Developing healthy addictions
Well, when my Dad asks why it's been so long between blogs, I know it's time to post again. Immediately after my previous post I tried to write a reflection on the fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks. That post may still find it's way to my blog, but it proved too difficult to write well. I also spent nearly 70 hours working last week at the 'Lifetime of Assets' conference in Phoenix, Arizona. I will definitely post more on that subject in the weeks ahead.
Today, I am struck by the prevalence of addictions in Western culture. Of course, there are the obviously 'bad' addictions - like drugs, alcohol, etc. Some would argue there are also 'neutral' addictions - like perhaps one you are entertaining right now 'surfing the net', or the fact that Americans watch an average of 4 hours, 35 minutes of TV per day (see last week's interesting USA Today article). The question I want to ask today is: are there healthy addictions?
Before I answer it (and I'd love your help, in the comments section), I want to share why I have been intrigued by this of late. At virtually the same time that I started blogging, I joined a Fantasy Football league, mostly peopled by folk from my church. As I said during the 'draft,' I thought the girly men running around in pads and helmets was not very 'real' to begin with. For those who don't understand Fantasy Football, I'd explain it if I understood it myself. Essentially you match up against another 'team' and the 'winner' is selected by whose players perform the best (yards, touchdowns etc.) that week. I have played three games and have been the 'loser' three times...more reasons to dislike American football.
Somewhat like blogging and blog-reading, I have found fantasy football quite addictive. Who are the best players to play? How do I deal with the fact that Terrel Owens, one of my wide-receivers, recently attempted suicide or accidentally overdosed (depending on your perspective)? Etc., etc. I have surprised myself how much interest and analysis I have put in to my unsuccessful attempts to best the imaginary teams of my friends from church.
My point? In our tech-obsessed culture, addictions that we may have seen as 'neutral' definitely have some negative components. As believers seeking to bring glory to God - in this life, and the next - we must embrace positive addictions. This week I tried the process of diverting my regular habits (addictions?) of checking news sites, trying to work out fantasy football, and other distractions, to read my Bible - either physically or on the web. I found it helpful, but think it's the tip of the iceberg. The Bible tells us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess 5:17) and to "let the word of God dwell in [us] richly" (Col 3:16).
In Paul's words:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Phil 4:8)
In mine:
Do it addictively!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Sunday, September 10, 2006
"If your music has a beat, then you're gunna wind up dead"
The place of music in the life of the Christian
The title of this blog entry comes from a song by Audio Adrenaline, the 'Houseplant Song.' It's a tongue-in-cheek dig at the 'rock music is of the devil' perspective that some Christian's hold (particularly here in the US!)
This subject has come to me from a number of recent experiences. First, Melanie and I have suffered from our first 'reality TV addiction,' Rockstar: Supernova is a show where aspiring rockers compete to front a band with Jason Newstead on bass (formerly of Metallica), Gilby Clark on guitar (formerly of Guns 'n' Roses) and Tommy Lee Jones on drums (formerly of Motley Crue). Melanie's addiction comes primarily from her love of rock music. Mine comes from my love of Australians coming out on top. This Tuesday and Wednesday will be the final nights and, with only four contestants left, the lovable and distinctly
Australian Toby Rand is one of the front runners. I am mildly ashamed to say, I even stayed up 'voting' last Tuesday night to ensure Toby was not in the 'bottom three' who are threatened with being cut from the show (so you know I didn't waste my time, Toby was not in the 'bottom three' that week). I could try and defend my addiction but it will be over this week and it's not really the purpose of this entry!
Second, one of the responses to my first Blog post was from my aunt, Robbie, who gave me my first Christian music tape back in the early 90's. That first Michael W. Smith tape (I
know what you're thinking but trust me, his music has changed a lot since the 80's...not so 'boy band, without a boy band' back then) started a journey of exploring various Christian artists and reflecting (mostly defensively!) on the value of Christian music as opposed to secular music.
Third, I received a very generous early birthday present from a good friend that has allowed me to purchase a lot of iTunes music! Selecting new music for someone who infrequently buys music (at all, let alone en masse) has been a wonderful experience.
Fourth, my seminary/Bible college class involved a section on dealing with stress and I realized I was not 'feeding my soul' with music, poetry, etc. in the same was I used to just a few years ago.
My 'defense' of Christian music remains much the same now as it did in my early teens: music is a very personal expression of the tastes and values of a person. Have you ever found yourself singing a song and caught yourself singing obscene lyrics without even thinking about it? On a sub-conscious level we internalize the music we listen to. That's not to say we don't also internalize the TV we watch, the internet sites we read etc., but it is at least a caution to be wise in how we select music. It is surely better to internalize God-centered music than music that spouts worldly perspectives from lust to materialism, violence to obscene language.
Not only do I think Christian music is defensible, I think it's a worthy addition to the listening experience of Christian people, particularly for those Christian people who are creative types for whom 'feeding the soul' is a regular (if not daily) necessity.
The type (and admittedly, quality) runs the gamut but I have found many favorites I can rely on. Some of my all time favorites include Caedmon's Call, a band that has always played great folk rock but has recently been captivated by a missionary zeal, as evidenced by their 'Share the Well' album recorded in Ecuador and India. An artist I have enjoyed for over 12 years is Steven Curtis Chapman. Admittedly, a less rocky sound, but I find his music to be consistently Biblical - like good poetry set to music. Casting Crowns is a band that has a much rockier sound and has had Chapman produce their music (Melanie and I saw them open for Chapman in 2005, it was fantastic!) Other favorites of mine include:
The place of music in the life of the Christian
The title of this blog entry comes from a song by Audio Adrenaline, the 'Houseplant Song.' It's a tongue-in-cheek dig at the 'rock music is of the devil' perspective that some Christian's hold (particularly here in the US!)
This subject has come to me from a number of recent experiences. First, Melanie and I have suffered from our first 'reality TV addiction,' Rockstar: Supernova is a show where aspiring rockers compete to front a band with Jason Newstead on bass (formerly of Metallica), Gilby Clark on guitar (formerly of Guns 'n' Roses) and Tommy Lee Jones on drums (formerly of Motley Crue). Melanie's addiction comes primarily from her love of rock music. Mine comes from my love of Australians coming out on top. This Tuesday and Wednesday will be the final nights and, with only four contestants left, the lovable and distinctly
Australian Toby Rand is one of the front runners. I am mildly ashamed to say, I even stayed up 'voting' last Tuesday night to ensure Toby was not in the 'bottom three' who are threatened with being cut from the show (so you know I didn't waste my time, Toby was not in the 'bottom three' that week). I could try and defend my addiction but it will be over this week and it's not really the purpose of this entry!Second, one of the responses to my first Blog post was from my aunt, Robbie, who gave me my first Christian music tape back in the early 90's. That first Michael W. Smith tape (I
know what you're thinking but trust me, his music has changed a lot since the 80's...not so 'boy band, without a boy band' back then) started a journey of exploring various Christian artists and reflecting (mostly defensively!) on the value of Christian music as opposed to secular music.Third, I received a very generous early birthday present from a good friend that has allowed me to purchase a lot of iTunes music! Selecting new music for someone who infrequently buys music (at all, let alone en masse) has been a wonderful experience.
Fourth, my seminary/Bible college class involved a section on dealing with stress and I realized I was not 'feeding my soul' with music, poetry, etc. in the same was I used to just a few years ago.
My 'defense' of Christian music remains much the same now as it did in my early teens: music is a very personal expression of the tastes and values of a person. Have you ever found yourself singing a song and caught yourself singing obscene lyrics without even thinking about it? On a sub-conscious level we internalize the music we listen to. That's not to say we don't also internalize the TV we watch, the internet sites we read etc., but it is at least a caution to be wise in how we select music. It is surely better to internalize God-centered music than music that spouts worldly perspectives from lust to materialism, violence to obscene language.
Not only do I think Christian music is defensible, I think it's a worthy addition to the listening experience of Christian people, particularly for those Christian people who are creative types for whom 'feeding the soul' is a regular (if not daily) necessity.
The type (and admittedly, quality) runs the gamut but I have found many favorites I can rely on. Some of my all time favorites include Caedmon's Call, a band that has always played great folk rock but has recently been captivated by a missionary zeal, as evidenced by their 'Share the Well' album recorded in Ecuador and India. An artist I have enjoyed for over 12 years is Steven Curtis Chapman. Admittedly, a less rocky sound, but I find his music to be consistently Biblical - like good poetry set to music. Casting Crowns is a band that has a much rockier sound and has had Chapman produce their music (Melanie and I saw them open for Chapman in 2005, it was fantastic!) Other favorites of mine include:
- Matthew West - his first album 'Happy,' had some good songs but his more recent album, 'History,' has equally great sound but very mature song writing.
- MercyMe - well known for their 'I Can Only Imagine' song, but more recent work includes great albums 'Undone' and 'Coming up to Breath'
- Newsboys - talented Australian band who have recorded album upon album of great tunes. Recently added talented Australian musician, Paul Coleman to their lineup.
I'm sure over the months (and years?) of blogging, there'll be more to add about Christian music (and Melanie wants me talking about the wonders of rock and roll too!) Just to whet your appetite...
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Hopeless in the face of death? Reflections on the passing of two prominent Australians
For my first substantive Blog posting I wanted something big! This weekend's passing of Australian icon, Steve Irwin, was big. Irwin died "doing what he loved."
Media outlets all over the world obsessed about Irwin's death. The Australian media is drawing parallels to the death of Princess Di - a freak accident resulting in public dismay and blanket media coverage. It ran at the top of the US news shows, people all over the world were shocked by this tragic and unexpected death.
The US media picked up the fact that many Australians were "ashamed of him," (and I do admit to feeling that emotion on occasion) but in the end, he died doing what he loved. One Australian politician said Steve Irwin was better known than our Prime Minister! People all over the world loved this guy. They watched his show, they thought he was funny, they fell in love with him, many fell in love with Australia (understandably!) because of him.
Another man who - in many ways - couldn't be more different from Irwin, passed away just weeks before. Yes, for those of you who haven't yet heard, my Great Uncle Leon (Uncle Le-Le to my friends from Christ Church) went home in late July. He was 92 years old, had published more than 50 books that sold over 2 million copies. He lectured all over the world and is well-known to most American pastors (possibly better known than to Australian pastors!) As a 13 year-old boy (and new Christian) I remember standing in his study in awe of all the books, particularly the whole corner of books he wrote!
I believe the past five years brought Leon and I closer together, in experience, if not geography. My last several visits to Leon, at least since 1998, have seen him unable to clearly remember me. The last time I visited he thought I was his brother, my grandfather. He has been living in discomfort, in the frustration of forgetfulness, and others around him have seen one thing very clearly – Leon Morris was not at home here. He never really was. As he bounced around the car in rural South Australia, furthering his theological studies as Mildred drove the hundreds of miles, as he contended for the truth through many books and other writings, that was the message of Leon Morris’ life – "I am not home yet. I will not be home until the Lord takes me."
My grandfather read part of a tribute I wrote for Leon at the funeral:
"Leon will be remembered for his gentle, humble manner and his generosity and love toward all people. As family and friends recall what he has left behind, they are very likely to smile (or laugh out loud) as they remember his sharp, dry sense of humor. Most of all, they will remember a man who lived his life faithfully to the glory of God. He has achieved his life’s goal now. He is home.
In his own words: "Men are hopeless in the face of death, but not so men in Christ."
(The Cross in the New Testament, p226) "
For my first substantive Blog posting I wanted something big! This weekend's passing of Australian icon, Steve Irwin, was big. Irwin died "doing what he loved."
Media outlets all over the world obsessed about Irwin's death. The Australian media is drawing parallels to the death of Princess Di - a freak accident resulting in public dismay and blanket media coverage. It ran at the top of the US news shows, people all over the world were shocked by this tragic and unexpected death.
The US media picked up the fact that many Australians were "ashamed of him," (and I do admit to feeling that emotion on occasion) but in the end, he died doing what he loved. One Australian politician said Steve Irwin was better known than our Prime Minister! People all over the world loved this guy. They watched his show, they thought he was funny, they fell in love with him, many fell in love with Australia (understandably!) because of him.
Another man who - in many ways - couldn't be more different from Irwin, passed away just weeks before. Yes, for those of you who haven't yet heard, my Great Uncle Leon (Uncle Le-Le to my friends from Christ Church) went home in late July. He was 92 years old, had published more than 50 books that sold over 2 million copies. He lectured all over the world and is well-known to most American pastors (possibly better known than to Australian pastors!) As a 13 year-old boy (and new Christian) I remember standing in his study in awe of all the books, particularly the whole corner of books he wrote!
I believe the past five years brought Leon and I closer together, in experience, if not geography. My last several visits to Leon, at least since 1998, have seen him unable to clearly remember me. The last time I visited he thought I was his brother, my grandfather. He has been living in discomfort, in the frustration of forgetfulness, and others around him have seen one thing very clearly – Leon Morris was not at home here. He never really was. As he bounced around the car in rural South Australia, furthering his theological studies as Mildred drove the hundreds of miles, as he contended for the truth through many books and other writings, that was the message of Leon Morris’ life – "I am not home yet. I will not be home until the Lord takes me."
My grandfather read part of a tribute I wrote for Leon at the funeral:
"Leon will be remembered for his gentle, humble manner and his generosity and love toward all people. As family and friends recall what he has left behind, they are very likely to smile (or laugh out loud) as they remember his sharp, dry sense of humor. Most of all, they will remember a man who lived his life faithfully to the glory of God. He has achieved his life’s goal now. He is home.
In his own words: "Men are hopeless in the face of death, but not so men in Christ."
(The Cross in the New Testament, p226) "
Leon and me, sharing coffee and a chat for the last time, this side of heaven.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Testing 1, 2, 3
Well, I’ve finally given in. On the cusp of the Gen-X / Gen-Y divide, I have avoided internet innovations like blogs.
Those of you who know me will not be surprised. What can be unattractive about the possibility for Peter Morris to talk more?!? Particularly when it is impossible to be interrupted – oh, happy day!
A blog also meets a developing need in my life – my friends and family continue to move around! What better way to stay in contact and connected with one another’s lives than to share thoughts, photos, insights, profundities and trivialities via the internet, when we can’t do it in person.
My parents would hasten to say that I was involved in the early stages of this process! I’ve been in the US for the past five years and God has taught me remarkable things about myself through the challenge of being in a country and place I enjoy but knowing I’m not ‘at home’ in the same way I am in Sydney.
I hope to offer more insight in the coming days into my choice of Blog name and more info on Mel and my life here in Washington…stay tuned!
Well, I’ve finally given in. On the cusp of the Gen-X / Gen-Y divide, I have avoided internet innovations like blogs.
Those of you who know me will not be surprised. What can be unattractive about the possibility for Peter Morris to talk more?!? Particularly when it is impossible to be interrupted – oh, happy day!
A blog also meets a developing need in my life – my friends and family continue to move around! What better way to stay in contact and connected with one another’s lives than to share thoughts, photos, insights, profundities and trivialities via the internet, when we can’t do it in person.
My parents would hasten to say that I was involved in the early stages of this process! I’ve been in the US for the past five years and God has taught me remarkable things about myself through the challenge of being in a country and place I enjoy but knowing I’m not ‘at home’ in the same way I am in Sydney.
I hope to offer more insight in the coming days into my choice of Blog name and more info on Mel and my life here in Washington…stay tuned!
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