Last evening as we met together to discuss Nouwen's book, Can You Drink the Cup?, a very important question came up. Rather, I should say that an important point that has brought up caused many questions for me, to wit: What does it mean in Genesis 1.27 that humanity is made in God's image? If all of humanity, indeed all of creation, was made good, how does sin enter into the equation? How does Jesus factor into said equation of life? Let's look at Gen 1.27...
So God created humankind in his image;
in the image of God, he created them;
male and female he created them.
First, this says something about God and how God is with/for us. In order to understand the fullness of this, we need to look at these phrases as the Hebrew poetry they are: three lines of parallel thought, in ABCD form.
A B C D
God created humankind in his image;
D A B C
in the image of God, he created them
D A B C
male and female he created them.
So, what is the image of God according to this short poetical rendition? God's image is both male and female together in some kind of unbroken relationship. According to the Hebrew author's understanding of God, God is somehow beyond human gender and yet bound up tightly in all that it means to be both male and female at once. The author seems to convey an equality in God that transcends any limits you or I desire to place on the divine - even limits that would somehow give humanity the ability to achieve power over other creatures. Here in these few words, the author masterfully has shown a view of God that does not allow human power to usurp God's place in the universe. These words place humanity in God in such a way as to reveal that, in an intimate way, humanity participates fully in the divine life.
What does that mean? In chapter 3 of Genesis, we go on to hear the story of humanity's interaction with the serpent and the Tree of knowledge of Good and Evil. St Paul read this and interpreted it to mean that humanity fell from God, into a sinful state. St Augustine after him took the theological implications further and even said that human sin passes from one generation to the next. Later theologians, Luther and them Calvin and many others after them, narrowed the sense of the Genesis text and developed a whole theology of sin around it. Today, the Church almost exclusively starts from the point of sinfulness of humanity in order to justify the need for the death of Jesus on the cross.
What if we have missed the point? What if Jesus' death on the cross, as Rene Girard (a modern theologian) says, reveals to humanity the full extent of its violent tendencies? What if the death of Jesus were only necessary in that it was inevitable, given those evil, violent tendencies? In addition, what if Jesus willingness to "lay down his life" reveals not only his obedience to a God who is Love, but also reveals how far God's love would go in order to have the kind of relationship God wants?
This all still leaves us with the unanswered question: "What is Genesis 3 about?" Is every human born on this planet considered by God to be a child of God? To fully grasp and adhere to that idea would mean a great transformation in the world's thinking. It would change how we live, how we do commerce, how do/do not go to war.
So, children of God, what do you think?
Peace,
Tim
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
In their book, Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality makes Societies Stronger, authors Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson make the following statement about the comparison between the level of satisfaction/happiness in a developing country and that of an "affluent" one:
"...As you get more and more of anything, each addition to what you have - whether loaves of bread or cars - contributes less and less to your well-being. If you are hungry, a loaf of bread is everything, but when your hunger is satisfied, many more loaves don't particularly help you and might become a nuisance as they go stale." (p.25)
Those words, in light of John 6 (Jesus feeding the multitude and ensuing conversations), seemed to speak loudly to me today. The consummate bibliophile in me wants to rebel against such a statement, but the more I protest, the more it seems those words have seen right through me. How often do I pursue the perceived need to have more! I am only starting this book, but I can see it will offer challenge to me.
Feel free to comment...
Peace,
Tim
"...As you get more and more of anything, each addition to what you have - whether loaves of bread or cars - contributes less and less to your well-being. If you are hungry, a loaf of bread is everything, but when your hunger is satisfied, many more loaves don't particularly help you and might become a nuisance as they go stale." (p.25)
Those words, in light of John 6 (Jesus feeding the multitude and ensuing conversations), seemed to speak loudly to me today. The consummate bibliophile in me wants to rebel against such a statement, but the more I protest, the more it seems those words have seen right through me. How often do I pursue the perceived need to have more! I am only starting this book, but I can see it will offer challenge to me.
Feel free to comment...
Peace,
Tim
Friday, August 24, 2012
Nothing like losing your computer for a few days to make you reassess life! Due to "operator error" (read, "Tim really messed up when he tried to add a new wifi router to the office computer"). All is well now: a parish member came and put everything back in working order. All he had to do was pull a few plugs and switch them to the right places and voila! Everything was back to normal in a short time.
Needless to say, I had a little time this week to look through my saved documents on the office computer. Lots of stuff needed to be thrown out, but I did find a few useful items; like the one from The Practical Visionary by Corinne McLaughlin and Gordon Davidson:
Eight Keys to Spiritual Growth and Social Change:
1. Shift from what's dying to what's being born: discover the new world of practical visionaries all around you;
2. Understand the big picture and the higher evolutionary plan: find your part and get engaged;
3. Make your livelihood a social change strategy: be a spiritual warrior, an innovator, a reformer and/or an exemplar;
4. Invoke the magic of your soul: explore the new world within you and make friends with your subconscious;
5. Turn within to find a source of spiritual strength: develop a regular meditative practice to receive clear guidance;
6. Clarify your higher purpose and vision: create a mission, practical strategy and right timing;
7. See money as a spiritual asset: trust in the abundance of the universe - and be practical and wise;
8. Transform duality and conflict into a higher synthesis: find common ground personally and politically to change the world.
What do you think? I wonder what the world would look like if everyone alive followed this or a similar plan for life? Is this plan possible? Does it ask too much? In another direction, in light of Judeo-Christian scripture what can you say about these eight keys? Does it matter to change the question by asking in light of Christian theology? Think about it...
Who knew that doing some office cleaning would lead to finding these eight keys? I had totally forgotten about them. Maybe I should clean office a little more often...
God's peace and blessings,
Tim
Needless to say, I had a little time this week to look through my saved documents on the office computer. Lots of stuff needed to be thrown out, but I did find a few useful items; like the one from The Practical Visionary by Corinne McLaughlin and Gordon Davidson:
Eight Keys to Spiritual Growth and Social Change:
1. Shift from what's dying to what's being born: discover the new world of practical visionaries all around you;
2. Understand the big picture and the higher evolutionary plan: find your part and get engaged;
3. Make your livelihood a social change strategy: be a spiritual warrior, an innovator, a reformer and/or an exemplar;
4. Invoke the magic of your soul: explore the new world within you and make friends with your subconscious;
5. Turn within to find a source of spiritual strength: develop a regular meditative practice to receive clear guidance;
6. Clarify your higher purpose and vision: create a mission, practical strategy and right timing;
7. See money as a spiritual asset: trust in the abundance of the universe - and be practical and wise;
8. Transform duality and conflict into a higher synthesis: find common ground personally and politically to change the world.
What do you think? I wonder what the world would look like if everyone alive followed this or a similar plan for life? Is this plan possible? Does it ask too much? In another direction, in light of Judeo-Christian scripture what can you say about these eight keys? Does it matter to change the question by asking in light of Christian theology? Think about it...
Who knew that doing some office cleaning would lead to finding these eight keys? I had totally forgotten about them. Maybe I should clean office a little more often...
God's peace and blessings,
Tim
Monday, August 20, 2012
Greetings and salutations to all who may have joined us from the Deepening Faith Group. We are reading one of Henri Nouwen's delicious little books, Can you Drink the Cup? If you are not in the group, and would like to be, we will meet on 28 August, 7pm in the Hofer room at Zion's. Read the Prologue and the Introduction for that evening and all of us will supply the conversation.
The group's intent is to "deepen our faith in God and our love toward one another" (to quote a common post communion prayer from the Lutheran liturgy). As the group evolves, we may discuss personal and communal challenges in daily life; we may read other books that will help us to live as followers of the Christ.
I may from time to time offer on this blog some general thoughts for consideration from the Faith Group (keeping in mind not to share anything confidential without permission). In the meantime, come read the book with us and enjoy! Those who have newly joined us on this blog, welcome; feel free to comment at your leisure.
Peace,
Tim
The group's intent is to "deepen our faith in God and our love toward one another" (to quote a common post communion prayer from the Lutheran liturgy). As the group evolves, we may discuss personal and communal challenges in daily life; we may read other books that will help us to live as followers of the Christ.
I may from time to time offer on this blog some general thoughts for consideration from the Faith Group (keeping in mind not to share anything confidential without permission). In the meantime, come read the book with us and enjoy! Those who have newly joined us on this blog, welcome; feel free to comment at your leisure.
Peace,
Tim
Sunday, August 19, 2012
"Parables - give God room. They are stories, which shatter the deep structures of our accepted world and thereby render clear and evident to us the relativity of story itself. They remove our defenses and make us vulnerable to God. it is only in such experiences that God can touch us, and only in such moments does the Kingdom of God arrive." (p. 15, Emerging Ministry: Being Church Today)
After telling a wonderfully touching story of how he touched a young man's life just by taking time to talk with him, author Nate Frambach offers the quote above from John Dominic Crossan. Nate's story had become a parable of his own life - a way that he came to understand how modernity encounters God. I guess you could say that Nate understands that you and I learn that God needs room in order to open us to the Kingdom. When that room is not available, how do you and I open ourselves to divine energy to work in and through us? How do those of us who follow Jesus afford such "room" for others to experience that same roominess of the Kingdom that we have experienced? What happens if the followers of Jesus lose sight of making room for anyone who wants to enter into God's presence?
All of these questions lead to and understanding in the Emerging Church: God is much bigger than we had previously understood - that's scary. Augustine once said, "If you understand it, it isn't God" (si comprehendis non est deus). That notion then opens modernity to a roominess that can be uncomfortable: Where do we go from here? Does this mean that all one has learned from Mother Church in the past is wrong? What does one have to hold onto if past understandings were inadequate?
I realize these are deep questions. However, in order for us to get to the bottom of this seemingly bottomless pit, the Church must make room for difficult questions. Let's allow these questions to lead our discussion this week. And remember, if you haven't yet gotten the book, Emerging Ministry: Being Church Today, get it asap so we can have a common base from which to pull.
Peace,
Tim
After telling a wonderfully touching story of how he touched a young man's life just by taking time to talk with him, author Nate Frambach offers the quote above from John Dominic Crossan. Nate's story had become a parable of his own life - a way that he came to understand how modernity encounters God. I guess you could say that Nate understands that you and I learn that God needs room in order to open us to the Kingdom. When that room is not available, how do you and I open ourselves to divine energy to work in and through us? How do those of us who follow Jesus afford such "room" for others to experience that same roominess of the Kingdom that we have experienced? What happens if the followers of Jesus lose sight of making room for anyone who wants to enter into God's presence?
All of these questions lead to and understanding in the Emerging Church: God is much bigger than we had previously understood - that's scary. Augustine once said, "If you understand it, it isn't God" (si comprehendis non est deus). That notion then opens modernity to a roominess that can be uncomfortable: Where do we go from here? Does this mean that all one has learned from Mother Church in the past is wrong? What does one have to hold onto if past understandings were inadequate?
I realize these are deep questions. However, in order for us to get to the bottom of this seemingly bottomless pit, the Church must make room for difficult questions. Let's allow these questions to lead our discussion this week. And remember, if you haven't yet gotten the book, Emerging Ministry: Being Church Today, get it asap so we can have a common base from which to pull.
Peace,
Tim
Saturday, August 18, 2012
I read the Hunger Games during one of my vacations. Annie had been urging me to read the young adult trilogy for months - I finally gave in. While the books were written on a level that made them a simple and fast read, the author still gave a lot of food for thought. I recommend the books for anyone who might be "hungering" (i.e., searching) for some meaning in personal life. Set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic earth, the books offer one the possibility to step outside of modern life and evaluate/re-evaluate what is most important.
In the first book, The Hunger Games, the most intriguing part for me was the practice of making "tributes" of the community's children for a game that involved life and death. It made me think, "How do we today practice giving our children to our own causes - causes that often involve life and death.
In the second book, Catching Fire, a major symbol appears that I call the center of the book. During a victory feast, people cannot eat enough of the party spread - there is simply too much food. The guests cannot fathom not eating, they want to sate their hunger. In a scene reminiscent of infamous Roman vomitoria, the people drink a clear liquid that makes them throw up so they can eat more and more. The crowd no doubt follows this cycle over and over until all of the food is consumed. How does modern society do the same thing? Modern people do have insatiable appetites in many ways; how do we sate our voracious desires?
Finally, in the third book, Mockingjay, all seems to be in motion to be put aright in the world. However, a new entity comes to power and seems to follow the same cycle of greed and insatiable hunger. Covered as it is in what seems to be aid for the masses, this new entity may be as evil as the first - or maybe even more so. It begs the question, "How does modern society learn from its past? Do we learn that its ok to allow hunger to some level in our lives - or do we seek all means to satisfy every hunger within?
It seems to me that this trilogy has something to teach all of us, but in light of our conversations in discipleship, it seems especially important in our focus of desires. Where does unbridled desire lead - to bigger and better things, or to death and destruction? Is there an either/or answer, or are the lines grayed in our lives so that you nor I could answer in such a clear cut either/or way?
What are you hungering for? What is the congregation hungering for? To answer these questions would allow us at least a glimpse into the vision God has for us at Zion's, don't you think? I say that because God does deal in desires. God puts desires within us that move us to compassion and discipleship in the name of Jesus. What hungers do you think God has put within us? How could we be better disciples by focusing more intently on those desires?
Peace,
Tim
In the first book, The Hunger Games, the most intriguing part for me was the practice of making "tributes" of the community's children for a game that involved life and death. It made me think, "How do we today practice giving our children to our own causes - causes that often involve life and death.
In the second book, Catching Fire, a major symbol appears that I call the center of the book. During a victory feast, people cannot eat enough of the party spread - there is simply too much food. The guests cannot fathom not eating, they want to sate their hunger. In a scene reminiscent of infamous Roman vomitoria, the people drink a clear liquid that makes them throw up so they can eat more and more. The crowd no doubt follows this cycle over and over until all of the food is consumed. How does modern society do the same thing? Modern people do have insatiable appetites in many ways; how do we sate our voracious desires?
Finally, in the third book, Mockingjay, all seems to be in motion to be put aright in the world. However, a new entity comes to power and seems to follow the same cycle of greed and insatiable hunger. Covered as it is in what seems to be aid for the masses, this new entity may be as evil as the first - or maybe even more so. It begs the question, "How does modern society learn from its past? Do we learn that its ok to allow hunger to some level in our lives - or do we seek all means to satisfy every hunger within?
It seems to me that this trilogy has something to teach all of us, but in light of our conversations in discipleship, it seems especially important in our focus of desires. Where does unbridled desire lead - to bigger and better things, or to death and destruction? Is there an either/or answer, or are the lines grayed in our lives so that you nor I could answer in such a clear cut either/or way?
What are you hungering for? What is the congregation hungering for? To answer these questions would allow us at least a glimpse into the vision God has for us at Zion's, don't you think? I say that because God does deal in desires. God puts desires within us that move us to compassion and discipleship in the name of Jesus. What hungers do you think God has put within us? How could we be better disciples by focusing more intently on those desires?
Peace,
Tim
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
I never know what surprises are in store for me when I go to Ft Wayne, to the HalfPrice Bookstore. What am I saying, I rarely know what is in store for me from day to day - that's why this blog is called "Expecting the Unexpected". That's how I've experienced God in daily life. Needless to say, yesterday's trip to the bookstore was just as fulfilling as expected - or unexpected whichsoever is appropriate.
When I arrived, I migrated to my favorite section - the clearance! Lo and Behold! I found a wonderful book on the Emerging church for $3! Whether you are familiar, the term "emerging" or "emergent" church is used today for what our congregation is going through. It seems to me, however, that the Church is always emerging from something; and so, my questions for today: Do you like the term "emerging" or "emergent"? What do they say to you - good or bad? Do they help or hinder our understanding of God? Let's make this our discussion topic. Talk amongst yourselves...
[Finally, I have reread (for the 3rd or 4th time) an e-book on my Kindle app for computer: "A Better Atonement: Beyond the Depraved Doctrine of Original Sin". I read it again because it's author - an Emerging Church leader and theologian - intrigues me with the way he thinks. Before you start to think that your pastor is a heretic, the author does believe in sinfulness and sin, but thinks about it in a creative way by using ancient and modern theologians. If you are up for a captivating, theological read, download it - it's cheap. If you don't have a Kindle or don't have the app on your computer, it's free as well - Amazon wants you to buy books!]
Peace,
Tim
When I arrived, I migrated to my favorite section - the clearance! Lo and Behold! I found a wonderful book on the Emerging church for $3! Whether you are familiar, the term "emerging" or "emergent" church is used today for what our congregation is going through. It seems to me, however, that the Church is always emerging from something; and so, my questions for today: Do you like the term "emerging" or "emergent"? What do they say to you - good or bad? Do they help or hinder our understanding of God? Let's make this our discussion topic. Talk amongst yourselves...
[Finally, I have reread (for the 3rd or 4th time) an e-book on my Kindle app for computer: "A Better Atonement: Beyond the Depraved Doctrine of Original Sin". I read it again because it's author - an Emerging Church leader and theologian - intrigues me with the way he thinks. Before you start to think that your pastor is a heretic, the author does believe in sinfulness and sin, but thinks about it in a creative way by using ancient and modern theologians. If you are up for a captivating, theological read, download it - it's cheap. If you don't have a Kindle or don't have the app on your computer, it's free as well - Amazon wants you to buy books!]
Peace,
Tim
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Good morning!
This morning Annie and I divided and conquered: Luke came to the office with me and Sophie went with her. When Luke and Sophie are together, no matter the parent, they always find lots of interesting things to do. More often than not, they end up asking lots of questions or finding new explorations - either way, their caregiver is taken off the task at hand. Luke went to visit a parishioner with me - one who has a pond, with lots of frogs. I don't really need to tell you that when we left he came to the car with one of the slimy creatures! Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not fearful of amphibians; I just don't think it would be appropriate to go back to the church with one in the pocket. After little resistance, he returned the animal to its watery habitat and we were off. On the way back, he couldn't stop talking about how much he learned from them - how slimy they were, how many of them were in the water, how quickly they move when they spot a grasshopper...Maybe we have something to learn from frogs? Maybe we could learn from an eight year old how to observe and respond?
On Saturday and Sunday, we heard again from John 6 (this time, vv.35, 41-51). I know it may seem boring to us adults who have heard enough of Jesus, "I am the bread of life", but I wonder how much of our child's curiosity we have lost because of our need to fulfill personal desires? As my son observed and learned from the frog he caught, he willingly shared all he could with me. Of course, he has a deep desire to know his world, but he doesn't see himself merely individually - he shares all he learns (whether anyone really wants to know how slimy a frog is!). It's almost like he cannot help himself - that info just spills out as quickly as it goes in!
Today it occurred to me that perhaps we adults want too much control over our "environment" whereas children are content to reflect and share. I wonder what life would look like if you and I acted in the same way? Well, what do you think?
Peace,
Tim
This morning Annie and I divided and conquered: Luke came to the office with me and Sophie went with her. When Luke and Sophie are together, no matter the parent, they always find lots of interesting things to do. More often than not, they end up asking lots of questions or finding new explorations - either way, their caregiver is taken off the task at hand. Luke went to visit a parishioner with me - one who has a pond, with lots of frogs. I don't really need to tell you that when we left he came to the car with one of the slimy creatures! Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not fearful of amphibians; I just don't think it would be appropriate to go back to the church with one in the pocket. After little resistance, he returned the animal to its watery habitat and we were off. On the way back, he couldn't stop talking about how much he learned from them - how slimy they were, how many of them were in the water, how quickly they move when they spot a grasshopper...Maybe we have something to learn from frogs? Maybe we could learn from an eight year old how to observe and respond?
On Saturday and Sunday, we heard again from John 6 (this time, vv.35, 41-51). I know it may seem boring to us adults who have heard enough of Jesus, "I am the bread of life", but I wonder how much of our child's curiosity we have lost because of our need to fulfill personal desires? As my son observed and learned from the frog he caught, he willingly shared all he could with me. Of course, he has a deep desire to know his world, but he doesn't see himself merely individually - he shares all he learns (whether anyone really wants to know how slimy a frog is!). It's almost like he cannot help himself - that info just spills out as quickly as it goes in!
Today it occurred to me that perhaps we adults want too much control over our "environment" whereas children are content to reflect and share. I wonder what life would look like if you and I acted in the same way? Well, what do you think?
Peace,
Tim
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Greetings and salutations!
After summer vacation, it's time for us to get back to work through the blog. I had asked you to purchase the small book, Emerging Ministry: Being Church Today, by Nathan C.P. Frambach. The author is a professor at an ELCA seminary and I had the opportunity to meet him at the Northwest Ohio Synod Assembly in May 2012. He's a great guy, very personable and down to earth. I have read his book and was impressed at its simplicity and depth. I hope it generates much conversation among us as we read and digest it.
For 1 Sept, let's read the preface and chapter one ("Living God's mission today: an emerging landscape") and be ready to discuss by the 1st.
I am also suggesting two other books just as personal enjoyment/edification: (1) Brian McLaren's new book (due out on 11 Sept) Why did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Mohammed cross the road: Christian identity in a multi-faith world, and (2) Peter Rollins' new book (due in January 2013) The idolatry of God: Breaking the Addiction to Certainty and Satisfaction. The first one dares to lead the church into meditation and reflection about what it means to be a Christian today. According to reviews and updates, he weaves a conversation of the 4 religious leaders into modern day struggles. Rollins, on the other hand, dares to make one think about the need for answers in a world that seems more bent on delivering more questions.
I, for one, will be downloading both books to my nook!
If you're into scifi, try David Brin's latest, Existence. I have one review from a friend and have read many others. All seem to think that this is a must read.
In the meantime, happy reading!
Peace,
Tim
After summer vacation, it's time for us to get back to work through the blog. I had asked you to purchase the small book, Emerging Ministry: Being Church Today, by Nathan C.P. Frambach. The author is a professor at an ELCA seminary and I had the opportunity to meet him at the Northwest Ohio Synod Assembly in May 2012. He's a great guy, very personable and down to earth. I have read his book and was impressed at its simplicity and depth. I hope it generates much conversation among us as we read and digest it.
For 1 Sept, let's read the preface and chapter one ("Living God's mission today: an emerging landscape") and be ready to discuss by the 1st.
I am also suggesting two other books just as personal enjoyment/edification: (1) Brian McLaren's new book (due out on 11 Sept) Why did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Mohammed cross the road: Christian identity in a multi-faith world, and (2) Peter Rollins' new book (due in January 2013) The idolatry of God: Breaking the Addiction to Certainty and Satisfaction. The first one dares to lead the church into meditation and reflection about what it means to be a Christian today. According to reviews and updates, he weaves a conversation of the 4 religious leaders into modern day struggles. Rollins, on the other hand, dares to make one think about the need for answers in a world that seems more bent on delivering more questions.
I, for one, will be downloading both books to my nook!
If you're into scifi, try David Brin's latest, Existence. I have one review from a friend and have read many others. All seem to think that this is a must read.
In the meantime, happy reading!
Peace,
Tim
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)