The world as we know it is going to come to an end eventually. Whether it occurs by the hand of the supernatural, by man and his weapons of war, or by the sun, which we are told will evidently burn out of fuel in approximately 5 billion years. Whether we hold to religious beliefs or not, most everyone concedes that humanities time on earth will one day come to an abrupt end.
The vast majority of religious people of varying faiths believe that the end of mankind will occur sooner than later. Well, most people are sensible and levelheaded concerning the end there are many more who lean towards being a bit irrational and obsessive. For example, I recently overheard a break room discussion between two fellow employees about the economic crisis and the constant barrage of disheartening news making headlines. In the midst of their conversation, I was astonished as one of them casually remarked, "I wouldn't be surprised if Barack Obama was the Antichrist".
Growing up within the Christian Church I am all too familiar with such "End-Time" fascination. In fact, if you haven't noticed the topic is big business, driving such books to the top of bestseller lists as well as boosting apocalyptic themed Christian movies to respectable DVD sales. Not to be outdone, even the secular world is looking more diligently into the topics surrounding the possible end. The Discovery Channel has just launched a new series aptly titled "Apocalypse How", which delves into such "end of humanity" hypothesis.
The truth is that every generation, even before the birth of Christ, has believed that they were the ones living out the "last days" on earth. Prophets, pastors, monks, bishops and many other probable "unstable's" have predicted countless dates for the supposed judgment day.
Throughout human history, when there has been an impending astronomical phenomenon like the aligning of the planets, an eclipse or a comet passing through our galaxy, there have also been groups of people preparing to "meet their maker". Calendar dates are also of much significance to End-Time "prophets. As the years 1000 AD, 1033 AD, 1666 AD, 1988 and 2000 approached many "gloom and doom" prophecies were made while good, sincere and trustworthy folks were duped. Outlandish numerology has also lead many people astray so long as the number 666 played a part in the "End-Time" equation.
This fixation with the end is a result of humanities fear of what it cannot control or comprehend. Man's many failed efforts to write the Universes final script is his attempt to possess some kind of stability and understanding, even if it is purely fantasy and illusion. That fear also explains why so many people willingly believe and follow these "prophets" time after unsuccessful time.
The Bible does contain certain clues into the signs that would precede the beginning of the end. Jesus warned that there would be wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes and famine. As a consequence every time there is a natural disaster, war or economic crisis many religious individuals go on high alert looking for additional signs of the impending Armageddon. In my lifetime I have witnesses such fanaticism after the Bay Area earthquake in 89', The Gulf War in 91', Y2K, September 11, 2001 and Hurricane Katrina 05'.
When these heartbreaking and yet, isolated and rare disasters occur within our borders people begin to proclaim "THE END IS NEAR!" How conceded and self-centered we must appear as American Christians to the rest of the world who for generations have suffered harsh devastation by natural disasters, disease, wars, corruption and terrorism? Do we tell Cambodia or Africa "sorry, but it is not a sign of the apocalypse until it happens in America".
An additional sign of the "end" taught by the Christian church is that of a terrible persecution that will befall believers as they are harassed, beaten, imprisoned and murdered for their faith. Yet, believers around the world are currently suffering this type of persecution already in places like China and the Middle East. As we comfortably live out the "American Dream", we completely disrespect the rest of the world by pointing to tragedies within our country as signs of the end and of the utmost significance to God as if He is solely concerned with America's safety, comfort and future.
Most religions teach a theology about life after death that is actually supposed to be a topic of encouragement and hope. In fact, Christians believe that in heaven there will be no more suffering, pain or tears, instead there will be rejoicing and joy. When addressing the events leading up to Christ's return the Apostle Paul told his listeners to "encourage each other with these words".
We aren't supposed to live our lives in fear and uncertainty about the future. What was supposed to bring us hope to hold onto through this life of toil and struggle has become something we regret. The reason there is fear and hesitation about departing this world is because most of us have made ourselves comfortably at "home" here amongst the suffering and pain. We selfishly hold on tight to our current "abusive" surroundings while despising the "place that has been prepared for us".
I concede that by default this generation is closer to witnessing this world's finale than any other in history. But what does that mean? For Christians we believe that some kind of end will eventually take place but there is much speculation, disagreement and uncertainty about how that will look or unfold. Jesus said that He would return like a "thief in the night", implying that no one would ever know or suspect when it takes place.
Be weary of End-Times hype because those so-called experts, teachers and "prophets" regarding the Biblical apocalypse appear frighteningly similar to psychics, mediums or astrologers. I am reminded of Jesus saying, "I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does take place you may believe". He didn't say, "I told you this before it occurs so you could unlock some Biblical puzzle and predict how it is all going to end", but more along the lines of, "WHEN it happens, you will know".
Unfortunately the news is bad and it only continues to get worse. So many people are living their lives in uncertainty and fear, searching for answers and hope wherever it may be found. Unfortunatly, I expect that these concerns are going to spark an increase in "End-Time" hysteria, with many attempting to capitalize on it. However, now is not the time for people of faith to recoil in anxiety and doubt, it is an opportunity to present hope to those around us. We shouldn't be fearful, alarmed or unsettled by the circumstances surrounding us. Regardless of whether the end is near or still many years away, tomorrow is never promised to us anyways, therefore, live everyday to its fullest, taking advantage of every opportunity in life.
"I think all of us humans are a little narcissistic. We think the world revolves around us instead of the sun, so, of course, the (End) has to be in our generation…why would God choose somebody else's"
Paul Meier-Quoted from Pocket Guide to the Apocalypse
*I gathered some great End-Time history and information from Jason Boyett's "Pocket Guide to the Apocalypse" and Richard Abanes' "End-Time Visions". Check them out before it's too late…
Monday, October 27, 2008
God, what are you doing here?
It had been awhile since I had gone to church before inadvertently attending what became quite a memorable service a couple years ago. It was not your typical church or church service, existing without the traditional rows of pews, stained glass windows and organist playing "Amazing Grace". Black lights and neon signs dimly lit the room. A lingering smell of leftover euphoria from the previous night hung about the room and yet, also a hint of loneliness which is a constant here. As I found my seat I observed a few others scattered throughout who were also quietly digesting the atmosphere. There wasn’t a Bible to be found among the "congregation", although many sat intently studying the head of foam in their pint of beer just as religiously.
What I interpret as being powerfully "spiritual” was, in reality an evening in which brave souls tamed their insecurities and fears in order to participate in an "open mic" at a local bar.
The first few performers courageous enough to step onto the lonely stage with nothing more than a microphone for refuge and an acoustic guitar as their sole companion were a few singer songwriters. I recognized a few cover tunes like The Black Crowes “She Talks to Angels” and Pearl Jam’s “Betterman”, in addition to a few originals they had written.
Although the songs were not "traditional" praise and worship songs as one might recognize them, they were songs performed and written from a place of total honesty and a sincere heart. The songs revealed personal hurt, loneliness and brokenness; however, the lyrics still contained a hope that one-day things might be better. Songs hinting towards a certain searching or longing whether that meant a quest for romantic love or for answers to the questions that keep us awake at night. The performers were very vulnerable, seeming as though, in a doubting, defeated, Job or King David sort of way, that they were worshiping God despite the circumstances. In the very least they were gasping a few last ditch, doubt-filled and faithless prayers to a God they didn't know.
The last person to take their place in front of the attentive crowd was a friend of mine named Scott, who brought to the microphone a handful of poems he had written. I admire Scott because he has never been afraid to be honest with me about his life, struggles and faith. He grew up believing in God but like many of us, he is struggling to find peace with Him. Probably most Christians would call Scott a "backslidden sinner", but I think he is just more honest than the rest of us.
His sincerity and blunt delivery pertaining to struggles with faith, relationships and life made it apparent that Scott wasn’t simply reading some poems he had written. The scene was reminiscent of someone making confession of his sins in front of the congregation. He was sharing his agony and disappointment with a God that seems so distant and who speaks only in "whispers", if at all. Although the poems might have sounded doubt-filled, disconcerting and lost, I was moved by the boldness it took to share them with a crowd of strangers in a bar. The crowd appreciated such honesty and I think everyone could relate to the difficult, and at times heart wrenching questions he was wrestling with concerning a relationship with God.
Yes, perhaps Scott didn't preach a typical sermon from the Bible and his intentions were not to "save souls" but I think it was the most relevant preaching the bar and its patrons had ever heard.
As I walked out of the bar gripping my jacket tight against the chilly Flagstaff evening, I was thankful that I had attended, like I said earlier it had been awhile since I'd been to church. I realize that this analogy will make some uncomfortable, but honestly, church isn't a building, a religion, or denomination.
Church is made up of those who believe in God and Church happens wherever people gather. I've been to some of the best church services lately in bars, at concerts, in coffee houses, on camping trips, at poker games and on the phone. God is everywhere…right?
My wife, Sarah and I used to attend what some might call a Bible study, but in all honesty we were just a group of friends hanging out, eating dinner together and discussing life and faith with one another. I still consider it the best "church" I have ever been a part of. We began every evening with each person answering the question "where have you seen God this week?" It was simply a time to reflect on our lives over the last week and find God somewhere in it. It wasn't Christians getting together and saying that they saw God in the rainbows, sunshine and everywhere else in their perfect little world. It was real people being honest about seeing God not only in life’s victories, but in their struggles and pain as well. Sometimes it meant being honest enough to say we weren't sure if we witnessed God at all.
That evening at the open mic would be my answer to the question "where have you seen God this week?" In a dimly lit, sour smelling bar is where I witnessed the evidence of God in my life. We can encounter God in the most unexpected places and He can use the most unforeseen things to speak to us if we are willing. We expect God to be found only in the sacred and holy, but we shouldn’t limit his presents solely to churches, temples and the Bible.
In this world, news quickly turns from bad to worse in a moment. Daily we may awaken in the morning forced to face a failing marriage, another disheartening negative on a pregnancy test, a job we may loath or another prescribed pill to swallow. We desperately need to see God somewhere amongst the adversity, failures and hurt we face in our lives. We need a reminder that we are not alone and that God does indeed hear our prayers, comforting us even if it is simply seeing him in the kindness of a stranger or in the innocent words of a child.
So be aware as you go about your life, perhaps take in an open mic and you might just see God where you least expect!
What I interpret as being powerfully "spiritual” was, in reality an evening in which brave souls tamed their insecurities and fears in order to participate in an "open mic" at a local bar.
The first few performers courageous enough to step onto the lonely stage with nothing more than a microphone for refuge and an acoustic guitar as their sole companion were a few singer songwriters. I recognized a few cover tunes like The Black Crowes “She Talks to Angels” and Pearl Jam’s “Betterman”, in addition to a few originals they had written.
Although the songs were not "traditional" praise and worship songs as one might recognize them, they were songs performed and written from a place of total honesty and a sincere heart. The songs revealed personal hurt, loneliness and brokenness; however, the lyrics still contained a hope that one-day things might be better. Songs hinting towards a certain searching or longing whether that meant a quest for romantic love or for answers to the questions that keep us awake at night. The performers were very vulnerable, seeming as though, in a doubting, defeated, Job or King David sort of way, that they were worshiping God despite the circumstances. In the very least they were gasping a few last ditch, doubt-filled and faithless prayers to a God they didn't know.
The last person to take their place in front of the attentive crowd was a friend of mine named Scott, who brought to the microphone a handful of poems he had written. I admire Scott because he has never been afraid to be honest with me about his life, struggles and faith. He grew up believing in God but like many of us, he is struggling to find peace with Him. Probably most Christians would call Scott a "backslidden sinner", but I think he is just more honest than the rest of us.
His sincerity and blunt delivery pertaining to struggles with faith, relationships and life made it apparent that Scott wasn’t simply reading some poems he had written. The scene was reminiscent of someone making confession of his sins in front of the congregation. He was sharing his agony and disappointment with a God that seems so distant and who speaks only in "whispers", if at all. Although the poems might have sounded doubt-filled, disconcerting and lost, I was moved by the boldness it took to share them with a crowd of strangers in a bar. The crowd appreciated such honesty and I think everyone could relate to the difficult, and at times heart wrenching questions he was wrestling with concerning a relationship with God.
Yes, perhaps Scott didn't preach a typical sermon from the Bible and his intentions were not to "save souls" but I think it was the most relevant preaching the bar and its patrons had ever heard.
As I walked out of the bar gripping my jacket tight against the chilly Flagstaff evening, I was thankful that I had attended, like I said earlier it had been awhile since I'd been to church. I realize that this analogy will make some uncomfortable, but honestly, church isn't a building, a religion, or denomination.
Church is made up of those who believe in God and Church happens wherever people gather. I've been to some of the best church services lately in bars, at concerts, in coffee houses, on camping trips, at poker games and on the phone. God is everywhere…right?
My wife, Sarah and I used to attend what some might call a Bible study, but in all honesty we were just a group of friends hanging out, eating dinner together and discussing life and faith with one another. I still consider it the best "church" I have ever been a part of. We began every evening with each person answering the question "where have you seen God this week?" It was simply a time to reflect on our lives over the last week and find God somewhere in it. It wasn't Christians getting together and saying that they saw God in the rainbows, sunshine and everywhere else in their perfect little world. It was real people being honest about seeing God not only in life’s victories, but in their struggles and pain as well. Sometimes it meant being honest enough to say we weren't sure if we witnessed God at all.
That evening at the open mic would be my answer to the question "where have you seen God this week?" In a dimly lit, sour smelling bar is where I witnessed the evidence of God in my life. We can encounter God in the most unexpected places and He can use the most unforeseen things to speak to us if we are willing. We expect God to be found only in the sacred and holy, but we shouldn’t limit his presents solely to churches, temples and the Bible.
In this world, news quickly turns from bad to worse in a moment. Daily we may awaken in the morning forced to face a failing marriage, another disheartening negative on a pregnancy test, a job we may loath or another prescribed pill to swallow. We desperately need to see God somewhere amongst the adversity, failures and hurt we face in our lives. We need a reminder that we are not alone and that God does indeed hear our prayers, comforting us even if it is simply seeing him in the kindness of a stranger or in the innocent words of a child.
So be aware as you go about your life, perhaps take in an open mic and you might just see God where you least expect!
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