COMMUNITY OF KINDNESS
Steve Sjogren and Rob Lewin new book on church planting, Community of Kindness, arrived a few days ago. A lot of what they say seems consistent with what I wrote 10 years ago. But they have a lot more wisdom than what I had back then.
I got a bit of a kick out of the endorsements. Right across the top of the front cover is a message from John Maxwell, "Something for anyone who is launching or wants to start a church." John is somewhat the antithesis of the "emerging generation" church planter. However, the first sentence of the preface states, "This book has been written for postmodern church planters who seek to reach mainstream America." I see a bit of irony in this (but, of course, irony is trendy). And technically I don't think that the church can remain faithful if it adopts postmodern values and perspective -- anymore than it can be faithful if it adopts modern values and perspective.
I haven't really gotten too far into the book -- just skimming -- but one of the things that I find disappointing is the emphasis on size -- "A church with fewer than 200 people is struggling." (p. 169). I've been advocating the development of churches that max out at 150 -- link. Hmmm... This should be an interesting read.
Saturday, August 30
NEW AT EARTHLINK
My primary email account is with EarthLink (and has been for 5 years!) -- which is what I use when I'm doing dial-up. They have recently added a surfing accelerator, making the web feel like it's three to five times faster. I installed it this morning and it seems to work pretty well. It's not broadband but it's a little bit faster than regular dial-up. And it's included in the regular price of admission. They've also ramped up their spam filters.
My primary email account is with EarthLink (and has been for 5 years!) -- which is what I use when I'm doing dial-up. They have recently added a surfing accelerator, making the web feel like it's three to five times faster. I installed it this morning and it seems to work pretty well. It's not broadband but it's a little bit faster than regular dial-up. And it's included in the regular price of admission. They've also ramped up their spam filters.
Friday, August 29
BLOGGING FOR GOD
Tomorrow's Dallas Morning News has an extensive article on religious blogging. Link
Tomorrow's Dallas Morning News has an extensive article on religious blogging. Link
KIDS.US
The new series of domains intended to provide a safe place for kids on the web goes into affect on Tuesday, September 4th. These will be third-level domain registrations -- e.g. funland.kids.us. Link
The new series of domains intended to provide a safe place for kids on the web goes into affect on Tuesday, September 4th. These will be third-level domain registrations -- e.g. funland.kids.us. Link
ROMAN-ARAB CULTURAL SYNTHESIS?
Michael Vlahos: So don't look for a Muslim majority in Europe anytime soon. But the Arab minority in Roman Europe will more than double by 2050, while there will be many millions fewer Spanish and Italians. The bow-wave of the Arab "boomer" generation, buoyed by aggressive illegal immigration, could still push the proportion of Muslims in France, Italy, and Spain up to a quarter or even a third of their populations.
Even more significant will be the comparative age structure over the next couple generations. Because of the unexampled number of young Arabs that will enter adulthood during this time, the percentage of European Muslims will account for an even higher proportion of adults in their most productive years: their 20s, 30s, and 40s. As the Arab boomer generations move through time, they will come to occupy -- for at least a slice of historical time -- a unique demographic space. Even if Muslims in Roman Europe still only represent 20 to 25 percent of the total population, working adults may reach 40 percent or more. And this will hold for the duration of an era.
That era -- from 2010 to 2050 -- could alter the nature of European civilization...
Read the whole fascinating story on the potential development of a Roman-Arab synthesis -- now in the making?
Michael Vlahos: So don't look for a Muslim majority in Europe anytime soon. But the Arab minority in Roman Europe will more than double by 2050, while there will be many millions fewer Spanish and Italians. The bow-wave of the Arab "boomer" generation, buoyed by aggressive illegal immigration, could still push the proportion of Muslims in France, Italy, and Spain up to a quarter or even a third of their populations.
Even more significant will be the comparative age structure over the next couple generations. Because of the unexampled number of young Arabs that will enter adulthood during this time, the percentage of European Muslims will account for an even higher proportion of adults in their most productive years: their 20s, 30s, and 40s. As the Arab boomer generations move through time, they will come to occupy -- for at least a slice of historical time -- a unique demographic space. Even if Muslims in Roman Europe still only represent 20 to 25 percent of the total population, working adults may reach 40 percent or more. And this will hold for the duration of an era.
That era -- from 2010 to 2050 -- could alter the nature of European civilization...
Read the whole fascinating story on the potential development of a Roman-Arab synthesis -- now in the making?
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
I suppose the only reason that Wal-Mart has been rapidly morphing their garden department into the Christmas department is that people actually start buying the giant Christmas trinkets in August. And I suppose the only reason people start buying Christmas decorations in August is that this is when Wal-Mart puts them on display.
I suppose the only reason that Wal-Mart has been rapidly morphing their garden department into the Christmas department is that people actually start buying the giant Christmas trinkets in August. And I suppose the only reason people start buying Christmas decorations in August is that this is when Wal-Mart puts them on display.
SOMETIMES YOU JUST CAN'T WIN
This is from an article in the Asia Times. The Akha are hill people in Thailand.
But now, it is not only the likes of Ake who are troubled by this shift to Christianity among the Akha, one of the six main tribal communities that have carved out a colorful niche in this mountainous part of the country along the Myanmar border.
Concern is increasingly being expressed also from an unlikely quarter - tour guides who operate in Chiang Rai.
After all, the hill tribes are the main draw that attracts tourists in the thousands to northern Thailand - a fact amplified by the posters and postcards of the hill-tribe people that are visible in the local airport and in the shop windows along Chiang Rai's narrow streets.
"Tourists come here expecting to see a village that is very authentic and typical of the hill tribe culture. So they are not happy when they find churches in the villages," said Charlie Keereekhamsuk, a tourist guide for more than six years.
An increasing number of guides and tour companies are opting against taking tourists to villages where the people have converted to Christianity, he said. "There is a big difference in the village culture after the churches have come in. In Akha villages, it is very clear."
An Akha cultural-rights activist is hardly surprised by such growing concern, given the inroads that church groups, largely from the United States, have made over past 40 years.
"They have succeeded in converting close to 50 percent of the Akha villages in Thailand, and they are aggressively going after the rest," said Mathew McDaniel of the Akha Heritage Foundation, based in the Thai town of Mae Sai.
"Tourists don't want to see these tribal people with a church foisted on them," he said. "They are offended by what is happening: people being made clones of groups like the Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, other Protestant churches and Catholics from Italy."
This is from an article in the Asia Times. The Akha are hill people in Thailand.
But now, it is not only the likes of Ake who are troubled by this shift to Christianity among the Akha, one of the six main tribal communities that have carved out a colorful niche in this mountainous part of the country along the Myanmar border.
Concern is increasingly being expressed also from an unlikely quarter - tour guides who operate in Chiang Rai.
After all, the hill tribes are the main draw that attracts tourists in the thousands to northern Thailand - a fact amplified by the posters and postcards of the hill-tribe people that are visible in the local airport and in the shop windows along Chiang Rai's narrow streets.
"Tourists come here expecting to see a village that is very authentic and typical of the hill tribe culture. So they are not happy when they find churches in the villages," said Charlie Keereekhamsuk, a tourist guide for more than six years.
An increasing number of guides and tour companies are opting against taking tourists to villages where the people have converted to Christianity, he said. "There is a big difference in the village culture after the churches have come in. In Akha villages, it is very clear."
An Akha cultural-rights activist is hardly surprised by such growing concern, given the inroads that church groups, largely from the United States, have made over past 40 years.
"They have succeeded in converting close to 50 percent of the Akha villages in Thailand, and they are aggressively going after the rest," said Mathew McDaniel of the Akha Heritage Foundation, based in the Thai town of Mae Sai.
"Tourists don't want to see these tribal people with a church foisted on them," he said. "They are offended by what is happening: people being made clones of groups like the Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, other Protestant churches and Catholics from Italy."
Thursday, August 28
SYMBOL OVER SUBSTANCE
In today's Washington Times, political columnist Gary Andres hits the nail on the head with his definition of postmodernism: "Meanwhile, symbolism replaces substance, because like so many other aspects of the post-modern world, it's easier to agree on what's wrong than what's right." Link
In today's Washington Times, political columnist Gary Andres hits the nail on the head with his definition of postmodernism: "Meanwhile, symbolism replaces substance, because like so many other aspects of the post-modern world, it's easier to agree on what's wrong than what's right." Link
SPIRITUAL AWAKENING IN FRANCE
Uwe Siemon-Netto talks about the stirring -- and takes a little poke at the EU. Link
Uwe Siemon-Netto talks about the stirring -- and takes a little poke at the EU. Link
Wednesday, August 27
THE HAZY DAYS OF SUMMER
We still have a lot of smoke hanging over the Central Valley. Apparently there are 20 wildfires started by lightening. Link
It doesn't help that the almond farmers have started to harvest (about 10 days early this year). After shaking the nuts out of the trees they sweep through the orchards picking up the almonds and raising a lot of dust.
So, we've got smoke, dust, pretty sunsets, and smarting eyes. This, too, shall pass.
We still have a lot of smoke hanging over the Central Valley. Apparently there are 20 wildfires started by lightening. Link
It doesn't help that the almond farmers have started to harvest (about 10 days early this year). After shaking the nuts out of the trees they sweep through the orchards picking up the almonds and raising a lot of dust.
So, we've got smoke, dust, pretty sunsets, and smarting eyes. This, too, shall pass.
10 COMMANDMENTS
A lot of people are upset about the removal of the 10 Commandments display from the Alabama courtroom. It seems to me, though, that the commandments will continue to function as they have for thousands of years regardless of what some court thinks. We're way too concerned about government recognition.
A lot of people are upset about the removal of the 10 Commandments display from the Alabama courtroom. It seems to me, though, that the commandments will continue to function as they have for thousands of years regardless of what some court thinks. We're way too concerned about government recognition.
Tuesday, August 26
DAY OFF
Cheryl and I take Tuesdays off. This one started off early 3:30 a.m. -- with a thunderstorm that sent the cat scurrying under our bed. Then at 6:30 a.m. the phone rang. No one said anything when I picked it up. Based on the background noise I suspect it was the hospital -- probably looking for a chaplain -- and then realizing that it was Tuesday. So they hung up and called someone else.
We spent most of the day at Turlock Auto Plaza negotiating to buy a rental return minivan. After six hours we drove away in a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan with 12,000 miles on the odometer. This is our fourth such minivan over the years.
We went to State Farm to work on the insurance, to the AT&T phone store to take care of some business there, and headed off to Pitman High to watch Betsy play in a scrimmage volleyball game.
The sky was spectacular at sunset. Part of our valley is covered with smoke from a forest fire somewhere west of here in the Coastal Range. The setting sun turns the hanging smoke fiery red.
It was an exhausting day. Perhaps we should take another day off just to get some rest. But the new minivan developed a whine about two hours after we drove it off the lot, so tomorrow I've got to go back to the dealer. No rest for the weary...
Cheryl and I take Tuesdays off. This one started off early 3:30 a.m. -- with a thunderstorm that sent the cat scurrying under our bed. Then at 6:30 a.m. the phone rang. No one said anything when I picked it up. Based on the background noise I suspect it was the hospital -- probably looking for a chaplain -- and then realizing that it was Tuesday. So they hung up and called someone else.
We spent most of the day at Turlock Auto Plaza negotiating to buy a rental return minivan. After six hours we drove away in a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan with 12,000 miles on the odometer. This is our fourth such minivan over the years.
We went to State Farm to work on the insurance, to the AT&T phone store to take care of some business there, and headed off to Pitman High to watch Betsy play in a scrimmage volleyball game.
The sky was spectacular at sunset. Part of our valley is covered with smoke from a forest fire somewhere west of here in the Coastal Range. The setting sun turns the hanging smoke fiery red.
It was an exhausting day. Perhaps we should take another day off just to get some rest. But the new minivan developed a whine about two hours after we drove it off the lot, so tomorrow I've got to go back to the dealer. No rest for the weary...
OS GUINNESS:
Evangelicalism has never chased relevance more determinedly than it does now. And yet, we've never been more irrelevant. That could be purely accidental, and other factors are behind it, but I would argue that we've pursued the wrong type of relevance. We've fallen captive to modern views of time, progress, timeliness, and relevance. They're leading us down a garden path. Link to Dick Staub interview with Os
Evangelicalism has never chased relevance more determinedly than it does now. And yet, we've never been more irrelevant. That could be purely accidental, and other factors are behind it, but I would argue that we've pursued the wrong type of relevance. We've fallen captive to modern views of time, progress, timeliness, and relevance. They're leading us down a garden path. Link to Dick Staub interview with Os
GRACE-FILLED WORSHIP IN A NUTSHELL
Robert Webber: If worship is all intellect, then you have to worry about developing the "Aha." If worship is all feeling, then you have to figure out how to "create" a good feeling.
I am suggesting grace-filled worship is an entirely different focus.
The focus is on God's action to rescue the world. This worship proclaims and enacts God's mission in world history: to renew the face of the earth. By thankfully remembering God's saving history and anticipating God's final redemption in the new heavens and the new earth, truth shapes us.
Does this truth touch us on the level of experience? Does it warm the heart, fill the spirit with trust, find expression in joy, birth hope, incite faith, and motivate loving deeds?
Yes! I call this a grace-filled experience. We remember God's saving deeds. God fills us with a grateful response.
Link to read the whole column
Robert Webber: If worship is all intellect, then you have to worry about developing the "Aha." If worship is all feeling, then you have to figure out how to "create" a good feeling.
I am suggesting grace-filled worship is an entirely different focus.
The focus is on God's action to rescue the world. This worship proclaims and enacts God's mission in world history: to renew the face of the earth. By thankfully remembering God's saving history and anticipating God's final redemption in the new heavens and the new earth, truth shapes us.
Does this truth touch us on the level of experience? Does it warm the heart, fill the spirit with trust, find expression in joy, birth hope, incite faith, and motivate loving deeds?
Yes! I call this a grace-filled experience. We remember God's saving deeds. God fills us with a grateful response.
Link to read the whole column
Monday, August 25
BACK TO SCHOOL
The traditional track schools in Turlock all started this morning. Kent is a senior at Turlock High School and he's trying to figure out where to attend next year. He is interested in law and society. Betsy is a sophmore at Pitman (Turlock's newest high school -- which has freshman, sophmores, and juniors this year). She is on the jv volleyball team and in the band. In practical terms this means that she starts at 8 a.m. this morning and won't get home until 8 p.m. tonight.
The traditional track schools in Turlock all started this morning. Kent is a senior at Turlock High School and he's trying to figure out where to attend next year. He is interested in law and society. Betsy is a sophmore at Pitman (Turlock's newest high school -- which has freshman, sophmores, and juniors this year). She is on the jv volleyball team and in the band. In practical terms this means that she starts at 8 a.m. this morning and won't get home until 8 p.m. tonight.
Sunday, August 24
Saturday, August 23
NEW BOOKS
I've made good progress ploughing through The Bible and Homosexual Practice by Robert Gagnon (It's a lot easier reading than I thought it would be). So I felt free to order some more books today. The most promising of the batch, however, will not be released until October.
The Post-Evangelical is by the creative Church of England priest, David Tomlinson.
I also ordered Church in Emerging Culture: Five Perspectives by Andy Crouch, Michael S. Horton, Frederica Mathewes-Green, Brian D. McLaren, Erwin R. McManus, and Leonard Sweet.
The thing which intrigues me about this book is that these writers are not all on the same page. Most of the other titles in the growing "emerging-pomo" genre have:
1) been fairly narrow in their interpretation of the developments in Western culture,
2) pretty much the same spin, and
3) not engaged the church as a whole in the conversation (nor shown much interest in doing so). They're all pretty much talking to each other.
These books seem to occupy much the same niche as the church growth books in the 80's -- important but overly narrow in perspective and focus.
Church in Emerging Culture: Five Perspectives looks like it will help move things toward a point of balance. There is a brief .pdf preview on the Zondervan website.
I am also looking forward to reading Community of Kindness by Steve Sjogren and Rob Lewin. They have a slightly different take on church planting. Someday I expect to be doing another new church start (or perhaps re-start). So this looks intriguing -- although not heavy reading. Community of Kindness is available now.
I've made good progress ploughing through The Bible and Homosexual Practice by Robert Gagnon (It's a lot easier reading than I thought it would be). So I felt free to order some more books today. The most promising of the batch, however, will not be released until October.
The Post-Evangelical is by the creative Church of England priest, David Tomlinson.
I also ordered Church in Emerging Culture: Five Perspectives by Andy Crouch, Michael S. Horton, Frederica Mathewes-Green, Brian D. McLaren, Erwin R. McManus, and Leonard Sweet.
The thing which intrigues me about this book is that these writers are not all on the same page. Most of the other titles in the growing "emerging-pomo" genre have:
1) been fairly narrow in their interpretation of the developments in Western culture,
2) pretty much the same spin, and
3) not engaged the church as a whole in the conversation (nor shown much interest in doing so). They're all pretty much talking to each other.
These books seem to occupy much the same niche as the church growth books in the 80's -- important but overly narrow in perspective and focus.
Church in Emerging Culture: Five Perspectives looks like it will help move things toward a point of balance. There is a brief .pdf preview on the Zondervan website.
I am also looking forward to reading Community of Kindness by Steve Sjogren and Rob Lewin. They have a slightly different take on church planting. Someday I expect to be doing another new church start (or perhaps re-start). So this looks intriguing -- although not heavy reading. Community of Kindness is available now.
Friday, August 22
WORK & CONSIDERATION IN THE POSTMODERN WORLD
Dr. Uwe Siemon-Netto, UPI religion editor: "There is a theological point to be made here. The point is that in post-modernity the accomplishments of the French revolution have reached their highest level of absurdity so far. This revolution, Dietrich Bonhoeffer observed, was 'the laying bare of emancipated man in his tremendous power and most terrible perversity.'"
..."I put this question to one of my favorite pastors, the Rev. Johannes Richter, former regional bishop of Leipzig in Germany, who in Communist days had witnessed a tyrannical regime's deliberate attempt to destroy the essence of Christian civilization.
"He replied, 'It's all about 'I' and 'you.' If you emphasize the 'I,' you'll never grasp the 'you.' But if the 'you' is your starting point - if you are willing to be there for others -- only then will you discover yourself.'"
Link to a great column
Dr. Uwe Siemon-Netto, UPI religion editor: "There is a theological point to be made here. The point is that in post-modernity the accomplishments of the French revolution have reached their highest level of absurdity so far. This revolution, Dietrich Bonhoeffer observed, was 'the laying bare of emancipated man in his tremendous power and most terrible perversity.'"
..."I put this question to one of my favorite pastors, the Rev. Johannes Richter, former regional bishop of Leipzig in Germany, who in Communist days had witnessed a tyrannical regime's deliberate attempt to destroy the essence of Christian civilization.
"He replied, 'It's all about 'I' and 'you.' If you emphasize the 'I,' you'll never grasp the 'you.' But if the 'you' is your starting point - if you are willing to be there for others -- only then will you discover yourself.'"
Link to a great column
INCENSE IS DANGEROUS
"Irish Roman Catholics have been warned that churchgoing could pose a threat to their health because incense contains potentially dangerous chemicals." It's a good thing WE don't use incense! (friendly poke at my high church friends) Link to Telegraph article.
"Irish Roman Catholics have been warned that churchgoing could pose a threat to their health because incense contains potentially dangerous chemicals." It's a good thing WE don't use incense! (friendly poke at my high church friends) Link to Telegraph article.
POWERPOINT BASHING
Not everyone thinks that PowerPoint is such a good idea. Edward Tufte has a great article in Wired.
Cory Doctorow reviews the article on the Boing Boing blog:
"Great Edward Tufte rant about PowerPoint and other slideware, and why we should all avoid it. I did a talk a couple months ago and the conference organizers nearly insisted that I bring a PowerPoint presentation to accompany my speech. I told them that I didn't believe in slides for the kind of talk I was giving, and they responded, 'But what will keep the audience from getting bored?' Urr, possibly the words coming out of my mouth?"
Not everyone thinks that PowerPoint is such a good idea. Edward Tufte has a great article in Wired.
Cory Doctorow reviews the article on the Boing Boing blog:
"Great Edward Tufte rant about PowerPoint and other slideware, and why we should all avoid it. I did a talk a couple months ago and the conference organizers nearly insisted that I bring a PowerPoint presentation to accompany my speech. I told them that I didn't believe in slides for the kind of talk I was giving, and they responded, 'But what will keep the audience from getting bored?' Urr, possibly the words coming out of my mouth?"
MARY SEE SIGHTING
It's Cheryl's birthday tomorrow. So tonight we took one of our rare excursions to the mall to procure some See's candy . The woman who served us is the spitting image of Mary See -- the mother of Charles See, who founded the candy chain in 1921. I bet she had no trouble getting the job.
It's Cheryl's birthday tomorrow. So tonight we took one of our rare excursions to the mall to procure some See's candy . The woman who served us is the spitting image of Mary See -- the mother of Charles See, who founded the candy chain in 1921. I bet she had no trouble getting the job.
Thursday, August 21
RAIN, ELECTRICITY, AND BOOMS
Yes, once again in normally dry Turlock. We've also had some extra humidity -- feels just like when we lived in Texas. Link to LightingStorm.com to watch.
Yes, once again in normally dry Turlock. We've also had some extra humidity -- feels just like when we lived in Texas. Link to LightingStorm.com to watch.
Monday, August 18
LINEA'S NEW BLOG SITE
World renown dentist Linea Lanoie has joined the Canadian stampede to Prairie Fusion and has a new improved blog site. Link
World renown dentist Linea Lanoie has joined the Canadian stampede to Prairie Fusion and has a new improved blog site. Link
Sunday, August 17
Saturday, August 16
DAN MIGHT VOTE FOR ARNOLD
Dan Gilmor, who is generally not the most conservative voice on the Internet, says he might vote for outspoken conservative Arnold Schwarzenegger. It seems that Schwarzenegger is hinting at the possibility of terminating Prop. 13. Maybe Arnold does know something. However, one good idea doesn't make for a good governor. Besides, since Prop. 13 was an initiative it would take the same to repeal it. Promising to do away with Prop. 13 is like the kid running for student body president and promising additional days for Christmas vacation if he’s elected. Link
Dan Gilmor, who is generally not the most conservative voice on the Internet, says he might vote for outspoken conservative Arnold Schwarzenegger. It seems that Schwarzenegger is hinting at the possibility of terminating Prop. 13. Maybe Arnold does know something. However, one good idea doesn't make for a good governor. Besides, since Prop. 13 was an initiative it would take the same to repeal it. Promising to do away with Prop. 13 is like the kid running for student body president and promising additional days for Christmas vacation if he’s elected. Link
Friday, August 15
TO WALLA WALLA
Friend, retired pastor, author, artist Randy Klassen showed up yesterday at our monthly cluster of Covenant pastors and announced that he will be moving to Walla Walla, Washington to be near children and grandchildren. Our loss is Walla Walla's gain. Been there -- great little town.
Friend, retired pastor, author, artist Randy Klassen showed up yesterday at our monthly cluster of Covenant pastors and announced that he will be moving to Walla Walla, Washington to be near children and grandchildren. Our loss is Walla Walla's gain. Been there -- great little town.
Thursday, August 14
NEW ERA IN TV
When high definition televisions (HDTV) start showing up on the shelves at Wal-Mart you know that the switch-over really is happening. I spotted one there tonight -- just over $1,200. Looks great! But the 19" Hitachi that we bought in 1983 is still going strong so we'll probably hold off a bit.
When high definition televisions (HDTV) start showing up on the shelves at Wal-Mart you know that the switch-over really is happening. I spotted one there tonight -- just over $1,200. Looks great! But the 19" Hitachi that we bought in 1983 is still going strong so we'll probably hold off a bit.
CALIFORNIA FIASCO -- PROGRESS
We're now down to 135 candidates. Perhaps I'll only need three stamps for my absentee ballot. Link
We're now down to 135 candidates. Perhaps I'll only need three stamps for my absentee ballot. Link
Wednesday, August 13
DR LAURA QUITS
Not radio -- but the practice of Judaism. She has always spoken well of the church and so speculation abounds that she is converting to Christianity. But that sounds like the cart in front of the horse. Link
Not radio -- but the practice of Judaism. She has always spoken well of the church and so speculation abounds that she is converting to Christianity. But that sounds like the cart in front of the horse. Link
ATTACKS ON CONSERVATIVE ANGLICANS
In the wake of their opposition to the ordination of a homosexual as a bishop of the Episcopal Church, there have been two violent incidents against conservative Anglicans. In London, England, Bishop Simon Oketch was apparently confronted by two Church of England clergymen, who grabbed him after he refused to waver on his position. Bystanders on the street had to pull the men off of him. Link to East African Standard
In Graham, Texas a small conservative Episcopal mission church was set afire by someone left writing on the wall, "God and Jesus love Homosexuals." Link
David Virtue has been cataloging the response of conservatives to the action of last week's general assembly. After reading letters from scores of bishops and organizations it appears that while grieved they are not panicked. And they don't seem ready to leave the Episcopal Church en masse. However, they are working on strategies to withhold funds and recognition of Gene Robinson. It sounds like they're getting ready to do a massive end-run around the Episcopal Church structure.
The Church of Uganda has severed relations with the Episcopal Church USA. Link
Thanks to CT weblog, which has linked to over 50 stories on this subject today alone.
In the wake of their opposition to the ordination of a homosexual as a bishop of the Episcopal Church, there have been two violent incidents against conservative Anglicans. In London, England, Bishop Simon Oketch was apparently confronted by two Church of England clergymen, who grabbed him after he refused to waver on his position. Bystanders on the street had to pull the men off of him. Link to East African Standard
In Graham, Texas a small conservative Episcopal mission church was set afire by someone left writing on the wall, "God and Jesus love Homosexuals." Link
David Virtue has been cataloging the response of conservatives to the action of last week's general assembly. After reading letters from scores of bishops and organizations it appears that while grieved they are not panicked. And they don't seem ready to leave the Episcopal Church en masse. However, they are working on strategies to withhold funds and recognition of Gene Robinson. It sounds like they're getting ready to do a massive end-run around the Episcopal Church structure.
The Church of Uganda has severed relations with the Episcopal Church USA. Link
Thanks to CT weblog, which has linked to over 50 stories on this subject today alone.
THE EMERGING LIQUID
Usually I just dump the propaganda that comes unsolicited over the fax machine. This morning, however, the title caught my eye -- "The Liquid Report -- Emerging Growth Companies." At first I thought it had something to do with the whole emerging and liquid church concepts.
So often we think we're the trend setters but we're really just late adopters of cultural trends. It's hard to be counter-cultural when you're an adopter.
Usually I just dump the propaganda that comes unsolicited over the fax machine. This morning, however, the title caught my eye -- "The Liquid Report -- Emerging Growth Companies." At first I thought it had something to do with the whole emerging and liquid church concepts.
So often we think we're the trend setters but we're really just late adopters of cultural trends. It's hard to be counter-cultural when you're an adopter.
Tuesday, August 12
THE GAYING OF THE CHURCH
Interesting op-ed piece from Mark Oppenheimer -- Link
Quotes:
...The women and gays affect not just the quantities but also the qualities of the clergy. True, straight men have no monopoly on deep voices or adamantine personas. Nor have they cornered the market on intellection; women and gays represent an increasing share of Bible scholars. But women and gays are more disposed to the "therapeutic" mode of ministry, emphasizing pastoral counseling and rule by consensus. They are more likely to resist hierarchicalism, shun clerical dress and ask to be called by their first names.
...Whether their preaching will reverse the slide of liberal Christianity is harder to say. Men have always gone to church much less than women have, and it seems unlikely that women and gays will pull them in when preachers who looked like them couldn't. Others worry that if the ministry becomes seen as "women's work," it will lose prestige. Already, campus chaplains at secular schools are nearly insignificant -- we will never see another William Sloane Coffin, because ministers are no longer granted that moral authority. And as the clergy becomes more female, will it become even more underpaid, like teaching? Will parishioners be more parsimonious in paying their female rectors?
...But women and homosexuals are truly the ministry's best hope. The ministry has for a long time faced a brain drain -- it is not a career of choice for the best and the brightest. An increased pool of interested candidates helps keeps standards high. When the Ivy League schools went co-ed, admission became much more competitive, and the average student became more, not less, intelligent. The future of the churches would look far worse but for the seminaries' educated, enthusiastic women and homosexuals.
Leon Podles responds on Mere Comments (see Aug. 12th). Oppenheimer doesn’t think that a clergy composed of women and homosexuals will change the church much, because it has long been feminized... Then Podles adds, Oppenheimer ignores the question of what will happen to the men who will keep a greater and greater distance from the churches that look like women’s clubs with a gay auxiliary. Will men join fundamentalist churches, or Islam (the preferred solution of American blacks), or some neo-fascist, Fight Club spiritual-renewal-through-violence movement? or just drift into a sensate fast cars, sports, and beer existence?
Interesting op-ed piece from Mark Oppenheimer -- Link
Quotes:
...The women and gays affect not just the quantities but also the qualities of the clergy. True, straight men have no monopoly on deep voices or adamantine personas. Nor have they cornered the market on intellection; women and gays represent an increasing share of Bible scholars. But women and gays are more disposed to the "therapeutic" mode of ministry, emphasizing pastoral counseling and rule by consensus. They are more likely to resist hierarchicalism, shun clerical dress and ask to be called by their first names.
...Whether their preaching will reverse the slide of liberal Christianity is harder to say. Men have always gone to church much less than women have, and it seems unlikely that women and gays will pull them in when preachers who looked like them couldn't. Others worry that if the ministry becomes seen as "women's work," it will lose prestige. Already, campus chaplains at secular schools are nearly insignificant -- we will never see another William Sloane Coffin, because ministers are no longer granted that moral authority. And as the clergy becomes more female, will it become even more underpaid, like teaching? Will parishioners be more parsimonious in paying their female rectors?
...But women and homosexuals are truly the ministry's best hope. The ministry has for a long time faced a brain drain -- it is not a career of choice for the best and the brightest. An increased pool of interested candidates helps keeps standards high. When the Ivy League schools went co-ed, admission became much more competitive, and the average student became more, not less, intelligent. The future of the churches would look far worse but for the seminaries' educated, enthusiastic women and homosexuals.
Leon Podles responds on Mere Comments (see Aug. 12th). Oppenheimer doesn’t think that a clergy composed of women and homosexuals will change the church much, because it has long been feminized... Then Podles adds, Oppenheimer ignores the question of what will happen to the men who will keep a greater and greater distance from the churches that look like women’s clubs with a gay auxiliary. Will men join fundamentalist churches, or Islam (the preferred solution of American blacks), or some neo-fascist, Fight Club spiritual-renewal-through-violence movement? or just drift into a sensate fast cars, sports, and beer existence?
XANGA UNDER ATTACK
Xanga.com, where Dan Whitmarsh has his blog (Dan's Hole in the Wall) has been under ongoing DDOS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack and has been down for about a day. They expect to be back up sometime tomorrow. Hackers -- don't ya just love 'em -- right up there with spammers.
Xanga.com, where Dan Whitmarsh has his blog (Dan's Hole in the Wall) has been under ongoing DDOS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack and has been down for about a day. They expect to be back up sometime tomorrow. Hackers -- don't ya just love 'em -- right up there with spammers.
INTERVIEW WITH THOMAS ODEN
Michael Horton has an audio interview (from his White Horse Inn radio show) with Thomas Oden -- discussing what consititutes Christian "orthodoxy" and how it has been affected by modernity. Link
Michael Horton has an audio interview (from his White Horse Inn radio show) with Thomas Oden -- discussing what consititutes Christian "orthodoxy" and how it has been affected by modernity. Link
TERRY MATTINGLY ON ROLE OF BLOGS
Mattingly writes on the role of blogs in shaping faith and the church -- case study Andrew Sullivan. Link
Mattingly writes on the role of blogs in shaping faith and the church -- case study Andrew Sullivan. Link
TAX CREDIT FOR MIDWESTERNERS WHO MOVE
In an effort to balance out the number of Christians in the US, a provision in the tax bill "awards $200 per person when people move from Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana or Illinois to one of 12 urban areas on the coast including Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., Miami and Seattle. Midwesterners who move to Las Vegas receive $400 per person."
Believe it or not. Link to LarkNews.com
In an effort to balance out the number of Christians in the US, a provision in the tax bill "awards $200 per person when people move from Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana or Illinois to one of 12 urban areas on the coast including Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., Miami and Seattle. Midwesterners who move to Las Vegas receive $400 per person."
Believe it or not. Link to LarkNews.com
Monday, August 11
BACK TO BANGUI
Things must have settled down at least a little in Bangui, Central African Republic, because Keith and Florence Gustafson are heading back there. Link
Things must have settled down at least a little in Bangui, Central African Republic, because Keith and Florence Gustafson are heading back there. Link
IRONY
While Anglicans (Episcopalians) in the US lament the appointment of a liberal homosexual bishop -- and many of the evangelicals are making leave taking noises -- in England, at least one priest is quiting because THE EVANGELICALS ARE TOO POWERFUL. One thing we must understand about the Church of England is this: the Pharisees, known today as the evangelicals, are running the asylum. These are worthy people, but they hide behind rules, unable to cope with mystery and spirit. They look in the book of Leviticus and see clear denunciations of same-sex relationships; they read verses in Paul's Letter to the Romans talking about "unnatural relationships". There is, in this psyche, a deep desire for issues to be black and white, fenced in, particularly in the tumultuous sphere of sex. Link
Thanks, Jordon.
While Anglicans (Episcopalians) in the US lament the appointment of a liberal homosexual bishop -- and many of the evangelicals are making leave taking noises -- in England, at least one priest is quiting because THE EVANGELICALS ARE TOO POWERFUL. One thing we must understand about the Church of England is this: the Pharisees, known today as the evangelicals, are running the asylum. These are worthy people, but they hide behind rules, unable to cope with mystery and spirit. They look in the book of Leviticus and see clear denunciations of same-sex relationships; they read verses in Paul's Letter to the Romans talking about "unnatural relationships". There is, in this psyche, a deep desire for issues to be black and white, fenced in, particularly in the tumultuous sphere of sex. Link
Thanks, Jordon.
LIQUID CHURCH
Jordon Cooper has an extensive review of Pete Ward's book Liquid Church. He must like it because the review is long -- with lots of stimulating quotes. Link
Jordon Cooper has an extensive review of Pete Ward's book Liquid Church. He must like it because the review is long -- with lots of stimulating quotes. Link
CALIFORNIA FIASCO -- THE LATEST
With 200 candidates on the ballot it may not work to use the new high tech voting system. We may have to go back to the punch style ballots which were retired after the Florida fiasco. Link
I wonder how much postage I'm going to have to put on the envelope if I vote absentee.
With 200 candidates on the ballot it may not work to use the new high tech voting system. We may have to go back to the punch style ballots which were retired after the Florida fiasco. Link
I wonder how much postage I'm going to have to put on the envelope if I vote absentee.
TOWARD 2015 PLOUGHS ON
Richard has repented and will keep the Toward2015 list going -- which is good news.
Richard has repented and will keep the Toward2015 list going -- which is good news.
QUOTES OF THE DAY
+ "There are things in the Bible that are not up for a vote..." -- David H. Roseberry, rector of Christ Church, Plano, Texas -- the largest Episcopal Churches in the US. Link
+ "There's no reason for us to split over this... There should be no issue, homosexuality, abortion, war and peace, that we put above our own communion with Jesus Christ." (Translation: "Just because I've got another lover doesn't mean that we have to divorce. We can still stay together and be happy because I still have feelings for you.") -- Gene Robinson, bishop-elect of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire
+ "There are things in the Bible that are not up for a vote..." -- David H. Roseberry, rector of Christ Church, Plano, Texas -- the largest Episcopal Churches in the US. Link
+ "There's no reason for us to split over this... There should be no issue, homosexuality, abortion, war and peace, that we put above our own communion with Jesus Christ." (Translation: "Just because I've got another lover doesn't mean that we have to divorce. We can still stay together and be happy because I still have feelings for you.") -- Gene Robinson, bishop-elect of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire
Sunday, August 10
TOWARD 2015
In the aftermath of the schism in the Episcopal Church Richard Kew is closing down his future oriented, mission brainstorming email list Toward2015 -- at least until people cool down a bit.
In the aftermath of the schism in the Episcopal Church Richard Kew is closing down his future oriented, mission brainstorming email list Toward2015 -- at least until people cool down a bit.
MORMONISM SEMINAR
This morning I finished the last session of the seminar on Mormonism that I've been teaching at Cornerstone. I adapted some material put out by Salt Lake Theological Seminary called Bridges. The material is great -- video segments excellent. I highly reccomend it. Attendance remained high throughout the entire five weeks.
This morning I finished the last session of the seminar on Mormonism that I've been teaching at Cornerstone. I adapted some material put out by Salt Lake Theological Seminary called Bridges. The material is great -- video segments excellent. I highly reccomend it. Attendance remained high throughout the entire five weeks.
IT'S HOT IN EUROPE
For the first time in recorded history London has hit 100 degrees (f). I hope the palace guards have a summer uniform. Link
For the first time in recorded history London has hit 100 degrees (f). I hope the palace guards have a summer uniform. Link
Saturday, August 9
Friday, August 8
THE PLOT THICKENS
Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, is going to convene an extraordinary meeting of the Primates (No, they are not apes. Primates are the chief bishops.) of the Anglican churches from around the world to try and hold things together. Link
In the mean time, Douglas LeBlanc, an Episcopalian and an editor at Christianity Today, has begun to say his good-byes. Link
Cal Thomas picked up a good quote: "If you're a heterosexual clergyman and you're having sex outside marriage, you can be expelled. But if you're a homosexual clergyman having sex outside marriage, they rejoice." Link
Meanwhile, the ELCA biennial general assembly next week will consider what year it will debate ordaining sexually active gays and lesbians and whether to institute same-sex blessing ceremonies. Link
Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, is going to convene an extraordinary meeting of the Primates (No, they are not apes. Primates are the chief bishops.) of the Anglican churches from around the world to try and hold things together. Link
In the mean time, Douglas LeBlanc, an Episcopalian and an editor at Christianity Today, has begun to say his good-byes. Link
Cal Thomas picked up a good quote: "If you're a heterosexual clergyman and you're having sex outside marriage, you can be expelled. But if you're a homosexual clergyman having sex outside marriage, they rejoice." Link
Meanwhile, the ELCA biennial general assembly next week will consider what year it will debate ordaining sexually active gays and lesbians and whether to institute same-sex blessing ceremonies. Link
Thursday, August 7
MAYBE WE'RE GOING ABOUT THIS IN THE WRONG WAY...
Is there anyone other than Darrell Issa, Richard Riordan, and Dianne Feinstein who do NOT want their names on the October 7th ballot?
As of a few minutes ago there were 372 prospective candidates listed on the secretary of state's web site. Another 155 people have received filing papers but have not yet turned them in. That is, we have 527 candidates right now. At this point there are more Democrats on the ballot than Republicans. If the governor is recalled the candidate with the most votes gets the office. No run-off.
L. Stuart Vance is hoping to get 5,000 qualified candidates on the ballot. Link to run-for-governor.org to find out how you, too, can qualify.
In regard to the Terminator? Well, at least we don’t need to worry about politainer Arnold Schwarzenegger thinking he’ll use the governor’s office as a stepping stone to the White House.
Is there anyone other than Darrell Issa, Richard Riordan, and Dianne Feinstein who do NOT want their names on the October 7th ballot?
As of a few minutes ago there were 372 prospective candidates listed on the secretary of state's web site. Another 155 people have received filing papers but have not yet turned them in. That is, we have 527 candidates right now. At this point there are more Democrats on the ballot than Republicans. If the governor is recalled the candidate with the most votes gets the office. No run-off.
L. Stuart Vance is hoping to get 5,000 qualified candidates on the ballot. Link to run-for-governor.org to find out how you, too, can qualify.
In regard to the Terminator? Well, at least we don’t need to worry about politainer Arnold Schwarzenegger thinking he’ll use the governor’s office as a stepping stone to the White House.
ANOTHER UNHAPPY CAMPER
Dr. Uwe Siemon-Netto, the UPI religion editor, points out a few of the contradictions inherent in the approval of a homosexual bishop and blasts the arrogance of the Episcopal Church. Link
Dr. Uwe Siemon-Netto, the UPI religion editor, points out a few of the contradictions inherent in the approval of a homosexual bishop and blasts the arrogance of the Episcopal Church. Link
HOME FROM CHIC
The plane carrying our people from CHIC arrived at the San Franciso Airport at about midnight. I picked up a crew so I didn't get home until about 2:30 a.m. this morning. Everyone I've talked with, although tired, still conveyed lots of enthusiasm for the week they had just experienced.
Lloyd Ahlem was one of the eight adults from our church (we had 27 students) who went along. He taught several seminars and was a part of the senior citizen contingent. He also wrote up almost daily reports on what he experienced. He sent the following to me last night.
We are home tonight, having spent the day on the airplane from Knoxville to Modesto. All went well. Bob Stromberg was outstanding, clear and impressive. He usually does some guitar and comedy stuff, but last night was a straightforward message about the abundant life in Christ. It was followed by great singing in quieter tones and devotional mood. Then a loud series of songs of praise followed by a benediction we sang to each other. Service closed at 11 PM. We began at 8:30.
Kids raised $68,000 in cash for World Relief in Congo. The change weighed in at 213 pounds of coins. Most will go for the hospital in Imeloko. I have been there and it has barely survived the tumult of the last few years but has been quiet and been staffed recently. Desperate need for medicines and equipment. It was a proud moment to see kids donate about $10 per person the last night of camp. We came away happy and satisfied that we had been blessed beyond our expectations for the conference. A big black campus policeman met me as I was going out. We had chatted a bit each night and now he came to meet me, hands outstretched, thanking us for the conference he had witnessed through the back stage curtains. "God bless you, you have made our time worth while. Blessings on your way home," he said. I saw two other U. of Tenn. police carrying Bibles as they monitored the scene from the rear of the arena.
U. of T. people were most helpful and complimentary of our kids. Problems were minimal for such a large group. One uncooperative girl was put on a bus home Monday. Several others were in a serious spiritual battle and I don't know what came of their experience. A lone girl, not from one of our churches, 17 years old and 7 1/2 months pregnant went into false labor in a hotel. She had no Covenant connection, just came on her own. She will need our prayers as she returns home. One youngster manifested symptoms of a bad case of mono but seemed to get through the last couple of days. Some scuffed knees and a few crutches popped up.
Dates have been reserved for another CHIC three years from now at U. of Tenn., but no firm financial commitments made yet. I learned that several large subsidies were given to bring in the top musical groups. One group had 26 people flying in from Texas, one nights lodging and a special meal. Didn't cost CHIC a dime. I guessed the cost was about 40 grand for their appearance. Stage lighting was the latest and most modern, all donated by a company. Would have cost many thousands to duplicate the system they provided. I counted six large consoles for instruments and lighting control.
The impact was tremendous on all who attended. It was without pressure or manipulation. The focus from beginning to end was on Jesus and his lordship of our lives. Worship dominated the musical presentations totally. It's rare I sit through a whole conference and not put mental correctives on what is happening in the program. This one had me brushing away many tears as the call to follow Christ was given.
I enjoyed my own seminars. Found myself returning a bit to the teenage mind. First seminar was a little stiff but kids were attentive. The last one was punctuated with wonderful hilarity as we hit if off well with each other. The seminar on family systems and conflict turned up a couple of very tough situations that kids wanted to talk about privately. Had a room with 47 chairs. Never less than 75 crowded in and sat in semi circles in the hall. Many others couldn't get in at all. Had a some choice conversations with several afterwards.
In three more years I may have recovered enough to try it again.
The plane carrying our people from CHIC arrived at the San Franciso Airport at about midnight. I picked up a crew so I didn't get home until about 2:30 a.m. this morning. Everyone I've talked with, although tired, still conveyed lots of enthusiasm for the week they had just experienced.
Lloyd Ahlem was one of the eight adults from our church (we had 27 students) who went along. He taught several seminars and was a part of the senior citizen contingent. He also wrote up almost daily reports on what he experienced. He sent the following to me last night.
We are home tonight, having spent the day on the airplane from Knoxville to Modesto. All went well. Bob Stromberg was outstanding, clear and impressive. He usually does some guitar and comedy stuff, but last night was a straightforward message about the abundant life in Christ. It was followed by great singing in quieter tones and devotional mood. Then a loud series of songs of praise followed by a benediction we sang to each other. Service closed at 11 PM. We began at 8:30.
Kids raised $68,000 in cash for World Relief in Congo. The change weighed in at 213 pounds of coins. Most will go for the hospital in Imeloko. I have been there and it has barely survived the tumult of the last few years but has been quiet and been staffed recently. Desperate need for medicines and equipment. It was a proud moment to see kids donate about $10 per person the last night of camp. We came away happy and satisfied that we had been blessed beyond our expectations for the conference. A big black campus policeman met me as I was going out. We had chatted a bit each night and now he came to meet me, hands outstretched, thanking us for the conference he had witnessed through the back stage curtains. "God bless you, you have made our time worth while. Blessings on your way home," he said. I saw two other U. of Tenn. police carrying Bibles as they monitored the scene from the rear of the arena.
U. of T. people were most helpful and complimentary of our kids. Problems were minimal for such a large group. One uncooperative girl was put on a bus home Monday. Several others were in a serious spiritual battle and I don't know what came of their experience. A lone girl, not from one of our churches, 17 years old and 7 1/2 months pregnant went into false labor in a hotel. She had no Covenant connection, just came on her own. She will need our prayers as she returns home. One youngster manifested symptoms of a bad case of mono but seemed to get through the last couple of days. Some scuffed knees and a few crutches popped up.
Dates have been reserved for another CHIC three years from now at U. of Tenn., but no firm financial commitments made yet. I learned that several large subsidies were given to bring in the top musical groups. One group had 26 people flying in from Texas, one nights lodging and a special meal. Didn't cost CHIC a dime. I guessed the cost was about 40 grand for their appearance. Stage lighting was the latest and most modern, all donated by a company. Would have cost many thousands to duplicate the system they provided. I counted six large consoles for instruments and lighting control.
The impact was tremendous on all who attended. It was without pressure or manipulation. The focus from beginning to end was on Jesus and his lordship of our lives. Worship dominated the musical presentations totally. It's rare I sit through a whole conference and not put mental correctives on what is happening in the program. This one had me brushing away many tears as the call to follow Christ was given.
I enjoyed my own seminars. Found myself returning a bit to the teenage mind. First seminar was a little stiff but kids were attentive. The last one was punctuated with wonderful hilarity as we hit if off well with each other. The seminar on family systems and conflict turned up a couple of very tough situations that kids wanted to talk about privately. Had a room with 47 chairs. Never less than 75 crowded in and sat in semi circles in the hall. Many others couldn't get in at all. Had a some choice conversations with several afterwards.
In three more years I may have recovered enough to try it again.
Wednesday, August 6
UNCONTROLABLE URGES
Jon has been arguing with Karl that homosexuality is merely a different kind of urge that some people have and that therefore it is not a matter of choice. We have to act on our biological urges. It's who we are. It's our programing. See comments
If indeed some people have urges for abnormal sexual behavior (which has not really been established -- only postulated) it does not really follow that acting on those urges is acceptable. For example, there is literature which suggests that some people have inborn urges toward alcoholism, stealing, anger, or violence. Does it mean that one has to act on such urges in order to live a fulfilled life?
We are not machines which have to act out according to some program or we can't live full lives. The very notion is absurd and contrary to the biblical idea of redemption from sin. If there are inborn abnormal desires in certain areas, their existence merely suggests that those are going to be areas of struggle -- areas where we are going to need lots of love, grace, mercy, support, accountability, and encouragement. The last thing we need is a majority vote to legitimize the behavior.
Barnabas has a good column today on the absurdity of letting not only our urges define what is right but also on the role of the majority in affirming such decisions. Link
Jon has been arguing with Karl that homosexuality is merely a different kind of urge that some people have and that therefore it is not a matter of choice. We have to act on our biological urges. It's who we are. It's our programing. See comments
If indeed some people have urges for abnormal sexual behavior (which has not really been established -- only postulated) it does not really follow that acting on those urges is acceptable. For example, there is literature which suggests that some people have inborn urges toward alcoholism, stealing, anger, or violence. Does it mean that one has to act on such urges in order to live a fulfilled life?
We are not machines which have to act out according to some program or we can't live full lives. The very notion is absurd and contrary to the biblical idea of redemption from sin. If there are inborn abnormal desires in certain areas, their existence merely suggests that those are going to be areas of struggle -- areas where we are going to need lots of love, grace, mercy, support, accountability, and encouragement. The last thing we need is a majority vote to legitimize the behavior.
Barnabas has a good column today on the absurdity of letting not only our urges define what is right but also on the role of the majority in affirming such decisions. Link
FACTIOUS!
One of the interesting aspects of the schism in what used to be the Episcopal Church is the media attention. There was an AP story that was online earlier today -- "Faction Denounces Election of Gay Bishop." It was written by Rachel Zell and the lead is: MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A conservative faction of the Episcopal Church denounced the election of the denomination's first openly gay bishop and called on Anglican leaders worldwide to intervene in what it called a "pastoral emergency."
The group which stayed with the biblical roots of the Anglican communion is viewed by our culture as a "faction." Those who have left the moorings of historical Christianity and the rest of the church, progressively embracing the values popular in the culture, are portrayed as normal.
Most of the time the complaints about lack of objectivity in the media are overstatements but this situation is indicative of a trend that even some elements in the fourth estate are noting. The ultra conservative Washington Times has a bit of a rant on the topic.
As I see it we can’t blame the media for the lack of faithfulness on the part of the Episcopalians but they are in bed together with the media -- so to speak.
Fortunately, we have these totally objective blogs so that we can set the record straight.
One of the interesting aspects of the schism in what used to be the Episcopal Church is the media attention. There was an AP story that was online earlier today -- "Faction Denounces Election of Gay Bishop." It was written by Rachel Zell and the lead is: MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A conservative faction of the Episcopal Church denounced the election of the denomination's first openly gay bishop and called on Anglican leaders worldwide to intervene in what it called a "pastoral emergency."
The group which stayed with the biblical roots of the Anglican communion is viewed by our culture as a "faction." Those who have left the moorings of historical Christianity and the rest of the church, progressively embracing the values popular in the culture, are portrayed as normal.
Most of the time the complaints about lack of objectivity in the media are overstatements but this situation is indicative of a trend that even some elements in the fourth estate are noting. The ultra conservative Washington Times has a bit of a rant on the topic.
As I see it we can’t blame the media for the lack of faithfulness on the part of the Episcopalians but they are in bed together with the media -- so to speak.
Fortunately, we have these totally objective blogs so that we can set the record straight.
Tuesday, August 5
UNBELIEVABLE!
The Episcopal Church went ahead today and approved the ordination of an openly homosexual bishop. Link
The Episcopal Church went ahead today and approved the ordination of an openly homosexual bishop. Link
Saturday, August 2
CHIC REPORTS
I'm getting all kinds of wonderful reports from CHIC, where 27 of our Cornerstone high school students are this week (along with eight of our adults). Dan Whitmarsh is blogging on the whole thing (what's the deal about someone stealing a police car?). Tim Wilson has pictures. There are QuickTime video summaries of each day's activities on the Covenant site.
I'm getting all kinds of wonderful reports from CHIC, where 27 of our Cornerstone high school students are this week (along with eight of our adults). Dan Whitmarsh is blogging on the whole thing (what's the deal about someone stealing a police car?). Tim Wilson has pictures. There are QuickTime video summaries of each day's activities on the Covenant site.
NO WONDER THEY THINK WE'RE ALL
A BUNCH OF FRUITS & NUTS
Over 250 people -- including porn king Larry Flynt -- have taken the first steps toward placing their names on the ballot. In the event that we decide to toss our governor out the door the single person, of the 250, with the most votes gets to be governor of California. There is no run-off. A person with less than 5% of the votes could become governor.
I don't understand why it is that the lieutenant governor wouldn’t automatically become governor in the event of a recall. But it appears that for some reason it doesn't work that way (too logical, I suppose).
Last week S.F. Chronicle columnist Harley Sorensen proposed a clever out for Davis. If things start looking really bleak he could just resign before the recall election. That would put the lieutenant governor, Cruz Bustamante, a Democrat like Davis, into the office and stop the election machine.
Sorensen writes, "In the best Machiavellian solution to his problem, Davis could resign, Bustamante would take over, Bustamante would then appoint Davis as his lieutenant governor and then resign himself, propelling Davis back into the governor's chair. Davis could then appoint Bustamante lieutenant governor, and everything would be back to what the voters decided last November."
I'm no fan of Davis. I've never voted for him. I suspect that he is incompetent. But he IS the same governor we RE-elected 10 months ago and he hasn't screwed anything up since then that wasn't already screwed up before then. And he hasn't committed any crimes. Nor is he suspected of committing crimes.
It's all a Republican crap shoot. The problem is that if Davis actually survives this thing (and that is possible if all the people who voted for him in November do the same again -- if for no other reason than to spite the political game players) he would end up with more political clout than he had before. And the Republicans would only have themselves to blame.
But then again, maybe Davis will lose and Flynt will become governor. That would be a Chamber of Commerce moment.
I suppose the good side of it would be that the late night comedians would finally have some new comic fodder -- now that Jesse the Body Ventura is out of office in Minnesota.
Maybe we are a bunch of fruits and nuts.
A BUNCH OF FRUITS & NUTS
Over 250 people -- including porn king Larry Flynt -- have taken the first steps toward placing their names on the ballot. In the event that we decide to toss our governor out the door the single person, of the 250, with the most votes gets to be governor of California. There is no run-off. A person with less than 5% of the votes could become governor.
I don't understand why it is that the lieutenant governor wouldn’t automatically become governor in the event of a recall. But it appears that for some reason it doesn't work that way (too logical, I suppose).
Last week S.F. Chronicle columnist Harley Sorensen proposed a clever out for Davis. If things start looking really bleak he could just resign before the recall election. That would put the lieutenant governor, Cruz Bustamante, a Democrat like Davis, into the office and stop the election machine.
Sorensen writes, "In the best Machiavellian solution to his problem, Davis could resign, Bustamante would take over, Bustamante would then appoint Davis as his lieutenant governor and then resign himself, propelling Davis back into the governor's chair. Davis could then appoint Bustamante lieutenant governor, and everything would be back to what the voters decided last November."
I'm no fan of Davis. I've never voted for him. I suspect that he is incompetent. But he IS the same governor we RE-elected 10 months ago and he hasn't screwed anything up since then that wasn't already screwed up before then. And he hasn't committed any crimes. Nor is he suspected of committing crimes.
It's all a Republican crap shoot. The problem is that if Davis actually survives this thing (and that is possible if all the people who voted for him in November do the same again -- if for no other reason than to spite the political game players) he would end up with more political clout than he had before. And the Republicans would only have themselves to blame.
But then again, maybe Davis will lose and Flynt will become governor. That would be a Chamber of Commerce moment.
I suppose the good side of it would be that the late night comedians would finally have some new comic fodder -- now that Jesse the Body Ventura is out of office in Minnesota.
Maybe we are a bunch of fruits and nuts.
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