Sunday, July 26, 2015

Who Likes the Iran Nuclear Deal?

There has been a strong negative reaction to the recent Iran nuclear deal.   One citizen group has even bought commercial television time to express their displeasure.  The deal between the Iranians and five other nations limits the Middle East country's nuclear program. According to Pew Research, among the 79% of American who have heard about the agreement only 38% approve of it.  On the other hand, 48% disapprove of the plan, with 14% having no opinion.

Much of the skepticism centers on the Iranian leadership's commitment to the terms. Among those familiar with the agreement; 38% have no confidence in Iran's leadership, and 35% have "not too much" confidence.  The skepticism seems to increase with age: 56% of those over age 65 and 54% of those ages 50-64 disapprove of the pact.  Among those ages 30-49, 42% disapprove.  Millennials are the only age group who approved of the agreement. Among millennials (ages 18-30) 42% approve and 39% disapprove.

As a general rule, millennials are not "news junkies" like many older Americans.  In response to the the question, "Have you heard about the recent nuclear agreement?" only 21% of those ages 18-29 reported the had "heard a lot.  Even more surprising, 43% had "heard little.: It is not just a matter of not being in touch with current events.  There are other factors that we need to consider when trying to understand young adults and their position on this issue.

Young people are idealistic.  When it comes to conflict they, probably more than any other age group, take a "can't we all just get along attitude."  They also want to see the world change and believe they can make a difference..

They are collaborators.  They want to network with others and work together for the common good. In this case they see the fact that five countries, plus Iran, can work together to agree on anything as a positive thing.

They have grown up in a diverse culture. In most cases millennials have grown up with peers who come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.  Some of their classmates, even their friends, who might have roots in Iran or other Middle Eastern countries.

They have been taught tolerance.  They are much more patient and accepting when it comes to working with people who are different.

As older adults, we need to seek to listen and seek to understand them.  Only when we do that can we hope to make a difference in their lives, and it the end make a difference in the world.










Sunday, July 19, 2015

Let the Dead Bury their Dead, Except...

The town of Famersville, Texas is in the news these days.  Farmersville is a town of about 4,000 located in Collin County, just north of Dallas.  To put things in perspective, the suburb of Plano is also in Collin County.  There are five Islamic Centers and 22,000 Muslims living in Collin County.   To this point they have had no place to bury their dead.  The Muslims have purchased property in Farmersville for that purpose.  The local residents, led by one local pastor, have objected.  There is a Buddhist Center in town and the Mormons recently built a church; no objections.  A Muslim Cemetery: “No way.”  “The concern for us is the radical element of Islam,” David J. Meeks, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, said of the Islamic Association’s planned cemetery west of the city.

There are Muslim Cemeteries in Dallas, Fort Worth and adjacent Denton County, but none for the Muslims in Collin Country.  I suspect that some of this might be associated with the “radical element” Pastor Meeks referred to, but my guess is some of it is driven descriptions of Muslin burial practices.  Islamic practices forbid the embalming of the dead.  The bodies are placed in coffins after being washed in warm water.  They then are buried six to seven feet underground.  Texas State law does not require that bodies be embalmed before burial, so the Muslims are not breaking any rules.  Islamic law does not even allow for prayers to be said over the body, so there will be no religious services held at the cemetery.  It will just be a burial ground. 

Why am I writing about this?  It serves as a perfect example of one reason unbelievers, especially millennials, have a negative opinion of the church.  Christian Churches are often known more for what they are against, than what they stand for.  The fact that this campaign is led by a local clergyman is especially troubling. 


The response from the Islamic Community has been enlightening.  “We’re talking about a community that wants to have a place to grieve closer to home,” spokesman, Abdur-Rashid stated. “This is an opportunity to have a good interfaith dialogue and inter-community dialogue.”  

What a unique opportunity.  Muslim seek a dialogue on a religious issue.  Seems to me that would provide Christians with an equal opportunity to not only talk about our burial rights, but the faith and hope element that accompany them.  Are we going to convert any Muslims… Probably not.  In this case that should happen through the way we live.  Personally I want to be known for what I believe and live for, not for what I stand against.  

Monday, July 13, 2015

The Upside... And Down Side to Traditions

I have very mixed memories of last summer.  A year ago about this time, Barb and I were in the midst of a road trip up north.  We saw a lot of family and came back with many memories. The time behind the wheel took its toll on my back.  About two weeks after returning home I woke up one morning with an excruciating pain in my left leg.  I managed to crawl down the steps to the family room where the recliner became my home for the next three weeks.  Being on my feet for any longer than 15 seconds became almost impossible.  The diagnosis was a bulging disc in my lower back. Three weeks of treatment by a chiropractor cured the problem.

While I was laid-up, the pain in my leg made even shifting positions in my recliner difficult. Sleeping was well nigh impossible because I could not get comfortable.  I could take ibuprofen and sleep medication, but even then rest would not come.  I discovered two friends, one old and one new, that got me through the difficult nights.  Each evening the pattern was the same.  I watched old episodes of situation comedies on Hulu (new friend) and then would open our copy of the "Red Lutheran Hymnal" (old friend).

I grew up with that hymnal.  My parents sang in the choir, so I would end up sitting in the pew (half-way back on the left side) with grandma.  George Kurz was the only pastor I knew.  He was a "three Life Saver" preacher.  When he got into the pulpit, grandma would offer me a spearmint Life Saver. It usually took three.  I don't remember much of what Pastor Kurz said, but I still can sing many of those hymns from memory.  While I was convalescing I sang them all; from "Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty" to "Jerusalem the Golden."

Hymns are that way.  My friend, Robert, and I sometimes sing them together.  I met Robert while he was in the hospital.  I was the chaplain and he became more than a patient.  Robert is a former football player (college and NFL).  When Robert moved to a rehabilitation center, he made me promise I would continue to visit.  Now I stop by his house at least once a week.  Robert only leaves his bed for doctor visits.  Robert grew up sitting next to his grandmother in church too.  It was a Methodist Church, so Robert knows a whole different set of hymns.  Even on the difficult days, those familiar words can bring a smile to his face.  Robert and I not only have very different faith traditions, but we have taken very contrasting paths.  I seldom miss attending church on Sunday, my guess is Robert has not entered a sanctuary in decades.  We both find comfort in the traditional hymns of our youth.

Unfortunately, those same traditions can become an obstacle.  When we become en-cultured, it can cause us to view our way as the only way.  We become so comfortable with hymns and liturgy, that we resist those things that disrupt our routine.  Even if we enjoy contemporary songs and a less formal worship style, we can still suffer the same syndrome.  We resist those things that push us outside our comfort zone.  This can effect our relationship with millennials.  They might not be able to relate our traditions.  There culture, interest and concerns might be very different than ours. Reaching out to them might push us outside our comfort zone.  That is okay.  It is what Jesus did and you can be assured He is standing with you in your ministry to those teens and young adults.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Relevant: The Church and Millennials

I normally do not use my blog to make personal announcements but I am making a exception because I have some exciting news to share.  As the title of my blog makes clear, I have a passion for millennials.  My last book, Passing the Torch, opened the door for the discussion on how the church has missed the boat when it comes to conveying faith and values to those born in the last two decades of the Twentieth Century.  Over the last year and a half I have been working on a new project which takes the issue of millennials and the church to a new level.  The project is titled Relevant: The Church and Millennials.  

I am now excited to announce that I have signed a contract to have the book published.  I will be working with Westbow Press, the self publishing arm of Zondervan - Thomas Nelson.  Zondervan - Thomas Nelson is the largest publisher of Christian books. Partnering with them is great from a marketing perspective.  The book will also be available on major book websites like Amazon.  It will also be available in all the various e-book formats, including Kindle and Nook.

So what can you expect from the book?  The first portion of the book will highlight all the factors that should make the church marketable to teens and young adults.  It starts with Grace, the unique gift that only a Christian can know and appreciate.  It also talks about how the sacraments, Baptism and The Lord's Supper, are exactly what millennials crave and need.  The second portion of the book will deal with some of the issue that prevents most churches from being effective at reaching millennials.

I anticipate the book being available sometime early this fall.  In the mean time I would appreciate your prayer for the success of this project.  The church is losing its teens and young adults.  It is not too late to reverse the trend.  Prayers will not be enough.  My hope is that church professional and lay leaders will use the book as a resource.  My desire is that it be a starting point in initiating change. As with my other projects, I will be available to talk about the book and the issues it addresses.  I would enjoy visiting with the leaders at your church on how to make your ministry to millennials more effective.

It starts with you.  Spread the word.  The church is still "Relevant!"