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'Heavy topics with a light touch'





July 30, 2007: Blog, e-zine or whatever it is I do here
'heavy topics with a light touch'

• Top topic: The Harvest Show features Communicate to Change Lives
The Harvest Show  Communicate to Change Lives
• After 30 years, Elvis still dead (2002)

America's Got Talent . . . and taste

• Evangelical Lutherans debate gay clergy, same-sex blessings

• First pics of new grandchildren

• Is depression 'Mad Christian Disease'?

• Is it time for 'back to school' already?
BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIALS
• Most CT readers believe "prosperity gospel" is heresy

Prosperity gospel
• Muslims pray for safe return of Christian hostages
SOUTH KOREAN MUSLIMS PRAY FOR SAFE RETURN OF CHRISTIAN HOSTAGES HELD BY TALIBAN
• Pastor charged with abuse in exorcism

• Random thoughts from random thinkers

• US Congress' approval rating 21 points below President's

• Wait in line longer than some airline flights

• Wow! A lot has happened since last post
Harry Potter, Lindsey Lohan, Britney Spears
• You can't break The Ten commandments
THE TEN 'INSULTS, DEGRADES GOD



COMMUNICATE TO CHANGE LIVES IN PERSON AND IN PRINT
With sixty kabillion sites you could visit, thanks for stopping by here! I hope you'll come back regularly for constantly updated humor and commentary on sex, society, the supernatural and, of course, my plot to overthrow society as we know it. (Please save it as a favorite, then tell a friend.)





Monday, August 13, 2007
harvest show features communicate to change lives

I'll be talking about my latest book on LeSea network's The Harvest Show Tuesday (August 14). It airs live at 9 AM EST on Direct TV Channel 321, then repeats at 10 PM and 2 AM. Thanks for watching—and praying that I don't embarrass myself in front of an international audience!
Communicate to Change Lives
The Harvest Show [of site]



Tuesday, August 7, 2007
evangelical lutherans debate gay clergy, same-sex blessings

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Churchwide Assemby is meeting in Chicago to continue the ongoing debate of "the place of gay and lesbian people in ministry." The ELCA's presiding bishop the Rev. Mark S. Hanson told the ELCA New Service that "we are still in the process of developing our social statement on human sexuality.” That statement had been previously delayed until the 2009 gathering.

The Rev. Mark Chavez, director of
Word Alone Network, a Lutheran group that argues homosexuality violates Scripture, told The Chicago Tribune, "They didn't get their way in 2005, and now they want to throw it back at us." In 2005, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted to continue its ban on noncelibate gay and lesbian clergy.

• Here's why I think God is bent out of shape—at least symbolically—by homosexual behavior
• Here's some background from Christian Post



Monday, August 6, 2007
is depression 'mad christian disease'?

Tommy Galloway's new book, Cure for Common Christianity (self-published), presents a strong warning against "microwave messages, economy meal values, and burger believers who want it their way. We've found ourselves catering to everybody to please them when the Gospel is not really to please people, it's to save people."

He continues, "Christians have strayed from their purpose and allowed the worldly system to get into their mind." I'm with him . . . until he dubs this "mad Christian disease" and argues that one of the results is depression. "People have got to understand that depression is real. There are Christians that are depressed."

As someone who is diagnosed as clinically depressed, I'm offended that the author apparently believes I've "allowed the worldly system to get into [my] mind." In fact, a lot of so-called "worldly" behaviors can be explained—and effectively treated—bio-chemically. I thank God for Cymbalta which has virtually eliminated my depression! (And a friend who was tormented by "demonic voices" was immediately "exorcised" with Haldol.)

Galloway's dignosis is dangerously close to the youth pastor who claimed an autistic teen was demon possessed—and is charged with abusing him. (Click for
Thursday's post). So, here are a couple articles that deal with the psychological dynamics of the Christian life.
• Is depression a spiritual or bio-chemical problem? Yes.
• Keith Drury asks, "Can genetic engineering create Christ-like characteristics?"
• What do you think?



Saturday, August 4, 2007
speaking in indy and philly next week

Probably not a lot of blogging next week since I'll be speaking at:

• Assemblies of God General Conference in Indianapolis: Wednesday
• Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference: Thursday-Saturday

Thanks for your prayers for enthusiasm and strength. I've taught at twelve conferences so far this year, as well as a two-week trip to Zambia to report on the HIV/AIDS crisis. I have eight more conference in 2007, plus a three-Sunday speaking series at College Wesleyan Church in September.

My speaking schedule is not going to look good at my sanity hearing! However, God has been faithful in providing strength and grace for a "homebody" who hates to travel. Amazing! And speaking of travel . . .



Later in the day Saturday
wait in line longer than some airline flights

The London
Telegraph is reporting—as if it's news to anyone who flies—"British Airways and Ryanair confirmed that as a result of the queues at check-in and security, some passengers on short-haul flights to European destinations were spending more time in airport terminals than in the air." Not news to me!
• Driving faster, cheaper than flying
• Annual airline survival guide
• Top ten things not to say at airport security



Even later in the day Saturday
is it time for 'back to school' already?

Yikes, where did the summer go? It's time to think "back to school," so here's our annual school box filled with articles on advice for seniors, academic issues such as evolution and moral absolutes, plus discussion on "safer" sex, drinking, "hooking up," prayer in school, school shootings, and more:
• Back to school special



Friday, August 3, 2007
us congress' approval rating 21 points below president's

Less than one-fourth (24 percent) of Americans polled approve of President George Bush's handling of the Iraq War, but the U.S. Congress is eight times worse in handling of the war at just 3 percent! Three percent! Used car salesmen and IRS agents have higher approval ratings. The new UPI/Zogby Interactive poll conducted in mid July included 7,590 respondents and has a margin of error of +/- 1.1 percentage points.

All the more reason to follow the apostle Paul's advice: "I urge you . . . to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity" (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
• UPI/Zogby poll



Thursday, August 2, 2007
indiana youth pastor charged with abuse in exorcism

A fourteen-year-old autistic boy was allegedly punched in the face and forced to vomit during an eleven-hour "exorcism" that police described as a "ritualistic beating." The boy's mother told police she tried unsuccessfully to end the exorcism.

Twenty-two-year-old Eddie Uyesugi, a pastor in training at Cherry Hill Christian Center in Bloomington, is charged with felony confinement and misdemeanor battery. The
Web site of the charismatic church describes the youth group as "an extreme, over-the-edge, on fire, team of no-limit soldiers." This is indeed "an extreme, over-the-edge" reaction to suspected demon possession!

While I believe that demon possession can be real (all four Gospels record cases of Jesus casting out demons), anyone suspected of being "demon possessed" should be thoroughly examined by a qualified professional for any physical or mental issues in concert with a qualified spiritual advisor such as pastor or priest. Do not confuse mental illness with demon possession! (It's amazing how effective anti-psychotic drugs are on so-called "demons"!)
• My thoughts on demon possession
• Story from WTHR, Indy



Thursday afternoon
rescue attempt of christian hostages report 'erroneous'

The Associated Press writes, "An erroneous report Wednesday that an operation was under way to rescue 21 South Korean hostages in Afghanistan played widely in the media, raising questions about whether reporting such maneuvers in real time might put the operation itself at risk." The Reuters news service first posted the story at 7:42 a.m. EDT Wednesday, then at 9:31 a.m., sent notice that "the official quoted in the story did not make the comment reported."

I thought it was odd that the media would be announcing what I thought would be a covert operation, but I verified the report on ABC, BBC UK, CNN and Fox news sites before posting the story. (See below.)

The two-week ordeal for the 21 South Korean Christians being held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan continues, so continue to keep the situation in your prayers. I've found the best coverage at www.ChristianPost.com. (And, remember, "If your mother says she loves you, check it out.")
The Christian Post
• Verify! Verify! Verify!



8:00 am EDT Wednesday, August 1, 2007
pray for rescue attempt of christians held by taliban

ABC News is reporting that a rescue attempt is underway for 21 South Korean hostages held by the Taliban in Afghanistan since July 19. Two members of the Christian group have already been murdered. The attempt is extremely risky as the group is split up in several locations. Please pray!
• 8:00 am EDT report from ABC News
• 11:00 am EDT report from Reuters UK



MUSLIMS PRAY FOR CHRISTIAN HOSTAGES HELD BY TALIBAN
Photo from
ChristianPost.com

Tuesday, July 31, 2007
muslims pray for safe return of christian hostages

From ChristianPost.com:


Hundreds of Muslims in South Korea urged the immediate release of the 22 Korean Christian hostages still held captive in Afghanistan by Taliban militants during their Friday prayer.

The gathering was held at the Seoul Central Masjid where over 400 Muslims convened, spending five minutes to mourn the death of the first and thus far only victim, 42-year-old youth pastor Bae Hyung-kyu, as well as the remaining Korean hostages who are said to be ill.

"'We, Korea Muslim Federation and the Muslims in Korea, express our deepest condolences for the Korean victims in Afghanistan and share his family's sense of bereavement," said Abdul Rashid.

Kudos to South Korean Muslims for praying for the safe return of 21 remaining hostages held by the Islamic Taliban in Afghanistan. (Fox News reported a second male hostage was killed Monday.) If the moderate Muslims stand up against the murderous Muslims, there is—perhaps—a chance for a decrease in terrorism.
• Arab-American confronts violent Muslims
• Moderate and murderous Muslims both have Koran "proof texts" (2.06)



Later Tuesday morning
you can't break the ten commandments . . .

You should be getting an email soon from Christian conservative groups decrying the film The Ten which critics claim "degrades and insults God and His laws." The movie, directed by David Wain of Wet Hot American Summer, includes ten different stories, each depicting one of "the ten."

Wain explains, "The Ten Commandments have been a cornerstone of our society for nearly one hundred years." (Uh, more like four thousand years, David!) He continues, "If you've ever taken a Sunday off, or if you've ever stopped yourself from murdering someone, then you yourself have been following the Ten Commandments without even knowing it."

I'm reminded of Dr.
Wilbur Williams' comment in Old Testament class. "You can't break the Ten Commandments. They will break you if you disobey them." So, I'm not worried about a film causing any harm to "the ten." The best way to defend them is for Christians to live them out—which a Barna survey reveals they are not! Now that truly "degrades and insults God and His laws."
• The Barna survey
• Your thoughts . . .





Tuesday 6:00 pm
first pics of new grandchildren

Nanthiel (left) is due October 4 and Hannah's little sister (right) is due December 4! What fun! Until then, some thoughts on grandchildren:
• I'm going to be a [to be announced]
• The Papoose-Driven Life
• Hannah and Micah at second birthdays



Late Tuesday night
america's got talent . . . and taste

My faith is restored in reality TV! "Boy Shakira" (AKA "Boy Britney") was voted out in the semi-finals of America's Got Talent. Yes! I could be happy with the million-dollar prize going to either the fourteen-year-old singer, the singer from the Cincinnati sewer or the singer/impressionist/ventriloquist.



Monday, July 30, 2007
wow! a lot has happened since last post

The fate of Harry Potter was finally revealed (and I'm thrilled my favorite character survived); Lindsey Lohan was arrested for driving with a suspended license, DUI and possession of coke—almost immediately after leaving rehab; Britney trashed several outrageously-priced dresses before storming out of a photo shoot (the week before, the paparazzi were treated to an impromptu photo shoot as she took a dip in the ocean with just her bra and panties); and America's Got Talent 's "Boy Shakira" came out as "Boy Britney" (let's hope, in the vote, America's got taste).
Harry Potter: the good, the bad, the muggly
• My rant on deadly DUI "terrorists"
• Top ten ways Britney can redeem her career

All that paled in comparison to the cold-blooded killing of South Korean youth pastor and imprisonment of his mission team to Afghanistan by the Taliban. I pray that as the apostle Paul writes, that God will somehow work good out of this horrific act:


Now I want you to know brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result . . . most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear (Philippians 1:12-14 TNIV).

• Coverage from Christian Post [off site]
• Dealing with death and grief
• Some thoughts on life's tough questions
• Arab-American confronts violent Muslims



Later Monday
most ct readers believe 'prosperity gospel' is heresy

A recent Christianity Today poll found that 74 percent of 1,727 readers believe "prosperity gospel" is "heresy." "Incorrect, but not a significant threat" got 13 percent. "Biblical and misunderstood" got 8 percent and 4 percent "No more incorrect than what other Christians preach."

Some thoughts on prosperity gospel and faith healers:
TIME to confront "prosperity" preachers
• Healing: faith or fake?
• Don't judge, but do deliberate
• Brother Bob Blessing: a comedy/drama sketch
• Let us prey: a powerful warning from Keith Drury [off site]



Even later Monday
random thoughts from random thinkers . . .

First, some interesting thoughts from the recent writers' conference. Zena Dell Stephens, a writer, producer and director with
One Goat Productions had these convicting thoughts:


I don't want to write to a [Christian] sub-culture. I don't want to write "crud." There's no excuse for bad writing. What an insult to God to be mediocre. Don't pursue [screenwriting] simply because you want to change the world. You've got to be good at it!

A movie isn't good because what it lacks (sex, violence, language). It is good for what it offers. We must be more creative than the world.

"God told me to write this [script]" is a manipulative tool. If you have to play the "God" card, you're not good enough to be in the game.

Write to tell the truth, the whole truth—that doesn't violate the audience. I'd prefer R-rated truth to a G-rated lie.

And Jeannette Windle, the author of Tom-Clancy-type thrillers, had this profound thought:


Those who are not willing to bleed and die for what they hold dear will always be held hostage by those who are.

Finally, yesterday Lois and I attended the funeral of a pastor friend, Dennis Willoughby. He was only 57 when he died of complications from a brain tumor. A video tribute included an excerpt from one of his sermons on influence.


Live in such a way that when you die, people aren't sure you're dead.

Wow! That's how I want to write and live!
• Some thoughts on writing for the secular market



Monday, July 30, 2007
last issue's 'heavy topics with a light touch'

A little bit of everything: the Pope made a pompous pronouncement, a candidate proposed sex ed. for kindergarteners, I proposed a new way to conduct elections (The Last Candidate Standing game show), Homeland Security head had a feeling in his "gut" that America would be attacked this summer and Dr. Harry Tick, a psychic para-archeologist, claimed to have discovered The Whoopee Cushion Code.
• Click here to go back in time



Wednesday, August 1, 2007
july's top ten sites

July's ranking (June's ranking)

  1. Home page / blog (1)

  2. "Jim Shorts" on spirituality (2)

  3. Last "Jim Shorts" column (—)

  4. Top ten reasons I'm not divorcing my wife (6)

  5. Table of contents: articles, books, comedy/drama, humor . . . (9)

  6. Quips and quotes of encouragement (3)

  7. Women in ministry issues (7)

  8. "Jim Shorts" on sex (5)

  9. "One nation under generic supreme being" (4)

  10. Is it a life or a choice? (8)




But wait, there's more . . .
code, copyrights, comments . . .

We subscribe to proposed 'blogger's code of conduct' I'm glad to see the online community developing a set of guidelines to bring civility and credibility to the blogsphere. I've adapted the proposed policy (printed in red) to create my own code of conduct.


1. Responsibility for our own words First, I believe that, as a follower of Christ, I am responsible to "speak the truth in love" and to "let all [my] conversation be full of grace." Jesus never backed away from controversial subjects, but He was "full of truth and grace." Second, I believe plagiarism is stealing and thus a violation of the eighth commandment. All material on my site is original with me unless credited to someone else. And third, as a journalist, I must be objective, accurate (I will verify all facts with at least two reliable sources) and fair (I will quote people in context and strive to present their position accurately).

2. Nothing we wouldn't say in person We must be as responsible and civil we are in the real world. I believe that personal attacks, name-calling, profane or vulgar language, and racist, sexist and ethnic humor have no place in the real or virtual worlds.

3. Encouragement of responses (That's currently not in the code, but it should be!) I include guest's comments at the end of articles and columns as well as encouraging comments on my host's online discussion board.

4. No anonymous comments Commenters must supply a valid email address before they can post, though I allow commenters to identify themselves with an alias, rather than their real name for sensitive issues.

5. Discretion to delete comments I refuse to post comments that do not conform to my own code in point 2.

6. Vigorous enforcement of blog hosts' terms of service

7. Nothing harmful We will not engage in any activity that would cause physical, mental, social or spiritual harm or encourage anyone to do the same.

I'll probably be tweaking this as I go along, but for now, those are the promises I'm making to you as a guest on my site.

Blogger's Code of Conduct [off site]
Legal Guide for Bloggers (also very good!) [off site]
Some thoughts on blogging and responsibility



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