This is not a comment on your post..sorry, but rather a post recommendation. I came across this post while surfing: http://mother-lode.blogspot.com/ ...ialization.html
Sarah | Homepage | 01.13.06 - 1:20 pm | #

Not a new idea, but one that requires careful consideration and prayful preparations.
Thanks for this post! It's a thought I needed to think about again.
Grace | 01.13.06 - 1:34 pm | #

As a Christian man nearing "mid life" I find the article a little too "self assured" to put it diplomatically. The reason being, of course, that you are still quite young.

Of course, your youth is not something I write off. Timothy was young and the Apostle commended his work. Moreover, the older I get, the more limited and sinful I realise I am, so simply dismissing your words would be a very wrong thing for me to do.

I think what the article needed was some explicit level of humilty and respect towards older Christian men. I think you needed to say things like "I don't know what it is like to be a middle-aged man", as well as other expressions that indicated you "didn't know" everything.

One thing that happens as you get older is that you begin to regret some of the things you said and did while you were young. I do not idealise my youth, but I am certainly aware of my shortcomings when I was your age.

But I also remember what it was like to be ignored and not to have my opinions or thinking respected by those older than me - and this not necessarily because of my youth but because of a wrong attitude displayed by those older than me. God works through all who speak his word, and everyone should remember that.

--------------

I've just gone back and realised that the piece was written by "Chris Gonzalez", whose age I am not certain of.

Some specific critiques:

1. The author needs to be careful not to set up a "straw man". Steroeotypes of people in their mid-life, including guys with surfboards and climbing mountains, are not really helpful. People are unique. More than that, men in mid life have a range of complex issues that they have to deal with. Portraying them as guys in red cars etc. is not helping.

2. The author does not quote scripture or teach anything about God. In fact, the article has no real Christian emphasis at all - it could easily have been written by an unbeliever. Christ and his Gospel form the bedrock of true Christian character - all true Christian character flows from an understanding of, an acceptance of and a commitment to the message of Christ crucified and risen again.
One Salient Oversight | Homepage | 01.13.06 - 2:32 pm | #

Really something to think about.

Thanks for posting it.

Hannah
Hannah | Homepage | 01.13.06 - 2:42 pm | #

One Salient Oversight: We greatly appreciate your critique. First, we're glad you noticed that we didn't write the article. Mr. Gonzalez, to our knowledge, is nearing or has reached middle-age.

In regards to the "straw man" critique, I (Brett) have to take responsibility for the pictures. Since I was posting this for The Rebelution's readers (i.e. teens), I didn't consider the fact that for older men and women who are actually experiencing mid life, such pictures could be hurtful. In hindsight, I also realize that our readership is not only comprised of teenagers.

If you would request it, I will remove the pictures.

In response to the second point, which I consider a much more serious flaw in the post, allow me to explain my reasoning (faulty though it may be): I viewed this article as a follow-up to the posts I made regarding character. These posts made an explicit connection between character and Christ.

See here and here.

That was the only reason I considered posting Mr. Gonzalez's article (who is a Christian). In hindsight I should have made a disclaimer at the end of the post clarifying the important connection between Christ's saving work on the Cross and our ability to grow in character.

In conclusion, thank you again for challenging us and helping us to keep the standards high. Please don't hesitate to call us on anything you see amiss.
Brett Harris | Homepage | 01.13.06 - 2:58 pm | #

Brett,

I'm a 'little' passed middle age - having two married children,and 5 grandchildren. But, I applaud you for putting this up for the teens to read. I don't think middle age itself brings on these absurd things some do - it comes from their actions/none actions in their youth - maybe they weren't able to do those things, so they do them now. Or, maybe they see themselves as still young. I've seen many women who want to be 'like their daughter', so they dress like the teens, act like the teens, and it's crazy.

I had rather be my age than go back to my teens. I've learned a lots over the years, and will continue to learn until the Lord takes me home, and I hope that's a long time from now. But, our days do get shorter, as we grow older. A few of us were just discussing that last week.

The youth see life as never ending, unless they've been through trials in this life, or like my teenage grandchildren - have been associated with youngsters whose lives have been affected by cancer in their bodies, or by a tragic accident, yet, never held a grudge, and looked to God for their joy. It amazes me the effect these youngsters can have on other kids.

My daughter said it even moved her, when she saw her son, along with the other football players, join hands in the hospital, as one young man laid in his bed, probably paralized for life, after a tragic move on the practice field two years ago, and pray their hearts out for him. The young boy today, is such a blessing to the young and the old!
Barb | Homepage | 01.13.06 - 8:28 pm | #

Alex, Brett, and the Rebelution community,

First of all, Rebelution is a great blog. To say that I am honored to get not only a little press and a link, but a complete transcript of my article here is an understatement. Sweet photos, by the way. Really added to the post, methinks.

I think it might be helpful for your readers to have a little context about the article (and to rush to my defense :-) ). I am a Christian who is 36 years - pre mid life, but not by much. The article was originally penned for the Jonesboro Sun, a newspaper in Northeast Arkansas where my column appears.

Now, you might be thinking that since it was written for the newspaper that this fact explains the lack of scripture quoting and overt references to God. Well, that only partially explains it.

I know I am not going to get a ton of agreement with my logic for leaving these things out, but here goes:

In writing, unless it is a sermon or a theological paper, abundant scripture quoting gets cumbersome and sometimes overbearing. What I mean is that without meaning to, a bunch of scriptures says, "See, I'm write, so you'd better agree with me," and it uses the authority of God and the Bible to press that agenda.

Next, I have seen so much abuse of scripture (not necessarily on this blog, but all over the place) it is not even funny. Scripture is not something I want to screw up. If I make a mistake in my opinion, that is one thing, but if I use scripture in a way that does not really communicate the heart of God, then that is a much greater offense.

About not making overt refernces to God, Christ, Salvation, and so froth - I guess I'm hedging my bets that my readers can catch a whiff of redemption without me having to say, "OK people, this is redemption." I beleive people know it when they see it.

I see Christ telling stories, lots of stories that had a great point without using scripture or calling it what it is. The Prodigal Son, The Good Samaritan, and many other parables, arguably Jesus' best teachings, had little to no overt references to scripture or God, redemption, and so forth.

Yes, I just used the name of Christ to justify not using the name of Christ, but I think my point is valid. It's not that there is no place for it, but rather I choose this way of communicating and trust the power of the message gets through.

Anyway, I hope I am not sounding too much like a thin-skinned whiner (which I probably am). Thanks again for including me in your mission. Keep up the good work, guys.
Chris Gonzalez | Homepage | 01.14.06 - 7:08 am | #

good stuff...and you hit a tender spot with some people! thanks guys.
hannah | Homepage | 01.14.06 - 12:56 pm | #

My mom wanted me to comment for her. In response to your question "How are we preparing right now for our mid life?", she said:

"By running up the stairs instead of walking! Hahahahahahahahazzzzzzzzz......."
sarah | 01.16.06 - 6:32 pm | #