Thursday, November 30, 2006

Deadly Life

Our lives are meant to be lived only to eventually die. One week ago, an acquaintence from college died suddenly in his sleep. A memorial service was held tonight. I could not go. Too many memories resurfaced from my friend who died in January. I now realize that I haven't handled that death very well. I fought through the tears when speaking at his funeral and tried to help others through the torturous grief. I only allowed two people to comfort me, my wife, and one other shoulder upon which I cried.

Friday, November 17, 2006

Trinity Talk

I don't like the word "trinity." Is it necessary to use such a word in a vain attempt to finitely describe an infinite God? I agree that there is one, true God. I understand that his nature is revealed and carried out in different ways. Biblically God is described as a Father. The man-version of God is Jesus described as Son. The indwelling presence, helper-version of God is described as Spirit. While all such labels are distinctive and aim to clarify the person of God I do not believe that we must insist on terminology that quantifies the infinitely perfect and overly sufficient nature of God. The label causes confusion and does not fit into our modern, scientific systems of description. Why can we not accept God for who he is without containing him to what our minds can capture? Are we simply not creative enough? Do we simply not trust?

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Realized Kingdom

What is the kingdom of God when it is realized? I'm suggesting that the kingdom must be understood and seen as more than a mere suggestion of what the kingdom is in and of itself. What does our definition of the kingdom of God mean for what we look like as the Church? For the kingdom to be made real (or at least recognized and with less limiting of its presence) who do we need to be/what do we need to do?

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Ballot Casting

Is it ironic that the word "casting" is used in reference to a voting ballot and lots for the cloth worn by Jesus?

I have decided to not vote. This Tuesday will break my "perfect" voting record, though my candidate selection in years past makes me hang my head in disgust. I will not allow the poor decisions made by politicians to shed blood on my hands. I will not be a part of selecting a person for office who participates in gossip, slander, and character defamation. The two-party system needs dismantled. My vote is to not vote. Such action may only be a whisper (if that) but nonetheless... well... I just can't vote with a clear conscience and that's that.

Thinking Friends

Last week granted me the pleasure of spending some time in dialogue with Corbin Casarez and Kevin Peterson. Corbin challenges me to pursue cognitive and philosophical growth and Kevin nudges me to practically pursue a God-given vision. Grace has been granted me to experience the pleasure of connecting with old friends, openly discussing life, ourselves, God, and other intricacies as if there were never a gap of time separating us. I am anticipating more reconnections this week with Wes and Kristen Buchanan and Mike and Holly Cunningham. I am blessed.

Matthew 5:38-48, NASB

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone want to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only you brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."