Why I Hate Hate Crimes
6:14 AM PDT, May 15, 2009
Last November, I posted the following article on hate crimes. Little did I know it would be such a big deal this week. I've reposted it here for your reading pleasure:
Why I Hate Hate Crimes I don't usually use the word "hate." But it's hard to talk about hate crimes without using the word. So I freely admit: I hate hate crimes. "What is a hate crime?" you ask. Hate crime is a potential piece of legislation that would make certain speech punishable by law. In other words, if I made a comment about Muslims or Native Americans or Homosexuals that someone considered offensive, I could be fined, arrested, or even jailed. This could be applied to conversations, but typically is used in public communications, which even includes sermons by ministers. In other words, a pastor could say a person who is a Buddhist will go to hell when he or she dies and later be arrested for it. "Aren't you blowing this out of proportion?" you may be thinking. Consider this: In Canada, where hate crime law is already in place, a pastor said some words about Muslims that some Muslims didn't like. They took it to the law and the pastor was sentenced (yes, "sentenced") to 300 hours of community service in a local Muslim community. In other Western nations where hate crime laws are in effect, there have been cases where ministers have called homosexuality a sinful practice and have been sued. This could even be applied to speaking out on issues such as premarital sex being sinful for Christians to practice or speaking out on a biblical view of divorce or church leadership standards. America cherishes free speech. However, there are ratings on movies and video games for a reason. Americans can say what they want, but I can't yell "Fire!" in a theater or "Bomb!" in an airport without getting into trouble. However, both free speech and religious freedom is in trouble if people of a particular religious persuasion (Christian or otherwise) cannot say what their religious teachings teach during their assemblies. Why am I talking about this now? Because as new political leaders take office in 2009, hate crime bills will once again be in discussion. It will be pitched as helping end racism and discrimination, issues I do care deeply about (and you probably do, too). However, hate crime law will end up hurting religious free speech. I want anyone who cares about religious freedom to know NOW so we can help people understand this issue when it hits FOX and CNN in a few months. So when hate crimes start coming up in conversation or on the news, tell people you hate hate crimes. Why? I tell people it's because I love Jesus and want to be able to tell other people what His favorite book says about life. But even non-Christians can often agree that they don't want a law telling them they can't comment on controversial areas of life. And that's why I hate hate crimes. My name is Dillon Burroughs and I approve this message. Original post link: http://readdb.blogspot.com/2008/11/why-i-hate-hate -crimes.html IMPLICATIONS: -The John Ankerberg Show recently aired a series on Islam and Jihad. If this is rebroadast after a hate crimes bill is approved, who knows what would happen? -What would happen when I speak on Wicca and communicate that Wiccans (and anyone of any other religion) who refuse to trust in Christ by faith will spend eternity in hell? -What will happen if I claim that homosexuality is condemned as a sinful practice in the Bible and that Christians are called to live with a higher standard that includes sexuality expressed only between a husband and a wife? -What will happen if I (or any other Christian) claims that Jesus is the only way to God? -What happens when American religious liberty clashes with moral issues of the Bible? I'm not completely sure, but if current legislation continues, we'll soon find out. "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." -Romans 1:16 
This is syndicated from readdB, and written by DILLON BURROUGHS.
Cool Versus Effective
9:00 AM PDT, May 12, 2009
Sometimes cool doesn't get the job done.
For example, I haven't posted an update to my blog since late March. It's considered cool or relevant to regularly update your blog, Facebook, and Twitter a few times per day, complete with pictures and videos and links and mobile shots of behind-the-scenes, exclusive content. I enjoy doing these things. But sometimes... ...well, since my last post, I have nearly disappeared from the Internet. Why? I finished one book, two study guides (each the length of a short book), wrote some radio scripts, helped write a TV series, gave finals, posted grades, signed up for a mission trip to Haiti, wrote a couple of book proposals, finished the New Testament in Spanish, restarted studying Creole, developed a May Apologetic class, and, more importantly, spent any moments of free time with my wife and kids. It wasn't as cool as sending mobile updates from my latest conference, but that's what it took to get the job done. What about you? In what area of life do you need to stop trying to be cool in order to be more effective? Reminder: Life is about the Great Commission, not the Great Blog Update (or Facebook, Twitter, or otherwise). I needed to hear this from God recently. Maybe you do, too. 
This is syndicated from readdB, and written by DILLON BURROUGHS.
The People Behind the Books
8:00 AM PDT, March 24, 2009
I spent last weekend at the Christian Book Expo in Dallas, Texas.
The best part was the time with some of the authors who have written the books that have shaped my life. For example, I have used a Ryrie Study Bible since the age of 19. I'm on my second one and have been trained through its notes. Saturday, I had a chance to personally thank Dr. Ryrie for his time. Last Christmas, I was given a copy of Same Kind of Different As Me. It's a powerful story, but not as powerful as talking with the men who wrote it. They are the real deal and a joy to meet. There were many more, but I'll share just one more. J.I. Packer is considered one of the 20th Century's top theologians. He happened to be signing books and I caught him at a moment when we could chat for several minutes about life and Knowing God (his most well-known book). His writings are great; it's even better to talk with him and discover he's the same in person. Other big names were there, including Max Lucado, Stormie Omartian, and Jerry Jenkins, but there were too many people to talk with them all. In the end, it was worth the trip to share time with those God has used and is using to impact millions around our world today. 
This is syndicated from readdB, and written by DILLON BURROUGHS.
Road Trippin'
4:39 AM PDT, March 16, 2009
This morning I'm writing from Java Haute, a local coffeehouse in Terre Haute, Indiana. Over the weekend, I enjoyed a great book signing at Darlena's Holiday Gift Shoppe in Rockport, Indiana where I reconnected with several friends and relatives, including my high school friend William who found out I was coming to town because he stopped at my mom's shop with his girlfriend. Small world, big God.
Sunday, I experienced worship at First Baptist, Nort Terre Haute with my buddy Mark Tobey. He's a great preacher and clearly has a deep love for his people. For a small-town Indiana church, they're leaving a huge mark on the world. This year, two teams have already traveled to Haiti, where several people are in the process of adopting children from the orphanage they've helped build and fund in recent years. One friend, Nick, told me his coworker got involved and is now in the process of adopting a kid. You know you're making a difference when your coworkers are adopting children where you are going on mission trips. God is at work all over the world. Today, my family and I head to Amish country in Central Indiana to spend time with my wife's grandmother who is 92. Tuesday, we head to Indianapolis to visit my brother in law Doug, my brother and his family on Wednesday, and then head to Dallas for the Christian Book Expo on Thursday evening where I'll reconnect with my friend Jarod from my days in Sherman, Texas. Again, God is at work all over the world. If I haven't heard from you in a while, I'd love to hear how God is working in your life lately. Send me an email at dillon at dillon burroughs dot org to let me know. I love all of you and appreciate your prayers and support. 
This is syndicated from readdB, and written by DILLON BURROUGHS.
SermonCentral.com, Logos Software, and a Road Trip
11:30 AM PDT, March 10, 2009
Lots happening lately...so much that I'm falling behind on this season of Lost.
First, I started using Logos Bible Software more seriously this week as I've migrated to a MacBook and stopped using my previous Bible software program. An amazing little thing in Logos is that every verse search links to a database of sermons in SermonCentral.com. SermonCentral.com is basically Wikipedia for pastors. Pastors can add sermon notes, manuscripts, illustrations, drama scripts, and other resources for others seeking help in sermon planning (They also have a Bible study version at BibleMaster.com.). I added an old sermon I did in Terre Haute, IN in 2006 to see what would happen. 24 hours later I searched for Ephesians 6:12 in Logos. First sermon? "Supernatural Encounters" by Dillon Burroughs. Technology is great! (Now if someone would leave a positive comment. That would be so Amazon-like!). I added two more sermon outlines today, with one audio message on the way. We'll see what happens. In other news, starting this weekend my family and I will be on the road for a long-overdue trip to see family in Indiana and Illinois. Along the way, you can catch me at: -Darlena's Holiday and Gift Shoppe Rockport, IN Sat. Mar. 14th from 11-12:30 local time for a book signing. This is my mom's store, so come by and buy something. Free book to the first 100 customers. -First Baptist, N. Terre Haute, IN Sun. Mar. 15th 10:30am. I'm not speaking, but will be there to catch up with friends and family. If you're in or near Terre Haute this weekend, stop by and say hi. -Christian Book Expo, Dallas, TX, Dallas Convention Center, Fri-Sun, Mar. 20-22nd. Over 200 authors will be there to sign and hang out. If you're in Dallas, find out more at ecpa.org. Thanks for the prayers and support. Hope to see a lot of you on the road! (And if not, let me know how you're doing on Facebook or Twitter.) Next time... ...my other new kid. 
This is syndicated from readdB, and written by DILLON BURROUGHS.
3.5 Random Things about Me
11:33 AM PST, March 2, 2009
I read an article last week that suggested Facebook's "25 Random Things about Me" is the first truly viral movement of 2009. I'm all for cutting edge ideas, but 25 random things about my Facebook friends? At 1,300+ friends, that would equal over 32,500 random things to read.
So here's my simple request. I love you, but I would really rather read about 3.5 random things from each of my friends. Here's my list...help me start the micro-movement of "3.5 Random Things about Me." 1. My first name is not Dillon; it's really Christopher. Full name: Christopher Dillon Burroughs. 2. I was once interviewed as a possible participant for "I Survived a Japanese Game Show." 3. I own and have watched all three High School Musical DVD's, including many of the bonus features. This means I really love my kids. I think they're FABULOUS. .5 I have eaten a live earthworm. And if you start a "3.5 Random Things about Me" group on Facebook, I'll be the first to join.
This is syndicated from readdB, and written by DILLON BURROUGHS.
The Obama Speech: What Did You Think?
5:38 AM PST, February 25, 2009
I just read the Obama speech transcript at CNN.com and am curious what you and your friends are talking about this morning on the issue.
Is it the tax check in the mail (I must admit, I like that one.)? Is it the mortgage help? Is it the part on ending the War in Iraq? Here is my favorite: "In the end, there is no program or policy that can substitute for a parent, for a mother or father who will attend those parent-teacher conferences, or help with homework, or turn off the TV, put away the video games, read to their child." The creators of Microsoft's X-box, Nintendo's Wii, and Sony's Playstation 3 won't like the suggestion, but Obama makes a wonderful point. There is no subsitute for an involved parent. Or, to expand his wording, there is no substitute for an involved person. We're all busy, but I think we could all also admit there is at least one time waster we could stop to make a greater difference in the lives of other people. Jesus, God in human form, said, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:27). He is our ultimate example. This life is not about what we get, but what we give. So make a difference, like Obama challenged. But let me challenge you to take it one step further: serve following the example of Jesus. He is the One who continues to change lives both today and for eternity.
This is syndicated from readdB, and written by DILLON BURROUGHS.
Thousands Pen Traveling Bible
9:33 AM PST, February 17, 2009
Call it a project of biblical proportions: 31,173 verses, 90 cities, one Word.
According to CNN, Zondervan is sponsoring an RV tour where people can handwrite a verse of the NIV Bible in a special handwritten edition with one person writing each verse. Not a bad idea; check it out at BibleAcrossAmerica.com
This is syndicated from readdB, and written by DILLON BURROUGHS.
THE IMPOSTER Movie Showing Tonight in Nashville
8:12 AM PST, February 8, 2009
Tonight only: The Imposter movie starring Kevin Max (formerly of DC Talk) and Jeff Deyo will be showing for FREE at Two Rivers Baptist Church in Nashville, TN at 7:30pm. This location is adjacent from Opry Mills and is showing the weekend of the National Religious Broadcaster's Convention.
And did I mention I am in it? It's a small cameo role, but my first feature film appearance. Check out more at theimpostermovie.com.
This is syndicated from readdB, and written by DILLON BURROUGHS.
NBC Refuses to Air Pro-Life Ad during Super Bowl
5:11 AM PST, January 31, 2009
According to Friday's Citizen Link article, NBC has refused to air a controversial pro-life ad during the Super Bowl. If you care about this issue and want to do something about it, here's how to act:
1. Watch the ad online: This increases publicity and awareness. 2. Let NBC know how you feel: Here's the link. 3. Tell somebody: The pro-life issue needs your voice. Speak up for the unborn who cannot speak out for themselves. From the article: The pro-life ad, created by CatholicVote.org, portrays President Barack Obama as a preborn baby. It features images of a child in utero set to music and reads: "The child's future is a broken home. He will be abandoned by his father. His single mother will struggle to raise him.
This is syndicated from readdB, and written by DILLON BURROUGHS.
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Bio
Dillon Burroughs is a writer on issues of spirituality and culture. He is also a popular communicator on social justice issues for World Vision. Dillon and his wife, Debbie, have two children and live in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
His most recent book includes WHAT CAN BE FOUND IN LOST? which explores the spiritual issues of the hit ABC television series. He lives with his wife and two children in Tennessee.
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