Lecture: The Premise and Philosophy of Worship

I originally meant for the ideas here to be part of a future post for my ongoing “Analysis of Christianity” series.  However, I was asked to give a lecture on worship for our church’s music ministry seminar, so I had to write my analysis on worship sooner than intended.  Below is the final draft for my lecture.  I did not deliver it in verbatim during the actual lecture, of course, because I had to deliver it in “Taglish” for clarity and impact purposes – nonetheless, all thought remained the same.   

Good morning. 

Before we go on with the clinics on different worship instruments, I will be delivering first a short lecture about the premise and philosophy of worship. 

PART 1 – WHAT IS WORSHIP?

Let us define “worship”: 

A slide during lecture

That is, however, a broad and cold definition (as expected of a dictionary).  Let me analyze “worship” as how it’s significant to our spirituality. 

Worship is not only about music and singing, but every component – from start to finish – of corporate worship.  Some people mistakenly define and associate worship with just the part of the church service where the congregation sings hymns or praise and worship songs.  We should not limit worship to merely singing.  The sermon, offering, prayer, etc. – any activity during the service – is part of the worship.  In fact, if we need to determine what is the “most important” segment of corporate worship, it’s not the singing and music, but the sermon or the delivery of God’s Word.  The “praise and worship” segment is merely the “front act” for the sermon segment which is the “main event.”  The “praise and worship” segment is merely the “appetizer” and the Word is the “main course.” 

Worship is a lifestyle. When we do things for the primary purpose of pleasing God, even if it’s “secular” work like being a banker or carpenter, or studying hard as a student; or eating and drinking; or a small chore or task like sweeping the floor; then that is worship. When we are obeying God’s commands and are seeking God’s will, then that is worship. Whenever we glorify God with our lives, that is worship.

To worship God is the foremost purpose of Creation.  Thus, when Creation fails to fulfill its purpose, then that is an act of rebellion against the Creator.  Let us consider the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism:

Q: What is the chief end of man?

A: Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

It is our chief end to “give glory to God.”  But not only that, but we should also “enjoy” God forever!   To “glorify God” and to “enjoy God” always go together – it’s the same thing!  Take note that it’s “chief end”, and not “chief ends.”  You can’t have one without the other.  Thus, enjoying God always goes hand-in-hand with worship.  Whenever delight is absent, it ceases to be worship.  Our worship is only acceptable to God if it is a sincere and automatic response due to that fact that our delight is derived in Him.  When we “worship” out of mere sense of duty, it won’t honor God at all.    

Consider also that if we don’t enjoy God and worshipping him, then what would our eternity in Heaven be when our activity in Heaven is worshipping God for all eternity?  Think about it: even if – hypothetically speaking – both worshippers and non-worshippers will go to Heaven, only the true worshippers will really think of Heaven as Heaven because they are with the One that gives them excitement and joy and they won’t ever tire in worshipping Him.  The non-worshippers will actually have “Hell” even if they are in Heaven because they will be required to do something that they take no delight in (i.e. worshipping) for all eternity; they will have eternal boredom rather than eternal thrill.      

       

Only Christians can truly worship God.  Why is this so?  Two reasons:

a.) The glory of God has been revealed to them.  Thus, they see that He is a God that is more than worthy of their worship.      

b.)  They love God, and they draw their delight and thrill in him.        

Since only Christians have been equipped (by God’s grace) to worship God, then they are the only ones that can accomplish “the chief end of man”, as what was established by the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

Worship is spontaneous.  Just as someone who has been impressed and moved by a singer’s performance will automatically applaud the singer, so will someone who sees God’s overwhelming attractiveness and splendor will automatically worship Him.    

We worship God because we love him.  The emotions of thrill and joy are always present when we love.  When we love, those feelings of thrill and joy that are contained in our hearts would surely explode, pushing us to express our love by doing things that would please the object of our love.  Thus, if we really love God, the by-products of love – thrill and joy – will compel us to worship Him.  I said a while ago that worship is spontaneous.  And the love that we have for God is a major catalyst in the spontaneity of our worship.      

PART 2 – THE LOGIC TRAIN OF WORSHIP 

Based on the analysis of worship we had in Part 1, we can derive this train of logic:

A slide during lecture

The more we know God, the deeper we fall in love with Him.  The more we love God, the more delight and thrill we feel for God.  The more intense our feeling of excitement and joy are, the more impulsive our acts of worship are and the more sincerely glad we are when we are doing them.    

Moreover, through these acts of worship, God will continue to reveal himself to us.  

PART 3 – THE PHILOSOPHY OF WORSHIP LEADING

Being part of the music ministry is a great honor.  Be proud and humbled when you become/are part of the music ministry.  As part of the music ministry, I find that it’s through music and songs in which worship to God can be effortlessly articulated.  Expressing adoration, thanksgiving, and praise are easily done through the lyrics and the mood and spirit are easily moved into a worshipful state by the music.  Music and lyrics are great tools in easy establishment of a direct connection with God and feeling his presence.  Therefore, as part of the music ministry that leads the congregation in this special experience, I consider it a great privilege to be in the frontlines.     

Every member of the music ministry – both singers and instrumentalists – is a worship leader.  And as worship leaders, it is imperative for music ministry members to maintain a lifestyle of a worshipper – to not only be an effective worshipper in the music ministry, but also in other acts of worship as well, especially in living a holy life.  Worship leaders should not only be leading the congregation in singing to God, but should also lead the congregation in the worship of God through the obedience of His Words.  Worship leaders have the responsibility to be the “role models” of the church.       

Practice well.  Making mistakes when playing instruments or singing is okay since we are human after all.   What is important is our heart.  However, this should not be used as an excuse for making mistakes. Any mistake made that could have been avoided if you had practiced well is dishonoring God.  Mistake happens but any mistake should have not been due to laziness in practicing.  If we gave it our best and had practiced hard, but still made a mistake, then that’s okay (but we should do our best to avoid making the same mistake the next time).  Nonetheless, we should always keep in mind the necessity to pursue excellence since we will be performing for the King of Kings, who is deserving of the best quality of music and worship possible!    

Repent our sins before leading the worship.  This is self-explanatory.  In fact, every Christian should do this before attending or joining the corporate worship.  Truly, when we are full of sin, God won’t accept our worship.  If we attempt to worship without repentance, that is hypocrisy in our part.  So asking forgiveness for our sins is an imperative SOP (standard operating procedure) before the start of worship.

We are not rock stars.  Music ministry members should remain humble; we should instead be thankful for the talent and privilege that God has given us.  We are not performing in a concert, we are leading the congregation in worshipping God.  We are not the stars; the glory is not for us.  The best worship leaders are those that can effectively direct all available glory towards God.  John 3:30 – “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” – should be our mantra and slogan.  

This quote from the main character of the anime Kuroko No Basuke also perfectly articulated the proper philosophy of a worship leader:

A slide during lecture

God is our Light, and we worship leaders are His shadow.  Just as Tetsuya directs attention away from himself to make his teammates better, so we must make ourselves less and less that God would become greater and greater.  As the shadow, let us be “darker” that “the white of the Light will stand out.”  Once again, let me repeat this for emphasis: The best worship leaders are those that can effectively direct all available glory towards God.

We are all called to be worshippers, but not all of us are called to be worship leaders.  Both heart and talent are needed to become worship leaders.  Heart is, of course, more important than talent.  And I totally believe that when you are really called for the music ministry, God will grant you the heart.  And when you have the heart, the talent is guaranteed to follow.     

I find it annoying when people claim that the “heart” is enough, that the talent is unnecessary.  I don’t believe that.  If one truly has the heart, then he will also have the talent.   HOWEVER – take note! – it doesn’t mean that when one has the talent, then that is an immediate evidence of that he has the heart.  All that have the heart will ALWAYS have the talent, but not all that have the talent have the heart. 

I have this experience in one youth summer camp when I was still a teenager.  The worship leader – a woman – in one particular service was so hilariously out of tune that one can’t help but guffaw, even if you try to stop yourself.  Noticing that most of the campers – especially the boys – were laughing, giggling, and chuckling, she justified herself after one song that “what’s important is her ‘heart to worship lead’ and her inability to sing in tune is a non-factor.” 

I beg to differ with her opinion.  Yes, as long as you have a sincere worshipful heart, even if you are unable to sing in tune, your song will be acceptable to God.  But that is far as being a worshipper in the congregation is concerned.  That is even applicable if you are doing a special song number for the Lord.  But not when you’re a worship leader.  In the case with being a worship leader – capability in singing is required.  If you can’t sing, then don’t worship lead by singing.  When you worship lead, you should have the ability to effectively draw the congregation into a worshipful state and lead them into glorifying God.  You would need talent.  “Heart” is not enough.  If you are distracting the congregation instead of leading them into worship because you are singing out of tune, you are failing as a worship leader and you are not at all glorifying God with your “heart”.  In fact, this could reflect that you really don’t have a sincere heart of worship, and that “heart” you are claiming to have is merely your own selfish desire to sing or perform in front of the congregation. 

Thus, it is very important to evaluate ourselves if we are truly called to be worship leaders.  Let us determine if the “heart” we have are truly His calling or merely our own will to glorify ourselves.  Pray and fast for it.  We should seek His will.  Let us not insist ourselves to go into a ministry that God didn’t call us to be. If God truly called us, he will equip us.  Besides, since we are all called to be worshippers, it might be that though we can’t be worship leaders or part of the music ministry, we can be more blessed worshippers in some other ministry – a ministry that God has ordained for us.   

            

I can still remember how I learned to play the guitar.  I prayed that if God will give me the talent, I will dedicate it primarily for ministry.   And God answered my prayer; sometime later, I learned the guitar.  And through that answered prayer, I understood that I’m truly called to glorify God through the music ministry.   

My prayer is that today, you won’t only improve in skills but that you would also come into recognition of what is God’s will for you as a worshipper.  Thank you and all glory be to God. 

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The Purpose of the World's Pleasures

Let me clear this out right here in the very beginning, to avoid misunderstanding or confusion later on – of course, there are times when pleasures don’t glorify God.  Whenever we delight in and give priority to the world’s pleasures more than we do with God, then that is idolatry – a sin.   Also, there are such things as sinful pleasures – pleasures that are explicitly not permitted by God to be enjoyed by us (e.g. sex outside marriage). 

But pleasure per se is not evil.  In fact, it is something that God has invented, and everything that God invents is good, which we should accept and be thankful for (1 Tim 4:4).  Hence, pleasures are good.       

Sex, food and drink, nature, entertainment, music, pop culture, arts, companionship, rest, vacation and travel, friendship, success, etc.  We are naturally designed to derive enjoyment from these things.  We are meant to enjoy the pleasures of this world.  For this is God’s world, and the world’s pleasures are God’s.

  

For me, there are four main reasons why pleasures exist:

1.) The world’s pleasures are God’s gifts to us, his children.  Just as human fathers give their children treats, God the Father also gives treats to his children.  By these, God has somewhat shown a glimpse of his goodness and favor to his children, for his glory.       

2.) So that we might have a concept on what is pleasure.  What it’s all about.  What’s the feeling and experience. 

3.)  So that we will have a benchmark – a point of comparison – when we eventually obtain a greater kind of pleasure.  And that once we experience that greater kind of pleasure, we would see how miniscule or irrelevant the world’s pleasures are when compared to it.     

4.) The world’s pleasures are intended as appetizers.  To make us desire for greater pleasures than these.  For pleasures that are not of this world.  For heavenly pleasures.  For eternal pleasures.  For pleasures that can only be exclusively found in God alone.

The pleasures of this world are not the ends.  It is merely the means for us to be led to the Ultimate Pleasure that is found in God.  These world’s pleasures should ultimately bring us to focus on God – for us to eventually derive our ultimate happiness in Him and in Him alone.  That even when time comes that we won’t be able to experience the world’s pleasures anymore, we won’t mind at all, because we now obtain our overflowing and unending pleasure from our fellowship with God, who is the Author of pleasure. 

  

Unfortunately, instead of letting these pleasures lead us to God, we are okay with just settling with them.  We prioritize them.  We invest our happiness on them.   Instead of seeking God (by the help of these), we seek the pleasures of this world instead.  They become our ends instead of our means to find our Ultimate Pleasure.  We are content with settling with these lesser kinds of pleasures instead of moving on to the superior kind!  As C.S. Lewis beautifully articulated, “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

Now that we’ve established what the world’s pleasures’ purpose is – to help us to eventually find our full delight in God – and have recognized the danger of enjoying them – that is, focusing our delight on them that we forget about pursuing the greater pleasure found in God – then, what should our approach be on dealing with pleasure?  Should we start hating pleasure then?   By no means!  On the contrary, we should intensify our pursuit for pleasure.  And what I meant by “intensifying our pursuit for pleasure” is for us to stop being too easily pleased with the worldly pleasures but instead let us yearn for such pleasure that is found in God, which is eternally satisfying and extremely delightful. 

Moreover, it also doesn’t necessarily mean we should totally stop enjoying the “lesser kind” of pleasures.  As what was said earlier, they are God’s gifts and they are meant to be enjoyed.  As long as they are not sinful and aren’t hindering us with our relationship with God (but, rather, just the opposite, they are helping us to be closer to God), all these pleasures will always be, as what the Bible says, “permissible” to us (1 Cor 6:12). 

Nevertheless, though the Bible tells us that these things are always “permissible”, it also tells us that not all things are “helpful” (1 Cor 6:12).  No matter how “permissible” these pleasures are, they might not help us in our dealing with matters of eternal significance, e.g. our pursuit of finding our ultimate pleasure in God, and the risk of being distractions is always present in them.  It’s just an unfortunate proven fact that the Devil can easily use pleasures to tempt us into idolatry and sin.  That’s why some Christians totally abstain from some pleasures (e.g. alcoholic beverages, TV or movies).  Now, total abstinence is not a requirement, but it’s very much highly recommended.  Absence of worldly pleasures removes the risk of sinning through them.  And absence of these things allows someone to completely put his full attention to God and draw delight from Him.  Even for those who don’t choose to completely abstain on some worldly pleasures, it is still strongly advisable to periodically abstain from the pleasures of this world – to evaluate ourselves if we sincerely delight in God more than these.   That is why a concept such as “fasting” exists. 

The past paragraph made the whole idea seemingly paradoxical, but that’s just how the way it actually is.  The more we delight in God, the readier we are to forfeit our God-given freedom of enjoying the (non-sinful) pleasures of this world. 

Furthermore – this is a cliché but necessary to mention here nonetheless – according to the Bible, whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, we should do it all for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31).  This maxim absolutely applies, too, on whenever we enjoy the pleasures of this world.  Thus, determining if a pleasure will glorify God or not should be our foremost consideration when deciding whether we should go on to undertake that pleasure or not, regardless of that pleasure being the “permissible” kind. 

Because whenever God is absent in our dealing with the pleasures of this world – if we fail to seek His glory above our enjoyment of these things – then it would surely lead to sinning.   Thus, if we know that there’s a possibility that the pleasure we are enjoying might lead us to sin or won’t glorify God at all, and we don’t trust ourselves of having the necessary self-discipline to stop enjoying that pleasure when it’s already likely that it will lead us to sin, then it is still best to avoid or abstain from enjoying that pleasure instead of risking the chance of sinning or failing in giving glory to God.

Lastly, as we are enjoying the pleasures of this world, it’s imperative that we retain the positive things but discard the negative things.  Using our understanding of what’s the ultimate purpose of pleasure is and our conviction to keep the glory of God paramount as our filters, we will be able to do just that.  We will be able to watch a movie or read a novel, enjoy the story, and just absorb the wisdom and morals that can be derived from it but would be able discard the unhelpful aspects.  We will be able to appreciate the beauty and/or optimism of the music and lyrics, but won’t be influenced by the godless lifestyle or philosophy of the musician.  When we witness a volcanic eruption, we will forget our terror but instead see it as the manifestation of God’s splendor.  We will be able to spot analogies or illustrations that are relevant to our spirituality and relationship with God when we come in contact with pop culture, and won’t notice those that don’t.  And, thus, we can truly be able to effectively use this world’s pleasures as what they were intended to be – our first step towards an Ultimate Pleasure.  

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Is "Defiance" the Next "Firefly"?: My Initial Thoughts About the Show

Four episodes into Syfy’s Defiance and I admit that I’m already hooked with the show.  It has become one of the four TV series I’m currently closely following each week (the rest being Castle, Psych, and Elementary).  The first impression one will have of the show is of being a Firefly rip-off because of the sci-fi western flavor and the “rugged frontier”-like setting.  It also borrowed several of the elements and tropes from other past sci-fi TV shows like Farscape, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Battlestar: Galactica (there could be more but these are all Defiancehas reminded me of).  But, yeah, most of the parallels are Firefly’s.       

Defiance, as of time being, is far from Firefly-esque awesomeness, but it has the potential of getting there.  That’s why I’m watching it.  That’s why I’m looking forward to each new episode. 

THE PREMISE

The greatest thing about this show is the premise.  I find it fresh and appealing, despite of being merely a smart juxtaposition of ideas from premises of past sci-fi properties.  

Here’s the background of the story…

Votans – the collective name of seven alien races from the Votanis star system – arrived at Earth in 2013.  They were surprised to discover that humans are already occupying it since they thought that the planet was uninhabited.  They intended to make Earth their new home after their system was destroyed by a stellar collision. 

The Votans and Humans were, at first, despite the tensions and hostilities, merely having negotiations for the settling of the aliens, whose majority was still in hypersleep aboard the Votan fleet orbiting the planet.  Then in 2023, an assassination of a Votan envoy sparked the war between Humans and Votans.  This was dubbed the “Pale Wars” and dragged on for seven years. 

Then in 2030, the apocalyptic event known as “Arkfall” happened, changing the face of the Earth.  It was ushered in by the mysterious explosion of the Votan fleet in orbit.  Votans blamed rogue human commanders for it while Humans believed it was the result of disastrous weapons experiments by the Votans.  The results was the death of the millions of Votans who were still in the ships, and the crashing Votan ships towards Earth accidentally activated and released Votan terraformer technology.  The unintended, uncontrolled terraforming caused severe, drastic and chaotic changes to the Earth’s biosphere and geology.  Votan plants and animals were introduced to the ecosystem, and some native plant and animal species were badly mutated by the unrestrained terraforming technology, creating disturbing hybrids or new species.  The considerable, traumatic change in the environment of Earth made it dangerous and unfamiliar to both Humans and Votans.   

The debris of the Votan ships formed an artificial belt around Earth which has been dubbed “Ark belt.”  Periodically, debris would drop – a sort of minor “Ark falls” – to the ground, which is both perilous and beneficiary to those survivors below, since there’s chance for salvaging valuable Votan technology from the wreckage to be sold or used.  

Because of Arkfall, the two sides were both greatly worn out, prompting an end to the Pale Wars.  There was a lack of remaining organized governments for both humans and aliens, thus, there was a rise of communities and factions of humans and aliens banding and cooperating together to survive in this new world (hence, the Western frontier-style setting).     

One of these said communities is the town of Defiance (hence, the name of the show), named after the legendary Battle of Defiance – where soldiers from both Human and Votan armies defied their commanders’ orders, stopped fighting, and banded together instead to save endangered civilians (the soldiers from this battle was given the venerable title of the Defiant Few, in which the main character, Joshua Nolan, is one of).   

THE CHARACTERS

 

One of the main reasons that made Firefly awesome was its lead character, Captain Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds.  That character was so easy to get fond of, thanks largely to the portrayal of the charming Nathan Fillion.  The lead of Defiance, Joshua Nolan, has many strengths as lead character.  Though he seems unremarkable at first, liking the character steadily grew on me.  Nolan and Mal have some similar characteristics with each other like both being grittily but roguishly cowboyish, and both being former soldiers in a past significant war and had been participants in a legendary battle during the war – Nolan, one of the Defiant Few in the Battle of Defiance, and Mal, one of the Browncoats in the Battle of Serenity Valley.  However, unfortunately, despite these similarities, Nolan’s no Captain Mal.  Mal is more charismatic and easily lovable.  And since you won’t help comparing Defiance with Firefly, you will always compare Nolan with Mal and find the former paling in comparison with the latter.

 

My most favorite Defiance characters are the husband and wife duo of Datak Tarr and Stahma Tarr.  They are far the most fascinating and strongest characters in the series.  The depictions of the two – a large part attributed to the effective performances of the characters’ actors – have successfully portrayed the said characters’ depths and intriguing features.  In a way, these two and the emphatic entertainment they bring from their performances are reasons enough to watch the show.        

The weakest characters, in my opinion, are Alak Tarr and Christie McCawley.  I don’t like them.  I don’t dislike them either.  And that’s actually worse than disliking them, since it means the characters can’t get a reaction from me.  I find them unimportant, bland, and distracting.  Maybe because there’s an air of Twilight in their romance.  Then again, to be fair, the show is still early though and there’s a lot of room for improvement.   

To be honest, aside from Datak and Stahma, I find the others aren’t very exceptional.  Oh, they’re okay.  Joshua Nolan, Irisa Nyira, Mayor Amanda Rosewater, Kenya Rosewater and Rafe McCawley are fine and have their moments.  But the tang of being “stock characters” can’t be removed from them yet.  As for the other minor characters – with the exception of Alak and Christie – I find them essential and relevant in the flow of the show. 

Nonetheless, the show is at its early stage and the characters are still developing, thus, it’s necessary to reserve most judgment regarding the characters.

MOST ANNOYING PART

Aliens would converse.  They would start their conversation in an alien tongue.  Halfway through the conversation, they would switch to English.  And that bugs me greatly.  To be fair, this happens in a lot of other sci-fi shows.

Also, the CGI could be better.  But it’s not a major complain from me.  As long as the amount of interest and thrill that the plot and the characters can generate overweigh the mediocre CGI quality, that’s fine with me.   And, so far, that is what is exactly happening in the series.  

IN CLOSING…

Defiance has been so far promising and entertaining.  If we don’t compare it to Firefly or any other shows, it stands on its own as a pretty solid show worth watching.       

I said in the opening that I’m sticking around with Defiance because of its potential.  And as long as I feel that the potential is still there, I will be following the show.   In fact, I think that even if the show fail to achieve that level of awesomeness I’m hoping it would become, as long as that feeling of potential – just this – remains present, I’ll actually take it.  I’m willing to continue watching it for that.       

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Some Random Thoughts Before the 2013 Elections

The election is less than a week away.  I’ve already done some evaluation on the candidates for Senate – through watching forums/debates and doing some research – to help me with my picks.  However, I won’t be analyzing the candidates here, nor list those I would vote for, as what I did last election (too many candidates).  But I have some random two cents’ worth of thoughts in regards to the election, which I would be sharing here.  Maybe you’ll find a thing or two that would be helpful when doing your own evaluations.   

ENTERTAINING

You know what’s the best thing about the elections?  The entertainment!  Now, the two best kinds of election-related entertainment are: a.) the emergence of nuisance candidates during filing of candidacies, whose show of batshit craziness and confidence easily creates comical segments on TV; and b.) when the qualified candidates make fools of themselves.  

Some of the instances where candidates make fools of themselves are on debates or forums – when occasional questions from moderators, opponents in candidacy, or members of the audience during an open forum force them to give answers that expose their hypocrisy and/or incompetence.  That’s just the tip of the iceberg though.  The most likely occasion you’ll be able to witness candidates making fools of themselves are during their campaign rallies.  Here, they would often participate on some dance numbers.  And these politicians’ dances are among the most ridiculous, most hilarious things I’ve ever seen.  First-rate comedy.  Guaranteed LOL-inducing entertainment.    

Kind of tells us the magnitude politicians are willing to undertake – even the expense of their own dignity – to get into power.  

To be honest, if a performance has the charm of the right quality of hilarity, I would give a minor “plus points” for my evaluation on that candidate.   

CHOOSING THE LESSER EVIL

I did find it hard completing my Twelve.  To be honest, I find faults in all the candidates and find it hard  to really trust any of them that I’ve just did some “choosing the lesser evil” evaluation when picking those I would vote for.  I considered the positives and negatives about each candidate, and if the positives outweighed the negative, then I decided to risk voting for him or her.  

“NO CHOICE VOTES”

Among my picks, those I’ve selected without hesitation after my evaluations – because the positives overwhelm the negatives – number less than five.  Most of my picks are just “no choice votes” – candidates that I’m willing to give the benefit of the doubt, hoping they would actually do more good than harm

Some would argue that it’s better to forfeit some slots if one doesn’t have a complete 12 candidates he is most willing to vote for – that if he only has five candidates he really wants to vote for, then he should just vote for that five and forfeit the other six slots.  If this was a still a pen-and-paper election, I would have agreed.  I can just comfortably draw a line across those blank spots.  But now that elections are automated (which is, take note, generally superior), I don’t feel comfortable leaving some circles unshaded.  I am kind of paranoid that those unshaded parts would be shaded by other persons.  Of course, there are safeguards against that.  But I’m uncomfortable on risking such possibility.  Thus, I would rather make “no choice votes” – to fill all of the 12 spots for Senators – and pray that they won’t do anything that would make me regret voting for them.          

WHAT IF VOTING FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS ARE THE SAME AS VOTING FOR BOARD MEMBERS OF A CORPORATION?

I often wondered if it’s better for the elections to have the same mechanics as how stockholders vote for members of the Board, in which the voter can distribute his votes.  Example: he can use all 12 votes on just candidate; or he can allocate his votes: give 3 votes to Candidate A, 1 vote for Candidate B, 2 votes for Candidate C, and 6 votes for Candidate D;  or vote for 12 candidates by giving one vote each… you get the idea.  At least with that system, then we avoid the “no choice votes” scenario.         

A THOUGHT EXPERIMENT REGARDING PREFERENCE

Here’s a question for you:  who will you pick over, A) the competent but “immoral” candidate or B) the “moral” but incompetent candidate?  When I say “immoral”, it doesn’t necessarily mean someone who is enriching himself by stealing public funds or worthlessly lazy in his job – because if a candidate is such, I won’t vote for him – but “immoral” in the sense that he has many vices or has committed adultery or is separated from his or her spouse.  Thus, what I mean by “moral” is in the sense of he has no vices or has no marital scandals.  So between the two choices, A and B, who’s your choice? 

For me, I’m actually more ready to vote for the candidate who has had a failed marriage and drinks and smokes BUT is greatly capable and productive when doing his job than the candidate who is in a steady marriage and doesn’t drink nor smoke BUT is completely clueless and inutile in his job.       

Remember that we are judging the candidates with regards to their capability as public officials, and not as a person.   

Nevertheless, I give exception to those who are inexperienced but are sincere, hardworking, and ready to learn.  I am willing to risk giving my votes to such candidates.        

NO COMMUNISTS!

Because I “choose the lesser evil”, I would not vote for Communist candidates.  Oh, I was tempted to vote because of their intelligence and have articulately delivered some fine thoughts.  But NO!  The negative aspect of being Communist scums greatly overwhelms any positive things they possess.  Thus, I won’t be giving votes to those candidates who have originated from party lists that have ties with the despicable New People’s Army.   

VOTE FOR THE “LITO LAPIDS”, NOT THE “BHONG REVILLAS”

Actors turned Senators Lito Lapid and Bhong Revilla aren’t running this election (having already won last 2010, thus, their term will expire on 2016).  So what do I mean by “Lito Lapids” over “Bhong Revillas”?  

Lito Lapid is being made fun of because he seems totally out of place in the Senate.  He is seemingly always clueless and can’t speak straight English during discussions or debates in the Senate.  But you know what?  Lapid is actually one of the more productive Senators in regards to passing laws.  And a significant amount of these laws, mind you, has “human consideration” factor – meaning it is sympathetic to the masses and is socially relevant.  “How is this possible?” you ask.  Well, it just means, no matter how intellectually lacking Lapid is, he, however, has one of the best staffs in the Senate. So sometimes we also have to put into consideration each candidate’s respective staff’s competence as much as the candidate’s.   

Morever, I never found Lito Lapid pretending what he is not.  He never pretended he’s a “brainy” individual.  If there’s something he doesn’t understand, he doesn’t pretend that he does. He’s just natural and down-to-earth.  Just being the common man in the Senate gives him the “masa” appeal.         

Bhong Revilla, on the other hand, never fails to annoy me whenever he opens his mouth during Senate discussions.  He gives an air of a know-it-all, acting as if he is in par with the most intelligent of Senators.  I could be wrong in my judgment of him, but that is what I feel.      

(Also, Lito Lapid had more enjoyable movies [in terms of the standards of Philippine entertainment] and had played more memorable characters.  On the other hand, I haven’t derived any drop of entertainment from any Bhong Revilla performances.  If there are any, I can’t remember.  So if you put into consideration their work in the movies when you are evaluating actors running for office, wouldn’t it be fair to choose that one whose movies had actually given you some entertainment?)     

This election, there are also “Lito Lapid”-types and “Bhong Revilla”-types (to name some of the latter kind: everyone in the Ang Kapatiran ticket).  Consider voting for the former, but never the latter.   

(And to answer your probable question – Yes.  I did vote for Lito Lapid last 2010)  

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY 

As a Christian, I acknowledge God’s sovereignty in all things.  This includes the people of authority.  Thus,  the winners of this election are those willed by God to be in power – whether they would do good or bad for our country.  We, however, can be sure that all things would ultimately work out to bring about the good end that God has purposed with his omniscient wisdom.  We can trust that God is good and that His plan is perfect.        

Since our leaders are God-ordained, we need to submit to their authority as long as it is not sinful or contrary to God’s commands.  And as the Supreme Authority, all authorities in this world are answerable to God.  Thus, if they do wrong or be unfaithful with their governance, they will be accountable before God.  But as subjects to our government and authority, as a general rule, we must remain patiently submissive and obedient to our leaders as what God wants us to be.  In the end, rewards or punishments are going to be given to the leaders and subjects with regards to how they had been faithful or unfaithful in carrying out the roles that God has given them.     

  

HOPE

I give attention to the elections with the same amount attention I have for sports.  I root for a preferred candidate with just the same kind of rooting I would do for a Miss Universe candidate.  I give importance to political topics with as much importance as I give to pop culture topics.     

It would look as if I’m apathetic, not treating voting as sacred, but that’s not the case.  I recognize the importance of suffrage and my responsibility as a voter, but it’s not at all part of the most vital, crucial things I have to deal with in my life.  This May 2013 Elections, politics, and everything in this world in general will pass away.  And important and significant as they might be in the present time, they are trivial in the perspective of eternal importance.

As a Christian, I know of my ultimate end and purpose.  I know that I should focus and invest on all things eternal.  But while still living in this world, I am still subject to its issues and responsibilities – like politics and voting.  And, thus, I should deal with them.  But as I deal with them, I should not devote my full focus on them.  I should not consider them as an ultimate end itself.  Rather, I should just consider them as petty tasks and matters I have to deal with while I’m still leaving in this world.  

Of course, I would love for our government to lead our country into economic and political supremacy.  If that happens, then great!  If it doesn’t happen, then so what?  The Philippines, its politics, and my Filipino citizenship are all temporary anyway.   But Heaven, my soul, and my citizenship in Heaven are for eternity.  And it is with these eternal things I derive my Ultimate Hope.  

I will do my part this upcoming election.  And I do always pray for this nation.  But my hope is not on this election nor is on the candidates I vote for.  My hope should not be invested on anything of this world.  My hope should be on God and on God alone.  

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Top 10 Reasons this 2012-13 NBA Season Has Been My Worst Season as an LA Lakers Fan Ever

I am an LA Lakers fan.  No matter how humbling and disappointing this past season turn out to be for Lakerdom, I proudly hold my head high to be identified as such.  

I have confidence that we’ll be back on top again someday.  It might take a few seasons.  But I have no doubt that it’s going to happen. 

Nonetheless, to say that this season isn’t heartbreaking would be a lie.  It has been.  But I guess it’s just goes with the territory of a fan investing much love on his favorite team.  I consider the start of the 1999-2000 Season as the beginning of my official die-hard Laker fandom, and since then, this season has been the worst I’ve ever experienced.  Here are the reasons why:

10.) LEBRON JAMES AND THE HEAT ARE ON THEIR WAY TO ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP

 

Of course, as a Kobe and Lakers fan, there’s a feeling of slight envy for LeBron and the Heat.  Kobe and the Lakers had a dreadful failed season while LeBron and the Heat are in the best position to win the a back-to-back championship.  Ugh.  To be honest, I root against the Heat harder than I root against the Celtics.  Just can’t help disliking that team.  If the Pacers can’t beat the Heat, I root for either the Warriors or Grizzlies (my bets after the elimination of the Lakers) to destroy them in the Finals.

Nonetheless, there’s no denying that LeBron is the hands down, unanimous choice for best player in the NBA right now.  His stats and game are out-of-this-world phenomenal.  It’s either: a) he’s juiced with performance enhancing drugs, or b) he’s just fate’s choice to be the King of Kings of Basketball.  As a Kobe fan, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth to see that this time had come: LeBron has overwhelmingly surpassed my hero Kobe Bryant.  Still, as a basketball fan, you have no choice but to be awed by LeBron James right now.  I will be rooting against him nonetheless.  Unless this happens next year…

9.) WINLESS PRE-SEASON

For the first time in franchise history, the Lakers didn’t win a single game during the pre-season.  Of course, pre-season records are meaningless but this is the Los Angeles Lakers we’re talking about!  Besides, no team in the history of the game has ever won a championship after being winless in the pre-season. 

The pre-season was a frightening premonition on what season was laid ahead for the Lakers.    

8.) NO CHAMPIONSHIP

 

Everyone knows the high expectations in Laker Nation.  Any season short of a championship is a failure.  That’s a cliché in Lakerdom.  But the “failure” of this season goes beyond that.  With having such a roster of All-Stars, everybody expected the Lakers to be in title contention.  However, the Lakers had spent the considerable amount of the season below .500 that to just make the playoffs became the new team objective instead of the championship. 

(For this item on the list, I choose to use a picture of Kobe and Pau after winning a championship.  Because I greatly miss those happy, glorious days.)    

7.) MIKE D’ANTONI OVER PHIL JACKSON

 

After leading the Lakers to the first ever winless pre-season in franchise history and a 1-4 start into the regular season, Mike Brown was rightfully fired.  Everybody was expecting the return of Phil Jackson as head coach.  The fans were excitedly waiting for the expected announcement of the hiring.  Even Phil thought the negotiations were going there.      

Then the hiring of Mike D’Antoni came out of nowhere.  And the Lakers management did it in such a way that was seemingly disrespectful to Jackson that any goodwill for possible future return is badly damaged, if not totally obliterated already.     

D’Antoni proved to be not much of an upgrade over Mike Brown.  He failed to create any form of effective team chemistry.  There was no efficient usage of personnel.  It seems he was stubbornly imposing his own system without taking into consideration the capabilities of his players.  He was uncompromising to necessary adjustments, as dictated by common sense.  He was emotional – his negative emotions doing harm than good.  And the Lakers continued to fall, even dropping to eight games below .500 at one time – a difficult hole to climb back to. 

Sure, D’Antoni was able to formulate a workable system (at least, on offense) later on.  Kobe Bryant as primary facilitator and ball handler (contrary to the initial Steve Nash) was a moderate success.  Lakers were able to claw themselves back to .500 and eventually into contention for a playoff spot.  But D’Antoni had to rely heavily on Kobe Bryant to drag the team there (which will have severe consequences later on). 

To be fair, D’Antoni had his moments.  Take for example:

This trick play he drafted was brilliant!  My favorite D’Antoni moment of the season.     

But overall, I am disappointed with him.  I never had the feeling that he was a good coach for the Lakers.  I felt no sympathy towards him during the awkward “We want Phil!” incident in Shaq’s number retirement ceremony.  If I was there, I would have chanted with the crowd myself.  

6.) THIS COULD PROBABLY BE KOBE AND PAU’S LAST SEASON TOGETHER

 

The Lakers’ Game 4 elimination at the hands of the Spurs could be Kobe and Pau’s last moment as Lakers teammates.  And, it sucks.  Heck, they weren’t even playing together (with Kobe injured and in street clothes)! 

Pau has emerged as one of my most favorite Lakers ever.  He was significantly instrumental in the Lakers’ return to glory (post-Shaq).  It was a lot of fun watching Kobe and Pau winning championships together.  The Kobe and Pau tandem has been thrilling and wonderful.  One of my best moments as a Laker fan. 

Pau remaining with the Lakers is unlikely.  The most logical move for the Lakers, businesswise and teamwise, is to trade Pau for valuable team pieces or cap relief (leaving room to acquire other pieces). That is, if Dwight Howard decides to re-sign with the Lakers. Of course, if D12 chooses to leave, the Lakers management would be fools if they still trade Pau.  It is also possible that the Lakers will choose to risk it for another season and still keep Pau even after D12 re-signs.  That possibility is just slight though.         

I would have wanted for Kobe and Pau’s last game to be an epic one – either it’s a championship clinching game or of them going down in a blaze of glory.  That game against the Spurs was not it.

I knew there would come a time when Kobe and Pau would have their last season together as teammates.  But not like this.  Considering that this was…

5.) PAU’S WORST SEASON IN HIS CAREER

Pau’s career stats:

Clearly, the past season’s – most notably, offensively – has been the most inferior.  He had career lows in FG% and points per game and he missed a lot of games due to injury.  And, thus, it’s one of the main reasons the Lakers have failed to become a dangerous, elite team this year. 

 

4.) SWEPT IN THE FIRST ROUND

 

The Lakers was one of the first two teams to make a playoff exit.  The Bucks is the other one.  Both of them got swept.  (As of writing, the Celtics and Rockets, however, have just emerged victorious from their Game 5 battles in their respective opponents’ home floor, extending their series to a Game 6 after falling to a 0-3 start!)      

This season marked the first time in my years as a Lakers fan that the LA Lakers got swept in the first round.    

I thought that the Lakers, even with no Kobe, were in good position in upsetting the Spurs.  But injuries overwhelming the Lakers’ already weak depth and Popovich outcoaching D’Antoni just destroyed all hope of it happening.      

Ah, injuries and D’Antoni – the two primary reasons of the Lakers’ downfall this season. 

3.) DEATH OF JERRY BUSS

The magnitude of this season’s failure is increased when we put into the mixture the fact that it was during this season that the great and legendary Dr. Jerry Buss passed away.  It feels like it’s dishonoring his memory that this season would end up becoming one of the worst in Lakers’ history (and the worst in my time as a Laker fan). 

Dr. Buss made the Lakers what it is today – the most premium property in the NBA.  He was a visionary.  He associated the Lakers with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.  He made sure that when you come into a Lakers game, you would have an unforgettable experience.  He made a Lakers game more than an NBA basketball game.  He also made it a Hollywood experience – celebrities, quality half time shows, Lakers girls, and an environment of first-class entertainment.  But more than these things, what’s more important is he shaped the Lakers into having the identity of champions.  Division banners are not hanged at all, only championship banners are worth hanging.  He doesn’t care how much money he spends as long as it brings the necessary talent in helping the team to win that championship.  Each season that’s how it goes.  Thus, the “any season without a championship is a failure” attitude of Lakerdom.      

With Dr. Buss’ death, there is reason for anxiety for the Lakers’ future.  Under Dr. Buss, Lakers fans trust that the owner would do all things necessary in his power to keep the Lakers winning.  With his passing, his unproven son, Jim, is now fully in charge.  Jim has big shoes to fill.  And I don’t trust him yet.  I can’t feel him having the same passion and vision as his father had.   However, I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt and will just wait and see in the next seasons.  But the only time my uneasy feeling towards him would entirely fade is if a championship team and reign happen during his time as Lakers owner.  

2.) IT HAD BEEN FRUSTRATINGLY, DISAPPOINTINGLY HUMILIATING

 

Every Laker fan was blown away when they were assembled during the off-season… Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard.  It was like the coming together of the Avengers (or Justice League).  Those names, on paper, make one of the strongest, if not strongest, Starting 5 in Lakers history!  Everyone has been an All-Star at least one time.  Two had been MVPs.  Two had been Defensive Player of the Year.  Four are probably future Hall of Famers.  The championship was almost already in the bag. 

Every Laker fan couldn’t wait for the season to start.  Lakerdom was feeling very, very high. 

Thus, the ensuing fall and crash from that high height have been tremendously hard.  Injuries and lack of chemistry destroyed the perception that this team would easily win the championship.  It’s as if for every game they win, they lose three.  The regular season’s presumed “walk-in-a-park” path to the championship became a “trench-warfare” crawl for a playoff spot.  The Lakers eventually managed to finish with an okay 45-37 record, enough for the 7^thplayoff spot in the West.  However, they weren’t able to win a single game in the post-season (See number 4).   

Great were the euphoria and boasting at the start; therefore, great were the disappointment and humiliation in the end.         

1.) KOBE’S ACHILLES INJURY

 

Bringing Steve Nash (and Dwight Howard) in should have made life easier for Kobe Bryant.  But what happened this season was quite the opposite.  D’Antoni’s system was not working.  Thus, instead of relying on Steve Nash to be the primarily ball handler and distributor, as what the logical thing should have been, Kobe Bryant was forced to assume this role to carry the Lakers.  Thus, even with Nash and Howard in the team, it’s the same old story with the Lakers: Kobe need to dominate the ball in order for them to win.    

And carried the team he did.  The Lakers was way behind for the last playoff spot, but Kobe guaranteed that the Lakers will make the playoffs.  With his legendary heart and will, Kobe played through.  Refusing to rest, even if his age requires it.  He played heavy minutes – and even the entire game during late in the season.  His offense – finding balance between facilitating and scoring – dragged the Lakers in making his guarantee happen. 

But at what cost? 

Through the years, Kobe Bryant has continually shown his amazing grit and will in pushing his body limits – even playing through injuries that would have sidelined many of his peers and juniors.  And it was almost a sure thing that a time would come when his body would finally give out on him and say, “I had enough” – forcing him into a much needed rest that his body has been wanting.  That is exactly what eventually happened this season.  And it’s one of the worst kinds, if not the worst, of injury that could happen – a torn Achilles. 

In their last game with the Warriors (which they have won), Kobe would get fouled and would tore his Achilles tendon.  Still, despite the pain, he sank his two free-throws first before being assisted off the court – walking!  Let me repeat that: a torn Achilles tendon, he still chose to do his free throws (which he made) before leaving the game, and then chose to wobbly walk to the lockers instead of opting for a wheel chair.  (probably because it would look demeaning if he did and his pride won’t allow it).  What a badass.  It was a heartbreaking and inspiring sight.  Fans felt a mixture of pride and sadness for the Black Mamba.  Here’s the man, who gave his all for his beloved team, the Lakers.  And they said Kobe is selfish, only thinking of himself. 

Rehabilitation from an Achilles injury would require six to nine months, or possibly even longer.  And no one who “recovered” from such an injury has been the same.  Those who had come back from it experienced a significant drop from the prior quality of their game.  Of course, this is Kobe we’re talking about – he’s not most athletes.  He might even come back better than ever.  Nonetheless, to worry that he would no longer play in an elite level when he returns is valid.  That is, if he returns at all.  Yes, the damage from this injury forcing Kobe into retirement is also a scary possibility.        

I was hoping that this injury would fuel and ignite his team to win the championship.  But this was wishful thinking in my part.  With no championship to show for it, Kobe’s injury has been more frustratingly pointless.

In the end, to nurture the bitter frustration in my heart won’t help me or Kobe or the Lakers.  Thus, what’s left for me to do is to continually pray for Kobe’s speedy recovery – a recovery that would bring him back better than ever, to lead the Lakers to another championship.  And that championship will definitely be sweeter because of all of these.               

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