Finger Lickin' Denominations

The standard definition of BBQ is as follows: slow-cooked, smoked meat over an open fire. Whether the fire is from charcoal (with wood chips), or whether it's all wood, the result is the same: authentic BBQ. And it does not even matter what that fire is set in: it could be a hole in the ground, a simple kettle grill, or whatever contraption your imagination can conjure.

Now, while folks generally agree on that standard definition, there are many varied opinions on what real BBQ is. Denominations if you will. And each denomination claims they hold the true Doctrine of BBQ. A trite confusing.

For example, in North Carolina, pork is the only meat worth throwing in the pit. However, the state is literally split in half over their Doctrine of Pork.
East Carolina is all about going whole hog: cooking the entire pig, and they prefer zesty, acidic vinegar sauces (no ketchup). West Carolina, on the other hand, prefers pork shoulder (the cut used for pulled pork) and ketchup-based sauces. Travel to Texas, and you won't find any pork over their fires. Beef brisket is the standard. If you're talking ribs, Kansas City is known for their "wet" (sauced) ribs, while Memphis prefers their ribs "dry" (without sauce).

Now, as for me, I simply just enjoy BBQ in general. I don't really subscribe to one particular denomination over another. Just throw it on a plate with some beans and some slaw and I'm happy. As long as it's prepared (smoked) over a fire (no propane), I'm not going to call you a heathen.

A lot of this sounds familiar to Christianity. Jesus Christ is the standard, the definition, but beyond that we Christians like to devise doctrines and all sorts of reasons why our particular denomination is the authentic path.
Baptists like their Christianity wet. Catholics like their Christianity dry. Pentecostals like going whole hog. The list goes on...

Me, I'm just interested in Jesus, as I'm sure many of the founders of our various denominations were. I am not partial to one particular sect. I also think that it's too easy to get caught up in arguments on whose denomination is right against whose is not. That kind of sets us off on the wrong path, does it not?

I'll end with a joke I heard recently:
Two churches are built, one on each side of the street facing each other, in a small town. The one on the left is a Baptist church, while the one on the right simply touts itself as a Christan assembly (non-denominational). Now, as some time goes by, leaders from both churches start to think about joining together into one church rather than two. The churches agree, and a special meeting is held to determine what this new, united church should be called. Do they call the church Baptist or Christian? As those attending are discussing this, an old man stands up in the back of the room. He says in a gruff voice, "Now, listen. I've been calling myself a Baptist for all of my life and I'm not about to start calling myself a Christan."

Zap!

Zombies, BBQ, & the Meaning of Life

I must confess something. I don't know anything about zombies. I do know that my wife is terrified of them. She thinks that "that stuff happens all the time." We have a board game called, "Zombies". It's fun, but a bit slow. You should come over and play it sometime. But, that's about it. Zombies are not really my bag.

Now, BBQ...why that's another story. I love BBQ. Let me be clear: when I say "BBQ" I mean slow and low - slow smoking over indirect heat at low temps. That is BBQ. Authentic BBQ. No gas grilling, girls. I've been doing BBQ for a few years now. I make a pretty mean pulled pork - southern carolina style: vinegar-based sauce, naked meat (which means I don't mop or baste the meat while it cooks). I have had the honor of starting an annual community BBQ cook-off in a small town in Arizona. The "Annual Buzzard Day BBQ Cookoff". I have since moved, and I hope the event will continue. So, yeah, I know a thing or two about BBQ.

Okay, just what do I plan on writing about here? Hmmm. Probably a lot of it will deal with my thoughts on Chrisitianity, on Jesus, on the Church, on the Kingdom, etc. I know, I know. Get your barf bag out. There is already a lot of Noise out there, and I really don't want to contribute to it all. However, I am writing because I feel I have to. There are things inside my brain/heart/dreams that I have to get out. It's a bit of exorcisim, I suppose. I have to share some of these things. But, if it winds up that I'm just contributing to the Noise, then let me know. I will shut up. Gladly.

I have a heart, a passion, for authentic Christianity. That simpy means that I desire to see people (including myself) actually living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Living as the Church. Living as part of the Kingdom. That to me is authentic Christianity.
Now, there seems to be a lot of us "Christians" out there who have completely missed the Point. We, who should have become Alive, are still walking around dead. Dead to ourselves, our community, our world, our God. Yet, many of these "walking dead" claim to have a hold of authentic Christianity.

And that is why I am writing. Not to prove one way over another, but to bring attention to what I believe authentic Christianity should look like. After all, I just want my BBQ back.

Zap!