Generally speaking, wisdom is a kind of practical moral insight.  So it appears to be both a moral virtue and an intellectual virtue.  For the wise person has knowledge of what is the best conduct in particular situations, and this knowledge is manifested in good conduct.  So you might say that wisdom is a sort of “governing” virtue that is necessary, to some degree, for the development of all other virtues. This is why wisdom is especially important and perhaps why we find such a strong biblical emphasis on it.

How does one become wise?  Is it just a matter of study and cognitive reflection?  While we usually think in terms of beliefs determining behavior, Scripture suggests that the causal dynamic runs the other direction as well.  The Old Testament wisdom literature tells us that God makes wise the simple and grants understanding to those who humble themselves (see Psalm 19:7, Psalm 25:9, Prov. 1:4, and Prov. 11:2).  And some New Testament passages underscore the critical role of behavior when it comes to belief formation (e.g., Rom. 1:18-32, Eph. 4:18-19).

Alvin Plantinga has provided some insights regarding how vice undermines wisdom.  He notes that cognitive faculties are like any other aspect of human beings, in so far as they were designed for a purpose (to form true beliefs) and that they function properly only under certain conditions.  Like any physical organ, such as lungs or eyes, cognitive processes can malfunction because of corrupting influences.  And moral vice, such pride, resentment, or the habitual indulgence in perverse behavior, is a major cause of cognitive malfunction.  In other words, sin compromises a person’s capacity to form true beliefs, particularly regarding moral and spiritual matters.

Psychological studies have shown that, when faced with a conflict between their personal beliefs and behavior, people will often reconcile this conflict by changing the way they think about their behavior.  Rather than alter their conduct, they will take the less demanding route and search for some way to rationalize it.  This response is almost always unconscious, which of course makes for a morally insidious dynamic in contexts involving vicious behavior.  These moral-psychological insights appear to confirm the Apostle Paul’s remarks in Romans 1:18-32 where he describes how wicked behavior leads to futile thinking.

So immorality undermines the quest for wisdom.  But on the positive side, virtuous living leads to wisdom.  By living rightly we diminish the corrupting impact of sin on the mind.  Consequently, our cognitive processes can function properly, and we are more likely to form true beliefs about moral and spiritual issues.  So those who faithfully obey God will grow wiser, just as Scripture tells us.

1. Driving is stressful.  Because of the inherent danger of driving, particularly in heavy traffic, we are naturally more anxious when behind the wheel than in other circumstances.  Also, when driving we are often in a hurry to get to our destination.  Such stress naturally makes it more difficult to control one’s temper when another motorist tailgates, drives too slowly or darts in front of us.
2. Driving is a form of waiting, which by itself tests our patience.  Yes, while driving one is involved in an activity, but it is a mundane and sedentary one, and often quite boring, especially when on a long commute or trip.  This in itself demands patience.  So when other drivers are inconsiderate or obnoxious, we find it especially difficult to cut them slack.
3. Other drivers are (usually) hidden within their cars.  It’s always easier to lose your temper at an inanimate object than at another person.  And the fact that other drivers can’t be readily seen invites us to respond to what we do see—the vehicle they’re in, an inanimate object.  This even comes out in our speech while driving:  “That car just cut me off!”  The other driver’s humanity is obscured by the machine they’re operating, and this impacts the way we treat them.  If you have any doubts about this, consider how differently we respond to people when we’re in boats, passing others on the lake.  We all wave and smile!  But we almost never wave to other motorists unless we know them.  Try waving to a stranger in another car sometime, and check out the look you get.

These are my best guesses as to why we (or many of us) are more irked by others while driving than while, say, cooking, fishing, painting, gardening, showering, hop-scotching, or working at the computer.  I’d welcome your own theories or analyses, if you have any to share.

See you on the road.  But please don’t wave.

Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard — There are some subjects I simply can’t get enough of and Abraham Lincoln is one such subject. I highly recommend both Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin and Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson. I was curious to see what new light O’Reilly and Dugard had to shed on the subject of Lincoln’s death and was not disappointed.  Their contextualizing for the reader with the culmination of the Civil War added to my sense of the tragedy of Lincoln’s assassination as well as providing insight into the forces that drove John Wilkes Booth. I found myself actually becoming angry at Lincoln’s seeming disregard for his own safety. Like helplessly watching the horror film character walk, unarmed and alone, into the dark and eerie basement to go “check out the strange sounds,” I wanted to yell, “Forget the theater. Stay in the White House and knit socks, for crying out loud!” I was hoping for more of what the subtitle promised, the impact of the assassination in the broader context of American history and I am not sure I buy the hinted conspiracy theory that involves Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, but I suppose that in Washington DC, anything is possible.

The Hunger Game Series by Suzanne Collins — After taking a hiatus from middle school literature for a while, I was ready to take the plunge again and since these books have been all the rage among our oldest, his friends as well as teachers, I thought I would give them a try. I love the premise (America has fallen into chaos and is now divided into districts which are controlled by a hedonistic and oppressive power known as the Capitol). I also like the main character, Katniss Everdeen, a believable mixture of courage and loyalty as well as stupidity and stubbornness. Like many books written for fifth and sixth graders, though, at times I found the series frustratingly unbelievable. I am not sure that my frustration is entirely fair. Is it a matter of poor writing or just that reading the thoughts of a confused and immature female character can be annoying? Collins is also limited by the reading level and comprehension of her audience. Despite its flaws, the series delivers a great deal of insightful social commentary, and in the end I couldn’t help but cheer for Katniss.

Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller — This book has been highly disappointing. Jim uses one of his texts for a class, and we have used some of Keller’s Bible study guides in the past, so I was looking forward to reading this, my first book by Keller. I am not a fan of imposing feelings and thoughts on biblical characters in order to make a theological point. His conclusions are right on, but I don’t think his ends justify his means. Stick to the text, buddy, and keep your suppositions to yourself.

The Five Love Languages for Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell — I confess that I generally avoid parenting books. After reading most of them and discovering all the ways I am screwing up my children, perhaps even sentencing them to years of therapy, I am overwhelmed with the desire to hide under the bed with the dust bunnies and never come out. (This isn’t exactly practical, however, so I just hide the books under the bed instead.) I had read one of Campbell’s other books and have been devouring this one as well as two others recommended by a friend. The book has left me feeling encouraged (that I know my kids in ways that I would not have been able to articulate otherwise) and inspired to be a better parent. While I take all the psychologizing with a grain of salt, it’s a small grain of salt, and I highly recommend this for parents as well as for adults who are seeking to better understand their own childhood and its impact on their current relationships.

People don’t make such remarks in other contexts, even when the struggle is largely self-serving.  When a runner reports how hard it was to run a marathon, does anyone say, “Well, that was their choice”?  Or if a mountain climber says he really struggled to make it to the summit of Mt. Everest, would anyone say, “He brought that difficulty upon himself”?  Of course not.  We recognize that, although such challenges are the consequence of personal choices, those who meet them deserve credit nonetheless.  So why are some people loathe to acknowledge the difficulty of parenting numerous children, especially when this is incomparably more valuable than even the most impressive athletic feat?  Why are some people inclined to diminish the significance of dedicated parenting?  I don’t know.

But one thing I do know is that I’m thankful for the hard work of good parents.  Chosen or not, and regardless of the number, raising children is a profound challenge.  And when parents do it well, their kids aren’t the only ones that benefit.  We all benefit.

Best Film Experiences:

• Jim:  Tree of Life was easily my pick for the year’s best film.  Emotionally gripping and theologically profound, with brilliant directing by Terrence Malick and superb acting all around—even by the child actors.  See my October 3 post for a full review.  But I also loved Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.  Riveting action and great intellectual stimulation.  Can’t say that about too many films.
• Amy: Not my favorite year for movies but Winter’s Bone was definitely a bright spot or albeit a rather dark, bright spot. It has haunted me. I wanted to choose the latest version of Jane Eyre but couldn’t forgive the poor handling of the last 30 seconds.

Worst Film Experiences:

• Jim:  Batman: The Dark Knight.  Yep, I’m a few years late on this one.  I planned to avoid it altogether, but finally gave in at the request of a friend.  It was just as bad as I feared.  Yes, Heath Ledger’s performance was excellent.  But the screenplay is dull, and the overarching theme of the basic goodness of human beings is, well, just false.  Am I taking it too seriously?  Not as seriously as many hardcore Batman fans, I’m afraid.
• Amy: I have to agree with Jim on this one. It was dull, so very dull. But at least it was super, super long. I would also throw in Thor and Black Swan, both featuring Natalie Portman. Still trying to figure out if she can really act or not.

Best and Worst Musical Experiences of the Year:

• Jim:  The Black Keys’ El Camino is an instant classic.  Just when you thought these guys couldn’t get any better (after last year’s album, Brothers), they blow us away with this effort, produced by Danger Mouse.  It’s still soul-tinged blues rock, but bit more polished and radio ready.  Can’t wait to see these guys live in Cincy on March 2.  As for the worst, it’s easily Rebecca Black’s Friday.  Or does she win for “Most Nasal Vocal Performance of the Year”?  Gotta love the lyrics.  “We so excited!”
• Amy: My musical experiences are much more low brow than Jim’s, though I wholeheartedly agree regarding The Black Keys. Mostly I listen to the stuff the kids are into (Party Rock Anthem and Uprising) and whatever will keep me moving on the treadmill. I have been rolling in the deep with Adele and no one can accuse her of being low brow. My worst experience involved creating the perfect Christmas playlist for the “Jingle Bell Jog” (a 5k held to benefit lighthouse trips) only to be stuck in front of the Taylor Women’s Cross Country singing “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” I don’t know which was worse: not being able to hear Sufjan Stevens’ amazing version of “I Saw Three Ships” or the obvious fact that they were not winded at all.

Jim’s Favorite Sports Moments of the Year:  The Detroit Tigers winning the American League Central Division was definitely a thrill.  But, even as a non-Denver sports fan, following the Tim Tebow-led Broncos’ comebacks for much of the NFL season was pretty exciting, too.  Watching him scramble while trying to find an open receiver has been fun, but its been just as fun watching football pundits scramble to find ways to justify their hatred of the guy.

Jim’s Most Disappointing Sports Moments of the Year:  It was hard to watch the Texas Rangers dispatch the Tigers in the ALCS two months ago.  (After their World Series heartbreak, I bet they wished they’d been bounced earlier.)   Watching the Saints lose to the lowly Seahawks in the NFL playoffs last January was tough too.

Amy’s Best Eating Experience of the Year:  Oven-roasted tomato soup topped with a slice of French bread and cheddar cheese. It’s just a bubbling pot of love!

Amy’s Worst Eating Experience of the Year:  This would be a tie between two experiences, one which involved not eating. On the way to Jim’s mom’s house, we stopped at Subway for lunch. Faced with a long line and with Cracker Barrel gift cards burning a hole in our collective wallet, we hustled the kids back into the van. Faced with an even longer line, we hustled the now really hungry and annoyed kids back into the car. Lots of whining and a 45 minute car ride later, we met with an even longer line and gave up on the Barrel altogether. Ten minutes down the road, Chick-fil-A came to the rescue. The other experience was least dramatic and involved my forcing the fam to eat whole wheat oatmeal pancakes only to discover they weren’t exaggerating when they said they were “awful.” Sorry guys.

Satisfying Reads of the Year:

• Jim:  In the scholarly category, I loved Roger Scruton’s Beauty, an insightful and elegant little book, aesthetically satisfying in a way the subject matter deserves.  Also, I enjoyed Craig Evans’ Fabricating Jesus.  It works as an introduction to Jesus studies and New Testament scholarship, as well as a powerful critique of many of the popular biblical skeptics (e.g., Bart Ehrman).  And as for general audience stuff, I appreciated Wesley Hill’s Washed and Waiting, a deeply personal reflection on living as a celibate homosexual.  I highly recommend this for anyone who struggles in this area.
• Amy:  One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp has deeply inspired me as a believer and a writer. On the non-fiction front, Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand was amazing, especially given the author’s back story. I enjoyed Killing Lincoln and 1776 and for pure pleasure reading The Hunger Games was a great story if not perfectly executed.

Political High Point of the Year:  Jim: Were there any high points?  Amy: Yes, any time Chris Christie opened his mouth.

Political Low Points of the Year:  Anything having to do with the “Occupy” movement.  As if all the rapes, deaths, theft, and property destruction, weren’t enough, we still haven’t heard a coherent position statement from OWS folks, particularly regarding why they take their protests to “Wall Street” rather than Capitol Hill.  Come on, ya’ll.  And what’s the deal with those creepy masks?

Best 2011 Memories of Our Kids:

• Our summer trip to the Indiana Dunes and then, via train, to Chicago (notwithstanding Andrew’s nausea at one point—happily we got him to a trash can before he “tossed his groceries”).
• Going to the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 with Bailey.
• Watching all our kids ride the “big” roller coasters at Dollywood.
• Seeing Sam give his first public performance as a percussionist (on bongos).  He has so much rhythm, we’re wondering if he might have been accidentally switched with a Brazilian baby at the hospital nine years ago.

Most Satisfying Shared Experiences of the Year:

• Jim:  Helping to edit Amy’s fantastic first book.  Can’t wait till May, honey-bunny!  (BTW, will you share some of the royalty money with me?)
• Amy:  Redoing our upstairs bathroom. (BTW, yes but only if you promise not to spend it on anything practical.)

New Year’s Resolutions:

• Jim:  To take my wife out on more dates and read more John Updike essays.
• Amy: To have more in-house dates with my husband that don’t require a babysitter or me folding laundry.  And to read the entire New Testament, even the really convicting parts.

Happy 2012 everyone!

Andrew (5):

“Don’t give that to me.  I’m full-handed.” — Nothing profound or poetic here.  Just a funny spontaneous expression from our youngest.

“You can’t be nowhere or do nothing.”  — This was a genuine metaphysical epiphany for our little guy.  After making this general observation, he proceeded to give illustrations, concluding that no matter what the situation, you’re always someplace doing something.  Right on, little man.

Maggie (7):

“When I hear music I feel like I’m in a movie.”  — Perhaps no surprise, given that she’s our little drama princess.

“Sometimes I’m afraid of coffee.” — Interesting.  Good news and bad news, I suppose.

“I’m a good fart-holder.”  — Awesome, Maggie.  And for this, we bless you.

Sam (9):

“You need to brain up.”  — Sam’s way of saying “think harder” . . .  I think.

“My hair looks like a tornado went through a circus parade.”  — This was actually a good description of what his hair looked like that morning.

Bailey (12):

“Government is like a big fat man who won’t move or change his mind.”  — As I recall, Bailey uttered these exasperated words after Amy’s pleas to the Fairmount town council for an ordinance permitting chickens within the city limits had been denied.  We brought Bailey and Sam to that town council meeting in hopes that they would see how well local government works.  Sadly, they witnessed something more along the lines of Bailey’s simile.

“Dad, is God a perfectionist?” — This is just one of Bailey’s recent theological questions.  Um . . . let’s see . . . hmm . . . define your terms, son.

Okay, shhh . . . .  While she’s not looking, here are a couple of gems from Amy:

Amy (37): 

“I’m not in the mood for democracy today.” — Uttered on a family trip after I politely suggested that we vote as a family on where we should stop to eat.

“It doesn’t need to be a competition.  I just want to be first.” — I can’t recall the context.  This was one of Amy’s classic semi-intentional ironies.  She really should be a writer.

Being a lover of narrative, I appreciate this gift that my daughter seems to have in seeing her life as a story, one to be enjoyed and cherished, sometimes to be endured. It isn’t easy to see the thread of story that runs through all our lives running through your own life story. Too often, we are too close up to see the themes and lessons. This time of year, many of us are focused on the Christmas story. Two thousand years removed from the events that changed human history forever, it’s easy to identify the main characters, to see the plot unfolding and rushing to the climax of the cross and empty tomb. But what was it like for the characters themselves, who weren’t storybook figures, only living between the pages of a fairytale? These were men and women of flesh and blood, often lacking in perspective, too immersed in the events of today to foresee the God-sized plan of which they were a part. This is a man, traveling with his betrothed, unable to find shelter. This is a young woman giving birth for the first time in a cave meant for beasts of burden, not the King of Kings. One has to wonder how much of it they really understood. Certainly the angelic visitations and Holy Spirit-inspired prophecies helped. But think of all the promises we are given, of God’s provision and love, of our ultimate destiny. Despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, how often are we tempted to doubt? How often do we give way to despair? How often are we stuck in the cave unable to feel the light of resurrection?

So this season, as you sit and ponder the lights of the tree, the gifts exchanged, and the pile of dishes to be washed, don’t forget to look up. Remember that your life, too, is a story being told. You may not know where you are going, but there is a light leading the way.

I’m very excited about the book and can’t wait to hear readers’ responses.  Amy’s editor at B&H raves about her work, and deservedly so.  As readers of this blog know, Amy has a knack for couching theological and cultural insights in conversational prose that is full of zesty wit.

I had the pleasure to help edit the book, and it was a joy, at least when I wasn’t struggling with envy.  I do wish I had my wife’s talent.  Oh well.  If you can’t beat ‘em . . . be married to ‘em.  That’s what I always say.

Flashback to the early weeks of this season.  The Broncos were losing most of their games, and the Denver fans began calling for their coach to give Tebow a shot at quarterback.  Some fans even rented a highway billboard to make their plea.  So the Broncos’ brass finally gave the people what they wanted.  With a record of 1-4, they didn’t have anything to lose.  Some saw the move cynically, figuring their reasoning was basically as follows:  “The season seems to be a wash, and now we can show the fans that Tebow doesn’t have what it takes to be a QB in the NFL.  We can let him prove this with his inept play then move on to the long-term solution, which will be to draft another quarterback in the Spring—which given our eventual abysmal record, is sure to be an early pick.”

But something strange happened on the way to a disastrous season.  The Broncos starting winning.  This unorthodox, run-first, southpaw (and most scandalously) outspokenly Christian quarterback began to engineer late-game comebacks week after week.  Now, seven weeks later, the Broncos find themselves in first place of the AFC West, having won six of their last seven games.

Like anyone else, I was skeptical about Tebow’s ability to be effective at the professional level, mostly because he didn’t have the pinpoint accuracy that successful NFL quarterbacks have.  But as he led his team to more victories, I became a believer.  Tebow has the leadership skills, the work ethic, the physical talent, and perhaps most importantly, the “it” factor that it takes to be a solid, long-term NFL signal-caller.

Yet many sports journalists remain critical despite the mounting wins.  Why?  Ostensibly, their reasons have everything to do with football and nothing to do with the fact that Tebow wears his religious faith on his sleeve, unabashedly giving thanks to “my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” at the start of every interview.  But now that the “pure football” reasons for skepticism are proving more groundless each week, the naysayers’ persistence is making me more suspicious that their “reasons” don’t really have as much to do with the game as they insist.  (It is noteworthy that so many pundits are quick to declare that their criticisms have nothing to do with Tebow’s public faith pronouncements and notorious “Tebowing”—kneeling and praying on the field after big plays.  To which I want to say, thou doth protest too much.)

Football pundits have refused to credit Tebow with the Broncos’ resurgence this season for a variety of reasons.  Some have insisted that this streak will be short-lived because Tebow’s arm is not accurate enough.  Yet he continues to engineer late game comebacks to pull out victories.  Also, he consistently avoids throwing interceptions, which is a huge asset.  And he has improved each week, as he grows more comfortable with the offense and accustomed to game situations.

Other skeptics have downplayed Tebow’s achievements by crediting the Broncos’ defense, which has shut down opposing teams during the streak.  “Sure,” some have said, “he can pull out a win when the defense only allows 14 points, but what will he do when the defense has a bad day and the offense has to score 30 points to win a game?”  Well, that day came last Sunday, as the Minnesota Vikings racked up 32 points on Denver.  But Tebow was up for the challenge, leading the Broncos again and again on scoring drives, ultimately winning 35-32.

I’m sure the critics will continue diminishing Tebow.  This time I expect they’ll claim the Vikings’ defense was entirely to blame and that anyone—even an unorthodox, run-first,  southpaw (who happens to be an outspoken Christian)—could have led the Broncos to a high-scoring victory against them.  Perhaps.  But perhaps there is another reason.  Perhaps Tebow is just really good.

My first inclination was to dismiss this approach as yet another American, evangelical “innovation.” But I didn’t. Maybe it was the result of the residual warm feelings of Thanksgiving. Maybe my critical thinking skills had been dulled from too much dressing and cranberry salad.

Whatever the cause, I tried to set aside my skepticism and imagine how I might react differently if this Coors Light Church was taking place in a beer garden in Berlin rather than a line dancing bar in my hometown. Would I be so quick to criticize some missionary in a foreign land who was trying to work with the culture instead of against it? Was it a form of my pride which was offended by the idea that my country is a mission field?

Of course, we all should be trying to reach the lost. But somehow when I think of friends off saving the lost in Thailand or Columbia or some other far away and exotic place, the lost of those countries seem different somehow. I imagine them living in a darkness of disbelief based on ignorance while the lost of America seem more willfully disobedient. Surrounded by churches of all sorts and sizes and the freedom to worship as they please, it feels naïve to see them in the same light as those who have never heard the name of Jesus, never read God’s words in the Bible, never heard the Good News. But geography has little influence on the slavery under which so many labor. Surely the human heart is no more or less rebellious in the heart of the heartland as it is the depths of the Amazon jungle. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, right?

In my imagining, I began to examine what it said about us as a nation that this type of service would appeal to so many. (The article reported that more than 600 people attended the first service.) I conjured up the cultural orientation which might take place in order to ready missionaries for ministry among us. While certainly southern, country line dancers are a distinct subculture. I think a few of the lessons can be learned about the indigenous population as a whole. Perhaps keeping these things in mind can help us as we search for the lost sheep among us and try to keep from becoming lost ourselves.

• We are a people desperate for relationship. Though the message was not printed in its entirety, it was summed up by the pastor as basically “God loves you and wants to have a relationship with you.” Now I don’t know exactly what type of relationship this pastor is talking about but I am pretty sure that God doesn’t want just to have you “friend” Him on Facebook and move on with your day. And there lies the source of our starvation for relationship. We don’t want to give up anything, of ourselves, of our time, of our resources in order to relate to other human beings or even the Creator of the universe. One of the premises of the service was that people wouldn’t want to give up being out all night long on Saturday in order to attend church on Sunday morning. If we are to reach our culture, we must convince them that in order to fill the great void of loneliness from which they suffer, they must be willing to make great sacrifices.

• We care a great deal about our own comfort. The article stressed that the people in attendance were those who wouldn’t feel comfortable in a normal church setting. Why is that exactly? Are churches really such scary places? I have been to a lot of churches in my time and while a few have been cold or intimidating, I have often found the problem with churches is that they are too friendly. Jim and I once made the mistake of visiting a small church struggling to attract new blood. I didn’t think we would get out alive, or at least without promising to come again. So what is it about church that scares people? Maybe it isn’t the other people they fear encountering, but rather they fear encountering themselves. There is little time for self-reflection in our media-soaked society and sitting a pew for an hour or two certainly gives one time to take stock.

• We don’t care too much for the sacredness of place. We are a nation of transitory people, always on the move and so the idea that place has meaning and value is odd to us. Combine our nomadic ways with our utilitarian tendencies and it is little wonder that people have no problem worshipping the Almighty amidst Jeff Gordon signs and mechanical bulls. (I can’t confirm the mechanical bull, but I have my suspicions.) I know God is everywhere but I do think the way and where of worship matter too. It’s why I make my boys wear shirts with collars and jeans without holes on Sunday morning. And it’s why we don’t pile up on the couch to worship but pile into our van and enter a place of worship. But certainly we need to take care to make all feel welcome in that place, sacred though it may be.

The name of the establishment in which this service took place is “Cotton-Eyed Joes” and since I read the story I haven’t been able to stop mumbling a portion of the song by the same name. I thought to cure myself but actually looked up the lyrics and stumbled across this verse “He brought disaster wherever he went; The hearts of the girls was to Hell, broken, sent; They all ran away so nobody would know; And left only men ’cause of Cotton-Eye Joe.” Rather ominous words for a fluffy country song but perhaps there is a warning there for us all. For just as we should be seeking the lost, wherever they may be found, there is another who is seeking them as well. He brings only disaster and brokenness. And if we don’t find the lost, he certainly will.