January 31, 2006
on hold
I'm waiting again. I do a lot of waiting with this temp position.
"Bear with one another charitably, in complete selflessness, gentleness and patience." - Ephesians 4:2.
For some reason, this quote comes to mind again and again lately. I wonder, have I not been all that gentle? It's certainly worth asking. I can be sarcastic, manic, difficult and flat out mean with my sense of humor. I try not to be. I pray it up. I pray for patience. I pray for gentleness.
But gentleness does not come easily sometimes.
Most importantly I am not particularly gentle with myself. As in most Christian disciplines and virtues, the right practice and comprehension begins with our relationship with ourselves. Am I gentle with myself? Seldomly.
I could analyze my history, my relationships and wonder about where I learned to not give myself a break. That might help, but it does not change the fact that in the end, I simply need to be more gentle with myself. I need to allow myself to make mistakes. I don't seem to manage to avoid them. The least I could do is allow myself the grace of my own gentleness and forgiveness.
There are other ways to be gentle as well. I could sleep more, play a little more mandolin, not judge myself by the nature of my employment, spend more time with my family and friends, make time for silence...these are, for me, just a sampling of ways that I can be gentle with myself.
And, as you might imagine, I need to be gentle with myself as I learn to be gentle. There is a certain momentum that I have built up over the years. Being gentle is a discipline and it needs my attention.
"Bear with one another charitably, in complete selflessness, gentleness and patience." - Ephesians 4:2.Then, maybe then, I will be able to be more gentle with my friends, family, with those who challenge me in some way...selflessly and patiently.
superstar
Oh, this is great.
Rock Me Amadeus - the video!
Yeah, I know, its a sickness. But I love this video!
January 30, 2006
choosing sides
One of the recurring themes in Baptist life since The Beginning of Time is schism. This is not news. The famed Roger Williams is often cited as the founder of the very first Baptist congregation in the United States...and was promptly kicked out after only a brief tenure, founded another church, and, if I remember correctly, split from that one to form another community that met in his house for worship and study. It's in our genes. What can I say?
I've mentioned in a couple of previous entries that I am reading Martin Marty's book Righteous Empire. I just finished the chapter about the divisions within Protestantism that came to a head in the 1920's (read: the rise of fundamentalism, modernism and the decline of empiricist ideals within liberal Protestant camps). One of the figures Marty mentions is Harry Emerson Fosdick. He's always been kind of a hero of mine. My liberal Baptist minister grandfather brainwashed me. I have no excuses. He was, intentionally or not, one of the most divisive preachers of his day.
"I would rather live in a world where my life is surrounded by mystery than live in a world so small that my mind could comprehend it." - Harry Emerson Fosdick
One of the things I am increasingly aware of in ABC is the need or the necessity of choosing sides in ecclesial struggles. I thought that I could continue to articulate a message that did not take a particular stance, but this is revealing itself as impossible. The more I preach and am given opportunities to articulate my own thoughts and concerns about the gospel and the church, I find myself picking sides.
Like Fosdick, I am a liberal. I tend to think of the gospel as being roomy...as allowing for multiple interpretations (communities of interpretation). Some think that this is foolish or worse, heretical. I can live with that. Where I am struggling with a little disillusionment these days is how that contrary position effects my day to day life as a pastor.
Perhaps I am simply overly conscious of it. That's a posibility. But this job search thing is underscoring my perception of the divisions within my own denomination. That Church had a long list of questions to assure for themselves that I am liberal enough for them. Other congregations in their advertisements will say that they are conservative, Bible-based, fundamentalist or something else descriptive that demonstrates their theological bent. This is good, useful and helpful in the search. But it means that I have to pick a church that is not one of these...I am compelled by their stance to look elsewhere. There is nothing surprising in this...except for my own frustration.
I am an idealist...probably naive and foolish (and poor at spelling)...I feel short-changed, slighted somehow by their barring the gates to me. It's probably vanity. But because I perceive room, I can imagine myself preaching in a congregation much more conservative than myself. But we are compelled to choose sides. The lines are continually being drawn. I am liberal. They are conservative. I am progressivist, they are fundamentalist. Modern, post-modern, emergent, classical, hymn-based, praise band, mega church, family church, community church, denominational congregation.
It just bugs me today. I am frustrated with myself. I am frustrated with the state of my denomination. Finding a church when people are setting themselves apart, choosing sides, is miserable.
January 28, 2006
clearing the old noggin
I am preaching tomorrow at Reconciler. The lectionary is interesting enough that I have several ideas running through my head. I know, that surprises many of you. Thus, in an attempt to clear my head, I have wandered over to three pear to hang with Roger and play on the blog. We don't have internet at the house...and my computer is not working right now. So, blogging from the abode is difficult to say the least.
So, I want to take the track of what authority is in these readings, but I am still not clear myself exactly what is going on. There are several threads going on at once. There are prophetic kinds of authority, exorcisms, divine death threats, dietary reflections if not prohibitions, communal implications ad nauseum...
The lectionary is simply a collection of ideas. I get to pick one and run with it. I am just not sure which to pick. I have an idea or two and some good notes. I am not worried about having something to preach tomorrow night. Still, its frustrating. I would like to know now. But that is not to be.
What is interesting is the proclaimation piece. I want to know how one proclaims something "with authority." There is a manner to such action. And there is a content worthy of the same. And certainly the community is engaged in the process. Fortunately or not, they get the task of discernment...by bearing witness to the fruits of the spirit and by the act of remembering the proclaimed word.
Yeah, something like that.
Tomorrow morning One of the Girls is pitching in at North Shore. The congrgation is having a good old fashioned Jamboree. It should be a good time. The service begins at 10am. Come on by!
I'll see you all around.
linkage
One of the Girls has a myspace page. Roger, our bass player, has been quite creative. Wow. Yeah. That's a choice.
January 27, 2006
golden mouth
Today is the feast day of St. John Chrysostom.
In the late 4th and early 5th century, there was no more famous and eloquent preacher than John, the Patriarch of Constantinople. In fact, he was so famous and so well-liked that, like a present day pop star, he got a nickname—Chrysostom, which means “the golden-mouthed.” His ministry was not without controversy, however. Like many people who have a great facility with words, he often spoke first and thought about what he was saying second, if at all.
rock me, amadeus
So, today is my birthday. I am thirty-six years old. As usual, it is my great pleasure to share a birthday with Mozart. He died at the age of thirty-five having written over six hundered musical compositions. I have sung as many and hope to live much longer.
So, in honor of our birthday, I wanted to share these timeless lyrics with you. They both convey the tremendous influence of Mozart and the rich musical culture from which I come.
Rock Me AmadeusOoh, Rock me Amadeus!
Ooh, Rock me Amadeus!
Ooh!Pa-pa-pa-pa-punker, rock me!
Punker, punker, rock me!
Pa-pa-pa-pa-punker, rock me!
Punker, punker, rock me!Su-su-su-su-superstar, superstar... rock me!
Su-su-su-su-superstar, superstarP-p-p-p-p-p-p-p-p... Premier
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, oh oh oh AmadeusAmadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, oh oh oh Amadeus1756, Salzburg, January 27, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is born
1761, at the age of five Amadeus begins composing
1773, he writes his first piano concerto
1782, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart marries Constance Weber
1784, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart becomes a free mason
1791, Mozart composes "The Magic Flute"
On December 5th of that same year, Mozart dies
1985, Austrian rock singer Falco records
Rock Me Amadeus!Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, oh oh oh AmadeusAmadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, oh oh oh AmadeusOoh, Rock me Amadeus!
Ooh, Rock me Amadeus!Wun-wun-wun-wun-wunderbar, wunderbar
Wun-wun-wun-wun-wunderbar, wunderbar...Ooh, Rock me Amadeus!
Ooh, Rock me Amadeus!Su, su, su, sugar sweet, sugar sweet
Su, su, su, sugar sweet, sugar sweet...Baby baby do it to me, rock me
Baby baby do it to me, rock me
Baby baby do it to me, rock me
Ja ja ja!Baby baby do it to me, rock me
Baby baby do it to me, rock me
Baby baby do it to me, rock me
Ja ja ja!Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, oh oh oh Amadeus...
Google has this as their logo today. Ha! Fantastic.
This version is for the fanatics among us.
Ooo rock me AmadeusHave a great day.
Rock me Amadeus...
Rock rock rock rock me Amadeus
Rock me all the time to the topEr war ein Punker
Und er lebte in der großen Stadt
Es war Wien, war Vienna
Wo er alles tat
Er hatte Schulden denn er trank
Doch ihn liebten alle Frauen
Und jede rief:
Come on and rock me AmadeusAmadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, oh oh oh AmadeusEr war Superstar
Er war populär
Er war so exaltiert
Because er hatte Flair
Er war ein Virtuose
War ein Rockidol
Und alles rief:
Come on and rock me AmadeusAmadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, oh oh oh AmadeusCome on and rock me Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, oh oh oh AmadeusEs war um 1780
Und es war in Wien
No plastic money anymore
Die Banken gegen ihn
Woher die Schulden kamen
War wohl jedermann bekannt
Er war ein Mann der Frauen
Frauen liebten seinen PunkAmadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, oh oh oh AmadeusCome and rock me Amadeus...
Baby baby do it to me rock me
Baby baby do it to me rock me
Baby baby do it to me rock me
Ja ja ja
Baby baby do it to me rock me
Baby baby do it to me rock me
Baby baby do it to me rock meAmadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, oh oh oh Amadeus
January 26, 2006
news for the interested
David Weinberger shares that an Iranian blogger is interested in overcoming a stereotype. This should be interesting to follow.
There has been an oil spill at the Great Barrier Reef (link). The Environmental News Service report states that this is the worst spill in thirty years. Perhaps this is simply one more example about why this kind of technology (and this) is good to continue to develop. Then again, something could fall on your head. That would be bad.
Finally, Trish's show, Dear World, opened last night (video clip). I will see the show tomorrow evening (It's my birthday!). Last night I went out for the afterparty. Opening night cavorting is a good time. Wednesdays, however, are perhaps not the best night for such activity. Wow. I am tired.
obituary
It is strange how this came and went and I said nothing on my blog.
Some may recall that my Great-aunt Virginia was in hospice care while Trish and I were home for the Christmas holidays. Well, she did pass away, but only after we returned to Chicago. Here is the obituary from the Richmond Time Dispatch.
As Cliff would say, memory eternal, Ginny. And thanks.Virginia Marie Hudgins
Virginia Marie Hudgins died Saturday, December 31, 2005, the widow of William D. Hudgins Sr., a loving husband of 58 years. She is survived by her sons, William D. Jr. and his wife, Brenda T., and Kenneth M. and his wife, Devon G. Hudgins; two sisters, Mildred Payne and Dorothy Kuehn; grandchildren, Shelley and her husband, Mike Blanks, Jennifer, Douglas, Matthew and Kelly Hudgins; and two great-grandchildren, Ainsley and Michael Blanks. Her remains rest at the Bliley Funeral Homes' Central Chapel, 3801 Augusta Ave., where the family will receive friends Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. Services and interment private. The family requests that donations be made to Reveille United Methodist Church, 4200 W. Cary St., Richmond, Va. 23221.Published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on 1/1/2006.
January 25, 2006
on hold
Since I have been working in a call center with this temp assignment, I have encountered a great deal of hold music. I thought I would log my experiences today.
random new-agie flute music - artist unknown*I'll add to this all day. Feel free to check in from time to time to discover what musical gems are found while On Hold (Oooooo! Now that's a radio show.).
random new-agie sax music - artist unknown
random new-agie guitar music - artist unknown
some country music I don't recognize - artist unknown
ooh...strings, nice! - artist unknown
Power of Love - Huey Lewis and The News
marimba...slow jazz? - artist unknown
guitar, cello, claves, techno drums...um...I dunno - artist unknown
trumpet...smoothe jazz - artist unknown
some jingle about getting a flu shot!? - artist unknown
a string quartet, a simple concerto - artist unknown
You Are Everything - artist unknown
a little latin moment of some kind...guitar, conga...quite nice - artist unknown
At This Moment - Billy Vera and the Beaters
This is not hold music, but there is this moviephone voice telling me about the news at the clinic...the background music is smoothe jazz. Wow. This is somehow disturbing.
yet more smoothe jazz - artist unknown, but she plays piano quite well.
* I am sure someone knows these people, but I don't have a clue.
middle class mores?
I've been reading Righteous Empire by Martin Marty this last week or so. It's a fabulous read. It is a broadbrush history of the Protestant history of the United States. One theme within the work is the idea that Protestantism, well into the 1900's, was married quite firmly to the ideals of Middle Class Americans. Though this took a hit in the Industrial Age creating rifts within Protestantism, generally speaking, the mores of Protestant America are the mores of its Middle Class. It's interesting. So, when I saw these two links today, I had to check them out.
Here is a link to an interesting article from Spiked about the conflict between the religious and the "liberal elite" in the UK. Facinating stuff.
Superstition and prejudice should continually be countered by rational argument. But the vitriolic invective hurled at Christian believers today is symptomatic of the passions normally associated with a fanatical Inquisitor. Like the old Spanish Inquisition, anti-religious fanatics are constantly on the look out for fundamentalist plots.
The second link if from the Chronicle. It is how many people are attempting to maintain a moderate position given the plethora of religious "absolutes" in the world.
In order to adopt such a moderate position, however, you have to loosen your grip on the absolutes that are apparently one of the main attractions of many religious creeds. It isn't easy being moral, and it seems to be getting harder and harder these days.All of this interests me because it continues the line of Marty's thinking. The seemingly monolithic western/Protestant perspective is no longer. It has been subsumed within multiple world views reflecting myriad concerns and conflations of ideals and mores. There is no singular Middle Class perspective...or at least the myriad majority suggests it.
doxology
Well, my fellow Followers of the Bean, I have been converted. Yes, once I too fell in lock step with others who follow the Starry Way...Bucksters if you will.
But, no. I know I've been changed.
For $2.45 I purchased a great cup of coffee and a buttermilk donut. Life is grand. God is good in all of God's java-y goodness.
Praise God from whom all java flows.
Praise God all commuters here below.
Praise God above, ye caffeinated host,
Praise Java Bean and donut holes!
Amen.
January 24, 2006
sage advice
One of the great things that happens when I post on my blog about That Church and related situations is that I get a lot of advice. Most of it is good, helpful and thoughtful.
A friend and Lutheran pastor sent this to me earlier today:
calls swing on whimsical things so stay excited, but try to have a level of detachment about the results to protect yourselves emotionally.Travis, the Theobilly, sent these suggestions:first calls can last six months, six years, or sixty years so if you get it enjoy it, enjoy the people, share your gifts and let the Lord take care of the rest.
don't buy into the "big job" crap. theo epstien is 31 and managing a billion dollar team. gardner taylor was 26 when he traveled north to pastor the church in brooklyn. young guys doing "big jobs" without any experience. you don't speak from your experience, you speak from your ability to discern life as formed by the biblical tradition (my understanding anyway)He also suggested that I swear a little and order a beer or something of that ilk at the interview dinner. The beer is not an option, but everyone swore a little at dinner. Heh. I like Travis. He's a direct kind of guy. And his reference to Timothy is well taken.
you can breathe, read, cry and laugh, you've been hurt, loved, forgiven, pissed off, in need of a hug, and need to be in communion with a gathered people - what more experience do you need?oh yeah, one other thing - make sure you ask for an tax deferred annuity from MMBB. This way as long as you live in the parsonage you can accure some form of equity for a house payment, usually 3% of cash salary.
Amy, another good friend, suggested I not pick my nose in front of the committee. She is a wise woman.
The Ref+ and his Lovely Wife suggested a haircut. I dunno why. I trimmed my beard.
Finally, Micah sent this quote a while back when we were discussing my thesis. I think that the saint may actually be onto something. Ain't I generous? To be honest, I don't usually think in terms of what The Enemy might be up to, but here I can step in line. Distractions, even seemingly beneficial ones, can keep us from the work God has appointed for us. Careful discernment and prayer can be helpful, so too the occasional kick in the pants.
The enemy often tries to make us attempt and start many projects so that we will be overwhelmed with too many tasks, and therefore achieve nothing and leave everything unfinished. Sometimes he even suggests the wish to undertake some excellent work that he foresees we will never accomplish. This is to distract us from the prosecution of some less excellent work that we would have easily completed. He does not care how many plans and beginnings we make, provided nothing is finished. - St. Francis de Sales.Thank you all for your advice, humor and kindness. This alone has made the entire process a success for me.
influence
So, this is a link for an article that lists the top fifty most influential Christian leaders in the United states. W makes a pretty high placement. Pope Benedict is ranked pretty high for his Rookie season. T.D. Jakes takes the top spot.
One person who was on the list is the subject of a post at Get Religion. Rick Warren may very well be America's Pastor. Not to be snide, but who knew? The entire Purpose Driven... series has captured the hearts and minds of Christians, non-Christians, liberals and conservatives. He certainly has gotten our attention. He also reverse tithes. He keeps 10% of his income and gives the rest away.
Another influence on the theological scene once upon a time was Buffy. Yes, the Vampire Slayer herself, along with her friend Mr. Pointy, made the news for their religious influence.
I think it's an uncommon collection of influence. Some aspects are not surprising. Media focus and time make a difference. Access to large sums of coin als helps. But what do you think makes these people particularlu influential? Have they been influential in your life? Who would you add to this collection?
top of my head
This is an interesting study from Barna. It deals with teenagers and their understanding of the supernatural or the spiritual. According to the survey, most kids experiment with "witchcraft" or "new age" ideas and practices...even in evangelical circles.
This is not surprising at all. Our teen years are a time of experimentation. Why should spiritual disciplines and understandings be any ddifferent. What interests me is how this study underscores the complicated realities of teaching Christianity. It is one thing to memorize scripture verses. It is another thing to "learn to pray." If there are specific Christian disciplines of prayer and meditation, of encountering the divine, we usually hold off on introducing our children because we do not believe (total generalization) that they are interested or able.
Perhaps this study suggests otherwise.
January 23, 2006
use-free
This is a use-free zone.
Nothing in my mind or on this blog is of particular use to anyone.
My brain is on vacation after three days of Q and A.
I cannot even introduce myself on the telephone.
the weekend
Things went very well with That Church. I did manage to eat too much good food...but that's the price we pay in ministry. Oy. Veh.
So, here is what I know and what I can share online.
The meetings went very well. I feel I was as honest as poosible without being off-putting. I feel they were as well. It is a great church and a big job. So, we spoke about my current lack of experience, sometimes with aprehension, but mostly in terms of how we would all work together. That was great.
They have one more person to interview...on Super Bowl Weekend. Ugly. I will know more by the end of February. It felt really good. We all agreed on that.
The weekend could not have gone better. Superlative.
Thank you all for your prayers and concerns. I want to thank One of the Girls especially. We had a gig Friday night. I played the middle set after having dinner with the committee and went home to sleep before the day-long inquisition. The Girls cheered for me when I showed up and they cheered for me when I left. What an amazing group of friends...brothers, really. I am blessed.
Oh, Ref+, I did not cut my hair. I did trim my beard. Why should I lie?
January 20, 2006
tonight, tonight...
...won't be just any night.
Tonight my interveiw with That Church begins. Keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.
Thanks.
Oh! There is a concert tonight. Go.
catholic voices...
For some reason that I cannot explain, I have taken greater notice of Catholic voices online. Sometimes it is due to news I receive via e-mail. For example:
"Our nation cannot afford a shrill and shallow debate that distorts reality and reduces the options to 'cut and run' versus 'stay the course.' Instead we need a forthright discussion that begins with an honest assessment of the situation in Iraq and acknowledges both the mistakes that have been made and the signs of hope that have appeared.... Our nation's military forces should remain in Iraq only as long as it takes for a responsible transition, leaving sooner rather than later." - Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Florida, in a statement on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.I received that in a Sojourners missive. The same e-newsletter included this story about a professor at an Evangelical college who was asked to resign after converting to Catholicism.
Finally, Rev Ref posted this about the Intelligent Design debate. "Basically the author, Fiorenzo Facchini, is stating that I.D. is not science, it is more philosophical and/or theological in nature."
In my usual sweeping generalization, I want to say that if these stories represent any trends, and they may not, we may be witnessing a re-emergence of theological difference. Now that "moral values" are on the political radar, religious institutions are receiving more attention in the press. And they are perhaps more compelled to play their hands publically. I don't know what it might change that will make a difference in the next presidential election. It is premature to speculate with accuracy. But it would be interesting if a Catholic voice were to articulate itself and demonstrate that it does not share all things in common with American conservative evangelicalism. That fact may not change election results. We will still only have two candidates from which to choose. But if these voices can bring wider public debate about issues like military involvement in foreign countries (war) and our educational system (teaching intelligent design in public schools as science), then let them speak.
friday feast
Appetizer
About how many times per day do you check your email?
I can't count that high.
Soup
If you had the money to collect something really valuable, what would it be?
Unusual or antique stringed instruments like a 100 year old Martin mandolin or a harp guitar from the 1700's.
Salad
Write a sentence using the letters of your favorite beverage. (Example: The egret admires.)
Cuisine often changes as chefs offer linguini anon.
Main Course
If you could be on a game show, which one would you want it to be?
The Joker's Wild! Oh yeah.
Dessert
Name 3 computer programs or web sites you would hate to be without.
Finale, Firefox, Technorati
Thanks, Emmaus, for the Friday Feast.
January 19, 2006
synergy
Susie and I have been e-mailing about synergy lately. Someone once told her that synergy/kismet is a sign of the Holy Spirit at work. I'm inclined to agree with her. Maybe that's wishfull thinking on my part. You tell me.
Last night was one of my "office hour" nights for Reconciler. Basically I hang out in the coffee shop and work on sermons and the like. If someone from Reconciler cares to meet with me, they can swing by. Sometimes I strike up a conversation with a neighboring coffee drinker.
Last night I met a guy named Ben. He and I started our conversation when he asked to use the outlet behind my table for his laptop. He has one of those nifty 17" Vaio bots. I have to say that I liked it very much. We chatted about technology and where to shop for laptops. He bought this one because he can record his music on it. Hmmm...
He plays banjo for a couple of local bluegrass bands. Here are the links. Outlaw Family Band is your basic Americana fest. The second I cannot mention on this blog without inviting even more spam. Click the link from home. The band's music is great...bluegrass and some original tunes. The name suggests something else entirely. I understand that there's a story to it. One of the Girls can relate.
Ben and I had an interesting conversation about music, how our bands might be able to gig together, where they gig, Jesus, homelessness in Chicago (he works with schizophrenics that are living on the streets) and myriad other things.
It was a great night. I love it when everything collides like that.
So, if you are in a praying mood, pray for more synergy. I have my interview with That Church this weekend. It begins Friday night and runs through lunch on Sunday. If synergy is indeed a sign of the Holy Spirit, then let the Spirit speak...one way or another.
christian peacemaker teams: iraq
Follow the extended link for the most recent e-mail update. No one yet knows where the four hostages are...or even if they live. And pray for the journalist from the Christian Science Monitor...and all other journalists. Are they targeting the press now? Who can say, but it is a worrisome question.
CPTnet
18 January 2005
IRAQ: Not a statistic, not a totem
Yesterday was a very bad day. In a war zone horrible things occur with
unrelenting regularity. By the mid-week there was a sense of exhaustion
as the numbers of lives lost grew due to suicide bombings, air strikes,
renewed fighting in Fallujah. Gunfire can be heard on some nights
somewhere in our neighborhood and we have not received word on the
condition of our four kidnapped friends.
Yesterday, I learned about the loss of just one life, another death you
will not read about anywhere. I met this man two months ago. He was of
medium height, slim and elegant in his dress and the way in which he
moved. His hair was neatly parted. He had a small mustache.
He spoke clearly, without emotion of horrifying events. One day, while he
was at work, he was arrested in a sweep by one of the many brigades. He
said over 450 men were picked up in the sweep.
Dispassionately he described his categories of 1."simple torture,"
insults,slapping, punching, kicking and 2."intense torture," beating with
plastic pipe, electrical cords, electric shock. He then assigned the
numbers to drawings of the human body, mapping the location and intensity
of the torture inflicted on his body to the corresponding part of the
drawings.
When he asked what he had done, after his release, he received no answer.
He could only secretly visit his wife and family because his presence at
his home could result in their deaths. He said he expected to be killed.
During our conversation he took his handwritten testimony about his
torture and the murder of his out of his brief case. Attached to the
testimony were photographs of his brother's body showing the effects of
what it had endured.
His brother's murder seemed of more consequence than his own experiences.
Only once, when speaking of his brother, did his voice show any urgency or
emotion.
He was preparing to make a public statement about these events. He said
he would not be going home again. I asked if we could talk again; he said
it would be difficult.
And then yesterday, I received a phone call from a mutual friend. First
he talked about someone else we both know. Then he asked me if
I remembered this man and his brother. "He's dead. He was killed." He
repeated the question, "Do you remember him?" I do. I will.
I will remember because his death and my life are tied to this disfigured
place. He is not an abstraction, a statistic, headline or the face of
Iraq. He is tucked under my skin; his history has become a part of mine.
In a recent New York Times article by John F. Burns of photographer, Adam
Nadel's images of the ravages inflicted on Iraqis by this war, Mr. Burns
writes: "In his or her own way, each of these survivors is a totem for
all, *"
No. They're not.
reasonable?
Reason.com always has something interesting to share. Here are two links worth checking out. Clinton Did It First and some frustrations with Alito. I love popping in to see what these maniacs are talking about. I wonder just how many people in our nation think like they do.
January 18, 2006
the morning's news
Supreme Court says federal drug laws can't be used to stop assisted suicide
The ruling does not establish a constitutional "right to die." But in deciding Gonzales v. Oregon (No. 04-623), the court said the attorney general cannot interpret a federal drug-control law to effectively override the Oregon Death With Dignity Act. That legislation, which Oregon voters passed in 1994 and reaffirmed in 1997, is the nation's first and only law allowing physician-assisted suicide.California school district agrees to settle intelligent-design suit
Americans United for Separation of Church and State announced Jan. 17 that the El Tejon Unified School District, located in the mountains about 65 miles north of Los Angeles, has agreed to stop teaching a course called "Philosophy of Design" at its only high school, Frazier Mountain High in the town of Lebec.Giving to Protestant churches drops to 2.6% of income, study finds
If American Christians tithed, churches could gain $156 billion a year, a recent study found.And if denominations allocated a greater percentage of their receipts to international human needs, they could make strides in eliminating poverty-related child deaths, researchers concluded.Baptist, Episcopalian, Presbyterian youth gather at Disney for worship, challenge
“What Moses and Esther did is what you and I have to do -- set people free,” Matthews said. "… You and I are part of the problem. We are part of the oppressive system. When you pay $75 for a pair of jeans because of the label instead of spending $25 for jeans and sending the other $50 to fight poverty, you are the oppressor.”I like following the Associated Baptist Press. Admittedly there is a particular slant, but that slant can educate us all. What are baptists interested in? Well, that's good to know because it may be a barometer for what many people of faith are paying attention to...and what they are not. Just think, Falwell and I read the same paper. That may represent a pretty wide swath of American religious life. Heh.
January 17, 2006
preaching, liturgy and sociology
A friend has taken one of those internet quizes. This one helps you figure out what your college major should be. For her it was dance. For me it suggested sociology. When I stopped wondering why God would punish me so, I popped in on the comments to whine. One of the other commenters suggested that dance was an easy parallel for Beth's interest in liturgy. The same can be said for sociology. And, honestly, perhaps my liturgical interest is more sociological at times than much else.
One possible definition for the word liturgy is "the work of the people." This is more of a translation than a definition, but it sheds a little light on how I understand liturgy and why I study it. Who knew that so much wisdom could be gleaned from an internet quiz?
Liturgy is about people and relationships...the relationships within the gathered community, between that community, other communities and with God. It is a wonderful thing to study liturgy in terms of "what and why we do what we do for God." That is great and fine. But I tend to think of liturgy as indicative of wider cultural movements and trends. Liturgy is seldom invented. It is often appropriated.
This is the focus of my interest in John Calvin. I am interested in who he was and why what he created liturgically took the forms they did. My reasons for wanting to uncover this information and bring it to the fore is that I think the conversations of centuries ago can help us in contemoporary conversations whether they be about ecumenism, the emergent church or the struggles within the Southern Baptist Convention.
How Christians in particular worship is of great importance...even to the wider culture at large. Since much of our history is founded upon religious movements and since those movements often included some degree of liturgical reform, the general statement stands with the particular realities. When congregationalists controled the political life of the New England colonies, how, when ane where one worshiped mattered greatly. When the Irish Catholics immigrated to the US, they were driven to the New York city ghettos because of religious (incl. liturgical) differences. Even their humanness was judged on the basis of their religious loyalty. That the fell into the "papist traps" of weekly or even daily mass and supposed idol worship was proof positive to many in America that the Irish "race" was sub par. The Anglo-Saxon race was the paradigm of greatness in the seventeenth and into the early nineteenth centuries. Read Marty's Righteous Empire for more on that dynamic. It's pretty amazing. And, of course, there are many more examples to turn to. All of these dynamics historical, cultural, sociological, liturgical, play in one another's waters. Simply by taking communion daily, you were seen as less a human being, and less likely to be able to contribute to society.
My hope is that by studying wider historical/sociological trends that are influences of and influenced by religious reforms, specifically the liturgical (a subcategory of reform to be certain), maybe we will better understand ourselves as Christians (and even Americans). That understanding may shed a helpful light on current conversations and allow us to get to the root of our disagreements and reconcile past misjudgments and burdens that could be shed.
Liturgical trends to be aware of right now:
-the mega church and their "convention style" services (a creation of the baby boomer generation).
-the emergent conversations and their neo-liberal reclamation of traditional symbolism...in the midst of post-modern coffee shops (Gen X, Y and Z?).
-the recent ruling of the SBC higher-ups that speaking in tongues has no place in Christian worship...specifically in the mission field (Don't think that the initial "city on a hill" theology of American Christian expansion is gone.).
-Taize services (a global vision of ecumenism that is gaining popularity in the US)
There are many more, but these are the ones that come to mind for me. These different trends come out of particular understandings of and iterations of American sub-cultures and philosophical movements. They directly express and inform what certain American demographics admire and value.
I'm still thinking about this...but I want to know what thoughts pop to mind for you in all this.
Ah, right, and let's not forget the "liturgy free" spiritualists in this country. Their social liturgy is also important to understand and incorporate into the conversation.
two'sdey twostep: chocolate kisses in the big easy
Has anyone else seen the footage from New Orleans. It appears that the mayor has a corporate backer for re-election. The Hershey's company has raised the bar for everyone else in this country. It is not enough to give cash to aid those who are rebuilding after Katrina. No. One needs to adopt the city and create a "chocolate city." That's right. New Orleans is to made entirely of chocolate. The Army Corps of Engineers was stunned by the news, but I am sure they are up to the challenge. What a great opportunity. The entire city could melt in your mouth but not in...well...a deluge! The Big Easy is easy indeed.
Yikes. I don't know how to engage that news without some kind of humor...poorly or well communicated. I know that the socio-political dynamic down that way are complex. As they are in Richmond, Virginia and Detroit, Michigan, the issues surrounding race and poverty and a city "left to the minority poor constituents" in New Orleans are much more convoluted and steeped in a historical struggle for equality than any single news article can express. It saddens me, however, that the mayor would make such a statement and let it hang out there. It certainly has everyone's attention, but I am unsure if it is the kind of attention that will benefit any of us.
According to Diane Sawyer this morning, the mayor wanted to remind everyone that chocolate is a combination of dark chocolate and creame. It "makes for a tastey drink." Wow. Spin doctors? They need one...stat! Spin doctor to New Orleans General, stat!
January 13, 2006
I cannot help myself.
You scored as Chalcedon compliant. You are Chalcedon compliant. Congratulations, you're not a heretic. You believe that Jesus is truly God and truly man and like us in every respect, apart from sin. Officially approved in 451.
Are you a heretic? created with QuizFarm.com |
friday feast
Appetizer
Name one chore you don't really mind doing.
Windows.
Soup
How many times have you moved homes in your life?
I have moved sixteen times in thirty-five years. To go that extra mile, I have lived in my current apartment longer than I have lived in any other one location.
Salad
How old were you when you had your very first kiss?
I was fifteen.
Main Course
What time of day do you usually feel your best?
I feel my best in the early morning...from five until about nine.
Dessert
Using three words or less, describe your current local weather.
No tags this week, folks. Feel free to feast at your leisure. I will be away from the internet most of the weekend. I hope you all get to enjoy the three-day weekend. And try to find a way to celebrate the life and ministry of Martin Luther King, prophet, Baptist minister.
"A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom."- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
***************************************
This is something that everyone should read. Thanks to Noz for the link. Interpreter shot...a human face indeed.
church online
Well, it has been slow in coming, but Reconciler has its own url and web page. It is under construction, but feel free to stop by and take a peek.
things resolved at my alma mater?
This is the text of Cooper's letter of resignation. It will be a while before he actually steps down, but given all the "hubub" surrounding his tenure as President, it is probably the wisest move.
Dear University Alumni,
I have decided to step down as President of the University of Richmond effective June 30, 2007, and plan to resume academic pursuits as University Professor. It is a singular privilege to have served as president since 1998. I am grateful for the dedicated efforts of all members of the University community.
Working together, we have achieved a great deal and have made key decisions that will continue to unlock Richmond's full potential. In coming months, I look forward to working to fulfill the aims set forth in our strategic plan and laying the groundwork for future achievements. Let us join together in a spirit of friendship and appreciation for the opportunities we share in serving Richmond.
Sincerely,
Bill Cooper
January 12, 2006
I signed.
Follow the extended link for A Baptist Declaration in Opposition to Present U.S. Policies in Iraq.
A Baptist Declaration in Opposition to Present U.S. Policies in Iraq We, in the United States, who are followers of Jesus and Baptist by conviction are perplexed by the spiritual conflict present between radically different visions for our nation, both at home and around the world. One is inspired by our interpretations and applications of the teachings of Jesus, while the other is based in a ruling ideology of the current administration and its supporters throughout government and society. Jesus teaches that we should live with confidence and hope in a sovereign God who graciously makes it possible for us to return God’s love of us by being a loving neighbor to all of God’s creation, even those who are our enemies. For followers of Jesus, justice, reconciliation, and peace are based on the demanding commandment to love others. In contrast, the government of the United States, in both its executive and legislative branches, including members of both political parties, has increasingly enacted policies that are based on fear and intimidation, hatred and manipulation. It has declared an elusive and unending war on terrorism to justify its own violent acts of retribution and to establish an "American" empire to be imposed upon the rest of the world. Toward these ends, the government refused to delay hostilities until weapons inspectors in Iraq completed their work; it relied on discredited informants and distorted intelligence to build a case for war; it instituted preemptive military action that violated international law and the counsel of most nations, including longstanding allies; it pursued a military strategy of terror – of "shock and awe" – against Iraq, while failing to plan and provide adequately for the consequences of protracted war and the reconstruction of devastated land; it provoked insurgent activities with the rhetoric of bravado and policies of exclusion in the rebuilding of Iraq; it allowed or fostered a culture of abuse against prisoners that violated international conventions and our own nation’s fundamental values; it continues to demonize not just supposed enemies but nations who are perceived to be tolerant of those foes; it operates with a sense of the United States’ moral superiority while justifying its own crimes as necessary in an unbridled campaign against terrorism. These national policies and practices based on fear and intimidation, hatred and manipulation, have brought devastating consequences. By conservative accounting, over 30,000 innocent Iraqi civilians have lost their lives, of which an estimated ten percent were children; untold thousands have been severely injured; and still more have suffered permanent impairment. Over 2,000 U.S. soldiers have died and 15, 000 wounded. A military action to defeat terrorism on its "primary front" has drastically increased the number of insurgent terrorists in Iraq and networks of terrorism in other countries. The rebuilding of Iraq has slowed and civil war is an on-going threat in the near or long-term future. The United States is expending more than seven billion dollars per month on the Iraqi war and costs are expected to exceed $570 billion by 2010. National Guard and military reserves serving in Iraq are not available to assist in disaster relief at home. The vast appropriations for war are requiring cutbacks in domestic programs for those in need and limitations on aid that might otherwise be used to promote global well being and peace. The standing of the United States in the eyes of the world continues to deteriorate. The stance of the government is a cause of increasing division at home. As Baptists in the United States, we have no desire to further the division in our nation or across the globe. But neither can we remain silent in the face of the policies and practices of our nation that are so diametrically opposed to our religious faith and what we understand to be the democratic values of the nation. We ask, therefore, Baptists and all Christians, along with other citizens of good will, to join us in the following actions:
Furthermore, because it appears that President George W. Bush and members of his administration are, and will continue to be, indifferent and unresponsive to the widening public desire to end the U.S. military presence in Iraq, we as Christians and people of civic good will must communicate regularly and energetically – through letters, telephone calls, and face-to-face visits – with our elected representatives in the United States Senate and House of Representatives for legislative actions that will:
If, as a follower of Jesus, you share our deep concern about the policies and practices of our nation, we invite you to join us in casting off the fear that has bound us. We ask that you endorse this statement on the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America website (www.bpfna.org) or convey it to the BPFNA office by mail (4800 Wedgewood Drive, Charlotte NC 28210 USA), fax (704.521.6053), or e-mail (endorse@bpfna.org). In the spirit of discipleship and Baptist freedom, we invite you to join in this endeavor. Click here to go to the endorsement page to register your support. |
grace and truth
Bryan shares a link about an intriguing conversation within the Southern Baptist Convention. I was going to post the first part (Trustees of the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board will seek to remove a member of their board, apparently for posting information about the board's deliberations on his weblog.) of his story earlier myself. It is interesting to me because it is about blogging and Baptist life.
But the response from the SBC blogger is even more interesting and, honestly, heartbreaking.
I fought one war to rid our convention of liberalism. I am prepared to fight another war to rid our convention of legalism.I am not sure that I understand the SBC at all anymore. Its leadership is confused and stifling. The blogger continues.I, and others, are now being attacked by conservative crusaders who want to rid our convention of fellow conservatives who don't interpret Scripture like they do. These crusaders refuse cooperation in favor of conformity, and I really think it is because they have forgotten how to minister in the power of the Spirit through prayer, humility and cooperation.
I believe if God does not intervene in the Southern Baptist Convention by raising up men and women in the SBC who are more concerned about conservative cooperation than we are conservative conformity, we are headed down this road of religious Fundamentalism.I will not critique these developments. It's not my place as an ABC pastor. But my heart goes out to this man and his struggles. I watched my SBC minister grandfather struggle with this "crusading" twenty years ago. It is sad to know that it has found new victims.
Grace and truth, indeed.
news from my undergrad alma mater
It seems that they are trying to get rid of the President again.
alito and religious liberty
This is an interesting article from the Baptis Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. I have only had time to skim it, but as their job is to look for this kind of stuff, it is appropriate that they share their findings. I am sure it surprises some that Baptists would be concerned about religious liberty and preserving it for all people. But, hey, we like to keep people on their toes.
Alito's church-state record is mixed. While some of his free exercise opinions suggest a strong commitment to protecting religious rights, his record on applying the Establishment Clause to protect religious freedom is less promising.More to come.
January 11, 2006
pilgrim baptist church
It has been all over the news. As tragic as the destruction of that great building (once a synagogue then a baptist church) is, there is more news to report.
It seems that our illustrious governor, Rod, wants to give $1 million of his discressionary dollars to the reconstruction efforts. People are up in arms! Is he pandering to the African-American community? Does this over-step the separation of church and state? Now, to clarify, the governor wants to give these funds to the reconstruction of the adjacent school. So, "any benefit to the church is accidental" or something like that. Rod has caused quite a stir with this generous use of our tax dollars.
I think that he's made a political blunder. Even if it is a well-meaning blunder, that million belongs to the state. Unless the church is an actual state sponsored historic landmark, I cannot imagine how he can get away with this. That being said, I desperately hope that the home of gospel music is rebuilt.
In this massive edifice, gospel visionary Thomas A. Dorsey trained generations of singers, starting with the greatest one of all, Mahalia Jackson. A galaxy of gospel stars earned their fame at Pilgrim Baptist, among them James Cleveland, the Edwin Hawkins Singers, Albertina Walker and the Barrett Sisters.It would be a shame if it were tossed aside and fogotten or simply replaced by a historic marker. Pilgrim has been a lively place of worship for generations.
midday reflections
A Song of the Word of the Lord (Isaiah 55:6-11)
Seek the Lord while he may be found,
call upon him while he is near;Let the wicked abandon their ways,
and the unrighteous their thoughts;Return to the Lord,
who will have mercy;
to our God, who will richly pardon.'For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways', says the Lord.'For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.'As the rain and the snow come down from above,
and return not again but water the earth,'Bringing forth life and giving growth,
seed for sowing and bread to eat,'So is my word that goes forth from my mouth;
it will not return to me fruitless,'But it will accomplish that which I purpose,
and succeed in the task I gave it.'
This is the difficulty for me in trusting God. I know Isaiah's claims are intentionally generalized to encompass the spiritual health of an entire nation. Yet, I still desire a specific word. The promise of mercy is generous, and I hear it, but it seems that I tremble at the unknown of the specific of mercy. Thus, my attentions are scattered. My nerves are frayed. My anxiety is raised. I want to tell God what mercy should look like. But no.
'For my thoughts are not your thoughts,But this is how it often is with us. We do not often receive the anticipated specific word. No. Sometimes all we receive is the knowledge of God's great mercy. If we only turn toward God and embrace that mercy, all manner of things will be well. This is the truth of it. We cannot all be Moses.
neither are your ways my ways', says the Lord.'For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
My own sin, one of many, is that need for control. But the receiver of the gift does not get to control the gift or the giver. If God gives, then God chooses the gift. Isaiah is not speaking of some spiritual Christmas list here. No, instead he speaks of a quality of how it is to be in relationship with God. That quality is mercy. It will come in many forms. The promise will be fulfilled, but we know not how. I find this kind of letting go difficult. This kind of turning back to God is its own discipline. It is good work, however, and worthy of our time.
Such sowing will not return to us barren. It will bear much fruit. The promise of God is mercy.
the alito shuffle
This is an interesting article about how membership in the Supreme Court makes one more liberal. I had no idea. Is this something the founders had in mind? Hmmm...
There is no doubt that the presidential nomination process greatly influences the large-scale jurisprudential trends in expected directions. Still, that a Supreme Court appointment is both so important—in President Bush’s words, “one of the most consequential decisions a president makes”—and so scrutinized, casts the many examples of unpredicted drift as a real mystery. Why are presidents, and other backers, so often disappointed by the eventual performance of their nominees? And why do so many Supreme Court justices drift to the left, especially on matters of individual rights?Enjoy!
January 10, 2006
a little help from my friends
I am nervous about the approaching interview. Last night I was rehearsing with The Girls when a kind of woe came over me. So, I figured that I would take my blue funk and go home. This is a good group of guys. You can say "I am in a funk. I think I'll go home and pull my head out of my arse." You receive no flack. You may receive concern, but no flack. So, I decided to take my blue funk home. One of my bandmates stopped me and asked if everything was okay. I told him that I was simply getting nervous about the interview and was depressing myself. Immediately (ala Mark's gospel) the others in the group chimmed in with words of kindness and support.
"Any church would be lucky to have you."
"You draw people to your side."
"Just let them know you."
It was generous and kind. I have great friends. I stayed for the rest of rehearsal.
linkage
Wealth and religion?!
Is religion good for you?
I'm not here to be pretty.
And so it goes.
Have you ever had one of those days where you are simply trying to get things done...and all the things that must get done are things you would rather not do?
I am having one of those days. Things are getting done, but it ain't pretty. Nope. It ain't a'tall. I am just trying to get it done, people!
January 09, 2006
texts
Well, here is the lectionary for the Sunday I preach for the Pulpit Gig. My favorite is the Corinthians passage...only because of the absurd notion of preaching to evaluating strangers about sex.
1 Corinthians 7:29-31Yeah, that's the way I want to make a lasting impression. It would be interesting. And, of course, the more I try not to preach it the more I feel drawn to it.
7:29 I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none,7:30 and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions,
7:31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
monday madness
I have been thinking about two of the linked threads from last week.
First, in relation to Rich's January 5 post on shifting demographics and population "stuff," I want to toss out the Akmanian "It's more complicated than that." It is true that many western nations are only barely replacing their own populations when one looks only at birth rate statistics (link please?). But to be mercenary about it, several other statistics will play into these cultural shifts. Immigration is one huge bugbear. How that will effect voting habits in the US remains to be seen. Also, survival rates and lifespan play a huge role. I don't know much about the statistical information. This is a blog and not a website about population statistics. So, I blather. I don't research. That being said, what are the statistics on population fluxuation due to death rates, life span...or even available education? Does it matter if we are "out bred" if we live longer, are better educated etc? Maybe. Maybe not. Again, this is a rough line to take.
I personally believe that there is a more optimistic global culture/global population focus that should be taken. Thoug Steyn's point is interesting, it is too myopic to matter for very long. I am not so certain that we should guard western culture as if it was the best thing since...I dunno...500th Century BCE Egyptian culture. Western Culture as the US understands it is only a few hundered years old. I am not even sure it has been tried and shown worthy yet. Don't get me wrong, I am all for technological advances, but is that the same as culture? And there is your next topic! Does technology equal culture? And it almost leads to the other thread. Who knew?
Secondly, I have been pondering the discussion at JOHO on hierarchy and the blogosphere. Maybe it is not a pyramid (Egypt again!?) per se, but it may be akin to a pebble in a stream. There are ripples that overlap. There are ripples that never overlap. And sometimes the ripples that are furthest from the center will overlap with those closest to other centers...and even the centers themselves.
There will be multiple points of contact and circuitous routes that information can travel. My stream analogy works and falls apart for the same reason. Streams move and change. Like a stream, the internet is changing all the time...and rapidly. Unlike a stream, however, those ripples can stick around for a long time, and from one point of origin and connectedness you can venture to a completely different point in the stream. All of that being said, the truth that there are originating points matter. And access to relationships with those points is limited by time, actual physical space (if not virtual space), and knowledge. Knowledge goes both ways. And this is where the hierarchy comes into play. I may have access to information, but do I have a relationship. I suggest that relationship is the power of the internet. But do I know the orgin of the ripples I encounter? Does the origin know me? The human behind the ripple may not have time for me. This is neither good nor bad. But it stands to reason that the more popular an originating ripple is, the less time that person has to develop relationships with their interlocutors/intersecting ripples.
three links
My mother called recently. She lives in Lynchburg, VA. Jerry Falwell does too. It would appear that the city is totally up in arms about this TV show called, Daniel. Falwell and his friends are trying to get it banned from the airwaves there. Cross Left, on the other hand, is happy about the show. I must confess that I have not seen it. I have read some entertainment rags. They are pretty lukewarm about the whole thing. I would gamble that, like 7th Heaven, it is fairly vapid. But again, I will hold my thoughts. If you want to know more, read AKMA's post for its linkage. If I ever get an opportunity to watch the show, I'll tell you what I think. Oh, and here is a wee article from the TV Guide.
I want to go to this festival. Does anyone have a friend in Hotlanta? I would love to sleep on their floor. Maybe I should call Don Saliers and see if he has an extra bit of floor. That would be fun. I attended the festival when it was in DC with some good friends. I would like to go again. I learned a great deal. Plus, James Forbes from Riverside Church will be teaching this year. He preached at the DC festival. That was great, but I am very curious about what he might say in a lecture.
My friend Luke is famous...sorta.
pilgrim baptist blaze
One of the members of North Shore used to attend. Her husband was pastor at Pilgrim for many years. After he retired and then passed away, she started to attend North Shore. We spoke at length about this great loss yesterday. They plan on rebuilding.
barna has something interesting this week
Protestant Woes
Regardless of how the population was evaluated, though, there was no segment of the adult population that came close to the level of commitment that Protestant pastors claimed for churchgoers.
This raises all kinds of questions for me:
How is this measured?Interesting.
Is there a way that a smaller congregation might be better? Worse?
Is this a lack of teaching from a pulpit?
Is this a reflection of the "demise" of Sunday School?
Is this an overreliance on the idea of "Christian Culture?"
January 06, 2006
friday feast
This is a rare moment on this blog. This is the "Friday Feast" from the Emmaus Theory folk.
Appetizer Have you ever seen a ghost or an angel?So, there you go. I would tag some people, but I am sure they are too busy. Right, Susie, Rich, AKMA and Justin? They are certainly too busy. Surely.You betcha. When I lived at Richmond Hill, I saw a ghost/shade. She was a novice pulling bread from the ghostly ovens in the basement. The basement apartment I had used to be the diocese' bakery. It was eerie and cool all at once.
Soup
What is your favorite board game?I would have to say Risk. But I am not a fan of board games.
Salad
What was the last movie you saw that made you cry?Boy, this is embarassing. Patch Adams was a gift this year. I cried when his girlfriend was killed. Also, if you have not seen Finding Neverland, please go rent it.
Main Course
What would you do if you had 3 months off from your job?I would like to say something like "finish my thesis," but I would be lying. I think I would travel. France would be nice.
Dessert
What kind of shoes are you wearing today?Black GBX, size 10.5.
linkage
The Young Evangelical has an interesting reflection on faith and certainty and how it relates to the current science/religion debate.
Weinberger posted on blogging and hierarchies.Karl has opened the same topic on his blog. So, do blogs subvert hierarchies? I think they can. But so can anything else for that matter. And blogging communities are just as likely to become hierarchical as any other community.
Rich is posting about how our global population shifts are reflected in our political shifting and ideological struggles. Red states simply out-breed blue.
Narnia is not about Christianity.
And, finally, someone is suing over the whole Jesus business. There is also this post from the Pope's Christmas sermon.
"A united humanity will be able to confront the many troubling problems of the present time," the pope said, "from the menace of terrorism to the humiliating poverty in which millions of human beings live, from the proliferation of weapons to the pandemics and the environmental destruction which threatens the future of our planet."And I enabled the comments again. *sigh* Dern spam. I even get Technorati spam.
requiescat in pace
I usually post this on Epiphany. It is the day I received the news that Art had passed.
Fr. Art died on January 5 – during the Epiphany season – the feast of the manifestation of Christ to the world. This Christ was the light sent by God to break the darkness of oppression, prejudice and injustice. It is for us as followers of Jesus to be that light so that the glory of God will shine forth. Each of us, through our common baptism, has been anointed and sent forth. Each of us is to bring liberty and freedom to those who are imprisoned one way or another. Each of us is to be an agent of hope to those weighed down by despair – or who have grown cynical because of indifference.I miss him every day. And, this may seem odd to some, he is the reason I am a Baptist pastor.
comment woes
Oy.
This is awful. So, I enabled the Type Key stuff on my MT interface. If you find posting comments impossible, I am deeply sorry. I just cannot stand the hundreds of spam comments I get every day. They blow. They are awful. They are legion.
So, forgive the clumsy step that is now in your commenting way.
If you would like to comment, you may send me an e-mail. If you do not know my e-mail, there may be a reason for that.
--------later that same morning-----------
Yeah, well that don't work either. Um, I'll poke around at the MovableType site to see if there is a anti-spam patch that I like.
Adieu! Bon chance!
January 05, 2006
ninny
I still have that cold.
I hate that my head feels two sizes too small.
*whine*
back in the saddle again
Trish and I made I back to Chicago with little trouble. We driven this route often enough now that we have favorite places to stop and stretch our legs. If you ever have a chance to stop by Tamarack, please do so. If you like arts and crafts, you will not regret it. Plus, they host one of the four Starbucks between Huddleston and Chicago. You have to have priorities, you know.
In other news, Trish has a new job. Yep. She will be working as the assisstant to the registrar at a local school. Who knew? It is a great opportunity for her. And it is a huge financial boost as well. So, keep her in your thoughts and prayers during the transition.
The New Year's Eve gig went well. Sean, Roger and I rocked the Stil until almost closing. I was worn out, but it is a great kind of tired, you know? I got up the next morning to help out at North Shore. The regular pastors were away to see family. So, another "sub" and I stepped in. I did not have to preach, but I did serve at the Table. I love that place. It is a good church with much to offer. So, going to be at 3am and then getting up to serve communion works for me. Who knew? As long as I can get a nap in at some point, I'm right as rain.
I did manage, however, to come down with a cold by Tuesday morning. I blame this on my charming wife who contracted this virus while we were away. She is a cruel, though lovely, mistress who likes to share her germs with me. Perhaps 14 hours in a car with a sneezing actress was not the best idea after all. Who knew?
Finally, keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I have an actual interview with an Actual Congregation (shall remain nameless until further notice) on January 20-22. It will be a great three days, but I am already getting nervous and preoccupied. This is a big hairy deal for me. I am excited for the opportunity. I desperately hope that I will be able to discern God's will in this somewhere. It matters not how it turns out. Right? Sure, I have my preference, but I honestly want to see God's will done. What better way is there to pastor a church than to help them find someone for their pulpit...even if that is not you? Pray for them. Pray for me.
linkage
AKMA chimed in on a conversation at Dave's blog.
Micah and others are taking GOE's.
Rageboy has something to say about blogging.
intelligent design
Here is an article from Ethics Daily from E. Glenn Hinson on I.D. It is probably the closest view to my own on the subject. Props to Jesus Politics for the link.
fun...
Should budget issues be a priority for us as American Baptist ministers?
During this advent season, we're reminded that when Jesus came, he came with an agenda. The Bible only quotes Jesus preaching in a synagogue once. In Luke 4:16-19 Jesus is quoted as preaching from Isaiah 61:1-1-2. He quotes Isaiah as the one who is anointed by the Spirit of the Lord to "preach good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Then he tells the people "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." He is telling them, and us, that he is the Anointed One who has come with God's agenda. He came with an agenda to help people who needed help, clearly reflecting the priority of our God.
As our vision statement tells us, American Baptists are a Christ-centered, biblically grounded, ethnically diverse people called to radical personal discipleship in Christ Jesus. As "a people of prayer, purpose, and passion" who are called out to radical discipleship, what Jesus sets as an agenda ought to be our passionate agenda. If our country is setting priorities that are inconsistent with what God dictates, then we ought to raise a collective voice of objection out of our love for God and our love for our country.
There are many religious groups who have done just that, but there are many who do not feel that these budget cuts should be a Christian priority. There are those who believe that our Christian priorities should rather be on abortion and same-sex marriages. Some people believe that Jesus came solely to help people turn away from sinful behaviors and to guide us to an individualized self-righteousness. To understand that Jesus came to provide spiritual guidance for people to repent and turn back to God does not preclude God's clear intention to help those who have other needs. The two go together and cannot fairly be separated. A people cannot allow the poor who live among them to continue to be oppressed and claim the righteousness of God. Care of the poor is not an option for God's people, but is demanded by the two top commandments, that we must love God (by loving what God loves) and love each other (by doing for each other what we would want to have done for us).
There are others who have the opinion that the government's role should be to encourage charitable giving, but that the government should not be responsible for helping the poor. The commandment from God to care for the poor is not limited to simply providing charitable services. The Isaiah text that Jesus quoted says further on in the passage that God loves justice, and hates robbery and iniquity. It is the system of injustice that creates and maintains poverty in the midst of plenty that God hates. One of God's biggest complaints against the people of Israel was that they no longer took care of the poor in their midst (see Isaiah 58: 6-7). God's anger has to do with the established priorities of a collective people. God was speaking to the people at a time when there were no clear lines between the religious establishment and the government-the religious leaders were the governing body. Those in our present government who are followers of God are also called by God to account for themselves in relation to God's priorities. As their religious leaders, it is our duty to encourage them to listen to Gods call for justice for the poor.
The poor will always be with us. When Jesus said this, he did not mean that we should do nothing to help the poor or that the help we give to the poor should be limited in any way. That would be inconsistent with who God is. There will always be people who need help; i.e., people who are born with mental and physical disabilities, people who are born into and broken by hardships, people who fall prey to addictions and crime, and people who simply fall on hard times. Our job as followers of Christ is to find as many ways as we can to help them, and the best help that we can offer is to do everything we can to bring them out of the condition of being poor. "Everything" includes political action.
As a people of God, American Baptists have embraced the National Ministries initiative to serve children in poverty. Our children are our most important asset and they are our most vulnerable citizens. There are many ways that we can approach the initiative to help them, but we should not limit ourselves to any particular way of operating. As Christians, we tend to differ on what ought to be our priorities. That's because all of us are only human, and we will disagree. We should not let our disagreements on what should be the best approach paralyze us so that we take no approach. Those of us who are comfortable with taking a stand on the social justice issue and speaking out against the budget cuts with the prophetic voice of God must do so. Those of us who are more comfortable providing services and giving meals and clothes to the poor must do so. There is plenty of work needed to help people who are in trouble; we don't all have to do the same thing. But we must all do something, and we must do all that God calls us out to do. Let's not demand that we all approach the issue from one side; let's engage in a multi-faceted attack against poverty. Let's hate the injustice of poverty like God hates it, and make God's priority our priority.
Passed by the Ministers Council Executive Committee - December 21, 2005
(The Ministers Council Bylaws Mission Statement specifically authorizes the right of the group to make such prophetic statements: We are women and men who advocate for and covenant with each other to deepen our spiritual journey and to increase our effectiveness, as persons who are accepting the call of God and church for advancement of the Gospel mission of the church of Jesus Christ and to proclaim His truth in a prophetic voice as led by the Holy Spirit).