Some thoughts on Chris Benoit

Like many, I've kind of sat in a bit of a stunned state over the recent Chris Benoit murder suicide. I'm not a hard-core wrestling fan, but I've seen my fair share of WWE over the past few years. At first I simply didn't believe that he could have murdered his own son. I figured something else had happened, like his son died in a freak wrestling accident, and then Chris took his own life out of depression or something.

It was interesting to watch the tribute that the WWE ran on Monday night, which was before the details of what had happened were known yet. Was it right to run a tribute with all kinds of people saying amazing things about Chris Benoit, when it turns out that he killed his wife and son?

Does that change who Chris Benoit was? In the eyes of some it does. Today in the Journal, some fans stated that they have lost all respect for Chris. I understand why. I'm struggling with that very issue. However I'm actually thinking about the bigger picture and that for me is the WWE. I can't blame the WWE for what Chris did. He made his own choices. He chose to get involved in the WWE and use steroids. But it's also pretty clear that the WWE creates a culture that is quite destructive to many of the wrestlers involved. So can I support that? When we look at the Benoit tragedy, do we put all the blame on Chris, or does part of the responsibility lie with the WWE? I guess I think that the WWE will not change; that the industry will not change, certainly not as long as there remains such a large number of fans who 'consume' what the WWE is producing.

Thing is, I like watching wrestling. I find it a fun, mindless diversion from life. But if what I am enjoying is ultimately destructive to the lives of those directly involved (such as Chris B. and Eddie G.) then what does that mean?
As strange as this may sound, I'm not quite sure of the answer; at least not just yet.

The other big question in my mind right now is about whether or not what Chris did should change our respect of him. It seems pretty easy to judge him for what he did. Some would say, 'well, we don't know the pressures he faced' etc. etc. Does ANYTHING excuse killing your wife and son? Most would say no, but does one horrific act wipe out a person's reputation? Certainly it seems that way in the world of celebrity; look at Mel Gibson and others.
If we say that it does ruin his reputation, then are we 'judging' him? And is that wrong?

Just some of my questions right now....

David's tabernacle (pt. 1)

Well I've been stewing since Sunday about what was, in my estimation, a poor job of communication on a very important topic.

Last Sunday I spoke on Psalm 96 and the occassion it was written for: the beginning of the tabernacle of David. I muddied the waters by not speaking specifically enough on either the content of Psalm 96 or 1 Chron. 15-16.

Here's 3 summary points:

1) Psalm 96 was commissioned by David during the events recorded in 1 Chron. 15-16.
2) Psalm 96 speaks a lot about the spiritual warfare dimension of worship.
3) 1 Chron. 15-16 is the story of the establishment of the tabernacle of David.

I believe that God showed David the reality of worship in heaven, similar to what John recorded in Revelation 4-5.

David understood, from the Lord that he was to have singers, musicians and intercessors minister around the ark of the covenant. This dynamic was the central focus of the Tabernacle of David.

It is an earthly representation of the worship that happens around the throne of God.

We are not to try to recreate or copy the tablernacle, but rather learn from the 'elements' of the tabernacle. It is the spirit (meaning the dynamics) that are critical to us today: prayer, music, and singing, brought together with God's Word. I also realize that these elements are NOT any kind of 'magical' combination that God is waiting for us to use. He's not waiting for us to 'get it just right' and then he'll pour out his Spirit.

So why is any of this important?

In a word, because Jesus wants things 'on earth as it is in heaven'. I'm not pursuing these things because I want to get God's attention; I already HAVE his full attention!! I'm pursuing the dynamics of the tablernacle of David because I believe that the pattern of the worship in heaven is the ultimate, most pleasing, most God glorifying worship that could exist! (that's why it's happening in heaven!)

I'll leave it there for now, but these two passages of Scripture are very important in terms of what God is doing in raising up Houses of Prayer. I will have to post on that topic at another time, so keep watching!

Dan Westfall wins the Conn Smythe!

Check it out!



Okay, so throughout the playoffs I've thought that Scott Niedermayer looks so much like my friend Dan Westfall!

Maybe it's just me thinking that Dan should win a trophy, but it's just too good.
Scott Niedermayer is from Edmonton...hmmm.... just a coincidence? Maybe not!!

Maybe that's why I haven't see Dan in church lately!! (just kiddin')

Rear Window

This past Saturday I had a FANTASTIC time at the Police concert at Commonwealth stadium. I've been a big Police fan for most of my life, dating back to the days when I got their album 'Synchronicity' on cassette tape! I've said for years and years that there are two bands that I would love to see live: Queen and The Police. Of course, seeing Queen will never happen, but The Police seemed pretty much in the same camp until earlier this year.
Pam and I secured tickets in the 23rd row on the floor. Easily the best tickets I have ever had for any rock concert in my life. To say the least, I was pumped.

It was really impressive how they set things up at Commonwealth: once you get to the field level, you don't have to leave. There is food, beverages, merchandise, and most importantly, port-a-johns. As the time for The Police drew near, I began to think that I should use the 'facilities' so as not to have to miss or be uncomfortable during the concert. Pam and I made our way to the back of the field where we began to scan for port-a-johns that had a 'green' slider on the door, indicating that it was available. It didn't take long and I walked up to the door and pulled it open. I'd say 'big mistake', but how was I to know what surprises were behind 'door #1'!!!

I pulled the door open, only to encounter a young man, with blond dreads for hair and now shirt on, with his back to me. Not only was his back to me, but his pants were down around his ankles! I got the full on rear view!
I let the door go instantly and failed to restrain myself from saying out loud, 'DANG' as I walked away, trying earnestly to remove the image from my mind!

The other unfortunate image that I saw that night was when the camera panned over the audience and right in the first few rows a rather large young man with a beard was jumping up and down for the camera, with his arms raised high above his head. What he didn't seem to understand was that what stood out the most was the enormous sweat stains around his arm pits. Thankfully the cameraman soon recognized the need to change the view!

All humor aside, I loved the Police concert! It was 2 of the fastest hours of my life and easily the best concert I've ever been to. I could have listened all night long. Simply incredible stuff. We tried to take some pictures of our experience with the camera on Eric's phone, but most of them didn't turn out very well. After the concert Pam and I decided to avoid the incredibly long lines for the LRT and we walked back to the University, where we had parked. Admittedly, it took nearly an hour and a half, but we had a great time talking and walking together.

So here's to the Police!