Sojourning Spirituality

Adjusting To New Worship Format:

2012-01-27T15:31:00.000-08:00

Autism Is Coming to Voice

2012-01-19T05:06:00.000-08:00

Autism is a relatively new disorder, which parents and experts alike are still learning about. Check out this powerful video of Carly Fleischmann, a young woman with autism who is educating everyone. Plus you can follow her blog or tweets. Carly is a smart kid with a bright future. Hopefully her voice is heard by many.

Official Endorsement

2012-01-17T04:53:00.000-08:00

We have decided to officially endorse a candidate for president of the USA. After careful consideration, we decided it was important to support the guy who is "making a better tommorrow, tommorrow." Please join us and vote for faux-candidate, Stephen Colbert. Click here to find out more.

Gotta love good satire!

Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

2012-01-14T05:01:00.000-08:00

I officiate weddings. And I hope those weddings turn into happy, successful marriages. The trick is to find some helpful advice for couples when my time with them is so limited. Many folks don't have the schedule to support much pre-marital counseling. So I have to use whatever time we're together to offer them some words of support. After providing this help for a wide variety of couples, I have found one book to be the best, most practical resource for married folks: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. While I'm usually skeptical of "step-by-step" guides, this book is outstanding.

John Gottman is THE relationship expert in the USA. He can predict whether a couple will stay married or not with 91% accuracy - sometimes after just a few minutes with a couple. After decades of experience and research, Gottmann has published his findings in the book, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. The good news is that this a book filled with helpful advice, written in regular language. There's no academic lingo or psychobabble. Just the facts, folks. Plus there are a lot of exercises and discussion starters for couples who want to dig deeper. Needless to say, it's practical stuff.

In the book Gottman argues that the most important aspect of a happy marriage is fostering a deep friendship (19-20). Basically this means the couple needs to respect, enjoy, and understand each other. Plus it's important to avoid criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling (27). Beyond these basic concepts, here are the seven core principles that Gottam has found that help prevent divorce and strengthen marriage:

1. Enhance Your Love Maps

"...emotionally intelligent people are intimately familiar with each other's world" (48).

2. Nurture Your Fondness and Admiration

"...fondness and admiration can be fragile unless you remain aware of how crucial they are to the friendship that is at the core of any good marriage" (65).

3. Turn Toward Each Other Instead of Away

"...real-life romance...is kept alive each time you let your spouse know he or she is valued during the grind of everyday life" (80).

4. Let Your Partner Influence You

"...when a husband accepts his wife's influence, his open attitude also heightens the positive in his relationship by strengthening his friendship with his wife" (106).

5. Solve Your Solvable Problems

"...when a husband and wife respect each other and are open to each other's point of view, they have a good basis for resolving any difference that arise" (157).

6. Overcoming Gridlock

"They define the minimal core areas that they cannot yield on...They define their areas of flexibility...The devise a temporary compromise that honors both of their dreams" (236).

7. Shared Meaning Making

"The culture that they develop together incorporates both of their dreams. And it is flexible enough to change as husband and wife grow and develop" (244).

Saint Louis Skyline

2012-01-13T04:11:00.000-08:00

A picture of the sunrise that we took from the Moonrise:

Our Most Popular Blog Posts

2012-01-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

10. Hymns
9. Liturgies
8. Enjoying Skittles In Big Tent Christianity
7. Music
6. Is May 21st the End of the World?
5. A Prayer for the Tragedy in Arizona
4. Nonviolent Communion Liturgy
3. Everyone Is A Theologian-In-Residence
2. Pregnant Teenagers and Other Advent Art
1. Finding Unity-In-Diversity with Apostle Paul and Jon Stewart

Best TV Shows of 2011

2011-12-31T06:13:00.000-08:00

10. Boardwalk Empire (tie)
10. Downtown Abby (tie)
9. Up All Night
8. It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
7. Curb Your Enthusiasm
6. 30 Rock
5. Parenthood
4. Parks and Recreation
3. Modern Family
2. The Colbert Report
1. The Daily Show

Best Films of 2011

2011-12-30T05:25:00.000-08:00

10. The Muppets (tie)
10. Bridesmaids (tie)
9. Tomboy
8. The Descendants
7. The Artist
6. Midnight In Paris
5. Moneyball
4. Hugo
3. Born To Be Wild
2. The Interrupters
1. The Help

Best Books of 2011

2011-12-29T04:32:00.000-08:00

10. Process Theology: A Guide for the Perplexed by Bruce Epperly
9. Between Heaven and Mirth by James Martin
8. Fire Monks by Colleen Morton Busch
7. 11/22/63 by Stephen King
6. The Price of Civilization by Jeffrey Sachs
5. Mouse & Lion by Rand Burkert
4. The Predicament of Belief by Philip Clayton and Steven Knapp
3. Bossypants by Tina Fey
2. The Flat World and Education by Linda Darling-Hammond
1. The Death and Life of the Great American School System by Diane Ravitch

Best Albums of 2011

2011-12-28T18:10:00.000-08:00

10. Gillian Welch - The Harrow & The Harvest
9. Common - The Dreamer/The Believer
8. Lady Gaga - Born This Way
7. Wilco - The Whole Love
6. Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
5. Paul Simon – So Beautiful or So What
4. The Roots - Undun
3. Bon Iver - Bon Iver
2. William Elliott Whitmore - Field Songs
1. Adele - 21

Free Holiday Songs from David Wilcox

2011-12-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

David Wilcox has recorded four great Christmas songs. They're all very different. And they're free to download. Our favorite is "Jesus Ruins Christmas." Check out all the songs here.

Cherry Mash Bars

2011-12-19T18:36:00.000-08:00

It's the holiday season. That means many things to different people. But the one thing that many people have in common is making special treats. One of our family's new favorite holiday treats is cherry mash bars. They are delicious and easy to make. There are many recipes online and in books. But here is our favorite:

2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 cup cherry chips
1 cup miniature marshmallow
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup salted peanuts

1. Combine butter, half-and-half, salt, and sugar in a saucepan.
2. Boil on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Mix in marshmallows and cherry chips. Stir until melted together.
4. Pour mix into a 8x8 or 9x9 square pan.
5. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in a sause pan over low heat, stirring frequently.
6. Chop peanuts and then add to the mix.
7. Spread mix over cherry layer in the square pan.
8. Let mixture set in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
9. Cut into 1 inch squares.
10. Enjoy!

Mary is in the Pink

2011-12-17T05:29:00.000-08:00

St. Matthews-in-the-City in Auckland, New Zealand designed a billboard for the Advent season that features Mary holding a positive pregnancy test. The Church said: "Christmas is real. It’s about a real pregnancy, a real mother and a real child. It’s about real anxiety, courage, and hope...Mary was unmarried, young, and poor. This pregnancy would shape her future." That is true! Clearly, the billboard highlights the earthy, gritty, and "real" aspects of Christmas. What does this image mean to you this season?

In The Winter There Is Green

2011-12-10T05:42:00.000-08:00

Peter Mayer's song "Green" is a great song for this time of year. Check it out:

Star Wars Advent Calendar

2011-12-04T06:06:00.000-08:00

We like finding unique Advent/Christmas stuff. There's been some decent stuff this year. But thanks to Diana Butler Bass, we came across the coolest thing of the season: LOGOS Star Wars Advent Calendar. Here is the product description: "Christmas is almost here! With 24 unique gifts, including iconic minifigures, vehicles, and accessories from the Star Wars universe, the all-new LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar is the perfect way to set the festive holidays into hyperspeed!" It's just doesn't get any better than counting down to Christmas with Darth Vader and friends!

Mary's Song (The Magnificat)

2011-12-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

We wrote the song "Mary's Song (The Magnificat)" based on Luke 1:46-55. We figured that Scripture entitled "Song of Mary" really ought to be an actual song, so we took the text and put it to music. They are powerful, prophetic words that deserve to be in a song. We'd like to think that if Mary was an indie folk artist, her song would have sounded like this one! Not sure. In any case, have a happy Advent.

Click here to listen to or download the song. It's free during the month of December.

"Mary's Song (The Magnificat)"

And Mary said,
My soul praises the Eternal One
and my spirit rejoices in God
for God has looked with favor on this peasant girl
the lowliest of all
But God has accepted me just as I am
So others may see me too
God has called me to this mission
All generations will call me blessed
For me and through me great things will take place
For I have known the love of God
Incarnate, revealed to us, God’s perfect love
Holy is God’s name
God has shown justice, God has shown love
God has inspired us to give what we have
Scattered the pride in the hearts of the proud
Strengthened the pride in all those trodden-down
Brought down the lofty from powerful thrones
Searched for the lost ones and brought us back home
God works through people and nature divine
God acts among us from now throughout time
Incarnate, revealed to us, God’s perfect love
Holy is God’s name

Clean Water for Elirose

2011-12-01T18:14:00.000-08:00

One billion people on earth don't have safe water to drink. It's hard enough to talk about topics like this with adults. But it's another thing altogether to talk with children about them. But that is exactly what Ariah Fine has done with his children's book, Clean Water for Elirose. He tells the story of children drinking things like strawberry milkshakes, soda pop, and fruit drinks. But he also tells the story of children who don't even have safe water to drink - and what one community does to help them because of a few caring children. The narrative is educational, entertaining, and empowering. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging. And there are discussion questions and activities for kids in the back of the book.

Clean Water for Elirose is a great book to help kids learn about a social injustice while also exploring how they could help change the world for the better. As an added bonus, the author donates all the profits from book sales to organizations like Charity:Water which build clean water wells. So this book isn't about making money, it's about providing empowering tools for kids. Plus it might just help change the world in real and practical ways.

Clean Water for Elirose is an excellent book for families, schools, synagogues, churches, etc. Check it out here.

Black Friday: A Gift of Grace?

2011-11-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

It's Black Friday. That means you can get great deals on things if you're willing to brave the many other people who will also be out shopping today. Cheap TVs, movies, toys, etc. There's something for everyone. It's a great time to buy Christmas or birthday presents for friends and family. But Black Friday isn't celebrated by everyone.

It's also Buy Nothing Day. This is a movement that was started to encourage people to avoid shopping on Black Friday. Why? To protest consumerism. When we were in college, we thought this was a great idea. We refused to shop on Black Friday. In fact, we often did things in our dorm in order to avoid being seen outside - and having people mistakenly think we were shopping. We were very self-righteous about it. Just the thought of other people shopping on this day made us feel morally superiour. And we didn't stop there. We became evangelicals for Buy Nothing Day. We put bumper stickers on our car and told everyone we knew about it. But Buy Nothing Day is not celebrated by everyone either.

It's Black Friday, after all. That means you really can get some of the best deals of the year on stuff. And some people need to save all the money they can. They can't afford not to shop on Black Friday. It's a way for them to afford the gifts they want to give to their freinds and family. For some people, Black Friday is a gift of grace in a tough economy. Thankfully some thoughtful people and articulate articles woke us up to this reality. They reminded us that Buy Nothing Day is a luxury that not everyone can afford.
Eugene Cho had a similar expereince and quoted one of the people who woke him up to the grace of Black Friday. An African American friend of his said to him:

"Buy Nothing Day is basically a thing of and for white folks and comfy middle class and rich folks who have had the privilege of consumption their whole life. And now, they can afford to start things like Buy Nothing Day. True, it speaks to the issue of overconsumption, but how much of it is to appease their guilty consciences? I’m also very skeptical and cynical of Christians who’ve jumped on this bandwagon...Stuff like this sickens me because it has completely no idea about the plight of the poor, low-income folks, and some minorities that are just trying to survive."

Powerful stuff. And yes, stuff like this did dampen our self-righteousness when we saw people shopping on Black Friday. While we celebrate the protest of consumerism, we also celebrate any time the poor, oppressed, and downtrodden are given a break in our dog-eat-dog world. These are the exact people Jesus asks us to stand with and stand up for. So perhaps, all the hype and self-righteousness of Buy Nothing Day can be exchanged for the compassion and empathy of the Way of Jesus. Eugene Cho sums it up well:

"Black Friday shopping means different things for different folks. For many of us, it’s a game, a sport, a blog topic, and an event we mark, but for others it’s a matter of necessity. This is why I have reservations about Buy Nothing Day. Perhaps the majority of us should sincerely adopt Buy Nothing Day and let those who truly need the 'doorbusters' be the first in line — for a change."

Didn't Jesus say something about letting the first be last, and the last be first? Perhaps Black Friday is a time this can actually happen.

Keeping Christ or Being Christ this Christmas

2011-11-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

Robb McCoy over at the Fat Pastor blog, shared this interesting picture:

Thanks to Brian McLaren

2011-11-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Brian McLaren for his inspiration and support. His article, "Open Letter To Worship Songwriters," helped to inspire our first album, "On The Way." Plus his books (especially Naked Spirituality and Secret Message of Jesus) have had a big impact on our music. His writing is practical yet deep, which is a delicious theological treat! We also appreciate his shout-outs to our CD on his blog here, here, and here. Cheers to McLaren for being a thoughtful writer, gracious supporter, and nice guy! If you're familiar with him, you probably already like him. If you're not familiar, check out one of his outstanding books. Good stuff!

Michael Kinnamon resigns as leader of NCC

2011-11-11T04:36:00.000-08:00

Dr. Michael Kinnamon has announced his resignation as the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches. Kinnamon has faithfully and boldly lead the NCC since 2008. However, due to health concerns - and warnings from his cardiologist - he needed to reduce his stress and travel.

Kinnamon has served as a professor and leader at Christian Theological Seminary, Luxington Theological Seminary, and Eden Theological Seminary. He has also served as an Executive Secretary for the World Council of Churches. Plus, he has a long list of speeches, sermons, articles, and books about Christian ecumenism.

Kinnamon also is just a nice guy. He was one of my professors at Eden Theological Seminary. He cared deeply about helping students understand the importance of engaging in mission and respecting the differences of others. Even though he was a national and international leader in the ecumenical movement, he would still make time to meet with students one-on-one. I frequently reflect on the insights, wisdom, and passion that Kinnamon shared with the Eden community.

Plus, Kinnamon is a family man. He has raised two daughters, Anna and Leah, with his wife Katherine.

Prayers of gratitude and prayers for healing go out to Michael Kinnamon and his family.

Just for the Fun of It (Jazz)

2011-11-03T04:57:00.000-07:00

Sara likes to sing jazz because of the freedom and soul of the music. Every person in a jazz band is given the freedom to improvise and be led by the spirit of the music. But, at the same time, everyone meshes together in a way that honors the boundaries of the original song and the talent of the other musicians. It takes communication, collaboration, and finesse to play in a jazz band. All of which makes it fun to do. So when Sara isn't playing her folk music, she sings with The Sugar Daddys Jazz Band. Here they are playing "Lullaby of Birdland" by George Shearing and George David Weiss:

"Perfect" by Pink (and Sara)

2011-10-29T17:25:00.000-07:00

Sara adapted the lyrics of the song "Perfect" by Pink for our son's baptism today. We'll post the lyrics here in case anyone would like to read, sing, or us them.

Made a wrong turn once or twice
Dug my way out through the fire
Bad decisions – that’s all right
Daily God calls us to new life

Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood
Missin’ out on something good
But God never lets you down
Mistaken, always second-guessing
Underestimating, but look, God’s still around

Pretty pretty please, don’t you ever ever feel
Like you’re less than, less than perfect
Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel
Like you’re nothing, you are perfect to me

Some may laugh at your song
Make you feel like you are wrong
Change the voices in your head
You’re Spirit-born, now be Spirit-led

So complicated, hearts out there are breakin’
Filled with so much hatred – such a tired game
It’s enough, but I got my second wind,
I’m working for the Kin-dom – let’s see you do the same

Pretty pretty please, don’t you ever ever feel
Like you’re less than, less than perfect
Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel
Like you’re nothing, you are perfect to me

Sometimes I get scared, but I swallow my fear
the only thing I should be drinkin’ is God’s presence here
in valleys, on mountains, but we hide-hide-hide
Try to run and hide – it’s a waste of our time
Don’t look for the critics ‘cause they’re everywhere
Turnin’ people away, “You’re not welcome there.”
“Let’s change ourselves” – and we do it all the time
Why do we do that?
Why do I do that?
God wouldn’t do that
Yeah!

Pretty pretty please, don’t you ever ever feel
Like you’re less than, less than perfect
Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel
Like you’re nothing, you are perfect to me
You’re perfect, you’re perfect
Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel
Like you’re nothing, you are perfect to me

Baptism: A Liturgical Celebration

2011-10-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

Greeting

Gathering Song: “Holy Now” by Peter Mayer

Gathering Prayer:

One: Holy Spirit, we gather to bask in your abiding presence.
All: Wellspring, we gather to be drenched in your sacred waters.
One: Creator, we gather to praise your ongoing creation.
All: Potter, we gather to celebrate your handiwork.
One: Mother Hen, we gather to be protected under your wings.
All: Lord, we gather to claim you as our ultimate authority.
One: Deliverer, we gather to be led away from our troubles.
All: Advocate, we gather to be lifted up by you.
One: Aged Tree, we gather to be steadied by your firm foundation.
All: Flowing River, we gather to be led along the banks of life.
One: Liberator, we gather to be released from all that oppresses us.
All: Great Physician, we gather to experience your healing power.
One: Conservationist, we gather to celebrate your care for the earth.
All: Commander-In-Chief of the Universe, we gather to follow your leadership.
One: Visionary Artist, we gather to thank you for including us in your masterpiece.
All: Peacemaker, we gather to be led by your vision of shalom.
One: Lover of All, we gather to rest in your embrace.
All: All-Weather Friend, we gather to enjoy your faithful companionship.
One: Great Spirit, we gather to honor your presence in all living beings.
All: Band Leader, we gather to dance to the rhythm of your sacred music.
One: Amazing God, we gather to celebrate all of these aspects of you.
All: Each aspect is a blessing to us – and to children like _____. Praise be to you. Amen!

Hymn: “All-Present, All-Visible”

Reading from John Philip Newell

“At the birth of every child, the Holy is born. In the conception of every creature, the Sacred One is at work…The gospel of Christ reveals the dearest and most hidden of truths, that we are what Christ is, born of God, and that at the heart of every human being and every creature is the Light that was in the beginning, and through whom all things have come into being.”

Reading from Sherwin Wine

“When a child is born, hope is born. A child makes us look forward with anticipation and excitement. A child is our link between the past and the future. Children allow us to reach out to the future, with all its possibilities and opportunities. Children unleash the power of our love and creativity and let us discover how much we need to nurture. When we give the gift of life to others, we give life to ourselves. We become alive with hope.”

Sharing Hopes and Blessings

Song: “Perfect” by Pink (adapted by Sara)

Reading from Galatians 3:23-29

“Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.”

Reading from Matthew 28:16-20

“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in my name, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”

Hymn: “Children Born of Sacred Water”

Sacrament of Baptism

Introduction
One: The gospels testify that all people are invited to accept God, who has already accepted us. We only need to accept that we are accepted.
All: So, we, the members of God’s Beloved Community, proclaim that same witness. _____, the same God who has claimed every person as a beloved child, also proclaims that you are a beloved child.

Thanksgiving Prayer

One: God is with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Let us give thanks to God.
All: It is good to give God thanks and praise.
One: Holy Spirit, we thank you, because in you, we live, move, and have our being. We also thank you for the gift of water, which has been a blessing of life and health from the beginning of time. Your same Spirit who brooded over the waters at Creation, continues to brood over the waters in every pond, river, and ocean. Your same Spirit who blessed the sacred births of the first people on earth, continues to bless the sacred births of all babies. Your same Spirit who led our ancestors out of Egyptian slavery by parting the waters, continues to lead us toward greater freedom. Your same Spirit who descended upon Jesus at his baptism in a river, continues to be with us through our baptismal waters. Each time we see, hear, or touch water, enliven us anew to your abiding presence with us, and your gracious love for us. Bathe us afresh, now and always, in your sacred waters.
All: Abiding God, as we prepare to baptize _____, we ask that you bless this place, bless this water, and bless all of us gathered. In this moment, may your love, justice, and mutuality flow like a mighty stream through all of us. Amen.

Commitments

One: The good news that we celebrate today is that _____ is a beloved child of God, with whom God is well pleased. He was born of two beloved children of God, and will be supported and nurtured by many other beloved children of God, including everyone gathered here.
All: Through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, _____’s birth was sacred, the earth upon which _____ lives is sacred, and the community that surrounds him/her is sacred. Today we celebrate the holiness that already surrounds this sacred child.
One: Out of gratitude for _____ being a beloved child of God, and for God’s abiding presence with him/her, are you prepared to offer promises of dedication and faithfulness.
P: We are, with the help of God.
One: Do you promise to raise _____ as God’s beloved son, so that he will be reminded of God’s gracious love and abiding presence in his life?
P: We do, with the help of God.
One: Do you promise to help _____ live his life according God’s vision of love, justice, and mutuality? And do you promise to help him/her avoid the temptations of incivility, injustice, and selfishness?
P: We do, with the help of God.
One: Do you promise to teach _____ about the Kin-dom of God, the central message of Jesus Christ? And do you promise to help him/her enjoy and embody that message in his life?
P: We do, with the help of God.
One: As a community, do you vow to support them in their promises?
All: We do, with the help of God. We also promise to walk with _____ on his spiritual journey. On this holy adventure with God, we will celebrate our beloved kinship, live out God’s vision for the world, and embody God’s Kin-dom.
One: Together, we will be God’s Beloved Community – a living sacrament of Jesus Christ. Now, let’s baptize _____ for this sacred journey.

Baptism

One: _____ _____ _____, we baptize you in the name of Jesus Christ, the One who reveals the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The God of Sarah, Rebecca, and Rachel. The God of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. The God of love, justice, and mutuality. The God of plants, insects, and animals. The God of this town, this planet, and the entire cosmos. The God of new life, new hope, and new creation. The God of your past, present, and future. Amen!
All: _____, you are a beloved child of God, with whom God is well pleased. Amen!

Prayer

One: Holy God, Jesus embodied your gracious love in word and deed. Thank you for that gift. We also thank you that today, as the Beloved Community, we can witness that same love to _____, proclaiming that he is your beloved child; and that he is saturated by your abiding presence.
All: Loving God, encourage and strengthen us in our journey of faith, so we can always find ways to enjoy and embody your vision of love, justice, and mutuality in the world. Amen.

Reception

One: _____, you are a beloved child of God and a member of the Beloved Community.
All: We will worship, pray, learn, serve, and travel together.
One: We will also encourage one another along the way.
All: And, like Jesus, we will celebrate faith, life, and ministry along the way. Amen.

Presentation

One: Sisters and brothers, here is our sibling in Christ, _____ _____ _____.

Hymn: “God of Movement”

Benediction from Marianne Williamson:

One: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves: Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
All: Holy God, through our baptismal waters, liberate us, so we can liberate others! Amen!

Postlude

Children Born of Sacred Waters

2011-10-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

Our newest song is a baptismal hymn written to the tune of "Children of the Heavenly Father." It was developed with help from friends and members of PCAN. We'd especially like to thank David Weiss for his theo-poetic contributions. Sometimes it takes a community of artists - all throwing paint against the canvas - to create something of beauty. Here are the lyrics:

Children born of sacred waters, God’s creative sons and daughters,
All of us revealing Your face; this new child to hold in Your grace.

By Your fresh baptismal river, into new life we’re delivered.
By Your holiness surrounded, in Your love we are now grounded.

Healing Rain and Dancing Ocean, wet with joy - set us in motion.
Use this water to remind us, that Your love will ever find us.

God of new life and creation, God of dreams and firm foundations,
As these waters splash and swirl, help this child to love Your world.

We’re a Culture, Not a Costume

2011-10-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

Ten students in the group Students Teaching About Racism in Society (STARS) at the Ohio University have started an education campaign called: "We're a Culture, Not a Costume." It juxtaposes racial stereotypes with real people. One of the students, Sarah Williams, said this about the campaign:

"These posters act as a public service announcement for colored communities. It’s about respect, human dignity, and the acceptance of other cultures (these posters simply ask people to think before they choose their Halloween costume)."

Click here to see more posters.

Writing a Baptismal Hymn

2011-10-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

We're in the process of writing a baptismal hymn text to the tune of "Children of the Heavenly Father." We'd love your feedback or ideas. Thanks!

Children born of sacred waters, God’s creative sons and daughters,
Gathered here, a child to embrace; all of us revealing Your face.

By your fresh baptismal river, into new life we’re delivered -
By your holiness surrounded, by your love we are astounded.

Healing Rain and Dancing Ocean, wash us clean - set us in motion.
Use this water to remind us that your love will ever find us.

God of new life and creation, God of dreams and firm foundations,
Through your children, light reflected; we accept that we’re accepted.

Jesus Occupied Wall Street, Too

2011-10-14T04:45:00.000-07:00

A picture is worth a thousand words:

The F Word: Famine is the Real Obscenity

2011-10-04T04:52:00.000-07:00

I hear teenagers say the word "f***" all the time. As the father of a young son, it bothers me when I hear that word. I certainly don't want that to be my son's first word! But the most obscene thing I can think of isn't "f***", it's famine. In the previous three months, 30,000 children have died in Somalia. As a new parent, this other f-word is much more offensive to me. I fear the day when my son asks me: "Daddy, why don't we do something to help them?" There aren't easy answers. In part because famine is a complex event to address. But that complexity can't be a reason to do nothing. Action can be taken.

The One Campaign has put together a great video about famine. Here is what Bono said about it:

ONE's new film The F Word: Famine is the Real Obscenity isn't a typical emotional emergency appeal. It's about focusing the media spotlight on the tragedy unfolding. It's about building political support in the US and around the world for interventions that will stop the suffering today and break the cycle of famine in the future. Most of all, it's about taking action -- because famine is human-made.

There are two important things we can all do to help bring famine to an end:

(1) Watch and share the video.
(2) Sign the One Campaign's petition.

Artists Don't Work for Free T-Shirt

2011-10-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a great t-shirt design for anyone who is an artist. If you're an artist - or care about an artist - you'll understand! Check out the Hesaidteeshed website for a closer look or to buy a shirt. Good stuff!

Victory (Psalm 3 / Breast Cancer Song)

2011-10-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

In commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, my song "Victory" is available to download for free. It's is a prayer for victory over breast cancer, based on Psalm 3. It was inspired by a pacifist woman who understood this psalm of war to be about her battle against cancer. Click here to download the song and/or here to donate to Susan G. Comen for the Cure. May we find a cure soon.

Here are the lyrics to "Victory":

Facing before us our enemy
Frightened we go to war, fearing defeat
It rises against us so strong
Tries to break us down, make us weak
Says to us, “All hope is gone.”

But God, Your shield surrounds us
And You are the fortress within us
When we cry out in agony, pain, and fear
From the sacred earth
And within each person
You reply, “I am here.”

So we march, march on like soldiers
Victory’s ours to be won
Holy and healing God strengthens us
Rest we’ll find
And peace of mind, knowing
We’ll wake with the sun

Rise up within and around us
We call out “Deliver us, God!”
Help women strike down this enemy
Like those before
We’ll win once more, lead us
To victory

Healing and strength, God,
We ask for your blessing
Lead us like Esther to victory
You are our hope and in
You we take comfort
Grant us the will and
the courage we need

Then we’ll sing, sing out like songbirds
Knowing in You we have hope
Only from God does our strength come
We sing Your praise
Our voices raise, knowing
This battle’s won

So we’ll march, march on like soldiers
Victory’s ours to be won
Holy and healing God strengthens us
Rest we’ll find
And peace of mind, knowing

We’ll wake with the sun

10 Happiest Jobs

2011-09-24T05:13:00.000-07:00

Which jobs are the happiest? Well, it turns out that people who work in jobs with a high level of social interaction are the happiest. The Christian Science Monitor reported these results from the General Social Survey of the National Organization for Research:

1. Clergy
2. Firefighters
3. Physical therapists
4. Authors
5. Special education teachers
6. Teachers
7. Artists
8. Psychologists
9. Financial services sales agents
10. Operating engineers

Combining Church and Skate

2011-09-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

First Unitarian Church in Louisville, KY has called its first female minister in a long time. But that isn't the big news. Their pastor, Dawn Cooley, has revealed a shocking secret: she is also a roller girl. And she came out of the "roller girl closet" in a cool way. She rode out into the sanctuary with her entire team during a worship service. And now Dawn "Mrs. Fearless" Cooley is sharing the good news that all people are welcome and beautiful in the church. Even roller girls who happen to be pastors!

Here is the story:

Race To Nowhere

2011-09-18T05:56:00.000-07:00

Race To Nowhere is a powerful film about kids. It's important for parents, educators, legislators, clergy, etc. as we explore ways to help young people develop into successful, happy adults. Here is part of the official synopsis:

"Featuring the heartbreaking stories of young people across the country who have been pushed to the brink, educators who are burned out and worried that students aren’t developing the skills they need, and parents who are trying to do what’s best for their kids, Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic in our schools: cheating has become commonplace, students have become disengaged, stress-related illness, depression and burnout are rampant, and young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired. Race to Nowhere is a call to mobilize families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens."

Jon Stewart on 9/11

2011-09-11T05:47:00.001-07:00

Here's Jon Stewart on his first day back on the Daily Show after 9/11/01:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

September 11, 2001

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog

The Daily Show on Facebook

Prayer for Healing on 9/11

2011-09-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

In commemoration of the people who lost their lives and the people who saved lives on 9-11, we have made our song "Prayer for Healing" available for free download. May God continue to shower healing rain upon all of us who were touched by the events of that day. Here are the lyrics:

Hold me now
Heal me now
Send your grace
I am tired
I am lost
I need relief
Anoint me with your grace
Find me
Let me see your face
Find me
Let me see your face

Not Being But Becoming

2011-09-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a nice quote about life from Martin Luther:

"This life therefore is not righteousness, but growth in righteousness; not health, but healing; not being but becoming; not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it; the process is not yet finished, but it is going on, this is not the end, but it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified."

Theology of Enough

2011-09-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

The new edition of Creative Transformation is now out! I was glad to be the guest editor and witness so many amazing people donatate their time and talents to reflect on a "theology of enough."

In the first section, theologians from different perspectives explore various aspects of a “theology of enough.” John Cobb argues for a focus on collective/communal interests, Ellen Brown provides historical context on monetary practices, Shams Ghonheim discusses the Islamic prohibition against usury, Larry Rasmussen describes ways to bring about needed transformation in our world, and Elizabeth Dodson Gray provides a re-definition of wealth/value.

In the second section, there are practical applications of a “theology of enough.” Steve Holt explores a spirituality of gardening, Cassandra Carmichael provides practical resources for congregations, Brian Kirk presents a way to help youth explore a missional understanding of personal economics, Sallie McFague provides a sermon that reflects on the kenosis needed in order for everyone to have a place at the global banquet, I present a sermon on Ecclesiastes that encourages a mindful appreciation of the limited time we have in this life, Jeanyne Slettom reviews a book about persuasive-relational parenting, and Yi Shen reviews a book about the intersection of politics and faith. Additionally, there are liturgical resources provided by Jeanyne Slettom and Sara Kay.

These authors invite us to awaken to, embody, and enjoy a “theology of enough.”

It's good stuff. And it's free. Check it out here.

Digital Natives vs. Digital Immigrants

2011-08-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

Facebook, Twitter, Google, iPods, etc. have changed the world in radical ways. Cell phones have replaced landlines. Facebook has replaced email. Interactive blogs have replaced static websites. The list goes on and on. The young people who have grown up with digital technology thrive on it. They operate out of a digital perspective. They are more visual, more individualistic, and more connected. They are also less word-oriented, less patient, and less reliant on professional experts. These cultural shifts aren't good/bad or right/wrong. They are just different. And those differences continue to become more apparent - especially when compared to the good ol' days.

Marc Prensky writes about the difference between "digital natives" (i.e. youths who are growing up with new technology) and "digital immigrants" (i.e. everyone who is learning to use new technology). Here is how Prensky describes the emerging perspective of young people: "Digital Natives are used to receiving information really fast. They like to parallel process and multi-task. They prefer their graphics before their text rather than the opposite. They prefer random access (like hypertext). They function best when networked. They thrive on instant gratification and frequent rewards."

As digital natives and digital immigrants interact, they are going to have to learn to speak one anther's language and figure out how to effectively navigate each other's cultural differences. In fact, the digital divide might prove to be a more challenging cultural journey than the traditional barriers of nationality, gender, race, etc. As Galadriel said in Lord of the Rings: "The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air." Our task for the future (and present moment) is to figure out how to effectively navigate through our changed and changing world. This is important for everyone who is interested in education, ministry, business, etc. Together we need to figure out how to be culturally savvy when the digital immigrants hang out with the digital natives.

What can we be doing?

Facts about Wealth and Poverty

2011-08-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

Three quick facts about wealth and poverty:

(1) The bottom 50% of Americans control 2.5% of the nation's wealth.
(2) The top 1% of Americans control 40% of the nation's wealth.
(3) Deuteronomy 15:11 says: "I command you to be openhanded toward your siblings and toward the poor and needy in your land."

Here's some more info:

And of course Jon Stewart shares some insights, too:

The Daily Show - World of Class Warfare - The Poor's Free Ride Is Over
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

Breaking Up With God (Review)

2011-08-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

Breaking up with God is a lucid, honest, and poignant memoir. It details Sarah Sentilles' journey from a college girl to mature woman; from a BA in literature at Yale to a PhD in theology at Harvard; from a naive understanding of God to a complex one; from an infatuation with God to a spiritual agnosticism; and from a track toward ordination to an exit from the Church. It's also a powerful testimony to the change that happens when one explores a diversity of theologies.

Here is how Sentilles previews her journey in the beginning of the book:

"My relationship with God was never casual. When it began to unravel, I was in the ordination process to become an Episcopal priest. I was the youth minister at a church in a suburb of Boston and a doctoral student in theology at Harvard. You might say God and I were engaged and the wedding was planned – church reserved, menu chosen, flowers arranged. Calling it off would be awkward" (3).

Breaking up with God is the analogy that Sentilles uses to describe her change in vocation, faith, and life. While at first this seemed like a cheesy analogy, it quickly made sense within the context of her "God-is-my-boyfriend" understanding of God. This analogy illuminates the deep pain that goes with breaking up with someone you love deeply. Lives go in different directions. Social connections are rent asunder. Places of familiarity become places of emptiness. And all of these things are made worse when it's on a cosmic/divine scale. Thankfully she moves on to a place that's better for her.

Woven within Sentilles' story of breaking-up and moving-on are sidebars that offer theological insights into her journey. Each sidebar offers a different understanding of God that she learned along the way: A Sunday School's God (15-18), A Mystic's God (33), James Cone's God (75-76), Desmond Tutu's God (83-84), A Romantic's God (87), Gordon Kaufman's God (118-119), Mary Daly's God (128-129), A Philosopher's God (135-136), A Theologian's God (150), Rainer Maria Rilke's God (177-176), An American's God (195-196), An Ecologist's God (202-203), and An Anthropologist's God (221-222). It's clear that each of these perspectives challenged and expanded her understanding of God in life-altering ways. By the end, studying theology went from the joy of "reading love poems" (108) about God to a "pragmatic enterprise that had to do with what's required for living a moral life" (112-113). This new understanding of God and theology changed her life and didn't allow her to go back.

Sentilles' relationship to the Church also changed as she studied theology. She learned that there were more than four gospels written (120), the Bible's construction was a political process (121), Christian history was continually wrought with diversity (122), modern Christianity contains many different perspectives (123), the Church has elements of racism and sexism (124-125), and the priesthood is more about administration and social connection than about theology and social ethics (151-152). This left her with a sense of disillusionment that led her to the decision to break up with God and move out of institutionalized religion.

After Sentilles breaks up with God, she moves on to an agnostic spirituality (222). In this spirituality, God is a mystery that can be understood in many ethical ways. Plus, in this spirituality, a life of faith is defined by living ethically in day-to-day life. Here is Sentilles' description of her emerging spirituality:

"I don't go to church, but I do go to the covered stalls of the farmer's market on Sunday morning...This is a kind of faith for me. To be in season. To crave what the earth makes when the time is right. To know who grows my food and how they grow it...To thank the farmers who planted and tended and harvested and brought it to the market...Communion is not about making one meal sacred on one morning in one holy place, but about making all meals, all eating, all feeding sacred." (215-216).

If you want to explore some of the deep life-changes that can happen when you study theology, check out this book. If you want to explore some of the differences between seminary and the church, check out this book. If you want to read a powerful narrative about personal transformation, check out this book. But don't read this book if you don't want you, yourself, to be changed in the process. Sentilles tells a story that is specific to her own life but universal in its testimony: studying a diversity of theologies will transform your life.

Spiritual Benefits of an Economic Downturn

2011-08-11T05:14:00.000-07:00

The economy is tough for a lot of people. For some, it's time to get a second or third job in order to support their family. For others, it's time to reassess their lives and priorities in order to find a new "normal." Here's a quote from John B. Cobb that speaks to our current ecomomic situation well:

"For people who consume too much in the first place, the loss of wealth – when wealth has become a god in one’s life - offers the opportunity for entering into a more genuine faith: faith in God. The fruits of this faith are an inner peace, a trust that no matter what happens there is a greater love in which all are enfolded, and also a desire to serve the real needs of other people and other living beings..."

EWALU @ 50

2011-08-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

Camp EWALU is celebrating their 50th year of outdoor ministry on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-5, 2011. This beautiful camp has touched the lives of over 500,000 people. It's also the place where we served on staff during our college years. We can testify to the Spirit-filled nature of this place. So come one, come all to the celebration! There will be live music, swimming, hiking, and much more. To whet your appetite, here is an interview with Kelsey Mackereth, Director of Church Relations for EWALU:

Who Started EWALU?

Ewalu was established in 1961 by the five eastern conferences of the Iowa District of the American Lutheran Church. It was owned and operated by 169 congregations. It is still owned and operated by over 180 churches within the Northeast and Southeast ELCA Iowa Synods.

What makes Ewalu unique?

Ewalu is a unique setting in which youth and adults can come together in discussion about their faith. Our programs offered are unique and range from camping in teepees amongst the pine trees to whitewater rafting down the Wolf River in Wisconsin. When asking staff and visitors this question they say 'the people make Ewalu unique'. The people who serve here and the people who worship here help create Ewalu as a special place.

How has Ewalu changed over its 50 years?

Over the years Ewalu has change through the number of people served and the facilities in which we host. When Ewalu started in 1961 there were two weeks of summer camp and 177 registered campers. Over the years these numbers have both grown with over 1,000 campers so far this summer and an average summer now consisting of eight weeks.

What are your hopes for Ewalu for its next 50 years?

To continue serving and offering a place for people of all ages to come and 'be'.

What kind of events are planned for the 50th anniversary?

We have started off our celebration with two open houses earlier this year and will continue celebrating Labor Day weekend. September 2-5 will be a weekend long event full of camp activities for people of all ages. Activity options for this weekend are the high ropes, guided hike, arts & crafts, swimming, and much more. There will also be music performances by various Ewalu Alumni singer/song writers. On Saturday at 2:00 there will be a dedication of the new buildings. It will be a fun weekend to come enjoy this 'special place apart'.

Who is invited to the celebration?

Everyone is welcomed to come join us for this celebration!

Where can people find out more info?

You can find our more information on our website: www.ewalu.org, call: 563-933-4700, or email me at: community@ewalu.org

Prayer For Civility

2011-07-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

Gracious God, we stand before You to ask for healing and forgiveness. Sins of division have disconnected us from civil conversation, from one another, and from You.

Some of us have been hurt by adversarial rhetoric and uncivil conversation. We have felt the sting of pointed comments. We have heard people belittle our deepest passions. We have watched shock jocks become primetime commentators. And in the process, we get harmed and forget that we are made in Your sacred image, Holy One. For this, we ask for healing.

Some of us have hurt others by using adversarial rhetoric and uncivil remarks. We have made pointed comments. We have belittled the beliefs of others. We have tuned in to watch shock jocks, giving them an audience. And in the process, we have harmed others and cause others to forget that they are made in Your sacred image, Holy One. For this, we ask for forgiveness.

Some of us have been left with disillusionment by what has happened to Barack Obama as he became president. We have seen his post-partisanship chewed up and spit out. We have seen lobbyists mute the voice of voters. We have seen polemic rhetoric and sound-bites drown out the nuance and beauty of real dialogue. And in the midst of this disillusionment, we forget that Your will for us is to have complete joy and abundant life, Loving God. For this, we ask for healing.

Some of us have been lured into the cyclone of cable news. We listen to their sound-bites. We repeat their talking points. We share their alarmist stories. And in the midst of this cacophony, we fail to hear Your voice of wisdom, Loving God. For this, we ask for forgiveness.

Gracious God, please forgive what needs to be forgiven, so we can start afresh on the path to civility. And please heal what needs to be healed, so we can be connected more deeply with one another and with You, Loving God. Weave us together into a beautiful tapestry of peoples.

Amen!

A Prayer for the Tragedy in Norway

2011-07-23T05:15:00.000-07:00

Loving God, darkness has covered Norway, and thick darkness has descended upon the people. Tragedy has clouded out the light.

A bomb blasted through the Regjeringskvartalet, Norway's main government building, in the center of Oslo. Some were wounded by the explosion. Others were killed. Then a short time later, shots rang out at the Labor Party's youth camp on Utøya island. Some were wounded by bullets. Others were murdered.

In this time of darkness may your resilient light shine forth.

May your light shine on the people who were in or near the Regjeringskvartalet during the explosion. After over six decades building a free, open, and just society, this bombing must have filled Norwegians with a cloudy midnight of immense grief and righteous anger. They need your light, Loving God. Please pour it forth.

May your light shine on the people who were gathered at the youth camp on Utøya island. After gathering for a summer program, a man dressed as a police officer asked to address the youth about the bombing in Oslo and then began shooting them with an automatic weapon. This must confound their loved ones and the survivors in ways we can only imagine. So, we do what we can, Loving God, and pray for your light to make its way in their lives – and in the recovery of the survivors.

May your light shine on the family and friends of all of those who were wounded or murdered in this act of terrorism. This tragedy has sent ripples of grief and anger through all of these people, as they ask the questions anyone would ask. Why? Why her? Why him? Why a kid? Why now? Why like this? Why? This is a moment where there is a “dark night of the soul” for many people. So, we pray that you hold them in your light. Please bless all those around them, not with platitudes, but with comforting words and healing acts. And in the weeks and months ahead, bless them with a passion for seeking justice and building a more peaceful world.

May your light shine on all of us who are saddened and sickened by the news of this act of violence. We suffer from afar as we hear about this on our TVs, and read about it on our computers and in our newspapers. In our own work of processing this event, Holy God, bless us with enough hope to build a better world, enough grace to respect diversity, and enough frustration to reject acts and symbols of violence in our world.

May your light shine on the murderer, Anders Behring Breivik, whose darkness overcame his light. Perhaps he has a long history of perverse decision making. Perhaps his family history was painful. Perhaps his social life was conflictual. Perhaps his mental health was compromised. Perhaps his community of support was of little support. Whatever darkness overtook this man, may there be a way for light to peek through into his life.

May your light shine on the friends and family of the murderer – who may be asking questions for which there are no easy answers. May their sadness, anger, guilt, and shame be accepted by those around them, as they process this situation. And someday, may they be able to see and know that light does shine in the darkness - and the darkness will not overcome it.

And may your light shine on the political pundits and shock jocks who fill the media with hatred, rage, and incivility. There’s no such thing as a lone gunman – and sometimes the rage on the airwaves is enough to tip the balance of an already imbalanced person. Yet the people who fill the airways with this kind of darkness need light, too. So, Loving God, through your light, may they see the damage that their words do to the civil discourse in our world. And may their hearts be softened, their words be tempered, and their styles of engagement be changed, so that their positions in the media can be used in the service of fostering a more civil, gracious, and peaceful world.

Even in the midst of this tragedy, may we hold onto the hope that your light will continue to shine forth in the darkness until we are able to boldly proclaim, with the author of Isaiah, “Arise, shine; for our light has come, and the glory of God has risen within us.” Amen.

This prayer is based on Isaiah 60:1-2.

Mindfulness Version of the Lord's Prayer

2011-07-21T08:02:00.000-07:00

Holy Presence, your name is truly sacred. May your vision for the world be realized, and may your will be done in our lives as it is in heaven. Provide us with the goodness of food and remind us to enjoy it mindfully. Forgive us for the times that we have rushed through life, not noticing the small miracles around us. And please forgive those who haven’t had enough time to notice us. Lead us all into abundant life in the here-and-now of our lives, and lead us away from the busyness that makes us live too far in the past or future. For the here-and-now Kin-dom, here-and-now power, and here-and-now glory are yours this moment and forever. Amen!

Top 10 Cliches That Should Be Retired

2011-07-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

1. Everything happens for a reason.
2. It's really a both/and.
3. That's like comparing apples and oranges.
4. Every cloud has a silver lining.
5. God works in mysterious ways.
6. Kill two birds with one stone.
7. It is what it is.
8. God never gives us more than we can handle.
9. Money doesn't grow on trees.
10. LOL

Why everyone should say F-You!

2011-07-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

Forgiveness is the new F-word. Gotta love creative preaching. Check it out:

Mindfulness Doxology

2011-07-15T07:20:00.001-07:00

Praise God who stills our busy mind
Praise God in whom true peace we find
In God we meditate and pray
That mindfulness is ours this day

The Help: A Film About Relationships, Race, and Revolution

2011-07-09T05:57:00.000-07:00

Kathryn Stockett's bestselling novel "The Help" has been turned into an outstanding movie about abiding relationships, racial justice, and the revolutionary power of writing. It stars Emma Stone as Skeeter, Viola Davis as Aibileen, and Octavia Spencer as Minny. It's a cast that seems like a strange combination until you see the magic on screen. They deliver this evocative story in authentic ways. The official synopsis says: "Deeply moving, filled with poignancy, humor and hope, 'The Help' is a timeless and universal story about the ability to create change." Watch the trailer here:

Review (3): Sara Kay // On The Way

2011-07-08T05:45:00.000-07:00

Carisa Peterson's review of Sara's album On The Way:

Having lived for a number of days with Sara Kay's debut collection of inspirational tunes, "On The Way" spiraling out of my car speakers on MY way to and fro, I'm left delighted and refreshed. The album begins with a couple of rather catchy numbers including "Be Opened"--the 'be' so gracefully emphasized that it serves as a reminder to just BE in this age of always trying to acheive and juggle our many responsibilities, in addition to the more obvious message of the song which calls people to spend a moment with Sara Kay in musical contemplation and worship.

Track 3, "Of Lament and Hope (Psalm 13)" is vaguely reminiscent of some of the best moody alt-coffeehouse rock of the late 90's, again proving in Sara's unique way that inspirational Christian music doesn't have to be lambs and lollipops and oftentimes is more meaningful when it touches on the more melancholy strains of emotion.

"Victory (Psalm 3/Breast Cancer Song)" begins with an intriguing, perfect dissonance--setting the stage for what is a triumphant confection of a song, cheerily composed yet lyrically strong enough to handle the power necessary for just such a battle anthem.

"Share in the Feast" is melodically warm and welcoming enough to be backdrop for the most routine of communion services, but includes lyrics so modern and affirming that it deserves to be a showpiece embodying that which Christianity should (but sometimes does not) stand for.

I love the upset that track 10, "We Move" presents--the classic notion of God as a rock, but in this case refreshingly revealed as being impossible to perfectly cling to by its very nature--and it's exchanged for a new, more attainable and approachable image for the age we're living in, informed by a variety of faith traditions; and like the flowing water it speaks of, God becomes necessary for life itself in His updated earthly identity.

Edgy and evolutionary, Track 11, "Eve's Song" blasts apart the vilification of our first and one of our favorite antagonists, Eve--reframing her and the story we thought we knew as one of glorious clarity, coming into one's own being, and enlightenment; truly validating and inspirational.

"Holy Gardener" has enough pep and hook to be a much beloved Vacation Bible School theme, but is written exquisitely to carry 'us grown-ups' through our own weeks of dull tediosity with its colorful description of oft-forgotten surrounding beauty.

My heart swelled at the incorporation of melodies of two timeless hymns, in both "God of Movement" and "God of the Water and Land"--each an instant journey back to being a child and having a favorite tune spring up amidst an otherwise mundane Sunday morning, and which today stand as a comforting musical constant, albeit in this case spun with Sara Kay's linguistic charm.

The closing number, "Prayer for Healing" is the musical equivalent of a brief yogic cleansing breath, readying us to face what's next, having been better prepared for it by the time we've spent with Sara Kay.

I look forward to hearing more from Sara Kay, as she weaves her own unique perpsective together with traditional ideas--producing a novel sound and stage on which to continue building an ever-evolving faith.

God Will Be Who God Will Be

2011-07-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

What is God's name? Father? Lord? Yahweh?

In Exodus 3:13-15, the author says that God reveals God's name to Moses as, "I Am Who I Am." Other translations say, "I Will Be Who I Will Be." That's all we get. It's an odd name that doesn't reveal much about God. But that seems to be the point. The name of God is mysterious and meaning-filled. Instead of a simple name with a simple meaning, we get an ambiguous name with an ambiguous meaning. God's name itself invites us to remember that we cannot easily understand God in all of God's holiness. God can't be easily classified or put into neat theological boxes. God is always more than we can imagine. God's enigmatic name is expansive instead of limiting.

God's name isn't only ambiguous, it's also active. It's present tense. It's moving. God will be what God will be. As God moves and interacts with the world, God will be who God will be. God will change, shift, adjust, etc. So even if we could understand God in one moment, God might be different in the next moment. Therefore God's mystery is an ongoing mystery with continually emerging mysteriousness. This invites us to be agnostic toward any one name or understanding of God and welcoming of many names and understandings of God.

Creator, we praise your ongoing creation.
Potter, we celebrate your handiwork.
Wellspring, we drink in your sacred waters.
Holy Spirit, we bask in your abiding presence.
Mother Hen, we seek to be protected under your wings.
Lord, we claim you as our ultimate authority.
Deliverer, we seek to be led away from our troubles.
Advocate, we seek to be lifted up by you.
Rock, we seek to be steadied by your firm foundation.
River, we seek to be led along the banks of life.
Liberator, we seek to be released from all that oppresses us.
Great Physician, we seek to experience your healing power.
Conservationist, we cherish your care for the earth.
Commander-In-Chief of the Universe, we honor your leadership.
Artist, we thank you for including us in your masterpiece.
Peacemaker, we seek to be led to your shalom.
Lover, we rest in your embrace.
All-Weather Friend, we enjoy your faithful companionship.
Great Weaver, we seek to repair the rips in the web of life.
Black Christ, we thank you for your solidarity.
Great Spirit, we honor your presence in all living beings.
Band Leader, we dance to the rhythm of your sacred music.

All of this and so much more. God will be who God will be.

Review: "On The Verge"

2011-06-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

On The Verge by Alan Hirsch and Dave Ferguson is a book that explores ways to grow churches. Unfortunately, many of their ideas have already been stated by a plethora of other authors and speakers. Plus, their basic paradigm is still based on the idea that self-reproducing mega-churches are the wave of the future. Therefore much of this book felt like reading warmed-over church growth theories from the 1990s. It felt very dated. To make matters worse, the authors made their points by using pop theology, corporate slogans, circumstantial evidence, generalized theories, cheesy charts, lists of lists, and an onslaught of out-of-context quotations. All of this made the book difficult to enjoy reading. Was there redeeming value in the book? Sure. There were nuggets of wisdom throughout the book. Unfortunately, these nuggets are buried in a bog of distracting neologisms, graphs, and stories. Clearly this is a negative review. Clearly there are positive things I must have missed. Clearly I have found other books to be more helpful.

Here are 5 related books that are much more helpful:

(1) Transforming Christian Theology by Philip Clayton
(2) I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church by Paul Nixon
(3) Unbinding The Gospel by Martha Grace Reese
(4) Transforming Congregational Culture by Anthony Robinson
(5) The Future of Faith by Harvey Cox

Shift: A Summit for Progressive Christian Music

2011-06-21T05:18:00.000-07:00

Shift is a gathering of passionate, creative people who are going to explore progressive Christian music. That's right, music that is both faithfully Christian and overtly progressive. Such music is rare. And such music done well is even more rare. We just wrote an album, On The Way, because it was so hard to find - and it was needed. Thankfully there are people out there like us - and you - who are beginning to write and/or find good stuff. Progressive music is going to be important for new churches, the renewal of established churches, and the soundtrack for the emergent/progressive movement. On July 27th-30th in Ripon, Wisconsin, there's going to be a summit for anyone who wants to be part of the conversation, exploration, and collaboration. There will be plenty of time to hear, share, and play new music. Come and be a part of this exciting movement that will shape the future of worship.

Here's an interview with Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, one of the organizers of Shift:

How do you define progressive Christian music?

Hey, thanks for the opportunity, Brian! I appreciate it. Though my three SHIFT colleagues may have other opinions, I'll speak for myself here.

That elusive term "progressive" is one of the main reasons for the event - to invite conversation around what's happening in the wider church and just what we think God is doing in what some have called a movement. Personally, the word itself may not be so important as what it means to people.

Right now, as Bryan, Andra, Christopher and I each travel, we hear from people that they want music geared to peace, justice, community, and active compassion. People say they want alternatives to what's on the radio. Which I guess means theology tipped less toward Nashville Baptist (not that there's anything wrong with that. Some of my best friends are Baptist...) and more toward the "liberal protestant" slant. I just made air quotes when I said that there.

Seems like many of these folks call the music Bryan, Christopher, Andra and I are doing "progressive" for one reason or another. I suspect it has to do with theology, but also what I'd call a sensibility. An underlying intention that the songs be singable, inclusive, meaningful and serve a particular moment in worship really well.

Part of the SHIFT event will be offering alternatives, sharing songs that serve worship and also empowering local writers and musicians to step up and create!

Bryan Sirchio has a great start to the conversation about what "progressive" might possibly mean on his blogsite which people can access at the PCAN (Progressive Christian Artists Network) Facebook group. All are welcome.

What genres of music will be important for progressive Christian music?

Good question. All genres. There is no musical style that is universally progressive. (Except of course, hardcore death metal bagpipe polka music. That'll never die). I just think there is nothing normative about worship music style; it's all community culture. What's good is based on your context.

What's cutting edge for your church may not work down the block, and certainly not a few states away.

One of my pet peeves is the classifying of faithful worship based on personal musical taste. If anything, the Jesus of the gospels seems to call people to give up their preferences for the sake of Love. Besides, anchor your "faithful" worship on the hot trends in music now and it will be rotten and smelly in 18 months. Trends are just that, trends. Here's the thing, though: Though our music may sound like anything you can dream up, our groundedness for worship is ancient. And that's where the difference is in the evaluation of what's excellent for worship.

I personally hear what I'd call great "progressive" music afoot in the realms of rock, techno, country, folk, choral, neo-classical and 21st-century chant. I've even discovered some mind-blowing stuff happening in the genre of Finnish-American folk music. kaivama.com

What place, if any, does contemplative music (e.g. Taize) have in progressive music?

Songs from Taize, France and from Iona, Scotland are among the most powerful songs I've ever sung with a community. Any song that serves the moment can be "progressive" if it invites an encounter with the Living God. One of the marks of the progressive movement may be that we are open to the most excellent music, whatever style.

Maybe one could ask: "What does a great contemplative song allow or invite a community to experience?" or "What does a great rock song evoke for a community?" or "What does the moment of Offering in a worship service call for in us? And what style of song would best serve that moment?"

What kind of shifts will you be talking about at Shift?

The evolution of the interpretation of our tradition over the last 500 years. A shift in how people of God understand Bible, revelation, religion, politics, sexuality, technology, economics. A change from being consumers to being producers, as Rev. Nadia of Colorado says. A shift in what we require of people for faithfulness, perhaps. We'll talk about how the local church looks now compared to a decade ago. We'll talk about the fear of change and what that means for the local church.

I just met a pastor at a wedding last weekend who loves change. "There's energy and hope in change," he said. I think he's probably special.

Have the people of God over three thousand years changed the way we think about faith? In some ways. We don't discount what is ancient, that's for sure, but in worship we don't pretend we don't have cell phones and Wiis. We honor our heritage, but we also don't imagine reality as a three-tiered universe as ancient scripture describes it.

An interesting question might be: Is there something at stake if we do Not change?

What kind of workshops are you going to offer?

Juicy workshops, that's what kind. Delicious and juicy.

Two giant areas: worship design and worship leadership. Whether you're a musician, a pastor, a guitar player in the band, or a choir director or a liturgist, these are the two essential realms to understand. We'll offer tools we use to plan worship, from selecting songs using online resources to templates for worship flow in a variety of settings. On the leadership side, it's about how to lead songs in an animated, engaging way without coming off like a performer. We talked about one called "The care and feeding of your worship band" but we won't have time in the schedule.

We're also excited about introducing a load of new songs to the community that will gather. And there will be time dedicated to people sharing their own songs, which will be amazing! Really looking forward to that.

What do you hope people walk away with after Shift?

As a leadership team, we are convening the SHIFT event because we hear the need for it wherever we go. We hope people will experience their own open heart and a renewal of their love for good music and engaged worship.

We want people to leave feeling connected. The people who will come are the ones that care deeply about music and worship. We are designing this event so they will be energized and refreshed for their work.

We also hope people will connect with one another in worship, as well as in brand new networks for creative endeavors like co-songwriting.

We hope people come away from SHIFT with a sense of hope. This is an interesting time to be the church. That may be a useless thing to say because it's probably always been true, but it's clear we need to be sharing with each other and encouraging each other.

How can new music best be spread in congregations and seminaries?

Good question. It's one we are posing at the SHIFT event. Some people have approached us about starting a kind of alternative progressive publishing house

As with anything worthwhile, there will always be grass-roots movements offering evocative stuff as well as scholarly material.

Bryan, Christopher, Andra and I are writing up a storm all the time because we are passionate about what faithfulness sounds like.

What brings you joy?

Chocolate, autumn, blue, reading to my son, a great song at the right time, and an interview well done.

Review (2): Sara Kay // On The Way

2011-06-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

Charlie Rod's review of Sara's album On The Way:

Life is full of compromises. Do you need a car with more room or one that gets better gas mileage? Do you want to immerse yourself in your job or devote yourself to family and hobbies? Root for the Cubs or enjoy postseason baseball? If you think you also must choose between infectiously listenable Christian music and theologically grounded lyrics then Sara Kay would like you to listen to something.

On the Way is a brilliant blending of music you can't stop humming with lyrics you can't stop thinking about. This is not music to listen to with your arms raised and your eyes (and mind) closed; this is a conversation about life with God carried out with a charming dinner partner. Come along with Sara and agonize with Eve in the Garden, walk with Jesus as he stands alongside those who need him most, and watch the world nurtured and tended by God's hand.

Review: Sara Kay // On The Way

2011-06-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Richard Bruxvoort Colligan's review of Sara's debut album, "On the Way":

In some ways, it’s solid church music. In other ways, Sara Kay’s new CD, “On the Way” is a bit subversive.

Sara’s debut CD contains 15 original songs offered up with a stripped-down coffeehouse mix, true to Sara’s personal music. Take your time with your Earl Grey and take in Sara’s voice simply accompanied by acoustic guitar and piano and you’ll feel like you’ve been in worship. In a good way.

One can’t help but imagine Sara Kay as a presence in worship, able to read the flow of the ancient liturgy and also invite a fresh expression through her lyrics. Seasoned with all kinds of references to her tradition, Sara takes great care to imagine moments like the Lord’s Prayer, Holy Communion, the Magnificat and several Psalms as opportunities to break open post-modern possibilities for the emerging church. Theologically, you’ll notice her incarnational emphasis: God’s work is happening here and now and we are all part of it. With ecological imagery spun through many of themes, she is in good company with the emergent worship movement that weaves the human story and the earth story inextricably into the Divine story.

Melodic and lyrical, Sara’s songs seem as comfy in a living room as in the nave. Musically, her hands reach for uncommon chords, indicating her experience as a writer and performer.

But here’s the thing. Though her voice is lovely and sweet, her ideas faithfully and strenuously stretch the tradition in the same holy way that Jesus himself did his own. The songs are pretty but the content disruptive. You may be surprised at how Sara’s music will have its influence.

Click here to listen to the CD.

The Truth About the Economy

2011-06-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

Robert Reich explains what's happening with the economy in about 2 minutes. It's a great video. Here are the major points:

- The economy has doubled since 1980, but wages flat.
- All gains went to the super rich.
- With money comes the political power to cut taxes for the rich.
- The result is huge budget deficits that require cuts to important programs.
- The middle class is divided. Buying and borrowing slows down.
- Anemic recovery/economy.

Playing For Change

2011-06-06T11:30:00.000-07:00

Playing For Change is an organization that brings together musicians from around the earth to "inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music." They used a traveling studio to record musicians in their hometowns, playing their actual instruments. Then they mixed the various musicians and singers together into some awesome recordings. This project is a testament to the uniting power of music. Check out two of the samples below:

Six Marks of Progressive Worship Music

2011-05-31T15:32:00.000-07:00

Bryan Sirchio, an independent songwriter and clergyperson, suggests six aspects that he thinks should be included in progressive Christian worship music. Please read through the list and see if you agree with it. Are there things that should be added? Are there things that should be removed? What would be included on your list?

Here is Brian Sirchio's list:

1. An Emphasis on Praise, Justice, and the Full Range of Human Experience

2. Inclusive Language

3. Progressive Theology

4. An Emphasis on Both the Individual and the Community

5. Emotional Authenticity

6. Fresh Ideas, Images, and Language

Memorial Song for Memorial Day

2011-05-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

"White As Snow" is a song by U2 that is hauntingly beautiful. It has a quiet, raw power that has to be experienced. The first time I heard it I was drawn into the emotional spirit of the song and couldn't stop listening. I knew it had to be about a particular event or experience. Thankfully I came across an article that described the context of the song. Bono said it's written "from the point of view of an active soldier in Afghanistan" who is "dying from a roadside bomb." The soldier is reflecting on his life in the moments just before his last breath. The lyrics start out with the soldier thinking about his home and family: "Where I come from there were no hills at all / The land was flat, the highway straight and wide / My brother and I would drive for hours / Like we had years instead of days." There seems to be a longing for those simple things we all take for granted. Then the lyrics turn to the soldier's thoughts on the immediacy of his death: "Now this dry ground it bears no fruit at all / Only poppies laugh under the crescent moon." The symbolism is powerful. Poppies are symbolic of death and are featured in the World War I poem, "In Flanders Fields." In that poem poppies became the symbol of remembrance of soldiers who had been killed. The first stanza reads: "In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row, / That mark our place; and in the sky / The larks, still bravely singing, fly / Scarce heard amid the guns below." Bono is clearly emphasizing the soldier's sense of sadness by saying that poppies are the only thing growing on the ground. All of these rich lyrics are bathed in music that picks up on elements of the tune, "O Come O Come Emmanuel." This 19th century hymn is about God's promise to heal the world through the messiah. Part of that healing is taking away humanity's pain and death. The lyrics read: "O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer / Our spirits by Thine advent here / Disperse the gloomy clouds of night / And death's dark shadows put to flight / Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel / Shall come to thee, O Israel." The move from death to praise in this hymn is mysteriously significant. Perhaps this hymn is Bono's hope for the soldier. Or perhaps it's the hymn that the soldier hears while entering Heaven. In either case, the musical elements of "O Come O Come Emmanuel" overlaid in "White As Snow," makes this meaning-filled song even more arresting. It's a powerful memorial song for Memorial Day.

Role of Education in the Progression of Society

2011-05-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

Carter G. Woodson wrote a book in 1933 called The Mis-Education of the Negro. It's amazing how relevant much of this book remains. It's a good read for anyone involved in education. Here's a powerful quote about the role of education in the progress of society:

"They have been taught the facts of history, but have never learned to think. Their conception is that you go to school to find out what other people have done, and then you go out in life to imitate them...If we do the same thing from generation to generation, we would not make any progress...The world does not want and will never have the heroes and heroines of the past. What this age needs is an enlightened youth not to undertake the tasks like theirs but to imbibe the spirit of these great heroes and answer the present call of duty with equal nobleness."

Review: "If Darwin Prayed"

2011-05-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

Process theology and open theism both describe a life where God invites us on a holy adventure through our evolving, interdependent world. Instead of controlling everything/everyone through coercion, God beckons people through persuasive love. Instead of predetermining an end/plan for the world, God works with the changing world to bring forth God's vision of greater love, justice, and mutuality. Instead of hiding away in some heaven light-years away, God's abiding presence is with us - and all creation - along the journey of life every single day. Instead of acting once upon a time in the Bible, God continues to act in each new moment of life. The attributes of God based on process theology and open theism could go on and on. The point is this: it's pretty cool theology. One of the reasons that it's so cool is because it combines an understanding of the world that is evolving, an understanding of God as a Being that brings forth creativity in the evolutionary process, and a deep spirituality that invites us to experience God's abiding presence within all of life.

Sounds good. No problem, right? Well...not quite. The problem is that most hymns, liturgies, devotionals, etc. still use traditional language and imagery for God. It's rare to find practical resources for a spirituality that is based on process/open theology. In fact, I have heard a few colleagues say, "I like process theology better than any other theology, but I just don't know how to use it in a church." And that is a valid concern. It's hard to make the transition - especially without many useful resources. Another problem is that many people simply can't go to church if they hear nothing but an ancient worldview reflected. They want to connect their spirituality with the worldview they live in right now. In short, many people want an evolutionary spirituality.

Bruce Sanguin's new book "If Darwin Prayed" is filled with prayers that exude, enliven, and embody an evolutionary spirituality. Imagine if someone combined Scripture, process theology, open theism, and quantum mechanics into something so practical as a book of prayers. That describes this book. At a time when such resources are so rare, this book is like a cold drink on a hot day. It's refreshing in ways that have to be felt to be truly appreciated. So here is a taste:

Come, friends of Spirit
let us gather in gratitude,
opening to the chaos of life;
the mistakes,
the messes,
and the muddles.
But let us also open
to the order of things -
the magnificent
and the marvelous pattern of it all -
and to beauty that is beyond our minds
to be comprehended
but not to be apprehended by.
Let us calmly celebrate
that we are held
by an order that emerges from the chaos,
and by a chaos that loosens suffocating structures,
and let us learn to trust
that this play of Order and Chaos
is Spirit
dancing its way
into a sanctified future.
Amen.

Now that is a prayer that Darwin - and modern people - can pray with heart and mind! You don't have to separate science from religion. You don't have to separate sacred from secular. You don't have to separate your "church brain" from your "real brain." Instead, you can combine all of these aspects of your life into a holistic spirituality that nourishes the heart, body, soul, and mind. While each prayer focuses on a different Scripture and theme, all of the prayers help develop and deepen an evolutionary spirituality.

The prayers are organized by lectionary themes (e.g. Christmas), liturgical elements (e.g. Eucharist), and special occasions (e.g. Mother's Day). One of the surprise gifts of this book is the theological reflection that Sanguin offers on each of these sections. Not only do you get a lot of amazing prayers in each section, but you also get some brief-yet-stimulating reflection on the evolutionary spirituality of the major elements of the Church's life.

"If Darwin Prayed" is for anyone who wants to explore and experience a deeper spirituality in our continually evolving world. Because of the poetic way these prayers are written, they could be used for anything from personal devotions to congregational worship to seminary training. Hopefully this wonderful book is the beginning of an "evolutionary Pentecost" (xxvi)!

Racist Dove Ad?

2011-05-26T04:55:00.000-07:00

A picture is worth a thousand words:

I don't know what the point of this ad was supposed to be, but it looks like Dove is suggesting that their product makes women skinnier and whiter. Is it better to be skinny? Is it better to be white? Yikes! No matter the intended message of this ad, it just looks rather...um...inappropriate. And that's to say the least. It might be a good idea to have a diverse team look over these ads before they are published for the world to see.

Recovering from the Rapture

2011-05-22T05:31:00.000-07:00

So the rapture didn't happen yesterday. Not like I expected it to occur. But still, in a strange way, I was a little disappointed that nothing at all happened. It was just a sunny, beautiful Saturday. I hung out with my family, watered my grass, and grilled out steak. So, I guess, exciting stuff did happen. For me, life doesn't get better than that. It's the simple pleasures that bring life so much joy. Seriously, if we don't soak up the joy in life's little stuff, then we will miss life entirely. We'd spend our lives running from one major event to another without taking the time to notice or enjoy all the awesome stuff that happens between the big things. The reality is that life is 90% little things. So, if we want to enjoy 90% of life, we need to squeeze out every ounce of happiness that we can from ordinary, everyday events. Life is more rapturous if we don't wait for the rapture.

Alanis Morissette's song "Incomplete" is a great reminder to live life in the moment - and not to rush through life:

Discovering Heaven in the Act of Forsaking It

2011-05-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

Since a few folks thought the rapture was supposed to happen today, here's a thought-provoking parable about judgement day by Peter Rollins:

Just as it was written by those prophets of old, the last days of the Earth overflowed with suffering and pain. In those dark days a huge pale horse rode through the Earth with Death upon its back and Hell in its wake. During this great tribulation the Earth was scorched with the fires of war, rivers ran red with blood, the soil withheld its fruit and disease descended like a mist. One by one all the nations of the Earth were brought to their knees.

Far from all the suffering, high up in the heavenly realm, God watched the events unfold with a heavy heart. An ominous silence had descended upon heaven as the angels witnessed the Earth being plunged into darkness and despair. But this could only continue for so long for, at the designated time, God stood upright, breathed deeply and addressed the angels, “The time has now come for me to separate the sheep from the goats, the healthy wheat from the inedible chaff.”

Having spoken these words God slowly turned to face the world and called forth to the church with a booming voice, “Rise up and ascend to heaven all of you who have who have sought to escape the horrors of this world by sheltering beneath my wing. Come to me all who have turned from this suffering world by calling out ‘Lord, Lord’”.

In an instant millions where caught up in the clouds and ascended into the heavenly realm. Leaving the suffering world behind them.

Once this great rapture had taken place God paused for a moment and then addressed the angels, saying, “It is done, I have separated the people born of my spirit from those who have turned from me. It is time now for us leave this place and take up residence in the Earth, for it is there that we shall find our people. The ones who would forsake heaven in order to embrace the earth. The few who would turn away from eternity itself to serve at the feet of a fragile, broken life that passes from existence in but an instant.”

And so it was that God and the heavenly host left that place to dwell among those who had rooted themselves upon the earth. Quietly supporting the ones who had forsaken God for the world and thus who bore the mark God. The few who had discovered heaven in the very act of forsaking it.

Review: "Creation Made Free"

2011-05-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

Creation Made Free is a book edited by Thomas Jay Oord that explores the intersections of open theism and modern science. Thirteen different theologians reflect on different aspects of this topic, so this book is beautifully nuanced. (I'm very biased in favor of edited books because of the diversity of thought.) While this book diverges from its focus on science from time to time, it's theological reflection is refreshingly insightful and evocative without being overly academic or pedantic. Therefore this book is worth a brief-yet-comprehensive review/overview.

Karen Winslow argued that "the earth is not a planet" in the Bible (26). When the authors of Genesis write about "all the land" they are not talking about planet earth. Instead they are describing the limited part of the world that they knew. So, for example, the big flood would not have destroyed the entire earth in a global sense, it would have simply destroyed the entire world of the author. Winslow uses this info to make her ultimate point: the scientific knowledge of the authors of Scripture was very different than the scientific knowledge of modern people. The authors were writing out of a different context as well as writing for a different context. Therefore Winslow said: "To try to force the Bible into categories of modern science creates an unnecessary opposition between theology and science" (24). After removing the awkwardness between the science of the modern and ancient worlds, she drives home her point about what that means for our reading of Scripture today: "Recognizing and appreciating what the Bible does not say is as important as understanding what it does say" (27).

Thomas Jay Oord tried to reconcile science and open theism by suggesting that God works through the process of evolution in a way that is "slow, indirect, and sometimes painful" (36). He suggests that Jesus revealed a God who is "self-sacrificial and non-coersive" and therefore "does not overrule or dominate creatures" (35). God gives humans - and all living things - freewill and agency. This freedom brings with it the risk of evil happening since God doesn't force anyone or anything to do the right thing. While God is the most powerful being in the universe, God doesn't invade the integrity of other creatures out of God's self-giving love for the creatures. Here Oord tried to walk a fine line between process theology and his own open theism.

Michael Lodahl wrote about how Christianity is more open to the scientific worldview than Islam due to Islam's higher understanding of God's sovereignty. Islam tends to be committed to the absolute sovereignty of God. While the Quran gives humanity some agency over their lives (58), the Quran is also understood as a perfect revelation by an all-powerful God to a passive people. Lodahl then argued that such an understanding of God "surely undercuts the scientific endeavor" (65). He then went on to argue that Christianity is able to support the view of open theism because the incarnation (God in the form of a dynamic human) and Holy Spirit (God's presence in our midst). For Lodahl, open theism makes Christianity more supportive of modern science than theologies like Islam that hold to the idea that God's power is absolute.

Anne Case-Winters argued that God's ongoing presence in the world means that the world is continuing to be created and re-created by God. For her, the "incarnation is not the exception to the rule but the sign of what is really the case about God's relation to the world" (71). God has been and always will be present and active in the world. This point is important for Case-Winters because she argues that God creates and sustains the world through "the processes of the natural order" (82). In and through all things, God beckons each creature way from evils and toward their best potential. In some ways, this essay seemed to be suggesting that process theology is better than open theism.

Brint Montgomery wrote about how "God functions as Cosmic Mind after the creation of an ordered, material universe" (97). This essay was the least relevant and evocative in the book.

Clark Pinnock argued that God creates and re-creates the world through the process of evolution. He rejects the idea of "episodic divine interventions" because it brings back a "god of the gaps" (103). Instead he upholds the idea that God is continually active and creating. He wrote: "Evolution is opening the future up as God is calling the universe to reach beyond itself to a new creation" (108). Because God is always re-creating the world, each moment is "pregnant with hope" (110). Pinnock ends with an evocative thought: "Ours is a world capable of becoming the kingdom of God. The purpose of our lives is to carry forward the values of the divine project. Sin is the refusal to participate in it. One can think of the omega point, not as a rigid goal, but as God's vision for the world and what the process can become" (110).

Craig Boyd suggested that the earth isn't a perfect, static world, but instead, it's a good, dynamic creation where God is continually at work. For him, evolution is the story about how God creates and re-creates the world. As creatures act and react, God needs to adjust and readjust the vision for the journey forward. He ended by writing: "Creation is more like a song that begins with a simple melody. As it continues, the musicians improvise here and there with variations on the theme...God's song of creation is a song open to possibility, novelty, and ever-increasing goodness and beauty" (124).

Gregory Boyd argued that "evolution may be seen as a sort of warfare between the life-affirming creativity of an all-good God, on the one hand, and the on-going corrupting influence of malevolent cosmic forces on the other" (127). Boyd's reflections were the most judgemental, including two places where he said readers need to agree with him in order to be biblical (132, 139). This essay went too far down the doctrinaire rabbit hole.

Alan Rhoda wrote about God's decision to give humans freewill and the subsequent openness of the future because of that choice. Instead of a determined future, there is a "branching array of possible futures" (151). Rhoda goes on to propose analogies that describe God's relationship to the world: Theatre Director (brings out the best in the actors), Discussion Leader (helps students explore wisdom), Persian Rug-Maker (adapts the design as needed), Master Composer (helps autonomous musicians to find harmony together), and Expedition Leader (brings tools and resources - including the ability to change plans). Rhoda then used game theory to suggest that God plays games with many different people, with many different skill levels, so the strategy that God uses to play the game is different in each new game. The one constant feature in this game theory analogy is that God wants to find a win-win for every game. Clearly all of these analogies are used to illustrate the creativity and rationality of God with humanity.

Alan Padgett argued that God's knowledge is supreme (without knowing the future) and God's providence is powerful (without being coercive). In this essay, Padgett adds some much needed nuance to the discussion of God's foreknowledge and sovereignty.

Richard Rice used his essay to suggest that God's forgiveness of humanity demonstrates God's ability to resourcefully bring about transformation. God isn't naive. Bad things happen. But God is able to forgive people for their sins and then bring about change for the better. This means "the future is always open to new possibilities" (214). By emphasizing God's ability to bring about transformation, "Open theism keeps open the possibility of a future in which God's purposes for all God's children are fullfilled" (217). In the end, forgiveness is the foundation for hope.

John Sanders wrote about how we come to know, understand, and describe God through our embodiment as creatures. There are many different kinds of metaphors for God in the Bible but most of them are personal, relational metaphors. He then argued that "mutual relationships are the ideal form of relationship between God and humans" in Scripture (233). People seem to relate best to images of God as personal. Sanders used a quote from John Calvin to make his point: "God cannot reveal Godself to us in any other way than by comparison with things we know" (219). Humans relates well to a humanly God.

Dean Blevins argued that the continuously emerging world is a result of the ongoing transformations that God brings about through God's loving relationship with the world. Out of God's love for the world, God is intimately involved in the world, even at the quantum level. Our relationship with God is based on "co-relationality" and a "co-determinative" process whereby the world is co-created with God. In this process, God is aways leading us toward creative transformations in the future.

Creation Made Free is a great book for exploring Christianity's relationship to science, introducing open theism in general, or comparing process theology to open theism. If none of those topics seem worth exploring, then this would be a very boring book. But if any - or all - of those topics sound intriguing, then this book just might be an edge-of-your-seat theological thriller. Since I experienced this book as a thriller, I hope there will soon be a sequel!

Theology Nerd Book Survey

2011-05-20T05:02:00.000-07:00

Here are my responces to Tripp Fuller's book survey:

1. A book you get excited just looking at: Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
2. Your favorite book by your favorite living theologian: A Christian Natural Theology by John Cobb
3. A classic you can’t leave behind: She Who Is by Elizabeth Johnson
4. Best book to cross your eyes in 2011: Apocalypse Now and Then by Catherine Keller
5. Favorite book to give a budding theology nerd: Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer
6. A book you can’t wait for: The Predicament of Belief by Philip Clayton

Spaghetti Amore Recipe

2011-05-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 green pepper
1 red pepper
1 garlic clove
1/2 cup of onion
1 lb. of ground beef
10 3/4 oz can of condensed cream of mushroom soup (plus water)
10 3/4 oz can of condensed tomato soup (plus water)
15 oz can of tomato sauce
1 cup of Merlot wine
8 oz of whole wheat spaghetti
1 cup of mozzarella cheese

Preparation:

(1) Combine tomato sauce, cream of tomato soup, and cream of mushroom soup in a mixing bowl.
(2) Chop red pepper, green pepper, onion, and garlic clove. Then add to mixing bowl.
(3) Cook spaghetti noodles. Drain noodles. Then add to mixing bowl.
(4) Brown the hamburger in Merlot wine. Drain hamburger. Then add to the mixing bowl.
(5) Stir everything in the mixing bowl.
(6) Combine everything from the mixing bowl into a 9x13 casserole pan.
(7) Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the mixture.

Baking:

Bake uncovered in a 9x13 inch casserole pan at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Review of Sara Kay's CD "On the Way"

2011-05-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

Brian Newcomb has reviewed Sara's CD "On The Way" (our music project). Here's an outtake from his article:

Given the plethora of music coming from Christian music labels with a largely conservative theological value system, there's a growing hunger among UCC and other forward-thinking, mainline, progressive congregations for music, art, and liturgy to help us in our worship and celebration. To borrow the title of an old favorite book, we're not only looking for "Kind Words for Our Kind of Faith," but yearning for trustworthy resources, well-grounded and robust theological expressions that voice our values, fit our openness and culture-friendly worldview, and our desire to respond to the needy world around us with meaningful acts of compassion and justice/peace making.

One such artist, responding to this great longing is Sara Kay with her debut album, "On The Way." She recently posted on her Facebook page that the 15 songs of this recording were inspired by the writings of Brian McLaren, author of "A New Kind of Christianity," the post-evangelical writer often described as a seminal force in the emergent movement. The spouse and partner of UCC pastor Brian Brandsmeier in Iowa City, Iowa, Sara Kay invites us on the opening track to engage our faith and our world, to listen to our own inner story, to "Be Opened" to all that life in God has to offer.

Performed mostly on piano or acoustic guitar, these are intimate solo recordings of Sara Kay playing her folk/pop melodies, her strong, comfortable singing voice and use of language that bespeaks a progressive Christian witness. In "Resurrection," she emphasizes the living presence of Jesus in the lives of believers when they speak the truth, act kindly and offer hope to another. But she goes on to side with the weak and vulnerable, those easily overlooked.

"Eve's Song" offers an alternative reading of the Genesis telling of "the Fall," a reminder that it's our choices that make us human. We are invited to step beyond our naiveté to give shape to a paradise in God's created world, and evolve into our potential.

For "God of Water and Land" and "God of Movement," Sara Kay has written new, inspiring texts for familiar hymn melodies, but often she has written an original musical setting for lyrical reflections on a biblical text or person. Three songs echo the Psalms, "Goodness and Mercy" recalls the familiar 23rd, "Of Lament and Hope" takes on the cries for deliverance in Psalm 13, and "Victory" ties the words of Psalm 3 to a struggle with breast cancer.

Sara Kay is an artist that brings strong progressive theological values to her songs, with accessible musical settings seemingly designed to allow their use in local congregations.

Click here to go to Sara's website or click here to listen to her songs.

Making God in the Image of Caesar

2011-05-08T05:42:00.000-07:00

Alfred North Whitehead has an interesting quote about how some Western thinkers tried to make God in the image of Caesar:

"When the Western world accepted Christianity, Caesar conquered; and the received text of Western theology was edited by his lawyers. The code of Justinian and the theology of Justinian are two volumes expressing one movement of the human spirit [imperialism]. The brief Galilean vision of humility flickered throughout the ages, uncertainly. In the official formulation of the religion it has assumed the trivial form of the mere attribution to the Jews that they cherished a misconception about their Messiah. But the deeper idolatry, of the fashioning of God in the image of the Egyptian, Persian, and Roman imperial rulers, was retained. The Church gave unto God the attributes which belonged exclusively to Caesar."

Finding Unity-In-Diversity with Apostle Paul and Jon Stewart

2011-05-07T06:40:00.000-07:00

Reflection based on Galatians 3:23-29.

“Our identities have become wholly dependent upon rejecting each other. After all, who am I if not, not you?”

This quote from Stephen Colbert is funny because it’s true. So it’s actually kinda sad. Listen to the attack ads. And cable news shows. And partisan commentators like Sean Hannity and Michael Moore. They would all have us believe that we’re all enemies.

We’re all-too-often told that there are only two sides to everything. Democrats vs. Republicans. Liberals vs. Conservatives. Pro-War vs. Pacifist. Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice. And the list goes on and on. It’s all about “us” versus “them.”

Partisan, polemic rhetoric is destroying civil discourse in our nation. And it seems to get uglier with every election.

Thankfully, we have Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert to help us out. Their “Rally to Restore Sanity” was an event to say, “Let’s ignore the 20% of Americans who are loud and extremist, and honor the 80% of Americans who hold common values.” So let’s honor the spirit of the 80%!

Divisiveness is not new. Apostle Paul was facing major divisiveness in Galacia. That’s the background of Galatians. Basically, there were two “sides” that were fighting against one another: Pagan Greeks and circumcised Jews. And you didn’t cross the tracks…unless it was to kill someone.

So in the Galatians letter, Paul used a baptismal liturgy that the Galatians heard when they where first baptized – as a way to help remind them of their baptism – and their unity in Christ. “There is no longer Greek or Jew; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female. For all are one in Christ Jesus.” That was their baptismal liturgy. Pretty radical stuff.

With this liturgy, Paul reminded the Galatians that the cultural dichotomies which only served to estrange and divide the community were annulled. Especially, in this town, it was important to bridges the Greek-Jew divide. All the dichotomies were abolished through their baptism in Christ. Paul declared that all people were "heirs according to the promise."

I envision Paul freaking-out because in his mind, Jesus is going to return at any second. So, the important thing is not the rules and regulations of the law – or the cultural divides. Instead the truely important thing is understanding God’s love for all people. And, for Paul, he drives this home through their unity in baptism.

The good news that Paul shares in Galatia is that God’s propensity to include, transcends humanity’s propensity to exclude. The divisions don’t ultimately matter. God matters. And God has already embraced them – and embraced all people. So, through God, both "sides" already have unity-in-our-diversity.

How might the baptismal liturgy of this text be addressing us? What might Paul’s vision of unity look like in our communities?

Our culture is just as dichotomous as Galatia. It seems that we are all forced to join one of two sides on everything, and then subsequently rally around our common disdain for “the other.”

I’ll never forget watching the show “Meet the Press” a few Sundays after the 2004 elections. The topic was politics and religion. And the guests were Jerry Falwell, Richard Land, Al Sharpton and Jim Wallis. As the conversation shifted from introductions to civil liberties, the lines were drawn and war was quickly declared in this group of ministers. At one point, the fighting got so intense that the moderator, Tim Russert, had to jump in and say, “Peace, peace, peace. I think we need to take a commercial break.” With that statement, Mr. Russert, the secular presence on the show, had to teach these popular ministers about peace. In this case, by being a referee in this religious brawl.

And, ironically, a few days earlier I had just finished reading the book “Resident Aliens” by Hauerwas and Willimon. In the book, they argue that Christians are the “good presence” in a “bad world.” But Tim Russert’s call for peace during that morning’s war, shattered that idea. These ministers were a “bad presence” on an otherwise beautiful Sunday morning. After the show was over, I left for church with heartburn of the soul.

It seems that frequently metaphorically, and sometimes even literally, humanity follows the words of Esther 9:5: “The people struck down all their enemies with the sword, slaughtering, and destroying them.” All we have to do is read a newspaper or watch cable news to be reminded of the “Esther 9:5” mentality in the world.

What could it mean to live towards a Galatians 3:28 vision in an Esther 9:5 world?

I think it means moving towards unity-in-diversity, but not forcing false uniformity. Our particularities – our differences – will still be present. I will always be a white male. At least, I think so! But that doesn’t mean we can’t be united. We can honor our differences and celebrate our commonalities.

In Paul’s letter to Galatia, he tells them that they have oneness in Christ. Baptism in Christ obliterates the divisiveness of our differences and calls us into harmony. Different notes are needed to make harmony work. Diversity is needed. It’s not the enemy. And we’re certainly not the enemy of one another – despite what we’re told on TV.

This isn’t an idealist dream. It is possible. I have seen it happen time and time again.

At Evangelical UCC in Saint Louis, I worshiped God with Jews and Christians of all ages as we sought to tear down the walls of separation between us.

At a Christian lobbying event in Washington DC, I joined Catholics, Evangelicals, Unitarians, and Progressives as we talked our senators into supporting a minimum wage increase.

At height of the anti-Muslim rhetoric surrounding the Cordoba House (“Mosque at Ground Zero”), Jewish and Christian leaders in Iowa City came together to publically show our support for our Muslim neighbors.

At the National Mall, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert gathered over 200,000 diverse people together to rally to restore sanity – to restore civil discourse in our nation.

At a time of deep division in Galatia, Apostle Paul brought Greeks and Jews together.

Unity is possible. Good and faithful people call us back to it every time we stray too far.

What if instead of bemoaning our differences, we decided to appreciate them. It seems as though it’s the tension, balance, and diversity that makes our nation great. And it’s the thing that makes the Church operate as God intends. We each have our parts to play for the common good. The challenge for each of us is to make room for the gifts of the people that we see as “other.”

Jewish theologian Jonathan Sacks says that “Difference does not diminish; it enlarges. Only when we realize the danger of wishing everyone should be the same…will prevent the clash of civilizations…We will learn to live with diversity once we understand the God-given, world-enhancing dignity of difference.” That is worth soaking in. “We will learn to live with diversity once we understand the God-given, world-enhancing dignity of difference.” That was Paul’s main message to Galacia, too. So, perhaps, the liturgical reminder that Apostle Paul would give us today would be: There is no longer Greek or Jew, liberal or conservative, Republican or Democrat, Pro-War or Pacifist, Pro-Life or Pro-Choice – for we are all one in God. We are all one global family.

Through Paul and Jesus, we know that God has a preferential love and care for all people.

Through Stewart and Colbert, we know that we can disagree without thinking the other person is Hitler.

We can be united right now. In fact, by the grace of God, we already are. So let’s be living sacraments of our sacred unity. And living testaments to the real possibility of a Galatians 3:28 world.

From our classrooms to our board meetings. From family reunions to strangers on the street. From the dairy farms in Iowa to the high rise apartments in Chicago. The journey of unity moves on!

From Apostle Paul to Jon Stewart to each one of us, the journey toward unity moves on.

Let the baptismal waters of unity - and the Spirit of God - lead us onward.

Three Cheers for Rape?

2011-05-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

Hillaire Soignet, a Silsbee High School cheerleader, was raped by a star athlete of the school, Rakheem Bolton. The assult happened on October 2008.

This story is all too common. According to Amnesty International, a woman is raped every 6 minutes. In fact, it's the most common crime against women. It's also common for the woman to go through more pain than the person who actually rapes her. Women who are raped have to deal with the trauma of the rape, the trauma of speaking up, the trauma of testifying in public, the trauma of dealing with doubters, the trauma of being teased, the trauma of seeing the rapist again, etc. At the same time, it seems all too often that the guy gets away with claiming it was a "misunderstanding" - and gets away with a lesser charge, if he is charged at all. But the story of the cheerleader gets more interesting.

In January 2009, after months of theraply, Soignet returned to the squad. Meanwhile, the guy who raped her pled guilty to misdemeanor assault, was given two years of probation, and was allowed to play basketball again.

So when Soignet re-joined the squad, she was faced with the dillema of cheering for the very guy who had previously raped her. As the guy stepped up to the basketball line to shoot a free throw, the cheerleaders begin to cheer his name. But Soignet decided to fold her arms and refused to cheer on the man who raped her. Immediately, school officials removed her from the game, berated her for not cheering, and then permanently kicked her off the cheerleading team.

The cheerleader sued the school - and lost. After a series of appeals, the Supreme Court finally decided not to hear the case. While she vows to fight on, the court system has (for now) ruled against her. To make matters worse, the school district is now suing her for $45,000 in order to recover the legal fees they paid in defending themselves in what they call a "frivolous" case. The message from the school is clearly that a girl should cheer on her rapist.

The story of the cheerleader being objectified and shunned by a star athlete is similar to the story of the King who objectified and shunned the Queen in Esther 1:1-22. King Ahasuerus demanded that Queen Vashti appear before him so he could show off her beauty. However, Vashti rejected the idea of being objectified as a sex object and "refused to come at the king’s command" (1:12). Ahasuerus got angry about her refusal and "his anger burned within him" (1:12). He then consulted with a team of lawyers to find out how he could get his way. One of the hot-shot lawyers said, "Not only has Queen Vashti done wrong to the king, but also to all the officials and all the peoples who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus" (1:16). So, in other words, it's an affront to every man if a woman refuses to be objectified by a powerful man. The lawyer then goes on to say that this just can't happen. He says that if other women hear about the queen's refusal to be objectified, then all of the women of the kingdom might soon refuse to be objectified (1:17). He warns the king that "there will be no end of contempt and wrath" (1:18). The lawyer then builds a case against Queen Vashti so she will lose her crown. In the end, he wants to make an example out of Vashti so that "all women will give honour to their husbands, high and low alike" (1:20). King Ahasuerus obviously goes with this lawyer's idea. He makes it the law of the land and sends out a decree stating that "every man should be master in his own house" (1:22).

The cheerleader refused to be objectified (and violated) by the star athlete - and refused to cheer for him in public. The response from the authorities in the school district was quick and brutal. The cheerleader was removed from her position on the squad and reprimanded for her "inappropriate" behavior. The legal system then backed them up. Apparently the message from Silsbee High School is the same as the message from King Ahasuerus's Kingdom: "Every man should be master in his own house" (1:22). In other words, powerful men should always be able to force women to do whatever they want them to do. Men should control women. So, really, rape isn't such a big deal. It should be allowed. After all, men are the ones who decide what happens to women. Right? No. That message must be rejected, resisted, protested, and changed.

Hillaire Soignet and Queen Vashti both chose to stand up to injustice. They both rejected powerful men's demands of objectification. They both resisted pressure to comply with these men. They both publicly protested these men's actions. And they both worked to change the way women are treated in the future. For that, Hillaire Soignet and Queen Vashti should be celebrated as heroes.

Being silent would have been easier. Silence is seductive because all it asks you to do is nothing. It's easy to do nothing. But being silent is like being complicit. It accepts the status quo. Therefore doing something - like folding your arms as a cheerleader - is a powerful act of resistance. So is a queen's refusal to be objectified by a king. We need more cheerleaders and queens like these women. And we need to join them so we can help the star athletes and kings to become better men.

It's time that we all fold our arms when it comes to sexual injustices against women. And let's cheer on all those who work to ensure the safety of women and health of men.

Eucharist with Osama Bin Laden

2011-05-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

Tripp Fuller shares a story of trying to love an enemy and pray for someone who persecuted us (Matthew 5:44):

People Of Possibility from The Work Of The People on Vimeo.

Only Love Can Drive Out Hate

2011-05-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

Osama bin Laden has been killed by the collaborative work of the US military, intelligence community, and President Barack Obama. While I celebrate the end of bin Laden's career of terror, I cannot celebrate his death. I cannot celebrate because I am worried about a few things. I fear his death will make him a martyr. I fear his death will inspire retaliation. I fear his death put the military and government officials who are abroad at greater risk. I fear his death will add to the cycle of violence in the world. And, in the end, I fear that Martin Luther King Jr. is right:

"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

Why Is Your Heaven So Small?

2011-05-01T05:54:00.000-07:00

Who is going to heaven? Moses? Jesus? Muhammad? Mohandas Gandhi? Albert Einstein? Martin Luther King Jr.? Mother Teresa? You? Me? Do we have to believe certain things before we can get into heaven? Do we have to pray in a specific way? Do we have to eat in particular way? Do we have to be "perfect"? Do we have to be on the "right" team (Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, etc.)?

It seems like there are so many angry voices that make quick judgements about who is going to heaven - and who is not. These folks say that if the rest of us aren't like them, then we're going to hell. According to this argument, God likes the same people as them - and also hates the same people. It's like the ultimate trump card in the game of "who's right." I'd like to declare an end to that game.

Why call an end to the "heaven-is-for-people-like-me-game"? First of all, heaven shouldn't be used in such a manipulative way. Second, they don't get to decide what heaven is - and who gets in. Third, God is the only one who is able to pass final judgement. And, finally, God judges us through a lens of love.

According to the Scripture that I read, God is love - not exclusivity. For example, I John 4:7-8 says: "Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love." Plus, in Psalm 108:8, it says: "God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." So God isn't some cocky junior high kid running a popularity contest. Or some judgemental fundamentalist pontificating about the evils of other people. Or some angry atheist declaring that everyone else is wrong. Instead, God is love. Abounding is steadfast love. And in God's house "there are many rooms" (John 14:2). Room enough for people like Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, Mohandas Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, you, and me. There is even enough room for those who would argue that there isn't enough room. Heaven doesn't have to be so small.

Sometimes music says it better than words alone. So here is a great song by Susan Werner called "Why is Your Heaven so Small?" The lyrics are below the video. Enjoy!

excuse me sir, what did you say?
when you shout so loud, it's hard to tell
you say that i must change my ways
for i am surely bound to hell

well i know you'd damn me if you could
but my friend, that's simply not your call
if god is great and god is good
why is your heaven so small

you say you know you say you've read
that holy bible up on your shelf
do you recall when jesus said
judge not, lest ye be judged yourself

for i know you'd damn me if you could
but my friend, that's simply not your call
if god is great, and god is good
why is your heaven so small

with your fists that shake, and your eyes that burn
what makes you do these things you do?
i would not be surprised to learn
someone somewhere excluded you

but my friend, imagine it if you would
a love much mightier than us all
o if god is great and god is good
why is your heaven
so small

A Letter To God

2011-04-30T05:59:00.000-07:00

To whom this may concern:

Who are you? Seriously, there are so many people that attempt to name, frame, and claim you. Some say you’re a vindictive Father. Some say you’re a compassionate Mother. Others say you’re an unnamable, unknowable Being. Perhaps the truth is that we don’t know the truth. Perhaps all we get are glimpses of your magnificence. Apostle Paul says we "see through a mirror dimly" and "know only in part." That seems right. And I deeply appreciate the dim, partial views that I get. Through your Creation, I have glimpsed your face. Through the life of Jesus, I have glimpsed your goodness. Through your thoughtful people, I hear your holy wisdom. But others will disagree with me. How is this possible? Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

Where are you? Seriously, there are so many people that attempt to name, frame, and claim you. Some say you’re up and away, somewhere in a netherworld. Some say you’re down and inside, and that the earth is your body. But deep in my bones I sense that you are up, down, away, and inside. I feel you walking with me. I’ve felt you walk with others. And I bet you’re also at the furthest reaches of the Universe and beyond. But others will disagree with me. How is this possible? Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

What are you up to these days? Seriously, there are so many people that attempt to name, frame, and claim you. Some say you’re waiting for us to accept our eternal life by saying a certain prayer. Some say you’re among the poor and outcast, suffering with them in their struggle for life and liberation. But what about your Creation? In the Bible, it claims that at one time your Creation was a garden – and a “very good” one at that! But now strip malls increasingly replace of your beautiful trees and flowers. Yet, I still have hope for a better world because I feel you at work, even as I write these words, calling us to be faithful stewards of your Creation. I bet you’re doing many other things too. But others will disagree with me. How is this possible? Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

When are you? Seriously, there are so many people that attempt to name, frame, and claim you. Some say you acted through Moses as led your people to liberation. Some say you have acted through Jesus’ life, actions, and teachings. Some say you acted long ago in miricles. But is that all? Some say you will act sometime in the future to set all things right. But is that all? What about right now? I have felt your presence with me. But I bet you were also present with Dorothy Day and Mahatma Gandhi. And I bet you’ll be present with people who will be born in the days, weeks, and years ahead too. It seems like the best answer to when, is always. But others will disagree with me. How is this possible? Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

Why are you? Some people say you exist to call sinners to repentance. Some say you exist to call all life to the greatest possible potentiality, in each moment, for the betterment of all Creation. Some say you exist to punish the wicked and reward the righteous. But to be honest, I imagine you see all of us as some mixture of wicked and righteous. Yet, you seem to exist in loving care for all of us – and try to use all who will pay attention. But others will disagree with me. How is this possible? Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

I ask these questions because I grow tired of the endless debates and fruitless conversations about you. I have lost good relationships with friends and family all because we couldn’t agree on the answers to these questions. Wars are fought at family reunions and between nations over these questions. The one thing that connects us to each other (you) seems to evoke the most hostility. I have lost enough in this fight – and so have others. While all this fighting occurs, there are 33,000 children who die of starvation each day, rainforests are cut down, rivers are polluted, women are abused, men are raped, and the list goes on and on. There must be a better way to do this whole spirituality thing.

The purpose of this letter is to seek your help in re-connecting to each other. Remind us that we are already connected to each other. Remind us that what affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Remind us that we live in the ecology of each other’s choices. Remind us that we are not our own. Remind us that we are all part of your web of life. Remind us that no matter what words we use to name, claim, and frame you, we belong to each other and to you. Remind us that we’re all “us.” And remind us to enjoy life to the fullest...together.

Sincerely,

Brian

Trump Plays The Race Card

2011-04-28T05:50:00.000-07:00

Goldie Taylor has written an excelent reflection on the fiasco in which Donald Trump forced President Barack Obama to prove his citizenship (again). She also says it well in this video:

The Insects' Song

2011-04-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

Sitting in my backyard, I hear a chorus of insects singing. Their songs are all different, yet converge and harmonize in the cool night air. The leaves, birds, and neighbors are all quiet on this evening, as if to give their full attention to the song of the insects. All life – including my own busy-ness – seems to slow down in order to take in the insects’ sacred song. In a world that teeters between great pain and great joy, it is wonderful to soak in the joyous, beatific voice of the insects. Obviously, the little creatures are not only sacrements of joy, for they can be quiet bothersome and annoying, too. But tonight, their song goes on in endless praise to the Sacred within and around them. And it reminds me of the Sacred within and around me. For that, the only proper response is "thank you." In fact, gratitude fills my soul all the way from the center of my body to the center of the universe. The appreciation I have right now bubbles over and blesses my life to such an extent that I can only imagine that this must be what “abundant life” must mean in Scripture. I feel more fully alive. And I am thankful. To be grateful is a wonderful gift. So, to the insects that I might just curse tomorrow if they make their way into my house, I must, on this amazing night, say: "Thank you, my friends. May God bless you too."

The Miracle of Axel

2011-04-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

Axel's first picture.

Our son Axel was born on 4/6/11. It's hard to put the experience into words. So many thoughts. So many emotions. So many diaper changes!

The minutes after his birth were miraculous. Seriously. It was a miracle of Biblical proportions. Walking on water. Feeding 5,000 hungry people. Turning water into wine. His birth was like seeing something like that before our eyes. I could never even imagine the pure grace, love, and innocence that shined in that room through Axel. Yet there it was. There he was. After 9 months of waiting for him, watching him move his mom's belly, and imagining what he may look like, he was born. We finally got to meet him. Our son, Axel, was in our arms.

Fast forward a few days. Suddenly the comfort of being surrounded by knowledgeable nurses ended. They told us we could go home. Home - as in no longer in the hospital. We were free to take him in our car. And then into our home. It was exciting and terrifying. Who are we to take an infant home with us? Shouldn't there be an internship program first? Or something. Or anything! We didn't go to college to study the care of infants. How could we possibly be qualified to take him home? Well, as it turns out, people have been raising children for a long, long time! There are many ways to be a good parent - and no ways to be a perfect parent. Realizing that helped. Plus, the adage about it "taking a community to raise a child" is totally true. There are many people who are willing to help out. There are grandparents who are glad to field questions. There are nurses who are happy to offer medical advice - and sleeping tips. Thinking about all of this was calming as we filled out the final paperwork and drove home.

Being at home with Axel is wonderful AND exhausting. Cuddle time. Diaper changes. Showing him off to friends and family. Late night feedings. Stories before bed. Crying during bath time. Watching him sleep. Watching ourselves not sleep. And on and on it goes. It's like nothing else - and I wouldn't want it any other way. Even those sleepless moments are gifts of joy. They are opportunities for gratitude and reflection.

Who is this little man? Will he be left handed? Will he like sports, music, or science? What will be his first word? What will he like to do more than anything else (when he's 1, 5, 25, and 55)? Who will fall in love with him? What will make him smile? What will his thoughts on God be? Will he be bullied at school? How much will I be able to protect him throughout life? Will we be the parents he needs and deserves? How can we encourage him to enjoy life as much as possible? When will he say, "I love you."? What will be his favorite book? What will he think when he sees the ocean for the first time? What is he thinking when he looks into our eyes? How did we get so blessed to have him in our family?

Plus, Axel is so freakin' cute it hurts! I know all parents must think that about their children. But it still needs to be said. I could look at him for hours. All of his different facial expressions are as mystical as watching the embers of a fire on a warm summer night. It's pretty cool. I think we could get used to this whole parenting thing!

Well, that's my reflection for today. It may have been different yesterday. And it might be different in the morning. But one thing will never change: we love Axel and his presence in our lives. Now, where is the binky again? And the baby book? And the bath towel? Wow, it's easy to misplace things when you're this tired! Fun times!

The Meaning of Resurrection

2011-04-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

"This is the Easter message, that awakening is possible, to the goodness of God, the sacredness of human life, the sisterhood and brotherhood of all." - Anne Lamott

"I got sober, against all odds, and then I started hanging out with people who were trying to get sober too, and over time I got to watch a number of the walking dead come back to life - as I came back to life. So I believe in the basic Christian message: that life happens, death happens, and then new life happens. I believe in resurrection." - Anne Lamott

"Jesus' life did not end with the suffering he underwent. He lives on in the community of resurrection, making life possible again and again. He is present even now amoung us through our remembering of him and our being re-membered through him." - Flora Keshgegian

"The resurrection witness is to the power of life that cannot be defeated. Even death is not able to stop the living. The power of life is manifest in the Resurrected One who lives in the community that witnesses to Christ and life itself...The miracle of resurrection is recognized each time someone rises from death to defeat terror, to take a breath and utter a cry. To remember the ressurection is to affirm human resistance and resilience and agency." - Flora Keshgegian

"Resurrection is the power of God to overcome evil, to bring hope to otherwise hopeless situations, to make creative transformation possible no matter what." - Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki

"The resurrection of Jesus is like a great shout telling us that no evil is greater than God, or can overcome God's power of resurrection." - Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki

"The resurrection is God's 'no' - and battered women's 'no' - to violence in the world." - Marjorie Proctor-Smith

"Resurrection is a resource for the ongoing activity of God in human actions which work to correct and end human violence and injustice, and bring about communities of peace and justice with bread and life for all." - Marjorie Proctor-Smith

"My faith is a powerful weapon in this battle against depression...We confess that Jesus descended into hell before rising from the dead." - Jami Hawkins

"My prayer is that people...now more 'enlightened' about depression...won’t flee from those who like Lazarus and like me come stumbling out of their tombs of darkness in hope of new life." - Jami Hawkins

Sara Kay: The Album Cover Experiment

2011-04-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

Sara's CD is almost done! Just one more step: we need to choose an album cover. So we're asking for your help. Which album cover do you like best (tree, dancer, jeep, or person)? Please vote by making a comment in the comment section. Thanks!

Holy Week Reflection

2011-04-22T04:36:00.000-07:00

We put this reflection of Holy Week together with art by He Qi and music by William Elliott Whitmore.

Wanted: Reviews of Sara's CD

2011-04-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

Dear bloggers,

Sara's album will be released in May, so we are wondering if a few of you would like to review the album. We'd like to get some buzz going before the album actually drops. We welcome a diversity of styles of reviews. So whatever you feel called to write would be just fine. Please let us know if you'd like to help us spread the word about this album of progressive spiritual music. And help an independent artist get started. We'd be glad to send you a FREE demo CD or send you a link where you can listen to it for FREE online. To accept this mission, please make a comment on this post or send us an e-mail at sarakaymusic@yahoo.com.

Thank you for your time and ministry.

Peace,

Sara and Brian

A Mother’s Prayer for Its Child

2011-04-19T04:35:00.000-07:00

Tina Fey is a witty comedian, smart writer, and funny actor. She is excellent on her show 30 Rock. It's consistantly one of the funniest shows on TV and has quickly become one of our favorites. But she doesn't stop there. Apparently Tina Fey is also a theologian. In her new book Bossypants, she includes a prayer for her new baby called "A Mother’s Prayer for Its Child." Like everything she writes, this prayer is both smart and humorous. It's a bit irreverent, but we think you can handle it! Check it out:

First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, may she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her when crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels. What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen. Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, that she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back. “My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Amen.

Maternity Leave: Shocking Disparity

2011-04-18T04:21:00.000-07:00

Most nations in the world (97%) require employers to provide more than 10 weeks of paid maternity leave for mothers. Some nations, such as Denmark, offers a generous leave of 52 weeks with 100% of yearly income. Only four countries provide no paid leave: Lesotho, Papua New Guinea, Swaziland and the United States of America. Yes, the USA is one of the very rare countries on earth that doesn't provide paid maternity leave. Plus, it's the only industrialized nation without mandatory leave. Check out the numbers below for a quick global comparison.

United States
0 weeks off with 0% of yearly income

Hong Kong
10 weeks off with 100% of yearly income

Ethiopia
12 weeks off with 100% of yearly income

Mexico
12 weeks off with 100 of yearly income

Germany
14 weeks off with 100% of yearly income

Israel
14 weeks off with 100% of yearly income

Congo
15 weeks off with 100% of yearly income

Costa Rica
16 weeks off with 100% of yearly income

France
16 weeks off with 100% of yearly income

Singapore
16 weeks off with 100% of yearly income

Spain
16 weeks off with 100% of yearly income

Chile
18 weeks off with 100% of yearly income

Cuba
18 weeks off with 100% of yearly income

Hungary
24 weeks off with 100% of yearly income

Ireland
26 weeks off with 100% of yearly income

Denmark
52 weeks off with 100% of yearly income

For a complete list of nations, click here.

What is heaven?

2011-04-16T06:49:00.000-07:00

Heaven is something many people think about. But what is it? The Bible has many different images of heaven - and so does each person. There may be as many different images of heaven as there are people. After our post on hell a few days ago, it seemed appropriate to explore some images of heaven. Two quotes come immediately to mind.

The first quote is from singer Belinda Carlisle: "They say in heaven love comes first / We'll make heaven a place on earth / Oh heaven is a place on earth." Yes, it's a cheesy 80s pop song. But it also makes the point that heaven isn't just a place beyond this life. Heaven can be experienced in the here-and-now of our daily lives. Heaven can be entered when we're at home, driving our car, or working in the garden. If there is love, there is heaven.

Kate Braestrup makes a similar point in her book, Here If You Need Me: "If you are completely and wholly in love, then you are in heaven no matter where you are. If you are not in love, you are in hell, no matter where you are. The stories we tell of heaven and hell are not about how we die, but about how we live." Our lives can be a living hell - or a living heaven. It's our choice. If we live in a way that opens us up to love, then we can experience heaven no matter who we are, where we are, or what we are doing. Here is a few images of heaven in daily life.

Heaven is love.
Heaven is the smell of a newborn baby.
Heaven is listening to a friend sing a song.
Heaven is a happy, supportive marriage.
Heaven is finishing a big project for someone else.
Heaven is inclusivity.
Heaven is a random act of kindness.
Heaven is a walk through the woods.
Heaven is a hug after a long day.
Heaven is being recognized for your talents.
Heaven is laughing with friends.
Heaven is justice for all people.
Heaven is a random act of kindness.
Heaven is equal pay for equal work.
Heaven is mindfulness of the present moment.
Heaven is mutuality between people.
Heaven is taking time to notice the beauty of flowers and stars.
Heaven is peace in homes, neighborhoods, and nations.
Heaven is adequate maternity and paternity leave.
Heaven is the thought of God inviting everyone into heaven.

Since the post about hell ended with an 80s music video, it seemed appropriate to end this post about heaven with an equally nostalgic song. Here is Belinda Carlisle, singing "Heaven is a Place on Earth."

What is hell?

2011-04-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

Hell has been a big topic of conversation ever since Rob Bell wrote the book Love Wins. Time Magazine even did a feature story about Bell and his thoughts on hell called "Is Hell Dead?" From Facebook to CNN, everyone seems interested in Bell's ideas. Or arguing with him. Or critiquing him. Or adding their own thoughts on hell.

Hell can be a complicated topic. For some people, it's important to believe that hell is a physical place where people are tormented forever. For other people, it's important to believe that hell doesn't exist at all. Between these two major options is a third way: hell is real but not eternal. Here is our description of that third option.

Hell is 33,000 children dying every day in the world due to poverty.
Hell is cancer.
Hell is a couple yelling at each other in front of their kids.
Hell is plutocracy.
Hell is a lack of decent healthcare.
Hell is SIDS.
Hell is being laid off with no money in savings.
Hell is bullying.
Hell is stealing to support an addiction.
Hell is working long hours when you have a family at home.
Hell is racism.
Hell is antagonism and triangulation in relationships.
Hell is earning minimum wage while pregnant.
Hell is watching a loved one be sick.
Hell is physical abuse.
Hell is experiencing indifference when you need action.
Hell is rape.
Hell is massive wage disparity.
Hell is listening to Larry the Cable Guy.
Hell is the thought of God allowing anyone into hell.

Pat Benetar has a great description of hell, too. She wrote a song called "Hell is for Children" about child abuse. Sometimes music says it better than words alone.

New Song: "Resurrection"

2011-04-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

Our new song "Resurrection" is based on a quote from Peter Rollins called "I Deny the Resurrection":

"I deny the resurrection of Christ every time I do not serve at the feet of the oppressed, each day that I turn my back on the poor; I deny the resurrection of Christ when I close my ears to the cries of the downtrodden and lend my support to an unjust and corrupt system."

The words of the song pick up on Rollins' theme of affirming the Resurrection through action. Click here to listen to the song or check out the lyrics below:

"Resurrection"

Lord, forgive my ever doubting heart
I know that you told me this would come
So help me now accept that love has overcome all fear
Help me to live out that love here

I believe in the resurrection
And I affirm that it is real
Every time I stand my ground
For all those who've been trodden down
Every time I voice concern
For those not able to be heard
Every time tears flood my eyes
For those who've no tears left to cry
Jesus lives in me

Today, I learned the stones been rolled away
Just could not believe me ears
But now I see your life showed me to trust in things unseen
Now I think I know just what you mean

Now I believe in the resurrection
And I affirm that it is real
Every time I speak the truth
When lies are spread and truth is skewed
Every time I share a smile
With one who thinks she's not worthwhile
Every time I offer hope to one who's been left alone

I believe in the resurrection
And I affirm that it is real
Every time I stand my ground
For all those who've been trodden down
Every time I voice concern
For those not able to be heard
Every time tears flood my eyes
For those who've no tears left to cry
Jesus lives in me

Holy Spirit

2011-03-31T04:24:00.000-07:00

"Holy Spirit" by Sara Kay

I asked Sara to paint a picture of the Holy Spirit. She picked up her oil pastels and created this picture. What images of God do you see in this painting?

Stay At Home Dad

2011-03-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

Our baby's due date is April 17th. That means I'll be a dad very soon. It also means that dad-humor is funny to me now. And Jon Lajoie's song "Stay At Home Dad" is quite funny.

The Adjustment Bureau: An Exploration of Free Will

2011-03-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

Does free will exist? Does God give us free will? Does God control everything? Does God make us puppets? Does God cause bad things to happen to us? Does God give us only one "right" path for our lives? Do we choose our own destiny? The movie The Adjustment Bureau explores the idea of free will by following a man who dares to try to choose his own path in life instead of following the one that has been chosen for him. Bruce Epperly then explores the theology of the movie - and comes out on the side of choosing our own adventures in life.

"The Adjustment Bureau, Rick Warren, and Process Theology" by Bruce G. Epperly

The Adjustment Bureau raises issues of God’s plan, destiny, choice, and chance. Rising political star David Norris is destined, yes destined, to become the President of the United States, until a chance encounter with dancer, Elise Sellas. This apparently chance encounter leads to an intricate struggle between the angelic case workers assigned to keep him on the Chairman’s (aka God) pre-established plan and the love struck Norris, who believes that he can choose his own destiny.

The Chairman’s plan takes a page right out of Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life. According to the movie, God chooses the important events of our lives, steering us toward the course God has determined that will be best for us and the planet. We think we are free, when are really actors performing the script God has already written for us. The death of Norris’ parents and his brother is not accidental, but the working out of the Chairman’s plan to give Norris the hunger for political greatness, thus fulfilling his father’s dream.

Rick Warren’s image of human destiny takes a similar path in making the following affirmations about the relationship between God’s plan and human decision-making.
God plans all the important events (genetics, gender, talents, family of origin) in our lives without our input.
Every experience, including traumatic events, such as cancer, abuse, the death of a child, or tsunami, is “father filtered,” or planned by God for our growth.
In every event God is testing our fidelity to God’s sovereign decision-making.
God “smiles” when we follow directions and do as “he” says.
God wants us to “color inside the lines.” Coloring “outside the lines” leads to meaninglessness in this life and alienation from God (hell) in the next. Those who seek to thwart God’s plan will be punished.

Warren’s belief in divine destiny led one of my friends to describe his book as the “puppet driven life.” Both Warren and The Adjustment Bureau’s image of God’s plan assert that when it comes to the most important things, freedom and choice are an illusion. Happiness and fulfillment come from following the pre-established plan.

Now the Adjustment Bureau takes two slight diversions from Warren’s spiritual determinism. Within the Chairman’s plan, chance events occur. Norris meets Sellas and the pre-established plan for his life is jeopardized. Second, the movie suggests that God can scrap certain plans in favor of others, and open the doors to choice in rare circumstances. Although neither Norris nor Sellas is aware of it, the Chairman’s plan had once included them falling in love. That plan, however, was scrapped for greater things for each of them. Nevertheless, the energy of the Chairman’s negation unexpectedly draws them together.

For both theologians and lay people alike, divine choice and human freedom have often been pitted against one another. Either everything reflects divine decision-making or we are entirely free. Perhaps, there is another alternative that joins divine vision and decision-making, human freedom, environmental and genetic conditioning, and chance. This is the multi-faceted approach of process theology.

From the perspective of process theology, every event emerges from the intricate and dynamic interplay of God’s vision, environmental influences, genetics, and creaturely choice. In the dynamic interplay of life, accidents happen – cells reproduce in ways that lead to cancer, bridges collapse, and brakes fail. In this same interplay, human choices can lead to cancer, abuse, faulty construction, and genocide. God has not willed these events, but must, like us, live with these events, seeking to make the most out of difficult situations.

Process theology asserts that God is intimately involved in our lives, providing possibilities, inspirations, and intuitions; working through the interdependence of life to promote synchronous encounters; inviting us to use our limited freedom to create a just and beautiful world; and giving us strength and creativity to respond to personal and communal calamities. God is not in absolute control, nor do we create our own realities.

Still, God is constantly innovating, working within the world as it is to bring forth the right balance of order and novelty. Within the limitations of the many factors of life, humans are also constantly innovating, using our limited freedom moment by moment to choose our pathways. While creaturely freedom may be quite limited, given the influence of the past, environment, genetics, politics, economics, and divine influence, human choices made moment by moment can lead to life-changing expressions of creativity and beauty. Sadly, they can also lead to pain and suffering.

Life is a dynamic interplay of call and response in which God calls and we respond, and God calls again, adjusting God’s vision to our choices rather than forcing us to follow a pre-ordained script. Still, from the perspective of process theology, God provides many possibilities and opens the door to many vocations, or personal destinies. There is God’s vision for a particular moment in time but this vision is part of many broader visions, embodied over a lifetime. Moreover, process theology asserts that God’s vision is neither coercive nor competitive. God creates the context for maximal expressions of freedom and creativity, congruent with the well-being of the global and local communities. Freedom is limited, but it is real.

Like a good parent, God hopes we make the right decisions for ourselves and others. But, God also welcomes surprises. Contrary to Rick Warren and the Chairman’s initial plan, innovation leads to greater and more energetic revelations of God’s presence in our lives. After God has given us the most creative visions to integrate with our freedom and the impact of the environment, like a good parent, who has supplied crayons and paper for our recreation, God whispers in our unconscious, “Surprise me. Bring something new into the world. Do something beautiful and unexpected.”

The Adjustment Bureau provides much food for theological reflection. It invites us to ponder the intricacies of freedom and destiny and God’s role in determining who we are and what we do. It suggests that we may not be puppets of fate after all, and that our calling is to take risks for love, beauty, and healing. These risks rewarded with greater opportunities for freedom and creativity in partnership with the source of all freedom, creativity, and possibility.

Bruce Epperly is a theologian, spiritual guide, healing companion, retreat leader and lecturer, and author of nineteen books, including Holy Adventure: 41 Days of Audacious Living; Process Theology: A Guide for the Perplexed; and Tending to the Holy: The Practice of the Presence of God in Ministry.

On The Way: New Spiritual Music

2011-03-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

Sara Kay's CD "On The Way" (our music project) has been recorded and is in the process of getting finished up. It will be officially released in April. In the meantime, all the songs can be heard on our website for free. Check 'em out. The songs focus on spirituality, healing, lament, peace, social justice, images of God, hope in the battle against breast cancer, etc. They were inspired by words from Scripture, Brian McLaren, Harold Kushner, Monica Coleman, Peter Rollins etc. Our goal was to write an album that combined spiritual depth, acoustic energy, and a breadth of topics. The hope is that these songs help listeners to experience a deeper spirituality in their daily lives.

Our music can be followed on Facebook and ReverbNation.
Stay tuned for updates!

Plus, if you want to be a super supporter, click here for t-shirts, hats, bumper stickers, etc. We'd love to get help with spreading the word about the music.

Peace.

Healing the Memory of the Crucifixion

2011-03-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

For Lent, we wrote a series of reflections on the crucifixion of Jesus. Year after year we struggle to find something "good" about Good Friday. So this year we decided to explore the topic of Jesus' execution directly. What if the crucifixion of Jesus caused major trauma in the life of the disciples? What if that unresolved trauma got passed onto us through their traditions and theologies? What if some of those traditions and theologies are distorted due to unresolved trauma in the memory of the Church? What if we could heal that memory? What if something more healing and hopeful could emerge? What would that mean for our current rituals and theologies? What if things like the Eucharist could look radically different? Those are a few of the questions we'll explore. To whet your appetite, here is a synopsis for each part in the series:

Part 1: Did the Crucifixion Cause Grief and Trauma?
we'll explore the possible impact of the crucifixion on the people who knew Jesus. Then we'll explore the impact of their trauma on the memories, traditions, and theologies in the Church today. Maybe things could look different.

Part 2: Crucifixion as Unresolved Grief and Trauma
The crucifixion of Jesus likely caused a great amount of grief and trauma for the disciples - especially the ones who knew Jesus personally. The emotional "stuff" remained unresolved and was eventually passed on to us through some of the memories, traditions, and rituals of the Church. Some of these things passed onto us were distorted and may need to be addressed and healed.

Part 3: Grieving the Crucifixion to Heal the Church
Grieving the crucifixion is an important step toward healing the memory of the Church. We'll use Judith Herman's steps for healing from trauma from her book Trauma and Recovery: (1) naming and remembering the loss, (2) mourning the loss, (3) honoring the Church's resistance and survival; and then (4) integrating and expanding the story. While residual parts of the trauma will continue to be a part of our collective memory, we no longer have to allow it to dominate our theologies, traditions, and rituals.

Part 4: Adult Education Program of Healing and Hope
What now? We'll bring the ideas from the series together in a practical way to explore healing the Church's memory through an adult education program. First, Brian McLaren’s book, The Secret Message o f Jesus, will be used to explore the content and meaning of Jesus’ message. Second, Marcus Borg and John Crossan’s book, The Last Week, will be used to explore what led up to, and contributed to the execution of Jesus. Third, the movie Pay It Forward will be used to tie together the major themes of both of the books through a narrative that symbolizes the great life and unjust killing of Jesus. Finally, the group will be invited to create a Communion liturgy that expresses their understanding of the ministry of Jesus and theology of the Eucharist. Things like the Eucharist might look different after working through the trauma of the crucifixion. In fact, maybe Communion should look more like a party than a memorial. The party could celebrate things like the persistence, resilience, and survival of the Church and Jesus' vision of love, justice, and mutuality.

Want more details? Click on the links above to read each part of the entire series. Plus, in a few years Christopher Grundy will have a book that explores these ideas in much greater detail. It's a heavy topic. But it ends in hope. We are an Easter people. And this Lenten journey leads to the joy of the Emmaus Road (Luke 24:13-35).

Rob Bell: Rock Star or Easy Target?

2011-03-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

Rob Bell has written a book called Love Wins. It's a well-written book. But it's also a little predictable. Let me just say that there are no major surprises. Well, I guess there is one surprise. Conservative Christians are going nuts over this book. Bell is being attacked all over the internet by them. They are trying to accuse Bell of heresy. I won't even bother defending Bell against heresy. Suffice to say, he's not a heretic. But the conservatives decided to pounce anyway. So it seems like one of two things is happening. Option 1: They see him as too big of a pastoral rock star and they want to knock him down a bit. Option 2: They see Bell as an easy target and want to bully him around. Either way, it seems silly that he is being attacked so much. Let the guy write his books and give his sermons. He's an amazing artist when it comes to communication. Let him share his gift with people who find it meaningful. Besides, in the end, it will be God who judges us. And if you listen to Bell, love will win. So let's move on from this banter and enjoy God's love instead of fighting over it. There's enough divine love to go around!

Prophetic Spirituality: Changing Lives, Changing Worlds

2011-03-13T05:09:00.000-07:00

Brian McLaren has written an excellent book called Naked Spirituality. The book focuses on twelve spiritual practices: Here (opening to God's abiding presence), Thanks (expanding our sense of gratitude and enoughness), O (soaking up the joy of life and God), sorry (living honestly and transforming wrongs), Help (empowering ourselves to ask for help from God and others), Please (relying on the support of God and others to get through difficulties), When (aspire after a better life and world), No (allowing ourselves to acknowledge pain, lament about our troubles, and refuse a problematic life and world), Why (allowing ourselves and others to ask God the difficult questions that arise from pain and doubt), Behold (mindfully noticing and appreciating the indescribable goodness of God and the world), Yes (joining and engaging in the sacred mission of God) , and [...] (enjoying moments of silence and contemplation).

All of the spiritual practices that McLaren names are wonderful. In fact, I gave the book a fawning review. And I meant every glowing word about that book. It's awesome. However, some of the spiritual practices that McLaren names are pretty conventional - and even a bit individualistic. Standard spirituality tends to focus on one's relationship with God at the exclusion of one's relationship with others and the wider world. When I picture conventional spirituality, I imagine a person listening to Gregorian chants while meditating on a line from Psalm 23. Or journaling while sipping on green tea. Or praying alone in a darkened room. Or something like that. Not that there is anything wrong with that kind of spirituality. Actually, it's a very good thing. It can help us find inner calm and serenity. But conventional spirituality tends to focus less on helping the wider world become a better place.

Don't get me wrong. It's obvious that McLaren is committed to building a better world. His book Everything Must Change is all about helping to transform the world in positive ways. That's one of the many reasons I respect McLaren so much. The problem is that he doesn't name these world-changing activities as explicitly spiritual practices. And he's not alone. In fact, I'm focusing on Naked Spiritality because this is just the latest book on spirituality that doesn't explicitly enumerate spiritual practices that involve prophetic action. While I know that McLaren is committed to peace and social justice, I'd like to see him - and other authors - specifically name these things as spiritual practices.

I'd like to suggest twelve additional spiritual practices. All of these spiritual practices involve prophetic action. They help us to connect with God by working to build a better world. Here is the list:

Love (sharing unconditional connection, support, security, etc.), Justice (building a more equitable environment on a personal, national, and global level), Mutuality (living in a way that honors and supports our interdependence), Liberation (moving from oppression to freedom), Empowerment (advocating, equipping, and gaining voice), Pride (gaining a healthy sense of self-respect), Change (transforming conflict, injustice, pain, etc. in proactive ways), Resistance (confronting people or systems that cause harm to others), Diversity (celebrating the dignity of difference), Context (honoring people's unique background, culture, race, etc.), Accountability (attending to personal responsibility and social responsibility), and Fiesta (partying as a community to celebrate the hard work of striving for greater justice and peace).

These spiritual practices can be done in a variety of ways. The list above is meant to describe broad concepts, not prescribe specific acts. The important thing isn't practicing them in any one way. The important thing is practicing them in the way that is most meaningful, faithful, and spiritual. But just in case it's helpful to move beyond the concepts, here are some examples of how these spiritual practices can be done:

Love (proactively work on improving relationships with family and friends), Justice (join a rally in favor of basic human rights), Mutuality (take turns doing the hard work as well as the fun stuff at home and work), Liberation (volunteer at a detention center that does restorative justice), Empowerment (mindfully give everyone the space and time to speak up), Pride (let LGBT youth know that they are okay - and be sure others know that, too), Change (support the work of a local domestic violence shelter), Resistance (politely yet assertively let bullies/antagonists know their behavior is inappropriate - and then help them find healthier ways to communicate), Diversity (learn more about a culture that is different from the predominate culture of your city/town/neighborhood), Context (encourage people talk about what's important to them as individuals), Accountability (ensure that personal finances and national budgets are managed in responsible ways), and Fiesta (set attainable goals and then celebrate those goals when they are reached).

These prophetic spiritual practices can help open us to the transforming presence of God that surrounds us every day. The same God who led Moses and the Egyptian slaves to freedom, continues to beckon us to greater freedom today. The same God who inspired the love and mutuality shared by Ruth and Naomi, continues to beckon us toward deeper love and mutuality today. The same God who brought the disciples of Jesus together despite their diversity, continues to beckon us together despite our diversity today. The same God who empowered Jesus to resist the injustice of the Roman Empire, continues to empower us to resist injustice today. The list could go on and on. God has been in the business of changing lives for a long time. And God is doing it right now - and every moment in life. These spiritual practices plug us into God's ongoing, transforming work in our lives. If we choose to do these practices, they will change our lives, homes, neighborhoods, and world in amazing ways.

God is ready. Are we?

God Is Here

2011-03-12T12:02:00.000-08:00

Our song "God Is Here" is about the spiritual journey through Lent.

Naked Spirituality

2011-03-09T14:53:00.000-08:00

Naked Spirituality is Brian McLaren's newest book. It's also one of his best. Naked Spirituality is for anyone who wants to strip away the clutter of traditional religious trappings and dive into a deeper, purer, and more meaningful spirituality. Reading it feels like a quick dip in a cool pond on a hot day. For those of you who didn't grow up on a farm, that is a good thing! Totally refreshing.

Let me allow McLaren to introduce the book. In the Preface of Naked Spirituality, he says, "This book is about getting naked - not physically, but spiritually. It's about stripping away the symbols and status of public religion - the Sunday-dress version people often call 'organized religion.' And it's about attending to the well-being of the soul clothed only in naked human skin" (ix). Then, in an interview on my blog, McLaren said: "In a single sentence, I hope the book helps a wide range of people become more vulnerable to a genuine and transformative experience of God's presence in their lives." Indeed, it does that. Naked Spirituality invites people to leave behind the masks and pretences that most of us drag around. It then helps us to find practical ways to enjoy a better, more authentic, and more spiritual life.

Naked Spirituality is focused around twelve meditative words that serve as spiritual practices: here (opening to God's abiding presence), thanks (expanding our sense of gratitude and enoughness), O (soaking up the joy of life and God), sorry (living honestly and transforming wrongs), help (empowering ourselves to ask for help from God and others), please (relying on the support of God and others to get through difficulties), when (aspire after a better life and world), no (allowing ourselves to acknowledge pain, lament about our troubles, and refuse a problematic life and world), why (allowing ourselves and others to ask God the difficult questions that arise from pain and doubt), behold (mindfully noticing and appreciating the indescribable goodness of God and the world), yes (joining and engaging in the sacred mission of God) , and [...] (enjoying moments of silence and contemplation).

McLaren weaves together pithy writing, evocative Scripture, powerful stories, intriguing quotes, enriching poetry, thoughtful song lyrics, etc. in order to help the reader dive deeply into these spiritual practices. Straight up prose would have been too dry - and boring. Thankfully the many different kinds of writing that McLaren uses keeps the spiritually thirsty reader both satiated and engaged. He also provides an appendix with suggestions for group practice, body prayers, and spoken prayers.

This book is not a cheesy self-help book that provides the 10 easy steps to spiritual enlightenment. Those books are a dime a dozen. Instead, Naked Spirituality provides 12 meditative concepts to consider, and then allows each reader to develop the spiritual practices that will best help them embody the spiritual ideas. In other words, McLaren dignifies the reader for having a brain, heart, and context that might be different from his own - and other readers. Instead of spoon-fed religiosity, McLaren invites others to dive in and explore the waters with him.

To conclude this review, here is a taste of how McLaren describes the spiritual life:

"There is a river that runs like a song through this world, a river of sacredness, a river of beauty, a river of reverence and justice and goodness. I know that some people have only rarely seen or barely sensed it. But I also know that you and I are learning to live like green trees along its shore, drawing its vitality into us, and passing it on for the healing of our world. Its waters are clear, refreshingly cool, and clean, and if you care, you can strip naked, dive in, and swim" (237).

Naked Spirituality is full of quality writing like that quote. If you want to connect more deeply to God and your own authentic self, treat yourself to this refreshing, rejuvenating book. It will help you strip off the rags of tired religion and dive into the Healing River of God.

The Roots

2011-03-07T18:04:00.000-08:00

The Roots are coming to Iowa City for a show. If you're not familiar with them, they are excellent musicians, thoughtful songwriters, and socially-conscious dudes. They are also Jimmy Fallon's house band. Their recent collaboration with John Legend, "Wake Up," is an outstanding musical call for greater peace and justice in the world. Good stuff. Here's a taste:

"Eve's Fruit": A Song Inspired by Rabbi Harold Kusher

2011-03-06T05:22:00.000-08:00

"Eve's Fruit" is an alt-folk song we wrote based on Rabbi Harold Kushner's quote: "The story of the Garden of Eden is a tale, not of Paradise Lost but of Paradise Outgrown, not of Original Sin but of Birth of Conscience."

Brian McLaren: The Iowa City Interview

2011-02-14T16:45:00.000-08:00

Brian McLaren is coming to Iowa City for two exciting events. First, on March 4th at 7:00pm he'll give a FREE public lecture called "Following Jesus in the 21st Century." Then, on March 5th at 8:30am he'll be leading a workshop called "Transforming Christian Community in the 21st Century." Both of these events will feature music, prayer, and a chance to dialogue with this innovative theologian, author, and outdoorsman. All are welcome to Zion Lutheran Church, 310 N. Johnson St., Iowa City. For more info click here.

McLaren stopped by this blog for an interview today. He gives us a taste of his upcoming message plus some other interesting tidbits. Check it out below:

Question: Could you give us a sneak peek into what we might expect on March 4th?

Brian McLaren: The title for my public lecture will be Following Jesus in the 21st Century. That means we'll be talking about three things - the 21st Century, Jesus, and following. Each of those three is important. We need to think about our context - because to be a Christian requires us to be faithful in our contemporary world. We need, in our context, to get a fresh vision of Jesus and his core message - especially because these days you see Jesus be brought in to justify just about anything - war as well as peace, greed as well as generosity, fear as well as hope, short-sightedness and reaction as well as foresight and long-term vision. And having considered our context and the core message of Jesus, then we can explore how following Jesus can make a difference in all aspects of our daily lives.

Q: What impact do you hope to have with your new book, Naked Spirituality?

McLaren: In a single sentence, I hope the book helps a wide range of people become more vulnerable to a genuine and transformative experience of God's presence in their lives.

I'm really thrilled that the first two professional reviews of the book - from Publisher's Weekly and Library Journal - both "get" that I'm trying to write both for committed Christians, whether Evangelical, Charismatic, Mainline Protestant, Roman Catholic, or Eastern Orthodox...and for the "spiritual but not religious." That means I have to try to find fresh, accessible language and get beneath the "clothing" of religion to the "naked realities" of the spiritual life.

Q: Do you plan on writing more music in the future?

McLaren: I think if you'd asked my friends back in high school and college, they might have predicted I'd find my career in music. So music has always been a big part of my life, and I can't imagine that I'd ever start composing and writing. Mostly I write music just as part of my devotional life, or maybe as an act of self-therapy sometimes ... but I'm always happy when one of my songs catches on and is picked up for someone's recording, or proves useful in a congregational setting.

Q: Who are some authors that you are currently reading?

McLaren: I'm reading a brilliant philosopher of religion right now, Richard Kearney. And I just finished two books by Jerome Berryman. And I'm almost finished an out-of-print book by one of my heroes, Fr. Vincent Donovan. And ... well, I'm a rather compulsive reader, so the list goes on.

Q: What gives you hope about the future of the Church?

McLaren: In my travels, I constantly meet creative and energetic Christians - from senior citizens to young adults, here in the US and around the world. They inspire me. And there are more and more of them out there. I know that there are a lot of complacent, reactionary, or fearful folks out there too, but they don't come to my events so much! Also, I think their average age is creeping up, and younger generations aren't signing up to their agenda, so their influence is waning. We may not be at a tipping point yet, but I think it's coming. So I am hopeful most days!

Q: What advice would you give to young pastors?

McLaren: A few things. First, find some peers...people with whom you can be "friends no matter what." We all need a cohort soul-friends, especially when we're leading in challenging times. These circles of friends are springing up all over the place - reading groups, emergent cohorts, informal networks. Second, find some mentors...folks a little farther down the line to whom you can go with your questions and struggles, and who believe in you and support you without trying to make you mini-versions of themselves. Third, and most important, tend to your own soul. Don't neglect the vitality of your own spiritual life. Nobody else can do this for you. Your morale, your heart, your spiritual vitality is your most precious asset, and it's way too easy in ministry to let it slide. I know that's counter-intuitive, but it's true.

Q: What is one question you’d like to be asked, but often aren’t?

McLaren: It's way easier for me to tell you the questions I'm asked constantly and wish I wasn't! But I always enjoy people asking about the not-explicitly-religious sides of my life...the things I enjoy as a human being. Near the top of the list would be nature and wildlife (I'm a big bird guy these days, but I'm fascinated by everything living - from dragon flies to komodo dragons.) And then there's music...And then there's literature.

Q: Are you a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes? In other words, do you like to pander to your audience? :-)

McLaren: Well, I'm tempted to semi-pander by saying that I'm not a fan of the Huskers or Badgers, but then I might be speaking in Nebraska or Wisconsin soon! To tell the truth, I like sports, but I don't have any teams that I devotedly follow. Maybe some Hawkeye fans will try to evangelize me when I'm in Iowa City?