With the new year just around the corner, the internet is abuzz with all the year-in-review thoughts (and mine are coming as well). But, being that we’re also at the end of a decade, there’s some really interesting looks back at the last ten years.

This video, which I saw for the first time tonight, was funny and insightful. I found it especially interesting to see all the things that debuted in the 00’s but really feel much older. Check out the video, The Decade in 7 Minutes:

(Can’t see the video? watch it on YouTube.)

A friend sent me this video via Facebook today. It’s a bible disclaimer intended to be funny. And, I suppose in it’s accuracy, it is. Although, from inside the church, it’s also a bit embarrassing and sad.

(Can’t see the video? Watch it on YouTube)

The disclaimer warns that taking the bible as anything beyond metaphorical lessons could lead to all kinds of bad things—such as bigotry, sexual guilt, homophobia and suppressed ‘gayness’. The list goes on and eventually includes a whole slew of the worst of Christian stereotypes.

It’s asserted that these things come from taking the bible too literally. But, the reality is that we see these issues in the church for precisely the opposite reason. The bible isn’t taken literally enough.

Sections of the church love to take literally the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, and they should, but somehow do not take literally Jesus’ words that he came for the sick, not the healthy. And so they end up as bigoted homophobes. Many take literally the creation story, including the fall (again, perhaps we should), but somehow fail to take literally the redemption and propitiation brought about by Christ on his cross which frees us from all guilt and liberates us to actually do something.

The ironic thing is, statistically, Christian groups are still responsible for most private humanitarian work. Significantly more than atheist or agnostic groups. Unfortunately, Christians are also responsible for some the the most reprehensible behavior—at least in the West, I don’t know about elsewhere. But that problem isn’t rooted in believing the bible, it’s rooted in failing to believe the bible.

Romans 1:16 says:

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Most of the time, I feel confident saying that I am not ashamed of the Gospel. I don’t usually have the inclination to shrink back from talking about it or its power.

However, I am ashamed—very ashamed—to be associated with this:

(Can’t see the video? Watch it on YouTube)

Just for the record, a ‘rough rider’ (which this group of youth pastors from ‘The Father’s House’ in California repeatedly calls themselves in this song) is a type of condom designed to enhance sexual pleasure. It’s also a (gross) sexual technique. Painfully lame and uninformed.

What the hell? Wake up people! Seriously, there is absolutely no part of this that’s okay.

To continue briefly in yesterday’s line of discussion (last time, I promise!), here is a short video from the grand opening of the first Microsoft retail store. Look familiar? Lets just say, ‘case and point’.

(Can’t see it? Watch the video at YouTube)

Maybe 15 years ago. But ironically today, this is a lot of times why people don’t go to church. The church may try its best to give grace, but the world does not. Especially not for cultural irrelevance.

This finally wins a spot on my blog because for the last two weeks after seeing it the first time, its stayed one of my favorites. Well, you check it out. Watch the whole thing. It only gets funnier as it goes.

Not long ago I posted a video compilation of things happening in slow motion and marveling at how intricate even the most ordinary actions are when you slow them down enough.

Well, the other day I saw one so good I couldn’t help but post it. Check this out—slow motion sneezing. Gross, yet somehow compelling.