For some unknown reason, I was listening to NPR on the radio this morning. I heard a story talking about how it was Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday. Unfortunately what really stuck with me about the story was how they described him. The commentator described Mandela’s accomplishments as how he “fought against white minority rule”. Wow, what an unfortunate choice of words.

Today, less and less young people probably even know who Nelson Mandela is or what he did for freedom, not just in South Africa, but in the world. Sadly after listening to NPR what the unfamiliar would walk away with is that he was some guy who was opposed to minorities being in power over the majority…  How would Obama feel about that sentiment?

Now it was NPR after all, so there’s obviously an understood agenda. James, in the 3rd chapter of his letter says “By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation..” [The Message] Well, here’s a prime example of NPR throwing mud on a reputation.

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I was talking with Kathy the other night and she brought up a really interesting point. We were discussing personal training and exercise in particular, but I think the point can be applied to anything. She pointed out that mankind has this innate tendency to take Truth and bastardize it. For example in personal training… You read one article that tells you that optimum results can be obtained with a particular regimen, and another article that claims the same results with an entirely contrary regimen. The truth is that for most people that aren’t competitive athletes, basic activity where your heart rate get going, and some sort of activity that involves the use of strength is all you need to stay healthy. Complex dieting strategies and weight loss plans just complicate the simple rule that in order to lose weight, you just expend more calories than you ingest. All the other junk you read is just a way for people to elevate themselves, to distinguish themselves.

In our discussion at church the next morning, one of our ordained members unwittingly elaborated on this point as it relates to Christianity. He pointed out that in James 3 James advises that not many should presume to be teachers, yet what is the ‘ultimate’ expression of our service to God? … to become a pastor and what do pastors do? … teach, and how do you distinguish yourself as a good teacher? … by having something new to say, a different take, a new look something that hasn’t been said before. Now what is the result after 2000 years of this? Baggage.

Teachers, pastors, theologians and authors have interpreted, added and piled on Truth in order to distinguish themselves. And as time progresses, these ‘distinguishing’ ways of deciphering truth has led to faction, fracture, denomination, war and even hatred until eventually we end up with the theological mess we have today. 

With the advent of mass commercialization today, authors, radio preachers, TV preachers have taken this to an all time extreme. Not only are they driven by the innate pride of being ‘distinguished’, but the are further driven to ‘find something new’ by the almighty dollar. Pastors are guilty too… many of today’s denominations are nothing more than Labor Unions for the pastorate. Negotiating salaries and benefits, providing for the optimum career track … how do you earn the best perks… by having the most distinguished baggage.

My sons band, ORB, has been asked to play at Artscape 2008 in Baltimore. Artscape is the nations largest free arts festival. Click here for more info on the event time and place.

ORB is a trio consisting of Owen Gerus on Drums and lead vocals, Bo Oliver (my son) on Bass and Cooper Gerus on Guitar and vocals. They started about 2 years ago when they were 9, 10, and 11 years old respectively. They’ve written numerous original tunes and thier writing is really becoming muscially quite mature. The lyrics range from just fun to socially concisious. One of thier latest songs talks about their experience with the homeless at the local food pantry. The originals are supplimented with a variety of covers including Rage Against the Machine, Green Day, AC/DC, Beck and Wolfmother.

They’ve played at benefits for Hurricane Katrina relief, Cystic Fibrosis and to raise money for the Elkridge Food Pantry. They have also have some award winning talent show perforances and played each year for our community outdoor festival. It was at this festival this year where they were heard by one of the promoters for Artscape and asked to play.

OK, so can you tell I’m kind of proud of them??