Big Buts of the Bible

Big But: Who Is YOUR Jesus?

Who is Jesus Christ?

Was he a historical figure who lived and died, or is he still alive today? Was he a prophet, a rabbi, a moral example? Or was he who he claimed to be? And while we’re at it, just exactly who did he claim to be? Is he, because of his claims, as C.S. Lewis famously articulated on his BBC radio program and in his book Mere Christianity, necessarily either a Liar, a Lunatic, or the Lord?

Is he the Jesus we see in old movies: A blue-eyed, white guy with a well-trimmed beard, who sort of glows, and speaks with a British accent? Or more hip, like a scene from Talladega Nights, perhaps we can picture him however we’d like, “I like to picture Jesus in a tuxedo t-shirt because it says, ‘I want to be formal, but I’m here to party.’”

Is he the Jesus we hear about in song? The Jesus of hymns and praise choruses: What A Friend We Have? Name Above All Names? Is that how we’ll respond to him? Or is it more like I Can Only Imagine? Surrounded by his glory, what will my heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of you be still? Will I stand in your presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing Hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all? 

Or, perhaps, for those less misty, it’s enough that we tap our foot along with the Doobie Brothers: Jesus Is Just Alright With Me! 

Is he the Jesus pop-culture consigns? Jesus as defined by Oprah? Lady Gaga? Sure, John Lennon apologized for his infamous ‘The Beatles are more popular than Jesus’ boast, but among Justin Bieber Beliebers, the Biebs definitely has the upper hand. 

Is he the Jesus we’ve seen in literature? Is he Mary Stevenson’s Lord—you know, the one who assured her that when she only saw one set of footprints in the sand it was because he was carrying her? Or is he the Jesus from William Paul Young’s The Shack—a middle-eastern carpenter who hangs out with a portly African American woman (God) and an Asian looking mirage (the Holy Spirit)?

Is he the Jesus we see represented on CNN? The Lord of demonstrators holding signs that read: ‘God Hates Fags’ and ‘God Is Judging America’? Is he the Lord of the famous ministers caught in sex scandals and televangelists making ridiculously false claims about the end of the world?

Is he the Jesus of Christianity? The Jesus of Mormonism? The Jesus of the Jehovah’s Witnesses? Are they all one and the same, or are they very different?

Is he the Son of God or God in flesh? Yes? To which one? Both? 

The Bible records a conversation Jesus has with his disciples. He asked them, “Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Did you note that big but? It calls for a response.

It’s one thing to consider what others think—John Lennon had an opinion and so did Ricky Bobby. But your answer to the question ‘Who is Jesus?’ is key. It will determine how you live in response. 

 

It's Friday, But...

Here's a fun video built around an all important but--"It's Friday, BUT Sunday's comin!"  

I've had the privilege of seeing Tony deliver this message live and in person. It was a riot (even the video is pretty entertaining). The point of the message, though, is invaluable! It's been a tough week in the world. It's been a tough week in my world. It's probably been a tough week in your world too. Savor this truth.

 

But Seriously?

A couple of years ago I ran across this article somebody wrote suggesting ways to remove the word but from our sentences. What's with this world of ours? I thought the article was ridiculous. I still think it is. I'm sorry, was that insensitive of me to say?

Near the end of the article the author suggests we try some word-swaps and see if they don't make the sentences more touchy-feely. Use the words however, while, therefore or though, he suggests. Okay, let's give it a whirl.

Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, BUT whoever does not believe stands condemned. (John 3:18)

Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, HOWEVER whoever does not believe stands condemned. (John 3:18)

Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, WHILE whoever does not believe stands condemned. (John 3:18)

Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, THEREFORE whoever does not believe stands condemned. (John 3:18)

Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, THOUGH whoever does not believe stands condemned. (John 3:18)

Now, I ask: Does the use of the word but offend you more than any of the other words above? I'd suggest that it is the truth spoken here that is offensive--in fact Jesus said as much, that the gospel is a rock of offense. No ifs ands or buts about it.

But (there I go again, and this time I actually started a sentence with it!), if you're honest you'll admit that the little three letter conjunction did speak in greater brevity, with greater clarity and with a certain dignity what all those other words labored to do in its place. Admit it... buts are beautiful! Say it with me--I like buts! Doesn't that feel better?

 

But: Another History Lesson

You've heard the expression.  In fact, you've probably used it.  "No ifs, ands or buts about it!"  What does it mean?  Where did it originate?  And what is the proper phrase grammatically speaking?  So glad you asked.

First off, the expression as we use it today simply implies that there are no added conditions.  For example, there are those who believe that Barry Bonds setting a new record with 73 home runs in a single Major League Baseball season deserves an asterisk for his use of performance enhancing drugs.  When Roger Maris hit 61 homers forty years earlier and drug free, however, there were "no ifs, ands or buts about it."

Historians believe that the expression started as "no ifs and ands."  In the 13th Century the word and was used in a conditional sense.  The phrase "and it please the king" for instance communicated "as long as the king is pleased." The first known recorded occurrence of the phrase dates around 1513 in the work The History of King Richard III.  The king is confronting a servant he believes has been disloyal and says, "Thou servest me, I wene, with iffs and with andes."  That translates: I suspect that you serve me with ifs and ands.

It was in the 17th Century that buts were added to the mix.  A Puritan theologian named Thomas Goodwin (known as 'The Readable Puritan') as he sought to clarify a teaching on grace, said "the grants of grace run without ifs, ands and buts."  Sound theology.  Good grammar.  Bet I'd have liked the guy.

In our times the word and doesn't really carry a conditional as much as an additional connotation.  When we say 'and' we're usually clarifying that there is more to be included.  If it were really about conditions we might shorten it to "no ifs or buts about it."  But because an addition to something can alter the integrity of it--say, like a shot of steroids in the a baseball players rump--the saying still works.

I've thoroughly enjoyed this little trek through history.  No ifs, ands or buts about it.

Now That's A Big But!

This was a gift from Daniel and Amanda - dear friends and members of one of my Big Buts manuscript focus groups.  I'm hanging this in my office.  Imagine the mileage I'll get out of asking people: "Would you like to step into my office to see my but?"

Say What?

"But is a fence over which few leap."  German Proverb

What do you make of this expression?

But: Politically Incorrect?

We live in a day when almost everything we say can be construed as harmful, hurtful, or hateful.  It's getting to where saying "good morning" to someone might land you in sensitivity training.  Even the little three letter conjunction but has its detractors.

I recently read a post by a self-proclaimed Personal Success Coach suggesting that, to be successful, one needs to cleanse the word but from their vocabulary.  He writes:

The word but has many variable uses. Unfortunately, many use this word when they are criticizing or giving feedback.  Most people are so used to it that they feel a but coming.  It is usually preceeded by reluctant praise. The but that follows takes the attention away from the positive and puts the focus on the negative, turning the overall tone of the remarks negative.

I think the man needed more hugs as a child.

He goes on to use Mike Brady as an example (70's television dad of the Brady Bunch... told you he needed more hugs as a kid).  He points out that Mike's use of buts was negative.  See these examples:

Jan, we know that you love Marcia, but it is not right to be jealous of her.

Cindy, we appreciate you sharing with us, but tattling on your siblings is wrong.

Greg, we know you were only trying to help your sister, but lying is never the answer.

Alice, we love your cooking, but do you think we could have something other than red meat at every meal?

Perhaps he could have been more positive without using the word but.  Let me take a stab:

Jan, it's awesome that you love your sister in spite of the fact that she is prettier, more talented and all around groovier than you.

Cindy, you need to be careful about what you share because one day you could end up in a government witness protection program.

Greg, the truth is always groovy.

Alice, you seem to be seeing a lot of Sam the butcher these days, eh?

Yep.  Those worked better.  NOT!  Why the fear of clear communication?  A little but can go a long way to expressing honesty and bringing clarity.  These things aren't bad and shouldn't be shied away from for fear of being negative.  My thinking: the self professed Success Coach needs a week of therapy.  But then again--I love the word but.

But What's It All About?

A website? Facebook fan page? Twitter updates? A big but of the week? A but-i-ful quote?

What's this all about?

As a preacher and teacher I'm convinced that paying close attention to the little three letter conjunction 'but' can make a tremendous difference in getting more out of your bible reading.  I've been beating that drum for nearly twenty years now.  And now my theory is making its way into manuscripts, lessons, and articles--it's time to go blogosphere.  It's time to go public.

Here on the site you will find several bible studies a week based on appearances of the word but.  They will be filed under the heading "Big Buts."  You will also find articles having to do with the conjunction--some serious, some humorous--all aimed at broadening our exposure to the word, and its impact on us.

So bookmark this page or subscribe to it.

The Facebook fan page is just that--a social media avenue.  I'm pretty pleased with the way word is spreading--we're only a few weeks into this experiment and already we've eclipsed 200 fans.  Great job!  Tell others.  Invite.  Suggest.  Invite some more.  Suggest some more. 

What you'll find in the Facebook posts are daily Biblical buts.  Think of it like a Daily Devotional verse. 

In both the website and the Facebook page you'll find a place for some interaction.  So, join in.

Subscribe.  Become a fan.  Tell others.  Let's share the jouney.  Oh, and along the way, I promise that you'll get more out of your bible reading and study.

But--i--ful Quote

You've seen the weekly beautiful... I mean but-i-ful quote in the left hand column of the page.  Every now and then a quote comes along that is worthy of appearing in the main panel.  If you've caught the commercials for Disney's Princess and the Frog movie then you've heard this quote with your own ears.

 

"Don't make me light my butt!" -Ray the Firefly

I know that has two t's in it, but (with one t) admit it, it's pretty funny.

D'an Sh'i

You never know when you'll need to say 'but' in Mandarin.  Be prepared!