"Imagine All the People"

We complain about the persistent sins and injustices in this world. We blame God for the wrongdoing and evil things that happen at the hands of other men. At first glance it appears to be a viable criticism. If God is supposedly all-powerful, all-loving, all-knowledgeable, why doesn’t he intervene when his supposed “children” suffer the injustices of this world? There are a few directions we could go with this but in the same spirit of John Lennon, let’s “Imagine” for a moment a world where such evil, sinful tendencies didn’t exist.

In order for this “imagined” world to exist, the current freedoms allowing a man to pursue evil, sinful things could not exist. Therefore this very same freedom that also allows a man to pursue righteousness and great things; setting himself apart from the masses and leaving a legacy that lasts for generations, could not exist. We often forget that choice is what allows men to freely pursue endeavors that afford him the opportunities to be distinguished, great, legends, heroes, set apart, etc.; all things we naturally want whether we pursue them for evil or good or realistically speaking, pursue anything at all. If we didn’t have the opportunity to distinguish ourselves from the masses or if we were all perfect clones of one another inhabiting the characteristics of a righteous God there would be no distinction; no individuality. Basically put, the lack of distinction would steal any opportunity for greatness or hope of being set apart. Yes, it would solve the issues of injustice, war, poverty, abuse, wrong doing; all of which would no doubt be a beautiful, beautiful thing. But wouldn’t this world without distinction then lead to a world lacking any substance? Substance including the things pursued but not yet attained; goals strived for but not yet accomplished; the pursuit of goodness and kindness; opportunities to bless and be blessed; the joy of seeing progress and change; pursuing love and seeing this love grow even in the midst of brokenness; experiencing the power of forgivness; appreciation for good things; appreciation for anything.  Why do you appreciate good food or good sex?  Because you've tasted the opposite; the bad and broken side of both.

Could these things exist if there was no evil? If these substantive things didn’t exist, what would be the purpose? If there is no purpose, wouldn’t our existence be absolutely pointless?

I have a feeling if the model were different and we were all clones of a loving God in action, we would somehow find a way to blame him for not giving us the freedom or the opportunity to be distinguished or set apart. Do we contradict ourselves when we demand freedom while at the same time praying that all people would inhabit the righteous characteristics of God? It seems to me that you can’t have both.

I guess I have trouble “imagining” what this world would look like. Even though we expect heaven to be this way, our attendance or absence there ultimately begins with the choice to accept Christ and spend eternity in his presence or not; again, beginning with the freedom to choose.

So as I read through my thoughts, I’m left with this summarized view of the existence of sin:

A world without sin is a world without choice.
A world without choice is a world without freedom.
A world without freedom is a world with no distinction.
A world with no distinction is a world with no greatness.
A world with no greatness is a world with no substance.
A world with no substance is a world with no purpose.
A world with no purpose is pointless.

The Weight of This World

Today was a pretty good day.  Besides the fact that I didn't have to use my AK...I was able to squeeze out a PR on my Split Jerk at 265lbs and though extremely ugly, made it count.  

It's been a little rough as of late making the time to sit in front of the ol' Dell 5500 when I've got 2 awesome kids awaiting my crowd favorite kangaroo-hop-down-the hallway stunt, and any new Jim Carey-like impersonations I can conjure up (since my "old silly faces" don't pack the punch they did when they were brand new...2 days ago).  I've also got a wife that needs a break from her crazy day (cue 2 toddlers and a newborn reference), several things going on at work, and a pretty hefty training schedule of nearly 2 times per day/6 days a week.  So yea, welcome to the insanity the Woolfenden household likes to refer to as "our blessings." 

I have every intention to begin writing on and referencing the principles I discussed in my last post, but after I got done with my workout today I couldn't help but feel in awe of the weight I feel both from this world and for this world.  That small amount of weight on my back is representative of the huge burden so many of us carry around on a daily basis.  Whether it be our own sin, hurt from our past, brokenness from loss, regrets from poor choices or whatever; its a load to carry.

One of the consistent threads you will see woven throughout scripture is the basic, yet powerful principle that Christ made himself the load-bearer for anything and everything we carry with us.  Who did he say he came to save?  The broken, the weary, the sick, the lame.  Why?  Because these are the ones who recognize they have a burden needing to be unloaded.  The ones who claim they are strong enough on their own don't see the need for a load-bearer. 

The funny thing is, we all fit this wrinkly, left-in-the-pocket, fresh-out-the-washer, 3-dollar bill.  If you're human....boom, you're broken, lost, weak, sick, lame, etc.  However, Jesus uses these terms because he's looking for those that are willing to look outside an ego-centric "inner strength" and realize their own "sickness", so when he calls they can instantly resonate with his message and take action; action that will lead them to the cross; the place that continues to bear the weight of our world if we let it.  If we do allow it, we are literally allowing Christ to bring light (i.e. truth, healing, grace, forgiveness, mercy, etc) to the areas of our lives filled with darkness (i.e. blindness, no direction, unanswered questions, lost hope, etc).  It's here you will find rest for your soul.  It's here you will find a home.  It's here you will no longer walk alone.  It's here you have someone offering to bear your burdens.  It's here you will finally put those burdens to death.

Always remember:  Just because we aren't willing or (respectfully speaking) "able" to give up our burdens, does not mean Christ isn't waiting to accept them.  Brokenness and sin is a process; laying down your burdens is a process...so why wait to begin this process?  If you don't know where to start, find someone who does. 

Burst My Bubble....Please

For those of you not fluent in Chritianeese, Christians have this thing we call the "Christian Bubble."  It's a comfy little place; a cozy nook dressed with all the amenities of a 5-Star hotel.  It offers made-to-order sermons at the touch of a button, church volunteers eager to greet you with service and smile, hot coffee and a warm muffin, any book you desire to fill a specific "spiritual-kick" you may be on, people who speak the same, often Treky-like language, and to solidify my analogy...yup, a fitness center.  I mean shoot, who would ever want to stray far from that path?  It feels good right?...RIGHT!

So here's the deal.  In no way (I repeat: "in-no-way") is this post a planned attack on the ministries of the modern church or any one church in particular.  I can appreciate the intent and the proven ability to drive people through those church house doors; doors that ultimately lead to a sermon (hopefully) based on Biblical truth; truth that can change hearts and change lives with the power of Christ.  I get it.  However, I DO want to suggest that these comforts promote exactly that...comfortable living.  And while they entice them to walk through those doors, how much is being done to get them out the door and on the streets where they belong? 

When the "training grounds" are filled with so many great amenities it can be difficult for individuals to break free from those show-cased comforts when they walk out and hit the battlefield for Christ.  I mean come on, let's not forget who we are: the enemy to the wicked; the hated among the evil; the mocked among the "higher-minded;" the radical among the "mystics" and so on.  But yea, comfort definitely makes it difficult to burst the proverbial bubble or at least the desire or the "want-to."

So what kind of evidence or knowledge am I bringing to the table?  Only the fact that I've lived in this thing nearly my entire life.  I've had glimpses of life "outside the bubble" but usually those were circumstances by which I was the "mission field" and not the one bringing "the mission." 

I'm tired of living in this thing, and I'm frustrated because it is completely and entirely MY FAULT.  Therefore, my goal over the next few weeks is to begin processing life outside this bubble as it relates to my Christian faith and put forth energy and practice at explaining the staple things that we-Christians take absolutely for granted (i.e. sin, salvation, the human condition, goodness, evil, heaven, hell, etc) and do so in such a way that not only speaks truth to the non-believer, but also revitalizes the hunger and pursuit of Christ for those of us claiming to follow Him. 

I'll end with two notes: 

1) If we are followers of Christ, we should feel compelled to share with those that don't know Him the joy and freedom we experience as a result of our salvation.  But how can we do that if we don't even know how to engage them in a language they understand?  "Sinful," "fallen," "evil," and "saved" just aren't good enough.  We should know how to explain each one of those terms in a way that is completely in-line with scripture.  Are you there?  If not, why not?  What will you do to get there?  Are you willing to break from the bubble and pursue those that need Christ?

2) Never feel as though you have arrived in the things of Christ simply because you know a few buzz words.  These words/terms represent the tip of an infinite iceberg.  If we are to mature as believers and ultimately be the ones maturing others, we should have a solid grasp on what these mean....NOT to believers, but to non-believers.  I believe that as we learn this fact, we will realize the true depth associated with such magnificent terms.

So yea...ringading-ding; it's time to take up your cross...who's comin' with me!!??  Oh yea, you should hear a very loud POP as you walk out the door followed by what would seem to be a wheezing piece of rubber losing all of it's air...

Atheism: A Layman's Response...(literally just one response)

*Image from reclaimingthemind.org

A recent response to atheism, aspects of modern science and a declaration of my faith:


If you’re an atheist reading this, it is likely that we will not see eye-to-eye. Why? We have both heard the arguments and we have both concluded that our position makes more sense. I’ve read books like Richard Dawkins’ “The God Delusion” and while challenging, I am personally pushed onward towards a Creator and beyond the core principles of atheism. While atheists tend to be highly educated, very intelligent and well-learned individuals, they more than any should realize that we have not “arrived” in the things of science OR the things people consider spiritual/supernatural (i.e. the things not proven by a “microscope.”)

So, what is the evidence for a Creator? We could start with the logical question “what/who set creation in motion?” Then we can go beyond the science of a literal microscope and start with the obvious yet complex human responses to love and emotion. Where does it come from? Is it simply the natural response to reproduce and then to protect? Every time we look at our kids with love and affection, do we have feelings that seem to go well beyond the natural desire to keep them safe and help them survive in order that the circle of life may be pushed onward? Is it possible that we love them with a passion and pure emotion that goes “beyond the microscope?” Where do these complex emotions come from? Why do we care if our wife goes and F’s another dude? Beyond the obvious right and wrong that sustains a culture and perpetuates growth, why do we naturally care about liars or hypocrites or infidelity? If we are only particles, matter and chemicals…who cares about any of these things? Why do you care about a person’s belief in a god? If you align with this thought pattern, our very belief in or indignation towards a god is no different than our stomachs telling us we’re hungry. So why care? Why even engage in the argument? Why love your kids? Do we simply protect them, feed them and help them sustain a new generation? Would we not miss them if they were taken from us? And if we do, is it only based on a frustration that we weren’t able to push our DNA forward?...Really???? Why do we care about any aspect of relationship?

If we are only going to focus on the tangible, the physical or the touchable, we’re only looking at half of the truth; but truth nonetheless Likewise, if we only look to the spiritual, we’re missing the equally important aspects of our physical world. Adaptation and survival are definitely a big part of who we are, but I believe we are much more than this based on the things discussed above (although there are many more examples like intuition, healing, goodness, evil). This is the point at which I start to look within the realm of the spiritual. I’m skipping a couple steps but eventually I start looking for a Creator within this spiritual/supernatural realm. Here begins my pursuit to answer these questions that science alone does not; partially, yes but completely, no.

The atheist will throw out buzz words like “fairies” and “magical beings” as if to equate the Creator with these things. But it brings up an interesting point. Regarding fairies and other “supernatural beings,” where do we even get the idea of anything supernatural if we are nothing more than matter? How would we even know to make up something that isn’t purely human; something completely contrary to what we are? (Especially a God or a Creator). I guess our brains evolved to think these things? That doesn’t answer it for me. Or, is it our response to an existing supernatural presence that we couldn’t and can’t yet explain with “microscope science?” Furthermore, if science is still evolving, why wouldn’t we be able to tangibly prove the supernatural down the road? This is clearly where I differ from the atheist. I look at both science and the spiritual and they seem to focus on science alone.

So why even bother with the things of life if everything is strictly science-based? I do “bother with life” because of the supernatural element. It is here where my Christian belief takes root. Does it provide me all the answers I seek? Absolutely not. Does it provide me with a logical explanation for the questions I seek as stated above? Yes, it really does. Therefore I continue to pursue what I believe to be truth, rooted in what we call the Bible regarding our existence. Do I need this to sleep well at night? No, but I do greatly appreciate the truths regarding the human condition and the teachings of Christ. I even appreciate the Old Testament and it’s clear example of how morality and law alone are nothing but legalism and religiosity…the things that cause war and hatred and self-righteousness; the things Christ hated and clearly preached against throughout the New Testament. Is today’s church filled with religiosity and legalism? Immensely! But what do you expect from a movement whose clear mission is to bring in the “broken” and “flawed;” the ones who acknowledge human intellect and humanness are NOT enough. Some of these “converts” get on the right path and pursue the things of Christ, while others see the church as “an opportunity” and become more flawed as they pursue things that only enhance their own selfishness while still claiming to be “Christ-followers.” So atheists shouldn’t confuse Christ with people who claim they follow him for various reasons; extreme differences exist between the two.

Way too many places to go with this material but always worth getting my thoughts out regarding these subjects.

I Bleed Apollo's Creed

A few weeks back, we put together a team for an upcoming Crossfit competition in November.  It's been great to work out with a team again.  The camaraderie, the push, the accountability; all good stuff.  So, I finished writing up a "Team Creed" to help motivate us over the next few months as we look to go into St. Louis with full preparation; both mentally and physically.  Here ya go:

Crossfit is for a special breed of individual; humble, with an uncommon desire to succeed. Forged in adversity this individual stands alongside their teammates to serve them and push them; I am that individual.

It is a privilege to train the way we do. A blessing that goes beyond the four walls we call “our box.” Though we all possess different strengths and weaknesses, we push each other beyond common limits, evolving the team into a single unit that disposes of all weakness; becoming defined by our collective strengths.

 For this reason we expect to lead and be led. When I’m weak, I expect to learn and be pushed beyond the self-imposed limits that seek to destroy me (us). When I’m strong, I expect to lead and do so by example in every training situation.

 The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of ego, pride or circumstance, sets me apart from other individuals. For this reason, I remain calm and confident in the heat of competition.

 I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity because I know it’s in these moments when I am most alive and where I go beyond fitness for the body, but preparation and strength for life. I will be physically tougher and mentally stronger than my competitors. If knocked down, I will get back up…every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to exceed my own expectations and push my team towards victory…every time. I am never out of the fight…ever.

 We demand discipline and thrive on the growth pains it provides. We realize that our training is never complete. There is always room to improve upon technique, strength, conditioning, flexibility, capacity and mental toughness.

 We don’t make excuses. In times of affliction, injury or sickness our efforts remain above reproach because in moments of good health, our work ethic had been solidified. We edify and walk through the fire with our teammates until affliction is no more. The result: collective strength.

 We train to compete and compete to win. We are always ready and will not fail if we give our whole selves to those short, treasured moments of training and competition.

 These principles don’t begin and end in “The Box”, but it is here they are sharpened for life. Let’s do this!

Acknowledgment:  I used the structure of the Navy Seal creed when writing this

Uncle Pharisee...STILL Wants You!!

Laws of morality were created simply as a recognition of a brokenness or evil within our world.  They are the human reaction towards and the attempted fix for the sin in this world; a system that when implemented by itself is nothing more than an exhaustive and equally exhausting list of do's and don'ts - (Dictionary According to Jake). 

While recognizing there are several avenues I could go with this, let's continue our School for Pharisee's and break down a basic principle...conforming to a set of stringent rules and regulations is only trading one set of bondage (sin) for another set of bondage (legalism).  One comes as advertised while the other only has the appearance of something good; neither provide any true freedom.

We needn't look any further for this truth than in the Old Testament.  Inside, we consistently see the shortcomings of morality.  In fact, the OT seems to be God's long-standing example of how much "The Law" and adherence to that law is NOT enough.  It could be said that The Law was only created to show us that on our own we could never fulfill the standards of righteousness; a gauge to show that we are broken and left to our own plan would continue to break ourselves against this law.  In the NT we see Christ note this time after time in his encounters with the Pharisees and Sadducee's; individuals who only sought to uphold The Law for their own gain.  Christ followers are pushed towards righteousness for very different reasons; that others might see and taste the goodness of Christ in them and through them.  The funny thing is, pursuing Christ ends up fulfilling both purposes; salvation for the self (righteousness through Christ) and salvation for others (Christ's righteousness lived out). 

Final Note:  Non-conformity to the world for the purposes of morality looks very different than non-conformity to the world for the purposes of Christ.  Which do you pursue: morality or Christ?