A Confession for the Church.

There were about 70-80 well-dressed, "appropriately adorned," monetarily secure and even affluent individuals conversing, smiling, and mingling while circling the San Diego Bay on a dessert cruise. Cheesecake and chocolate truffles had been served along with coffee and much remained to be eaten. The cruise was a type of celebration or at least a designated time to relax and enjoy company after several days of meetings and meals in dialogue about leadership, strengths, and vision for student leadership in the way of Jesus on college campuses. After consuming the freshness of the crisp air, the sweet flavored delicacies, the lights of the city, and the warmth of relationship the boat docked.
Upon descending from the ramp connecting the boat to the city sidewalk and proceeding to the shuttle for the return trip to the hotel, there were about 70-80 well-dressed, "appropriately adorned," monetarily secure and even affluent individuals conversing, smiling, and mingling while three individuals prepared their separate "beds" on cold, hard, street-side benches. One had a shopping cart with some blankets and cardboard. As he laid down and covered up there were about 70-80 well-dressed, "appropriately adorned," monetarily secure and even affluent individuals conversing, smiling, and mingling who WALKED RIGHT BY.
The "religious elite" composed of student leaders and staff members from a theological seminary and eight "Christian" colleges WALKED RIGHT BY.
I... WALKED RIGHT BY.
Not a word spoken.
Only a glance.
I... WALKED RIGHT BY.
I thought for only an instant... "I should stop. I should ask if there is something I could do to help. I could catch a cab back to the hotel after having a conversation with this man."
"But everyone will see me. I don't want to appear hyper-religious or provide a poor representation of engaging people with the love of Jesus."
So I continued on.
I was part of the "religious elite" who had better things to do or at least a certain image to maintain. Meanwhile, I was hyper-religious and provided a poor representation of engaging people with the love of Jesus.
On behalf of the Church.
To the church.
I apologize.
Grace.

Volf, Dawkins, Wright, Smith, Derrida, and Tim.

My friend Tim Barenscheer and I have been highly involved with each other's development as we journey through our philosophical wonderings and thoughts on the Kingdom of God. It's a beautiful thing having a contemporary and friend with whom honesty and vulnerability exist genuinely without pretense. I've been sharing my thoughts with Tim about my "Premodern, Modern, and Postmodern Philosophy" course including readings from Roxburgh's The Sky is Falling: Leaders Lost in Transition, Dawkins' The God Delusion, and James K.A. Smith's Who's Afraid of Postmodernism?: Taking Derrida, Lyotard, and Foucault to Church. Tim has been conversing with Caputo's What Would Jesus Deconstruct?: The Good News of Postmodernism for the Church and has given me two of N.T. Wright's volumes, Jesus and the Victory of God and The New Testament and the People of God, that I've been wanting and will work through this summer following my course. I gave Tim Miroslav Volf's The End of Memory. Anyone desiring to have a greater understanding of Jesus, culture, and the Kingdom of God may want to check out any or all of the aforementioned texts.

Non-Conformist.

I was just browsing Shelfari and came across a member whose screen name is "nonconformist." Isn't it somewhat conformist to claim oneself as a nonconformist? There are enough people claiming the label of "nonconfirmist" that it is now conforming to do so. The pattern toward which conforming is really taking place is that of arrogance. There exists a certain connotation toward pride of self when one labels oneself as a person who does not "conform" as if everybody else does conform to some measurable standard or cultural norm. So to all self-proclaimed "nonconformists," I say, "Quit conforming" to the patterns of this world.
May we seek humility.

(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.