On my last blog I criticized the fictionalize account of the book, A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. What was so concerning was the disregard for the truth both by the author and the book's main promoter Oprah Winfrey. Fortunately the desire for truth does still hold some sway in our country.
If you click on the title of this blog above you will be directed to an article giving the follow-up to last week's discussion. In the time since the story broke pressure has been brought to bear on the author and Oprah for her comments on Larry King Live.
As I said in my last blog, the real concern that I had was the way in which the concept of truth is being dealt with in popular culture. Oprah's initial comments about the book were disturbing if that line of reasoning (or lack of reasoning) were applied in everyday life. No longer would it matter if something is true as long as it has the desired emotional response.
This goes to the heart of the issue in our Postmodern culture. News (or history) is not about the facts but about interpreting events to portray a desired end. According to conventional wisdom there is no such thing as "truth" with a capital T (as Francis Schaeffer commented prophetically years ago) then talking about events or history is only about competing stories vying for power.
Case in point with the initial discussion in my last blog. What was expressed by Oprah (perhaps unwittingly) was that very notion. As long as it had the desired emotional impact and changed people's lives then the truthfulness of Frey's assertions didn't really matter. To use another Schaeffer quip, "Modern Man has both feet firmly planted in mid-air."
If we divorce ourselves from the concept of truth then we are left adrift on the creek of subjectivity without a paddle. As Frey found out, being confronted by truth can be a humbling reality. The nature of true is such that it is very exclusive. Everything contrary to it is inherently false. It would be nice to be able to fashion our own reality. After concluding this blog I would be driving my Ferrari back to the mansion to sit in my hot tub overlooking the ocean while U2 plays a private set for me as background music.
In reality I will be driving my Subaru to my rental house to listen to U2 on my iPod. Oh well!
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Friday, January 13, 2006
A Million Little Lies
I am not sure if any of you have been following the controversy over the last week concerning James Frey's book, A Million Little Pieces. If you click the title above it should take you to one of the news stories about the controversy. The gist of the controversy is this, James Frey wrote a book a few years back about his life as a former drug addict, alcoholic and and criminal. He told sensational stories about what happened during different drug episodes and during various arrests and imprisonments. The book has sold millions of copies especially after Oprah Winfrey made it a book club selection on her T.V. show last fall.
Only one problem, apparently much of what he wrote in his "Memoir" are flat out lies and fabrications! This last week the website, "The Smoking Gun" wrote an extensive article outlining all off the lies and deception. Frey's lawyer has been threatening the website with a lawsuit for months if they published their story. Of course the website had one thing in their favor, namely THE TRUTH! Frey had lied in his book. He had made up people, events and situations. He had exaggerated his alcohol and drug use. What he wrote was a lie.
Confronted with the truth of these allegations, Frey should had responded with shame and remorse. He should have publicly come out and retracted his statements and agreed to rewrite the fallacious sections in his book.
Ah, but not so in this postmodern world. Truth is irrelevant if the made up "TRUTH" has helped people. Frey appeared on Larry King Live to defend his book. He is not saying that everything he wrote was totally accurate, only that his lies are just like everyone else's who writes memoirs.
Read one quote from the show cited in an AP news article:
Frey has acknowledged to The Smoking Gun that he embellished parts of the book and he said so again Wednesday night on "Larry King Live," stating that alterations were common for memoirs and defending "the essential truth" of "A Million Little Pieces."
"The book is about drug addiction and alcoholism," he said. "The emotional truth is there."
Did you catch that last line, "The emotional truth is in there." What does that mean? How can there be emotional truth if there is not TRUE truth? Later on in the show Oprah called in to defend Frey. Interestingly, she never said what he said was actually true or that the book accurately reflected Frey's life. As long as it helped people then it was "true for you." Here's her comment again quoted in AP:
"If you're an addict whose life has been moved by this story and you feel that what James went through was able ... to help you hold on a little bit longer, and you connected to that, that is real. That is real," she said. "And it's ... irrelevant discussing, you know, what happened or did not happen to the police."
Notice some key phrases: "life has been moved" "you feel" "to help you" "you connected" and then the shocking comment, "that is real." Then she says it is irrelevant discussing if it actually happened!!! In other words, it doesn't matter if you believe a lie as long as it is meaningful to you. The fact that it is meaningful makes it "true for you." It's all about you, truth is inconsequential.
Even if you are not familiar with the events above, the issue should be clear. We live in a world that devalues truth and puts a premium on emotional experience. Truth is unnecessary as long as what you believe helps you. I think Frey and Oprah's motivation for defending the book are different. Frey embellished his life in order to sell more books. Who wants to read a run of the mill turn around story? Oprah is afraid that thousands of people who quit drugs or alcohol because of being inspired by this book might relapse and return to that lifestyle. The concern is commendable but not at the expense of truth.
Paul addressed the issue of truth almost 2,000 years ago in the Bible. The issue was the physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus. Some thought, even if Jesus didn't actually rise from the dead that's okay as long as it makes your life meaningful and it helps you. Even today some say that if Christianity makes you a better person or changes your life that is fine even if the events are a canard (deliberately misleading statement), it doesn't matter because of all the good it does. Hogwash!
To that the Apostle Paul replied, "if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain." (1 Corinthians 15:14) Beyond that he says that he would be a "false witnesses of God." (v. 15) If Jesus did not actually rise again from the dead in real life then, "your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins." (v. 17) He concludes, "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied." If we based our lives on a lie we be pitied. Why?
Simply because it would be a waste of my life to base it on a lie. If Jesus didn't rise from the dead literally and physically then we are not forgiven of our sins, the whole basis of Christianity has been proven false and living for Christ is a fool's errand. If Jesus didn't rise from the dead we should live it up in this life because this is all there is. Forget restraint. Forget moral improvement. Forget trying to glorify God. Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die!
But of course Jesus did rise again from the dead!
Here's my point, don't buy into the postmodern garbage that truth is unimportant or irrelevant. As Christians we sometimes try to accommodate to culture in order to reach people. I have had well-meaning Christians tell me that we shouldn't try to use apologetics to reach the lost. We should just compare out story to theirs and the winsomeness of our story will convert others. NO, a thousand times no. We are people of the truth. We stand on our faith because it is true in the real world. We should stand up and expose falsehood and help people see the importance of truth.
Yes, Christianity is helpful. Yes, it has changed my life. But the reason it has is because it is TRUE. Don't sacrifice truth at the altar of postmodernism.
Only one problem, apparently much of what he wrote in his "Memoir" are flat out lies and fabrications! This last week the website, "The Smoking Gun" wrote an extensive article outlining all off the lies and deception. Frey's lawyer has been threatening the website with a lawsuit for months if they published their story. Of course the website had one thing in their favor, namely THE TRUTH! Frey had lied in his book. He had made up people, events and situations. He had exaggerated his alcohol and drug use. What he wrote was a lie.
Confronted with the truth of these allegations, Frey should had responded with shame and remorse. He should have publicly come out and retracted his statements and agreed to rewrite the fallacious sections in his book.
Ah, but not so in this postmodern world. Truth is irrelevant if the made up "TRUTH" has helped people. Frey appeared on Larry King Live to defend his book. He is not saying that everything he wrote was totally accurate, only that his lies are just like everyone else's who writes memoirs.
Read one quote from the show cited in an AP news article:
Frey has acknowledged to The Smoking Gun that he embellished parts of the book and he said so again Wednesday night on "Larry King Live," stating that alterations were common for memoirs and defending "the essential truth" of "A Million Little Pieces."
"The book is about drug addiction and alcoholism," he said. "The emotional truth is there."
Did you catch that last line, "The emotional truth is in there." What does that mean? How can there be emotional truth if there is not TRUE truth? Later on in the show Oprah called in to defend Frey. Interestingly, she never said what he said was actually true or that the book accurately reflected Frey's life. As long as it helped people then it was "true for you." Here's her comment again quoted in AP:
"If you're an addict whose life has been moved by this story and you feel that what James went through was able ... to help you hold on a little bit longer, and you connected to that, that is real. That is real," she said. "And it's ... irrelevant discussing, you know, what happened or did not happen to the police."
Notice some key phrases: "life has been moved" "you feel" "to help you" "you connected" and then the shocking comment, "that is real." Then she says it is irrelevant discussing if it actually happened!!! In other words, it doesn't matter if you believe a lie as long as it is meaningful to you. The fact that it is meaningful makes it "true for you." It's all about you, truth is inconsequential.
Even if you are not familiar with the events above, the issue should be clear. We live in a world that devalues truth and puts a premium on emotional experience. Truth is unnecessary as long as what you believe helps you. I think Frey and Oprah's motivation for defending the book are different. Frey embellished his life in order to sell more books. Who wants to read a run of the mill turn around story? Oprah is afraid that thousands of people who quit drugs or alcohol because of being inspired by this book might relapse and return to that lifestyle. The concern is commendable but not at the expense of truth.
Paul addressed the issue of truth almost 2,000 years ago in the Bible. The issue was the physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus. Some thought, even if Jesus didn't actually rise from the dead that's okay as long as it makes your life meaningful and it helps you. Even today some say that if Christianity makes you a better person or changes your life that is fine even if the events are a canard (deliberately misleading statement), it doesn't matter because of all the good it does. Hogwash!
To that the Apostle Paul replied, "if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain." (1 Corinthians 15:14) Beyond that he says that he would be a "false witnesses of God." (v. 15) If Jesus did not actually rise again from the dead in real life then, "your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins." (v. 17) He concludes, "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied." If we based our lives on a lie we be pitied. Why?
Simply because it would be a waste of my life to base it on a lie. If Jesus didn't rise from the dead literally and physically then we are not forgiven of our sins, the whole basis of Christianity has been proven false and living for Christ is a fool's errand. If Jesus didn't rise from the dead we should live it up in this life because this is all there is. Forget restraint. Forget moral improvement. Forget trying to glorify God. Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die!
But of course Jesus did rise again from the dead!
Here's my point, don't buy into the postmodern garbage that truth is unimportant or irrelevant. As Christians we sometimes try to accommodate to culture in order to reach people. I have had well-meaning Christians tell me that we shouldn't try to use apologetics to reach the lost. We should just compare out story to theirs and the winsomeness of our story will convert others. NO, a thousand times no. We are people of the truth. We stand on our faith because it is true in the real world. We should stand up and expose falsehood and help people see the importance of truth.
Yes, Christianity is helpful. Yes, it has changed my life. But the reason it has is because it is TRUE. Don't sacrifice truth at the altar of postmodernism.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Christmas in the Midwest
Here are a couple pictures of my parents with their granddaughter for the first time! It was such a joy to have my parents hold our baby for the first time. Like everyone else, they didn't want to let go. My mom suggested we could leave her in Wisconsin. After eight kids what is one more to raise?
I absolutely love this next shot of grace. Poor girl had to be bundled up like a giant pink snowball every time we ventured outside. The weather wasn't too bad for the midwest but she's been a California girl her whole life!
The next two shots are just a few of the pictures we took with the family. On Christmas day most of the extended family crammed into my parents old house in Waukesha, WI for a festive get together complete with tamales, chicken and mole, ham and mashed potatoes, and every other food you can imagine. Truly an eclectic feast!
These next two shots were taken when we were visiting Chicago before Christmas. One of the coolest kids I've ever known, Alex Mrakovich, hung out with Jenn, Grace and me for the day and we ventured down to the Miracle Mile on Michigan Avenue. The weather was amazing for December in Chicago and the streets were packed with shoppers.
That night one of most amazing musicians I know put on a concert in downtown Wheaton. it was a great time to see a bunch of the guys who were in my old youth group from Lombard Bible Church. Most of the guys in the pictures I've watched grow up from grade school to become godly young men walking with the Lord and ministering in local churches. I don't think there is a greater joy as a pastor than seeing people you ministered to continuing to walk with the Lord.
The next picture is of one of my best friends and his wife, Jason and Megan Mkrtschjan. Jason was the best man at my wedding in 2004 and I returned the favor last year. He is an amazing musician who has a phenomenal new album coming out in just a few weeks. Look for one of my future blogs to feature his new album and links to listen and purchase it for yourself!
The following picture is Jason's mom, Cheryl with Grace. She insisted I take the picture and put it on my blog then changed her mind after seeing it. Oh well, I already said I would so here it is Cheryl!!! Ha!
This couple have been my friends and mentors for the last decade. Gus and Marge have been a home away from home and they have shown me love and fellowship throughout the years that goes beyond description.
This next couple, Paul and Diane, along with Jenn and Grace are another special couple to me. When I first moved to Lombard they welcomed me into their home and family like no other couple I know. They are an amazing couple and have truly been an encouragement and inspiration to me. Their son was born extremely premature over 22 years ago and has grown up to become a good man and a good friend.
Finally, here are some Chicago shots. Again the best of the 200 plus that I took. These are all on Michigan Ave. in downtown Chicago. There is no other city in the world like Chicago. New York may have Broadway and L.A. has Compton, but Chicago is my kind of town. (Only you Californians are going to get the L.A. comment)
That's all for now. For those of you actually reading this, one other thing. After much prayerful consideration and discussion it was decided that Jenn would continue to be a full-time mother and shortly before Christmas announced officially that she would not be returning to work. Continue to pray for us as we make those adjustments financially. Thanks again for your interest.
Please leave comments if you read this. I'd love to know who's looking!
I absolutely love this next shot of grace. Poor girl had to be bundled up like a giant pink snowball every time we ventured outside. The weather wasn't too bad for the midwest but she's been a California girl her whole life!
The next two shots are just a few of the pictures we took with the family. On Christmas day most of the extended family crammed into my parents old house in Waukesha, WI for a festive get together complete with tamales, chicken and mole, ham and mashed potatoes, and every other food you can imagine. Truly an eclectic feast!
These next two shots were taken when we were visiting Chicago before Christmas. One of the coolest kids I've ever known, Alex Mrakovich, hung out with Jenn, Grace and me for the day and we ventured down to the Miracle Mile on Michigan Avenue. The weather was amazing for December in Chicago and the streets were packed with shoppers.
That night one of most amazing musicians I know put on a concert in downtown Wheaton. it was a great time to see a bunch of the guys who were in my old youth group from Lombard Bible Church. Most of the guys in the pictures I've watched grow up from grade school to become godly young men walking with the Lord and ministering in local churches. I don't think there is a greater joy as a pastor than seeing people you ministered to continuing to walk with the Lord.
The next picture is of one of my best friends and his wife, Jason and Megan Mkrtschjan. Jason was the best man at my wedding in 2004 and I returned the favor last year. He is an amazing musician who has a phenomenal new album coming out in just a few weeks. Look for one of my future blogs to feature his new album and links to listen and purchase it for yourself!
The following picture is Jason's mom, Cheryl with Grace. She insisted I take the picture and put it on my blog then changed her mind after seeing it. Oh well, I already said I would so here it is Cheryl!!! Ha!
This couple have been my friends and mentors for the last decade. Gus and Marge have been a home away from home and they have shown me love and fellowship throughout the years that goes beyond description.
This next couple, Paul and Diane, along with Jenn and Grace are another special couple to me. When I first moved to Lombard they welcomed me into their home and family like no other couple I know. They are an amazing couple and have truly been an encouragement and inspiration to me. Their son was born extremely premature over 22 years ago and has grown up to become a good man and a good friend.
Finally, here are some Chicago shots. Again the best of the 200 plus that I took. These are all on Michigan Ave. in downtown Chicago. There is no other city in the world like Chicago. New York may have Broadway and L.A. has Compton, but Chicago is my kind of town. (Only you Californians are going to get the L.A. comment)
That's all for now. For those of you actually reading this, one other thing. After much prayerful consideration and discussion it was decided that Jenn would continue to be a full-time mother and shortly before Christmas announced officially that she would not be returning to work. Continue to pray for us as we make those adjustments financially. Thanks again for your interest.
Please leave comments if you read this. I'd love to know who's looking!
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