Social Media

In today's age, social media is perhaps the most dominant force, redefining our culture and the way we live. And while it has in many aspects improved our quality of life, or at least parts of it, there are many different impacts that we must be cautioned to avoid. In our Christian lives, we must make sure we use social media in a certain way, in order to maximize the positives and downplay the negatives.

Most worrisome about our continued dependence on social media are the glaring negatives that shine around all people. Again, we are taking this issue through a Christian perspective. The first issue that arises is the amount of time being spent on social media outlets. This affects our lives in two ways. First, we begin to lose our social abilities, our confidence and skill in associating with people face to face. Second, our lives become a drainage of waste, with nothing worthwhile or constructive being produced from the endless hours spent updating our status. Perhaps the biggest issue for Christians are the ever present temptations on social media. Most times, as soon as you mention temptations, the mind goes right to pornography. And while this is a big issue, especially with the readily accessible social media providing an easy way to access these pictures and videos, there are other temptations as well. Social media in itself is a temptation, sucking people towards it to waste every minute of their day.

However, social media does provide some excellent opportunities for Christians. As mentioned previously, it is perhaps the most dominant force of our culture. If we can harness this force, and use it for good, the results that could potentially be produced are astronomical! We can promote charities, church events, and Christian organizations. We could encourage others through Bible verses, prayers, and more. Essentially, if we can use social media and transform it into a Christian force, the world would be faced with this different influence everyday!

Social media also provides Christians with the opportunity to strengthen their own faiths. One way to do this is by connecting with other Christians. Encouragement, prayers, and more can be shared, and a community of believers could be created. Also, social media can provide daily devotions, and Bible verses to uplift and encourage believers. YouVersion is just one example of an app that also has a Twitter and FaceBook account, continually posting Bible verses, devotions, and prayers to encourage a believer to spend time with God.

In conclusion, social media provides two different ends of the spectrum with usefulness. It all depends on the choices you make, or what purpose social media serves for you. If it is used for good, it is a very powerful tool. It's also powerful on the other end of the spectrum, providing temptations that are very difficult to avoid. Like much of what this world has to offer us, we need to make sure we maintain a heavenly perspective, and find the best of what is given to us, while staying away from the evil.

Homosexuality

Same-sex relationships are a key discussion point in society today. Your stance can define how others see you as a person. Choosing a side can ruin politician's careers or destroy the respect of certain religious leaders. Although treading through the homosexuality waters are so treacherous, it seems like there is no end to the news articles, debates, or movements surrounding the topic. Christianity provides nothing different. Within our own religion, we discuss amongst ourselves if we should choose to accept homosexuality, or take a stance against it. Sadly, it seems as if more and more churches are slowly choosing to welcome homosexuality, and not treat it as a sin, in order to boost their attendance numbers, and our religion's picture in society. Ultimately, we compromise our own beliefs in an effort to stay updated within society.

For the majority of our religion's history, we have been against homosexuality. To support our argument, Christians use multiple points. First, God created our bodies in a certain way for a certain purpose. We were created and designed to interact man and woman not man and man or woman and woman. The certain purpose of that specific design was to procreate. God's command was for us to be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth. The only natural way to do that is through man and woman. Finally, the Bible also contains many stories about God condemning homosexuality, particularly in the Old Testament. For instance, the story of the Great Flood, or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, they all speak of God acting because of their sins, one being the sexual impurity, and homosexuality. The apostle Paul was also strictly against homosexuality, citing multiple times in his Epistles that homosexuality led to eternal death.

However, recently, churches are starting to bend to the ever pressing gay rights movements. Key amongst these arguments is the fact that God should love and accept every person regardless of their sexual tendencies. A true and real and loving God would not shun, or condemn a gay person.

This is a false statement. There are two reasons why we cannot accept this. First, God is not only a loving God, but He is also a just God. When He says something is not right, He follows through with His statements! And He clearly has set out a standard for right and wrong. One of the ways He shows His love is by bringing justice. Secondly, we cannot, and should not even embark on the philosophical journey of putting actions or even thoughts/words onto our Lord's character. How do we know that He is shunning or condemning gay people?! The truth of the matter is that He is extending the same love towards them that He extends to everyone. However, because of their sin, they are shunning Him! It's not the other way around.

Again, with this issue we come to the heart of the matter, and that is the character of God. I have discovered that perhaps all our lives here on Earth are a journey to reveal and know more and more about God. This comes with many tricky situations, such as this one. Can God really be loving if He says homosexuality is wrong? The answer is yes!

Finally, we also come upon the issue of catering to society. Should the church be concerned about the image we are producing to society? Some might be surprised with this, but my answer is yes! We should continually strive to present ourselves in a way that makes people interested with our relationship with God! However, while we are working towards a good outside view, we cannot compromise our beliefs or God's commands of us. There comes a point where what people think does not matter at all, but rather what God thinks. Like so many other things in life, it's all a balancing act.

And while homosexuality is an issue that we need to firmly stand against, we have to watch how we treat gay people. Even though we may have the stance that homosexuality is sinful, we have to watch how we treat these people and approach them. The popular saying, "Love the person but not the sin" is entirely correct in this situation. We should be extending God's love towards every person we meet, no matter their history, previous or present sins, or reaction towards you. Yes, homosexuality is wrong, but we can still accept these people! Don't openly trash homosexuality, instead respectfully state your opinions, and try to be friends with these people. The best way to change sin to good works is by loving relationships, not harsh words.

Reading the Bible

Currently, this semester for my Bachelor of Arts in Religion degree, I'm taking a very interesting course titled Biblical Interpretation. I'm only four weeks in, but this course has opened my eyes greatly, to many mistakes that I make when reading the Bible, and other issues that I now notice in the way we as a Christian society approach the Bible. Perhaps the biggest issue for myself right now is the way we read the Bible.

Many times, we simply read a book cover to cover. We just read for enjoyment, and the occasional teaching. What we read doesn't necessarily have a huge impact on our lives. Many times we treat the Bible in the same way. I know that personally I have just read the entire Bible to say I've done it! Get the gold star in Sunday School class, and move on. That's not the way to do it.

The Bible isn't just any regular book. It contains the Words of God, which He divinely inspired man to write down (more on this topic in a later post). The Bible has an unique purpose, a potential to change lives. And not just slightly, but radically. But this purpose, this potential, this goal of God can only be realized if we put in the work, and approach the Bible correctly.

Instead of just reading the Bible, we need to start studying it and interpreting it. We can't just read the words, and not understand what is being said, and how to apply it! We need to comprehend what God is instructing of us. Last year in the fall I was involved in a youth Bible study every Wednesday night. While leading us through the book of Romans chapter by chapter, the pastor who was leading the discussion challenged us to see if we knew what certain words meant such as sanctification, justification, and salvation. I was surprised with how much I struggled to place a definition in words in the context of the verses in Romans! I've read the book multiple times, I've heard the words, and I thought I knew what they meant. But in the context of each verse, I gapped, and struggled to come away with a concrete lesson, or meaning, or application from each verse because of uncertainty of these few words.

Not only do we need to start studying the Bible more, and start understanding and comprehending what it being said, but we need to start properly using interpretation skills. This is where my course has really paid dividends. Using some specific skills, such as the interpretation of verses, or taking a meaning and application from each passage, is difficult, but worthwhile. We continually run into problems where we either don't care about interpreting the Bible, and we are stuck right back into the "just reading" problem, or we interpret incorrectly. Finding the right way to do this is key. I have discovered that central to interpretation are these pointers; take the passage in the Biblical context (the time that it was written), understand who the passage was written to, dissect the translations (find the original words written), find the meanings of certain words, and understand how this Bible verse could apply in our culture. When it comes to interpretation, there are two approaches that are important; the literary approach, and the historical-cultural approach. The literary approach deals with the translations, original text, meaning of words, e.t.c. The historical-cultural approach deals with who the author was, who they were writing to, what the purpose of the book/passage was, e.t.c. Together, these two approaches form a balanced way of interpretation. Of course, this isn't fool proof, and I'm still learning and adding to my procedure of interpreting. Don't just interpret in a way that you think is right! Find some time to learn from someone who has mastered the craft! Interpretation is the most important skill when it comes to studying the Bible.

Closest to my heart right now is the issue of reading the Bible versus properly studying it. Think of how the world could be changed if we all just put forth a better effort to fully understand the pages we read everyday! It takes effort, and it takes time, but it pays dividends. In my opinion, it is better for someone to fully understand just one passage from the Bible and to have figured out how to properly apply it to their lives than for someone to say that they have read the Bible cover to cover.

Delayed Distortion: I Love You

Delayed Distortion: I Love You: Check out my first SoundCloud original! Titled I Love You, this song talks about the greatness of God, and what response that generates. Aiming to be dynamic and emotion charged, the song is an anthem worship tune.

Let me know what you think about it!

https://soundcloud.com/jesse-ramson-1/i-love-you

Tattoos in a Temple?

One of the latest rages in popular culture are tattoos.  It seems as if almost everyone has at least one, with some people even being covered with them on every square inch of their skin. However, stats released a few years ago state that 22% of women have at least one tattoo, and 26% of men have at least one. 36% of people age 20-31 have a tattoo, while the number falls drastically as the age spectrum climbs with 15% of people aged 43-53 sporting at least one. 21% of Canadians have at least one tattoo. (stats from: National Post)

With these numbers climbing, but staying fairly low surprisingly, as Christians the question should be asked; do we ignore the rise of tattoos, or should we condemn tattoos, and fight to lower the stats even more?

Perhaps before we answer this question, it is of worth to mention the stats regarding religious people who have tattoos. It is reported that as of 2006, 19% of religious peoples have a tattoo. (stats from: National Post) This stat is slightly misleading as it includes all religious people, but if the Christian group was separated from other religions, the stat would only slightly drop. An even more interesting stat would be how many Christians have tattoos out of the population of just Christians, rather than the whole population.

In the past, our religion's stance has been strictly against tattoos. However, it seems we are relaxing with our previous rule, as the stats demonstrate. Historically, the argument against tattoos was that our bodies were meant to be temples, not defiled with any abnormal substances such as paint, tattoos, unique piercings, e.t.c. Two biblical verses used for this argument are "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?" (1 Corinthians 6:19, ESV) and "If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." (1 Corinthians 3:17, ESV) On top of these New Testament verses, there are also Old Testament ones from the Pentateuch specifically stating that the use of tattoos are forbidden. However, for now we will classify the Old Testament as the Old Covenant, and concentrate on the New Covenant.

Cleansing Fire

These two verses can be tackled efficiently in view of the pro tattoo argument. First, are these verses really talking about tattoos? Many times we take verses way out of context, and try to mash them to fit our own beliefs. When we are talking about our bodies as temples, some would argue that this has nothing to do with our outward appearances. Granted, what is on the inside reflects on the outside, but judgement cannot be made every time simply on what is on the outside. Secondly, if we are going to the argument that what is on the inside is reflected on the outside, the actual historical temple of the Lord was heavily decorated with drawings and paintings, not that much different than tattoos!
In truth, I am in favor tattoos. I see nothing wrong with them up to a point. Profane language, sinful images, and tattoos along that thought process I do not condone. However, small biblical images, bible verses, song lyrics, e.t.c. are fine. In fact those tattoos can provide some excellent evangelistic opportunities. My mom who has a few tattoos also has a wealth of great stories involving non-Christians striking up gospel conversations with her because of her tattoos.

So, I believe the motive behind tattoos would prove to be a bigger cause of concern for our religion. If you are getting one to fit in, or getting one that is of profanity, than Christians have reason to condemn the practice. However, if the reason to get a tattoo is pure such as evangelistic opportunities, permanent reminders, or even just for pleasure, and if that tattoo is not of sinful nature, than Christians have no reason not to support tattoos.

What is Worship?

What is worship?

As a member of a praise team, and someone that aspires to be a worship leader, I always thought I knew what the term worship meant. When I think of worship I see people with hands raised singing to the Lord with all of their hearts, hearts broken with pure passion and full adoration. However, after reading various literature, and participating in multiple university courses, I've come to question exactly what the definition of worship is.

After attending a university music appreciation course, my eyes were opened to the many different possibilities that were available musically, and the historic past of some of my favourite songs. As we studied all different types of music, from the historic Gregorian chants to the previously glorified hymns to the undeniable power of a full orchestra, I found a few questions arise concerning what worship is, and certain aspects that constitute our current stereotype of worship.

At first, my pondering was centered around the style of music that provoked worship. My personal experience is that my definition of worship can only occur with contemporary songs that include synth, piano, guitars, e.t.c. Bands such as Jesus Culture, and Hillsong United are the best examples of this genre of worship. However, after listening to the first musical records we have of chants that constituted the worship of the churches of old, I was challenged to perhaps see a bigger picture. Impacting me even more was learning about how many of the hymns I experience at church were so important to the worship experience only a few decades ago! The style of music has nothing to do with the worship experience, as can be proven by history. The same worship can be offered to the Lord whether it be sparked by chants, hymns, or song. Worship goes much deeper than music style.

I also held the thought process that only unflawed music could produce an atmosphere of worship. Over the past few years, many mentors have helped showed me the falseness of this statement. Worship has nothing to do with the skill, or perfectness of the piece being played. While it can influence us, worship again is more powerful, digging within our own personal desires and emotions for the Lord. The music being played, and the words being sung are only a method of helping us draw closer to God.

This brings up another point. Is worship solely centered around music? If indeed worship goes beyond the notes, and words being sung, it would follow that it can also reach to the happenings of life, the artistic expression of people, and the gratitude and emotions offered up by humble servants. I believe worship can also be shown when someone paints a picture, when someone writes a story, or even when someone falls on their knees and cries out to God.

I have come to believe that worship is the act of praising God, thanking Him for everything He has done, but also more than that. It's the act of submission, the act of offering our gifts to Him, pleading with Him, asking of God, and above all else, showing Him our love. I believe worship should be prevalent in every area of our life, not just the musical experience on a Sunday morning.

In conclusion, worship isn't simply music, or something that happens while others play songs for us. Rather, it is the everyday expression of our discipleship and fellowship with the Lord. Music is an excellent tool to help us drawing into the attitude of worship, and refresh our use of praise, but it cannot be relied on as the sole method. The importance of musical worship cannot be stressed enough, but perhaps it is time we expand our horizons, and look to include worship in every area of our lives, to transform the way we live.

Gender Equality in the Church

I love debates. Especially when I win them, which I normally always do! Just kidding, ask my brothers who really wins. Recently, I have come to realize that losing isn't so bad, because it opens new doors of realization and understanding.

A few years back in the youth group I attended, we debated almost every night. Every time, the same topic arose; should women be pastors? Ultimately this evolved; should women speak at church? Should women be leaders?

At first, I was strongly pro in the argument. Of course God would allow women to be pastors, speakers and leaders. After all, He isn't a discriminating God and He loves all equally, which would translate to letting all do everything. Take the Old Testament laws for example, where God allows for women to inherit land from their fathers, in the same way men are allowed to. (Numbers 21:1-11) Obviously God lets men and women participate in the same things. After all, if He didn't, would He be able to remain constant in a society that is pushing for more and more gender equality? Isn't His goal to show the world that He loves all no matter what gender, or race?

However, the opposition has a strong argument. Vital to their thesis is 1 Timothy 2:12, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet." (NIV) Another verse states the same point, 1 Corinthians 14:34 "Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says." (NIV)

At first, I argued that using this verse was taking the words out of their context. Both times the books were written by Paul to new churches that were dealing with authority problems. In essence, all he was trying to do at this point was provide structure to the churches that were just starting off. I believed that Paul wasn't forbidding women to teach at all; rather just not at this point.

However, while I have not completely changed my view, I have succumbed in a few areas. First, I do believe that women should not teach in a church service consistently. Just as I argue with the issue of homosexuality, we must look at the way God created his perfect world. Man came first, and women followed. Essentially we are breaking the basic rules of structure if we place a women in lead. With that being said, at this point I do not have an issue with women business managers, rather only in an religious setting (however I am still studying this). Also, I do feel that God sometimes gifts women or lays upon their heart a topic that does need to be shared in front of the whole church. I have no issue with women leading women, or maybe even having a female teacher/pastor that is solely responsible for helping the female members of the congregation mature in their faith.

One of the greatest areas for women to serve is as Family Pastors. Again, going back to creation, God created women as nurturers for a specific reason: to care for children. While I do not think we should restrict males from serving in this area (one day I would like to possibly serve as a pastor here), I do feel that 9 times out of 10, females will be more successful.

While it may seem that I have set new strict standards for how I view women teachers, I still haven't completely rested all the issues. For instance, I'm still not 100% sure if women should be worship pastors. While at one point I may say that there shouldn't be an issue, on the other side if we restrict women from leading a congregation or teaching them, shouldn't we be consistent across the board?

I think that this issue goes beyond the simple questions of should we allow women pastors. I think at the heart of this issue we are wrestling with the character of God. For many us, we hold preconceived ideas about how our God should and would act. If we go back to my two questions about God staying constant in society, and loving everyone equally, basically what I was trying to do was mold God into a more admirable, likable entity for THIS society. Ultimately, we can't do that. God is way bigger then any of our issues here, and we certainly can't fit Him into this society. Does God really need to change His ways to remain constant with society? Should we really be judging God for His love instead of judging ourselves? And dealing with equal love, do we really think by restricting certain people from doing certain things, God is not spreading His love equally?

When we deal with issues such as gender equality, where I don't believe we will ever all agree on a "right" answer, each of us personally has to pray, study, and dwell in God's presence to come to our own realization. We must be respectful of each other's opinions, and make sure that our differences don't create a rift in the family of believers. One of the biggest mistakes we can ever make is dragging God down to society's level. Doing this does not make Him seem more attractive to non-believers, and it certainly doesn't solve our own problems. God is much more powerful than anything we could ever imagine, and we must continue to revere Him in awe.