Rex M Rogers - Discerning What Is Best

Discerning What Is Best
with Dr. Rex M. Rogers

Details: Written by: Rex M. Rogers; Published: 27 December 2011

Wow, there are some things I’d just like to walk away from, leave them behind in 2011 when the New Year dawns.

During the last week of the year it’s become something of a tradition, at least for me, to ponder what I’d like to jettison for good. I mean, think about it, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could ditch certain troublesome, annoying, hurtful, or unpleasant things? Frankly, it’d be wonderful to ditch certain people, too, but no doubt others could say the same for me.

I know it’s a fantasy, but it’s a fun fantasy. Here’s my list of things I’d leave behind in 2011, if I could:

EU (and I’m afraid some US) Citizens Who Want Others To Pay For Their Lifestyle. Who, really, do the Greeks, Spaniards, Italians, or others want to pay for their very early retirement, extensive benefits, and upside down economics? There ain’t no free lunch, and eventually, you have to pay the piper.

GOP Presidential Candidates Focusing On Each Other. If any given Republican presidential candidate wants to win the White House, he or she should forget the rest and focus like a laser on the national debt and budget deficit, jobs, and the economy. For once I agree with James Carville, “It’s the economy, stupid.”

Middle East Dictatorships. Historically, Arab world dictators only leave office in a box. Tunisia’s Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak broke the mold, even if reluctantly. Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi reverted to type and paid for it with his life. At this writing several other leaders are so far imitating Gaddafi. Here’s hoping they’ll catch a different vision.

Look-At-Me Pro Athletes. The NFL is the worst, and I like professional football best of all major sports. It’s happening in a lot of professional sports in different ways. But for me, I’m big-time weary of self-indulgent, immature athletes delaying games, dashing into the camera after plays, and doing signature moves to call attention to themselves. Hey, give it a rest. You’re being paid millions to perform well, so perform, and let that be your statement.

Earthquakes, Tsumanis, Tornadoes. Need I say more? But I will, add to the list Nuclear Crisis and continue to pray for the people of Japan and Joplin, Missouri.

Charlie Sheen—Duh, Winning? I don’t think so. I’m not making fun of him. The man’s an addict, his own worst enemy. He needs help. But that doesn’t mean we need to put up with his public meltdowns.

Disappointing Leaders. Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel, former GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain. What do they have in common? Perceived cover-up and “former.”

Love Wins. Sorry, I can’t support this book or Rev. Rob Bell's theological perspective expressed within it. I think this is one of the more spiritually threatening things to come from within the evangelical community in some time, for it confuses and undermines the deity of Christ and the Way of salvation. This point of view says what liberals have always believed and want to hear, which is why the book enjoyed so much play in mainstream media. But the view herein leads people down the broad road, not the narrow one.

Tebow Haters. Tim Tebow, football’s Denver Broncos quarterback may not ultimately make it as a starter in the NFL. But the level of vitriol aimed at this guy, at least in part because he’s confident in his Christian faith, is way overdone. I’d rather root for a guy with character than some of the gifted athletes who otherwise behave like thugs—can you say, Ndamukong Suh?

Osama bin Laden. Well, I guess we are leaving him behind in 2011, and justly so. I invite other political conservatives to join me in giving credit to President Barack Obama where it’s due. The Man got his man, and for the sake of those who lost their lives in 9/11, for the sake of their families and friends, and for the sake of the soldiers lost or wounded in resultant conflicts, and their families, I’m glad we’re leaving bin Laden behind. And I’m more than happy to salute the President and the Navy Seals for a necessary job well done.

*This blog may be reproduced in whole or in part with a full attribution statement. Contact Rex or read more commentary on current issues and events at www.rexmrogers.com or follow him at www.twitter.com/RexMRogers.

Details: Written by: Rex M. Rogers; Published: 26 December 2011

If you listen to most conservatives you’d come to the conclusion that government can do no right, and that it’s a generally bad thing or at best a necessary evil in life. I’ve probably sounded a similar note at times. But when we do we betray an unrealistic if idealistic view.

Conservatives would do well to remember that government was ordained of God in the first place. If it’s a “necessary evil,” than it is so because real evil exists in the world and government is there, or is supposed to be, as a means for limiting the extent or impact of evil, thus protecting the collective good. And government defends and when required exercises coercive force in criminal justice (law and order) or international relations, including war. This is government’s negative function—drawing lines when it must to assure certain things don’t happen.

Government is also a positive invention. It’s not just a divinely ordained institution to stand in the gap between good and evil but is also a means of promoting the general wellbeing. At its best, government maintains an environment where all may experience liberty and justice, and government is a means by which people may work together for the common weal.

The Founders recognized government’s potential for limiting wrongdoing and providing an environment in which freedom may be freely exercised. They also recognized government’s potential for advancing the good, what later was called positive or progressive government.

In the Preamble of the US Constitution it says: “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

The debate today turns on how government should “insure domestic tranquility” or “promote the general welfare.” Conservatives argue government should establish law and order internally, protect borders externally, and pretty much let it go at that. Liberals tend to argue in favor of activist government—a “do something” government to “make things happen.” I’m somewhere in between.

Last December the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, sponsored by Representative Anna Eshoo (D, CA), was signed into law. The law goes into effect a year from now, but in the meantime it’s already making a positive impact. It sets limits on how loud (decibels) television commercials can be relative to the programs underwritten. In a quite useful way the law deals with a problem that affects the general public—ridiculously ever-louder advertisements. It’s a problem businesses would not likely have resolved on their own. Actually, businesses created the noise “arms race.” The law empowers the Federal Communications Commission to assure a reasonable auditory standard is maintained.

In my estimation this is government getting it right. Sure, businesses could have eventually toned down their advertising decibels. Maybe consumers would have reacted away from loudly advertised products. Maybe, given enough time, laissez faire would have worked its magic without government engagement. But somehow I don’t think so. In this instance, at least, government’s positive action created a common good.

The trick in government getting it right is not No Government versus Total Government. It’s maintaining limited government of, by, and for the people. In the end, it’s not about government for government’s sake. It’s always about the people and how government can best contribute. Government is servant, not the master.

Details: Written by: Rex M. Rogers; Published: 23 December 2011

SAT-7’s satellite television footprints cover, which is to say, “reach,” 50 countries on the continent of Europe.

Since SAT-7’s programming is produced in Arabic, Farsi (Persian), and Turkish one might be forgiven for wondering why reaching Europe matters.

SAT-7 is based in the Middle East and broadcasts Christian programming over five channels in the three primary languages of the region, throughout the 22 countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). For nearly sixteen years this has been SAT-7’s focus and mission and remains so.

But SAT-7 isn’t simply about a region or political boundaries. It’s about sharing the Word of God with people, in this case people who speak Arabic, Farsi, and Turkish.

In an increasingly mobile world and in a world experiencing incredible advances in communications technology more people than ever in history are moving or migrating or immigrating/emigrating. They’re born in one country and live great portions of their lives in another. They fly on planes, ride trains, sail on boats and ships, and even still walk across international borders.

And when they get “there,” they can still connect with home.

Travelers may come as intentional migrants looking for better economic opportunities, or they may come as refugees fleeing oppression, war, social instability, or natural disasters and other environmental challenges like a lack of water. Migrants may go from one country to another with full intention of returning home one day, whether they ever do. They may come to get a job and send money home, remittances, to left-behind family members. Or they may come with a plan to stay, hoping for a better, safer, optimistic future for their children.

Since 2002, somewhere between 1.6 million and 2 million people have been entering Europe each year, up from the approximately one-half million per year toward the end of the 20^th Century. Most of these immigrants hail from MENA.

While many younger and better-educated immigrants speak second languages, particularly English, most immigrants entering Europe in recent years have not been younger or well educated. Many know only their first language, i.e., Arabic, Farsi, or Turkish. Either way, one's mother tongue is always the best understood.

Moving, and certainly migrating, is one the highest stress events human beings can experience. Beginning a new job is another. So is culture shock, learning another language, and social/physical distance from family and friends. When people experience such stress, particularly over long periods, they tend to open eventually to new or alternative ideas, including at times religion. And they ask more questions looking for answers to the everyday changes in their lives.

As noted above, the coverage area of the two satellites on which SAT-7 broadcasts reaches throughout Europe. This means MENA expatriates now living in European countries can access Christian programming in their first language from their own homes via satellite television, just like their family members still living in MENA. They can connect to their culture of origin. They can find answers to many of their questions in the practical applications of the Christian faith. They can find solace amidst uncertainty and encouragement in the face of challenges.

SAT-7’s ministry has always been by and for the people of MENA. But now many millions of the people of MENA are living somewhere else. They still need the Gospel and the blessings of a Christian worldview. Those who know Christ need to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. One way they can experience this, far from home, is to watch available SAT-7 Christian television.

One of my favorite emails came to SAT-7 in June 2010. It was a little boy who talked about how much he loved “Bedtime Stories with Rita,” a popular program featured on SAT-7 KIDS. The program is in Arabic and is produced in the Middle East. He sent the email from Sweden.

Far away in Scandinavia, far from the land of his birth, yet the little boy could learn from Bible stories broadcast in his first language. It is indeed a small world, and God is indeed a big God.

Details: Written by: Rex M. Rogers; Published: 22 December 2011

SAT-7 KIDS just launched a new website for Arab children who watch the SAT-7 KIDS satellite television channel. The new website, www.sat7kids.com, will provide ways for youthful viewers to interact with their favorite programs and characters and learn more about how God loves and cares for them.

The new SAT-7 KIDS website is especially designed for children's eyes. It features attractive colors and graphics, speaking images, and sound-backed icons. There's also a special page for parents. In addition, the website is available in both Arabic and English.

SAT-7 KIDS is also posting more and more videos to its YouTube channel, SAT7KIDS. Unlike the regional coverage of satellite television, young Arabic language viewers may access this Internet-based channel from anywhere in the world.

A recent independent media survey indicated far more older youth and adult viewers were watching SAT-7 KIDS than was earlier believed. The channel is influential in teaching biblical principles, sharing the Christian faith, teaching children about science, geography, history, and culture, and providing a safe and positive media environment.

On air beginning December 2007, SAT-7 KIDS is the only 24 hour/7 day per week Arabic language Christian television channel for children (ages 4-13) in the world. It is one of five chanels produced and operated by SAT-7, which broadcasts throughout 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as some 50 countries in Europe. SAT-7 maintians a US support office at www.sat7usa.org.

This blog may be reproduced in whole or in part with a full attribution statement. Contact Rex or read more commentary on current issues and events at www.rexmrogers.com or follow him at www.twitter.com/RexMRogers.

Details: Written by: Rex M. Rogers; Published: 21 December 2011

This brief video is a promo for a new SAT-7 program called "Salt of the Earth." The program will focus upon issues, events, concerns and opportunities developing in different countries as a result of the Arab Spring. In particular, the program will help believers discern how to be "salt" and "light" within cultures that do not always welcome them.

Sometimes people ask me, "What really can SAT-7 do in the Middle East?" I'd point to this program as one answer.

Seems like this is our week for videos.

Details: Written by: Rex M. Rogers; Published: 20 December 2011

Luck is something that's interested me for a long time. Is luck real? Is there such a thing as "fate" that engages our lives in seemingly arbitrary ways, giving us good luck or bad luck?

If I'm on the receiving end of good luck, how'd I get so lucky? If I'm the victim of bad luck, why? If the world we live in is that fickle and perhaps capricious do we really want to bring children into it? What is good and bad luck anyway? And how does the idea of luck align with the idea of the Sovereign God?

If you're loved one is in a hospital bed facing a serious, life-threatening illness, is it comforting to hear your pastor say, "I guess you're just unlucky"?

When Christians say they got lucky I'm even more perplexed. What really do they mean?

In my book, indeed in The Good Book, Christians are never lucky.