Marriage Announcement

Well friends, the time has come... thetwocentcrockpot has grown up and gotten married.

"Who did the crockpot marry?" you may be asking...

Well, thetwocentcrocpot found a lovely little female blog to marry called Racooney Where Are You. The two of them are now happily residing at The Daily Burns (www.thedailyburns.com). So, come check out the couple at the new happy home.

"So, what will become of the crockpot?" you ask...

Well, he is a happily married blog, so I doubt you'll see him around these parts anymore. However, he really wants to continue to hang out with you... so, go visit him at The Daily Burns.

Thanks for a great 2 years. Mad thanks to those who even have us bookmarked. We'll see you on the new blog...

VT...

Five days have passed since the shooting at Virginia Tech. It has been a long a draining five days. I can only assume that it has been much longer and much more draining for those closer to the situation.

At times like this I wish I had something profound to write... but words still fail me. I find that all I have done and all I can do is simply turn my heart toward Jesus and ask him to be King.

For those who might be interested, several of my fellow campus ministers went to Blacksburg on Tuesday. They simply went with the desire to be there for the students in whatever way they could. This link will take you to a record of their thoughts and observations.

Finally, I just read VT's policy for students regarding the remainder of the semester. I must say that the administration of VT should be praised for their tireless efforts in dealing with a situation that falls into the category of "worst case unimaginable." Even in reading something as mundane as a "policy" you can sense the genuine concern of the administration for their students.

no email friday...

Here is a fun new video about one company that banned email once a week... the result... people actually had to talk to one another. I laughed out loud a couple times. Like when the guy realized the person he emailed with, whom he thought was across the country, was actually across the hall... HA!

What a crazy world in which we live... said the man on his blog...

campus ministry...

It was a strange thing today when I discovered something that I knew would eventually happen, has in fact, happened.

Harvard has a full time, endowed, humanist campus minister. He serves along side many religious ministers in Harvard's Chaplaincy.

There are so many things that I don't understand about this, and yet, I am in no way surprised. Like I said, I figured this sort of thing would eventually happen, but it seems strange when it does. I mean, surely the next step is the atheist campus minister... Now, that would make for an interesting chaplaincy meeting.

Sheesh...

in the news...

I read a really good (and quite well written) article on the urban development of Richmond and the impact it is having on low (and even middle-class) residents in the city. It has some really interesting history lessons and good insight and perspectives on what is going on.

There was also a great sidebar story that shows another interesting perspective on all the re-development going on.

two cent earl...

Ok, I watch My Name is Earl. In fact, I watch it every week.

The first time I saw a commercial for the show I thought, "man, who would watch this crap?" Then, one fateful thursday night when there was nothing on the other 10 channels we get, I stopped on the show. After the first night, I was hooked.

As I have watched the show I always walk away saying, "what is it that I like so much about this show?" I mean, the whole premise of the show is that Earl is working to "right" all his "wrongs" under the supposition that if he does good where he did bad then he will be rewarded with a better life. This is all motivated by his belief in karma, which Earl seems to ascribe deity.

Now, my problem is that this is clearly unbiblical. The problem lies in the fact that, at its root, the list is self serving. Earl's motivation is that he wants a better life... He goes down his list, righting his wrongs, mostly because he doesn't want bad things happening to him anymore.

This is the problem of having a life that has not dealt with the Cross of Jesus Christ. At its deepest level, the center of your actions are focused on yourself. This is true in both the religious and non-religious world. In religion, self is at the center. You do work to please a God so that you can receive a reward (paradise, enlightenment, nirvana, etc).

This stands in stark contrast to Christianity. In Christianity, God is at the center of all. Contrary to the misconception, the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ is not for you to enjoy a life of eternal bliss. The sacrificial death of Jesus is for the redemption of people who can never redeem themselves so that God's grace in Jesus might be glorified (Ephesians 2:7). John Piper is one of the best contemporary scholars on this concept. Piper points out that God's glory and our joy are closely related... such that, our greates joy is when God gets the glory he has ordained that he receive.

When one has received the gift of salvation is Jesus Christ, he or she then is transformed (not by their actions like Earl) but they are transformed as a free gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). When this occurs, something very amazing happens. Men and women are motivated to show this transformation through outward works. The difference between these works and Earls works is what is at the center. For those redeemed by God in Jesus, the center of their actions is not themselves, but God. Their good works (righting wrongs) is not to earn favor with God (for he has already given them his favor freely, apart from any work) but instead, they are full of joy and their good works are showing the reality of the change in their life.

A great example of this is found in Luke 19. We see a tax collector named Zacchaeus. After encountering Jesus, his life is transformed. The result is his making restitution to those he had stolen from. The restitution was not to gain Jesus' favor, for Jesus had already show him favor by choosing him. The restitution was out of a heart transformed by an encounter with Jesus.

See, Earl's problem is that the very thing that motivated him lie, cheat, steal, etc is the same thing that motivates him to do good things. In the end, he is looking out for himself.

But, I guess I watch it because I have hope for earl. See, Earl's greatest strength is that he is humble. well, sort of... I guess humility is marked most clearly by looking out for other and not yourself (Philippians 2:3-11)... but compared to say, the nerds at the OC or the Apprentice, it is refreshing to have a TV character that isn't annoyingly prideful. While his theology is off, Earl might just get it someday... Maybe some day he'll add to his list, "exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man" (Romans 1:18-32).

thank-you NPR...

So, on my way home from work I listened to a piece on NPR about a new movie coming out called "Snakes on a Plane"... seriously... To top it off, it stars Samuel Jackson. I am thinking of Passenger 57 meets Anaconda. I can't think of a lamer movie... However, it has already managed to get a cult following on the internet that actually led the producers to re-shoot the movie adding stronger language and nudity, bumping the rating from PG-13 to R. Let me get th is straight, you are on a plane full of snakes and suddenly you want to get naked... Hmmm, makes sense.

Seriously... in the words of the teacher from Billy Madison, "...we are all now dumber. I award you no points and my God have mercy on your soul."

twocent education...

Ok, I had a request that I actually follow through with my post about the education system that was brought on by 2 NPR stories I heard... While I heard the stories a while ago, I remember that one in particular delt specifically with the evolution vs intelligent design debate. After listening to the story I was annoyed in general because the issue, I think, is more about how we teach children. See, you can teach evolution all you want or you can teach ID all you want, but what I really want is to see a student who actually knows how to think about what is being presented and be able to wrestle with it and come to a conclusion on their own... I mean, lets be real, evolution is a theory. If that is true, then you must not only teach the student about the theory, but also how to analyze it and come to personal conclusions based on evidence given.

I think the problem is that we don't teach children to think... we teach them to regurgitate. This pissed me off (best way to describe it) when I was in college... There was nothing I hated more that a COLLEGE student asking, "will this be on the test?" Who cares! You are at the university to THINK for goodness sake... god forbid you actually wrestle with an idea or concept just for the sake of learning something... Instead, we have classrooms full of people who are only seeing a piece of paper and are willing to accept anything a professor says, so long as it will be on the test. OH how I long for the day when students will fill their test with the "wrong" answers because they really believe they are right... not only that, but they can articulate why it is right and are willing to humbly fight for their conviction.

I could rant more, but here is the deal... if you are a college student stop being lazy and start to think, ask, learn, wrestle...

Less than 1% of the world population has a college degree... that puts you in a very elite group... DO NOT WASTE IT!

twocent politics...

OK, first things first, I am not a political know-it-all. Also, I just finished listening to 4 hours of lectures on ecclesiology and it is almost midnight... So, take my two cents as just that...

Anyway, I read an article in Time the other day that got me thinking. The article was about the freshman senator, Barack Obama, and his rise to fame amongst the political landscape. While his political career is still quite young, many are pegging him to be the first black president. He has already said that he does not intend to run in 08, but many speculate that anything after that is open game.

The thing that struck me about the article was the sense of "game" that was about Obama and politicians in general. Everything they do (I know not everything) is a calculated move to position one's self for a better, more powerful position. My problem with that is I want "public servants" to have me, their constituent, as their motive... See, it seems to me that the government is designed to serve the people... Police and armed forces are formed to provide the citizens protection, education systems are designed to help educate and empower the people, courts are established to help govern the people... all these are, to a degree, the byproducts of the government. So, my problem becomes that when issues are brought before congress or the senate and my representative, or any representative, factors into his decision how his vote will impact his next election, or even an election in 10 years... not only that but how his or her vote will rest with his party members... that bothers me.

Actually, I don't mind too much that those thoughts figure into the equation, just how much is the real issue. I believe that our representatives should always be asking themselves, "regardless of what this means for me, what does this mean for the people I sit here representing." If that is not the lions share of the equation then I am greatly saddened and disappointed.

So, the question remains, can a person can make a career out of politics and keep the focus on the people. I wonder how many politicians are in anguish about the votes they make because they have waded through the out-working of how their vote effects people like me and you. I would say, saddly, they may be in anguish, but more likely it because of how their votes will effect themselves and not you.

1 Peter 5:2-3 says, "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock." oh that God would raise up politicians that fit that bill...

To the bloggers of the world...

For all you bloggers, facebookers, and myspace-ers... I read a good article this morning in the Times Dispatch by Mark Holmberg that you should check out:

Click here to read the article.

two cent movie review

3.5 Crockpots on a 4 crockpot scale.

I took Jenn to see this flick on our last date night. After grabbing some burgers at Red Robin (bacon, egg, cheese, onion straws, bbq sauce, and tobasco burger!!!) we headed to the movie. The crowd was thin, which is always nice and we got good seats in front of the rail even though the previews had already started. Thinking this was just another under-dog movie (ie. Miracle, or that one about the high school baseball coach who had a 98 mph fastball) I was thoroughly pleased with the depth of the movie.

Chronicling the trials of 7 black men playing division I basketball in the mid 60's, this film was an excellent balance of nail biting basketball games and the harsh reality of the challenges that this team encountered on their trip to becoming the 1966 Nation Champs.

I haven's seen many movies in the past couple years worth recommending, however Glory Road is a definite exception. As a bonus, stick around during the credits and you will actually get to hear what some of the real life players on the '66 team have to say about their experience.

The Governor Drinks Decaf... hmmmm...

So, I don't know what this says about his leadership skills, but I have first hand knowledge that the governor of the great commonwealth of VA drinks his coffee decaf. How do I know this you ask? Well, about a week ago I decided to redeem a Dunkin Doughnut gift certificate I received for Christmas. Before entering the building I noticed four 'suits' get out of a white suburban and enter before me. As I walked in I had that,"hmmmm this seems odd" feeling. One of the guys certainly had the 'scoping the room for snipers' look about him. Then, at the counter I hear "decaf coffee and whatever these guys want, I'm payin." As he turns I look at him and have that "I think I know who you are but I'm not going to say anything just in case I am wrong" feeling. On my way out I see several people walk up and shake his hand... at that moment I realize, yup, that's governor Kaine.

So, as I revisit the moment, here are my thoughts on the whole encounter. 1) He picked up the tab for his fella's... that's pretty cool (unless he's just going to take the receipt back to the accounting department and make it a business expense)... 2) he ordered decaf. I don't know about that... I mean, my grandmother drinks decaf... take it like a man! strait up regular, no cream, no sugar! 3) he was riding in a white suburban (tinted windows and all)... how cliche. 4) I had a glazed sour cream doughnut that morning... it was good. 5) I really wish I had something worth saying to him... unfortunatly, I did not, and my chance to change the world or be mentioned in his Democrat Response speech passed by... I can hear it now... "and while I was in Dunkin Doughnuts the other day a wise young man said..." Oh well...

Friends... drink it black (but not in a brugo... see post below)

Apocalypse now

Ok, today’s sign that the end is near:

I was talking to a student (whose name shall remain anonymous) this afternoon. The student was informing me that her professor openly declares to her class that she is a relativist. Now, in life, you ocassionaly run into someone who might who claims to be a relativist, but when really pushed, they’ll collapse under the pressure. However this professor has somehow managed to hold tight to her relativism. This student actually said that the professor announced to the class that “there are no wrong answers in her class.” WELL OF COURSE THERE AREN’T! There CANT be! If everything is relative, then when she said I have to write a paper on subject xyz, I can turn in a slice of American cheese and she’ll have to give me an A… however, what does that A ‘mean’? I could answer all her questions with the number 5 and they’d have to be right… but what is 'right'

Now, here in lies the thing that makes me want to vomit up my granola bar… This lady is a university professor who is supposed to be helping to equip the future leaders of our nation. What a screwed up world we would have if this professor’s life outlook and philosophy were to become the norm of society. It just doesn't work...

In the words of the principal from Billy Madison, “Mr. Madison (mr/ms Professor), what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.”

Grey Hair and a Postmodern Simpsons

I've been sitting on this post for a while now. The main reason is that this week is crazy as I am trying to cram two months of seminary classwork into 1 week... while I'll probably blog about that later, let us focus our attention on two very important recent events.

The first event is the discovery of a grey hair on the right side of my head, about one inch above my ear. While jennifer has informed on several occasions that she has found grey hairs on the back of my head, this was the first one that I found for myself. I guess I kind of had the "out-of-sight, out-of-mind" mentality. It jsut seemed so sureal to look in the mirror and see this silver hair glistening amongst all his dark brothers (is hair male or female???). While I am not opposed to grey hair in general, I jsut feel like 27 is a bit young for it to begin to creep in... oh well, I guess time will tell how serious the situation is.

The second event was the uber-postmodern Simpsons episode last sunday. Normally I miss out on new Simpson episodes because of church, but this week I was able to catch it. The main gist was that Bart told a lie that got Milhouse's dad arrested and Chief Wiggim promoted. Lisa and Principal Skinner began to try and search out the truth and ultimatly discovered the lie. ONe of the characters (can't remeber which) basically said, "well everyone is happier because of the lie, so why expose it?" then the show ended. Jennifer and i both looked at each other and said, "did it just end like that?" There was no resolution or and "to be continued"... it just ended. I'm sure that there was a lot more to make mention of, but I'd have to watch it again... maybe I'll catch the re-run some day... it'd certainly be worth watching again.

The Simpsons Strike Again

So, the truth must be known... I love the Simpsons (and King of the Hill). I find that both these shows present some of the best social commentaries available anywhere. That being said, last nights Super Bowl Simpsons episode was amazing!!! Below is a synopsis of the show (thanks to simpsoncrazy.com) After that I have added some clarifying points and close with why I liked it so much:

The family goes to run down Springfield Park, where a carnival is being held to save it. Homer performs a wild crowd-pleasing dance at a local carnival, after beating Bart's performance in a game. Ned Flanders has captured the performance on videotape and Comic Book Guy (Jeff Albertson) puts it up on the Internet. The video gets worldwide attention, much to Homer's embarrassment but his tune changes then a football player wants to buy the rights to use his dance as his own end zone celebration. Homer turns the opportunity into a new lucrative occupation, which prospers as other athletes come to learn from him. Meanwhile Ned looks to create his own wholesome entertainment by creating his own versions of bible stories, which get the backing of Mr. Burns. Marge doesn't like his approach, which eliminates the good aspects of the stories, and only concentrates on the violence. She threatens a boycott, which gets Burns to remove his financial backing, leaving Ned with no creative outlet. The commissioner of football (and all the owners) want to talk to Homer, his teaching of crazy antics to their players have increased their ratings. They want him to choreograph the Superbowl half-time show. Homer struggles for a show idea and on the night before the big show he still doesn't have one. Homer looks for inspiration at the church, but instead finds Flanders, who is looking for an outlet for his ideas. Together they bring the story of Noah to the half-time show, but everyone boos as no one wanted to see such a "blatant display of
religion and decency."

OK, so here is what was left out of the above synopsis. The professional athletes who hired homer were not simply hiring him to teach them how to dance, but it is actually a school where he teaches them to be self-absorbed athletes with no regard for anything above themselves. In his first lesson with his 'students' he says, "OK, first, take your ball and throw it at the closest authority figure." (of course they all throw them at him)... but this underscores what the lessons are that he is teaching. There is then a montage of the different athletes celebrating in prideful and distasteful (aka. funny) ways. When the owners approach Homer about doing the show they are essentially saying that people enjoy watching selfish athletes parade around the field with excessive celebration and prideful arrogance. Because Homer taught this to the athletes, the owners want Homer to do the halftime show. As stated above the halftime show was ultimately Ned's idea and it was a reenactment of Noah and the flood. The show depicted the events and concluded with Ned reading God's promise to never flood the world again from the bible (reading from the bible on the SIMPSONS). The crowd erupted with BOOO's. The quote at the end of the above synopsis was given by a mother with two children in a tv interview with Kent Brochman. The mother was appalled and said that no one wanted to see a "blatant display of religion and decency" Her son then pulls on her arm and says, "mommy, why haven't I been water baptized." Her reply to the camera was to the extent of, "see what you've done."

The commentary is that it seems that America loves to see self serving pride and arrogance over and above "religion and decency." WOW!!! Go SIMPSONS! I keep getting stuck on the decency part... that is amazing. We as a culture really do not like things that are decent... wow.

...and don't even get me started on how the little boy who saw the story of Noah asked about water baptism (this is so subtle that I am certain there is a Christian writing for the simpsons... I mean, I would waager that hardely anyone caught that one...)

Any way, keep your eye out for the re-run... it is well worth the watch...