Scott Freeman

For the first entry on John McCain and the subsequent discussion click here.

Since last week’s entry the pool of candidates has actually decreased by one. Tom Vilsak, we hardly knew ye.
But, moving over to the other side of the aisle, let’s look at another front-runner who has experience with a presidential campaign, John Edwards.

Edwards intrigued me in 2004 even while I was still dogmatically Republican. Slick, polished and personable he reminded me of another candidate in the non-too distant past. Of course, as the VP candidate to John Kerry’s presidential bid, he came up short. But he emerged from 2004 as a viable candidate in ’08.

Pros: Has one of the best stump speeches in recent memory, Clinton-esque in demeanor and oratorical skills, willingness to admit he was wrong on the Iraq war, a legitimate plan for universal health care as opposed to just advocating one, tremendous utilization of the web including being the only candidate with a Second Life presence, has made fights against poverty and global warming major components of his campaign platform, and his college for everyone program.

Cons: Last name is not Obama or Clinton, history as a trial lawyer, reversal on previous positions regarding the war, the recent blog fiasco, equivocation on some issues.

Analysis: Edwards is a name to be reckoned with for the Democratic nomination in ’08. He currently trails the afore-mentioned Obama and Clinton, but could emerge unscathed as those two continue to take shots at each other. He has taken the tactics that made Howard Dean an internet phenomenon in 2004 to the next level with presences on all the Web 2.0 platforms. His wealth and profiting off of huge court cases gives a little pause but I am impressed with his gravitation to a more populist platform. He is my front-runner at the moment.

OK, let me have it.

Don’t have time today to take on contemporary church songs. Here is something on a lark:

10. Atlantis
9. Jimmy Hoffa’s Body
8. Who is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me?
7. Who Else Is On “The List”
6. Britney Spears’ dignity
5. The Second Gunman
4. Natalee Holloway
3. D.B. Cooper
2. Any Way to Resurrect His Career
1. Those pesky “Weapons of Mass Destruction.”

What else should he be on the look-out for?

It’s July 18, 64 AD and a fire breaks out in the Circus Maximus. Over the course of the next five days much of the city of Rome is devastated by the fire that rages (if the history, specious at best, holds out).

For many, the suspicion goes to their megalomaniacal emperor, Nero. His desire to seal his legacy is tied to his expansionist dreams for the Great City. Nero was obsessed with his popularity and the thought of being accused of such a crime was too much to bear.

Understandably, the Romans were devastated by the conflagration. Homes were consumed, lives snuffed out and livelihoods were compromised. Not only that but much of their religious life went up in flames.
Shrines, idols, temples were destroyed. There was only one group that did not suffer the loss of their religious identity–Christians. And because they were seen as being hostile to the empire and due to their close ties to the hated Jews Nero used them as a convenient scapegoat.
Persecution began as a result of Nero’s deflecting the suspicion onto this nascent sect.

In the midst of this period of Christian persecution (that saw the executions of both Peter and Paul) Peter wrote a letter of encouragement to those Gentile Christians who were living in fear of the sword. That message, 1 Peter, is a lesson in non-violent living.
Here we see the early church working out its practice of turning the other cheek, living in community and comporting themselves in such a way that even their enemies could see that they are different.

Peter’s Message: Live as Christ lived.

2:13–Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor (!) as supreme,
2:15–For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people
2:16–Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

And the money passage (1 Peter 2:19–25):
this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

For Peter it was imperative that these early believers did not live the way of the sword but by the way of the cross. The live and example of Jesus was normative for the believer in the early church. His example was that of non-violence, turning the other cheek, loving your enemy. Even a despotic tyrant such as Nero.

1 Peter is a manifesto for non-violent living. For the first pronounced persecution of Christians in world history was met without arms or retaliation. It was met with the very person of Christ.

I’m an Academy Award wonk and have a pretty good track record of picking the winners each year. However, this year is the most wide-open field since 1995. There are scenarios where all five best picture nominees could walk away with the top prize.
If you are interested in an unpredictable night at the Oscars, this is the one. I’ll try to take my best stab at the top categories but I’m not expecting to be overly successful.

Best Picture

Will Win–Again, I think a case can be made for all of these movies. The best I can do is a process of elimination as none of these truly stand out above the others. The Queen has a shot because of its across the board excellence and its multiple nominations. Little Miss Sunshine has great love from the acting block but it’s lack of a directing nom could be a detriment. Letters From Iwo Jima is making a late surge and it has the Eastwood cachet. Babel is an outstanding film that delivered some of the most intense scenes of the year. But ultimately I think there will finally be a much belated breakthrough for Scorcese and The Departed will be swept along with that tide.
Should Win–Babel is the one movie that has stuck with me after seeing it. The message of fractured communication in the midst of heartache and struggle is compelling.

Best Actor
Will Win–Although there seems to be a lot of sentiment for Peter O’Toole I have to give the nod to Forrest Whitaker for his stirring depiction of Idi Amin. Besides O’Toole just received an honorary award.
Should Win–It’s hard to go against those two luminaries for their performances but no actor sucked me in with a performance this year better than Leonardo DiCaprio. And he did it twice.

Best Actress
Will Win–Although Oscar is famed for its backlash, and Helen Mirren has led from the outset scooping up every award along the way, nothing stands in her way this year.
Should Win–Mirren

Best Supporting Actor
Will Win–It’s a horse race between Arkin and Murphy but I think old school gives Alan Arkin the trophy.
Should Win–It’s Eddie Murphy with a career defining role that should win the prize. A lot of talk has been about how Norbit may hurt his chances. But he shouldn’t be penalized for being Eddie Murphy. He should be awarded for how staggering this departure was.

Best Supporting Actress
Will Win–Jennifer Hudson for dominating every scene she was in in Dreamgirls.
Should Win–Hudson.

Director
Will Win-It’s finally Marty‘s year. But Eastwood is looking over his shoulder and could be the spoiler yet again.
Should Win–Martin Scorcese. If there is anyone due, it’s him.

Other Thoughts:
Children of Men should snatch up cinematography. It is the most beautifully shot movie of the year.
Babel will, inexplicably, win editing. It’s a great film but, come on, they couldn’t have trimmed 10 minutes off of it.
I’d love to see Borat win screenplay, but it won’t happen

Much has been said and discussed lately about the identity crisis that is taking place within my little section of Christianity, Churches of Christ.

In the light of the issues within our churches and my own shifting orthopraxy I often wonder how big the table of our fellowship might be. As I study, prepare sermons and classes, and write this blog I wonder how broad and diverse our opinions, views and interpretations can be. And I often wrestle if whether or not I can truly say what is on my mind and heart without repercussions. And whether or not my views and interpretations will continue to remain compatible as we move into the future.
But broader than just me is how we will be able to continue to forge unity in the midst of so many perspectives and positions:

–Is there room at the table for the pacifist who believes that all war is sinful with the military veteran who has served his country proudly?
–Is there room at the table for the one who believes that global warming is junk science with the environmentalist who believes that care of the earth is true Christian stewardship?
–Is there room at the table for the one who believes that hell is real but temporary with the one who holds a more punitive view of God’s judgment?
–Is there room at the table for the pro-life to sit with the pro-choice?
–Is there room at the table for the one who supports civil unions with the one who tolerance is akin to endorsement?
–Is there room at the table for the one who has a more “liberal” interpretation of scripture in regards to creation and evolution with the one who holds unswervingly to intelligent design?
–Is there room at the table for the trinitarian with the non-trinitarian?

These are just some of the questions that go through my mind as I consider the future of our churches. These questions seem a lot more intense, personal and potentially volatile than whether or not we use a harmonica.

What other table questions do you see emerging?

Yeah, I know it’s still a long way until the ’08 elections. But this one is intriguing to me on several levels:

1. It’s the first presidential election since 1988 that I’m not a card-carrying member of the GOP.
2. It’s the most wide-open field in my lifetime with no one seeking re-election of attempting to move from VP to POTUS.
3. The diverse make-up.

Over the next few weeks I want to take a moment to look at each of the aspirants, both contenders and pretenders. I will alternate between both sides of the aisle so I won’t be accused of stacking the deck. Each thumbnail will be my own individual impressions. I will try to be as fair as possible but of course my subjectivity will be apparent. But I’m sure you will set me straight in the comments.
Side Note: As always, I want this to be a civil forum. I know that political discussions are given to ad hominem attacks and pejoratives. Let’s avoid that here.

What better place to start than John Sidney McCain?

For the longest time I have been a McCain fan. His positioning himself as a maverick and unwilling to play politics was a breath of fresh air within the beltway. I even thought that my vote for him in ’08 would be a rubber-stamp if he decided to run again. After he was so cruelly sabotaged in 2000 by the Bush campaign I hoped for a comeback.

Pros: Knows the horrors of war first-hand, his work on campaign finance, awareness of global warming including his work with Joseph Lieberman to raise awareness, a benevolent approach to immigration reform, and his commitment to end torture as an interrogation device, cash cow, a candidate that has cross-party appeal.

Cons: Age (he would be older than Reagan was when first elected), an increased penchant for capitulation to the current administration on the Iraq war, recent reversals of positions that seem to be tied to the nomination

Analysis: The McCain of 2000 is a candidate that would make me reconsider voting GOP. But, that is not the candidate of 2008. It seems, from my perspective, that McCain has realized that he may be electable but he can’t get the nomination unless he caters to the far-right.
It seems that he has made the decision that he will remain unswervingly devoted to the war in Iraq and that will be the hill he dies on. As a result, I question his strategy to remain so committed to the Bush doctrine. It’s a long way away and a lot can happen that will prove him to be more shrewd than I think he is. But it seems like a fool-hardy move in the light of the current climate.
Moreover, he seems to be painting himself as more conservative this time around. Recent comments reversing previous positions on Roe V. Wade, reconciliation with Falwell, and ruminating about Bob Riley as a potential running mate indicate a swing to the far-right. My question is whether or not this is out of growing conviction or the realization that a moderate cannot win the nomination in the GOP. Based upon his experience in 2000, my cynical nature opts toward the latter.

In the interest of equal time and to belie the perception that I can be too critical I thought I would share my favorite hymns to sing.
For the purpose of this list I will not mention contemporary hymns but ones that have been established for some time. It’s harder for me to pinpoint exactly why I like these songs so much, but I do.

10. Farther Along–Come on, if this song is sung right you just can’t help but tap your feet along with it. “Never molested, though in the wrong” is one of my favorite lines. It’s just fun to sing.

9. Just A Closer Walk With Thee–This song would not have made my list in years past until I heard my friend Michael McDermott perform it in concert. In recent years he has walked off stage during this song leaving the crowd to sing the chorus, a la U2 and “40.” But this is a song that captures the broken spirit pleading for greater intimacy with the Lord.

8. On Zion’s Glorious Summit–Beautiful apocalyptic imagery and a stirring sanctus always allow me to feel the timeless nature of community and church. It’s not just the corporeal with which I worship but the church eternal.

7. How Firm A Foundation–”That soul tho all hell should endeavor forsake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.” That line alone captures the relentless grace of the Hound of Heaven that we often dismiss. He is with us. We shall not be afraid.

6. Lord, We Come Before Thee Now–If I had my way this would be our opening song each week. Two elements stand out for me: my own inability to lead myself in verse 3 and the mission of the Kingdom to proclaim the year of Jubilee in verse 4.

5. My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less–I cannot place my hope, trust, faith or allegiance in any other. He is the constant.

4. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing–With the real lyrics not the sanitized version some hymn books still have. Give me the melodious sonnet, the flaming tongues as I raise my Ebenezer. Again, we see the relentless pursuit of Christ seeking us out. He is the only source.

3. Is It For Me?–Such love, such grace, such tender and compassionate mercy. What song capture the incredulity of salvation such as this?

2. Be Thou My Vision–It is a felony that this hymn is not in our books. I love the Irish feel of this timeless hymn.

1. My Jesus, I Love Thee–This song just says it all for me. My gracious Redeemer. My Savior. If ever I loved thee…may it be now. There is no other hymn that captures my need, my heart and my desire to know more of Him. Not just because He is God. But because He is God.

What about you?

I’m working at home today because my middle daughter has been sick. When I work at home while keeping the girls they watch TV.

Way too much TV. Our girls are in the habit of saying “I want to get that” whenever a commercial comes on for some toy that catches their eye.

Far too often, said toy is from the Bratz line of dolls that are far too popular. They know, of course, that the answer will be no.

That other kids may get those dolls but we will not get them for our girls. Because the message of these dolls is a message that is far too prevalent in our society: that it is ok to be petulant, spoiled, immodest and bratty.

We are in a culture that often appeals to the lowest common denominator. And, as a result, people are commodified and marketed. Prurient interests become a market category.

And square in the crosshairs of those who would profit from such titillating merchandising are my children. A 3 year old. A 5 year old.

It’s part of the larger cultural message that says that you can be anything you want to be, do anything you want to do. And don’t let anyone stand in your way.
If you want it, it’s yours.
If you name it, you can claim it.
Be your own Higher Power. With a little positive mental attitude, elbow grease and karma you can carve out your own destiny.
The end is your happiness. So dress the way YOU want, behave the way YOU want, market yourself so you can get what YOU deserve.
And if you have to tart yourself up a little bit, so be it.

You may be thinking “Scott, it’s just a toy. Lighten up.” Well, yes and no. I understand that playing with a Bratz doll will not make my daughters more predisposed to dressing like a tramp than me watching Studio 60 makes me want to write bad television.

But look at the two leading female headline-grabbers today: Anna Nicole and Britney. Two cautionary tales that highlight the fact that any kind of prosperity theology, or Oprah “Secret” or “power of positive thinking” claptrap is antithetical to a true “best life now.”
That how you market yourself is often predictive of how you will behave.
If you market yourself as petulant and spoiled then your behavior will become such.
If your end-game of happiness is wealth and feeling good then pleasure at all costs becomes a god.

And that is not the message I want my girls to get. Because Osteen, Oprah, the Bratz manufacturers, Britney, et al are missing a very important message: that the road to true peace and prosperity is not through being self-focused. It is not about getting what you want.
It is not about money, fame, prestige or scoring the lustful gazes of others.

It is about sacrifice, humility, meekness.
It’s about following in the example of Christ.
Wanna know “The Secret?” It’s Jesus.
Wanna know how to be prosperous? Set your hopes on things above.
Wanna truly make a difference? Live a life worthy of the calling.
Wanna make people look upon you with true admiration? Get ugly and dirty yourselves with the lives of people.

Now, if they come out with servyntz dolls. I’m all over that.

Seriously, this sight is tre cool. If you haven’t gone to finetune, then by all means go and make some playlists and share them with me.
This is great 80s music. Listen and enjoy

Here is the list:
Asia–Don’t Cry
Bon Jovi–She Don’t Know Me
Bruce Springsteen–No Surrender
Corey Hart–Never Surrender
Cutting Crew–One For The Mockingbird
Dennis DeYoung–Call Me
Depeche Mode–Enjoy The Silence
Dio–Rainbow in the Dark
Dire Straits–Romeo and Juliet
Don Henley–The Heart of the Matter
Foreigner–Feels Like The First Time
Genesis–That’s All
Heart–How Can I Refuse
Howard Jones–Life in One Day
Huey Lewis and the News–Some of My Lies Are True (Sooner or Later)
INXS–Never Tear Us Apart
Iron Maiden–Two Minutes To Midnight
Jackson Browne–Tender in the Night
John Mellencamp–Small Town
John Parr–St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion)
Journey–Don’t Stop Believin’
Metallica–Fade to Black
Mr. Mister–The Border
Naked Eyes–Always Something There to Remind Me
Night Ranger–When You Close Your Eyes
Ozzy Osbourne–Bark at the Moon
Pat Benatar–Shadows of the Night
Phil Collins–You Can’t Hurry Love
Queensryche–Empire
REO Speedwagon–Don’t Let Him Go
Rush–The Spirit of Radio
Scorpions–No One Like You
Survivor–I See You In Everyone
Tears For Fears–Sowing the Seeds of Love
Tesla–Love Song
The Clash–Train in Vain
The Cure–Friday I’m In Love
The Moody Blues–Your Wildest Dreams
The Police–Message in a Bottle
The Pretenders–Hymn to Her
The Rolling Stones–Hang Fire
Tony Carey–Fine Fine Day
Toto–Africa
U2–With or Without You
Van Halen–Why Can’t This Be Love
Wham!–The Edge of Heaven

I can’t get this tune out of my head. I first heard it a few months back on the best show on TV that nobody’s watching, What About Brian. Seriously quit watching Studio 60, if you haven’t already, and switch to ABC.

Anyway, this song is titled “All Will Be Well” by the Gabe Dixon Band. Lightning 100 in Nashville listeners named it their song of 2006. (Nashville readers he will be on Fox Nashville’s “Tennessee Mornings” on Tuesday)

Alas, there is not an official video for this song. But some folks did put together a video montage of Pittsburgh to the song’s accompaniment. Tell me what you think of the song and let me know what song is stuck in your head at the moment.

You can also listen to the song on my finetune playlist