Dearly beloved friends,
If you hear nothing else from me this Christmas, please read this reflection by my good friend which I received by way of his Christmas letter. It is really worth a read. Please give it your eyeballs for two minutes:
"From the Underside"
And have a merry Christmas, and a happy new year.
Love,
Scott
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thinking on the Blessed THEOTOKOS
For Robert Stewart
As we enter Advent, we will meditate on the mystery of our Lord Jesus' birth from the blessed virgin Mary. During the 3rd and 4th centuries when the doctrine of the Holy Trinity was coming to its fullness, it became an element of common devotion for some orthodox Christians to call Mary "theotokos" - Greek for "God bearer" or "one who gives birth to God". They were more than happy to call Mary "mother of God" because they believed that the Lord Jesus Christ was the divine son of God in our flesh; the blessed virgin not only bore the savior of the world, she bore divinity in humanity.
This week I came upon an interesting commentary by John Piper (emphasis mine):
“Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” a woman cried out to Jesus. And he turned and said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:27). The mother of God is the obedient Christian—married or single! Take a deep breath and reorder your world. (By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org)
I do not want to offend my fellow Christians who have a high esteem of the blessed virgin, for I think they are right in calling her blessed. (See Mary's Song, more traditionally known in the west as Magnificat, esp. @ Luke 1:48. In an advent sermon last year, Dr. Steve Lennox said he considered it the obligation of all Christians to call the virgin Mary blessed.) However, it seems to me that if we are to take Jesus seriously, the virgin mary is no more blessed than anyone who obeys Jesus - "those who hear the word of God and keep it." To rephrase, those who keep God's message from the lips and life of Christ are just as, or perhaps even more blessed than the virgin Mary (noting Jesus' use of the word "rather").
It would be common for many of us to be sanctimoniously sentimental in our reverance for Jesus' nativity this Christmas. But if our devotion has nice thoughts for the holy family and no thought for Christ's teachings, we are of all people most to be pitied: outside of blessedness, according to Jesus. In Luke 11:27 Jesus tells us that he did not come so that his birth would be remembered fondly once a year, but so that we would obey his teaching and be born from above. Jesus cannot save us if we will not obey God's word through him. If we want the blessedness of Christmas to last year round, the solution is to obey Jesus always.
God's word to Mary was that she, a virgin, would bear the son of the most high God, who would receive an eternal kingdom. She assented, saying, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said," and so was blessed. When we kiss the feet of that same son Jesus, and agree to serve him by obeying his word, we will be blessed as well. "The mother of God is the obedient Christian." Or, the obedient Christian is more blessed than the mother of God.
So perhaps this Christmas, after (or before) we read the nativity story from Luke's gospel, we would not count ourselves blessed until we read and seek obedience to the words of Jesus that fill the rest of the gospel and bring us the salvation that was so enigmatically lauded by angelic hosts two milennia ago in a town called Bethlehem.
As we enter Advent, we will meditate on the mystery of our Lord Jesus' birth from the blessed virgin Mary. During the 3rd and 4th centuries when the doctrine of the Holy Trinity was coming to its fullness, it became an element of common devotion for some orthodox Christians to call Mary "theotokos" - Greek for "God bearer" or "one who gives birth to God". They were more than happy to call Mary "mother of God" because they believed that the Lord Jesus Christ was the divine son of God in our flesh; the blessed virgin not only bore the savior of the world, she bore divinity in humanity.
This week I came upon an interesting commentary by John Piper (emphasis mine):
“Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” a woman cried out to Jesus. And he turned and said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:27). The mother of God is the obedient Christian—married or single! Take a deep breath and reorder your world. (By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org)
I do not want to offend my fellow Christians who have a high esteem of the blessed virgin, for I think they are right in calling her blessed. (See Mary's Song, more traditionally known in the west as Magnificat, esp. @ Luke 1:48. In an advent sermon last year, Dr. Steve Lennox said he considered it the obligation of all Christians to call the virgin Mary blessed.) However, it seems to me that if we are to take Jesus seriously, the virgin mary is no more blessed than anyone who obeys Jesus - "those who hear the word of God and keep it." To rephrase, those who keep God's message from the lips and life of Christ are just as, or perhaps even more blessed than the virgin Mary (noting Jesus' use of the word "rather").
It would be common for many of us to be sanctimoniously sentimental in our reverance for Jesus' nativity this Christmas. But if our devotion has nice thoughts for the holy family and no thought for Christ's teachings, we are of all people most to be pitied: outside of blessedness, according to Jesus. In Luke 11:27 Jesus tells us that he did not come so that his birth would be remembered fondly once a year, but so that we would obey his teaching and be born from above. Jesus cannot save us if we will not obey God's word through him. If we want the blessedness of Christmas to last year round, the solution is to obey Jesus always.
God's word to Mary was that she, a virgin, would bear the son of the most high God, who would receive an eternal kingdom. She assented, saying, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said," and so was blessed. When we kiss the feet of that same son Jesus, and agree to serve him by obeying his word, we will be blessed as well. "The mother of God is the obedient Christian." Or, the obedient Christian is more blessed than the mother of God.
So perhaps this Christmas, after (or before) we read the nativity story from Luke's gospel, we would not count ourselves blessed until we read and seek obedience to the words of Jesus that fill the rest of the gospel and bring us the salvation that was so enigmatically lauded by angelic hosts two milennia ago in a town called Bethlehem.
Friday, November 02, 2007
"Midnight Station" (a haiku)
Hair, stand on end o'er
chilled flesh in fluorescent plight,
awaiting nigh flight.
(Copyright Scott Hendricks 2006)
chilled flesh in fluorescent plight,
awaiting nigh flight.
(Copyright Scott Hendricks 2006)
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Powerlessness and Pedestrianism
This summer while at home in Kalamazoo, MI, I tried to avoid driving a car as often as possible. For me this meant that I rode my bike quite a bit, and walked on several occasions. Why?
There are several advantages to walking or biking:
1) You don't pollute your local air with exhaust from an automobile that runs on gasoline.
2) The exercise is excellent overall for your health.
3) You are more in touch with your surroundings. You take better notice of whatever you pass and get a sense that "this is your town," instead of just the insignificant route to your destination.
4) You breathe fresh (well, sometimes) air.
5) You realize that your legs are good for something, and very useful!
One excursion this summer, however, proved to be very enlightening for me.
I had an eye appointment 2.4 miles from my house, and I decided to take the bus. It was necessary to walk a short distance from my house to the bus stop at which I boarded, and from the bus stop at which I got off to the eye doctor's office. The majority of my route was along the busiest, most commercial road in Kalamazoo and Portage (Westnedge Avenue). Thus, I walked beside 4 lanes of 35mph traffic - the first reminder of my powerlessness. Almost everybody else on the road was going 31mph faster than I, so they would get to their destinations sooner than I. If one of them for any reason had turned the wheel a bit too far in my direction, I would have been toast; they had more momentum than I.
The bus stop was farther from my house than I had imagined, so once I realized this I hussled to make it their on time. Second reminder of my powerlessness - I could miss the bus, and (if there were not a drivable vehicle in my nearby driveway) easily be late for my appointment.
As I neared my destination, and especially as I got off the bus, it occured to me how far away I was from home (in terms of both distance and time). [Okay, in reality 2.4 miles is not that far; but I didn't know the distance at the time (it felt like 4 miles), and the scenery (commercial highway) was very different from that of my neighborhood.] What if something bad happened to me? What if (for some reason) I "needed" to get home immediately? My third reminder of powerlessness - there was no "immediately." I could not drive myself anywhere quickly if desired or necessary. Since I had a cell phone with me, I suppose I could have called home if I had to. But what if I were without a phone? I would just have to wait for the bus to come, or start walking homeward.
As I rode the bus, I recognized none of my fellow passengers, and tried to delight in watching them interact with one another. But a twisted voice within me asked, "Why are you riding the bus? You don't have to. You can afford to drive a car; you deserve to." I tried to reason against this voice: "No, I cannot afford to drive a car, and driving a car does not make me a better human being. As an asset it only gets me places farther and faster, carrying more, making my life easier and more comfortable. But it does not make my life any richer. As a liability it only costs me bundles of money, puts me at a greater risk of participation in an auto accident, increases my contribution to local pollution, and fosters a false sense of power, self-confidence, wealth and freedom." And so in a fourth and final sense I realized that my current inability to afford a car of my own gave me a sense of powerlessness.
My point is this: I wonder if always driving an automobile to get to our destinations does not give us unnecessary power, and rob us of a humble sense of our own humanity. When we walk, we cannot traverse great distances in a short amount of time; we cannot move lots of people or weight at the press of a pedal and at the cost of clean air; we cannot keep ourselves insulated from the world around us to be ignored. Rather, when we walk we are reminded of what it is to be without power and advantage; we are reminded of one way in which most humans are alike - that God has given us two legs with which to walk, to go only so fast, and to take up only so much space on this earth for so little time.
I don't hate automobiles - to a certain extent they are necessary and helpful. But as Americans we will consume oil until it runs out, and we have filled our atmosphere with more carbon dioxide than ever before. We can get to more places faster, but we have forgotten how to enjoy the outdoors, our communities, a walk around the neighborhood, and our neighbors.
As for me, I'm waiting to be convinced that I need an automobile. As for you and me, let's be human and go for a walk.
Any thoughts?
- Have you ever felt powerless without an automobile or some other modern convenience?
- How does technology influence your life for good or bad?
- When was the last time you were reminded of your humanness?
There are several advantages to walking or biking:
1) You don't pollute your local air with exhaust from an automobile that runs on gasoline.
2) The exercise is excellent overall for your health.
3) You are more in touch with your surroundings. You take better notice of whatever you pass and get a sense that "this is your town," instead of just the insignificant route to your destination.
4) You breathe fresh (well, sometimes) air.
5) You realize that your legs are good for something, and very useful!
One excursion this summer, however, proved to be very enlightening for me.
I had an eye appointment 2.4 miles from my house, and I decided to take the bus. It was necessary to walk a short distance from my house to the bus stop at which I boarded, and from the bus stop at which I got off to the eye doctor's office. The majority of my route was along the busiest, most commercial road in Kalamazoo and Portage (Westnedge Avenue). Thus, I walked beside 4 lanes of 35mph traffic - the first reminder of my powerlessness. Almost everybody else on the road was going 31mph faster than I, so they would get to their destinations sooner than I. If one of them for any reason had turned the wheel a bit too far in my direction, I would have been toast; they had more momentum than I.
The bus stop was farther from my house than I had imagined, so once I realized this I hussled to make it their on time. Second reminder of my powerlessness - I could miss the bus, and (if there were not a drivable vehicle in my nearby driveway) easily be late for my appointment.
As I neared my destination, and especially as I got off the bus, it occured to me how far away I was from home (in terms of both distance and time). [Okay, in reality 2.4 miles is not that far; but I didn't know the distance at the time (it felt like 4 miles), and the scenery (commercial highway) was very different from that of my neighborhood.] What if something bad happened to me? What if (for some reason) I "needed" to get home immediately? My third reminder of powerlessness - there was no "immediately." I could not drive myself anywhere quickly if desired or necessary. Since I had a cell phone with me, I suppose I could have called home if I had to. But what if I were without a phone? I would just have to wait for the bus to come, or start walking homeward.
As I rode the bus, I recognized none of my fellow passengers, and tried to delight in watching them interact with one another. But a twisted voice within me asked, "Why are you riding the bus? You don't have to. You can afford to drive a car; you deserve to." I tried to reason against this voice: "No, I cannot afford to drive a car, and driving a car does not make me a better human being. As an asset it only gets me places farther and faster, carrying more, making my life easier and more comfortable. But it does not make my life any richer. As a liability it only costs me bundles of money, puts me at a greater risk of participation in an auto accident, increases my contribution to local pollution, and fosters a false sense of power, self-confidence, wealth and freedom." And so in a fourth and final sense I realized that my current inability to afford a car of my own gave me a sense of powerlessness.
My point is this: I wonder if always driving an automobile to get to our destinations does not give us unnecessary power, and rob us of a humble sense of our own humanity. When we walk, we cannot traverse great distances in a short amount of time; we cannot move lots of people or weight at the press of a pedal and at the cost of clean air; we cannot keep ourselves insulated from the world around us to be ignored. Rather, when we walk we are reminded of what it is to be without power and advantage; we are reminded of one way in which most humans are alike - that God has given us two legs with which to walk, to go only so fast, and to take up only so much space on this earth for so little time.
I don't hate automobiles - to a certain extent they are necessary and helpful. But as Americans we will consume oil until it runs out, and we have filled our atmosphere with more carbon dioxide than ever before. We can get to more places faster, but we have forgotten how to enjoy the outdoors, our communities, a walk around the neighborhood, and our neighbors.
As for me, I'm waiting to be convinced that I need an automobile. As for you and me, let's be human and go for a walk.
Any thoughts?
- Have you ever felt powerless without an automobile or some other modern convenience?
- How does technology influence your life for good or bad?
- When was the last time you were reminded of your humanness?
Environmentally friendly link: A Thada
Friends,
If you are interested in things ecological, in reducing how much you negatively influence your environment,
I highly recommend these very practical suggestions from my good friend A. Thada.
If you are interested in things ecological, in reducing how much you negatively influence your environment,
I highly recommend these very practical suggestions from my good friend A. Thada.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Sunday, October 07, 2007
If I get a job with the university food services . . .
. . . I feel I am really going to love wiping off tables, picking up trash, and keeping the food court tidy - chairs, tables and . . . well, I guess that's all there is: chairs and tables; although there are also living trees with falling leaves, so maybe I'll be gathering those up too.
I'm serious.
. . . or maybe I'll just like it.
I'll keep you posted.
I'm serious.
. . . or maybe I'll just like it.
I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Miscellaneous Thoughts
I truly hope most of you enjoy just as much these posts with disconnected thoughts as long ones with elaborate meditations.
Life is boring, so I should try to invigorate it. I need to exercise, among other things.
Growing up is hard to do.
I will be applying for a part-time job this coming week: hopefully keeping the food court clean during dinner time - an appropriate job for someone who loves cleanliness and order and despises mess (although neither my mom nor my roommate would know this, judging by how I keep my room).
I am (for the most part) enjoying life without a cell phone. However, the down side is: since I rarely talk on the phone, I am no longer very good at it. I guess I need more practice. But talking face to face is much preferred.
I AM doing relatively BETTER in school this semester compared to last. Thank you so much to all of you who are praying for me; I appreciate your continued prayers as I continue to strive to improve my success.
Tonight I'm going to dinner with a jazz quartet in concert led by Ron Jones. It should be absolutely delightful. I'll be wearing my new suit for the first time.
Nothing really more to write, except: GET WELL, Chelby. We're sorry your sick. May God grant you strength, peace and wholeness.
Until later, Peace to you.
Life is boring, so I should try to invigorate it. I need to exercise, among other things.
Growing up is hard to do.
I will be applying for a part-time job this coming week: hopefully keeping the food court clean during dinner time - an appropriate job for someone who loves cleanliness and order and despises mess (although neither my mom nor my roommate would know this, judging by how I keep my room).
I am (for the most part) enjoying life without a cell phone. However, the down side is: since I rarely talk on the phone, I am no longer very good at it. I guess I need more practice. But talking face to face is much preferred.
I AM doing relatively BETTER in school this semester compared to last. Thank you so much to all of you who are praying for me; I appreciate your continued prayers as I continue to strive to improve my success.
Tonight I'm going to dinner with a jazz quartet in concert led by Ron Jones. It should be absolutely delightful. I'll be wearing my new suit for the first time.
Nothing really more to write, except: GET WELL, Chelby. We're sorry your sick. May God grant you strength, peace and wholeness.
Until later, Peace to you.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Favorite verses from Sirach
Well, friends: School is school, friends are friends, life is life, and God is good [it so happens that 'God' and 'good' have a linguistic connection in the history of English; go figure]. I am still learning to adjust to life; or how to live it.
I recently read the book of Sirach, which is an "apocryphal" text not in the Protestant canon. It contains the wise sayings of a Jew named Joshua [or Jesus, in Greek], son of Eleazar son of Sirach. My text introduction says that it was composed by this Joshua sometime before 180 B.C. The Greek traslation includes a prologue telling us that the author's grandson translated it from Hebrew into Greek. This piece of literature was written during the period of time between the Old and New Testaments of the Christian Scriptures.
I thought it would be fun to share with you the many verses I found interesting, wise, or startling. Please realize I do not agree with all of these, and none of them has the inspired authority that Old and New Testament do for Christians. You may find, however, that these proverbs sound similar to, and cover the same subjects as those found in the book of Proverbs.
_________________________
6:6 Let those who are friendly with you be many, but let your advisors be one in a thousand.
6:36 If you see an intelligent person, rise up early to visit him; let your foot wear out his doorstep.
7:14 Do not babble in the assembly of the elders, and do not repeat yourself when you pray.
7:15 Do not hate hard labor or farm work, which was created by the Most High.
7:17 (Hebrew) Humble yourself to the utmost, for the expectation of mortals is worms.
7:17 (Greek) Humble yourself to the utmost, for the punishment of the ungodly is fire and worms.
8:7 Do not rejoice over anyone's death; remember that we must all die.
9:8 Turn away your eyes from a shapely woman, and do not gaze at beauty belonging to another; many have been seduced by a woman's beauty, and by it passion is kindled like a fire.
9:10 Do not abandon old friends, for new ones cannot equal them. A new friend is like new wine; when it has aged, you can drink it with pleasure.
10:4 The government of the earth is in the hand of the Lord, and over it he will raise up the right leader for the time.
10:9 How can dust and ashes be proud? Even in life the human body decays.
10:12 The beginning of human pride is to forsake the Lord; the heart has withdrawn from its Maker.
10:18 Pride was not created for human beings, or violent anger for those born of women.
11:7 Do not find fault before you investigate; examine first, and then criticize.
11:8 Do not answer before you listen, and do not interrupt when another is speaking.
11:9 Do not argue about a matter that does not concern you, and do not sit with sinners when they judge a case.
11:10 My child, do not busy yourself with many matters; if you multiply activities, you will not be held blameless.
11:14 Good things and bad, life and death, poverty and wealth, come from the Lord.
11:20 Stand by your agreement and attend to it, and grow old in your work.
11:29 Do not invite everyone into your home, for many are the tricks of the crafty.
11:34 Receive strangers into your home and they will stir up trouble for you, and will make you a stranger to your own family.
13:1 Whoever touches pitch gets dirty, and whoever associates with a proud person becomes like him.
15:17 Before each person are life and death, and whichever one chooses will be given.
19:24 Better are the God-fearing who lack understanding than the highly intelligent who transgress the law.
19:29 A person is known by his appearance, and a sensible person is known when first met, face to face.
19:30 A person's attire and hearty laughter, and the way he walks, show what he is.
20:8 Whoever talks too much is detested, and whoever pretends to authority is hated. [For example, Michael Scott, insolent and inane manager on NBC hit series THE OFFICE]
20:13 The wise make themselves beloved by only a few words, but the courtesies of fools are wasted.
20:18 A slip on the pavement is better than a slip of the tongue.
20:30-31 Hidden wisdom and unseen treasure, of what value is either? Better are those who hide their folly than those who hide their wisdom.
21:26 The mind of fools is in their mouth, but the mouth of the wise is in their mind.
22:14-15 What is heavier than lead? And what is its name except "Fool"? Sand, salt, and a piece of iron are easier to bear than a stupid person.
27:2 As a stake is driven firmly into a fissure between two stones, so sin is wedged in between selling and buying.
27:11 The conversation of the godly is always wise, but the fool changes like the moon.
28:2 Forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done, and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray.
28:7 Remember the commandments, and do not be angry with your neighbor; remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook faults.
28:22 [The tongue] has no power over the godly; they will not be burned in its flame.
28:24-25 As you fence in your property with thorns, as you lock up your silver and gold, so make balances and scales for your words, so make a door and a bolt for your mouth.
29:8-10 Nevertheless, be patient with someone in humble circumstances, and do not keep him waiting for your alms. Help the poor for the commandment's sake, and in their need do not send them away empty-handed. Lose your silver for the sake of a brother or friend, and do not let it rust under a stone and be lost.
30:9-10 Pamper a child, and he will terrorize you; play with him, and he will grieve you. Do not laugh with him, or you will have sorrow with him, and in the end you will gnash your teeth.
30:11-13 Give him no freedom in his youth, and do not ignore his errors. Bow down his neck in his youth, and beat his sides while he is young, or else he will become stubborn and disobey you, and you will have sorrow of soul from him. Discipline your son and make his yoke heavy, so that you may not be offended by his shamelessness. [ I wonder if vv.11-13 make use of an analogy to oxen: "errors=wanderings", "bow down his neck", "beat his sides . . . or he will become stubborn", "make his yoke heavy".]
30:14-17 Better off poor, healthy, and fit than rich and afflicted in body. Health and fitness are better than gold, and a robust body than countless riches. There is no wealth better than health of body, and no gladness above joy of heart. Death is better than a life of misery, and eternal sleep than chronic sickness.
30:21-24 Do not give yourself over to sorrow, and do not distress yourself deliberately. A joyful heart is life itself, and rejoicing lengthens one's life span. Indulge yourself and take comfort, and remove sorrow far from you, for sorrow has destroyed many, and no advantage ever comes from it. Jealousy and anger shorten life, and anxiety brings on premature old age.
31:5 One who loves gold will not be justified; one who pursues money will be led astray by it.
31:19-30 How ample a little is for a well-disciplined person! He does not breathe heavily when in bed. Healthy sleep depends on moderate eating; he rises early, and feels fit. The distress of sleeplessness and of nausea and colic are with the glutton. If you are overstuffed with food, get up to vomit, and you will have relief. Listen to me, my child, and do not disregard me, and in the end you will appreciate my words. In everything you do be moderate, and no sickness will overtake you. People bless the one who is liberal with food, and their testimony to his generosity is trustworthy. The city complains of the one who is stingy with food, and their testimony to his stinginess is accurate.
[now for some non-Wesleyan-friendly verses . . .]
Do not try to prove your strength by wine-drinking, for wine has destroyed many. As the furnace tests the work of the smith, so wine tests the hearts when the insolent quarrel. Wine is very life to human beings if taken in moderation. What is life to one who is without wine? It has been created to make people happy. Wine drunk at the proper time and in moderation is rejoicing of heart and gladness of soul. Wine drunk to excess leads to bitterness of spirit, to quarrels and stumbling. Drunkenness increases the anger of a fool to his own hurt, reducing his strength and adding wounds.
32:7 [At dinner . . .] Speak, you who are young, if you are obliged to, but no more than twice, and only if asked. Be brief; say much in few words; be as one who knows and can still hold his tongue. Among the great do not act as their equal; and when another is speaking, do not babble.
32:10 Lightning travels ahead of the thunder, and approval goes before one who is modest.
32:11 Leave in good time and do not be the last; go home quickly and do not linger.
32:18 A sensible person will not overlook a thoughtful suggestion; an insolent and proud person will not be deterred by fear.
33:5 The heart of a fool is like a cart wheel, and his thoughts like a turning axle.
33:10-13 All human beings come from the ground, and humankind was created out of the dust. In the fullness of his knowledge the Lord distinguished them and appointed their different ways. Some he blessed and exalted, and some he made holy and brought near to himself; but some he cursed and brought low, and turned them out of their place. Like clay in the hand of the potter, to be molded as he pleases, so all are in the hand of their Maker, to be given whatever he decides.
36:28 If kindness and humility mark her speech, her husband is more fortunate than other men.
37:13-15 And heed the cousel of your own heart, for no one is more faithful to you than it is. For our own mind sometimes keeps us better informed than seven sentinels sitting high on a watchtower. But above all pray to the Most High that he may direct your way in truth.
37:27-28 My child, test yourself while you live; see what is bad for you and do not give in to it. For not everything is good for everyone, and no one enjoys everything.
37:29 Do not be greedy for every delicacy, and do not eat without restraint . . .
38:15 He who sins against his Maker, will be defiant toward the physician.
38:24 The wisdom of the scribe depends on the opportunity for leisure; only the one who has little business can become wise.
39:17 No one can say, 'What is this?' or 'Why is that?' - for at the appointed time all such questions will be answered.
39:33-34 All the works of the Lord are good, and he will supply every need in its time. No one can say, "This is not as good as that," for everything proves good in its appointed time.
I recently read the book of Sirach, which is an "apocryphal" text not in the Protestant canon. It contains the wise sayings of a Jew named Joshua [or Jesus, in Greek], son of Eleazar son of Sirach. My text introduction says that it was composed by this Joshua sometime before 180 B.C. The Greek traslation includes a prologue telling us that the author's grandson translated it from Hebrew into Greek. This piece of literature was written during the period of time between the Old and New Testaments of the Christian Scriptures.
I thought it would be fun to share with you the many verses I found interesting, wise, or startling. Please realize I do not agree with all of these, and none of them has the inspired authority that Old and New Testament do for Christians. You may find, however, that these proverbs sound similar to, and cover the same subjects as those found in the book of Proverbs.
_________________________
6:6 Let those who are friendly with you be many, but let your advisors be one in a thousand.
6:36 If you see an intelligent person, rise up early to visit him; let your foot wear out his doorstep.
7:14 Do not babble in the assembly of the elders, and do not repeat yourself when you pray.
7:15 Do not hate hard labor or farm work, which was created by the Most High.
7:17 (Hebrew) Humble yourself to the utmost, for the expectation of mortals is worms.
7:17 (Greek) Humble yourself to the utmost, for the punishment of the ungodly is fire and worms.
8:7 Do not rejoice over anyone's death; remember that we must all die.
9:8 Turn away your eyes from a shapely woman, and do not gaze at beauty belonging to another; many have been seduced by a woman's beauty, and by it passion is kindled like a fire.
9:10 Do not abandon old friends, for new ones cannot equal them. A new friend is like new wine; when it has aged, you can drink it with pleasure.
10:4 The government of the earth is in the hand of the Lord, and over it he will raise up the right leader for the time.
10:9 How can dust and ashes be proud? Even in life the human body decays.
10:12 The beginning of human pride is to forsake the Lord; the heart has withdrawn from its Maker.
10:18 Pride was not created for human beings, or violent anger for those born of women.
11:7 Do not find fault before you investigate; examine first, and then criticize.
11:8 Do not answer before you listen, and do not interrupt when another is speaking.
11:9 Do not argue about a matter that does not concern you, and do not sit with sinners when they judge a case.
11:10 My child, do not busy yourself with many matters; if you multiply activities, you will not be held blameless.
11:14 Good things and bad, life and death, poverty and wealth, come from the Lord.
11:20 Stand by your agreement and attend to it, and grow old in your work.
11:29 Do not invite everyone into your home, for many are the tricks of the crafty.
11:34 Receive strangers into your home and they will stir up trouble for you, and will make you a stranger to your own family.
13:1 Whoever touches pitch gets dirty, and whoever associates with a proud person becomes like him.
15:17 Before each person are life and death, and whichever one chooses will be given.
19:24 Better are the God-fearing who lack understanding than the highly intelligent who transgress the law.
19:29 A person is known by his appearance, and a sensible person is known when first met, face to face.
19:30 A person's attire and hearty laughter, and the way he walks, show what he is.
20:8 Whoever talks too much is detested, and whoever pretends to authority is hated. [For example, Michael Scott, insolent and inane manager on NBC hit series THE OFFICE]
20:13 The wise make themselves beloved by only a few words, but the courtesies of fools are wasted.
20:18 A slip on the pavement is better than a slip of the tongue.
20:30-31 Hidden wisdom and unseen treasure, of what value is either? Better are those who hide their folly than those who hide their wisdom.
21:26 The mind of fools is in their mouth, but the mouth of the wise is in their mind.
22:14-15 What is heavier than lead? And what is its name except "Fool"? Sand, salt, and a piece of iron are easier to bear than a stupid person.
27:2 As a stake is driven firmly into a fissure between two stones, so sin is wedged in between selling and buying.
27:11 The conversation of the godly is always wise, but the fool changes like the moon.
28:2 Forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done, and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray.
28:7 Remember the commandments, and do not be angry with your neighbor; remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook faults.
28:22 [The tongue] has no power over the godly; they will not be burned in its flame.
28:24-25 As you fence in your property with thorns, as you lock up your silver and gold, so make balances and scales for your words, so make a door and a bolt for your mouth.
29:8-10 Nevertheless, be patient with someone in humble circumstances, and do not keep him waiting for your alms. Help the poor for the commandment's sake, and in their need do not send them away empty-handed. Lose your silver for the sake of a brother or friend, and do not let it rust under a stone and be lost.
30:9-10 Pamper a child, and he will terrorize you; play with him, and he will grieve you. Do not laugh with him, or you will have sorrow with him, and in the end you will gnash your teeth.
30:11-13 Give him no freedom in his youth, and do not ignore his errors. Bow down his neck in his youth, and beat his sides while he is young, or else he will become stubborn and disobey you, and you will have sorrow of soul from him. Discipline your son and make his yoke heavy, so that you may not be offended by his shamelessness. [ I wonder if vv.11-13 make use of an analogy to oxen: "errors=wanderings", "bow down his neck", "beat his sides . . . or he will become stubborn", "make his yoke heavy".]
30:14-17 Better off poor, healthy, and fit than rich and afflicted in body. Health and fitness are better than gold, and a robust body than countless riches. There is no wealth better than health of body, and no gladness above joy of heart. Death is better than a life of misery, and eternal sleep than chronic sickness.
30:21-24 Do not give yourself over to sorrow, and do not distress yourself deliberately. A joyful heart is life itself, and rejoicing lengthens one's life span. Indulge yourself and take comfort, and remove sorrow far from you, for sorrow has destroyed many, and no advantage ever comes from it. Jealousy and anger shorten life, and anxiety brings on premature old age.
31:5 One who loves gold will not be justified; one who pursues money will be led astray by it.
31:19-30 How ample a little is for a well-disciplined person! He does not breathe heavily when in bed. Healthy sleep depends on moderate eating; he rises early, and feels fit. The distress of sleeplessness and of nausea and colic are with the glutton. If you are overstuffed with food, get up to vomit, and you will have relief. Listen to me, my child, and do not disregard me, and in the end you will appreciate my words. In everything you do be moderate, and no sickness will overtake you. People bless the one who is liberal with food, and their testimony to his generosity is trustworthy. The city complains of the one who is stingy with food, and their testimony to his stinginess is accurate.
[now for some non-Wesleyan-friendly verses . . .]
Do not try to prove your strength by wine-drinking, for wine has destroyed many. As the furnace tests the work of the smith, so wine tests the hearts when the insolent quarrel. Wine is very life to human beings if taken in moderation. What is life to one who is without wine? It has been created to make people happy. Wine drunk at the proper time and in moderation is rejoicing of heart and gladness of soul. Wine drunk to excess leads to bitterness of spirit, to quarrels and stumbling. Drunkenness increases the anger of a fool to his own hurt, reducing his strength and adding wounds.
32:7 [At dinner . . .] Speak, you who are young, if you are obliged to, but no more than twice, and only if asked. Be brief; say much in few words; be as one who knows and can still hold his tongue. Among the great do not act as their equal; and when another is speaking, do not babble.
32:10 Lightning travels ahead of the thunder, and approval goes before one who is modest.
32:11 Leave in good time and do not be the last; go home quickly and do not linger.
32:18 A sensible person will not overlook a thoughtful suggestion; an insolent and proud person will not be deterred by fear.
33:5 The heart of a fool is like a cart wheel, and his thoughts like a turning axle.
33:10-13 All human beings come from the ground, and humankind was created out of the dust. In the fullness of his knowledge the Lord distinguished them and appointed their different ways. Some he blessed and exalted, and some he made holy and brought near to himself; but some he cursed and brought low, and turned them out of their place. Like clay in the hand of the potter, to be molded as he pleases, so all are in the hand of their Maker, to be given whatever he decides.
36:28 If kindness and humility mark her speech, her husband is more fortunate than other men.
37:13-15 And heed the cousel of your own heart, for no one is more faithful to you than it is. For our own mind sometimes keeps us better informed than seven sentinels sitting high on a watchtower. But above all pray to the Most High that he may direct your way in truth.
37:27-28 My child, test yourself while you live; see what is bad for you and do not give in to it. For not everything is good for everyone, and no one enjoys everything.
37:29 Do not be greedy for every delicacy, and do not eat without restraint . . .
38:15 He who sins against his Maker, will be defiant toward the physician.
38:24 The wisdom of the scribe depends on the opportunity for leisure; only the one who has little business can become wise.
39:17 No one can say, 'What is this?' or 'Why is that?' - for at the appointed time all such questions will be answered.
39:33-34 All the works of the Lord are good, and he will supply every need in its time. No one can say, "This is not as good as that," for everything proves good in its appointed time.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
In My Residence Hall . . .
In my dorm, Scripture Hall (named after two individuals with that peculiar last name) . . .
There are several areas designated for study. These rooms have tables and chairs, and some of them even have plush armchairs. One of them on the third floor even has a big-screen television. The furniture in these rooms brings to my attention that STUDY LOUNGE is an oxymoron.
In the East Stairwell there lives a cricket. I know this because on occasion I hear it chirp. When I hear this fellow creature rub its fragile legs together, it brings delight to my heart, nearly as well as David's harp did for King Saul. I want all to know that I support the habitation of this cricket in our stair. It's not that I have any moral judgment - negative or positive - about zoos; nor that I wish this cricket would multiply and infest our building. I just enjoy to hear it 'sing' in my building. It's out of place, ironic, humorous and delightful to me. End of story.
There are several areas designated for study. These rooms have tables and chairs, and some of them even have plush armchairs. One of them on the third floor even has a big-screen television. The furniture in these rooms brings to my attention that STUDY LOUNGE is an oxymoron.
In the East Stairwell there lives a cricket. I know this because on occasion I hear it chirp. When I hear this fellow creature rub its fragile legs together, it brings delight to my heart, nearly as well as David's harp did for King Saul. I want all to know that I support the habitation of this cricket in our stair. It's not that I have any moral judgment - negative or positive - about zoos; nor that I wish this cricket would multiply and infest our building. I just enjoy to hear it 'sing' in my building. It's out of place, ironic, humorous and delightful to me. End of story.
Monday, September 03, 2007
I'm at School
Well, friends, I am at school. I still have to completely unpack my boxed belongings, and get my class schedule adjusted, but I am here.
I have already felt better for the past two days than I did for the past three months. So that's an improvement.
I still haven't gotten in touch with all of my friends, but hope to do so by the end of this week.
If I have time this semester in addition to homework, I hope to (perhaps) write on this page about the following subjects:
- Worldviews, the stories we live in to understand our world. I want to reflect on what basic stories I've been told growing up about the world, and how these stories conflict with one another, and how the story I want to believe now conflicts with these.
- I want to write "A Narrative Christian Theology for Everyone." I realize that "for everyone" is a utopian modifier to my title, but I would like to try to write Christian theology that I would want my friends to read, believers and non-believers alike. While I would hope that this would be appropriate for my elders as well, I am unsure as to whether it would be understandable for children. [Maybe Burke and I need to write Childrens' books of narrative Christian theology!]
- On occasion I will try to include my favorite: "Life stories and observations" or "other tales which demand less thought" in addition to my "meditations."
Much love to you all. Peace be with you.
I have already felt better for the past two days than I did for the past three months. So that's an improvement.
I still haven't gotten in touch with all of my friends, but hope to do so by the end of this week.
If I have time this semester in addition to homework, I hope to (perhaps) write on this page about the following subjects:
- Worldviews, the stories we live in to understand our world. I want to reflect on what basic stories I've been told growing up about the world, and how these stories conflict with one another, and how the story I want to believe now conflicts with these.
- I want to write "A Narrative Christian Theology for Everyone." I realize that "for everyone" is a utopian modifier to my title, but I would like to try to write Christian theology that I would want my friends to read, believers and non-believers alike. While I would hope that this would be appropriate for my elders as well, I am unsure as to whether it would be understandable for children. [Maybe Burke and I need to write Childrens' books of narrative Christian theology!]
- On occasion I will try to include my favorite: "Life stories and observations" or "other tales which demand less thought" in addition to my "meditations."
Much love to you all. Peace be with you.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Life Update 8/30/2007
Dear family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ,
If you are still reading this post - not shying away from the words "Life Update" in anticipation of boredom - then thank you for caring. I am aware that many people read this blog who may perhaps be more interested in my doings and well-being than in my wandering musings.
It is true that I had a "rough" year at school last year - which is a nice way of saying that I didn't do very well. But because I am convinced that I can do better, I am returning this fall semester to give it the old college try again. I hope I am more determined than I was last year to succeed. Nevertheless, your prayers are cherished.
My parents are trying to sell the house. Usually people ask where my parents want to move to, and I usually say they want to find an apartment somewhere in Kalamazoo (our current home), but they're not too worried about finding a new place yet. They're just waiting for the house to sell.
My mom helps out with youth fund-raising at church, and puts much effort into this service. My sister and I are very proud of her for this.
My sister has a boyfriend - his name is Corey. [Yes, that's him to the left; not me.] She first met him on a mission trip. She liked him because she felt comfortable talking to him. I think this is still the case. Oh, I forgot: my crafty, scheming sister got up the nerve to play paintball with him before they started dating as a means to win his heart. I think they always play on the same team, to avoid inter-couple combat. You see, now my sister likes the sport. What's a brother to do? . . .
I'm currently in love with the sweet tunes of this band: Rodeo Ruby Love; and of my friend Frank Schweikhardt's solo material. I am also waiting to receive in the mail Paul Simon's newest release, "Surprise," at the behest of my good friend Burke (who is also starting a new band: Owlsburg. I can't wait to hear them!).
This summer I was too lazy and asocial, somewhat unintentionally. So if you live in Kalamazoo, I am sorry that we didn't see each other more often this summer. It was my fault. Please forgive me. Along with being asocial came staying inside the house too much. Every time I go outside I appreciate the wind . . . moving air, not restricted by four walls or windows. I believe God did a much better job creating than we did in modifying our environment.
On the bright side, I did do a bit of reading - mostly by John Howard Yoder (a Christian pacifist with convincing arguments) and N.T. Wright (a prolific New Testament scholar who is now the bishop of Durham, England). Many of the books I read this summer I've listed to the right under Books I Read.
This summer I also attended youth group as a sponsor at my church, where we talked about the 10 commandments. Thanks to Pastor Kevin for very insightful teaching!
[As I write this they are moving a house up our street - which is quite a sight. This has been frustrating, though, because they are about 10 days late from the original date. They said there would be chance of power-outage for 4 hours on our block during the move. They postponed the move date about three times without formal notice. So, because my mom works at a computer at home and couldn't risk working during a power outage, she had to work very early in the morning at least three times in vain on days when they didn't move the house. Bleh.]
These are the courses I hope to take this semester (which begins next Tuesday), all of which are 3 hours long, totaling 12 credit hours:
- Homiletics I (preaching)
- Patristic Theology (reading the early church fathers)
- Church History I (the New Testament to Martin Luther)
- Beginning Greek Independent Study
Right now I am trying to pack for school, which is proving to be interesting. I have a lot of things I am leaving at home, and just a few things I'm taking, which makes the task deceiving. I cannot judge my success by how clean or empty my room is. Rather, I have to check and re-check my list and my brain for what I intend to bring, and what's not yet packed.
A good number of my friends have graduated and now live off-campus (Joe, Dave, Dusty&Natalie, Adam&Becky, Chris &Joyce, Burke, and a few others). This will mean many a phone call and bike ride to see them (although it's always nice to get off-campus). However, I can always lure them in with free meal swipes (this works quite well, actually, at attracting friends to campus - free food).
All kidding aside, I cannot wait to return to Marion on Saturday, so that I may see my friends and start the semester off strong.
Please do keep in touch, friends. You can write me at the following addresses:
hand-written (preferred):
Scott Hendricks
IWU 825 Student Ctr.
Marion, IN 46953
email: shoot[insert my first name here, no brackets]anemail@gmail.com
Peace to you all, and stay strong.
If you are still reading this post - not shying away from the words "Life Update" in anticipation of boredom - then thank you for caring. I am aware that many people read this blog who may perhaps be more interested in my doings and well-being than in my wandering musings.
It is true that I had a "rough" year at school last year - which is a nice way of saying that I didn't do very well. But because I am convinced that I can do better, I am returning this fall semester to give it the old college try again. I hope I am more determined than I was last year to succeed. Nevertheless, your prayers are cherished.
My parents are trying to sell the house. Usually people ask where my parents want to move to, and I usually say they want to find an apartment somewhere in Kalamazoo (our current home), but they're not too worried about finding a new place yet. They're just waiting for the house to sell.
My mom helps out with youth fund-raising at church, and puts much effort into this service. My sister and I are very proud of her for this.
My sister has a boyfriend - his name is Corey. [Yes, that's him to the left; not me.] She first met him on a mission trip. She liked him because she felt comfortable talking to him. I think this is still the case. Oh, I forgot: my crafty, scheming sister got up the nerve to play paintball with him before they started dating as a means to win his heart. I think they always play on the same team, to avoid inter-couple combat. You see, now my sister likes the sport. What's a brother to do? . . .I'm currently in love with the sweet tunes of this band: Rodeo Ruby Love; and of my friend Frank Schweikhardt's solo material. I am also waiting to receive in the mail Paul Simon's newest release, "Surprise," at the behest of my good friend Burke (who is also starting a new band: Owlsburg. I can't wait to hear them!).
This summer I was too lazy and asocial, somewhat unintentionally. So if you live in Kalamazoo, I am sorry that we didn't see each other more often this summer. It was my fault. Please forgive me. Along with being asocial came staying inside the house too much. Every time I go outside I appreciate the wind . . . moving air, not restricted by four walls or windows. I believe God did a much better job creating than we did in modifying our environment.
On the bright side, I did do a bit of reading - mostly by John Howard Yoder (a Christian pacifist with convincing arguments) and N.T. Wright (a prolific New Testament scholar who is now the bishop of Durham, England). Many of the books I read this summer I've listed to the right under Books I Read.
This summer I also attended youth group as a sponsor at my church, where we talked about the 10 commandments. Thanks to Pastor Kevin for very insightful teaching!
[As I write this they are moving a house up our street - which is quite a sight. This has been frustrating, though, because they are about 10 days late from the original date. They said there would be chance of power-outage for 4 hours on our block during the move. They postponed the move date about three times without formal notice. So, because my mom works at a computer at home and couldn't risk working during a power outage, she had to work very early in the morning at least three times in vain on days when they didn't move the house. Bleh.]
These are the courses I hope to take this semester (which begins next Tuesday), all of which are 3 hours long, totaling 12 credit hours:
- Homiletics I (preaching)
- Patristic Theology (reading the early church fathers)
- Church History I (the New Testament to Martin Luther)
- Beginning Greek Independent Study
Right now I am trying to pack for school, which is proving to be interesting. I have a lot of things I am leaving at home, and just a few things I'm taking, which makes the task deceiving. I cannot judge my success by how clean or empty my room is. Rather, I have to check and re-check my list and my brain for what I intend to bring, and what's not yet packed.
A good number of my friends have graduated and now live off-campus (Joe, Dave, Dusty&Natalie, Adam&Becky, Chris &Joyce, Burke, and a few others). This will mean many a phone call and bike ride to see them (although it's always nice to get off-campus). However, I can always lure them in with free meal swipes (this works quite well, actually, at attracting friends to campus - free food).
All kidding aside, I cannot wait to return to Marion on Saturday, so that I may see my friends and start the semester off strong.
Please do keep in touch, friends. You can write me at the following addresses:
hand-written (preferred):
Scott Hendricks
IWU 825 Student Ctr.
Marion, IN 46953
email: shoot[insert my first name here, no brackets]anemail@gmail.com
Peace to you all, and stay strong.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
American Liberty
The following is a "letter to the editor" of sorts that I hope to send in to a local newspaper after some more editing. This particular newspaper prints the same Bible verse between the paper's title and the front page headline every day. The paper says they prefer letters of 200 words or less, but I doubt I can shorten this much more. I am already saying less than I want to.
_________________
If there is any ideal American value, it is liberty. We declared this from the British in 1776, listing it among the “certain unalienable Rights” of all humans. Patrick Henry sounded, “…give me liberty, or give me death.” Our Constitution’s bill of rights preserves our liberties from tyranny. Americans count it their duty to be ever vigilant for the cause of liberty.
So should it surprise us that the front page of every copy of [this newspaper] bears a Bible verse sanctioning our national sentiments: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17)?
I do not know why this verse stands beneath [the paper's] title, but I am confident that because ‘Liberty’ is capitalized, an American would most likely read the verse to mean: “The presence of the Lord’s Spirit is the cause of our national Liberty.”
But the verse absolutely cannot mean this.
First, the verse stolen from its original context is already doomed for wrongful interpretation. In his letter “to the church of God in Corinth,” the apostle Paul is engaged in a complex contrast between the fading glory of the old covenant, which Moses veiled from the frightened Israelites when his face shone like an angel’s, and the lasting glory of the new covenant in the church, where that veil is taken away. This is where Paul says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
From what? Well, perhaps freedom from fear of the Lord’s glory; or from ignorance; or from condemnation and death, which Paul considered characteristic of the old covenant. Elsewhere Paul speaks of humans being enslaved to sin; so perhaps he means freedom from sin.
But whatever Paul meant, he cannot be talking about the ‘Liberty’ Americans won from the British in revolutionary war, or the kind of ‘freedoms’ outlined for us in the Bill of Rights. In 2 Corinthians 3:17 Paul is talking about a liberty belonging explicitly to the church, for that is where the Spirit of the Lord is.
The concept of citizens’ individual liberties won through bloody revolution and protected by the state is foreign to the New Testament. Much less should a single verse therefrom be employed as an endorsement by “the Spirit of the Lord” for such a state of affairs.
I do not prefer ‘tyrrany’ to ‘democracy;’ nor do I despise our national freedoms. But the Lord who was brought to trial by his nation’s rulers for his peace-loving proclamation of God’s reign, and having made no defense was crucified (like an insurrectionist) by the Romans occupying his homeland – that Lord was innocent of violent agendas interested in national ‘Liberty.’ To implicate his Spirit in anything of the sort now is nothing less than utter blasphemy.
_________________
This letter started out near 700 words, and now runs beneath 500. This is hardly enough space to explain, much less defend, my argument. That's why I've decided I never want to be a journalist.
While a part of me would like to believe that the freedoms we enjoy in America are blessings from God, and a result of the Christian church's salt and light in the world, in many ways such a position is hard to defend. It is true that governments are ordered by God for the reprobation of wrong and the promotion of the good (Romans 13). But the concepts upon which our nation was established - upon which we declared independence - had their source in John Locke and other political phiolosophers, not in the Christian religion. If they believed "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" (elsewhere 'happiness' is 'property' - go figure looking at 'the American dream'), they also believed these rights were secured by governments instituted by the consent of the governed. You will not find this language in the New Testament.
It must be pointed out that our American rights were and still are secured by means of the sword.
Contrast this to Jesus' gospel teaching:
"Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you" (Matthew 5:39-42).
[What? but it's mine! I have the right to decide who can borrow my property!]
And, ". . . if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. . . . And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:30b, 34-36).
[What?! Borrow means it's on loan, not for keeps! It's mine! My life, my liberty, my property! My American dream!]
By now it should be clear that 2 Corinthians 3:17 cannot be interpreted as "the presence of the Lord's Spirit is the cause of our national Liberty." Nor does Christianity sponsor or condone the actions of any state, or any sword. God calls the church to be an explicitly different, holy kind of assembly (organization, polity), in which the least are the greatest and the greatest are the least; in which leaders serve instead of 'lording it over their subjects'; in which peace and unity are maintained at all costs, excepting any use of force or coercion.
What do you think?
How is the church different from the world and the state?
Do you agree or disagree with my critique of this newspaper's prominent Bible verse?
In what ways do Christians sometimes blindly support, sanction or condone the state's agenda instead of preaching and living the truth of Jesus' gospel of love and peace?
_________________
If there is any ideal American value, it is liberty. We declared this from the British in 1776, listing it among the “certain unalienable Rights” of all humans. Patrick Henry sounded, “…give me liberty, or give me death.” Our Constitution’s bill of rights preserves our liberties from tyranny. Americans count it their duty to be ever vigilant for the cause of liberty.
So should it surprise us that the front page of every copy of [this newspaper] bears a Bible verse sanctioning our national sentiments: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17)?
I do not know why this verse stands beneath [the paper's] title, but I am confident that because ‘Liberty’ is capitalized, an American would most likely read the verse to mean: “The presence of the Lord’s Spirit is the cause of our national Liberty.”
But the verse absolutely cannot mean this.
First, the verse stolen from its original context is already doomed for wrongful interpretation. In his letter “to the church of God in Corinth,” the apostle Paul is engaged in a complex contrast between the fading glory of the old covenant, which Moses veiled from the frightened Israelites when his face shone like an angel’s, and the lasting glory of the new covenant in the church, where that veil is taken away. This is where Paul says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
From what? Well, perhaps freedom from fear of the Lord’s glory; or from ignorance; or from condemnation and death, which Paul considered characteristic of the old covenant. Elsewhere Paul speaks of humans being enslaved to sin; so perhaps he means freedom from sin.
But whatever Paul meant, he cannot be talking about the ‘Liberty’ Americans won from the British in revolutionary war, or the kind of ‘freedoms’ outlined for us in the Bill of Rights. In 2 Corinthians 3:17 Paul is talking about a liberty belonging explicitly to the church, for that is where the Spirit of the Lord is.
The concept of citizens’ individual liberties won through bloody revolution and protected by the state is foreign to the New Testament. Much less should a single verse therefrom be employed as an endorsement by “the Spirit of the Lord” for such a state of affairs.
I do not prefer ‘tyrrany’ to ‘democracy;’ nor do I despise our national freedoms. But the Lord who was brought to trial by his nation’s rulers for his peace-loving proclamation of God’s reign, and having made no defense was crucified (like an insurrectionist) by the Romans occupying his homeland – that Lord was innocent of violent agendas interested in national ‘Liberty.’ To implicate his Spirit in anything of the sort now is nothing less than utter blasphemy.
_________________
This letter started out near 700 words, and now runs beneath 500. This is hardly enough space to explain, much less defend, my argument. That's why I've decided I never want to be a journalist.
While a part of me would like to believe that the freedoms we enjoy in America are blessings from God, and a result of the Christian church's salt and light in the world, in many ways such a position is hard to defend. It is true that governments are ordered by God for the reprobation of wrong and the promotion of the good (Romans 13). But the concepts upon which our nation was established - upon which we declared independence - had their source in John Locke and other political phiolosophers, not in the Christian religion. If they believed "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" (elsewhere 'happiness' is 'property' - go figure looking at 'the American dream'), they also believed these rights were secured by governments instituted by the consent of the governed. You will not find this language in the New Testament.
It must be pointed out that our American rights were and still are secured by means of the sword.
Contrast this to Jesus' gospel teaching:
"Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you" (Matthew 5:39-42).
[What? but it's mine! I have the right to decide who can borrow my property!]
And, ". . . if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. . . . And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:30b, 34-36).
[What?! Borrow means it's on loan, not for keeps! It's mine! My life, my liberty, my property! My American dream!]
By now it should be clear that 2 Corinthians 3:17 cannot be interpreted as "the presence of the Lord's Spirit is the cause of our national Liberty." Nor does Christianity sponsor or condone the actions of any state, or any sword. God calls the church to be an explicitly different, holy kind of assembly (organization, polity), in which the least are the greatest and the greatest are the least; in which leaders serve instead of 'lording it over their subjects'; in which peace and unity are maintained at all costs, excepting any use of force or coercion.
What do you think?
How is the church different from the world and the state?
Do you agree or disagree with my critique of this newspaper's prominent Bible verse?
In what ways do Christians sometimes blindly support, sanction or condone the state's agenda instead of preaching and living the truth of Jesus' gospel of love and peace?
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Hauerwas on the pitfalls of a liberal democracy
In his essay "The Church and Liberal Democracy: The Moral Limits of a Secular Polity" published in his book A Community of Character (Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame, 1981), Stanley Hauerwas sheds some light for us on the question we asked in an earlier post: Why are our neighbors viewed as strangers or even enemies?
On page 81:
So, the light Hauerwas sheds on our inquiry is this: Our American society is based on the principle that our competing interests can be served in a land where we are free to pursue them, under a government whose primary task is to preserve the liberty of citizens who have little to do with each other.* But Hauerwas says in this essay that our society's refusal to sponsor anything but freedom and the protection of the rights of individuals** has resulted in a real incapacity for our society to encourage any virtue beyond self-interest (which, from a Christian standpoint, is a poor basis for moral decisions; if it may be called a virtue at all).
On page 81:
. . . liberal polity is the attempt to show that societal cooperation is possible under the conditions of distrust. The very genius of our society is to forge a political and social existence that does not have to depend on trusting others in matters important for our survival. . . .
Of course the more it becomes unthinkable to trust a stranger, the more we must depend on more exaggerated forms of protection. But the human costs of distrust are perhaps the most destructive. For we are increasingly forced to view one another as strangers rather than as friends, and as a result we become all the more lonely. We have learned to call our loneliness "autonomy" and/or freedom, but the freer we become the more desperate our search for forms of "community" or "interpersonal relationship" that offer some contact with our fellows. Even the family is not immune from this development, since we now assume that children should have "rights" against the parents, as if the family itself were but a contractual society.
So, the light Hauerwas sheds on our inquiry is this: Our American society is based on the principle that our competing interests can be served in a land where we are free to pursue them, under a government whose primary task is to preserve the liberty of citizens who have little to do with each other.* But Hauerwas says in this essay that our society's refusal to sponsor anything but freedom and the protection of the rights of individuals** has resulted in a real incapacity for our society to encourage any virtue beyond self-interest (which, from a Christian standpoint, is a poor basis for moral decisions; if it may be called a virtue at all).
. . . our society offers no ready alternatives to liberalism. We are all liberals. In fact for us in America, liberalism, a position dedicated to ending our captivity to nature, custom, and coercion, ironically has become our fate. The great self-deception is in thinking that the tradition of liberalism gives us the means to recognize that it is indeed a tradition. Instead it continues to promise us new tomorrows of infinite creation. (Hauerwas 83)
If anyone doubts "We are all liberals": remember we are not speaking per se of leftist vs. so-called conservative politics. We are talking of "ending our captivity to nature, custom, and coercion." This concept pervades our society. For example, most children are told at a young age that they will have the liberty to choose their own vocation or occupation; we would look down upon a father who insisted his son take up his profession without question. It is the same way in our culture with marriage. Arranged marriage is so far off our moral map that it would be seen as perverse in our society to make someone marry a person they did not love. This liberalist individualism is also epitomized in the American Christian sphere by Rick Warren's book The Purpose Driven Life: what on earth am I here for? (Note how the confusion of the subtitle presupposes a person who has not been given a purpose in life; more specifically, has not received any tradition to hand on to future generations.)
So unless an American is raised in a community that actually encourages moral virtue of some sort, it is very likely that self-interest will domineer the moral decision-making process for any given American. Rather than suggest that Christians attempt to advocate and enact some change to our government, Hauerwas urges that the church do its best at being itself, part of which is certainly teaching, encouraging and exemplifying virtue. We must be the people and family of God, the light of the world:
So unless an American is raised in a community that actually encourages moral virtue of some sort, it is very likely that self-interest will domineer the moral decision-making process for any given American. Rather than suggest that Christians attempt to advocate and enact some change to our government, Hauerwas urges that the church do its best at being itself, part of which is certainly teaching, encouraging and exemplifying virtue. We must be the people and family of God, the light of the world:
My call is for Christians to exhibit confidence in the lordship of Yahweh as the truth of our existence and in particular of our community. If we are so confident, we cannot help but serve our polity [i.e. the church], for such confidence creates a society capable of engendering persons of virtue and trust. A people so formed are particularly important for the continued existence of a society like ours, as they can provide the experience and skills necessary for me to recognize the difference of my neighbor not as a threat but as essential for my very life. (Hauerwas 86)
*Note also our economy is free market capitalism.
**This is also primarily what our justice system is based on; rather than really upon any more substantial moral story.
_______________________
**This is also primarily what our justice system is based on; rather than really upon any more substantial moral story.
_______________________
What do you think?
In what ways does our liberal democracy stifle our society's ability to be/do something together as a whole?
How does it limit our communities and relationships, especially to our neighbors?
And what good news does the church have to proclaim in such an atmosphere?
Monday, August 13, 2007
Strange Holiness
The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it (Psalm 24:1).
The church and its members are holy to the Lord, especially through the Holy Spirit, who dwells within them (1 Corinthians 3:16).
A husband is holy to his wife, and vice versa (1 Corinthians 7:3-4).
In many places, automobiles are holy to the road, in which pedestrians are unclean. If a pedestrian transgresses (i.e., crosses the boundary) into the road, then he or she is likely to be cut off from the people. While most vehicles will brake for invading pedestrians, the fatal risk of jay-walking is punishment enough to obviate policing of this crime. Sane adults rarely "struggle" to keep this commandment of the state, but are always reminding and watching their own children as they walk along the way, trying to train them to walk in safe holiness.
All life is holy to the Lord, but death a necessary part of the curse because of Adam and Eve's first sin (Genesis 2:17 and 3:19). In the Old Testament Law dead bodies were unclean, but Jesus sanctified death on his cross and defeated it when God raised him from death back to life. Death then is perhaps not "unclean" per se. For many Christian martyrs have followed Jesus to his loving death in their confession of his kingship of all the world (not only "of the Jews"). But it is a necessary evil.
All death, that is. So while firearms are only holy to animal game as food for humans, this was not the case originally, and should not ultimately be so in the age to come. This leads some (such as my good friend Matt) to be vegan. [Please note: there are other reasons to be vegetarian and/or vegan besides opposing violence to animals. For example, read athada.]
Can anyone else think of strange examples of holiness, like some of the examples above?
The church and its members are holy to the Lord, especially through the Holy Spirit, who dwells within them (1 Corinthians 3:16).
A husband is holy to his wife, and vice versa (1 Corinthians 7:3-4).
In many places, automobiles are holy to the road, in which pedestrians are unclean. If a pedestrian transgresses (i.e., crosses the boundary) into the road, then he or she is likely to be cut off from the people. While most vehicles will brake for invading pedestrians, the fatal risk of jay-walking is punishment enough to obviate policing of this crime. Sane adults rarely "struggle" to keep this commandment of the state, but are always reminding and watching their own children as they walk along the way, trying to train them to walk in safe holiness.
All life is holy to the Lord, but death a necessary part of the curse because of Adam and Eve's first sin (Genesis 2:17 and 3:19). In the Old Testament Law dead bodies were unclean, but Jesus sanctified death on his cross and defeated it when God raised him from death back to life. Death then is perhaps not "unclean" per se. For many Christian martyrs have followed Jesus to his loving death in their confession of his kingship of all the world (not only "of the Jews"). But it is a necessary evil.
All death, that is. So while firearms are only holy to animal game as food for humans, this was not the case originally, and should not ultimately be so in the age to come. This leads some (such as my good friend Matt) to be vegan. [Please note: there are other reasons to be vegetarian and/or vegan besides opposing violence to animals. For example, read athada.]
Can anyone else think of strange examples of holiness, like some of the examples above?
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Oops . . . duh
I got my first parking ticket a few days ago.
The meter only took quarters, and I only had two of them. It was an unexpected stop, so I hadn't planned on bringing any loose change.
*50 cents = 20 minutes*
After about 34 minutes, I thought to myself: Maybe "METERS ENFORCED BETWEEN [certain hours of day and week]" means that the meters are enforced!
When I returned to my parked vehicle, I discovered a little white slip of paper tucked beneath my right windshield. I was charged $10 for an EXPIRED METER, which I promptly mailed to the 'governing authorities' of the university whose parking tax I had foolishly put to the test.
Life lesson: Don't put "the law" to the test. And keep many quarters in your car.
The meter only took quarters, and I only had two of them. It was an unexpected stop, so I hadn't planned on bringing any loose change.
*50 cents = 20 minutes*
After about 34 minutes, I thought to myself: Maybe "METERS ENFORCED BETWEEN [certain hours of day and week]" means that the meters are enforced!
When I returned to my parked vehicle, I discovered a little white slip of paper tucked beneath my right windshield. I was charged $10 for an EXPIRED METER, which I promptly mailed to the 'governing authorities' of the university whose parking tax I had foolishly put to the test.
Life lesson: Don't put "the law" to the test. And keep many quarters in your car.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
John Howard Yoder on Hebrews 11
'When the author defines "faith" as assurance of the hoped-for and conviction of the unseen, the "hoped-for" and "unseen" realities are not some otherwise unknown truth, proposition, or prediction but the concrete vindication of obedience. "Faith" is obeying when it is not "visible" that it "pays" or "works."'
- The Politics of Jesus, p.129 footnote 30
We might give that interpretive suggestion a trial run by reading Hebrews chapter 11!
- The Politics of Jesus, p.129 footnote 30
We might give that interpretive suggestion a trial run by reading Hebrews chapter 11!
Friday, July 13, 2007
Thanks to Zach for these words
I want to cry and say I'm sorry.
I want to kneel and give you glory.
I want to feel your presence on me.
I want to live and know you love me.
I want to live and know you love me.
I want to tell you that I love you,
But I don't want to say it.
I want to prove it through my actions
Because my words aren't strong enough.
[lyrics by Zach Melton, from "Honest to God" by Rodeo Ruby Love, crossroads of america records 2007]
AMEN.
I want to kneel and give you glory.
I want to feel your presence on me.
I want to live and know you love me.
I want to live and know you love me.
I want to tell you that I love you,
But I don't want to say it.
I want to prove it through my actions
Because my words aren't strong enough.
[lyrics by Zach Melton, from "Honest to God" by Rodeo Ruby Love, crossroads of america records 2007]
AMEN.
"This, then, is how you should pray"
Our Father in heaven,
Let your name be sanctified
let your kingdom come
let your will be done
as it is in heaven, so also on earth.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into trial, but deliver us from evil.
THUS SAID THE LORD JESUS. This, then, is how we should pray (daily).
[in the 6th chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew, the first book of the New Testament]
Let your name be sanctified
let your kingdom come
let your will be done
as it is in heaven, so also on earth.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into trial, but deliver us from evil.
THUS SAID THE LORD JESUS. This, then, is how we should pray (daily).
[in the 6th chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew, the first book of the New Testament]
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Song Reflections for Lord's Day July 8, 2007
For some while I've had the idea to publish reflections on the songs we sing in church, especially when I myself have chosen those songs and led singing.
This last Sunday at Lighthouse Community Church (Kalamazoo, MI) we sang:
"Sing to the King" - words and music by Billy James Foote, adapting first verse and theme from "Sing We The King" by Charles Silvester Horne, 1910 [Copyright 2003 EMI CMG].
"How Great Is Our God" - words and music by Christ Tomlin, Jesse Reeves and Ed Cash [Copyright 2004 EMI CMG].
"Above All" - words and music by Lenny LeBlanc and Paul Baloche [Copyright 1999 Integrity's Hosanna! Music/LenSongs Publishing].
All of the songs we sang this Lord's day acclaimed God as our King of all. Our service began with an informal greeting and an invitation to hear God's word. Our reading from Revelation 22:1-5 follows the destruction of Babylon, the doom of Satan, the general resurrection and final judgment. Chapter 21 of the Revelation tells of the new heavens and new earth, and the New Jerusalem, which is also called the bride of the Lamb. This would give us reason to believe that the author is describing the church, and not only a city with walls of defense and buildings like Babel. In contrast, God makes his dwelling with humans. He is their king. After chapter 21, 22:1-5 describes the "River of Life" which flows through the center of the city, with the tree of life growing on both sides of the river, bearing fruit all-year-round for eternal life, for the healing of nations. I particularly chose to read this passage because it mentions the healing of nations in the reign of the Lamb (after the doom of Satan and right before a word from Jesus, "See, I am coming soon" Rev. 22:7). These are themes celebrated in our first song:
"Sing to the King who is coming to reign. Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain. Life and salvation his empire shall bring, And Joy to the nations when Jesus is King. Come, let us sing a song . . . declaring that we belong to Jesus - he is all we need."
The song in its second verse says we will be vigilant in prayer for the coming of our Lord Jesus, after which Satan will be vanquished. It may be a sore spot in many of our spiritual lives that we do not anticipate, prepare and pray for the coming of Jesus enough. In the New Testament, the resurrection and exaltation of Christ are directly related to his return to earth. (For example, in the book of Acts, after Jesus is taken up into heaven, two men dressed in white as the disciples why they are staring at the sky, and remind them that Jesus will return in the exact same way the disciples saw him leave earth.) Any faith in the crucified and risen Jesus must be accompanied by faith in his coming soon to judge the earth, defeat his enemies and reign with those who loved and obeyed him. We Christians bear the testimony that Jesus the crucified has risen and been raised to earth, is Lord of all and is reconciling the world to the Father. We proclaim that God is wanting all people to turn from their wicked ways to receive forgiveness through Jesus' death and life through his resurrection. Therefore, we should heed the warnings of Jesus in the gospels: let us not be found with our lamps empty of oil, without faith as unfaithful servants. Rather, let us be ready for the coming of our master, with faith, reverence and the fear of God.
"How Great Is Our God" celebrates, with the other two songs, the supreme rule of God the LORD (YHWH) over every nation, over all the earth. This was the faith of the Old Testament, and was supposed to be the faith of Israel. God consistently proved to Israel and their enemies that he was sovereign over all the earth (since he created it), and could move kings and armies to do his will. One of the most frequent titles for God in the Old Testament is YHWH of armies (hosts); this is sometimes translated 'the LORD almighty.' In this song the authors urge us (in a most biblical fashion) to sing, see and proclaim "how great is our God."
The greatest irony is, of course, shown us in Revelation 5:12: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" "Above All" worships Jesus, who was revealed to us after his resurrection and exaltation above all (powers, kings, nature, creatures, wisdom, human ways, kingdoms, thrones, wonders, wealth, treasures) to have existed before all these things as well. We believe him to be the divine Word and Son of the Father. But we would not have known this except that he lived among us, was crucified, died and was buried, and on the third day was raised to life by the Father, and exalted to God's right hand. Not only did the King of the earth die a criminal's death; more, it is the crucified, the rejected, the slaughtered lamb who did not open his mouth, the humiliated, the scorned, the one who did not seize the kingdom: he is the one who will receive the kingdom, the worship and subjection of all at the end.
He who existed before all things, and was "Above all . . ." was "Crucified, laid behind the stone . . . lived to die rejected and alone, like a rose trampled on the ground. You took the fall, and thought of me above all."
This last Sunday at Lighthouse Community Church (Kalamazoo, MI) we sang:
"Sing to the King" - words and music by Billy James Foote, adapting first verse and theme from "Sing We The King" by Charles Silvester Horne, 1910 [Copyright 2003 EMI CMG].
"How Great Is Our God" - words and music by Christ Tomlin, Jesse Reeves and Ed Cash [Copyright 2004 EMI CMG].
"Above All" - words and music by Lenny LeBlanc and Paul Baloche [Copyright 1999 Integrity's Hosanna! Music/LenSongs Publishing].
All of the songs we sang this Lord's day acclaimed God as our King of all. Our service began with an informal greeting and an invitation to hear God's word. Our reading from Revelation 22:1-5 follows the destruction of Babylon, the doom of Satan, the general resurrection and final judgment. Chapter 21 of the Revelation tells of the new heavens and new earth, and the New Jerusalem, which is also called the bride of the Lamb. This would give us reason to believe that the author is describing the church, and not only a city with walls of defense and buildings like Babel. In contrast, God makes his dwelling with humans. He is their king. After chapter 21, 22:1-5 describes the "River of Life" which flows through the center of the city, with the tree of life growing on both sides of the river, bearing fruit all-year-round for eternal life, for the healing of nations. I particularly chose to read this passage because it mentions the healing of nations in the reign of the Lamb (after the doom of Satan and right before a word from Jesus, "See, I am coming soon" Rev. 22:7). These are themes celebrated in our first song:
"Sing to the King who is coming to reign. Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain. Life and salvation his empire shall bring, And Joy to the nations when Jesus is King. Come, let us sing a song . . . declaring that we belong to Jesus - he is all we need."
The song in its second verse says we will be vigilant in prayer for the coming of our Lord Jesus, after which Satan will be vanquished. It may be a sore spot in many of our spiritual lives that we do not anticipate, prepare and pray for the coming of Jesus enough. In the New Testament, the resurrection and exaltation of Christ are directly related to his return to earth. (For example, in the book of Acts, after Jesus is taken up into heaven, two men dressed in white as the disciples why they are staring at the sky, and remind them that Jesus will return in the exact same way the disciples saw him leave earth.) Any faith in the crucified and risen Jesus must be accompanied by faith in his coming soon to judge the earth, defeat his enemies and reign with those who loved and obeyed him. We Christians bear the testimony that Jesus the crucified has risen and been raised to earth, is Lord of all and is reconciling the world to the Father. We proclaim that God is wanting all people to turn from their wicked ways to receive forgiveness through Jesus' death and life through his resurrection. Therefore, we should heed the warnings of Jesus in the gospels: let us not be found with our lamps empty of oil, without faith as unfaithful servants. Rather, let us be ready for the coming of our master, with faith, reverence and the fear of God.
"How Great Is Our God" celebrates, with the other two songs, the supreme rule of God the LORD (YHWH) over every nation, over all the earth. This was the faith of the Old Testament, and was supposed to be the faith of Israel. God consistently proved to Israel and their enemies that he was sovereign over all the earth (since he created it), and could move kings and armies to do his will. One of the most frequent titles for God in the Old Testament is YHWH of armies (hosts); this is sometimes translated 'the LORD almighty.' In this song the authors urge us (in a most biblical fashion) to sing, see and proclaim "how great is our God."
The greatest irony is, of course, shown us in Revelation 5:12: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" "Above All" worships Jesus, who was revealed to us after his resurrection and exaltation above all (powers, kings, nature, creatures, wisdom, human ways, kingdoms, thrones, wonders, wealth, treasures) to have existed before all these things as well. We believe him to be the divine Word and Son of the Father. But we would not have known this except that he lived among us, was crucified, died and was buried, and on the third day was raised to life by the Father, and exalted to God's right hand. Not only did the King of the earth die a criminal's death; more, it is the crucified, the rejected, the slaughtered lamb who did not open his mouth, the humiliated, the scorned, the one who did not seize the kingdom: he is the one who will receive the kingdom, the worship and subjection of all at the end.
He who existed before all things, and was "Above all . . ." was "Crucified, laid behind the stone . . . lived to die rejected and alone, like a rose trampled on the ground. You took the fall, and thought of me above all."
Driving in Cars with Jesus
Am I the only American who notices this strange phenomenon? . . .
When "I" see "you" on the street, or at the market, or at work, I know you are my neighbor, and will do my best to love you as myself.
But as soon as you and I get in our cars, shielded from God's creation and from each other by glass, plastic and other metals, I will turn you into my enemy. It's everyone for themselves on the road, and human beings become "this guy" or "this lady" or other irreverent names we may call each other. My neighbor in the car ahead of, beside or behind me becomes an individual who must be selfish, has only one thing on their mind (getting to their destination), and must surely hate me. You don't have to do anything to prove this to me, innate reason tells me this.
Is anyone else besides me tempted to view our neighbors on the road as our certain enemies? I surely am. I don't know why. Does it have to do with the way I was raised? Has rugged individualism carried us so far that we truly do not care for our fellow citizens - to the extent that we presume them to be our enemies? Please share your thoughts by commenting.
Never mind that Jesus told us to love our enemies. I (or maybe we?) have done worse by creating my own, to say nothing of those truly against me. The next time you are on the road, please remember with me that the person with whom you share the road is your neighbor, and not your enemy, whom we must love as much as ourselves.
Peace be unto all.
When "I" see "you" on the street, or at the market, or at work, I know you are my neighbor, and will do my best to love you as myself.
But as soon as you and I get in our cars, shielded from God's creation and from each other by glass, plastic and other metals, I will turn you into my enemy. It's everyone for themselves on the road, and human beings become "this guy" or "this lady" or other irreverent names we may call each other. My neighbor in the car ahead of, beside or behind me becomes an individual who must be selfish, has only one thing on their mind (getting to their destination), and must surely hate me. You don't have to do anything to prove this to me, innate reason tells me this.
Is anyone else besides me tempted to view our neighbors on the road as our certain enemies? I surely am. I don't know why. Does it have to do with the way I was raised? Has rugged individualism carried us so far that we truly do not care for our fellow citizens - to the extent that we presume them to be our enemies? Please share your thoughts by commenting.
Never mind that Jesus told us to love our enemies. I (or maybe we?) have done worse by creating my own, to say nothing of those truly against me. The next time you are on the road, please remember with me that the person with whom you share the road is your neighbor, and not your enemy, whom we must love as much as ourselves.
Peace be unto all.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Meanings of a message from a not-quite empty tomb
Dear friends,
While baking granola this weekend, my friends Bob and Lenya and I were listening to a recording of a Pascha service on CD, courtesy of my Orthodox brother Brian Whirledge. I told my friends how startled my soul was upon hearing an Orthodox priest read a lesson from "the holy gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Mark." I am startled and amused by the way the priest reads the words of "a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side," whom the women found in amazement when they arrived at the tomb expecting to anoint the Jesus' corpse.
The angel says to them, "Do not be amazed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. HE HAS RISEN. HE IS NOT HERE." Because the priest reads all seven of these latter words with the same emphasis, I find them startling.
But one of my friends laughed and said, "It sounds like a computer talking. Or rather: 'He is not here.' Jesus cannot come out to play."
I laughed with my friends, since Jesus indeed could not come out to play. He would only be with them forty days until he was taken up to heaven.
Glad that Jesus could not come out to play,
Scott - yours truly
While baking granola this weekend, my friends Bob and Lenya and I were listening to a recording of a Pascha service on CD, courtesy of my Orthodox brother Brian Whirledge. I told my friends how startled my soul was upon hearing an Orthodox priest read a lesson from "the holy gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Mark." I am startled and amused by the way the priest reads the words of "a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side," whom the women found in amazement when they arrived at the tomb expecting to anoint the Jesus' corpse.
The angel says to them, "Do not be amazed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. HE HAS RISEN. HE IS NOT HERE." Because the priest reads all seven of these latter words with the same emphasis, I find them startling.
But one of my friends laughed and said, "It sounds like a computer talking. Or rather: 'He is not here.' Jesus cannot come out to play."
I laughed with my friends, since Jesus indeed could not come out to play. He would only be with them forty days until he was taken up to heaven.
Glad that Jesus could not come out to play,
Scott - yours truly
Monday, June 18, 2007
The Value of a Year
At church last night, we watched a video clip* concerning God's divine grace in giving us the freedom to choose. [Yes, I wondered how popular such a thought would be amongst Calvinists . . . although Calvin believed God gave us free will - he just thought we lost it after the fall and (I think) that we won't get it back until the life everlasting.]
One of the sections of the video prodded the viewer to consider the value of time.
The first sentence was something like, "To learn the value of a year, talk to a student who's failed a grade."
YUP. THAT'S ME. Two Fs. MUST . . . NOT . . . LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN, ever.
For your information, the video went on to encourage us all to consider the value of smaller portions of time, such as a month, a week, a day to day laborers to keep food on the table, an hour to lovers waiting all day to meet, a minute to one trying to catch a bus or train, and a second to one who barely missed an automobile collision.
This second means something! Glorify God now in all you do obeying him.
"Now these three abide: faith, hope and love; but the greatest of these is love."
________________________
*To credit the producers, the video was from an Erwin McManus dvd accompanying his book Chasing Daylight.
One of the sections of the video prodded the viewer to consider the value of time.
The first sentence was something like, "To learn the value of a year, talk to a student who's failed a grade."
YUP. THAT'S ME. Two Fs. MUST . . . NOT . . . LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN, ever.
For your information, the video went on to encourage us all to consider the value of smaller portions of time, such as a month, a week, a day to day laborers to keep food on the table, an hour to lovers waiting all day to meet, a minute to one trying to catch a bus or train, and a second to one who barely missed an automobile collision.
This second means something! Glorify God now in all you do obeying him.
"Now these three abide: faith, hope and love; but the greatest of these is love."
________________________
*To credit the producers, the video was from an Erwin McManus dvd accompanying his book Chasing Daylight.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
"Catastrophe Bag"
by Away With Vega, lyrics by Zach Melton, [with my own structural interpretation based on the song pattern]:
it's gonna take some time
to appreciate my skeleton.
it's what helps me to walk.
it's what keeps me strong.
why are you still sleeping?
wake up! you are missing everything.
i don't mean to bring up any past catastrophes,
but i think it's important to measure all the ground I've covered.
now the rooms are empty, so are the stairs,
unset tables and broken chairs,
and i can't wait to come back home.
i was walking on water.
downstream i fell through.
i know you're near, but i can't hear you.
now i'm not breathing,
and I am sinking deep with you.
hey, wake up!
it's gonna take some time.
Why are you still sleeping?
Wake up, you are missing everything.
it's gonna take some time
to appreciate my skeleton.
it's what helps me to walk.
it's what keeps me strong.
why are you still sleeping?
wake up! you are missing everything.
i don't mean to bring up any past catastrophes,
but i think it's important to measure all the ground I've covered.
now the rooms are empty, so are the stairs,
unset tables and broken chairs,
and i can't wait to come back home.
i was walking on water.
downstream i fell through.
i know you're near, but i can't hear you.
now i'm not breathing,
and I am sinking deep with you.
hey, wake up!
it's gonna take some time.
Why are you still sleeping?
Wake up, you are missing everything.
Monday, March 26, 2007
translated :: The Canticle of Brother Sun
[Fr[ater] Fra[n]ciscu[s] (S. Benedetto/Subiaco, ca. 1224)]
by Francis of Assisi
Most high, all-powerful, good Lord,
yours are the praises, glory, honor and every blessing,
to you alone are they to be referred,
and no human is worthy to name you.
Be praised, Lord my God, because of all your creatures,
and especially on account of honorable brother Sun,
who makes the day and illumines us by night;
he is handsome and radiant and of great splendor,
and he bears your seal, Lord.
My Lord be praised on account of sister Moon and the stars,
whom he created clear and beautiful in the sky.
My Lord be praised because of brother Wind,
air, cloud, serenity and on account of all the seasons,
through which he serves food for all creatures.
My Lord be praised on account of sister Water,
who is very useful, humble, precious and pure.
My Lord be praised because of brother Fire,
he shines through any night;
he is roseate, golden, invincible and ardent.
My Lord be praised on account of our mother Earth,
who sustains and nourishes us
and produces various fruits
and flowers and herbs of many colors.
Be praised, my Lord, because of those, who for your love have forgiven offenses,
and have patiently sustained tribulation and infirmity.
They are happy, who endure in peace,
for they will receive a crown from you, O most high.
Be praised, my Lord, on account of our sister Death,
whom no one living can evade.
Woe to them, who die in mortal sin!
They are happy, who in the hour of their death find themselves
conformed to your most holy will,
for the second death will not harm them.
Praise and bless my Lord, gratify
and serve Him, all creatures, with great humility!
::In the year of our Lord 1223::
Latin text from BIBLIOTHECA AUGUSTANA.
by Francis of Assisi
Most high, all-powerful, good Lord,
yours are the praises, glory, honor and every blessing,
to you alone are they to be referred,
and no human is worthy to name you.
Be praised, Lord my God, because of all your creatures,
and especially on account of honorable brother Sun,
who makes the day and illumines us by night;
he is handsome and radiant and of great splendor,
and he bears your seal, Lord.
My Lord be praised on account of sister Moon and the stars,
whom he created clear and beautiful in the sky.
My Lord be praised because of brother Wind,
air, cloud, serenity and on account of all the seasons,
through which he serves food for all creatures.
My Lord be praised on account of sister Water,
who is very useful, humble, precious and pure.
My Lord be praised because of brother Fire,
he shines through any night;
he is roseate, golden, invincible and ardent.
My Lord be praised on account of our mother Earth,
who sustains and nourishes us
and produces various fruits
and flowers and herbs of many colors.
Be praised, my Lord, because of those, who for your love have forgiven offenses,
and have patiently sustained tribulation and infirmity.
They are happy, who endure in peace,
for they will receive a crown from you, O most high.
Be praised, my Lord, on account of our sister Death,
whom no one living can evade.
Woe to them, who die in mortal sin!
They are happy, who in the hour of their death find themselves
conformed to your most holy will,
for the second death will not harm them.
Praise and bless my Lord, gratify
and serve Him, all creatures, with great humility!
::In the year of our Lord 1223::
Latin text from BIBLIOTHECA AUGUSTANA.
Excerpt from "Four Word Letter (pt. 2)"
by mewithoutYou
"We hunger, but though all that we eat brings us little relief we don't know quite what else to do,
We have all our beliefs but we don't want our beliefs,
God of peace, we want you."
amen.
"We hunger, but though all that we eat brings us little relief we don't know quite what else to do,
We have all our beliefs but we don't want our beliefs,
God of peace, we want you."
amen.
Psalm 131
I have recently been intrigued by the 131st Psalm. I have prayed it, sung it, and am seeking to find myself at one with its author in heart:
My heart is not proud, Lord; my eyes are not haughty.
I do not concern myself with great matters, or things too wonderful for me.
But I have stilled and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother.
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forever more.
::Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit - as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be unto ages of ages. Amen.::
How is a still soul like a weaned child with its mother? What is the meaning of this simile?
What thinkest thou? Please do comment.
Love and Peace,
Scott
My heart is not proud, Lord; my eyes are not haughty.
I do not concern myself with great matters, or things too wonderful for me.
But I have stilled and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother.
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forever more.
::Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit - as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be unto ages of ages. Amen.::
How is a still soul like a weaned child with its mother? What is the meaning of this simile?
What thinkest thou? Please do comment.
Love and Peace,
Scott
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Pithy thought by Yours, truly
"Let the noise calm our souls - to death."
[If you wish, freely consider me arrogant for self-ascribed pithiness.]
My love to all you fellow humans, and peace from God on high.
[If you wish, freely consider me arrogant for self-ascribed pithiness.]
My love to all you fellow humans, and peace from God on high.
Monday, January 08, 2007
"Because He Lives"
God sent his Son- they called Him Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon;
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow;
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
by Bill and Gloria Gaither
He came to love, heal and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon;
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow;
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
by Bill and Gloria Gaither
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Let's Translate Augustine
Confessions 1.1.1
Great are you, Lord, and to be praised highly. Great is your power, and of your wisdom there is no measure. And man wants to praise you, being some part of your creation - even man who carries around his mortality, who carries around the evidence of his sin and the evidence that you resist the proud; and nevertheless man wants to praise you, as he is a part of your creation. You arouse him that he should delight to praise you, since you have made us towards you and our heart is unquiet until it rests in you. Grant to me, Lord, to know and understand whether it comes first to call on you or to praise you, and whether knowing you comes before calling on you. But who calls upon you who does not know you? For the ignorant can invoke something for another. Or rather are you called upon so that you may be known? But how will they call upon him, in whom they have not believed? Or how will they believe without someone preaching? And they will praise the Lord who are seeking him: for those searching will find him and they who find will praise him. Let me seek you, Lord, calling on you and let me call on you believing in you: for you have been declared to us. My faith calls upon you, Lord - the faith which you gave to me, which you breathed into me through the humanity of your son, through the service of your preacher.
Translated from this J.J. O'Donnell text.
Great are you, Lord, and to be praised highly. Great is your power, and of your wisdom there is no measure. And man wants to praise you, being some part of your creation - even man who carries around his mortality, who carries around the evidence of his sin and the evidence that you resist the proud; and nevertheless man wants to praise you, as he is a part of your creation. You arouse him that he should delight to praise you, since you have made us towards you and our heart is unquiet until it rests in you. Grant to me, Lord, to know and understand whether it comes first to call on you or to praise you, and whether knowing you comes before calling on you. But who calls upon you who does not know you? For the ignorant can invoke something for another. Or rather are you called upon so that you may be known? But how will they call upon him, in whom they have not believed? Or how will they believe without someone preaching? And they will praise the Lord who are seeking him: for those searching will find him and they who find will praise him. Let me seek you, Lord, calling on you and let me call on you believing in you: for you have been declared to us. My faith calls upon you, Lord - the faith which you gave to me, which you breathed into me through the humanity of your son, through the service of your preacher.
Translated from this J.J. O'Donnell text.
Please read this lyric until you grasp its meaning and force.
"To these people I owe my greatest apologies,
for I have been made aware of their needs,
but I'm afraid that I might share in His disgrace."
band: Anathallo
song: I Thought in my Heart, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good." But that also proved to be meaningless
album: Sparrows
for I have been made aware of their needs,
but I'm afraid that I might share in His disgrace."
band: Anathallo
song: I Thought in my Heart, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good." But that also proved to be meaningless
album: Sparrows
Friday, January 05, 2007
Atom Feeds
My entire habit of online reading has recently been super-enhanced. I have just become hip to web-site feeds and site feed services.
The gist of it is this: Many websites (especially ones that are frequently updated like news sites and weblogs) support some type of RSS or Atom feed. This hyper-link “publishes” the site’s updates to be fed to any service that can “receive” these. There are many such services available, but I’m using Google Reader, which is in its beginning stages and still under improvement. These services will search for and upload all the feeds you “subscribe” to. That way, you don’t have run around the internet like a chicken with your head cut-off, checking all the websites you regularly go to for updates. You don’t even have to visit them at all, you can just log in to your news feed server which will update you when your sites are updated. Google Reader will even load the text of the article for you, so you don’t even have to go the source site to read it! That’s why it’s called a subscription: the site-feed comes right to your online “front-door,” just like a newspaper. Voila. Your life and mine is simplified. Praise the Lord.
Here is a wikipedia article that explains all this, and here is a link to Google reader. Make your life easier now.
Also, because of this wonderful technology, I have added a new item to my blog, where you can access all of my recommended or ‘shared’ online reading. You can either do this by clicking the individual links to my recommendations in “My Shared Reading,” or you can click the bottom link 'Read more...' which will take you to a page where you can read all of my shared articles without having to read them link by link.
Happy reading!
The gist of it is this: Many websites (especially ones that are frequently updated like news sites and weblogs) support some type of RSS or Atom feed. This hyper-link “publishes” the site’s updates to be fed to any service that can “receive” these. There are many such services available, but I’m using Google Reader, which is in its beginning stages and still under improvement. These services will search for and upload all the feeds you “subscribe” to. That way, you don’t have run around the internet like a chicken with your head cut-off, checking all the websites you regularly go to for updates. You don’t even have to visit them at all, you can just log in to your news feed server which will update you when your sites are updated. Google Reader will even load the text of the article for you, so you don’t even have to go the source site to read it! That’s why it’s called a subscription: the site-feed comes right to your online “front-door,” just like a newspaper. Voila. Your life and mine is simplified. Praise the Lord.
Here is a wikipedia article that explains all this, and here is a link to Google reader. Make your life easier now.
Also, because of this wonderful technology, I have added a new item to my blog, where you can access all of my recommended or ‘shared’ online reading. You can either do this by clicking the individual links to my recommendations in “My Shared Reading,” or you can click the bottom link 'Read more...' which will take you to a page where you can read all of my shared articles without having to read them link by link.
Happy reading!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
What's up with Scott?
A fresh life update is in order.
My sister is doing great. She’s first chair cello in IWU’s orchestra, and playing in the string quartet. She loves both, and is also taking and teaching cello lessons. She’s going to school for free (praise the Lord, so am I).
My parents are doing great, too. My mom is on vacation for a week, and Dad just got a new electric razor for Christmas, not to mention his “Deal or No Deal” home DVD game. We got my mother an IWU sweatshirt for Christmas that says, “MOM” (she says it says ‘wow,’ but I don’t think she’s looking at it straight :-). We just received (or inherited) some furniture from my uncle Tom and aunt Kay, who were graciously happy to get it off their hands and out of their basement. One is a recliner, the other a small dining table. Thanks!
My friend Burke Sullivan is studying Christian Ministries at Indiana Wesleyan along with me. Next semester we have four classes together. Four! Unbelievable. In fact, it is convenient that we have them together, in order to sufficiently bear their burden: they are four 85 minute classes in a row, twice a week. That’s right—5 hours and 20 minutes of class every Tuesday and Thursday. Burke feels called to some kind of full-time Christian service.
My friend Jake Hogan is well on his way to law school, now a junior Pre-Law, Political Science and International Relations major at Indiana Wesleyan. He’s working his way to becoming a shining star in the Social Sciences dept., while being a great friend and a steady IWU Conference Services worker. (There is an Information Desk in the Student Center where he works; the kicker is, almost no one needs information . . . so the workers get to talk and do homework for minimum wage.) Jake wants to become a lawyer and help people get healthcare who can’t afford it.
My friend Dusty Fecht is currently a senior Religion/Philosophy major at school, who recently married Natalie (how quickly I’ve forgotten her maiden name!) this summer. He and Natalie are attending Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Marion, IN, and they are currently spying out future seminary options.
My friend Joe Vitiello is a senior Art major at IWU, finally finding his niche after a few years of searching. He recently took a digital photography class, wherein he learned to despise creating art with machinery. He would rather paint. This semester he’s doing an Independent Study in Art History, and an internship teaching kids art after school at the Boys and Girls club. He’s psyched about both, and hopes to score a job nearby and stick around town.
My friend Adam Thada is loving life with his wife, Becky. They’re enjoying a TV-free life in an upstairs apartment in north (I think) Marion. Adam is studying Economics and International/Community Development, and Becky is student teaching. Adam is a good friend, and my number one man when it comes to economics, trade, anti-consumerism and conservation.
My professors are overworked, but are doing marvelously. You can click their links to the right to read their current minds.
I merely squeaked by last semester. This time we’re gonna give it a more diligent try. I’m now more aware of myself, of the way I think and my motivations, so hopefully I can avoid some of the big pitfalls of last semester.
This coming semester I am taking: History of Christianity I, History of Christianity II, Christology, Evangelism and Global Outreach (+ practicum), and Corinthian and Thessalonian Letters. All but one with Burke Sullivan. Woohoo!
I just bought a CD, but I don’t like it. I won’t tell you what it is, so as to hurt no one’s feelings, or discourage any potential fans or future buyers. [Sorry, Frank :-(]
Some of you may or may not know that I recently went through a period of questioning my Wesleyan loyalty. I believe that period has passed, and I am nearly dead sure I won’t leave home. Please rest assured.
I want to be a missionary. I want to preach the gospel. I want to help the helpless. I want to be a theologian. After college I want to go to Duke Divinity School, Princeton, or Asbury Seminary, preferred in that order. I want to get married and raise a family, Lord willing. I want to change my world.
Amen.
My sister is doing great. She’s first chair cello in IWU’s orchestra, and playing in the string quartet. She loves both, and is also taking and teaching cello lessons. She’s going to school for free (praise the Lord, so am I).
My parents are doing great, too. My mom is on vacation for a week, and Dad just got a new electric razor for Christmas, not to mention his “Deal or No Deal” home DVD game. We got my mother an IWU sweatshirt for Christmas that says, “MOM” (she says it says ‘wow,’ but I don’t think she’s looking at it straight :-). We just received (or inherited) some furniture from my uncle Tom and aunt Kay, who were graciously happy to get it off their hands and out of their basement. One is a recliner, the other a small dining table. Thanks!
My friend Burke Sullivan is studying Christian Ministries at Indiana Wesleyan along with me. Next semester we have four classes together. Four! Unbelievable. In fact, it is convenient that we have them together, in order to sufficiently bear their burden: they are four 85 minute classes in a row, twice a week. That’s right—5 hours and 20 minutes of class every Tuesday and Thursday. Burke feels called to some kind of full-time Christian service.
My friend Jake Hogan is well on his way to law school, now a junior Pre-Law, Political Science and International Relations major at Indiana Wesleyan. He’s working his way to becoming a shining star in the Social Sciences dept., while being a great friend and a steady IWU Conference Services worker. (There is an Information Desk in the Student Center where he works; the kicker is, almost no one needs information . . . so the workers get to talk and do homework for minimum wage.) Jake wants to become a lawyer and help people get healthcare who can’t afford it.
My friend Dusty Fecht is currently a senior Religion/Philosophy major at school, who recently married Natalie (how quickly I’ve forgotten her maiden name!) this summer. He and Natalie are attending Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Marion, IN, and they are currently spying out future seminary options.
My friend Joe Vitiello is a senior Art major at IWU, finally finding his niche after a few years of searching. He recently took a digital photography class, wherein he learned to despise creating art with machinery. He would rather paint. This semester he’s doing an Independent Study in Art History, and an internship teaching kids art after school at the Boys and Girls club. He’s psyched about both, and hopes to score a job nearby and stick around town.
My friend Adam Thada is loving life with his wife, Becky. They’re enjoying a TV-free life in an upstairs apartment in north (I think) Marion. Adam is studying Economics and International/Community Development, and Becky is student teaching. Adam is a good friend, and my number one man when it comes to economics, trade, anti-consumerism and conservation.
My professors are overworked, but are doing marvelously. You can click their links to the right to read their current minds.
I merely squeaked by last semester. This time we’re gonna give it a more diligent try. I’m now more aware of myself, of the way I think and my motivations, so hopefully I can avoid some of the big pitfalls of last semester.
This coming semester I am taking: History of Christianity I, History of Christianity II, Christology, Evangelism and Global Outreach (+ practicum), and Corinthian and Thessalonian Letters. All but one with Burke Sullivan. Woohoo!
I just bought a CD, but I don’t like it. I won’t tell you what it is, so as to hurt no one’s feelings, or discourage any potential fans or future buyers. [Sorry, Frank :-(]
Some of you may or may not know that I recently went through a period of questioning my Wesleyan loyalty. I believe that period has passed, and I am nearly dead sure I won’t leave home. Please rest assured.
I want to be a missionary. I want to preach the gospel. I want to help the helpless. I want to be a theologian. After college I want to go to Duke Divinity School, Princeton, or Asbury Seminary, preferred in that order. I want to get married and raise a family, Lord willing. I want to change my world.
Amen.
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