Last weekend was great. I went hiking, spent time with family, enjoyed a parade, watched a race end, went to a church service and barbequed with friends. I felt challenged and encouraged by different encounters throughout the weekend, and believe I did the same for those around me. So my question is: Is this the role a pastor should play in the community?
Perhaps not surprisingly my answer would be yes. I feel like I loved well this weekend, caring about close friends and family, fellow believers from both my own and other congregations, and also made connections with many people outside of the church community. The way God has been moving in my life in recent years tells me that this is my vocation in this world.
But I am pulled. I know this looks and seems lazy. Not just to others, but to me. Shouldn't I be in my office more? Shouldn't I be planning more official events with specific times allocated for "fellowship," "worship," and "teaching"? This model is so pervasive and I find it hard to resist. The church culture tells me that this is right. Yet the Spirit is telling me something completely different.
I think I am coming to the belief that a pastor who really wants to follow the guidance of the Spirit is going to look lazy. He or she will spend a lot of time having coffee or meals with people, talking about deep or trivial matters, calling or e-mailing friends, neighbors and strangers. It isn't a typical 9-5 job. It is a way of life. It is a matter of being. I believe the role of pastor is to be a good friend. It isn't a matter of work and effort, but ontology. It is the demonstration of incarnational orthopraxy.
Any thoughts?
Peace,
Matt
Currently Reading: Finishing Beyond Foundationalism, and just started Truth and Method by Hans-Georg Gadamer.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Iranian Blogging
This is a pretty cool article. Apparently blogging is a big thing in Iran, and is playing an important role in their politics. Read, and check-out the blog links while you're at it.
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/edcut?bid=7&pid=2947
Peace,
Matt
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/edcut?bid=7&pid=2947
Peace,
Matt
Thursday, May 26, 2005
The Mainstream...Please make it stop
The next time somebody says the word postmodern to me in church I'm afraid I may turn violent! Something good has become mainstream and now everybody has their opinion on it. People say they don't believe in it, as if they can simply ignore a cultural phenomenon, or others say they are thoroughly postmodern, as if it were a cool-kid-church-club you can join and now are able to swear, smoke and light candles in your ultra-cool trendy megachurch that has grabbed on to postmodernism as a new "growth engine." Are people stupid? Has the church lost its mind? Did it have one to begin with?
My advice (though nobody really reads this) is this: don't try to be postmodern, because you'll only look like a moron. If you want to understand what is going on in the surrounding culture, as well as within the theological community, I urge you to do so. Learn. Study. Make educated decisions. But don't make arrogant presumptions. The modern world is hopefully ending, and this is a good thing in many ways. The church was and continues to be too caught up in Modernism. Let's see if we can find a better route through the maze of postmodernism, engaging the culture without pretending we can turn our backs on it or selling our souls to it.
I am not postmodern. I am a Christ-follower in a post-modern world. Join me.
Peace,
Matt
Currently Reading: Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis.
My advice (though nobody really reads this) is this: don't try to be postmodern, because you'll only look like a moron. If you want to understand what is going on in the surrounding culture, as well as within the theological community, I urge you to do so. Learn. Study. Make educated decisions. But don't make arrogant presumptions. The modern world is hopefully ending, and this is a good thing in many ways. The church was and continues to be too caught up in Modernism. Let's see if we can find a better route through the maze of postmodernism, engaging the culture without pretending we can turn our backs on it or selling our souls to it.
I am not postmodern. I am a Christ-follower in a post-modern world. Join me.
Peace,
Matt
Currently Reading: Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis.
The Used Side of the Sofa, by Alberto Rios
When she walked
She left herself
Where she had been.
Every year that treadled
Asked something of her,
And with every breath
She breathed out more
Than she took in,
And when she walked
She left her footprints,
Then her feet,
As she later could feel
Nothing under her.
When she sat then rose
She left an indentation.
A part of her
Too comfortable,
Not following so easily
The rest of her.
And when enough was gone,
An arm forgotten here,
Or there a leg
Fallen asleep,
We learned to walk
Quickly through her.
We excused ourselves,
Begged her pardon
Those first years,
But then there were
So many of us
And walking so fast,
It was better simply
To say nothing
So that she did not feel
The need to respond.
She left herself
Where she had been.
Every year that treadled
Asked something of her,
And with every breath
She breathed out more
Than she took in,
And when she walked
She left her footprints,
Then her feet,
As she later could feel
Nothing under her.
When she sat then rose
She left an indentation.
A part of her
Too comfortable,
Not following so easily
The rest of her.
And when enough was gone,
An arm forgotten here,
Or there a leg
Fallen asleep,
We learned to walk
Quickly through her.
We excused ourselves,
Begged her pardon
Those first years,
But then there were
So many of us
And walking so fast,
It was better simply
To say nothing
So that she did not feel
The need to respond.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
7 Challenges for Community-Builders
I realizedthis morning that most people aren't going to rush out and buy Bowling Alone, so I decided to post Robert D. Putnam's 7 spheres that deserves special attention. These are quoted straight from his book;
1. "Let us find ways to ensure that by 2010 the level of civic engagement among Americans then coming of age in all parts of our society will match that of their grandparents when they were that same age, and that at the same time bridging social capital will be substantially greater than it was in their grandparents' era.
2. Let us find ways to ensure that by 2010 America's workplace will be substantially more family-friendly and community-congenial, so that American workers will be enabled to replenish our stocks of social capital both within and outside the workplace.
3. Let us ensure that by 2010 Americans will spend less time traveling and more time connecting with our neighbors than we do today, that we will live in more integrated and pedestrian-friendly areas, and that the design of our communities and the availability of public space will encourage more casual socializing with friends and neighbors.
4. Let us spur a new, pluralistic, socially responsible "great awakening," so that by 2010 Americans will be more deeply engaged than we are today in one or another spiritual community of meaning, while at the same time becoming more tolerant of the faiths and practices of other Americans.
5. Let us find ways to ensure that by 2010 Americans will spend less leisure time sitting passively alone in front of glowing screens and more time in active connection with our fellow citizens. Let us foster new forms of electronic entertainment and communication that reinforce community engagement rather than forestalling it.
6. Let us find ways to ensure that by 2010 significantly more Americans will participate in (not merely consume or "appreciate") cultural activities from group dancing to songfests to community theater to rap festivals. Let us discover new ways to use the arts as a vehicle for convening diverse groups of fellow citizens.
7. Let us find ways to ensure that by 2010 many more Americans will participate in the public life of our communities - running for office, attending public meetings, serving on committees, campaigning in elections, and even voting."
That's all of it. I was really just wanting to throw that out there so you could have an idea of what he is pushing for. You can go to the "Better Together" link on this site for more info.
Peace,
Matt
Currently Rereading: Beyond Foundationalism by Stan Grenz and John Franke. Probably one of, if not the, most important theological reflections written in the past decade (Volf and Hauerwas are up there too...).
1. "Let us find ways to ensure that by 2010 the level of civic engagement among Americans then coming of age in all parts of our society will match that of their grandparents when they were that same age, and that at the same time bridging social capital will be substantially greater than it was in their grandparents' era.
2. Let us find ways to ensure that by 2010 America's workplace will be substantially more family-friendly and community-congenial, so that American workers will be enabled to replenish our stocks of social capital both within and outside the workplace.
3. Let us ensure that by 2010 Americans will spend less time traveling and more time connecting with our neighbors than we do today, that we will live in more integrated and pedestrian-friendly areas, and that the design of our communities and the availability of public space will encourage more casual socializing with friends and neighbors.
4. Let us spur a new, pluralistic, socially responsible "great awakening," so that by 2010 Americans will be more deeply engaged than we are today in one or another spiritual community of meaning, while at the same time becoming more tolerant of the faiths and practices of other Americans.
5. Let us find ways to ensure that by 2010 Americans will spend less leisure time sitting passively alone in front of glowing screens and more time in active connection with our fellow citizens. Let us foster new forms of electronic entertainment and communication that reinforce community engagement rather than forestalling it.
6. Let us find ways to ensure that by 2010 significantly more Americans will participate in (not merely consume or "appreciate") cultural activities from group dancing to songfests to community theater to rap festivals. Let us discover new ways to use the arts as a vehicle for convening diverse groups of fellow citizens.
7. Let us find ways to ensure that by 2010 many more Americans will participate in the public life of our communities - running for office, attending public meetings, serving on committees, campaigning in elections, and even voting."
That's all of it. I was really just wanting to throw that out there so you could have an idea of what he is pushing for. You can go to the "Better Together" link on this site for more info.
Peace,
Matt
Currently Rereading: Beyond Foundationalism by Stan Grenz and John Franke. Probably one of, if not the, most important theological reflections written in the past decade (Volf and Hauerwas are up there too...).
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Blog Troubles...
My blog won't show up when I search for it. This really sucks. I am publishing this post, hoping that it will now somehow appear. I must have made somebody in the Matrix really upset. Grr.
Jewish Reflections on the Trinity
Here's an interesting site: Jewish reflections on the Trinity. Enjoy!
http://www.js.emory.edu/BLUMENTHAL/Trinity.html
http://www.js.emory.edu/BLUMENTHAL/Trinity.html
Making Time for Picnics
"There were once two monks-a teacher and his student. One day, the teacher said, in order to give some encouragement to his student, 'One day we will definitely go for a picnic.' After a few days it was forgotten. The student later reminded the teacher of his promise to on a picnic. But the teacher responded by saying that he was too busy and could not go to the picnic for a while. A long time passed; no picnic. Again the student reminded him, 'When are we going to go on this famous picnic?' The teacher said, 'Not now. I am far too busy.' So one day the student saw a dead body being carried off, and the teacher asked him, 'What is happening?' And the student replied, 'Well, that poor man is going on a picnic!'
The point is that in your life, unless you make specific time for something that you feel committed to, you will always have other obligations and you will always be too busy."
-The Dalai Lama, 1994
The point is that in your life, unless you make specific time for something that you feel committed to, you will always have other obligations and you will always be too busy."
-The Dalai Lama, 1994
Proverbs, the Gospels, and the Never Ending Pursuit of Mo' Money, Mo' Money, Mo' Money
I've been a church-goer for most of my life, with about 8 years missing out of the middle. Every so often, those of us in the audience get the chance to hear a message on money. I appreciate this idea, considering Jesus spoke often about money. In fact, every sermon I have heard on the subject of money mentions the fact that Jesus talked about it a lot. The problem is, the pastor mentions this fact, then goes straight to the book of Proverbs to talk about money...
So let's get this straight: Jesus talks a lot about money. In order to learn about this, we need to go to the book of Proverbs. Funny, I thought Jesus' teachings were in the Gospels.
I think going to Proverbs is a mistake. How's that for honest? I once took a class from the Old Testament scholar Tremper Longman III, who loves the Proverbs, but is quick to explain that they are not universal rules to live by. They are at times contradictory, and at other times confusing or full of promises that do not necessarily come true if the proverb is followed. Proverbs is full of advice that is correct for certain times.
Coupled with the non-universality of Proverbs is the truth about Solomon's life. If we take Solomon to be the author, we quickly have to ask how much wisdom this man really had when it comes to money. Remember, he is the man whose riches brought him arrogance, foreign wives, and ultimately lead him away from the Lord. I would even argue that his riches caused the nation of Israel to ultimately split in two. Is it surprising that this rich narcisist ends up writing the book of Ecclesiastes? I think not.
So why do we go to Proverbs for our money advice? Since I'm being so honest today, I'll tell you why I think we do this. We go to Proverbs (and Malachi) so nobody will be too challenged. Proverbs tells us to plan ahead, save some money, acquire wealth while being generous at the same time. It allows us a gospel of health, wealth and prosperity that isn't too far outside of the Biblical text. And with Malachi attached for good measure, the church can still get its 10% to pay for a giant building and salaries.
The problem: Jesus had a different economic agenda, and the last time I checked, Christians follow Jesus, not Solomon (that's why we're not called Solomians). Jesus said sell everything you have, give the money to the poor, and follow him. Jesus didn't mention a retirement package, because he called us to follow him and die. Jesus didn't mention having a savings account because the vocation he called us to was that of traveling beggars with good news. He called his followers to be part of a different Kingdom, with an entirely different economy. He called us to store up treasures in that Kingdom, not our earthly ones.
No wonder we use the book of Proverbs instead of the Gospels. Following Jesus is tough. Well, maybe it's just that first step that is the hardest, and that's why we're not taking it. Maybe it's time we leave Proverbs behind and set our eyes on Christ, confessing our shortcomings to one another as we seek to do his will, working out our salvation with much fear and trembling.
Peace,
Matt
Currently Reading: The newest issue of Sojourners magazine.
So let's get this straight: Jesus talks a lot about money. In order to learn about this, we need to go to the book of Proverbs. Funny, I thought Jesus' teachings were in the Gospels.
I think going to Proverbs is a mistake. How's that for honest? I once took a class from the Old Testament scholar Tremper Longman III, who loves the Proverbs, but is quick to explain that they are not universal rules to live by. They are at times contradictory, and at other times confusing or full of promises that do not necessarily come true if the proverb is followed. Proverbs is full of advice that is correct for certain times.
Coupled with the non-universality of Proverbs is the truth about Solomon's life. If we take Solomon to be the author, we quickly have to ask how much wisdom this man really had when it comes to money. Remember, he is the man whose riches brought him arrogance, foreign wives, and ultimately lead him away from the Lord. I would even argue that his riches caused the nation of Israel to ultimately split in two. Is it surprising that this rich narcisist ends up writing the book of Ecclesiastes? I think not.
So why do we go to Proverbs for our money advice? Since I'm being so honest today, I'll tell you why I think we do this. We go to Proverbs (and Malachi) so nobody will be too challenged. Proverbs tells us to plan ahead, save some money, acquire wealth while being generous at the same time. It allows us a gospel of health, wealth and prosperity that isn't too far outside of the Biblical text. And with Malachi attached for good measure, the church can still get its 10% to pay for a giant building and salaries.
The problem: Jesus had a different economic agenda, and the last time I checked, Christians follow Jesus, not Solomon (that's why we're not called Solomians). Jesus said sell everything you have, give the money to the poor, and follow him. Jesus didn't mention a retirement package, because he called us to follow him and die. Jesus didn't mention having a savings account because the vocation he called us to was that of traveling beggars with good news. He called his followers to be part of a different Kingdom, with an entirely different economy. He called us to store up treasures in that Kingdom, not our earthly ones.
No wonder we use the book of Proverbs instead of the Gospels. Following Jesus is tough. Well, maybe it's just that first step that is the hardest, and that's why we're not taking it. Maybe it's time we leave Proverbs behind and set our eyes on Christ, confessing our shortcomings to one another as we seek to do his will, working out our salvation with much fear and trembling.
Peace,
Matt
Currently Reading: The newest issue of Sojourners magazine.
Monday, May 23, 2005
N.T. Wright - "God, the Tsunami and 9/11: The new problem of evil."
Thursday night I was able to take advantage of an amazing opportunity and heard N.T. Wright live. It was hard for me to concentrate with such an amazing presence in the room, but I think I caught a good deal of what he was saying.
Wright spent the lecture circling around Revelation 21, which says that one day there will be no more sea. He refered to the ancient Hebrew belief that standing water represents evil, and then went through different examples of this, from the sea being used as judgment in the case of Noah, to Jesus sleeping in a boat, unafraid of what the choppy sea is trying to do to his boat. Since standing water was always near, the Hebrew people were constantly reminded of the presence of evil and chaos in their world.
In the modern world, Wright asserts that our notions of good and evil had become abstract. We only notice evil if it slaps us on the face, and then we are surprised (as if it didn't exist), and we react in "immature and dangerous ways." This can be seen in 9/11 and the tsunami, which he makes sure to point out are two very different kinds of evil. With 9/11 the West went on a bloody rampage that still continues today. With the tsunami, there were both Christians and Muslims who declared it to be God's judgment; either on the Muslim inhabitants (Christian response) or on the Christian tourists (Muslim response). Wright asserts that our quick, snappy judgments of the situation are not enough.
Modernism, says Wright, provides shallow answers like the ones above. Postmodernism provides no sense of a guilty party, nor any way to look for redemption. It can only say "yes, there is evil," but can do nothing about it. Not surprising, he says we have to go to the Bible for our answers to the tough question of evil.
The amazing thing that Wright does, is he starts with the assertion that the entire Biblical story is telling how evil and atonement have been battling throughout the existence of the earth. Of course Wright goes on to say that it is on the cross the solution to the problem is given. But he first mentions Gethsemane, where God is left alone in the garden (remember Eden anybody?). This time, God being alone invites people into God's Kingdom rather than forcing them out of paradise.
Atonement is not an explanation for things, but an event. It is God's victory. And from the cross he issues us our vocation: which is to join him in his atoning work, implementing the work of the cross. The great must become servants, as John 10 states (evoking Isaiah 53), suberting empire. The church's call is to go to the world with the suffering of God - which is God's answer to the evils of this world. This means no military action by Christians - that was James and John's mistake. It also means avoiding the easy answers when looking at something as terrible as the tsunami.
Instead, we look at the world and must see that it is not how it shall one day be. We see evil, but know that we cannot talk about evil without also recognizing YHWH as the God who is present. This is the God who we must embody. The new creation that began on Easter will one day be completed, and we have been given the distinct honor in being part of that project. We must be living embodiments of the new creation.
"Evil is still a four-letter word. So, thank God, is love."
Peace,
Matt
Currently Reading: The Art of Possibility by Ben and Rosamund Zander, and The Good Heart by the Dalai Lama.
Wright spent the lecture circling around Revelation 21, which says that one day there will be no more sea. He refered to the ancient Hebrew belief that standing water represents evil, and then went through different examples of this, from the sea being used as judgment in the case of Noah, to Jesus sleeping in a boat, unafraid of what the choppy sea is trying to do to his boat. Since standing water was always near, the Hebrew people were constantly reminded of the presence of evil and chaos in their world.
In the modern world, Wright asserts that our notions of good and evil had become abstract. We only notice evil if it slaps us on the face, and then we are surprised (as if it didn't exist), and we react in "immature and dangerous ways." This can be seen in 9/11 and the tsunami, which he makes sure to point out are two very different kinds of evil. With 9/11 the West went on a bloody rampage that still continues today. With the tsunami, there were both Christians and Muslims who declared it to be God's judgment; either on the Muslim inhabitants (Christian response) or on the Christian tourists (Muslim response). Wright asserts that our quick, snappy judgments of the situation are not enough.
Modernism, says Wright, provides shallow answers like the ones above. Postmodernism provides no sense of a guilty party, nor any way to look for redemption. It can only say "yes, there is evil," but can do nothing about it. Not surprising, he says we have to go to the Bible for our answers to the tough question of evil.
The amazing thing that Wright does, is he starts with the assertion that the entire Biblical story is telling how evil and atonement have been battling throughout the existence of the earth. Of course Wright goes on to say that it is on the cross the solution to the problem is given. But he first mentions Gethsemane, where God is left alone in the garden (remember Eden anybody?). This time, God being alone invites people into God's Kingdom rather than forcing them out of paradise.
Atonement is not an explanation for things, but an event. It is God's victory. And from the cross he issues us our vocation: which is to join him in his atoning work, implementing the work of the cross. The great must become servants, as John 10 states (evoking Isaiah 53), suberting empire. The church's call is to go to the world with the suffering of God - which is God's answer to the evils of this world. This means no military action by Christians - that was James and John's mistake. It also means avoiding the easy answers when looking at something as terrible as the tsunami.
Instead, we look at the world and must see that it is not how it shall one day be. We see evil, but know that we cannot talk about evil without also recognizing YHWH as the God who is present. This is the God who we must embody. The new creation that began on Easter will one day be completed, and we have been given the distinct honor in being part of that project. We must be living embodiments of the new creation.
"Evil is still a four-letter word. So, thank God, is love."
Peace,
Matt
Currently Reading: The Art of Possibility by Ben and Rosamund Zander, and The Good Heart by the Dalai Lama.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Store Up Some Treasures On Earth While You're At It
Hopefully that title caught your attention...
I recently read through Robert D. Putnam's Bowling Alone: The collapse and revival of American community. He wrote about social organizations within American history and specifically the modern-day U.S. Here are some thoughts that came to me while reading.
What impacted me first of all was the need for grassroots organizational structures. He described movements, such as the Civil Rights movement, that became institutionalized into things like the NAACP. Now, instead of protesting nationwide, these groups have specialized lobbyists, and "membership" consists in reading the newsletters and giving financial contributions. There is no real membership. Consequently, these institutionalized movements are losing momentum, members, and respect. Of course, there is an obvious implication of the church here, which can be described in the same manner: a revolutionary, world-changing force turned into dead institution (check-out Bosch's Transforming Mission for a brilliant discussion on this sad turn in church history).
The really amazing part of the book was Putnam's discussion of "social capital," which is something I had never even heard of before. He describes it like this: "social capital refers to connections among individuals - social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them" (p.19). The idea is that we build up social captial in all manners of relationships; these can range from small talk with a neighbor to counseling a friend going through divorce. I look at it as storing up tresures on earth and heaven at the same time. Putnam goes on to point out that people with more social capital are healthier, happier and better for the people and places around them. Maybe that's why Jesus said when two or more are gathered...
Our task, then, is to build social capital. Building strong relationships with family, neighbors, strangers, church members, activists and our amazing, relational God is our goal. I think I could spend hours linking social capital and the Kingdom of God, but I'd better stop for now. What are your thoughts?
Peace,
Matt
Oh yeah - I am going to Seattle with my friend Kurt tonight to hear N.T. Wright speak. It's going to be amazing!
Currently reading: An essay by Andrew Carnegie called The Gospel of Wealth.
I recently read through Robert D. Putnam's Bowling Alone: The collapse and revival of American community. He wrote about social organizations within American history and specifically the modern-day U.S. Here are some thoughts that came to me while reading.
What impacted me first of all was the need for grassroots organizational structures. He described movements, such as the Civil Rights movement, that became institutionalized into things like the NAACP. Now, instead of protesting nationwide, these groups have specialized lobbyists, and "membership" consists in reading the newsletters and giving financial contributions. There is no real membership. Consequently, these institutionalized movements are losing momentum, members, and respect. Of course, there is an obvious implication of the church here, which can be described in the same manner: a revolutionary, world-changing force turned into dead institution (check-out Bosch's Transforming Mission for a brilliant discussion on this sad turn in church history).
The really amazing part of the book was Putnam's discussion of "social capital," which is something I had never even heard of before. He describes it like this: "social capital refers to connections among individuals - social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them" (p.19). The idea is that we build up social captial in all manners of relationships; these can range from small talk with a neighbor to counseling a friend going through divorce. I look at it as storing up tresures on earth and heaven at the same time. Putnam goes on to point out that people with more social capital are healthier, happier and better for the people and places around them. Maybe that's why Jesus said when two or more are gathered...
Our task, then, is to build social capital. Building strong relationships with family, neighbors, strangers, church members, activists and our amazing, relational God is our goal. I think I could spend hours linking social capital and the Kingdom of God, but I'd better stop for now. What are your thoughts?
Peace,
Matt
Oh yeah - I am going to Seattle with my friend Kurt tonight to hear N.T. Wright speak. It's going to be amazing!
Currently reading: An essay by Andrew Carnegie called The Gospel of Wealth.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
An Amazing Interview
Going with that last article, here's an awesome interview by Stanley Hauerwas, who is absolutely brilliant and should be read by every serious follower of Jesus:
http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=news.display_archives&mode=current_opinion&article=CO_010702h
Peace,
Matt
Currently Reading: It's Not About Me (teen edition) by Max Lucado...
http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=news.display_archives&mode=current_opinion&article=CO_010702h
Peace,
Matt
Currently Reading: It's Not About Me (teen edition) by Max Lucado...
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Why Mennonites Rule!
Most people who know me know that I am a pacifist. I am really thinking I want to declare myself as a Mennonite, and this lecture only advanced that thought. Please, please, please read it, and let it challenge you.
Roth is so amazing, I e-mailed him and he e-mailed me back! How cool is that?
http://www.jesusradicals.com/library/roth/JohnRoth.pdf
Peace,
Matt
Roth is so amazing, I e-mailed him and he e-mailed me back! How cool is that?
http://www.jesusradicals.com/library/roth/JohnRoth.pdf
Peace,
Matt
Monday, May 16, 2005
Motorcycle Diaries: What's Missing?
Like most people who enjoy a good movie, I loved the movie Motorcycle Diaries. It was brilliantly filmed and really showed the poverty, inequality and exploitation that went on in South America, and continues to happen throughout the world. It was inspiring and challenging to watch.
My problem came when a friend of mine loaned me Che's book Guerrilla Warfare. It was a side of him that was definitely not shown in the movie. This man, who in the movie is so Jesus-like it makes on of my friends sick, is the same man who in his writings explains how to make moltov cocktails, encourages indoctrination, and blatantly exploits the very people he wishes to help by telling his soldiers to take from the peasantry and pay them with "hope bonds," which can be used once (or if) the revolutionaries win.
My problem with Motorcycle Diaries is that it is taken out of context from the man's life. We are shown a wonderful, Jesus-like man, who we are in the end told that he was murdered by the CIA. Now I have absolutely no respect for the CIA and do not wish to stand up for their typical ignorant actions, but I would have to say that Che looks a little too much like a martyr in this light. I do think he stood for something good, but he took on an ends justify the means sort of mentality that was no good for anybody. I would have liked to have seen a fuller picture of the man, or else leave off the ending of the movie, which is way out of context.
Peace,
Matt
Currently Reading: Bowling Alone, by Robert D. Putnam
My problem came when a friend of mine loaned me Che's book Guerrilla Warfare. It was a side of him that was definitely not shown in the movie. This man, who in the movie is so Jesus-like it makes on of my friends sick, is the same man who in his writings explains how to make moltov cocktails, encourages indoctrination, and blatantly exploits the very people he wishes to help by telling his soldiers to take from the peasantry and pay them with "hope bonds," which can be used once (or if) the revolutionaries win.
My problem with Motorcycle Diaries is that it is taken out of context from the man's life. We are shown a wonderful, Jesus-like man, who we are in the end told that he was murdered by the CIA. Now I have absolutely no respect for the CIA and do not wish to stand up for their typical ignorant actions, but I would have to say that Che looks a little too much like a martyr in this light. I do think he stood for something good, but he took on an ends justify the means sort of mentality that was no good for anybody. I would have liked to have seen a fuller picture of the man, or else leave off the ending of the movie, which is way out of context.
Peace,
Matt
Currently Reading: Bowling Alone, by Robert D. Putnam
Friday, May 13, 2005
Turtle Teaching
This morning my turtle (Alfie) and I went to a first grade classroom at Geneva Elementary School to teach the students about turtles. They were awesome! It's funny how they are so quick to ask questions and share about their own turtle experiences. When is it in life that we stop asking questions and telling good stories, and start acting like experts all the time. I think I need to find that age and stop kids from growing past that point - become a Catcher in the Rye, of some sort.
Speaking of turtles, I had a recent conversation with somebody about the old story of the tortoise and the hare. The main point, of course, is that the hare is faster in the short run, but over the long haul, he doesn't make it, and "slow and steady wins the race."
But what if it was a relay? Suddenly things wouldn't look so bright for our turtle friend as the long distance is easily covered by multiple rabbit sprinters!
Is it just me, or does the modern church seem like a turtle; well fortified, slow, ancient, and somewhat boring, and not all that important in the whole scheme of things. Now what if postmodern churches are acting like the rabbits? The truth is, they can't run the entire race, but they can run their leg of it. Then the challenge is to run as hard as you can, and make sure to know when your time is up so you can pass the baton smoothly to the next runner. I know people are saying that the postmodern church's time will be short, but that's okay. First of all, most people who say this only know of things like Emergent and don't understand the philosophical and scientific revolutions that are changing world-wide culture. But even going beyond that, the forms of being the church that we are currently devising will ultimately become outdated, and that is okay as long as we run our race well and are willing to pass the baton on to the next thing God does with his church.
Just some random thoughts on turtles...
Peace,
Matt
Currently reading: Guerrilla Warfare by Che Guevara.
Speaking of turtles, I had a recent conversation with somebody about the old story of the tortoise and the hare. The main point, of course, is that the hare is faster in the short run, but over the long haul, he doesn't make it, and "slow and steady wins the race."
But what if it was a relay? Suddenly things wouldn't look so bright for our turtle friend as the long distance is easily covered by multiple rabbit sprinters!
Is it just me, or does the modern church seem like a turtle; well fortified, slow, ancient, and somewhat boring, and not all that important in the whole scheme of things. Now what if postmodern churches are acting like the rabbits? The truth is, they can't run the entire race, but they can run their leg of it. Then the challenge is to run as hard as you can, and make sure to know when your time is up so you can pass the baton smoothly to the next runner. I know people are saying that the postmodern church's time will be short, but that's okay. First of all, most people who say this only know of things like Emergent and don't understand the philosophical and scientific revolutions that are changing world-wide culture. But even going beyond that, the forms of being the church that we are currently devising will ultimately become outdated, and that is okay as long as we run our race well and are willing to pass the baton on to the next thing God does with his church.
Just some random thoughts on turtles...
Peace,
Matt
Currently reading: Guerrilla Warfare by Che Guevara.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Two Great Articles
This first one is on leadership in a postmodern culture, and is quite brilliant (thanks Paul!):
http://www.christianity.ca/church/leadership/2005/05.000.html
The second one is from L. Gregory Jones, who wrote a brilliant work called Embodying Forgiveness. It is on Christian language:
http://www.christiancentury.org/dept_faith.html
Hope you enjoy these!
Peace,
Matt
http://www.christianity.ca/church/leadership/2005/05.000.html
The second one is from L. Gregory Jones, who wrote a brilliant work called Embodying Forgiveness. It is on Christian language:
http://www.christiancentury.org/dept_faith.html
Hope you enjoy these!
Peace,
Matt
Two Goals For Youth Ministry
I started this blog without mentioning youth ministry, but apparently it is sneaking in anyway. I have two goals that I believe all youth ministry should stem from. Maybe it doesn't even matter: most pastors read book after book and continue doing things the way they always have, but I'm going to say these and then see if I can follow all my youth ministry orthodoxy with orthopraxy in the year to come.
First, the youth pastor must make it his/her goal to lead students into the presence of the Triune God. This could seem obvious, yet it is rare I see it happen...in fact I've never been to a church service where I felt like I was being led into the presence of God. It is too New Agey for most believers to seek an experience of the living God. But I believe that is our call. How can we worship God unless we are drawing near and coming into relationship? The "faithful youth pastor" (see the earlier posting) then, is guiding students into God's presence. It is a ministry where we need crash helmets, as Annie Dillard mentioned, not because of cool, fun games, but because we are coming into contact with the God of the universe!
It is only after a student has experienced God in some way that they can then be sent out to be a blessing to the world around them. This is missional church, where we are blessed to be a blessing. It is the choice to have the incredible God over popularity, some friendships, etc. Most ministries talk about getting the cool kids (jocks, chearleaders, ASB presidents, etc), and using them to pull others in. I would rather take interested students, help them realize they are loved by God even while they become less cool at their schools. I would rather their life transformation be what draws other students in, not their looks, status, etc. I just don't think Jesus was very cool. I think I would rather have less growth, but be able to combine the small amount of growth with a larger amount of depth.
Peace,
Matt
Currently reading: A few articles on religious philosophy by Carl Raschke I found on the internet.
First, the youth pastor must make it his/her goal to lead students into the presence of the Triune God. This could seem obvious, yet it is rare I see it happen...in fact I've never been to a church service where I felt like I was being led into the presence of God. It is too New Agey for most believers to seek an experience of the living God. But I believe that is our call. How can we worship God unless we are drawing near and coming into relationship? The "faithful youth pastor" (see the earlier posting) then, is guiding students into God's presence. It is a ministry where we need crash helmets, as Annie Dillard mentioned, not because of cool, fun games, but because we are coming into contact with the God of the universe!
It is only after a student has experienced God in some way that they can then be sent out to be a blessing to the world around them. This is missional church, where we are blessed to be a blessing. It is the choice to have the incredible God over popularity, some friendships, etc. Most ministries talk about getting the cool kids (jocks, chearleaders, ASB presidents, etc), and using them to pull others in. I would rather take interested students, help them realize they are loved by God even while they become less cool at their schools. I would rather their life transformation be what draws other students in, not their looks, status, etc. I just don't think Jesus was very cool. I think I would rather have less growth, but be able to combine the small amount of growth with a larger amount of depth.
Peace,
Matt
Currently reading: A few articles on religious philosophy by Carl Raschke I found on the internet.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Matt Martinson, M.A.
So it is official - I received my degree and am now an official graduate from Mars Hill Graduate School! No more student discounts at the movie theatres, but overall I would still have to say that I am very pleased. I would post some pictures on the site, but truthfully, I am not very clever when it comes to these computer gizmos.
To all those who have supported me, put up with me, or refrained from mocking me as I underwent these past two grueling years - Thank-you!
Peace,
Matt
Currently reading: Teaching a Stone to Talk by Annie Dillard.
To all those who have supported me, put up with me, or refrained from mocking me as I underwent these past two grueling years - Thank-you!
Peace,
Matt
Currently reading: Teaching a Stone to Talk by Annie Dillard.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Going w/ That Last Post...
Regarding that last post, go to this interview with Len Sweet for more of that same idea:
http://66.137.184.33/includes/ShowSweetenedArticles.asp?articleID=89
http://66.137.184.33/includes/ShowSweetenedArticles.asp?articleID=89
Youth Ministry & Faith
A few recent conversations have convinced me that I need to start writing out my ideas on youth ministy. This is mostly for myself to see them on a screen and decide if they are legit. What I am most interested in is the idea of a youth pastor choosing to have faith.
"Faith in what?" you may ask. "Faith in the students," I would respond, as in having faith that students can and will change. Let me get specific. The average youth ministry, following the ministry model passed on from the 1980's, does attractional ministry, which can also be called bait and switch, in which we try to do lots of cool things so kids will come for fun and that's when we hit them with the gospel (watch the movie Saved for an example). Why do we do it this way?
I would say we do ministry in this fashion because we don't have faith that God is really working in the lives of our students. If we really believed that the Spirit was and is transforming the lives of students, we wouldn't be doing bait/switch ministry. I want to have faith and encourage students to be incarnational, living the way of Jesus in their schools, homes, fast-food jobs, etc. Youth ministry needs to become a ministry of faith where we pour ourselves into students with the hope and faith that they will do the same in their communities. This means we ditch the "larger is better, let's do lots of stuff, keep the music loud" mentality and actually work towards life change instead! That way of doing ministry seems much healthier to me, not mention honoring to the way Christ lived and taught.
Peace,
Matt
"Faith in what?" you may ask. "Faith in the students," I would respond, as in having faith that students can and will change. Let me get specific. The average youth ministry, following the ministry model passed on from the 1980's, does attractional ministry, which can also be called bait and switch, in which we try to do lots of cool things so kids will come for fun and that's when we hit them with the gospel (watch the movie Saved for an example). Why do we do it this way?
I would say we do ministry in this fashion because we don't have faith that God is really working in the lives of our students. If we really believed that the Spirit was and is transforming the lives of students, we wouldn't be doing bait/switch ministry. I want to have faith and encourage students to be incarnational, living the way of Jesus in their schools, homes, fast-food jobs, etc. Youth ministry needs to become a ministry of faith where we pour ourselves into students with the hope and faith that they will do the same in their communities. This means we ditch the "larger is better, let's do lots of stuff, keep the music loud" mentality and actually work towards life change instead! That way of doing ministry seems much healthier to me, not mention honoring to the way Christ lived and taught.
Peace,
Matt
The 10 Commandments
On NPR this morning there was the first part of a series on Christianity in America. I cringed when I heard about it, then cringed even more as my brothers and sisters opened their mouths and brought shame to the cross. There was a lot of talk about how the US was founded by Christian men, who followed Christian values. They specifically cited the 10 Commandments as the most important document for the founding fathers as they developed this nation and the Constitution.
If America was founded on Christian values, I am not a Christian. I don't think Manifest Destiny is how our Father works. I don't think Jesus likes the idea of committing genocide towards Native Americans. I don't think the Holy Spirit guided the creation of a capitalist system that makes some rich while others starve.
The most difficult part of the broadcast for me, though, was the constant rhetoric about the 10 commandments. "An essential Christian belief" that is "perfect moral code for all people." That's funny: I don't think God ever stopped in the middle of giving the law to Moses and said, "Here's the important part." It was all part of the law. And the law was fulfilled through Christ, who gave us the Sermon on the Mount. This is the most important thing ever written, a beautiful code of conduct that most Christians seem to want to avoid or explain away because it is too difficult to follow and continue worshipping the idols of the surrounding culture. It is more than time for Christians to stop whining about the 10 and start living out the radical challenge Christ laid out for us.
"For some reason, the most vocal Christians among us never mention the beatitudes. But, often with tears in their eyes, they demand that the Ten Commandments be posted in public buildings. And of course that's Moses, not Jesus. I haven't heard one of them demand that the Sermond on the Mount, the beatitudes, be posted anywhere." -Kurt Vonnegut
Peace,
Matt
Currently Reading: God's Politics by Jim Wallis.
If America was founded on Christian values, I am not a Christian. I don't think Manifest Destiny is how our Father works. I don't think Jesus likes the idea of committing genocide towards Native Americans. I don't think the Holy Spirit guided the creation of a capitalist system that makes some rich while others starve.
The most difficult part of the broadcast for me, though, was the constant rhetoric about the 10 commandments. "An essential Christian belief" that is "perfect moral code for all people." That's funny: I don't think God ever stopped in the middle of giving the law to Moses and said, "Here's the important part." It was all part of the law. And the law was fulfilled through Christ, who gave us the Sermon on the Mount. This is the most important thing ever written, a beautiful code of conduct that most Christians seem to want to avoid or explain away because it is too difficult to follow and continue worshipping the idols of the surrounding culture. It is more than time for Christians to stop whining about the 10 and start living out the radical challenge Christ laid out for us.
"For some reason, the most vocal Christians among us never mention the beatitudes. But, often with tears in their eyes, they demand that the Ten Commandments be posted in public buildings. And of course that's Moses, not Jesus. I haven't heard one of them demand that the Sermond on the Mount, the beatitudes, be posted anywhere." -Kurt Vonnegut
Peace,
Matt
Currently Reading: God's Politics by Jim Wallis.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Good, short article
Anything Miroslav Volf writes is worth reading in my book, including this article he just put out in Christian Century magazine:
http://www.christiancentury.org/dept_faith.html
Peace,
Matt
http://www.christiancentury.org/dept_faith.html
Peace,
Matt
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
The Last Word
My initial thoughts from reading McLaren's new book The Last Word and the Word After That were not what I expected coming into the book. I got two important thoughts from the book, neither of which had much to do with the concept of hell.
First, I saw the blatant need for Christians to focus on the here and now, rather than believing in pie-in-the-sky faith. McLaren brings up issues of justice and the fact that Western-yuppie-middle-class-Christians don't have to worry about those kinds of things and consequently became interested only in how they can get into heaven, steering clear of hell. Instead of asking people "Do you want to go to Heaven when you die," the post-evangelical believer can ask something along the lines of "Do you want to live a life of meaning?" or even "Are you interested in living life to the full?" Of course this means we have to begin doing this, choosing not to be so heaven-bound that we are no earthly good.
Secondly, I was reminded of the need to have a group of people surrounding us who are seeking God in a similar fashion. McLaren refers to having people whom we can "know with." I realize I have some friends (some of whom read this blog) who fit into this description, and we need to be more intentional about getting together every so often to continue knowing with each other, learning, sharing, questioning and praying together. I know it's not healthy to only surround yourself with people who think the same and read the same books, but at the same time it's just as unhealthy to never spend quality time with those people discussing church, life and God. That sounds like a new goal for me to put these times together...
Peace,
Matt
Currently reading: the newest issues of Mother Jones and Sojourners magazines.
First, I saw the blatant need for Christians to focus on the here and now, rather than believing in pie-in-the-sky faith. McLaren brings up issues of justice and the fact that Western-yuppie-middle-class-Christians don't have to worry about those kinds of things and consequently became interested only in how they can get into heaven, steering clear of hell. Instead of asking people "Do you want to go to Heaven when you die," the post-evangelical believer can ask something along the lines of "Do you want to live a life of meaning?" or even "Are you interested in living life to the full?" Of course this means we have to begin doing this, choosing not to be so heaven-bound that we are no earthly good.
Secondly, I was reminded of the need to have a group of people surrounding us who are seeking God in a similar fashion. McLaren refers to having people whom we can "know with." I realize I have some friends (some of whom read this blog) who fit into this description, and we need to be more intentional about getting together every so often to continue knowing with each other, learning, sharing, questioning and praying together. I know it's not healthy to only surround yourself with people who think the same and read the same books, but at the same time it's just as unhealthy to never spend quality time with those people discussing church, life and God. That sounds like a new goal for me to put these times together...
Peace,
Matt
Currently reading: the newest issues of Mother Jones and Sojourners magazines.
Monday, May 02, 2005
The State of Blogging
I'm new to this blog-world, but I'm already finding it intimidating and fascinating at the same time. It's amazing to realize how many cool people are writing absolutely amazing stuff that isn't in a book, but just on some random website! At the same time, it is hard to find your way around. I find good, strange and lame blog sites whenever I go looking, and there are already so many of them all over the internet!
How do I filter? What should I read? Who should I believe? The answers are becoming more elusive as the voices multiply! I wonder if Heidegger would see all these people writing and talking and just say that "the most thought-provoking thing in this thought-provoking age is that we are still not thinking." Maybe not. I guess I just want a blogging phone book or something.
Peace,
Matt
Current books: finished The Last Word and the Word After That this morning (will comment soon); also reading The Heavenly Man.
How do I filter? What should I read? Who should I believe? The answers are becoming more elusive as the voices multiply! I wonder if Heidegger would see all these people writing and talking and just say that "the most thought-provoking thing in this thought-provoking age is that we are still not thinking." Maybe not. I guess I just want a blogging phone book or something.
Peace,
Matt
Current books: finished The Last Word and the Word After That this morning (will comment soon); also reading The Heavenly Man.
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