Shouldn't Love Always Win? Part 2

In the last post I reviewed Rob Bell's analysis on heaven vs. hell in his book, "Love Wins," (so if haven't read it yet, get to it - here's the LINK) but one statement, one question remains unanswered, and I'll proceed here:

"Does God get what God wants? is a good question, and interesting question....But there's a better question, one we can answer, one that takes all of this speculation about the future

 --which no one has been to and then returned with hard empirical evidence and brings it back to one absolute we can depend on in the midst of all this, which turns out to be another question....

'Do we get what we want?'"  (Rob Bell, Love Wins)

Bell continues with the notion that we, as humans have a will, a choice in the matter of our life, death and ultimate destiny. Previously I noted how he discussed bringing heaven and hell to earth. Here we take a look further into what it means to do so. It's important, I think to realize there are multiple wills working in the Earth - and as such how we choose to respond to each of those - is our fate. 

There are those who would choose to torture less fortunate - and in doing so, they not only create hell for themselves, but hell for those they're afflicting. Then there are those who choose selfish means to get ahead, in business, in relationships and they too are creating Hell in their own life, consequences for poor choices and actions that do not speak life. Certainly, the experience of pain, physical or emotional or spiritual or mental can be a be great hell for which we need rescuing. 

What about natural disasters? I personally think that there is such a thing as the "will of the Earth." This in my mind is how creation functions. It is the result of Chemistry, Biology or Physics. It is the elements that make the world go-round. As such, these affect the human race also, for better or worse. And Bell recently said in an interview that when he's asked the question: how could God allow such traumas, like the one in Japan, and a host of others -happen? - He can only respond first to believing that God is a good God, that he understands pain and grief and sorrow and can meet the human being right where they are. From there, the answer is about redemption and restoration.

But back to "Love Wins," - Bell spends a great deal of time, and entire chapter concerning the matter of what God wants and what we want. He tackles a little more on the Book of Revelation and he says, "...the letter does not end with blood and violence. it ends with two chapters describing a new city, a new world that God makes, right here in the a midst of this one. It is a buoyant, hopeful vision.....this vision we're given here in the final words of the bible tells us all kinds of things about the big story, the one Jesus invites us in to...." (p.113) And in the new place - this life of Heaven, there is no room for destruction or decit. There's no place for evil to succeed. 

I imagine a person standing in this beautiful environment and their skin - their negativity, their evil and even their pain, their sorrow - peeling from their very being, their body and spirit. It is as if they are so compelled to strip from their Hell and enter the beauty of a heavenly life, an unconditional love - a extraordinary existence. Bell explains that for such beauty to exist, as God intended, He must say - no - to things that are not life-giving, and to those who continue to do them - "Not here you won't..." implying there is no room for their hellish thinking and living. But this does not negate the opportunity for restoration. And what it shows is that "love demands freedom. It always has, and it always will." (p.113) Such love compels - for one to leave the old and embrace the new. The stripping away is picture of death before life. Why would someone choose to live in Hell? Well, we all do - inadvertently- with or without thinking sometimes. But this doesn't mean the Gates of Heaven are shut. And it doesn't mean reconciliation to God is not eternally possible. 

Nevertheless, "The End" remains more mysterious than our Human mind can comprehend and I think it's fine to leave it just like that. Rob Bell may have critics, but theology is only a perspective so to harbor offense seems unnecessary. I do find his process and perspective agreeable - it's a conversation worth having. It's a conversation that's been hanging in the balance for thousands of years - and will continue. My recommendation is simple: have an open mind. 

In the meantime, I think it's accurate to say, we are all craving the beauty of something Greater than ourselves. And it's our purpose to bring Heaven to Earth - to be inspired and inspire others. The beauty of dreams and the beauty of sacrifices propel us forward into community living and an epic existence. These are a taste of Glory. Living now, today, thinking about how to spring out tomorrow and be just who we're meant to be. 

Shouldn't Love Always Win? Part 1

There is a lot of Material in the book I am about to review, and this is only a small approach to a wide topic for review. For now, I'll begin with this: 

"Those are questions, or more accurately, those are tensions we are free to leave fully intact. 

We don't need to resolve them or answer them because we can't, and so we simply respect them, creating space for the freedom that love requires." 

(Rob Bell, Love Wins)

It implies that there is a mystery in the account of heaven vs. hell. Rob Bell takes the topic by storm and addresses the questions so commonly asked by people who have never believed in a God and by those who have spent their entire life being frustrated by the box so many institutions -often- place God in. So what is the truth about heaven and hell and the fate of the entire human race?  I don't think Bell presumes to know the answer, rather after reading his material, I'm convinced that he is only presenting a new way of thinking that makes God truly powerful. "God gets what God wants."

And if God made man in his own image, if the Spirit of the Creator in everything that exists in the earth because of Love alone, why would He not offer every opportunity possible for each one to choose him? Even if it meant in infinite time and space? 

What I appreciate about Bell's analysis is that he presents both and heaven and hell as reality now, in the Earth. "The age to come" does not necessarily have to be a realm that is yet to arrive. Rather by establishing the reality of heaven and hell in the present, it prepares the human being for the future of this life and yes, then ultimately a Realm that will unite itself with the Earth.

In his address of heaven: he pulls in the story of the rich man who came to Jesus to ask him, "what must I do to have eternal life?" Bell states that the rich man wasn't necessarily concerned with whether or not he would get into heaven, in fact, having done all the "right" things and living the "good" life, he assumed he would. What that young man was concerned with was a deeper sense living in the "age to come" - the future of his existence before and after death. So to this, after Jesus recites the commandments (which the man had kept),  he drives it home - with a heart-issue. "Sell all you have..." and the man walked away. "He had great wealth...." Such was his greed. The point, Bell says, Jesus is making is that heaven is ultimately "entering life." What does it mean to really live? To have peace, love, joy? What does it mean to live in the state for which we were created? Could the goodness of LIFE be heaven on Earth? I can imagine so -- if in fact a God so big could create an Earth so beautiful, with laws of Physics and Biological intricacies that function at will. And honestly, I couldn't imagine the eternity to come existing without them.

Bell taps the lack of imagination we have when it concerns heaven. Floating in robes atop gold streets, through pearly gates and big 15th century stone castles. While it might be interesting - the world has grown, progressed, and discovered so much more since the days of King Richard the Great. Would it be so impossible --for what we experience on Earth to be a taste of Heaven? Could not heaven's existence mesh with the beauty of the Earth? I think so. 

Moreover - Bell continues by discussing the very idea that God set out to save the human race and that it is not FROM God for which people need saving, it is unto God one is saved. This indicates, in my mind - what we are being saved from ultimately - is ourselves. And if it is eternal - then it seems to me, it should exist in death and in life. 

But one might ask, what about justice? -is this not the fate of Hell? I am beginning to believe that we, as humans have derived our own form of justice (and in western culture, it includes court dates and prison cells and political bias) - If God is truly to be all powerful, is it not conceivable that His version of justice is beyond our comprehension and we have no idea what justice REALLY is? The Cross was meant to be a sacrifice - not just for the human race of 1st century, but for every century past and in an "age to come." 

I'll back up a moment and address Bell's analysis on Hell. First, it's important to note that he takes a more scholarly approach to the place Christianity has deemed a place for those who do not accept confess their sins in this life...

Bell discusses an the idea-- stating that in the Old Testament of the Bible, there is very little reference to a place called Hell and that there is more commentary on death itself - both in the physical and in the spiritual renewal of God's graces. In the second half of the Bible, Bell points out that Jesus reference's to hell were of a physical garbage dump that the Israelites of his day would have been familiar with. In essence, a common noun was used as metaphor to the consequences of poor choices. 

This is interesting. Why? Well - once again Bell makes a significant point about the importance of this life and how sometimes, we do a fine job of bringing Hell to Earth through our will, which we were given by God. We're not robotic. We're human and we are allowed to make up our mind, for better or worse, how we want our life to look. So this approach to the idea, once again, creates life in the here and now - rather than some furnace --where we'll feel our skin scorching for eternity. 

But what about the passages where Jesus may not refer directly to hell but to condemnation and punishment? It's a valid question. Bell takes a look more specifically at the audience Jesus was talking to - and ironically, it was never heathens that received his words, but rather  - the religious culture that believed they were on God's good side and had their ticket into heaven.  "This is not say that hell is not a pointed, urgent warning or that it isn't intimately connected with what we actually do believe, but simply to point out that Jesus talked about hell to people who considered themselves, "in." (p.82)-- He continues on to discuss references in the Bible where such punishment is the preparation for a great Redemption. It is ultimately about a death and consequences --before a transformation. "Failure," Bell notes, "isn't final, judgement has a point and consequences are for correction." 

As for references in the book of Revelation and traditional teachings about the end times, I was interested to find out -- through research -- more than one interpretation exists on the book, i.e., there are some theologians who actually believe the book was written specifically for it's time and the events already happened. Others believe that it was a book written to address timeless truths and still others who believe it is solely the end times. Nevertheless, the book is debated -- and we may have no true understanding. Which is it? Option D: All of the Above. 

So is there a place called hell? I believe so but I also admit my understanding of it is human, and therefore minuscule compared to where it actually may be or what  will really exist there. Could it really be His people that He made in His image? Or could it be the "fallen beings" - that do not yet exist in their eternal damnation? We really don't know. But it certainly gives the mystery of love and salvation more hope - don't you think?

Ultimately: Rob Bell's words make sense to me. His reference to scripture and study of the Hebrew text often fascinates me. There will be people who disagree with him, who will disagree with me. There will be some who would say these ideas are heresy and frankly haven't cracked open the book. And there will be those who read these words, already pre-set to disbelief and will still call Bell a heretic. Others will find they just can't wrap their mind around the concepts he offers. And that's ok. There will still be others that will find his words resonate in a deeply spiritual way, so much so, they find themselves approaching God in a way they never have before. To each of you -- I'm fine with that. So if the book stimulates any conversation, I can imagine it will be that of a God who came to save the Earth --- Such attention, in any form can only be applauded, correct?

So go ahead, read it, decide what you think. But don't jump on the bandwagon of critics before you do. Have an open mind. 

Nevertheless, I conclude with this. Each generation has its heretics. Ironically, Jesus himself was considered one in his own time. Often they are the revolutionary leaders that bring people into a new life of grace and understanding of an old idea. And frankly, I'd just rather be a heretic. 

eman al-obeidy: a woman in libya

this past weekend, a brave libyan woman stormed into a hotel where journalists were staying and began recounting her exerperience with gahdafi's regime. she had bruises on her body, and media personnel said you could see what looked to be rope burns on her wrists. the woman said- she was raped by 15 men - and while she was telling her story, a waitresses and government minders at the hotel tried to cover her head, shut her up and dragged her away.
 
a bbc reporter was punched in the face, trying to protect her. cnn reporter, nic roberston and his crew were on the scene and their cameras were taken and destroyed.
 
what we know about the woman is that she is 29 years old, engaged to be married and working at a travel agency. government officials tried to pass it off as if she were a prostitute or drunk and such accusations carry the weight of shame. her family is outraged. and no one seems to know exactly where she is.
 
my heart is outraged over this situation. it's true the story can't be directly verified -- but why would a muslim woman in a conservative country- dare to risk her life to tell a story if there wasn't something to it?
 
and it begs the question, how many women are being mangled and assulted -- and because their "society" or government shames or dismisses them -- never talk? it's not the religion's fault. it's culture of "authority" figures who corrupt it. and i pray deeply for her safety, the fate of her honor among peers and...that she will soon be returned to her family.
 
the outbreak of the people in libya is an important one. it builds on the revolution in egypt and tunsia. you see, people in these arab countries want freedom. they know they can have it. they should have it. and they are showing the world they can be muslim and be free. i believe whole-heartedly, they can be muslim and be free. they deserve to have a government they choose, leaders that will help them have a successful economy, and flourishing communities. 
 
democractic ideals do not belong to western-judeo-christian people. nor is the responsibility of western nations to force it upon any nation. such freedom belongs to anyone who finds it. i think egypt, tunisia, yemen, and libya...are showing us just that.

The Yes Team, Stills --

As I'm wrapping up pictures from The Yes Team photo-shoot and starting on their video, I thought I would share a few of my favorites: 

when in march: yes to l.a.

the month of february came and left and many of you probably are wondering where i went. well --certainly between the world exploding in the middle east (and wisconsin) and keeping up with the band: the yes team, it's been busy. but here we are and ready to step up the month of march.

a few words about the yes team:

this past weekend, i joined them in l.a --.in preparation for their show at molly malone's near beverly hills. i took a train from san diego to union station ...for the glorious price of 23 dollars. yes, that's right, i refused to drive in downtown los angeles, california.

my groupies picked me up in what they call - "purple reign," and truly it's royal, - a rather unsensible color of violet that just overpowers you. the trusty dodge van safely shauffered 5 dirty hippies (myself included) to a nearby hole-in-the-wall mexican joint for breakfast burriotos. talk about full.

after the tasty eats, we rushed off to a studio for a band rehearsal - and-it-was-solid. the yes team picked up jackson price on electric, ben "skinny" cummings on violin along with a drummer and bass player. the other musicians picked up the music quickly and they rolled through the music while i snapped pictures in a timely two hour rehearsal.

but it was a newer song --for the band, that had us all heavy hearted...emotional, creative and connected, so much so, that afterward we all needed a break and kinnie suggested, none other than beverly hills park.

so off we went - to find a patch of grass in the sun. the afternoon could be described as playful...and simply -rest. lazy acoustic songs rose melodiously from carefree friends - while a little yoga engulfed the souls of some and well then there was the shirtless kid with the hair...and we all had a hearty chuckle.

finally - dinner and show ~ we stopped in with angie, an old friend of tj moss and kinnie dye, who made cheese ravioli, salad and ...."crack" cheesy garlic bread. no, i'm not kidding. watch out kids: this stuff was explosive - you've never had cheesy garlic bread until you've had manufactured kraft dinner dried cheese on top. that's right, powdered cheese, fake, in all its glory and...yum: so much so, it was wrong. between that and trader's joes iced tea, we were geared up for the evening.

the yes team definitely brought in the biggest crowd of the night. friends, families and friends of friends all showed up to show their support. everyone had beer in hand and a few of their best screams handy for tunes. jonathan even got the crowd around their folger's commericial...live and in concert. the day was a success - for the yes team, for their music and for me.

sunday only proved to be an extention as we made our way home in the purple reign --of course, not before we swerved through an l.a. maze, only to settle on mc'ds coffee, sing a few tunes around a hippie fire pit in hunnington beach and or course - settle in with a little swell season.

reporting egypt on twitter

cnnbrk: Journalists reported arrested amid #Egypt protests.http://on.cnn.com/fouY7a 

some say the journalists in egypt - risking their lives - are frankly, out of their mind. there are some who think it is not wise for media to send their people to such a hostile places. but - it's beyond their job - it's what they live for and while fears may exist, it is a profession of  passion and honestly? nothing more. so to my fellow journalists doing what it takes to give the egyptian people - of all persuasions - a voice - i commend you.

as for those being rounded up, whether they're being arrested or mobbed (& missing) - i think that it is a despicable act - and if the government is involved - they should know that restricting press during such an intense situation never worked well for anyone. the press are the ones who set the stage for dialogue and so in my mind - it is one of the most grueling professions - but it is one of great value for the world.

one in particular, i have been following on twitter, is a woman by the name of sarah el sirgany. she spoke to cnn by phone a few days ago, and since i have watched her report by twitter - trying to get the word out about what's going on. clearly, she is anti murbarak protester - but the events she is witnessing and experiencing are up close and personal and with - some of her latest --

Ssirgany Shorta 3askaria? RT @raniadailynews: @ElFoulio what do you mean by military police? It's either the military or the police?

Ssirgany RT @beleidy: Just went through army checkpoint on galaa bridge, on my way to tahrir square #jan25 egypt

Ssirgany Last night two brave female friends took medical supplies to Tahrir & were harassed by pro-mubarak mob on the way. Now area is totally safe

Ssirgany All of our reporters and editors want to be in Tahrir today, but someone needs to put the stories together & post online.

Ssirgany All of our reporters and editors want to be in Tahrir today, but someone needs to put the stories together & post online.

Ssirgany We are all with you RT @Gsquare86: hmmm activists disappearing and journalists are being beaten up, keep an eye on me, i might be next

egypt: the people unite

"it's a sign of weakness......it's makes the people the stronger."

(mos, answering question from ivan watson, cnn about the military air warning)

i find it interesting --that the u.s. government keeps talking about encouraging the egyptian government to give the people what they want in terms of economic change and maintain democracy. 

secretary of state, clinton told fox news sunday: "we do not want to see a change or a regime that would actually continue to foment violence or chaos -- either because it didn't exist or because it had a different view in which to pose on the egyptian people." (link) and "this is a very serious time for egypt and we are going to do all we can to support an orderly transition to support a situation in which the aspirations of the egyptians are addressed,"

when candy crowley of cnn asked clinton, "we are seeing signs that say 'u.s., stop back mubarak, what side is the us on- mubarak or the people in the streets?" clinton answered, "well there's another choice- it's the egyptian people, we are on the side - as we have been for more than 30 years, a democratic egypt that provides both political and economic rights that respects its people... "

she went on to talk about supporting "concrete steps" for reform in egypt - but failed to  lay out what those might look like in the eyes of the u.s. government - after all, they've done so much to support various rights groups in egypt. then of course there's the "complexities" because the u.s. has been a partner an ally and that reform should start with mubarak have dialogue with the people.

there is also a lot of talk about what the people want and the government analyzing economic change and preventing extremists from taking over- even from the republican side (boehner- fox news sunday) and of course:  "we want to see an orderly transition so that no one fills a void, that there not be a void, that there be a well thought-out plan that will bring about a democratic, participatory government" (clinton link). 

what no journalist has bothered to ask is this: "the people are chanting for mubarak to step down. while their protests do want economic change etc- what they really want is for the old guy out and for a new guy to take over - they no longer feel mubarak is the best leader - and it's coming from thousands of egyptians: if you support the people: do you support their cries for a new leader?"

but no: mainstream media won't ask this question**. and the american government, like any other government that wants its fingerprints around the world ~will back away from truly supporting a people's revolution. power breeds an attitude among governments that says, "i'll scratch your back if you scratch mine." the point being - they will support a questionable government if it wins them an ally, economic advancements or affluence in a region - the middle east in particular. this is observation alone.

nevertheless: what i find more powerful, most unique and amazing - are how many american citizens (and others around the world: syria, london, and more) are reaching out to the egyptian citizens by holding protests of their own. it shows that people - respect people. it takes away governmental power, in its own way. it unites and joins citizens together. revolution isn't always a bad thing: a government by the people should work for the people - and if the people don't see it or feel it - they have a right to take it. 

on the note of terrorists taking over: i think it's too early to even assume that. and it's very important to understand: these are not religious extremists protesting. it's not the religion of islam protesting. nor is it islam running the country - it is one man who wants power - and it a people who are rejecting his power.  what's more is that eygpt's military has always been respected by its government and people - but the government has also been run by military men and this time the people are unsatisfied (discussion juan cole: link) and even pushing for a man formerly head of the international atomic energy agency (cnn-link).

certainly this is my speculation from reading, watching and listening to the events take place a half a world away. but i can say with confidence that if a country of people are demanding change and freedom - they should go after it, take it and cry for it.

--------------------------

**update since post~ stand corrected: it seems tony blair has just been asked this questions (01/31/11 - LINK CNNi) but as any other politician, he will not directly answer.

Egypt In Pictures

Thoughts to come...

the photo spread...

a few days ago, i told you about pilates plus pacific beach  - and the two inspiring women who run the studio. you can read more about them -here (link). below are just a few of the best photos from the shoot. for more - check out the fitness & dance gallery on my website: http://untamedfocus.com ~

Project Homeless: The Voice

Radio is defined - theatre of mind"

(T.Williams' Inspiration)

A word about Ted Williams:

I have been greatly moved by Williams' story. Watching his interview on the Today Show certainly had me choked up. The humility of this man - knowing his mistakes and the gratefulness for what he's been given -a second chance -- it is truly is incredible. Ted Williams worked in radio much of his adult life - and described himself as something of a "functional alcoholic." but then, he started doing drugs - and as the substance abuse became worse, so did his life's circumstances. He ended up -- on the streets. He had run-ins with the law for theft and generally, like most homeless: had to learn to survive. 

What he recognized was the fact that he had been given a talent: his golden voice. it was resounding and steady and it occurred to him that, just maybe, he could use it to earn money on the streets. Thankfully - for you and for me, the audience - a reporter in Columbus took a chance on him and found out just how talented he was, that his sign asking for money was no joke at all. 

Now Williams is being offered jobs, he is being asked to do radio commercials and someone even offered to buy him a home. He is holding onto this gift, working through the overwhelming attention with his faith, and hoping for continued great things in his life. What stunned me, however, is that throughout his interview with the Today Show, he consistently kept responding to Meredith Vieira with, "yes ma'am" - a form or respect and honor from where he was sitting. 

I hope his mother was listening and watching. I hope she comes forward to embrace him. I truly think that Mr. Williams has something to teach all of us. Everyone has a gift: and everyone has a voice, who we are not to listen? In William's case - a commanding one. 

"If you really work hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen" 

(C.O'Brien) 

I think Mr. Williams exemplifies what that quote is all about and each moment that we see him, he is showing a vigilance, gratefulness and a kind manner - that wins you over and inspires you. Whether he's advertising for Mac & Cheese, announcing the Caviler's players, or speaking from the heart: this man has a story that is worth telling, and one that is worth hearing. 

Mr. Williams, sir, I pray God's continued blessing - and thank you for sharing that amazing voice.