James' Journal on the Web

“His blood be on us, and on our children.”

These chilling words are well known from the account of Jesus’ trial recorded in Matthew 27:25. Throughout history, they have been used (completely out of context) to justify horrendous persecution of Jews all around the world. In spite of the fact that an angry mob can hardly claim the authority to call down a curse upon an entire race of people, this gross distortion of the Scriptures has resulted in unspeakable atrocities which have cast a black shadow over the history of Christianity.

To say that “THE Jews killed Jesus” is comparable to saying that “THE Caucasians killed Martin Luther King, Jr.” While it is true that Jesus’ crucifixion was the result of His conflict with the Jewish leadership of the day, the fact remains that Gentiles were just as much involved in Jesus’ death as were Jews. Keep in mind that the actual death sentence was passed down by a cowardly Roman governor, and carried out at the hands of Roman soldiers.

Furthermore, we must never lose sight of the fact that Jesus Himself was Jewish, as were all of His original disciples. Both the Old and New Testaments (with the possible exception of Luke), were written by Jewish believers. In fact, for the first 70 years of its existence, Christianity was seen as a sect of Judaism known as "The Way." It was only after the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans that the two faiths separated.

The tensions grew as Christianity spread through Europe. Gradually, the impression of Jesus evolved from that of a Jewish figure to that of a Greco-Roman figure. The image of a rugged, Mediterranean carpenter was replaced by one of an effeminate blue-eyed blond. Consequentially, this new, Eurocentric Jesus was seen as having little regard for His own people, and His professed followers were happy to do likewise.

Perhaps the most infamous examples of this are the venomous tirades of Martin Luther, who denounced Jewish people as “…(a) base, whoring people, that is, no people of God, and their boast of lineage, circumcision, and law must be accounted as filth."

It is also a matter of historic record that, in spite of his atrocities, Adolf Hitler was never formally excommunicated from the Catholic Church of his day. Even the universally revered Billy Graham was not above indulging in Jew-baiting, famously agreeing with then-president Richard Nixon’s conspiracies about Jews controlling the media.

Thankfully, recent decades have seen much vital progress in Jewish-Christian relations. In 1965, the Second Vatican Council declared that “The Church decries hatred, persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone." This principle was seen in action during Pope Benedict XVI’s 2008 visit to New York City, where he became the first Pope in history to visit an American synagogue.

Furthermore, Martin Luther’s modern followers have taken great care to distance themselves from their founder’s dark side. To this end, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has issued the following statement: “(W)hile, on the one hand, we are deeply indebted to Luther for his rediscovery and enunciation of the Gospel, on the other hand, we deplore and disassociate ourselves from Luther's negative statements about the Jewish people…"

This is echoed by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, whose statement reads: “(W)e who bear (Luther’s) name and heritage must with pain acknowledge also Luther's anti-Judaic diatribes and the violent recommendations of his later writings against the Jews…We recognize in anti-Semitism a contradiction and an affront to the Gospel, a violation of our hope and calling, and we pledge this church to oppose the deadly working of such bigotry.”

Philosopher Blaise Pascal was once asked by King Louis XIV about the primary evidence for the existence of God. Pascal’s response? “The Jews, your Majesty.“

Those of us who are Christians are called to honor the Jewish people as those “first entrusted with the Oracles of God" (Romans 3:2). To those of you who are Jewish, please forgive us for our failure to life up to this ideal.

In order to make any real progress on this debate, we must do away with a few of the popular stereotypes, most specifically that the anti-abortion cause is inherently a religious and/or a conservative political issue. Although many anti-abortion advocates, myself included, do fall into these two categories, many of us also feel the debate has become far too myopic and politicized. The anti-abortion movement itself is much larger and more diverse than that. Consider this short list of “non-traditional” anti-abortionists: Theodore Roosevelt (our first “Progressive” president), Susan B. Anthony (and most other feminist founders), the Dalai Lama, liberal actor Martin Sheen and revered poet Maya Angelou.

There are anti-abortion wings within all major U.S. political parties, including the Republican National Coalition for Life, Democrats for Life of America and Libertarians for Life. The grounds for their beliefs may be, among other things, scientific (the fact that prenatal medical technology has made it virtually impossible to assert that an unborn child is not alive) or legal (the fact that Roe v. Wade is based on very spurious Constitutional scholarship, a fact that is even acknowledged by some who are for abortion rights). At any rate, their convictions are certainly not always based on religion.

In fact, in looking at the history of American abortion policy, author and activist Vasu Murti observes: “The U.S. statutes against abortion have a nonsectarian history. They were put on the books when Catholics were a politically insignificant minority. Even the Protestant clergy were not a major factor in these laws. Rather, the laws were the achievement of the American Medical Association. ... One could argue, therefore, apart from religion, that recognizing the rights of the unborn, like the rights of blacks, women, lesbians and gays, children, animals and the environment, is a sign of secular social progress.”

This is reflected in the philosophies of many modern pro-life organizations. For example, the Atheist and Agnostic Pro-Life League is based on the premise that “... life is all there is and all that matters, and abortion destroys the life of an innocent human being.” Similarly, the Pro-Life Alliance of Gays and Lesbians states that “Human rights start when human life begins.” The popular site LeftOut: A Haven for Progressive Pro-Lifers further explores how “... progressive pro-lifers tend to feel ‘left out’ of both liberal and pro-life groups.”

Recent political trends seem to indicate that these “Left Out” voters may be a more formidable voice than many have realized. An example would be the 2006 race for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania. The incumbent Republican, Rick Santorum, was a hero to religious Conservatives since he was first elected in the “Republican Revolution” of 1994. He was also reelected by a comfortable margin in 2000. However, in 2006, the Democrats coyly nominated pro-life State Treasurer Bob Casey Jr. With the contentious abortion issue off of the table, these voters finally had a viable option, sweeping Casey to a double-digit victory.

Democratic icon Hubert Humphrey summed it up well: “It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those that are in the dawn of life — the children, those who are in the twilight of life — the elderly, and those who are in the shadows of life — the sick, the needy and the handicapped.” It is this sort of compassionate approach that motivates the majority of pro-lifers, many of whom would be quite willing to consider the Democratic Party if they were offered more viable options.

I accept that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Mr. Obama will be our President for the next 4-8 years. If he truly does know how to help the country, then I sincerely wish him well. Time will tell what kind of president he will make, but I will support him where I can, oppose him when I have to and pray for him daily.

At the risk of sounding cliche', this election was definitely historical. And yes, there is a symbolism to Mr. Obama's victory that transcends political ideologies. As I watched the reaction of African-American communities across the country, I could not help but be moved. I also commend him for the dignified way in which he conducted his campaign, and I hope that it will raise the level of dialog on racial issues in the future.

To those who supported Mr. Obama, congratulations on your win. You have much to be proud of. In his victory speech, he reached out to those of us who did not vote for him and pledged that he would be our President too. Let's hope he means it.

As some of you already know, my neice, Stephanie Adcox, is being treated for severe eating disorders. You can read more about her at http://www.supportsteph.com/

Please keep Stephanie in your prayers, and please also pass this along to your churches and any prayer chains you are involved in.

Thanks,
James

Every other Thursday, I look forward to picking up a copy of USA Today and reading the “Common Ground” column co-written by Bob Beckel , a veteran liberal Democratic activist, and Cal Thomas, a noted conservative columnist. The column’s descriptive blurb tells us that in spite of their political differences, the two are longtime friends and can often find agreement where politicians cannot. In today’s cutthroat political environment, I find this approach to be not only refreshing, but absolutely vital to our nation’s future.

The scenario is all too familiar: A conservative politician will announce a new terrorist threat or a liberal will promote new research on global warming. In either case, the actual substance of the issue is largely ignored. Instead, the opposition party will immediately begin a campaign to discredit the other side. After all, we can’t let one of “them” take credit for doing something positive for our country. All the while, the people’s safety and best interest are sacrificed at the bloody altar of “gotcha” politics. Does that disturb you? It should.

I am a conservative on most issues. Yet I want to see an end to war, poverty and racism just as much as my liberal friends do. While we may disagree on some of the means to these noble ends, we can be civil and charitable in our discussion of them. Furthermore, I recognize that apart from those on the left, these vital issues might not even be discussed.

Please don’t misunderstand: I am not advocating a superficial, “warm-and-fuzzy” type of unity. I recognize that the differences are there, and that they are often quite significant. Nor should civility be used as a front for lack of passion or conviction. There are times when a non-compromising attitude is both commendable and necessary. But compromise is not always a bad thing. In fact, it would be impossible to accomplish anything worthwhile without it. For example, if our only available options are helping some poor people or helping none, reducing some greenhouse gasses or reducing none, preventing some abortions or preventing none, aren’t the choices pretty obvious?

As a former professor of mine pointed out, it is possible to be opponents without being enemies. Examples would include Republican President Eisenhower and Democratic House Speaker Sam Rayburn. Another would be President Reagan and Speaker Tip O’Neill. More recently, we have been seeing former Vice President Al Gore’s innovative TV ads addressing global warming and climate change. Did you ever think you would see the Reverends Pat Robertson and Al Sharpton on the same platform? What about House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her predecessor, Newt Gingrich? While I am no fan of Gore’s politics, I commend him for seeking to heal the partisan divide in this manner.

I realize that I walk a thin line here, as I write primarily about religiously themed issues. As a self-professed “theology geek” (and recently ordained minister), that is simply “what I do.” I feel that this is an important contribution, as practically every major issue we face can be traced back to what one believes about God and ultimate reality. However, as one who does believe that there is such a thing as absolute truth (and that truth, by nature, is a divisive thing), there are challenges involved in making the point in a way that avoids creating unnecessary division. In biblical terminology, that is called being a “repairer of the breach.”

In our current Presidential race, I was initially a supporter of Gov. Mike Huckabee. I saw him as a man of integrity who shared many of my political convictions, yet was willing to think “outside the box” on other issues. Now that the nominees have been decided, I must admit that Sen. McCain has showed many of the same qualities I admired in Huckabee. Despite the rantings of the pseudo-messiahs on talk radio, I see McCain’s independent streak as a positive thing.

Our two most recent presidential administrations have been among the most contentious and divisive in history. The next president, whomever that may be, will have a real opportunity to act as a healer. Let us hope that opportunity will not be squandered.

Seriously, though, this is one of the greatest honors of my life, and one that I take very, very seriously. I have felt the calling on my life for a long time, but when I tried to pursue it before, the door closed. In hindsight, it was just as well because I wasn't ready. If I had managed to go into ministry back then, I would have fallen flat on my face. After a great deal of struggle, I put it to rest, deciding that I would be content to serve God as a layman. I told Him that if He wanted me in the ministry, He would have to be the One who brought it up. For several years, that was how things went. But then...

Things seemed to happen one after the other to show me that God was taking my life in a new direction. He opened up many new relationships, especially with my pastors, Larry and Diane Keith, and new opportunities, such as teaching classes for the Bible Training Center at church. Over time, I would hear things through prophetic words, as well as personal conversations that confirmed things verbatim that I had prayed about for years. When Pastor Keith made the offer for me to be ordained, I had peace in my heart that the time was right.

The initial service took place at Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, Michigan (http://www.woficc.com/). That place is amazing! It says a lot for the church when you can walk into a place filled with people you've never met, and to immediately feel you are with family. The worship was awesome! It was their annual convention and they had a number of prominant speakers including John Hagee, Joyce Meyer and the Copelands. The ordination was on Thurday night, presided over by Bishop Keith Butler, the church's senior pastor and overseeing bishop over the network of churches which my home church is affiliated with. There must have been 50-100 people ordained from churches all over the world. In last Sunday morning's service, Pastor Keith performed a "miniature" version of the ordination for our home church as well. It was a remarkable experience.

I'm so excited to be serving in this capacity, but I know full well that I have accepted an enormous responsibility. To step into ministry is to step onto very holy ground. Prayers are greatly appreciated, and I'll keep you posted!

She looks like me, don't you think? I guess it IS the hair!

Esme - French - Loved



Davan - Irish, David, Feminine - Beloved



Chaela -Hebrew - Who is like God



Caitlin - Irish - Pure



Giselle - German - A Pledge



Kendra - Anglo-Saxon - understanding, knowledge



Kirsten - Greek - Christian



Gianna - Hebrew - God's Grace

Gabrielle - Hebrew - God is my Strength


Miriam - Hebrew - longed for child


Sofia/Sophia - greek - wisdom

Caleb - Hebrew - Faithful, bold


Ethan - Hebrew - Strong, Firm


Galen - Gaelic - Calm


Ian - Scottish - God is gracious


Karsten - Greek - Christian


Liam - Irish - Unwavering Protector


Riley - Valient


Tobey - hebrew - God is good

Last week, we went for the baby's Nuchal Fold test, which screens for chromasome-related defects. This was the test that first revealed that there were problems with Bella. Going into that lab was a really surreal experience, as the last time I was there was the time they told us that Bella had no heartbeat.

The good news is that this time, everything was exacty as it was supposed to be! The fluid sac on the back of the neck (which is the focus of the test) was around 1.4 cm (Bella's was over 4). The baby is currently about two inches long, and the heartbeat is around 166 beats per minute, all well within the normal range.

On a lighter note, the tech asked us which one of us the baby looked like, and Sandi replied "It doesnt have any hair, so it looks like him" :-)

For those of you who are so inclined, continued prayers are greatly appreciated. I'll keep you posted!

But my support for Gov. Huckabee goes beyond the stereotypical moral/religious issues (although he certainly gets high marks in that department). I respect his down-to-earth style, his common-sense approach and his willingness to think outside the box. While some on the far right criticize him on issues such as health care and immigration, I see that as a positive. It shows me that he is willing to think for himself, instead of simply being a partisan "lemming."

So for my two cents worth, I'll simply say that "I Like Mike."

What is eve more remarkable is that, after our most recent unsuccessful attempt, she had stopped taking her fertility medicine. Her doctors had said that conception would be next to impossible without them, especially at her age. Of course, God obviously has other plans! Plus, it was exactly a year to the date that we found out that she was pregnant with Bella.

Thanks so much to all who prayed, and please keep it up!

So what do I think about it? Not much.

Don't misunderstand me: I am as outraged as anyone whenever I see Jesus defamed, and I believe the outcry from the Christian community stems from very noble motives. But I also recognize that it is giving her exactly what she wants: publicity.

We shouldn't be so surprised when sinners act like sinners. A child of the devil will do the lusts of his/her father (John 8:44). By drawing unwarranted attention to Ms. Griffin's actions, we are playing right into her hands.

Ms. Griffin, in the most minuscule chance that you might someday read this, the Jesus you mock still loves you. What not lay aside your prejudices and examine His claims for yourself? You might be surprised!