Ok so it seems I might be one of the few who really enjoyed the movie, "The Constant Gardener." Or perhaps I'm one of the few who actually saw it. Many of my Christian friends will see it and be so offended by the nudity that they won't be moved. I was moved. I know it's just a movie but I imagine the culture of Africa is very much like what this movie protrayed and I was moved. I was moved to want to help. I was angered by the thought that our government is perhaps not following through on their promises made at the G-8 Summit because we are putting too much money into killing lives rather than saving them.
Just today I was continuing to read through "God's Politics" by Jim Wallis when I came across this quote by Bono...
"So you've been doing God's work, but what's God working on now? What's God working on this year? Two and a half million African's are going to die of AIDS. What's God working on now? I meet the people who tell me it's going to take an act of God to stop this plague. Well, I don't believe that. I think that God is waiting for us to act. In fact, I think that God is on his knees to us, to the Church. God is on his knees to us, waiting for us to turn around this supertank of indiffernce, our own indifference a lot of the time. That God Almighty is on his knees to us - I don't know what that means. Waiting for us to recognize that distance can no longer decide who is our neighbor. We can't choose our neighbors anymore. We can't choose the benefits of globalization without some of the responsibilities, and we should remind ourselves that "love thy neighbor" is not advice: it is a command."
If you're interested in giving to help meet needs in Africa, go to www.samaritanspurse.org.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Expanding our World View
I'm still wading my way through "God's Politics" by Jim Wallis, which I continue to say is an incredible book, easy to read and easy to understand. Currently I'm on a chapter about the struggle between Israelis and Palestinians and the need for peace. I hope to provide an abridged version of the struggle later for those of you who, like me, didn't know much existed outside of the United States for twenty some odd years.
I'm not really big on being taught but I love to learn. I tend to be more self-taught. Unfortunately, in order to teach yourself, you first have to be aware that you need to learn. Until the last few years I was never very curious about the things happening in the world around me.
COLLEGE STUDENTS....Don't miss out on the opportunity you have to educate yourself. Don't think that just because you are in college you are learning. You have highly intelligent people at your disposal. Soak up all you can from them and don't live your life unaware.
I think Christians can be especially guilty of this because often times if something doesn't have to do with a person's salvation, we don't catch the importance of it. The fact is, we can't imagine the life that people in places like Israel and Palestine have to live. We are very sheltered and very privileged. They live in constant fear of terrorism. Parents fear for the life of their children as they send them off to school or out to play.
We could all afford to expand our world view and open our eyes to the struggles of those living in world's outside of our own. So turn on the news (even the Daily Show can open your eyes to new things) or pick up a newspaper or browse the web.
Yes, there is life outside our little super power and it's time to start learning and start caring.
I'm not really big on being taught but I love to learn. I tend to be more self-taught. Unfortunately, in order to teach yourself, you first have to be aware that you need to learn. Until the last few years I was never very curious about the things happening in the world around me.
COLLEGE STUDENTS....Don't miss out on the opportunity you have to educate yourself. Don't think that just because you are in college you are learning. You have highly intelligent people at your disposal. Soak up all you can from them and don't live your life unaware.
I think Christians can be especially guilty of this because often times if something doesn't have to do with a person's salvation, we don't catch the importance of it. The fact is, we can't imagine the life that people in places like Israel and Palestine have to live. We are very sheltered and very privileged. They live in constant fear of terrorism. Parents fear for the life of their children as they send them off to school or out to play.
We could all afford to expand our world view and open our eyes to the struggles of those living in world's outside of our own. So turn on the news (even the Daily Show can open your eyes to new things) or pick up a newspaper or browse the web.
Yes, there is life outside our little super power and it's time to start learning and start caring.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Christmas Eve Tradition
I love Christmas!! :) And Christmas Eve is great too because it means I can stay up late and eat lots of yummy goodies and watch the best Christmas movie ever...ELF.
If you haven't seen it, it should become your newest Christmas Eve tradition! :) That and Chinese food...yum!
Friday, December 23, 2005
You Can't Have it Both Ways
I really tried to leave this whole "war on Christmas" thing alone but sorry...I just can't do it. :) I just have a question first...why do Christians always have to find something to fight or "war" about? It seems strangely separated from the character of Christ.
Ok, on to my thoughts on this whole holiday issue. Oh wow...I'm about to stand up for something the President did...
Happy Holidays! Give the guy a break! A couple of things. 1) We can't complain that much, he did use Scripture in his "holiday" card. 2) We are a country that respects religious freedom and our country's leader must respect that as well. This time of year celebrates Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, New Year and probably others I don't even know about...count them...1, 2, 3, 4...at least 4 holidays represented in just 2 months time. I don't think this means Christmas is even remotely threatened.
Retail...we simply cannot have it both ways. We can't complain about the Christmas commercialism and then complain when companies start using "holiday" terminology instead of Christmas terminology. Christ does not equal retail. Who cares what the signs on the stores say because according to what we usually say, "Christmas isn't about all that...."
So be happy, maybe now we can start to separate the birthday of Jesus from all that happens in the retail world.
By the way, just because Bill O'Reily suggests that Christmas is threatened with extinction, doesn't make it true.
Ok, on to my thoughts on this whole holiday issue. Oh wow...I'm about to stand up for something the President did...
Happy Holidays! Give the guy a break! A couple of things. 1) We can't complain that much, he did use Scripture in his "holiday" card. 2) We are a country that respects religious freedom and our country's leader must respect that as well. This time of year celebrates Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, New Year and probably others I don't even know about...count them...1, 2, 3, 4...at least 4 holidays represented in just 2 months time. I don't think this means Christmas is even remotely threatened.
Retail...we simply cannot have it both ways. We can't complain about the Christmas commercialism and then complain when companies start using "holiday" terminology instead of Christmas terminology. Christ does not equal retail. Who cares what the signs on the stores say because according to what we usually say, "Christmas isn't about all that...."
So be happy, maybe now we can start to separate the birthday of Jesus from all that happens in the retail world.
By the way, just because Bill O'Reily suggests that Christmas is threatened with extinction, doesn't make it true.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Matt and I caught Death Cab at the Crystal Ballroom this week and it was such a good concert. To all you wanna-be-rock-stars out there...the great thing about bands like this is that they don't try to hard to "look the part." You can tell they're regular guys who just really enjoy playing their music. I've got these friends who are in a band. I know they're not that cool. They're normal, just like everybody else. It just makes me laugh when I see them trying to look like the image of a rock star. I can appreciate unprentious rock bands who know it's about the music and that's about it.
If you've never listened to Death Cab for Cutie, you have to start! You can listen to some of their songs online at...
http://www.deathcabforcutie.com/
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Brain Rest
Well I've had to take a break from my books and my thoughts for a while as I'm not getting much sleep! We're working on getting Bella to sleep past 5:30 am but often she gets up around 4:00 am or earlier! I think she's struggling with some seperation anxiety. She just loves to cuddle and sleeps great next to me on the couch, but isn't so happy about the crate. So, I'll be getting back to my heavier thoughts later...when my brain is functioning a little more! :)
Friday, November 18, 2005
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Welcome Home Bella
Well, we are happy to finally welcome little Bella Mia home! She's been an absolute sweetheart! She loves to cuddle and play! Now if we could just get her to sleep past 6:30 am!!
Sunday, November 13, 2005
A New Option
When I was old enough to understand the most general political ideas, I was confused by the fact that Christians were always Republicans. According to my understanding of the separations of the two parties, the Democratic party seemed to have more ideals that lined up with my understanding of God and faith.
For example: I understood Republicans as liking war, capital punishment, guns and big business. I understood them to not like abortion and not like the environment. I understood Democrats to like abortion and like the environment, care about the poor and dislike capital punishment, war and guns.
I understood God as caring for His world (environment) and people. So it seemed to me that politically God would care about the environment and helping poor people and he would not like war, capital punishment, guns and abortion because they all kill people.
I was always glad when my mom said she didn't really consider herself a Republican or a Democrat. It made sense to me to be more in the center.
Now that I'm older, my understanding of politics is a little bit deeper and I still feel conflicted. During this last presidential election I was one of those "undecided" people that the media acted like was so stupid. I understood that the candidates were very different. Some of what Bush said made sense to me and some of what Kerry said made sense to me.
The truth is there is no real option that fits how I see my faith relating to politics. There needs to be an option that doesn't fall to either of the extremes. In his book, God's Politics, Jim Wallis gave a beautiful description of a much needed option. When I think about politics, if this candidate were an option, he or she would have my vote. This option is....
"...traditional or conservative on issues of family values, sexual integrity and personal responsibility, while being very progressive, populist or even radical on issues like poverty and racial justice. It affirms good stewardship of the earth and its resources, supports gender equality, and is more internationally minded than nationalist - looking first to peacemaking and conflict resolution when it comes to foreign policy questions. The people it appeals to...are very strong on issues like marriage, raising kids, and individual ethics, but without being right-wing, reactionary, or mean-spirited or scapegoating against any group of people, such as homosexuals. They can be pro-life, pro-family and pro-feminist, all at the same time. They think issues of "moral character" are very important, both in a politician's personal life and in his or her policy choices. Yet they are decidedly pro-poor, for racial reconciliation, critical of purely military solutions, and defenders of the environment. At the heart of the fourth option is the integral link between personal ethics and social justice. And it appeals to people who refuse to make the choice between the two."
- Jim Wallis, "God's Politics"
For example: I understood Republicans as liking war, capital punishment, guns and big business. I understood them to not like abortion and not like the environment. I understood Democrats to like abortion and like the environment, care about the poor and dislike capital punishment, war and guns.
I understood God as caring for His world (environment) and people. So it seemed to me that politically God would care about the environment and helping poor people and he would not like war, capital punishment, guns and abortion because they all kill people.
I was always glad when my mom said she didn't really consider herself a Republican or a Democrat. It made sense to me to be more in the center.
Now that I'm older, my understanding of politics is a little bit deeper and I still feel conflicted. During this last presidential election I was one of those "undecided" people that the media acted like was so stupid. I understood that the candidates were very different. Some of what Bush said made sense to me and some of what Kerry said made sense to me.
The truth is there is no real option that fits how I see my faith relating to politics. There needs to be an option that doesn't fall to either of the extremes. In his book, God's Politics, Jim Wallis gave a beautiful description of a much needed option. When I think about politics, if this candidate were an option, he or she would have my vote. This option is....
"...traditional or conservative on issues of family values, sexual integrity and personal responsibility, while being very progressive, populist or even radical on issues like poverty and racial justice. It affirms good stewardship of the earth and its resources, supports gender equality, and is more internationally minded than nationalist - looking first to peacemaking and conflict resolution when it comes to foreign policy questions. The people it appeals to...are very strong on issues like marriage, raising kids, and individual ethics, but without being right-wing, reactionary, or mean-spirited or scapegoating against any group of people, such as homosexuals. They can be pro-life, pro-family and pro-feminist, all at the same time. They think issues of "moral character" are very important, both in a politician's personal life and in his or her policy choices. Yet they are decidedly pro-poor, for racial reconciliation, critical of purely military solutions, and defenders of the environment. At the heart of the fourth option is the integral link between personal ethics and social justice. And it appeals to people who refuse to make the choice between the two."
- Jim Wallis, "God's Politics"
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Poverty and Misplaced Priorities
I read an interesting stat in God's Politics (by Jim Wallis) the other night that I wanted to comment on.
Apparently, while Clinton was in office the rate of abortions was down. Now, with Bush in office, it has gone back up again. Wallis suggested that the reason for this is because poor women had more assistance when Clinton was in office than they do now.
This could possibly be an interesting point of misplaced priorities for those in the Right. I have to wonder if we spent less time and resources picketing abortion clinics and fighting Planned Parenthood and instead focused our time and energy on fighting poverty, if we would be more effective in lower the number of abortions that are performed each year.
The sanctity of life is a valuable concern and issue for anyone who understands God's love for humanity. We often don't see poverty as a moral issue so we put less of a priority on it. In the Bible, in the book of Matthew, Jesus talks about how when the end has come and he's ready to claim us as his children or not, he will look to see if we have clothed the naked, fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, visited and brought comfort to those sick and in prison...and whatever we have done or have not done for the least of these, we will have done or have not done for Jesus himself.
Faith can and should play a role in politics but perhaps we need to reconsider how.
Apparently, while Clinton was in office the rate of abortions was down. Now, with Bush in office, it has gone back up again. Wallis suggested that the reason for this is because poor women had more assistance when Clinton was in office than they do now.
This could possibly be an interesting point of misplaced priorities for those in the Right. I have to wonder if we spent less time and resources picketing abortion clinics and fighting Planned Parenthood and instead focused our time and energy on fighting poverty, if we would be more effective in lower the number of abortions that are performed each year.
The sanctity of life is a valuable concern and issue for anyone who understands God's love for humanity. We often don't see poverty as a moral issue so we put less of a priority on it. In the Bible, in the book of Matthew, Jesus talks about how when the end has come and he's ready to claim us as his children or not, he will look to see if we have clothed the naked, fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, visited and brought comfort to those sick and in prison...and whatever we have done or have not done for the least of these, we will have done or have not done for Jesus himself.
Faith can and should play a role in politics but perhaps we need to reconsider how.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
The Religious Voice
I recently started reading God's Politics, by Jim Wallis. I was going to wait until I finished to write a review but after reading one chapter I can tell I'm going to have enough thoughts on it to fill a book! :) So I want to start with a simple idea.
The Christianity community has a voice in America. Unfortunately that voice is coming from individuals such as Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell.
"It is the responsibility of every political conservative, every evangelical Christian, every pro-life Catholic, every traditional Jew, every Reagan Democrat, and everyone in between to get serious about re-electing president Bush." -Jerry Falwell as quoted in God's Politics.
"I think George Bush is going to win in a walk. I really believe I'm hearing from the Lord it's going to be like a blowout election in 2004. The Lord has just blessed him....It doesn't make any difference what he does, good or bad." - Pat Robertson as quoted in God's Politics.
Hmm.... I hardly feel like I need to say more. In the last presidential election, religious leaders mistakenly communicated that to vote for anyone other than George W. Bush was nothing less than sin.
The Religious Right has used fear and manipulation to convince Christians that values-driven politics centers around two issues...abortion and homosexuality. This is not biblical.
No political party has a monopoly on God and family values. It's time for Christians to broaden our understand of values and faith in politics and change our voice.
Helping the poor is a biblical issue. War vs. Peace is a biblical issue. Taking care of our environment is a biblical issue. How we respond to terrorism is a biblical issue. And yes, homosexuality and abortion are biblical issues. We must change our voice.
If our nation is becoming more hostile to Christianity it is because we are becoming more hostile to our nation. We must change our voice.
Progressive Christians have changed politics in the past through movements such as the Civil Rights movement, women's suffrage and more. We can change the face of politics today too. But we can't do it with the voices that currently represent us. It is time for a change. We must change our voice.
The Christianity community has a voice in America. Unfortunately that voice is coming from individuals such as Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell.
"It is the responsibility of every political conservative, every evangelical Christian, every pro-life Catholic, every traditional Jew, every Reagan Democrat, and everyone in between to get serious about re-electing president Bush." -Jerry Falwell as quoted in God's Politics.
"I think George Bush is going to win in a walk. I really believe I'm hearing from the Lord it's going to be like a blowout election in 2004. The Lord has just blessed him....It doesn't make any difference what he does, good or bad." - Pat Robertson as quoted in God's Politics.
Hmm.... I hardly feel like I need to say more. In the last presidential election, religious leaders mistakenly communicated that to vote for anyone other than George W. Bush was nothing less than sin.
The Religious Right has used fear and manipulation to convince Christians that values-driven politics centers around two issues...abortion and homosexuality. This is not biblical.
No political party has a monopoly on God and family values. It's time for Christians to broaden our understand of values and faith in politics and change our voice.
Helping the poor is a biblical issue. War vs. Peace is a biblical issue. Taking care of our environment is a biblical issue. How we respond to terrorism is a biblical issue. And yes, homosexuality and abortion are biblical issues. We must change our voice.
If our nation is becoming more hostile to Christianity it is because we are becoming more hostile to our nation. We must change our voice.
Progressive Christians have changed politics in the past through movements such as the Civil Rights movement, women's suffrage and more. We can change the face of politics today too. But we can't do it with the voices that currently represent us. It is time for a change. We must change our voice.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
The Portland Rescue Mission
Lately I've been doing a "heart-check"...getting my priorities in line if you will. It's funny how struggle can bring clarity. In a time past the things I thought were important in God's Kingdom were flashy websites, movie clips and rocking music, as if somehow those things were required to help people see God. In recent past I saw the ugliness of those things and what a life can become when it is void of the true heart beat of God and began to understand that so much of my time and energy was wasted on things not valued by God.
I was hanging out at Multnomah Bible College at a ministry fair not too long ago (recruiting volunteers) when I happened to start up a conversation with the girl in the booth next to mine. She happen to work for the Portland Rescue Mission. I'd been searching for a way to start reconciling my reality with the things swirling around in my heart and mind and God opened the perfect door. She mentioned that the ministry was looking for someone to help head up their decorating team for their big holiday events. I just happen to LOVE decorating....especially for parties. Hmm...could God be giving me the opportunity I've been asking for? I tend to wait and chicken out when these things present themselves...I didn't, I just said yes.
Now having been in the process of better understanding the organization and what my role will be, I am even more convinced that God is at work. The heart beat of this ministry is beautifully aligned with the desires of God's heart to bring hope to the hopeless and to love those who can't even yet love themselves. Providing food, shelter, clean clothes, showers, laundry facilities, and a long term program that helps overcome addictions, emotional pain, gain education and career experience and so much more is only the beginning of the work the people involved in the mission are doing.
I believe that when Jesus says the end will come and we will be seperated on how we loved, this is what he means....and they do love, with everything they have to give.
It's an honor to be a part of something so beautiful. You can check out more about the mission and how you can help to by going to their website. www.portlandrescuemission.org
I was hanging out at Multnomah Bible College at a ministry fair not too long ago (recruiting volunteers) when I happened to start up a conversation with the girl in the booth next to mine. She happen to work for the Portland Rescue Mission. I'd been searching for a way to start reconciling my reality with the things swirling around in my heart and mind and God opened the perfect door. She mentioned that the ministry was looking for someone to help head up their decorating team for their big holiday events. I just happen to LOVE decorating....especially for parties. Hmm...could God be giving me the opportunity I've been asking for? I tend to wait and chicken out when these things present themselves...I didn't, I just said yes.
Now having been in the process of better understanding the organization and what my role will be, I am even more convinced that God is at work. The heart beat of this ministry is beautifully aligned with the desires of God's heart to bring hope to the hopeless and to love those who can't even yet love themselves. Providing food, shelter, clean clothes, showers, laundry facilities, and a long term program that helps overcome addictions, emotional pain, gain education and career experience and so much more is only the beginning of the work the people involved in the mission are doing.
I believe that when Jesus says the end will come and we will be seperated on how we loved, this is what he means....and they do love, with everything they have to give.
It's an honor to be a part of something so beautiful. You can check out more about the mission and how you can help to by going to their website. www.portlandrescuemission.org
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Switchfoot at the Crystal Ballroom
I saw Switchfoot in concert my freshman year of college when their first CD had come out and they were touring with Third Day and All-Star United. Let's just say that they've gotten better...a lot better! It's a fuzzy photo because I scanned it from my scrapbook but here's a photo of me and my friend Jen with them. We all look about 12 years old!
If you haven't had the chance to attend a concert at the Crystal Ballroom, make time...it's awesome! There's nothing like rock-n-roll blaring in your ears, standing on a suspended floor that bounces with every step while enjoying the museum-like beauty of the room. It's fascinating.
On to the concert.... First of all, it's amazing to me the following that Switchfoot has in Portland. People love them. The concert was better attended and the energy was higher than when I saw Jimmy Eat World there. (Who by the way happen to be one of my favorite bands.) I thought the audience was going to revolt. As each "listen to this CD until we're ready" song came to a close, the room would chant "Switchfoot...Switchfoot....Switchfoot" until another song played from the CD and so on until finally the room filled with screams and I knew (I was too short to really see) that it was time.
Lyrically, Switchfoot provides hope to a world without it. Though never coming out and singing that Jesus died for you, you sense that there is something bigger that you were made to be a part of. It's beautiful. The lyrics are honest and raw and are relatable to the human condition.
Their songwriting demonstrates an appreciation for a quality hook and singable melody. People at this concert didn't just sing along with the most popular radio hits, they sang along with it all. There were several times the band laid back and just let the audience blend their voices with the power of a gospel choir.
Imagine the beauty of standing in a room full of people who do and do not consider themselves followers of Christ, singing together with one strong voice...
"We want more than this world has to offer. We want more than this world has to offer. We want more than the wars of our fathers. And everything inside, screams for second life. We were meant to live for so much more..."
And musically, well they rock! The groove of the rhythm section and driving force of the guitars reminded me how much I love music. Matt often teases me because I can't let a groove go by without starting to dance. And there's nothing better than loud, melodic, passionate rock-n-roll to set you in motion.
Overall, I had a blast and would totally see them in concert again. When I took that photo with them in college, I never expected they would become the powerful band that they have. I'm thrilled that the industry took a chance and let the grow into what they are today!
If you haven't had the chance to attend a concert at the Crystal Ballroom, make time...it's awesome! There's nothing like rock-n-roll blaring in your ears, standing on a suspended floor that bounces with every step while enjoying the museum-like beauty of the room. It's fascinating.
On to the concert.... First of all, it's amazing to me the following that Switchfoot has in Portland. People love them. The concert was better attended and the energy was higher than when I saw Jimmy Eat World there. (Who by the way happen to be one of my favorite bands.) I thought the audience was going to revolt. As each "listen to this CD until we're ready" song came to a close, the room would chant "Switchfoot...Switchfoot....Switchfoot" until another song played from the CD and so on until finally the room filled with screams and I knew (I was too short to really see) that it was time.
Lyrically, Switchfoot provides hope to a world without it. Though never coming out and singing that Jesus died for you, you sense that there is something bigger that you were made to be a part of. It's beautiful. The lyrics are honest and raw and are relatable to the human condition.
Their songwriting demonstrates an appreciation for a quality hook and singable melody. People at this concert didn't just sing along with the most popular radio hits, they sang along with it all. There were several times the band laid back and just let the audience blend their voices with the power of a gospel choir.
Imagine the beauty of standing in a room full of people who do and do not consider themselves followers of Christ, singing together with one strong voice...
"We want more than this world has to offer. We want more than this world has to offer. We want more than the wars of our fathers. And everything inside, screams for second life. We were meant to live for so much more..."
And musically, well they rock! The groove of the rhythm section and driving force of the guitars reminded me how much I love music. Matt often teases me because I can't let a groove go by without starting to dance. And there's nothing better than loud, melodic, passionate rock-n-roll to set you in motion.
Overall, I had a blast and would totally see them in concert again. When I took that photo with them in college, I never expected they would become the powerful band that they have. I'm thrilled that the industry took a chance and let the grow into what they are today!
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Photos of Friends
Matt, Joey and Jessica at the beach in Seaside, OR. I'm behind the camera....
A bunch of us went hiking on Labor Day.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Friday, October 14, 2005
Redemption & My Golf Swing
I fully enjoy a sunny day spent at the golf course with my husband who may on occasion throw a golf club in my vicinity (unintentionally) after a sad attempt to reach the green. We encourage each other and laugh at each other and from time to time go home feeling good about our improvement.
Golf is a game I would give up completely if it weren't for the occasional beautiful (relatively) swing. It's that one swing that when it happens you know it's right and it feels so natural. The club connects and the ball soars ahead many more yards than the 10-20 I'm used to hitting. That one in fifty swing brings me back again and again.
Today I realized I often feel that way about Christianity. Not God. I know and sense that God is eternally good. But we, as humans, have a long, long way to go. My progress it seems is often slow, if it's moving in the right direction at all. Occasionally I think it flies back a few yards (as my golf ball does at times, nearly killing anyone standing nearby). But then there are those moments when I catch a glimpse of a tiny particle of my character, redeemed and beautiful as God desires.
I see those glimpes in the church as well. If you've been around it very long you can understand that there are moments you feel ready to walk away. You see what seems to be complacency and a lack of progress. And then there are those beautiful moments when the light of God shows through and somehow you see the possibility in others. Those are the moments that bring me back. When my hope is lost for what we can be, God gives me a glimpse of how far we've already come.
How often do we look at our culture, our society and talk about how awful it has become. Truthfully, if we know anything about history, we see that we've always been messed up. We've never had it right. There was never any "Christian" nation or even a moral nation for that matter. Even in Rome when Constantine made Christianity the main religion of the Empire, he was doing it for political reasons. And America? Our history speaks for itself.
My desire is that we can become a people who stop fearing the moral decline of a nation and instead, start catching glimpses of how God is redeeming all of creation and what a beautiful process we have been invited to take part in. I wonder if we will ask God to show us where he is working, if he will begin to give us those moments that bring us back again and again, believing that all of creation can be fully redeemed, beautiful in the eyes of God.
Golf is a game I would give up completely if it weren't for the occasional beautiful (relatively) swing. It's that one swing that when it happens you know it's right and it feels so natural. The club connects and the ball soars ahead many more yards than the 10-20 I'm used to hitting. That one in fifty swing brings me back again and again.
Today I realized I often feel that way about Christianity. Not God. I know and sense that God is eternally good. But we, as humans, have a long, long way to go. My progress it seems is often slow, if it's moving in the right direction at all. Occasionally I think it flies back a few yards (as my golf ball does at times, nearly killing anyone standing nearby). But then there are those moments when I catch a glimpse of a tiny particle of my character, redeemed and beautiful as God desires.
I see those glimpes in the church as well. If you've been around it very long you can understand that there are moments you feel ready to walk away. You see what seems to be complacency and a lack of progress. And then there are those beautiful moments when the light of God shows through and somehow you see the possibility in others. Those are the moments that bring me back. When my hope is lost for what we can be, God gives me a glimpse of how far we've already come.
How often do we look at our culture, our society and talk about how awful it has become. Truthfully, if we know anything about history, we see that we've always been messed up. We've never had it right. There was never any "Christian" nation or even a moral nation for that matter. Even in Rome when Constantine made Christianity the main religion of the Empire, he was doing it for political reasons. And America? Our history speaks for itself.
My desire is that we can become a people who stop fearing the moral decline of a nation and instead, start catching glimpses of how God is redeeming all of creation and what a beautiful process we have been invited to take part in. I wonder if we will ask God to show us where he is working, if he will begin to give us those moments that bring us back again and again, believing that all of creation can be fully redeemed, beautiful in the eyes of God.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
The Last Word and the Word After That: A Review
I just finished reading a fascinating book titled, "The Last Word and the Word After That" by Brian McLaren. First let me say that if you don't feel strong enough to have your beliefs challenged without losing your faith, don't read it. It's fair to say that not all people are at a comfortable enough place in their faith to be able to be challenged in the way this book challenges. If you do feel you are mature enough I encourage to read it with the mind set that you might not like or agree with everything he writes and you may really hate the fact that some of the subject matter is even considered in the way that it is, but it will make you think. And that, I believe, is a good thing.
The book is essentially a "creative non-fiction," meaning that it communicates theological ideas through a fictional story. While it is still a complicated read, it is much easier to accept theology in terms of story than textbook. Perhaps that is what makes the Bible such a wonderful book. It communicates timeless truths using stories, some real life, some parable.
The theme of the book is centered around a re-evaluation of the concept or physical place of hell. The pastor and main character in the book is struggling with his exclusivity view of hell while not yet feeling comfortable enough to accept either the inclusive or universalist view either. The book is his process of wading his way through a thick history of varied ideas on the subject and coming to a better understanding that seems to him to be more in line with the character of God.
One of the things I found most compelling about the book is that eternity or the idea of heaven and hell were new to the Jewish religion sometime between the Old and New Testament. Previously the religions that had an understanding of an afterlife were more Greek and Babylonian rather than Jewish. During Jesus' time the Sadducces still didn't believe in the afterlife which is one of the things that set the Pharisees and Sadducces apart from one another. Secondly, a lot of the "hell" terminology used in the Bible is actually terminology from other religions. For instance, Hades, is a term for hell in Greek Mythology. There were a few others that I can't remember right now. You'd actually be amazed to see how many of the biblical stories of creation, the flood and other things are incredibly similar to the stories of other religions.
I don't want to give away the conclusions and questions that are brought up throughout the book because they are so difficult to grapple with that it's best to take them in full context rather than in my little blog.
But the ideas fascinate me and challenge me to look at the Bible with great respect and consideration, always seeking God for wisdom and never assuming everything I hear or read in regards to the Bible is simply true.
We know but in part....
The book is essentially a "creative non-fiction," meaning that it communicates theological ideas through a fictional story. While it is still a complicated read, it is much easier to accept theology in terms of story than textbook. Perhaps that is what makes the Bible such a wonderful book. It communicates timeless truths using stories, some real life, some parable.
The theme of the book is centered around a re-evaluation of the concept or physical place of hell. The pastor and main character in the book is struggling with his exclusivity view of hell while not yet feeling comfortable enough to accept either the inclusive or universalist view either. The book is his process of wading his way through a thick history of varied ideas on the subject and coming to a better understanding that seems to him to be more in line with the character of God.
One of the things I found most compelling about the book is that eternity or the idea of heaven and hell were new to the Jewish religion sometime between the Old and New Testament. Previously the religions that had an understanding of an afterlife were more Greek and Babylonian rather than Jewish. During Jesus' time the Sadducces still didn't believe in the afterlife which is one of the things that set the Pharisees and Sadducces apart from one another. Secondly, a lot of the "hell" terminology used in the Bible is actually terminology from other religions. For instance, Hades, is a term for hell in Greek Mythology. There were a few others that I can't remember right now. You'd actually be amazed to see how many of the biblical stories of creation, the flood and other things are incredibly similar to the stories of other religions.
I don't want to give away the conclusions and questions that are brought up throughout the book because they are so difficult to grapple with that it's best to take them in full context rather than in my little blog.
But the ideas fascinate me and challenge me to look at the Bible with great respect and consideration, always seeking God for wisdom and never assuming everything I hear or read in regards to the Bible is simply true.
We know but in part....
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Hannity & Colmes
I've been sitting here watching Fox News (Matt holds the remote) and I've been reminded once again why it drives me crazy that Sean Hannity's books are being sold in local Christian bookstores.
Now, I'm not going to go into political beliefs because I have only a few friends who have the ability to respectfully disagree on these types of issues.
What I will say is that this guy is ABSOLUTELY RUDE on this TV program to anyone who disagrees with him in the slightest. His TV personality is incredibly far from what I would consider to be a great demonstration of being a follower of Christ and I'm incredibly disappointed that we as a Christian community support this type of public behavior.
And that's all I'm going to say about that....
Now, I'm not going to go into political beliefs because I have only a few friends who have the ability to respectfully disagree on these types of issues.
What I will say is that this guy is ABSOLUTELY RUDE on this TV program to anyone who disagrees with him in the slightest. His TV personality is incredibly far from what I would consider to be a great demonstration of being a follower of Christ and I'm incredibly disappointed that we as a Christian community support this type of public behavior.
And that's all I'm going to say about that....
Monday, October 03, 2005
Sweet Bella
Here's another sweet picture of my little puppy coming home to live with me the week of November 15-19. I can't wait! And my friend (who shall remain nameless...but his name starts with J and ends with Y) better leave his mean mean nickname for her in his little head if he wants to come over any more!! :)
Friday, September 30, 2005
A Question to Ponder: Hell
I've been reading a book lately that has brought up some interesting questions considering the "theology of hell." A great question was posed that I believe holds great value and we should all consider what our answer to it might be....
If hell did not exist and there were no eternal consequences for my current behavior, would I still commit my life to loving and serving Jesus Christ?
Growing up I remember hell being a serious motivating factor for being a Christian. They used to show those cheesy "end-times" movies to scare you into following Jesus. But now I'm all grown up and I'm not so sure I buy the whole "Left Behind" idea. So now I have to wonder, if I hadn't been scared to death of the whole burning for eternity thing when I was young, would I have chosen this path? Don't freak, I'm not questioning my faith, just checking my motivations.
What about you? If you've made that choice, what motivated you to do so and what motivates you to keep doing so? And if you haven't, why not? Just curious....
If hell did not exist and there were no eternal consequences for my current behavior, would I still commit my life to loving and serving Jesus Christ?
Growing up I remember hell being a serious motivating factor for being a Christian. They used to show those cheesy "end-times" movies to scare you into following Jesus. But now I'm all grown up and I'm not so sure I buy the whole "Left Behind" idea. So now I have to wonder, if I hadn't been scared to death of the whole burning for eternity thing when I was young, would I have chosen this path? Don't freak, I'm not questioning my faith, just checking my motivations.
What about you? If you've made that choice, what motivated you to do so and what motivates you to keep doing so? And if you haven't, why not? Just curious....
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