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futures
Where am I headed?
If you had asked me a few years ago where I wanted to end up, I probably would have responded with something like a restaurant owner, police officer, or world famous musician.
How funny are the changes with time?
Two of those things would have involved large amounts of wealth for me, something that I was quite desirous of for nearly all of my life, the other would have been enjoyable for me, and I’ll admit sometimes I still think about how I’d enjoy being a police officer. But the crazy thing is, none of those are really possibilities in my life any longer.
I went from having a fairly certain life (with a goal of financial gain) to a life of uncertainty. We may be moving to Baltimore in a few years, which for us is a fairly big deal, I think it was kind of always assumed that I wouldn’t be traveling to far from “home,” yet Maryland is pretty far away from Georgia.
While I wasn’t wholly certain on where exactly I would end up, and what exactly I’d be doing, having a feint notion of a future path wasn’t at all comfortable to me. Really it wasn’t. I remember long miserable swaths of time where I would yell at God about not revealing my future to me in whole. Funny thing now is, I’m not at all certain what I’m going to be doing in a year, let alone the rest of my life, and I’m completely fine with that fact.
I’m completely comfortable with a completely opaque future. Sure, I have some things that I’d like to see happen (more on that in a second), but if they don’t happen I’m fine with that. There’s something far more exciting and intoxicating about not caring if you know your future or not. In a day in age when college messages revolve quite often around knowing “God’s plan” for your life, I’m somewhat of an intriguing dichotomy to that system. It feels good that way.
So, what are the things that I’d like to see happen? (Note: I’m quite interesting in coming back to this post in a few years and seeing if any of these things actually happened).
Well, I want to go to seminary. I’m a bookworm, I love knowledge, and while I doubt that I’ll ever be in a ministry position with a Church (As their known today), I still desire to know as much as I can.
We also want to travel, similar to Nick Fiedler and his wife, we’d like to spend some time just going around the world, doing whatever we’re given the opportunity to do, meeting friends and hanging out. There is something romantic about traveling the world, something beautiful and wholly thrilling to my mind. I desperately hope that we’re able to do so.
Finally, I kind of want to open up an alternative fuel shop. Kind of weird sounding, but it’s been there for a few months now. I really want to open up a bio-diesel location somewhere in Atlanta. Convert over some veggie oil and make up for some of the crap that I’ve put in the air with all the big trucks I’ve been driving since day one.
Will any of those happen? Who knows?
Will I be distraught if they don’t? Not at all.
a week?!
Wow, it’s been a whole week. I haven’t gone this long in updating… ever (in the whole history of my blog… since January ☺), but I kind of needed a break, and my life got a little hectic after Thursday. In case you weren’t paying attention to the twitter feed, we brought home a new family member on Wednesday.
A 2000 Kawasaki Ninja 250. (For the uninitiated… it’s a motorcycle).
I promise that I’ll post about it soon, as I know my grandparents (who frequent the blog more than anyone else, which is great) are quite desirous to find out what’s going on with the bike.
But, there’s kind of another reason I haven’t been blogging too much recently. It appears my blog has attracted some attention (finally) of those that I actually know personally, and not all are too thrilled. To clarify, I run in evangelical circles, and those who adhere and look up to the thoughts, theology, and ideals of John MacArthur and Ravvi Zacharias (and probably Al Mohler, but I’ve never actually heard anyone besides myself speak of him). So there are some out there that aren’t too thrilled with the theology that both Becky and I are discussing.
I’ve also run up against those who aren’t pleased with some of the words I have expressed over my church, there were some posts all the way at the beginning in which I expressed distress over the level of social justice in my church, as well as more recent posts where I discuss issues with the college group I’m volunteer for. I was chastised for expressing my thoughts on such a public forum where those that know me could read it and would know exactly what church I’m talking about. I was then encouraged to take my concerns to the leadership, a move that I have not done.
It’s not that I’m scared of controversy, or of differing opinions (just the opposite in fact, I find myself listening to opposing opinions quite often just to hear their points), but it’s the fact that sometimes it’s easier to go without it. I was worried about balancing my posts between what I actually have in mind, and what’s not going to piss off the people who are pretty easy to piss off. I think if they had their way, I’d keep all church issues I disagree with private (tell that to Martin Luther btw), and I’d keep my theological mindset within the boundaries of the established Evangelical Systematic Theology.
Well, I won’t. I’m curious though, if any of my blogging cohorts have run up against similar issues.
Indian Taxi Fund (update)
So to make another push for the Indian Taxi Fund, Josh came up with an idea to sell books for $25. He’s got a few posted on his site if you aren’t a fan of anything you see over here, I’m offering basically the entirety of my bookshelf from the past six months. If you’re interested in anything shoot me an email and I’ll tell you the paypal details. I’ll pay for shipping, by the way, so it’s straight up $25 going entirely (ok, well minus paypal’s lame fees edit: I found out Josh is going to cover those out of pocket) to Amit.
Thanks in advance.
Oh… and, on top of free shipping, if your local (enough), I’ll run ‘em out to you and buy you a cup of coffee or a brew. (yeah, I just one upped you, Josh Brown)
Divine Conspiracy- Dallas Willard
Adventures in Missing the Point- Brian McLaren and Tony Campolo
The Origin of Satan- Elaine Pagels
The Voice Revealed- Chris Seay
The Voice of Luke- Brian McLaren (Two Copies)
The Dust Off Their Feet- Chris Seay and friends
Starving Jesus- Craig Gross and J.R. Mahon
Signs of Emergence (Kester Brewin)
Jesus without religion- Rick James
The Myth of a Christian Nation- Greg Boyd
The end of religion- Bruxy Cavey
This Beautiful Mess- Rick McKinely
The Secret Message of Jesus- Brian McLaren
Everything Must Change- Brian McLaren
Irresistible Revolution- Shane Claiborne
From Jihad to Jesus- Jerry Rassamni
Blue Like Jazz- Donald Miller
The New Christians- Tony Jones
Misquoting Truth- Timothy Paul Jones
an open letter to my brethren on the right
For some years now you have viewed yourselves as championing the cause of Pro-Marriage legislation, which is more plainly stated: Anti-Homosexual legislation. You have felt the turning tide of public appeal fall favorably on Gay marriage, and see this trend as an affront to your very core being. Your leaders have imposed if Homosexuality were to be found out as a genetic predisposition, they would break their moral and ethical values against abortion to stop a homosexual child from being born. In saying this they have shown that making humanity fit within the narrow confines of their ideal image is more important than the protection of life itself.
For years they have silently encouraged their children to degrade homosexuals by calling them derogatory names, they are complicit in their silence and lack of condemnation for such acts. For years they themselves as well as many of you have even fallen to the levels of using these same derogatory terms to describe homosexuals. You, yourselves, have used the very term “Gay” as a negative word; much the same way that Jews in the day of Jesus used the term Samaritan. You have subjugated homosexuals to a lower level then yourselves by denying them the right of marriage, claiming it a sacred system, which you yourselves have utterly desecrated with your divorces and affairs.
The treatment you have brought upon homosexuals is not the first of its kind, nor will it be the last. Your ancestors have just as vehemently protested causes such as women’s rights, civil rights, and acts against institutions such as apartheid, yet progress persevered. In the end the overwhelming tide of equality has persevered over the diminishing forces of inequity and bigotry.
You cannot claim to be both the protectors of the Bible and deny its very core message of equality. You must see that the God of the Bible is a God of change, a God who loves all, and a God who will not abide such bigotry that has been shown throughout the past decades against homosexuals. Perhaps your most grievous act is this ignorance of this progressive theme that the Bible portrays.
Your misunderstandings have caused immeasurable hurt over the years. Where you should be sowing seeds of Justice, Equality, and Love, you have created a field that is full of the weeds of pain, suffering, and injustice. This act has cast, in the eyes of those who do not hold to the cross, an ill shadow upon the Father who became flesh that all may be reconciled and equal.
My friends, this tide will not be turned back. You may delay it, you may attempt to ignore it, you may fight it will all of your might, but this tide is strengthened by a God who will not be turned back, nor denied. Join us, champion the cause of equality, truly live out a life freed of legalistic oppression, and see true change in the reconciling name of Christ.
Indian Taxi Fund
Have you ever taken part in changing the world via Kiva? If you have, then you know what a micro-loan is and how it works, for those of you who don’t heres a quick run down.
It starts with a small business owner in need of money to grow his or her business in some way. With Kiva the loans range from $500 to several thousands of dollars, and the idea is that you can get a group of people together to donate $25 each and all of you collectively can help support the business. It’s a great idea and Kiva has had a large amount of success in helping business owners in third world countries.
But there’s a problem with Kiva, there is really no relationship aspect. You get a short bio of the business owner(s) but you never really get to know them, and this has been a problem for me, I want to work within the confines of relationships to help out.
A solution has come in the form of this Indian Taxi Fund. Let me introduce you to Amit.
Amit is a church planter in India, to help support his calling he has been teaching at a local university, however the university recently closed. After the university closed Amit began working a Taxi business, but he is being severely overcharged by the man he is renting a taxi from, and is not able to really make enough money to support his family and continue to plant churches.
Enter Josh Brown and his blogging cohorts. Josh built a relationship with Amit, Josh brought us this story, and Josh set this plan in motion. Now, we are going to join together to raise $7500 for Amit to purchase a taxi in order to continue his ministry.
Now, this is a loan, which means Amit will be repaying the lenders (no you will not be collecting interest), but it will enable him to continue his ministry.
So here’s what I’m asking. $25 from each reader in my blog, but I’m also looking for anyone willing to match the contributions made via my blog. If you’re interested in donation matching, please contact me via e-mail (mattscott306 at comcast dot net).
Josh Brown is also providing the following for any wishing to take part in the Indian Taxi Fund (cross posted from Josh’s site)
Via Red Cowboy Designs (my graphic design company), I’ll be taking the first 3 clients (new) that contact me for a new project. I will write them a quote as usual offering a 20% discount on what I normally would charge. I will then have them send the money directly to the Indian Taxi Fund PayPal account. I will not take a penny of this money, but it will go directly to Amit’s Indian Taxi Fund. All of the monies will go directly to Amit in India to help pay for his taxi. For example, if I quote you $350 for a rave card and give you a 20% discount, you will be asked to donate $270 directly to the Indian Taxi Fund. That’s a pretty nifty bargain/deal/make the world a better place offer. But it gets better, at the end of the loan when Amit repays the amount, we will give you your money back. So you will technically be getting a design for free. It’s like Oprah’s Big Give. But cooler. I think.
To donate refer to this link for the PayPal information.
If you want more information, please email me at the address above, or head over to this page for further context and background.
UPDATE: This is cross posted from the comment section on Josh’s site, regarding certain logistics of the operation.
i’m planning on the money going to the paypal account. i’ll pay for the money that paypal takes as their cut out of pocket. i’ll then send a lump sum check via western union to amit. and then we’ll set up a payment plan for 24 months. where he sends payment back via western union every month. and i’ll be the last to take the repayment. just because i’m horrible with math. and i want to minimize paypal eating into our chunk of money raised, i’ll pay back individuals with a regular check probably. or just send it paypal. but i’ll do it in a lump sum. so if amit pays us back $1000. i won’t divide that up 30 ways. i’ll just start paying certain people their whole sum. that way we don’t get hit with multiple transaction fees. does that make any sense.
random stuff 4-24
I think I’m going to start a semi-frequent section called “Random stuff,” for usage when I have things I want to talk about, but don’t quite have time or enough information to fully flesh out those thoughts into at least decent posts, as well as interesting things going on with my life. So, without further introduction.
A couple friends and I have begun to lay out the groundwork for an at least week long trip on the Appalachian trail. For those not familiar, it’s a 2500 mile hiking trail that hits seven states from Georgia to Maine. We’ll be hitting up about 80 miles of trail in North Carolina sometime in late July. We’re skipping our home state of Georgia because the heat is suppose to be oppressive in the Georgia parts of the trail during July and August.
An update on one of the items from my last post: I stated that I was having trouble with the fact I was getting money from the church for playing with one of their bands on Sunday mornings. Well one of my buddies who works for the department that pays me told me a couple days ago that they couldn’t afford to pay me. Problem solved. 
I’m reading through “The Powers that Be” by Walter Wink right now, 87 pages in and I have 9 pages marked with brilliant quotes, which I will likely share at some point in time. If you haven’t read through the book, I’m gonna recommend doing so before you pick up anything else. Really, it’s been that powerful thus far.
I had one more thing I wanted to talk about it, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that I’m actually going to have to spend some time on this, but as a small teaser… it’s affiliated with Focus on the Family and it doesn’t like me err…. postmodernists. mmm…. goodness.
when theology and life come into conflict
I guess it’s inevitable, your theology (if it’s “growing”) and your life and lifestyle must at some point come into conflict. I guess the toughest thing to do is to act on whatever revelations have been given to you. But this is difficult for me (and I guess most people) for many reasons, it will likely bring conflict with those you have grown close to, it may make life uncomfortable for you, and if it is going to cut off a financial source, then it will hurt.
But, what do you do when you know that it must be done?
What do you do when you’re teaching and you have something to say, but know that the church you’re teaching at wouldn’t approve out it? Do you drop subtle hints about what your idea is, or do you come out and say it?
What do you do when you give several hours out of every week to support a ministry you don’t agree with? A ministry that, it seems, the further you move one direction tries to pull you harder in the opposite.
What do you do when you disagree with the foundation of the very system you find yourself within? Can you be prophetic from within the system? Will the system even listen to you while you are still within it?
What do you do when you desire conversation that goes deeper than pleasantries, movies, and music, but have friends who refuse, or you have friends who are uncomfortable with ideologies outside their own?
Ok, here’s the setup. All of the things I’ve mentioned above I have run up against in the past month. I could name specifics, but I’m afraid if I do, some of those involved would be hurt by it, so I won’t (the last time I mentioned specifics I hurt someone else, who I would never want to hurt). In regards to each of the above questions, here are my likely responses in the future.
I’ll probably find a new venue for teaching, or if I continue to teach within the same venue, I’ll alert them prior to my speaking of anything I might say that they’d not like. (Knowing full well that it would spell the end of my teaching there).
I’m divided on leaving the ministry that I’m working with but don’t agree with. I could talk to the head of that ministry, but I have a feeling that person wouldn’t quite get my perspective, as it leaves the status quo (and I’m finding that most people are quite uncomfortable with diverging from the norm).
The system I find myself within is coming to a close whether the proprietors know it or not. The post modern era can’t (and won’t) stand for a continuation of it, so I guess I have to decide if I should jump ship now, or wait till the ship has sunk.
The hardest question is of course, my friends. I’m faced with having to drive an hour and a half (to freakin’ Tennessee of all places) to actually have a meaningful conversation with anyone but my wife. Again, I love my friends dearly, but I don’t think some of them are at all open to conversation or viewpoints other than their own, which is frustrating.
So there you have it, theology and life coming at each other full head. Whirlwind experience, but who knows, maybe it will end up being a fun one?
on understanding
I was talking with a friend the other day. We were discussing John Piper, Joel Osteen, and the Prosperity gospel (actually it all started when I showed him the Pisseth video) and I was trying to articulate my view of acquiring “stuff.”
I was attempting to explain to him my viewpoint on the idea that Christianity has been infected with consumerism. I don’t think he quite understood. The viewpoint he holds is that it’s not so wrong for Christians to acquire the stuff they want as long as they are still tithing and such. One of his ideas on the topic was that we can continue to acquire stuff because we don’t know if what we’re acquiring is God’s blessing or not. Lets just say I’m not a big fan of that particular reasoning and move on. Another point he brought up was he says that somewhere in the Bible it says God wants to give us both what we need and what we want. I challenged him on that one because I don’t ever recall hearing that before, but he couldn’t remember where it was either.
But topic of the argument, nor the validity of our respective viewpoints in the topic of this post. It’s more of a reflective post.
Why?
Because I can’t understand why he doesn’t see what I see.
I have that problem. I get passionate about something, I devour that topic, I let it permeate to essentially every core of my life. And I get puzzled when others don’t do the same.
True I’ve gotten better of late, I can understand why people disagree with certain issues that I hold, like on hell, but I still hit that brick wall (at about 90 miles and hour) when someone doesn’t care about the poor, or doesn’t understand why the environment is important to me. Here’s the thing. I think I could talk to a muslim who cares for the poor easier than a Christian who drives a Hummer and “tithes” each week. (note: the friend doesn’t drive a hummer, and the place his money goes is pretty cool)
So here I sit, replaying that scene from the other night in my mind, wondering if my inability to understand why he didn’t side with me hindered his understanding of my side, and why, when I wholly held that viewpoint just a short year ago, I can’t understand it now.
How does one get through such and impasse?
Listening to: You’re not alone By: Saosin (I love ballads)