Revolution in Political Ads?

It is definitely not professional, but I like this grassroots ad for Pres. Bush. I'm sure the logic fails in the stats, but the idea is unique.

Ethics in Journalism?

What is your take on this little bit from the AP:

U.S. officials did not identify the dead or the nature of their work because the next of kin had not yet been notified.

[... not that we, in the media, give a flying Bono ... ]

However, early evidence indicated they worked for Blackwater Security Consulting, a company based in Moyock, N.C., the company said in a statement. The security firm hires former military members from the United States and other countries to provide security training and guard services. In Iraq, the company was hired by the Pentagon to provide security for convoys that delivered food in the Fallujah area, the company statement said.

I can imagine it now.

"Betty, doesn't Barney work for Blackwater? Where again did you say he was? I'm sure you would have heard something by now ... when did he last call?"

Yeah, good work guys.

Peter Jennings is back at it

ABC can't get enough of Christianity and is hosting Jesus and Paul: The Word and the Witness. It will air Monday April 5th from 8pm -- 11pm EST.

I'm glad to see that Jennings isn't necessarily making the same mistake he did last time. In his list of scholars he certainly does have his "role call" of "Jesus Seminar" stooges, but he also features a number of other scholars.

First off, he has NT Wright. While some may question his Justification, I like Wright being on the show because he stomps the "theory" that Saul of Tarsus was the real founder of Christianity.

It also features Ben Witherington III, Alan Segal, EP Sanders, Paul Maier, LT Johnson, et al. who -- perhaps not necessarily conservative or orthodox -- are at least scholars and could present some decent arguments and thoughts for discussion.

Additionally, Paul Maier is, at least, somewhat evangelical. My first contact with him was listening to him on CRI's Bible Answer Man.

LT Johnson also holds -- the last time I checked -- to the Pauline authorship of the Pastoral Epistles. I have a couple friends who are or were going to study with him at Emory. Apparently, or so the story goes, he once held that Paul DIDN'T write the pastorals until he couldn't defend his position before his students. He said that he was then forced to change his mind. He has also written some books on the historical Jesus that evangelics love to quote, but he himself is Catholic ...

NT Wright also, by the way, holds to the Pauline authorship of the Ephesians ... or so he wrote in Paul For Everyone: the prison letters.

I don't think churches should rent out movie theatres for this one, but it could be a much better show than Jennings previous disaster.

Troy

I'm really looking forward to Troy, regardless of whether they get the story right. Yahoo is hosting the trailers. "Trailer No.1" and "Theatrical Trailer" are actually the same, but the latter shows up a little lighter for some reason.

Reader poll: Helen, was she kidnapped or run to Troy willingly? The movie seems to take the opinion that she went to Troy willingly. I'm not sure I like how Menaleus and Agamemnon are being portrayed visually. Oh well.

My Singing Class or Why I Will Miss Redeemer's Hymns

Every morning, my class sings hymns to start the day. Then, we sing hymns as we walk from building to building all day. No other class at school does, just mine. 3rd/4th graders are ripe for hymn singing, as they can (mostly) read well enough to follow along, and aren't snobby enough to put up much of a protest. As the year has gone on, I've enjoyed watching them grow to love hymns, to clamor for favorites, to hum them while they work and play. There are several hymns that my whole class knows 3 or more verses of by heart. Some of my favorites to teach them have been hymns and psalms that are distinctive. On the one hand, I've taught them several psalms for singing that I picked up in my CRE days (i.e. 22C, 40E, 128B). On the other, I've taught them seasonal hymns we sing at Redeemer, some with tunes arranged for Redeemer and copyrighted by Redeemer. In Advent, we worked on Comfort, Comfort, These My People. In Epiphany, they perfected Mike's favorite Brightest and Best and the incredibly catchy When Christ's Appearing Was Made Known. This season of Lent they've been singing The Son of God Goes Forth to War. This week, in preparation for Sunday, it's All Glory, Laud and Honor.

There are some Redeemer hymns that have become my fast favorites. If and when we move away from Austin, chasing after a good job and affordable housing, I'll certainly miss them. We'll have the Redeemer hymnal, but no one else to sing them with. How depressing!

Baptism As Betrothal

Just a thought, but I was considering possible similarities between baptism and betrothal. Again it was just a thought, and the wine was good -- so perhaps I'm completely wrong. You know what? I can live with being completely wrong, but anyhow: I digress.

In a betrothal, parents make decisions on the child's behalf that will affect his later life. In a betrothal, the parents decide who it is the the child shall marry. The child is raised as one having been betrothed to another, particular person. With all going well, a marriage will take place in the next 15-20 years or so. You speak of when that child will get married, you speak of the marriage as a definite event set to take place in years to come.

However, there is a possibility that the marriage won't take place. One of the two betrothed children could reject their betrothal, and would not receive the benefits of marriage. It turns out that they were not truly one of the soon-to-be-married. We thought that they were. In their betrothal, it was assume that it would be fulfilled and they would be married, proving themselves to have been one of the soon-to-be-married. You never speak of someone who is betrothed as "someone who is betrothed, but won't really get married ... because, you know, I'm sure they'll call it off."

No, you speak of the betrothed as if they were one of the soon-to-get-married, until the sad day when your child shows you that you were wrong. Then you pray like the Dickens that your child will remember his betrothal, and, on that day, be truly married.

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Boy, that was some good wine at home fellowship group. Y'all should move to Austin, join our group, drink some wine, and throw out some interesting ideas. You do that. I'll go to bed now.

Really, a Question. I don't have an answer.

What does "he descended into hell" mean in the creeds? The Westminster and Heidelberg Catechism answers are vague.

Levity

We saw Levity last night, which is an independent film starring Billy Bob Thorton, Morgan Freeman, Holly Hunter and Kirsten Dunst and dealing with the themes of forgiveness, restitution and grace. I really enjoyed it, probably more than any other film I've seen so far this year. It's not a typical Hollywood movie at all. You can view the trailer here.

*Channeling Rich Lusk*

Oh man! I had a phone interview tonight with a headmaster from a fairly well known classical-christian school who asked the hardest questions I have ever received. However, he was very gracious. Here were two questions from the "What Think Ye of Auburn Avenue" segment:

First question: "Does Baptism convey grace? If so, how/when/etc?"

That one wasn't so bad. I tried hard to articulate well my position without sounding like a "once sprinkled, always saved" Catholic.

Second question: "A hypothetical one, now. You are good, lifelong friends with two guys. Both guys were baptized as infants, raised in the church, confessed faith, showed evidence of the fruit of the spirit, etc... Fast foward 15 years. One guy falls away, rejects Christ, turns away from faith. The other continues as he has for his entire life. Fast forward another 15 years: both guys die. One still confessing Christ, the other still rejecting him. The one confessing did go to heaven. Was the grace they received when they both confessed Christ the same? Well, let's change it. Five years before the first guy "loses" faith, the three of you are sitting in a cafe and a random man comes up and shoots the two others. You know what will eventually happen, should they have lived, but what happens now? Is the grace poured into them the same?"

After the questions he revealed to me that they were asked by Greg Strawbridge to the panel at the AAPC conference. Apparently, Barach said "yes" Wilson said "no" ... I said "maybe?"

Boy, it is questions like those that make me feel undereducated and dumb sometimes. However, the headmaster was very kind and gracious, recognizing that I'm a latin teacher and not perfect. I don't think I received negative points, but wanted to listen to me think out the questions. He asked followed up the "do you believe in the creeds?" question with "so Jesus really decended into hell, then? What does that mean?" That was a dousy. I was informed that the Westminster divines disagree with me, but since I cited the historical teaching of the church, I was let off the hook. He asked why there is no mention of it in the Nicene Creed, to which I said that it wasn't the right context.

It was a fun interview -- there were other questions. Even the theological questions seemed to be delightful theological speculations, like you would over a pint of beer.

I'm rambling now.

Public Service Announcement

If you are interested in politics or culture, you ought to be reading Blog 9. Now back to your regularly scheduled clicking.

Copyrights of Classical Art

Calling all legal-minded folk:

I'm trying to put together some latin/greek curriculum and wanted to include some artwork. I know that if I journey off to Europe, I can snap my own shots. However, when it comes to classical art, does it ever enter the public domain? How? Who do you contact to get permission to use it?

My wife thinks that art never enters the public domain. It seems to, mostly, be owned by this or that major museum.

Any thoughts?

I admit it, I listen to NPR...

...but that doesn't mean I didn't get a good laugh out of this Liberal Radio Network Employment Application in this week's New Yorker.

Unequal Education

U.S. News and World Report has a cover package on Brown v. Board of Education to commemorate its fiftieth anniversary. The issues and concerns raised by the articles are worth pondering. I think that the case, though wonderful and necessary and right in many respects, focused too much on separate and not enough on equal, in overturning the "separate but equal" precedent. Even today, there is a vast inequality between the education of Hispanic and black minority students in America's schools and their white and Asian counterparts. However, the problem is hard to fix because iof its complexity and many causal factors. Even when a quality Christian school with excellent curriculum comes into the picture, the problems aren't necessarily fixed. Education can't be left up to schools, and without parental partnership, few students break through the barriers and succeed. The real solution can't be found merely in vouchers or scholarships, but in finding ways to involve parents in education, especially lower income single parents who have so much more to worry about than if their child knows their math facts, or reads as well as the other kids in the class.

MOST IMPORTANT POST

Happy Birthday, Michael!

I've already sang to him, so I'll refrain from posting the lyrics of the immortal "Happy Birthday." I am so happy to be with my sweet husband on his birthday this year. When I married Mike, I knew he was good humoured. However, I really had no idea how funny he is, and how much my life would be filled with smiles and laughter. I knew he was kind, and sacrificial, and intelligent, and godly and wonderful, but it was a nice surprise to find out that he's also the most fun of anyone I've ever known. May he truly be blessed this year.

"i am your flesh my dear and you are now mine
we may be slightly clueless but may we ever find
our wisdom in foolishness, our strength in being weak
and may your tenderness forever be me"
--eric peters

On Loss

I'll just come out and say it: last night I was devastated and heartbroken and disappointed. The only consolation I had was that my husband was extremely gracious and compassionate and did not gloat one bit. He's a keeper.

Bono and His Stupid, Eff-ing Vulgarities

A heated discussion is taking place at the WorldMagBlog. I can't wait until Dr. Olasky returns from Cambodia ... I'll probably be brought before the Session for defending a Christian's right to cuss. While I strive to use the best and most appropriate words for all occassions, I think condemning Bono for his "This is really, really, f---ing brilliant," line is over-the-top. True Christians can not tithe, not go to Church, not pray for their elders/congregation/community, not care for the sick, not labor for righteousness, but as long as they don't drink, smoke, or cuss they'll be okay.

If you have the time, you can look at the discussion and my imput. I discussed the nature of vulgarity -- for example, why can we say "butt" but not "ass"? Can we say "arse" instead of "ass" (faithful readers know the humorous history of these two words)?

To ease the angst of some of my more liberal readers, some also insinuated to me being a liberal. So, read on or begin your thoughts here.

Keys to the Game

Both UNC and Texas advanced to the second round, so the intra-marriage battle to the sweet sixteen is now a reality. Here are my pre-game thoughts (before the authorities have time to lock in theirs.) The Longhorns had their shot at the Final Four last year, I'd love to see the Tar Heels have a shot this go-round. Both teams play similar styles of basketball: fast-paced, with high scoring and great rebounding. The Longhorns are deeper than UNC, but a bit less athletic (read: they don't have McCants). If we're going to win, it's going to take one of our best efforts to date. Offensively, we need to dominate in rebounding and work together as a team to have optimal shot selection (as their ability to rebound will cut into our offensive rebounding and 2nd shot opportunities). Defensively, we need to expose their various weaknesses and frustrate them where it hurts: steal their passes, shut them down in the lane, and get the rebounds. I'm looking forward to a good game!

IT'S TEXAS!

The experts agree:

"The pick: I know everyone is hoping for a Duke-North Carolina regional final, but the Tar Heels are going to be badly outmatched by Texas, setting up the best game in this region in the Sweet 16 between Texas and Mississippi State. I've doubted the Longhorns for most of the season because they lack a true point guard, but they have been able to overcome that with their depth, experience and ability to score in many different ways. Duke beat Texas by 29 earlier this season, but I say the Longhorns get their revenge here and head for a major home-court advantage in San Antonio."

Another Thought

If there is no connection between Iraq and Al Qaeda -- remember the liberal argument? -- to the point that bin Laden wouldn't care if Iraq fell -- remembering yet? -- then why is Al Qaeda (or an affiliated group) punishing Spain for helping topple Saddam? I thought there wasn't a connection?

Just Like A Father With His Son

1. The child (Spain) disobeys his father (Al Qaeda, et. al.) by joining up with the neighborhood bully (USA) and fighting in Iraq.

2. The father disciplines his son and bombs the hell out of Madrid.

3. The son repents, brings in a new government, and pulls troops out of Iraq.

4. The father rewards the son and promises not to spank him again ... for now.

See how simple this is. Anyone can understand complex European politics.

DOH!! I Need To Pay Closer Attention

In our ESPN.com NCAA bracket tourney, I picked Texas Tech over Charlotte and Manhattan over Florida, but never on the SAME BRACKET. Doh. Oh well, I think JT is the only one who picked both wins on the same bracket.

March Madness

ESPN's giving away $10,000 (and a plasma TV) for the best bracket... come join Mike and I by making a bracket or 5 (you need an ESPN.com ID first). Entries close at 12:20 p.m. TODAY, so act quickly! You can join our group and compete head to head by clicking on "Create or Join Group," searching for "This Classical Life" (the group name), selecting the group, and then entering tclblog as the password. Go Tarheels! LONGHORNS!! Tarheels!

REMEMBER: You can submit up to FIVE brackets, so go wild with a couple. You have a couple hours left!

[edited by husband :oD, and re-edited by wife ]

Spring Break Happenings

Yesterday, we Stewarts and the lovely Ms. Akin headed to San Antonio for a little sightseeing. Our first stop was the Alamo, where we bumped into Phil and Kathleen (and K's parents) who had also chosen that fine Tuesday to be San Antonio tourists! Austin and Dallas meeting in San Antonio... very geographically sketchy. After spending a good bit of time at the Alamo, we headed to the Riverwalk where we walked and stopped for lunch. Along the way, we veered off course to stop and gawk at the San Fernando Cathedral and the Spanish Governor's Palace. We tried to frequent San Antonio's oldest used bookstore, but found it closed. We headed home, stopping at the Gristmill in Gruene's historical district for a lovely dinner on the river. A good time was had by all.

Today, I got up and updated the sidebars and links page. Let me know if I missed you!

Preliminary Thoughts on Same Sex Marrige

I. The Current Argument For and Why I Think It Is Faulty

The current rheotric invoked on behalf of same-sex marriage has always been about equal rights. While it may feel like a strong case to many, it is simply an emotional arguement that only works on the popular level. Indeed it has worked on the popular level. By shouting "equal rights" across the country, and making same-sex marriage equal to the civil right cases of the sixties, propontents have generated considerable grassroot support. However, it is not a legal argument and probably wouldn't stand in the court of law.

The de facto, in same cases de jure, law since the nation's inception has been that marriage was reserved for two people of the opposite sex, over the age of 18, and not closer in kin than first cousin. Under this rubric, everyone is treated equal. The case is not that homosexuals are treated different from heterosexuals, the law is applied equally to both. Same-sex advocates need to focus on the legal definition of marriage in this country and argue that two people should not be required to be of opposite sex. Until that is done, there will be two consequences. Either same-sex marriage will be defeated entirely, or every sexually-unique group in the country will be protesting on behalf of their "equal rights." I don't think this latter path is one the same-sex advocates want to trod.

II. My Thoughts On a Christian Response?

What should be the Christian response? On this issue, I pull a Kerry and flop all the time. On one hand, I recognize that marriage is something established by God and we shouldn't trample such a divine institution with something He considers to be a sinful abomination. However, I also wonder when the U.S. Government was giving authority over marriage -- or any other institution of the Church? I don't think in any case I would advocate for same-sex marriage, but I just might lend support to the idea of "civil unions." Frankly, I think it would be wise to separate marriage and civil unions as religious and secular, respectively. There is simply no reason that a "justice of the peace" should be performing a religious ceremony. The religious ceremony is something particular to the Church; however, this doesn't solve the question, but redefines it. Should the State then approve of same-sex civil unions? At this point, I'd leave the debate to much smarter sociologists and political philosophers who can tackle its effect on society.

If we do keep marriage as a schizo-religio-secular institution, then I do think that there needs to be an end to "No Fault" divorce and outlaw adultery -- but I don't see these things coming soon.

Sabbath Reflection

We believe in paedocommunion, but belong to a PCA church, so examinations for membership before communing and all of that is just a fact of life. Our church does examine small children (around 3), requiring "an age appropriate confession." Today, one youngster, just 3, took his membership vows with several adults. Watching his eyes light up and hearing the enthusiasm in his voice as he proclaimed "I do!" to each question was one of the most moving things I have experienced in quite some time. May we all have the passion of this small child for Christ's church.

Spring Break

And not a moment too soon... my big plans include reading, watching movies, cleaning the apartment, hanging out with my husband and heading to San Antonio for the day with the lovely and talented Ms. Akin.

More Furniture

Thanks to the eagle eye of one of my co-workers, we got a brand-new glider rocker for $25, increasing our permanent living room seating from 2 to 3. That means we don't have to drag quite as many kitchen table chairs around, and that's a good thing indeed. Also, babies seem to like them.

On the American-Statesman Op-Ed Page

David Brooks' column in today's paper is an excellent little piece on the Passion, from a Jew.

Rev. Bill Boyd Has A Blog

Oh me, oh my. My former RUF campus minister and current pastor of All Saint's Presbyterian (Austin, TX), Bill Boyd has a weblog. I didn't know this until the WorldMagBlog linked to him. He has just started out with some literary quotes, but Bill has some great thoughts I know he put into print.

Books I've Read in 2004 (a post for Jeanette)

Here are some brief thoughts on the books I've read thus far this year.

• Grant Us Courage is a sociological study of 12 liberal churches identified by The Christian Century as great churches in 1950. Randall Balmer revisits these churches 40+ years later to find out how they are fairing. I read this because I really enjoyed his journeys in Evangelicalism chronicled in Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory, which I recommend you read first.
  
• A Perfect Peace is a novel by Israeli Amos Oz. I had read one of his non-fiction works and was interested in reading one of his novels. It's a bit post-modern, but ultimately interesting and thought provoking.
  
• Girl Meets God is a book I've been meaning to read for quite some time. I was not disappointed. Going to a liturgical church and having studied orthodox and hasidic Judaism in detail made some portions of this richer. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in spiritual journeys, Christian or not.
  
• Praise Her in the Gates is one of the few Family Series books I haven't read. Being a mother-to-be, and owning the book, I decided to read it while I was sick. Like most of what the Wilsons' write, I found myself basically agreeing and already having thought about much of what she wrote. I'm glad I read it anyway.
  
• I first read Cry, the Beloved Country seven or eight years ago, as a required reading in high school. Reading it again was time well used. It's an excellent novel about South African aparteid, racism and forgiveness. If you haven't read it, please do.
  
• Remember Who You Are is an excellent little book on baptism and what it means. Willimon is a Dook professor and a Methodist, so take my recommendation seriously!
  
• I read The Chosen several times in high school, but had never read its sequel, The Promise. Both of these works set in the Orthodox and Hasidic sections of Brooklyn are wonderful novels. They're deep, but light enough to curl up with, which is my favorite type of fiction.

Peter Leithart's The Accidental Ecumenist

Oh me, oh my. Leithart has blogged a short story, The Accidental Ecumenist. It is quite funny. In the beginning, a character is put into an awkward situation, which always makes me feel awkward. However, by the end, I was rolling with laughter. I highly recommend it.

Notably line: "There's a Prayer Book for ya," a voice shouted. "Maybe it's not the Roman Mass, but it makes a good weapon against you Papists."

Lent is Everywhere

They even know its Lent at Sonic, America's Drive-In. We went there for an emergency dinner last night, and I noticed an ad on the menu board for a "Lenten combo" -- fish sandwich with fries and a drink. Austin is far more baptist than catholic, so that cracked me up.

A New Calling

After viewing Dr. Grant's pictures from Peru, I really feel God calling me to be a tourist to Peru. Seriously, this is weighing on my heart.

[CAUTION] Those who may not be able to handle pictures of Dr. Grant without a bowtie, beware! I don't think I saw ONE bowtie in the entire set. However, I'm sure that when he returned from his trip, he repented and was welcomed back to table fellowship.