To Be Of Use
by Marge Piercy
The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half submerged balls.
I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.
I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who stand in the line and haul in their places,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.
The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real.
29.7.05
28.7.05
Moving
Will we move in heaven? I just bought Randy Alcorn's book (or rather, was given it by the generous Youth Staff), so perhaps I'll find out soon. But in my humble imagination, I don't think we will.
As the song says, "No more crying there, we are going to see the King." First, as bad as it is to preach song lyrics, moving with all its attendant seperation pains is a primary source of tears in the here and now. Leaving, dying, moving: They all feel the same. They hurt. Moving away from old and new friends has been my least favorite part of growing up. Second, why would we want to move away from Jesus? When He hung on the cross He drew all sorts of people to Himself. When He sits enthroned in glory we who by grace love Him will be unable and unwilling to come away from before Him.
THE NEESH and I are moving, if you haven't figured it out yet. Thankfully/Unfortunately the pace and logistics of moving deters us from thinking about the relationships involved. We met so many good people. We met and loved and now must leave.
So, as we depart, to all our friends and loved ones in the Twin Cities, (in no particular order)
to TBI,
to BBC Pastors, Staff and Elders,
to the Youth staff especially,
to the Wives,
to Marshall Field's,
to Kangaroo Construction,
to our beloved not-so-small group,
to the youth group,
to Greek class,
and to the other families and friends by whom God blessed us apart from any formal setting,
we love you,
we thank God for you,
we will miss you,
but,
and this is one of the best perks of being a child of God,
WE WILL SEE YOU AGAIN!
Until that day I am
Your beloved brother in the Lord,
David Griffiths
As the song says, "No more crying there, we are going to see the King." First, as bad as it is to preach song lyrics, moving with all its attendant seperation pains is a primary source of tears in the here and now. Leaving, dying, moving: They all feel the same. They hurt. Moving away from old and new friends has been my least favorite part of growing up. Second, why would we want to move away from Jesus? When He hung on the cross He drew all sorts of people to Himself. When He sits enthroned in glory we who by grace love Him will be unable and unwilling to come away from before Him.
THE NEESH and I are moving, if you haven't figured it out yet. Thankfully/Unfortunately the pace and logistics of moving deters us from thinking about the relationships involved. We met so many good people. We met and loved and now must leave.
So, as we depart, to all our friends and loved ones in the Twin Cities, (in no particular order)
to TBI,
to BBC Pastors, Staff and Elders,
to the Youth staff especially,
to the Wives,
to Marshall Field's,
to Kangaroo Construction,
to our beloved not-so-small group,
to the youth group,
to Greek class,
and to the other families and friends by whom God blessed us apart from any formal setting,
we love you,
we thank God for you,
we will miss you,
but,
and this is one of the best perks of being a child of God,
WE WILL SEE YOU AGAIN!
Until that day I am
Your beloved brother in the Lord,
David Griffiths
27.7.05
arts and pot's
As an example of how our, Christian's, moral character is lagging behind our technology, our access to and intake of the arts, see this article: Christians Who Drink Beer. (This name is funny. Growing up I remember hearing contemporary Christian Music compared to "Christian Beer." But perhaps more of us imbibe than we are aware of, even if we don't kick 'em back officially.) Look especially at the section at the very end of the article titled, "Christians Consuming Popular Art."
Also, my dear friend, known here as "bru", recommended this article as followup to his statements in the previous dialogue on Harry Potter.
Also, my dear friend, known here as "bru", recommended this article as followup to his statements in the previous dialogue on Harry Potter.
Habits of the High-Tech Heart
I began a volume today that I hope will change my lifestyle. Even the introduction delivered a chastening. My wife (THE NEESH [not her real name]), long before, called me to account for my informational greed. The Spirit multiplied her words in this book and I hope it takes effect. I have traded one version of materialism for another, only the commodity being sought is information. And, my particular pleasure, it is free. So, on two levels my conscience is freed from guilt. I see no accumulation. I exchange no valuable entity for the information. Just sacrifice time and energy looking and a world is at your disposal: PDF's, E-books, bloggs, emails, websites, links, searches, and the occasional purchase of software or books online.
But as Quentin J. Schultze says, this sort of living is accurately called surfing: one lives above the substance. We flit like wind-blown moths from our dingy world into the bright and airy field of dandelions and other flowering weeds, unable to sustain a presence on any one of the changing flowers, unable to gain substantially nor make a contribution, but voyeristically appear to be both having a good time and doing profitable things, when neither are the case. Rather, the internet stretches before us, an ever changing field of weeds, and may just be another broad way, however softly paved, leading to destruction.
But as Quentin J. Schultze says, this sort of living is accurately called surfing: one lives above the substance. We flit like wind-blown moths from our dingy world into the bright and airy field of dandelions and other flowering weeds, unable to sustain a presence on any one of the changing flowers, unable to gain substantially nor make a contribution, but voyeristically appear to be both having a good time and doing profitable things, when neither are the case. Rather, the internet stretches before us, an ever changing field of weeds, and may just be another broad way, however softly paved, leading to destruction.
"Peacemakers" by Ken Sande
"Christians are people who breath grace." So begins Ken Sande's slow, easy, supremely helpful application of the primary act of Christian obedience: love. Peacemakers are driven by the glory of God and so always aware of their own faults and failures. They acknowledge the moat in their eyes. They are all the things that love is (1 Cor 13) and respond to others as God in Christ did to us.
"Peacemakers" breaks the bell-curve for Christian-living books. It nowhere, amidst its simplicity, implies ease. In fact, the disciplines of love are matters of profound forethought, planning, and prayer. On the one hand this might sound depressing. "You mean God's grace doesn't just make everything taste as chocolate, easy as breathing, and fun as falling in love?" Well, God uses means. You know that. And His primary means for you is you. But instead of this being a depressing message, that peace takes work (like my folks would say, "everything takes work"), the message is rather encouraging. Peace is a possibility. You can plan for peace. You can work for peace. Peace is not a lottery ticket of grace; a sweepstakes you enroll in via prayer. Peace comes from God, that's good news. But God uses means and peace is not far from each of us. All our frazzled relationships can be soothed, God willing, with these means of peace, patterns of peace, tried and true methods for peacemaking.
I could say more in praise of "Peacemakers." You need to own it and read it. If you're married, then get it and go through it together. If you have a teenager, give it to them and work through it with them. If you are a minister or minister in training, buy it, read it, study it, and apply it. "Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called, 'sons of God'."
They also have a website.
"Peacemakers" breaks the bell-curve for Christian-living books. It nowhere, amidst its simplicity, implies ease. In fact, the disciplines of love are matters of profound forethought, planning, and prayer. On the one hand this might sound depressing. "You mean God's grace doesn't just make everything taste as chocolate, easy as breathing, and fun as falling in love?" Well, God uses means. You know that. And His primary means for you is you. But instead of this being a depressing message, that peace takes work (like my folks would say, "everything takes work"), the message is rather encouraging. Peace is a possibility. You can plan for peace. You can work for peace. Peace is not a lottery ticket of grace; a sweepstakes you enroll in via prayer. Peace comes from God, that's good news. But God uses means and peace is not far from each of us. All our frazzled relationships can be soothed, God willing, with these means of peace, patterns of peace, tried and true methods for peacemaking.
I could say more in praise of "Peacemakers." You need to own it and read it. If you're married, then get it and go through it together. If you have a teenager, give it to them and work through it with them. If you are a minister or minister in training, buy it, read it, study it, and apply it. "Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called, 'sons of God'."
They also have a website.
26.7.05
BBC Youth Ministry
The Lord allowed me to intern at Bethlehem Baptist this last year in their Youth Ministry department. Well, I'm moving on in a few days, and they're undergoing some serious changes, but we'll always have this picture to capture the good days together.
25.7.05
Willy Wonka
THE NEESH and I went to see "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" last week. Tim Burton's macabre hand played all over the screen with fun, fancy, and the bizzare. Depp adds another odd role to his singular list of acting accomplishments. The real star was Charlie. The young actor stole the show, so to speak, here just as he did in "Finding Neverland."
Roald Dahl's story packs in the moral lessons. Do not eat too much; it will lead to your ruin. Do not value winning at all costs; it will cost too much. Do not whine and demand; you will get more than you care to have. Do not act disrespectful nor celebrate violence; you will reap what you sow. And also, to parents, your children are your seed in more ways than one. They bear a striking resemblance not only to your face and form, but also to your character defects and moral weaknesses (strengths too, as they may be). And of course, the polite, family-loving, contemplative hero, Charlie, saves the day, wins the prize, and is received into eternal habitations of sugary bliss.
The movie touches childish joys we've long since buried under mountains of responsibilities. It was a visual feast and a lot of fun. I give it a 7 out of 6.
And one final piece of advice: Bring a bag of candy with you!
Roald Dahl's story packs in the moral lessons. Do not eat too much; it will lead to your ruin. Do not value winning at all costs; it will cost too much. Do not whine and demand; you will get more than you care to have. Do not act disrespectful nor celebrate violence; you will reap what you sow. And also, to parents, your children are your seed in more ways than one. They bear a striking resemblance not only to your face and form, but also to your character defects and moral weaknesses (strengths too, as they may be). And of course, the polite, family-loving, contemplative hero, Charlie, saves the day, wins the prize, and is received into eternal habitations of sugary bliss.
The movie touches childish joys we've long since buried under mountains of responsibilities. It was a visual feast and a lot of fun. I give it a 7 out of 6.
And one final piece of advice: Bring a bag of candy with you!
22.7.05
on Harry Potter
My wife and I own 4 of the now 6 Harry Potter volumes. So please read the following linked article as a rebuke to us as well as all Christian Potter enthusiasts.
Crossing the line: Do you want your children to identify with a sorcerer?
Need Proof?
Powerful spell
Crossing the line: Do you want your children to identify with a sorcerer?
Need Proof?
Powerful spell
From Cache...on the tsunami
While for us the next season of "24" began that spring, for a large part of the world population they were still picking, silent, through tangled water-wrecked life. I just read about Noah this morning. We all deserve a Tsunami, and a hell of a lot more.
This email is from a friend of mine. Hear his words and read the attached email.
dg
I just got this e-mail from the IMB...I found it frustrating that I have already forgotten about such a huge act of God, and have grown numb to the pain of the people in the world due to thier sin. This article was good to rip some hard spots off of the heart. It is easy to lose touch with reality in a country were we are face to face all to often with falsehood. Just wanted to send it to you guys hoping it would have the same impact on you...Just dreaming out loud. I know anything could happen.
IMB email below
SOUTHEAST ASIA (BP) -- Tuslam stares blankly off into the distance. His gaze passes over the miles of rubble that was once his village. Out of habit, he looks for his wife and son, even though he knows he will not find them. They died Dec. 26, when an earthquake sent walls of water crashing through their home.
As the 30-something man picks his way through broken blocks of concrete, balled up motorcycles and household debris, three boys run past, chasing a soccer ball. The corners of Tuslam’s mouth form a smile, but his eyes do not follow suit. They remain lifeless as he explains that most of the children died in his village. Only 700 people survived in this village where 7,500 lived just six months ago. Only 20 of these survivors are between the ages of 1 and 20.
Life after the tsunami goes on amid destruction and despair.
Initial needs of food, water and temporary shelter were met soon after the disaster. Now people settle in for the long haul something that could take years. Months of tireless work clearing debris have made only a small dent in the vast destruction.
Christian workers and volunteers from the United States work side by side to clear the wreckage, rebuild homes and offer medical care. They work in areas where people historically have been resistant to Christians. Like never before, hearts in these normally closed places are opening and inviting workers to help pick up the pieces physically as well as emotionally.
Even after months of mourning, tsunami victims have not released all of their pent-up tears and emotions.
This is the most depressing place I’ve ever been, International Mission Board missionary Beverly Collins says, wiping away tears. I haven’t stopped crying since I arrived. My heart just goes out to these people who have suffered so much.
During the past 38 years, Beverly and her husband, Chuck, have worked with people in Southeast Asia through wars and disasters. She knows part of the healing process is listening to people tell their stories about losses and how they survived. Being a confidant and friend are the most important roles Christian workers and volunteers carry out for tsunami victims.
At first, victims never reveal the tsunami hit them. But as workers build trust, the stories begin to flow. Medical workers treat a young, pregnant woman in a clinic. Arkansas volunteer Anna Redman sits, listening to her story. Mariana says she lost more than 30 family members. When the wall of water came, she grabbed her son and ran to higher ground. The water swirled around her and, finally, the surge sucked the toddler from her arms. The last thing she saw of her son was his arms reaching out to her as he screamed, Mommy! Mommy!
I can’t even imagine the guilt of this young mother, Redman says. It’s not her fault the water sucked up her child, but she can’t get that image out of her mind.
She wipes tears as the young mother watches stone-faced.
I have no words for her; all I can do is cry and pray. I told her we are here because we love her and want to share her pain.
The culture of this place restricts victims from crying on the outside, but on the inside, victims wail. Someone has scrawled on a nearby wall: God, we repent. A popular Asian musician has penned a song asking God what His people have done to anger Him.
The words go on to ask for forgiveness.
Many survivors not only question God and their beliefs, but also ask: Why was I chosen to survive?
Beverly points out the empty looks on many faces as they search for new meaning in their lives. One woman says she returns to the same bridge at the same time every day, hoping to find her husband in the last place they saw each other. Other Christian workers tell how they have more opportunities now to talk about God and His love than ever before as people seek to understand.
There’s an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness, Beverly says. And then out of nowhere, God puts a symbol of hope right in our arms.
At one of the medical clinics, a baby named Tsunami lets out a squeal of delight and giggles. All the volunteers look up to see a healthy child with smiling parents and doting neighbors surrounding them. All are enthralled with this new life that began Dec. 26 at 10 a.m. just minutes after the giant waves hit. Tsunami’s parents scurried to higher ground just in time for his birth.
Through this healthy baby born in the midst of the tsunami there’s a glimmer of hope, a glimmer of new life, Beverly says. Villages will be rebuilt and lives will be rebuilt.
She asks Southern Baptists to pray these lives will be rebuilt on the solid foundation of faith in Jesus Christ.
This email is from a friend of mine. Hear his words and read the attached email.
dg
I just got this e-mail from the IMB...I found it frustrating that I have already forgotten about such a huge act of God, and have grown numb to the pain of the people in the world due to thier sin. This article was good to rip some hard spots off of the heart. It is easy to lose touch with reality in a country were we are face to face all to often with falsehood. Just wanted to send it to you guys hoping it would have the same impact on you...Just dreaming out loud. I know anything could happen.
IMB email below
SOUTHEAST ASIA (BP) -- Tuslam stares blankly off into the distance. His gaze passes over the miles of rubble that was once his village. Out of habit, he looks for his wife and son, even though he knows he will not find them. They died Dec. 26, when an earthquake sent walls of water crashing through their home.
As the 30-something man picks his way through broken blocks of concrete, balled up motorcycles and household debris, three boys run past, chasing a soccer ball. The corners of Tuslam’s mouth form a smile, but his eyes do not follow suit. They remain lifeless as he explains that most of the children died in his village. Only 700 people survived in this village where 7,500 lived just six months ago. Only 20 of these survivors are between the ages of 1 and 20.
Life after the tsunami goes on amid destruction and despair.
Initial needs of food, water and temporary shelter were met soon after the disaster. Now people settle in for the long haul something that could take years. Months of tireless work clearing debris have made only a small dent in the vast destruction.
Christian workers and volunteers from the United States work side by side to clear the wreckage, rebuild homes and offer medical care. They work in areas where people historically have been resistant to Christians. Like never before, hearts in these normally closed places are opening and inviting workers to help pick up the pieces physically as well as emotionally.
Even after months of mourning, tsunami victims have not released all of their pent-up tears and emotions.
This is the most depressing place I’ve ever been, International Mission Board missionary Beverly Collins says, wiping away tears. I haven’t stopped crying since I arrived. My heart just goes out to these people who have suffered so much.
During the past 38 years, Beverly and her husband, Chuck, have worked with people in Southeast Asia through wars and disasters. She knows part of the healing process is listening to people tell their stories about losses and how they survived. Being a confidant and friend are the most important roles Christian workers and volunteers carry out for tsunami victims.
At first, victims never reveal the tsunami hit them. But as workers build trust, the stories begin to flow. Medical workers treat a young, pregnant woman in a clinic. Arkansas volunteer Anna Redman sits, listening to her story. Mariana says she lost more than 30 family members. When the wall of water came, she grabbed her son and ran to higher ground. The water swirled around her and, finally, the surge sucked the toddler from her arms. The last thing she saw of her son was his arms reaching out to her as he screamed, Mommy! Mommy!
I can’t even imagine the guilt of this young mother, Redman says. It’s not her fault the water sucked up her child, but she can’t get that image out of her mind.
She wipes tears as the young mother watches stone-faced.
I have no words for her; all I can do is cry and pray. I told her we are here because we love her and want to share her pain.
The culture of this place restricts victims from crying on the outside, but on the inside, victims wail. Someone has scrawled on a nearby wall: God, we repent. A popular Asian musician has penned a song asking God what His people have done to anger Him.
The words go on to ask for forgiveness.
Many survivors not only question God and their beliefs, but also ask: Why was I chosen to survive?
Beverly points out the empty looks on many faces as they search for new meaning in their lives. One woman says she returns to the same bridge at the same time every day, hoping to find her husband in the last place they saw each other. Other Christian workers tell how they have more opportunities now to talk about God and His love than ever before as people seek to understand.
There’s an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness, Beverly says. And then out of nowhere, God puts a symbol of hope right in our arms.
At one of the medical clinics, a baby named Tsunami lets out a squeal of delight and giggles. All the volunteers look up to see a healthy child with smiling parents and doting neighbors surrounding them. All are enthralled with this new life that began Dec. 26 at 10 a.m. just minutes after the giant waves hit. Tsunami’s parents scurried to higher ground just in time for his birth.
Through this healthy baby born in the midst of the tsunami there’s a glimmer of hope, a glimmer of new life, Beverly says. Villages will be rebuilt and lives will be rebuilt.
She asks Southern Baptists to pray these lives will be rebuilt on the solid foundation of faith in Jesus Christ.
21.7.05
Most Influential Churches
Which are the Most Influential Churches? You might be suprised; you might not be. Our own Pastor John Piper breaks the top twenty. That, at least, is a good sign.
books for raising kids
Read Bethlehem Baptist Church's Childrens Ministry guru, Sally Michael talk about her favorite books.
"Cinderella Man"
I didn't comment on "Cinderella Man" though I did see it. However, Russ Moore's comments on the film will make you want to see it even more than my review and ratings. (But for the record, I give it a 8 out of 7 [maybe even a 9!])
20.7.05
conversation
What do you all think about blogging? Do you think it's worth spit? Just a five minute perusal of even theological blogs hands you hundreds and hundreds of pastors, theologians, writers, publishing houses, and teachers who all have two cents. Is blogging more than millions of people looking for importance? Help me think through this.
the normal christian life
Check it out! THE NORMAL CHRISTIAN LIFE has a "site feed." Put it in your Outlook or Thunderbird "News and Blogs" tray!
ghetto crackers?
Check out the interesting article: Ghetto Cracker: The Hip Hop ‘Sell Out’. It is short, don't worry.
19.7.05
PTL
Praise the Lord! The Griffiths are heading to Pennsylvania! Park Baptist Church in Versailles, PA voted David to be their new Associate Pastor. He will primarily be responsible for Youth and Children. The Church is an old church, 1880's, composed of mostly wisened, elderly men and women. So, this vote was a big step of faith for many reasons. We love to be a part of faith things, that's for sure!
So, thank you all for your prayers and for your support during the extended waiting period. We've got a lot of things to wrap up now, but the Lord has been so very faithful at each step of the way (perhaps a story for a later day), we know He will sustain us and make a way for His servants through the logistical mess of moving.
By the by, for those of you who do not know, Jenecia and I are pregnant! Another massive transition coming down the pike toward us. Thank God for the promise of future grace! The only hope I see on the horizon of my life is Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, waiting at the dawn of all my days with new mercies and fresh grace. Praise the Lord!
So, thank you all for your prayers and for your support during the extended waiting period. We've got a lot of things to wrap up now, but the Lord has been so very faithful at each step of the way (perhaps a story for a later day), we know He will sustain us and make a way for His servants through the logistical mess of moving.
By the by, for those of you who do not know, Jenecia and I are pregnant! Another massive transition coming down the pike toward us. Thank God for the promise of future grace! The only hope I see on the horizon of my life is Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, waiting at the dawn of all my days with new mercies and fresh grace. Praise the Lord!
18.7.05
Kicking and Screaming
Will Farrell is a type-actor. In order for his movies to succeed he must be cast well. He cannot act. He can act like a freak, but acting is more than displaying one personality in various contexts. That's not to say he's not funny; it's just he's not an actor. It is good be clear about that sort of thing.
Kicking and Screaming had some good moments but was, overall, an over-the-top kiddie fest stuffed with far left and far right moral messages. On the one hand the lesbian couple; on the other hand Farrell rightly asks for forgiveness from his son, whom he had wronged, in nearly "peacemaker" fashion.
The lesbians were disturbing, but many of us work with people struggling with homosexuality. They adopt; they go on "dates"; they do good work in the office. So, it would help us treat them as people to not freak out when we see them in normal contexts.
The forgiveness scene really shocked me. Now, we're used to "bad dad" asking forgiveness from the "noble savage" child for holding back the child's natural inclinations, which by a fluke of Hollywood happened to work this time: see The Little Mermaid or any Disney movie lately. But this time the dad really did go nuts (Farrell fashion) and so had a good reason to apologize. This may be the only time I ever say this, but if more Christian dads acted like Will Farrell in that one moment of his acting career, our young people might exert themselves more on peace making and less on defense mechanisms.
Overall it was a solid 2 out of 2. A silly movie with terrible acting, Mike Ditka, and Bob Duvall; but hey, it was fun if not funny, and food for thought.
Kicking and Screaming had some good moments but was, overall, an over-the-top kiddie fest stuffed with far left and far right moral messages. On the one hand the lesbian couple; on the other hand Farrell rightly asks for forgiveness from his son, whom he had wronged, in nearly "peacemaker" fashion.
The lesbians were disturbing, but many of us work with people struggling with homosexuality. They adopt; they go on "dates"; they do good work in the office. So, it would help us treat them as people to not freak out when we see them in normal contexts.
The forgiveness scene really shocked me. Now, we're used to "bad dad" asking forgiveness from the "noble savage" child for holding back the child's natural inclinations, which by a fluke of Hollywood happened to work this time: see The Little Mermaid or any Disney movie lately. But this time the dad really did go nuts (Farrell fashion) and so had a good reason to apologize. This may be the only time I ever say this, but if more Christian dads acted like Will Farrell in that one moment of his acting career, our young people might exert themselves more on peace making and less on defense mechanisms.
Overall it was a solid 2 out of 2. A silly movie with terrible acting, Mike Ditka, and Bob Duvall; but hey, it was fun if not funny, and food for thought.
The Interpreter
The Interpreter, starring Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn, came out of left field. I'd never heard anything about it. But it was a superb drama. The Interpreter told the story of many African nations in the 20th century: war torn nation, dictator rises on the platform of peace only to emerge a worse son of hell than the previous dictator. That is the setting. The story line twists and turns in humble, painful, believable family struggles. The moral message, of forgiveness and justice, of vengeance and peace, was more a dialogue than a delivery. The characters struggled with those sometimes opposing impulses. Kidman and Penn deliver solid performances (Penn was created for this sort of dramatic, pained, thriller). I give it a solid 8 out of 7; no real expectations met with a movie I'd already like to see again.
6.7.05
"But even if He does not..."
I read Daniel 1-3 this morning and came across these chilling words: "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O King. BUT EVEN IF HE DOES NOT, let it be known to you, O King, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
We serve a God who saves our souls. Sometimes He saves us from hard circumstances (being burned alive!); sometimes He does not. This sort of reminder ought to inject a little "fear and trembling" back into our faith. Our God is great, unlike all others.
If this sort of paradigm wrecking passage strikes you as interesting check out these two articles on our Dangerous God:
Playing with Knives: God the Dangerous
I'll post the second one when I find it.
We serve a God who saves our souls. Sometimes He saves us from hard circumstances (being burned alive!); sometimes He does not. This sort of reminder ought to inject a little "fear and trembling" back into our faith. Our God is great, unlike all others.
If this sort of paradigm wrecking passage strikes you as interesting check out these two articles on our Dangerous God:
Playing with Knives: God the Dangerous
I'll post the second one when I find it.
5.7.05
From Barna: "Survey Reveals The Books and Authors That Have Most Influenced Pastors"
Check out this article from the Barna folks. We hear people moan and groan about the international church being a mile wide and an inch deep. We need more moaning and groaning about the American church too!! (OK, so we really don't need any moaning and groaning about anything, but thankfulness in all things. However, from the sort of books influencing our pastors, our leaders, I'd say we should also apply ourselves to our thankfulness for the great many resources available to us in this country and read good books!)
"Divided by Faith"
"Divided by Faith" examines the historical and cultural grounds for the current divide between black and white Christians in America and the white-evangelical contribution to the problem of racialization in America.
The message of the book shocked and challenged me out of my complacent attitude toward race relations: "What race problem? The only problem is the one in their minds and is put there by liberal media!" This attitude represents the majority, apparently, of white evangelical Christians. What we fail to appreciate is the reality of other factors than just the individual's efforts. Circumstances make it harder for some to rise than for others. In fact, given the composition of the human psyche, circumstances can be the mitigating factor between success and failure. Circumstances never nullify personal responsability; nonetheless circumstances for minority cultures in our land present Everest's that simply cannot be surmounted apart from the most steely personal effort.
The book supplied vast amounts of technical data from their surveys and from others. The vastness made the book laborious, at times, to read. They really did not present a practical conclusion, though I'm told there is another volume arriving soon that will do just that. As a first piece it was eye-opening. I recommend it to anyone interested in healing this deepest of all American wounds: racial injustice. I especially recommend it if you don't think racialization and injustice is a problem today.
The message of the book shocked and challenged me out of my complacent attitude toward race relations: "What race problem? The only problem is the one in their minds and is put there by liberal media!" This attitude represents the majority, apparently, of white evangelical Christians. What we fail to appreciate is the reality of other factors than just the individual's efforts. Circumstances make it harder for some to rise than for others. In fact, given the composition of the human psyche, circumstances can be the mitigating factor between success and failure. Circumstances never nullify personal responsability; nonetheless circumstances for minority cultures in our land present Everest's that simply cannot be surmounted apart from the most steely personal effort.
The book supplied vast amounts of technical data from their surveys and from others. The vastness made the book laborious, at times, to read. They really did not present a practical conclusion, though I'm told there is another volume arriving soon that will do just that. As a first piece it was eye-opening. I recommend it to anyone interested in healing this deepest of all American wounds: racial injustice. I especially recommend it if you don't think racialization and injustice is a problem today.
"War of the Worlds"
I didn't come expecting a great movie and so wasn't disappointed. WOW played like a 2 hour version of a 30 minute science fiction teaser. Sandwiched between the only significant plot explanations, two hours of aliens, Tom Cruise, and depressing humanity exploded, hurled, yeld, shot, and yelled on screen. The on screen play between Cruise and his children kept interest, but on retrospect it had little function in the story line other than to keep our attention. The ending was quickly tied together with situations that needed more explanation than was given. The "twist", typical of sci-fi minis, was neat, but nothing more tangeable than that. Overall it was fun. The acting was superb; the action was great. The internal conflicts were well-done but the overall storyline was stretched as pulled taffy. Thus, 6 out of 9. I expected a 9 from a Cruise/ Spielburg colaboration. I got a 6 from a fun, but taxed, movie.
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