'BC's' John Hart has died, the creator and author of the comic strip...
Johnny was a Christian, and would insert his 'marketplace faith' into his comic strips on occasion (usually Easter and Christmas). As fellow blogger David Burchett has offered today in his posting, Hart was once censored by the LA Times for such 'sharing' in 2001.
Johnny is the perfect example of someone who 'shared his faith' without becoming a 'proselytizing mind washer', and spiritual snake oil salesman. Yes he made a few mistakes, and he learned from their experiences. David Burchett's blog (above) offers his "Unbelievers Bill of Rights".
Today on the show I think we need to remember that we aren't in the business of brain washing, manipulating or manufacturing people into a faith relationship with Jesus. We'll add to David's list some of our own unbeliever's rights.
I just bought a laptop at Circuit City and I'm sorry that I did...
Circuit City laid off '3,400 employees' because they (the workers) were making too much money. Then CC offered a "Short Circuit" statement, "(Our decision) had nothing to do with skills or whether they were a good worker or not, it was a function of their salaries relative to the market." In other words, they had been there too long and they were making too much money...in the end costing the shareholders their high returns.
Anyone who has listened to me knows that I'm not a big fan of boycotts, but I have canceled my small charge account with Circuit City over this unethical maneuver.
If Circuit City had chosen to walk the path of the "Happy Holidays" scandal, or refused the Salvation Army from the entrance location to ring their bells for charitable donations, we Christians would be in a full revolt.
In this case, Christians ignore the crisis when it's "just" people losing their jobs over tenured, loyal, solid work. When it comes to the church and social justices, we have short circuited too. Time for the church to stand up for social injustices, even if they are capitalistic in nature.
Easter weekend "Prayer Flights" are a waste of money...
Don't get me wrong here, I love prayer. But, fifteen single engine, private owner planes flying over Ohio this past weekend, as well as three other states (California too), praying while in flight. Is this a good idea that can be better, if not great?
There stated purpose was to pray for the region's slow economy, the indivdual families and determined cities of (predominately mid-western) chosen states. At face value one proclaims 'great praise for their efforts', but I'm a "dig a little deeper' type of guy myself. How much is fuel right now?
Which is better, to spend thousands of dollars to pray at 10,000 feet, or to feed hundreds, in not thousands, at sea level during Easter weekend? To me, this is another example of a 'silly prayer'. I say, keep the planes on the grond, pray over a map and contribute the fuel money to feed and cloth people with great personal touch.
The end of religious holidays in public schools...
A Florida school district has said, "That's it, we have too many requests for days off, no more religious holidays for the calendar." Now we all have a choice, agree with the limited religious holidays, or fight like cage tigers. If we fight it, then we will eventually have days off for every religious day on every religion's calendar...and those to yet be determined.
I say take the 'sterile approach'; no more religious holidays for public schools (except those that are Federal Holidays, i.e. Christmas) - it changes nothing. We truly live in a post-modern, post-Christian culture and to deny it is a waste of time and missional effort. We can still pray, love and reach people without these additional religious holidays.
Disagree with me, call the show or send me your comments.
Comments: erichogueshow@hotmail.com
Website: www.erichogue.com
