A Community Mind.

Last night I re-watched A Beautiful Mind, one of the films in my "Top 5 Films" list. John Nash is a student at Yale who reforms the dynamics of economic theory proposed by Adam Smith. His underlying principle is that one making a choice must not make a decision for his own benefit but rather make a decision for his own benefit and the benefit of the community. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross initially benefited/benefits the community but not himself. He suffers terribly for the sake of the community. Am I to suffer for the sake of my community or am I to make decisions in line with the Kingdom of God that benefit myself with the hope that a kingdom-approach will ultimately benefit the community (presuming that the community needs realigned with the Kingdom of God)?

ALTERNATIVE CELEBRATION.

Anyone who has read this blog or anyone with whom I have had any form of meaningful dialogue in the month of December knows of my disenchantment with the popular American "celebration of Christmas." My purpose is not to detract from the Messiah celebration event but rather consider the most appropriate and right way to celebrate the coming of God to earth in the form of man. What would Jesus have us do to celebrate his life on earth?

I have tried to maintain the Brueggemannian concept of criticizing the current consciousness but only while energizing toward an alternative consciousness. I would contend that is what Jesus did. He came as a better way; the right way. He challenged the popular religious practice by submerging the sacred (himself) with the secular. He bridged the chasm between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of earth. He was an alternative consciousness. What then, is an alternative way to celebrate the life of Jesus that adheres to the kingdom of God rather than the earthly empire of consumption?

It is problematic to boycott spending and consumption just for the sake of making a statement or raising awareness. What if, however, we pursue the use of our monetary resource in a different manner? To advance beyond the conceptual I am offering some ideas through which Sarah and I have celebrated mostly this year with some experimentation last year:

+ For Kyla's babysitters we purchased beaded necklaces and bracelets through Bead for Life. For every $1.00 spent, $.93 goes directly to a female in Uganda, Africa who hand crafts and paints the items made from recycled paper. Their income then becomes food, medicine, and school fees to aid in the eradication of poverty.

+ For Sarah, Kyla and I gave to Samirtan's Purse in order to feed hungry babies in other countries. The total giving to this program feeds 22 babies for one week. We also gave to help rescue a child from slavery as a child soldier, menial laboror, and other grossly exploitive bondage.

+ We were actively engaged in the food pantry donation projects in Knox and Morrow counties.

+ From our parents we asked that they use the amount of money that they would normally spend on us and seek to give to others and/or donate money to our adoption savings account, enabling us to continue our process for international adoption.

A friend challenged me in a previous post to "prove it" - to prove a type of giving that does not benefit ourselves. I don't know that I necessarily proved anything. My intention is not to say "look what I did" or "I proved it" but rather to offer a way to celebrate the birth of Jesus that glorifies Him and His Kingdom. I trust that Jesus will be the one to prove his love to be real for those effected by our giving. We have not arrived at that fullness of doing what could be done for others or being who we should be for others. There may be better and more effective ways to engange the brokenness of life with people as Jesus did. We look forward to hearing your giving experiences, ideas, and perspectives.

4th Sunday in Advent Reading.

Though my personal readings and reflections are, indeed, very personal and private, I find it timely and necessary to share a portion from yesterday's invocation from "A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants." Please excuse the King James-like Old English. It is a beautiful prayer.

"Bestow upon us, we beseech thee, that most excellent Christmas gift of charity to all, that so the likeness of thy Son may be formed in us."

My personal translation (or, rather, paraphrase) reads:

"We beg you. Give us the greatest gift of all. Give us hearts and minds for giving to all so that we may reflect the very gift given to us: salvation, freedom, liberation, life."

(1) THING (twice).

(1) thing that I like about Christmas: People.

There could be some valuable sociological studies conducted by means of mall observation. When I had the unfortunate displeasure of going to Easton Town Center on December 21, my introverted self found itself tucked away in some corners simply observing people. I am not sure that I can even articulate my thoughts so I will include a few examples and allow you to formulate your own perspective:

A) Two sisters walking side-by-side wearing matching wreath-printed turtle neck shirts under fluffy "Christmas" sweaters.

B) A two-hour line to have a child's picture taken sitting on the lap of an unknown man dressed in a large red suit with fluffy cotton lining and beard.

C) Anxious and self-indulged expression of teenage girls trying to pick out just the right outfit. In a matter of 20 minutes, 15 other girls painstakingly picked out the same exact outfit.

(1) thing that I don't like about Christmas: People.

There are (3) groups of people that drive me crazy during the holiday season:
1) Parents.
a) who buy there children everything that they want.
b) who scream at their children in stores.
c) with strollers.
2) Drivers: Who determines who is able to obtain a Driver's License anway?
3) Teenagers in Starbucks: See upcoming post entitled, "Who invented the Frappucino?"

DISCLAIMER: It is important to note that I fall into category 1C. Sarah and I use a stroller (see pictured) when in public and walking any extended distances. I actually ran into a girl's bag when she stepped out in front of me. Fortunately, the bag was from Hollister so I didn't mind hitting it. Secondly, it was her fault for not yeilding to oncoming traffic. Who determines who is able to obtain a Baby Stroller Driver's License anyway? Rather, who determines who is able to obtain a Teenage Girl Walking in Mall License anyway?


This post is dedicated to LEE YOWELL.

IN RESPONSE: "You hate Christmas."

In my response to a friend's post entitled "Why I like Black Friday" another friend commented, "you hate christmas." I imagined his tone of voice and the comments that may have followed in conversation such as, "I mean... you really hate Christmas" or "I mean... you really hate Christmas. What did Christmas even do to you? Did it punch you in the face? Would it not get off your shed when you asked it to? I mean... you hate Christmas."
I laughed hysterically when I read his comment. I later asked myself, "Do I hate Christmas?" Hate is such a hateful word.
There are some elements of Christmas that I do loathe. Some obvious examples are:

• The paired colors of bright red and kelly green.
• Inflatable snow globes that function as yard ornamentation.
• Strands of lights that burn out on the tacky, artificial evergreen tree that sits in the corner of the room.
• The commercial exploitation of Jesus.

My disenchantment with the popular American celebration of Christmas does not exist because of what it did to me but rather what it does to others. We waste our time, money, and resources to fulfill our desires for high-definition home entertainment, designer clothing, and other personally selected gods and goddesses. Is Jesus really honored by our consumption that pays homage to stuff, devalues simplicity, and oppresses others who do not have the wealth and resources that the rich (as an American I am a part of this class) hoard for themselves.
There are some elements of Christmas that I value:

• Spending more time with family.
• Intense reflection on God coming to earth as a man.
• Reconnecting with friends.
• Giving to those who have need for food and child care.

So to answer the question, "Do you hate Christmas?" I must respond, "No... but my heart breaks at the consumerism that is the supposed celebration of Jesus' life on earth." I imagine if I were a man in Africa dying of AIDS whose wife could not feed herself or our child and I was asked, "Do you hate Christmas?" then I would respond, "It depends on how you celebrate it."

ADVENT CONSPIRACY.

Please visit Advent Conspiracy then post your thoughts.

CNN: Holiday Edition.

"What Would Jesus Really Do...?: Holiday Edition" will be airing on CNN Friday evening, December 21 at 8:00 p.m. EST.

One Question.

I have saved most of my thoughts about consumerism for one week before Christmas. I think that I become too angry and I needed some time for mellowing before attacking an issue that resonates deeply with me. I will begin with one simple question:

Is Jesus honored by our mass purchases?

ARROGANCE AND AUTHORITY II.

Can arrogance be equated with speech or an action that is one's own claim of his/her authority? In other words, is it "the pot calling the kettle black" for someone to tell another that he/she is arrogant?

FLUX.

"All is flux." - Heraclitus.

I don't know what life holds.
I don't possess clear vision of the "road ahead."
I don't know.
And that is GOOD.

DISCLAIMER: In an effort to recover from my previous post's usage of modernistic bulleted notes I am defining flux as continuous, fluid movement as opposed to the modern science notions involving measured rates of movement, strength of a force, or a refining substance. Though all may be applicable my original thought processed the existential movement through life.

DISCLAIMER II: I do not necessarily embrace all the thought of the pre-Socratic, Ionian philosopher Heraclitus nor do I necessarily dismiss all his propositions.

ARROGANCE and AUTHORITY.

Can an arrogant person admit his/her own arrogance? If so, then isn't his/her own admittance arrogant because he/she views himself/herself as authoritative enough to make that decision?

Clarity and Mystery.

Apparently, I have been reading too much. I had to get glasses for reading, writing, and blogging due to a slight stigma, farsightedness, and ocular fatigue. It is relieving to have greater clarity when I read. At times I think that I would like greater clarity of thought, perspicuity in communication, and lucidity of vision but am trying to embrace the fatigue that accompanies the beauty of the unknown and unseen mystery of the kingdom of God.

JUXTAPOSITION / TOUR / CONSUMPTION / SUBSEQUENT.

This post is to provide a perspective of the direction that my blog will progress for an undetermined amount of time. The next several posts will include thoughts and questions on:

• giving and the juxtaposed consumerism of the supposed celebration of Jesus entering earth in the form of man.
• the neo-lecture given by Rob Bell as introduced in the post below entitled "THE GODS ARE NOT ANGRY TOUR."
• philosophical wonderings that consume much of my mind.
• life experiences and the subsequent production of community, journey, and revelation of truth.

Please excuse the effect that modernism has had on me as revealed by my use of bullets in the above list.

The Gods Aren't Angry Tour.

On Saturday, December 2, I took the Oakwood Hall staff to Cleveland, OH to see and hear a neo-lecture given by Rob Bell, teaching pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, MI. I purchased our tickets in June which resulted in row 5 seating in the Allen Theater located in the Playhouse Square Center theater district. The teaching was part of "The gods Aren't Angry Tour." Bell traveled to 22 cities in the U.S. to deliver his message in theaters and concert halls. The net proceeds of the ticket cost of $15.00 each were given to the Turame microfinance project in Berundi, Africa, a country "adopted" by the Mars Hill community.
We departed Mount Vernon without directions to the theater knowing only that we were headed toward Cleveland. In order to arrive we had to stop to interact with people to ask for directions. I thought this would be a challenging, enjoyable, and/or even frustrating journey but proved to be anti-climatic when we by chance took the correct exit and landed only a few blocks from the theater district.
My desire was to avoid any popular chain restaurants and find a high-quality local establishment for food. We skipped over Starbucks to go to a local coffee shop as we waited availability of table for seven. An Italian place called Acapella's was not able to accommodate us in time for the teaching so we dined at Otto Moser's Restaurant. We finished just in time to be about ten minutes early to our seats in the theater. Then it began...

American Gladiators.

American Gladiators was one of my favorite shows on Saturday mornings when I was a child. Nitro, Viper, Storm, Electra, and others took on the "contenders" in a series of physically challenging competitions. Though I am a reader of Henri Nouwen, who does not advocate competition, I must appeal to the game-like, simulated-competition entertainment that is the returning American Gladiators. The show returns to NBC on January 6 with a special program this Wednesday evening. I'm sure I will have some upcoming posts comparing and/or contrasting the television show to real gladiator battles about which we read in history books or watch in cinematographically enhanced films starring Russell Crowe. Alas, I have my calendar marked for some American Gladiator viewage.

True.

"Be true to yourself." What does that even mean?

Peace.

Last night I went to sleep at 1:00 a.m. which is about 2 hours earlier than my usual schedule the last few weeks. I'm not really sure how I've functioned on the little rest that I have had. After sleeping for about one hour I awoke fully alert and unable to fall back asleep. I had originally fallen asleep with feelings of tension, anger, anxiety, and fearfulness. Upon awaking everything... seemed... well.
I had the fullest sense of peace.
Peace is not something that may be constrained to that absence of violence or hatred.
Peace is the idea that everything is in it's right place.
Peace is a reflection of proper Christian community.
Peace is the fullness of the presence of God.
I laid awake in prayer, in the fullness of the presence of God, for one whole hour experiencing the dynamic interplay of the transcendent YHWH entering the realm of my broken humanity and displaying his immanence. For once my mind was kept still. The usual philosophical thoughts and theological reflections that keep me questioning through the late hours of the night were captured by the grandeur of God's presence. At one point I got out of bed and went into Kyla's room to pray for her. I COULD NOT PRAY. At least I could not pray certain things. As I tried to pray for her as opposed the blessing that I usually pray over her I realized that anything that I would ask would be only a worry rather than a prayer. I have taught against the very idea of "worrying our prayers" and realized that I had been practicing that myself. All that needed said to my daughter was "peace be with you."
When the clock turned to 3:00 a.m. I asked God for rest. As if someone were actually speaking into my mind, the only thought I could think was, "Why do you need rest when you have peace?"

Lee Redeemed.

Please visit Lee Yowell's blog for his post about the "Dark Side of Black Friday." He redeems his sarcastic "Top 5" list with a well stated post on the brokenness of humanity.

IN RESPONSE: part 5 (v).

"1. People Watching. The thing is if you are a student of human nature and/or enjoy sociology at any level, then you would find this entire experience to be well worth it. For me, I’d probably go even if I didn’t buy a single thing. It’s that much fun."

I suggest that next year one goes and does not buy a single thing. There is an incredible sense of freedom to be experienced when one dismisses that commercial exploitation of Jesus and expresses the love of Jesus to others who are in genuine need of our monetary wealth and overall possession of resources. It is joyful. It is hopeful. It is peace. Not that I have already obtained this, but I press on against my desires for more that oppress my neighbors.

IN RESPONSE: part 4 (iv).

2. Hearing people waiting outside a Target store at 4:30am, in late November calling other shoppers crazy. (They were talking about folks that had been camping outside of a Best Buy since midnight.)

I would have liked to hear that as well so that I could blank stare at them for a solid 5 minutes creating an incredible sense of uncomfortability and/or awkwardness. Were you one of the people in line at 4:30 a.m. who is now talking about the crazy people?

IN RESPONSE: part 3 (iii).

3. Waiting in line and making new friends. When waiting in line for so long with other people you just end up chatting and sharing stories. One of the ladies in front of me, while waiting in line at Target, made a Starbucks run at 5am and surprised me with a cup of delicious hot chocolate. I was very appreciative and was able to return the favor around 5:30am, when they held my place in line and I ran to a nearby McDonalds to use the restroom. I returned with a bag of hash browns and we all enjoyed an early breakfast snack.

OK, waiting in line to make friends on Black Friday is as good as putting a coffee shop in every church gathering place's lobby, vestibule, narthex, atrium, foyer, etc. Must we make such excuses to form relationship? I am all for relationship and even while standing in line, however, I do not find successful justification for consumption here. Now the rest of the story is wonderful except for the fact that I throw up in my mouth at the thought of McDonalds. And who buys hot chocolate from Starbucks?

IN RESPONSE: part 2 (ii).

"4. Watching the sheer carnage as people try to charge the doors, in front of those persons who had been waiting for hours in line. That’s just darn good entertainment. Oh the humanity!"

"Darn good entertainment." Yes, once again unarguable. But I have to wonder why people wait for hours in line. Do they realize that if they worked for the hours that they stood in line that would have made enough money to purchase all there items at full price? Oh, the humanity!

IN RESPONSE: "Why I Like Black Friday."

The day marked for celebration of the birth of Jesus is nearing. Comments are frequently made about the origination of the holiday being pagan. I would argue that which was pagan and made religious has largely become pagan again. The "celebration" that we now call Christmas has become the commercial exploitation of God coming into the brokenness of humanity. I will continue to add some posts on the repulsivity of consumerism. For the next 5 posts I am responding to a post of a friend noting "The Top 5 Reasons why I like Black Friday."

"5. A 3-way-tie. The fifth place spot is a hodgepodge of three things that I couldn’t cut out. They are being awake at 3am, getting 50 to 70 percent off, and hanging out with a pair of identical twin ladies in their mid-40’s that were proudly wearing reindeer antlers on their head that light up and play music. Basically, I love being up when so many others are sleeping, its just like you got the whole place to yourself. As for the savings, paying a lot less for something I’d be buying anyway always helps. The ladies with the affinity for their holiday head gear, well…I guess you had to be there."

What should be marked as #7, "being awake at 3:00 a.m." does not have to involve being at a store to spend one's money. I am usually awake at 3:00 a.m. either in dialogue with residents of Oakwood Hall or reading and writing for my master of arts program.

What should be marked as #6, "getting 50-70% off" is extremely problematic. Here, the marketers of all thins retail and commercial have perfected the art and science of making one think that he/she needs something. One will think, "If I can get 50-70% off then why shouldn't I buy it? I'm saving 50-70% of the original price." One then forgets that he/she is, indeed, spending. Though the spending may be half the amount it is still monetary spending on a product that you may not be buying anyway. I have to wonder that if a "sale" didn't exist if one would still maintain that "I'd be buying that anyway." The possibility exists that there are many things that are desired as opposed to needed that would not be purchased "anyway" if we were not tempted by the marketed "sale." Aside from the monetary issue, is shopping really the most valuable use of one's time? Please refer to comment on #7 above.

As for the "identical twin ladies in their mid-40’s that were proudly wearing reindeer antlers..." I simply cannot argue with that.

With Kyla.

A Gathering of Worship.

For the first Sunday of Advent, Sarah, Kyla, and I attended a service at The Church of the Holy Spirit on the campus of Kenyon College. The order of service was conducted as a drama described by the metaphor of "act" and "scene." It was a beautiful display to engage heart, mind, and body in the whole narrative of God with his people.
It has been some time since I have heard the amount of Scripture read during a religious service as was read today. I felt deeply and thoughtfully engaged even when providing intermittent attention and care for Kyla. Have other gatherings lost the appreciation and use of the holy Scripture?
During the recessional, a small child walked/climbed/crawled up in the front of the nave and into the arms of the rector. She held him in her arms with a smile as the music continued to finalize the service. Immediately following the service refreshments were served in the center of the cruciform nave. Again, children were everywhere. Ultimately the ended up crawling under the alter and the pulpit, two liturgical elements highly regarded for their symbolism. There is great beauty in the presence and activity of the children. They are allowed to be children and they are allowed to engage in worship. They are not frowned upon. They are accepted. They are loved. The community of Harcourt Parish is a wonderful place of intergenerational community. While there are children everywhere, there are those in their 20s, 30s, and on into 80s or 90s. Many worship gatherings that I have attended recenctly have been constrained to college students with 30-40 year old pastors. Have those gatherings lost the value of interacting with multiple generations and accepting all that each generation has to offer in service? The older their wisdom and experience? The younger their energy and untaintedness?
Many Catholic churches deny the service of the Eucharist to those who are not "catholic." Statements were clear in this Episcopal gathering that all who have been baptized are welcome to receive the elements of the bread and wine. Sarah and I (carrying Kyla) went forward to be offered the body and blood of Christ. As we knelt and prayed and partook of the bread and wine, the rector placed her hand on Kyla's head and gave her a blessing of grace and mercy and a filling with the presence of God. In addition to the blessing, during the time of Peace, as congregants specifically approached Sarah and I, they looked at Kyla and smiled and offered her peace as well.
It was beautiful.
I am extremely thankful for our experience today.

Upon Advent.

This Sunday, December 2 marks the first Sunday of the Advent season. I am using A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants to follow the themes of the liturgical calendar as established by the New Common Lectionary. The guide begins with Advent and proceeds through Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. It also includes monthly retreat models which I will begin to practice as a discipline and point of reference and reflection.

Lost.

Thanks to Mike Rodden for sharing the posted video.
John McArthur referrences Jesus coming to save the lost. I am not making a soteriological statement when I assert that McArthur is the one who is lost. He is lost in evangelical conservatism and is not even listening to other followers of Jesus. His agenda is to hear anything from an "Emergent" mind and decontextualize it in order to destroy any thoughtful contributions to theological thinking. The following video is problematic at many levels. Please share your thoughts and perspective.

A Thought from India.

A friend of mine from college is living in India and included a message in response to my previous post on consumption. I thought it was worth sharing in a post of its own:
"In India, I just went to buy 102 sets of clothes for the orphanage children living next door. This was to be their Christmas gift. I was not able to buy all the same price range because of the amount that I was buying so I asked the mission worker whether the children will be mad if some of them got slightly nicer shirts. He said, "Mam, these children do not see what others have. They are just thrilled that they received something which is necessary for them." These kids suffer horrendous atrocities and are grateful for the smallest gift. I believe that Jesus weeps over these children and weeps over how the church has ignored their plight. I am thankful that this discussion addresses the heart of God for those who have no idea what black friday is and have never seen a computer in order to participate in cyber Monday. Since coming to India, I have seen how many possesions I thought were necessary in the States are now luxuries."
Thank you, Lindsay.

DIRTY, DIRTY CONSUMPTION

Jesus wept.
It is a sentence often quoted as the shortest verse in the Bible. On Friday, it was a reality. Not just because of Black Friday monetary spending but because of the addiction to consumption and lust for material possession and/or entertainment.
Jesus wept.

N.T. Wright: Personal Encounter

After listening to two lecture, Adam, Joe, and I were able to meet Bishop N.T. Wright. He hung around Estes Chapel following his exegesis of Acts for book signing and photos. Though we were about 8th in line we waited for quite some time as seminary students ahead of us were either attempting to receive private teachings from Wright or proposing their theological ideas and thoughts as if to prove themselves as intellectually stimulating for Wright. Anyone who has read his works must find the humor in imagining the above situation.

I shook the hand of Bishop Wright and thanked him for his writings and teachings. His disposition changed from that of toleration toward the aforementioned students to one of gratefulness and realized humanity. He signed my journal where I record my personal reflections and prayers. Two books of Wright's, The Last Word and Paul in Fresh Perspective, I gave to Adam and Joe respectively and he signed those books for them. Wright told us that "The Last Word" is a silly title upon which the publisher insisted. He said that if he were to write a book entitled "The Last Word" that it would be on the person and work of Jesus.

I handed my camera to a guy behind us to take our picture with The Bishop of Durham. He was visibly shaking from excitement, anxiety, and nervousness, hence, the above photo. I knew that the photo would not turn out but it was worth a blurry photo to hear Tom Wright say to our picture taker, "My, it's a wee bit wobbly isn't it?"

Conversations.

Sarah, Kyla, and I were on the road for six hours traveling to visit family with the final 2.5 hour stretch remaining. Somewhat miraculously, Kyla has slept for more than 2/3 of the time and didn't even cry the other < 33.3%. Sarah and I had some very re-energizing and renewing conversation. We continued to reveal deep parts of ourselves and the things through which we have journeyed individually (or within other community relationships) and together. We realized how distracted we had become from one another. In a short period of time we reconnected.
Reconnection: to connect again.
Where might followers of Jesus need to "reconnect?" Where have we strayed from the way of Jesus communally and individually (which ultimately results in an affect on the community)?
I would suggest that consumption has distracted us from the way of Jesus. I will be entering a series of posts on consumerism and our observance of holidays along with two more posts about my interaction with N.T. Wright. You are invited to include your thoughts in response to the upcoming posts and include your perspective on the distractions of culture that produce a disconnect between God and his people.

N.T. Wright Teaching.

I was not present for the first lecture given by N.T. Wright on Tuesday, 11.13 at Asbury Theological Seminary. The second lecture, the first that I attended was delivered on Thursday, 11.14. The lecture is entitled "God in Public." The second lecture to fill my ears and mind was a New Testemant Colloquium covering a brief exegesis of the entire, "turbulent" book of Acts discussing "a Jesus who is risen, ascended and highly disturbing." The links connect to .mp3 files for those who do not have or use itunes and/or an ipod (though I highly recommend both for valuable podcasts and lectures via the new itunesU along with some quality tracks from Iron and Wine, Coldplay, Dashboard, The Fray, and other high quality music). The podcasts have yet to be uploaded by ATS but I will include links to in that format once made available.

N.T. Wright Introduction

Wednesday, November 14 was a day of rich experience. I traveled with Oakwood Hall's Spritual Life Assistants to Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY to hear lectures giving by The Church of England's Bishop of Durham, N.T. Wright. Hereinafter referred to as Tom (since that is how he signed my journal), N.T. initially studied at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford and was then ordained as Junior Research Fellow and Junior Chaplain at Merton College, Oxford. He served as Fellow and Chaplain at Downing College, Cambridge before moving to Montreal as Assistant Professor of New Testament Studies at McGill University. He returned to Oxford as University Lectured in New Testament and Fellow and Chaplain of Worcester College. He became Dean of Lichfield in 1994 and Canon Theologian of Westminster Abbey in 2000.
After meeting Tom, I assert that he may chuckle at the above description. He is not a man of pride who values the fanciful titles and accompanying celebritism. The only reference in his addresses regarding his position was the notation of his membership in the English Parliament's House of Lords. This fact was stated slightly for teaching to reference the differentiation between the suppossed "separation of church and state" in the United States and the established national religion of England.
Tom's person is gentle with an aura of humility. He possesses a somewhat dry, or rather, subtle, sarcastic sense of humor which proved essential to his teaching method.
Refer to upcoming posts for further thoughts on his teachings (including links to the podcasts), account of personal interaction experienced, and photos.

Bishop N.T. Wright is not to be confused with the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Douglas Williams. One co-worker who shall remain nameless made this terrible mistake and must find himself in a state of repentance.

Flickr Updating

After my initial photo uploads some time ago I discovered the beauty of the Flickr Uploadr. I also extended beyond the free version so that I have unlimited downloading and storage for backup archives. Now I don't have to burn CDs that need stored and organized for backup. I'm continuing to download many, many photos. The Flickr link is permanently located to the right in MY LINKS. Simply click "My Photo Album." My favorite album is the recently uploaded "Beauty: Sarah & Kyla."

Tony.

Please take the time to read a beautifully crafted blog by my friend, Tony Jones. The title of the particular post of which is speak is I Take my Coffee Black, Like my Coffee.

Where?

On Saturday afternoon I attended the ARTalum silent auction at MVNU. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and interaction and was able to walk away with a fine piece called "herb robert 144" by Clarence Adrian McKinney. I also purchased a mug molded by art professor, Jim Hendrix. Now, where might you find me? You might find me enjoying some rest and pleasure at some art museums and/or studios.
While mingling in the gallery amongst the creation, that on the walls and those walking around the room, I engaged in conversation with Dr. David Wilkes. He is a good and intelligent man. He asked me where I see myself in five years. I realized that I do not have a good answer to that question. All I know is that any plan that I make could be thwarted and withered into nothingness. Within five years I plan to complete my M.A.R. in the Spring of 2009, travel to Russia to complete the international adoption processes thereby increasing our family by one, and traveling to England, Scotland, and Ireland in the Summer of 2010. Where will I be in 2012? My answer is a question mark.

What Would Jesus Buy?: Trailer

Spent.

Just when I think I have had enough for one day and am exhausted I get an extra breath and am energized and awake even enough to complete more of my academic assignments. My mind was renewed and many valuable thoughts were flowing as I posted to interact with my colleagues. While listening to Iron & Wine, I created a few images in Photoshop to communicate my thoughts with more clarity. Even through 3:03 a.m. it has been a good night of quality time between my mind and God.

Should I Choose?

I posted a poll that only recorded a few answers: Should one vote when all candidtates adhere to a position(s) and/or practice(s) that is/are contrary to that of a follower of Jesus? Please post your thoughts.

The Evil of Easton.

People must eat. People like to eat good tasting food. People will pay a lot of money for good tasting food that they don't have to grow themselves or even cook themselves.
Exploitive minds have craftily constructed an empire of consumerism known as The Easton Town Center. Those who intend to arrive at said Town Center for the purpose of eating good tasting food at restaurants like P.F. Chang's, The Cheesecake Factory, Brio Tuscan Grille, Mitchell's Ocean Club, BDs Mongolian Barbeque, The Melting Pot, Bon Vie Italian Bistro and Wine Bar end up circling through numerous retail stores and shops. The designers were genius knowing that people's simple presence around stores would produce purchases that are not needed or ever intended. May we begin to consider the enchantment of experience, the power of presence, and the resultant consumption.

So Many Things

Kyla Keller 061 (2)
Originally uploaded by iheartlattes

Joy.
Hope.
Church.
Beauty.

Poetical.

When the last living thing has died on account of us,
how poetical it would be if Earth could say,
in a voice floating up perhaps from the floor
of the Grand Canyon, “It is done.”
People did not like it here.

—Kurt Vonnegut

Giving Manifesto.

A conversation with my wife, Sarah, and sister, Shannon, about the celebration of Christmas and our intentionality to cease our consumerism produced a dialogue between my four-year-old nephew and me:
Travis: Bryson, are you going to give anything to anybody this year for Christmas?
Bryson: No, Santa Claus is.
Travis: Santa Clause is? You're not going to give any gift?
Bryson: No, Santa Claus is.
Travis: Haven't other people given you gifts for Christmas?
Bryson: No, Santa Claus does that.
Travis: You mean your grammy has never gotton you a gift?
Bryson: No, just Santa.
Shannon: Bryson, grammy and papaw have given you gifts for Christmas.
Bryon: Yeah.
Travis: So, don't you think it would be good for you to give to someone?
Bryson: No, Santa Claus is.

What has our culture taught our children?

M.A.R. Missional Leadership

I am working on my Master of Arts of Religion in Missional Leadership from Northwest Nazarene University. I am thoroughly enjoying the program at this point. It is all online and I am discovering the consumption of time that occurs with active engagement in my courses. I am also finding that my mind is provoked to think continually about our discussion/post topics. I wonder why it is that relationships and conversation online seem more intentional toward authenticity and committment. Maybe it's that there are sweet people in my class who value shared experience and time with each other? Maybe it's that we don't have on masks in an attempt to try to prove ourselves as ones who we are not? Maybe it's because we are required to spend time in virual dialogue so that we are not distracted by all the distractions in real conversation?

Changeability.

A thorough conversation dealing with the question in my previous post leads to dialogue about the unchanging/changing nature of God. Does God change?

Originality.

Is there ever an original thought that has never been thought before? From this question, another is proposed: Has this question been asked before? I'm sure it has. Does that answer my question?

Presidential Candidates.

Just for fun I completed an online survey to see with which 2008 presidential candidate's views my opinions most closely match. Though I didn't like the ambiguity and overly-general questions here are my results:

Dennis Kucinich (D) - Ohio Representative: 78.33% match
Ron Paul (R) - Texas Representative: 68.33%
Mike Gravel (D) - Former Alaska Senator : 66.67%
Joseph Biden (D) - Delaware Senator : 49.17%
Hillary Clinton (D) - New York Senator: 48.33%
John Cox (R) - Businessman: 48.33%
Christopher Dodd (D) - Connecticut Senator: 48.33%
Barack Obama (D) - Illinois Senator: 48.33%
John Edwards (D) - Former North Carolina Senator: 47.50%
Bill Richardson (D) - New Mexico Governor: 46.67%
Mike Huckabee (R) - Former Arkansas Governor: 44.17%
Sam Brownback (R) - Kansas Senator: 40.00%
John McCain (R) - Arizona Senator: 40.00%
Governor Mitt Romney (R) - Former Massachusetts: 40.00%
Tom Tancredo (R) - Colorado Representative: 31.67%
Rudy Giuliani (R) - Former New York City Mayor: 28.33%
Duncan Hunter (R) - California Representative 23.33%
Fred Thompson (R) - Former Tennessee Senator: 23.33%

I am ecstatic that 15 of my 18 matches rank below 50% with only 3 between 60% and 80%. I am for the abolishment of the two-party system and my results may reveal why. It is impossible to find a candidate with whom I highly agree due their stances being formulated not on a per issue basis but on a "party-line."
Take to survey for yourself: http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html

This World.

I have been exploring the interplay and/or dichotomy between that which may be considered to be of a spiritual nature and that which may be considered to be of an earthly reality. How do the "spiritual" and the "natural" co-exist? Which (if there is separation/distinction) is reality?

Lyrics from Caedmon's Call: This World

There's tarnish on the golden rule
And I want to jump from this ship of fools
Show me a place where hope is young
And a people who are not afraid to love

This world has nothing for me
And this world has everything
All that I could want
And nothing that I need

This world is making me drunk
On the spirits of fear
So when he says who will go
I am nowhere near

And the least of these
Look like criminals to me
So I leave Christ on the street

This world has held my hand
And has led me into intolerance
But now I'm waking up
And now I'm breaking up
But now I'm making up
For lost time

Imprecation

Now listening to: Dashboard Confessional, Dusk and Summer album.

Does anyone have any thoughts on "divine vengeance?" A friend of mine sent an e-mail to me discussing "imprecation psalms" to defend the position that violence is not always wrong because it may be being carried out by God. You may read the except that he copied into the email at http://theologica.blogspot.com/2007/09/crying-for-justice.html. My response was as follows:

"So... maybe there were people in other countries praying hard enough for divine vengeance against the United States, thereby we could call Hurricane Katrina imprecation. God bless the U.S.A."
Please note: The preceding sentence is laced with a double-dose of sarcasm. I am not of a reformed mindset nor do I claim that any natural disasters are caused by or initiated by God.

Thoughts?

Lighter.

Here is a pretty inconsequential and unthoughtful post to rest my mind.

Top 5 Best Athletic Movies (in no particular order):
- Hoosiers
- We Are Marshall
- Miracle
- Rudy
- Remember the Titans

Consuming Me.

I am reading Matthew Sleeth's Serve God, Save the Planet. After quickly reading through chapter (1) I found myself broken, guilty, and in need of repentance. The book is not intended to be "guilt-trip" inducing (at least I didn't read it that way). The author confessed his previous sin of consumption and is passionate about his cause and calling and has demonstrated his commitment to a different way of living. It is, indeed, challenging (for lack of a more powerful word).
While the book is likely to continue specifically with creation care and love as the central theme, it provoked me to dig even deeper into myself to ask, "What really controls me?" I am broken right now - disgusted at myself. I have allowed materialism, status, and acceptance to reign in me and my attempts to be otherwise have been futile at best. I would try to explain my existing methods and praxis for being a steward of creation and wealth but I would merely be attempting to justify my lack of true commitment to giving and ultimately to worship of YHWH. May grace cover me and change me and my family and community.

Human Reality.

I am trying to grasp the fullness of human life. My wife and I left for the hospital on the evening of June 17 and arrived back home on the afternoon of June 19 with a small person with us who was just welcomed into human reality. She is fully human yet is completely dependent on our provision for life. I have seen her progression from birth through 3 months old including physical and mental growth, change is attentiveness and reactivity, and motor skill development. She now laughs, makes expressive faces, tries to talk, grabs things with her hands, looks around, gets excited. She is fully human yet cannot do anything to keep herself alive. It is the breath of YHWH that naturally fills her and sustains her while his (not intended to be patriarchal or label YHWH with a gender specification) creativity keeps her body "involuntarily" functioning. I may be trying, but I cannot grasp the fullness of human reality.

Driscoll vs. Emergent

Some conversation in the blogosphere is centering around a lecture given by Mark Driscoll for the Convergence Conference at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. I recommend that one listens to the PODCAST if he/she has 1.5 hours of free time and doesn't mind heretical accusations being placed on followers of Jesus. Though I am typically opposed to pain medications, the length of Driscoll's lecture prompted me to take (1) ibuprofen tablets. The content caused me to take another. (2) pills later I am very disappointed.

The presentation has initiated the aforementioned blog dialogue that appears to be quite hateful and intolerant. Driscoll initiates the bantering by referencing Emergent and/or theologically non-conservative-evangelicals, specifically Doug Pagitt, Brian McLaren, and Rob Bell. I have read and/or listened to each of the three and my intent here is not to defend each's theology or to speak negatively about of any. My deepest concern is that the focus of many teachers, public voices, and bloggers has been to harpoon each other at the expense of learning the way of Jesus. That which is called "theology" has become quite the opposite. What should be expressions about and of God have become psuedo-academic/scholastic rants to defend one's stance on any given issue or doctrine while sacrificing the worth of others in the community.

I may unpack the previous line of thought later as I must fully process and think through the proper language to use. For now, my question in response to this podcast is, "What good did this do for the Kingdom of God?"

Journey.

Sarah, Kyla, and I attended a gathering this morning with those who call themselves Journey Church. Journey is good people. They are kind and welcoming. We saw several good friends and shared a meal following the teaching. We will begin to integrate ourselves into that community.

My concern with the Journey gathering is that everyone with whom we interacted or met is of nearly the same demographic. We are all young (by which I mean college students to young parents with children ages 3 months - 11 years old [Kyla is the one who is 3 months]). We are nearly all white. We all appeared to be monetarily "fine." Sarah and I hope to discover or initiate a genuine yearning and purpose toward decompartmentalizing and finding value in diversification and intentional relationship beyond that which currently exists.

Alternative Consciousness

The post entitled "Narrative." contains a vague statement about "alternative consciouness." Walter Brueggemann deals with this idea in "Prophetic Imagination". There exists a movement and thought pattern that thrives on criticizing institutions, traditions, theologies, and "church." I would include myself in the collective community of criticizers who know there is a method(s) and picture of church that must be more in keeping with what Jesus intended compared to that which currently and popularly exists in America. Brueggemann makes an important assertion that criticism of the current consciousness is not in and of itself evil, bad, or wrong, but must be complimented by an energizing toward an alternative consciousness. Our gathering is a progressive movement alternative to that of three songs, an "offering," and a 30-minute lecture. It is by no means new or creative unless one is ignorant to the meetings of 1st century Israel, avoidant of extending grace, hope ,and peace when there exists an atmosphere of openness, vunlerability, and authentic mystery, or insistant on adhering to modern, popular methods of American evangelical "church."

Narrative.

About 15 (fifteen) of us gathered tonight in the living room of the apt. connected to Oakwood Hall to discuss our lives as covenant community. The gathering is called "narrative: grace. table. story. breathe." Our time together was rich. I am thankful to have heard the stories that were shared tonight. It seems as if the walls built by "the church" (walls which guard intimacy, relationship, authenticity, vulnerability, and transparency) are beginning to crumble. The alternative conciousness of church may not be so alternative anymore.

Blog Rush

In an attempt to add traffic to my blog and thereby increase my commitment to continually updating my blog I have added BlogRush. Follow the link by clicking here if you are interested in adding. It is very, very simple to add and useful in finding others in the vitual community with whom to dialogue.

Reform Period.

Is the reform that is needed for the church today equivalent to that of the Protestant Reformation in Germany and England in the 1500-1600s?

Two Parties.

My political stance is notated as "unassociated." I cannot say that I am Republican for I do not adhere to all that Republicanism is. I cannot say that I am Democrat for I do not adhere to all that Democratism is. I suppose by default that I would be Independent even though I am not essentially independent from any group, community, coalition, or partnership. Why must our nation's political system be constrained to a two party system? If one is not Republican or Democrat it is next to impossible to have the monetary system of support to be elected into a major office. Monetary support and campaigning is a whole different issue.

Uncomfortable Habit.

"The longer you look at Jesus, the more you will want to serve him in this world. That is, of course, if it's the real Jesus you're looking at. Plenty of people in the church and outside it have made up a 'Jesus' for themselves, and have found that this invented character makes few real demands on them. He makes them feel happy from time to time but doesn't challenge them, doesn't suggest they get up and do something about the plight of the world. Which is, of course, what the real Jesus had an uncomfortable habit of doing."

N.T. Wright. Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship.

Freedom and/or Apple Pie.

A post from my previous site on January 4, 2006:

last night: trouble sleeping. tired but restless. sleepy but sleepless. hopeful that the pseudo-life of a motion picture could distract my mind enough to allow at least a few hours of rest. morgan freeman, however, captivated my attention once again in the shawshank redemption. and god captivated my attention when "the warden" gave "andy" an apple pie. apple pie. andy and red had a sense of freedom when they ate apple pie or shared a beer in the open air on the roof during a work break. it was like a taste of freedom. i started thinking about apple pie - with a cup of coffee. i could sit and enjoy apple pie and coffee whenever i want - as long as i make the time to sit and enjoy. the same with a baked potato - the skin rolled in salted, melted butter with fresh steamed brocolli and bacon on top. i rolled over in bed to admire my wife sleeping. suddenly, i was free. suddenly, i could sleep.

Life.

Life :: To live is Jesus.
The life of Jesus resulted in the torturous Roman penalty of death by affixion of the body with metal nails to large wooden beams. To live is to be crucified, which is, to die. To die is to live for death echoes the life of Jesus and fulfills the completion of life. The "American," "inalienable" "right" to life is in actuality a right to death so long as the individual is a follower of Jesus. For the follower of Jesus is essentially a citizen of the kingdom of God only and prior to any earthly institution of empire or religion.

Justice Defined.

What is justice? (I almost posted an image but chose not to at the risk of inadvertently informing opinions, thoughts, and ideas on justice).

Via Bike.

I road my bike to the market today to purchase 2 ears of corn, 1 bag of peaches, a bunch of green beans, and some red potatoes. I have a nice backpack so I just wear it empty and load it up after picking my fresh fruits and vegetables. In the process I haven't used any gasoline, I haven't wasted plastic food sacks, I have gotten some needed exercise on a sunny day, and I was able to get fresh, healthy food for a very reasonable price.

Kingdom Within

I am currently reading Leo Tolstoi's "The Kingdom of God is Within You." In the beginning pages, he states, "But while we adhere to the doctrine of non-resistance and passive submission to enemies, we purpose, in a moral and spiritual sense, to assail iniquity in high places and low places, to apply our principles to all existing evil, political, legal, and ecclesiastical institutions, and to hasten the time when the kingdoms of this world will have become the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ."

What are the evils of the kingdoms of this world politically, legally, and ecclesiastically?

Tolstoi (translated as "Tolstoy" in English) was born into Russian nobility in 1828. His writings, including Anna Karenina, War and Peace, and Confession focus on the brutality of the Russian czar and the oppression of the ruling class.

Aesthetic Fruit.

I believe it to be no coincidence that food which is most physically beautiful is the creation that gives us the greatest nutrition to live life fully. Watermelon is composed on mostly water as is the human body. Watermelon is beautiful. Lemons are beautiful. Oranges are beautiful. Pineapple is beautiful. Strawberries are beautiful. The list goes on and on. May we nourish our bodies with the beauty of creation rather than with partially hydrogenated and chemically preserved and altered nastiness.

Leadership Reduced // God is Green

This is from post I published a blog for MVNU student leaders:

Leadership is very complex. I have read several books on leadership along with attending conferences that include "leadership" break-out sessions. It is intriguing to read and hear all the different perspectives and ideas that surround the buzz-word topic. I have discovered that my own leadership is flawed if I do not experientially demonstrate any concept or behavior that I wish to communicate.

I have been accused lately of being a "tree-hugging-hippie" because I am a non-violent activist who has taken up reducing, reusing, and recycling. Sarah, Kyla, and I have bins in our kitchen area for the recycling of plastic, metal, cardboard, and paper. When a bin fills up I take the materials to the Knox County Recycling Center on Columbus Road. I hope my attempt to "live green" leads others to do the same.

As lovers of creation, the staff of Oakwood Hall is planning to initiate a large recycling campaign. Many automobile manufacturers and social organizations encourage people to "Live Green" by reducing oil usage and automobile emissions along with caring for streams, lakes, and rivers and preserving the natural habitat of creatures. I would contend that followers of Jesus should follow the lead of said associations not as conforming citizens but as worshipers of our Creator. God is green. He has entrusted humanity to care for ourselves and the rest of creation. We are to control our consumption and reuse our resources as stewards of Creation and as leaders.

May we reduce leading others to our own demonstration.
Live Green.

Jesus Stickers?

On Judgment Day you'll wish you actually loved people.

If you want to know what I really think I'll just say that I edited my original post responding to this text so as not to offend anyone.

Music.

Music invigorates the soul.

Today I listened to James Taylor and Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major with Kyla. I later perused my itunes library and found delight, rest, and content.

Thank you musicians and lyricists.

Music invigorates the soul.

Merely Conceptualized

There exist two concepts about which I though I possessed understanding until I had a child: Service and Dependency.

Beauty.

Kyla Beth Keller

Born :: 06. 18. 2007
Time :: 04:59 a.m.
Weight :: 8# 6 oz.
Length :: 20.5"
Hair :: Black






Kyla: Org. = Scottish Gaelic; Def. = Beautiful, Church, Attractive, Narrow way

May you love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Love your neighbor as yourself. Bless those who persecute you. Love your enemy. May you follow the way of Jesus. Be covered in the dust of The Rabbi.

The Finals

The team prevailed over the individual. The San Antonio Spurs won the NBA Finals over LeBron James. LeBron had been compared to Michael Jordan but at least Jordan demonstrated that his championships were not his. The Bulls did not win only if their best player scored 25 of the final 30 points. They were a solid team. The community always prevails over the individual. The church will always prevail over the god of self. Defense helps, too.

Breathing YHWH

Have you ever been at a loss for words? I have had people extend such kindness to me that I do not know quite how to respond. I do not have a vocabulary extensive enough to verbally convert the thoughts in my head to a valuable and meaningful vocal expression of gratitude. I have scene sights and felt feelings (profound, huh?) that have taken my breath away. In El Paso, Texas after a hike that took my breath away, I looked around from the peak of a mountain to see the landscape created by God only to have more breath completely escape me. Looking up from the New River Gorge and seeing rocks and cliffs adored with greens, browns, and oranges that extend to take over the sky left me without air. Oxygen evades me more during the thrill and rush of rafting the whitewater of the Upper Gauley River than it does with a face full of water crashing against me.

Yahweh was the name for God that could not be spoken. If one wished to refer to God, the names Elohim and Adonai (among others) were sufficient. Yahweh, however, could not be spoken due to the level of respect and adoration granted to God. Perhaps, the mere thought of the grandeur and sovereignty of God takes ones breath away.

Involuntarily, our bodies breathe. Air in. Air out. The only sound that could be associated with the name Yahweh was the human breath. A breath, that which gives us life, is the only possible utterance for the name of God. Though unspeakable, with every breath one breathes, he/she does speak the name Yahweh every moment of every day unless of course, he takes your breath away. But then you are not alive. So to be fully alive is to live in the fullness of the image of Yahweh with every breath.

Living Theology

A contemporary who attends Princeton Theological Seminary asked the question: "What is theology?" There were many written responses. Some were too long to give the time of reading. I posted the following comment in response to his question:

We make it too difficult and resultantly become discracted from living theology. Theology: From the Greek “theos” and “logos” meaning “God” and “word, account, expression” respectively. Theology is the expression of God. Expression may be in dialogical speech but I would rather express who God is by living the way of Jesus.

I am unsure if anyone ever refers to that term "living theology." I thought of it when considering that "logos" is an "expression;" more than spoken words, discourse, and conversation. Living Theology is a state of being and the act of living the way of Jesus.

The Office

Thank you, NBC. Thank you.

Tortilla Chips

I have found that finding savory value in a tortilla chip initiates with the proper rotation of said crispy mexican snack. When I eat the same brand of chip over and over again, it loses its flavor. I will then switch to a different brand to be refreshingly pleased with the level of salt and thickness of tortilla. When my selection of tortilla chip loses its creativity, the chip loses its saltiness. How then may it be made salty again? If I come back to it after trying something different will be as pleasing as the initial bite? Though there continue to be new brands and styles and flavors created with more and more salt added as a marketing tool, I always do come back to the Blue Chips. They are organic. They are the original. They are from the earth. They are like the Acts 2 church.

Nice Starbucks

After dropping off a friend at the airport early this morning I decided that my 5:00 a.m. awakening necessitated an over-priced cup of caffeinated goodness. I went to one of the four Starbucks within one mile of each other on Polaris Parkway. I was greeted by a friendly but not overly-perky female who helped me decide how many shots of espresso to add to my grande dark chai latte. For what it is worth, chai tea with two shots of espresso is a wonderful combination: a muted aroma of chai compliments a decadent balance of soothing tea with the fine flavor of freshly ground espresso bean. It made me pierce my lips, squint my eyes, wrinkle my forehead, and nod. The scruffy yet well-mainted guy who handed my drink to me was also especially nice. All of my last 12 trips to any Starbucks, Caribou Coffee, or local coffee shop in the central-northern Ohio area have been filled with pleasant people-encounters. Is it the atmosphere? Is it the subculture? Is it the closest existence to community that most people experience?

Paradox

Paradox. Simply paradox.

Do not resist a liberal person?

A fellow student in my History of Christianity II class commented about a Methodist congregation in Columbus the bears a overly-large banner in front of their meeting place that references homosexuals as being "welcomed" as Jesus would welcome. The congregation claims to be "inclusive" of all people types. Her angered statement concluded with, "they are just so liberal."

Is it evil to be liberal?

Many of my contemporary conservative evangelicals would say, "yes." I have heard multiple negative remarks about "liberals." What does it mean to be "liberal?" Are we referring to politics, theology, or a merging of the two?

Is it evil to welcome a homosexual to a place where Christians gather?

I do understand that the National Methodist Conference balloteers did indeed decide to change doctrinal statment about acceptance of homosexuality. Aside from that context, why would Christians not want to engage in relationship with homosexuals? But that argument doesn't really work because any gathering modeling that of he previously mentioned in Columbus does not neccesarily foster relationship.

Jesus says, "Do not resist an evil person?" Are conservative evangelicals translating that now as, "Do not resist a liberal person?"

Polital Rhetoric

"Madam, Speaker" was the only worthwhile set of words spoken during the 2007 State of the Union address given by United States President George W. Bush. All else may have seemed bold and convincing until we ask the question "Why?". The pathetic appeals of W. Bush were unsuccessfully disguised as strategies for moving ahead. If one listens closely, he/she will be able to pinpoint the demographic groups (African-Americans, immigrants, women, families of soldiers, "evangelicals," etc.) whose support the Republican speech writers and advisors wish to win back after two presidential terms of poor decision-making. The speech's minimal content was drastically overshadowed by political rhetoric.

Personal Property?

"Much violence is based on the illusion that life is a property to be defended and not to be shared."

Henri Nouwen