The American Dream Above All Else

I saw a film last night that was especially relevant to my journey right now and I want to comment of parts of it. It was called "Religulous" with/by Bill Maher.

This documentary didn't get a lot of attention because it basically attacks every major religion and anyone who buys into any level of spirituality. Needless to say, that doesn't leave it with much of an audience. I decided to get it because I wanted to see what he had to say about Christianity and Christians. I do not regret it.

The basic premise of the film is that Maher thinks all religious people are, on some level, behaving unintelligently to buy into the spirituality thing. He conducts a series of Michael-Moore-style interactions with different religious leaders and followers to try to convince them that they are believing in a myth. These interviews are spliced with footage of religion at its worst (i.e. 9/11, london bus bombing, abortion clinic protests and bombings, God Hates Fags demonstrators, etc.). Overall its a light hearted, humorous approach to a pretty serious topic. Maher employs a style that he is particularly good at (being a smart-ass) to make his point.

I hate when people give you the whole movie so I won't do that, but I do want to touch on one particular interaction. Maher decides to interview a pastor who is well known in the "health and wealth" gospel movement. He began the interview by talking about how pastors/clergy resemble rock stars more than they resemble Jesus (fancy/weird clothing, people worshipping you, crowds, etc). As I watched this interview unfold his harsh comparison was unfolding in my head. He spoke with the pastor about his $2000 suit, $50,000 car and who-knows-how-expensive house. He asked the pastor how he could justify his lifestyle when Jesus spoke so clearly about the poor being blessed and the rich having a hard time getting to heaven. His answer: "The people want you to look good, they want to see the dream they are chasing after". Wow.

I know that all pastors don't act this way. Trust me, I haven't made a ton of money being a pastor. Neither have many of my friends who work at churches. But I know guys who have. I know of a pastor (who doesn't subscribe to a "health and wealth" approach) who owns a yacht that he uses to court other pastors they want to hire at his church. Many others that travel the country preaching in rock show atmospheres for a ticketed admission to get in the door. I would venture to say that most of the Senior Pastors in churches today are among the 10 highest paid people that go to their church. The sad thing is its easy for me to think that because the car I drive is worth less than a $2000 suit that I am not part of the problem. But maybe I am.

When I look at the first leaders of the Jesus movement I do not see wealth. Jesus actually told his disciples to sell everything and follow him (Mark 10:21, Luke 18:22). He also sent them into towns to do ministry with nothing and told them that they were to live on whatever people would have to spare (Luke 9:3). It looks to me like Jesus' early followers didn't get a salary or a 401K or benefits. As someone who will be without all three pretty soon, I must say it is pretty hard to fathom. I have become completely dependent on money and security. The thought of losing it is scaring me to death.

Although I disagree with Bill Maher on a lot of the points he presents in his documentary. I do agree with one thing: The American church has become obsessed with promoting the American dream above all else. It has allowed its message to be the same as the message that everyone else is our culture is preaching, "You are broken, we have the product that can fix you, buy it while it lasts...because we need better computers and more free lunches and raises and bigger 401Ks and better health benefits. Oh, and we might help a few people to get our name on the news so more people come to hear our message (and in turn give more money so we can get better computers and more free lunches and...)".

So I am sure your questions will revolve around what the church would look like if it were different or if there were no paid pastors. The answer is "I don't know". I want to know. I want to be a part of figuring it out. I know there are lots of people out there who go to churches were the pastors don't get paid so maybe we should ask them. The part we have to come to grips with is that it would be a huge change. It would affect my life and the lives of my friends immensely. There would be much resistance. But is it worth it?

This post is harsh and painted broadly but it is how I am feeling so it goes on the blog. There are lots churches and pastors that are in it for all the right reasons. Not many are inherently evil. Everyone just wants to make a difference. My question would be "Are we really making a difference or are we just making it the same?"

Your comments are welcomed. You can even make them anonymous.

When you come to a fork in the road...

I have been wondering lately how important the details of our lives are to God. I know that they are important in that He cares about what we care about. My questions surround how much he cares what job we have or where we decide to move or what type of house we buy, etc, etc.

When I think of the future of my children I know that I will love them no matter what. Beyond that, I hope they make good decisions in their lives or, at the very least, learn from the not-so-good ones. Sometimes I think that my life was actually shaped more by my bad decisions that my good ones. So does it really matter if I my kids make the best choices all the time? Is it the same way with God? I am sure He hurts for us if we chose poorly just I like would with my son. I am sure He rejoices with us when things go well. But as far as really having a desire for us to make one decision over another (unless sin is involved) I am not sure what He thinks.

Theoretical example: As I am nearing the end of high school I sit down with my parents and try to decide which college God "wants" me to go to and what He "wants" me to do with my life.

Scenario A: I go to a well known university into a a program that will eventually set me up to make lots of money.

Scenario B: I decide not to go to school at all but to move into a bad neighborhood with the hope of bringing the Gospel to everyone in that neighborhood.

When you look at these scenarios from a bird's eye view it would be easier to say that B is the choice God wants you to make. After all, you are giving up financial security, prestige, fancy clothes, nice house, etc. to do something that serves God. But what if I do A, get my degree, get a great internship at a really successful business and 5 years down the road I start my own venture. I make a ton of money, so much I don't even know where I would spend it all. The catch is, all along I knew that once I had some money I would start using it to benefit God's poorest and most down-and-out people in my city. I start using that money to plant churches and ministries all over my city in the worst neighborhoods. I am able to support hundreds or thousands of people who have the dream of moving into a neighborhood and bringing the Gospel to the people of that area.

Which scenario does God want? The answer is yes. He wants them both. The question is not either/or it is how? How am I going to use the path I choose to impact the world for God's sake? How is my life going to physically represent Jesus on earth? For this reason I don't think God has as much stake in what decisions we make with our lives as we convince ourselves He does. His stake is in how we use our position and influence to worship Him with every dollar, moment and breath.

God help me to recognize how I can worship You with the choices I have already made and those I will make in the future.