What is a Hate Crime?

Frank

One of the key pieces of legislation the late Senator Edward Kennedy was working towards was hate-crime legislation named after Matthew Shepard, the gay college student brutally murdered in 1998. Now I could write a dozen blog posts about whether this crime was actually a bonified hate-crime, but you cannot excuse the brutality. For that alone, the crime should be treated differently. Much like the grisly murder of Brandon McClelland in Paris, Texas a year ago.

The argument against hate-crime legislation is that all crimes are motivated by hate, or at the very least, a disregard for fellow human beings and/or their possessions. But when I equate hate with crime, I think about the Apostle John who wrote, “Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer…” (1 John 3:15a) and with murder I think about Jesus’ words, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder,and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” (Matthew 5:21-22a) It’s obvious how anger links to hate, and it’s easy to see that not all crimes are motivated by either hate or anger. So I do think that not all crimes are created equal. (Though to be fair, all sins are equal in the eyes of God)

But the focus of hate-crimes are generally race-related and to a lesser extent sexual-orientation. But what is often lost in the culture-war debate is that religion is also included. With the Global War on Terrorism, it seems obvious that a practicing Muslim in this country could/would be at risk of a hate-crime. But Christians may also be victims. Look no further than the shootings a couple years ago in Colorado, or many church shooting since (the Amish school in Pennsylvania, the Crystal Cathedral, and so on). While we may be shocked by the magnitude of those cases, they don’t compare with the case of Carol Daniels who was gruesomely murdered a week ago in Anadarko, Oklahoma. While the crime itself may sound ‘typical’ given the location and her ministry, the details are what are shocking. Yet I have yet to hear anyone refer to this as a hate-crime. How can it not be? She was obviously targeted because of her faith being found “behind the altar with her arms outstretched” in a mockery of the crucifixion.

Some argue that minorities or homosexuals do not need “special protection” afforded by hate-crime legislation. But I think a different way to look at it is punishing the crime reflecting the brutality of the crime. That applies to any and all victims, even Christians.

What is a Hate Crime?

Frank

One of the key pieces of legislation the late Senator Edward Kennedy was working towards was hate-crime legislation named after Matthew Shepard, the gay college student brutally murdered in 1998. Now I could write a dozen blog posts about whether this crime was actually a bonified hate-crime, but you cannot excuse the brutality. For that alone, the crime should be treated differently. Much like the grisly murder of Brandon McClelland in Paris, Texas a year ago.

The argument against hate-crime legislation is that all crimes are motivated by hate, or at the very least, a disregard for fellow human beings and/or their possessions. But when I equate hate with crime, I think about the Apostle John who wrote, “Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer…” (1 John 3:15a) and with murder I think about Jesus’ words, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder,and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” (Matthew 5:21-22a) It’s obvious how anger links to hate, and it’s easy to see that not all crimes are motivated by either hate or anger. So I do think that not all crimes are created equal. (Though to be fair, all sins are equal in the eyes of God)

But the focus of hate-crimes are generally race-related and to a lesser extent sexual-orientation. But what is often lost in the culture-war debate is that religion is also included. With the Global War on Terrorism, it seems obvious that a practicing Muslim in this country could/would be at risk of a hate-crime. But Christians may also be victims. Look no further than the shootings a couple years ago in Colorado, or many church shooting since (the Amish school in Pennsylvania, the Crystal Cathedral, and so on). While we may be shocked by the magnitude of those cases, they don’t compare with the case of Carol Daniels who was gruesomely murdered a week ago in Anadarko, Oklahoma. While the crime itself may sound ‘typical’ given the location and her ministry, the details are what are shocking. Yet I have yet to hear anyone refer to this as a hate-crime. How can it not be? She was obviously targeted because of her faith being found “behind the altar with her arms outstretched” in a mockery of the crucifixion.

Some argue that minorities or homosexuals do not need “special protection” afforded by hate-crime legislation. But I think a different way to look at it is punishing the crime reflecting the brutality of the crime. That applies to any and all victims, even Christians.

Standing Firm in the Pocket

Frank

For the non-football fan: The ‘pocket’ is the space formed around a quarterback when his offensive line (the big guys in front of him trying to keep other big guys from tackling him) is pushed into the backfield (where the quarterback and running backs are before the play starts).

I’ve given an example of what to do and what not to do, standing firm in your faith while in the spotlight of fame or your career. With the college football season kicking off this weekend, perhaps no spotlight is greater than that on Tim Tebow, quarterback of the Florida Gators, returning national champion and Heisman Trophy winner. I’ve talked about him before, but I wanted to give him some more column length (as if he doesn’t have miles of it already).

He is well known for his missions work, his prison ministry, and his celibacy (Pat Forde took a cheap shot in his opening Forde Yard Dash by saying, “A freshman is starting at quarterback at USC. A virgin is starting at quarterback at Florida.”). And his openness with his faith combined with his notoriety make him an easy target for criticism. AOL’s Fanhouse speculates how long it will take for someone to write “There Is” “No God” in eyeblack to counter Tebow’s “John” “3:16” and “Phil” “4:3” to get under his skin. As I already pointed out, his chastity is already mocked by the hyper-testosterone sports nut. And you know there are girls out there who are actively trying to tempt him- it’s a tired cliche: every girls wants to hook up with the starting quarterback. Amidst the trash talking every player receives on the gridiron, he must also contend with his own temper and pride (he drew criticism for doing the “Gator Chomp” in an Oklahoma player’s face in last season’s “championship” game).

Under this scrutiny he has held up remarkably well. He’s not boastful, not proud, nor rude or self-seeking. Sounds like he walked right out of 1 Corinthians 13. But we must be careful not to put him on too high a pedestal. He can’t be the object of our worship. Ted Kluck in Christianity Today begs us to cut him some slack. And we must always be careful when crowning the next sports messiah to remember how the mighty fall.

Regardless, Tim Tebow is a heck of a QB and a great role model of a Christian standing firm in his faith, even if he’s scrambling out of the pocket.

Standing Firm in the Pocket

Frank

For the non-football fan: The ‘pocket’ is the space formed around a quarterback when his offensive line (the big guys in front of him trying to keep other big guys from tackling him) is pushed into the backfield (where the quarterback and running backs are before the play starts).

I’ve given an example of what to do and what not to do, standing firm in your faith while in the spotlight of fame or your career. With the college football season kicking off this weekend, perhaps no spotlight is greater than that on Tim Tebow, quarterback of the Florida Gators, returning national champion and Heisman Trophy winner. I’ve talked about him before, but I wanted to give him some more column length (as if he doesn’t have miles of it already).

He is well known for his missions work, his prison ministry, and his celibacy (Pat Forde took a cheap shot in his opening Forde Yard Dash by saying, “A freshman is starting at quarterback at USC. A virgin is starting at quarterback at Florida.”). And his openness with his faith combined with his notoriety make him an easy target for criticism. AOL’s Fanhouse speculates how long it will take for someone to write “There Is” “No God” in eyeblack to counter Tebow’s “John” “3:16” and “Phil” “4:3” to get under his skin. As I already pointed out, his chastity is already mocked by the hyper-testosterone sports nut. And you know there are girls out there who are actively trying to tempt him- it’s a tired cliche: every girls wants to hook up with the starting quarterback. Amidst the trash talking every player receives on the gridiron, he must also contend with his own temper and pride (he drew criticism for doing the “Gator Chomp” in an Oklahoma player’s face in last season’s “championship” game).

Under this scrutiny he has held up remarkably well. He’s not boastful, not proud, nor rude or self-seeking. Sounds like he walked right out of 1 Corinthians 13. But we must be careful not to put him on too high a pedestal. He can’t be the object of our worship. Ted Kluck in Christianity Today begs us to cut him some slack. And we must always be careful when crowning the next sports messiah to remember how the mighty fall.

Regardless, Tim Tebow is a heck of a QB and a great role model of a Christian standing firm in his faith, even if he’s scrambling out of the pocket.

… You Will Not Stand at All

Frank

I posted recently about Jim Caviezel standing firm in his convictions regarding abortion despite the risk to his career. Of course, standing firm in one’s faith is more than a stance on a disputable political issue (though his objections aren’t politically motivated, there are Christians on both sides of the “right and available” debate). And I admire those who are consistent in applying their convictions even if I don’t agree with them, such as Ted Olson and LeRoy Carhart. I admire and respect them because holding on to their convictions carry risks to their careers, their relationships, and in the case of Carhart, their lives. It would be no surprise then to hear about someone being fired from their job because they would not waver from their convictions.

But I have no respect for those who cherry pick their convictions for personal gain or notoriety. Of course I’m talking about Carrie Prejean. I’ve mentioned this before, but now that she’s filed a lawsuit for “unlawful termination” I’m appalled. I would defend her if her “faith” was demonstrated in anything more than her views on gay-marriage. This is a woman who underwent cosmetic surgery for the sake of a vain competition, who flaunted her newfound fame in the wake of her honestly expressing her opinion. Sure, she attends a large evangelical church in San Diego. Good for her. But that’s not why she was stripped of her crown. Like I said, I would expect to hear about someone being fired on the basis of their convictions. Say the dividing issue was gay-marriage. Was she stripped because she wouldn’t bless or officiate over one? Obviously that’s not in her job description, so her opinion had no bearing on the expectations of her role. I would be more sympathetic if that were the case, but being fired for having an unpopular opinion, while wrong, does not equal discrimination.

It could be argued she is standing firm in her convictions. Fine, then denounce the pageant and all it represents with the objectification and subjugation of women. Speak out on any other faith-based (not politics-based) issue. Stop trying to sell yourself and your book. Stop seeking fame, and be humble.

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” (Isaiah 7:9b)

… You Will Not Stand at All

Frank

I posted recently about Jim Caviezel standing firm in his convictions regarding abortion despite the risk to his career. Of course, standing firm in one’s faith is more than a stance on a disputable political issue (though his objections aren’t politically motivated, there are Christians on both sides of the “right and available” debate). And I admire those who are consistent in applying their convictions even if I don’t agree with them, such as Ted Olson and LeRoy Carhart. I admire and respect them because holding on to their convictions carry risks to their careers, their relationships, and in the case of Carhart, their lives. It would be no surprise then to hear about someone being fired from their job because they would not waver from their convictions.

But I have no respect for those who cherry pick their convictions for personal gain or notoriety. Of course I’m talking about Carrie Prejean. I’ve mentioned this before, but now that she’s filed a lawsuit for “unlawful termination” I’m appalled. I would defend her if her “faith” was demonstrated in anything more than her views on gay-marriage. This is a woman who underwent cosmetic surgery for the sake of a vain competition, who flaunted her newfound fame in the wake of her honestly expressing her opinion. Sure, she attends a large evangelical church in San Diego. Good for her. But that’s not why she was stripped of her crown. Like I said, I would expect to hear about someone being fired on the basis of their convictions. Say the dividing issue was gay-marriage. Was she stripped because she wouldn’t bless or officiate over one? Obviously that’s not in her job description, so her opinion had no bearing on the expectations of her role. I would be more sympathetic if that were the case, but being fired for having an unpopular opinion, while wrong, does not equal discrimination.

It could be argued she is standing firm in her convictions. Fine, then denounce the pageant and all it represents with the objectification and subjugation of women. Speak out on any other faith-based (not politics-based) issue. Stop trying to sell yourself and your book. Stop seeking fame, and be humble.

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” (Isaiah 7:9b)

God Will Save Me

Frank

You’ve probably either heard the story or read it in an email. A woman lives in a house by the river (no, not Chris Farley) and the news warns of a big storm with a possible chance of flooding. Neighbors start sandbagging and buying supplies but she stays at home saying, “I trust God, he’ll take care of me.” The river starts to rise and this person’s neighbors start to pack their things to leave, but she continues to say, “I trust God, he’ll take care of me.” The river reaches full flood stage and evacuations are ordered, but she still says, “I trust God, he’ll take care of me.” Everyone evacuates and the police now urge her to leave, but again she says, “I trust God, he’ll take care of me.” Finally, her house is submerged under water and she is sitting on the roof as boats and helicopters pass by urged her to board. By now it’s no surprise she answers, “I trust God, he’ll take care of me.” Soon after, the woman drowns. Facing God when she enters heaven she asks, “I put all my faith and trust in you. Why didn’t you save me?” And God replies, “I tried, I sent a weather bulletin, neighbors, evacuation orders, the police, and even a helicopter and a boat.”

That’s the funny story. What’s not funny is right now there are five people caught in the Station Fire north of LA after failing to heed evacuation orders. The fire is too severe for them to be rescued. I pray for their safety and for the safety of the over 3,000 firefighters now battling the blaze.

God Will Save Me

Frank

You’ve probably either heard the story or read it in an email. A woman lives in a house by the river (no, not Chris Farley) and the news warns of a big storm with a possible chance of flooding. Neighbors start sandbagging and buying supplies but she stays at home saying, “I trust God, he’ll take care of me.” The river starts to rise and this person’s neighbors start to pack their things to leave, but she continues to say, “I trust God, he’ll take care of me.” The river reaches full flood stage and evacuations are ordered, but she still says, “I trust God, he’ll take care of me.” Everyone evacuates and the police now urge her to leave, but again she says, “I trust God, he’ll take care of me.” Finally, her house is submerged under water and she is sitting on the roof as boats and helicopters pass by urged her to board. By now it’s no surprise she answers, “I trust God, he’ll take care of me.” Soon after, the woman drowns. Facing God when she enters heaven she asks, “I put all my faith and trust in you. Why didn’t you save me?” And God replies, “I tried, I sent a weather bulletin, neighbors, evacuation orders, the police, and even a helicopter and a boat.”

That’s the funny story. What’s not funny is right now there are five people caught in the Station Fire north of LA after failing to heed evacuation orders. The fire is too severe for them to be rescued. I pray for their safety and for the safety of the over 3,000 firefighters now battling the blaze.

Stand Firm

Frank

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

There was an interview last week with former Jesus, Jim Caviezel regarding his views on abortion. Personally, I don’t keep track of who believes what in Hollywood because it’s a pretty safe assumption where most’s politics lie. So this interview surprised me, especially because so many tried to dig deep into his convictions when he portrayed Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, but to no avail. He continued on in his career with a quiet humility, never lording over anyone with a holier-than-thou attitude.

I’m most impressed with his desire to speak out regardless of the consequences. Consider these quotes: “I don’t love my career that much to say, ‘I’m going to remain silent on this’.” And, “when you go to church on Sunday, it’s absolutely worthless unless you apply what you’ve learned to your everyday life.” Even more remarkable is that he puts his convictions to action by adopting a special needs child from China.

I do hope his convictions do not hurt his career. But have you seen Patricia Heaton in anything lately other than on the Hallmark Channel? It’s no question conservatives are a minority in Hollywood, likely more so conservative Christians. But it is possible to make a career with challenging ideologies. Consider Andrew Niccol, writer and director of one of my favorite movies, Gattaca. He doesn’t have a long resume, but he hasn’t necessarily been a flop either. If you’re on the fence regarding abortion, watch this movie and then watch the special features with interviews with Niccol. Gattaca is one of my favorite movies without the political subtext, though the sanctity of life drives the overall plot.

What does the future hold for Mr. Caviezel? God only knows. But I hope he knows that he’s not alone. I’m going to do a run of featurettes on some likely and unlikely defenders of the faith who aren’t willing to hide their convictions for the sake of their paycheck. Stay tuned.

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ… I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27ff)

Stand Firm

Frank

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

There was an interview last week with former Jesus, Jim Caviezel regarding his views on abortion. Personally, I don’t keep track of who believes what in Hollywood because it’s a pretty safe assumption where most’s politics lie. So this interview surprised me, especially because so many tried to dig deep into his convictions when he portrayed Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, but to no avail. He continued on in his career with a quiet humility, never lording over anyone with a holier-than-thou attitude.

I’m most impressed with his desire to speak out regardless of the consequences. Consider these quotes: “I don’t love my career that much to say, ‘I’m going to remain silent on this’.” And, “when you go to church on Sunday, it’s absolutely worthless unless you apply what you’ve learned to your everyday life.” Even more remarkable is that he puts his convictions to action by adopting a special needs child from China.

I do hope his convictions do not hurt his career. But have you seen Patricia Heaton in anything lately other than on the Hallmark Channel? It’s no question conservatives are a minority in Hollywood, likely more so conservative Christians. But it is possible to make a career with challenging ideologies. Consider Andrew Niccol, writer and director of one of my favorite movies, Gattaca. He doesn’t have a long resume, but he hasn’t necessarily been a flop either. If you’re on the fence regarding abortion, watch this movie and then watch the special features with interviews with Niccol. Gattaca is one of my favorite movies without the political subtext, though the sanctity of life drives the overall plot.

What does the future hold for Mr. Caviezel? God only knows. But I hope he knows that he’s not alone. I’m going to do a run of featurettes on some likely and unlikely defenders of the faith who aren’t willing to hide their convictions for the sake of their paycheck. Stay tuned.

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ… I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27ff)