Read this first.
This is the buzz. Scott McKnight also hints of "post-evangelicalism." I don't think the fallout can be homogeneous, but I think the blending is well under way. It has been for some time, but it wasn't identified as a pattern. Early on, there were Bible churches dealing with charismatics and the birth of Emmaus/Tres Dias communities in the mainlines. Then there were Alpha classes among the Episcopals. All of these were a re-centering among their own ilk.
Seven years ago (or so), a lot was being written about evangelical college students using Gregorian chant and ancient rituals. People thought that was the next big thing and started chasing it as an end. What wasn't clear was how many other believers were also becoming unsettled.
The thing she hints at but doesn't address is globalization. This time, not only can we speak to each other, but we can ALL speak. Look at the idea in your head that separates the South African Episcopals from the US Episcopals now that they've wrestled with homosexual clergy. And take a glance backward at how much your view of Roman Catholics has shifted in the last decade. For those wrestling with definitions of Orthodoxy (like Doug Paggit), this is exciting and may seem like a move toward ecumenism. For some evangelicals, it's terrifying and a slippery path to liberalism (many liberals are paying attention).
I think it will continue to blend for awhile, but there will also come a reassertion of the oldest creeds. This will expel some, but energize others. Seriously, isn't it at least a little exciting to see things like Lent and Advent being reclaimed and cleansed of their baggage--the presence of ritual and the sacred again in the midst of all the postmodern chaos? I believe the same will continue to happen and more and more new believers will be reaching back to our foundations for answers. That's why Rob Bell's podcast has 40,000 downloads a week--he's teaching the Old. Same thing for John Piper.
Okay--a lot more than I meant to write.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
The Jesus Tomb
This is a duplicate of my post on a blog dedicated to our junior high staff:
Thanks to Erik for pointing this out! As it happens, one of my professors was supposed to be at the press conference and couldn't make it, but he's already seen the documentary and has some excellent comments here. Watch for more from him here. Seminary comes in handy!
For those who have no idea what I'm talking about, James Cameron (director of Titanic) is hosting a documentary on the Discovery Channel this Sunday. The promo asks, "If the bones of Jesus were found in Jerusalem, would that destroy the Christian faith?" They believe they have indeed found them, and those of his wife and son. Yes, that would pose quite a problem, since we believe in a BODILY resurrection and all!
Relax. They didn't find what they think they found. But there will be quite a bit of media attention on this in the next couple of days and you may even get some difficult questions from students. Remind them that we never need to fear a real search for truth.
Dr. Bock said this morning in class, "It's like a 21 slide PowerPoint presentation and each slide is contested. For the claim to be true, every slide must build from the one before." Take a peek at his blog or feel free to direct students there to read along with you. If you'd prefer a quick overview, here's a sampling of highlights:
1-It is almost untenable that a Jewish family from Galilee would purchase a family tomb in Jerusalem.
2-The names being used are not agreed upon--there are some significant difficulties with the equating of Mariamne with Mary Magdalene.
3-There is no agreement that this is actually a family tomb.
4-You'll have to see his post the rest, including some truth about DNA evidence. Be sure and go to the main blog as well for his updates. You'll hear him quoted quite a bit this week.
SO, since we're looking at Jesus and comparing him to who the culture thinks He is on Sundays, we're going to hit this head on in class on Sunday. I'll play some video from either CNN or Discovery and we'll let the kids try to help find solutions. As always, you're welcome to come (especially if you're on the Sunday Team)!
[staff meeting reminder removed]
UPDATE: There's a good article here, including an observation by a prominent Jewish scholar. AND, this blog (Ben Witherington, PhD.) is also full of excellent material for dealing with the claims. Be sure and look through the many comments and responses (Dr. Witherington is a friend of Dr. Bock).
FURTHER UPDATES: see www.crosstie.org
Thanks to Erik for pointing this out! As it happens, one of my professors was supposed to be at the press conference and couldn't make it, but he's already seen the documentary and has some excellent comments here. Watch for more from him here. Seminary comes in handy!For those who have no idea what I'm talking about, James Cameron (director of Titanic) is hosting a documentary on the Discovery Channel this Sunday. The promo asks, "If the bones of Jesus were found in Jerusalem, would that destroy the Christian faith?" They believe they have indeed found them, and those of his wife and son. Yes, that would pose quite a problem, since we believe in a BODILY resurrection and all!
Relax. They didn't find what they think they found. But there will be quite a bit of media attention on this in the next couple of days and you may even get some difficult questions from students. Remind them that we never need to fear a real search for truth.
Dr. Bock said this morning in class, "It's like a 21 slide PowerPoint presentation and each slide is contested. For the claim to be true, every slide must build from the one before." Take a peek at his blog or feel free to direct students there to read along with you. If you'd prefer a quick overview, here's a sampling of highlights:
1-It is almost untenable that a Jewish family from Galilee would purchase a family tomb in Jerusalem.
2-The names being used are not agreed upon--there are some significant difficulties with the equating of Mariamne with Mary Magdalene.
3-There is no agreement that this is actually a family tomb.
4-You'll have to see his post the rest, including some truth about DNA evidence. Be sure and go to the main blog as well for his updates. You'll hear him quoted quite a bit this week.
SO, since we're looking at Jesus and comparing him to who the culture thinks He is on Sundays, we're going to hit this head on in class on Sunday. I'll play some video from either CNN or Discovery and we'll let the kids try to help find solutions. As always, you're welcome to come (especially if you're on the Sunday Team)!
[staff meeting reminder removed]
UPDATE: There's a good article here, including an observation by a prominent Jewish scholar. AND, this blog (Ben Witherington, PhD.) is also full of excellent material for dealing with the claims. Be sure and look through the many comments and responses (Dr. Witherington is a friend of Dr. Bock).
FURTHER UPDATES: see www.crosstie.org
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Emerging Article
There's an excellent article on the emerging church here. These are the Christians our students are becoming (and maybe us too). I think the challenge it brings to the mainstream is exciting, and though some have found dangerous theology, others are finding ways around it--or should I say--others are reaching similar conclusions about practice and worship and mission with theology that is clearly orthodox, and yet humbly so.
I'll probably post the article on Crosstie.org in a couple of days.
I'll probably post the article on Crosstie.org in a couple of days.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Experiment
Sorry I've been out for so long! This semester got a bit overwhelming. And then there's a little experiment I've been working on.
I've often noticed how easy it is to find Christian resources through Google searches and the like, but I've rarely had a way to find reliable Christian resources. AND, I've found many useful things online over the years that I wish I could share with folks. Add to that a desire for pay off school debt, and there you have it: CROSSTIE.ORG. Please VISIT!
Ok, it's really just another blog that looks like a website, but I'm trying to index and evaluate many good online tools with room for the opinions of other folks (it's unmoderated for now). I plan to add at least one a week and label them so you can easily find things through the contents (or the search at the top of the page). I hope to keep the list down to a workable number of good sources and do not plan to evaluate things I don't find useful.Nor do I plan on sticking with evangelical or even Christian material. If I find it helpful for ministry, I'll try to stick it in (for example).
Anyway, take a peek and share your thoughts. I'll be adding book links through Amazon at a later date.
I've often noticed how easy it is to find Christian resources through Google searches and the like, but I've rarely had a way to find reliable Christian resources. AND, I've found many useful things online over the years that I wish I could share with folks. Add to that a desire for pay off school debt, and there you have it: CROSSTIE.ORG. Please VISIT!
Ok, it's really just another blog that looks like a website, but I'm trying to index and evaluate many good online tools with room for the opinions of other folks (it's unmoderated for now). I plan to add at least one a week and label them so you can easily find things through the contents (or the search at the top of the page). I hope to keep the list down to a workable number of good sources and do not plan to evaluate things I don't find useful.Nor do I plan on sticking with evangelical or even Christian material. If I find it helpful for ministry, I'll try to stick it in (for example).
Anyway, take a peek and share your thoughts. I'll be adding book links through Amazon at a later date.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Pumpkins Three
Sometimes it's difficult to recognize just how fast they grow, and to see how the little ones go even faster. Megan cut her own pumpkin when she was six. Madison did it last year at five. Now Mackenzie this year at four. But we sure do have a good time doing it!
They pick the pumpkins and draw their faces. I copy them to the pumpkins and make a lid. Then they do the rest with tools like dull jigsaw blades (ok, I did the mouths for Megan and Mackenzie, but it was just because Kenzie got tired and Megan was worried about the tongue). At the end, I clean them up so the edges are good and the light works well.
You can buy pretty cool designs now, but nothing beats seeing their personalities shine through ;-)
Can you guess?
2006 (above, clockwise from left): Madison's pirate, Mackenzie's scary face and Megan's hillbilly.
2005 (clockwise from left): Madison, Mackenzie, Megan.
2004 (clockwise from left): Madison's self-drawn, Megan's self-cut and Mackenzie's dad-did-it special.
They pick the pumpkins and draw their faces. I copy them to the pumpkins and make a lid. Then they do the rest with tools like dull jigsaw blades (ok, I did the mouths for Megan and Mackenzie, but it was just because Kenzie got tired and Megan was worried about the tongue). At the end, I clean them up so the edges are good and the light works well.
You can buy pretty cool designs now, but nothing beats seeing their personalities shine through ;-)
Can you guess?
2006 (above, clockwise from left): Madison's pirate, Mackenzie's scary face and Megan's hillbilly.
2005 (clockwise from left): Madison, Mackenzie, Megan.
2004 (clockwise from left): Madison's self-drawn, Megan's self-cut and Mackenzie's dad-did-it special.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Anatomy
I'm not going to admit to watching the show because some of my readers are also our students, but it does intrigue me ;-)
I am struck by the way they have chosen lives that completely disregard the plan of God and that they so clearly suffer the consequences of life outside His provision. Repeatedly. They speak frequently about the pain they bring, yet they remain dedicated to these same afflicted behaviors. It is a beautifully disturbing view of original sin and the fallen state of man. They continue in the same pattern of sin and disregard for God because they are unable to do otherwise. The unregenerate, un-redeemed human is unable to climb out of the pattern. They see the pain. They recognize the consequences. They fail to change. They are trapped. Non posse non peccare. Not able not to sin.
But the writer adds an incredible irony--these same fallen and pitiful creatures devote their lives to the removal of physical pain and affliction. They are doctors, but more importantly they are surgeons and save human life on a daily basis. In a physical sense, they bring salvation, redemption to human bodies. Yet they themselves remain condemned, unregenerate, unable to lift themselves from spiritual bondage as they deliver others from physical bondage. There is one exception, and I wonder at the coincidence that her faith was established in early episodes. She is as frail and subject to failure as the others. But unlike them, she learns. Posse non peccare. Able not to sin.
I am struck by the way they have chosen lives that completely disregard the plan of God and that they so clearly suffer the consequences of life outside His provision. Repeatedly. They speak frequently about the pain they bring, yet they remain dedicated to these same afflicted behaviors. It is a beautifully disturbing view of original sin and the fallen state of man. They continue in the same pattern of sin and disregard for God because they are unable to do otherwise. The unregenerate, un-redeemed human is unable to climb out of the pattern. They see the pain. They recognize the consequences. They fail to change. They are trapped. Non posse non peccare. Not able not to sin.
But the writer adds an incredible irony--these same fallen and pitiful creatures devote their lives to the removal of physical pain and affliction. They are doctors, but more importantly they are surgeons and save human life on a daily basis. In a physical sense, they bring salvation, redemption to human bodies. Yet they themselves remain condemned, unregenerate, unable to lift themselves from spiritual bondage as they deliver others from physical bondage. There is one exception, and I wonder at the coincidence that her faith was established in early episodes. She is as frail and subject to failure as the others. But unlike them, she learns. Posse non peccare. Able not to sin.
Monday, October 02, 2006
An Amish Nocturne
Peter Berger calls it a signal of transcendence--an experience in this physical reality that hints that surely something more is out there. He names five: order, hope, play, humor and one other that seems to strike a chord today--damnation.
There are certain actions among humans that seem to demand more than mere justice can provide. Crimes that beg for a punishment greater than we can deliver. Crimes that make us long for a greater justice.
I know, that makes for a lousy theology of Hell and it implies that I am somehow less of a disappointment to God than a man who murders little Amish girls, but days like this at least clarify what Berger meant. That he chose girls is unfathomable. That he bound them and executed them with a 12 gauge is difficult even to type. That he is the third school shooting in a week weakens my resolve. That he took his own life and bypassed a trial is hollow and unsettling.
When we were children, we drilled for an atomic war. We would all joke of the lunacy of sitting beneath a desk to be safe right after we had seen video footage of exactly what a blast would do to us. But there was never a war. We feared it, but it never came.
For our children, life is so very different. They drill for lockdowns. Teachers know how to evacuate a room in secrecy. Administrator speak in code to avoid panic. They know what to do when the first gunshot is heard. And they use it. They used it in Colorado last week. They used in Wisconsin. I'm not so sure about Pennsylvania. This community of pacifists didn't have a lockdown drill in place....
It is quite sobering to consider what our students must feel when they walk into a building that seemed so safe when we were young. It affects the way I teach, or at least, it will.
God told Habbakkuk that it is in mercy that He withholds judgment, for if He so moves, He will judge all, not only those whom we would choose. But there are days when Habakkuk's request is hard not to utter. "How long, O Lord...."
There are certain actions among humans that seem to demand more than mere justice can provide. Crimes that beg for a punishment greater than we can deliver. Crimes that make us long for a greater justice.
I know, that makes for a lousy theology of Hell and it implies that I am somehow less of a disappointment to God than a man who murders little Amish girls, but days like this at least clarify what Berger meant. That he chose girls is unfathomable. That he bound them and executed them with a 12 gauge is difficult even to type. That he is the third school shooting in a week weakens my resolve. That he took his own life and bypassed a trial is hollow and unsettling.
When we were children, we drilled for an atomic war. We would all joke of the lunacy of sitting beneath a desk to be safe right after we had seen video footage of exactly what a blast would do to us. But there was never a war. We feared it, but it never came.
For our children, life is so very different. They drill for lockdowns. Teachers know how to evacuate a room in secrecy. Administrator speak in code to avoid panic. They know what to do when the first gunshot is heard. And they use it. They used it in Colorado last week. They used in Wisconsin. I'm not so sure about Pennsylvania. This community of pacifists didn't have a lockdown drill in place....
It is quite sobering to consider what our students must feel when they walk into a building that seemed so safe when we were young. It affects the way I teach, or at least, it will.
God told Habbakkuk that it is in mercy that He withholds judgment, for if He so moves, He will judge all, not only those whom we would choose. But there are days when Habakkuk's request is hard not to utter. "How long, O Lord...."
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Dragonflies
It seems events of late have swamped my blogtime! My apologies to all of you have built up (unread) in my Bloglines account, but I'm beat. But it's good.
We've been a bit busy since we got here, but the addition of Greek last year certainly changed things! Now that I'm third semester, I honestly put in about four hours of homework for each class (and that's without continuing to memorize so I can pass the proficiency test). So, you might ask, "Is it really worth it?" I ask the same thing on a weekly basis, especially when I'm trying to do a good job at work and at home, but the answer is, "Yes." For those of you who have read the Tolkien trilogy, it's the difference between seeing the movies and reading the books. The movies are great, but there's a level of understanding you get from the book that you just can't match with film. Most people don't need it, but it's great to have a book-reading friend around when the movie gets confusing, especially the first time you see it. That's Greek--it's great to have someone around who can fill us in when the confusing stuff comes up or add the insight that reveals the beauty and mastery of the Word.
Truth is, I'm developing a kind of discipline that I've needed for years and it pays off in other ways. I'm thoroughly enjoying teaching with Wildlife (and, believe it or not, Greek helps; it's amazing the confidence that school builds). I'm enjoying our new Pruitt Saturday Sabbaths (I stayed up till 4 to keep a promise to do no work or school today and it was totally worth it). And... I'm enjoying coaching the Dragonflies! That's right, we just can't keep away from coaching one of the girls! Soccer with three players makes our schedule a bit tough, but the time in the community and the chance to cheer for our daughters make it all worth it (tough is just part of the package for a few more years). Today's game was excellent--it is amazing when you can see 4-year-olds responding to practice and coaching. Today we stopped the ball and turned it around. We've been working on that one skill for two weeks and today they all did it.
It seems I'm learning that I love the chance to teach. Period. 4-year-olds. Junior High. You name it. But most of all, I like to see it work.
We've been a bit busy since we got here, but the addition of Greek last year certainly changed things! Now that I'm third semester, I honestly put in about four hours of homework for each class (and that's without continuing to memorize so I can pass the proficiency test). So, you might ask, "Is it really worth it?" I ask the same thing on a weekly basis, especially when I'm trying to do a good job at work and at home, but the answer is, "Yes." For those of you who have read the Tolkien trilogy, it's the difference between seeing the movies and reading the books. The movies are great, but there's a level of understanding you get from the book that you just can't match with film. Most people don't need it, but it's great to have a book-reading friend around when the movie gets confusing, especially the first time you see it. That's Greek--it's great to have someone around who can fill us in when the confusing stuff comes up or add the insight that reveals the beauty and mastery of the Word.
Truth is, I'm developing a kind of discipline that I've needed for years and it pays off in other ways. I'm thoroughly enjoying teaching with Wildlife (and, believe it or not, Greek helps; it's amazing the confidence that school builds). I'm enjoying our new Pruitt Saturday Sabbaths (I stayed up till 4 to keep a promise to do no work or school today and it was totally worth it). And... I'm enjoying coaching the Dragonflies! That's right, we just can't keep away from coaching one of the girls! Soccer with three players makes our schedule a bit tough, but the time in the community and the chance to cheer for our daughters make it all worth it (tough is just part of the package for a few more years). Today's game was excellent--it is amazing when you can see 4-year-olds responding to practice and coaching. Today we stopped the ball and turned it around. We've been working on that one skill for two weeks and today they all did it.
It seems I'm learning that I love the chance to teach. Period. 4-year-olds. Junior High. You name it. But most of all, I like to see it work.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Agent of Change
We weren't in the same business, really, but I only pray to be as effective as he was. All of us felt like we knew him and he did something for the world that those of us in ministry long for--he changed it. It wasn't spiritual. It wasn't eternal. But the way we all think about crocodiles and snakes has been altered and it is solely because of his passion and commitment.
We pray that God works through us as we teach, and sometimes He does. But it is inspiring nonetheless to see his influence and wonder what God could do when we become as passionate for people as Steve Irwin was for reptiles.
I'll miss him.
We pray that God works through us as we teach, and sometimes He does. But it is inspiring nonetheless to see his influence and wonder what God could do when we become as passionate for people as Steve Irwin was for reptiles.
I'll miss him.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Obsession
Preaching at Bent Tree often invites some wonderful and challenging conversations. Last week, I met with an alcoholic friend (13 years dry) to follow up some thoughts on idolatry from the Gideon message. As it happens, people in recovery often speak of addictions like obsessions and she wondered if obsession and idolatry were really so different and if the Bible had more to say here. We looked at Peter's mention of mastery in 2 Peter 2.19 and Paul's equivocation of greed and idolatry in Colossians 3.5, but then she added something really intriguing: her first sponsor many years ago said that if you're thinking about it before bed and if it's the first thing you think of in the morning, then it's an obsession, whatever it is. That covers drugs, porn, people and even depression.
We turned to Deuteronomy 6.
These words were pretty important. They even have their own name--like the way we name the Golden Rule. They're called the Shema and are still considered the most important prayer in Judaism. Jesus affirmed as much in Matthew 22.37. Look closely at verse 7: When you lie down and when you get up.
That sounds like obsession to me. Perhaps the Shema is God saying, "You are designed for obsession, and here it is. Me. You are to be obsessed with me. I alone am God. All else is idolatry. Love me with the entirety of your soul."
I get to preach again on New Year's Eve (I've had to say no to any dates beyond that for now). I'm really tempted to teach on the Shema. If I do, I want to spend some time studying this idea. If it's true, I'm betting all of our recovery folks would relate. Actually, I'm betting all the sinners would relate. What's your obsession?
P.S.
1-The Noah and Gideon messages are up and linked on the right.
2-One of our elders has a friend who struggled with depression and another who still is. We met for lunch last week and had a great talk about depression and a lot of other things (like authenticity and the church). Anyway, it got me wondering if depression is really so different. In the end, depression is very selfish and a way of self-medicating just like alcohol or pills or porn, but controlling it is a bit more nefarious. In one regard, it's an obsession. In another regard, it is a disease. Depression differs in that it was often never invited and yet those who struggle with it sometimes nurse it because it takes you to a place that is strangely comforting although despairing. It is repulsive yet one cannot leave until released.
We turned to Deuteronomy 6.
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
These words were pretty important. They even have their own name--like the way we name the Golden Rule. They're called the Shema and are still considered the most important prayer in Judaism. Jesus affirmed as much in Matthew 22.37. Look closely at verse 7: When you lie down and when you get up.
That sounds like obsession to me. Perhaps the Shema is God saying, "You are designed for obsession, and here it is. Me. You are to be obsessed with me. I alone am God. All else is idolatry. Love me with the entirety of your soul."
I get to preach again on New Year's Eve (I've had to say no to any dates beyond that for now). I'm really tempted to teach on the Shema. If I do, I want to spend some time studying this idea. If it's true, I'm betting all of our recovery folks would relate. Actually, I'm betting all the sinners would relate. What's your obsession?
P.S.
1-The Noah and Gideon messages are up and linked on the right.
2-One of our elders has a friend who struggled with depression and another who still is. We met for lunch last week and had a great talk about depression and a lot of other things (like authenticity and the church). Anyway, it got me wondering if depression is really so different. In the end, depression is very selfish and a way of self-medicating just like alcohol or pills or porn, but controlling it is a bit more nefarious. In one regard, it's an obsession. In another regard, it is a disease. Depression differs in that it was often never invited and yet those who struggle with it sometimes nurse it because it takes you to a place that is strangely comforting although despairing. It is repulsive yet one cannot leave until released.
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