1) For me, it isn't one story but one genre. Wisdom literature has always been confusing and contradictory for me. But RHE's words really cleared things up for me. "Wisdom, it seems, is situational. It isn't just about knowing what to say; it's about knowing when to say it. And it isn't just about knowing what is true; it's about knowing when it's true.... While we may wish for a clear, [lucid] text, that's not what God gave us. Instead, God gave us a cacophony of voices and perspectives, all in conversation with one another, representing the breadth and depth of the human experience in all its complexities and contradictions." "Wrestling" with the Bible is a lifelong adventure, and just when you think you have a "good grasp" on something, it "slips" away. But the only worthwhile endeavor in this life is to "stay in the ring." The Bible, like life itself, isn't easy, but if we keep our eyes on the prize (serving God and his creation now, and eternal life with him later), we will reap untold blessings, living in and dispensing his grace to everyone and everything, everywhere.
1) RHE said it best: "So perhaps a better question then "Do I believe in miracles?" is "Am I living like I do?" Am I touching the untouchables in my culture: homeless, sick, gay/lesbian, stranger/alien, etc.?" "Am I behaving as though life is more than a meaningless, chaotic mess, that there is some order in the storm?" Am I working to make a "community spacious enough for everyone?"
2) "Make America Great Again" has been a rallying cry for Trump and his supporters. I find it a vile and loathsome excuse to turn our backs on the world, jeopardizing decades-long alliances and treaties that have maintained most of our economic. political, and military stability, let alone peace. This isolationism is very dangerous and shortsighted, but worse, it's selfish and self-serving.
3) For me, it isn't just one or two stories, it is the belief that all of our individual stories are linked to the biggest and grandest story of all: God's loving redemptive work in the world. "God is like Jesus" and his life, death, and resurrection is the foundation of our story, and the fulcrum of history. And it's not that hard to "take up our cross" and follow him. To paraphrase Henry Blackaby: "Don't worry about discovering God's perfect will for your life. Just look at where God is already working, and join him." In the Bible, God is saying. "Let me tell you a story." Our privilege is to listen and join our story with his, living a life of temporal and eternal significance and purpose. Oh, and, of course, joy.
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Inspired: Church Stories
1) I can't recall any quotes from the Epistles being used against me or a loved one. But I can recall strong sermons against gays/lesbians, especially when we were attending TFC (Episcopal) during the Eugene Robinson turmoil (openly gay priest elected bishop). This caused a huge rift in many congregations. The Falls Church (TFC) lost it's historic church and other properties, and are just now, 15 years later, able to build a new church. The schism was deeper than just gay/lesbian issues, but that can't be overlooked. I remember a pastor denouncing gay relationships because "the bodies don't fit together properly (naturally)". I really appreciated RHE's clarification of "natural" and "unnatural" in Paul's world, how it was about abdicating one's proper role as a man (active) or woman (passive). Also, people engaging in same-sex behavior did so out of an excess of lust that could not be satisfied. They were not, as we understand it today, gay. "The Bible says very little about same-sex behavior and arguably nothing at all about committed same-sex relationships." "Do we apply the same rightful condemnation of pederasty and rape in ancient Rome to loving, committed same-sex relationships today? My experience loving and engaging with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender friends has convinced me that the Bible has been unfairly used against them, often with tragic results..."
2) I have always liked and respected Paul. I have never felt oppressed by his views. I can remember over 30 years ago encouraging a female assistant pastor with Galatians 3:28: "... in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female." I was trying to affirm her and her necessary role as a female pastor in our church using the "misogynist" Paul's own words.
1) RHE's adding context to Paul's "oppressive" instructions really helped. "Did X help or hurt the advancement of the gospel and in the preservation of unity?" Every X is situational and contextual and not blanket instructions for everyone everywhere. Every X must be weighed in every culture and in every century.
2) Again, being raised RC, there was no discernible emphasis on Paul. Post-RC, Lutheran/Episcopal theology, to me, sees Paul as brilliant and timeless (though there are some troubling bits). For me, if Paul wrote nothing else, Romans 5:8 and Ephesian 2:8-10 lifts him above all theologians (except Jesus). "But God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" (Ephesians 2:8-10). These verses to me, encapsulate the whole gospel.
3) I recall this phrase from the Wisdom stories chapter: "Wisdom isn't just about knowing what is true; it's about knowing when it's true." The epistles, like wisdom literature, is best understood contextually. There are nuances and subtleties to every circumstance, and rarely is there a universal application of a principle or religious law. Both seem to be case-by-case, though some truths may be applicable to our own time and circumstances.
4) "The Epistles were written for us, but not to us." The Epistles show how the early church struggled with the many challenges it faced, and 2000 years later, we still have struggles. At all times we need to remember Paul's advice in Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgives you."
Friday, September 14, 2018
Inspired: Fish Stories
1) Yes, there are some miracle stories that seem unbelievable: Sun "frozen in the sky"; Jonah living in the belly of a giant fish. But I have to be careful not to disregard them on face value, or literally embrace them. As a Christian, I believe in the greatest miracle of all: the resurrection of Jesus. So, if I believe in that, why can't I at least entertain the possibility of all the miracles as real? God created and sustains HIS universe. He can do whatever he wants with it. But I think we need to look for deeper meanings in many of the "hard-to-believe" stories in the Bible. As I said earlier, something can be true on a level deeper than reality.
2) In the past I have accepted miracles as God's sovereign actions. I have believed them as literal, though not understanding how some could be. I was taught not to question, just accept. Though not particularly helpful, at least I did not fret over it. God is God and I am not. As I have gotten older, my problem isn't so much with miracles, as, it seems, the way they capriciously do or do not occur, e.g., why are some people healed and not others? Why a tornado misses one house and strikes another?
3) "Getting out of the boat" means acting on faith, sometimes in spite of the circumstances. It means choosing to participate, to be involved with God's kingdom work, no matter how mundane or daunting it appears. My latest "jump" is becoming involved with RLC's (our church) Refugee Project. We are going to be a host congregation for refugee families arriving in Tucson. We are just beginning but I see it as a clear example of "welcoming the stranger" in our midst. (Matthew 25:34-36)
1) Jonah and the fish is a bit strange and unbelievable. Jesus walking on water,and calming the storm, has always seemed very personal, that Jesus is present in the chaos of our lives. But when Jesus heals the demoniac man by sending the spirits that possessed him into a herd of 2000 pigs who then rush down a bank and drown in the sea, well, that is strange, but in a way bold and delightful, considering they were in Gentile country and the Jewish dietary laws against pork,
2) I believe that all of creation is God's "sandbox", and he can do with it as he pleases. So, every "miracle" could have literally occurred. But I also believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus, not some "spiritual" resurrection, "where he is always present in our hearts." Miracles don't need to be real to be true. Jesus "touched" the untouchables, breaking down cultural and religious barriers. Miracle enough, I think.
3) I like what RHE said: "So perhaps a better question than "Do I believe in miracles?" is "Am I acting like I do?" " Am I touching the untouchables in my culture: homeless, sick, gay, stranger, etc. "Am I behaving as though life is more than a meaningless, chaotic mess, that there's some order in the storm?" Am I working to make a "community spacious enough for everyone?"
2) In the past I have accepted miracles as God's sovereign actions. I have believed them as literal, though not understanding how some could be. I was taught not to question, just accept. Though not particularly helpful, at least I did not fret over it. God is God and I am not. As I have gotten older, my problem isn't so much with miracles, as, it seems, the way they capriciously do or do not occur, e.g., why are some people healed and not others? Why a tornado misses one house and strikes another?
3) "Getting out of the boat" means acting on faith, sometimes in spite of the circumstances. It means choosing to participate, to be involved with God's kingdom work, no matter how mundane or daunting it appears. My latest "jump" is becoming involved with RLC's (our church) Refugee Project. We are going to be a host congregation for refugee families arriving in Tucson. We are just beginning but I see it as a clear example of "welcoming the stranger" in our midst. (Matthew 25:34-36)
1) Jonah and the fish is a bit strange and unbelievable. Jesus walking on water,and calming the storm, has always seemed very personal, that Jesus is present in the chaos of our lives. But when Jesus heals the demoniac man by sending the spirits that possessed him into a herd of 2000 pigs who then rush down a bank and drown in the sea, well, that is strange, but in a way bold and delightful, considering they were in Gentile country and the Jewish dietary laws against pork,
2) I believe that all of creation is God's "sandbox", and he can do with it as he pleases. So, every "miracle" could have literally occurred. But I also believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus, not some "spiritual" resurrection, "where he is always present in our hearts." Miracles don't need to be real to be true. Jesus "touched" the untouchables, breaking down cultural and religious barriers. Miracle enough, I think.
3) I like what RHE said: "So perhaps a better question than "Do I believe in miracles?" is "Am I acting like I do?" " Am I touching the untouchables in my culture: homeless, sick, gay, stranger, etc. "Am I behaving as though life is more than a meaningless, chaotic mess, that there's some order in the storm?" Am I working to make a "community spacious enough for everyone?"
Friday, September 7, 2018
Inspired: Gospel Stories
3) Being raised RC, my first encounter with Jesus, that I remember, was First Communion. I think it was the first time I wore a tie (I was 7 years old). I recall it being very serious and somber. There was no joy during the service, only afterwards when we celebrated (special meal at Granny's?). The "good news", as I recall, was all about the sacraments, what we had to do to get, and stay, right with God. There was a continued focus on sin and confession. There was duty and fear of mortal sin. It wasn't until many years later, when I heard that I am "saved by grace through faith" that I actually felt Jesus was "good news".
4) Again, being raised RC, I had to act like a Christian. I followed the rules, went to church, confession, etc. But it was external duty, a lifestyle, not an internal change. I believed what my church told me to believe, and what my parents and family believed. I am a Christian now because I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. His story is true, and the only one worth following and sacrificing for. To live as a Christian is the best way to experience life now on earth, and have peace of mind, knowing that life eternal is waiting.
5) I remember 30 years ago being caught up in the whole "Left Behind" mania. I devoured every book. But focusing on the Rapture encouraged people to only worry about "being saved", and then waiting to "escape to heaven" because Jesus paid the price for our sins. Now I believe the Christian life is not about getting to heaven, but bringing heaven to earth. Jesus brought heaven to earth 2000 years ago. We are living in his new world order, and we are to do all we can to advance his kingdom. We are NOT being saved for a later "heaven". We are here NOW to show Christ's love, forgiveness, compassion and reconciliation to all of his creation.
1) My two favorite stories/parables are the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. The first is an example of God's radical compassion,and how we are to demonstrate it to all people; there are no cultural/religious "walls" that can block God's love. The second is God's radical forgiveness. Even when we do all we can to spit in God's face, he is always seeking us out, "running" to take us back. He won't abandon us. His arms are always opened wide, ready to receive us when we come to our senses and return to him. I have felt this in my own life.
2) For me, "the gospel" is the story of God reaching down to humans. There is a "More". an "I AM" who created all there is, seen and unseen. Many years ago, after humans spent millennia trying, God became human to show us how to be a human who wants to walk with God. The larger story is God's relationship with his creation. But we each have our smaller story of our relationship with God and his creation that fits into the larger story like a mosaic.
3) The gospel, the "good news" story of God and his creation, is too large, too complicated, too messy, and too beautiful to be reduced into one statement. It not only limits God, but it also limits us. God is very interested in the details of all of our lives (the lost sheep, coin, son), so we need a very large story to contain all our individual smaller stories.
4) "I know that Messiah is coming..." "I who speak to you am He" (John 4:25-26)
"One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see..." (John 9:25)
"I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:37)
I think all three would say that Jesus revealed himself as Messiah. But the Samaritan woman, ostracized from the Jews and maybe her village, would find forgiveness and new inclusion in her community. The blind beggar, excluded from participating in normal life, would receive physical healing (restoration of sight) and new inclusion in his community. The Ethiopian, a Gentile, would receive spiritual enlightenment and the foundation for beginning a new community of faith in his homeland. All were considered "outsiders" until they met Jesus.
5) Being raised RC, my faith was the church's faith and my family's faith. It was more cultural than spiritual. It wasn't until Martha, Chistus Victor, and BSF, that I finally "met" Jesus and his message of grace. The scales dropped from my eyes the first time I read the Bible and attended bible study (BSF). At first I was more conservative and more concerned with my salvation and sanctification. But over time I have come to believe and trust that Jesus is "the Way, and the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6), though he is not limited to revealing this in an exclusively Christian way. Also, Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is the fulcrum of history. His kingdom began 2000 years ago, and we are his "soldiers", tasked with advancing his agenda of love, peace, forgiveness, grace, and reconciliation to all peoples in all places at all times. This is not only "good news"; it is the BEST news.
4) Again, being raised RC, I had to act like a Christian. I followed the rules, went to church, confession, etc. But it was external duty, a lifestyle, not an internal change. I believed what my church told me to believe, and what my parents and family believed. I am a Christian now because I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. His story is true, and the only one worth following and sacrificing for. To live as a Christian is the best way to experience life now on earth, and have peace of mind, knowing that life eternal is waiting.
5) I remember 30 years ago being caught up in the whole "Left Behind" mania. I devoured every book. But focusing on the Rapture encouraged people to only worry about "being saved", and then waiting to "escape to heaven" because Jesus paid the price for our sins. Now I believe the Christian life is not about getting to heaven, but bringing heaven to earth. Jesus brought heaven to earth 2000 years ago. We are living in his new world order, and we are to do all we can to advance his kingdom. We are NOT being saved for a later "heaven". We are here NOW to show Christ's love, forgiveness, compassion and reconciliation to all of his creation.
1) My two favorite stories/parables are the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. The first is an example of God's radical compassion,and how we are to demonstrate it to all people; there are no cultural/religious "walls" that can block God's love. The second is God's radical forgiveness. Even when we do all we can to spit in God's face, he is always seeking us out, "running" to take us back. He won't abandon us. His arms are always opened wide, ready to receive us when we come to our senses and return to him. I have felt this in my own life.
2) For me, "the gospel" is the story of God reaching down to humans. There is a "More". an "I AM" who created all there is, seen and unseen. Many years ago, after humans spent millennia trying, God became human to show us how to be a human who wants to walk with God. The larger story is God's relationship with his creation. But we each have our smaller story of our relationship with God and his creation that fits into the larger story like a mosaic.
3) The gospel, the "good news" story of God and his creation, is too large, too complicated, too messy, and too beautiful to be reduced into one statement. It not only limits God, but it also limits us. God is very interested in the details of all of our lives (the lost sheep, coin, son), so we need a very large story to contain all our individual smaller stories.
4) "I know that Messiah is coming..." "I who speak to you am He" (John 4:25-26)
"One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see..." (John 9:25)
"I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:37)
I think all three would say that Jesus revealed himself as Messiah. But the Samaritan woman, ostracized from the Jews and maybe her village, would find forgiveness and new inclusion in her community. The blind beggar, excluded from participating in normal life, would receive physical healing (restoration of sight) and new inclusion in his community. The Ethiopian, a Gentile, would receive spiritual enlightenment and the foundation for beginning a new community of faith in his homeland. All were considered "outsiders" until they met Jesus.
5) Being raised RC, my faith was the church's faith and my family's faith. It was more cultural than spiritual. It wasn't until Martha, Chistus Victor, and BSF, that I finally "met" Jesus and his message of grace. The scales dropped from my eyes the first time I read the Bible and attended bible study (BSF). At first I was more conservative and more concerned with my salvation and sanctification. But over time I have come to believe and trust that Jesus is "the Way, and the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6), though he is not limited to revealing this in an exclusively Christian way. Also, Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is the fulcrum of history. His kingdom began 2000 years ago, and we are his "soldiers", tasked with advancing his agenda of love, peace, forgiveness, grace, and reconciliation to all peoples in all places at all times. This is not only "good news"; it is the BEST news.
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