One of the nice things about a train ride is you have lots of time to read. . .
I started and finished Ernest Gordon's To End All Wars while on the way to Montana. Karina and I had watched the movie a couple months ago (be warned: it is incredibly brutal) and been moved by this powerful story. Unfortunately, as it turned out, the book and the move are not the same story. In fact, other than the similarity of the major premise (a British officer in a Japanese POW camp during WW2), they had almost nothing in common.
However. . .
That was only disappointing insomuch as I kept waiting for certain events from the movie to show up. The movie had colored my expectations for the book, which meant I couldn't take the book on its own merits. Which is too bad, because, upon completing the book, I would say it is as powerful as the movie, perhaps even more so. But you have to let the book speak for itself. The story is truly miraculous, as this band of prisoners devolve into a wild bunch of animals at the hands of their captors, only to be transformed by the Spirit of Christ into a true Community of compassion and care. Somehow, in the midst of hell, these men found the power to love each other, to care for each other, to even forgive their Japanese tormentors. When people ask "Does Christianity work?", the story of this book says "absolutely!" And in a day and age of spiteful attacks, divisive language, polarized religions and selfish money-grubbing politicians and religious leaders, there is a real lesson here about what being a True Follower of Christ is all about. In fact, I think it is a perfect example of what Scot McKnight is arguing for in his latest book. But more on that later.
First, a quote from Gordon: "We wanted to learn now what Christianity had to say about our redemption. Before we could do, we had to be. It was not only our minds but also our wills that had to be changed. We had to be called into being by love. That lonely figure on the Cross had redeemed mankind by His love and sacrifice. Yet while that redemption was a once-for-all event, it was also a fact that we had to be redeemed daily to be in a state of being redeemed. . . .We had two alternatives: we could choose the way of men, based on the sovereignty of the natural order, closed, sealed and impersonal; or we could choose the way of Jesus Christ, free and personal, based on the sovereignty of God the Father. The wind of the spirit had blown upon us; we could not prove how or whence it had come. But our experience pointed to a source beyond ourselves. We knew personal fulfillment, love, joy, peace, wholeness, as we committed ourselves to the One who had called us. Only as we responded to this Word did we receive the power to progress toward true humanity. Our life on the horizontal plane was made meaningful at the point where it met the vertical. At the point marked by the Cross we found ourselves."
Just before we left, I also finished Stephen Lawhead's "Scarlet," the second book of his Robin Hood trilogy. It's not fiction on par with, say, Tolstoy or Dickens, but as far as Christian fiction goes, it's about the best I've come across. Put it this way: I enjoy it, and I can recommend it without being embarrassed, unlike a lot of books in the Christian Fiction aisle.
And last night I finally finished Sara Miles' Take This Bread: A Radical Conversion. You know, there are those books you read and quickly forget. There are those books that give you an interesting thought or two. And then there are books that get under your skin and completely and forever change the way you look at things. This is one of the third kind. This book is powerful, it is overwhelming. You can not read this book and approach the Lord's Supper the same way again. You can not read this book and think of Christianity the same way. This book will change you.
It will also, probably, bother you. Sara is raw. She's rough. She uses language and lives a lifestyle that would make most Christians furrow their brow. She throws out statements like this: "You know," Swami Jeff told me once, "God couldn't care less about the church. We don't understand the Eucharist, or that bread and wine live within us, so we ritualize the things that hold the mystery. We focus on the container and formalize the mystery. But you can't do that." Which is, of course, so wrong in so many ways. God does care about the Church. The Church is God at work in the world. And there are so many other things about this book that are so bothersome. And offensive.
And yet, her voice is necessary, because she get so much right. She understands the radical, accepting love of Jesus Christ for this world. She gets that love for Jesus demands a love for all his children. She gets that serving Christ is more important than showing up to church and looking pretty. "Doing the Gospel rather than just quoting it was the best way I could find out what God was up to." She gets that feeding the poor is one of the essentials of following Christ. And she gets the fact that Christ is for the poor, the outcast, the marginalized, the hungry. She understands that the Kingdom of God is right here, right now, right under our noses, if we would only open our eyes to see it. She hammers home the idea that community is core to Christianity - but not the community we choose; it's the community God calls to us, and calls us to. She gets the Modern Church. "My suspicion was that committees in churches served the same purpose as committees in other institutions: They were holding tanks for people who professed interest in an issue but didn't always want to act." And, I've got to tell you, the story of her conversion, of how she walked into church, received Communion, and was overcome by God, is breathtakingly powerful. I wish all could read her story.
But, in the end, a lot of Christians will be scandalized by much of who she is. And there are parts that make me uncomfortable. Until I realize who she really is: a sinner saved by grace, on the way to holiness. And this book is simply one step in that process.
Now, it's onto the next book I've been excited about - Scot McKnight's A Community Called Atonement. The best part of this book - it connects doxis with praxis - what we believe with what we ought to be doing. It's about the atonement lived in daily life, not in obtuse theories and ivory-tower debates. It's about atonement working in our lives, which is the only place that it really matters
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Monday, October 01, 2007
Montana Trip: Three Stories
Okay, first this. The trip was wonderful. Amazing. Truly one of the best we've taken. The fall colors of the Rocky Mountains were breathtaking. Glacier National Park is a must-see. And taking the train is always a great way to travel. So, yes, Karina and I celebrated our 10th anniversary in style.
Now, three highlights of the trip:
1. After a restless night of fitful sleep as we crossed Eastern Washington and Idaho, we awoke in Montana and headed to breakfast in the dining car. Somewhere between the Flathead Tunnel and Whitefish we were seated, sharing our table with another couple, probably in their mid-50s. We exchanged pleasantries about our lack of sleep, where we hail from, where we're heading, and then. . .the "and what do you do?" question.
Me: "I pastor a small church in Washington."
They: "Oh? What kind of Church?"
Me: "It's a Christian Church. With the Evangelical Covenant Denomination."
They: "So, what do you think of Jehovah's Witnesses? Are they a cult? Because we just went to a conference in Portland on Creationism, and the speaker said Jehovah's Witnesses are a cult."
Us "Well, good morning to you, too!"
And so it went. I suspected, and had it confirmed by the nature of their questioning, that they were JWs, and were trying to draw me into a debate. But I hadn't even had breakfast yet. So I remained civil and open, refusing to answer their questions, but instead spent most of the next 20 minutes explaining the orthodox view of Christ, and how the JWs differed in their interpretation. It was an interesting morning, to say the least. Thankfully, before they could start to argue too much, we realized we were 10 minutes from West Glacier, and therefore had to return and gather our stuff. And that was the end of that, thankfully, without any shouting or insulting (which, incidentally, is what the last JW I had the privilege of sharing with ended up doing).
2. On Thursday we hiked up Apgar Mountain. It's about a 6 1/2 mile round trip, with a 1600+ foot elevation gain to the top. The hike was beautiful, the weather perfect, and no bears were in sight. At the top, we met an IT guy with the Park service who was in the process of putting up a web cam, so that all the world can see the view from Apgar Mountain. He was very friendly and answered a lot of questions for us. We even ended up hiking back down together. But as he was installing the camera, coordinating via cell phone with his boss back at the office, he had to get a picture as a reference point. So he had us stand in front of the camera, and we became the first people to have their picture taken by the Apgar Mountain Webcam. Here's the picture:
Unfortunately, at last check, the camera had gone down. But you can check here, and see if it comes back sometime soon. And while you are there, check the Lake McDonald webcam. That will show you the view from our cabin. Or thereabouts, anyway.
3. On the way out, I had this crazy little idea, one of those thoughts that keeps pestering you and won't go away. So when we were in Whitefish, I went into the Amtrak station and asked about getting a ticket from Edmonds to Seattle - the last 30 minutes of the return trip. Turns out a kid can get on that for only $4. And thus it was that Saturday morning my dad drove Olivia up to Edmonds, where she hopped on the train and rode the last little jaunt down Puget Sound into King Street Station. We showed her our sleeping compartment, the dining room, the view along the way, and she was suitably impressed. Probably a $4 well spent, when you consider the treat it was to her, and the memories she'll carry of waiting at the station with grandpa, and the ride in mommy and daddy's personal compartment. I bet we just made an Amtrak passenger out of her. Here we are on the trip:
So there you have it. We have another picture or two to upload, eventually, but let this suffice for now. Glad to be back. . .wish we were still there.
Now, three highlights of the trip:
1. After a restless night of fitful sleep as we crossed Eastern Washington and Idaho, we awoke in Montana and headed to breakfast in the dining car. Somewhere between the Flathead Tunnel and Whitefish we were seated, sharing our table with another couple, probably in their mid-50s. We exchanged pleasantries about our lack of sleep, where we hail from, where we're heading, and then. . .the "and what do you do?" question.
Me: "I pastor a small church in Washington."
They: "Oh? What kind of Church?"
Me: "It's a Christian Church. With the Evangelical Covenant Denomination."
They: "So, what do you think of Jehovah's Witnesses? Are they a cult? Because we just went to a conference in Portland on Creationism, and the speaker said Jehovah's Witnesses are a cult."
Us "Well, good morning to you, too!"
And so it went. I suspected, and had it confirmed by the nature of their questioning, that they were JWs, and were trying to draw me into a debate. But I hadn't even had breakfast yet. So I remained civil and open, refusing to answer their questions, but instead spent most of the next 20 minutes explaining the orthodox view of Christ, and how the JWs differed in their interpretation. It was an interesting morning, to say the least. Thankfully, before they could start to argue too much, we realized we were 10 minutes from West Glacier, and therefore had to return and gather our stuff. And that was the end of that, thankfully, without any shouting or insulting (which, incidentally, is what the last JW I had the privilege of sharing with ended up doing).
2. On Thursday we hiked up Apgar Mountain. It's about a 6 1/2 mile round trip, with a 1600+ foot elevation gain to the top. The hike was beautiful, the weather perfect, and no bears were in sight. At the top, we met an IT guy with the Park service who was in the process of putting up a web cam, so that all the world can see the view from Apgar Mountain. He was very friendly and answered a lot of questions for us. We even ended up hiking back down together. But as he was installing the camera, coordinating via cell phone with his boss back at the office, he had to get a picture as a reference point. So he had us stand in front of the camera, and we became the first people to have their picture taken by the Apgar Mountain Webcam. Here's the picture:
Unfortunately, at last check, the camera had gone down. But you can check here, and see if it comes back sometime soon. And while you are there, check the Lake McDonald webcam. That will show you the view from our cabin. Or thereabouts, anyway.
3. On the way out, I had this crazy little idea, one of those thoughts that keeps pestering you and won't go away. So when we were in Whitefish, I went into the Amtrak station and asked about getting a ticket from Edmonds to Seattle - the last 30 minutes of the return trip. Turns out a kid can get on that for only $4. And thus it was that Saturday morning my dad drove Olivia up to Edmonds, where she hopped on the train and rode the last little jaunt down Puget Sound into King Street Station. We showed her our sleeping compartment, the dining room, the view along the way, and she was suitably impressed. Probably a $4 well spent, when you consider the treat it was to her, and the memories she'll carry of waiting at the station with grandpa, and the ride in mommy and daddy's personal compartment. I bet we just made an Amtrak passenger out of her. Here we are on the trip:
So there you have it. We have another picture or two to upload, eventually, but let this suffice for now. Glad to be back. . .wish we were still there.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Just Good
I once asked Don Robinson if there actually were any healthy churches out there.
So let me leave you with this:
- Sunday School began with a bang this morning. Excitement. Anticipation. Kids laughing and teachers energized. 14 kids in my confirmation group.
- 2 sons, recently returned from Iraq, in worship this morning.
- At this point of the year we're about $10,000 in the black for the year.
- An anonymous $1000 to our food outreach, who had just told me they were out of money and couldn't afford to hand out holiday baskets.
- Worship this morning was truly beautiful and sweet. Lots of participation, a wonderful spirit.
- Visitor flow remains strong.
- Our nominating committee is working on candidates for next year's board, and I am amazed at the quality of the people we get to choose from. God has the right people in the right places.
- People are praying. Ministries are growing. People are serving.
In other words, yes - there are healthy churches out there. And I am blessed beyond measure to be able to pastor one of them.
See you next week.
So let me leave you with this:
- Sunday School began with a bang this morning. Excitement. Anticipation. Kids laughing and teachers energized. 14 kids in my confirmation group.
- 2 sons, recently returned from Iraq, in worship this morning.
- At this point of the year we're about $10,000 in the black for the year.
- An anonymous $1000 to our food outreach, who had just told me they were out of money and couldn't afford to hand out holiday baskets.
- Worship this morning was truly beautiful and sweet. Lots of participation, a wonderful spirit.
- Visitor flow remains strong.
- Our nominating committee is working on candidates for next year's board, and I am amazed at the quality of the people we get to choose from. God has the right people in the right places.
- People are praying. Ministries are growing. People are serving.
In other words, yes - there are healthy churches out there. And I am blessed beyond measure to be able to pastor one of them.
See you next week.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Too busy to blog
I'll be out of town most of next week, so that means 2 sermons to write this week. And an article for the church newsletter. And meetings all day yesterday. And contacts to make for our Nominating Committee. Lots to do, lots to do. Which means, no more here for the moment. And by "the moment" I don't mean months, or even weeks. Just nothing today except this note, telling you that there is nothing here today.
And to let you know that next week we are heading out for 5 days, finally celebrating our 10th anniversary.. As part of our trip we get an overnight train ride and a couple nights up in the mountains. And grandma and grandpa get the kids. It all seems to be working toward a wonderful week of relaxation and bliss. . .
And to let you know that next week we are heading out for 5 days, finally celebrating our 10th anniversary.. As part of our trip we get an overnight train ride and a couple nights up in the mountains. And grandma and grandpa get the kids. It all seems to be working toward a wonderful week of relaxation and bliss. . .
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
One of the Good Guys
Ron was nearly 80 when I met him 10 years ago. He had a gentle spirit, and a calm heart. He wasn't given to frivolity, but there was a twinkle in his eye. He was a man who knew how to love.
I had been hired as the youth pastor, so my time and energy went toward the 12-18 year-olds. But, as the situation proved more stressful than I'd bargained for, as factions broke out in the church, as angry voices started crying out against the pastor and myself - right at that point, Ron became my true friend.
He took me out to Red Lobster for lunch. We talked. His frustration was evident. But, the thing is, he sided with the younger folks. He was upset at the way the seniors were attempting to maintain control, and in so doing, driving all the younger people away. Ron wanted to see this church thrive. And he saw that I was losing heart, so he decided to encourage me. He decided to be my friend.
Every time we met he'd ask me what I thought about it all. How we might turn things around. How we might save the church. How he could encourage me.
Once or twice he handed me $20 and told me to spend it on myself.
When I left that church, it hurt Ron. He understood why we left. He completely agreed that it was necessary, but it still hurt him. And, as time passed and I was further away from that church, I started to miss Ron. When I thought about that church, Ron was always one of the brightest memories. When times became tough again, I wished I had another Ron around, just to sit with and talk about stuff.
Last April, I was at the North Pacific Conference Annual Meeting, and who should be sitting at the table next to me but Ron and his wife Evelyn. It was a joyous reunion - the same smile on his face, the same kid-like glee in his eyes.
And in June, at the Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church, I saw Ron again. His health had caught up to him - he was having trouble breathing and walking. But we still had a good talk, and he was still the same old Ron. Doesn't it always feel good when you run into an old friend, and you can tell they are just happy to see you? That's what it was like. Ron was overjoyed to see Karina and me. I was encouraged just to be in his presence again.
Ron passed away yesterday, just short of his 89th birthday. I miss him already. Just the thought that he was out there could make me happy. Just the thought that I had a friend in Gresham who loved me encouraged me greatly. Whenever I would think of the hard times we went through at that church, I would always come back to Ron and say "But we got to know Ron, so it's all okay."
Ron was one of those men every church needs. He was a saint. He was real, he was honest, he was insightful, but, most of all, he was a friend when I needed one - and he went out of his way to pursue that friendship with me.
May the Lord carry his soul into eternal rest. May the Lord carry him gently to his side. And may the Lord fill our lives with many more Ron Fischers.
++++++++++
Just as I was reading the email notifying me of Ron's death, this song by David Crowder started playing:
Are we left here on our own?
Can you feel when your last breath is gone?
Night is weighing heavy now,
be quiet, wait, for the voice that will say. . .
Come awake, from sleep, arise.
You were dead, become alive.
Wake up, wake up, open your eyes.
Climb from your grave into the light. . .
Bring us back to life.
You are not the only one
who feels like the only one.
Night soon will be lifted friend
just be quiet and wait for the voice that will say
Come awake, from sleep, arise
You were dead, become alive
Wake up, wake up, open your eyes
Climb from your grave into the light. . .
Arise! Shine! Wake up, wake up!
I had been hired as the youth pastor, so my time and energy went toward the 12-18 year-olds. But, as the situation proved more stressful than I'd bargained for, as factions broke out in the church, as angry voices started crying out against the pastor and myself - right at that point, Ron became my true friend.
He took me out to Red Lobster for lunch. We talked. His frustration was evident. But, the thing is, he sided with the younger folks. He was upset at the way the seniors were attempting to maintain control, and in so doing, driving all the younger people away. Ron wanted to see this church thrive. And he saw that I was losing heart, so he decided to encourage me. He decided to be my friend.
Every time we met he'd ask me what I thought about it all. How we might turn things around. How we might save the church. How he could encourage me.
Once or twice he handed me $20 and told me to spend it on myself.
When I left that church, it hurt Ron. He understood why we left. He completely agreed that it was necessary, but it still hurt him. And, as time passed and I was further away from that church, I started to miss Ron. When I thought about that church, Ron was always one of the brightest memories. When times became tough again, I wished I had another Ron around, just to sit with and talk about stuff.
Last April, I was at the North Pacific Conference Annual Meeting, and who should be sitting at the table next to me but Ron and his wife Evelyn. It was a joyous reunion - the same smile on his face, the same kid-like glee in his eyes.
And in June, at the Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church, I saw Ron again. His health had caught up to him - he was having trouble breathing and walking. But we still had a good talk, and he was still the same old Ron. Doesn't it always feel good when you run into an old friend, and you can tell they are just happy to see you? That's what it was like. Ron was overjoyed to see Karina and me. I was encouraged just to be in his presence again.
Ron passed away yesterday, just short of his 89th birthday. I miss him already. Just the thought that he was out there could make me happy. Just the thought that I had a friend in Gresham who loved me encouraged me greatly. Whenever I would think of the hard times we went through at that church, I would always come back to Ron and say "But we got to know Ron, so it's all okay."
Ron was one of those men every church needs. He was a saint. He was real, he was honest, he was insightful, but, most of all, he was a friend when I needed one - and he went out of his way to pursue that friendship with me.
May the Lord carry his soul into eternal rest. May the Lord carry him gently to his side. And may the Lord fill our lives with many more Ron Fischers.
++++++++++
Just as I was reading the email notifying me of Ron's death, this song by David Crowder started playing:
Are we left here on our own?
Can you feel when your last breath is gone?
Night is weighing heavy now,
be quiet, wait, for the voice that will say. . .
Come awake, from sleep, arise.
You were dead, become alive.
Wake up, wake up, open your eyes.
Climb from your grave into the light. . .
Bring us back to life.
You are not the only one
who feels like the only one.
Night soon will be lifted friend
just be quiet and wait for the voice that will say
Come awake, from sleep, arise
You were dead, become alive
Wake up, wake up, open your eyes
Climb from your grave into the light. . .
Arise! Shine! Wake up, wake up!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Various and Assundry Items
Seattle is about to get a new streetcar line, courtesy of Paul Allen, in the South Lake Union district. I'll be glad when it's finished, because all the construction makes it that much more difficult to get to Whole Foods.
The rumor is that it was originally going to be called the South Lake Union Trolley. Until someone finally figured out what that acronym would spell. So now it's the South Lake Union Streetcar. . .but people seem to find the original more humorous, so the locals are running with it. Just one of those Seattle things.
+++++++++++++++++
Just after I joyfully linked to the Holy Observer (see below), Scot McKnight has to go and blog about satire. His quote: "A steady diet of satire is soul-destroying. . .You cannot possibly live by the Jesus Creed and turn your focus to satire. . ."
The thing is, he's probably right. But I'm not quite ready to give it up yet. Let me get back to you.
+++++++++++++++++
In the meantime, I'm pondering a little blog post under the title "Is Fundamentalism a Sin?" I hope to get it out later this week.
The rumor is that it was originally going to be called the South Lake Union Trolley. Until someone finally figured out what that acronym would spell. So now it's the South Lake Union Streetcar. . .but people seem to find the original more humorous, so the locals are running with it. Just one of those Seattle things.
+++++++++++++++++
Just after I joyfully linked to the Holy Observer (see below), Scot McKnight has to go and blog about satire. His quote: "A steady diet of satire is soul-destroying. . .You cannot possibly live by the Jesus Creed and turn your focus to satire. . ."
The thing is, he's probably right. But I'm not quite ready to give it up yet. Let me get back to you.
+++++++++++++++++
In the meantime, I'm pondering a little blog post under the title "Is Fundamentalism a Sin?" I hope to get it out later this week.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Ark of the Covenant Discovered on Craigslist!
Not really, but after a 2 1/2 year hiatus, the Holy Observer is up and running again. That makes me happy.
Warning: THO can be crass. It can be crude. And it's always freakin' hilarious.
Warning: THO can be crass. It can be crude. And it's always freakin' hilarious.
Friday, September 14, 2007
How far I've come
I'm working at home today, both to watch a girl with the sniffles, and so I can have some peace and quiet to finish up Sunday's sermon.
It was lunch time. I became hungry. I went into the kitchen to make some lunch. I had flax seed chips with hummus, and a lamb and goat cheese quesadilla.
And to think it used to be peanut butter sandwiches or Del Taco. . .
It was lunch time. I became hungry. I went into the kitchen to make some lunch. I had flax seed chips with hummus, and a lamb and goat cheese quesadilla.
And to think it used to be peanut butter sandwiches or Del Taco. . .
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Do the Puyallup
Went to the fair last Monday.
Olivia enjoyed the skyride.
Clara REALLY enjoyed driving her first car.
I just enjoyed the hot scones with raspberry jam.
Olivia enjoyed the skyride.
Clara REALLY enjoyed driving her first car.
I just enjoyed the hot scones with raspberry jam.
Book News
Yesterday I finished reading Tim Alan Gardner's Sacred Sex. Overall, I would say it's a good book and worth the read.
His premise is that the sexual act is a sacred act, for two reasons. First, because it was created by God way back In the Beginning, created for the purpose of unity - taking one man and one woman and creating One. On the marriage bed, the great mystery is played out wherein two souls intertwine to become one. The second reason sex is sacred is that it is ultimately the image of Christ and His Church - the image of ultimate, sacrificial love, the truest metaphor for the organic unity of Christ indwelling his bride.
Therefore, our culture's many views on sexuality - cheap sex, hooking up, obsession with body type, clothing, and body fat count, sex as advertising ploy, sex as thrill, sex as entertainment - all these are demeaning to all that sex is supposed to mean.
However, ultimately the book is not a critique on culture. Instead, it is a roadmap to rebuilding healthy sexuality in the one place it is meant to exist - in the lifelong marriage relationship of husband and wife.
What I like most - his emphasis on the Unifying aspect of sexuality. The ultimate question to be asked in any sexual activity comes down to this - is this striving toward unity between me and my spouse? Or is it all about me, my desires, my satisfaction?
Now, the truth is, this is one of those books where I read it and say "that's all pretty simple and obvious." But then I'm reminded that 24/7 we're bombarded by messages that seek to carry us in the opposite direction, and that millions of marriages out there are struggling to survive. And if a couple (or person) came to me looking for advice in this area, I would definitely recommend this book. It's worth the read, and more people ought to read it.
I only have two criticisms:
First, the theological work is a little paltry. It could have been a lot richer, a lot deeper, a lot fuller. Gardner isn't a theologian, but he still could have plumbed the depths of the Genesis and Ephesians passages to greater levels. Perhaps consulting a theologian or two would have rounded out the work.
Second, Gardner has the annoying habit of making a point and then repeating it four or five times, as if to fill up space or reinforce his original point through repetition. In other words, he'll make a point, and then say the same thing, only with different words, about three or four more times. What I mean is, he'll make a point, and then he'll rephrase the point but say pretty much the same thing. Sometimes people make points by repeating the same point over and over again, which ends up being so much space filler. Gardner tends to state his idea, and then he'll restate the same idea numerous times, only with different words, so that it seems he's saying a lot when really it's the same thing. Sometimes Gardner gets a little repetitive.
Got it?
But those are small shortcomings to what I believe would be a very helpful resource to a lot of struggling people out there.
Now I'm off in other directions. Sara Miles' A Radical Conversion comes next. It's the story of how a lesbian left-wing atheist journalist found Jesus. Ought to be interesting, to say the least.
His premise is that the sexual act is a sacred act, for two reasons. First, because it was created by God way back In the Beginning, created for the purpose of unity - taking one man and one woman and creating One. On the marriage bed, the great mystery is played out wherein two souls intertwine to become one. The second reason sex is sacred is that it is ultimately the image of Christ and His Church - the image of ultimate, sacrificial love, the truest metaphor for the organic unity of Christ indwelling his bride.
Therefore, our culture's many views on sexuality - cheap sex, hooking up, obsession with body type, clothing, and body fat count, sex as advertising ploy, sex as thrill, sex as entertainment - all these are demeaning to all that sex is supposed to mean.
However, ultimately the book is not a critique on culture. Instead, it is a roadmap to rebuilding healthy sexuality in the one place it is meant to exist - in the lifelong marriage relationship of husband and wife.
What I like most - his emphasis on the Unifying aspect of sexuality. The ultimate question to be asked in any sexual activity comes down to this - is this striving toward unity between me and my spouse? Or is it all about me, my desires, my satisfaction?
Now, the truth is, this is one of those books where I read it and say "that's all pretty simple and obvious." But then I'm reminded that 24/7 we're bombarded by messages that seek to carry us in the opposite direction, and that millions of marriages out there are struggling to survive. And if a couple (or person) came to me looking for advice in this area, I would definitely recommend this book. It's worth the read, and more people ought to read it.
I only have two criticisms:
First, the theological work is a little paltry. It could have been a lot richer, a lot deeper, a lot fuller. Gardner isn't a theologian, but he still could have plumbed the depths of the Genesis and Ephesians passages to greater levels. Perhaps consulting a theologian or two would have rounded out the work.
Second, Gardner has the annoying habit of making a point and then repeating it four or five times, as if to fill up space or reinforce his original point through repetition. In other words, he'll make a point, and then say the same thing, only with different words, about three or four more times. What I mean is, he'll make a point, and then he'll rephrase the point but say pretty much the same thing. Sometimes people make points by repeating the same point over and over again, which ends up being so much space filler. Gardner tends to state his idea, and then he'll restate the same idea numerous times, only with different words, so that it seems he's saying a lot when really it's the same thing. Sometimes Gardner gets a little repetitive.
Got it?
But those are small shortcomings to what I believe would be a very helpful resource to a lot of struggling people out there.
Now I'm off in other directions. Sara Miles' A Radical Conversion comes next. It's the story of how a lesbian left-wing atheist journalist found Jesus. Ought to be interesting, to say the least.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Hmm. I've been tagged.
Just when I thought I was free and clear, Kim had to go and tag me. I had nothing else to say today, so I guess this is it.
Rules of this tag:
1. Name the person with link who tagged you.
2. Complete the questionnaire without changing the questions.
3. Tag 6 or more people.
Q1. Are you happy/ satisfied with your blog, with its content and look?
Yes. Well, pretty much. I'm growing a little tired of the pale orange, though. May have to change that sometime.
Q2. Does your family know about your blog?
Yes. At least my wife, my parents, and my sister do.
Q3. Do you feel embarrassed to let your friends know about your blog or you just consider it as a private thing?
First of all, that question doesn't make sense. It's missing a word or two. But to the original question, no. I am not embarrassed about it. In fact, I link it off our church website and I hope more people show up to read it.
Q4. Did blogs cause positive changes in your thoughts?
Most of the time. I learn a lot about other people because of their blogs, and their response to mine. Of course, a few have reacted negatively to this blog over the years, and have attacked me unfairly, so I wouldn't say my thoughts changed positively in those instances. But I would say I'm a better person for being in the blog-o-sphere.
Q5. Do you only open the blogs of those who comment on your blog or you love to go and discover more by yourself?
Sometimes if I have the time I go out exploring, jumping from one blog to the next through their links.
Q6. What does visitors counter mean to you? Do you care about putting it in your blog?
Again, what's with the grammar here? To answer the question literally, "Visitors Counter" means a little device people put into their blogs in order to track how many people are visiting their blogs. I use Google analytics to track the number of visitors I receive.
Q7. Did you try to imagine your fellow bloggers and give them real pictures?
Most of the ones I read I know already, so I don't have to imagine. As to the rest? I don't have that good of an imagination.
Q8. Do you think there is a real benefit for blogging?
There can be a benefit to blogging. And some blogs are very beneficial. Mine helps people in our church know what I'm thinking, it keeps my parents informed about the lives of their grandkids. I've learned a lot about the world through other blogs. But many, say, the celebrity blogs, and the blogs of every kid between the ages of 12-19, and the blogs on myspace and facebook, and 99% of xanga are a complete waste of time.
Q9. Do you think that bloggers’ society is isolated from real world or interacts with events?
Yes, and yes.
Q10. Does criticism annoy you or do you feel it’s a normal thing?
No, and yes. Depending, of course, on the spirit in which it is given. Mean-spirited criticism annoys me. But helpful criticism is necessary and useful.
Q11. Do you fear some political blogs and avoid them?
I fear nothing, and avoid nothing out of fear.
Q12. Did you get shocked by the arrest of some bloggers?
No. Especially if you are talking about Chinese and North Korean bloggers. Am I saddened by it? Absolutely. Do I think it's wrong? Yes. But am I shocked? No.
Q13. Did you think about what will happen to your blog after you die?
No. I figure it will live on and cause one of my descendants to lose an election someday. "But isn't it true that your great-great grandfather once said in his blog that he thinks 99% of xanga is a waste of time? Scandalous!"
Q14. What do you like to hear? What’s the song you might like to put a link to, in your blog?
I like to hear the laughter of my children, the scream of an eagle overhead, the wind in the maple tree out my window, the song of God's people in worship, the saddenly-sweet twang of a steel guitar, the roar of the waterfall, and my wife saying "dinner's ready!" I would never link a song to my blog, because I'm annoyed when I go to other blogs and suddenly have their music overpowering whatever I might be enjoying at the moment.
So let's tag a couple people, just to see if they still even read this blog:
- Russ
- Cheryl
- Diana
- Brad
- Susan
- Chelsea
Rules of this tag:
1. Name the person with link who tagged you.
2. Complete the questionnaire without changing the questions.
3. Tag 6 or more people.
Q1. Are you happy/ satisfied with your blog, with its content and look?
Yes. Well, pretty much. I'm growing a little tired of the pale orange, though. May have to change that sometime.
Q2. Does your family know about your blog?
Yes. At least my wife, my parents, and my sister do.
Q3. Do you feel embarrassed to let your friends know about your blog or you just consider it as a private thing?
First of all, that question doesn't make sense. It's missing a word or two. But to the original question, no. I am not embarrassed about it. In fact, I link it off our church website and I hope more people show up to read it.
Q4. Did blogs cause positive changes in your thoughts?
Most of the time. I learn a lot about other people because of their blogs, and their response to mine. Of course, a few have reacted negatively to this blog over the years, and have attacked me unfairly, so I wouldn't say my thoughts changed positively in those instances. But I would say I'm a better person for being in the blog-o-sphere.
Q5. Do you only open the blogs of those who comment on your blog or you love to go and discover more by yourself?
Sometimes if I have the time I go out exploring, jumping from one blog to the next through their links.
Q6. What does visitors counter mean to you? Do you care about putting it in your blog?
Again, what's with the grammar here? To answer the question literally, "Visitors Counter" means a little device people put into their blogs in order to track how many people are visiting their blogs. I use Google analytics to track the number of visitors I receive.
Q7. Did you try to imagine your fellow bloggers and give them real pictures?
Most of the ones I read I know already, so I don't have to imagine. As to the rest? I don't have that good of an imagination.
Q8. Do you think there is a real benefit for blogging?
There can be a benefit to blogging. And some blogs are very beneficial. Mine helps people in our church know what I'm thinking, it keeps my parents informed about the lives of their grandkids. I've learned a lot about the world through other blogs. But many, say, the celebrity blogs, and the blogs of every kid between the ages of 12-19, and the blogs on myspace and facebook, and 99% of xanga are a complete waste of time.
Q9. Do you think that bloggers’ society is isolated from real world or interacts with events?
Yes, and yes.
Q10. Does criticism annoy you or do you feel it’s a normal thing?
No, and yes. Depending, of course, on the spirit in which it is given. Mean-spirited criticism annoys me. But helpful criticism is necessary and useful.
Q11. Do you fear some political blogs and avoid them?
I fear nothing, and avoid nothing out of fear.
Q12. Did you get shocked by the arrest of some bloggers?
No. Especially if you are talking about Chinese and North Korean bloggers. Am I saddened by it? Absolutely. Do I think it's wrong? Yes. But am I shocked? No.
Q13. Did you think about what will happen to your blog after you die?
No. I figure it will live on and cause one of my descendants to lose an election someday. "But isn't it true that your great-great grandfather once said in his blog that he thinks 99% of xanga is a waste of time? Scandalous!"
Q14. What do you like to hear? What’s the song you might like to put a link to, in your blog?
I like to hear the laughter of my children, the scream of an eagle overhead, the wind in the maple tree out my window, the song of God's people in worship, the saddenly-sweet twang of a steel guitar, the roar of the waterfall, and my wife saying "dinner's ready!" I would never link a song to my blog, because I'm annoyed when I go to other blogs and suddenly have their music overpowering whatever I might be enjoying at the moment.
So let's tag a couple people, just to see if they still even read this blog:
- Russ
- Cheryl
- Diana
- Brad
- Susan
- Chelsea
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
A Case Study in Communication; or, how I almost got beat up on Saturday
The scene: A sunny Saturday afternoon, with a mild offshore breeze. Golden Gardens Park, Seattle, Washington. A picnic lunch with my family and Leah, a friend and former youth group member from Turlock.
The Set-up: I was trying to teach Olivia how to fly a kite. The wind was perfect, but the lawns were full of people. We headed to the northern-most beach, which tends to have a smaller crowd; my fear being smashing somebody on the head should we crash the kite. We got the kite into the air, and, in order to keep away from two men on a log, I kept moving north as I let the kite line out. Soon I found myself standing about 15 feet away from a scruffy-looking man man sitting in the sand.
He: "You know, the wind is a lot better if you go over there" (pointing south).
Now, understand. This is where it all started. What he really meant was "I would appreciate it if you wouldn't fly your kite in front of me, as you are disrupting my view." But he used improper communication skills, employing a classic passive-aggressive approach.
Of course, I didn't catch that. I was truly intrigued by his statement, wondering if he knew something about kite flying and wind that I didn't.
So, me: "Really? What makes it better over there?"
And this is where things took off in a hurry. See, I asked the question in all innocence. But he, misreading me, heard "Shut up, I can fly my kite where I want to."
So this was his response: "It's better over there because you aren't flying your %#@#$# kite over people's heads!"
This catches me off guard, and I answer him: "Well, see, it's not over anybody's head. That's why I'm here - to keep it from flying over the heads of those guys over there."
At which point all hell breaks loose: "Shut the $%$%%$ up! You think you can come fly your #%#$#$ kite over here and ruin my day! I'm just trying to relax and you come here flying your (word that used to mean small bundle of sticks but now refers to homosexuals) kite over my head and ruin my day!"
Me, using my best conflict resolution skills: "Um, I'm sorry. Have I offended you?"
He: "Shut the #%#$ up! Shut the #$#@$# up! Get your $##$#$ kite and get out of my face!"
Now I'm slowly reeling the kite in, but that's going to take some time, so I'm stalling. And then I realize Olivia is right next to me. "Sir, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't talk like that in front of my daughter."
He, sarcastically: "Oh hello, my daughter." (back to me): "Just shut the #$#$ up! What makes you think you can fly your $%#$# kite over here?"
Me, now somewhat bemused by the whole situation: "Well, it is a public park, isn't it? It's a free park. I have the right to be here, just like you." Probably not the smartest thing to say.
He's now on his feet, coming slowly toward me. "Shut the $#$# up! Shut the #$#$# up! You and your #%#$# kite and your $%@# free park, thinking you can come ruin my day #@@##@! Shut the #$#$# up."
I look down the beach, about 50 yards away, and see Leah looking on,praying, which makes me glad. Oh, and Olivia has gone to join her.
One more thing you need to understand. The whole time, there's this calm conversation going on in my head, something along the lines of "this is odd. I wonder if he's going to attack me. I wonder how far I can push him? What should I do if he comes at me? Run? Dodge? Try to avoid him? I wonder how this is all going to work out?"
By this time he is ranting, calling me a #@#@# and a ^@##$, feigning sexual acts in my direction, insulting my kite, and the whole time, everybody within hearing distance is studiously ignoring the whole thing. And I finally say, "sir, I'm not going to speak with you anymore. I'm going to bring in my kite and leave."
"No! I'm leaving you #$#$# #$#$#! I'm getting my stuff and going away from you and your $#$#$# kite!"
He begins to walk away in a rage, then turns and heads back. "No," he shouts. "Come here! I want to show you something."
"Um, no. That's okay, I need to wind in my kite."
"No, you $@#@#@! Come here! I want to show you something."
But I'm smarter than that.
"No thanks. I'm going to stay here. I need to pull my kite in."
At which point he stormed off. Leah told me later that as he walked by them and headed down the trail, he was screaming and ranting and cussing the whole way.
And I stayed and flew the kite for another 3o minutes or so.
Now, one could wonder. Was he drunk? High? Demon-possessed? He looked like a homeless person. He was obviously an angry man, and I had the misfortune of stepping into his circle. I still wonder what I would have done had he actually come at me. But Leah told me she was ready - if he attacked, she was going to come to my rescue.
I still find it more amusing, than anything. And let this be a lesson to you all, showing how improper communication always leads to misunderstandings. And sometimes violence.
Bonus Case Study
So later that night, we were driving home, heading West on the 16 under the Burnham overpass. It was dark, but ahead of me I could see the taillights of a couple cars heading down the onramp to the freeway. It appeared they were racing. "A couple of teenagers out having a fun time," I assumed. I watched as the one in the rear attempted numerous times to jut around the front car and cut it off, only to have the front car swerve and speed up, maintaining his position.
They both took the 302 Exit toward Purdy, the same exit I was taking right behind them. As they reached the turning lane to go left across the Purdy Spit, the rear car made one more attempt to pass up the front car by going into oncoming traffic and passing on his left. Once more, the front car sped up and swerved over, thwarting the back car's attempts. "Foolish young men," I thought to myself.
We all came to a stop at the traffic light. The young man in the front car (turned out to be in his 20s) climbed out and walked to the car behind him, yelling at the driver through his window. I still assumed they knew each other. But then the 2nd driver stepped out of his car, and I could see that they were both very angry.
The man from the 2nd car shoved the 1st, pushing him to the ground.
"Call 911," I said
The man from the 1st car regained his footing, but by this time the 2nd man had retrieved a big stick from his car. He took a swing, smashing it into the 1st man's neck.
The phone wouldn't go through.
The 1st man, using some wisdom, got back into his car and drove quickly off. The 2nd man picked up his stick from the ground, jumped into his car, and tore off after the first. I gave them a little space, then followed along the highway.
Eventually we reached the police, and gave a report of what we had seen. And then we drove peacefully home.
Along the way, we found it an opportune time to speak with Olivia about anger, bullies, and why it's never a good thing to respond to a bully with violence or anger. I hate to think what would have happened if the 2nd guy had pulled out a gun. Especially since we were 10 feet away. So we shared with Olivia that, even if people are unfair or rude, it's best to remain calm and not respond, and to get away from them if possible.
She seemed to get it.
As for me, I just have to wonder. Was something in the air last Saturday?
The Set-up: I was trying to teach Olivia how to fly a kite. The wind was perfect, but the lawns were full of people. We headed to the northern-most beach, which tends to have a smaller crowd; my fear being smashing somebody on the head should we crash the kite. We got the kite into the air, and, in order to keep away from two men on a log, I kept moving north as I let the kite line out. Soon I found myself standing about 15 feet away from a scruffy-looking man man sitting in the sand.
He: "You know, the wind is a lot better if you go over there" (pointing south).
Now, understand. This is where it all started. What he really meant was "I would appreciate it if you wouldn't fly your kite in front of me, as you are disrupting my view." But he used improper communication skills, employing a classic passive-aggressive approach.
Of course, I didn't catch that. I was truly intrigued by his statement, wondering if he knew something about kite flying and wind that I didn't.
So, me: "Really? What makes it better over there?"
And this is where things took off in a hurry. See, I asked the question in all innocence. But he, misreading me, heard "Shut up, I can fly my kite where I want to."
So this was his response: "It's better over there because you aren't flying your %#@#$# kite over people's heads!"
This catches me off guard, and I answer him: "Well, see, it's not over anybody's head. That's why I'm here - to keep it from flying over the heads of those guys over there."
At which point all hell breaks loose: "Shut the $%$%%$ up! You think you can come fly your #%#$#$ kite over here and ruin my day! I'm just trying to relax and you come here flying your (word that used to mean small bundle of sticks but now refers to homosexuals) kite over my head and ruin my day!"
Me, using my best conflict resolution skills: "Um, I'm sorry. Have I offended you?"
He: "Shut the #%#$ up! Shut the #$#@$# up! Get your $##$#$ kite and get out of my face!"
Now I'm slowly reeling the kite in, but that's going to take some time, so I'm stalling. And then I realize Olivia is right next to me. "Sir, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't talk like that in front of my daughter."
He, sarcastically: "Oh hello, my daughter." (back to me): "Just shut the #$#$ up! What makes you think you can fly your $%#$# kite over here?"
Me, now somewhat bemused by the whole situation: "Well, it is a public park, isn't it? It's a free park. I have the right to be here, just like you." Probably not the smartest thing to say.
He's now on his feet, coming slowly toward me. "Shut the $#$# up! Shut the #$#$# up! You and your #%#$# kite and your $%@# free park, thinking you can come ruin my day #@@##@! Shut the #$#$# up."
I look down the beach, about 50 yards away, and see Leah looking on,praying, which makes me glad. Oh, and Olivia has gone to join her.
One more thing you need to understand. The whole time, there's this calm conversation going on in my head, something along the lines of "this is odd. I wonder if he's going to attack me. I wonder how far I can push him? What should I do if he comes at me? Run? Dodge? Try to avoid him? I wonder how this is all going to work out?"
By this time he is ranting, calling me a #@#@# and a ^@##$, feigning sexual acts in my direction, insulting my kite, and the whole time, everybody within hearing distance is studiously ignoring the whole thing. And I finally say, "sir, I'm not going to speak with you anymore. I'm going to bring in my kite and leave."
"No! I'm leaving you #$#$# #$#$#! I'm getting my stuff and going away from you and your $#$#$# kite!"
He begins to walk away in a rage, then turns and heads back. "No," he shouts. "Come here! I want to show you something."
"Um, no. That's okay, I need to wind in my kite."
"No, you $@#@#@! Come here! I want to show you something."
But I'm smarter than that.
"No thanks. I'm going to stay here. I need to pull my kite in."
At which point he stormed off. Leah told me later that as he walked by them and headed down the trail, he was screaming and ranting and cussing the whole way.
And I stayed and flew the kite for another 3o minutes or so.
Now, one could wonder. Was he drunk? High? Demon-possessed? He looked like a homeless person. He was obviously an angry man, and I had the misfortune of stepping into his circle. I still wonder what I would have done had he actually come at me. But Leah told me she was ready - if he attacked, she was going to come to my rescue.
I still find it more amusing, than anything. And let this be a lesson to you all, showing how improper communication always leads to misunderstandings. And sometimes violence.
Bonus Case Study
So later that night, we were driving home, heading West on the 16 under the Burnham overpass. It was dark, but ahead of me I could see the taillights of a couple cars heading down the onramp to the freeway. It appeared they were racing. "A couple of teenagers out having a fun time," I assumed. I watched as the one in the rear attempted numerous times to jut around the front car and cut it off, only to have the front car swerve and speed up, maintaining his position.
They both took the 302 Exit toward Purdy, the same exit I was taking right behind them. As they reached the turning lane to go left across the Purdy Spit, the rear car made one more attempt to pass up the front car by going into oncoming traffic and passing on his left. Once more, the front car sped up and swerved over, thwarting the back car's attempts. "Foolish young men," I thought to myself.
We all came to a stop at the traffic light. The young man in the front car (turned out to be in his 20s) climbed out and walked to the car behind him, yelling at the driver through his window. I still assumed they knew each other. But then the 2nd driver stepped out of his car, and I could see that they were both very angry.
The man from the 2nd car shoved the 1st, pushing him to the ground.
"Call 911," I said
The man from the 1st car regained his footing, but by this time the 2nd man had retrieved a big stick from his car. He took a swing, smashing it into the 1st man's neck.
The phone wouldn't go through.
The 1st man, using some wisdom, got back into his car and drove quickly off. The 2nd man picked up his stick from the ground, jumped into his car, and tore off after the first. I gave them a little space, then followed along the highway.
Eventually we reached the police, and gave a report of what we had seen. And then we drove peacefully home.
Along the way, we found it an opportune time to speak with Olivia about anger, bullies, and why it's never a good thing to respond to a bully with violence or anger. I hate to think what would have happened if the 2nd guy had pulled out a gun. Especially since we were 10 feet away. So we shared with Olivia that, even if people are unfair or rude, it's best to remain calm and not respond, and to get away from them if possible.
She seemed to get it.
As for me, I just have to wonder. Was something in the air last Saturday?
Friday, September 07, 2007
Friday Final
I'm excited about this Sunday. Jim and Liz Sedore, Covenant Missionaries heading over to Mongolia, are sharing in the service at Lakebay. They have a fun story, how they finished out careers here in the States and then decided to do something rather than just retire and play golf. And they're good people, too. So if you're in the area, stop by and hear what God is doing in Mongolia.
It's also the 3rd week in a row that I haven't had to prepare a sermon, which has been a refreshing break. With the extra time I've been preparing the next sermon series, which promises to be a lot of fun. Stay tuned for that one. . .
+++++++++++++++
I've also spent the last week redesigning Lakebay's website. It's not finished, but it's better than it was. Before, I was using the website as both a place to welcome new people, and a place to keep our people informed of all that's going on. For now, I've gone with the single focus of letting new people know about our church - meaning I don't have to update news and calendar information all the time. Let me know what you think.
+++++++++++++++
Friday Random 10
I wish I understood this randomness better. How 5 weeks in a row I get no Derek Webb, and then he shows up twice in one week. Sometimes it doesn't seem so random. #1 is sort of an Irish Rock-slash-jig talking about the Party that is Heaven. #2 is one of my favorite John Denver songs, and one of the better ones he wrote in his last years. #9 is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. We played it at Azusa, and I can honestly say it's one of the most difficult trumpet pieces I've performed. And #10 is going to be sung at Lakebay in November.
It's also the 3rd week in a row that I haven't had to prepare a sermon, which has been a refreshing break. With the extra time I've been preparing the next sermon series, which promises to be a lot of fun. Stay tuned for that one. . .
+++++++++++++++
I've also spent the last week redesigning Lakebay's website. It's not finished, but it's better than it was. Before, I was using the website as both a place to welcome new people, and a place to keep our people informed of all that's going on. For now, I've gone with the single focus of letting new people know about our church - meaning I don't have to update news and calendar information all the time. Let me know what you think.
+++++++++++++++
Friday Random 10
I wish I understood this randomness better. How 5 weeks in a row I get no Derek Webb, and then he shows up twice in one week. Sometimes it doesn't seem so random. #1 is sort of an Irish Rock-slash-jig talking about the Party that is Heaven. #2 is one of my favorite John Denver songs, and one of the better ones he wrote in his last years. #9 is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. We played it at Azusa, and I can honestly say it's one of the most difficult trumpet pieces I've performed. And #10 is going to be sung at Lakebay in November.
- Party Goin’ On Upstairs – The Electrics
- For You – John Denver
- Wedding Dress – Derek Webb
- Vivaldi - The Seasons: Autumn: 1. Allegro – Itzhak Perlman
- Thumbelina – George Winston
- You Will By My Ain True Love – Alison Krauss and Sting
- Kindness – Chris Tomlin
- She Must and Shall Go Free – Derek Webb
- Rutter: Gloria for Chorus and Brass: Domine Deus
- When the Roll is Called Up Yonder – Mars Hill Music
Thursday, September 06, 2007
On belief
A number of years ago, I had a friend - an intelligent friend - who told me that the Russians had blown up the Space Shuttle. He had seen the evidence, smuggled out of Russia "at great risk" that proved that a laser had been shot from a satellite at the shuttle. But the government was covering it all up.
Once I took a group of high schoolers to the beach for the day. While we sat in the hot sun, one of the most intelligent girls in the group tried to convince me that the world was controlled by secret shadow organizations, such as the Illuminati. We thought we were a free country, but they controlled everything - elections, food prices, gas shortages. . .and we were all victims of a massive cover-up.
In college, I had a friend - a pretty smart kid - who told me that the Russians controlled our weather. They had giant machines over in Siberia that could affect clouds, causing hurricanes and droughts over here in the U.S. And he had seen the proof, smuggled out of Russia at great risk.
I once talked to a girl in a Dairy Queen who told me she had read a book that proved that Jesus hadn't actually been crucified - instead he went to India, got married, had a couple kids, and died peacefully in a monastery.
How is it that truly intelligent people can believe such bizarre things? Certainly, Christians can be guilty of this. I once had a colleague, a pastor, tell me that the NIV Bible was the product of a New Age conspiracy to undermine belief in God, and he had seen the proof! It was all a big cover-up. And who can forget the breathless excitement over Y2K eight years ago. All those Christians buying up water and foodstuffs, believing the apocalypse was at hand?
But it's true of the other side, as well. The internet is full of websites "proving" that George Dubya Bush orchestrated 9/11, going so far as to plant explosives inside the WTC. "We Blew Up the Buildings And Blamed It On Terrorists!" And the Oklahoma City bombing? That was the CIA.
Need I even mention all those who take the Da Vinci Code as historical fact?
The other day I had a conversation with what seems an intelligent person, who was trying to convince me that our Apollo astronauts discovered buildings on the moon, along with warnings that if we continued to go back to the moon, there would be dire consequences. If you look closely at pictures returned from the moon, you can see where they airbrushed the buildings out. It's all a big NASA cover-up! And it's all over the internet!
How is it, in the 21st Century, we're still given to tales of bogeymen and monsters in the night? This seems no different than our ancestors who believed in werewolves and witches. I just don't get how people can actually believe these things - people who are educated, well-read, able to think critically. And they still believe the kookiest things.
And, of course, the worst part is you can never reason with them. If you begin to disagree with them, then you are either "unenlightened" or part of the cover-up. You're a sheep, being led along in your blindness to "the truth."
My biggest concern, in the end, is the damage this does to our credibility as witnesses to the gospel. When Christians go off on tangents about New Age Conspiracies, Y2K, cover-ups of evidence of life on Mars (I saw that book in a Christian bookstore), we look foolish in the eyes of the world. Why should the world believe that we have The Truth, when we spend all our time breathlessly debating the government cover-ups over moon landings?
I just wish I could understand why people believe this tripe in the first place.
Now, if you want to talk about the conspiracy that stole Super Bowl XV from the Seahawks, then you might be on to something.
Once I took a group of high schoolers to the beach for the day. While we sat in the hot sun, one of the most intelligent girls in the group tried to convince me that the world was controlled by secret shadow organizations, such as the Illuminati. We thought we were a free country, but they controlled everything - elections, food prices, gas shortages. . .and we were all victims of a massive cover-up.
In college, I had a friend - a pretty smart kid - who told me that the Russians controlled our weather. They had giant machines over in Siberia that could affect clouds, causing hurricanes and droughts over here in the U.S. And he had seen the proof, smuggled out of Russia at great risk.
I once talked to a girl in a Dairy Queen who told me she had read a book that proved that Jesus hadn't actually been crucified - instead he went to India, got married, had a couple kids, and died peacefully in a monastery.
How is it that truly intelligent people can believe such bizarre things? Certainly, Christians can be guilty of this. I once had a colleague, a pastor, tell me that the NIV Bible was the product of a New Age conspiracy to undermine belief in God, and he had seen the proof! It was all a big cover-up. And who can forget the breathless excitement over Y2K eight years ago. All those Christians buying up water and foodstuffs, believing the apocalypse was at hand?
But it's true of the other side, as well. The internet is full of websites "proving" that George Dubya Bush orchestrated 9/11, going so far as to plant explosives inside the WTC. "We Blew Up the Buildings And Blamed It On Terrorists!" And the Oklahoma City bombing? That was the CIA.
Need I even mention all those who take the Da Vinci Code as historical fact?
The other day I had a conversation with what seems an intelligent person, who was trying to convince me that our Apollo astronauts discovered buildings on the moon, along with warnings that if we continued to go back to the moon, there would be dire consequences. If you look closely at pictures returned from the moon, you can see where they airbrushed the buildings out. It's all a big NASA cover-up! And it's all over the internet!
How is it, in the 21st Century, we're still given to tales of bogeymen and monsters in the night? This seems no different than our ancestors who believed in werewolves and witches. I just don't get how people can actually believe these things - people who are educated, well-read, able to think critically. And they still believe the kookiest things.
And, of course, the worst part is you can never reason with them. If you begin to disagree with them, then you are either "unenlightened" or part of the cover-up. You're a sheep, being led along in your blindness to "the truth."
My biggest concern, in the end, is the damage this does to our credibility as witnesses to the gospel. When Christians go off on tangents about New Age Conspiracies, Y2K, cover-ups of evidence of life on Mars (I saw that book in a Christian bookstore), we look foolish in the eyes of the world. Why should the world believe that we have The Truth, when we spend all our time breathlessly debating the government cover-ups over moon landings?
I just wish I could understand why people believe this tripe in the first place.
Now, if you want to talk about the conspiracy that stole Super Bowl XV from the Seahawks, then you might be on to something.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
The difference of a couple years
Today, Wednesday, September 5, 2007, Olivia officially began 2nd grade. I was thinking of a couple years ago - her first day in kindergarten, and the year before that - the first day of preschool. Then it was all tears and sadness and "our baby's growing up"and emotional sentimental feelings.
Today it was "Whoopee! She's back in school! No more trying to entertain her for 8 hours a day!"
Not that we don't enjoy those long lazy days of summer. It's just that, well, all the "What should I do now?" game gets a little old.
And as for her, I think after a year of homeschooling, and spending the last month of summer basically hanging out with her mom and dad - I think Olivia is ready for a lot more hanging out with kids her own age.
Today it was "Whoopee! She's back in school! No more trying to entertain her for 8 hours a day!"
Not that we don't enjoy those long lazy days of summer. It's just that, well, all the "What should I do now?" game gets a little old.
And as for her, I think after a year of homeschooling, and spending the last month of summer basically hanging out with her mom and dad - I think Olivia is ready for a lot more hanging out with kids her own age.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
The Class of '87
About 33 years ago, a little group of kids gathered for Kindergarten at Watson Groen Christian School in Shoreline, Washington. 6 of us would stay together through elementary school, junior high, and high school, graduating together in 1987. If you've read this blog, you know some of us got together last month, for our 20th reunion. This picture represents a special moment - this is 4 of those six who stuck together all the way through 13 years of school, with our Kindergarten teacher, taken in the play yard of our school. That's me on the left, Kristen, Mrs. Roosendaal, Alicia, and Tania. I think Mrs. Roosendaal is kind of proud of how we all turned out, since everything we needed to know, we learned in Kindergarten.
Here's a shot of more of the graduating class, sitting in one of our high school rooms. Added to the above four are Karen (behind Alicia, James (Behind Tania), Pam and Mariea (far right).
Here's a shot of more of the graduating class, sitting in one of our high school rooms. Added to the above four are Karen (behind Alicia, James (Behind Tania), Pam and Mariea (far right).
technical question
If you've tried to post here, you know I have that "word verification" thingy, to keep spammers off the blog. When you go to post something, you're given a bunch of mixed-up letters, and you have to re-enter them in the box before it lets you post.
So, every time I go to post, I put the letters in the box, exactly as written, but it comes back with an error message, instructing me to "Enter the letters as they are shown in the image." I do so, and then it works fine. It always rejects the first attempt and accepts the second. Any idea why this happens?
(see? It just happened again. . .)
So, every time I go to post, I put the letters in the box, exactly as written, but it comes back with an error message, instructing me to "Enter the letters as they are shown in the image." I do so, and then it works fine. It always rejects the first attempt and accepts the second. Any idea why this happens?
(see? It just happened again. . .)
Off the Blog Roll
Chris Erdman has decided to stop blogging. He's grown up and become a real author, having recently published Countdown to Sunday: A Daily Guide For Those Who Dare to Preach.
I'd love to buy it and read it; it would probably do me some good. But my "to-read" pile is still up there at around 30 books, and another Amazon shipment just went out, so I think I'll have to pass for now.
Chris was the speaker at my seminary graduation, and has since been hired on at the seminary. I respected his view on ministry and life. I'll miss his blog.
I'd love to buy it and read it; it would probably do me some good. But my "to-read" pile is still up there at around 30 books, and another Amazon shipment just went out, so I think I'll have to pass for now.
Chris was the speaker at my seminary graduation, and has since been hired on at the seminary. I respected his view on ministry and life. I'll miss his blog.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
On Doing Theology
See if this makes sense. One of the basic pieces of Christian belief is that the Bible is simple enough for the most uneducated person to understand and follow its message, while it is deep enough for the brightest minds to plumb for eternity. Theology is the same - the basic theology of Christianity is such that all can understand, yet the particulars are complicated enough that, 2000 years (and more) into it, we still can't come to complete agreement about what it all means.
So, say there is a teaching we shall call Belief A. Almost all Christians can agree that Belief A is central to Christianity, and that all who deny Belief A ought to be regarded with an air of suspicion. However, those who have the time, energy, and mentality to delve deeply into theology, realize that underneath Belief A is a series of subsets, (F,M,P,T,W). But those subsets aren't fully agreed upon by all theologians. While Belief A isn't in question, subset F might be. Perhaps the Calvinists would replace M with N, while the Emergents would just do away with P, T, and W, preferring to maintain the mystery.
Pastors, though, and most Sunday School teachers, don't want to spend a lot of time with the intricate discussions on the underlying points behind Big Theological Positions. So at a popular level, Belief A is held up before the people, and the language to describe it simply assumes all the subsets. And, generally, people in the church hold to Belief A, and assume that the subsets, as they've heard them, go right along with Belief A.
But then they meet somebody from a different strain, who, entering into the discussion on Belief A, says, "Ah, yes. Belief A with subsets (F,M,P,T,X)." "What!?" cries the first. "You are a heretic because you just used an X instead of a W!" "No," says the second. "I'm still saying Belief A. I just think X is more biblical than W."
They then spend 2 hours arguing that each is wrong over position A, when it's really subset W/X that is the issue. And each decides the other is a heretic.
"What?" you're all saying now.
Last week I was in a discussion about how we read the Bible. I mentioned "the authors" and somebody jumped all over me. "There is only one author - God!" I think this person and I would stand in agreement over 99% of our biblical beliefs. We both believe the Bible is the Word of God. I wasn't denying the doctrine of inspiration. But my subset below Inspiration includes (individual authors), while this person's subsets only include (God is author). Thus, in their mind, I'm denying inspiration and therefore a heretic.
If I'm right about this, it will change how I enter into theological discussions in the future.
So, say there is a teaching we shall call Belief A. Almost all Christians can agree that Belief A is central to Christianity, and that all who deny Belief A ought to be regarded with an air of suspicion. However, those who have the time, energy, and mentality to delve deeply into theology, realize that underneath Belief A is a series of subsets, (F,M,P,T,W). But those subsets aren't fully agreed upon by all theologians. While Belief A isn't in question, subset F might be. Perhaps the Calvinists would replace M with N, while the Emergents would just do away with P, T, and W, preferring to maintain the mystery.
Pastors, though, and most Sunday School teachers, don't want to spend a lot of time with the intricate discussions on the underlying points behind Big Theological Positions. So at a popular level, Belief A is held up before the people, and the language to describe it simply assumes all the subsets. And, generally, people in the church hold to Belief A, and assume that the subsets, as they've heard them, go right along with Belief A.
But then they meet somebody from a different strain, who, entering into the discussion on Belief A, says, "Ah, yes. Belief A with subsets (F,M,P,T,X)." "What!?" cries the first. "You are a heretic because you just used an X instead of a W!" "No," says the second. "I'm still saying Belief A. I just think X is more biblical than W."
They then spend 2 hours arguing that each is wrong over position A, when it's really subset W/X that is the issue. And each decides the other is a heretic.
"What?" you're all saying now.
Last week I was in a discussion about how we read the Bible. I mentioned "the authors" and somebody jumped all over me. "There is only one author - God!" I think this person and I would stand in agreement over 99% of our biblical beliefs. We both believe the Bible is the Word of God. I wasn't denying the doctrine of inspiration. But my subset below Inspiration includes (individual authors), while this person's subsets only include (God is author). Thus, in their mind, I'm denying inspiration and therefore a heretic.
If I'm right about this, it will change how I enter into theological discussions in the future.
Yes, I'm Glad
I am rejoicing that all remaining Korean hostages have been freed. This is a moment to celebrate. It is an answer to prayer. This could have turned out much worse. At moments, I expected to turn on the news and hear they had all been killed. I am sure the relief felt by them and their families is overwhelming. Praise the Lord.
However,
what troubles me is this line:
"Seoul also said it would prevent South Korean Christian missionaries from working in the staunchly Muslim country, something it had already promised to do."
I'm wondering how the Korean Church feels about this pledge. On the one hand, it got their friends and family home. On the other hand, it effectively removes any possibility of being God's ambassador in that land that so desperately needs God. Could the Church ever agree to a deal that stands in the way of doing Kingdom work anywhere in the world?
Gospel work is never safe. When God calls, he doesn't promise health and freedom from harm. Sometimes God calls Christians to very dangerous places. Many Christians pay the ultimate price. I'm sure the Korean missionaries and their families are thrilled that this incident is over. But will the price paid for their freedom be worth it?
We'll have to wait and see.
However,
what troubles me is this line:
"Seoul also said it would prevent South Korean Christian missionaries from working in the staunchly Muslim country, something it had already promised to do."
I'm wondering how the Korean Church feels about this pledge. On the one hand, it got their friends and family home. On the other hand, it effectively removes any possibility of being God's ambassador in that land that so desperately needs God. Could the Church ever agree to a deal that stands in the way of doing Kingdom work anywhere in the world?
Gospel work is never safe. When God calls, he doesn't promise health and freedom from harm. Sometimes God calls Christians to very dangerous places. Many Christians pay the ultimate price. I'm sure the Korean missionaries and their families are thrilled that this incident is over. But will the price paid for their freedom be worth it?
We'll have to wait and see.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Lives of the Rich and Famous
Over the weekend, the Tacoma News Tribune ran an article on the Rev. Casey Treat and his Christian Faith Center, one of the Puget Sound Area's larger churches.
For those unfamiliar with the story, the Rev. Treat has been growing his church steadily over the last 20 or so years. It's gone from a small group of 30 people to a 10,000 member operation happening on multiple campuses. It's mostly been built on the Rev. Treat's charisma, and his ability to preach messages that people like to hear.
I could quibble with his theology, since I think he's preaching a gospel that, well, isn't exactly accurate. But for today, in this public space, I'm not sure I feel like throwing any stones.
Instead, I just thought I'd point out what his typical Sunday looks like:
At 9:30, The Rev. Mr. Treat is leading the service at the church's Everett location, while the Rev. Mrs. Treat (Casey's wife) is leading the service at their SeaTac location. Following the service, the Rev. Mrs. Treat climbs into a Mercedes to be driven to the local helipad, where she boards a private helicopter and is scooted up to Everett. There, she gets out and the Rev. Mr. Treat is flown back to the SeaTac campus, and they each then lead the 11:30 service from their new location.
I feel worn out just reading about it.
For those unfamiliar with the story, the Rev. Treat has been growing his church steadily over the last 20 or so years. It's gone from a small group of 30 people to a 10,000 member operation happening on multiple campuses. It's mostly been built on the Rev. Treat's charisma, and his ability to preach messages that people like to hear.
I could quibble with his theology, since I think he's preaching a gospel that, well, isn't exactly accurate. But for today, in this public space, I'm not sure I feel like throwing any stones.
Instead, I just thought I'd point out what his typical Sunday looks like:
At 9:30, The Rev. Mr. Treat is leading the service at the church's Everett location, while the Rev. Mrs. Treat (Casey's wife) is leading the service at their SeaTac location. Following the service, the Rev. Mrs. Treat climbs into a Mercedes to be driven to the local helipad, where she boards a private helicopter and is scooted up to Everett. There, she gets out and the Rev. Mr. Treat is flown back to the SeaTac campus, and they each then lead the 11:30 service from their new location.
I feel worn out just reading about it.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Wow, so much has happened
The last few weeks have certainly been busy. First our anniversary, then Olivia's birthday, and now we're back from our vacation last week - 4 days and 3 nights camping at Mt. Rainier (it rained most of the time), and 4 days and 3 nights in Wenatchee (it was sunny and in the 90s most of the time).
A couple highlights, for those who care about the life of Dan:
- While camping at Mt. Rainier, I took the girls over for an evening ranger talk. The ranger was talking about using all five senses to experience nature. Just as she told the kids to be silent and listen, a fox slunk through the amphitheater, climbed up on Cougar Rock, pooped (in full view of the enthralled kids) and wandered away. It was a nature moment par excellence.
- And Wenatchee was simply fun. We strolled through the enchanting Ohme Gardens, visited the Rocky Reach Dam and watched salmon swim the fish ladder, took the tour of Liberty Orchards in Cashmere (home of Aplets and Cotlets candy. . .free samples. . .mmmm). On Sunday we spent the day in Leavenworth, Washington's Bavarian Village high in the Cascade Mountains. We ate at a waffle house, hiked along the river, watched the kids romp around on a play structure, then wandered back through town.
- Which requires a bullet point of its own. About 8 years ago, we visited Leavenworth for the Christmas Lighting Extravaganza, along with an old high school friend and his (then) girlfriend (now wife). We entered a snack shop and saw one of those Hot Pepper displays. I made the mistake of sampling the Hot Sauce from Hell. One bite and the world spun out of control. I couldn't breath. I couldn't think. I ran out into the snow looking for relief, but even that didn't help. It's still a terrible memory.
So, we visited the same shop last Sunday. I thought "I've grown my palate since then. I've eaten a lot more spicy Mexican food. I've learned to enjoy Wasabi. I can handle it this time." I stuck a dollop of the Hot Sauce from Hell on my pretzel and took a bite. And my world came to an end. I couldn't breath. I couldn't think. The room started to spin. My eyes were watering. My throat was swelling. And all I could think was "pain." It came in waves - just when you thought "it's almost over now" it only got worse. I grabbed the girls and we ran out looking for a water fountain (they were oblivious to the fact that I was dying). Three minutes later we found the fountain, only to discover it was broken. It was like some sort of psychological torture. For 20 minutes it felt like I had a donut of flame shoved into the back of my throat. I couldn't talk, except to say "I'm in pain."
We made an agreement. If one of us ever even thinks about going back into that store, the other is supposed to step on their toe. Hard. Just to remind us of the pain. I still get agitated, just thinking about it.
A couple highlights, for those who care about the life of Dan:
- While camping at Mt. Rainier, I took the girls over for an evening ranger talk. The ranger was talking about using all five senses to experience nature. Just as she told the kids to be silent and listen, a fox slunk through the amphitheater, climbed up on Cougar Rock, pooped (in full view of the enthralled kids) and wandered away. It was a nature moment par excellence.
- And Wenatchee was simply fun. We strolled through the enchanting Ohme Gardens, visited the Rocky Reach Dam and watched salmon swim the fish ladder, took the tour of Liberty Orchards in Cashmere (home of Aplets and Cotlets candy. . .free samples. . .mmmm). On Sunday we spent the day in Leavenworth, Washington's Bavarian Village high in the Cascade Mountains. We ate at a waffle house, hiked along the river, watched the kids romp around on a play structure, then wandered back through town.
- Which requires a bullet point of its own. About 8 years ago, we visited Leavenworth for the Christmas Lighting Extravaganza, along with an old high school friend and his (then) girlfriend (now wife). We entered a snack shop and saw one of those Hot Pepper displays. I made the mistake of sampling the Hot Sauce from Hell. One bite and the world spun out of control. I couldn't breath. I couldn't think. I ran out into the snow looking for relief, but even that didn't help. It's still a terrible memory.
So, we visited the same shop last Sunday. I thought "I've grown my palate since then. I've eaten a lot more spicy Mexican food. I've learned to enjoy Wasabi. I can handle it this time." I stuck a dollop of the Hot Sauce from Hell on my pretzel and took a bite. And my world came to an end. I couldn't breath. I couldn't think. The room started to spin. My eyes were watering. My throat was swelling. And all I could think was "pain." It came in waves - just when you thought "it's almost over now" it only got worse. I grabbed the girls and we ran out looking for a water fountain (they were oblivious to the fact that I was dying). Three minutes later we found the fountain, only to discover it was broken. It was like some sort of psychological torture. For 20 minutes it felt like I had a donut of flame shoved into the back of my throat. I couldn't talk, except to say "I'm in pain."
We made an agreement. If one of us ever even thinks about going back into that store, the other is supposed to step on their toe. Hard. Just to remind us of the pain. I still get agitated, just thinking about it.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Back and Gone
Home for a night, and off again.
We returned to find the forest to our north and west gone. Vanished to the cutting blade while we slept. What once was deep forest is now stripped bare. What had been woods beyond our yard is now broken earth.
In honor of the land, I give you Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front, by Wendell Berry.
We returned to find the forest to our north and west gone. Vanished to the cutting blade while we slept. What once was deep forest is now stripped bare. What had been woods beyond our yard is now broken earth.
In honor of the land, I give you Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front, by Wendell Berry.
Love the quick profit, the annual raise,
vacation with pay. Want more
of everything ready-made. Be afraid
to know your neighbors and to die.
And you will have a window in your head.
Not even your future will be a mystery
any more. Your mind will be punched in a card
and shut away in a little drawer.
When they want you to buy something
they will call you. When they want you
to die for profit they will let you know.
So, friends, every day do something
that won't compute. Love the Lord.
Love the world. Work for nothing.
Take all that you have and be poor.
Love someone who does not deserve it.
Denounce the government and embrace
the flag. Hope to live in that free
republic for which it stands.
Give your approval to all you cannot
understand. Praise ignorance, for what man
has not encountered he has not destroyed.
Ask the questions that have no answers.
Invest in the millenium. Plant sequoias.
Say that your main crop is the forest
that you did not plant,
that you will not live to harvest.
Say that the leaves are harvested
when they have rotted into the mold.
Call that profit. Prophesy such returns.
Put your faith in the two inches of humus
that will build under the trees
every thousand years.
Listen to carrion -- put your ear
close, and hear the faint chattering
of the songs that are to come.
Expect the end of the world. Laugh.
Laughter is immeasurable. Be joyful
though you have considered all the facts.
So long as women do not go cheap
for power, please women more than men.
Ask yourself: Will this satisfy
a woman satisfied to bear a child?
Will this disturb the sleep
of a woman near to giving birth?
Go with your love to the fields.
Lie down in the shade. Rest your head
in her lap. Swear allegiance
to what is nighest your thoughts.
As soon as the generals and the politicos
can predict the motions of your mind,
lose it. Leave it as a sign
to mark the false trail, the way
you didn't go.
Be like the fox
who makes more tracks than necessary,
some in the wrong direction.
Practice resurrection.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Just so you know
I'm on vacation, starting tomorrow. We'll be camping a couple days, driving around a couple of days, sleeping a couple of days. So this space will most likely remain silent for the next week or so. Unless you all decide to start leaving a lot of comments.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
What I don't want for Christmas
Once I bought a Bible stand from a christian publishing company. Actually, I think it caters more to the Catholic crowd. Now I'm continually getting emails from them, touting their wonderful new Church-Themed products. This showed up today, much to my amusement.
If you look closely, they say "Jesus is my wake-up Call."
Then, there's this one:
That's Santa adoring Jesus, in case you didn't figure it out.
Or, how about this one?
In the catalogue, this is called the "Be Still and Know that I Am God Mug." Now you know God's secret last name.
"The name's Mug. God Mug."
Honestly - does somebody somewhere really think this stuff is actually helpful? Or do they just know they can make money off of artistically-challenged Christians? Does somebody sit in a design studio, pray for inspiration, hit upon "Jesus is my wake-up call" and think "Oh yes, this will be a blessing and witness to the millions of coffee drinkers out there!" Or is there some guy named Art, sitting before an I-mac, half a pack of cigarettes gone, pounding his head against a table shouting "I just need something so I can go home for the weekend!!!!" And this is what he comes up with, slams it out in 2 minutes, emails it off to his boss and goes home to his lonely life.
If you look closely, they say "Jesus is my wake-up Call."
Then, there's this one:
That's Santa adoring Jesus, in case you didn't figure it out.Or, how about this one?
In the catalogue, this is called the "Be Still and Know that I Am God Mug." Now you know God's secret last name."The name's Mug. God Mug."
Honestly - does somebody somewhere really think this stuff is actually helpful? Or do they just know they can make money off of artistically-challenged Christians? Does somebody sit in a design studio, pray for inspiration, hit upon "Jesus is my wake-up call" and think "Oh yes, this will be a blessing and witness to the millions of coffee drinkers out there!" Or is there some guy named Art, sitting before an I-mac, half a pack of cigarettes gone, pounding his head against a table shouting "I just need something so I can go home for the weekend!!!!" And this is what he comes up with, slams it out in 2 minutes, emails it off to his boss and goes home to his lonely life.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Opening Gambit to a Sermon
In which the main point is that Passion for Christ often, over time, turns into empty religiosity and legalism (see: Psalm 50; Luke 12:32-40):
Do you know the word entropy? It’s a scientific word, tying in closely with the 2nd Law of thermodynamics. In scientific language, or at least in scientific language according to Wikipedia, entropy “is a measure of the unavailability of a system's energy to do work.” In more common terms, it looks something like this: whatever starts out with a lot of energy tends to wind down into a sluggish mess that just sits there looking at you, daring you to walk over and mess with it.
It’s like those Saturday mornings when you wake up and think “I’m going to mow the lawn today! Then I’ll weed the garden, wash the car, fix the leaky faucet in the bathtub, barbecue up a nice steak dinner, and then get to that pile of books I’ve been meaning to read.” But you know how it goes. By the time the lawn is done your allergies have caught up and your back is so sore that you spend the rest of the day sitting on the couch watching college football, ordering out for pizza and skimming the Reader’s Digest for some jokes.
Or it’s like that new hobby you decide to take up. Let’s just say you decide to start collecting Dish Towels. You go to the local hobby store and buy up 5 magazines on Dish Towel Collecting. You buy some nice shelving units in which to store your dish towels. You join an online discussion forum on Dish Towel Collecting. You join a local Dish Towel Collectors Club. You go to the library for a seminar entitled “Dish Towel Collecting and You!” You purchase your first 100 dish towels, but eventually you find out this whole thing is harder than it looked. After all, it’s so tough to memorize all those patterns, those stitchings. Is that a 1998 Costco or a 1999 Wal-Mart? Is this from the Martha Stewart Collection or the Mike Tyson Collection? Is it the Spring Target model or the Fall Sears model? And then there are all the club meetings. Shortly after you started they made you the new secretary, and now you’re putting in 10 hours a week just organizing meetings, making phone calls, sending out postcards and emails. Piles of dish towels are collecting all over the house, and you just aren’t as excited as you once were. So you give up, deciding to go join your wife on the couch and watch college football, using paper towels – oh the horror - to clean up the pizza mess.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Note to the family
Just a warning: It's only the preseason, but the Seahawks begin their football season today. And for the first time in years the Mariners are still in the playoff hunt this late in the summer. Sorry if I seem a little distracted over the next few months. . .
Friday, August 10, 2007
Weird happenings in the life of Dan
As you all know, last weekend I attended my High School 20-year Reunion, and saw a lot of people I hadn't seen in, well, 20 years. A couple days ago I received an email from another of our classmates who hadn't made it to the reunion, just checking in to say hello.
Yesterday I checked my email and had a message from a former youth group member from Upland days, one I haven't seen in probably 10 years. The last time I heard from her was maybe 5 years ago? For whatever reason, she became curious about us, googled my name, found me, and wrote to say hello.
Three hours later, I was on gmail when up popped a gmail chat from another former youth group member from my Upland days. I hadn't talked to her in a couple years. But for whatever reason she was using a mutual friend's computer, saw my name on the gmail chat list, and popped in to say hi.
It's like Dan Whitmarsh Old Home week. I'd call it coincidence, but the timing is too odd for that. God must be up to something. What? I don't know.
However, I will say this. About 5 years ago I went through a period where almost every week for a three month period, I heard about a friend or former youth group member who had crashed and burned. I started to doubt all the work I'd done, all the effort I'd put in.
And now, most of these friends are doing quite well. Many are coming out of painful situations, but putting their lives back together. They're on an upswing, you might say. Which is. . .encouraging.
At the very least, I'm realizing the value of older friends, and the need to maintain contacts with at least some of them. And I'm thankful for the internet, which makes it that much easier.
So anybody else want to pop back into my life?
Friday Random 10
We seem a little mellow today. #s 1 and 6 are by the woman I think has one of the strongest voices in christian music. #6 kicks off the album that showed up in the Amazon box this week. #s3 and 4 represent the classical genre beautifully. #s 2 and 5 fill in the gentle piano
music category. And see #7 and #8? Both have to do with sleeping. Maybe I should take a nap.
Yesterday I checked my email and had a message from a former youth group member from Upland days, one I haven't seen in probably 10 years. The last time I heard from her was maybe 5 years ago? For whatever reason, she became curious about us, googled my name, found me, and wrote to say hello.
Three hours later, I was on gmail when up popped a gmail chat from another former youth group member from my Upland days. I hadn't talked to her in a couple years. But for whatever reason she was using a mutual friend's computer, saw my name on the gmail chat list, and popped in to say hi.
It's like Dan Whitmarsh Old Home week. I'd call it coincidence, but the timing is too odd for that. God must be up to something. What? I don't know.
However, I will say this. About 5 years ago I went through a period where almost every week for a three month period, I heard about a friend or former youth group member who had crashed and burned. I started to doubt all the work I'd done, all the effort I'd put in.
And now, most of these friends are doing quite well. Many are coming out of painful situations, but putting their lives back together. They're on an upswing, you might say. Which is. . .encouraging.
At the very least, I'm realizing the value of older friends, and the need to maintain contacts with at least some of them. And I'm thankful for the internet, which makes it that much easier.
So anybody else want to pop back into my life?
Friday Random 10
We seem a little mellow today. #s 1 and 6 are by the woman I think has one of the strongest voices in christian music. #6 kicks off the album that showed up in the Amazon box this week. #s3 and 4 represent the classical genre beautifully. #s 2 and 5 fill in the gentle piano
music category. And see #7 and #8? Both have to do with sleeping. Maybe I should take a nap.
- Go – Plumb, from Beautiful Lumps of Coal
- Looking Back – Jim Brickman, from By Heart: Piano Solos
- All Things Bright and Beautiful – from Gloria: Sacred Music of John Rutter
- Eternal Source of Light Divine – Kathleen Battle and Wynton Marsalis, from Baroque Duets
- Japanese Music Box(Itsuki No Komoriuta) – George Winston, from
- Blush (Only You) – Plumb, from Chaotic Resolve
- Lullaby –
- Where the Angels Sleep - Bebo Norman, from Ten Thousand Days
- On a Day When the Wind is Perfect – David Wilcox, from Out Beyond Ideas
- To Be Loved – Dennis Jernigan, from I Belong to Jesus
Thursday, August 09, 2007
On books
I just finished Eat this Book, Eugene Peterson's most recent book, which Scot McKnight calls the best book about the Bible ever written. Or something along those lines. I did find it very helpful, informative, and every bit worth a recommendation to any and all.
However, I was a little surprised by the hard right it took. The first half related to how we read the Bible, and it's powerful stuff. It ought to be required reading for all who follow in Christ's footsteps. But just when he finished laying out the philosophical groundwork for spiritual reading, just when you turn the page for the "how-to," he instead went into a basic history of the Bible - where it came from, how it got to us. And he followed that with some interesting stories about archeology and its influence on how we read the Bible. And he included a section explaining his reasoning behind writing The Message. All of which, while very worthwhile stuff, didn't seem to flow from the first part of the book. I don't know. Maybe I'm missing something. You read it and tell me. I will admit that it would be more worthwhile for people who had never taken the time to study the history of the Bible. Maybe it was just ground that I was too familiar with.
In the end, my only complaint was that he never really went into the "how-to" part of Bible reading. He explained the thought behind it, but never said "so, here are some thoughts about how you might make this work in your life." Which means that you might have to pick up another book on Bible reading to go along with this one. Otherwise you might be left wanting just a bit more.
That's my $.o2, anyway.
But let me give you one last quote that I found especially helpful, especially in light of some of my recent online theological discussions:
"Once the Bible became a revered authority it became possible to treat it as a thing, an impersonal authority, to use it to define or damn others, and to avoid dealing with God's word in a personal, relational, and obedient way. It didn't take long for people to start using the Bible as a cover, as a front, by honoring it, praising it as a verbal artifact, defending it as the Truth against all comers, treating it as a classic, as great literature, rather than receiving these words and responding to these words as God's words to them, personally. But the words of Scripture are not primarily words, however impressive, that label or define or prove, but words that mean, that reveal, that shape the soul, that generate saved lives."
Good to remember.
I realized I said awhile ago I'd post some thoughts on To Continue The Dialogue, the Mennonite book on homosexuality that I finished last month. And I haven't done that yet. So this morning, as I sat at the Honda dealership, waiting for a pressure switch to be replaced in the car, I began writing those comments down. They should be here soon.
And now? I told you a couple days ago that the Amazon box showed up. . .but I've had a stack of 10 books on my immediate to-read pile, so I can't jump ahead. On top of the pile was Sacred Sex, by Tim Alan Gardner. So I guess it's next.
note: from first glance, this appears to be more like Peterson's book - a philosophical, theological work, not a how-to book. So rest easy.
However, I was a little surprised by the hard right it took. The first half related to how we read the Bible, and it's powerful stuff. It ought to be required reading for all who follow in Christ's footsteps. But just when he finished laying out the philosophical groundwork for spiritual reading, just when you turn the page for the "how-to," he instead went into a basic history of the Bible - where it came from, how it got to us. And he followed that with some interesting stories about archeology and its influence on how we read the Bible. And he included a section explaining his reasoning behind writing The Message. All of which, while very worthwhile stuff, didn't seem to flow from the first part of the book. I don't know. Maybe I'm missing something. You read it and tell me. I will admit that it would be more worthwhile for people who had never taken the time to study the history of the Bible. Maybe it was just ground that I was too familiar with.
In the end, my only complaint was that he never really went into the "how-to" part of Bible reading. He explained the thought behind it, but never said "so, here are some thoughts about how you might make this work in your life." Which means that you might have to pick up another book on Bible reading to go along with this one. Otherwise you might be left wanting just a bit more.
That's my $.o2, anyway.
But let me give you one last quote that I found especially helpful, especially in light of some of my recent online theological discussions:
"Once the Bible became a revered authority it became possible to treat it as a thing, an impersonal authority, to use it to define or damn others, and to avoid dealing with God's word in a personal, relational, and obedient way. It didn't take long for people to start using the Bible as a cover, as a front, by honoring it, praising it as a verbal artifact, defending it as the Truth against all comers, treating it as a classic, as great literature, rather than receiving these words and responding to these words as God's words to them, personally. But the words of Scripture are not primarily words, however impressive, that label or define or prove, but words that mean, that reveal, that shape the soul, that generate saved lives."
Good to remember.
I realized I said awhile ago I'd post some thoughts on To Continue The Dialogue, the Mennonite book on homosexuality that I finished last month. And I haven't done that yet. So this morning, as I sat at the Honda dealership, waiting for a pressure switch to be replaced in the car, I began writing those comments down. They should be here soon.
And now? I told you a couple days ago that the Amazon box showed up. . .but I've had a stack of 10 books on my immediate to-read pile, so I can't jump ahead. On top of the pile was Sacred Sex, by Tim Alan Gardner. So I guess it's next.
note: from first glance, this appears to be more like Peterson's book - a philosophical, theological work, not a how-to book. So rest easy.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
But in happier news
Yes, the reunion was a good time. At least for me it was. I think most would say the same. And I needn't have worried about recognizing everybody. Even after 20 years, faces and names clicked almost instantly. Of course, having a class of 32 helps - by process of elimination, you can pretty quickly figure out who is who.
As I said earlier, there are those in the class who are struggling right now. Some in the midst of ugly divorces. Some trying to raise kids across great distances. Some have lost parents recently. Some have struggled but never had kids. On the other hand, some are really doing well. Great jobs, healthy marriages. One spent years as a missionary with her husband, who is now on staff at a Covenant Church in L.A. One is doing a Masters in Spiritual Formation (Hey Diana).
It's amazing how, after all those years, you can instantly go back to that place of friendship and start talking about the deep stuff of real life. Friday night I had a couple of good conversations. Saturday morning we laughed a lot as we cleared some brush at the school. Saturday night, for me, was about three conversations - one on the boat to Tillicum Village, one on the boat ride back, and one as we stood on the dock saying goodbye. Three heart-to-heart conversations with people still searching for some answers, people in some deep pain. And it felt good to sit under the setting sun and share in each others lives.
One more thing: There were 6 of us who went together from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Four were there Saturday morning, when our former Kindergarten teacher showed up to give us a tour of the school. We got a picture of the 4 of us with our teacher. It was a quick moment, over in a (literal) flash. But so much was wrapped up in that moment - 33 years of history together? Something like that. And the fact was, we're all doing well; we all shared a laugh. One of those made-for-TV moments, only without Celine Dion screeching in the background.
Yes, the reunion was a good time.
Oh, and this: Brent told me that they were talking later Friday night, and everybody agreed that I won the award for aging the best. I suppose that's a good thing. Some vindication there.
My one hope is that a few of these relationships can carry on. I need some old friends in my life.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
I was, sadly, mistaken
Not all of my classmates are still living. Apparently, two or three years ago, Rex Slagle went to bed and never woke up.
You know the character Jud Nelson played in The Breakfast Club? That was Rex. Although Rex wasn't quite as angry as Nelson's character, not as dark. Rex had a better sense of humor, and tended to be more sarcastic than moody. But still. . .rebellious, angry at life, dealing with huge issues.
I heard stories Saturday night, telling how Rex as a freshman, used to sit under the stairs in our high school getting drunk before going to class. As seniors, I shared a table in study hall with Rex. He enjoyed getting a rise out of our supervisor, Nora Scheib. And he would tell me stories about sneaking his girlfriend into his bedroom after his parents went to sleep, and the trouble they'd go to to make sure she was out before they woke up.
Rex sold me a pair of parachute pants once.
The story is, after high school he continued to party hard. He was one who used and abused alcohol and all sorts of drugs. But apparently he'd moved to LA and gotten into the world of fitness. I'm not sure if it was just working out, or body-building. But he was into fitness, and so cleaned up his act. I heard he was married and had a child. Then, around the age of 36 or 37, he died in his sleep.
I wonder if he ever found whatever it is he was looking for?
On our end, it is sad because it closes that door forever. Sure, not everybody showed up to the reunion, but there's the thought that they could have, if they so desired. The potential was there to get everybody together again. But no more. One of our class is gone, and with him, his memories, his experiences, the role he played in our lives.
And when we watched the graduation slide show, and his picture came up, there was a laugh, a joke, and a sad pause, all at the same time.
Funny how I hadn't thought of him in years. And now that I find he's dead, I mourn for him.
(as to the reunion, it was good. I'll tell you about it later)
You know the character Jud Nelson played in The Breakfast Club? That was Rex. Although Rex wasn't quite as angry as Nelson's character, not as dark. Rex had a better sense of humor, and tended to be more sarcastic than moody. But still. . .rebellious, angry at life, dealing with huge issues.
I heard stories Saturday night, telling how Rex as a freshman, used to sit under the stairs in our high school getting drunk before going to class. As seniors, I shared a table in study hall with Rex. He enjoyed getting a rise out of our supervisor, Nora Scheib. And he would tell me stories about sneaking his girlfriend into his bedroom after his parents went to sleep, and the trouble they'd go to to make sure she was out before they woke up.
Rex sold me a pair of parachute pants once.
The story is, after high school he continued to party hard. He was one who used and abused alcohol and all sorts of drugs. But apparently he'd moved to LA and gotten into the world of fitness. I'm not sure if it was just working out, or body-building. But he was into fitness, and so cleaned up his act. I heard he was married and had a child. Then, around the age of 36 or 37, he died in his sleep.
I wonder if he ever found whatever it is he was looking for?
On our end, it is sad because it closes that door forever. Sure, not everybody showed up to the reunion, but there's the thought that they could have, if they so desired. The potential was there to get everybody together again. But no more. One of our class is gone, and with him, his memories, his experiences, the role he played in our lives.
And when we watched the graduation slide show, and his picture came up, there was a laugh, a joke, and a sad pause, all at the same time.
Funny how I hadn't thought of him in years. And now that I find he's dead, I mourn for him.
(as to the reunion, it was good. I'll tell you about it later)
The Big Box
The Amazon box showed up this morning. Some things I'm a little excited to see:
I'm not expecting to agree with everything she says. I'm not expecting to accept her position on a few things. . .but I've heard she is worth listening to, so perhaps I'll learn something anyway.
Orthodoxy, by G.K. Chesterton
I know. You can read it free online. But still, I prefer something tangible in my hands, something I can mark up and go back to in years to come.
Sex, Economy, Freedom & Community, by Wendell Berry
I actually bought this book once before, then loaned it out, and never got it back. His chapter on gay marriage is worth the price alone.
The Crime of Living Cautiously, by Luci Shaw
I've read a lot of Luci's poetry, but not so much her prose.
What the Light Was Like: Poems, by Luci Shaw
Speaking of Luci's poetry. . .
The Genesis of It All, by Luci Shaw
It's a kids book, I suppose. Telling the story of Creation with sweeping pictures and poetic language.
There was also some music in the box.
A New Standard, by Steve Tyrell
He's the guy who sang all the jazz standards on the Father of the Bride soundtracks.
Chaotic Resolve, by Plumb
One of my favorite Christian singers of all time. A little techno, a little rock, some powerful lyrics, a strong voice. . .
Heart of the Heartland, by Peter Ostroushko
He plays mandolin with the Prairie Home Companion band. Beautifully.
Dream Big, by Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band
I know nothing about them.
Take this Bread, by Sara Miles
I'm not expecting to agree with everything she says. I'm not expecting to accept her position on a few things. . .but I've heard she is worth listening to, so perhaps I'll learn something anyway.
Orthodoxy, by G.K. Chesterton
I know. You can read it free online. But still, I prefer something tangible in my hands, something I can mark up and go back to in years to come.
Sex, Economy, Freedom & Community, by Wendell Berry
I actually bought this book once before, then loaned it out, and never got it back. His chapter on gay marriage is worth the price alone.
The Crime of Living Cautiously, by Luci Shaw
I've read a lot of Luci's poetry, but not so much her prose.
What the Light Was Like: Poems, by Luci Shaw
Speaking of Luci's poetry. . .
The Genesis of It All, by Luci Shaw
It's a kids book, I suppose. Telling the story of Creation with sweeping pictures and poetic language.
There was also some music in the box.
A New Standard, by Steve Tyrell
He's the guy who sang all the jazz standards on the Father of the Bride soundtracks.
Chaotic Resolve, by Plumb
One of my favorite Christian singers of all time. A little techno, a little rock, some powerful lyrics, a strong voice. . .
Heart of the Heartland, by Peter Ostroushko
He plays mandolin with the Prairie Home Companion band. Beautifully.
Dream Big, by Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band
I know nothing about them.
In the News
Lakebay's Shane Hostetler showed up in the Peninsula Gateway the other day. You can read the article here.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Friday Finale
Why I Love this job:
It's the moments like Saturday, standing on a breezy hillside, standing under the sun, wedding a man and woman who obviously love each other, surrounded by family who love them deeply, and knowing you represent a God who is manifestly pleased with all that is happening there.
Or it's the tough conversation that led to significant resolution of an inter-personal conflict.
Or it's being able to share in the journey of a person seeking some answers to questions they've held onto for so many years.
It's the quiet moments when I can actually pick up a book and delve into some of the greatest mysteries of eternity.
It's the person who sticks their head in the door, asking if they can come chat for a moment.
It's leading people to prayer, when world issues seem to crush our faith in goodness.
Yes, life is painful, life is tough. I become exasperated and angry, just like everybody else.
But I was reminded a couple of times this week exactly why I do what I do, and why I'm glad to do it.
Today's Random 11
"But, see, you've just crossed out the ten and made it an eleven."
"Right, but mine goes to eleven, and their's only goes to ten."
"Ah, I see."
It's the moments like Saturday, standing on a breezy hillside, standing under the sun, wedding a man and woman who obviously love each other, surrounded by family who love them deeply, and knowing you represent a God who is manifestly pleased with all that is happening there.
Or it's the tough conversation that led to significant resolution of an inter-personal conflict.
Or it's being able to share in the journey of a person seeking some answers to questions they've held onto for so many years.
It's the quiet moments when I can actually pick up a book and delve into some of the greatest mysteries of eternity.
It's the person who sticks their head in the door, asking if they can come chat for a moment.
It's leading people to prayer, when world issues seem to crush our faith in goodness.
Yes, life is painful, life is tough. I become exasperated and angry, just like everybody else.
But I was reminded a couple of times this week exactly why I do what I do, and why I'm glad to do it.
Today's Random 11
"Everybody else's only goes to ten, but mine goes to eleven. So mine's better"
"But, see, you've just crossed out the ten and made it an eleven."
"Right, but mine goes to eleven, and their's only goes to ten."
"Ah, I see."
- Leaving You – David Wilcox
- Come to Me – The Elms
- Dreamland Express – John Denver
- A Mighty Fortress is our God – St. Olaf Choir
- In Pace – Sarah Brightman
- Jesus Paid it All – Kristian Stanfill
- Vivaldi: The Season (Spring:
- Sink N’ Swim – Plumb
- Never Finish – Leigh Nash
- Percy Grainger: The Merry Wedding – Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra
- Montana: A Love Story –
Thursday, August 02, 2007
And so it comes
Tomorrow afternoon we're heading over to Seattle, dropping the girls off with my parents, and then driving over to Kirkland to begin my 20-year high school reunion. Personally, I'm a little excited to see everybody (well, at least everybody who is showing up). I went to a small school, and had a graduating class of around 32, so we were probably a little tighter than, say, a class of 500. Whether or not we were all friends, we all at least knew each other fairly well. About 7 of us were together all the way from Kindergarten through 12th grade, so we had a lot of memories together.
This is how it was: we cleaned out our lockers, and went to our graduation rehearsal. The evening of graduation, we all joined in celebration of our achievements. A couple hours later we gathered at the school and drove to a large health club in Edmonds for a night of swimming, walleyball, and hanging out. Early the next morning we were dropped off back at the school, and we all drove home. I remember that moment - climbing in my car, watching all my classmates get in their cars, and thinking this truly was the end of it all. Some of those people I would never see again; many I wouldn't see for years. I did go to Grace's wedding a while later; Brent and I hung out whenever we were back in Seattle - I performed his wedding, and he came to mine. Other than that, I don't believe I've seen the rest of them since.
How quickly it all passes. Now most are married with kids, some are divorced, they are living in Florida and the Midwest, some are professionals and some aren't healthy. I don't think anybody's famous (my inclusion in a theological book notwithstanding), and I don't think anybody's dead.
Friday night we're getting together for a low-key hangout time. Saturday night we're getting on a boat and going to Tillicum Village. And it will be interesting to see what happens. Will it be 10 more years before we see each other again? Or will we reconnect and reclaim old friendships?
Some people dread reunions. Some people hate reunions. Me? I'm rather looking forward to it.
This is how it was: we cleaned out our lockers, and went to our graduation rehearsal. The evening of graduation, we all joined in celebration of our achievements. A couple hours later we gathered at the school and drove to a large health club in Edmonds for a night of swimming, walleyball, and hanging out. Early the next morning we were dropped off back at the school, and we all drove home. I remember that moment - climbing in my car, watching all my classmates get in their cars, and thinking this truly was the end of it all. Some of those people I would never see again; many I wouldn't see for years. I did go to Grace's wedding a while later; Brent and I hung out whenever we were back in Seattle - I performed his wedding, and he came to mine. Other than that, I don't believe I've seen the rest of them since.
How quickly it all passes. Now most are married with kids, some are divorced, they are living in Florida and the Midwest, some are professionals and some aren't healthy. I don't think anybody's famous (my inclusion in a theological book notwithstanding), and I don't think anybody's dead.
Friday night we're getting together for a low-key hangout time. Saturday night we're getting on a boat and going to Tillicum Village. And it will be interesting to see what happens. Will it be 10 more years before we see each other again? Or will we reconnect and reclaim old friendships?
Some people dread reunions. Some people hate reunions. Me? I'm rather looking forward to it.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Shameless familial promotion
My brother Michael Whitmarsh (the photographer - not the volleyball player) is having a show in Portland this month. They are hosting an artist's reception this weekend. You can read about it here. You can see one of his Viet Nam shots there as well.
Great Sermon Experiment, the finale
As mentioned last week, this will be the final installment of the 2007 Great Sermon Experiment. The final 2 weeks of August, and the first 2 weeks of September will see a great variety in Sunday Morning Experiences at Lakebay - guest preachers, Sunday in the park, Family Camp/Camp No-Go, and Dan Finally Gets a Vacation. Then we'll move in a different direction in the fall.
So, on to the (sniff, sniff) end:
Texts for Sunday, August 12
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Psalm 50
Luke 12:32-40
Both of these texts have to do with right living. Both seem to be comparing people who truly are obedient, with those who only act like it. Actions vs. words. Motive. Substance vs. style. Both allude toward judgment, with the Luke passage pointing toward the second coming, while the Psalm passage has more to do with God's judgment now. Both include warnings, and promises for obedience.
So what do you see? How do you respond? What message does our church, our culture, the KP need to hear from these two passages?
So, on to the (sniff, sniff) end:
Texts for Sunday, August 12
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Psalm 50
Luke 12:32-40
Both of these texts have to do with right living. Both seem to be comparing people who truly are obedient, with those who only act like it. Actions vs. words. Motive. Substance vs. style. Both allude toward judgment, with the Luke passage pointing toward the second coming, while the Psalm passage has more to do with God's judgment now. Both include warnings, and promises for obedience.
So what do you see? How do you respond? What message does our church, our culture, the KP need to hear from these two passages?
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Oh, and in other news
Korean hostages are still being killed by the Taliban. And nobody in the U.S. but Eugene Cho seems to care about it. Go read his blog. Spread the word. Pray.
Putting the Pygmies aside for a moment
Tacoma has decided to try something new in an effort to keep those crime-causing ruffians from hanging out at bus stops. They are going to pump classical music in over loudspeakers. Seems classical music drives gang bangers away. The feed will be coming straight from Classic King 98.1 FM, which just happens to be one of my favorite stations (so, if you were worried about it, that ought to prove that I'm not a gang banger).
The expert says (warning- the following quote uses a lot of confusing but smart-sounding words): “It’s based on routine activity theory and situational crime prevention. You mix different types of activities in locations that are crime-ridden to change the composition of the environment.”
Says a localite: "There are plenty of people who dislike classical music besides gangbangers, and any one of them might want to take a bat to one of the speakers. So many people who hang around here don’t listen to that kind of music. They won’t like it – any of them.”
Says another young local person: “They’ll say, 'This is whack,’ and go over and hang out at the mall or by Babies ‘R’ Us. The music isn’t going to change the attitude of the kids.”
I'm not sure what to think. Part of me wants to be offended. Classical music is a wondrous thing that can call out the best in all people. Now it's being used like an insect repellent. I've spent years studying and playing the best music ever written. To hear "Well, this stuff is so repulsive it will drive people away" is a little painful.
On the other hand, the fact that 21st Century Society is arguing about classical music can only be good. It shows it still has some relevance.
But here's the question: what if I'm waiting for my bus, and it arrives right in the middle of the final movement of the Beethoven 5? You can't just get up and leave before the final chord comes crashing down. I would be stuck there, waiting for the next bus, hoping it didn't show up in the middle of the Mozart 40.
The expert says (warning- the following quote uses a lot of confusing but smart-sounding words): “It’s based on routine activity theory and situational crime prevention. You mix different types of activities in locations that are crime-ridden to change the composition of the environment.”
Says a localite: "There are plenty of people who dislike classical music besides gangbangers, and any one of them might want to take a bat to one of the speakers. So many people who hang around here don’t listen to that kind of music. They won’t like it – any of them.”
Says another young local person: “They’ll say, 'This is whack,’ and go over and hang out at the mall or by Babies ‘R’ Us. The music isn’t going to change the attitude of the kids.”
I'm not sure what to think. Part of me wants to be offended. Classical music is a wondrous thing that can call out the best in all people. Now it's being used like an insect repellent. I've spent years studying and playing the best music ever written. To hear "Well, this stuff is so repulsive it will drive people away" is a little painful.
On the other hand, the fact that 21st Century Society is arguing about classical music can only be good. It shows it still has some relevance.
But here's the question: what if I'm waiting for my bus, and it arrives right in the middle of the final movement of the Beethoven 5? You can't just get up and leave before the final chord comes crashing down. I would be stuck there, waiting for the next bus, hoping it didn't show up in the middle of the Mozart 40.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Friday finale
Since Russ asked in the comments below. . .
The discussion started regarding whether or not there is an Age of Accountability, and if so, what is it? That led to a discussion on original sin, which led to the old question, "what about those who never hear about Jesus? What about the pygmies in Africa?"
I stated that just perhaps, God's grace is big enough that some of them MIGHT be saved, if they respond appropriately to the light God has given them. That Romans 2 seems to say that people who don't have the Law are judged separate from the Law. So therefore, I would leave the door open to the possibility that God might judge some of them righteous. Of course, their salvation is still won by Christ's work on the cross - he paid the price of sin. They just may not be aware of that piece until they meet Him, finally.
So now, in the eyes of the doctrine police, I'm saying that everybody who follows their own religion is saved, that the cross didn't mean anything, that all the wiccans will be saved, that John 3:16 is a lie. I'm now a universalist, a christian humanist, I'm saying that the Bible is a lie and that God is just an happy old fuddy duddy who will let anybody who happens to be nice in the door.
So there you go. You can tell me if you think I'm a heretic. Hope I don't lose my Covenant Credentialing, just because I happen to believe in a Big God who offers Big Grace, which is sometimes beyond my understanding.
Friday Random 10
I'd almost forgotten that Switchfoot was on my playlist. They never seem to come up. Unlike Alison Krauss, who seems to show up here every week. I was in a James Taylor mood earlier this week, so nice to have him show up again. And somehow Delirous stuck their head in the door twice this morning. Interesting to have #s 6 and 7 together, as they are both old spirituals redone by modern musical masters.
The discussion started regarding whether or not there is an Age of Accountability, and if so, what is it? That led to a discussion on original sin, which led to the old question, "what about those who never hear about Jesus? What about the pygmies in Africa?"
I stated that just perhaps, God's grace is big enough that some of them MIGHT be saved, if they respond appropriately to the light God has given them. That Romans 2 seems to say that people who don't have the Law are judged separate from the Law. So therefore, I would leave the door open to the possibility that God might judge some of them righteous. Of course, their salvation is still won by Christ's work on the cross - he paid the price of sin. They just may not be aware of that piece until they meet Him, finally.
So now, in the eyes of the doctrine police, I'm saying that everybody who follows their own religion is saved, that the cross didn't mean anything, that all the wiccans will be saved, that John 3:16 is a lie. I'm now a universalist, a christian humanist, I'm saying that the Bible is a lie and that God is just an happy old fuddy duddy who will let anybody who happens to be nice in the door.
So there you go. You can tell me if you think I'm a heretic. Hope I don't lose my Covenant Credentialing, just because I happen to believe in a Big God who offers Big Grace, which is sometimes beyond my understanding.
Friday Random 10
I'd almost forgotten that Switchfoot was on my playlist. They never seem to come up. Unlike Alison Krauss, who seems to show up here every week. I was in a James Taylor mood earlier this week, so nice to have him show up again. And somehow Delirous stuck their head in the door twice this morning. Interesting to have #s 6 and 7 together, as they are both old spirituals redone by modern musical masters.
- On Fire – Switchfoot
- Ebo Walker- - The Dillards
- Up On the Roof – James Taylor
- Rompe Spreza – Kathleen Battle
- O Lead Me – Delirious
- We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder – Bruce Springsteen
- Soon I Will be Done with the Troubles of this World – David Crowder
- The Scarlet Tide – Alison Krauss
- Still Here Waiting – Todd Agnew
- Hands of Kindness – Delirious
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Growing exasperated, and maybe just a little sad
There's this online discussion forum I've been a part of for awhile. Mostly it has to do with worship, but a couple days ago I joined in a discussion on the theology forum. I've been trying to craft a well-nuanced argument regarding one theological issue. And a couple of the guys on there, having misread me, have decided I'm a heretic. So they have attacked, and attacked, and attacked. At this point they won't even deal with the case I'm making. Instead, they picked up on a couple buzzwords, interpreted them through their "heresy-detector" grids, and have decided I'm "dangerous" to the Body. The harder I try to explain my case, the more scriptures they throw at me, claiming that I'm in the same line as all those heretics who came before. One or two people have actually jumped to my defense, correctly interpreting what it is I'm trying to say. But the rest have already decided they know what I'm saying, and are ready to banish me from the Kingdom.
It's all so irritating. Mostly because they refuse to listen to what I'm saying. But also because I grow so tired of self-proclaimed "Guardians of Orthodoxy" who feel the need to point out every perceived heresy and run it into the ground. These same folks have announced that Brian McLaren is the biggest danger to Christianity today, and that the Emergent Movement is actually a New Age Gnosticism that needs to be fought to the end.
And what is always so frustrating is that they are relying on 16th century theology rather than the biblical texts themselves. But, they've grown so close to their theology that they think it IS the biblical text. So to say "that's not really what the text says," is, in their minds, to actually deny the text. Does that make sense?
I think I'm staying closer to the biblical message then they are, but since I'm denying Calvin (the final arbiter of all things theological, I guess) they assume I'm denying the Bible.
Makes me glad, again, to be in the Covenant Church, where people can actually have discussions without automatically being labeled heretics. Makes me glad I left the fundies behind a long time ago. But it makes me sad that, at least on this message board, I can't have a voice without the thought police coming after me.
It's all so irritating. Mostly because they refuse to listen to what I'm saying. But also because I grow so tired of self-proclaimed "Guardians of Orthodoxy" who feel the need to point out every perceived heresy and run it into the ground. These same folks have announced that Brian McLaren is the biggest danger to Christianity today, and that the Emergent Movement is actually a New Age Gnosticism that needs to be fought to the end.
And what is always so frustrating is that they are relying on 16th century theology rather than the biblical texts themselves. But, they've grown so close to their theology that they think it IS the biblical text. So to say "that's not really what the text says," is, in their minds, to actually deny the text. Does that make sense?
I think I'm staying closer to the biblical message then they are, but since I'm denying Calvin (the final arbiter of all things theological, I guess) they assume I'm denying the Bible.
Makes me glad, again, to be in the Covenant Church, where people can actually have discussions without automatically being labeled heretics. Makes me glad I left the fundies behind a long time ago. But it makes me sad that, at least on this message board, I can't have a voice without the thought police coming after me.
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