No TV? How Radical!

My wife, Patty, and I canceled our satellite television service a week ago. We’re not going with another provider. We’re not switching back to cable. We’ve decided to give up watching TV because it’s such a waste of time.

Not that we watch junk, or that we don’t find viewing pleasurable. I enjoy sitting down to see CBS Sunday Morning, Jeopardy, St. Louis Cardinals baseball games and classic movies on TCM. But that’s the problem. While I plunk down in my easy chair, I miss out on life. 

After many decades of zombielike viewing, it has become clear that TV did more than just provide evening comfort.

It had become an idol, an idol I dreaded giving up; an idol that I visited nightly by default; and idol that is preferable to more important activities, such as ministering to addicts or counseling troubled couples. 

Many of my Christian friends who have learned of my decision are as incredulous as the DirecTV customer serviceperson who tried 11 different ways to talk me out of canceling. But I think priorities may be out of whack. Although I don’t want to go off on a sanctimonious rant, the faith of many Christians I know seems impotent because they have more of a relationship with popular culture than the Lord. They would rather salivate over babes on The Bachelor than read the Bible; they would rather laugh at penis jokes on Two and a Half Men than pray. 

Rather than being a nuisance or distraction, the prospect of spending time in the evening praying with my wife or preparing to lead a small group now looks liberating. I also can send some of the $57 a month I’ll be saving to deserving ministries. 

Patty and I think we’ll survive this change in lifestyle. More than two decades ago we gave up television for a year and it turned out to be a great period of spiritual and relational growth. The catalyst back then? Cable TV rates had risen to $16 a month. But the sexual titillation dominating the airwaves also bothered me. Of course titillation from 1989 has been replaced by blatant vulgarity in 2012.

When I first gave up the habit in my younger days, I spent more time with my family, especially playing with my three young sons. I also read more and found church activities to be more meaningful. I quickly filled the time I had watched television with more essential pursuits. May it happen again.

A Night with JT

Through the generosity of the mother of my friend Jeremy Coursen, I had an 11th row floor seat Tuesday night at the James Taylor concert at JQH Arena.

While some attendees knew every word to every song, I am most familiar with Taylor’s work from the 1970s, including his breakthrough album Sweet Baby James that included the title track plus Fire and Rain, Country Road and Anywhere Like Heaven — all of which he sang at the concert. Taylor emerged out of an era of talented composers-singers that includes Paul Simon, Neil Diamond and Gordon Lightfoot, all of whom continue to write and perform in concert in their 70s.

Taylor’s mellow voice has changed little from when he recorded that album as a 22-year-old folk/country/rock singer 42 years ago. The 6-foot, 3-inch Taylor remains trim and animated on stage, frequently bouncing around and genuinely interacting with his assembled crew of seasoned musicians and singers. Most concertgoers were young adults and middle-aged people like me, attesting to Taylor’s staying power.

Few singers of Taylor’s caliber visit Springfield. But from the get-go as he unassumingly walked out on stage, took a bow, and picked up his guitar, Taylor indicated that he considers performing a privilege. Throughout the show he gave effusive praise to his backup singers and musicians; self-effacingly noted how he has survived trials and temptations; expressed gratitude to Paul McCartney and George Harrison for giving him his first recording break in 1968; and nimbly played guitar on virtually every song.

The show deftly blended a variety of instruments on various numbers including accordion, flute, flugelhorn, saxophone, fiddle and fiddle. Taylor seemed to be truly energized by the enthusiastic response of the crowd. How many artists of Taylor’s stature spend the entire 20-minute intermission signing autographs from the front of the stage?

I’ve been to many concerts over the years, but none in which I could actually see the performer well without looking at the big-screen projection. Thank you, Jeremy, and Dalla, for thinking of me.

Don’t Get Angry; Get Creative

I must hand it to my wife for being resourceful — and not getting irate at me.

While on vacation in Iowa recently, I bought Patty a couple of nice-looking made-in-the-USA organic cotton outfits. The clothes, despite being on the sales rack, were not what one would call inexpensive. Unfortunately, after we arrived home, Patty put the new duds in the washing machine with a pair of shorts in which I had left an ink pen. Not until she removed the clothes from the dryer did she notice that the pen had exploded, leaving all sorts of unintentional blotches on her new outfits. Patty tried to remedy the situation by using a variety of homemade methods to remove the stains, but nothing worked. Even a professional cleaner told her not to bother; the outfits were ruined.

But rather than accept defeat, Patty got creative. She bought some dark dye to cover up the blotches on the dress and some camouflage spray paint to mask the blemishes on the blouse. The results are quite stunning.

Respecting Our Leaders

I continue to be amazed at the number of Americans who disrespect the president. Disagreement is a hallmark of democracy, but those taking to the Internet to rant are doing more than objecting to policies. They tell malicious lies and spread false rumors. I’ve been disappointed in the Obama presidency; I had high hopes for him when he entered office. But no matter what I think of him, I’m not going to trash him in public.

Scripture commands Christians to respect their rulers. Titus 3:1-2 says, “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” The Bible also tells followers of Christ to pray for those in authority over them. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, the Apostle Paul states, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Many of my churchgoing friends disregard such commands. Isn’t asking God to help our national leader make wise, moral decisions more Christ-like than praying for his failure or demise?

I remember more than 30 years ago when I worked at a grocery store in Columbia during college. A co-worker shared the news with another that President Reagan had just been shot. The two young men stocking shelves exchanged high fives. The action revolted me. I hadn’t voted for Reagan, but such disrespect grieved me. Compassion for a leader’s life should always come before political persuasion. Alas, the ignorance of the masses has only increased as radio talk-show hosts spew venom about those with whom they disagree. The vitriolic climate today foments hostility. No matter what I think of a person, I don’t wish him or her harm.

Joining the Smartphone Set

finally gave in earlier this month and purchased a Smartphone. I long resisted, figuring I didn’t need one. But in taking a couple of trips, one a vacation and the other for business, it sure came in handy. Instead of a map I pulled out the phone. I didn’t need a phonebook to figure out what restaurants were located on my route. And checking Facebook and email accounts on my phone proved satisfying, especially considering I gave up a laptop years ago. The danger with any technology is becoming so enamored with it that we miss out on real human interaction. That’s what happened to my wife and me. We spent evenings sitting side-by-side poking away at laptop keyboards, never communicating with each other. We ditched the laptops. Of course there is a similar temptation with a Smartphone and all its available apps. I have friends and acquaintances that can’t make it through a lunch or a church service without repeatedly checking their handheld device. Thankfully I’m somewhat technologically challenged.

The Old Stomping Grounds

My wife, Patty, and I trekked back to Fairfield, Iowa, last week for our first visit in six years. I grew up there, we both graduated from high school there and we began raising our sons there. Still, we have no relatives left in Fairfield, or in all of Iowa, for that matter. And much has changed since we moved away 22 years ago. The oddest thing about the populace of 10,000 is the number of people who still live there, yet are married to different spouses who also lived there — but with another mate. The landscape is a lot different from my childhood, of course, but there are many other changes from the last stay in 2006. Then, the town square had vacant storefronts in about half the buildings. Now, thanks to shops owned by transcendental meditators, business is booming. There are several healthy grocery stores, restaurants and natural supplement shops dotting the downtown area that contain restored 19th century wooden floors, brick walls and tin ceiling architecture. Flowerbeds and brick crosswalks add a nice touch of outdoor beautification. There also is a bike and walking trail around the entire perimeter of Fairfield. In addition to being able to see water birds and other creatures, the paths feature picnic tables, benches and even a gazebo. An impressive arts and convention center has been built that contains a 522-seat theater. TMers such as Donovan and Mike Love have performed there. And where else can you visit a farmer’s market featuring wares from Amish, transcendental meditators from Ethiopia and longtime Iowa farmers?

Amazing Sight and Sound

Recently I had my first exposure to the Sight & Sound Theater in Branson, Mo., where the production Joseph opened in April. The experience included a behind-the-scenes tour from Fraser Armstrong, one of the nearly 200 people who is employed by the theater to make the biblical epic come to life. In addition to serving as a tour guide, Armstrong — like many of the other actors — plays multiple roles in a two-hour production that requires numerous scenes with extras. His biggest part is that of the pharaoh that entrusts Joseph with saving the land from famine. Unlike some passion plays where the actors are merely mouthing prerecorded dialogue, the 17-act Joseph has 48 live microphones that must be cued at the appropriate times. The play also features three dozen live animals, from a white rat to camels. The costumes, choreography, musical number and sets — built on site — are worthy of Broadway. Some of the action takes place not only on the center stage, but also on the stages to the left and right of the audience in the 2,085-seat theater. Armstrong, 25, explained that he enjoys working at the explicitly Christian theater because he didn’t have to compromise his standards to get hired. The company has been around for 35 years, putting on shows in the past about biblical characters such as Noah, Daniel, and Ruth. Jonah is next in line for the twin theater based in Lancaster County, Pa. The 339,000-square-foot Branson complex opened in 2008. The mission statement is explicit: “Our purpose is to present the gospel of Jesus Christ and sow the Word of God into the lives of our customers, guests, and fellow workers by visualizing and dramatizing the Scriptures, through inspirational productions, encouraging others and seeking always to be dedicated and wise stewards of our God-given talents and resources.” The production poignantly brings the story of Joseph (covering Genesis 37-47) to life. A broad range of human emotions and behaviors is on display: parental favoritism, sibling rivalry, pride, jealousy, temptation, miscommunication, abandonment, disappointment in God, compassion for fellow humans, sense of loss, emotional baggage and restoration. With a the sparkling script, quality acting, soaring musical numbers, enchanted pageantry and the story itself, Joseph brings timeless biblical truths to modern audiences in a meaningful way. Few will leave the house without shedding a tear or two.