ. Then a few years back I became interested in Judaism. The idea of learning more about the religion that Jesus, Himself, was a part of intrigued me. As I delved deeper into the Jewish background and roots of the Christian faith, it only expanded my understanding of the Messiah that I love.

I have read numerous books, and a few have been incredibly helpful to me. Don Finto's "Your People Shall Be My People" was revolutionary and a must-read for beginners to this topic. Another book, Athol Dickson's "The Gospel According to Moses" took it to a whole other level, as they say. I have read, and re-read that one and am blown away each time. Other books by Brad Young and Ron Mosely have been helpful, but not quite as engaging.



Then yesterday, at a thrift store downtown, I picked up Lauren F. Winner's, "A Memoir: Girl Meets God". I have not finished it yet, but am so excited to be reading something as engaging and informative as anything I've read in some time. So far, I recommend it highly. God bless!

Love Wins - and anonymous cowards

Today I came into my office and had an anonymous letter sitting on my office chair. The letter was addressed to me, but with no return address. No name. Inside the envelope was a copied article, written by Ray Comfort, concerning Rob Bell's book, Love Wins. The article was titled, "Rob Bell Has Bad News for the Jews" (or something like that).

I skimmed the first two sentences and then quickly wadded up the article and threw it in the trash. It was garbage.

Here's why I feel this way:

First, Ray Comfort is not someone that I believe should be listened to. He promotes an evangelism formula called "The Way of the Master", which ironically, is exactly the way the Master did NOT evangelize. His ministry is one that I would never support, let alone recommend ANYONE be involved with. I think Mr. Comfort's ideas, teachings, and conclusions are bogus, anti-Biblical, and dangerous to say the very least.

Second, if someone wants me to read something, or discuss a topic, then have enough courage to sign your name or come in and talk with me. I will not take the time to read extremely long articles or books that are left and "emails" sent to me by anonymous folks. Sorry, but that's how it is.

Third, please stop sending me articles concerning Rob Bell's book and other hot-topics. I have a computer. I know how to research and study. I don't need 50 counter-viewpoints shared with me every time I stand up and declare something. I would spend 20 hours a week reading all the "stuff" people send me. That's not going to happen. If you have a legitimate question and feel it merits a discussion. My door is open. Come in and let's talk face-to-face.

As for Rob Bell's book, Love Wins, Love does indeed win. Chew up the meat and spit out the bones. Nothing major in my belief system is altered by what Rob claims in his newest book. Nothing has changed with what I've been teaching, as pastor of Desperation Church, for well over a decade. I will always support the message of 'love' and the message that the Kingdom of God is happening NOW. Real, authentic life does not begin when you take your 'last' breath, but your 'next' breath.

Thanks for reading.

Michael Craft

Big-Time Blessings

I was blessed today... big time!

I decided to take my family out to lunch today after church. This is becoming a rare thing for the Crafts, due to it costing so much to take all 7 of us out. When we are able to go, we usually have to wine & dine at such wonderful places like the Bell of Tacos.

Today, May 1st, is payday. I decided to splurge and go to Minsky's Pizza - the only place I know of that serves great pizza... on WHEAT crust! It's really great, and a bit more healthy. When my family arrived we ran into four of our DC family chowing down. The pic here is of them. They were finishing up and we were just getting started, but it was cool to laugh and visit with them for a moment.

They left.

We ate.

When I went to pay... our bill had been taken care of.

Totally.

Thanks guys.

Thanks God.

>"Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice." - Psalm 112:5

"A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself." - Proverbs 11:16-17

"He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." - Proverbs 14:31

"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done." - Proverbs 19:17

"A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." - Proverbs 22:9

"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." - 1 Peter 4:9

"But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" - Matthew 6:3

You Say It's Your Birthday...

"A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth." - Ecclesiastes 7:1

Today, April 8th, is my birthday. It's funny how the older one gets, the more anticlimactic birthdays become. I've always believed that they (whoever 'they' are) should make it so that no one has to work on their birthday. That should go for all that person's loved ones as well. Everyone associated with the birthday boy or girl should have the day off, in order for them to be catered to, as royalty. From the moment a person wakes up on their birthday, there should be music, dancing, presents, cake, and various adult beverages showered upon them. Poems and other works of art should be created in their honor and shared from the highest of rooftops for all to hear and see. Radio stations should be given a list of songs, favorites of the birthday honoree, to be played continuously all the day long. Upon seeing proof of birth date, all restaurants should provide all-you-can-eat-free buffets, all amusement parks, movie theaters, and zoos should provide free admittance, and Starbucks should always throw in an extra shot for nothing!

A person's birthday should be... awesome! When you lay your head down on your pillow at the end of your birthday, you should be in a deliriously joyful haze... wishing you could do it all over again, and again, and again.

But in the real world, you have to go to work... and dump the garbage... and the restaurant you picked for breakfast only had one waitress working 'cause all the rest called in sick, and she's not about to sing to you, let alone bring you a free dish of vanilla ice cream with a small candle in it.

I wonder if that's why the Holy Spirit inspired the joy-inspiring pessimist who wrote the poem of Ecclesiastes to say that a person's death-day was actually better than their birth-day? Or maybe they just realized that death, although a sad thing, is a better time to reflect on a person's life, character,... good name? I mean, as sad as the death of a pre-born or young child may be, the death of one who has lived a longer life is of greater sadness, at least in the Jewish mindset. Why? Because, the longer one lives the better we are able to know their character. This quote from Mendele Mokher Seforim says, “Among the Jews, a birthday is no holiday, but the anniversary of a death, that a Jew remembers.” *

On this, my birthday, I am reminded that I'm getting older. Statistics state that I may well have passed the half-way point of this life. So, I'm asking questions today. Questions like: If it were not my birth-day, but my death-day... what would I have left behind? How is my character? Is my name good, better than fine perfume? In other words, does my reputation stink... or not? I desperately want to be a man that reeks... of the fragrance of Jesus. I long for Him to be what consumes my thoughts and my behaviors.

When all that becomes the case, perhaps I'll be able to say, along with the apostle Paul, "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" (1 Corinthians 15:55), because my death-day will be better than any birth-day I've ever had, or could have ever imagined!

*Telushkin, Joseph. Jewish Wisdom. New York: W. Morrow, 1994.