Link: Meet Evangelist Tony Campolo

The Progressive has a great article online highlighting one of my favorite current speakers and authors, Tony Campolo. Check out his story then ask yourself, “WWJD?”

The Trouble With Being Rich

Today, for the first time, I think I finally got a grasp on the meaning of one of Jesus’ most famous sayings: “It’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24, Mark 10:25, and Luke 18:25). I don’t believe that this statement was some exclusionary pot-shot at those who happen to be wealthy, or a blanket condemnation that should cause all who make six figures to tremble. I believe this has nothing to do with societal status and everything to do with self-sufficiency.

Bear with me for a bit as I attempt to explain. God made everything: the universe, the planet, and all its inhabitants. The biblical account says that he declared us as being made “very good” (Genesis 1:31)—so good, apparently, that we could just about exist without him.

Just about.

The great problem with humanity, from the beginning of our time on earth until this very moment, is that we tend to think a little too highly of ourselves. We want to be our own gods. We are highly-evolved beings who control the planet, and we believe that our unique human endowment of reason puts us in a position to rule what we may, beginning with our own lives.

Whether you believe that the story of Adam and Eve is history or allegory, the theme remains the same: humans tried to attain a god-like level, offended God in the process, and were punished. Adam’s account may be the first, but the story repeats itself throughout the history of mankind. This carries on today, with greedy bastards of huge multinational corporations wanting an even bigger slice of their already-overflowing pie and thus slicing their own throats. Was God involved in bringing justice to the bigwigs at Enron and WorldCom? I wouldn’t doubt it.

Another story associated with the Bible (though not blatantly stated in it) is that Lucifer, once High Prince of all angels, tried to raise his status even higher and become as God. This angered God, who banished Lucifer (a.k.a. Satan) to Hades with a third of the angels, all who were apparently in on the plot as well. You’ve got to hand it to God, he certainly knows how to squash the hell out of a potential coup!

Countless stories can be found in and out of the Bible featuring people who get too big for their britches and are made to pay. These people all exhibit various forms of the deadly sins: greed, lust, envy, etc. But there is one overarching trait that ties them all together in dastardly union: self-sufficiency.

This brings me back to Jesus’ comment about the rich. Why is it that they should have a seemingly impossible time entering God’s kingdom? Is it because God hates the rich? No. Is it because they’re bad people? Not necessarily. Is it because God wants us all to live in poverty? I don’t think so, although I’ve heard compelling arguments otherwise.

The reason why it’s a bitch to be rich (you can quote me on that one) is because the wealthy don’t need anything. They have everything, often too much! And if they don’t have a sense of need in their lives, then chances are they won’t feel a need for God.

When do most people turn to God? In my experience, most people seek God when they think he will fill a need in their lives. Perhaps they’ve experienced hurt or loss (or both) and need love or comfort. Perhaps they are struggling with an addiction and need divine help. Or perhaps they are lonely and need a sense of community.

The truth is that the church is filled with a lot of needy people—and that’s a good thing. God loves it when we admit we can’t make it on our own. That’s what he created us for: to love him and have a relationship with him. He didn’t make us so that we could just turn around, tip our hat, and wave goodbye to him for the rest of our lives. He wants us to need him; and we do, whether we know it or not.

If we reach a point where we think we don’t need God, then what incentive is there for us to turn to him? For your average person, not much. For your average rich person, none.

All I can say is, if you’re a six-figure type, good luck to you. When you go, can I have your BMW?

Time to Switch?

If you’re one of the unfortunate many using a Windows PC, I strongly encourage you to consider switching.

(Just trying the new sales skills on some friendly folk first. Hope you don’t mind!)

Flickr Photos

Finally got some wedding photos online for all to enjoy. See them (and more to come) on my new Flickr photos page.

Dine Responsibly

Do you like seafood? Are you at all concerned with the survival of those aquatic species that you like to eat? (If not, you should be.) Monterey Bay Aquarium has a program called Seafood Watch to “raise consumer awareness about the importance of buying seafood from sustainable sources.” On their site you’ll find articles and tools that will equip you to dine responsibly and preserve God’s creation. Of particular use are the printable pocket-size guides that you can take when shopping or eating out.

Bon appetit!

Just Call Me "Mac Daddy"

I just got a job—a full-time one this time. Beginning next week, I will be the newest retail salesman at Mac Station in downtown Vancouver. Thank you, thank you.

(Incidentally, if you’re ever in the market for a geeky product with a fruity label, let me know and I’ll hook you up.)

Link: The Christian Paradox

Harper’s has a compelling article about the widespread view of the United States as a Christian nation.

A Little Extra Work

I began a new job yesterday, my first job in Canada after years of absence. It isn’t full-time, and it’s only by contract, but it’s the coolest work I’ve ever done. I had my first experience as a Hollywood extra.

I’ve been searching for jobs online. One of my searches led me to an arts-and-culture Web portal, which in turn led me to the idea of submitting myself as an extra (also called background) for TV and movie shoots. Vancouver is considered “Hollywood North”; on any given day you can find some production being shot around the area. I thought this might be a fun way to earn a few extra bucks (they pay a little above minimum wage, unless you’re in the extras union) while searching for something permanent. So two days ago I walked into Vancouver’s biggest extras agency, handed them my application, and got immediately offered a job for the following day.

We shot three scenes of a new television series debuting in the fall called Reunion. As much as I loathe TV, this series actually sounds interesting. You can read a little about it on FOX’s fall lineup schedule (see Thursday). We saw three of the six stars in action yesterday, none of whom I had ever heard of.

Most of my day consisted of waiting around. Out of the eight hours I committed, probably only three were spent in filming. The rest was spent either in “holding” (the industry term for sit down and wait patiently until the important people are ready for you), wardrobe (we were privileged to wear some horrid 1980s clothing for a couple flashback shots), makeup (just for the ladies—this ain’t no Rocky Horror Picture Show), or transferring between shooting locations (all downtown Vancouver; we traveled on foot, as tourists took note of the seeming trend among locals to dress like The Breakfast Club).

Come fall, if you watch closely then you just might see my face in a couple scenes of Reunion’s second episode. And by the way, will someone please tape it for me? I don’t have cable.