I'd like to pause the journey through Exodus for awhile and go through a book that my friend (and pastor) and his wife gave me -- Soul Cravings, by Erwin Raphael McManus. Even though he has the name Erwin -- like Erwin Fletcher from the movie Fletch ... or maybe that's why -- I like this guy already.
So, if you'd like to pick up a copy somewhere (bookstore, library, etc), let's read it together and comment and argue and expound and laugh together. It'll be like a virtual book club. Only this one won't include a leader that forces you to comment. You can read and comment as you wish. No pressure. Sounds like fun to me. Anyone game?
awakenhumanity.org
thomasnelson.com
mosaic.org
PS The new issue of Revolver has a Marilyn Manson and Slayer cover story. While I respect both artists -- and really enjoy some of Manson's music; he's managed (could it be purposefully?) to disappoint/anger/disgust/amuse me with his comments. Both he and Slayer get into Christianity and certain characters, like Bob Larson. One even brings up that Tammy Faye Bakker was close to death. Without an ounce of respect, they belittle these public figures. I guess it's their right -- and they're no smarter or dumber than the average knucklehead kid that gets his/her "wisdom" (insert the word "foolishness" here) from pop culture and the fleeting rumors of the day. I wish Larson would've managed to engage Slayer when he went on the road with them for a Revolver article, "Desperately Seeking Satan."
It is with sadness that Tammy Faye Bakker, I understand, passed away this past week. I've been on deadline and out / away from most media and news. There is a joyous side to that news, though, as she is no doubt in the presence of Christ right now. I was pretty moved watching Jay Bakker's DVD documentary (from the Sundance Channel show, One Punk Under God). No matter what one thinks about Jay's recent theological change regarding a very controversial issue, one must respect the fact that he displays a very profound level of Christ-likeness. How? By loving his mom the way he does. My goodness, his mother has become a punching bag for so much mockery (and, let's face it, hatred) that it becomes scandalous to hang out and associate with her -- much less love her. She is a unique character, that's for sure, but in the documentary she shares so much motherly wisdom and love back at her son ... and her painful fight and resistance to the ugly disease of cancer is there for all to see. I'm deeply moved by Jay's love for his mother. I really see Christ's love shining supernova bright in those actions. Wow.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at July 25, 2007 11:08 AMErwin is a beast.
And by beast I mean, freakin' awesome.
Posted by: Nathan at July 25, 2007 04:58 PMBless you, Doug, and thanks for the comments on Tammy Faye. I read Jay Bakker's book Son of a Preacher Man, and it touched me deeply. We all struggle through this life, but what a PROMISE we all have - along with His deep and abiding love - just like between a son and his mother.
Posted by: Dale Strom at July 26, 2007 01:07 AMDoug, I love your idea of having a virtual book club. I'll try to get a hold of that book.
I missed the special on Larry King, but I know Jay loved his mom immensely. I think all that God has taken Jay through has tempered him to have such deep compassion on humankind and it was evidenced through his love for his mother. God reminds me from time to time about the friend Jay had in Atlanta who was a Satanist. Jay never gave up on him. He's a tenatious person when it comes to "loving a person to Christ".
It seems that Jay and his mom anchored themselves in Christ and put Him center of their relationship, even in the roughest of times. What an awesome relationship between mother and son.