The Death of Steve Jobs and the Glory of Christ

Last night I overheard a phone conversation where a person told one of my friends that Steve Jobs had died.  He spoke with such a sincere somberness that it seemed that Steve had been a lifelong friend. When I later logged into Facebook, I saw numerous people had posted statements of commemoration, clearly showing the magnitude of his influence.

And such responses show the honor and gratitude we have towards the man.  What we are saying is, “thanks Steve for your work, you have changed my life.  And even though I do not know you, I acknowledge your influence.”   This is the natural way we respond to people who die.  We show much more gratitude, honor, and love towards those who impact and influence us the most. 

But in order to show that gratitude, honor, and love we have to see how that person has impacted and influenced us. Right now I’m writing this on a Macbook, as I’m sure many of you are reading this blog on an Apple product.  And almost all of you have Itunes and/or an Ipod.  Very quickly we recognize the impact of Steve Jobs and his life’s work.

But I had to ask myself “Well, how much more gratitude, honor, and love does Jesus deserve?” And I realized how little I show it, simply because I do not fully understand or remind myself of the impact of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

I believe that one of the big reasons we have trouble acknowledging the magnitude of Christ is because we express it in a way the minimizes his life.  One of the most awesome things we can ever say or acknowledge as truth is this: Christ died for my sins.  Certainly an amazing truth, but this is the foundation, not the entire house.  If we only understand and believe that Christ died for our sins, then our worship and honor is limited to that statement.  In other words, the more we understand how big the gift is, the easier it is to show a gratitude, honor, and love that is truly deserving. 

Scripture not only says that Christ died for our sins, but scripture expounds so much more and so beautifully the full impact of Jesus and his life; the word says that because of his sacrifice:

We now have peace with God – Romans 5:1

We are one with the Father – John 17:21

We have received the Spirit of God as to understand the things given to us by God – 1 Corinthians 2:12

We now have a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self control – 2 Timothy 1:7

We are fellow citizens and saints with the household of God – Ephesians 2:19

We are no longer slaves, but sons and daughters – crying Abba Father – Galatians 4:6-7

We are children of God – 1 John 3:1

We are now a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession – 1 Peter 2:9

We have authority and power over the enemy, rejoicing in that our names are written in heaven – Luke 10:19-20

We will do greater things than Jesus – John 14:12

We are no longer under condemnation – Romans 8:1

We are now dead to sin, and alive in Christ. – Romans 6:11

These are just some of the promises found in scripture, but hopefully we can begin to understand the greatness of the gift.  Christ did not die merely to say, “Hey, good news!  I’m not going to hold a grudge against all the bad stuff you did!”  But instead he says, “Hey, your sins are forgiven so that you can know me, and know my Father.”  That is the true impact of the gospel, and it deserves the greatest of praise.  

“Hey man! I liked Mumford and Sons BEFORE they were on VH1."

“Oh yeah, well you’re an idiot."

This is a dialogue I’ve had with myself on many occasions.  Hipster elitism at its most unashamed.   I was driving the other day listening to KURE – the student run radio station in Ames – and the pleasant but surely hipster DJ was about to play a new set, when she began with this disclaimer:

I’ll be playing Foster the People, but NOT “Pumped up Kicks”

I scoffed at such a statement.  On two levels.  First, if she were a true hipster, and really wanted to be cool she wouldn’t play Foster the People at all.  What an amateur.  My second thought was much more mature, and I sadly thought, man just play whatever. 

The tension within me to be a “hipster” (whatever that means) and all that it entails, begs a much truer and a much more brutally honest question: “Am I trying to be cool and original or am I just a jerk?”

 …hmm

I’ll answer the question with another anecdote: I went to Starbucks this morning and I saw them selling the new Wilco and the new Feist album.  And a little tiny voice within me said, get ready to start not liking them… 

WHAT!?!

Dang it! I AM a jerk.

I love Wilco and I love Feist.  Why would I even consider not liking them only because I saw their CD’s being sold at one of the biggest, most popular coffee chains in the entire world? Ugh. 

And this raised another important question within my heart.  Does God want me to be a hipster?

*By hipster, I don’t really mean the hipster culture (mac books, fixie bikes, tight jeans, etc.)  just more so the elitist, exclusive and more damaging mindset of being “cool” or “original.” 

I’ve had such a mindset for as long as I can remember.  At certain points in life it has hindered me, at other points it has allowed me to seek and find things I otherwise would never have discovered if not for breaking away from the mold. 

My parents like any other parents once asked me if I would follow so-and-so if they were to jump off a bridge.  What was at the heart of this rhetorical question is the proverb: “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (13:20) 

My adolescent interpretation was a bit different.  Even despite my fear of heights, jumping off a bridge seemed pretty cool.  Pretty exciting.  So I heard,  be cool in your own way.  Jump off your own bridge.   And once others start to crowd your bridge, you got to find another one. 

Damn straight. 

But this is the opposite of the gospel.  Jesus says: “You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Bah!  So true.  Jesus says this not only because he wants his glory to be spread, but he’s also speaking to our natural nature.  When you see a good movie don’t you want to tell someone about it?  When a funny, embarrassing moment happens don’t you begin to text a friend to tell them?  When you get a new insight aren’t you excited to share it with another?  

And so I will dedicate myself to sharing joy with others.  Any and all joy, without hesitation, without concerns if I am being cool or original.  I will be unashamed.  So without further ado:

The Idolatry of the Bandwagon

This past Saturday evening while eating a plate of spaghetti I watched in pity and disappointment as the Iowa State Cyclones committed yet another turnover.  I turned off the game in the middle of the second quarter and with the press of a button I motioned for the driver to stop.  I quietly and somewhat embarrassingly removed myself from the Cyclone bandwagon.  Others looked at me with disgust.  No loyalty. And I could not refute, for any true sports fan knows that there are few things more disgraceful than the bandwagon hitchhiker.

I will continue to write this with two disclaimers: 

1.  I am an Iowa Hawkeye fan
     
     - This may ruffle a few feathers from both sides, but the Cyclones are not our immediate rivals, and thus does not disqualify me from cheering for the Cardinal and Gold.  I hold this rule of thumb, that unless you are a terrible program within your own conference (Cyclones?) then your rival - whom you are born and bred to hate by mere definition - should always come from within your own conference.  

2. I am an Iowa State alumnus

    - Apart from what was noted above, another reason that would allow me to consider cheering for the Cyclones is that I went and graduated from the university.  Here's an argument I always get and it always amazes me at its absurdity.  Why would you go to Iowa State if you're a Hawkeye fan!?!  We all know and understand that proximity need not dictate fandom, and this includes academic proximity.

But the shame, as I stand on the corner of the road watching the wagon drive away, remains only because the one driving is none other than coach Paul Rhoads.  And he looks back sadly shaking his head.  Ah! Coach Rhoads I’m so sorry.  He's so captivating.  So inspiring.  If he were to tell me to go mug old ladies on the street, I would do it without any second thought or moral hesitation.

CUT TO:

INT. COURTROOM - DAY

The PROSECUTOR wears a slick suit, glaring at the perpetrator - JAKE who sits on the witness stand.  The jurors look on curiously but with disapproval, while the judge stares smugly at him from his bench.  The rest of the courtroom is filled with people.  The ladies fan themselves and the men sit with their arms folded.  

PROSECUTOR

And Mr. McLaughlin how many

sweet old ladies did you mug

in the past three years?

WOMAN FROM THE CROWD

(V.O.)

Lawd have mercy!

JAKE

(head down)

I, I don't know.

PROSECUTOR

You don't know?  How does

thirty-two sound?

The crowds gasps.

JAKE

That's a lot of sweet old

ladies.

PROSECUTOR

Oh, believe me.  It is.  What

on earth would possess you to do

such a terrible, heinous crime?

JAKE

(beginning to cry)

I'm sorry.  But Coach Paul Rhoads

told me to do it!

The crowd murmurs in disbelief.

PROSECUTOR

Take responsibility.  You monster.

The crowd shouts their approval, while the judge nods in agreement.  JAKE jerks his head up, tears streaming down his face.

JAKE

I just wanted Paul Rhoads to be

proud of me!

As he says this, the audio of the famous Youtube, Paul Rhoads video begins to echo throughout the courtroom.  

Rhoad's voice pierces the soul, the crowd's demeanor begins to melt.  This is a moment that produces chills.  The prosecutor braces himself on the corner of the table as he listens.  He too begins to cry.

PROSECUTOR

Damn it your Honor!  The prosecution

removes all charges.

The crowd cheers, and the jurors slowly stand one-by-one and begin to applaud.  There is not a dry eye in the house.  The judge brings down his gavel.

JUDGE

Case dismissed. 

Seriously, the Paul Rhoads defense will work every time.  But let us get to the bigger, maybe more transcendent picture.  As much as I desire to cheer for the Cyclones, my true loyalty will always remain with the Hawkeyes. I have learned simply, that the heart cannot be divided.  If this analogy can serve itself for a bit longer, it is that the Lord did not intend for us to be bandwagoners.  And that may not even mean I have to hate or spurn the team that I have always loved.  Many of us believe an idolatrous heart is to show hatred towards the one whom we once loved.  But idolatry can be much more subtle. The question - well can't I love both the Hawkeyes and the Cyclones?  - is the wrong question.  The real question is - are we trying to love many things when we are really called to love only one? A house cannot be divided against itself.  No one can serve two masters.  You are either walking in the light or in the darkness. 

The one on the bandwagon is always able to get off.  When he sees trouble down the road, when he sees the number third, sixth, twentieth, twenty-fourth, and twenty-fifth ranked teams in the nation facing him, he can allow fear to grip him and he looks to avoid trial by any means.  The answer to this fear and doubt is this:

"And if you will indeed obey my commandments that I command you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, he will give the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the later rain, that you may gather in your grain and your wine and your oil.  And he will give grass in your fields for your livestock, and you shall eat and be full.  Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them; then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you, and he will shut up the heavens, so that there will be no rain, and the land will yield no fruit, and you will perish quickly off the good land that the LORD is giving you."

  

Job Search: Day 28 (Approximately)

I remember someone telling me that money does not grow on trees.  Skepticism accounted for, I walked outside and found such a fact to be validated.  What they did not tell me, and what I should have realized by extending similar logic, is that jobs also do not grow on trees.  (However, if your situation is like my friend’s, Andrew Oberbroeckling who is now living in Hawaii harvesting coconuts, then jobs actually and literally do grow on trees.) 

I cannot exactly say to what degree – if at all – I have been discouraged during the process.  But it's definitely not as easy as I thought.  Maybe my expectations were too high.  Maybe I was too naïve to believe that I would be pushing employers back with a broomstick once they realized I had not only one but two majors, and let alone that they were in the oh-so-practical areas of Religious Studies and English Literature...

Hey advisor, Religious Studies is NOT a “goldmine” major.
Oh… you were being sarcastic when you said that… Ha I like jokes too.

This experience has been cool a reminder of how much God is in control, and how exciting it is to know that he’s the provider.  He’s never going to be surprised if I don’t get a certain job, he’s never going to give me a job and then say “Oh shoot, that wasn’t supposed to happen.”   I’m excited and encouraged to see what the next few days, months, even years have in store for me.  It’s going to be awesome to look back and see how God was working, even in little things like filling out applications, making phone calls, or sending emails.  He’s a faithful father. 

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?”

Music of 2010: Pt. 5 (Nothing like being timely)

2. The National – High Violet

This is an amazing follow-up to their 2007 album Boxer.  Lyrically, High Violet is more cryptic than its predecessor, using words and images that critique the social condition of the middle class.  Unlike Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs, this album is not obvious or over-handed, but carries itself with straight-faced satire.  The band is certainly an “album” band, not looking to produce singles, but there are a handful of songs that carry significant emotional resonance.  Coupled with effective hooks, the songs are appealing without being distracting.  With more plays, the album reveals an emotional and intellectual depth.

2. Sleigh Bells – Rill Rill

Catchy, lovely, innocent, nostalgic, and almost nothing like the rest of the album, this song is awesome! (The album would make the Honorable Mention list... if it existed)

1. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

I’m not one for hyperboles but this may be one of the greatest albums I’ve listened to in the past five years.  Kanye depicts an Icharus-like attempt to reach the heavens only to show us the tragic fall as the wings singe.  This is Breugel’s painting in the form of music.  The beginning of the album calls out, “Can we get much higher?” and Kanye will explore such question not with an answer of yes or no, but do we even want to get any higher?  The opening track along with “Power” sounds similar to the pop-hip-hop that Kanye is known to produce, but unlike his former efforts these songs are not meant to celebrate the celebrity life.  He’s no longer winking, but accepts his status as one that carries much torment.  Yes, he may have “Power” or be “Gorgeous” but the first third of this album holds a deeper irony that we quickly realize in the final two-thirds.  The middle songs flesh out the other side of the coin, and we see the darker outcomes of a life that is never satisfied.  The grass is indeed always greener, and his protagonist is desperately searching for companionship.  This insatiable appetite offers little comfort, his search for something meaningful renders and morphs itself into a hedonistic lust. 

Thematics aside, Kanye’s production is brilliant, creating rhythmic beats that then transform into something more haunting such as the sampling of Aphex Twin in “Blame Game.”  The music parallels the themes, as a singular piano key echoes the lonely and alienated title of its song “Runaway.”  Kanye also garners much help from his associates, many of them who will make a name for themselves based on this album alone.  The most talked about guest appearance is from Nicki Minaj who outraps both Kanye and Jay-Z on “Monster.”  Rick Ross provides a tremendous verse in “Devil in a New Dress,” with his delivery supplementing his rhymes perfectly.  Kanye also shows his skill as a rapper, “Gorgeous” being exemplary.  Two lines that are personal favorites show his satirical-political bite, as well as his social awareness: “I treat cash the way the government treats AIDS, I won’t be satisified till all my niggas get it, get it?” and “Is hip-hop just a euphemism for a new religion? The soul music of the slaves that the youth is missin’?”  Kanye is never one to shy away from controversy and puts himself as a voice of ironic and paradoxical consciousness.  

As self aggrandizing as is Kanye the Celebrity, Kanye the Musician avoids any presumptuous claims about this album in particular.  In none of these songs, does he suggest the album to be a “game-changer” as many of his contemporaries will and have done on their respective albums.  But hopefully it will be.  Kanye West has created an album that deceptively caters to the mainstream and then abandons them in a twisted and murky pool of intentional wit, self-parody (in a good way), intellect, and critique.  Some may dismiss the album of holding any depth, but if we move past the seemingly “pointless” vulgarity, then we realize that Kanye has provided something that reaches far beyond any radio-rap, and has given us an album that is truly meaningful, that is truly art. 

1.  My number one song of the year: Gorgeous by Kanye West

Music of 2010: Pt. 4

4. Sam Amidon – I See the Sign / Pretty Fair Damsel

A great collection of traditional folk songs.  Amidon’s vocals create a heartfelt intimacy, evoking a self-reflection that supplements the lyrics.  Lazily, I will also include the song example as my fourth favorite song.  I’ve never heard any other version, but I love the story that is portrayed.  Although I do not have concrete “textual evidence” I understand the soldier riding by, to be the damsel’s soldier, and the following verses are filled with sweet ironies as the two comfortably exchange familiar banter as they have been separated for seven-long years.  Amidon sings the alternating verses with subtlety, never making the shifts too distinct or obvious, but provides the musical arrangements to dictate a change in voice.

3.  Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt

Another folky addition to the list, the singer/songwriter has a distinct voice and has garnered many comparisons to Dylan.  His lyrics are not political or define generations by any means, but his stream of consciousness verses creates a dream-like quality that allows the listener to relax and bring his/her own meaning to the songs. 

3. Sufjan Stevens – All Delighted People

Sufjan surprised many by releasing an “EP” this fall, only to tell us that he would be releasing an LP weeks later.  The eponymous track of the hour long extended-play provides a good preview to the rest of the songs in both All Delighted People and The Age of Adz.  The music is a combination of his electronic elements found on Enjoy Your Rabbit, with the haunting and verbose arrangements that were scattered among Illinois.  Lyrically, Sufjan creates a dream, almost nightmarish-Dantian journey as his speaker tries to find meaning, truth carrying certain elements of the Christian-spiritual realm, only to be warped into his own vision of truth-seeking.

Music of 2010: Pt 3

6. Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

This was a tricky album to place.  The first half of the year provided many listens, but for various reasons, the album got lost as the year progressed.  Good guitar rock, with some pretty sweet harmonies, and great percussion. They're thoughtful and at times sentimental as their attempts to philosophize never reach any substantial depth. But that's neither here nor there.  The album would be tighter too if they cut one or two tracks as well.  Not sure how I will view this album within the next few years, but as for 2010 it was one of my faves. When I knew I liked it but not liked liked it: When I realized the best we could ever be together, was just good friends... thanks second half of the album! 

6. The Love Language - Pedals

A throwback to The Smiths, the first line providing a soaring vocal that would make Morrissey proud.  I think that is why I like this song so much as that first line is sung with heart, the vocals and (again) the harmonies are quite endearing.  The lyrics do slip into melodrama, but it's all about presentation right?  And they do it well too.

5. Jakob Dylan - Women & Country

Dylan delivers a simple and subtle collection of songs.  The term "country" does not entirely suggest its genre (although it does have some nice alternative-country elements) but rather provides the setting for its songs.  A reflection of americana, where days may have been simpler, but certainly not as easy.  This informal concept album flows nicely, as each nomadic voice wanders into the next song. When I enjoyed this more than the Wallflowers: Neko. Case.

5. Kanye West - So Appalled (Explicit)

A little preview for what's to come.  The song has a great production value, Kanye has a nice opening verse, questions the appalling nature of his lifestyle while so many others are "out of work." Jay-Z's verse leaves something more to be desired, but the song is solidified with CyHi the Prynce who provides one of the best verses of the year. 

Music of 2010: Pt 2

8. Beach House – Teen Dream

The name of this album is pretty self-evident of the music that it harbors, and there is certainly no harm in that.  More or less a collection of love songs and other familiar sentiments, the album never reduces itself to shallow romanticism but carries a pure innocence lyrically and especially vocally, the melodies and harmonies of Victoria Legrand are intimate and touching.  When I knew I was 22 going on 16: Once I realized that no matter how “indie” you get, love songs are still love songs.

8. LCD Soundsystem – Dance Yrself Clean

Another opening track – a song of two parts.  Beginning with a low rhythmic base and Lou Reedish stream of consciousness, the second half morphs into a Bowie-esque anthemic ode to music.  James Murphy suggests who needs friends when you have music.  At 9 minutes long the song may have a “slow” start, but the “wait” is worth it - you will be dancing.

7. Chatham County Line – Wildwood

Give me good harmonies and it won’t take long to convince me of an album.  The band may not be doing anything innovative, but they know what they’re good at and they do it well.  The songwriting centers on rustic, old-fashioned morals and storytelling – not doing too much or too little.  When I knew I was just a good-ol-country boy: Acoustic guitar? Mandolin/Violin? Harmonies!?! Sold.

7. Suckers – Roman Candles

With a sly smile and a wink this song combines nostalgia and a simple deceitfulness.  Whatever the cause of the relationship between the singer and his presumed audience, he takes it joyfully and reminiscently as a piano innocently interjects throughout the song.  The jingle jangles culminate toward a sing-a-long effect near the end.  Quite catchy.

Music I enjoyed in 2010, part I

One of my favorite parts about the end of the year are the lists compiled of bests, favorites, and greats.  Particularly in music and movies, I love reading other people's lists because it means I get to find out what I missed.  I'll be posting my list of ten favorite albums and songs - two of each per day (possibly). So here's my contribution - hope it can provide some fresh tunes and thoughts!

10.  Surfer Blood - Astro Coast

Summer rotation, which meant it provided some nice cross-cultural vibes. The band understands their strengths: relatable, easy lyrics and catchy hooks.  The album doesn't really have a weak song - just nice and steady, flowing casually.  When I knew I was Hooked: Opening riff with the snare drum...

10. CMYK - James Blake

I don't really familiarize myself with much dubstep - in fact I don't even know if that's an appropriate genre title for this song, but Blake and this song is amazing.  I also don't know who he's sampling (they tell me it's 90's R&B and much more) but whoever it is, I like it...

9. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

Moving much beyond their Springsteen phase of Neon Bible - an album that is one of my favorites - Arcade Fire find themselves once more to be an appropriate voice of the 21st century.  Their latest is not as prophetically ominous as its predecessor, but still carries a poignant, heartfelt, yet critical tone exposing the darker and suffocating side of middle class America.
When I knew I was trapped in the super structure: When I bought the album, listened to it on an ipod, and then blogged about it.

9. Black Keys - Everlasting Light

A nice opening track, borrowing from blues, soul/doo-wop, and even a choiresque echo in the background.  Auerbach's vocals are what make the song, as the falsetto is carried with confidence. 

I'm not doing anything wrong, I swear!

Today I was sitting in a coffee shop finishing up a term paper of some 5,000 words, a paper of particular importance, forcing me – especially the last few days, to use much energy and ingenuity.  Well, as I typed the final words a strong sense of relief and celebration swept over me, and for a brief moment I was tempted to shout aloud: “Got it done bitches!”

The line of thought left as quickly as it arrived, following guilt and embarrassment that such a phrase would even be considered.  But then I wondered, why the guilt? Why the embarrassment?  Maybe because shouting – regardless of the specific semantic utterances – in a quiet coffee shop, would be rather distracting to the other patrons.  This was very true.  But then there was the other, more prevalent reason: I’m a Christian, and Christians don’t swear…

My first reaction was, bullshit they don’t swear.  And then I thought Jacob Michael! Watch yourself!  (Historically speaking, I’ve been known to taste my fair share of soap – the high school years were not my most endearing.)  Within the Christian culture its implicitly understood that if you’re a mature Christian – or even if you’re not – swearing is not acceptable, being one of THE big signifiers of false faith.  For example:

“Hey you know Tom right?”

“Yeah, he seems like a pretty good guy.”

“Ah yeah, is he pretty solid?”

“Do you mean like… is he physically dense?”

“No, like in his faith.”

“Ohhh. Well, I heard him say the ‘F word’ when he broke his fibula last year.”

“That’s sketch man.”

“I know, I’ve been meaning to talk to him about it.”

I believe that such a conversation to be ridiculous.  I believe there are other “sin issues” that should be bigger markers – so to speak – than the occasional swear word.  Call me sacrilegious but I’m sure Jesus dropped some bombs in his time.  Here’s what I think Matthew really saw:

Jesus: Boy, am I hungry.  [Walks up to fig tree, see that there are no figs.  Walks away sad.]

Jesus: Damn it…  [Fig tree withers]

Bartholomew: Jesus! That tree just died.

[Jesus, forgetting the dual meaning of the word’ damn’ contemplates for a moment, tries to redeem the situation]

Jesus: Oh yeah…   Just uh… have faith, and you know… you can throw mountains into the sea, you can curse fig trees, you can even ask for fish and bread to just start falling from the sky and it will be done! [Mutters under his breath] Shoot, I’m still hungry…

 [Fish and bread start to fall from the sky] END SCENE.

In all seriousness, I don’t condone swearing. It’s immature, offensive, and uncreative.  Remember Ephesians 5:4, “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”  But, I’m going to try to have my cake and eat it too: if one little swear word, at the appropriate time and in the appropriate place and with the appropriate people, will bring a moment of harmless joy then I say go for it!  If anything, let’s try to not make swearing the unforgivable sin… Because damn it, it’s not!