Are You Listening‪?‬ James H. Tippins

In the last decade, and more so in the last three years, I've embarked on a path of deep exploration and bold exposition in areas often left uncharted or merely skimmed over by the broader Christian community. I make no apologies for this pursuit. It's a deliberate, intentional dive into the complexities and nuances of living a life rooted in Christ—a path not chosen lightly, but with a fervent desire to understand, to grow, and to challenge not only myself but also those who walk this journey with me.







This exploration is not a rebellion against the foundations of our faith but a quest to deepen our roots in the rich soil of Christ's teachings. As I delve into themes of authenticity in faith, the interplay between our spiritual beliefs and societal engagement, and the freedom found in Christ's sovereignty, my aim is to bring these conversations to the forefront of our collective consciousness. It's through engaging with these challenging topics that we, as a faith community, can grow to be more mindful, more authentic, and more impactful in our walk with Christ.







Together, let us question, seek, and explore the vast dimensions of what it means to be in Christ. Let this not be a journey marked by fear of stepping into the unknown, but rather by the courage to face it head-on, guided by the truth of the Gospel. As we engage in this way, let us inspire one another toward a deeper, more vibrant understanding and practice of our faith.







Exploring the Concept of Authenticity in Faith







Being true to oneself stands as a cornerstone of worship and service, echoing the scriptural call for a heart that is sincere and undivided before God. This authenticity is not merely a personal ideal but a biblical imperative that underpins genuine joy and fulfillment in life. In the pursuit of living authentically, individuals are encouraged to shed pretenses and embrace their true selves in the presence of God, fostering a deeper connection with the divine. Romans 12:9 underscores this by urging, "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good," highlighting the importance of sincerity and truth in one’s faith journey.







Non-Theological Engagement







The dialogue extends beyond the traditional confines of theology, scripture, or Christ, venturing into realms that, while seemingly secular, deeply resonate with a Christian worldview. This approach underscores the interconnectedness of faith with all life aspects, affirming the relevance of Christian principles in addressing a broad spectrum of topics from daily challenges to global issues. Acts 17:28 illustrates this interconnectedness: "In him we live and move and have our being," reminding us that God’s presence and influence permeate every aspect of our existence.







The Church and Cultural Engagement







A critical examination of the church's role vis-à-vis the wider world reveals a pressing need for leaders and congregations alike to step beyond the familiar territory of "Christian life." This venture involves not just a passive observation but an active, informed engagement with cultural and societal dynamics. Such a stance demands a robust critique of the church's current engagement strategies, urging a shift towards a more Jesus-centric understanding and interaction with the world. Romans 12:2 challenges the church to this transformative engagement: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."







Freedom and Sovereignty in Christ







The recognition of divine sovereignty serves as a liberating force, granting believers the freedom to explore and express their faith across various domai...

A rose.







Strong, vibrant, centered, open, fully bloomed, receiving the eyes and attention of others, absorbing the morning dews as new ideas of a created world ready to be discovered.







Beside this vibrant bloom are closed buds, ready to be understood, heard, and seen. But ultimately, we know that there are the blooms long gone, brittle stems of what used to be. And all of these guarded by a stem, with thorns, that transcend life itself, holding the fragile together, a friend.







But the ROOT is what I do not show. The source, the life, the breath from which it all flows.  This is me. I am in the soil. The flower is my life, my voice, my mind... may it grow for others to be empowered to rise from their own place from the Earth and live.

Original Poem: James Tippins May 2023

“When we perceive a man, we perceive him as a whole. His physical body, his intellect, his personality – it’s all tied into who he is as a person. So, while his body may be aging, he’s growing more independent, successful, and mature. Therefore, he's still attractive – perhaps even more so. It doesn’t matter that he’s got some wrinkles, because his body is healthily aligned with his being.”







Grace, the woman who wrote this about men observes the antithesis in the world concerning women. I'm not here to debate it, it is true. Period. I'll talk in future publishing about this.







While some people would argue that women are not seen differently, it doesn't negate that it is true for many and a lack of privilege presented a different worldview. To argue against another person's experience is foolish. We don't get to speak for all who share commonality with us.







I look to start a conversation that would begin "When we perceive a [wo]man, we perceive him her as a whole."







While there are many men who would readily vow to perceive women as her whole, we must not be naive and pretend that our culture does not, as a collective, see women in this way. The loud, bold, open, and exposed reality of how some men view women is violent and subtle. The violent side of things, the hate, the ridicule, the objectification, the lack of empathy, the blind-sided workload, and the emotional and physical abuse are easy to spot. The subtle side is often more demeaning and unconsciously active. This is true, even for our sisters in this world. Subtle defines what is often unnoticeable. And what is unnoticeable can often be deadly. The death of agency, death of liberty, death of identity, and death of self-worth are just a few outcomes of unseen misogyny and sexism. I hope to explain the identity-crippling, painful, and isolating abuses and the emotional terror they cause in future writings. 







Seeing something and how it affects others can't be unseen. Once you see certain things, especially systemic and cultural hatred of half the population, you can't put that back in the bottle and be considered human. We don't know who can and cannot see women in a true sense as human beings, persons, and equals. For the men who do, it is obvious that we do not control the dominant voice and it appears to me, that we aren't even on the airwaves.







For over twenty years I have been preparing to speak to this issue. I'm not speaking for women or even to women. No, mainly I am speaking about how many view women and how men who see and know the truth should be partners in this journey to right centuries of wrongs.







It is wrong.







That is not up for discussion.







Grace asks her readers to "Think of the most beautiful woman you know."







"I doubt you’re thinking about her boobs or butt. You’re probably thinking about her vibe, her energy, how she makes you feel when you’re around her, how she is healthily aligned with her being. She doesn’t try hard because she doesn’t have to. She is firm, grounded, strong. She is emotional, sensitive, compassionate. She is everything that makes a woman and more. She is not the sum of her parts. She is not a trend. She is a gestalt."







Society, culture, and everything that makes these things tick is responsible. So, because we comprise society, we are responsible for changing it.







My next book publishing will be the title of this essay, and if permitted, will reveal my life-long passion for this issue, my journey to seeing things as they are,

After three years I am restarting this conversation. I hope to get all of you back in the saddle of having a good convo. Take care to watch for my newsletters starting in the next few months. Every Friday-- about some neat and new ideas on living life well for the Glory of Christ.

https://youtu.be/90zp9afAsn4









I think we need to talk.







Here are some thoughts relating to the future.







I am sure many will have questions, but most of all, I hope everyone has ears to hear and to listen.

The forest for the trees type thingy... ok.







I am particular about being specific. I am also verbose. Writing helps to manage and mature both issues.







I have often prided myself on being myopic in certain disciplines, even dogmatic about important things. We should be, honestly, when it comes to our convictions, our health, our families, etc. But we are not to throw out the rest of the truth (an er, people in our lives) in the name of being focused.







I think myopic and focused are neighbors, but they can also be enemies.







While focus and confidence in our ideas are paramount, these are worthless if we become blind to other people in the process. Sometimes we think we are certain in our understanding of things but our unwillingness to engage with alternative ideas without being triggered reveals a deeper problem. Namely, that our passions are mostly emotionalism rather than sound and reasoned beliefs.







We have to be willing, able, and desirous of learning and discovering not only what other people think and feel, but why. This is central to the human experience and for the spiritual people reading this, it's taught and expounded upon in the Christian scriptures. Part of caring is patience. Part of patience is listening. Part of listening is turning off our instant response arsenal and just existing in the presence of often dumb ideas.







As long as we consider people's ideas dumb, we are not seeing them as peers who are also experiencing life as we are. We quickly forget that everyone is on the journey but we are each in our own place. Loving kindness starts and finishes with true affection, which patiently traverses with the goal of like-mindedness. Bullying and terrorism are not successful methods of change. Our culture needs to learn that quickly. Right behavior and facts don't make a community. Patience in diversity with understanding do.







Eventually, we will all find our own place and people. Until then, keep striving to be a part of a community that is known for the truth of how they love each other, not the truth of their dogma. The latter is a lonely and eternally fruitless place. Remember, there is a context in every thought and conversation. Find it, grow in it, understand it, and help others grow too.







What are some ways that you help other people work through their ideas? What approaches do you have when those who look to you are settled in error? I hope to talk soon.