👁 UN

So…..heading in to the decision of doing this blog, there were a lot of thoughts in me, Toby and Matt’s head (Toby’s head is really big, btw, fyi).  We actually were so arrogant in believing that we had a unique way of thinking or at the very least, a unique way of communicating how we think.

We believed that there are a lot of people in the following categories:

a.  Christian communicators that are honorably sharing truths in a very politically correct way with a strategic filtering system (typically with very pure motives and very effective, I might add).

b.  Christian communicators that, for the sake of being “edgy” and “badass” dishonorably say things in an irresponsible way with no filer system (typically with impure motives).

What about folks with pure motives that feel the need to communicate with very little filter?  Is there a purpose for them? Can people responsibly and strategically communicate in a more raw, less politically-correct way?  Is there a purpose for that?   Do people need that? We feel that’s what we are supposed to do.

At this point in the game, we have had many comments that confirm our suspicion.  Comments along the lines of:

a.  ”This blog is very encouraging and helpful.  It’s like a breath of fresh air to my faith.”

b.  ”I’m not even a Christian and I love these discussions.  I’m actually more open to Christian faith.”

c.  ”You guys put in to words exactly what I think.  It actually makes me feel normal and helps me with my faith.”

All this to say, we feel like we are doing what God would have us do, and at the same time, we realize our hearts are deceitful and thus, we need to be responsible in “keeping an eye” out for potentially wicked and prideful motives in our hearts;  we also welcome you to point these out in us, if it’s given in love. (HINT: typically, if it’s given in love, it will be in a private message rather than a public forum)

While doing this blog for close to a year now, we’ve discovered that we aren’t open-minded enough for the non-Christians and not “christian enough” for the Christians.  I guess we’ll just keep trying to be like Jesus. Thanks to all the readers for all of your support.

Here’s TEN of our most significant posts in order of when they were written.  We determined this top-ten on quality of writing and perceived impact amongst our readers.

10.  Is Obama The AntiChrist or does he just Like Pitchforks?  We put too much stock in man.  We don’t trust God enough. The government hasn’t the answers for this world.  Jesus does.

9.  Is Suicide a Free, Non-Stop, Straightway Ticket to Hell?  Do people go to hell for committing suicide?  Not if they’ve accepted Jesus as their savior. He died for the sin of suicide too.  Duh.

8.  Did Jesus Want to Hook Up With Girls?  If you answer “no” to this question, you very well could be dishonoring what He did for you.  Shame, shame, shame.  Continue reading “Southern Boys Gone Wild: why We Do This Here UNlearning Shenanigans” »

Posted by Joey on April 22, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/top-ten-posts/

👁 sin_284x189

First of all, if you don’t believe in the concept of “sin,” perhaps ascribing to the the belief that we are all relatively good people or perhaps determine our own morals, you may want to stop reading right now. Go ahead and stop reading. Why are you still reading? Hey, you. You that doesn’t believe in sin. You are still reading. Why are you still reading? Ok, if you must proceed; I warned you.

If you HAVE Jesus living in your heart, can you stop sinning indefinitely?  No.

If you do NOT have Jesus living in your heart, can you stop a particular sin? Yes

NO ONE can stop sinning indefinitely.

ANY ONE, through self-discipline, accountability, and hard work can stop things like overeating, making fun of people that stutter, gossiping, tricking the elderly, and racking up debt.

Christians can make huge strides in their long-term battle against sin.

Non-Christians, unfortunately, can not.

In light of what I just said, there’s many things to look at here.

Let’s take a typical Christian that is “kicking ass and taking names” against the lies of this world. He sees sin for what it is. It separates us from God. As he yields more to God, through prayer and other spiritual disciplines, he realizes just how desperate he is for God’s strength, forgiveness, and love. As he experiences more of God’s grace, his desire for sin takes a huge hit. At the same time, as sin will always be a problem on this earth, his faith is in God’s grace being sufficient and abounding. All of these truths work together for sin to have less and less reign on this fella’s life, as the Holy Spirit graciously works on his heart. Continue reading “Can You Stop Sinning w/o Jesus? Yes and No” »

Posted by Joey on April 18, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/stop-sinning/

👁 green-earth
Christians And Global Warming

Let’s imagine that it is important to me to reduce environmental harm.   Let’s also assume that I don’t have very much money, make a low hourly wage, and live basically paycheck to paycheck.  Most times environmentally friendly products are more expensive.  From laundry detergents, free range meats, hybrid cars, solar panels, to green housing, clearly I will have a little bit of a dilemma being able to pay for going green. I could afford some but not all of these products. I would also have to work many, many hours to help the environment. Am I actually going to be able by myself to create enough change?

Being gifted in the art of persuasion, I reason that it takes me a very short amount of time to convince other people that they should use their money to help the environment.  After convincing just one wealthy person to be environmentally responsible, I have made more of a difference for my cause than I ever could in a lifetime working my job and using that money.

Upon this realization I feel pretty good.  I decide to spend just a couple of hours a week persuading people for the cause.  Since I am doing so much good, I no longer need to worry about my consumption and waste, so I personally pay no regard to my personal carbon footprint.  I always buy the easiest and cheapest products.  I don’t waste time recycling or anything of that sort.  Using all disposable plates and plastic forks helps me save time and I use that extra time persuading others to recycle and reuse.  I am personally environmentally irresponsible, but in all real ways of measuring, I do more for the environment than anyone else as I am always working on getting more powerful and prominent people to cause real impact and change. It is my talent.

This is all pretty reasonable, except for the glaring hypocrisy part, yet, if my value is really the environment and I don’t care as much about character or integrity or even honesty, then am I justified?

This is exactly the type of hypocrisy that we as Christians are often guilty of, and we often take this approach to evangelism.  It is pointed out often and rightly by the non-Christian public and media that we tell people how to act, what to do and not do. We attempt to control other people, Christian and non, through persuasion, legislation, and peer pressure. We often elevate this above honesty and character. “BUT… we are helping people and it is for their own and everyone else’s good right?”  Leaders sometimes are susceptible to this, thinking from what seems like good pragmatic logic and efficiency.  ”If I can get the many who I have influence over to do good then that’s what I need to do.  I’ll need to appear a bit better than I am and I may need to sacrifice some things personally but it will help others.”

This thinking is common, but DEAD WRONG.  It reveals a few things…

1. We believe that God needs our works and cannot accomplish his goals otherwise.

2. We believe that God cares about the bottom line, not individuals and their hearts.

3.  We believe we are far more important than we actually are. 

Its not about causing team God to win.  He doesn’t need your money and works.

With the kingdom of God and the Gospel, it is our own hearts that matter, not the long-term outcomes of our calculated action and efforts.  In other words, the end never justifies the means.  See: Poor widow’s offering, self explanatory. Beware of the Scribes, No doubt the scribes told themselves that by appearing to be good and loved by God it would help and inspire others.  Jesus loves children, not for their accumulation of influence, but for their faith.

Christians, let’s do a better job, not by achieving and convincing and even evangelizing more, but by being honest, having faith, and believing in God’s power.

Please don’t let your cause be increasing good behavior for the human race. Rather let it be the Gospel, the transforming power of Jesus in you and others from the inside out.

Posted by Matt Carter on April 17, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/global-warming/

👁 zo
One day, a girl called me and asked, “You struggle with depression, right?” Following her question was a great conversation that I was thankful for. To this girl, just being able to talk to a Pastor–some one she respected and viewed as “normal”–and yet one who was able to relate to her depression, lifted her spirit. Little did I know, at that very moment, she was contemplating suicide; calling me was the last potential straw of hope for her.

I’ve never considered actually taking my life. I’ve definitely been so depressed that I’ve really wanted to die. I’m a pastor and am perceived by hundreds as having my stuff together. There’s been instances, such as a time at a local beach pier when I was tear-stained, huddled to the ground and perhaps somewhat awkward/sketchy to passer-bys. (“Martha, what’s that youngster doing with a winter hat on? It’s hot as hell out here!”)

I joke around with my wife that I’m going to get the little “Zoloft cloud” tattooed on my arm; he’s cute and Zoloft has been helpful to me. But I don’t think I let depression define me. I trust in God and I know He loves me. I don’t think it’s my fault that I struggle with depression. I know scripture and take comfort in it but sometimes, like that day at the beach, I am dying inside, my heart crying out to God for just a hint of relief.

I’ve struggled with depression since before High School. In college and through my first 2 years of marriage, it was an every-day, uphill battle. Since then and currently, I wouldn’t consider myself a “depressed person,” but rather a dude that occasionally struggles with depression. As a professing Christian—some one who is supposed to sing proudly, “victory in Jesus, my savior forever”—there’s certainly been some confusion for me through the years. There’s also been clarification of things that I’ve personally settled on as truth. Here are some of those things: Continue reading “Confessions of a Depressed Pastor.” »

Posted by Joey on April 14, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/depressed-pastor/

Devin gets grilled by Joey, as Joey poses as an atheist. Main topic at hand is how people can serve a God that let’s so much bad stuff happen in the world. For more reading on this sort of thing, here’s some more posts you may be interested in:

“Is God Your Yard Boy?”
“I Wouldn’t Serve a God that _________________”

Other things to click:
Here’s PART ONE of our interview with Devin.
read more from devin right here.
follow Devin on twitter.
buy his album on Itunes.

Posted by Joey on April 11, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/devin-part2/

👁 Screen Shot 2013-04-10 at 1.25.07 PM

In case you haven’t heard Matt and I have started a band called (I know it’s really emo) Matt & Toby.  Our album came out a few months back and most people think it’s the best album ever by Matt & Toby, the band.  We have also played a lot of shows, and so far they have almost all been in people’s living rooms.  Why do we do that? I’ll answer by using Joey and many pastor’s style by giving you three points and hopefully they’ll be applicable to your life.

I wish I could use some alliteration…Wait! How About:  Bathrooms, Beer, and The Bible!

Okay I’m not as good as Pastor Joey

1. Bathrooms:  Well, houses have way better restrooms than bars and clubs.  You guys that come to our shows are just really bad at aiming, or you think too highly of yourself and stand a foot away from the urinal which is just sad.  I mean come on. Also, I single out the guys because usually we, Emery, hit the girls restroom before anyone gets there, and most of the time it’s like a weird universe where people actually think to leave the restroom clean.

2. Beer:  Well people are very hospitable at their houses and usually we break bread, have a beer, and fellowship with the host.  It’s like the Bible in action.  You have food and talk and it’s comfortable.  WHAT!!!!  You can do that? (check this post on “stumbling blocks”)  Yes, and honestly many times it’s Little Caesars Pizza, which is actually endorsed by the Lord.  Try this though if you haven’t. Invite someone to your house for a meal and talk.

3. Bible:  We get to talk about what Jesus has done and is doing in our lives in somebody’s home where people are chilling.  I mean, we are not an untouchable band on a distant stage. We’re just dudes talking about Jesus and how much we don’t get right and how that’s all HE does (is get it right).  Also, people respond to us with their stories, and the show becomes an honest and vulnerable time for the people actually willing to step out.  It’s actually been life-changing.

I did leave one out.  Blow Out.  We go to Mcdonalds after every show and each spend $15 and eat everything.  Please be praying for Matt’s by-pass surgery next week.

Posted by toby on April 10, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/house-shows/

“I Never Got to See the West Coast.” from Unlearning on Vimeo.

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I have been thinking for a while I should record a video of one of our songs.  After hearing of Pastor Rick Warren’s son, committing suicide, I thought I would play the song “I Never Got To See The West Coast.”  This song is one of the toughest and most heart wrenching songs I have ever written.  When touring with Emery or Matt & Toby, we hear so many stories of attempted suicide and of people who took their own lives.  It never gets any easier to listen to or to see the hurt on people’s faces.

Just like Matthew Warren,  so many people are hurting.  This disease affects people of all classes, colors, and ages, but do not think for a second that anyone is to blame or more could have been done.  That is a lie.  It’s the same as saying that if you would have gotten peanut butter earlier then your husband wouldn’t have died in a car wreck running the errand.  It’s just a lie to somehow make us feel guilty. The truth is we can only love like Jesus and then pray.

I am having to come to grips that I cannot save my kids from everything or almost anything.  The only thing I can do is love these gifts God gave me and point them to Christ. I will fail at this but Jesus doesn’t fail and He is our strength when we are weak.

The reason I point to Jesus is because He was and is a person that knows the pain that we all go through.  He is not a concept.  He is the savior.  We can’t do it on our own.  This world is too much and we have all of Hell against us, but Jesus wins.  He defeats our fears, our sins, our weaknesses, our pain, and our death.  He took that on His shoulders.

If you are struggling to find hope please talk with your friends, family, or email us at unlearningblog@gmail.com

Where do people’s souls go when they commit suicide? Read old post.
How should you talk to people that are hurting? Read old post.
listen to this song on Itunes.
read lyrics here.

Posted by toby on April 8, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/west-coast/

Joey interviews Devin Shelton, former “Emery guy,” and we all get a closer look at his Colgate smile. Please excuse the character that Joey poses as and read “about Joey” here if it messes you up or throws you for a loop.

read more from devin right here.
follow Devin on twitter.
buy his album on Itunes.

to be continued . . . . when we say so.

Posted by Joey on April 5, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/devi/

👁 prison
We wrote a post a while back about stumbling blocks. You can read it here.  After reading, some of you still thought along the lines of, “We STILL should not drink alcohol, cuss, or any number of things because universally, some one may be out there watching with weaker faith and struggle, due to our carelessness.  I am a huge sympathizer of this point-of-view and abided by it for many years.  I still think it’s actually valuable to think through these lenses.  If we are all about God’s glory, why wouldn’t we at the very least start here?

I just don’t think it is as simple as “if some one else MAY struggle with it, we need to avoid it altogether, plain and simple.” If this were the case, we’d also need to:

1.  Ask all of our “Christian hotties” (even some of the males like Devin Shelton) to dress like Muslim women, hiding even a hint of curve.

2.  Stop being die-hard fans of sports teams.  We all know that there are many Christians, including myself, that struggle with sports teams being an idol in their lives (an idol being anything that comes before God).

3.  Get ALL Christians to GET THE HECK OFF Facebook, once and for all.  We all know dang well that too many Christians are spending too much time on Facebook when they could be spending more time helping the needy and/or spending quality time with their kids.

4.  Refrain from pointing out the sin of your brother or sister in Christ (like the bible tells us to).  They may respond with sinful anger.

5.  Stop wearing any name-brand clothes or drive a nice car (even if it’s a graduation present or an inheritance).  You may cause people discontent or jealousy. Continue reading “Since YOU Struggle, I Have to Stop WHAT?” »

Posted by Joey on April 3, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/i-have-to-stop-what/

👁 tattoos-elderly

THIS IS A POST BY MATT TO EXPLAIN WHY WE DO THIS BLOG

I have many opinions. I have many beliefs. I know many facts. So do you.

Many of my opinions are stupid.

Many of my beliefs have changed and will change.

Many of the facts I think I know for sure, as it will turn out, will be dead wrong. 

The trouble is, I do not know which opinions, beliefs, and facts I have wrong, and neither do you.   So we must listen to and consider other people and their points of view.

“You need to eat 6-11 servings a day of pasta and bread every day.  Its good for you, trust me, oh, and you better clean your plate!”  That’s the message I got from my family, school, and TV as a kid, and certainly, it was with good intentions on their part.  Most of us now know better, but it is still hard for me not to think that way when I eat.  I am unlearning deeply engrained (pardon the pun) cultural modes of thinking on this particular subject.

My grandmother, MeMe, has always strongly opposed tattoos. She says they are  “tacky” and for “criminals”. She holds this conviction deeply, because in her generation it was exactly criminals and “people with bad families” who had tattoos.  Since this was a common view, responsible people who may have appreciated tattoo art avoided them so as not to be seen in this light.  She could have never imagined her grandson and his friends would ever be all tatted up (especially Devin Shelton, who she has a granny crush on and always remarks on his beautiful teeth).   It’s easier to see now, that tattoos themselves are not bad, nor cause criminal activity, but previously the two were inherently connected.  Even MeMe, at 92 is able to unlearn in order to love people and more deeply understand truth.

Often, in conservative and small towns, alcohol use is confined to sketchy, dark, dirty bars with no windows and reckless rebellious teens.  Although the Bible is clear that it is not a sin to consume alcohol, its reasonable why people steer others away from it.  The problem is that as time goes on it becomes about the alcohol, not the hearts of the people and the truths of scripture.  In my culture in Seattle, it is common, if not very regular, that I meet with pastors, church members, and non-Christian in bars.  While I was leading worship at church one Sunday, our new lead pastor told me “we should go drink some beer together” and we did between the 4pm and 7pm services.  I was greatly blessed by his invitation and his willingness to engage with me.  It said something different than,  “As your pastor and spiritual authority, let me pray for you” It said, “I’m a real dude and would like to get to know you.”  I know this would not fly in many churches, and I do understand why, however, it is worth constantly re-evaluating our manmade rules and being willing to unlearn some of what we have may have inherited or wrongly arrived at.

Biblical truths, Jesus’ words, and God’s commands are often intertwined with moralism, legalism, and religion in that very same way.  This blog is about examining what we learn from our families, traditions, cultures, and religions, and evaluating it in light of the unchanging Word of God, the Bible.  We trust Jesus over our families, over our culture, and even over our religious traditions.  In other words, we unlearn in order that we may learn and grow in our understanding of truth and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

You can see in our previous posts and inevitably will see going forward, that some people will combat this line of thinking with clear cut, unloving, self-defensive, bolstered positions, that leave no room for discussion. (Unfortunately this more often comes from the ones that claim to know Jesus).  These comments and attitudes will always be red flags for self-righteousness and insecurity, but since the Gospel brings light, we are glad to receive these responses, as it exposes the heart of their authors.

We believe though humility and willingness to both be wrong and admit it, that we can create a unique level playing field and opportunity for both those of us who know Jesus and those who do not know Jesus to participate together.  If you are afraid of other’s views being heard then you do not trust Jesus. Jesus is real and HE will prove it, not you.  Our job IS to engage with other people, not shut them down.

Please participate with us by:

-Telling us what you think through your comments. It is an important part of this post and this community.

-Sharing with people you agree with and people you don’t.

-Subscribing to this blog.

Posted by Matt Carter on April 1, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/stick-music/

👁 warren
So, Pastor Rick Warren asked people to pray for guidance within the Catholic church when they were choosing their next pope. The Protestant critics were greatly offended. How dare he……PRAYS?? Their offense is based on folks’ perception of the Catholic church not truly understanding salvation and thus needing to accept the gospel. (i.e. get “saved” up in here!)

Apparently, according to the critics, Warren’s prayer exposed a “oneness” between Protestants and Catholics that isn’t warranted due to Catholics’ heretical teachings and their current/eminent need for salvation.

They say that Pastor Warren’s prayer also negatively effects people’s eternal destination. Their rationale is that Warren’s eluding to the oneness of Catholic and Protestant beliefs results in squashed motivation amongst Protestants to evangelize Catholics; a hope in Jesus that the “Catholics desperately need.”

After hearing about all this controversy, I didn’t know what I thought of the issue, but as I took some time to reflect, I landed pretty much with Pastor Rick Warren. Here are some questions I asked myself in order to arrive at my conclusion. Continue reading “Rick Warren Screws Church by…PRAYING??!!” »

Posted by Joey on March 29, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/warren-screws-church/

👁 jasongage-318x442
“Gay marriage this, and gay marriage that.” To hear some of our thoughts on this issue, check out this post Toby wrote last year called, “Let’s Cut Something Off If You Commit Adultery.”

I’ve heard what you’ve heard and read what you’ve read. Here’s a story that merits more discussion than this issue. Back in 2004, I worked at a restaurant with my friend, Jason Gage. When my wife and I first started working with him, given his knowledge of our faith as well as his homosexual orientation, he just assumed that we were “Christian assholes” who’d never have anything to do with him. This all changed when I brought him back a gift from Lambeau Field. He was a fellow Green Bay Packer fan and I’ll never forget the look on his face when I gave him the souvenir. I could just feel the tension zapped immediately. Months went by and he became one of my favorite people. My wife and I soon moved from Iowa to hang in Seattle with our friends in Emery. Within a month, I found out that Jason had been murdered, many believed this to be a hate-crime. The article my mother-in-law sent me about this murder also included a discussion about our “favorite people” from Westboro Baptist who showed up to Jason’s funeral, picketing with signs, wanting to make sure every one in attendance knew that Jason was in hell. I remember lamenting to my wife that our old restaurant friends back in Iowa probably view the two of us as a part of this “Christian message” that Westboro message was advocating. She assured me that they all knew better. I think she was right.

Posted by Joey on March 27, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/gay-marriage/

Is President Barack Obama an agent of satan?  I kind of laughed when I wrote that because it seems so epic and at the same time so Wes Craven.  I have heard this question asked in conversation and have seen some prominent pastors bring up our president’s faith.  I have also heard people who are elephants and donkeys discuss our president’s worth and success. So I decided to chime in on another topic we at UnLearning should never discuss.

Christ in Politics. If Obama was actually the Anti-Christ, what would that mean to you? The Bible tells us clearly about Anti-Christs.  Go here. So, if he was the antichrist, what would you do?  I mean really.  What would you do?  Could you be the positive-christ and fix it? Noooooooooooo. What are we talking about here?  Jesus has this all handled.  Bad things are going to happen.

Bad things happen all the time.  Bad things will happen to you in a couple minutes from now.  But you aren’t going to stop reading this post to go hide in a cushion room forever. So why are people discussing this on the internet, in conversation, and even church?  Because we all want to figure it out.  And by “it” I mean what’s going to happen in this world so WE can control our lives.  Oh the evil truth:

The reason people talk about who the Antichrist is, is because they want to figure out the future and put their destiny in their own hands.  But it doesn’t work that way.  In fact that is actually the really evil part of all of this.  We doubt God.  And honestly that’s normal. But when we place our silly human judgement on others, it quickly escalates to scary situations.  If we are talking about how evil the President is rather than praying for him, his family, and the leaders around him, then we are the sinners.   Continue reading “Is Obama The Antichrist or does he just like pitchforks?” »

Posted by toby on March 25, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/obama-antichrist/

👁 matt
This week’s “Friday post” is late AND is more of a question for you guys. I don’t really have answers, or much to back up my views on this one, so I’ll just ask you guys to participate and see what we get.

So here we go…
Youth ministry is a weird part of the church, at its best it would train and disciple young people to trust Christ. This seems possible, but I’ve rarely seen it. In its typical form it is a morality-based, babysitting organization. In its worst form, it is a haven for all kinds of abuses of power, including sexual abuse.

Why is it this way? My main guess includes two reasons that work together. 1. The church is notorious for giving people the benefit of the doubt for the sake of “being nice” and non-confrontational. 2. The role of youth minister or youth pastor, in a large statistical way, will tend to attract a higher than average number of people that are both intentionally and unintentionally seeking to misuse or abuse. I KNOW there are many people who follow this blog that are in youth ministry, so I ask you to speak up here, and I am not accusing any of you of anything. I would appreciate your point of view here.

I think it’s like cops. You know the kind I’m talking about, the ones that get satisfaction out of giving you a hard time and being in power. Those guys who were often picked on at earlier stages of life and thus sought a job with lots of authority (including being able to carry a gun).

Youth pastors can be weird, sometimes they just aren’t comfortable around adults, and sometimes they want to be a “real” pastor but only use youth ministry as a stepping stone. And yes some of them are just creeps.

I don’t see this role in the Bible, at least not our conception of it. It seems more like we don’t know what to do with teenagers, so if that guy says he is “called to work with kids” and he has a cooky sense of humor, then we let him have at it.

I’m inclined to say that we should get an older wise academic guy to do the job, maybe a church elder who is a grandfather?

Joey is pissed.  See his response here.

Posted by Joey on March 23, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/matt-on-student-ministry/

👁 dead
She what?! I’ll never forget sitting in my junior year english class in 1994 when I heard that my friend had committed suicide. There’s just no way this is real. After realizing that it was indeed for real, just like Kurt Cobain a month prior, I faced the fact that my friend was in hell forever, separated from God and anything else that is good. forever. Or was she?

Let’s start with Jesus’ words:

He says on the cross, “It is finished.” Thus, there’s nothing left to be done for a person to be saved, other than accept what Jesus, and He alone, has done.

The question here is not about the sin (in this case, suicide), but rather whether or not a person has accepted Jesus. If some one commits suicide, given this person is a Christian, Jesus already made a way for that person to go to heaven.

Well, then. The next question; can a true Christian commit suicide? Answer? True Christians do a LOT of sinning. What if we start asking this about other sins (can a true Christian cheat on a spouse, fall into homosexuality, smoke weed, eat too much) and the next thing you know, we’ve defined Christianity by what we do rather than on what Jesus did. Continue reading “Is Suicide a Free, Non-Stop, Straightway Ticket to Hell?” »

Posted by Joey on March 20, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/suicide-and-hell/

👁 mary
To answer this question with an emphatic “N-O-spells-no,” in my opinion is to trivialize and perhaps make light of the sacrifice Jesus made in coming to Earth for the salvation of all men. Jesus suffered on the cross, but part of Jesus’ sacrifice was setting aside an aspect of His divinity in order to be a human. Jesus’ “divine right” was heaven and He left this PERFECT place to dwell among sinful men, on this fallen earth, for crying out loud! Most of us wouldn’t even want to leave our middle-class suburbia to live amongst folks in the slum for even a weekend.

The question that needs to be addressed here is, “at what point does ‘struggling with sin’ actually become sinning?”

Continue reading “Did Jesus Want to Hook Up with Girls?” »

Posted by Joey on March 18, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/jesus-and-girls/

👁 spring break

Isn’t it adorable how those college kids act on spring break?     You cant be too mad at the hipster crowds at South by Southwest this week are who just trying to get wasted and have sex with each other right?  Yea now that you mention it, I don’t have much tolerance for people who throw morality out the window, like the fake soulless people in Hollywood, Criminals, Pedophiles and such.  They get what they deserve. They don’t have an excuse, even the Bible says that.  I know It also says somewhere in there that we are supposed to love them, but I’m not sure how, because…

They willingly do stuff that irritates or even disgusts me.

They flaunt their sin in my face.

They are totally selfish.

They don’t appreciate what they have been given.

They destroy good things, including their own selves.

They refuse wisdom and help that we offer them.

Let me suggest that you do know EXACTLY how to love and treat them.  The same way you lovingly view and treat little children.  Little kids exhibit all the qualities on this list, additionally, not to be controversial, but the reality is that children for the most part ARE NON-CHRISTIANS.  We are sinful from the womb, born of Adam, we came into the world sinning.  At some point along our way Jesus stepped in, gave us the Holy Spirit, showed us the truth, and we became alive in Christ.  Before this, all we did was sin. Both our moral and immoral acts, good and bad behavior was sin.

So its not that unreasonable to view even “gross” sinners as simply older, more advanced in the art of sin, children.  They have more mental ability, freedom and resources, but their hearts are just the same as your cute little nieces and nephews, and as crazy as it sounds, your own little ones. As offensive as this can sound it gives us a hint of understanding of God’s mercy on us. We are amazingly patient and forgiving with children, somewhere along the way we stop, God does not.  I sure am thankful that He has been so patient with me.

Posted by Matt Carter on March 15, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/soocute/

👁 tim-tebow-vs-steve-young

First of all, I completely understand that the title can be quite offensive for any non-christians reading. I would agree with you, but unfortunately, it’s got to be addressed with folks on “team Christian,” because some of us would answer this question with an emphatic, “NO WAY!”

To refute these sentiments then, let’s start with the very basics:
1. Can the guys in emery learn anything from Marilyn Manson about the music business?
2. Can Joel Osteen learn some jokes from Chris Rock?
3. Can Tim Tebow learn anything from Steve Young?

No one in their right man can argue against the fact that any of these folks can learn from the other, especially #3. It’s simply common sense.

However, the potential gray area (and what this post will address) is the issue of Christians learning from and modeling after behaviors of non-believers to become better people. I believe this is possible as well (with some limitations). Continue reading “Can Christians Learn from “bad people?”” »

Posted by Joey on March 13, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/christians-learn-bad-people/

👁 Generic 1960s pic of a father and son scene.
Last week I was meeting with a younger friend of mine around 20 years old, married, balanced, stable, and a leader in our church.  We were discussing his small group and its dysfunction.  He wants his group to be a place where people can grow and give/receive help. According to him, there are people in the group that clearly have issues but are hesitant to talk about them. My friend wants to help hurting people and lead others by sacrificing his time and effort for them. I asked him to express some of his personal life needs as well as what he wanted to GET out of the group.  He said things in life were going well and how he wasn’t really comfortable taking from others (receiving their help), and that he wants to give the help to others rather than be the “needy guy.”

Are you like my friend? Are you doing well, stable, prefer to help others, and think you are supposed to be a constant giver?

If so, then both you and the people you hope to help are in BIG TROUBLE. Frankly, this is the unhealthy attitude that surrounds a large amount of followers and commenters on THIS BLOG.

Christian, you want to give advice and drop knowledge on others. Why is this the way you choose to help others?  Is it so other people can become more like you? Ouch, I hope not. Yet when we say that we want to give help, but we don’t want/need to receive help from others, that is exactly what we are saying. Even worse, some of us like to GIVE INSTRUCTION to others because we like the power. (This one we especially like to do on the Internet). Sometimes it is much more subtle, like my dad never letting anyone else pay for dinner, or the lady who always cooks and has people over, but doesn’t want to intrude on others’ homes or let anyone bring stuff for the party.

Christian and non-Christians, our PRIMARY position IS NEED and it is anti-Gospel to pretend any other way.  It is selfish to have the attitude that you “just wanna help other people” if you don’t first and openly acknowledge your needs and weaknesses. Showing and embracing our need as sinners is a more useful, powerful, AND honest approach to giving.

You were not changed by advice.  If you look back on your life, you were changed by suffering, grace, the Holy Spirit, long-term relationships and role models, a lifetime of tiny shaping experiences, and maybe some intentional advice during a time when you probably asked some one for it; some one you really trusted. Why would you expect anything different for anyone else? In other words, The Gospel of Jesus Christ changed you, not advice.

How long did it take you to get the way you are? How long did it take the person you want to help to get to be the way they are? Real help and change are not usually the result of a quick fix or correction but rather a long term investment. Continue reading “why your small group and this blog sucks” »

Posted by Matt Carter on March 12, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/thisblogsucks/

SEND IN A 10-15 SEC VIDEO, RESPONDING TO UN-LEARNING’S LAST BLOG ENTRY.

Posted by Joey on March 1, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/send-a-video/

👁 Stumbling+Blocks

Lots of Christians say, “Christians shouldn’t cuss,” because it could “cause another brother to stumble.”  Lots of Christians say “Christians shouldn’t consume alcohol,” “go clubbing,” or “pierce/tat the heck out of their bodies” for the same reason.

Basically, their rationale which is based on false interpretations of passages like this one, goes something like this:
1. Drinking a beer may not be a sin in itself.
2. Drinking a beer could however cause temptation for a recovering- alcoholic in the church to get drunk and perhaps be an alcoholic again. Drinking a beer could also cause a Christian that esteems and looks up to you, to be disheartened and frustrated when he sees you drinking a beer, potentially even discouraging him or her to walk a life of victory in Jesus.
3. You never know when people described in #2 are watching you, thus you should avoid drinking alcohol altogether or at the very least drink at home and get your unbelieving uncle to bring the booze to your back door.

The bible DOES say not to be a stumbling block, but i disagree with the above interpretation. My main reason is this:

Jesus didn’t abide by this interpretation of scripture and thus would have been condemned by Paul’s teachings.

Ask Paul. He will disagree with you EVERY time if you say that He is holier than Jesus. Continue reading “The Bible Says, “Don’t Be a Stumbling Block,” but I Disagree” »

Posted by Joey on February 21, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/stumblingblocks/

👁 hypo

I wanted to write this post without discussing it with Joey. He is a full-time pastor. He works his ass off and loves the congregation and community but…He’s got a salary, medical insurance, 401k and job security.  The question I’d like to discuss is this: if he or other pastors were volunteers in the church, rather than paid staff, would that be better, would it make sense with the bible, and lastly would he still be able to pastor and shepherd people?

What does the bible say:

Matthew 10: 8-9 Jesus says to give without pay.  2 Corinthians 2: 17  says that we are not peddlers selling God’s word like others. 1 Timothy 5: 17-19 says that  elders who lead well deserve double “honor” and the worker deserves his wage. John 10: 12-14  The hired hand is different than the shepherd.

JESUS DIDN’T GET PAID or did he?  When Jesus started full-time ministry in his 30′s, how did he get paid? He wasn’t a carpenter anymore because he was traveling non stop and getting death threats.  So how’d he eat?  Giving.  Christians supported him.  Shelter, food, maybe even entertainment.  They gave.  He also was in fact a laborer worthy of more than this, but people did give.  You can call this giving offerings and tithes.  The apostles were also supported financially by people in the towns they preached.

” it for the perks?  No- His ministry led to death which he knew would happen. Continue reading “Rich Ass Preachers (Sorry Joey?)” »

Posted by toby on February 18, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/straight-cash-homey/

Joey: Honestly? After Toby showed me this, I watched this thing over and over, laughing like crazy. Personally, this sort of thing isn’t anything new to me. I grew up in churches where this stuff happened quite often. Where I stand on this video is as follows: I think it’s possible that God is moving amongst these folks. However, if this is the case, I don’t think they are being good stewards of that gift. If I had to be honest, I think mostly that “this movement” is contrived, manufactured and totally understand why this freaks people out. No matter what, Paul says not to do this 1 Corinthians 14: 39-41.

Matt: My first reaction is “This is NOT funny. Its very disturbing.” I did not grow up around it and have never seen people act like this. It seems clear to me that it is a messed up distorted culture and I don’t believe it is genuine. After watching a few times and thinking about it, I can say that perhaps someone outside my culture may view some of my spiritual activities as messed up, similarly to how I’m viewing these activities.

Toby: this was my life for the first 15 years of my life. I think it’s funny. I love people having a good time at church even if it is absurd. Reminds me of King David dancing in the streets. We serve Jesus, are we supposed to look good doing it?

Tell us what you think.

Posted by Joey on February 10, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/wtf/

👁 dumb c
“I give God 10%.  Why should I give you 18%?”  This is what a PASTOR wrote on a credit card receipt, at a restaurant, after crossing out the added “big group” gratuity to leave zero tip. Luckily for all Christians hoping for a face-lift in Christianity, this thing went viral. (See link to article at the bottom of this post. As you will read, this was actually a hoax and wasn’t written by a Pastor or even a customer for that matter) Reading this article, however, got me thinking, “What if this was not a hoax?” Should the rest of the body of Christ freak out and lament over yet “another bad example” by a Christian leader? Maybe. Let’s just look at this thing. If this story was indeed true, and many stories as these are, this pastor did so many things contrary to the bible’s teachings.

1. He forgot about generosity. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
2. He was not kind, humble or gentle. (Colossians 3:12)
3. He did not take an opportunity to do good. (Galatians 6:10)
4. He was not loving with words OR deeds. (1 John 3:18)
5. He thought of himself as better than others. (Philippians 2:3)

So for the many stories like this that are actually true, what is my reaction? Well, for one thing, I’m disgusted. I also think of this pastor as the “bad guy,” while I’m the good guy that knows how to love as Jesus did. I immediately want to defend the body of believers from horrible acts of wickedness as these. This kind of stuff actually makes me embarrassed to be called a Christian. Occurrences such as these lead me to think of other ways of describing myself, such as a “Jesus follower,” meaning that I actually DO follow Christ, walk in His ways, and validate MY faith through my works more consistently; and for this, I can be proud that I’m not like “that other guy.”

Then, I stop to think about this:
1. I’m the “good guy?” Last time I checked, Jesus (who was GOD) had to die for me, in order that I could live.
Continue reading “Christians Are Dumb (and we better own this)” »

Posted by Joey on February 4, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/dumbchristians/

👁 wwjd
Please note that due to the unedited nature of this post, the language deems it necessary for us to give this post an “R” rating. If you are sensitive to 4-letter words, do not proceed. This is part 3 of a “real conversation between a christian and an atheist.” For part 1 click here. For part 2, click here.

beginning of “part 3.”

Joey Svendsen: i’ll watch the video but can’t right now. a couple of things.

-an innocent child burning in hell forever? Where did you get that?

-My thoughts on reasoning: if there is a God, he created reasoning and you are using it to disprove the possibility of Him, and claiming that because there’s holes in a belief in Him, you won’t believe in Him. i can’t think of anything stranger.

-my way of proving Christianity is not totally based on the “people that are following.” there’s many more reasons.

-Attis of Phrygia? How many of heard about that one? not many, because it’s myth! you may also want to do some more research on that one. conceived by an almond? from a hemaphrodite God? to put the gospels in any similar category is crazy.

-Ok, let’s talk about the New Testament. As far as ancient manuscripts, the New Testament has MANY more original writings left than any other, and these originals were written WAY closer to the actual events of any other manuscripts to their actual events. no matter what you believe, the New Testament is in its own category as far as evidence for authenticity. i’ll be the first one to admit that i can’t provide absolute certainty. i do a LOT of things in daily living, however, without having absolute certainty as well. for example, i put my family at risk by getting them in a plane, not having certainty that it will go down. however, because of statistics, i know the chances are quite slim that we crash. i also know the chances are quite slim that what I believe about Jesus is untrue. and, by the way, you can’t tell me with absolute certainty that i’m wrong, so i guess we are both in the same boat. i think YOU may have more faith though. because if you don’t believe in a God, i’m not sure how you can even identify what evil is or even come close to figuring how in the world we all got here.

Joey Svendsen: ok. i am going ahead and watching the video. i’ll take notes as i listen:

1. i agree with his first statement about ignoring scientific evidence and blindly supporting the bible. that’s irresponsible when Christians do it. When science and bible conflict, it’s often due to a Christian’s misinterpretation of the bible. Many times, however, scientists are wrong. Correct interpretation of the Bible, in my opinion, is never wrong. With this being said, the Old Universe/ New Universe debate poses no threat to my faith.  there are many bible-believing Christians that believe the bible supports a new universe while many of the same support old universe.  i actually lean more towards old universe. Continue reading “real conversation between a Christian and Atheist (part 3)” »

Posted by Joey on January 25, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/real-convo-christian-atheist/

👁 wwjd
Please note that due to the unedited nature of this post, the language deems it necessary for us to give this post an “R” rating. If you are sensitive to 4-letter words, do not proceed. This is part 2 of a “real conversation between a christian and an atheist.” For part 1, click here.

beginning of “part 2.”

Joey Svendsen: Ok. Let’s say God did exactly that AND said the bible is true, follow me. Would you? Will catch you tomorrow or the next. Good-night, bitch. (For the general reader, don’t worry, this is what a dude calls another dude when he’s becoming fond of him in a dude way).

UNlearning Reader: haha good call goodnight! btw I would (it’d suck though)

UNlearning Reader: Hey Joey, I was wondering about your point of view on my argument?

Joey Svendsen: thanks for your patience. all right. so, to dispel any notion to the contrary, i AM trying to make a point. we can continue talking about this but my point is this… the conclusion that you need to come to is this….IS THERE A GOD? period. instead you are saying one of two things perhaps (and i could be putting words in your mouth. if so, sorry)

1. “If there IS a God, He is not good at it, fair, nor loving” or . . . .

2. “The God of the bible can’t exist, because He is not good at it, fair, nor loving.”

Continue reading “real conversation between a christian and an atheist (part 2)” »

Posted by Joey on January 23, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/christian-atheist-convo-part-2/

👁 wwjd

Please note that due to the unedited nature of this post, the language deems it necessary for us to give this post an “R” rating.  If you are sensitive to 4-letter words, do not proceed.

So, this dude came out swingin’.  Matt posted a link to my write-up “The Slut, Righteous Judges, and Savior” on the Emery facebook page and things got nasty. Examples?  Sure, here’s one comment posted on facebook: “this is fucking disgusting.” and yet another: “Wow, seriously? Such a shame such a great band is so fucking stupid. I don’t give a shit what any of these righteous idiots want to respond with, you’re just as fucking stupid as they are. Open your eyes and get a life already.”

Well, for some of the angry folks that talk like they want you to literally eat poison and die, there’s probably no good reason to engage in conversation, so I didn’t.  However, some of the angry folks that really have something reasonable to say?  Sure.  One of the conversations that i was engaging with publicly, I decided to make private (facebook inbox to inbox instead of facebook wall).  What came from this was some valuable dialogue that spanned throughout the good part of a week.  Both of us were stretched, both of us were forced to think, and both of us are better for it.  I thank him for letting me use our conversation and hopefully this conversation exemplifies that constructive dialogue between a Christian and an atheist, although quite rare, can exist . . . even on the internet.  

UNlearning Reader: Hey, thanks for delivering your opinion in a clear manner.I’m also glad that you understand my perspective (doesn’t happen too often 👁 :P
). Let me also say that I understand your perspective as well. Like you said, it all boils down to believing in god or not. If it is true that Jesus existed, would you not agree that there is a lack of evidence to indicate that he rose from the dead/performed miracles? In my opinion, eye witness testimonies that were written down by anonymous authors thousands of years ago is not sufficient. As one once said, extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

Joey Svendsen: The extraordinary evidence is that Christianity was able to spread despite the persecution and resistance. This spreading would be WAY more of a miracle if the resurrection was questionable. The authors aren’t anonymous & their writings are vastly more substantiated than those of Plato & Aristotle. Did you know that various historians in Jesus’ time wrote about him as well? If you don’t believe he existed, it’s an irresponsible approach to history at best. Since He DID exist, it’s laughable to think that there didn’t at least APPEAR to be a resurrection. Ppl died for this & the Roman government was eventually converted. Then, they botched the hell out of it up & misrepresented Christ but that’s besides the point. Paul also writes a letter about eye-witnesses & the vast majority of historians (many of them non-believers) support the authenticity. This letter would have immediately been snuffed out if it were a lie because people would have said “I didn’t see anything.” if it’s a big hoax, many people died for it & were tortured. Mighty strange extremes to take for a hoax. If these folks were mindless followers of a cult, the spread of Christianity would have died with Jesus because he would have never rose.

Joey Svendsen: There’s a LOT more extraordinary evidence but if & when one approaches it with a narrow mind, they don’t see it because they don’t want to. Continue reading “real conversation between a Christian and Atheist (part one)” »

Posted by Joey on January 15, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/christian-atheist-convo/

👁 Billboard_AustinCor_HiRes

I have had the incredible opportunity from playing music and touring, to travel the world a little, and travel the United States a lot.  Like, seriously a lot. I’ve played over a thousand shows, played in every state except Wyoming, oddly, and am probably approaching 1 million miles of US interstates.  Yea, that’s a lot of truck stop toilet experience.  The most valuable thing about this travel, has been the amount of people, and more specifically the diversity of people that I encounter both on the road and online.

Over the last 10 years, I have directly observed and interacted with an increasing amount of people who plainly, publicly, and intensely espouse a position that is anti-God or anti religion-entirely.

I am GLAD that this is the case.

I am glad for a few reasons. Continue reading “I’m usually Glad to Hear “I don’t believe in God”” »

Posted by Matt Carter on January 8, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/idontbelieveingod/

👁 harlot
Oh, how we forget.  There’s ONE good guy.  That’s all folks.  Have you been a Christian for a long time?  You may want to take a quick look at yourself and investigate whether you have fallen victim of becoming a righteous judge.  So, most of you know the story.  The whore was caught IN THE ACT of adultery.  That’s right, folks.  She was probably naked, most definitely ashamed, and certainly expecting death.  Does that remind you of anyone?  It should remind you of YOU.  If it doesn’t, you lost sight of grace and it would be helpful for you to admit that you resonate more with the Pharisees.  So, there she is.  Caught in sin.  Will you be caught in sin today?  Let me answer that.  Yes.  Will you deserve to be stoned today? Yes.  (pot-heads rejoicing…no, not that kind of stoned, dummy)  And the one that can judge us, the one that can destroy both body and soul says, “then, neither do I condemn you.”  But according to the law, she deserved to die.  And according to God’s law, we do too.  And yet, as Christians, we walk around thinking of ourselves as better than others.

Can you imagine this whore getting up, after Jesus says to “Go and sin no more,” then pointing the finger at all the onlookers and criticizing them for their sin.  Can you imagine them asking, “Who are you to talk” and her responding, “Umm.  Way better than you.  I’m like a real good person.”  And yet this is the very thing that I do.  It’s the very thing that you do.  It’s like once we are saved from being the slut, we seem to think we graduate to righteous judge.

Make NO mistake about it: Everyone who’s ever walked the face of the earth IS one of three: slut, righteous judge, or savior. That means every reader, unless Jesus is reading this blog post, is the whore or a righteous judge, whether you like it or not.  Here’s some sub-categories to help out.   Continue reading “The Slut, the Righteous Judges, & Savior” »

Posted by Joey on January 5, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/slut-judge-savior/

👁 T2
We’ll release the best of the best every now and then.  Here’s what we have for right now:

Twitter exchange #1

@Noah:  Come on, guys.  We don’t sin anymore up here, remember?  Can some one PLEASE let me taste some of this wine? Geez

@KingDavid:  @Noah,  NO ONE wants to see that big hairy butt, bro.  no offense.

@IdiednexttoJesus:  @KingDavid, are you really messing with Noah about the whole “nakedness thing?”  At least he was DRUNK.  You did it voluntarily.

Twitter exchange #2

@Mal-has-his-ear-back:  Hey, guys.  Can you tell me when @denyJesus3—I mean–@Peter_hates_roosters comes my way.  I’m going to try and cut BOTH of his ears off.

@Peter_hates_roosters:  @Malhashisearback:  Dude, I said “my bad!”  LOL.  Just think though, you wouldn’t be up here if I hadn’t cut your ear off.

Twitter exchange #3

@JesusChrist: I’m so glad @ChrisFarley surrendered to me.  He’s got us in stitches up here.

@OnceSaul_NowPaul:  @JesusChrist, read Romans 9.  He didn’t surrender nothing.

@JesusChrist: @OnceSaul_NowPaul, oh, the memories.  I TOLD Dad that your grammar was too horrible to use for 14 books of the Bible.  Dad was right though.  Nothing is impossible with Him (us).

Single Tweets

@JohntheB:  This white robe thing is getting pretty old and why can’t we eat bugs here?

@Daniel:  Oh, snap.  Packers beat Lions.  I just have never seen lions catch a break.

@balaam:  enough of the jackass jokes, please.  LOL.

@manycolors:  kind of crazy seeing what gets people depressed on earth. I was up in the pen for over a decade, baby.  Over a decade! And i didn’t touch that girl.

Posted by Joey on January 2, 2013

http://www.un-learning.org/twitter_in_heaven/

👁 xmas-joke

1. THE THREE KINGS brought gold frankincense and myrrh….HA!  Everyone knows that Santa brings the gifts.
2. Better to give than to receive?  Yeah, right.  We know better.
3. Grandma got ran over by a reindeer?  God wouldn’t let that happen if He was all-loving, even if she was a nagging, unbearable hag.
4. Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus use magic and the bible says that magic is a sin.   There ain’t no way Santa and Frost’T need to repent. The are such good people (and snow).
5. God apparently hates gluttony…You mean to tell me homeboy Santa lives in sin every Christmas Eve and WE all cause him to stumble by leaving the stumbling blocks of cookies?
6. This whole “grace thing” that says naughty people can be rewarded and God keeps no records of wrongs…..  However, the songs say that the naughty people on the naughty list are NOT rewarded.
7. I don’t care HOW KIND and meek Mary is.  Joseph would have been a dead dog for not figuring another birth location out. Continue reading “Top 10 reasons (during Christmas) that the Bible Can’t Be True” »

Posted by Joey on December 21, 2012

http://www.un-learning.org/toptenchristmas/

👁 brf
There he was, looking around the room thinking, “Is this for real?” (or MAYBE he was even thinking WTF). Henry, a new college student had shown up to a bible study of his peers for the first time, hoping to find accountability, encouragement, and friendship as a fellow Christian.  As he listened to the conversations for only minutes, his mind was already made up that this group wasn’t going to be for him.  He could tell right away this was a group of “poster boy” Christian boys leaving him feeling like a milk bucket under a bull.  It wasn’t that Henry was looking for some new friends to indulge in sin with.  He was looking to actually do a little more avoiding of it and thought some regular Christian fellowship would help.  A starting point for this fellowship, however, would be the very opportunity to share his own personal struggles; but this group didn’t seem to be the time nor the place for that type of sharing. These fellas were too busy presenting themselves as above reproach, self-sufficient, without blemish, Clark Kent, He-Man, “Ken doll” Christians.

That’s why when Henry showed up to my young dudes/college age bible study years later, he was quiet, stunned, wide-eyed and rejoicing inside.  Here’s what he was in the midst of:
Dudes that were his age, dudes that wanted like anything to serve Jesus, but dudes that knew the first step was NOT to make themselves look good.  In this group, most of the time was intentionally spent talking about sexual purity, which mainly included avoiding sexual lust, shunning porn, and honoring all women as more than bodies to be looked at and touched.

In this group, here’s what these guys were willing to do:

1.  delight in weakness, remembering that this is the place where Jesus’ strength makes them perfect, like Paul does here.

2.  see themselves as scum saved by grace, like this dude here.

3.  Walk in the light and admit sin like John says right here.

My new friend Henry couldn’t believe what he was hearing.  Later, he expressed how different the group was than anything he had ever experienced. “These guys are excited about Jesus and yet weren’t afraid of expressing in detail their failures.”  The question that bugs me literally to death (I’m writing this from heaven) is “why isn’t this sort of sharing amongst Christians the norm?”

Matt Responds with (5) Questions with one rule: Be loving.

👁 matt

1.  Do you believe that withholding truth is a form of lying?

2.  You are sinful more than you admit. What do you hope to gain from your withholding of truth? Or more, what are you afraid you will lose?

3. What do you think is the BEST thing about Jesus?  Dying for my sins is my favorite.

4. What brings him more glory, your strength or his?

5. I know you think that you are bragging for or in Him, not yourself. Could you be wrong about that? Could it be that you actually are a little biased and have that twisted, while being partially deceived? A way to test that is to really chek your reaction when hearing another confess a particularly disgusting sin,  like having sex with a prostitute or cheating on their husband.  When you hear this, do you EVER feel a little superior? Are you ever relieved when you hear it, relieved you are not that way?  Do you feel anything other than grief for them? Do you look and pray directly to Jesus in gratitude that THEY ARE forgiven and and Jesus is THEIR substitute?

Toby Responds with (5) Questions (No Rules):

Continue reading “Not Talking About Sex is of The Devil” »

Posted by Joey on December 12, 2012

http://www.un-learning.org/sextalk/

👁 Admitting-You-re-an-Asshole-Posters

Christian haters are often right.  There’s often zero apparent difference in the behavior between professing Christians and unbelievers.  Here’s some reasons why.

Some people claim to be Christians but they aren’t.  see former post on PETA, punk-rawk, christians, old navy, germans, and atheists. click here: old post

The whole point of the gospel is that folks are saved by grace and not by works.  It’s comical when folks try to discount Christianity by the actions of its followers when the foundation of Christianity rests solely on Jesus’ behavior and NOT on the followers. Dummies.

Many Christians are in the early stages of sanctification.  Even though we are saved only through Jesus, God still works on us after He saves us, making us better people. This process is called sanctification.  So here’s what happens when some one is “saved.” Pretend like you are a car and you go to the car wash.  The guy at the car wash says, “Partner, I can clean the inside perfectly AND put some chemicals on it that will keep it brand spanking new.  The outside, though?  That junk is dirty as hell.  I can clean it a little today, but you are going to have to bring it back every day for me to clean it more and it’s never going to be completely clean until you go to car heaven.” Continue reading “Jesus Loves You. Everyone Else Thinks You Are an Asshole” »

Posted by Joey on November 30, 2012

http://www.un-learning.org/jesussavesaholes/

This is written by a “non-unlearning” author and is so dead on, so I wanted to share on our blog.

“I recently heard a pastor open his sermon with a lighthearted comment about his sin of overeating at Thanksgiving. The crowd chuckled and nodded approvingly. Most had committed the same sin, but knew that their sin was ok because they are under grace and not under law. Later in the same sermon the pastor commented that when we buy coffee at Starbucks we are “supporting homosexual laws”. The crowd shook their heads in disgust. This was not a sin they had committed, and they knew the Bible is very clear about homosexuality. It is an abomination and must be stopped in its tracks. It doesn’t matter that gluttony makes the deadly sins Top Seven, nor that according to the CDC, 36% of Americans are obese, nor that “Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death.” Gluttony is funny and understandable, homosexuality is evil and should be illegal.

“To read the complete post, click this link: http://geoffsurratt.com/blog/2012/11/27/better-fat-than-gay/“

Posted by Joey on November 29, 2012

http://www.un-learning.org/fatgay/

👁 OJ

Ok, so in my culture, some one may be a stranger to you, but if they are wearing a jersey of your favorite team, that’s your home boy. Some one who has the same favorite TV show? That’s your home boy. Why is this? When folks have mutual passions, there’s resonation simply because of the shared fondness towards a specific something. That’s why when your team scores while you are watching the game in a bar, you want to hug the hang out of a stranger, feeling kind of in love with the fellow fan that is a stranger to you.

For me, if some one is excited about Jesus’ death and resurrection, that’s my home boy. I may would want to kill myself before having a drink with that person, but we’re still down brothers (or sisters).

This is why O.J. Simpson is my home boy.

So, i was sitting in my education class at Winthrop University with my cinched thrift store pants, looking forward to getting back to my room for some Sonic the Hedgehog play. Then the professor stops class to tune into the final word of the O.J.hearing. Continue reading “I’m Thankful for Turkey & O.J. Simpson (We Home Boys)” »

Posted by Joey on November 20, 2012

http://www.un-learning.org/ojsimpson/

👁 joey
There he was, totally naked with a look of humiliation, desperation, and shock.  The swimming trunks of this pudgy little 8-year-old boy had slipped off and despite his persistency, he couldn’t get them back up.  As I noticed him struggling, I assumed that within seconds he’d rectify the situation.  I mean, how hard is it to pull your pants up?  As I watched further, I realized that it wasn’t happening, especially while the other kids were pointing and laughing, robbing the little piglet of any concentration needed to pull those things up.  I couldn’t take it anymore.  I ran towards the little man, firmly grabbed hold of his trunks, pulled them up, asked him if he was ok and then walked away obviously feeling pretty awkward being so close to a naked little boy in public.

This past summer, as our kids played in the Charleston fountains, this crazy little story actually happened.  Needless to say, I was no hero.  I was just the only adult that noticed.

A couple of months ago, my friend Matt Carter posted a video further explaining our position on foul language.  Honestly, we enjoyed the discussion, but have no intentions of raising the issue again here.  However, the mockery and mean-spirited backlash, at the hands of Christians, was disheartening at best. Continue reading “Learning from a Naked Boy” »

Posted by Joey on November 14, 2012

http://www.un-learning.org/naked/

👁 pres
We are voting for lots of Christians to do some changing.  Alright, so I’m a Patriot (not in the NFL sense. In that case, I’m a Cheesehead, and we beat up on Patriots in the Super Bowl.  Our cousins, the Bears, do too. Reference ’85 and ’96 seasons).  I do NOT like how many Christians make voting a part of their religion.  Only TWO things that the Bible commands Christians to do as far as the government is concerned:

1.  Submit to the leaders (Romans 13:1):  Does this mean carry out evil orders that are contrary to God’s commands?  No, but it certainly doesn’t entail talking about them like they are a middle school dummy + Satan.  The President is still the President.  And yet, depending on who is in office, you talk about the office in the same way you talk about your most hated football rival.  That’s not submission by any means.  I promise.

Continue reading “Here’s Who We Are Voting For Tomorrow” »

Posted by Joey on November 6, 2012

http://www.un-learning.org/vote/

Posted by toby on October 29, 2012

http://www.un-learning.org/godfree/

This is from a house show in Fresno, California.

Matt and Toby’s mash up of an Emery song (dear death) and a Santigold song (disparate youth)

Continue reading “Matt and Toby in a Living Room” »

Posted by Matt Carter on October 27, 2012

http://www.un-learning.org/mattandtoby-livingroom/

There have  been many comments. Some helpful. Some hurtful. There are many opinions on this subject. Some (agreeable and disagreeable) were expressed with love and intentions to build up while others were expressed with ill will, a desire to make others look stupid, and possibly even to build personal ego. The ones that were unlovingly expressed by Christians (many of these folks I’d assume also praise the Lord with their mouths) reminded me of the following scripture: “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be” (James 3:10). We love ALL you guys. Enjoy the video.

Love, Joey

Posted by Joey on October 18, 2012

http://www.un-learning.org/turbonerd3064/

Feature Video By Matt Carter

It’s Joey, the writer of “Jesus Saved My Ass.” It’s been by far our most popular post yet. I caught up with Matt Carter, another writer of this blog & and asked him to follow up on the last post, touching on many of your comments. Before you watch, I’d love for you to hear me out for a second.

Many of you missed the purpose of the blog.  Some of you processed it in a, “This blog post stinks. I’d never cuss.  It’s a sin,” while others thought, “Man, my cussing IS justified,” or “I’m a Christian. Maybe I should cuss more.”  None of these thoughts represent the intended main idea.  The intention was not for us to personally evaluate our use or non-use of “cuss words,” but rather to personally evaluate how we judge or assess some one’s spiritual condition in accordance with the language that they use.  Taking a second to consider this issue will certainly not hurt your ability to be Jesus’ light.  It’s our prayer that it will actually allow your light to shine brighter.

Posted by Joey on October 4, 2012

http://www.un-learning.org/ass2/

By Joey Svendsen

If this title was written on a scroll back in Jesus’ day, the reader may read further to find how Jesus rescued a donkey. In the 21st century, many of you will read further because you are a little offended by the title.

To be honest, I understand.  I used to be just like you.  I’ll get to that later.

I want to talk about “cuss words” and the unwarranted hype that they accrue.  “Christians shouldn’t cuss” is a pretty accepted belief, but the question I want to ask here is, “what (the hell, the heck, in the world) is cussing?” I frankly do not believe in an inherently evil use of words, outside of the heart in which they are spoken from.  One of the ten commandments forbids taking the Lord’s name in vain. One can only discern whether a person has spoken God’s name in vain by having a feel for the person’s heart-motivation behind what was said. Here’s an example of how some one’s heart can determine whether or not one’s words are good:

1.  Responding with fondness the news of a best friend getting a sweet new ride for Christmas:  “I hate you.”  (not a sin)

2.  A friend made you feel really bad, so in order to retaliate and make him/her feel bad as well, you say, “I hate you.” (sin).

The following list represents additional reasoning as to why there is no evil in mere words alone:

Reason 1:  Synonyms’ fallacious inequality

Example: “Screw that” is relatively acceptable in Christian circles, while “f_** that” is not.

Fallacy corrected: They mean exactly the same thing. Thus, either the former is a sin to say or the latter is not a sin to say.

Continue reading “Jesus Saved My Ass” »

Posted by Joey on September 26, 2012

http://www.un-learning.org/ass/

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See Matt & Toby live in a living room near you. www.mattandtobyinmylivingroom.com

Hello All!  We are posting a video of the song “What Plays In My Head” from the new Matt & Toby record coming out November 20th! (Shameless plug noted)  I also wanted to post the lyrics and write the meaning behind the song to go along with the video.  We’ll be doing more things like videos, cover songs, interviews, and things that we think you’ll enjoy or just think plain cool in the future as well.  So come back every 5 minutes and see what we’ve done.( Shameless Unlearning plug and bad joke noted as well)

“What Plays in My Head” was one of the first songs written musically but the lyrics came several months later.  This song is the most aggressive track on the album and I wanted heavier lyrics to match it’s more forthright intensity.  During this time one of Joey’s (Joey who writes for this blog) best friends passed away in a car crash, leaving a wife and children.  He was in his thirties and it was and still is incredibly tough for his family and friends.  After we heard the news I went for a walk and began contemplating the overwhelming weight of losing your spouse along with all the emotions, decisions, and grieving that a person might go through. I felt heartbroken with just those thoughts, so I can’t imagine living through the loss. I in no way can or could understand the pain a husband, wife, children, family, or friends go through with the death of a loved one, but I allowed myself to think about where I would go emotionally and mentally if I were to lose Jess.   Continue reading “What Plays In My Head” »

Posted by toby on September 17, 2012

http://www.un-learning.org/inmyhead/

Handling The Suffering of Others Like a Dumb-Ass

by: Matt Carter

I lived my first 20-something years blatantly avoiding and ignoring suffering in others.  As a result, I did some real damage to real people.  Fortunately, God didn’t see fit to allow me to continue in this way and forced me to make up for lost time too.  Over the last decade, He has put me directly in the path of countless people who shared with me truly unbearable stories of suicides, rape, incredible abuse, deadly drug addictions, loss of children (born and unborn) loss of parents and siblings, horrific war time experiences, and divorce. Although, at the time, it seemed to have been coincidental or even accidental that these stories were shared (sometimes by complete strangers), I now see that they weren’t. People want and need to talk about there pain.

 When someone would unexpectedly start blabbering to me about their issues this is what would go through my mind:

 ”What the heck?!  Its not like I can help anyway, right? I’ve never experienced anything like that.”

 “Anything i say is just going to prolong  the pain of them having to think about it and talk about it.”

 “Cooool. Thanks for sharing. I’m going to to pretend to get a cell phone call now.”

 Maybe you are better with this stuff than I was, but my experience is that most people are NOT. Also, I assure you that you encounter more people than you think who suffer, some in profound ways.  So here are a few things to keep in mind WHEN, not IF, God puts them in your path.

Ok, so you asked what you thought was a normal surface question, then, unexpectedly, shit got real.  Now you are faced with going forward or trying to back out of the conversation. Embarrassed that you brought it up, you are now only thinking about yourself and how uncomfortable YOU are.  If you change the subject or avoid the issue you will be reinforcing to this person that they should keep it to themselves, that nobody understands anyway, that they are on their own. Be brave here. Put their needs a head of yours just for a few minutes. You CAN do this.

WHAT NOT TO DO NEXT Continue reading “…that awkward moment when you ask someone how they are doing…and they actually tell the truth!” »

Posted by Matt Carter on August 31, 2012

http://www.un-learning.org/suffering/