Hitch - My Tribute.

Today I pay tribute to a man who passed over into eternity last night in Texas. Christopher Hitchens, an aggressively outspoken atheist who was critical of Christianity and all forms of organized religion, was a man I loved deeply.

Years ago, Hitch debated William Lane Craig on the campus of Biola University. The subject was "God's existence," and I must say - it was one of the most entertaining debates I've seen. Hitch, a popular author and influential intellectual, was pitted against one of the most famous and able Christian philosophers of our day. The debate itself was a bit of a mismatch simply because the two participants came from different fields and associated communication styles. However, it was entertaining simply because there did seem to be a mutual respect on the parts of both participants for the other. Hitch knew Craig was the man where philosophy was concerned, and Craig knew Hitch was one of the most witty and influential writers on the planet. As a result, there was no mudslinging, no grandstanding, and there were many moments of laughter.

A few weeks after the debate, I began a one-on-one dialogue with Christopher that was delightful to say the least. I knew Hitch had been critical of my faith and he knew that people like me had been critical of him. Even so, I felt like he respected me as a pastor even though I know he disagreed with my philosophy and theology. Anyway, he and I discussed the possibility of his coming to Salt Lake City to participate in a public dialogue with myself and others on the subject of "How Christians and Atheists Can Work together To Build a Better World." I know, I know - many of you are probably thinking, "How in the world could Christians and atheists EVER work together?" Well, you might be surprised at how the image of God sometimes rears its head even in men who refuse to acknowledge it. I've always believed that peace is achievable when men choose to focus on what unites them rather than on what divides them, and like it or not, Christians and atheists do have a few common goals. Of course, that's the subject of another discussion, but suffice it to say I found in Christopher a person who, regardless of his aggression in the past, was very open to dialogue and respectful collegiality.

Unfortunately, Christopher was diagnosed with a very bad type of cancer, so he and I were never able to proceed with our plans to meet publicly in Utah. However, I prayed for him often and thought of him with a holy affection. When I say that I loved Hitch deeply, I mean it. And even more so, I know God loved him. I'm not sure what lay at the root of Chris' refusal to believe in and follow Christ, and I would never speculate concerning his status before God (I don't believe it's in man's purview to make such pronouncements), but I know that behind the wall of every human heart is a child longing to know, spend time with, and be loved by his heavenly Father. In a sense, we're all orphans who are looking for the Dad we somehow know exists somewhere.

When I think of Christopher Hitchens, I see a man who, even though he had come to different conclusions in his thinking, was a man not very much unlike myself. We're all on a journey, trying to live and love, and trying to find out who we are and where we're going. It breaks my heart that we've lost, prematurely I think, a friend like Hitch. Even though I disagreed with him, the simple fact is that Christianity is better because of him. He forced many of us out of our complacency. He forced us to to stand up and act. He challenged the faith that many of us have, without serious reflection, professed for many years. He challenged our apathy and demanded that we rise up and face him. In the end, I know of at least one Christian pastor who has a stronger faith because of Christopher Hitchens. And for that, I'm grateful.

So to Christopher Hitchens I raise my glass at this, the hour of his departure, and pay my respects. Love ya Hitch :) I shan't soon forget you, my friend.

Suicide.

Suicide is one of the most difficult issues I deal with. Being in the military, I see it quite a bit more than most other people probably do. And usually, I'm the one who is called to sit with (if not inform) the family, sort things out with the friends, speak to the unit, and try with all my heart get others who are considering a similar course of action to reconsider. I have to admit - these tasks are not easy. Why? Because when someone makes the decision to take their own life, it's not just their life they are taking. In a very real sense, they're taking the lives of those around them that love them so much. A mom. A sister. A friend. A fellow soldier. No one wins when suicide happens.

Here's the thing that I've never been able to understand - and please know that these are just my own reflections on the subject - I'm certainly not trying to be judgmental, but I've never been able to understand how a person could feel like life was so bad that they had to end it. I know life gets bad for a lot of people, even most people, at some point in life. A relationship fails, a career tanks, a loved one is lost, personhood is violated, self-esteem and dignity are shattered -- and sometimes all these things happen all at once, and they don't ever show any signs of stopping. In the end, I guess some people just get enough of it and see no reason to think that tomorrow will be any better than today. And I guess that's a legitimate feeling - depending on what you believe about the world and your place in it. But here's where God comes in.

I honestly believe (and the bible actually teaches) that when His kids hurt, God hurts. Our tears are important to Him. When our dreams are lost, He grieves with us, even if we fail to recognize His presence. When we make poor decisions that hurt and embarrass us, He defends us when everyone else wants to stone us. When life becomes lifeless, He's the one who invites us to trade in the crappy, failed, flawed life we used to have for true and abundant life - the life that can only come through the mystical union He invites us to have with Himself through the infinite but personal power of the Holy Spirit. And when we want to die, He reminds us that we don't have to because Jesus already did. We may feel that life sucks, and we make think that our life is in no danger of ever getting any better. "Same crap, different toilet" may be how we view our world, but God invites us to come out of the bathroom altogether. He invites us outside of the homes we have built for ourselves and into a new world He has built just for us - one of fresh hope, life, purpose, and knowledge of Him.

If only people could see Jesus and the intense and intentional love He has for them. If only people could know that He has the power to change their world, along with their heart. If only people could know that their future doesn't have to be anything like their past, and that they have a Father who is ready, willing, and able to rescue them from the despair and depression into which life has thrown them - maybe then they would reconsider ending it all. Maybe then they would take a step toward experiencing the glory of God by becoming, themselves, fully alive.

This is a strange post, I admit - and to be honest, I'm still praying through a lot of it. But I guess my point is this. If you ever find yourself in such despair that you don't think life is worth living any longer - please hear me. Life IS worth living. And God is ready to show you the life HE has for you if you're willing to stop trying to control your own.

Maybe you're alone and need to vent. Maybe you just need to be around some people who will love on you. Whatever you need, I assure you that if you are willing, God has someone already stationed in your life who is ready to help - wherever you are. For example, God has given me the privilege of serving as the pastor of one of the most caring, loving, and friendly churches you'll ever find on planet earth. If you visit The Rising, you won't leave there unloved. And if you just need to talk with someone, you are always welcome to call us. Myself or one of our other staff members are always ready to make a new friend, share stories, and walk together to discover how God wants to revolutionize our lives by teaching us to stop focusing on our lives.

Please don't feel as if you're alone. You're not. God is there. So are His people. He always has been there - and He wants you. He wants you SO bad. Just give Him a shot. If you do, your world will change. Guaranteed.

Before you give your life away to nothing - try giving it to Him first.

Never give up. Never give up. Never give up!!!

May you Know the Abundance of His Presence, His Spirit, and His Love,
J