What is freedom anyway??

I know this for sure: A lot of people believe they live in freedom, when in reality, they’re in a straight-jacket. How do I know? Because it happens to everyone…including me.  

For years, banks have been loaning people piles and piles of money, and then those people feel the freedom to go buy the stuff they want.  Yet most just end up trapped by debt, and now struggle to pay their bills. What happened to the feeling of freedom? Was it real or just an illusion?

What about lust? Every day we look at things we wish we could have, and many times end up dwelling on how we can get it. But why? And what does it mean? The author of a great little book called Sex God wrote, “If I want something to the point that I can’t conceive of being content without it, then it owns me.” We all lust of things we wish could have, but we are not free.

Lust is slavery.

And what about our careers? We want the right jobs so we can make the right money and be free to live out the American Dream. Is that wrong? Is it true freedom?  It’s a valid question and likely depends on our motives.

Tim Keller, in his book, The Reason for God, wrote, “In our society many people have worked extremely hard to pursue careers that pay well rather than meet their talents and interests. Such careers are straight jackets that in the long run stifle and dehumanize us.”

I have friends who have currently decided not to live out the lives God created them to live, all because they want the “freedom” to live the “way they want to live.” But are they really free? Or, are they merely trapped in a lie, and have succumbed to the pressure to perform for the rest of the world? They aren’t living for freedom. They’re living for acceptance by the world around them.

That’s just counterfeit freedom.

There was a season of my life where I thought I had freedom, mainly because I was deceived into thinking that I was finally free to do whatever I wanted.  I grew up in a small town with no money. Then I started traveling the world doing magic shows, and started making friends and making money.  I got to live where I wanted to, in the sized house I wanted to live in.  I got to drive the cars I wanted, eat where and what I wanted, have whatever sized TV I wanted, and on and on and on.  But was I really free? Not at all.  I was trapped, and the result was a vicious circle of meaninglessness.

I was living in a straight-jacket, and my freedom was just an illusion.

Let’s be honest…I wasn’t living for myself. That may have been the desire and intent, but really?  Was I really living a certain way because I wanted what was best for me? Or do we live the way we live because we fall into the pressure to perform?

To be seen driving that car. Wearing those clothes. To be seen with that girl. For people to know we live in that house.

We’re just putting on a show, but really, we’re stuck in straight-jackets. Because the freedom we’re chasing is not only an illusion, it traps us, and we become slaves to our desires.

So let’s go back to our original question: What is freedom?

What does it mean to be truly free? What is the truth? And is there truth that can set us free?

What is freedom? And if it exists, how do we get it?

“So…what do you think about Criss Angel?”

It’s funny to me, because I know that people are really asking me: “Is he of the devil?” So instead of replying right away, I usually just ask, “What do you mean, what do I think? What about him?”  Then usually comes the admission that they believe he’s possessed, or demonic, or in cahoots with Satan.  

First of all, No! I mean, c’mon…would that give him the ability to walk through glass windows and make coins go through soda cans? Do demons like to be on TV, and therefore always manifest their presence at the perfect time when the camera guy rolls tape? And better yet, even if he were in link with demons, would that really give him the ability to levitate? Sorry, but not a chance. That may not make sense to you with a limited perspective on how magic tricks work, but trust me, Criss Angel is not “real.”

Well, he’s a real person of course, which explains most of how I feel about him. What do I think about Criss Angel? Well, since everyone has been asking…

I think that like all of us, he desperately wants to be valued. It’s common opinion that when watching his show, “Mindfreak,” it’s clearly translated on camera that he most definitely likes himself.  Some people will do anything for the power of celebrity.  And let’s face it: If your team is creating forum topics and surveys on your website titled, “How obsessed with Criss are you?”, or “Would you die for Criss?,” or even “What would you do if Criss Angel kissed you?”, it’s not only creepy, but screams, “Hey, I like myself. A lot.”

I respect Criss Angel for his desire to be a great performing artist, and believe that he really does want to perform art with excellence. And he has an incredible team around him. It’s the best creative team that money can buy, and they create some brilliant illusions for him and his show. But at the end of the day, unlike David Blaine, his over-confidence will get in the way of his longevity.  Ed McMahon said not long before he died, “The greatest asset missing in the lives of today’s celebrities, entertainers, and performers is class.” Class is often identified in those with professionalism, and humility. And as Malcolm Gladwell said during his speech at Catalyst this past year, “Incompetence annoys me. Over-confidence scares me.”

I have learned by watching Criss’ career. Mainly that just because you think you’re ready for something, it doesn’t mean you actually are. Criss got a deal with Cirque du Soleil, but he wasn’t ready for it, and as a result, his show got ripped to shreads by critics and audiences alike. (It might have had a little to do with his love of performing shows with no shirt on.)

Sometimes I envy the opportunities offered to others, but the reality is, I have a lot of work to do and I’m just not ready for them all.

So is Criss a little arrogant? Likely. I can’t say for sure because I don’t know the guy, and frankly, it’s probably not my place to judge. But if he isn’t, it sure is the image they’re painting on TV. And if that’s not what they’re going for, a few less publicity photos without a shirt on might help a little in pursuing a different image.

It’s amazing the things we do as human beings for attention, all because of either pride or insecurity, when at the end of the day we just want to be accepted.  Thank goodness there’s a God who is willing to accept us just as we are, and that his love was unconditional…even for Criss Angel and guys like me.

Is Criss the devil? No. Does he try to blur the line between illusion and reality? Absolutely. Should you let your kids watch him?  That’s up to you, but if you do, at least have a conversation about how he isn’t the devil. Or a god.

Obviously, I’d rather you just bring them to our show instead. I keep my shirt on the whole time, and we also get positive reviews.

What do you think about Criss Angel?

This past weekend, in the process of performing the illusion with a copy of the USA Today, I noticed a page with a huge photo of a guy holding a deck of cards, along with a headline referencing magic.  After looking into it, I discovered an incredible article titled, “Neuroscientists: Why is the brain deceived as if by magic?”

There was a large meeting recently in Chicago where scientists gathered to watch magicians performing their art, and then had a large discussion about attention, memory, and perception.  The article featured a great quote by Thomas Carew, the president for the Society of Neuroscience:

“There is no better way to see how the mind works than to study how we can be deceived.”  

Amen to that!

The scientific community and its researchers are now hoping to learn from illusionists, because apparently, they’re now realizing that we understand how deception works on an incredibly deep level, and our expertise in the area of how people are fooled is unmatched by any other field.

What if the church did this?  What if christians listened to magicians who understand deception?  What could they learn?

Me and some of my illusionist friends have been talking about deception for years now, specifically from our unique perspective, yet it still seems like the church isn’t listening.  At the same time, there is just as much deception taking place in the lives of Christians as in the lives of anyone else. As an illusionist, (an expert in deception), and a follower of Christ, there is a unique perspective that I have the ability of bringing regarding illusions we all believe, and the deception that permeates our lives.  It’s sad when a medium is abandoned based on the fear of its use, while the message of truth that medium is capable of delivering could dramatically change lives.

The article is USA today is a good one, and I highly suggest you read it.  It’s really, really fascinating.

It’s a great idea to ask yourself, “How have I been deceived?”

It’s a good question, but the chances are pretty good that you can’t fully answer it. If you could, you’d likely choose the truth over the lies your mind has believed.  You’re deceived every single day, but you don’t even realize it.  The problem is not a limited access to truth, but a major lack of awareness of how we are deceived.

So here’s a better question: What if you’ve been deceived, and don’t even realize it?

The following post was pulled from Harris’ previous blog. While the post may not be current, it was re-posted here based on the high amount of feedback and comments received.

There were about 30 men in the circle. I was already getting nervous…yet somehow excited at the same time. One by one, each guy began to state why he was there in 1-2 sentences. It was almost my turn. The man next to me said, “I’m here because I’m f***** up, and I feel like there are other men here who are f***** up with me.” He talked for maybe 15 more seconds. I wanted him to talk longer. Because I was next.

“I’m Harris,” I said. “Hi Harris,” the group responded. My knees were shaking. “Um…I’m here because I’m a professional Christian…and…uh…a professional liar. I’m having a hard time learning how to be real. I’m a friend of Nate’s, and I’m here because I heard this might be a place that I could learn to be who I really am, in an effort to become who I want to be.” The entire group responded again. “Thanks, Harris.”

I know what it sounds like – sitting in a circle, stating your name, acknowledging each other – but I promise, I’m not a drunk. In fact, other than the sip of wine my wife talked me into tasting while in Napa Valley, no form of alcohol has ever touched my tongue. This is not because I’m legalistic or judgmental. It’s for two reasons:

1. That first sip of wine set my throat on fire. (Feel free to join my wife in making fun…I can handle it, I promise.)
2. I tend to be a creature of habit. If I find out that I like something, I tend to develop obsessions.

But now I’m on a rabbit trail. Back to the point…

I’m here because I’m a professional Christian…and…uh…a professional liar. I’m having a hard time learning how to be real. I’m here because I heard this might be a place that I could learn to be who I really am, in an effort to become who I want to be.

This was not an AA meeting, though frankly, I’m at a point in my life where if I were at an AA meeting, I’d have no problem admitting it. I told you I was feeling freedom, and I meant it.

The meeting was the weekly gathering of a group called, “The Samson Society.” It’s existed for a few years now, and was started by my friend, Nate Larkin. He wrote a book a few years back titled, Samson and the Pirate Monks. I won’t spoil the book for you, but he has an incredible story and you need to read it.

As I sat in the meeting, I listened to Christian men be transparent about their lives and struggles. One guy is addicted to porn. One guy is addicted to debt. One guy is married with kids, but struggles with homosexuality. One guy hates people, and is learning how to relate to them.

One by one they authentically shared their lives with each other. And one by one they experienced freedom. And as it happened, no one shared advice. No shared scripture. And most importantly, no one judged. There is most definitely a time and place for advice and God’s word, but this wasn’t the time.

You see, this isn’t normal. People, especially men, don’t share their junk. I mean, why would they? Most of the time, it only leads to condemnation. But in this safe place, they could be real. Transparent. Authentic. And free.

After the meeting, we went to the local pub. (Ironically owned by a couple of Christians.) While there, I experienced community in a way I’d never experienced it before. I was surrounded by more language and alcohol than I’d ever been surrounded by in my entire life. (Then again, I’ve led a pretty sheltered life for the past 24 years.) Yet I was unable to escape a simple fact: I felt like these men were closer to the heart of God than any other men I’ve spent time with.

They are living in true community with each other, with eyes focused on Jesus, and the brotherhood they’ve created is an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. True community might just be impossible without authenticity, and a whole lot of radical grace.

Is “transparency” a buzz word? Has “authenticity” become a fad in the church? Probably. More than one of you have responded with that opinion, and to be honest, I’d have to agree. But do your best to not write off the entire church with one huge stroke. Because in some places in the world, it’s happening, and it’s changing lives.

Including mine.

Most people don’t realize it, but my life tends to mirror my vocation. I live an illusion.

A couple of months ago, I was meeting with a friend/marketing consultant regarding blogs/social networking sites/web 2.0 stuff. I was explaining my struggle with the new form of “content-driven” marketing rooted in transparency, because in the past, my view of marketing has always been that it’s a “battle of perceptions.”

The goal has always been to create the perception of what I want to be – busy, in-demand, professional, respected, etc. So, all of my marketing and advertising contributes to the perception that I am those things, so that I can become those things. After all, don’t people want to hire people who are in-demand already?

The problem is, that mentality penetrated my personal life. (Should they ever be separated?) I’ve spent my entire life managing relationships and creating illusions. I’ve done everything in my power to create perceptions in other people’s minds of how I want them to view me.

I wanted people to think I’m successful, so I bought a big house I shouldn’t have. Then I wanted people to think I was humble, so I sold that one and bought a small one. Then I went on to tell people the story of how I bought a big house, then sold it to move into a smaller one. “Look how humble I am…”

The bottom line is that it’s all I’ve ever done. The result has been shallow relationships, and a life filled with a lack of genuine character. I know, it was stupid. And the plan totally back fired.

I’ve spent my entire life managing relationships and creating illusions. I’ve done everything in my power to create perceptions in other people’s minds of how I want them to view me.

A few weeks ago, my pastor had a panel discussion on suffering. Someone didn’t show up, so just before the service he told me I was going to be on the panel. I said, “No thanks.” He said, “You don’t have a choice.”

My first thought was, “Crap. If I knew I was going to be on stage, I would’ve worn cooler clothes.” Obviously, it’s still a constant struggle for me, and will be for a long time. But I’m slowly learning because I can taste freedom. I’ve been tasting it for 6 months now, and I’ve never experienced quite like I have in the past couple of days. (More later…)

We must create safe places, especially in the church, where people from all walks of life can be authentic and transparent. And it has to start at leadership, because authenticity breeds authenticity.

Only through our authentic admittance of pain and suffering, can true healing begin to occur. It will change the face the christianity, and therefore the face of Jesus.