theGodzwas.com

I went running tonight.  This habit of mine typically gets me thinking and many times leads me to praying.  What was I thinking about?  The iPhone.   Actually, I’ve been thinking about it for the better part of the last few days.  Before I went out the door, I found an article declaring  it the “Jesus Phone.” That made me wonder how Jesus would be connected to the latest communication craze.

I have a hard time imagining Jesus purchasing an iPhone.  He was an excellent communicator, but I don’t think you could call him trendy.  Besides, his dirty fingers (John 8:7) would have smudged up that beautiful screen.  But I think he would have visited the Apple store yesterday.  I can picture him walk up to the line and talking to one of the hopeful.  Maybe it would go something like this (see John 4):

Jesus: “Can you get me one of those phones?”

Buyer: “What do you mean?  Do you have $600?  I’ve been standing in line here since 5 o’clock this morning!”

Jesus: “If you knew who you were talking to, you would have asked me and I would have given you the connection you’re really looking for.”

I know, this is a bit cheesy for Jesus, but sometimes these thoughts while running aren’t the most clear.  Anyway, picturing this scene was convicting for me.  I find it a whole lot easier to get swept away by the “latest thing,” than contemplate the reason for my discontent.

As a pastor, the release of the iPhone made me ask myself a couple of questions.  What (or Who) am I running towards?  Where am I leading those who follow me?

Yes, that’s right, I’ve succumbed to the iPhone hype, at least enough to hold one in my hands. What was the first thing I did? Find out how theGodzwas.com looked on it, of course! Although you can’t tell by my picture taken on my trusty (and still in service) Treo 650, it looked pretty good.

A couple of things surprised me by my iPhone experience.

1. I walked right into the store. No waiting at all on a Saturday afternoon in a large DC area shopping mall. There were at least a dozen functional iPhones on display. I had one in my hands 30 seconds after walking in the store.
2. There are still a ton available. All the promotion made it seem like the phones would be sold out in 5 minutes. Wrong! Every Apple store in the area (and probably around the country) has plenty. Too bad for all of those who waited in line to sell it for a profit on Ebay.
3. After using one I felt no compulsion to buy. Sure it looks great and all of the features work well together, but I have every one of them and more available on my 2 year old Treo 650. I also have the added benefits of one of the cheapest cell phone plans (I’ve been with Sprint for awhile) and I keep getting offers to re-up. Two weeks ago, I was given a $70 offer. Last week it was $100 (do I hear $200?).
4. Goodness sakes, it’s just a phone people (am I really saying this?)! Standing in the store, I tried to imagine how I would use the phone if I bought one. I rarely take public transportation, so listening to the iPod or watching videos wouldn’t happen much. I have a MacBook and wireless internet access @ both my home and office, so I’ll do most of my internet browsing on it. The virtual keyboard, though pretty cool, doesn’t seem to be something you would write anything lengthy on, so most emails are out. What would I use it for? Making phone calls! Then again, I guess I could also use it to impress my friends. Levi would be so impressed that he may start drooling…although that might be because of teething.

theGodzwas.com has had it’s official 15 minutes of fame. After writing about the famous “Pants Suit,” the Washington Post listed our site among those who are blogging on their article. The picture to the left is a screen shot of our recognition. Thanks Brandon for pointing it out!

There have been many times when in the midst of a discussion on faith I heard the words, “All religions are alike,” or, “All paths lead to the same place.”  In the latest edition of Newsweek, Stephen Prothero, the chair of Boston University’s Department of Religion, shows that this belief is not only incorrect it can be dangerous.  You can read the full article here:

True of False: The Major Religions are Essentially Alike 

I’m sure you’ve heard the news about the DC judge who sued his dry cleaner $54 million for losing his pants. Well, I’m happy to report the court circus is over and (surprise!) the verdict makes sense!. Here’s the story in the Washington Post:

Court Rules for Cleaners In $54 Million Pants Suit

It’s been awhile, so I thought I would kick off the summer blogging season with a bang.  Well, I guess it’s just baby steps.  Anyway, enjoy the video.