Who's your Tax-Collector?
Any first-grade Sunday-schooler knows that tax collectors were despised by their fellow Jews in the Gospels. My question: which occupation today is spit upon by God's covenant people?
Within my circles, several come to mind. First is that minister-of-cool, the youth pastor! Next is probably that dumbed-down servant of the state, the public school teacher. But third is of most interest to me, because it's about me, in third place is the US military.
I remember at Vision Forum's Uniting Church and Home Conference, I sat by a lady who was quite repulsed to be sharing table space with a "soldier". Her main objection seemed to be that the US military is controlled by the UN. Another objection I hear is that we're oath-breakers. Since we take an oath to support the Constitution, and the Constitution says that only Congress can declare war, and since Congress hasn't declared war for any conflict in recent history, then the US military has broken their oath and is engaged in unauthorized combat.
I guess my only response is to look at John the Baptist. When a Roman guard asked him what should he do, John didn't say "get out, for it's wrong to obey an imperialist head of state". Surprisingly, his harshest words weren't for the military or the tax collectors, but for those sons of Satan, the religiously self-righteous.
Monday, January 12, 2004
Play that fundamentalist music, white boy!
After reading Ken Myers', All God's Children and Blue Suede Shoes, I saw the emptiness of pop music and had newfound interest in folk and classical.
I've purchased several bluegrass CDs over the last year. I enjoy the instrumentation, but for the most part, the lyrics I can do without. I think my problem is that I'm picking the bluegrass out of the "Gospel" section. This may explain why there's so much fundamentalist theology.
After reading Ken Myers', All God's Children and Blue Suede Shoes, I saw the emptiness of pop music and had newfound interest in folk and classical.
I've purchased several bluegrass CDs over the last year. I enjoy the instrumentation, but for the most part, the lyrics I can do without. I think my problem is that I'm picking the bluegrass out of the "Gospel" section. This may explain why there's so much fundamentalist theology.
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Big Government
Tonight's family devotion was taken from Isaiah 9:7. I focused on the fact that the kingdom of Christ is growing. It's larger than it was a 1,000 years ago, 10 years ago, and just last year. Larger still will it be next year and the years to come.
The kingdoms of this world are becoming the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ and He shall reign forever and ever. (Rev 11:15)
For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end--it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. (Hab 2:3)
It is a fact that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea! (Hab 2:14)
Tonight's family devotion was taken from Isaiah 9:7. I focused on the fact that the kingdom of Christ is growing. It's larger than it was a 1,000 years ago, 10 years ago, and just last year. Larger still will it be next year and the years to come.
The kingdoms of this world are becoming the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ and He shall reign forever and ever. (Rev 11:15)
For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end--it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. (Hab 2:3)
It is a fact that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea! (Hab 2:14)
Monday, December 22, 2003
Another working-mom
A secretary here returned to work today 6-weeks after her first child. She described how odd if felt to drop off the infant at a day-care with no one she knows. Of course, she was quickly reassured by the other working moms here that what she's feeling is "normal" and what she has done is fine. I doubt her salary even covers the expense of the day-care. I just don't understand.
A secretary here returned to work today 6-weeks after her first child. She described how odd if felt to drop off the infant at a day-care with no one she knows. Of course, she was quickly reassured by the other working moms here that what she's feeling is "normal" and what she has done is fine. I doubt her salary even covers the expense of the day-care. I just don't understand.
Sunday, December 21, 2003
An Apology to the Elect yet to be Converted
To those who will one day name the name of Christ for the first time, on behalf of the saints in middle Georgia, I apologize.
I lament what you've seen of the church, especially those that have spent their life in this area. The churches, in general, have done a poor job representing what Christianity is. What you've experienced of American Christianity is more American than it is Christian. This is not the way it should be.
I'm sorry that the church wraps itself so much in the nation's flag; boasting over a president instead of grieving over its own leaders. I regret that all you've seen of its people is contentment in their knowledge of God and complacency with their lifestyles. You have yet to see a "Titus 2" older woman. Or a younger woman who is zealous to raise godly seed. You've yet to see a husband who washes his wife with the Word. You've yet to see youth with an undistracted devotion to the Lord.
But don't give up, not all churches are this way, not even here. Look hard, ask tough questions. While you can't find a healthy church, you can find one that is committed to becoming healthy.
Needless to say, the greatest apology is owed to the Bridegroom. We are blemished, spotted, and wrinkled. O Christ, wash us and make us glorious, for You are worthy of great reward.
To those who will one day name the name of Christ for the first time, on behalf of the saints in middle Georgia, I apologize.
I lament what you've seen of the church, especially those that have spent their life in this area. The churches, in general, have done a poor job representing what Christianity is. What you've experienced of American Christianity is more American than it is Christian. This is not the way it should be.
I'm sorry that the church wraps itself so much in the nation's flag; boasting over a president instead of grieving over its own leaders. I regret that all you've seen of its people is contentment in their knowledge of God and complacency with their lifestyles. You have yet to see a "Titus 2" older woman. Or a younger woman who is zealous to raise godly seed. You've yet to see a husband who washes his wife with the Word. You've yet to see youth with an undistracted devotion to the Lord.
But don't give up, not all churches are this way, not even here. Look hard, ask tough questions. While you can't find a healthy church, you can find one that is committed to becoming healthy.
Needless to say, the greatest apology is owed to the Bridegroom. We are blemished, spotted, and wrinkled. O Christ, wash us and make us glorious, for You are worthy of great reward.
Sunday, December 14, 2003
On Christmas:
Christmas is full of new wonders and insights this year.
Here's a summary of the preached Word from my pastor:
Just as the prophets of old, we should long for Christ. Approach advent from the Older Testament perspective. The prophet's "foreshortening" saw a complete coming of Christ where He fixes all things. We should long for this still. Christmas is as much about sin and judgment as it is about the Babe in the manger.
And from several articles in "Every Thought Captive" of the Highlands Study Center:
To celebrate Christmas only as a memorial is to be guilty in a manner not unlike those who believe the Lord's Supper is just a memorial. We most definitely are engaged in remembering a past event, but at the same time we are declaring that Christ is reigning and ruling now. We look forward with expectancy, hope, comfort and joy to a future event--the consummation of His kingdom.
Christmas is full of new wonders and insights this year.
Here's a summary of the preached Word from my pastor:
Just as the prophets of old, we should long for Christ. Approach advent from the Older Testament perspective. The prophet's "foreshortening" saw a complete coming of Christ where He fixes all things. We should long for this still. Christmas is as much about sin and judgment as it is about the Babe in the manger.
And from several articles in "Every Thought Captive" of the Highlands Study Center:
To celebrate Christmas only as a memorial is to be guilty in a manner not unlike those who believe the Lord's Supper is just a memorial. We most definitely are engaged in remembering a past event, but at the same time we are declaring that Christ is reigning and ruling now. We look forward with expectancy, hope, comfort and joy to a future event--the consummation of His kingdom.
In Response:
Here's my Pastor's response to Dr. Payton's teachings on the purpose of worship music (See previous post):
One of the items I believe is touched upon very well is the nature of style. Is style neutral or relative? I believe the answer has to be ‘No.’ Payton does a good job pointing this out with the Shine Jesus Shine/Sweet Caroline segment. For the church to be not conformed to the world, which is an explicit command, our music should not be conformed to the world either. It may be that the world would conform to the church’s music, which did happen in much of the baroque and classical period, but the converse must never be true. Unless one can say that there is nothing wrong with the pastor wearing a clown costume to the worship service, he cannot argue that style is neutral.
"Dr. Payton does an excellent job with this subject. It is very easy to criticize work you haven’t done. Still, I feel that something needs to be mentioned. I believe Dr. Payton grants undue weight to the Levitical tradition. I am, after all, a Calvinist, and we Calvinists agree whole-heartedly with Hebrews 7 (especially v. 18), that worship under the law (which was no doubt the Levitical tradition) is “weak and useless”. Maybe Calvin went too far to one direction, but Payton goes too far in the other. He has left Presbyterianism and become a Lutheran (literally), in spite of the fact that there are obvious Christological problems in Lutheran theology. Apparently he feels that historical worship practice is more important than biblical orthodoxy. I believe worship practice must grow out of biblical orthodoxy, not historical practice."
Here's my Pastor's response to Dr. Payton's teachings on the purpose of worship music (See previous post):
One of the items I believe is touched upon very well is the nature of style. Is style neutral or relative? I believe the answer has to be ‘No.’ Payton does a good job pointing this out with the Shine Jesus Shine/Sweet Caroline segment. For the church to be not conformed to the world, which is an explicit command, our music should not be conformed to the world either. It may be that the world would conform to the church’s music, which did happen in much of the baroque and classical period, but the converse must never be true. Unless one can say that there is nothing wrong with the pastor wearing a clown costume to the worship service, he cannot argue that style is neutral.
"Dr. Payton does an excellent job with this subject. It is very easy to criticize work you haven’t done. Still, I feel that something needs to be mentioned. I believe Dr. Payton grants undue weight to the Levitical tradition. I am, after all, a Calvinist, and we Calvinists agree whole-heartedly with Hebrews 7 (especially v. 18), that worship under the law (which was no doubt the Levitical tradition) is “weak and useless”. Maybe Calvin went too far to one direction, but Payton goes too far in the other. He has left Presbyterianism and become a Lutheran (literally), in spite of the fact that there are obvious Christological problems in Lutheran theology. Apparently he feels that historical worship practice is more important than biblical orthodoxy. I believe worship practice must grow out of biblical orthodoxy, not historical practice."
Saturday, November 29, 2003
Why Do We Sing in Church?
Leonard Payton's lectures Worship Music in a Discordant Age was recommended by my pastor.
This was my first exposure to critical thinking about the "why" of worship music.
Dr Payton sheds historical light by pointing out that God's covenantal people were originally led in memorized song by Levitical musicians. They were described as next to Solomon in their wisdom. Music was memorized and used as a means of teaching. Interestingly, the Reformers failed to recover this. Luther did to some degree but it was soon lost. Calvin and Zwingli's cultural situations and backgrounds caused them, and hence the Reformed faith, to minimize worship music. Today neither the "Traditional" or "Contemporary" camps understand the "why" of worship music, but war over the "what" and "how".
He emphasizes that Colossians 3:16 commands us to use song as the way for the Word to dwell richly in us. We should have a core of doctrinally dense, aesthetically sound Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that over time are memorized. These serve to catechize God's covenant people.
Leonard Payton's lectures Worship Music in a Discordant Age was recommended by my pastor.
This was my first exposure to critical thinking about the "why" of worship music.
Dr Payton sheds historical light by pointing out that God's covenantal people were originally led in memorized song by Levitical musicians. They were described as next to Solomon in their wisdom. Music was memorized and used as a means of teaching. Interestingly, the Reformers failed to recover this. Luther did to some degree but it was soon lost. Calvin and Zwingli's cultural situations and backgrounds caused them, and hence the Reformed faith, to minimize worship music. Today neither the "Traditional" or "Contemporary" camps understand the "why" of worship music, but war over the "what" and "how".
He emphasizes that Colossians 3:16 commands us to use song as the way for the Word to dwell richly in us. We should have a core of doctrinally dense, aesthetically sound Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that over time are memorized. These serve to catechize God's covenant people.
Thursday, November 27, 2003
Thanksgiving Day 2003--Missed Opportunity
This day turned out differently than expected. Due to injury and illness we spent the day at our house without enjoying the company of extended family. Since we're moving out of the area again in the summer, today was an easy opportunity for the children to spend the holiday with family.
My deeper concern is this. Do I want to be with extended family? And vice versa? Are we willing to give up our personal schedules and comforts to get together? On my side of the family there is a weakness in this area. Growing up, the Baileys were not close as an extended family. I think over my childhood and adolescence I've developed an aversion to maintaining long-distance, yet kindred, relationships. I fear the implications this may have upon my children when they're grown.
This day turned out differently than expected. Due to injury and illness we spent the day at our house without enjoying the company of extended family. Since we're moving out of the area again in the summer, today was an easy opportunity for the children to spend the holiday with family.
My deeper concern is this. Do I want to be with extended family? And vice versa? Are we willing to give up our personal schedules and comforts to get together? On my side of the family there is a weakness in this area. Growing up, the Baileys were not close as an extended family. I think over my childhood and adolescence I've developed an aversion to maintaining long-distance, yet kindred, relationships. I fear the implications this may have upon my children when they're grown.
Partial Vision
Just as I fail to realize how sinful I am but only discern and confess a certain sliver of my depravity while the rest goes on unchecked, so do I only grasp a slice of who God is. Although He has revealed Himself so fully in the Scriptures I'm only able to bring to mind a piece or two of Him at a time. This all affects my joy in Him, for I see Him less than He is.
Just as I fail to realize how sinful I am but only discern and confess a certain sliver of my depravity while the rest goes on unchecked, so do I only grasp a slice of who God is. Although He has revealed Himself so fully in the Scriptures I'm only able to bring to mind a piece or two of Him at a time. This all affects my joy in Him, for I see Him less than He is.
Thursday, October 23, 2003
We Bare All
Here's a first. A church friend of ours was approached at a home-schooling ballet class that meets in a church by a, get this, female stripper. This lady of a different kind of dance was passing out business cards.
Our friend was disappointed with her reaction to the solicitation, which was disgust, she thought of how Jesus spent time with similarly-employed ladies. But I tend to think that disgust is exactly the right reaction. A woman, presuming she's sane, who can walk around inside a church building and pass out business cards for her stripper serivces is obviously unrepentant--she has no sense of shame whatsoever.
The rebuke must come first, and if repentance follows then you welcome her inside the real church.
Here's a first. A church friend of ours was approached at a home-schooling ballet class that meets in a church by a, get this, female stripper. This lady of a different kind of dance was passing out business cards.
Our friend was disappointed with her reaction to the solicitation, which was disgust, she thought of how Jesus spent time with similarly-employed ladies. But I tend to think that disgust is exactly the right reaction. A woman, presuming she's sane, who can walk around inside a church building and pass out business cards for her stripper serivces is obviously unrepentant--she has no sense of shame whatsoever.
The rebuke must come first, and if repentance follows then you welcome her inside the real church.
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
Tearing Down Foundations
I can't get away from Bible-belt Christianity. Unbelievers assume that since I'm open about being a Christian that I must also be a tee-totaler prude, a fan of the 700 club, basically a close-minded fundamentalist.
On the other hand, the local Christians assume that because I'm open about being a Christian I must like "Purpose-Drive" this and that, know who's hot on the contemporary Christian music charts, be all for prayer in schools, etc.
In the South, the foundation erected on the cornerstone of Christ has neglected the Apostles and prophets and instead tacked on their own here today, gone tomorrow teachers. I can't compete with the mass of Bible-belt Christians to win the role of defining what Christianity is to the public. What's needed is a demolition crew to teardown the monstrosity that's been cobbled together.
I can't get away from Bible-belt Christianity. Unbelievers assume that since I'm open about being a Christian that I must also be a tee-totaler prude, a fan of the 700 club, basically a close-minded fundamentalist.
On the other hand, the local Christians assume that because I'm open about being a Christian I must like "Purpose-Drive" this and that, know who's hot on the contemporary Christian music charts, be all for prayer in schools, etc.
In the South, the foundation erected on the cornerstone of Christ has neglected the Apostles and prophets and instead tacked on their own here today, gone tomorrow teachers. I can't compete with the mass of Bible-belt Christians to win the role of defining what Christianity is to the public. What's needed is a demolition crew to teardown the monstrosity that's been cobbled together.
Monday, September 22, 2003
Patience
I don't wear "homeschooling" on my sleeve. But when asked about it I enjoy explaining the reasons why we do. The most common reaction from Christian men is that their wife doesn't have the patience to do it. I fear that the
problem is more serious than this.
Many Christian mothers don't seem to have the patience to be with the children period. I understand the important need for a break, husbands should ensure that their wives aren't driven to desperation, but I am beginning to doubt whether women want their children around them more than a couple hours each day. Frequent reliance on school, mother's day out, children's church, etc to provide an escape says something important about our view of motherhood and children.
I don't wear "homeschooling" on my sleeve. But when asked about it I enjoy explaining the reasons why we do. The most common reaction from Christian men is that their wife doesn't have the patience to do it. I fear that the
problem is more serious than this.
Many Christian mothers don't seem to have the patience to be with the children period. I understand the important need for a break, husbands should ensure that their wives aren't driven to desperation, but I am beginning to doubt whether women want their children around them more than a couple hours each day. Frequent reliance on school, mother's day out, children's church, etc to provide an escape says something important about our view of motherhood and children.
Convictions
We're now part of a truly-reformed church; well, at least the pastor is TR and he is making sweeping changes. This is driving me to sort out my reformed beliefs and practices from my "pseudo-reformed" ones.
As I do this and spend time with the TR-folks, I find one characteristic that I don't want to adopt. It seems there's a tendency to show disproportionate amounts of disgust. You're likely to get as strong of a reaction at the mention of contemporary worship music, like "Majesty", as you are if you bring up Spong's denial of the deity of Christ.
I think it's important to realize that no two people will ever have the exact same set of convictions at the exact same time. We can disagree with everybody about something. Sometimes we disagree over major issues and
that's as it should be. But we need to be gracious over littler differences. We need to decide what things are worthy of public disgust, and what things we should just keep to ourselves.
We're now part of a truly-reformed church; well, at least the pastor is TR and he is making sweeping changes. This is driving me to sort out my reformed beliefs and practices from my "pseudo-reformed" ones.
As I do this and spend time with the TR-folks, I find one characteristic that I don't want to adopt. It seems there's a tendency to show disproportionate amounts of disgust. You're likely to get as strong of a reaction at the mention of contemporary worship music, like "Majesty", as you are if you bring up Spong's denial of the deity of Christ.
I think it's important to realize that no two people will ever have the exact same set of convictions at the exact same time. We can disagree with everybody about something. Sometimes we disagree over major issues and
that's as it should be. But we need to be gracious over littler differences. We need to decide what things are worthy of public disgust, and what things we should just keep to ourselves.
Monday, September 15, 2003
Staying the Course (Part 1)
Defining your view of "the Good Life" reveals your values.
The typical American Christians' definition of the Good Life can be seen in how they live. Their life consists of a steadily-increasing combination of: two-incomes, one or two conveniently-timed children, school-year freedom for mom, a nicely-appointed home, sleek cars for him and her, a beach-house someday, fashionable-wardrobe, and attendance at the closest "mainstream" church with a focus on The Purpose Driven Life.
Valuing God and the advance of His kingdom more than my personal peace and affluence is not only counter-cultural, it's counter-me. I need like-minded others to help stay the course. Young children limit our personal freedom. Home-schooling tests our patience and perseverance. Our home doesn't resemble "Southern-Living". Duct tape is a critical part on my car. My clothes double as handi-wipes for little hands and mouths. Sadly, our church is 45 minutes away.
I feel the pressure to give-up on our notion of the Good Life and settle for the immediate enjoyment shared by most Christians here. But I won't. Instead I will focus on the long-term. I will think of multiple generations of ever-increasing Baileys living to advance the kingdom of God, finding their enjoyment in our God and each other. I will not trade this Good Life for the world's half-hearted flings.
Defining your view of "the Good Life" reveals your values.
The typical American Christians' definition of the Good Life can be seen in how they live. Their life consists of a steadily-increasing combination of: two-incomes, one or two conveniently-timed children, school-year freedom for mom, a nicely-appointed home, sleek cars for him and her, a beach-house someday, fashionable-wardrobe, and attendance at the closest "mainstream" church with a focus on The Purpose Driven Life.
Valuing God and the advance of His kingdom more than my personal peace and affluence is not only counter-cultural, it's counter-me. I need like-minded others to help stay the course. Young children limit our personal freedom. Home-schooling tests our patience and perseverance. Our home doesn't resemble "Southern-Living". Duct tape is a critical part on my car. My clothes double as handi-wipes for little hands and mouths. Sadly, our church is 45 minutes away.
I feel the pressure to give-up on our notion of the Good Life and settle for the immediate enjoyment shared by most Christians here. But I won't. Instead I will focus on the long-term. I will think of multiple generations of ever-increasing Baileys living to advance the kingdom of God, finding their enjoyment in our God and each other. I will not trade this Good Life for the world's half-hearted flings.
Friday, September 12, 2003
Indignation
There are lots of things I naturally respond to negatively without really knowing why. Two stand out this week.
In my workplace a flyer advertising "Golf for Jesus" has been posted by a local Baptist church. For $45 and a day on the links you can support missions. I quickly eschew this as improper means to reach a good end. The fact that it takes the incentive of a round of golf for us to support the spread of the gospel shows how self-centered the modern evangelical is. But last night reading the website of one of my ministry darlings I see they're
sponsoring a sea cruise, which is undoubtedly a means to raise money for the ministry. I don't feel so bad about that because I like this group, but what's the difference between their cruise-ship and the Baptists' countryclub?
Second, I read of the decision to keep a chain of Christian bookstores open on Sundays. I think ha! this is not out of necessity or mercy so my indignation is justified. But then I remember that I like to eat out after church on Sundays, and these restuarants aren't open as acts of mercy or necessity, but I don't feel wrong supporting their decision.
Like others, I'm too quick to condemn others and too quick to justify myself. I still think golfing for Jesus and Sunday business hours are inconsistent with Christian convictions, but before lashing out, I better know why and live by it myself.
There are lots of things I naturally respond to negatively without really knowing why. Two stand out this week.
In my workplace a flyer advertising "Golf for Jesus" has been posted by a local Baptist church. For $45 and a day on the links you can support missions. I quickly eschew this as improper means to reach a good end. The fact that it takes the incentive of a round of golf for us to support the spread of the gospel shows how self-centered the modern evangelical is. But last night reading the website of one of my ministry darlings I see they're
sponsoring a sea cruise, which is undoubtedly a means to raise money for the ministry. I don't feel so bad about that because I like this group, but what's the difference between their cruise-ship and the Baptists' countryclub?
Second, I read of the decision to keep a chain of Christian bookstores open on Sundays. I think ha! this is not out of necessity or mercy so my indignation is justified. But then I remember that I like to eat out after church on Sundays, and these restuarants aren't open as acts of mercy or necessity, but I don't feel wrong supporting their decision.
Like others, I'm too quick to condemn others and too quick to justify myself. I still think golfing for Jesus and Sunday business hours are inconsistent with Christian convictions, but before lashing out, I better know why and live by it myself.
Friday, September 05, 2003
Shepherdess of the Family
On their way to the pound to meet with the "puppy-matcher", Kristin and the children picked up a newspaper. They were delighted to find just the type of puppy we have been looking for, a border collie.
Our new and yet-to-be-named pup is fresh from the farm where her parents were expert, lifelong sheep-herders. Just the thing for young children? We hope so!
On their way to the pound to meet with the "puppy-matcher", Kristin and the children picked up a newspaper. They were delighted to find just the type of puppy we have been looking for, a border collie.
Our new and yet-to-be-named pup is fresh from the farm where her parents were expert, lifelong sheep-herders. Just the thing for young children? We hope so!
Wednesday, September 03, 2003
Explaining Just-War
Today during an Air Command and Staff College Seminar I was surprised to learn that the vocal members of our group deny the possibility of a just war. We weren't talking about our current endeavor in Iraq, but just the possibility of a war ever being just.
Here's how I explained that possibility. A war is just if it is fought as a act of love for an oppressed neighbor. Christ commanded us to love our neighbor, and when asked to define neighbor, He gave us the Good Samaritan. This parable tells us a neighbor isn't limited to just friends, allies, or those that you can benefit from.
So it's not immoral for a nation to protect an oppressed people through sanctions, international pressure or even armed conflict. Coming to the aid of others when your nation has nothing to gain by the intervention is not being the world's "police-force", it's being a good neighbor.
It would actually be immoral (by the good Samaritan ethic) for a nation that has the means to relieve a suffering neighbor to instead stand idly by and do nothing.
Today during an Air Command and Staff College Seminar I was surprised to learn that the vocal members of our group deny the possibility of a just war. We weren't talking about our current endeavor in Iraq, but just the possibility of a war ever being just.
Here's how I explained that possibility. A war is just if it is fought as a act of love for an oppressed neighbor. Christ commanded us to love our neighbor, and when asked to define neighbor, He gave us the Good Samaritan. This parable tells us a neighbor isn't limited to just friends, allies, or those that you can benefit from.
So it's not immoral for a nation to protect an oppressed people through sanctions, international pressure or even armed conflict. Coming to the aid of others when your nation has nothing to gain by the intervention is not being the world's "police-force", it's being a good neighbor.
It would actually be immoral (by the good Samaritan ethic) for a nation that has the means to relieve a suffering neighbor to instead stand idly by and do nothing.
Tuesday, September 02, 2003
Generalist vs. Specialist
At times I view the college years of my life with regret. You'd think holding a degree in Electrical Engineering means you possess some ability relating to electrical work. Ha! Ha! There wasn't room to trifle with courses of such practical purpose. I've worried ever since about my lack of a skill or trade.
But recently I'm wondering if some good didn't come of that education after all. I learned in college to be a generalist by balancing the different responsibilities of those years, never getting bogged down in any one area, so to always be ready for the next demand.
I still occasionally wonder if "generalist" is just an employer's euphemism for "Useful Idiot". But the work pays the bills, or to put it more biblically, provides for my family.
I'd like to be a specialist someday; but I first have to find the one thing I'd enjoy specializing in. Looking back, I'm glad the earlier temptations and disappointments of piloting and pastoring never got off the ground. But perhaps someday soon I'll find the right life's work to pour myself into.
At times I view the college years of my life with regret. You'd think holding a degree in Electrical Engineering means you possess some ability relating to electrical work. Ha! Ha! There wasn't room to trifle with courses of such practical purpose. I've worried ever since about my lack of a skill or trade.
But recently I'm wondering if some good didn't come of that education after all. I learned in college to be a generalist by balancing the different responsibilities of those years, never getting bogged down in any one area, so to always be ready for the next demand.
I still occasionally wonder if "generalist" is just an employer's euphemism for "Useful Idiot". But the work pays the bills, or to put it more biblically, provides for my family.
I'd like to be a specialist someday; but I first have to find the one thing I'd enjoy specializing in. Looking back, I'm glad the earlier temptations and disappointments of piloting and pastoring never got off the ground. But perhaps someday soon I'll find the right life's work to pour myself into.
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