Baron von Crunk

The problem: Why has the church failed mankind?  Because of me, because of you, because of Rob Bell, because of everyone that calls themselves a Christian.  But here’s a novel concept - instead of attacking and turning your back on the  church, why don’t you love it? Instead of marching off indignantly to start your own housechurch/eventual megachurch in an area that is already saturated with houses of worship, because you are convinced that you can do it better, why don’t you serve a congregation, if you know so much and feel called to ministry?  “Oh, but my congregation is special, they have been burned by the church” or “they don’t trust traditional churches”.  Dude, I hate to break it to you, but it doesn’t matter if you have a cool name for your church, or wear thick frame glasses and a white belt - a non-Christian sees right through that, no matter how much you’ve convinced yourself that you are relevant.  Here’s a little equation: relevancy=love of Christ.  The two most spiritually relevant men I have ever known were a 50 year old Mexican that still lives at home, and an 80 year old pastor from Huntsville.  They didn’t earn anyone’s respect by putting together gorgeous 12 minute videos, by preparing killer indie playlists, or worshipping U2 as the greatest worship band in the world.  I really do like the idea of finding Christ in everything.  However, there are some ideas that are diametrically opposed to the idea of Christ.  You cannot find Christ in a heretical statement.  Repainting the profane as sacred is a ludicrous idea, and is full of philosophical holes.  Also, lifting entire sections of “Christ of the Indian Road” is plagarism,(what you present is not a novel concept when a missionary to India that lived 80 years ago said it first). 

The solution:  Love people.  See them as Christ sees them.  It doesn’t matter what your denomination is, what size your church is, what your gifts and callings are (real or imagined), or any other traits that you may correctly or incorrectly allow to serve as your identity.  Love and serve the dude or lady sitting next to you in the coffeeshop, your coworker, a pastor.  You’re frustrated with the modern American church?  Welcome to the club.  You want to change it?  Love God, and the love and serve the ones that are the recepticles of His love.

*I apologize for the disjointed, angry rant I just posted.  I don’t know how much is actually spiritual, and how much is just pent-up anger, at myself and smarmy, quasi-hipsters that think they have figured out how to “beat the game” with meta-relevancy.  Maybe someday I can turn this into an actual post, but for now, you’ve just wasted time with this.  Sorry.

Math!

John & Kate + 8 = WHY!?!?!?!?!

What a terrible, terrible show.  Those two deserve each other as well as each of their awful little monsters.

My trip to Corpus - stream of conscience

Freeganism.  Love’s Truck Stop surprising lack of hair products.  It’s just Refugio.  ”HEY EVERYONE, LOOK.  SHE’S WEARING CURLERS.”  The “surprise” budget motels along 77.  Whataburger’s New Hospital, “Eat that Dom DeLuise”, Double Meat Double Coronary, justification for socialized medicine, and the french fry straw. MPs.  ”Here’s my insurance sir.  See it?”  Stewart MC-ing the reception like a wrestling match.  My amazing brothers in Christ - Will, Chris, and Jonathan.  Just being in the presence of Johnny Hauck.  New seasons in our lives.  New equation: MOG+WOG=COG.  Blackhawk helicopters.  ”Sir, that ‘Fat American’ suit isn’t fooling anyone.”  Establishing that the company of a 13 month old eating the box raisins came in is more intellectually stimulating that some 21 year olds I’ve met.  ”Would you like some fries with your shake?”.  Blasting the Go! Team and Reel Big Fish so I don’t fall asleep behind the wheel.    

Oh yeah, and most importantly, Rick got married to a great girl that really loves The Lord.