Blackberry Post
This is a test. I've not tried to blog with my mobile phone. But it might work. I suppose if this works, I might post more often, but shorter posts.
Silent Nights, Empty Skies and a White Helmet
I had readied my children for school and they had just recently emptied the house. My wife called on her way to work. "Something's happening, are you listening to the news?" I think that was the end of our phone call. I went and turned on the news on television just as the first tower was collapsing. I could do nothing but stare in disbelief.
At that time, I had two jobs. I worked part-time at Home Depot for one. The other job was to make morning home delivery of newspapers, a job that required me to work from about 2 am to 5am every day. Later that day, I went to work at Home Depot. While we all showed up to work, very few people showed up to shop. I recall repotting a house plant for a woman who remarked, "I shouldn't be out on a day like this. But I just had to get out of the house. I just needed to see people." So she came to Home Depot and saw the few customers that day, many who walked like ghosts, barely noticing each other, deep in thought and pondering many levels of grief.
Later that night, I went to sleep for a few hours before waking up to my news paper job. At 2am, there are very few people out anyway, but this first night after the attack, was eerily quiet. A silent night. There was no other traffic on the road. No other night time delivery vehicles and nothing moving in the sky. Even though there isn't a lot of night travel in the sky over Boise, there is some. Though the sky was full of stars, it felt empty. But at the same time, the empty sky felt threatening. Any thought of something flying by was now a potential violent strike. It was not so much an emotion of fear as it was a realization of vulnerability: this is what it felt like to be on the receiving side of a war.
Over the next days, there was endless chatter. Televangelists proclaimed portentous conclusions about the meaning of it all – God's judgment on us for our God-forsaken ways; because we'd taken prayer out of school. Politicians and commentators tried to connect the networks and explain the terrorist networks. Lots of people were just trying to make sense of it. But it was senseless. And the sense to be made out of it is an ongoing project for survivors.
One attempt at sense making came from a co-worker at Home Depot. I guess it was a week after the attacks. Funerals and memorial services had begun. Standing in the break room at Home Depot together we watch the hearse deliver a casket upon which was a white firefighter's helmet. The white one was worn by a priest, a chaplain in the NYFD. There may have been other funerals that had taken place, I wasn't sure. But the first one I saw was of a heroic priest who spent his last hours on earth welcoming people into the arms of God. In the midst of dreadful fear, anxiousness and breathless confusion, sheer chaos and blinding horror, NYFD Chaplain, Father Mychal Judge ran into the fire. One of the officers of the New York Fire Department, Steven McDonald, was able to say, uncontestedly about Father Judge, "Above all, he was a living example of Jesus Christ."
Lawrence Goleman in his article, "Reclaiming the Story: Narrative Leadership in Ministry," noted the choice of the type of stories we tell and the motifs they carry can move the plot to a greater purpose and can help lead to faithful responses. Goleman demonstrates that,
"After 9/11, political leaders in the U.S. chose the genres of heroic tragedy and martyrdom, which narrowed public response to fit a drama of good versus evil." There were other ways of retelling the story of the events of that momentous day. Goleman wants us to understand that the way we tell stories can lead to a limited choice of responses, adding that, "had they chosen the genre of irony or the redemptive motif of atonement, then the inconsistencies between American ideals and U.S. foreign policy, especially in the Middle East, might have shaped a more open, collaborative, and international response."
Before the day began, the motif chosen by Father Mychal Judge was the "motif of atonement" seen in his last moments. Redemption and a life-laid-down kind of love could have been the legacy of the day.
We still have the choice of which stories to take from 9/11. We can choose stories that bring out the best in ourselves by remembering those who demonstrated the best in themselves. Or, we can bring out the worst in ourselves, by being manipulated by the fear of the day and dark spirits that have their way in violence, injustice, and retribution. So hard, but so necessary, is the need to remember eerily quiet nights, empty skies, and white helmets. There is grief, and loss, and fear. But there is also an undeterred option to choose life in the face of death.
Wonder No More, Part 2
One thousand buckets of beer on the bench, one thousand buckets of beer, knock one down and throw to the ground, nine hundred ninety-nine buckets of beer on the bench... C'mon, you know the song...
So finally I went to see where all the trash I've been cleaning up for the past few weeks comes from (see previous post: Wonder No More). While I'd like to keep a detached, anthropological distance, I'd have to say I didn't.
For the month of August, my son's baseball team had been under the grandstands picking up trash to raise money for next year's baseball season. As a "thank you" from the track owner, we had been offered 20 tickets to the races. About five adults came along with about ten kids. Interestingly enough, there were no mothers with the kids. So, it was a boys night out. However, there were plenty of men and women in the crowd; it was in no way, just a guy thing. That went contrary to my expectations.
What also went contrary to my expectations was that it could actually be interesting to watch cars drive a quarter mile lap. After the different classes of cars each ran their time trials, the races began. By far, the sprint cars were the fastest and the loudest. Even through our ear plugs we could hear the power in those little cars.
I'll have to reflect later upon the nature of God and creation from this experience. Suffice it to say, it was great. It was fun to be someplace odd and very ordinary. It just served to remind how easy it can be to become detached from my own surroundings and my own community.
So finally I went to see where all the trash I've been cleaning up for the past few weeks comes from (see previous post: Wonder No More). While I'd like to keep a detached, anthropological distance, I'd have to say I didn't.
For the month of August, my son's baseball team had been under the grandstands picking up trash to raise money for next year's baseball season. As a "thank you" from the track owner, we had been offered 20 tickets to the races. About five adults came along with about ten kids. Interestingly enough, there were no mothers with the kids. So, it was a boys night out. However, there were plenty of men and women in the crowd; it was in no way, just a guy thing. That went contrary to my expectations.
What also went contrary to my expectations was that it could actually be interesting to watch cars drive a quarter mile lap. After the different classes of cars each ran their time trials, the races began. By far, the sprint cars were the fastest and the loudest. Even through our ear plugs we could hear the power in those little cars.
I'll have to reflect later upon the nature of God and creation from this experience. Suffice it to say, it was great. It was fun to be someplace odd and very ordinary. It just served to remind how easy it can be to become detached from my own surroundings and my own community.
De-liberation: Thoughts about Proper 18 Year A
Exodus 12 is about liberation. The freedom God made available to the Hebrew slaves in Egypt became a foundational narrative in the biblical story. From time to time, kings, priests, and prophets would retell the story to recall the mercy and power of God.
Matthew 18 is about liberation. The freedom God made available to the Hebrew slaves in Egypt, but also the freedom to other generations of exiles, becomes the Jesus-centered narrative telling of the mercy and power of God.
Both passages are concerned about process, though. You don't just get freed. Freedom requires some kind of deliberation. In Blogging Toward Sunday, Kristin Swenson writes, "Jesus and Paul agree that it requires careful consideration and judgment on our parts. In other words, as people of God, we have great responsibility to determine, in the day to day of our lives, how to love. Simply being nice isn't going to cut it. Real love in a down and dirty world requires informed deliberation (italics mine) and sometimes tough choices. Jesus' remark about "whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" brings to mind less a geographical place than a state of being. How we love or fail to love affects our relationships both to others and to God. Maybe, as Jesus suggests, in our dealings with others, we are not only learning to love, but we are also constantly shaping heaven."
Deliberation, while it sounds thoughtful, also runs counter to our intuitions about freedom. Taking the word apart a bit, to deliberate would mean to attach or bind oneself to something. There is an undoing of liberation in the prefix "de". There is a trading in of one bondage, and choosing something else to which we bind ourselves, not in bondage, but in choice.
Please take a listen to "I Bind My Heart This Tide," from the Mennonite Hymnal, sung here by Farther Along.
There's a surging freedom in becoming de-liberated.
Matthew 18 is about liberation. The freedom God made available to the Hebrew slaves in Egypt, but also the freedom to other generations of exiles, becomes the Jesus-centered narrative telling of the mercy and power of God.
Both passages are concerned about process, though. You don't just get freed. Freedom requires some kind of deliberation. In Blogging Toward Sunday, Kristin Swenson writes, "Jesus and Paul agree that it requires careful consideration and judgment on our parts. In other words, as people of God, we have great responsibility to determine, in the day to day of our lives, how to love. Simply being nice isn't going to cut it. Real love in a down and dirty world requires informed deliberation (italics mine) and sometimes tough choices. Jesus' remark about "whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" brings to mind less a geographical place than a state of being. How we love or fail to love affects our relationships both to others and to God. Maybe, as Jesus suggests, in our dealings with others, we are not only learning to love, but we are also constantly shaping heaven."
Deliberation, while it sounds thoughtful, also runs counter to our intuitions about freedom. Taking the word apart a bit, to deliberate would mean to attach or bind oneself to something. There is an undoing of liberation in the prefix "de". There is a trading in of one bondage, and choosing something else to which we bind ourselves, not in bondage, but in choice.
Please take a listen to "I Bind My Heart This Tide," from the Mennonite Hymnal, sung here by Farther Along.
There's a surging freedom in becoming de-liberated.
Faith in Acquiescence
Presently I am reading a study in the cultural history of utility computing. Yawn….
But actually, it is a fascinating and well written story of our cultural desire to be faster, better, bigger, more efficient and more productive and consumptive. The book, The Big Switch: Rewiring the World, From Edison to Google, by Nicholas Carr, not just a book for those wanting to know about public utilities (phones, electricity, water, etc), or computers and the Internet, per se. Rather it tells the story of how we as a culture blend " two discordant themes running through American culture: utilitarianism and transcendentalism (pg 88)".
Carr spells out some of the fantastic dreams that would, in part, be inspired the illuminations of the White City, the 1893 World's Fair Exposition in Chicago:
Electrification, people were told would cleanse the earth of disease and strife, turning it into a pristine new Eden. 'We are soon to have everywhere,' wrote one futurist, 'smoke annihilators, dust absorbers, ozonators, sterilizers of water, air, food, and clothing, and accident preventers on streets, elevated roads, and subways. It will become next to impossible to contract disease germs or get hurt in the city.' Another announced that 'electrified water' would become the powerful of all disinfectants.' Sprayed into every 'crook and crevice,' it would obliterate 'the very germs of unclean matter.' 'Indeed,' wrote another, 'by all potent power of electricity, man is now able to convert an entire continent into a tropical garden at his pleasure.'
Not only would electricity open up the ability to control these lurking dangers, but it would also be capable of taming the greatest of chaotic forces. "Electrified machines would eliminate blizzards, droughts, and other climactic extremes, giving man, 'absolute control of the weather.' Inside homes, electric equalizers' would send out 'soothing electric current, to 'dissipate and domestic storm and ensure harmony in families." (pg 88)
Toward the end of this chapter, Carr quotes Norbert Wiener, an information theoretician and mathematician, "The simple faith in progress is not a conviction to strength, but one belonging to acquiescence and hence to weakness" (pg 125).
The weight of Wiener's quote is immense and applies to so much more than electricity. The myth of progress, one of modernity's most potent lures continues. While we may want to proclaim a post-modern era, our behaviors still long for a grand narrative into which we might limply acquiesce. Just melt into and disappear into a great machine. Carr quotes, from the turn of the century (the 19th to the 20th century, that is), that "people would become cogs in a wonderful mechanism…acting in response to the will of a corporate mind as fingers move and write at the direction of the brain (pg 89)." Years later authors like George Orwell would make a living warning against just such acquiescence.
Perhaps there is a continuing struggle to find a meaningful role for the individual in the life of faith. To follow a biblical injunction to "take up you cross and follow me," seems not like a faith of weakness. To turn one's cheek, to walk the extra mile for your persecutor all runs counter to acquiescence. To take heart from the prophets, "to love mercy, love justice, and walk humbly with God," is still a challenge toward strength.
As I read Carr, I am continually drawn in to the wonder and the warning of contemporary culture. I'm half way done, we'll see what comes next…
Wonder No More...
Ever wonder about the hidden life of the small track speedway? I never did. Now I do. Sort of....
In fact, now I think about it in less than charitable ways. I know as a missionary to this culture, I have to find common ground and a way to engage in what God is already doing. God is present. But this will be a theological and anthropological adventure.
I have not yet been fully introduced to this alien culture. Growing up in the suburbs of Phoenix, our racing experiences were through the Wide World of Sports (that shows my age!). Never in all that time, did I ever see what happened once the crowd had gone home.
Last Sunday night, our local speedway had its delightful, "Trailer Trash Races." However, our job was not to enjoy the race, but to clean up afterward. My son's baseball team was cleaning up the trash each Sunday morning after the Saturday night races as a way to raise money for next year's baseball tournament season. Being environmentally responsible, we'd separate the plastic from the trash for recycling. But both plastic and trash told a story.
Plastics: why don't people finish what they purchase? So many soda and water bottles were still nearly full. Furthermore, the 85 oz "beer buckets" were usually empty. But some were not as empty as one would wish. The spray and drips of old beer kinda made one long for a shower.
Trash: The real joy was in the weekly competition of counting disposable diapers in the bleachers. The first week was three. The second week was four. But the last two weeks were only two and one respectively. With all the noise of the roaring engines, why would there be babies there?
Anyway, looking at the detritus,
the debris, and the unfinished treasures of the speedway filled me with a strange desire to keep learning about this alien culture residing within in my own community. As anthropologists dig through the dumps of ancient civilizations past, they find insights to the culture under study. Going through ancient Mayan trash, or the garbage of ancient Jerusalem might be better - at least their beer buckets would have lost their stench over the eons.But the missiological pursuit will continue - but this time, I'll do it from the top side of the bleachers. And I will finish my soda and throw it in the recycling bin.
Common Problems
Yesterday I was at my son's football practice watching the kids (11 year olds) hit, run, catch and collide. Sitting at the sideline was one of my son's friends. I went over to ask why he wasn't practicing. He told me he had done something bad. He obviously didn't want to talk about it. Just about then, one of the coaches came and asked him to make a choice, "either you can sit there and watch; or, you can run. You choose."
I went over to him, took a knee, and asked, which he was going to choose. He was quiet. I asked, "which of the two choices that coach gave you do you think you should choose?" I told him to get up and we figured a plan for him to run the whole football yard for the next 40 minutes, allowing for water breaks.
A couple times those water breaks were a bit long. Twice, though, the players on the field were freed to take a water break also. As they cam over and saw their teammate running and not practicing, they asked, "hey why aren't you practicing?" I took him aside and said, "you don't like that question today, do you?" It was obvious. "When they come over for a break, you run. Don't stand here waiting to be questioned." So he ran.
Later today I'll see him again. This time I'll tell him I was proud of him for running and working. Then we'll talk a bit about what he did to earn the sideline and the running. He's a good kid. He made a bad choice, actually more than one.
Thinking about it, there's not a lot that happens with kids that is different between Christians and non-Christians. We have different resources, different ideas, different recourse. There is a great difference in some areas of our lives. But when it comes to kids knocking at the door of puberty, of adolescence, well that's an area of heartache and wonder for all parents, coaches, kids and athletes.
Peace.
I went over to him, took a knee, and asked, which he was going to choose. He was quiet. I asked, "which of the two choices that coach gave you do you think you should choose?" I told him to get up and we figured a plan for him to run the whole football yard for the next 40 minutes, allowing for water breaks.
A couple times those water breaks were a bit long. Twice, though, the players on the field were freed to take a water break also. As they cam over and saw their teammate running and not practicing, they asked, "hey why aren't you practicing?" I took him aside and said, "you don't like that question today, do you?" It was obvious. "When they come over for a break, you run. Don't stand here waiting to be questioned." So he ran.
Later today I'll see him again. This time I'll tell him I was proud of him for running and working. Then we'll talk a bit about what he did to earn the sideline and the running. He's a good kid. He made a bad choice, actually more than one.
Thinking about it, there's not a lot that happens with kids that is different between Christians and non-Christians. We have different resources, different ideas, different recourse. There is a great difference in some areas of our lives. But when it comes to kids knocking at the door of puberty, of adolescence, well that's an area of heartache and wonder for all parents, coaches, kids and athletes.
Peace.
Musings
I am sitting on the back porch of a friend in Lynnwood, WA. Ann and I are here preparing to fly to So. California for a week-long training for Celebrate Recovery. We are beginning that ministry at College Church.
One of the challenges that the church of today faces more than anything is the loss of the 20 and 30 somethings in the church. Their reaction to "same old church" is quite startling. They desire to have an authentic encounter with God and feel that this is missing in much of what goes on in the church today. Couple that with the church's unwillingness to change to meet their need and we have a tragedy. This is one of the reasons that I have so passionately involved myself in the missional church movement coupled with the best of the emergent village material
Often people ask me "what is missional church?" The following article will provide some light. Below is a very interesting read that my friend Robin Dugall posted on his blog. He says very clearly what I would have said.
“…the missional church…is a renewal movement. I see it as a moving of God’s Spirit within the Western church at a very critical time in its history. We find ourselves (most Christians probably agree on this) in a time of decline. Churches in the West are in trouble: internal dissensions, the failure and discouragement of leadership, loss of our youth, widespread negative perceptions of Christians by outsiders, and the death of many congregations. Just the kind of dry-bones situation where the breath of the Spirit often begins to blow!
(but)…I am impatient for the transformation, and that’s where the trouble begins . . .I imagine those of us in the missional church movement sometimes sound a bit
(critical) to believers perplexed by massive changes in the church and culture, and are not sure “missional” is the way to go. They may hear the message as, “move out of the way,” “get with the program,” “admit you are wasting your time,” or something equally uncharitable. To them the missional discussion seems like just another way to “diss” the past. When missional leaders point out current problems in the church, they often appear to have an arrogant disregard for what God has already done—as if the Holy Spirit has been totally absent for the last century and nothing of eternal significance has really been accomplished! Good people thus feel attacked and undervalued, their contributions unwelcome and unneeded. I suspect most renewal movements, whether by intention or misunderstanding, have conveyed such messages.
To those who have felt attacked, I apologize. The point is not to discredit the sincere and often productive endeavors of the past, but to ask, "How can we be faithful to the gospel in the new cultural situation of the 21st century?" Of course any attempt to answer this question involves evaluation of our current situation and some level of critique of the current state of the church. (But we)…need to remind (ourselves) that if this is indeed a movement of the Spirit of God, it will make its way among the people of God with power and certainty.
Another problem many people detect in renewal movements is a prideful spirit. In the case of the missional movement some folks have sensed a triumphalist spirit among its proponents, as if we are saying, "This is THE ANSWER, we have found THE WAY, wisdom now resides with US!" Certainly triumphalism in all its forms is divisive and offensive. To the degree that missional church leaders are guilty of this, we need to repent. Triumphalism is not helpful and does not honor the Lord or his people. However, I would like to offer a note of caution to those who think the missional church is triumphalistic and who are tempted to dismiss the movement on that basis. Part of what initially attracted me was the willingness of missional leaders to admit that they did not have all--or even many--of the answers to the problems facing the church today. The point is that this discussion is not about having all the right answers, but rather trying to identify the most important questions before the church--and working toward biblically and theologically sound answers.”
It is our purpose at the Institute for Missional Directions that we maintain a humble and yet challenge spirit. We know that we don't have all of the answers, we are on a journey of discovery. The challenge, however, is great. What will happen to the church in the next 10 to 20 years? I know, Christian history has taught us that God had a way of preserving his church. Interesting enough a thorough read of Church History announces the reality that most of this "saving" of the church takes place in reformative ways. The question before us today is whether we move into and embrace the changes needed.
One of the challenges that the church of today faces more than anything is the loss of the 20 and 30 somethings in the church. Their reaction to "same old church" is quite startling. They desire to have an authentic encounter with God and feel that this is missing in much of what goes on in the church today. Couple that with the church's unwillingness to change to meet their need and we have a tragedy. This is one of the reasons that I have so passionately involved myself in the missional church movement coupled with the best of the emergent village material
Often people ask me "what is missional church?" The following article will provide some light. Below is a very interesting read that my friend Robin Dugall posted on his blog. He says very clearly what I would have said.
“…the missional church…is a renewal movement. I see it as a moving of God’s Spirit within the Western church at a very critical time in its history. We find ourselves (most Christians probably agree on this) in a time of decline. Churches in the West are in trouble: internal dissensions, the failure and discouragement of leadership, loss of our youth, widespread negative perceptions of Christians by outsiders, and the death of many congregations. Just the kind of dry-bones situation where the breath of the Spirit often begins to blow!
(but)…I am impatient for the transformation, and that’s where the trouble begins . . .I imagine those of us in the missional church movement sometimes sound a bit
(critical) to believers perplexed by massive changes in the church and culture, and are not sure “missional” is the way to go. They may hear the message as, “move out of the way,” “get with the program,” “admit you are wasting your time,” or something equally uncharitable. To them the missional discussion seems like just another way to “diss” the past. When missional leaders point out current problems in the church, they often appear to have an arrogant disregard for what God has already done—as if the Holy Spirit has been totally absent for the last century and nothing of eternal significance has really been accomplished! Good people thus feel attacked and undervalued, their contributions unwelcome and unneeded. I suspect most renewal movements, whether by intention or misunderstanding, have conveyed such messages.
To those who have felt attacked, I apologize. The point is not to discredit the sincere and often productive endeavors of the past, but to ask, "How can we be faithful to the gospel in the new cultural situation of the 21st century?" Of course any attempt to answer this question involves evaluation of our current situation and some level of critique of the current state of the church. (But we)…need to remind (ourselves) that if this is indeed a movement of the Spirit of God, it will make its way among the people of God with power and certainty.
Another problem many people detect in renewal movements is a prideful spirit. In the case of the missional movement some folks have sensed a triumphalist spirit among its proponents, as if we are saying, "This is THE ANSWER, we have found THE WAY, wisdom now resides with US!" Certainly triumphalism in all its forms is divisive and offensive. To the degree that missional church leaders are guilty of this, we need to repent. Triumphalism is not helpful and does not honor the Lord or his people. However, I would like to offer a note of caution to those who think the missional church is triumphalistic and who are tempted to dismiss the movement on that basis. Part of what initially attracted me was the willingness of missional leaders to admit that they did not have all--or even many--of the answers to the problems facing the church today. The point is that this discussion is not about having all the right answers, but rather trying to identify the most important questions before the church--and working toward biblically and theologically sound answers.”
It is our purpose at the Institute for Missional Directions that we maintain a humble and yet challenge spirit. We know that we don't have all of the answers, we are on a journey of discovery. The challenge, however, is great. What will happen to the church in the next 10 to 20 years? I know, Christian history has taught us that God had a way of preserving his church. Interesting enough a thorough read of Church History announces the reality that most of this "saving" of the church takes place in reformative ways. The question before us today is whether we move into and embrace the changes needed.
I am going to try to blog more often
I was told this past week from a former student that I don't blog enough. I realized that it is because of my need to have something significant to say. I will do my best to blog at least once a week if not more. I hope to still have something important to say, but perhaps they can be shorter. So hang in there with us at IMD as we continue to figure out how to be the most effective we can be.
Blessings,
Gary
Blessings,
Gary
What your learn when you are sick
For the past month I have had a series of related illnesses that have forced me to rearrange my schedule. It is interesting that until something like this happens we are trapped by a schedule that seems brutal and controlling. But for much of the past 30 days, I was forced to remain close to home, most of the time in bed. It was interesting to me that people understood without question when I rescheduled appointments, canceled some, rearranged some responsibilities, etc. The idea was, "oh, you are sick so you have a valid excuse."
It forced me to think about who ultimately controls my life? Recently I had the privilege of attending a StrengthsFinders workshop. One of the requirements was that I needed to purchase the book, take the test online, and then bring the results to the workshop. I have taken many tests over the course of the past 25 years: TJTA, Meyers-Briggs, LIFO, Firo-B, DISC, The Flag, Spiritual Gifts inventories, Miller, Minnesota Multi-Phasic, Sanguin/Choleric/Meloncholy/Phlegmatic, Gary Smalley's test on personality, and others I can't even remember. They all seek to describe me within the context they are measuring, whether it be what kind of a leader I am? what is my personality? how do I relate to people? what are my strengths in leadership, management, interpersonal, etc.?
Interestingly enough almost all of them describe me as I believe myself to be. Whether it is that belief that skews the test so that it comes out that way, who really knows. They try to put in safe guards that create a sense of honesty even if you are trying to make yourself "look" good. I have had others take the above tests on me and they seem to come out pretty much the way I view myself. So my conclusion is that I pretty well know myself and these have given me tools in how to explain myself to others in a variety of working or leisure settings.
In the StrengthsFinders test my top one is: WOO (Winning People Over) - this was not a surprise to anyone who has known me for longer than an hour. My goal in life is to make friends with everyone I meet, and get to know them at a deeper level than superficial. This was not a surprise to me because other tests, Meyers-Briggs for one has me as an ENFP (Extrovert, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving). In Smalley's tests I am an Otter, which is really a Sanguin. In the Flag test my country is "Fun Country" with "Peace Country" my support. So the fact that I came out WOO was not a surprise. But I began thinking.
Perhaps it is this WOO/Sanguin/otter/ENFP/Fun Country characteristic that is my strength and my major weakness. As I said in an earlier paragraph I am not good at controlling my calendar because primarily I don't want to let others down. And as you know people have a way of throwing guilt around pretty readily when you don't have time for them, or they feel they are not a high enough priority in your life.
This illness has me thinking that perhaps the greatest thing I can do as a WOO is take care of me. If I have a genuine illness people understand, but what about when I simply need to stop and take care of myself and my soul.
A recent discovery (which is really not new) is that when interviewed, most pastors confess that the "care of their own soul" is a high need and desire, but a low priority in their lives. I have been asked to do some work related to the "Soul Care" of clergy and when asked where would I start, my response was simply with their schedule. This caused the individual, who is BTW the one organizing the program, to look at me funny. I suppose he wanted me to talk about prayer, devotions, silence, solitude, and any number of other spiritual disciplines. But when I said to him that without this initial discipline of control of time and schedule, we can dream all we want about soul care and priorities, but until we make those priorities fit into our schedule they are highly unlikely to happen. I believe he agreed with me, we will see if he gives me any work :-).
Well that is my rambling for today.
Comments?
Gary
It forced me to think about who ultimately controls my life? Recently I had the privilege of attending a StrengthsFinders workshop. One of the requirements was that I needed to purchase the book, take the test online, and then bring the results to the workshop. I have taken many tests over the course of the past 25 years: TJTA, Meyers-Briggs, LIFO, Firo-B, DISC, The Flag, Spiritual Gifts inventories, Miller, Minnesota Multi-Phasic, Sanguin/Choleric/Meloncholy/Phlegmatic, Gary Smalley's test on personality, and others I can't even remember. They all seek to describe me within the context they are measuring, whether it be what kind of a leader I am? what is my personality? how do I relate to people? what are my strengths in leadership, management, interpersonal, etc.?
Interestingly enough almost all of them describe me as I believe myself to be. Whether it is that belief that skews the test so that it comes out that way, who really knows. They try to put in safe guards that create a sense of honesty even if you are trying to make yourself "look" good. I have had others take the above tests on me and they seem to come out pretty much the way I view myself. So my conclusion is that I pretty well know myself and these have given me tools in how to explain myself to others in a variety of working or leisure settings.
In the StrengthsFinders test my top one is: WOO (Winning People Over) - this was not a surprise to anyone who has known me for longer than an hour. My goal in life is to make friends with everyone I meet, and get to know them at a deeper level than superficial. This was not a surprise to me because other tests, Meyers-Briggs for one has me as an ENFP (Extrovert, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving). In Smalley's tests I am an Otter, which is really a Sanguin. In the Flag test my country is "Fun Country" with "Peace Country" my support. So the fact that I came out WOO was not a surprise. But I began thinking.
Perhaps it is this WOO/Sanguin/otter/ENFP/Fun Country characteristic that is my strength and my major weakness. As I said in an earlier paragraph I am not good at controlling my calendar because primarily I don't want to let others down. And as you know people have a way of throwing guilt around pretty readily when you don't have time for them, or they feel they are not a high enough priority in your life.
This illness has me thinking that perhaps the greatest thing I can do as a WOO is take care of me. If I have a genuine illness people understand, but what about when I simply need to stop and take care of myself and my soul.
A recent discovery (which is really not new) is that when interviewed, most pastors confess that the "care of their own soul" is a high need and desire, but a low priority in their lives. I have been asked to do some work related to the "Soul Care" of clergy and when asked where would I start, my response was simply with their schedule. This caused the individual, who is BTW the one organizing the program, to look at me funny. I suppose he wanted me to talk about prayer, devotions, silence, solitude, and any number of other spiritual disciplines. But when I said to him that without this initial discipline of control of time and schedule, we can dream all we want about soul care and priorities, but until we make those priorities fit into our schedule they are highly unlikely to happen. I believe he agreed with me, we will see if he gives me any work :-).
Well that is my rambling for today.
Comments?
Gary
I've been thinking...
Hans Rookmaaker, a Dutch scholar, said "Jesus didn’t come to make us Christian, he came to make us fully human." For some time this idea has been rolling around in my head. If in fact we are created in the image of God, then to be fully human would mean that we have some God characteristics. A fully human being is a human being that is intellectually, spiritually, creatively, morally, and relationally alive. In one respect this would seem like a tall order, and that not a single solitary person, except for Jesus, could ever be fully human. But the gospel seems to indicate that the role of "Jesus in me" is to to do just that--make me fully human, or make us fully human. This seems to be the challenge of Paul for us as he calls us to a life in Christ, to be like Christ. To be Christlike requires a daily surrender to his will and way. It is this relationship with him that enables us to be fully human. However, there is one aspect of being fully human that is not mentioned above, and that is free choice. What makes us alive is the ability that we have to chose to be human, to follow the call and claims of the gospel, and to seek to be like Christ.
A recent PEW study indicated that approximately 95% of American's believe in God, but only a few, less than 40%, attend worship on a regular basis. Other studies have indicated that the lifestyle of Christians is not different from the lifestyle of the majority of Americans. So what is the problem? The problem is that America is superficial both in its religion and its popular culture because we are intellectually, spiritually, creatively, morally, and relationally superficial.
Perhaps the challenge of this time is the discovery of what it means to be fully human. That discovery begins with a study of Jesus and his teachings. Now, I know this is not new, this is an old thought, but it is still true for today. It seems that we spend far too much time trying to be Christian, as understood by a majority of Americans, and less time contemplating what it means to be a follower of Jesus with all of its demands and implications.
This election campaign year has been an interesting study in what it means to be Christian. Christians seem to be playing an important role, but not because of who we follow, but as another voting bloc or another purchasing power. It is time for Christians to be more than the "political religious right." It is time that we discovered what it means to be fully human. The challenge is to step away from how the world defines Christianity and begin to discover who we are in Christ. We must dig deep to discover the claims of the gospel, and thereby discover what it means to be fully human as God intended. We cannot do this on our own, but together as we interact encourage, and support one another we will become the Church that truly is the Bride of Christ. Jesus came to make us fully human, it is time to discover what that means--enjoy the journey with its pitfalls and challenges, and its hopes and successes.
A recent PEW study indicated that approximately 95% of American's believe in God, but only a few, less than 40%, attend worship on a regular basis. Other studies have indicated that the lifestyle of Christians is not different from the lifestyle of the majority of Americans. So what is the problem? The problem is that America is superficial both in its religion and its popular culture because we are intellectually, spiritually, creatively, morally, and relationally superficial.
Perhaps the challenge of this time is the discovery of what it means to be fully human. That discovery begins with a study of Jesus and his teachings. Now, I know this is not new, this is an old thought, but it is still true for today. It seems that we spend far too much time trying to be Christian, as understood by a majority of Americans, and less time contemplating what it means to be a follower of Jesus with all of its demands and implications.
This election campaign year has been an interesting study in what it means to be Christian. Christians seem to be playing an important role, but not because of who we follow, but as another voting bloc or another purchasing power. It is time for Christians to be more than the "political religious right." It is time that we discovered what it means to be fully human. The challenge is to step away from how the world defines Christianity and begin to discover who we are in Christ. We must dig deep to discover the claims of the gospel, and thereby discover what it means to be fully human as God intended. We cannot do this on our own, but together as we interact encourage, and support one another we will become the Church that truly is the Bride of Christ. Jesus came to make us fully human, it is time to discover what that means--enjoy the journey with its pitfalls and challenges, and its hopes and successes.
The Vision Thing Part 2
So what is it we are trying to accomplish at The Mission Place with our work in the Institute for Missional Directions and Seminary Without Walls?
I was just re-reading some statistics about how many people go to church. (See, http://www.religioustolerance.org/rel_rate.htm). As is stated in that article, the research tends to indicate a pretty consistent answer: about 40% of Americans say they went to religious services in the past seven days. But there appear to be discrepancies in the research analysis. The author of this article probes the effect of the "social desirability bias". This bias would tempt people to give an answer based on what would be the "right" thing to say. Generally, this affect comes in at a 2 to 1 ratio.
One example is given in which church attendance rates are examined. If there were a static percentage (40%), then as the population increases, so should attendance rates in churches. But this is not the case. In fact, church attendance seems to have peaked in the 1960s.
The author then goes on to present research supporting the idea that church participation in the United States is actually around 20%-26%. So just for fun, let's say 25% of Americans go to church. Roughly, how might that break down? With about 300 million Americans, 25% would come to about 75 million attending religious services. Loosely, about that means 60 million Christians. Of that number, most likely the 80/20 rule is in affect, meaning that the leaders and influencers of the church might estimated at 12 million people.
Archimedes said, “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.” It is these 12 million people we want to reach. These 12 million can touch the lives of about 48 million other church attenders. These people can heal broken communities; they can befriend children whose parents are out of the picture; they can speak peace to anxious living and conflicted relationships; they can give themselves to civic responsibilities; they can raise and nurture their children to carry it onward. 12 million people would make a difference.
So what is our vision? We'd like to wake the sleeping giant of 12 million people to engage in real missional transformation. So many of these church leaders may still be functioning on the old modern paradigm and wondering why the old ways don't work any longer. Some may be caught in the trap of trying to recreate the success stories of the "growing church in town". Still others may be experimenting with new ways, but not able to network and form a shared learning community to accelerate learning and discernment.
If we can move 12 million leaders into missional transformation, another 48 million might follow. But more, there will be a world that will witness Christians acting like Christ in the world. Not that this is a "strategy" for growing the church, or a new attractional program to pursue. It's just a desire to awaken a sleeping giant to bring grace, justice, peace, and love to a world needing to know that the reign of God is at hand. To move 12 million or more from just going to church, to actually being church.
So how do I put this vision into seven words?
I was just re-reading some statistics about how many people go to church. (See, http://www.religioustolerance.org/rel_rate.htm). As is stated in that article, the research tends to indicate a pretty consistent answer: about 40% of Americans say they went to religious services in the past seven days. But there appear to be discrepancies in the research analysis. The author of this article probes the effect of the "social desirability bias". This bias would tempt people to give an answer based on what would be the "right" thing to say. Generally, this affect comes in at a 2 to 1 ratio.
One example is given in which church attendance rates are examined. If there were a static percentage (40%), then as the population increases, so should attendance rates in churches. But this is not the case. In fact, church attendance seems to have peaked in the 1960s.The author then goes on to present research supporting the idea that church participation in the United States is actually around 20%-26%. So just for fun, let's say 25% of Americans go to church. Roughly, how might that break down? With about 300 million Americans, 25% would come to about 75 million attending religious services. Loosely, about that means 60 million Christians. Of that number, most likely the 80/20 rule is in affect, meaning that the leaders and influencers of the church might estimated at 12 million people.
Archimedes said, “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.” It is these 12 million people we want to reach. These 12 million can touch the lives of about 48 million other church attenders. These people can heal broken communities; they can befriend children whose parents are out of the picture; they can speak peace to anxious living and conflicted relationships; they can give themselves to civic responsibilities; they can raise and nurture their children to carry it onward. 12 million people would make a difference.
So what is our vision? We'd like to wake the sleeping giant of 12 million people to engage in real missional transformation. So many of these church leaders may still be functioning on the old modern paradigm and wondering why the old ways don't work any longer. Some may be caught in the trap of trying to recreate the success stories of the "growing church in town". Still others may be experimenting with new ways, but not able to network and form a shared learning community to accelerate learning and discernment.
If we can move 12 million leaders into missional transformation, another 48 million might follow. But more, there will be a world that will witness Christians acting like Christ in the world. Not that this is a "strategy" for growing the church, or a new attractional program to pursue. It's just a desire to awaken a sleeping giant to bring grace, justice, peace, and love to a world needing to know that the reign of God is at hand. To move 12 million or more from just going to church, to actually being church.
So how do I put this vision into seven words?
That Vision Thing...
A friend of The Mission Place today asked what our vision was. I was initially thrown off by his question. I felt like responding, "you've been with us all this time and you still don't know?" But that would have completely missed the point. He was encouraging us to be able to say what our vision is in a bout seven words. Try to say anything in seven words and you've got to do a lot of processing.
So I've been thinking of answering his question. I keep asking myself, if I keep doing what I am doing, what will the future look like? What will I envision the fruit of this labor looking like?
I know that if I spend 30 minutes with my 11-year old's split finger sinker, I can envision a nasty sinking fast ball. I can imagine the vision of seeing the ball just drop out of sight over the plate. When working with groups of people to develop healthy relationships, it feels a lot more difficult. There are so many more variables. But how much do those variables really matter? Won't the vision withstand that kind of obstacles?
Well, I find I am asking more questions than I am answering.
So I've been thinking of answering his question. I keep asking myself, if I keep doing what I am doing, what will the future look like? What will I envision the fruit of this labor looking like?
I know that if I spend 30 minutes with my 11-year old's split finger sinker, I can envision a nasty sinking fast ball. I can imagine the vision of seeing the ball just drop out of sight over the plate. When working with groups of people to develop healthy relationships, it feels a lot more difficult. There are so many more variables. But how much do those variables really matter? Won't the vision withstand that kind of obstacles?
Well, I find I am asking more questions than I am answering.
The Shack
I just finished reading an amazing book. It is The Shack by William Young. I admit it, I love fiction. However, I particularly love fiction that is not just a story but gets under my skin. I love fiction that grabs me and makes me think. The Shack is just such a book. It has a basic story line. It is about the journey of a man whose youngest daughter is abducted and murdered while they are camping at Willowa Lake, near Joseph, Oregon.
He (Mack) is overcome for a few years by "the great sadness" of the loss of his daughter. He is ridden with personal guilt for not protecting her. And he is overcome with hatred and anger for the "scum bag" that stole her, and murdered her. One day he receives a note in his mailbox inviting him to return to the "shack" where his daughter's bloody dress was found. It was simply signed "Papa," the name that his wife and family had for God.
He decides that he will accept the invitation and return to the scene of the crime. What happens then is an amazing journey of the healing of his broken spirit. He encounters God in the three persons of the Trinity: Papa, Jesus, and Saranyu (Holy Spirit). The writer catches Mack and us off guard from the beginning--God is portrayed as a woman, interestingly enough called "Papa." And this is simply the beginning of the twists that keep you reading and thinking.
The novel is not so much a story but rather a dialogue in theology. It is not systematic theology but rather "spiritual" or relational theology. The entire encounter with God is to help Mack to heal so that he can be in relationship with Trinity, with his wife, and with his children. Each of these relationships have been significantly impaired by "the great sadness" that had ruled Mack's life. As the silent observer to the story, your emotions will cover the entire gamut or range possible.
Besides the emotional impact, readers will evaluate, argue, and review their own theological ideas about who God is and how God interacts with creation. One of the great truths in the book is that God calls us to "be" rather than to simply "do". God's desire for us is to allow Jesus to live through us and in us. This is possible by submitting to the work of the Holy Spirit within us, enabling us to be Christlike.
One blogger on the Shack web site said: "This book has offered me a level of insight into the nature of God that I have never even dreamed possible. Everyone—no matter his or her relationship to Father—should read this book. Besides the Bible, this book has done more for my faith and understanding of God than anything I’ve ever consciously experienced."
While I might not go that far, I will admit that I truly found the read to be exciting, interesting, engaging, and stimulating. A great man once said that it is easy to agree with something that agrees with what you believe. Well, this is true for me of The Shack . Throughout the read, I often thought to myself "right on," "this is how I view God." The author brought me into the tale and then carefully and with great literary skill expressed my own thoughts regarding the Trinity, God's intention for creation, God's great love and desire to redeem everyone, and God's own pain when we suffer unjustly or sin or do evil.
I commend the read to you. And when you have finished, I would love to have dialogue about what you heard and how you reacted.
Blessings,
Gary Waller
The Dark Materials Trilogy
I have finished the three books by Phillip Pullman. As mentioned in my previous blog, I have enjoyed the stories very much. Pullman is a gifted writer, whose ability to create imagery is unsurpassed. His ability to describe a situation, a feeling, or a landscape draws you deeply into each.
The three books of the trilogy are: The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. The trilogy follows the story of two children, Lyra and Will. Fantasy characters witches, angels, and armored polar bears figure prominently in all three novels. Pullman describes himself as an atheist but he includes ideas from the field of theology as well as physics, and philosophy. Theological themes include: the nature of God, life after death, original sin, angels, and most prominently the human soul. Pullman could be criticized for emphasizing a humanistic view of these themes.
Pullman has a realistic view of the foibles and sins of the church. Although this critique of his is by far what has created the greatest stir among organized religion. His irreverence and seeming distain for organized religion comes through very clearly. The view of the three books is that the church is evil and only interested in keeping its place of authority within the world.
Another issue that has received heated debate is his view of God. It is interesting that his view of God is not different from much of early Gnosticism. In Gnosticism the "real" God of the universe is not the creator God but rather the creator God is a being much further down the chain of beings. Pullman also places the creator God, whom he calls the Authority, as an angel that happened to fool the other angels into believing that he was the ultimate Creator. He, however, is evil and interested only in his own interests.
Pullman's critique is not unlike the critique that God has received from many critics of established religion, whether it be Christian, Islamic, etc. The cruel God of the Old Testament who participates in a variety of genocide, particularly Canaanite genocide, is portrayed by many as totally different from the Jesus God we see in the New Testament. This divide has created many a debate over the centuries about the nature of God. Many in our postmodern culture prefer the God of the New Testament and struggle with the Old Testament deity. Pullman puts this conflict in the midst of the struggle that humanity is facing for ultimate survival.
In Pullman's final chapter of the trilogy, The Amber Spyglass, God dies. One of the critiques that I had heard prior to reading the stories was that the theme of the novels was to kill God. Actually, that is not the theme at all. God does die. And to tell you the truth this God who is selfish, greedy, controlling and demanding needs to die. In the trilogy the search for truth is to find it deep in the human soul. There is a hint of Process Theology in that because of Will and Lyra when people die they go into the essence of good that makes up the universe.
While I didn't agree with Pullman's conclusion, I definitely enjoyed the story. It forces one to re-evaluate a definition or understanding of God. It requires religionists to examine the horrific abuses that has been perpetrated on humanity in the name of religion, and he ultimately calls individuals to look deeply inside of themselves to discover a genuine encounter with a God of love, truth, and compassion. Pullman calls it the human spirit, I call it the real presence of a God of love. When the "real" Creator breathed into his creation of humanity and said that we became a "living soul" something happened, a bit of God was given to each of us. Pullman is close to being right, ultimately if we understood what it meant to be fully human we would treat one another better.
The novels are worth the read if for nothing else than to force us to realistically look at the kingdoms we have created and to measure them against the Kingdom that Jesus called into being.
I would love to have your comments. There is much more I could say but this is getting far too long.
Gary
The three books of the trilogy are: The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. The trilogy follows the story of two children, Lyra and Will. Fantasy characters witches, angels, and armored polar bears figure prominently in all three novels. Pullman describes himself as an atheist but he includes ideas from the field of theology as well as physics, and philosophy. Theological themes include: the nature of God, life after death, original sin, angels, and most prominently the human soul. Pullman could be criticized for emphasizing a humanistic view of these themes.
Pullman has a realistic view of the foibles and sins of the church. Although this critique of his is by far what has created the greatest stir among organized religion. His irreverence and seeming distain for organized religion comes through very clearly. The view of the three books is that the church is evil and only interested in keeping its place of authority within the world.
Another issue that has received heated debate is his view of God. It is interesting that his view of God is not different from much of early Gnosticism. In Gnosticism the "real" God of the universe is not the creator God but rather the creator God is a being much further down the chain of beings. Pullman also places the creator God, whom he calls the Authority, as an angel that happened to fool the other angels into believing that he was the ultimate Creator. He, however, is evil and interested only in his own interests.
Pullman's critique is not unlike the critique that God has received from many critics of established religion, whether it be Christian, Islamic, etc. The cruel God of the Old Testament who participates in a variety of genocide, particularly Canaanite genocide, is portrayed by many as totally different from the Jesus God we see in the New Testament. This divide has created many a debate over the centuries about the nature of God. Many in our postmodern culture prefer the God of the New Testament and struggle with the Old Testament deity. Pullman puts this conflict in the midst of the struggle that humanity is facing for ultimate survival.
In Pullman's final chapter of the trilogy, The Amber Spyglass, God dies. One of the critiques that I had heard prior to reading the stories was that the theme of the novels was to kill God. Actually, that is not the theme at all. God does die. And to tell you the truth this God who is selfish, greedy, controlling and demanding needs to die. In the trilogy the search for truth is to find it deep in the human soul. There is a hint of Process Theology in that because of Will and Lyra when people die they go into the essence of good that makes up the universe.
While I didn't agree with Pullman's conclusion, I definitely enjoyed the story. It forces one to re-evaluate a definition or understanding of God. It requires religionists to examine the horrific abuses that has been perpetrated on humanity in the name of religion, and he ultimately calls individuals to look deeply inside of themselves to discover a genuine encounter with a God of love, truth, and compassion. Pullman calls it the human spirit, I call it the real presence of a God of love. When the "real" Creator breathed into his creation of humanity and said that we became a "living soul" something happened, a bit of God was given to each of us. Pullman is close to being right, ultimately if we understood what it meant to be fully human we would treat one another better.
The novels are worth the read if for nothing else than to force us to realistically look at the kingdoms we have created and to measure them against the Kingdom that Jesus called into being.
I would love to have your comments. There is much more I could say but this is getting far too long.
Gary
The Golden Compass Revisited
I have now read Volumes 1 and 2 of the Dark Materials Trilogy by Phillip Pullman. Pullman is an amazing author with the ability to paint word pictures that are magnificent as well as beautiful. I have also seen the movie, The Golden Compass, which is for the most part a realistic portrayal of the novel.
One of the issues of concern, for some, centers around the idea of each individual having a daemon. In using this language, Pullman is using imagery to talk about the human soul. In the world of The Golden Compass, individuals have souls that are external. These external souls are called Daemons. I believe that it was a purposeful choice on the part of Pullman to name them such, so as to create a bit of controversy. These souls are amazing reflections of the true nature of the individuals. If the person is evil, the daemon/soul is evil, if the person is good the daemon is good. The book postulates the idea of a number of worlds that are connected but separate. In the other worlds or universes, there are worlds where the souls are internal rather than external. Pullman's external souls have some tremendous advantages over our internal souls. The wonder of the external souls is that they are so "in your face," while the internal souls are less so.
Another issue is related to the treatment of the church and The Authority which is the Magisterium's title for God. In books 1 and 2 there is little mention of the Magisterium, the church, other than to cast a cloud of fear, control, and suspicion. The reality is that the Magisterium is a controlling body that seeks to root out anything that is counter to its teachings. The Magisterium seeks to eradicate or at the least silence those who would seek to discover anything new, or who would speak out against their control. It is not unlike reformation or inquisition persecutions of our own church past. Pullman paints a picture of the church of which I don't want to be part.
In book 2, The Subtle Knife, Pullman begins to talk about God, but it isn't until book 3, The Amber Spyglass, (which I have not as yet completed) that a picture of God is fully revealed. It was of interest to me that this God is really a Gnostic God with some variations. This God is vengeful and evil. He is not the real power behind creation but has stepped into that place to fool other angels and to control humanity. The church is his handmaiden and the church seeks to stamp out all truth. In reality it is the church of the middle ages, that was afraid of science, progress, and free thinking.
It is difficult for me to believe that a real atheist could write this book. I know that Pullman describes himself as an atheist, but I am inclined to put him in a category of a seeker. No one who totally discounts the existence of God could write what he writes. There are qualities of love, loyalty, comradeship, sacrifice, and redemption that echo throughout the pages of the books. He is against the kind of God he portrays, but frankly, so am I.
The movie, The Golden Compassdoes an adequate job of telling the story, however, it leaves out significant ideas, changes key scenes, and reorders others; it also ends far short of the conclusion of the book which is significantly important as one picks up the second in the series.
This series is worth the read if not as an interesting critique of the church and our beliefs about God. The challenge of Christianity in the twenty-first century is that the Church no longer holds the same place in the minds, hearts, and lives of people. She has become marginalized and to many she is insignificant and of little importance. A major introspection of who we are as Church, is essential as we seek to be agents of God's Kingdom in this world. Pullman's critique, while I don't believe it all, does force us to take a hard look. We must evaluate what it is that God is up to and not so much create our agenda of what we believe is the Christian thing to do.
Blessings,
Gary Waller
One of the issues of concern, for some, centers around the idea of each individual having a daemon. In using this language, Pullman is using imagery to talk about the human soul. In the world of The Golden Compass, individuals have souls that are external. These external souls are called Daemons. I believe that it was a purposeful choice on the part of Pullman to name them such, so as to create a bit of controversy. These souls are amazing reflections of the true nature of the individuals. If the person is evil, the daemon/soul is evil, if the person is good the daemon is good. The book postulates the idea of a number of worlds that are connected but separate. In the other worlds or universes, there are worlds where the souls are internal rather than external. Pullman's external souls have some tremendous advantages over our internal souls. The wonder of the external souls is that they are so "in your face," while the internal souls are less so.
Another issue is related to the treatment of the church and The Authority which is the Magisterium's title for God. In books 1 and 2 there is little mention of the Magisterium, the church, other than to cast a cloud of fear, control, and suspicion. The reality is that the Magisterium is a controlling body that seeks to root out anything that is counter to its teachings. The Magisterium seeks to eradicate or at the least silence those who would seek to discover anything new, or who would speak out against their control. It is not unlike reformation or inquisition persecutions of our own church past. Pullman paints a picture of the church of which I don't want to be part.
In book 2, The Subtle Knife, Pullman begins to talk about God, but it isn't until book 3, The Amber Spyglass, (which I have not as yet completed) that a picture of God is fully revealed. It was of interest to me that this God is really a Gnostic God with some variations. This God is vengeful and evil. He is not the real power behind creation but has stepped into that place to fool other angels and to control humanity. The church is his handmaiden and the church seeks to stamp out all truth. In reality it is the church of the middle ages, that was afraid of science, progress, and free thinking.
It is difficult for me to believe that a real atheist could write this book. I know that Pullman describes himself as an atheist, but I am inclined to put him in a category of a seeker. No one who totally discounts the existence of God could write what he writes. There are qualities of love, loyalty, comradeship, sacrifice, and redemption that echo throughout the pages of the books. He is against the kind of God he portrays, but frankly, so am I.
The movie, The Golden Compassdoes an adequate job of telling the story, however, it leaves out significant ideas, changes key scenes, and reorders others; it also ends far short of the conclusion of the book which is significantly important as one picks up the second in the series.
This series is worth the read if not as an interesting critique of the church and our beliefs about God. The challenge of Christianity in the twenty-first century is that the Church no longer holds the same place in the minds, hearts, and lives of people. She has become marginalized and to many she is insignificant and of little importance. A major introspection of who we are as Church, is essential as we seek to be agents of God's Kingdom in this world. Pullman's critique, while I don't believe it all, does force us to take a hard look. We must evaluate what it is that God is up to and not so much create our agenda of what we believe is the Christian thing to do.
Blessings,
Gary Waller
Interesting Facts from 2007
The following is excerpted from Warren Cole Smith of the Evangelical Press. He offers "some of the more interesting, peculiar, and downright strange statistics uncovered in 2007.”
God? Yes. Religion? No.
According to a Gallop poll released in June, more than 90 percent of Americans say they believe in God. But only 46 percent of respondents said they had either a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in organized religion. The figures are among the lowest for institutionalized religion in the three and a half decades that Gallup has conducted the poll. The numbers have been in steady decline since peaking at 68 percent in May 1975.
Marriage Messes.
According to new United States Census Bureau figures, more than half of all couples throw in the towel before their 25th anniversary. The Census Bureau looked at couples that would have celebrated their 25th anniversaries since 2000. “Those who married in the (late) 1970s apparently have much more fragile marriages than we realized,” said Mike McManus of Marriage Savers. “In my view, the church is doing a very poor job of helping couples prepare for a lifelong marriage or to enrich existing ones, or to save troubled ones.”
Inerrant, or Uncertain?
Protestants are most likely to credit the Bible as the inerrant word of God, according to a Gallup Poll. The rest of the population largely said the Bible might be inspired by God, but not literally so. Gallup has been asking the question since 1991, and the answers remain mostly unchanged. About 31 percent said they believe the Bible is infallible. Forty-seven percent said they see the Bible as the inspired word of God, but not to be taken literally.
Young People More Conservative.
On controversial social issues like abortion and same-sex marriage, America's young people continue to track conservative, according to a poll by The New York Times, CBS and MTV. The survey collected opinions of 17- to 29-year-olds. Sixty-two percent said abortion should be outlawed or restricted. Danielle Huntley, a student at Boston College Law School and president of Students for Life of America, said she's proud her peers are not buying into liberal rhetoric. Fifty-four percent of young adults expressed opposition to same-sex marriage.
As The Romans Do.
The Roman Catholic Church remains the largest church in the U.S. according to the 2007 Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches, released March 5. This annual report, issued by the National Council of Churches, has data for 2005 that was reported by the denominations during 2006. The Catholic Church, with 69.1 million members, grew by 1.94 percent in 2005, making it not only the largest but the fastest-growing church in the country. Other fast-growing religious bodies included the Assemblies of God (1.86 percent) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1.63 percent). The population growth rate of the U.S. is about 1 percent per year.
Americans Generous,
But Less So Now.
An annual study of church giving shows most church money goes to activities within the congregation collecting the money. Only a small percentage goes to outreach, evangelism, or benevolence activities outside the congregation. Sylvia and John Ronsvalle of Champaign, Illinois-based Empty Tomb Inc., released their 16th annual study on church giving in 2007. They say that Christianity in the U.S. is becoming a “maintenance organization” that—if trends continue—soon will be spending 100 percent of its resources on maintaining its current programs and activities. The study finds that while donations to churches have increased 78 percent in real dollars since 1968, income has risen 116 percent over the same period. The average U.S. congregation member gave 2.56 percent of personal income to the church in 2004, a decline for the fourth straight year. That’s down 18 percent from 1968, and below giving levels from the early 1930s at the height of the Depression. Instead, Americans spend almost four times as much on entertainment as on church giving.
Dropping Out.
An estimated 1.2 million students dropped out of high school in the last year, which means only 70 percent of students who started high school four years ago earned a diploma. Lynn Olson with Education Week said the future of kids who drop out looks increasingly bleak. “These kids are looking at the prospects of earning, on average, $13,000 a year,” she said. “That’s certainly not enough to support a family and to thrive in today’s economy.”
Abstinence In, Teen Sex Out.
Teen-sex and pregnancy rates are down, according to a National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) report released July 13. The NCHS study tracked trends among high school students from 1991 to 2005. In 1991, 54 percent of teens reported having had sexual intercourse. In 2005, that number dropped to 47 percent. The rate of teen pregnancy also showed a dramatic decline. Linda Klepacki, a conservative activist and expert on sexual health, said 1991 is a significant marker for a reason: It’s when abstinence education was adopted by some of the nation’s largest public school systems. “We have seen a continual decline since 1991, so we can infer that we’ve had an effect with abstinence education in our public schools,” Klepacki said.
Having It All Not So Great, Moms Say.
More and more working moms would rather be at home with their kids. Forty-eight percent of stay-at-home moms say they wouldn’t change a thing, according to a Pew Research Center study released this year. Although nearly 71 percent of American women work outside the home, it appears many of them aren’t happy about it. Cary Funk, one of the authors of the Pew study, said juggling work and family time is a tough act for most moms to pull off, and that those who do it most successfully have flexible schedules or job sharing arrangements.
God? Yes. Religion? No.
According to a Gallop poll released in June, more than 90 percent of Americans say they believe in God. But only 46 percent of respondents said they had either a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in organized religion. The figures are among the lowest for institutionalized religion in the three and a half decades that Gallup has conducted the poll. The numbers have been in steady decline since peaking at 68 percent in May 1975.
Marriage Messes.
According to new United States Census Bureau figures, more than half of all couples throw in the towel before their 25th anniversary. The Census Bureau looked at couples that would have celebrated their 25th anniversaries since 2000. “Those who married in the (late) 1970s apparently have much more fragile marriages than we realized,” said Mike McManus of Marriage Savers. “In my view, the church is doing a very poor job of helping couples prepare for a lifelong marriage or to enrich existing ones, or to save troubled ones.”
Inerrant, or Uncertain?
Protestants are most likely to credit the Bible as the inerrant word of God, according to a Gallup Poll. The rest of the population largely said the Bible might be inspired by God, but not literally so. Gallup has been asking the question since 1991, and the answers remain mostly unchanged. About 31 percent said they believe the Bible is infallible. Forty-seven percent said they see the Bible as the inspired word of God, but not to be taken literally.
Young People More Conservative.
On controversial social issues like abortion and same-sex marriage, America's young people continue to track conservative, according to a poll by The New York Times, CBS and MTV. The survey collected opinions of 17- to 29-year-olds. Sixty-two percent said abortion should be outlawed or restricted. Danielle Huntley, a student at Boston College Law School and president of Students for Life of America, said she's proud her peers are not buying into liberal rhetoric. Fifty-four percent of young adults expressed opposition to same-sex marriage.
As The Romans Do.
The Roman Catholic Church remains the largest church in the U.S. according to the 2007 Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches, released March 5. This annual report, issued by the National Council of Churches, has data for 2005 that was reported by the denominations during 2006. The Catholic Church, with 69.1 million members, grew by 1.94 percent in 2005, making it not only the largest but the fastest-growing church in the country. Other fast-growing religious bodies included the Assemblies of God (1.86 percent) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1.63 percent). The population growth rate of the U.S. is about 1 percent per year.
Americans Generous,
But Less So Now.
An annual study of church giving shows most church money goes to activities within the congregation collecting the money. Only a small percentage goes to outreach, evangelism, or benevolence activities outside the congregation. Sylvia and John Ronsvalle of Champaign, Illinois-based Empty Tomb Inc., released their 16th annual study on church giving in 2007. They say that Christianity in the U.S. is becoming a “maintenance organization” that—if trends continue—soon will be spending 100 percent of its resources on maintaining its current programs and activities. The study finds that while donations to churches have increased 78 percent in real dollars since 1968, income has risen 116 percent over the same period. The average U.S. congregation member gave 2.56 percent of personal income to the church in 2004, a decline for the fourth straight year. That’s down 18 percent from 1968, and below giving levels from the early 1930s at the height of the Depression. Instead, Americans spend almost four times as much on entertainment as on church giving.
Dropping Out.
An estimated 1.2 million students dropped out of high school in the last year, which means only 70 percent of students who started high school four years ago earned a diploma. Lynn Olson with Education Week said the future of kids who drop out looks increasingly bleak. “These kids are looking at the prospects of earning, on average, $13,000 a year,” she said. “That’s certainly not enough to support a family and to thrive in today’s economy.”
Abstinence In, Teen Sex Out.
Teen-sex and pregnancy rates are down, according to a National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) report released July 13. The NCHS study tracked trends among high school students from 1991 to 2005. In 1991, 54 percent of teens reported having had sexual intercourse. In 2005, that number dropped to 47 percent. The rate of teen pregnancy also showed a dramatic decline. Linda Klepacki, a conservative activist and expert on sexual health, said 1991 is a significant marker for a reason: It’s when abstinence education was adopted by some of the nation’s largest public school systems. “We have seen a continual decline since 1991, so we can infer that we’ve had an effect with abstinence education in our public schools,” Klepacki said.
Having It All Not So Great, Moms Say.
More and more working moms would rather be at home with their kids. Forty-eight percent of stay-at-home moms say they wouldn’t change a thing, according to a Pew Research Center study released this year. Although nearly 71 percent of American women work outside the home, it appears many of them aren’t happy about it. Cary Funk, one of the authors of the Pew study, said juggling work and family time is a tough act for most moms to pull off, and that those who do it most successfully have flexible schedules or job sharing arrangements.
Day 12 - Christmas Season Devotionals
January 6 - Epiphany
Matthew 12:15-21
"On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Twelve Drummers Drumming."
I love the song “The Little Drummer Boy.” He had no gift to bring to the newborn king except the gift of his music. As we listen to the “barum pa pum pum, barum pa pum pum” our hearts swell as we dream of what we can give as well. I am a drummer. I love to play my Djembe, particularly in what is known as a drum circle. There is nothing like hearing all of the different beats, and rhythms as they merge into something wonderful. An act of worship that is incredibly meaningful is “Psalm drumming.” A beat is established, usually on the Djembe, and then others begin to add their form of percussion while the Psalm is being read poetically. It is a moving experience. Everyone responds to the words of the Psalm differently but each persons contribution enhances the message that is read.
The Twelve Drummers Drumming reminds us of the importance of passing on the faith. In this legend, as the children learned each of the previous eleven important elements of their faith they came lastly to the twelve points of doctrine that are found in the Apostle's Creed:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell [the grave]. On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy catholic Church,
The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And life everlasting.
This earliest of Christian statements of faith forms a foundation of our faith. It is important to know what we believe. The Apostle’s Creed was an early attempt on the part of the Church of Jesus Christ to articulate those elements of our faith that are essential for every believer. It is upon these that we all agree. These twelve statements provide a common place for discussion and outreach.
Action Point: What points are particularly important to you? What is confusing to you?
How do you communicate the heart of your faith—are you able to use these simple points to do so?
Summary
I hope that you have found meaning and help with these short devotions related to the Season of Christmas. My prayer is that you will remember that the season is more than simply what we see on Christmas eve or Christmas day but it is to be taken into our hearts and lived all year long.
Matthew 12:15-21
"On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Twelve Drummers Drumming."
I love the song “The Little Drummer Boy.” He had no gift to bring to the newborn king except the gift of his music. As we listen to the “barum pa pum pum, barum pa pum pum” our hearts swell as we dream of what we can give as well. I am a drummer. I love to play my Djembe, particularly in what is known as a drum circle. There is nothing like hearing all of the different beats, and rhythms as they merge into something wonderful. An act of worship that is incredibly meaningful is “Psalm drumming.” A beat is established, usually on the Djembe, and then others begin to add their form of percussion while the Psalm is being read poetically. It is a moving experience. Everyone responds to the words of the Psalm differently but each persons contribution enhances the message that is read.
The Twelve Drummers Drumming reminds us of the importance of passing on the faith. In this legend, as the children learned each of the previous eleven important elements of their faith they came lastly to the twelve points of doctrine that are found in the Apostle's Creed:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell [the grave]. On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy catholic Church,
The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And life everlasting.
This earliest of Christian statements of faith forms a foundation of our faith. It is important to know what we believe. The Apostle’s Creed was an early attempt on the part of the Church of Jesus Christ to articulate those elements of our faith that are essential for every believer. It is upon these that we all agree. These twelve statements provide a common place for discussion and outreach.
Action Point: What points are particularly important to you? What is confusing to you?
How do you communicate the heart of your faith—are you able to use these simple points to do so?
Summary
I hope that you have found meaning and help with these short devotions related to the Season of Christmas. My prayer is that you will remember that the season is more than simply what we see on Christmas eve or Christmas day but it is to be taken into our hearts and lived all year long.
Day 11 - Christmas Season Devotionals
January 5
Luke 10:1-12
"On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Eleven Pipers Piping."
The eleventh day of Christmas is a time to reflect upon Jesus’ eleven faithful disciples: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael), Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas the son of James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.
What is incredible to remember about these faithful disciples was not only the opportunity they had to be with Jesus for three years but the privilege they had to be the first communicators of His story. They “piped” his story to the known world often at the expense of their own lives. But, no matter the risk they played on, and they taught others to play the song of Jesus. The image of eleven pipers piping is an active image. I am reminded of men like Saint Patrick who “piped” and shared his faith and changed not only Ireland but impacted all of Christianity. Men like D. L. Moody, Billy Graham, John Wesley; women like Sojourner Truth, Phoebe Palmer, and Florence Nightingale, all in their own way “piped” the story of “peace on earth, good will to all.”
We are indebted to the pipers who have gone on before, but it is imperative that we remain as equally committed to the pipers that follow us. As we play the song may we be ever aware of those coming behind us who need to learn the song. May they look back on our lives with gratitude because we taught them the greatest song of all.
The Twelfth Night
This last night before Epiphany is called “Twelfth Night.” In some traditions it was a time for feasting and the giving of presents. It was a traditional time for the removal of Christmas decorations. Some traditions included a King's Cake, as a reminder of the visit of the Magi. A special cake was baked with a bean, or a coin or almond, hidden in it. The guests would each get a piece and the one with the bean became the “king of the bean”. That person would then rule over the festivities for the evening. Customs of gift giving, an imitation of the wise men, were also part of this night. Generally, the gifts were distributed by men dressed as the three kings.
Action Point: What are you doing to honor those who have played the song, and what are you doing to help teach the song to those who follow?
Luke 10:1-12
"On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Eleven Pipers Piping."
The eleventh day of Christmas is a time to reflect upon Jesus’ eleven faithful disciples: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael), Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas the son of James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.
What is incredible to remember about these faithful disciples was not only the opportunity they had to be with Jesus for three years but the privilege they had to be the first communicators of His story. They “piped” his story to the known world often at the expense of their own lives. But, no matter the risk they played on, and they taught others to play the song of Jesus. The image of eleven pipers piping is an active image. I am reminded of men like Saint Patrick who “piped” and shared his faith and changed not only Ireland but impacted all of Christianity. Men like D. L. Moody, Billy Graham, John Wesley; women like Sojourner Truth, Phoebe Palmer, and Florence Nightingale, all in their own way “piped” the story of “peace on earth, good will to all.”
We are indebted to the pipers who have gone on before, but it is imperative that we remain as equally committed to the pipers that follow us. As we play the song may we be ever aware of those coming behind us who need to learn the song. May they look back on our lives with gratitude because we taught them the greatest song of all.
The Twelfth Night
This last night before Epiphany is called “Twelfth Night.” In some traditions it was a time for feasting and the giving of presents. It was a traditional time for the removal of Christmas decorations. Some traditions included a King's Cake, as a reminder of the visit of the Magi. A special cake was baked with a bean, or a coin or almond, hidden in it. The guests would each get a piece and the one with the bean became the “king of the bean”. That person would then rule over the festivities for the evening. Customs of gift giving, an imitation of the wise men, were also part of this night. Generally, the gifts were distributed by men dressed as the three kings.
Action Point: What are you doing to honor those who have played the song, and what are you doing to help teach the song to those who follow?
Day 10 - Christmas Season Devotionals
January 4
Mark 12:28-34
“On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Ten Lords A-leaping”
An important part of our history is found in what we call “The Ten commandments”:
1) You shall have no other gods before me;
2) Do not make an idol;
3) Do not take God's name in vain;
4) Remember the Sabbath Day;
5) Honor your father and mother;
6) Do not murder;
7) Do not commit adultery;
8) Do not steal;
9) Do not bear false witness;
10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17).
These ten laws set forth a way of living together within community that protects not only the individual but the community as well. They have stood the test of time, in fact a code much like this can be found in almost every ancient culture. Observance of these commands provides strength and stability. It is important, however, to remember that the foundation of our faith is not found in this law but in the law written on our hearts through the Holy Spirit and our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Over the past couple of years, within our community there has arisen controversy over the Ten Commandments. This was prompted by the removal of the Ten Commandments Monument from a public park. During all of the controversy over whether we ought to move them or ought not to move them not once did I hear anyone say that these are an important part of our history but they are not objects to be worshipped. Christ through the Holy Spirit is the perfecter of our faith not the enforcer of a list of rules. Jesus told his disciples that the entire law is summed up in relationship: relationship with God and relationships with other people.
The picture of ten lords a-leaping inspires me to realize that our Christian walk is not static adherence to a code of laws, but is relational. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit we discern what is right as we seek to live lives that evidence the fruit of the Spirit. I am grateful for the guidance of these ancient laws and determine to live my life using them as a guide, but the primary guide in my life is found in my relationship with the Great King and is lived and monitored within a community of others who are seeking the face of God for their daily lives.
Action Point: What are the principles and guidelines that govern your relationships, thoughts, and life? How do these commands inspire you? How does God through his spirit guide you?
Mark 12:28-34
“On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Ten Lords A-leaping”
An important part of our history is found in what we call “The Ten commandments”:
1) You shall have no other gods before me;
2) Do not make an idol;
3) Do not take God's name in vain;
4) Remember the Sabbath Day;
5) Honor your father and mother;
6) Do not murder;
7) Do not commit adultery;
8) Do not steal;
9) Do not bear false witness;
10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17).
These ten laws set forth a way of living together within community that protects not only the individual but the community as well. They have stood the test of time, in fact a code much like this can be found in almost every ancient culture. Observance of these commands provides strength and stability. It is important, however, to remember that the foundation of our faith is not found in this law but in the law written on our hearts through the Holy Spirit and our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Over the past couple of years, within our community there has arisen controversy over the Ten Commandments. This was prompted by the removal of the Ten Commandments Monument from a public park. During all of the controversy over whether we ought to move them or ought not to move them not once did I hear anyone say that these are an important part of our history but they are not objects to be worshipped. Christ through the Holy Spirit is the perfecter of our faith not the enforcer of a list of rules. Jesus told his disciples that the entire law is summed up in relationship: relationship with God and relationships with other people.
The picture of ten lords a-leaping inspires me to realize that our Christian walk is not static adherence to a code of laws, but is relational. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit we discern what is right as we seek to live lives that evidence the fruit of the Spirit. I am grateful for the guidance of these ancient laws and determine to live my life using them as a guide, but the primary guide in my life is found in my relationship with the Great King and is lived and monitored within a community of others who are seeking the face of God for their daily lives.
Action Point: What are the principles and guidelines that govern your relationships, thoughts, and life? How do these commands inspire you? How does God through his spirit guide you?