Frankenstein and Idolatry

A month ago, my 17 yr. old and I were talking, and we got on the topic of literature. He is a voracious reader and has read all the classics. I tend to stay just with non-fiction, and he challenged me by saying, “Dad you have to read the classics, they will make you a better person.”

Well, I hear that, and I think, “I want to be a better person.” So, I said which classic do you suggest I start with, and he said, “Frankenstein.” 

Now…. when you hear the word Frankenstein what comes to mind? Perhaps Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder in Young Frankenstein. What comes to my mind is a tall, green, oaf monster with a square head and bolts coming out of the sides of his neck. So, that is what I know of Frankenstein, and I told my son, “Ok I’ll read it!”

A week ago, I finished the book, and I can’t say I really liked it. I found Mary Shelley, the author, and her life story interesting. But the type of English she used in her writing from the early 1800’s was difficult for me to understand at times. But it was surprising how what I had in my mind about Frankenstein is nothing like how the monster is portrayed in the book. 

For those of you who do not know the whole story around Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein is the main tragic figure in the story. He is a scientist who goes about creating another life form in his image. This one writer describes this creation by stating: 

 “Frankenstein believes that by creating the Monster, he can discover the secrets of “life and death,” create a “new species,” and learn how to “renew life.” He is motivated to attempt these things by ambition. He wants to achieve something great, even if it comes at great cost.”[1] 

Now…. there are many theological themes one could pull from the book. But the one theme I see is idolatry. 

You might remember the 2nd Commandment that God gave to Moses is: 

 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.” Deuteronomy 5:8-9

Author and Pastor, Timothy Keller describes an idol as: 

 “Anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, and anything that you seek to give you what only God can give.” 

In short, an idol is the removal of God and replacing Him with something else. The monster in the Gothic tale of Frankenstein became an idol to Victor. It was everything that he could think of prior to creating the monster and all he could think of after his creation came to life. Victor even goes to the extreme of traveling to the Arctic to search for and kill his creation. Frankenstein’s monster became an idol that had consumed his life.

That is what happens with idols in our lives…. they consume us. Much like the story of the Rich Young Ruler in the Gospel of Mark: 

 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do so that I may inherit eternal life?” 18 But Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not give false testimony, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth.” 21 Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But he was deeply dismayed by these words, and he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.  Mark 10:17-22

You would agree with me that this guy had an idol or two in his life, didn’t he? And that begs the question, what idols do you and I have in our lives today? In what ways have we replaced God? I’ll leave that for you to answer. 

But let us learn a lesson from Victor Frankenstein and the Rich, Young Ruler and endeavor to replace those idols in our lives and strive to follow Jesus with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. 

[1] SparkNotes Editor, “Frankenstein”SparkNotes.com, SparkNotes LLC, 2005, Frankenstein: Questions & Answers | SparkNotes

Being Made New

Recently I found out something about me. I found out that I am a Taphophile.

If you are a Taphophile then you enjoy walking through cemeteries. I know that’s a little weird but stay with me here. Taphophile’s enjoy walking through cemeteries and reading the epitaphs that are written on the gravestones. When I walk through a cemetery I always wonder…. what are the stories of the people that lie beneath. And of course, it’s also humbling to know that one day I will go and reside where they are.

What I particularly enjoy as a Taphophile is reading the history of (famous) deaths. Whenever I read a biography, I always start in the back of the book first, because I want to know how a person died. To me the way a person died is just as fascinating as the way they lived. Some Taphophile’s will even go so far as to enjoy cleaning gravestones. This one gal who I follow on Instagram has over 70 thousand followers. Lady Taphos is her name and she began cleaning gravestones to help her get through a difficult divorce. She said,

“After I cleaned several graves, I started to learn that it was a work in progress.” She says, “It took 100 years or more for them to get into that condition, and it was going to take some time for them to look better. And it sort of became this metaphor for my own healing.”

I think there is something for us to learn from Lady Taphos, as it pertains to our own lives.

Some of you reading this have years and years of built-up neglect and old habits.  And you have forgotten that you are a work in progress. You would like for change to come quickly in your life. Usually, it takes time to get to where you and God would like you to be. But I want you to know that as a follower of Jesus, He’s going to continue to clean you and me up until the day we die. Let me leave you with the words of Paul as he writes to the church of Corinth.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Cor. 5:17

It’s a good reminder that you and I as followers of Jesus are being made new in Jesus….we just have to believe it.

Meaningful Adjacency

Meaningful Adjacency is a term coined by architect Michael Arad. It’s the idea that people share deep relationships and connections in their lives. On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001 Michael was working for New York’s Housing Authority designing police stations. But his life changed that morning, as did the lives of so many people who were impacted by the events of that day.

Later on New York’s Port Authority requested submissions to build a memorial to commemorate those who lost their lives through this senseless act of terrorism. Over 5,000 designs were submitted and Michael and his team won. For those of you who have made the trip to New York and visited the memorial…it is an experience you will never forget. Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of the memorial is seeing all of the names that are engraved in brass above the empty holes that once served as the foundation for the towers. At first glance you might think that the names are just randomly placed around the perimeter, but the truth is that it took 3 years to create Meaningful Adjacency to every single name on the memorial.

What it means is that people are placed next to each other who shared some sort of relationship. Those who worked in the North Tower were all placed together. Those who were in an airplane were also placed together. But it goes deeper than even where they were geographically. Meaningful Adjacency sought to find people who were related and placed them together. Or those who not only worked in the same office or same fire department, but if they had a particularly close relationship then they were placed next to one another as well.

You and I have Meaningful Adjacency also. The most obvious are the people we live with. But also the people we interact with every single day. And the way we interact with people has an impact doesn’t it. As Christians the hope, of course, is that our lives will reflect Christ in some small way and as people interact with us, hopefully they get a sense of interacting with Christ. Colossians 3:17 reminds us,

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Now go and practice Meaningful Adjacency today.

Thirty-four is a number associated with greatness. For you sports fans, you know that Nolan Ryan wore it in baseball, Shaquille O’Neal in basketball and Walter Payton in football. But long before those sport heroes lived there was a Dutch artist named Johannes Vermeer. Unfortunately, Vermeer’s greatness was not attained until centuries after his death. But he too has the number thirty-four credited to him.

While other famous artists produced hundreds of paintings and drawings over the course of their careers, thirty-four is the number of paintings by Vermeer that are still in existence today. Because his paintings are so rare his work demands the highest prices in the art world.  

Rare, too, is this season of turmoil in which America has been embroiled over the past year. It seems as if the proverbial mirror has been held up so America can closely gaze at herself. She is now beginning to recognize the blemishes that have been hidden for hundreds of years. And, as it goes with anyone who takes a closer look at themselves and desires change, improving oneself is never easy.

America isn’t perfect for sure, but I have travelled to enough countries in the world to understand that despite her flaws, she is the greatest country on Earth.

It’s important to remember that God is still in control even as our world is seemingly in chaos. No matter how dire the situation appears, there is a God who loves us deeply. We can hang our hats on this truth:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

These aren’t empty words written by a detached author. These words were written by the Apostle Paul, a guy who had been beaten, whipped, stoned and imprisoned. With that kind of a resume how could he possibly think that God could work out those terrible circumstances for good? It is because he looked beyond his immediate circumstances and understood that any calamity he was currently facing was for the glory of God.

And so it is with America. The trials we are currently experiencing will forge much needed change and will make America better because of it.

Watch it Christian

Watch it Christian they are coming for you,

The Hounds of Hell do not rest,

With their colorful parades and tolerant shades

Their favorite snack has been convincing you of your errant orthodoxy,

Watch it Christian they are coming for you.

They have brought you down from within,

The have infiltrated your citadel small city,

And corrupted the most innocent,

Watch it Christian they are coming for you.

Your insular community does not realize,

With hooks in your nostrils and sleep in your eyes

They are coming for you.

You in your snug little study with covered plates to the side

You’re in a bubble and you cannot hide,

Even so, watch it Christian they are coming for you.

Hell, hath no fury compared to those opposed to the intolerant,

Guess what Christian that is you, and for you they are hell-bent,

Nigh is upon us and the demon hordes march,

With their control of propaganda and worldwide stars

Lending a voice to the army that will arrive soon,

Watch it Christian they are coming for you.

But take heart followers of the cross,

The gates of hell shall not prevail,

The cornerstone has been laid,

Its followers rest in an eternal shade,

And because of this, watch it Christian they are coming for you.

Aaron

When I got married in 1998, I gave all the guys who stood up with me special gifts. My best man was a huge Henry Aaron fan and my gift to him was a signed baseball by the man himself! You couldn’t place a value on that baseball then, and you certainly can’t now upon hearing the news that broke this morning announcing Henry Aaron’s passing.

For those who don’t like, care for, or understand baseball, his passing might be unremarkable. But when it comes to baseball royalty, Henry Aaron sits on the throne. Arguably the greatest baseball player who ever played, I still consider him to be the all-time home run leader who broke Ruth’s record without using performance enhancing drugs.

A 25-time All Star, Aaron was a force like no other on the field. He became the all-time RBI leader and is third on the all-time hits list. Pitcher Curt Simmons, once said, “Throwing a fastball by Henry Aaron is like trying to sneak the sun past a rooster.”

As big as his accomplishments were on the field, he was an equally huge force off the field. He was one of the earliest black baseball players who paved the way when it came to civil rights. Aaron displayed grace and dignity as he played for the Atlanta Braves, who were the first professional baseball team in the Deep South. In doing so he had to face unimaginable racism, but he faced it all with class.

In 1994 I had an opportunity to meet Aaron. I was living in Palm Desert, California and major league baseball would often hold winter meetings in the desert. At the time I had a pool business and I had to drive to the La Quinta Hotel to make a phone call. As I drove into the parking lot, I saw two men standing on the curb talking. As I looked closer at them, I could see that it was Henry Aaron and Willie Mays! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Two of the greatest players to ever play the game were standing 50 ft. away from me. I started to think I should go ask them for their autograph, but I had second thoughts and didn’t want to interrupt their conversation. I have always regretted not approaching them and asking for an autograph.

A true icon and American hero, Henry Aaron’s life and legacy will live on for many years to come.

I’ll leave you with the words of the great Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully who was in Atlanta and made the call during Aaron’s record-breaking homerun.

“What a marvelous moment for baseball. What a marvelous moment for Atlanta and the state of Georgia. What a marvelous moment for the country and the world. A Black man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking a record of an all-time baseball idol. And it is a great moment for all of us, and particularly for Henry Aaron.”

Thank you, Mr. Aaron, for everything you contributed to America’s favorite pastime, and for America!

Repentance and Demons

This past week was an interesting week for sure. The word repent came up a couple of times. This word is such a churchy word and admittedly not very popular in modern day vernacular. However, for practicing Christians it is an important word as it means to turn away from something (that isn’t good for us) and turn instead to God.

Several days ago, I received a call from a young gal who stated that she and her three roommates were being terrorized by some unseen force in the house they were renting. The daily, scratches, knockings, growling, and invisible footsteps were becoming too much for them to handle. As I spoke with this gal, I asked her if she or her roommates were engaging in any occultic practices. I asked if they had participated in Ouija board or Tarot card reading. She jumped on the Tarot card and said that her three roommates all participate in regular Tarot card readings. I told her I thought that might be the problem and she and her roommates should get rid of the Tarot cards and repent and turn to God. She said, “Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to work.” Apparently, the four of them haven’t had good experiences with church and God in the past, and she didn’t think they would be willing to give up the cards. I told her I didn’t think this “thing” was going to leave them alone until they were willing to get rid of the cards. She said that she would talk with her roommates that evening about what I said and thanked me for the suggestion.

The second time I encountered the word repent was when my wife and I were out on a date. We had just finished dinner and were heading to where our car was parked. As we approached a busy intersection there was a large bearded man holding a microphone. His speaker was placed at his feet and he was telling all who passed by that they needed to repent from their sins. If they didn’t, they were going to hell and that their only hope of salvation was through Jesus Christ. A young college age kid was walking by and didn’t take too kindly to the amplified message and in no uncertain terms said, “F_ _ _ Jesus!”

It is interesting how the message of repentance was articulated in both instances. The first, although it was by way of a phone call, was extended through care and compassion. The second by way of amplified yelling.

I don’t know too many people who have been yelled into repentance!

Missing Third

When I was a teenager a popular hang out in my hometown of Anaheim was Lampost Pizza. It was a popular spot for kids to gather after football or basketball games. I have many fond memories at Lampost. Several years after graduation I moved away from Anaheim, but I would return to visit old friends and oftentimes we would meet at Lampost. Although it didn’t happen all the time there were several times, I would be enjoying a slice of pizza, and I would hear someone yelling from across the restaurant, “Hey Abbott, where’s third base?” This question would always take me back to a painful memory that even today, 35 years later, is still difficult to recall.

My senior year of high school we had a great baseball team. I was the catcher and captain, and our team’s winning record allowed us to make the playoffs. Unfortunately, our first game was against Edgewood High School who at the time were a nationally ranked team. Nobody gave us much of a chance to win as we travelled to their field to play.

Although they were pitching their ace right hander, we were hitting him pretty good, and were giving them quite the game. By the fifth inning we were behind 3 – 2 and it was our turn to bat. That inning we put two runners on base: one on third, and me standing on second. Our player up to bat hit a ball into left field, which allowed for the runner on third to score and tie the game. I could see that I had a good chance of scoring as well, so I tagged third and headed home with the go-ahead run. Our team was ecstatic. As I made my way to the dugout, I received high fives and pats on the back. But as I sat down on the bench, I noticed the umpire crew talking amongst themselves. Its never a good sign when umpires start talking amongst themselves. And sure enough it wasn’t good, as the home plate umpire raised his fist and called me out. We were dismayed as how I could have been out. The umpire went on to inform our head coach that on my way to home plate I had missed third base.

Can you feel my pain? Running the bases is the most fundamental of baseball skills. And somehow, according to the umpire, I had missed the bag and my run wasn’t counted. We ended up going into extra innings with this team only to lose by one run as the sun was going down. Little did I know at the time but that was the last baseball game I would ever play in.

That Lampost Pizza I frequented as a teenager has long since closed down. And the taunting question, “Hey Abbott, where’s third base” has thankfully faded to a memory also. I am grateful that as a Christ-follower God doesn’t bring to mind painful mistakes and sins from our past. But instead he reminds us that:

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

Missing bases or not our sins are forgiven! And that’s the good news of following Jesus!

Be Bold

“His voice leads us not into timid discipleship but into bold witness.”

Dr. Charles Stanley

A week ago, a friend and I were engaged in an Instagram chat. We were discussing the crazy times that we are currently living in, and she mentioned the idea has crossed her mind of moving to a faraway island to get away from all this craziness. I shared with her how I have had the same thoughts cross my mind as well. Although it was playful banter, we both reminded ourselves that as Christians we are not to remove ourselves from our culture, but instead to remember that we are the salt of the earth.

Several years ago, you might remember Southwest Airlines ran a popular ad campaign that asked potential travelers, “Wanna Get Away?” The ad plays on our desire to remove ourselves from our hectic lives and get away, even if it is just for a week or two.

This reminds me of the prophet Jonah who was another guy who wanted to get away. Appointed by God to travel to the great city of Nineveh, Jonah rudely declined God’s invitation and decided that he had better travel plans in mind.

Much like today’s culture Nineveh was a powerful pagan city whose inhabitants, according to Scripture, could not tell their right hand from their left. Sounds similar to our culture today doesn’t it?

Jonah was a personal favorite of the artist Michelangelo. And because of that Jonah is the largest prophet portrayed on the ceiling that sits above the Sistine Chapel. If you have read the book of Jonah, then you know the rest of the story. Jonah ended up traveling to Nineveh and, because he boldly proclaimed who God was, an entire city came to know him.

As our country continues to slide further away from things of God, you and I as followers of Jesus have the opportunity to speak truth during these trying times. So, I want to encourage you today in your faith. I want to encourage you to be bold in proclaiming Christ as Lord! I want to encourage you to engage our culture…do not hide from it.

You and I can do that because God himself is with us!