Craig Gross | the ramblings

Archive for the “Craig Gross” Category

Jan 02 2008

Let it Burn

Posted by: stuartdelony in 2008, Christianity, Church, Craig Gross, Jesus, Joel Osteen, quote, religion, resolution

“This whole religious rule book just needs to be burned,

and we need to reinvent the rules. Otherwise,

Christianity is going to fade away.”

-Craig Gross

I came across this recently and it’s really been making me think about lots of things. And the rule book he’s referring to here is not the Bible (so let’s clear that one up right away). I’m not sure if I completely agree with Mr. Gross, but I do believe that some things need to burn. I dont’ believe anything needs to be reinvented, but we do need to rediscover what it means to follow after Christ.

I’ve been thinking about the ways we, as a church, have created this false culture that nonbelievers don’t understand. Our lifestyle isn’t different because we’re holy, it’s because we’re faking it. Christian culture has become a game about seeming less sinful to those around us. We’re comfortable playing a part. We just go on Sundays, and try to stay awake. We are no longer a people seeking the Lord at all costs. There’s no openness or brokenness or community. It’s no longer about a journey.

Christianity in America is fading away. Churches may be growing and Joel Osteen is still selling books, but the church has forgotten it’s first love. It’s become a corporation afraid of risk and faith. It loves money, numbers and success. Somewhere along the line we missed the point, we lost the journey and forgot our calling.

My passion for 2008? Pursue vulnerability and community. Rediscover the journey. Seek the Lord at all costs.

What do you want to see happen or change in your life this year?

6 Comments »

Dec 07 2007

Quote of the Week

Posted by: stuartdelony in Christianity, Craig Gross, people, quote, religon

“Don’t blame the darkness for being dark. Blame the light for not shining into it.”

-Craig Gross - The Gutter

Tags: quote

3 Comments »

Jun 13 2007

Anything But God

Posted by: stuartdelony in Blogroll, Christianity, Craig Gross, Donny Paulding, Uncategorized, god, judgemental, porn, xxx church

[photo courtesy of Donny's Ramblings]

I received a myspace bulletin from (XXXChurch.com).

The post is about Donnie a former porn producer who has turned his life over to the Lord. Donny was a pastors son who rebelled and ran from God. But like a prodigal, the Lord has done amazing things with Donny. He’s turned his life around and now speaks out against the porn industry and how destructive porn can be. His story is inspiring change in many hurt and broken people. Sounds like a great story right? Something to inspire the church? You know, how God heals and restores lives. Well, here is how someone responded to Donny.

“Right now CPS (child protective services) is sticking their nose into my life because some idiot at a local church told them I used to be a porn producer and that they should investigate to make sure I never exposed my son to anything he shouldn’t see. That is ridiculous, as I would never in a million years do such a thing. They listened to him because he’s a licensed counselor and therefore has contacts inside CPS.

What this does to me is raise up all the old bitterness I feel towards anything to do with churches, and I’m battling a raging anger and hatred at the moment. Why is it that churches have to bury their wounded? I don’t understand it. Now CPS wants to talk to my son, and every attorney I’ve spoken with says there is nothing we can do to keep them from talking to him. God only knows what types of questions they’re going to ask. A 7 year old should not have to be exposed to such things. And I have no doubts that as he gets older he’ll remember being asked about this and wondering why he was made to go into a meeting, alone, with total strangers and answer questions about his daddy… How ignorant the majority of Christians are? How they act like anything BUT God?” - Donny

Some good questions were brought up.

Why do we bury our wounded?
How come sometimes we (Christians) act like anything but God?
Why are so many of us so ignorant?

For more about Donny check out his blog here.

Sphere: Related Content

3 Comments »