Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

The plot(?) to destroy Toyota

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

I know we have had to take the church bus to the local dealer because of a recall. But do not recall that it was national news.

Toyota has a problem that we are hearing about. Something about the gas pedal becoming stuck. Something like 17 fatalities because of this problem – obviously these persons put on the brake but the accelerator was stuck and the car kept right on going into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

(This almost happened to me and my brother years ago in Massachusetts but for different reasons. We had three cars – the third a Cheverolet Malibu Classic which my brother and I shared after we both started driving. Snow and ice can sometimes build up around the gas pedal and cause it to get stuck. I remember once having this problem and fighting – pushing down as hard as possible on the brake – to keep the car from pushing forward into intersections. My father was furious – very unusual – and angrily insisted the dealer fix the problem. Please note this is not necessarily a Cheverolet problem. I distinctly recall “how to fix a gas pedal stuck because of snow and ice” being a pretty standard problem that drivers in the North learn to deal with. Sort of like “what to do when your car skids while trying to brake on a snow covered road”. But the point is I have some understanding of what it is like when your gas pedal is stuck and the car wants to keep moving forward even with your foot on the brake.)

But there are a few things about this situation that has me wondering. Is this a plot to damage Toyota? Partly so that Americans will start buying cars from General Motors aka Government Motors?

Why would such a right wing paranoid thought cross my mind?

1) Transportation Secretary Roy LaHood. At one point he told Toyota drivers to stop driving their cars. The reaction was so strong – inciting panic! – he had to backtrack. “What I really meant was”.

2) The amazing amount of attention this problem is getting in the press. Last week was listening to National Public Radio – and they were speaking to a Toyota spokesperson. And the reporter was pressing the guy pretty hard. Tough questions. Response. Followed by “okay but what do you say?” pushing back. Which is not necessarily evidence for “liberal bias intended to support a plot to hurt Toyota”. Could be Standard Operating Procedure for good journalists. But the questions seemed pretty strong to me – especially compared to other interviews I have heard.

3) The hard cold fact that General Motors is now pretty much owned by the United State government. It is “our” automobile manufacturing company. Which means other car companies – such as Toyota or even Ford which is American – are the competition.

I note an article that I can across just now while typing this post by Mira Olberman: “Is United States bullying Toyota on recall?”

Good article that seems to show both sides. On the one hand you have a professor who says “this does not look good… But their behavior is consistent with the general behavior of the United States government”. On the other hand someone from Consumer Reports who says the reaction to the recall is overblown – really only a small percentage of Toyota vehicles have had this problem.

Weston Konishi (not with Toyota but with an American think tank) said:

Toyota is now a real stakeholder in the US economy — think of its auto plants and jobs — so trying to score points against it would be somewhat self-defeating.

He suggested only if Toyota cuts off contracts with American manufacturers of pedal assemblies (which itself is interesting) would the government have reason to make a big deal out of this problem.

I disagree with Konishi whose remarks appear (to this layperson) rather naive. The United States government does not see hurting Toyota as self-defeating. Sure we have Toyota plants and we have a couple hundred thousand Americans working for Toyota. But (a) those plants are mostly (entirely?) in predominantly Republican (less important) and (b) right-to-work states – in other words non-union jobs (much more important). The current administration has more than amply demonstrated that the interests of American labor unions trump other economic concerns. Hello? Why bail out General Motors and Chrysler? Why give the unions disproportionate ownership? Why in the course of crafting health care reform legislation give union health insurance plans special exemption from new taxes?

But what if?

What if Toyota for all its famed commitment to quality really has gotten sloppy?

We are a Toyota family. A committed Toyota family. First car we bought (not had) was a Toyota. When it died – we got another Toyota. We also have a Kia minivan and frankly we would trade it in for a Toyota in a heartbeat. (In fairness our frustration is more with the local Kia dealership. If we got better service we would probably be much happier with our Kia vehicle.)

But having said all that – we are aware that Toyota vehicles are not perfect.

The interiors are the worst. I think I have spent more money fixing the interior than anything else. Door handles and window buttons and door moldings snapping and breaking and peeling away. The car runs great and almost never needs repairs but the inside of the car is a disaster. Everything seems cheap and flimsy. True for both my current 1998 and our old 1992 Corolla.

And then there is the infamous “dude – where’s my engine oil?” problem that Toyota stubbornly refuses to acknowledge. That is how our 1992 Corolla died. The oil just… disappeared… and sure enough the engine seized up and died a horrible death. Toyota insists this commonly reported problem is the fault of owners who do not change the oil properly. When working in a soup kitchen in Houston I cut vegetables next to a Toyota executive who told me to my face that sorry bud it must be my fault. I got pretty angry with him and had to change the topic of conversation.

Okay maybe I do not change the oil as often as I should. But why do so many report the same problem? And why do my other cars not have the same problem?!? The oil in the Kia or the Chevy might get old and dirty – but it does not just disappear. I have had the oil just disappear from my 1998 Corolla within a few weeks – only about 700 miles – of changing it. Something ain’t right.

So here is what I think so far:

1) I do not think this is a problem manufactured by the United States government just to make Toyota look bad.

2) I do not think the current administration is out to get Toyota. I mean – they are not out to get other Japanese or Korean or German car manufacturers are they?

3) But I do think the current administration is exploiting this situation to hurt an automobile company that uses non-union labor and is a de facto competitor to General Motors and Chrysler.

4) So that it can encourage people to start buying from General Motors and Chrysler who are clearly and explicitly taking advantage of the situation with special “trade in your Toyota!” deals.

Call me paranoid. But that is my theory.

Posted in Economics, News, Politics, Travel | No Comments »

Society for Biblical Literature meeting – day 3

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

From hotel toward river in New Orleans

Been strange but good this year. Enjoyed the time with my friend Chris Brady and chance to meet some of his friends and colleagues and fellow bibliobloggers. Lunch at Bacco’s was excellent and only $15. Dinner at Ralph and Kacoo’s pricey and not so good and service was weak. Had to drive back to Baton Rouge on Sunday morning for Sunday morning Bible study and worship. Dinner by myself in hotel restaurant was my first Kobe beef hamburger very good and cooked perfectly. Had to drive back to Baton Rouge again today for memorial service for Lois Draayer. Lunch at Middle East restaurant in French Quarter was decent. Right now waiting to meet Eric Mason for dinner.

I have not been to many sessions and papers largely because of the back-and-forth and how tired this has left me. Been focusing on sessions on Psalms – did not have enough energy for session on Sabbath this evening. Creation imagery and theology in the Psalms. And more insight into the formation of the Psalter. Caught end of a talk last evening by Shalom Paul on Late Biblical Hebrew in Isaiah 40-66 – was disappointed he made no reference at all to my work which does briefly touch on the issue and points toward a future article.

I have noticed that some biblical scholars use cliches and buzz phrases without(?) quite realizing what they are saying. In the Psalms sessions several references to “global warming” – I care very much about the environment but believe there is legitimate cause for questioning Anthropogenic Global Warming dogma. Many references to how Katrina “exposed injustice and inequalities in our community” along with some gratuitous and ill-informed Bush-bashing – but do people who throw that around really know what they are talking about? Plenty of middle and upper class New Orleans residents suffered and lost everything. It was in the recovery process that one sees more of the disparity. And although the Federal government responded poorly one should not overlook the colossal ineptitude of Louisiana authorities.

If some scholars engage in casual Bush-bashing and Global Warming kvetching during their talks – why do other scholars not engage in casual Obama-bashing and in digs against Anthropogenic Global Warming?

For years we have noted the abundance of facial hair. And how much biblical scholars dress in black. Biblical scholars male and female are a surprisingly good looking bunch.

Appreciate Andrew Das saying hi when I was waiting for valet to bring down my car.

I do feel a little out of place largely because I have fallen behind and not been involved much in my field. Wonder what it would take for me to get “back in academic shape” so as to produce new research and writing that would stand up and receive respect at this gathering. But I can no longer beat myself up so harshly for not ever having secured a position at a college or seminary. The competition in biblical studies is astonishing. About ten (10) open positions this year. For just one position at Judson College (my friend Eric is in charge of the search) they have sixty (60) people who are interested.

In other words you can be smart and good – and never get a teaching position.

The exhibitors’ hall is overwhelming. Booth after booth full of books and publications – which are worth buying? which are worth reading? And I wonder if all of them are necessary. To what extent do people write books because they need to in order to get a position or get tenure? That is a risky thing to say and perhaps I do not understand. Often congregants comment that my Bible studies are very “academic” rather than “practical” – to which I try to explain that good application will grow out of good academic(?) analysis. How many people thought Einstein’s theories were too academic? And yet they yield results that are deadly practical.

I do wonder sometimes why I spent so many dang years working on that PhD and that dissertation given what I do now. But I trust that God led me in that direction for a reason. That is what I have been struggling with. Given my gifts and education – what exactly am I supposed to be doing right now?

(On my wish list - recommended by Michael Legaspi)

Update (11/24/09): Had excellent time with Eric Mason last evening. We hiked over to the Gumbo Shop and each of us got the 4-course “Creole dinner” special. Best meal I have had here so far. Main entree was Chicken St Peters which was outstanding. I have always liked Eric but was especially impressed to realize just how strong and productive he is in his field – focusing particularly on Hebrews and 2nd temple/Qumran. He is well involved in scholarly circles and produces an amazing number of articles papers and books each year. Toward the end of dinner a few large groups started to come in and Ralph Klein of Lutheran Theological Seminary in Chicago famous for his work on Chronicles (and Ezra-Nehemiah) came over to say hi. (Wonder if I should try to snag some Hermeneia volumes before leaving.) Grateful to God that I know Eric – he demonstrates you can be an excellent scholar and a great guy at the same time.

Posted in Bible, Fun and Geek Stuff, Personal, Sabbath, Travel | No Comments »

We're gonna party like it's 536 B.C.E. – Society for Biblical Literature meeting

Friday, November 20th, 2009

The Society for Biblical Literature annual meeting is coming to town!

Since graduate school I have attended nearly every meeting of this large national and even international organization for biblical scholars. The last two years I have missed partly because of financial reasons – which are related to my also going to another conference in October. Hard to be away twice in two months.

And to be honest the last time I went it was a little rough. A prominent Israeli scholar mentioned my book – and was “mean” to quote my major professor. And it received a devastating review in the Review of Biblical Literature. About least half of the review was fair and accurate criticism. But there was a certain excessive gratuitousness that was hard to stomach. So I have stayed away for a while.

But now it is in New Orleans for the second time in nine(?) years. One of my best friends will be there and I will be rooming with him. No hotel and no air travel means much less expensive to attend.

What is interesting is that there will be sessions devoted to the whole issue of diachrony (historical change over time) in Biblical Hebrew. I thought that debate had largely played out and that my “side” had lost. Most of the presentations appear to be from the chronological camp – those who think we can describe to a large extent how Hebrew changed over time. So perhaps the debate is not over. (H/T Chris Brady at Targuman for bringing this to my attention.)

The papers and presentations are important. And I have a good track record – I spend at least half or more of my time in sessions.

But arguably the larger purpose of such gathering is social – a chance to see and meet old friends and colleagues and also to meet and talk with scholars you have heard of and read. The “night life” during such academic conferences is remarkable. People dress up and go out to nice restaurants and hang out until late at night. Receptions galore! Some of them offer excellent food and drink.

Some go to interview for positions. I tried that a couple times. At this stage of my life – nah.

And strange as it may sound it is when we stock up on our libraries. Dozens of publishers famous and obscure will be there selling books at discounts typically 40-60% off. I plan to buy at least two sets of commentaries that we will keep at the church for ministerial staff to use. (We assume the senior pastor will take his library with him – and we use many of his books to prepare for Bible studies and sermons.)

See you in New Orleans!

Posted in Bible, Louisiana, Personal, Travel | 1 Comment »

International Student (and Scholar) Retreat 2009

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

Was last weekend at Camp Living Waters in Loranger Louisiana. About 100 people came – from several schools/international student ministries.

  • Louisiana State University
  • Church of the Nations (primarily with people from Louisiana State)
  • McKneese State University in St Charles
  • Southeastern University in Hammond
  • University of New Orleans
  • Tulane University

About 16 came from Church of the Nations and Louisiana State University. We did have one family who brought their little girl but they left after they saw the accommodations. Each room had about 10 bunk beds – not super helpful for good sleep. Food was good. Weather was great. The main speakers – Ed and Kathy Steele from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary – were outstanding. The theme was “Facing Your Giants” – facing and overcoming difficulties in life (differences uncertainty and failure).

This was the first time we did a “joint” retreat/camping trip with multiple international ministries. My own leadership team was tepid on the idea but said “let’s go ahead and try it”. I was impressed at how well internationals from different schools and different nations/cultures interacted with each other.

Let me tell you something. People from Nepal are a blast. And apparently cricket is alive and well in the Gulf Coast.

I had the third session which was on overcoming failure. I was very nervous – do not think I am an interesting speaker and this was a lot of people not from Church of the Nations – but it seemed to go very well.

Happiness is a new copy of Linux Journal waiting for me when I get back to Baton Rouge.

Thanks to the volunteer and campus ministers who pulled all this together and did such a great job. Thanks to all the internationals who came and had a great time. And glory to God!

Overcoming Failure (flash presentation)

Posted in Ministry, Travel | No Comments »

In Houston for Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

Most years I do not attend. But this year we came for two primary reasons:

  1. I have been asked to participate in a panel on ministry with internationals and
  2. A chance to visit a member of the congregation who has been here for 6 months undergoing treatment at M. D. Anderson and a third reason which is that
  3. This year it is in Houston which is the large city nearest Baton Rouge

Although there is much that is good in and about Cooperative Baptist Fellowship there are reasons why I am finding it more difficult to identify with that organization. For many years I have not regarded myself as Southern Baptist because it is far too strict and conservative. But increasingly…

The last few years I have been reading and thinking more about the importance of sound theology. Not doctrine for the sake of doctrine – but rather sound theology which works and works because it is sound theology. This was particularly clear in The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church by Vladimir Lossky. Lossky articulates clearly why sound theology matters. Because if there is a goal (or purpose) of the Christian faith it is important that one’s theology allows and/or supports that goal. If your theology is broken – then the goal becomes difficult if not impossible. (Lossky describes the goal/purpose as “union with God”.)

My concern is that in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship being “missional” has taken front and center stage to such an extent that it is unclear if they have a theology. And/or if there is a theological framework which allows and/or supports their “missional” emphasis. I remember when my fine classmate Rick Bennett – who works for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship – at a retreat for clergy said that they have two goals or “twin emphases”. Spiritual formation and missions (which they often articulate in terms of being missional or missional practice).

Fair enough. But what do we mean by spiritual formation? And in what theological framework do we understand the mission of the Christian church? I think it is too simple even simplistic to say “we are all about Jesus Christ and being the presence of Christ in the world”. That is why I understand spiritual formation and missions within the theological framework of the Holy Trinity. Our Orthodox Christian friends understand this very well.

It was good to see old classmates – especially those who have been serving faithfully as career missionaries and often in challenging contexts. This is when Cooperative Baptist Fellowship tends to shine – its career missionaries. People of prayer and theological conviction and passionate participation in the work of the kingdom of God.

Do not misunderstand me. I am not saying the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is liberal or heretical or a Bad Thing(tm). Just that at times it feels uncomfortably “bland and mushy”. Perhaps and understandably in reaction to the excesses of the Southern Baptist Convention.

The above must seem rather critical of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. That is not my intent. But rather to share why increasingly I feel – oh dear there is that word – uncomfortable and even dissatisfied when I attend such events. It is like we are trying to live in a beautiful palace – that is genuinely beautiful – made or jello or even made of cloud.

Posted in Christianity, Personal, Travel | 3 Comments »

Growing urban-rural tension (or) Random thoughts from trip to Branson

Saturday, June 13th, 2009

My wife threatened to tell everyone at the church that “my husband has gone country”.

Nooooooo!

Well – sort of. There is a serious point coming. See below.

Got back last night – whole trip back on one day – from our first purely fun family holiday and to Branson Missouri. We had a fantastic time. One performer (showboat) described Branson as being “like Mayberry – except with a cover charge”.

I had never had any interest in going to Branson. Sounded like some over-commercialized country music drag strip. I have not cared for country music. Or crowded places. Or spending lots of money. Or heavy traffic.

There is a place in Harrison Arkansas you must stop at whether it is time for lunch/dinner or not. Their slogan is “we knead your dough”. Har har. No seriously. Fantastic food. Good prices. Killer muffins. Had Asiago Cheese Bisque on way up there and Five Star Mushroom on the way back. Yummy soup with two pieces of bread for about $4. Booyah.

Dinner first day at Ruby Tuesday’s. Why do I keep ordering big calorie laden burgers? Why?!? Excellent service. Worth paying $2 to watch my kids have a blast playing “Guitar Hero” at arcade. Strange that I should learn to enjoy KISS songs so late in life.

First night the show was New Shanghai Circus. Very good. Performers looked rather uncomfortable afterwards standing around for autographs and pictures. Apparently ta-men bu hui shuo ying-wen hao (they do not speak English well). Exchanged a few words in zhong-guo-hua with a young man. For some reason I enjoyed the drums most. Most people in the audience liked that the least.

Second day rode the “Ducks” (amphibious vehicles from World War Two) after first moving to our new place at Wyndham Resorts. (Family in church graciously let us use their unused timeshare points. In fact this is why we made the trip on short notice – free accommodations for four nights.) Thought $17 was too much for a one hour ride. No – it was a blast and lasted 1 1/2 hours. Well worth it. Make sure Bubba is your driver/guide or it ain’t worth going.

Second evening dinner at Danna’s. Eat there. Do not fail. Great food at reasonable prices. Pulled pork. No it was not kosher but it was yummy.

Next night saw Shoji Tabuchi. If you visit Branson – see it. Do not fail. It was outstanding. Very professional. Very entertaining. Bought some Japanese chopsticks in the gift shop because they are the best. Even Chinese people prefer them. Bring cash. Loved the drums.

One thought crossed my mind. Shoji learned to love country music while in Japan. And eventually became an American citizen. Everyone cheered. “What a great guy! He became a citizen of this great country!” How often do Americans become citizens of other nations? Would we cheer or label that person a feckless traitor? Imagine how difficult it would be for someone like me to become a citizen of the People’s Republic of China. We cheer when others do what we cannot imagine ourselves doing.

The segment in which he honored his son (who died age 19) and was for anyone who has “lost someone close to your heart” was touching and interesting. (Except for that wretched “If I Could Only Imagine” song.) Last year Jay Hogewood and I led a Jahrzeit worship gathering – one of the most significant things we have done here I think. It is important to acknowledge publicly death and loss and grief in ways that are appropriate and constructive.

Next day spent at Silver Dollar City. We got in for free. How? Some guy with season tickets had four unused guess tickets… waited for a family of four to show up… collared us (thought he might be a scalper)… offered us the four tickets. We saved $200. Then promptly waste(?) $60 on fast-passes (skip line at most popular rides) which we basically did not need or use. Had a great time. Enjoyed the toboggan ride (water slide in a raft) the most and did that about five times. Almost never a long line. I chickened out and would not go on the Powderkeg. (Zero to sixty in two seconds followed by… it looked absolutely freaking terrifying.) Wish I had gone for it just to show I could. Next time make sure you do the cave before you get too tired in the day. I would love to see some caverns.

No show that evening. Luigi’s Pizza for dinner. Excellent.

Last day we road the go-carts. This was the only “bad” experience of the trip. Basically not worth the money. Almost ten dollars per five minute ride on the track. You have got to be kidding me. We spent forty bucks and got the heck out of there.

Last night we were on the “Branson Belle” showboat. Fun performances. Excellent service. Dreadful food – do note! Severe stomach problems meant multiple trips to restroom and even missed some of the featured show by nationally known (animal) ventriloquist. Twenty nine Broadway songs in ten minutes with about as many costume changes was spectacular.

The one thing that was a bit hard to take was the “faith and freedom” schtick at the end. Complete with “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” and pictures of an American flag waving next to a cross. Eegads. A bit much. And there was an Orthodox Jewish family a few rows in front of me. (Yes it was that obvious.) Do they have to club us over the head with God and Jesus and the American Flag?!?

A few general observations.

Service and hospitality are always exceptional in Branson. I wish it was like that in other places. We have had some royally bad restaurant experiences – including one in which after one hour we still did not have our food and not only did we leave we refused coupons for free meals from the manager. But in Branson they do everything in their power to take care of you and with a friendly attitude. Even when they “scold” you – like a ride operator explaining to a small boy why he should not unhook the safety bar of his flying chair before the ride is over I am not making that up – they do so politely and respectfully.

Good service means good tips and returning customers. They get that in Branson.

They did not jack up prices even though they could have. Meals in Branson are pretty much what meals cost anywhere else.

But at the same time they used every opportunity they had to encourage a few more dollars our of their guests. I was not offended but you start to roll your eyes after a while. Make sure you visit the gift shop! Twenty dollars for the picture of your family getting onto the boat! Fifteen percent is appreciated! Buy a compact disc or video disc before you leave!

Branson is extremely family friendly and family oriented. You can take your kids to pretty much everything and not worry about “adult” or off-color humor. In fact they make a point of this. “We believe in wholesome entertainment” is a direct quote from one master-of-ceremonies. I happen to appreciate this point and think Hollywood and New York City and Popular Culture in general should sit up and take note. Much of what passes for “entertainment” on the television less so the radio less so the movies is vulgar trash that more or less insults “middle America” its lifestyle and its values.

A few more specific observations

Branson is very very country. That does not mean people who are not country music fans cannot find fun things to see and do. But dang is it country. Hardly a drop of urban(e) sophistication to be found anywhere. Finding a bookstore took some effort.

I wonder if you could have rock shows or classical music or opera or “high” theater (stage drama) in Branson.

I admit being an elite snob in this respect. I sometimes looked around a souvenir shop and thought “what a bunch of tasteless kitsch”. Or looked at other visitors and – unfortunately – thought to myself “what a bunch of hicks from the sticks”.

Branson is also very very white. I did not say racist. What I mean is that you see predominantly white  people in Branson as workers and as visitors. Although a fair number of Hispanics/Latinos which is interesting. Few African-American people. Sometimes I was worried and wondered if people of color would not be comfortable there. But I think it has to do more with the “culture” (types of musical and other offerings) in Branson.

(Last night during the Country Music Awards my children came to get me all excited because there was an African-American country singer on at the moment. He was excellent and we were thrilled to see that.)

Some will find this next part a bit offensive.

Americans are fat. Not everyone. But when you go to the water park and see people in their bathing suits or go to the amusement park and see all these people walking around – some riding around because they are so ginormous they can barely walk – you think “good night people – what do you eat?!? do you ever exercise?!?” Are we an overfed nation? Do we eat more than we need? Do we eat just to have something to do?

And yes I could stand to lose a few myself.

But that also led me to think about nakedness and sex and desire between people – in a positive way. “No I may not be super handsome and yeah maybe I could stand to lose a few and I am pasty white but still you love me and want me just the way I am” is part of the purpose of marriage. Donald Miller nailed the significance of nakedness in his book {NEED REFERENCE}. It is also why pornography is so pernicious and destructive – it is not just about “sin” or “sex is dirty”. It is quintessentially anti-Trinitarian.

What does Branson suggest about American society and culture – and about the emerging urban-rural tension?

I am increasingly convinced that American society may be entering a period of increased civil tension.

Have you seen the map of the 2008 Presidential election results by county? The nation – geographically speaking – is mostly red for Republican. The blue for Democrat counties are primarily in urban areas. (Please do not assume I mean Republican-good and Democrat-bad although I confess favoring Republican at this point in time.)

2008 Presidential election results by county

2008 Presidential election results by county

Not a black-white thing. Not a North-South thing. Although there is a black-white dimension and a North-South dimension.

I am convinced that right now the American people are increasingly divided along urban-rural lines. City versus country.

And the lifestyles and values that – for reasons I do not really understand – seem to go with that.

And where does Popular Culture – television and popular music and movies – come from primarily? From the cities. From urban culture. When people like David Letterman or Katie Couric or Jon Stewart take shot after shot against (political or social) conservative figures – they reflect the urban culture of which they are a part.

See – when you listen to country music it generally reflects a different way of looking at the world and at life. God. Country. Family. Work. Money. And so on.

And Branson is very country. Almost single show and tour at some point made a big deal about honoring veterans – quite astonishing. (New Shanghai Circus was an obvious exception.) And most shows and places to visit at some point make reference to “faith” (unfortunately to faith of a particularly Protestant Christian variety).

I do not think African-American people are so missing from Branson because of their ethnicity. I think it has to do with the extent to which African-Americans may be part of “urban” culture.

Let me explain that a bit. My second year at Cornell University I lived in a special dorm called Ujamaa. About 130+ people. And I was one of three white people.

White students sometimes expressed surprise that I lived there. “You live in the black dorm? Did they make a mistake?” First of all no mistake – you have to apply to live there. I chose to live there and generally enjoyed it and learned a great deal.

Second – and more importantly – although about 95+% African-American I honestly did not think “black dorm” was as accurate as “the New York City dorm”. What gave Ujamaa its peculiar culture was not – in my opinion – the ethnicity of its residents. It was that most of them were from New York City.

I sincerely believe that two New York City people – one white and one African-American – will have more in common than two African-Americans – one from the city and one from the country. Some will say that is nuts. I could be wrong. But so far that is what I have observed.

I am on thin ice here. Because biblically speaking cities have a special significance. How often does the Bible refer to cities in a positive way? More than you might think. See Culture Making by Andy Crouch. Cities are especially important as places where culture is generated.

I am not entirely comfortable with these thoughts and observations. Because it sounds as if I am arguing “city bad – country good”. Cities are supposed to be holy and dynamic places where the kingdom of God happens in high gear. It troubles me deeply to think that in the year 2009 in the United States we have a growing conflict/tension between urban and rural. And urban is winning – largely because that is where much of our news and popular culture come from.

I could be wrong. What do you think?

Posted in Culture, Music, Personal, Travel | 2 Comments »

The gift of the unexpected (or) Trip back from Los Angeles

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

What a truly great trip back from Los Angeles. There is a theological point lurking here.

Preface. I am an introvert. Tend to sit by myself. Not usually the one to say to a stranger “can I sit here?” and strike up a conversation. Others generously did that for me at ACMI 2009 – and they were great gifts. Glory to God for brave and generous people who sit with strangers!

/end preface

Heading back to airport in a van. Huge line on the sidewalk and I comment how much I hate lines. Someone in the van says “use that time to meet people and talk with them”. But do not sometimes people feel like “leave me alone” or even “who are you and what do you want?” Why – I am supposed to share with you the good news of Jesus Christ! Right? Oh man.

Well – I tried to be more extrovert and social than usual.

Talk to a woman and her husband in security line. Talk to two women (this is when I feel particularly weird) behind me. My turn for the ATS agent and I say “oh look at that beautiful smile – you just made my day”.

Call Jean to see how the treatments are going.

On the plane – shall I talk to the young woman on my left or the older gentleman on my right? Had 3 hours of sleep so not feeling so hot myself. “What are you reading?” And the gentleman… well that was the beginning of a 3 hour conversation. About religion. Politics. Language. Movies. You name it.

It was clear in 3 minutes he thinks religion is a dangerous harmful thing. The book is about notorious murders by people who thought God was telling them to kill this or that person. I decide to listen. No arguing or trying to convince or convert. A couple times I press back with why I believe this or that (and in response to his asking). And he presses right back with “see – that is a cheat… you bring down the universe… you anthropomorphize… you insult existence”. All very pleasant and with a smile.

And he clearly is more to the left than me on political issues. He is quite angry about conservative opposition to Sotomayor. Very strongly supports labor unions and protectionism. And it is all Nixon’s fault – ultimately. Although he – like me – is a libertarian (albeit leaning slightly statist on business and economy) and we find some common ground. But I listen occasionally nod “unh hunh” and try to understand.

It was a delightful interesting engaging conversation. I am glad he challenged me – hard – on some of my views. Specific example – “why does the universe need human beings to take care of it [my exegesis of Genesis 1-2 well sort of]? would not the planet be a paradise without human beings?” That is a very fine point that deserves an answer (which I think I have but did not want to argue).

He says “you are the most interesting person I have ever sat next to on an airplane”. (Oh please. Surely not.) Asks me to pray for him this weekend. Gives me his email address so I can check on him afterwards.

I no longer like to fly. The 3 hour flight passed quickly and was a joy. “What are you reading?” It was the gift of an unexpected conversation.

Quick layover in Houston then board flight to Baton Rouge. My brother calls – did not see that coming. They just saw “Star Trek” and we talk about the original series and Captain Pike and delta rays and mirror universe and Pixar films. And his daughter and my kids and so on. The gift of an unexpected conversation.

Sit next to middle aged gentleman who looks to be from India with his wife – who sits several rows up. I offer to switch so they can sit together. Then I realize “wait – as if I do not want to sit with him?” and let it drop.

Apparently I know him. Sort of. His wife works at University Baptist Church. Other members of the family whom I know personally also work at the church. (Child development center or weekend childcare – I do not see them regularly.) He is from Bangladesh and I learn a great deal about the history of that nation its challenges and relationship with other countries. Oh – and the family he is visiting lives in an apartment complex I know intimately. Some of our people live there and the church bus stops there every Friday night and Sunday morning.

“On your way home from a trip?” The gift of an unexpected conversation.

So this is what happens when the introvert – carefully and prudently one hopes – cracks open the shell just a bit. Takes a risk. And talks to a stranger.

Oh – and one more thing.

Louisiana people.

I love Louisiana people. Louisiana people waiting for a plane – I mean if the flight is to Baton Rouge we must be from there because who on earth travels to Baton Rouge? We laugh and talk and chat together – like we are old friends and neighbors. San Diego marathon. She hates to fly. Get off the plane and everyone is smiling and kind and generous to each other. “No after you. I will take the next elevator”. I have seen it on flights to New Orleans as well. Talking with people at ACMI I shared it several times how Louisiana people are warm friendly generous and very social. You do not see the same usual? (really? can one prove this by comparing to flights to other cities and states?) stony silence between strangers.

Oh yeah Louisiana got its share of problems too. But we really are like that – am I right?

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Outside Los Angeles for ACMI 2009

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

My first time in California.

ACMI is Association of Christians Ministering with Internationals – an umbrella network/organization for those who minister among internationals. (And by internationals they tend to mean not refugees and not even immigrants so much as visiting academics – students scholars and so on. This is an important clarification.)

At Azusa Pacific University in Azusa California. Weather has been very mild even cool at times. Mostly overcast. There are hills – perhaps small mountains! – here. Staying in the dorms which frankly is nice and convenient. (I like when ACMI meets at a college/university. Food and lodging and meetings all in one place.) The food is very good!

On a personal note I came with my first case of poison ivy(?) since childhood. Note to future self – next time you have a medical problem get it taken care of before you leave town. $100 at emergency room instead of $20 with primary care physician back home. It did need attention because it was spreading and was beginning to hurt noticeably – the ache and burning and itching. Calamine was not doing the job. The shot in the left shoulder was painful and I could hardly use the arm for a couple hours.

The plenary sessions have been good to excellent. Worship has been multicultural and multilingual which I greatly love. Praising God in other languages such as Twi Swahili and Hindi!

First plenary session on emerging technologies. Facebook and Web 2.0 just might not be totally evil. Just might actually be helpful in ministry and maintaining/developing relationships. Just do not overdo it. (See third plenary.)

Second plenary on whether Christians will include Muslims and the Islamic world in the Great Commission. Or because of 9/11 will like Jonah basically say “to hell with them”. Very powerful presentation.

Third session tonight was on China. Where is it going? Will it become a Christian nation? (I would ask “what exactly does that mean? a theocracy? or a nation full of Christians who greatly influence society and culture?” I can support the latter but not the former – I do believe passionately in religious freedom.) What kind of Christianity will China embrace? One important point the speaker frequently raised is that Chinese Christians love their nation. If American Christians make disparaging remarks about China (as in the Chinese government) that is extremely unhelpful! At the same time she spoke plainly about how the goal of the CCP (Chinese Community Party) is to maintain power and stability. And they will co-opt anything (such as a rebirth of Confucianism) in order to perpetuate a one party state.

(I wondered “does that include Christianity? Is it possible for even the Christian faith to be co-opted in order to serve the interests and perpetuate the power of the state? I also wanted to ask if – given this Chinese propensity – democracy is inherently incompatible with Chinese culture. I do not think so – but I wondered if she realized what she implied even as she explicitly denied this is the case.)

Wonderful chances for networking. Praise God for the brave souls who do not know me and yet walk over and ask if they can join me for dinner. I have been meeting (eating) and talking with (1) others who do international ministry in south Louisiana – networking! (2) others who serve an “international church” rather than para-church international ministry and to a lesser extent (3) fellow Baptists doing this. How Southern Baptists in ISM (international student ministry) organize is in a state of perpetual flux. I normally am graciously invited and included in meetings and conversations. That did not happen this year. It appears entirely unintentional.

There are at least two CBF missionaries here also. I hope to find them.

I want to make a couple quick comments about prayer and worship – and this is where I may wax rude judgmental and arrogant.

Worship is not performance.

Let me say that again. Worship is not performance.

I wish worship leaders did not add mini-sermons. “We are going to worship God because blah blah blah yadda yadda yadda awesome great awesome awesome just so holy awesome we just want to blah blah blah”. Please stop talking. Just play and/or sing and let us worship. And then they add stuff in the middle of songs or between sogs. Please stop talking. Just play and/or sin and let us worship.

That they got up and had us “worship” again after the Chinese scholar spoke was – and how can one say this with some restraint – inappropriate. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony the fourth movement just reached its climx… and then you want to get on stage and start talking again. Stop! Please stop! It was a beautiful powerful moment that should not have been spoiled with more blah blah blah.

Do not tell people to stand up. That drives me up a tree. Invite us to stand. But do not just tell us. Even the Book of Common Prayer uses the word may all over the place.

Prayer as performance. I think some people think of prayer as performance. “Look how earnest and passionate I am!” I am sure the motives are sincere – to lead the people of God to prayer earnestly passionately and fervently. I am increasingly convinced of the wisdom of simple dignified prayers – and that are set. The temptation to turn prayer into self-promoting performance is just too great. We stumble and uh and ah and just this and just that father weejuz weejuz weejuz. Here we discern the wisdom of Catholic or Anglican or Orthodox liturgy.

Someone else composed this. And it has stood the test of time. And reflects the wisdom of centuries of Christians before us. Not our little “thrown together right now on stage uh uh uh weejez aaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeehn“. Oh puleez.

I apologize. That is judgmental and rude. But I care about public prayer and worship and have some rather strong ideas about them. Why is it not enough to say “Father God we ask you to remember this person or that situation” and leave it at that? Why do we tell things God already knows? Why do we presume to tell him exacty how to handle these situations? (And yes I do these things myself. Chief of hypocrites at your service.)

Posted in Christianity, Internationals, Ministry, Personal, Travel, Uncategorized | No Comments »

In Atlanta for Catalyst Conference

Wednesday, October 8th, 2008

I am in (or rather outside) Atlanta for the Catalyst 2008 Conference. Got a great deal on a room at Marriott Courtyard in Norcross. Best room I have stayed in at a conference in years. King size bed, large, clean, pleasant. And apparenly my $90/night promotional rate will include breakfast each morning. Woot!

And my rental car is a Nissan Sentra. Booyah.

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How to cope better with air travel

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008

Several months ago a friend whose work requires him to fly overseas regularly and logs hundreds(?) of thousands of miles offered this in response to my post about how much I am beginning to hate air travel. Tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m. we fly to Syracuse, New York from New Orleans. I am not looking forward terribly to the flight(s).

Security.  This is much more difficult for the ocassional traveler.  It might be that after a specific number of times getting searched that your mind just goes to autodrive to get through it as quickly as possible.  What irritates me the most is the fellow passenger who wants to express indignation during the inspection issue.  I don’t care if the TSA dude/dudette is a power drunk or just having a bad day.  You can’t win and all you do is delay those of us behind you.  If you have a really bad experience, there is always the possibility of recourse after the fact.

Delays.  I second your experience.  The combination of a stone age ATC system in the US, conjestion at airports, delays, no food on planes makes domestic travel a pain.  So…I always have 4-5 protein and at least one good book in my carry-on (sometimes it helps to have good DVD or video game on your laptop).  2-3 of these bars are for sharing with a hungry stranger (in the spirit of full dislosure this is more pragmatism than good naturedness).

Turbulence can be tough.  The absolute best advice that I have is to make sure that you are either drinking water or a diet drink.  There is nothing quite like having turbulence cause you to spill your drink on your lap and having to spend 3 or 15 hours with an increasingly sticky lower body.  The best way to avoid nausea (or, at least, to lower the quantity of result) is to make wise pre-flight eating/drinking choices.  Avoid high sugar food/drink and stick to quickly digestable fats and proteins.  And, always, drink a lot of water.

Some good tips:

  • Get an intense workout in before your flight and you will have a great chance to be both relaxed and mentally alert during the trip. (Plus, being beefier than the average pax is a plus…just kidding.)
  • Consider a membership to a airline lounge.  If you travel 3-4 times per year, it might be worth the annual fee.  Aside from having a comfortable and quiet place to hang out during a delay, the lounge desk is the best place to get airline assistance…and these employees actually want to help you.
  • Travel like a Spartan: wear loose clothing that can easily be removed/changes, pack the right supplies in your carry-on, and focus like a laser on your goal.

Good stuff. And thanks.

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