Acts of random kindness and depression

“One act of random kindness at a time.” (Morgan Freeman to Steve Carell, Evan Almighty)

More than 16 million adults in the USA, approximately eight percent of the population, suffer from either major or chronic depression. The estimate is 100 million worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. For some, psychopharmacological treatment can be life-saving and the only way to get out of bed and make it through the day. For many others who are clinically depressed, as well as the millions who suffer from milder or more temporary symptoms, a drug-free, inexpensive, effective solution exists – practicing positive activities. This sounds overly-simplistic, but empirical data confirm the efficacy.

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside and Duke University Medical Center, as reported in ScienceDaily on July 28, 2011, studied randomized, controlled interventions with thousands of normal men and women as well as functional MRI scans in people with depressive symptoms. They found that Positive Activity Interventions (PAI) therapy is effective and useful, with the following advantages:
• Benefits those who do not respond to antidepressant medications
• No side effects
• Less expensive to administer
• More rapid improvement of mood symptoms
• Little or no stigma

According to researchers, beneficial positive activities include: performing acts of kindness, practicing optimism, and counting one’s blessings. Two studies specifically tested intentional PAIs in mildly depressed patients and, in one of these, lasting improvements continued to be noticed six months later. The researchers noted that even brief positive activities, which are easy to perform and often inexpensive, can have these lasting effects. Furthermore, short-term PAIs often lead to additional, similar actions, thus compounding the benefits. For example, counting one’s blessings may encourage someone to write a thank you note. Helping someone in need may lead to increased positive social interaction with others, further reducing depression.

Brain imaging studies seem to confirm the studies’ results, leading researchers to theorize that PAIs may boost the brain’s reward and pleasure centers, which have been dampened, thus reversing apathy. This would be a key benefit not usually realized with medication alone. Kristin Layous, the paper’s lead author, remarked “The positive activities themselves aren't really new. After all, humans have been counting their blessings, dreaming optimistically, writing thank you notes, and doing acts of kindness for thousands of years. What's new is the scientific rigor that researchers have applied to measuring benefits and understanding why they work."

“A joyful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22)
“Be kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32)
“Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24)

[1] University of California - Riverside. "Restoring happiness in people with depression." ScienceDaily, 28 Jul. 2011. Web. 31 Jul. 2011.

Is the shooter a Christian?

On July 22nd, a vehicle bomb containing fertilizer similar to that used in Oklahoma City was detonated outside of the prime minister’s office in Oslo, Norway. Earlier in the day, a farm supply store advised police that Anders Behring Breivik had purchased six tons of fertilizer. Shortly after the vehicle explosion, Breivik stepped off a boat onto Utoya Island dressed in a police uniform and began shooting young campers. The death toll has risen to 93 in the two attacks. Breivik left a 1,516 page manifesto and multiple news reports were quick to label him a right-wing fundamentalist Christian. Based on some manifesto excerpts, the shooter’s primary antipathy appeared to be directed toward multi-culturalism, especially the influx of Muslims into Western Europe. So, does this sentiment derive from Christianity and does the Bible encourage the use of violence against non-Christians?

The Bible specifically states Christianity is not based on physical conflict or violence: “we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh” (2 Corinthians 10:4). The primary weapons of a Christian are the truth of God’s word (Ephesians 6:17) and prayer (James 5:16). As Jesus was arrested, Peter cut an ear off one the Roman soldiers. Jesus rebuked him, saying “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52) Jesus then healed the man’s ear. And later before Pilate, Jesus said “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, then my servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, my kingdom is not of this realm.” (John 18:36)

None of Jesus’ disciples engaged in physical violence; in fact, exactly the opposite. All except Judas and John were violently murdered for their faith and preaching about Jesus. The Apostle Paul was stoned several times and eventually beheaded. None retaliated, nor did they encourage other believers to do so. Rather than advocating violence, Jesus said “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27) and the Bible advises Christians to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). If Breivik was a Christian, he was seriously deluded and completely missed the message of Jesus and the New Testament. His actions and beliefs are not representative of Christianity.

Sources:
[1] Associated Press, “Excerpts from Norway gunman's manifesto”, 24 July 2011.
[2] Pittsburgh Tribune Review newspaper, “Norway gunfire, blast toll reaches 92”, 24 July 2011.
[3] William Boston, Time World, “Killer's Manifesto: The Politics behind the Norway Slaughter”, 24 July 2011.
[4] Marcus Walker and Katarina Gustafsson, “Attacks Cast Light On Far-Right Views”, Wall Street Journal – Europe, 24 July 2011.

When is your Independence Day?

July 4th, 1776, was Independence Day in the USA for about 2.5 million people, now significant for more than 311 million. More than $197 million in fireworks were imported to the USA in 2010, with $231 million produced here in 2007 [1]. Many other nations have similar celebrations; for example, Estonia declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 20, 1991, (after the first declaration on February 24, 1918 from the Russian Empire). Those are momentous nationally, but more important: What is your personal independence day?

On June 10, 1935, Bob took his last drink of alcohol. He met with Bill, a severe alcoholic, and explained the steps taken to break free from that debilitating addiction. June 10th is now celebrated as the Founding Day for Alcoholics Anonymous. From those inauspicious beginnings came the well known 12 steps and a program that has been used, not only at AA meetings, but many other “anonymous” addiction recovery programs: narcotics, gambling, sex, overeating, and others. It would be impossible - because of the anonymity - to number the millions of people who have found freedom from destructive addictions through this program. And, each one who successfully breaks free can look back to an individual Independence Day that is at least as significant personally as July 4, 1776 was nationally.

There’s another individual Independence Day, of even greater significance. As militia from the original 13 colonies threw off the yoke of Great Britain’s rule, each person faces the decision to break free from the bondage of sin. Jesus began His public ministry by stating He was sent by God to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and set the oppressed free (Luke 4:18). The day Jesus died, He declared independence from the power of the enemy (John 19:30, Luke 10:19) and all who choose to accept Him are free from the power of sin (Romans 6:22, 1 Corinthians 15:56-57). Believers remember the day we became free and anyone else who wishes may do the same (Acts 13:39).

The 12 steps work primarily because they are based on Biblical principles. For example, Step 5 states we “admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.” Similarly, James 5:16 directs us to “confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” Jesus gives freedom for those who accept Him: “if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Estonians celebrate two independence days. Some of us need two as well. All of us need at least one (John 3:18).

[1] U. S. Census Bureau newsroom, “Facts for Features: The 4th of July 2011”, < http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb11-ff13.html >

Remembering those who sacrificed for our freedom

As we fired up the grill this Memorial Day, we remember with gratitude those who fought and sacrificed for the freedom and prosperity we enjoy. The newspaper this morning, like too many other mornings, eulogized six soldiers who were killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. Earlier this year, Marine Lance Cpl. William Kyle Carpenter was presented with a purple heart for his heroic act of falling on a grenade to protect a fellow soldier. Carpenter lost an eye, most of his teeth and use of his right arm from a grenade blast Nov. 21 near Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Many other stories like this could be recounted.

Many have also given their lives for the sake of the message of freedom through belief in Jesus Christ, a freedom and prosperity that endures forever. Beginning with 10 of the 12 apostles who paid the ultimate price, to Nigerian Evangelist James Abdulkarim Yahaya, who was killed by men suspected to be Muslim fundamentalists. This Christian preacher was murdered in the Kado area of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, by four armed men who broke into his bedroom apartment as he slept and shot him. Yahaya was a former Muslim who converted to Christianity several years earlier. Then there's Missionary pilot Nate Saint and his companions who were killed in Equador in 1956 by Waodani tribesmen as they attempted to bring the message of Jesus. Though this tribe was isolated and cut off from civilization, due to the efforts of Christian missionaries, many came to belief in the Savior. Other stories like this could be recounted.

Similarly to the national Memorial Day celebration, Christians remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In our busy lives, do we take a moment occasionally to ask, “Am I living my life in a way that honors His death?” The Apostle Paul, who gave his life for the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, admonished us to “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12) and “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1). The best way to honor those who have given their lives is to give ours every day.

Team 6 and specialized weaponry

The success of the operation to kill or capture Geronimo, aka Osama bin Laden, began years earlier with the interrogation of Guantanamo Bay detainees. Alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Muhammad was captured by U.S. forces and provided false, but useful, information regarding bin Laden’s trusted courier. In 2004, Hassan Ghul was captured and provided the name of Abu Ahmed al-Kuwaiti. More pieces came into place in 2005, when Abu Faraj al-Libi was captured. Al-Libi had lived in Abbottabad in 2003 and, when questioned, made up a false name for the courier and denied knowing al-Kuwaiti. Putting all the information together, with Ghul’s being the linchpin, led agents to realize bin Laden’s courier was Sheikh Abu Ahmed, aka al-Kuwaiti. In 2009, they began tracking him and last summer he made a phone call to a target who was being monitored. [1] The rest of the story has been front page news since May 2nd.

Navy SEALs made the critical assault on bin Laden’s compound using the best weapons available and suited for the specific mission. Although some of the information is classified, as one might expect, against bin Laden, these likely included night-vision goggles and the M4A1 Carbine, standard issue weapon for SEAL operators, which is about 30 inches with the stock retracted, carries a 30 round magazine and can be set for semi or fully automatic. Flash bangs or stun grenades may be used to disorient residents of a target location. Suppressers, which are built into many modern-day weapons, enable easier communication (without loud gunshots) and possibly more stealth advantage. Short-barrel weapons -- such as a shortened M4 or AR-15 assault rifle - allow easier maneuverability in close quarters, around doors and hallways. [2]

Osama bin Laden may have been the most influential terrorist on the planet during this generation. The efforts to stop his destructive influences have been extraordinary. Consider the financial cost, intelligence gathering, and development of highly technical equipment and weapons. As destructive as al-Qa’ida has been, do we as Christians consider the enemy who can bring even more devastation in the lives of people? Jesus told us, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28). We take great precautions to protect ourselves physically from attacks with airport screening, home alarm systems, dogs, guns and so on. Do we show as much concern for our eternal souls and those of our loved ones? The true enemy of mankind is the spiritual force behind those who commit horrendous acts of evil and he has been masterminding terrorism for thousands of years.

The initial stage in the battle is identification of the enemy. As intelligence agents identified the courier and located bin Laden’s residence, those of us who are Christians identify the enemy, not as people who come against us, but the “forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). And one of the weapons we use is the “word of God” or the “sword of the Spirit” (v.17). Paul goes on to explain the manner in which we fight is to “pray at all times” (v.18).

Francis Schaeffer reminded that “We are locked in a battle. This is not a friendly, gentleman's discussion. It is a life and death conflict between the spiritual hosts of wickedness and those who claim the name of Christ.” [3] And, Matthew Henry informed, “Every true Christian is both a labourer and a soldier, working with one hand, and fighting with the other … never putting off our armour till our work and warfare are ended.” [4]

In ancient times, Roman soldiers used a sword that was not the biggest and heaviest, but most manageable and effective. As a lesson for Christians, “The believer needs a combat knowledge of the Word of God … The sword of the Spirit and prayer are the Christian’s offensive weapons. Once we have Satan on the run, we can keep him from a counterattack by using these weapons.” [5] Are we using our weapons in the ongoing battle against the master terrorist?

[1] Adam Goldman and Matt Apuzzo, Associated Press, “Phone call by Kuwaiti courier led to bin Laden”, 3 May 2011, < http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_bin_laden_hunt_for_bin_laden>
[2] www.navyseals.com/weapons-demo
[3] Francis Schaeffer, The Shelter
[4] Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible, Nehemiah 4:16-23.
[5] Hal Lindsey, Satan is Alive and Well on Planet Earth, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1972), 226-227.

Expectations

Is it difficult to maintain one’s faith in God when things go badly in life? Trials certainly test a believer’s faith and it may be tempting to ask, “God, why did you let this happen after all those years of Christian service and church attendance?” Maybe we have tried to live as a Christian, giving up all of the vices, tithing, and doing good deeds, only to have hard times in life cause us to wonder if it was worth it. This “Christian thing” doesn’t seem to make a difference, life is still bad, so I may as well live like I please and forget about God. It appears He forgot about me. Has anyone ever had thoughts like these? Why do some people hold onto faith in God like a lifeline, while others toss it aside with disgust?

This is a complex issue and a simple answer would be trite; however, one component in the mindset of those who choose to retain their faith involves expectations. These form part of a person’s philosophical outlook on life. These perspectives that color our perception of events often take the form of imperatives such as “should” or “must”. For example, “everyone I meet should like me” or “circumstances must always turn out good.” Other beliefs can include “It’s unfair that life is difficult”, “I deserve to be happy”, and so on. Clinical Psychologist Albert Ellis developed rational-emotive therapy (RET), which is based on the theory that irrational beliefs are a cause of distress in life. This is not new: 1st century philosopher Epictetus allegedly stated, “Men are disturbed not by things, but by the view that they take of them.” The imperatives in our cognitive belief system (“should” and “must”) are generally followed by perceived outcomes or cognitive distortions, such as catastrophizing. For example, “If something bad happens in life, it is a catastrophe.” For this mindset, there is often no middle ground, situations are good or bad, black or white.

Aaron Beck, father of cognitive therapy, listed typical cognitive distortions, some of which include:
• Overgeneralization - making a broad statement based on one, or a few, instances
• Polarized thinking - separating life events into only positive or negative, either a success or total failure
• Selective abstraction - pulling one event out of context to arrive at an erroneous interpretation
• magnification or catastrophizing - as the name suggests, is like turning an ant hill into Mount Everest
• Heaven’s reward fallacy - the expectation that our sacrifice and self-denial will pay off, as if someone is keeping score. We feel bitter when the reward doesn’t come.

So, how can irrational beliefs be countered? Books have been written on these topics, but we'll be brief here. The first step is to recognize and admit the problem by thinking about what we’re thinking about. We need to act as our own counselor and ask ourselves leading questions, such as “If X happens, will the world really end?” or “Because X happened, is my life over?” The irrational beliefs – and logical conclusions – must be disputed with reason. A second step involves changing our language, even if it is only in our head. For example, “should” and “must” can be replaced by more reasonable language, such as “If X happens, it will be difficult, but my life will not end and God will help me to recover.” As a caveat here, it is understood that some people go through very difficult circumstances in life and this is certainly not meant as a quick solution.

Concerning the issue of expectations, a man who lived long ago and suffered many difficulties said: “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” This was spoken in response to the man’s wife who instructed him to “Curse God and die”. This is exactly what the enemy of our soul tells us when things go bad: “Curse God, He’s not helping you. If He even exists, He let you down.” As Al Pacino said to Keanu Reeves in The Devil’s Advocate, God is “an absentee landlord”, not really helping people. But Job did not accept that irrational reasoning and, instead, “Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God” (Job 1:22). The matter of expectations is vital. If we expect life to always be good, it will be easy to lose faith when things go badly. But, even Jesus did not promise an easy life: “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). James stated, “Consider it all joy … when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2) and Peter wrote, “In this you greatly rejoice … you have been distressed by various trials” (1 Peter 1:6). If we expect difficulties at times in life, our faith will not be destroyed when they come. And, we have the promises that God will take us through the trials and reward perseverance. King David expected trouble at times: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous”, but he also expected help from above – “but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” After Jesus warned his disciples to expect trouble in the world, He said, “take courage; I have overcome the world."

True hero killed in Jerusalem bus bombing

Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share your master’s happiness. (Matthew 25:23)

Mary Gardner, originally from Orkney, Scotland, spent 20 years working with Wycliffe Bible Translators in the West African nation of Togo where she completed a translation of the New Testament for the first time into the language of Ife, which is spoken in Togo and Benin. She then planned to also translate the Old Testament into Ife and had just spent six months studying Hebrew at the Homes for Bible Translators near Mevaseret Zion, close to Jerusalem [1]. On March 23, 2011, a bomb exploded at a bus stop in Jerusalem, injuring about 30 and killing one person, Mary Gardner. This was the first major bombing in Jerusalem in seven years. A bag had been left on the pavement near the central bus station [2]. The language of Ife (also known as Ana, Ana-Ifé, and Baate) is spoken by about 182,000 people in West Africa [3]. The people in Togo and Benin who pick up a New Testament, for the first time now in their native language, may forever be grateful for the work of Mary Gardner.

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. (Matthew 5:12)

Wycliffe Bible Translators have made more than 700 translations available since they began in 1942, with several hundred more currently underway [4]. John Wycliffe was a reformation leader who completed a translation of the first English Bible from the Latin Vulgate in 1382. After he died in 1384, Wycliffe was declared a heretic and his bones were disinterred, burned and thrown into a river.

[1] Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Mary Jean Gardner”, 23 Mar 2011,
< http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism-+Obstacle+to+Peace/Memorial/2011/Victims/Mary_Jean_Gardner.htm >
[2] BBC News, “Jerusalem bus bomb: Mary Gardner’s family pays tribute”, 24 Mar 2011,
< http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-12856418 >
[3] Lewis, M. Paul (ed.), 2009. Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Sixteenth edition. Dallas, Tex.: SIL International.
[4] Wycliffe Bible Translators, < www.wycliffe.org >