I don't know squat

So, I'm back to the blog after a month + hiatus. I went to a meeting of Claiming Justice over at the seminary tonight. We discussed upcoming opportunities for claiming justice in our community and in the nation. We heard from two of the Campbell scholars who are on campus right now talking about a world of religious violence. I was struck by the fact that both speakers, one from Indonesia, and one from Lebanon, said that the Muslim world had interpreted the war in Iraq as a Crusade initiated by our outspoken Christian President. I guess that doesn't surprise me, but it ought to make us think about how the world views us. I'm so tired of the attitude of, "Those people over there are so glad we've come to liberate them and show them the way of freedom and justice." What a bunch of bullshit.
As the second speaker (from Lebanon) was talking, I was reminded of how ignorant I really am when it comes to world politics, especially in the middle east. He was explaining the difference between Shiite and Suni Muslims, which, as it turns out goes back oh, 1400 years or so. Funny (translated as sad) that we think we're going to into that region of the world and fix everything by bringing them our westernized democracy. He also spoke to the damage done by christian missionaries who went to the middle east and basically stole members away from ancient Christian churches that were already present. Anyway, I really should take more time to read world history and understand how current situations have come about around the world.
I just finished reading Reimagining Spiritual Formation by Doug Paggitt. It's an interesting look at a Christian community that he pastors in Minneapolis, MN. His bases most of his stuff on Christians trying to seek the Kingdom of God in the present. I enjoyed most of his ideas, but I'm not sure that I'm ready to reject wholesale the idea that there's some information that's helpful to share with people and that can actually impact faith formation. While Paggitt acknowledges the need to build on the traditions of "the saints," he seems overly reticent to rely on too much tradition. While I understand that he wants to make church relevant to contemporary situations and contemporary people, I wonder if we might recognize that some people walking in the door feel an attachment to some traditions, and that just because something's old, doesn't mean it doesn't speak to the situations and people of today. I thought it was interesting that one of the journals he included was a man who repeatedly voiced his desire to experience some high church from time to time. Of course, this book was better for me as I was able to think about Mosaic...how Solomon's Porch was similar or disimilar to my experience in Little Five Points, ATL. It's definitely reminded me of the strong community I felt there and inspired me to go back this Sunday and try to reconnect with some of those folks and maybe get more involved in the community there. This may be one of my only opportunities to experience this emergent church stuff when financial/life risks are at a minimum. Boy, that sounds shallow, but it makes sense in my head.
Finally, as I think more about Claiming Justice, I wonder if a bunch of white, middle-upper class seminarians sitting in an excluded room of Richards Center is really what Kingdom building is all about. I wonder how many people in the room get involved beyond marches and on campus vigils. Are we really doing any good by sitting around and talking about it, especially with those who think like we do? I wonder about folks who pass up volunteer opportunities because it just doesn't fit into their schedule, or because it messes up their sleep patterns for too many days. I mean, I'm not saying that I'm much better, but it just strikes me as funny that we sit around reading books about empire and the principalities and powers while we are basically part of the empire, principalities, and powers. There's a tension there I'm struggling to resolve.

Labor Day 2004

Last night I attended Mosaic here in Atlanta for the second time. It was a different experience this time. No dinner...no music...no hearing the word read aloud. They're doing a series on heroes of the Bible and started off with Job. Such a tough book to tackle all in one night. The basic premise given by the speaker was that the whole thing was a test for Job and that he had to endure the test to prove himself...or at least that's a quick summary of it. I was particularly bothered by the speaker's notion that all bad things that happen to us and to others are tests from God...tests to show how strong our faith is or how we will handle adversity. I don't buy that. I think that awful things happen in the world and there's no good explanation, and that God has nothing to do with them. So much is a consequence of God's decision to give us choice...choice that leads to a sinful, broken world. Unfortunately we didn't really hear much about grace in the talk last night. Plus, God's words/questions from the whirlwind were interpreted as a sort of rebuke. I don't read them that way. The language is so beautiful and lovely and articulate. I hear grace and love in those words...grace and love from the creator of all things...from the God who seeks relationship with us.
All of that being said, I was again impressed with the warm welcome we received. The community there is definitely strong...great fellowship. We invited those present to go to dinner across the street afterward. Many of them came and dined with us. It was a great eucharistic moment. I think we may have branched out and found a new subset of friends to spend time with occasionally. All in all, I fell very welcomed by this community. In the long run, I wonder if theological differences might cause me to move in different directions, but for now I'm enjoying the experience of emergent church.

RNC Initial observations

So, the Republican National Convention has begun...great. I just watched Arnold's speech...not so great. He was telling me that if I think certain things I'm a Republican. My favorite was, "If you think this nation, not the United Nations is the only hope for democracy (or freedom), then you're a Republican." Awesome...who needs the UN? We ought to get rid of it...just like the League of Nations. Somehow I'm reminded of Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars wanting to do away with The Republic. Sad...just sad.

On Sunday I caught President Clinton giving remarks at Riverside Church in New York City. He gave a compelling argument against the religious right. He basically said that one doesn't have to think like them to claim God's promise on one's life...Awesome! You can find a webfeed and/or pdf version of the speech at: http://www.theriversidechurchny.org/index.asp?id=301#2 Check it out if you feel so compelled.

Free Ipod

If anybody wants to try and get a free ipod (and actually help me get one too), check out the following link: http://www.freeiPods.com/default.aspx?referer=8529631

This is how the deal works:
1. You click on the above link
2. Sign up and fulfill one of the online offers
3. THIS IS THE BIG CATCH-You refer five people who, in turn, have to fulfill one of the online requirements
4. After five people fulfill an online offer from your referral you receive a free 20 GB ipod.

I'd love anyone's help, but I wanted to make sure everything was clear up front. If you're looking for a cheap way to fulfill the online offers, the miracle burn trial is only $5.95, the video professor trial is only $6.95, and the ebay credit card is free.

Peace!

Chillin' in Decatur

Just getting started with this blog thing...saw my roommate's thought it was cool. About to start my third and finaly year at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. I'm excited about getting back into the school routine, although this week plus of doing nothing has been great.