Culture Clash – Tanya Dennis Books

Can we talk about idolatry?
Any kid who has grown up around Bible stories knows what idolatry is.

It’s bowing down to golden statues and carved images and worshipping any deity other than God Almighty. We learned this when Sunday School teachers told us about Moses and The Ten Commandments; about Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar; and then when missionaries shared slideshows of foreign temples and unfamiliar people in ethnic dress lying prostrate in lands far away.

From a kids’ perspective, this all felt very exotic and kinda stupid. Modern, educated people would never fall for something like that, right?

Some insisted Westerners were not immune to idolatry. They said anything that “sits on the throne of our hearts” other than God is an idol. That’s true! But then we drew outlines: drugs, sex, and money. Those were the usual suspects.

The take-away seemed to be: if you stayed away from sex, drugs, and obscene wealth … well, then you were safe. Idolatry wasn’t something you needed to think about.

But we do.
Need to think about it, that is.

Idolatry can be carved images and golden statues and money and addiction and all sorts of tangible, easily-identifiable vices. But it can also be ideals. It can be priorities. It can be politics or politicians. It can even be Christian leaders. If we find ourselves getting super-defensive, we might need to step back and take a look at our heart’s throne. What’s really comfortable there?

Last week a gold statue was wheeled into a conservative political conference.

Now, I know the statue is not a calf and that very few have literally bowed down to it. (Yes, I have seen photos of bowing.) It’s not an exact copy of what we see in the Old Testament, but does it need to be?

I find it and the celebration of it disturbing … darkly humorous … and definitely ironic. Especially for a group composed predominantly of people who claim to be Christian.

My point is less about a direct parallel and more about consciousness.
Are we paying attention? Like, really?

When I was a teenager I bought a necklace with Marvin the Martian on it. (Anyone remember him?) When I wore it to youth group, a friend’s mom took me aside to question why I was worshipping this idol over Christ. (Yes, really.) It’s silly and ridiculous, and I am not at all suggesting we can’t be fans or even supporters of our preferred politics or pop culture or whatever.

What I am suggesting is this:
As Christians we are called to a higher standard.
As Christians, we should be wise and discerning.
As such, we must perpetually challenge our choices with good, honest questions.
- At what point does fandom become idolatry?
- When does allegiance become dangerous?
- Are our politics speaking louder than our witness?
- When others see us (and our conferences and merch and everything else), what would they say we worship?
When I ask questions like this, when I call out believers to be better, people accuse me of being divisive. That’s not at all my intention. I write this truly out of admonition. I say it to myself as well as anyone and everyone else who claims to be a Christ-follower.

May we remember why we’re here.

Hint: It’s not about making ourselves or America great.
We need to get this right.

This post was originally created as a status update for my personal facebook page, the second of two posts decrying the incongruity paraded at the Capitol this week. Because so many have shared and copied these words, I want to give them a permanent home. I encourage you to also read the article by David French that prompted this lament. You can find that here.

Oh, Church…
We can’t keep saying “This wasn’t us! This isn’t who we are!” We can disagree with the actions and call them “fringe”, but if they’re playing our music, waving our flags, wearing our symbols, and speaking in the name of our Lord, we need to do something about it.

That “something” starts with confronting the lies we’ve permitted to fester within our communities.

I confess I’ve dismissed conspiracy theories, even ignored them. I thought they would just go away. Instead, they’ve taken root and spread like kudzu. There are many unbiblical, un-Christ-like positions we’ve permitted to remain in our midst far too long. Dare I say— We’ve even nurtured them. It’s got to stop. We need to root them out and fill those voids with truth.

We need to remember who we are and what we’re called to do.

Jesus didn’t save us so that we could possess political power. He saved us so that we could have relationship with Him and love and serve others.

When the vast majority of Americans believe Evangelicalism is a political movement rather than a religious conviction, we have a serious problem.

When we have droves of our own leaving because they don’t want to be associated with the label, we have a serious problem.

The moment we decided character doesn’t matter, that policy positions are more important than heart conditions, we sacrificed the Gospel.

Now, listen —- We’re not going to turn this into an “us vs. them” argument. This isn’t about Right vs. Left. This is about our house. Let’s stop making excuses. What are we doing in our Christian communities to preserve and promote TRUTH? To live and exhibit LOVE? To disciple others to reflect the GOSPEL?

Because if those who stormed the Capitol claim to be with us, we’ve clearly confused and distorted the message. We need to get it right.
The starting point matters.

You can’t win a 5K if you run in the wrong town.

You won’t get where you want to go if your map is for the wrong state.

And, no matter what Joey Tribbiani says, trifles do not taste good if the ingredients you use aren’t right.

The starting point matters.

We may all agree with that, but often our actions and thoughts tell a different story. We might lean into the belief that “it’s the thought that counts” or “the ends justify the means.” We often insist that EFFORT or PASSION are what matter most. How hard are you working? Have you earned your success? It’s all part of our American values.

It’s not about us as much as we think (or want).

In Matthew 7 Jesus tells the story of two builders. I’m sure you’ve heard it. One builds his house on the sand, while the other builds his on the rock. When the storms come, the house on the sand — as the Sunday School song says — “GOES SPLAT!!”

Kids laugh at that. It’s funny. And children’s books often ham it up even more.

Authors and illustrators depict the man who built his house on the sand as lazy, carefree, and in a hurry. He slaps together his house with crooked corners and worn boards, then sits sunning in a beach chair with an umbrella in his drink.

The second man — the man who built his house on the rock — is strong, calculated, and hard-working. His house comes together over an extended period of time. It sports brick walls, neat windows, and solid construction, sometimes looking like a mansion compared to his neighbor’s shack.

And just like that — we’ve conflated God’s Word with our own cultural virtues. The one who is smart, diligent, and passionate always gets ahead, right?

Here’s the problem: Jesus doesn’t suggest any of this. He doesn’t diminish the work, skill, or commitment of the builders. He doesn’t say one house stood inferior to the other. He simply highlights the different foundations.

You could argue that a “smart” builder would know better than to build on sand, but the builder is not the point. And Jesus isn’t arguing that.

He directs our focus to the starting point.

What are our starting points?

When we talk about loving our neighbors, what is our starting point?

Do we, like the lawyer in Luke 10, seek first to define who qualifies? Are they close enough, trying hard enough, needy enough, righteous enough? Do they look like me? Can I trust them? Are they trying to take anything that’s rightfully mine? We often want to assess if they’re worthy and really our responsibility.

When we talk about politics, what is our starting point?

A lot of us start with our rights. We protect those first. We may listen to arguments and choose a side, then hit up the Bible for Scriptural supports. Is that how we want to do this?

How often do we start with what’s best for the community? Or what might rescue the oppressed? Can we seek to know the heart of God FIRST, then see how we can apply that to how we live and vote? Do we look at all of God’s instructions or just the ones that fit our agendas? And those supports should be evaluated in context, not just squeezed into a catchy meme or shareable graphic.

When we study the Bible, what is our starting point?

Maybe we start with a problem we have or a source of pain. We want relief, so we go to God’s Word. Is there a book or study that will directly address that issue and tell us how God can fix our problems?

Or maybe we approach the Bible to confirm what we already believe. Do we pull out our concordances and search by keywords to affirm choices we want to make? (Or have already made.)

Now, there’s nothing wrong with seeking wisdom from the Bible. It’s good! And we absolutely should seek wisdom from God, but should we be starting with US? If we only and always approach Scripture with the question — What can God do for me? — we have the wrong starting point.

We can view the Bible as a manual, but … Do you have a personal relationship with your washing machine? That came with a manual, too. This self-help approach makes our faith less about a relationship and more about a transaction.

Seek FIRST His Kingdom.

What if the builder who started on the sand didn’t know it was sand? It could have looked solid to him. He may have known more about construction and materials. He may have saved longer and been more respected in the community and in his trade. What if he worked crazy-hard and just built in the wrong spot?

That’s not funny at all.
It’s tragic.

And I fear we can make that same mistake far too easily.

We can spend our lives working for something, building a kingdom of our own design, and realize only too late that we’ve started in the wrong spot.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness…
Matthew 6:33

Dallas Willard defines the kingdom of God as “where what God wants done is done.”

Jesus isn’t instructing us to seek eternal life in some future heaven. Yes, the faithful will receive that, but we should seek FIRST to do the will of God.

It’s not the quality of work or even the builder’s supreme passion that makes his house stand. It’s the proper foundation. That foundation isn’t politics or logic. It’s not works or skill or popularity. It’s living like Jesus Christ. It’s seeking, above all else, to do the will of God.
Can Star Wars be a Christmas movie?
Before we go any further, let me clarify. I know Star Wars is a franchise and not a single movie. It’s a fandom, a subculture, some might even say a lifestyle. I have a dog named Vader and a son who could likely write dissertations on any number of subjects from the galaxy, but I am not an expert. I am a fringe fan.

Bald Confession: I pretend to know more than I do just so I can bond with my son and occasionally throw in a biblical parallel. You know, Deuteronomy parenting and all.

“…and you must teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along the road, as you lie down, and as you get up.”
Deuteronomy 6:11 (NET)
See also Deuteronomy 11:19 and Psalm 78:2–4.
Expect me to make mistakes when it comes to Star Wars. Go ahead; roll your eyes along with my kid. It’s okay. Just try not to miss my point for the details.

Caveats, disclaimers, and diversions out of the way, let’s get to the question.

Can Star Wars fit into Christmas?

Last night I finished watching THE MANDALORIAN and there were some real Christmas-y feelings there.

All of Advent is about expectation. Waiting in the tension of promises yet to be fulfilled. Hope of a better tomorrow. Trusting that one day pain and suffering will end and that injustices will be set right.

SPOILER ALERT!!!

If you haven’t watched it, STOP READING NOW. Go watch it and then come back, but DON’T RUIN THIS FOR YOURSELF!!! I’m not kidding. Go. Get outta here, ‘cause I got something to say and I can’t be held responsible for any ruined element of surprise.

You gone?
Okay.

A Thrill of Hope

While the Dark Troopers were slamming into that blast door, Gideon smirking from his spot on the floor, our small band of heroes holding weapons ready, it looked like all hope was lost. They were trapped with no way out. BUT THEN — a glimmer of hope appeared.

I audibly gasped. I jumped forward from my seat on the couch. I KNEW rescue was coming! I knew our little green guy would be saved and I knew who would be in that ship.

Little by little, step by step, we watched a cloaked Jedi gain ground, destroying the opposition. My heart swelled with each advance. I held my breath. We waited and it was not for nothing. Salvation, restoration, HOPE had come in the flesh.

The beauty of Christmas isn’t just a babe in a manger. It’s not even about gifts or grace or eternal life. The most beautiful thing about Christmas is the release of tension, the assurance of rescue, the fulfillment of long-awaited promise. All this wrapped up in a tiny, humble package.

The Empire didn’t know they were losing. But everyone in that cockpit felt it. They knew life would be different now. A great weight — and a great wait — was lifted.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;
He knows our need, To our weakness no stranger!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is Love and His gospel is Peace;
Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother,
And in his name all oppression shall cease,
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful Chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise his Holy name!
O Holy Night, select excerpts

Simeon’s Moment

One of my favorite pieces of the Nativity story is often completely ignored at Christmastime. It’s not painted on ornaments or available as a figurine. I do, however, have a print of this painting hanging in my living room.

‘Simeon’s Moment’ by artist Ron DiCianni

It’s an old man name Simeon. You can find his story in Luke 2:25–35.

Simeon waited his whole life to meet the Messiah. The Holy Spirit had promised he would not die until he met the Christ, the one who would bring salvation. As Mary and Joseph brought their infant son into the Temple, the Holy Spirit led Simeon to them. He took the 40-day-old child into his arms and proclaimed:

“Now, according to your word, Sovereign Lord,permit your servantto depart in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvationthat you have prepared in the presence of all peoples:
a light, for revelation to the Gentiles, and for gloryto your people Israel.”
Luke 2:29–32 (NET)

The Galaxy needed more than a Baby Yoda, and our Christmas celebrations need to remember more than a Baby Jesus.

We need to see the salvation we’ve been waiting for, the rescue prepared for us.

The Messiah came to bring relief, everlasting hope, and assurance of things set right.

That, my dear friends, is the awesome beauty of Christmas.
Is God REALLY on our side?
Romans 8 may be my very favorite chapter of the Bible. Okay, in truth, I have several favorite chapters, but this short segment of a letter to the Roman believers cut straight to my heart as a teenager. It brought me to a saving knowledge of my separation from God and my need for grace through Christ. It continues to cut straight to my heart today, twenty-five years later. I could go on and on about the beautiful truths laid bare in these verses, but – well, that’s not the point of this post. Let’s just look at verse 31.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?”

This verse rests within the very specific context of salvation. The whole chapter goes to great lengths to assure believers that once God has chosen to save us, we cannot be snatched from His all-powerful, gracious, and loving hands. How gorgeous is that truth?

The American church loves this verse as a rally cry. It’s a strong comfort, a brazen proclamation. And it’s a handy little finger-in-the-eye justification for just about anything we want to do that might offend our neighbors. You don’t like it? Well, God is for us, so who are you to stand against us?

Adding convenience to power, anybody can use it. And we all do.

Politically, I’m independent. I don’t fully align with any of the major parties, which means all of them have a problem with me. My liberal friends think I’m too conservative (because I’m pro-life, pro-marriage and traditional values, and crave small government and fiscal responsibility). My conservative friends think I’m too liberal (because I believe being pro-life should extend to all of life, not just the unborn; and because I support racial equality and justice, immigration, and gun control).

Please don’t get trapped by the issues or confessions I’ve just shared. None of that is my point. Stay with me.

I have friends on both sides of the spectrum spewing hatred and arrogance, all bolstered in religious fortification and argument. I humbly confess: I’ve taken my turns doing the same. It’s not pretty. For any of us. Least of all the Body of Christ.

This christening of ideas and motivations can go well beyond politics.
- If God is for me, I cannot fail at anything.
- If God is for me, I don’t need to defend myself or my ideas … ever.
- If God is for me, then anyone who claims Christ should agree with me.
- If God is for me and my boss is against me, defiance becomes righteous duty.
- If God is for me and my spouse is against me, then divorce is justified.
- If God is for me, He wants me to be happy and will bless any path that leads to that end.
I fear we too often forget the gravity of that very first word: IF.

We must ask ourselves: Is God for us?

Who’s side is God on? Who’s side are we on?

Two passages of Scripture stand juxtaposed. They possess almost identical wording, yet not. For some reason that verse in Romans gets a lot more publicity than this next one. Perhaps because it’s in the New Testament and this one is in the Old Testament. Or maybe it’s because the Romans passage feels empowering and brazen and this one … well, this one requires humility.

Joshua 5:13—14 reads:

“When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, ‘Are you for us or for our enemies?’

‘Neither,’ He replied. ‘I have now come as a commander of the LORD’s army.’

Then Joshua bowed with his face to the ground in worship and asked Him, ‘What does my Lord want to say to His servant?’”

This one doesn’t quite roll off the tongue as quickly nor as easily as that verse in Romans. It doesn’t fit on a bumper sticker either. But it is so important. It gives us some practical advice for walking with the Lord.

Joshua knew this warrior was great, and he didn’t dare assume He was with him. He asked. He inquired. And guess what? The warrior wasn’t on either side. Not on Joshua’s side. Not on Joshua’s enemies’ side. The warrior wasn’t taking sides with humans. Rather, he wanted to know who was on the LORD’s side.

What happened next? Joshua humbled himself, face to the ground, and sought direction. He didn’t take another step until he heard from God. Rather than ask God to bless his human plans, Joshua inquired about God’s plans for him. Then he obeyed.

We often want God to bless us. We want Him to condone and support our plans. What would happen if, instead of asking God to join OUR side, we truly sought to join HIS side?

What would happen if, instead of asking God to join our side, we truly sought to join His side?

What if God isn’t on our side? What if – even more terrifying – we stand against Him?

It is natural to defend our positions passionately. We want to win the battle, to argue toward a won debate. May we, as humble servants of God, pause. Take a breath. And truly seek God.

It’s great if He’s on our side. It’s even better if we’re on His side.

I’ve committed the great taboo of raising politics in a post about spiritual intimacy. As such, many will want to argue points and positions based on those issues. Please don’t. This isn’t a platform for political debate or grandstanding, and any such comments will be deleted. Refuse to chase the red herring.

This post isn’t about politics. It’s about humility. Supplication. Introspection. For myself most of all.

If you have comments and insights about Scripture or about seeking God in the dailies of your life, please post them! I’d love to know your thoughts on that.