ORDINATION OF WOMEN
IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH
(Sunday) There is an interesting article (.pdf file -- and you'll have to scroll to find it) about the ordination of women in the Eastern Orthodox tradition in the current issue of Word magazine, a publication of the Antiochian Orthodox Church. The author, Fr. Matthew Streett, displays an amazing openness to the ordination of women to the diaconate. I also learned that the Orthodox church considers St. Junias, a woman, to be an apostle. Junias is a woman's name at the end of Paul's letter to the Romans (Romans 16:7). She is mentioned as among the apostles. Some fundamentalist Protestants are bothered by fact that a woman would be counted among the apostles and have tried (rather weakly, from my perspective) to argue that Junias was really a man's name. Apparently, they are unaware of the Orthodox tradition.
There was an additional article about the ordination of women in the January issue of the same magazine. Link
Sunday, February 29
THE AMERICAN JESUS
(Sunday) Stephen Prothero was interviewed about his book on the American Jesus for this afternoon's All Things Considered. It's a noble attempt at objectivity and even interesting.
(Sunday) Stephen Prothero was interviewed about his book on the American Jesus for this afternoon's All Things Considered. It's a noble attempt at objectivity and even interesting.
Saturday, February 28
ATTN: TED HOWZE
(Saturday) There are four things that I look for when I'm deciding who will get my vote. The first is philosophical agreement. Is this person on the same page I'm on? Secondly, can this person build bridges and work with those who are not on the same page philosophically? Thirdly, is the person an innovative and moral leader or does he or she just know how to work the system? Fourth, does the person exhibit respect and civility?
There are times when I have to compromise on numbers 1-3. No one is perfect and certainly no one perfectly meets my expectations. However, I find it really hard to give on number 4 (my own inflexibility?). I decided that I'd never vote for George W. Bush after he called a journalist a vulgar name when he thought his microphone was off.
We've been receiving campaign material in the mail for the March 2nd election. And one candidate in particular, someone named Ted Howze, has been sending mean-spirited flyers, really slinging the mud at Brad Bates. They are both running for the same Stanislaus County Supervisor seat. Brad Bates is a part of our congregation so I know him and I know how silly the accusations are. Much to his credit he hasn't returned the fire. However, even if I didn't know Brad (and that he is a solid guy) I would probably vote for him just because I could never vote for a trash-talker.
Attention Google spider: please note that this post is about Ted Howze. Maybe Ted Howze will get the message. Or maybe someone else will get the message about Ted Howze.
(Saturday) There are four things that I look for when I'm deciding who will get my vote. The first is philosophical agreement. Is this person on the same page I'm on? Secondly, can this person build bridges and work with those who are not on the same page philosophically? Thirdly, is the person an innovative and moral leader or does he or she just know how to work the system? Fourth, does the person exhibit respect and civility?
There are times when I have to compromise on numbers 1-3. No one is perfect and certainly no one perfectly meets my expectations. However, I find it really hard to give on number 4 (my own inflexibility?). I decided that I'd never vote for George W. Bush after he called a journalist a vulgar name when he thought his microphone was off.
We've been receiving campaign material in the mail for the March 2nd election. And one candidate in particular, someone named Ted Howze, has been sending mean-spirited flyers, really slinging the mud at Brad Bates. They are both running for the same Stanislaus County Supervisor seat. Brad Bates is a part of our congregation so I know him and I know how silly the accusations are. Much to his credit he hasn't returned the fire. However, even if I didn't know Brad (and that he is a solid guy) I would probably vote for him just because I could never vote for a trash-talker.
Attention Google spider: please note that this post is about Ted Howze. Maybe Ted Howze will get the message. Or maybe someone else will get the message about Ted Howze.
Friday, February 27
DENTISTRY IN THE CONGO
(Friday) If you want a lift, read Linea's humorous story of her dental practice in the Congo. Link
(Friday) If you want a lift, read Linea's humorous story of her dental practice in the Congo. Link
ONLY 4%
(Friday) We are all relieved to find out that only 4% (!) of Roman Catholic priests in the U.S. are abusers. Link
Incredible! This is a corporate culture issue that is squarely on the shoulders of the bishops. They are the ones who, wink-wink, allowed this to go on for so long. It makes me angry and I'm sure the Roman Catholics in the U.S. feel even more betrayed. Until the bishops take responsibility and confess their own direct guilt, this problem will continue to haunt the church for perpetuity.
Not only do I grieve for the thousands and thousands of victims but also for the 96% of the priests who are now viewed with suspicion instead of respect -- making their hard jobs even harder. We've got to do something to encourage these survivors, too.
(Friday) We are all relieved to find out that only 4% (!) of Roman Catholic priests in the U.S. are abusers. Link
Incredible! This is a corporate culture issue that is squarely on the shoulders of the bishops. They are the ones who, wink-wink, allowed this to go on for so long. It makes me angry and I'm sure the Roman Catholics in the U.S. feel even more betrayed. Until the bishops take responsibility and confess their own direct guilt, this problem will continue to haunt the church for perpetuity.
Not only do I grieve for the thousands and thousands of victims but also for the 96% of the priests who are now viewed with suspicion instead of respect -- making their hard jobs even harder. We've got to do something to encourage these survivors, too.
FOR LENT...
(Friday) I have decided to give up commenting on The Passion. And I've discovered that I'm not the only one.
It appears that the Christianity Today weblog is experiencing server failure. I assume it has to do with the overwhelming number of Passion links they've tried to maintain. Because it is taking readers so long to go through all the stories they each return to the CT site hundreds of times more per day -- thus swamping the site with the volume. At least that's my professional guess. (No, this was not a comment on The Passion -- at least not directly).
(Friday) I have decided to give up commenting on The Passion. And I've discovered that I'm not the only one.
It appears that the Christianity Today weblog is experiencing server failure. I assume it has to do with the overwhelming number of Passion links they've tried to maintain. Because it is taking readers so long to go through all the stories they each return to the CT site hundreds of times more per day -- thus swamping the site with the volume. At least that's my professional guess. (No, this was not a comment on The Passion -- at least not directly).
SHAKESPEARE BOMBS THE NEW SAT
(Friday) A few of the boys over at the Princeton Review, who have absolutely nothing invested in maintaining the status quo, are less than excited about the new SAT tests which will soon be torturing high school students. So they've written an article for the Atlantic applying the new SAT standards to the writing of some famous authors. The article is rather predictable. Shakespeare scores 2 out of 6. Hemingway does better, winning a 3. However, Theodore Kaczynski scores a perfect 6 out of 6 for his rambling essay on over-socialization.
It is a verifiable fact that I received the lowest SAT score ever when I took the test. They wrote about me in numerous educational journals; although to protect my parent's reputation they didn't use my real name. In other words, I've never been a very good test taker. So, anything which pokes fun at the test-taking industry is extremely amusing to my lower IQ mind. I'm sure, though, that this article hardly does justice to the test -- at least in the eyes of those who think such things are true predictors of academic success -- or even (cringe) success in life.
(Friday) A few of the boys over at the Princeton Review, who have absolutely nothing invested in maintaining the status quo, are less than excited about the new SAT tests which will soon be torturing high school students. So they've written an article for the Atlantic applying the new SAT standards to the writing of some famous authors. The article is rather predictable. Shakespeare scores 2 out of 6. Hemingway does better, winning a 3. However, Theodore Kaczynski scores a perfect 6 out of 6 for his rambling essay on over-socialization.
It is a verifiable fact that I received the lowest SAT score ever when I took the test. They wrote about me in numerous educational journals; although to protect my parent's reputation they didn't use my real name. In other words, I've never been a very good test taker. So, anything which pokes fun at the test-taking industry is extremely amusing to my lower IQ mind. I'm sure, though, that this article hardly does justice to the test -- at least in the eyes of those who think such things are true predictors of academic success -- or even (cringe) success in life.
Thursday, February 26
HALF OF CALIFORNIANS
OPPOSE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
(Thursday) The most disturbing thing about this whole story isn't that San Francisco is ignoring state law (as troubling as that is) but that only about half the people in our state think they're off-base. It seems inevitable that a society without any real moorings is going accept whatever they get used to hearing and seeing. Link
OPPOSE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
(Thursday) The most disturbing thing about this whole story isn't that San Francisco is ignoring state law (as troubling as that is) but that only about half the people in our state think they're off-base. It seems inevitable that a society without any real moorings is going accept whatever they get used to hearing and seeing. Link
Wednesday, February 25
AND GOD SAID TO NOAH,
"THERE'S GOIN' TO BE A..."
(Wednesday) The rain and the wind started very early this morning and hasn't really let up since then. It's been coming down in buckets -- consistently. We can certainly use the water. And we'll take all we can get now because once April arrives it is generally bone dry around here until October. But do we have to get a year's worth in one day?
"THERE'S GOIN' TO BE A..."
(Wednesday) The rain and the wind started very early this morning and hasn't really let up since then. It's been coming down in buckets -- consistently. We can certainly use the water. And we'll take all we can get now because once April arrives it is generally bone dry around here until October. But do we have to get a year's worth in one day?
HEAVY NEWS DAY
(Wednesday) Ted Olsen, who edits the CT weblog, is calling today one of the busiest days for religion news in ages. Of course, it is Ash Wednesday and The Passion opens today. But there is also a lot of buzz about the fact that the president has come out in support of a federal marriage amendment. AND the ACLU has sued the Salvation Army for being too religious. AND the Supreme Court has ruled that Washington State can deny scholarship money to students who are studying theology. (Can you imagine any of these stories occurring 30 years ago?) Link
A few minutes ago I checked the webcam at North Park University in Chicago. It looks like a beautiful day there -- no snow -- green grass -- even up to 41 degrees. It's too bad that all the CT news writers, stationed in Chicagoland, won't get out to enjoy much of the day. They've got their work cut out for them.
(Wednesday) Ted Olsen, who edits the CT weblog, is calling today one of the busiest days for religion news in ages. Of course, it is Ash Wednesday and The Passion opens today. But there is also a lot of buzz about the fact that the president has come out in support of a federal marriage amendment. AND the ACLU has sued the Salvation Army for being too religious. AND the Supreme Court has ruled that Washington State can deny scholarship money to students who are studying theology. (Can you imagine any of these stories occurring 30 years ago?) Link
A few minutes ago I checked the webcam at North Park University in Chicago. It looks like a beautiful day there -- no snow -- green grass -- even up to 41 degrees. It's too bad that all the CT news writers, stationed in Chicagoland, won't get out to enjoy much of the day. They've got their work cut out for them.
Tuesday, February 24
TRACKMAN
(Tuesday) For years I've used a cordless Logitech trackball device (mouse alternative) called the "Trackman." Unfortunately mine recently gave up the ghost and so I've been looking for a replacement. Finally, after not finding one locally, I drove to Modesto to see what CompUSA had in stock. I couldn't find one there either; so I asked a salesman to find one for me. He walked over to a computer, punched in some info, and told me that the wireless Trackman isn't made anymore. I thanked him for his help -- went home and ordered it from Amazon.com -- which is what I should have done in the first place -- even generated a commission for the church building fund.
(Tuesday) For years I've used a cordless Logitech trackball device (mouse alternative) called the "Trackman." Unfortunately mine recently gave up the ghost and so I've been looking for a replacement. Finally, after not finding one locally, I drove to Modesto to see what CompUSA had in stock. I couldn't find one there either; so I asked a salesman to find one for me. He walked over to a computer, punched in some info, and told me that the wireless Trackman isn't made anymore. I thanked him for his help -- went home and ordered it from Amazon.com -- which is what I should have done in the first place -- even generated a commission for the church building fund.
EBERT ON THE PASSION
(Tuesday) WolrdNetDaily reports that Roger Ebert loves The Passion. However, if you read Ebert's syndicated column you get a fuller view. While he marvels at the film he calls it the most violent movie he has ever seen and implies that it should be rated NC-17.
(Tuesday) WolrdNetDaily reports that Roger Ebert loves The Passion. However, if you read Ebert's syndicated column you get a fuller view. While he marvels at the film he calls it the most violent movie he has ever seen and implies that it should be rated NC-17.
Monday, February 23
WHY THE DESERT IS BEAUTIFUL
(Monday) As observed again while driving from Tucson to Turlock -- The Sonoran Desert is beautiful because it's never the same. It changes from minute to minute and second to second. As the sun and the clouds move -- so do the shadows against the hills. And the color is constantly changing. Beautiful clouds out there today!
(Monday) As observed again while driving from Tucson to Turlock -- The Sonoran Desert is beautiful because it's never the same. It changes from minute to minute and second to second. As the sun and the clouds move -- so do the shadows against the hills. And the color is constantly changing. Beautiful clouds out there today!
Sunday, February 22
TURLOCK TO TEMPE
(Sunday) It took just under 10 hours -- the windshield wipers were going all the way from the Grapevine to Tempe. The smell of rain in the desert is one of my favorites.
We'll spend the night in Tempe, at my parent's home, and then head down to Tucson to pick-up Cheryl's father tomorrow.
(Sunday) It took just under 10 hours -- the windshield wipers were going all the way from the Grapevine to Tempe. The smell of rain in the desert is one of my favorites.
We'll spend the night in Tempe, at my parent's home, and then head down to Tucson to pick-up Cheryl's father tomorrow.
Saturday, February 21
HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY
(Saturday) Berkeley Covenant Church, where I was a youth minister in the early 80's and where Cheryl attended during some of her time at Cal, is celebrating 100 years this weekend. Cheryl and I went over this morning for the pancake breakfast and saw too many old acquaintances to even try to name them all. It was a great low key time. We didn't make the program last night and we are missing the dinner tonight (I do have to preach tomorrow). We really enjoyed being a part of that church 25 years ago.
(Saturday) Berkeley Covenant Church, where I was a youth minister in the early 80's and where Cheryl attended during some of her time at Cal, is celebrating 100 years this weekend. Cheryl and I went over this morning for the pancake breakfast and saw too many old acquaintances to even try to name them all. It was a great low key time. We didn't make the program last night and we are missing the dinner tonight (I do have to preach tomorrow). We really enjoyed being a part of that church 25 years ago.
Friday, February 20
ORTHODOX PATRIARCH DISPUTES REPORT
(Friday) The Ecumenical Patriarch says that contrary to reports he did not confer the Order of St Andrew on Fidel Castro. Link
I only mention it because I was among those who thought he was acting less than wisely. It was such an unusual story -- not the kind of thing that someone would misinterpret. I wonder how the story, which was widely distributed, got started and why it took so long for the church to respond to it.
(Friday) The Ecumenical Patriarch says that contrary to reports he did not confer the Order of St Andrew on Fidel Castro. Link
I only mention it because I was among those who thought he was acting less than wisely. It was such an unusual story -- not the kind of thing that someone would misinterpret. I wonder how the story, which was widely distributed, got started and why it took so long for the church to respond to it.
SF SUES THE STATE
(Friday) Now the City and County of San Francisco is suing the State of California over the whole marriage thing (the gall!). Apparently they believe that the state law and the plain and clear affirmation of that law which was passed four years ago in Proposition 22 ("Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.") is unconstitutional because it discriminates in a way that is contrary to the state constitution. Well, it does discriminate -- against same sex couples, polygamous groups, dogs and cats which might want the benefits of matrimony, and I'm sure lots of others. But it is definitely a stretch to say that such discrimination is contrary to the constitution as it has been traditionally understood.
If I were of a militaristic bent I would call on the governor to send in the National Guard to restore order in the city. (I would have probably done so years ago.) However, this issue is not going to resolve so simply. This thing is bound to keep lots of lawyers employed for lots of years.
Of course, pastors will be under a lot of pressure to preach sermons against the liberal agenda and to organize the church to take a political stance. But I don't feel called to turn the church into just another political action group (regardless of how strongly I feel about the issue). Besides, it really won't make much difference anyway. The majority has already spoken and in our system the courts easily trump the people. Sometimes that's good and sometimes it's bad -- dangerously so.
(Friday) Now the City and County of San Francisco is suing the State of California over the whole marriage thing (the gall!). Apparently they believe that the state law and the plain and clear affirmation of that law which was passed four years ago in Proposition 22 ("Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.") is unconstitutional because it discriminates in a way that is contrary to the state constitution. Well, it does discriminate -- against same sex couples, polygamous groups, dogs and cats which might want the benefits of matrimony, and I'm sure lots of others. But it is definitely a stretch to say that such discrimination is contrary to the constitution as it has been traditionally understood.
If I were of a militaristic bent I would call on the governor to send in the National Guard to restore order in the city. (I would have probably done so years ago.) However, this issue is not going to resolve so simply. This thing is bound to keep lots of lawyers employed for lots of years.
Of course, pastors will be under a lot of pressure to preach sermons against the liberal agenda and to organize the church to take a political stance. But I don't feel called to turn the church into just another political action group (regardless of how strongly I feel about the issue). Besides, it really won't make much difference anyway. The majority has already spoken and in our system the courts easily trump the people. Sometimes that's good and sometimes it's bad -- dangerously so.
Thursday, February 19
NARNIA
(Wednesday) When I was younger, in my teens and twenties, I used to take an annual vacation to Narnia. But it's now been more than a few years since I've had such a holiday. When I was at the Midwinter Conference I decided that I needed one and ordered a new copy of the Chronicles of Narnia from Amazon. (My old box set of paperbacks is now dust.) My new book is The Complete Chronicles of Narnia in a single volume. And it's as wonderful as I remember -- even better. I just finished the Magician's Nephew and there are so many good lines in there that must have passed me by earlier. Reading theology is so fun.
"Both the children were looking up into the Lion's face as he spoke these words. And all at once (they never knew exactly how it happened) the face seemed to be a sea of tossing gold in which they were floating, and such a sweetness and power rolled about them and over them and entered them that they felt they had never really been happy or wise or good, or even alive or awake before..."
(Wednesday) When I was younger, in my teens and twenties, I used to take an annual vacation to Narnia. But it's now been more than a few years since I've had such a holiday. When I was at the Midwinter Conference I decided that I needed one and ordered a new copy of the Chronicles of Narnia from Amazon. (My old box set of paperbacks is now dust.) My new book is The Complete Chronicles of Narnia in a single volume. And it's as wonderful as I remember -- even better. I just finished the Magician's Nephew and there are so many good lines in there that must have passed me by earlier. Reading theology is so fun.
"Both the children were looking up into the Lion's face as he spoke these words. And all at once (they never knew exactly how it happened) the face seemed to be a sea of tossing gold in which they were floating, and such a sweetness and power rolled about them and over them and entered them that they felt they had never really been happy or wise or good, or even alive or awake before..."
Tuesday, February 17
THE PURSUIT OF POWER
(Tuesday) For decades evangelicals have been pursing cultural power so that we might be salt and light in society. Is it time to drop the pursuit? Andy Crouch, who has his head screwed on straight, is suggesting that we at least need to visit the question. "If Christians are sometimes called to acquire power, we should probably begin by watching our Lord abandon it." Link
(Tuesday) For decades evangelicals have been pursing cultural power so that we might be salt and light in society. Is it time to drop the pursuit? Andy Crouch, who has his head screwed on straight, is suggesting that we at least need to visit the question. "If Christians are sometimes called to acquire power, we should probably begin by watching our Lord abandon it." Link
Monday, February 16
UPWARDLY MOBILE LATINOS
(Monday) Great story on perseverance. But they had to leave California to make it happen. The last person out -- please turn off the lights -- if they're still on by then. Link
(Monday) Great story on perseverance. But they had to leave California to make it happen. The last person out -- please turn off the lights -- if they're still on by then. Link
Sunday, February 15
FANNIE MAY MELTS
(Sunday) Fannie May Candy, a staple in Chicago is shutting down -- bankrupt -- victims of a flat candy market. Link
When we lived in Chicago we were going through Sees withdrawal and tried to deal with it at Fannie May. (Except for a few airport locations in Michigan, Kansas, and Nebraska, which sell pre-packs, Sees isn't available east of the Rockies.) But we found that Fannie didn't work for us -- although Chicagoans swear by it.
However, it's best to not gloat. You'd never know it by looking at the line in the mall, but Sees has been struggling, too. In spite of a 7% jump this Valentine's Day, they've been dealing with the same flatline.
I will continue to do my part to reassure the future viability of the company.
(Sunday) Fannie May Candy, a staple in Chicago is shutting down -- bankrupt -- victims of a flat candy market. Link
When we lived in Chicago we were going through Sees withdrawal and tried to deal with it at Fannie May. (Except for a few airport locations in Michigan, Kansas, and Nebraska, which sell pre-packs, Sees isn't available east of the Rockies.) But we found that Fannie didn't work for us -- although Chicagoans swear by it.
However, it's best to not gloat. You'd never know it by looking at the line in the mall, but Sees has been struggling, too. In spite of a 7% jump this Valentine's Day, they've been dealing with the same flatline.
I will continue to do my part to reassure the future viability of the company.
Saturday, February 14
LINEA'S NEW COLOURS
(Saturday) For three weeks I've been running at high speed. Finally, tonight I'm trying to catch up on some of my favourite blogs. And I'm noticing that Linea has added some wonderful colour (I'm spelling in Canadian in her honour). Link
(Saturday) For three weeks I've been running at high speed. Finally, tonight I'm trying to catch up on some of my favourite blogs. And I'm noticing that Linea has added some wonderful colour (I'm spelling in Canadian in her honour). Link
WHO KILLED JESUS?
(Saturday) The upcoming Mel Gibson film, The Passion, has once again raised the subject of just who is responsible for the death of Jesus. Newsweek, exploiting the fervor to sell magazines, has entered the fray with their current issue. Of course, some people in the Jewish community are concerned that the movie portrays Jews as being somehow responsible for the death of Christ.
And the JEWS SHOULD BE CONCERNED! If you read the gospels they are definitely responsible for the death of Jesus -- but then again, SO ARE THE ROMAN GENTILES. There is a collective responsibility. It's not really a Jewish thing or a Gentile thing. It's a human thing -- a world system thing -- "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him." (John 1:11)
And if you really think about it, God the Father himself is responsible for the death of Jesus. "For God so loved the world that he SENT his only Son..." (John 3:16) And, what about Jesus, the suffering Savior who went to his death without resistance? He died willingly (John 18), even though he had the power to call a halt to the whole thing. Jesus wanted to see it through so that he could defeat death, and its patron the devil.
The only people who are going to get all anti-semitic about this movie are the people who are already anti-semitic. Of course, they're also the ones who have missed what Jesus is about in the first place.
(Saturday) The upcoming Mel Gibson film, The Passion, has once again raised the subject of just who is responsible for the death of Jesus. Newsweek, exploiting the fervor to sell magazines, has entered the fray with their current issue. Of course, some people in the Jewish community are concerned that the movie portrays Jews as being somehow responsible for the death of Christ.
And the JEWS SHOULD BE CONCERNED! If you read the gospels they are definitely responsible for the death of Jesus -- but then again, SO ARE THE ROMAN GENTILES. There is a collective responsibility. It's not really a Jewish thing or a Gentile thing. It's a human thing -- a world system thing -- "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him." (John 1:11)
And if you really think about it, God the Father himself is responsible for the death of Jesus. "For God so loved the world that he SENT his only Son..." (John 3:16) And, what about Jesus, the suffering Savior who went to his death without resistance? He died willingly (John 18), even though he had the power to call a halt to the whole thing. Jesus wanted to see it through so that he could defeat death, and its patron the devil.
The only people who are going to get all anti-semitic about this movie are the people who are already anti-semitic. Of course, they're also the ones who have missed what Jesus is about in the first place.
BOB'S BLOG
(Saturday) Bob Smietana, the features editor of the Covenant Companion, has launched a blog to add a personal perspective on the news. Bob is a terrific writer and his article on James Meeks is the cover story on CT this month. Bob's blog even got mentioned on the CT blog during his first week of publication. Some guys get all the breaks (Bob has worked for his).
(Saturday) Bob Smietana, the features editor of the Covenant Companion, has launched a blog to add a personal perspective on the news. Bob is a terrific writer and his article on James Meeks is the cover story on CT this month. Bob's blog even got mentioned on the CT blog during his first week of publication. Some guys get all the breaks (Bob has worked for his).
TWO CULTURAL ESSAYS BY R.R. RENO
(Saturday) Mars Hill Audio has posted in .pdf format two chapters from R. R. Reno's recent book, In the Ruins of the Church: Sustaining Faith in an Age of Diminished Christianity. The first, "Postmodern Irony and Petronian Humanism," Reno examines "the contemporary allergy to authority and flight from truth." The second is, "Sex in the Episcopal Church."
A quote from the latter: I do not want to be misunderstood. Such affirmation and pastoral guidance are not desired only by homosexuals. In fact, by my analysis, our deeper class preoccupations have little to do with homosexuality. Plenty of divorced men and women want reassurances that it is OK to enter into the world of “date, then fornicate.” Plenty of parents want the priest to tell them that having their son’s girlfriend sleep in his bed during a visit over Thanksgiving break is OK. Plenty of unmarried thirtysomethings want to go to church as couples, eager to normalize their lives and test the deeper waters of adult responsibility, and do so without judgment. For us, homosexuality is not about the “heterocentric culture”; it is about joining the Bohemian side to the Bourgeois. It is about reconciling sexual freedom with upperclass respectability and perquisites. The role of homosexuality is simple. If homosexuality is OK, than our transgressions are OK...
Thus the gay issue has a transcending importance in the Episcopal Church. It serves to sustain the Bourgeois Bohemian dream. We can have everything: sexual freedom and the outward signs of moral order and personal honor. This is why the issue is not toleration. We very much want public acknowledgment and celebration of respectable gay couples. A thrice-divorced bishop can find reassurance in such success stories. And in the ecclesiastical world of would-be bohemian saints, the dream is even more remarkable. The clergy want more than respectability. They want sexual freedom and personal sanctity. For this reason clerics are easily tempted into mysticisms of the orgasm. It is not enough for sexual freedoms to be respectable; those freedoms must be revelatory and sacramental.
Link
(Saturday) Mars Hill Audio has posted in .pdf format two chapters from R. R. Reno's recent book, In the Ruins of the Church: Sustaining Faith in an Age of Diminished Christianity. The first, "Postmodern Irony and Petronian Humanism," Reno examines "the contemporary allergy to authority and flight from truth." The second is, "Sex in the Episcopal Church."
A quote from the latter: I do not want to be misunderstood. Such affirmation and pastoral guidance are not desired only by homosexuals. In fact, by my analysis, our deeper class preoccupations have little to do with homosexuality. Plenty of divorced men and women want reassurances that it is OK to enter into the world of “date, then fornicate.” Plenty of parents want the priest to tell them that having their son’s girlfriend sleep in his bed during a visit over Thanksgiving break is OK. Plenty of unmarried thirtysomethings want to go to church as couples, eager to normalize their lives and test the deeper waters of adult responsibility, and do so without judgment. For us, homosexuality is not about the “heterocentric culture”; it is about joining the Bohemian side to the Bourgeois. It is about reconciling sexual freedom with upperclass respectability and perquisites. The role of homosexuality is simple. If homosexuality is OK, than our transgressions are OK...
Thus the gay issue has a transcending importance in the Episcopal Church. It serves to sustain the Bourgeois Bohemian dream. We can have everything: sexual freedom and the outward signs of moral order and personal honor. This is why the issue is not toleration. We very much want public acknowledgment and celebration of respectable gay couples. A thrice-divorced bishop can find reassurance in such success stories. And in the ecclesiastical world of would-be bohemian saints, the dream is even more remarkable. The clergy want more than respectability. They want sexual freedom and personal sanctity. For this reason clerics are easily tempted into mysticisms of the orgasm. It is not enough for sexual freedoms to be respectable; those freedoms must be revelatory and sacramental.
Link
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
(Saturday) We got back from San Diego mid-afternoon. Spring is on the way! There are blooms starting to pop out on trees all up the Valley -- including some in Turlock.
We had a good time with Kirk -- birthday dinner with him at Old Town Mexican Cafe... Procurement of provisions at Costco and IKEA... a trip up Mt. Soledad.
Kent really liked UCLA (me, too, except for the traffic -- great buildings) -- but he won't hear from the four UC's (Cal, UCLA, UCSD, and UCI) he's applied to until sometime in March.
(Saturday) We got back from San Diego mid-afternoon. Spring is on the way! There are blooms starting to pop out on trees all up the Valley -- including some in Turlock.
We had a good time with Kirk -- birthday dinner with him at Old Town Mexican Cafe... Procurement of provisions at Costco and IKEA... a trip up Mt. Soledad.
Kent really liked UCLA (me, too, except for the traffic -- great buildings) -- but he won't hear from the four UC's (Cal, UCLA, UCSD, and UCI) he's applied to until sometime in March.
Thursday, February 12
EMAIL PROBLEMS
(Thursday) I have been experiencing problems with some of my email addresses. Some mail gets through, but some doesn't. I've checked the spam filters and am working with one of the ISPs to determine where the hang up is. Who knows, all of the lost email may suddenly break loose and flood me at some point.
(Thursday) I have been experiencing problems with some of my email addresses. Some mail gets through, but some doesn't. I've checked the spam filters and am working with one of the ISPs to determine where the hang up is. Who knows, all of the lost email may suddenly break loose and flood me at some point.
Tuesday, February 10
MOZILLA
(Tuesday) I downloaded the new Mozilla browser (Firefox) and email client (Thunderbird). The browser runs clean and works well -- although I can't run my beloved Google bar in it. The email client, however, is lost somewhere on my computer. When it installed it didn't make a shortcut on my desktop, nor did it file itself in the list of programs. I can't find it with a system search. I suppose that's okay. It did quirky things with my signature anyway. By default it adds two lines ( - - ) above my signature. At one point back in the age of dinosaurs I think some geeks decided that should be the signature protocol, but nobody -- and I mean nobody -- uses it. But they've left it in there anyway and it doesn't look like I can get rid of it. So much for "open" source!
(Tuesday) I downloaded the new Mozilla browser (Firefox) and email client (Thunderbird). The browser runs clean and works well -- although I can't run my beloved Google bar in it. The email client, however, is lost somewhere on my computer. When it installed it didn't make a shortcut on my desktop, nor did it file itself in the list of programs. I can't find it with a system search. I suppose that's okay. It did quirky things with my signature anyway. By default it adds two lines ( - - ) above my signature. At one point back in the age of dinosaurs I think some geeks decided that should be the signature protocol, but nobody -- and I mean nobody -- uses it. But they've left it in there anyway and it doesn't look like I can get rid of it. So much for "open" source!
Sunday, February 8
A GOOD DAY
(Sunday) My parents surprised Kirk, dropping in on him in San Diego, for his 20th birthday... Cheryl and I had a great dinner at the Aloha Chinese restaurant on Geer Rd -- a pleasant surprise since the last time we were in there it wasn't so good. New management... The Indian Community Fellowship, which meets in our building, had 45 (!) in worship this afternoon... It was a beautiful day in Turlock -- clear -- in the low 60's -- and I got to ride my bike to the office this afternoon (a marked contrast to last Sunday, which I spent in Chicago).
(Sunday) My parents surprised Kirk, dropping in on him in San Diego, for his 20th birthday... Cheryl and I had a great dinner at the Aloha Chinese restaurant on Geer Rd -- a pleasant surprise since the last time we were in there it wasn't so good. New management... The Indian Community Fellowship, which meets in our building, had 45 (!) in worship this afternoon... It was a beautiful day in Turlock -- clear -- in the low 60's -- and I got to ride my bike to the office this afternoon (a marked contrast to last Sunday, which I spent in Chicago).
Saturday, February 7
HAPPY BIRTHDAY...
(Saturday) tomorrow to Kirk, who leaves behind his teenage years. We're planning to drive down to visit him later this week.
(Saturday) tomorrow to Kirk, who leaves behind his teenage years. We're planning to drive down to visit him later this week.
SILENCE
(Saturday) This is from the Daily Thought by John Stott for tomorrow:
Some of our services are far too formal, respectable and
dull. At the same time, in some modern meetings the almost
total loss of the dimension of reverence disturbs me. It
seems to be assumed by some that the chief evidence of the
presence of the Holy Spirit is noise. Have we forgotten
that a dove is as much an emblem of the Holy Spirit as are
wind and fire? When he visits his people in power, he
sometimes brings quietness, silence, reverence and awe.
His still small voice is heard. Men bow down in wonder
before the majesty of the living God and worship. 'The
Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence
before him' (Hab. 2:20).
--From "Balanced Christianity" (London: Hodder and
Stoughton, 1975), p. 39.
(Saturday) This is from the Daily Thought by John Stott for tomorrow:
Some of our services are far too formal, respectable and
dull. At the same time, in some modern meetings the almost
total loss of the dimension of reverence disturbs me. It
seems to be assumed by some that the chief evidence of the
presence of the Holy Spirit is noise. Have we forgotten
that a dove is as much an emblem of the Holy Spirit as are
wind and fire? When he visits his people in power, he
sometimes brings quietness, silence, reverence and awe.
His still small voice is heard. Men bow down in wonder
before the majesty of the living God and worship. 'The
Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence
before him' (Hab. 2:20).
--From "Balanced Christianity" (London: Hodder and
Stoughton, 1975), p. 39.
Friday, February 6
POSTMODERNISM
(Friday) Linea and Randall are asking why I disagree with Brian McClaren.
I agree with a lot of what he says, but in a nutshell, he sees the current state of affairs as pointing to the emergence of a new cultural paradigm. I am more inclined to see the current state as ultra-modernism (as opposed to post-modernism). In other words, the thing which most characterizes modernism is consumerism. And the emerging generation is the ultimate consumeristic machine with an insatiable desire to individualize everything before consumption -- including spirituality. There is a lot of talk of authenticity and community. But those who identify themselves as "postmodern" or "emerging" are frustrated by their inability to achieve these ideals -- which have become an almost romanticized obsession. In other words, I am less optimistic about the culture.
Of course, there are some good things emerging -- e.g. a more critical acceptance of the role of technology and a greater interest in the spiritual dimension.
The other area where I disagree with McClaren is his notion that the gospel itself needs to morph for the emerging generation. That is, we don't just present the gospel in fresh new ways but that in order for the gospel to be heard as good news it needs to be reformulated a bit.
(Friday) Linea and Randall are asking why I disagree with Brian McClaren.
I agree with a lot of what he says, but in a nutshell, he sees the current state of affairs as pointing to the emergence of a new cultural paradigm. I am more inclined to see the current state as ultra-modernism (as opposed to post-modernism). In other words, the thing which most characterizes modernism is consumerism. And the emerging generation is the ultimate consumeristic machine with an insatiable desire to individualize everything before consumption -- including spirituality. There is a lot of talk of authenticity and community. But those who identify themselves as "postmodern" or "emerging" are frustrated by their inability to achieve these ideals -- which have become an almost romanticized obsession. In other words, I am less optimistic about the culture.
Of course, there are some good things emerging -- e.g. a more critical acceptance of the role of technology and a greater interest in the spiritual dimension.
The other area where I disagree with McClaren is his notion that the gospel itself needs to morph for the emerging generation. That is, we don't just present the gospel in fresh new ways but that in order for the gospel to be heard as good news it needs to be reformulated a bit.
GETRELIGION.ORG
(Friday) I am adding a link to Terry Mattingly's new blog in the "Regular Reads" column. Link
(Friday) I am adding a link to Terry Mattingly's new blog in the "Regular Reads" column. Link
Wednesday, February 4
FINISHED
(Wednesday) That is, all of the committee and board meetings are done. After eight days straight the work of the Board of the Ordered Ministry wrapped up this afternoon and then this evening the Executive Committee of the Covenant Ministerium met for three hours. And now it's all finished. So tomorrow I'm free to participate in the Covenant Midwinter Conference. Brian McClaren will be the presenter. This should be interesting since I disagree with him on the nature of postmodernism and his contention that the gospel itself has to morph in order to meet the emerging generation.
After breakfast on Friday I head to Midway Airport to catch my Southwest flight back to Oakland.
(Wednesday) That is, all of the committee and board meetings are done. After eight days straight the work of the Board of the Ordered Ministry wrapped up this afternoon and then this evening the Executive Committee of the Covenant Ministerium met for three hours. And now it's all finished. So tomorrow I'm free to participate in the Covenant Midwinter Conference. Brian McClaren will be the presenter. This should be interesting since I disagree with him on the nature of postmodernism and his contention that the gospel itself has to morph in order to meet the emerging generation.
After breakfast on Friday I head to Midway Airport to catch my Southwest flight back to Oakland.
Monday, February 2
"WARDROBE MALFUNCTION"
(Monday) Apparently, Justin wasn't suppose to get as much as he did in the handful he grabbed in the Superbowl Half-Time show. Suppose for a minute that's true. The fact is that the whole show was way too sexually charged. Considering the level of the competition for attention this year, it seems difficult to believe that the stunt wasn't planned as executed. Even an AP story is offering commentary recognizing the pattern of stupidity that seems to be an epidemic among entertainers. "Already this year, we've seen Britney's 55-hour marriage, Michael Jackson dancing at his child molestation arraignment and Steve Irwin frolicking with his newborn and a crocodile ... and it's only February." Link
(Monday) Apparently, Justin wasn't suppose to get as much as he did in the handful he grabbed in the Superbowl Half-Time show. Suppose for a minute that's true. The fact is that the whole show was way too sexually charged. Considering the level of the competition for attention this year, it seems difficult to believe that the stunt wasn't planned as executed. Even an AP story is offering commentary recognizing the pattern of stupidity that seems to be an epidemic among entertainers. "Already this year, we've seen Britney's 55-hour marriage, Michael Jackson dancing at his child molestation arraignment and Steve Irwin frolicking with his newborn and a crocodile ... and it's only February." Link
HELPFUL RESOURCE ON SAME SEX UNIONS
(Monday) The Church of the Province of the West Indies has published a helpful resource called True Union in the Body?
(Monday) The Church of the Province of the West Indies has published a helpful resource called True Union in the Body?
Sunday, February 1
HELL MATTER$
(Sunday) Forget investment and savings rates, worker productivity and wage scales to determine which countries will become richer or poorer. What really stimulates economic growth is whether you believe in an afterlife — especially hell.
At least that's what two Harvard scholars have found after analyzing data collected in 59 countries between 1981 and 1999. Link
(Sunday) Forget investment and savings rates, worker productivity and wage scales to determine which countries will become richer or poorer. What really stimulates economic growth is whether you believe in an afterlife — especially hell.
At least that's what two Harvard scholars have found after analyzing data collected in 59 countries between 1981 and 1999. Link
HEAT WAVE
(Sunday) It was up to 30 degrees and it felt WARM. I guess when everything has been subzero for most of the week it really messes up one's perception of reality. It's kind of like taking a blue pill.
This morning I went to worship with the Cuyler Covenant Church. This is a congregation of about 60 people down by Wrigley Field. What a wonderful, warm church and a well planned service. Jonathan Wilson is the pastor. And it sure doesn't hurt to have Jerome Nelson (!), Director of Church and Society for the Central Conference as his chief sidekick. Two years ago this congregation was half the size in a deteriorating building. It's amazing what can happen with a little leadership.
(Sunday) It was up to 30 degrees and it felt WARM. I guess when everything has been subzero for most of the week it really messes up one's perception of reality. It's kind of like taking a blue pill.
This morning I went to worship with the Cuyler Covenant Church. This is a congregation of about 60 people down by Wrigley Field. What a wonderful, warm church and a well planned service. Jonathan Wilson is the pastor. And it sure doesn't hurt to have Jerome Nelson (!), Director of Church and Society for the Central Conference as his chief sidekick. Two years ago this congregation was half the size in a deteriorating building. It's amazing what can happen with a little leadership.
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